The Ungers are...

Blog break

2009-02-22T19:51:00.001-06:00

Interrupting your regularly scheduled program...we are taking a break from blogging.

Consider

2009-02-13T06:21:00.004-06:00

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Reading commentary on this passage today, I'm reminded that we ought to be thankful for even those circumstances that appear dark and formidable. We ought to praise God for every thing that happens to us under his government. For he has put all people in their positions of authority...from the lowest position of our daily life to leaders in our nation, and even nations in this world. The LORD makes no mistakes in the positions we are born into and those that we encounter daily.

We owe thanksgiving to any circumstance which gives adversity causing us to consider (Ecclesiastes 7:14) and come back from our wanderings - in thought or in deed. We should be grateful, and this is a reasonable service to the Lord. For the gift of our Saviour is great indeed. Our thankfulness is his will and our obedience in fear and reverence is our duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Psalm 33:18-22
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Through The Years

2009-02-11T15:36:00.011-06:00

I added pictures of Gabriel and Samuel (In case you already looked at these)

I wanted to post some pictures of our family through the years. You can see some resemblances though each kiddo is unique. Enjoy.

Mommy

Took this one of Samuel yesterday - ha! I guess we know who he looks like now:)

Daddy

Emma - look at all that hair at just a few days old.

Joshua made this pot. I was sorry we sold it last year, because we had a picture of each one of our kids at just a few months old in this same pot.

Jonah frowned a lot when he was very small. He is so cheerful now, it is hard to imagine...until I look at the pictures from back then.

Gabriel was a happy and very easy baby. His favorite thing to do was sit with Daddy, that was even his first word. His favorite thing to do still is whatever his Daddy is doing.

Samuel is a baby of many faces. I find it amusing that when I take a series of photos to get that one good shot, I have a set of emotions each time. And his pout could win an Oscar I bet!

Gabriel wanted to know who was with him eating popcicles. I laughed and told him that isn't him, but his Mommy with Uncle Josh!

I see Jonah in this picture, do you?

THE BLUE SKY RIDER....ah, the sweet memory of skinned knees:)

Whoa! Nice glasses Daddy!

Just so I'm not singling out Josh...check out those rolled jeans, and feathered, permed mullets!!!

Which One Of These Things...

2009-02-01T17:32:00.003-06:00

Which one of these things is not like the other? Which one of these things just doesn't belong?

Oh...wait. They are both different!

Sometimes a woman can spend too much time on her appearance, and then there are those that might spend an extra minute or two more than she does.

Today I fall into the latter category. We were half-way through the sermon when I noticed my feet. I'm reminded to slow down and do a quick self-check before I leave, not just counting heads and stocking the bag with diapers. Just a little chuckle to keep me humble. Hope you have a great week, and a reminder: match your shoes!

Winter is SNOW much fun!

2009-01-30T11:38:00.006-06:00

The kids brought up wood on their sleds up to fill the front porch. They filled the rack and started another row. I was impressed with their hard work, and Emma said their reward was pleasing and surprising their father. He was both surprised and quite proud of their results!

We couldn't have all work, and no play

...and some of us didn't have any work (but I'm not naming names!!!)

Samuel started eating cereal today. I noticed last night he was trying with all his might to get at Daddy's potatoes, so this morning we got some rice cereal. At first he looked confused, but then he LOVED it.

He is so short, that I wouldn't have thought to put him in the exersaucer yet - but he is always trying to kick himself out of the bouncy seat and gets frustrated on the floor. He thought it was the greatest, being able to see all of us and play with his toys. Even though I have to bunch up the blanket to keep him in because he is still scrawny...he is strong and busy enough to turn his seat it in circles and even swing the whole thing from side to side. Thank you, Michelle, for leaving this surprise on my porch. He is really enjoying it!

And just for fun, this is the pencil I saw Jonah using yesterday. It isn't even the smallest I've found! I can't believe he can even write with this.

weekend visit

2009-01-20T10:23:00.004-06:00

Nanny sent me the photos she took when they visited. The pictures taken while we played charades didn't quite tell the funny stories that we experienced, so I'm not putting them on, but we sure had some laughs!

funny kids!

2009-01-19T07:28:00.005-06:00

I always think it is great to encourage my kiddos imaginations, and then sometimes it comes back at me when I least expect it!

Today, after breakfast Emma and Gabriel got out their new Tinkertoys and began to set up in the living room. By the time I finished eating, they had several things put together. I mentioned that it is a school day and not to get too far along, because they needed to put it up soon. Emma sweetly says, "But I am already doing school, Mom, I am learning about architecture and I have the colonial guys out so I'm acting out history!" I laughed and said, "Well, I guess you got me there...build on!"

Here is a picture of the t-shirt bags we made the other day. Emma hemmed the t-shirts and cut off the sleeves. She widened the neck hole and I zigzag stitched over those lines to reinforce the openings. We used them at Aldi the other day and they worked great! I recommend using children's or small shirts. We used one of Joshua's old t-shirts but it is ridiculous as it is so deep that you could put the economy toilet paper package and a similar size 8-pack paper towel package and still not fill it! Remember that t-shirts are "STRETCHY!" so start small. (Is this a theme with me or what?)

Apparently Gabriel's logic skills are fine. Last night he said, "I never was four when I was three, until I was four."

We are thankful for visits recently with ALL the sets of grandparents. Here are a few pictures. This past weekend, to my chagrin, I took NO pictures while Nanny and Papa were here. She took lots, but I forgot to download them before they left.

Here is a picture of Uncle Bubba with Samuel. We think they look alike! Samuel is very long and Uncle Bubba is 6 1/2 feet tall like his dad...so maybe Samuel will be tall like his uncle and grandpa.

So, as you can tell from the above pictures...Samuel isn't the most photogenic chicken we have! I do have a few that he isn't crying or squirming. This one is my favorite yet. Hopefully I'll get some soon, as he is nearing the end of colic and beginning to act like a regular happy baby more and more - yeah!!!!!

And on another thankful note...
As we admit our natural way of wavering day-to-day with our emotions, Joshua and I prayed the same prayer one difficult evening and later laughed that we had privately acknowledged the exact same thing. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Thank You, LORD.

Protected

2009-01-07T07:32:00.003-06:00

Ro 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Yesterday, Joshua left for work as usual. He returned home nearly a half hour later. After hitting a patch of black ice, the van spun completely around twice on the highway before landing down in the ditch. He believes that whatever he struck on the way down is what kept the van from rolling over. When he came to a stop. he sat stunned for a moment and then took a drink of coffee he was still holding in his hand. He then calmly drove the ditch until it rose again to reenter the highway. On the way home from work later, he saw a truck down in the ditch in the same location which did not fare the same. I am thankful for the mercy of the LORD's protection. I can rest today in the knowledge that our God is sovereign and his will prevails. For there is nothing to trust in save the LORD, our God.

Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Ps 20:6-9 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Mt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

How beautiful the comfort from His word, and how merciful that he would give those who fear him, understanding and wisdom.

Ps 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Pr 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Question of the Day

2008-12-17T04:02:00.002-06:00

Gabe asked me, "Can a dolphin swim the doggy paddle?"

You can leave him your thoughts on the matter.

School Stuff

2008-12-15T13:43:00.009-06:00

The kids have enjoyed the milder weather this past week. The play house has become the "art studio". They made mud pots in the backyard. When Daddy came home that evening they were proud to show off. Joshua remarked that he was sure that none of his coworkers came home to such entertainment last Friday evening. The children had made a song about pottery and so we had dinner theatre followed by an art show. Joshua explained the finer points of kiln firing and the practical reasons that clay pots would be safer to use in kitchenware after Jonah suggested they could use their mud pots as coffee cups like the ones Daddy makes. I told them they can make their own pinch pots to use as hot chocolate cups, which delighted them.

Jonah made this diorama after reading this book. I gave no instructions but he remembered the details of the book and went to work one day after I gave him this shoe box. It was impressive!

Here is a view into the box with the lid off.

This is what you see through the hole.

He told me mid-afternoon though, "Sorry, mom, that I won't be able to get my school work done!" I reminded him that he was doing school. We can't spend all day every day doing arts and crafts...but I'm thankful for losing some of the rigidity of what school looks like. So we do cover other subjects other than art; however, art gives better pictures to show on the blog than math worksheets! Just today the kids shot cannon balls at the huge map of the USA and called out their state before shooting to see if they had good aim. P.E. combined with Geography - only they don't even know it because I didn't write it on the lesson plans today. Emma really does try to make me follow the lessons though...she loves to follow the rules.
Today the kids went to work early sorting beads and came up with these pieces of jewelry. Notice the new front tooth Jonah is growing! And Gabe is going through a hat phase. Every day I find him wearing something that is not quite expected.

Here is Emma with her Nana and Aunt Amy. We had a baking day. Emma did a lot of hard work, and had amazing self-control not tasting every single thing she made. Her favorite part was decorating cut-out cookies. Don't redhot candies and sprinkles make you nostalgic! I mostly fed Samuel and ate what they made. I was a great encourager though.

We are preparing for a ten day trip to Greenville, South Carolina to visit new friends. Don't be surprised if it is awhile before you see new posts.

Unbelievable!

2008-12-15T07:59:00.009-06:00

Several things to post about which are out of the ordinary.

1. At Samuel's chiropractic appointment last week, we saw a wild turkey walking around the parking lot. He was pulling off leaves from a small tree between the strip mall stores and the bank building next door. Then he walked along the edge of highway K before returning to the storefronts of the strip mall. The receptionist told us that he showed up the day after Thanksgiving and has stayed ever since. Jonah responded that "it's too bad I don't have a knife, because I would just stab him and take him home for you to cook, mom." And I replied, "Well, that is WHY you don't have a knife yet, son!" Imagine Jonah trying his hand at harvesting a turkey by jumping on him in the middle of a parking lot while shoppers look on bewildered! Yeah, plus Joshua mentioned it's ...well ILLEGAL to stab a turkey, for the purpose of taking it home to eat, in the parking lot of the Wellness Connection in O'Fallon.

