Greetings from the U.S.A. 2016!!!

March 15th we headed out of our home in Buea and between the driving time, layovers in various airports, and flying time we arrived at our location in Missouri about 48 hours later- praise God for good travels thus far! The kids did great on the trip, though Jonathan did vomit on one of the planes from air sickness... thankfully it was as we were landing so everyone didn't have to endure the smell for long. :-)

SO, what have we been up to these last 2.5 weeks in the states? Lots! We have gone to several appointments (doctor, dentist, optometrist, and even a hair appointment), gone to Bible studies, have had play dates and other visits, Jeremiah has preached, I have shared with ladies about the work in Cameroon, we've taken care of car insurance, renewed drivers license, and renewed passports (for Hannah and me), and more!

In France about to board to go to Canada before then heading to St. Louis, MO.

The kids were fascinated by the moving walkway and the escalators in the airports... and I must admit, so was I as it had been a while since I've seen them.

Jeremiah and the kids had eye appointments. The kids eyes are in good health but Jeremiah is still having some complications. The optometrist is having him try a few things before seeing him again in July. Please keep him in prayer. 

At the dentist!

Get checkups at the doctors office. All the kids are just a little above average in their weight and height except Jonathan who is a little above average in weight but off the charts on his height. He is tall and slim!

We got a family membership at the YMCA so we have been going when we get a chance. We've been letting the kids go to the child watch program while mommy and daddy lift, then we take them to play basketball as a family afterwards. 

Jeremiah preaching in Warrensburg. It was really nice to see the saints there again!

Last Sunday we went to Fulton Church of Christ. It was a huge blessing to get to catch up some with those we hadn't seen in over 2 1/2 years.

It snowed a little bit one of the first days we were back. The kids were even able to make some snowballs to throw at each other.

Bible study at Tom & Katie's!

Tuesday women's Bible study with the ladies in Warrensburg!

Wednesday evening Bible study in Fulton. Katie taught the kids while my dad, Rhys Thomas, taught the adults.

George & Alyssa are amazing! They watched our kiddos overnight while Jeremiah and I went on a date- dinner and a movie! It was so nice to have some alone time.

It's always nice to see the Carlson family, Lord willing, in a few years their oldest daughter will come to Cameroon and help us with the ministry!

It was absolutely wonderful getting to spend extra time with Katie & Emily and their wonderful kids. They are "super moms" for sure!

Yesterday we got to skype with our co-workers in Cameroon. We already miss Brian and Jael (and George!) but they are doing a great job holding down the fort while we are gone despite the many challenges they are already facing, Please keep them in prayer.

Thank God for a productive and encouraging trip so far! Please don't feel left out if I didn't get a picture of you to add here (I was probably having too much fun to think about it haha!). We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with all the people we have had a chance to visit with and we look forward to seeing many of you we haven't seen yet! I also want to especially thank Dori and JB for being such great hosts as we have been staying in their home these past few weeks and a big thank you to my parents (Rhys & Sharon Thomas) for always taking good care of us!

US Trip Travel Plans

Greetings Brethren! A write this to you, a rather itchy missionary, as I am dealing with a bad case of Chicken Pox. Thank the Lord though, Things are getting better, and I have had a chance, lying down so much, to finalize some details for our upcoming trip to the US. Here is run down of our likely travel plans. As you can see, it is going to be a whirlwind tour, but we are excited for all of you who we will be able to see! Enjoy! (To Navigate map, simply press right or left arrow keys). Thanks

Field Trip to the Wildlife Center!

Last week the school went on a field trip to the Wildlife Center in Limbe, which is about 45 minutes from Buea. Jeremiah, Hannah and the Harris' went to Bamenda on a medical mission and it took longer than expected so unfortunately they missed out. However, it was still a lovely time with the school students and staff!

Headed to the Wildlife Center in 1 of 2 taxis.

Listening to a bit of history about the Wildlife Center before starting our tour.

Here are 2 cages that the animals were kept in before Victoria Zoo became the Limbe Wildlife Center. For more information look at the picture below. 

Gorilla!

Comparing ourselves to the gorilla.

It was fun to watch some of the new new readers read the information about the different animals.

Took this picture through a fence on top of a 1/2 cement wall. God made some strong looking creatures!

The younger children looking through the glass at a python.

Looking at the animals was fun but they don't at all compare to these beautiful faces.

Some of the students have been learning about the days of creation so it was fun to go through each day and remember which one God made animals and people.

Enjoying a snack consisting of fried chicken and french fries.

The drivers, who are also brothers in the Church from 2 different villages we work with, drove us by the Limbe beach which some of the children  had never seen before. It was nice to enjoy the fresh air and get a picture and of course see the kids in awe of God's creation.