A Bunch of Burts

There’s a party going on, a Blog Party! Get to know us and some other blogs by moms, women, wives, homeschooling moms, small business ladies, and whatever other hats they find themselves wearing. 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting this great party, and it includes over 150 giveaways too!

And if this is your first time to visit us, welcome!

We are a Bunch of Burts.

An ordinary family living our first term overseas with a mission organization in Chiang Mai , Thailand.

Our blog is a place to share our adventures, discoveries, photos and things God is doing in us as we seek to serve Him and share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.

Life overseas is a blessing, being allowed to participate with God in His work of reaching people who have never heard His name or know Him.
Life overseas is difficult, dealing with language and cultural barriers every day, and standing out as a foreigner in every situation.
Life overseas is a grand adventure, taking each day and trusting the LORD for His grace and strength as we learn language and develop relationships with people we meet.
Life overseas is no different than one’s home country, God asks the same of each of us. To love Him, trust Him, and look to Him each day, faithfully living out the Life of Christ to those around us.

I am fairly new to blogging, but please, browse around, and let me know what else you would like to see us talk about. Some topics are best ‘discussed’ in a private email rather than a public blog, but we are happy to answer nearly any question you have for us.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!

Don’t forget to stop by here and check out some new blogs and perchance win a prize!

This is an another edition of Backwards Works For Me Wednesday, when I can plumb the depth of the wisdom offered by bloggyland residents and vagrants alike.

This week, I need help!

As you may know, we have a dog. A puppy to be exact. One that is in desparate need of manners.

Oh the depth of naughtiness that lurks in those eyes. One could almost believe animals have a sin nature too.

Years ago, when I was still a girl at home and we had our first dog, I remember it took obedience classes and actually learned some lessons such as sit, stay, leave it, and come.

But how was the dog taught? I am coming up blank.

We have pseudo-successfully begun to teach Ginger to wait while her food is being poured into her dish and not trample the person trying to feed her, but beyond that I am stuck.

Please help! Do you have dog training ideas? Suggestions for any websites? Have the phone number for Vinnie “The Leash” Marzanelli?

I would like to start with ‘Come’. In a couple of months we will be taking the first term at national Bible School out in the country at NTM works with. We will NOT have a fenced yard. Can this be done?!

I knew this dog would be trouble.

I know you have gems to offer, so pile them on! And then head over to Shannons at Rocks in My Dryer to see if you can help another or glean from someone else’s question!

Thanks!

No, not a new super hero, but my baby, my youngest, my luuk -kon-lek turning 10!!

Today he is officially double digits old. Sigh, wasn’t he just a baby?

We had a very busy weekend celebrating my sweet son. Bowling with a group of his friends from school, and cake and ice cream with some friends last night.
Note to parents: A group of 9 4th grade boys does NOT need 2 hours to get through 2 games of bowling, even though a group of 7th girls can barely finish in that time. Thank the Lord that one of his friends gave him a basketball and the parking lot was mostly empty!

Nothing like a game of hoops to fill the time waiting for parents to come. Hey, who is that big kid with the ball?

This morning presents from his grandmother and auntie were waiting for him on the kitchen table when he came down for breakfast.

Zachary, today you are 10. You are our only son and we love you very much. You are growing and maturing in so many ways and we are proud to watch you as become a man. If you allow Him, God wants to use you for His glory all your life, not just when you become an adult, but right now.

You are yet a boy, but I see glimpses of a the man God is growing you into and I am proud to be your mother. Walk with Christ Zachary, look to Him more than Daddy and I. As much as we love you, He loves you more!

Happy Birthday Zach!

We love you!

My husband just told me this morning that any blogging I want to do this Saturday must wait. He says he needs the computer for studying Thai.
He clarified that it is not that I cannot blog today, I will just have to wait until he has put in his study hours.

Greg modeling one of the 7 ways to say holding in Thai for our language file.

Hmmmph. I guess I know where his priorities are.

I suppose I will have to make some other use of my time, like laundry, or other house cleaning chores. I mean we do not have a gargage to enter into Scotts Tour of Scary Garages, but we do have a laundry/storage room that gets at least startling, if not scary.

But right now my sweet hubby is making breakfast, while I am, (don’t tell) sneaking in this short blog. Time to go eat!

P.S. Greg just informed me that posting a blog about studying does not count as studying and he still wants the computer.