2. While butchering the venison this weekend, which has been dry-aging this past month, Joshua found a bullet. At first he thought it was his bullet. Upon further inspection, he realized it was another hunter's bullet. All it received from me, was "huh." To him, and other experienced and appreciative hunters this is very cool, and doesn't happen very often.

3. I lost all 30 pounds gained in pregnancy three weeks after delivering! Now if I could lose the 10 extra pounds I had not lost from the previous two sons...that would be great!

4. At the risk of sounding like the mom who say's her four-year-old reads at a sixth grade level...Samuel rolled over and held his head up since the day after birth, and at four-weeks-old he crawled off his blanket on the floor. He scrunched up and used crawling motions to inch his way off the blanket about a foot before being exhausted and angry. I don't mean to say he is rolling and crawling all day long; however, this is just so different from the other kiddos. He is amazingly strong. It will probably be the same time frame for crawling around and rolling across the room as the others, but he started unbelievably early on these milestones. I wonder if this is foreshadowing a strong will to contend with?

We are enjoying a fire on this beautiful and freezing cold morning. Samuel is doing much better since receiving his adjustments from the chiropractor, Dr. Whitney Hamed. She has also been surprised by his strength and pleased with how well he has responded. His colic symptoms are lessened, and we are starting to get more smiles and calm times to get to know him. He spends less time in the bathroom sleeping with the exhaust fan on! He also had really horrible ezcema all over his face. It took me a few tries to find the right cream and wash, and now he looks like himself again. So if you have been wondering where are all the pictures...well they all looked the same...crying and red-faced so there weren't many. I have a few now to post where you can see expressions. Enjoy the photos.

Here is pretty much the first few weeks of life.

Unless he was doing this.

This is one of his two favorite places. Go ahead and laugh, my baby is sleeping in the bathroom with the exhaust fan on. Bassinetts with wheels are cool!

This is his other sweet spot. The vibrating bouncy chair has been my saving grace with this little guy.

"Hey there...how you doin?"

This is the first time he liked the swing, and he even noticed the toys.

"Um...I still don't know about this place yet."

"Come closer, I didn't quite hear you."

"Did she say there is no more chocolate?"

"This isn't going to work out at all. I NEED CHOCOLATE!"

OK, things are better now...but that was pretty rough for a while.

Much to be thankful for

2008-11-27T15:27:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We are very thankful for our family and friends. God has given us four beautiful children and has given our marriage new life this past year. Joshua and I have much to be thankful for. We enjoyed a day at home today, thankful that no one else was getting sick and we were able to eat a big meal together this afternoon. I cooked a 20 pound turkey for us which allows for lots of leftover turkey to freeze. It was great to be home with a fire and relax with the timing of the meal. We sang hymns and read the entire book of 1Thessalonians, and prayed for our nation and loved ones.

I'm reminded of how precious our health is, and how merciful that God can be to heal us. The midwife noticed some abnormalities in Samuel's head shape right after birth. It didn't concern me and I couldn't tell what she was talking about. He was calm and seemed happy. Other than some difficulties nursing, everything seemed great. Then after the first week, he started to get really fussy.

It was a difficult second week and I learned more about colic. It seemed that we were in for a challenging next few months until the colic symptoms would be gone. White noise was the only thing calming him down. The vacuum cleaner, bathroom exhaust fan or even someone humming very loudly would stop his crying instantly and he would go to sleep. Of course this isn't entirely practical. I can't spend the whole church service in the bathroom, although his bassinett fits nicely in there for naptime at home. They don't sell baby headphones for the vacuum cleaner cd that the colic website offers and nobody else wants to listen to that in Walmart even if I could find a way to play it while I shopped. So we tried swaddling, gas drops, and white noise. I tried some abdominal massage and even whole body massage with apricot oil.

In the meantime though nursing was not easier and I could clearly see the defined spaces between his cranial bones and wide spaces between sutures (forgive me if I'm not getting all the vocabulary right..for those of you who know something about anatomy). So we contacted the chiropractor that specializes in infant adjustments that the midwife recommended. She agreed that there were several areas of abnormalities which ocurred from the birth itself, but these can be realigned with adjusting. He is already calmer and responding well after just a few adjustments. We will continue until things are in alignment, and hopefully nursing will improve along with the diminishing colic behaviors.

So, all of this to say, "Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and seeing fit to guide us to this specialist and begin healing Samuel."

I'm not taking for granted today how precious it is to be well and have all our family together loving each other and praising the Lord.

grace to receive His will...

2008-11-26T20:13:00.002-06:00

Sometimes moms have stressful situations. Somehow though, a crying baby can heighten the situation to a level you think you aren't going to be able to handle. It is amazing to me in observing that one factor changes the situation exponentially.

Last night we had an appointment out of town. I planned the day to be nearby early and have a light dinner right before, to be eaten in the van. I went to a park and let the kids play on the playground while I fed the baby. Before I finished, the sun was setting and I got the kids in the van to eat their dinner. As I was enjoying sitting in the dark and calm van and reflecting upon the "perfect" timing and smart planning, Emma was just exclaiming "This has been one great day Mom!" At that moment...duh, duh, duh...you guessed it, drama unfolds. Gabriel throws up all over Emma and himself and the carseat and the van seat. I'm sitting there feeding the baby and become paralyzed with indecision. I quckly ascertain that I have exactly four baby wipes in the package and 15 minutes to be at our appointment. I put the baby in his carseat and get to work cleaning up the mess. Gabriel is crying and asking for new clothes. Emma is begging me to clean her off. Samuel begins to wail. Jonah is standing in the parking lot staring confused at all the commotion. We came up with enough supplies to get the bulk of the mess up and hurried off to meet Joshua at the appointment. Joshua took the baby into the appointment and I took the kids home to clean us all up.

I share this story, not only so you could laugh at me...because laughter is good medicine...but to share my frustration and confess sin. Oh when will I respond with righteousness? I called out to God during this trial, "How do I praise your name in the middle of this?" I also muttered a lot of "stupid, stupid, stupid" and at the same time apologized to the children for my bad attitude and poor example. I realized my need for ruling my spirit, and did so...but I long for an IMMEDIATE response of gracefully receiving His will.

So tonight I'm meditating on these verses and praising him for showing me my weaknesses.

2Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Psalm 34:1 "... I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

I have thoughts at times such as, "Well, most people would respond similarly. That would be stressful for anyone. The kids understand. etc." I realize the lies for what they are. God isn't interested in the response "most people" would have. He wants me to obey and follow his guide, The Holy Bible. The next lie that comes is, "Yeah, and that is easier said than done." The truth is that it is a choice, and it is that simple.

So this eve of Thanksgiving, I will bless His name, and praise the God of my salvation. I will thank the Lord for my rebuking and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

All things have a beginning and an end. This sickness passing through our house will have an end. I'm working on HOW I get through my trials not just seeing it through and being thankful for the end.

Do you think Samuel looks like Gabriel?

2008-11-18T12:11:00.005-06:00

I think he does!

Here are all the Unger first born photos.

Just for fun, here is a baby picture of Uncle Kaleb whom we all think Samuel may look like as he grows up. I couldn't get the picture to be bigger.

Bringin' Home The Venison

2008-11-15T15:21:00.003-06:00

Joshua called within a few hours of heading out to hunt. This is what he called to tell me! "Wow" I said when I saw the picture. I'm thankful for all that meat! And so thankful for that man that went out to get the meat!

New Normal

2008-11-14T15:32:00.002-06:00

I'm defining shopping at Walmart for groceries with all four kids on day six after delivering number four...with no meltdowns or even whining...an absolute success! Emma was so impressed that we needed two carts to complete our shopping, as that never happened before, that she talked about it all day. She was an incredible help. I got to the store and realized that Samuel's carseat didn't go onto the front buggy bar like all the others did. Um...now what? He had to go into the cart, which meant creativity in placing all those groceries! Eventually I ran out of room without putting the frozen veggies INTO his carseat (that probably would have woke him up don't ya think) so Emma had to go get a cart to push herself. We were home in an hour-and-a-half, and I put everything away even before the baby woke up to eat. I felt like I might have deserved some kind of reward for my brilliant planning and executing, but the truth is we prayed before we left the van and I know the mercy we received was a gift from the Lord not my merit.

So we're defining a new normal here at The Unger Estates. Samuel is a very good baby, and I am trying to get my bearings about his schedule. I am keeping record of his days/nights to try to order things in the coming weeks the best I can. This is good for all of the rest of us, and will hopefully bring more peace than the previous adjustments to new little ones in our house. Putting him down asleep in the bassinet during the day will hopefully begin nighttime routines. Of course that only works when I don't get blessed with family and friends who of course get to hold him while he sleeps. So it is a goal to be aspiring towards, not a rigid timetable. I'm thankful for a friend loaning me her book on the parent directed feeding plan. It is in stores called "Baby Wise". Since I had three kiddos who didn't really sleep well for YEARS we'll see how well things work this time. She has six kids who ALL slept through the night by eight weeks! I've heard other testimonials that this worked for friends, and thought it was worth checking out. Last night I slept for three hours between a feeding, so not bad for a one-week-old I'm thinking.

Anyway, I can't believe any of you read this and even care about the daily goings on at our humble abode. But since you do...hopefully these updates and pictures are entertaining. I write because it is a fun outlet for me. Thanks to those of you who encourage me and pray for our family. I'm going back to sit in front of the fire and enjoy this rainy afternoon.

Sweet Baby

2008-11-12T14:01:00.004-06:00

Enjoy the pictures!

Samuel James Unger is named after his Grandpa - Stephen James Unger. Here they are meeting for the first time. Samuel also looks like his Uncle Kaleb (Bubba) and here is a picture of his red hair to show Uncle Bubba!

Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Popo

Nana

A New Brother

2008-11-11T13:39:00.003-06:00

Gabriel, "It is fun to have a new brother because he is cute. I am going to show him how to do tricks and help him learn how to do handstands. He has to get big like me by drinking his milk. I'm going to teach him to sing, 'Jesus Loves Me.' I will read to him about trees and show him how to climb them. I love Samuel."

Jonah, "A baby brother is cute and fun to hold. I want to help teach him how to crawl and walk. I want to teach him how to pretend and play games like Chess, Checkers, Clue, and Monopoly Junior. I want to teach him how to hammer like me and swing. I want to teach him how to climb high trees. It is fun to climb trees. I love my baby brother Samuel."

Emma, "It's way cool having a new brother in the house. It's great just to sit and hold him. Samuel cried the most he has since he was born [I didn't hear it but Mom said he had a big tantrum last night]. Samuel is REALLY cute. I REALLY love Samuel. I really look forward to helping Samuel learning new things."

After seeing Joshua off to work, the baby and I went back to sleep. The kids woke before us and were sweet to let us keep snoozing. I could hear them playing quietly in the living room and checking on us to see if we were still sleeping. Then someone would remind the others to be quiet for us. They were patient for breakfast and enjoyed their turns loving their brother. We relaxed and enjoyed getting back to our "new" typical routine. I had to remind the kids yesterday at a meeting on the living room rug, "MOM IS BACK!" It was great to see their sober look and big eyes!

We are doing great, and I will try to get some new pictures posted soon. Thank you for your prayers and all of the encouraging words of rejoicing with our family. We are blessed with such a huge community of support and sometimes it overwhelms us. God is so good, and worthy to be praised! Let us enter His courts with thanksgiving and His gates with praise!

We are grateful for the Veterans today and THANK YOU for your service which allows us the freedoms we abundantly experience in this country. God Bless You!

Samuel James Unger has left the womb.

2008-11-08T18:46:00.005-06:00

Only a bit more than 3 hours of hard labor brought our fourth blessing from the warmth of his mother's womb to the warmth of our loving arms.

Our Gracious Father used a multitude of resources and people to prepare our minds with the knowledge and tools to help Samuel and his mother through the travail of labor. He also was merciful to allow it be relatively easy and painless.

It was oh so encouraging to think back today on the entire birthing process and bask in the glory of our Sovereign Lord. He is clearly in the every detail of each of our lives. That was made more clear to our family with our gift from God, Samuel James Unger.

After his head was born, we noticed his cord wrapped around his neck, twice. It was very unceremoniously unwound before Natalie completed her work. The Giver of all good gifts provided a peace and calm to all of us that can only come from Him.

Later we noticed a true knot (although loose)in his cord. He must have done pre-birth acrobatics.

Today's rest and reflection in scripture has given us new and renewed perspective into the unfolding of divine time.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating this young soul arriving into our Father's World!

Joshua for the Ungers

Homeopathics

2008-11-07T12:42:00.002-06:00

12 hours later and I'm resting at the same rate of contractions as the previous month. Slow starts and long stops. Joshua and I have walked the neighborhood and I've done the laundry. We've begun some homeopathic herbs to try to encourage the little guy. The eviction notice is posted, and hopefully he'll comply soon. Thanks for the prayers!

Baby is coming!

2008-11-07T07:06:00.002-06:00

My signs of labor are increasing! My water broke last night...so this is a point of no return although he is still not in a hurry (as I am obviously feeling well enough to be blogging). We are looking forward to meeting him today, and the kids are soooo excited. I am so grateful for my mother-in-law coming this week and being here today to help. She is cooking breakfast right now for everybody. What a blessing! Please continue praying for my labor progress to be consistently stronger and more profitable. We'll update soon.

Contentment and Homemade Bread

2008-11-03T12:17:00.003-06:00

1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

I was wide awake at 2:30 am and never could go back to sleep. I am meditating on this verse. I know that I must learn to be content in all circumstances. For if I am not content still being pregnanct, I will not be content NOT being pregnant! Contentment is not the same as happiness. Happiness is dependent upon my circumstances, and I would rather know the real joy of the Lord in being content. So I read, and pray, and find myself planning industrious activities this morning.

While reading someone's blog I enjoy, I ran across this ladies bread-making tutorial. Her name is "Nancy Today" and she has many videos on you-tube. I'm not linking her, because I really don't want to take the time to figure it out right now...you can find her if you want. I think she is quirky, and was interested in her claim that I can make wheat bread using only water, wheat flour, and yeast. So far nobody has made it this easy for me. So this morning I took a crack at it. WELL......make sure you start small. I used my biggest bowl and put LOTS of water in it. She is right that you don't NEED to measure the water. Whatever amount you use you will use appropriate yeast/flour to compensate. HOWEVER, I again suggest you start small. I threw hot water in and started adding flour. I kept adding flour, and kept adding flour, and kept adding flour. I ended up with four bowls of kneaded dough. It made:

3 loaves of bread
12 Hamburger buns
1 tray of crescent rolls
18 dinner rolls
2 Pampered Chef fancy shaped loaves (heart and square)
18 Cinnamon Rolls
2 Pizza Dough Loaves which I refrigerated

OH MY! So, my bread making is done this week!!!!! I'll freeze the bread and appreciate that my zealousness will save me some steps in the upcoming weeks. Next time though...I'll probably use a littler bowl and less water. Emma always says, "Well, you live and you learn!" Pretty wise advice from an eight-year-old I think.

I'm off to take another tray of bread out of the oven and make sandwiches for lunch.

He Said, She Said

2008-11-01T05:25:00.002-06:00

When Emma's foot was swollen, she was asked to pick out a comforting snack...and chose ice cream. Two days later, in response to his Daddy's question, "The ice cream is gone already?", Gabe quickly turns on his mama and says, "Yeah Mommy had the mostest in her bowl!"

Gabriel's mealtime prayers always include this line, "And thank you for us to have a good time, and for our baby to be good..." but the other night he added "and help us to not have a messy house, and for me to eat faster."

Jonah asked me last night at dinner why we always have brown eggs when Nanny and Papa visit. I told him the eggs come from the farm in whatever color they come, that isn't up to me. He clarified his question and I got it - he wanted to know why my scrambled eggs look brown. I told him that would be the eggs that were stuck to the bottom of the pan! (It isn't a non-stick pan). Yeah, big sigh of defeat from this cook. Sorry Nanny and Papa.

Emma has been pretending to be the library owner this week. She has set up an office for the librarians in the living room and it has become quite elaborate with details. Aunt Lois you would be amused to see her. And Nana you would be impressed with her "phone voice"!

Sometimes I wish I had a tape recorder with me throughout the day, because I can't remember all the hilarious things that they say. Who needs t.v. with the simple and free entertainment of your own family?

Ladybug, Ladybug...Fly Away Home

2008-10-31T13:44:00.004-06:00

(P.S. There is still no baby yet. I'm not even waddling anymore, it is just a slow shuffle. It is hard to believe he can continue to drop lower and lower and yet not just fall out! Seriously, I am just enjoying each beautiful fall day with these three beautiful blessings as we all look forward to colder weather to snuggle a new "chicken")

no baby yet...

2008-10-27T15:32:00.003-06:00

For those of you curious folks, there has not been a baby born at our house yet. I am not frustrated with any of the loving calls from family. In fact it was a sweet blessing, and comforting to hear from several people today. Don't worry though, we will send an email and picture to everyone once he arrives, and call immediate family (of course). So if you haven't heard...well it's because nothing new has happened. Last night I danced in the living room with the kiddos, and had a burst of energy. So this morning I rearranged the living room (again!) and so am still obviously nesting. The midwife came today and will be back Thursday. All is well and baby is just incredibly too comfy in his present abode. So thank you for the coveted prayers for my patience and strength and for us to keep to our schedule as much as possible in order to keep everyone else sane!

It is reassuring to know that the Lord has appointed the time (His perfect time) and I can rest in that, looking forward to meeting this little miracle. So I sit and look into a fire and have a cup of tea, enjoying the kids playing Monopoly on the rug in front of me. Even though this is a beautiful picture...I give God praise for this moment, as I'm reminded of the truth in my friend's blog title..."joy in the journey" and know that the joy comes from the Lord, not really in my circumstances.

Another great visit with Nanny and Papa!

2008-10-23T07:26:00.005-06:00

It was a great weekend to visit and celebrate Gabe's birthday. This post is a little late...but I wanted to share some photos of our good times (and I couldn't get the photos out of the folder to edit or upload for the past two weeks). Gabe loved his homemade ping-pong gun that they found at a craft fair. Jonah loved it so much he wanted to go the next day to buy something like it for himself. The men enjoyed going to the driving range and everyone hit balls in the backyard amongst the chickens.

(It might have been the straw that broke the camel's back...further angering the neighbors that we were frolicking right there around those hideous live creatures!!!)

I'm not a LPGA expert or anything but Emma's form seems to be missing something! Papa encouraged Gabriel that he needs a lot of practice to get that $150,000 a day pay for being a winner in the PGA. There is a great shot of me sitting in the backyard and shows off my full figure at this glorious season of pregnancy (one more week folks). Thanks Grandma Lamb for the great crocheted hats and baby's quilt. We were thankful for the time to be together.

The past two weeks have been busy and full of blessings and trials. I started labor on Gabe's birthday, but it stalled out repeatedly for over a week without a whole lot of measurable progress. Which works out fine since the midwife went on vacation and just got back into town yesterday. We were prepared for an unplanned, unassisted homebirth if that is what the Lord had in mind. He didn't apparently, so now I'm just waiting um...patiently or at least trying my best to appear that way!

Joshua started a new job, but then got sick the next day and slept for 30 out of 36 hours! He got right back to work and is adjusting to the hour-long commute each way.

We received a new (to us) van which all of us agree is a HUGE blessing. We have two vehicles and this one has a bit more room for all of us. The kids were so excited...they just kept asking me if they could go sit in it. I told them that was wierd, but really appreciate how simple our lives are that we don't take these kinds of gifts lightly or for granted.

