Birthday Party with some Cute Kids at the Orphanage

My Sweet Daddy

Four years ago, on August 20, 2004 my Dad, Jerry Stowers, breathed his last breath on earth. I am not sure exactly what is going on in the heavenly realm now, but I do know

that he is with the LORD and that he looked forward to the gift of eternal life that was given to him many years ago because he chose to follow the Lord and be obedient to Him all his life.

So I celebrate the memory of a great man. My special Dad. He was very kindhearted, humorous, loving, and

talented. (in things like golf, harmonica, yo-y0, and magic tricks). He was the one who taught me to drive, mow the lawn, yoyo, play badmitton, play ping pong, tennis, and a bunch of other things ! ) He and my mom lived in Africa for about 30 years and I am sure that many are there in heaven , or will be, because of his testimony. I think about my Dad alot and still miss him. What an example he was to me as a father !

Caleb Reed is TWO !

Happy Birthday to our precious grandson, Caleb !

Cute little brother to Antonio and Joshua, and

third son to Jamie and Heidi.

Feliz Cumpleanos Mateo !!!

Happy Birthday to Matthew ! Son, Brother, Papa, Husband, Grandson, Cousin, Nephew, Friend.......A man full of patience, grace, love, and compassion for others. We love you !!!!

You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

I think I'm gonna like it here....

We've been living here in China for five years and last spring had the opportunity to move to another neighborhood even closer to the school, along with five other families in our company. With more staff coming and more housing needed, we were given the chance to move from our smaller apartment to a larger one. We moved on June 18, just a week after John and Bethany left after their two week visit. We're glad that they did get to see our new place. We are loving it, the new neighboorhood and the happenings going on outside our windows all the time....everything from little children doing their artwork near the pond, to the elderly women (ok, my definition of elderly would be over seventy !) doing their exercises to soft music at 7 AM sharp every morning under the weeping willow trees, neighbors walking to and from the market or to work through the neighborhood. We hear bullfrogs at night, and crickets during the day. We feel even more conspicuous as some of the very few foreigners living in this area, but have been welcomed with friendly hellos and "ni haos" whenever we go out.

We live on the second floor.

I've always loved a kitchen with views, but never dreamed I would have one this nice. Although we have air conditioning units in the bedroom and living room, the kitchen has none, so gets very hot. BUT,

I still love the setup. My plants grow like never before and I just love looking out the big windows. Sometimes we get even more than we ask or think.

I love the fresh summer vegetables and fruit here, too. Smoothies and vegetable stew or salads are refreshing !

Our Grandkids ~ Blessings from the Lord

Happy Anniversary to SEVEN couples

Here we are....Us and our 12 happily married "kids".

(sons and daughters-in-law, for clarification...)

Counting our blessings one by one and thanking God for His

love and faithfulness to the generations of our families.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!