Gabriel woke up Monday with a croup cough which turned into a normal cold. I'm throwing all the supplements I can at him, and the rest of us to avoid more sickness at the time of the newest guy's arrival.

Emma thought she stepped on a thorn Monday afternoon, but it appears she was stung by a bee. Like her mama, it was quickly more of an issue. The next morning it looked like it needed more cleaning. So as I messed with it...it became hard and red and swollen. I then tried to make things better for the next 24 hours with all tried and true methods to treat a sting...as it appeared I released more venom with my cleaning attempts. Welllllll by Wednesday afternoon the streaking was going up her foot and we were off to the doctor. After a few doses of antibiotics she looks better and the redness, and swelling are going down.

You know, we don't do much around here quietly or one thing at a time! It is all at once and compressed amounts of change. I'm sure most of you feel that way about things at your house also. If not, then maybe you enjoy watching our drama and living your quiet life! If so...well glad to be of service. If you feel compelled to encourage me today, send me some comments or stories of your own! Otherwise, stay tuned for our homebirth story to come soon (Lord willing).

Live at peace...

2008-10-23T07:11:00.002-06:00

The chickens are gone. Even though we were within the defined ordinances of our city, we decided to return the chickens to the farm to keep peace with our neighbors.

The kids learned some valuable lessons about caring for animals and discipline. As the mornings got colder, and Joshua left too early to move the pen...we all dealt with the inconvenience of caring for something other than ourselves. That is good for all of us to remember, "We are not the center of the universe!" and having something or someone depending upon you for meeting daily needs is one way to remember that. So this was to teach our kids lessons, and practically to learn in part what it takes to raise our own meat.

The neighbors were offended, and let us know how strongly they felt. We received some wise counsel and sought the Word of God for what to do. Romans 12:18 reminds us that as much as it is possible to live at peace with all men, we are to do what we can to achieve this goal.

We can just buy chickens, there are more important things than to be right in our own sight. We are still looking forward to the day when we are on a farm and can explore these ideas without obvious offense to others.

Happy Birthday Gabriel

2008-10-08T14:59:00.003-06:00

Four Years Old! This past week, Gabe decided he was now big enough to ride a bike without training wheels. He took off, and persisted through many falls. He doesn't always get things the first time, but that doesn't stop him (if it is something he wants to learn). Gabriel was riding well by the end of the day. Since then, he asks nearly daily to ride his bike in the garage. Our driveway is a steep slope, so he just turns in circles unless someone can go with him across the street on the sidewalk.

It was a great day just playing with Emma and Jonah. He enjoyed all the birthday calls, and usually started singing to them first. That is like him, not assuming that anything is for him. Gabe is more humble than some of the rest of us in this house! Here they are playing with his new wooden sword set.

He sure is funny too. I put a spaghetti recipe in the crock pot, but it turned into paste by dinner. I didn't make it differently than it said; however, it just didn't work out. Gabe told me, "Mom, this is really gross - but I still like you!" Thankfully Emma saved the day by making him his birthday cake, and that wasn't gross! He brings so much laughter to our family, and it is a joy to see him growing in the Lord. Happy Birthday Gabriel, we love you!

There's a Thief Among Us...

2008-10-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

Someone came into our backyard last night (or this morning) and propped up the chicken pen, taking two chickens. The other eight were huddled together this morning still safe. We were praying for the success of our operation and that our neighbors weren't too surprised, even that they would be safe from dogs etc. but NOT that they would be safe from a THIEF!!!! Well, tonight Joshua might have an all-night mission. Emma asked when she woke up, "Did they take Vinnie?"

"Now We're Farmers, Dad!"

2008-09-29T12:50:00.009-06:00

Last week, while I was out shopping and running errands with the kiddos, Joshua had a delivery. He rented a chicken tractor and bought 10 chickens for the backyard from Pilgrims' Acres. These friends of ours have a real working farm, and diverse products including free-range eggs, fresh milk, pastured chicken, pastured pork, and salad bar beef. They are an inspiration to our family as we are still dreaming, praying, and learning about being able to have that opportunity. We currently buy milk and eggs from their farm each week. The kids and I have made butter from the cream several times. There is something extra special about fresh homemade butter on fresh homemade bread. This last week, I was given this beautiful hand-made cutting board from the division of their farm "Cutler Wood Crafting." If you want to know more, or see their operation in Foristell, Missouri...

http://www.pilgrimsacres.com

Back to our chicken tractor story. The kids and I were surprised by the sight in the backyard. We have a small pen which houses the chickens and their food and water. The kids go out with Joshua in the morning to move the chicken pen to a new spot. After another 4-5 weeks the chickens should be ready to be butchered. So, we are as of right now the only subdivision neighbor who is growing their own vegetables and meat in their backyard! So to stay within the city codes...we are either now an official farm (we checked and there are not specific definitions of a farm in town so we qualify)...or you could look at it as if we are planning to eat our pets! Their names are Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny, Benny, Jenny, Kenny, Renny, Vinnie, and Minnie. Vinnie is the tough guy and puffs his chest out to the other chickens defending his territory each morning when the pen gets moved. That's when all the action starts. The chickens get excited to have new ground with new bugs, and all scurry for their breakfast. We are learning valuable lessons and hopefully getting 10 tasty birds out of this experience. We invite you over to see the chickens or have dinner in November - whatever you prefer!

The Ungers have declared war...

2008-09-27T10:21:00.005-06:00

The young men that is. Jonah has begun woodworking, and his first project was inspired by the young Milan men while visiting their farm last Saturday. He played with some homemade guns and thoroughly enjoyed their tree fort. This week when Joshua and Jonah got some tools together for his new ventures, Jonah was instructed only on hammering nails. The natural visionary in him, generations of visionary Unger men come to mind, would not allow Jonah to stop at putting simple nails into pieces of wood. He began to stack the wood and specifically place the nails to become parts of a machine gun. He then quickly began to create his sales pitch, market, and started pricing the guns. We laughed and reminded him he had a lot to learn still about hammering nails, but we appreciate his enthusiasm! Gabriel looked on with fascination until given permission to begin his own hammering practice. He soon got the hang of it and began to make his own simplified version. It was certainly ALOT of noise and they started right after breakfast. Since most neighbors were probably off to work, no big deal. What classic boyhood memories they are making and to see Jonah helping his brother along is quite endearing. Joshua works very hard at training Jonah in being a helpful and caring big brother. Gabriel already talks about helping his little brother the same way. Gabriel immediately prayed for his brother after Jonah's first "major" injury in hitting his thumb with the hammer. Jonah's injury didn't keep him down more than an hour or so, and he was drawn right back to the garage determined to be more careful. By Friday morning the boys were ready to wage war. I snuck around the side of the house to catch them on video attacking the enemy. Enjoy the pictures of their projects and the video of

"Generals Unger and Unger at the Battle of Treasure Island Drive".

Seven Years Of Marriage Today!

2008-09-22T14:28:00.005-06:00

Seeing little Emma attending our wedding, I remember how far we have come in these nine years. Psalm 50:14"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High."

My heart is thankful today, as I remember the carriage ride to meet Joshua and walk together to the gazebo to be married in the Lord. We didn't fully understand our responsibilities to each other then, but we have walked side-by-side through our trials and today are stronger than ever in our marriage.

If you have known us since the beginning, some of you might have thought we wouldn't make it. We fought about every detail of the wedding before the event and for months afterwards.

God is so loving, and good to his children! We entered a church one Sunday, hoping for some answers and some kind of peace. (Well, honestly I was looking for that, and Joshua was looking for a way to get me to stop crying - so he agreed reluctantly) It was through the series of preaching on marriage (whiich providentially began that day) that we started to see how God designed marriage. I thought it had been a mistake when I heard the pastor start the sermon with "The man is the head of the house." I groaned out loud as Joshua tapped my arm and raised his eyebrow, saying "See I told you!" We both had(have) so much to learn! Over the years we stumbled greatly, but each time, God picked us up and set us aright when we were willing to humbly ask for His help. Psalm 38:18 "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord: and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of the miry clay, and set my feet unpon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." He has created a heavenly marriage, and He deserves all the credit, honor, and glory!

Joshua has turned his heart and focus to leading our home like never before, and our home is filled with new faith, hope, and love. The daily joy is a testimony to living within the roles of marriage the way God intended. I am not ashamed as our children would quickly answer that Daddy is the head of the home, and Mommy is the heart of the home. Submitting to the authority of God, and then to my husband is a blessing that can only be understood when it has been experienced. I thank the Lord for opening our eyes and turning our hearts toward His Word and the truth therein.

Joshua, I look forward to many more joyful years of growing up and growing older with you!

latest projects

2008-09-22T14:08:00.005-06:00

Emma and I have been sewing. So far we have made four aprons. Two for her, one for me, and one for a gift. We plan to make a few more gifts and one more for me. Emma and I designed the apron to have a washcloth sewn onto the front to wipe our hands as we cook. It worked really well. This one we made for her today has extra details, and it is her favorite color. Thank you, Grandma Lamb, once again for giving us so much material and odds and ends to use. We are using every bit on so many different projects.

Emma and Jonah have weaved some pot holders this past week. They are easier with the new loops they received as a gift this past spring (thanks Nana). Emma started from a kit two years ago, but that project took a long time to complete She didn't want to go back to it again because the loops were terry cloth and not very stretchy. These are a nylon material and so the kids are weaving with ease and already asking for more loops to be bought. The first picture is the one Emma weaved two years ago, and the next is the one she did last week. You can see the improvement!

Next up...woodworking 101. Jonah has borrowed an idea book from a friend. He is anxious to get started, and made a list of the tools he needs so he can sort through the garage with Dad and get himself a box ready. I know less about woodworking than sewing, and trust me...I don't know much about that. So stay tuned for some funny stories about our adventures in the coming months (and pray for our safety - I'm not even joking!).

Emma's Newspaper

2008-09-16T13:11:00.002-06:00

Emma wrote a FANTASTIC newspaper for school, but unfortunately I can't find a way to post it here on the blog. It was done in Microsoft Publisher, and since I don't have a website to link it to...I only sent it in an email to those on our lists. If you didn't see it, but want to, send her an email (or comment here) and she'll get it to you in a pdf file to check out. She put a lot of effort into that assignment, and hopes to continue to put it out every few months.

Welcome Fall

2008-09-16T12:52:00.002-06:00

Thank You Aunt Linda and MaMa who generously gave to the kids a few weeks ago. They have really enjoyed the chalk feet, and cell phones! Gabe spent hours dragging his chalk filled wagon around the driveway to make new pictures of dinosaurs.

The beautiful fall weather is so welcomed at our house. I have the desire, but not the ability to walk about enjoying it. Ummmm...maybe I just forgot what it is like to be eight months pregnant, or maybe I'm just more out of shape? We walked the neighborhood like before the hot weather, but I was only about two blocks behind the boys!!!! So, since that doesn't really work, we are staying a little closer to home and enjoying the sun from the driveway:) So, the chalk has been a fun recess activity.

Catching up...

2008-09-05T13:20:00.010-06:00

I've been busy and havn't posted much lately. So here is a marathon post of what's a been happenen these past few months. Enjoy.

Take me out to the ballgame...
Popo, Dad, Jonah, and Gabe enjoyed the baseball game back in July for Jonah's birthday. They had awesome seats and the Cards won! Everyone had fun and Gabe's drinks were about as big as him. Thanks Grandma and Popo for the great birthday memories.

Creek Walkin'
The kids enjoyed walking in the creek with Nanny and Papa while visiting Liberty back in July. Papa is holding a tadpole. Everyone had a chance to touch it, and remarked at how slimy it was. I watched from above on the bank, and enjoyed a walk on the trail with Joshua. Joshua was making fun of me in the bottom picture of the typical girly head tilt that got an "Awww, that is such a cute picture! from Nanny." Nobody makes me laugh like that man.

Schooltime
School is going great. We are using a new unit studies curriculum called Weaver (www.aop.com). It is based upon bible lessons and we stretch all subjects and field trips around the scripture we study. We have learned so much already this year, and it fits to the way the kids organize new information. They get to take a subject as far as their interest goes, and it often surprises me what they think of on their own.

Extra areas of interest have been sewing for both Jonah and Emma. They have made gifts for friends who are having new babies, and a stuffed kitty for a friend at church, not to mention many projects that they have made patterns for themselves.

Jonah has really taken off in his reading skills. He often picks up biographies and reads to himself. His most recent was about George Washington. It usually sparks interesting play with his siblings as he adds historical facts.

Gabe was quick to set me straight when school started. He sat down proudly with his workbook, but promptly told me, "You know, Mom, that I'm only doing one page each day!" He works hard on that one page, and does his best...but just try to get him to do another!

Climbing trees!
When we were in Haiti this past year, Gabriel didn't enjoy all the new foods we were eating. He would eat excrutiatingly slow and sometimes ask to be fed. It was pretty ridiculous. Jonah could be found daily up in some nearby tree with friends, but Gabriel was too short. The only way to get Gabe to eat was to remind him that God could keep growing him bigger to climb trees if he would do his part and eat lots of good food. When we returned home, it was funny to hear Gabriel still ask if he would grow bigger if he ate his dinner. Last month we worshiped at Creve Couer Park, and Gabe saw the fruits of his labor as he was able to climb the tree higher than ever!

Look out James Bond
A friend gave me two tuxedos that she no longer needs. I had not even asked for them, but she was cleaning house and saw me on the day she was taking stuff to drop off for donation. She asked, do you think you would want these? It just so happens that Uncle Josh is getting married this coming spring. God is so good, and always knows what we need. Now if only Gabe doesn't get too tall before March, it will work fine...as it is only a size 3 and he turns 4 next month.

Cutting Wood
Joshua had an opportunity to cut about 4 cords of wood at someone's property. Jonah went one Saturday to help, but Gabriel was crushed to be told he was too little to help. So later when Joshua returned home, Gabe was right there volunteering any help that would be accepted. He went to the backyard and handed the logs to be unloaded from the trailer to the wood rack. He kept asking his Daddy, "Do you think I could get this one?" And each time he found his strength to haul the log the two feet to the end of the trailer. He was beaming with pride and dripping with sweat when he came inside!

Annie get your guns!
Gabriel has been pretending to shoot big game in our living room all year with a nerf bow and arrow set, and once he got wind of shooting plans - he only asked if it was time to go every half hour! I have a hunch that he will follow his Daddy's footsteps and be out at camp before he is able to actually hunt. It seems to be in his nature, not something needing much encouragement from any of us!

A few weeks ago, Grandpa called and invited Jonah, Gabriel and Daddy to go shooting. It was the first lesson in gun safety and first time shooting for the boys. They went to a range in Silex, and it went very well. Jonah is a good shot (naturally from generations of hunters in the family) and Gabriel did great with Joshua holding hand-over-hand since he wasn't strong enough to hold the gun himself. Um...I'm not going to try to name the guns, shells, or any other detail I would only be pretending to understand. All I know is they were all very proud and happy, and all came back with appendages intact, which makes mama happy!

Since then, Emma has been reading about Annie Oakley and getting some grand ideas of her own! Look out boys, competition is right around the corner!

Lesson Learned
Emma learned this week not to pull things out of other people's mouths! She yanked a rope from Jonah's mouth and pulled out his front tooth! It was pretty funny, and a baby tooth so no real harm done.

Mercy

2008-08-25T11:38:00.004-06:00

During school today, we were having a bible lesson and I asked the children how God has been merciful in our lives. Emma said that God was merciful to give me children. And God was merciful to give her parents, because some children are orphans and she is not. After caring for an orphan in Haiti for three months and knowing friends who are adopted, and adult friends who have adopted...I am so grateful for the compassion and understanding that has been given to our children in this matter. She also added, "And I have good parents." (What an encouraging word that I didn't deserve but God let her give that to me anyway...another example of the Lord's tender mercies!) Jonah said God is merciful to give him friends and also two brothers.

A lot has happened and changed in our lives this past year. We are thankful and can clearly see how God is granting peace in our house as we seek to live simply for him. As we strive to walk closer to the Lord in obedience and holiness, he is bringing our family more joy and unity. We pray for family and friends to see this, and that their hurts will be healed as acceptance replaces the awkwardness of changes made. We are reminded today that we love because he first loved us. May we all give each other the same charity and grace that none of us really deserve, but so freely receive from the Lord each day.

how do you spell relief?

2008-08-14T07:58:00.003-06:00

D R . H I L G E F O R T
The appointment at the chiropractor went well. He spoke at length about the limitations of manipulating during pregnancy, and proceeded to do some kind of test to prove to himself that the pain/relief was related to pregnancy and not another type of injury. So he did very specific pressure points and movements and showed me two exercises that I'm to do to strengthen the surrounding muscles - thus giving stability to my pelvis. Pray for my discipline with these daily exercises. I'm sore today and was told it will get worse before it gets better. But I am walking faster and without the overcompensating waddle to manage the pain that I had before. I know so many of you reading this suffer pain daily for different reasons. The freedom to walk without pain is something we take for granted until we cannot do it anymore. I am amazed at the miracle of our bodies and how everything works together (or doesn't). Thank you, Lord, for healing.

never, never, never...

2008-08-13T08:57:00.002-06:00

PUT ANYTHING UP YOUR NOSE!!!!!!!!
This was the lesson learned this morning.
Gabriel put a huge bead up his nose, ohhhhhh
(big sigh from mama). Thankfully he could blow
it out himself. I could tell that my attempt
with the tweezers was not going to work, so I
asked him to keep blowing and finally it came
out. Since Joshua has the van at work, it would have
been interesting to find a willing neighbor to
take us to an emergency extract appointment, ha!
We discussed again the importance of NEVER PUTTING
ANYTHING UP YOUR NOSE OR IN YOUR EAR!!!! I think
he got it this time. Never a dull moment around
here.

Turn, Baby, Turn!

2008-08-12T09:34:00.003-06:00

So...I've had back pain for months and have just been dealing with it, and waddling. The baby being in a posterior position meant lots of pressure on my spine and tailbone. I remembered this past weekend that I had injured my back early this pregnancy and perhaps things never got realigned properly. Did the chicken or the egg come first? Was my back misaligned and therefore created the only option for the little guy to get comfy in that position or did that position cause the pain and my compensating movements cause misalignment?

Well, we decided enough was enough. Not only is it uncomfortable now, but posterior positions in labor result in long and exhausting labors most of the time. After consulting with the midwife and doing our own research, Joshua and I tried lots of different ideas. Nothing was working and it seemed to be that everything was making the back pain increase.

While Josh was at work yesterday, I started diligently doing exercises and attempts at making the baby uncomfortable so he would move. Part of the problem seemed that he was already engaged in my pelvis so I needed to use gravity to help get him back out to be able to move. Picture a toddler sleeping with knees to chest and bottom in the air. This is not exactly the most modest position and my kids sure have enjoyed imitating and teasing me as I "do" life as much as possible with my head down and bottom up. (Other gravity ideas we didn't use were handstands in the swimming pool, lying on an ironing board slanted on the couch, or trying headstands here at home...ummmm none of those seemed very plausible to me)

So we continued on with school, only now I'm lying on the couch with a frozen pack under my back and a hot rice pack on my stomach (thanks Grandma Lamb for the homemade rice pack). The kids were praying for this to work, and Gabriel even told his little brother to obey Ephesians 6:1 "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." He was already taking his new role seriously! Then all the kids came near and told him "Turn around, baby!" altogether and very loud. It worked and my stomach began to wave across. I had some relief but repeated this process of cold/hot compress again at lunchtime. I could tell there were different parts out front now, but still had a lot of back pain.

We went ahead and made a chiropractor appointment to consult this week. I slept better, and plan to try the compresses on and off this week just to make sure he stays in this new position. I am thankful for the Lord's mercy and my family's encouragement and prayers.

And the answer to the million dollar question is....

2008-08-03T07:33:00.003-06:00

IT'S A BOY!!!!!

The 3d/4d ultrasound was AMAZING and if I have time this week, I'll try to post some of the dvd, or enhance the photos better. In the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek at the smiley and handsome Unger baby boy. We are excited, and all looks well with the little guy. He is in position and already showing some of his disposition by being the first to stay in a posterior placement which puts lots of pressure on my back. The ultrasound was a wonderful birthday present...thanks Joshua!

Stop To Smell The Flowers

2008-07-18T14:58:00.003-06:00

Take a moment today to stop and count your many blessings.

Back in Session

2008-07-16T12:44:00.002-06:00

Unger Academy has begun the school year. This week Jonah had an assignment to write a story about your favorite "senior citizen." I laughed at the wording of the assignment and did my best to explain what that means. Jonah is 6 though, so his perception is anyone older than mom and dad is a "senior citizen." He chose to write a story from our recent trip to Kansas City this past weekend. Those of you who know John Unger will probably fall out of your chair laughing like I did, just in the mere fact that Jonah chose him as his "senior citizen" of the day!!! He is still so childlike at heart that it is even funnier to imagine him as a senior citizen, since he is only in his 40's (for those of you who don't know him). Here is Jonah's story, and a picture of John captured doing one of his special skills! I am so thankful for the time spent with family and the gift of laughter today...hope you got a laugh as well.

"One time my family went to a wedding. My Great-Uncle John was there. He told me to catch some fireflies. The first one I catched, he squished it on my hand. My hand was glowing green. It made me laugh. The second time I catched one, it flew on my Dad's head. Then Uncle John showed me how to whistle. I practiced and practiced, and the next day "I got it!" Then we went home."

A Rite Of Passage

2008-06-25T15:04:00.003-06:00

Jonah got his first lesson in mowing today. It will be quite some time before he is tall enough/strong enough to do it himself...but he was determined that his Dad show him how. He wants to work to earn some money, he told me this morning. It sure was hot, but he powered through just like his Dad!

Growing...

2008-06-24T09:29:00.002-06:00

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-23T13:18:00.002-06:00

He's still so dreamy to me! We enjoyed spending Father's Day with Josh's Dad and what fun to see three generations of Ungers in action!

Happy Birthday Jonah

2008-06-23T11:37:00.004-06:00

Jonah turned 6-yrs-old on Father's Day this year. He is so much like his father that it makes me laugh each day. He has a great sense of humor and is learning the hard lessons of when to use it and when to practice self-control. What a blessing he is to our lives and so much fun to be around. We love you Jonah-Man.

Jonah received a gift of money from Great-Grandma Unger and chose to purchase a lego toy called Bionicle, and buy his Daddy a new rain guage for Father's Day with the leftover change. He sang a song all the way home from the store about being happy with his choice. He has learned buyers remorse personnally many times from Dollar Store toys which broke before we even got home!

We went to the Science Center with Grandma and Grandpa after having his requested Fried Chicken lunch. Aunt Lois and Uncle Bubba were able to have lunch with us before heading back to their side of the state. (By the way - thanks for bags of books, and drawing the web on the cake Aunt Lois=). After eating Spiderman cake and ice cream, Grandma showed us all how to hula hoop with the kids new wave hoops. I couldn't keep up with Grandma when I'm not five months pregnant, but kept it going a few times even with my baby bump - ha! Jonah is posing in the picture with his new Iron Man mask and arm which shoots out discs. I hear someone calling out for help as they try to find those discs every day!

Just this week, Jonah's reading light came on strong and he began to read out of his new bible. He is proud of his new ability to read the bible by himself and wants to read aloud to someone each day now. And his Nana and Papa gave him roller shoes, which he is wearing and using each day by 6:30am down in the basement (to mom's delight!).

Jonah will be going to a Cardinal's baseball game (his first) with his Dad and Popo on July 20th. They have amazing club seats behind home plate. Thanks, Grandma for having such great connections! Jonah is sooooo excited, and can't decide if he'll take his brother or a friend to fill the fourth seat.

But the best gift is that Daddy gave him the next haircut with some newly purchased hair clippers. He looks handsome (but I didn't take a picture yet - so these pictures are pre-haircut) and I just got to sit and watch. (imagine me sipping tea and smirking as Josh sets up the "big boy rules" to make sure there is no crying this time!) Thanks, Daddy

All in all, what a great birthday MONTH. Our family is so spoiled with so many loved ones that all celebrations last forever it seems. We cannot even imagine just one birth DAY.

At what age do you stop being a kid?

2008-06-11T12:25:00.006-06:00

We had fun celebrating Emma's and Jonah's birthdays this weekend with Nanny and Papa. Jonah and Papa continued in the tradition of building the next Lego Star Wars ship. He has thoroughly enjoyed the rocket launcher! Emma was a jump roping fool, but couldn't quite figure out the cosmic hopper she received. I told Josh's mom that she couldn't pay me money to try to jump with the skip ball but she is quite the nimble little woman and put all the younger ladies to shame. Thanks for all the great memories=)Sometimes we need to recover from the Grandparents visit, which usually is the other way around. We really appreciate your enenrgy and enthusiasm to live the abundant life Nanny and Papa.

Happy Birthday Emma

2008-06-11T12:02:00.005-06:00

Emma turned 8-years-old on Monday, and was able to start her day with her favorite activity - reading! Her brothers got her a new book in the series Magic Tree House. Emma recieved birthday money from her Great-Grandma Ginny to purchase this new skirt, and a new (to us) bedroom set from friends of Nanny and Papa. A little scrape of paint and new decals and it looks fit for the princess she is. Happy Birthday Emma Lou.

Flattery

2008-05-26T17:49:00.003-06:00

Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

30th Birthday wishes...

2008-05-20T15:36:00.004-06:00

This is the card that my loving wife (and children) gave me for my birthday...

front:

inside:

How sweet it is to be loved and known...
by the wife of my youth and my Redeemer!

Joshua

Boston

2008-05-07T07:29:00.007-06:00

I had the opportunity to visit a childhood friend and take a SOLO vacation to Boston this past week. This is the first time I've travelled alone in 9 years! It felt funny the first half of the day on Thursday. I didn't know what to do since I didn't have to plan for anyone's needs but my own. This was a great Mother's Day present.

There was an opportunity to visit Cambridge, Harvard University, and downtown Boston's historical sites. Kelly and Ryan raced in a 5K run to benefit Ronald McDonald House in Providence, RI where Kelly works at Brown University. I was able to rest a lot and read a lot at the apartment in Waltham. Altogether it was a relaxing vacation, well that is until the end...when the maintenance men doing work at the apartment left the doors open and the cats were missing. It took many hours of searching the apartment and surrounding area, but finally they were found. It turns out that they were scared and hiding inside the couch! One cat was happy to be found, but the other needed a little motivation from some of her favorite treat - canteloupe. All's well that ends well!

Jonah ignored all security rules and ran down the hall to nearly tackle me at the airport last night. As much as I enjoyed my independent travel, it made me realize how happy this season of my life is, being a wife and mother. I don't want to be anywhere but where I am this morning, and that seems to be a great ending to an adventure - being content with wherever I am. It was a great homecoming, and as is the usual tradition, I started and ended the trip with ice cream.

I'm gonna miss...

2008-04-29T10:04:00.002-06:00

One day I'm gonna miss hearing little voices pleading over and over, "Watch me, Mom," and "Look at this, Mom." Even though this most often is followed by my intake of breath and quick prayer for protection. Sheesh those boys take after their father.

I'm pretty sure though I'm NEVER gonna miss hearing little boys cry over and over, "I hate haircuts," and "Are you done yet Mom?" as I make threats to take away their treat if they don't sit still. But a small piece of Hershey bar can remove most of the bitterness and pain - even some of the bad memories. Before you think I'm being overly dramatic, let me ask you, "Have you ever been present when Jonah gets a haircut?" I've heard grown men tell me emphatically that they would never participate or be subjected to that torture again. I wish sometimes that God had told me never to cut Jonah's hair like Samson's mom, because that sure would have been an easy command to obey=)

Ah well, all things come to an end, and until the next haircut we're all good!

Go Cards!

2008-04-26T18:37:00.004-06:00

Joshua and I were invited to go to the Cardinal's baseball game today. It was a beautiful and sunny day. We had seats behind third base, and the Cards won! Thanks David and Lana=)

The kids havn't ever gone to a Cardinals game, and were very excited about our trip on the Metrolink to get down to the stadium. Maybe later this summer they'll have a chance to go as well. Here's Mommy on the Metro.

We sure enjoyed our date, thanks Grandma and Grandpa for asking for the fun day with the chickens - we appreciated the alone time=)

Buffalo River update

2008-04-21T12:56:00.002-06:00

This is the story Jonah told me for school today. He is working on writing this down and adding illustrations. I'm sure he'll be proud to show you when completed. He was sooooo happy when they returned last night. We'll add pictures taken soon.

I went on a camping trip on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. I went with my Daddy and our friends, Dr. Bockhorst, Jonathan, Joshua, and Jay. We were gone for four days.
At the campsite, we had a fire. We roasted marshmallows and I ate six. My favorite dinner was the rice soup. We found a secret place to play and called it our hut.
We whittled sticks with our pocketknives. My Daddy gave me my own red pocketknife. It has lots of cool tools, and my favorite is the big knife.
We hiked a lot of miles, more than 15. We hiked to the middle of the woods. We had to climb a lot of hills. It was really hard. I wore a backpack with my clothes and a flashlight. Daddy wore a huge backpack with the food and tent and stuff.
We saw a BIG footprint. I think it was a bear. My Daddy thinks it was a dog. They saw a herd of 40 elk, but I couldn’t see it from my seat in the van.
My favorite part of the trip was seeing three waterfalls. One was so huge it was taller than my house. It rained the first night, but we stayed dry in our tents. I slept in a tent with the boys. The Daddy’s shared a tent.
The worst part was when we had to cross the big, cold river. Daddy helped us across one at a time. The water came all the way up my legs. I was scared.
When I got home, I took a bath. My Mommy and Daddy picked ten ticks off of me. The biggest ones were in my hair. Yucky.
I want to go camping again, but not hiking. NO HIKING.

Just For Fun

2008-04-19T11:31:00.009-06:00

Where did eight years go?

We were pretending a mission trip one preschool day. Who knew that 4-years later...

Emma's Third Birthday Cake, I was so proud back then. Now I laugh!

I guess I still felt the need to attempt to duplicate Family Fun magazine's whimsical birthday cakes!

Jonah's First Birthday

Jonah made this face A LOT when he was really little, and mostly said MAAAAAMAAAAA!!!! He was the least favorite of the babies in the church nursery=)

Jonah as a squirrel at the Children's Museum in Denver, CO

And baby makes five

Just like his mama, he can't resist those M&Ms

Earthquake???

2008-04-18T20:34:00.003-06:00

I thought my friend Lori was joking last night when she said she left her husband a phone message letting him know that in case he was wondering - her and the kids were ok after the earthquake. I laughed, and said that was a good one. Her husband is the one camping with my husband this weekend. Then she said something else and I realized she was serious about the earthquake!

Well after a moment of feeling silly for being out of touch with anything outside of my house for the entire day (we didn't go anywhere, have tv, or usually check the news on the computer anyway)...I put pieces together and realized I was woke up by that earthquake.

Emma was sleeping in my bed due to insane coughing fits which kept her up until 1 am. The earthquake shook my bed hard enough to jar me awake, I shouted to her in a sleepy voice, "Emma is the wind shaking our house?" As if my seven-year-old had any idea what was going on! I heard Gabriel make a loud noise, and maybe his bed shook him a little too. I ran to the window to see if there was a storm or high winds. It looked calm outside, and Gabriel was sound asleep. Emma was flopping around to get comfy and still coughing but was asleep. So I lay awake and wondered if I was being overly dramatic and had dreamt about the shaking bed. I never figured it out, and an earthquake didn't even make it into the list of possibilities.

The next morning I told Emma I felt silly about overreacting to her flopping and coughing which probably shook the bed and made me jump up and start checking the whole house for something wrong. She just laughed at me, and went on playing. I checked the news online last night when I got back from Lori's to find out the details, and wondered if there would be any more aftershocks. We had a quiet night and all slept long and hard. Mystery solved, and now we'll study earthquakes this week for some extra fun school work!

Blessed

2008-04-18T09:08:00.003-06:00

How many of your neighbors have trailers of manure sitting on their driveway? Well...it did rain for three days as soon as he brought it home. And how many of your friends come over and exclaim jealously, "Where did you get that poop?"

We lead a colorful life, don't ya think!

By the worlds (American)standards we live under the poverty line and do without many of the things that most people call "needs." God has shown us that He will faithfully provide our real needs and always on time. Of course that is His time, not ours.

Joshua and Jonah joined another dad and his three sons for an outdoor adventure this weekend. They loaded up our van and drove down to Ponca, Arkansas. These brave dads are taking their sons on a backpacking hike around the Buffalo River. Oh, I can't wait to hear all the stories. Their intention is to hike 5 miles a day, and if they can make it more they'll try. All four boys are under 10 years-old, and none of them (except Joshua) have ever hiked in to tent camp anywhere. What great memories! It is supposed to rain most of the weekend, so that will only add to the story=)

Last weekend Emma and I went to GA retreat. GA's is a group at church called Girls in Action which focuses on teaching girls about missions. It seemed fitting as she spent three months this year on a mission trip in Haiti. We had a great time "camping" with lots of other friends from church. Emma loved sleeping on the top bunk and staying up late with the other girls. It was too bad that one of her best friends that we rode in with had to go home in the night as her sister wasn't feeling well. We really roughed it that 24 hours, with hot meals served to us, indoor plumbing, and most buildings even had heat! Joshua laughed at me when he saw all our bags. He was quick to let me know he didn't take that much luggage for a 10 day stay in Haiti last month. Well...just goes to show what he knows about packing, right ladies!!! EVERYTHING I packed was necessary. I wasn't even the one in the bunk putting on my make-up or curling my hair, so there. We had a wonderful time, and Emma made a connection about the universals of people in need around the world after hearing from a young woman who served four years in Uganda. She realized it was just like she had experienced in Haiti, and thought hard about how much abundance we have here in Troy.

There is definitely a reason that I wasn't invited to the hiking trip this weekend, and it isn't because I'm three-months pregnant. Ha! If any of you readers were there or heard about last years camping trip with the bee sting turned into blood infection...well maybe that sheds more light on the lack of invitation. Or maybe it was my comment about how easy camping is..."All you have to do is set up a tent, right?!" That makes my husband mutter still to this day.

How painfully slow this transformation is going, my shedding of suburbia into wilderness wonderwoman. God is so patient with us, and I'm grateful for that today. As I turn my heart to the Lord, he will instill more and more desire in me to become the kind of supportive and meet helper that he made me to be!

Busy!

2008-04-14T18:59:00.002-06:00

I saw this on someone's blog today, and thought it was thought provoking. Maybe you will too!

I think I need to be reminded of everything the devil does to deceive us and take our minds away from God's will for our lives....Hope you enjoy reading this...

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Saviour."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners,
BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil: "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

Finally!

2008-04-08T13:27:00.003-06:00

Jonah Man lost his first tooth today. That was fun to see him get so excited, as he was sure it would come out today. He can't wait to show all his friends. Last week at church there was a table full of five-year-olds who were comparing and talking smack about who would lose their's first. Sometimes it is so fun to be a parent!

God answers prayers

2008-04-01T16:46:00.003-06:00

When Joshua returned from Haiti this weekend, we were praying as a family for several needs. Specifically about our finances and a job for Joshua. The next day, God answered in a very real way. Our kids were shouting with joy at dinner when they realized the very things we needed, God provided. Our tax return arrived in time to pay needed bills, and a farmer requested Joshua to work at his farm. We were able to discuss how important it is to wait on God's timing, and accept his answers with grace. What an awesome time as a parent, when you see your children taking hold of such important principles! God is so good, ALL the time.

Featured Artist Of The Day

2008-03-24T12:57:00.002-06:00

Jonah was asked to do something quiet at the table while his brother slept. He drew this picture. I asked him to look up the words in his bible for the titles, instead of giving him the answers. It has hard, but he persevered. He even suggested he enter it for publication from a local ministry which sends us devotional lessons in the mail. Humble indeed!

A Noble Gesture

2008-03-24T12:43:00.004-06:00

We went to Nana and Papa Jim's on Sunday after church. We had a lovely day playing and visiting. The kids had an inside egg hunt. Afterwards they counted their eggs and were paid a dime per egg found!!! The kids were excited about all the new treasures found in their baskets, as well as the unexpected payment for their fun. After we left, I stopped to fill the van up with gas. Jonah spoke up and told me, "Now that I have some money, can I pay for your gas, Mommy?" Oh, Daddy will be proud of his little man who stepped up to be the head of the house and take care of me like asked. How sweet is that? We drove home with snow falling the whole way. It was beautiful.

Easter Pictures

2008-03-24T12:09:00.004-06:00

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's on Saturday. It was a cold and cloudy day, but not windy for their new kites, which was a disappointment to Grandpa. Aunt Sheri brought bubbles for all the kiddos though, and they blew until their hands were too cold to continue. It was a fun day playing with family, especially their cousin Zoe from Kansas City.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T11:46:00.002-06:00

We enjoyed Easter celebrations, but missed having Joshua present! We continue to pray for the success of the trip, and that the shadehouse will be built with available resources and time. Chuck tries to post updates from trips, and you can check on the Truth Ministries link on the right to see if there is any news today.

I was rather cynical yesterday as we hurried around getting ready for church. The kids were fighting over candy, I didn't feel prepared to teach Sunday School to high schoolers while Joshua is out - and if it could go wrong...it was. Our youth pastor is leaving for a new assignment in Houston. We were surprised, and sad to see him go. Yesterday was his last Sunday with us, and Joshua was disappointed not to be there. I was so very thankful that Zac wanted to keep all the students for large group lesson, because that meant a reprieve for me! The best part of the morning at church for me, no offense to the senior pastor's sermon, was the reminder that Zac gave to us in Sunday School.

This is FOUNDATIONAL to our faith... 1Corinthians 14:13-15 "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead..."

After church, the kids listened to me share this message on the way to their Grandparents house. Emma looked very surprised, and told me she didn't realize this message. The Good News isn't that Christ died on a cross, but that He Rose From The Dead, for this is the hope that we all have as Christians. So after this, I was juiced up on Jesus as Joshua puts it. It was then that I was missing him most, not being able to have a very spirited conversation about our Risen Savior.

View our slideshow

2008-03-17T08:44:00.003-06:00

We made a slideshow movie of our trip to Haiti. The photos are in order, telling the story. There is a link to the video on the right sidebar under Links, The Ungers were in Haiti. Check it out!

Gabe has BIG NEWS.

2008-03-06T19:40:00.003-06:00

Gabriel made a sign to tell the viewing world his BIG NEWS...

Maybe you can't read that...

If you'd like to more details, you can ask Emma about mom's 'highrones' (hormones. Ha!). She says that 'highrones' make you have a baby and Jonah says that Mom scored 100% on her 'highrone' test!

wet or dry

2008-03-06T03:44:00.004-06:00

Jonah just naturally lives life much like his father, no hands on the handlebars and yelling "Wheeee" all the way down the hill. Lately I've been blessed to experience this kind of peace, smiling ear-to-ear, exhilaration (except without the horrible, uncomfortable bicycle seat). I believe this comes from the recent step of obedience in going on the mission field.

God doesn't ask us all to lead someone else's life. But sometimes I think I was afraid to even live the one He planned for me! So last year was a turning point when I said, "Yes, Lord." to whatever He had in store.

Since I got the flu this week, I've had trouble sleeping. I was awake at 2am and thinking about Peter (the one in the Bible), and how he kept his focus on Jesus. He stepped out of the boat and WALKED ON WATER towards Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-33)

Ok, I'm not comparing myself to the disciple, just the situation. The second that Peter got more concerned with where he was, and focused on his circumstances and the next step - he fell in the water. Jesus reminds us to stay focused on Him, not the next step. When you are following Christ, the next step is always there. That is the faith building that we are all called to, if we call ourselves Christians. I am reminded that even when we doubt, and fall in - Jesus is there to put us back into the boat.

Now, I admit there were times in the past, that people might remember when we (Joshua and I) jumped out of the boat, only to find out that Jesus wasn't asking us to, and we just ended up wet. But the difference is a "Spirit-led daily walk with God" that allows us to know when we are going to step out, or just fall in. We are learning the difference, and it sure is nice to be dry tonight!=)

Just reminiscing...

2008-02-26T16:06:00.003-06:00

Here are some sweet pictures which were fun to remember.
Emma at eight weeks old

Emma's first Halloween

Her big blue eyes are almost as big as her sucker!

One of my favorite chickens as a duck!

Gabe's first Halloween

don't wear a cape while riding a bicycle...

2008-02-26T16:00:00.002-06:00

Just a piece of advice, "Don't wear a cape while riding a bicycle." Jonah's superman cape is stuck in the chain, and I can't get it out. Thankfully it didn't flip him off the bike. But last night he did have a bad crash in the basement trying to roller blade with one skate on. We kept him up later just to make sure he didn't have a concussion. He is very alert, but has a bad headache. After cleaning up his bloody nose and comforting him, Gabe smacked his face on the headboard and bloodied his nose getting into bed. Just another day in the Unger house!!!!! Keep those prayers coming=)

Freebird

2008-02-19T14:07:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of the band. Papa helped the kids write a song. Something about stinky feet and a sweet treat! Funny stuff, but don't quit your day job, Papa.

Thanks for the warm welcome home!

2008-02-19T12:47:00.014-06:00

We want to say thank you to all our friends and family who have warmly welcomed us home. Diana was our unofficial housesitter. Our furnace apparently didn't turn on, and needed a repair (THANK YOU KARL), so if it hadn't been for Diana - even though we would have already shut off the water - we would have had a very cold welcome home! Diana made sure we had breakfast in the fridge for the next morning after our return, and even replaced Shrek, our beta fish, with Frank. Apparently, goldfish don't like e beta fish vases though, and Frank didn't make it long! Emma enjoyed feeding Frank for that week though.

We have really appreciated all the hugs and phone calls/emails. We didn't realize how lonely the mission field was until we returned home. So, it is back to life as usual. We'll hopefully have a newsletter out this next week giving more details about what comes next...until then enjoy pictures and stories of our family circus. We do have one question though, "Where is all the snow everyone talks about?" I think you all made it up to try to see if we would be jealous. We had shorts/sandals in the winter. Who is jealous of eight + inches of snow?

Emma is looking forward to spring weather, and has decided she wants to play softball this year. I am looking forward to some tough lessons she'll face, as following through with things hasn't been easy for her. Team sports is a great place to learn to follow through with a comittment. This picture is for you, Aunt Amy. Do you remember roller skating in the basement to "David Cassidy - he was soooo dreamy!"

Jonah finished Hooked on Phonics Level 1, and his reward is a new bible. He was soooo proud of himself today. He worked very hard for this reward (which was his idea) and we are also very proud of him.

Gabe is healthy and happy finally. He got a virus (still not sure what) while we were in Haiti, and seemed to be getting better upon returning home. Then he had symptoms which worsened and was treated for strep throat, and developed a hernia. I spoke with a nurse this weekend, who described a similar situation with her young son. She told me the swollen belly and hernia might be due to the excessive and forceful coughing he was doing, which brought so much air into his belly. His hernia is reducing by itself, as we have been praying for. Praise the Lord. Here is a picture of when he broke out in the rash and you can see how swollen his belly looks!

Here is a picture of him wrestling Papa this weekend. His belly is almost back to normal size, and he certainly isn't missing any of the action anymore!

We loved having make-up Christmas in February and probably even March this year. Here we are at Nana and Papa's house opening gifts and stockings.

Here is a picture of the boys who received overalls from Nanny and Papa, to get them geared up for the family garden this year.

Just so mama stays humble - here are photos of me making the dough, and Joshua turning off the smoke alarm. Umm...it's a long story. Suffice it to say, we did get yummy pizza and didn't even have to call Dominos!

Joshua got his new pottery wheel yesterday. We look forward to seeing him sitting and throwing. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing someone doing what they are gifted to be doing=)

American Airlines Bought Hersheys

2008-02-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

We were just as prayerful about our exit as our entrance, and still we forgot the uncertainty of relying on others for transportation. So...we took off for Port-au-Prince at 4am, and had to stop at 5am for Nat to get carsick!!! Oh that was fun. Then another hour later, George realizes that he forgot his wallet. He stops in the desert to make a phone call and come up with a plan of action. Nat gets car sick again, and gladly takes the option of waiting for George's return there in the desert. Just a quick turn around and we were dropped off at Anse Rouge, a coastal/desert town which marks the point at the bottom of the mountain. We had a ice cold coke at 6:45 am and enjoyed the peace and quiet of a town just getting started, and startled to find our white family smiling and sitting on the curb. After three months, we didn't care about all the stares and opportunistic questions. We wandered along the coast and had church ourselves on the last Sunday in Haiti. We look a little weary, but have the joy of the Lord.

George returned two hours later, and we were again on our way. We made good time and arrived at our destination within 11 hours. Joshua loved on me by ordering very expensive Dominos pizza so I didn't have to cook the minute we walked in the door. It was worth it, and I don't think I've ever eaten five pieces of pizza in a row like that before! The Baptist Haiti Mission was a comfortable and relaxing place to land right before taking off again. We had hot showers and an indoor toilet:) Mama was soooo happy. There was a playground, and area for kids to come and play football. There is a museum and even a ZOO (go figure) at the Baptist Haiti Mission. We felt like we were on vacation that last day!

Before we knew it the time had come to go to the airport. We arrived and prayed for uncommon favor in our travel lines and possible delays. We paid a Haitian porter for help with our nine trunks and 1 checked bag. Somehow they got us right to the front of a very long line at American Airlines. We were surprised at this, and even more so when the woman said brisquely as she processed our tickets, "Now, you know that your flight has been cancelled." I just pursed my lips and said, "No, we did not know this." So, apparently we would not fly out at 10am, but at 1pm. That delayed our flight from Miami, so we would now arrive home at 10pm, instead of 4pm. Our family and friends were contacted (except Brother Joe - SORRY) and we just accepted our situation. American Airlines gave us a lunch certificate for the Port-au-Prince airport. Well, suffice it to say that this didn't really turn out to be lunch. Joshua did buy us 10 Hershey Bars with that money and some yucky sandwiches and Pepsi. The kids got souvenir hats. Aren't they so cute!

We made it to Miami, and walked right through the lines to baggage. Now, last July it took us at least 30 minutes in line for this process, and the man at customs said that it is never that clear! We go down the escalator and every one of our bags are right there at the bottom of the stairs. There is even a man with a huge cart who says, "May I help you with your luggage?" We just sort of raise our eyebrows and say, "Well, sure." We sail through the customs door and are amazed at how fast and smooth that went. Joshua had a nightmare vision of the customs officials opening every one of our stuffed full trunks and questioning us since we had so much luggage. We almost left Gabriel outside the elevator in our fog, and thankfully he caught up. We get upstairs to the Miami International Airport and find ourselves where else, but outside Edy's Ice Cream. GOD IS SO GOOD.

After we all enjoyed an ice cream cone, we wandered through the airport and had dinner. We finally arrived and were thankful to see family and friends in St. Louis.
When we walked into our house, we were all so amazed at how big it was...how much stuff we have...how sparkly clean everything looks...and how cold it is in Missouri! Josh tried to see about internet, Nat took a hot shower and blow dried her hair, and the kids just looked around at amazement at all their toys. (This is at midnight). Joshua was up at 7am unloading trunks and after 24 hours of laundry...it was all put away and clean. Well, we are glad to be home, and in some ways it is like we never left. I'll do another post about some of the things we all feel we took from this experience, but right now it is just enough to type and upload photos fast and in the convienience of our own place.

Pray for our family's health. It is seemingly common for all of us to get the winter colds etc. but we have been under attack physically for weeks now. Just when things seem over, someone has new symptoms and we delay visits and plans some more. Hopefully we will all be on the mend and be ready to visit and play soon! We've missed you:)

Si Bondye vle nou pral retounin.

2008-02-01T08:10:00.000-06:00

(If God wants we will return)

Emma said, "I am happy to be here and happy to go back. I am happy to do whatever God wants us to do."

We all feel that way. Strange I guess, but I think that quandry simply speaks to thankfulness for where He has us and excitement to where He leads.

We can't clearly see past February 5th. The specifics, I mean. What? When? Where? With whom? But, we are clearer than ever about the general direction of our family - to go where He calls.

So, as we figure, it is just going to be us moving at the "speed of life"! We are just changing lanes.

We'll see ya on the road to destiny.

Joshua for the Ungers

To The Moon, Lewis!

2008-01-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

Oh, those funny chickens…

On our way out of the yard last week, as our family was taking off for a walk – Emma yelled to all the kids on the porch, “Na we pita, to the moon!” Joshua started to laugh loudly, and Emma asked him what he was laughing at. Evidently when she heard mom say “tout moun” pronounced “toot moon” meaning “everyone”…she actually heard “to the moon” So instead of saying, “See you later, everyone!” …she told them part English/part Creole “See ya later, to the moon!”

Gabeisms (and questions from a confused toddler):
• “Do you speak a Lewis, Mommy?” asked Gabriel. “I don’t know, do you speak a Lewis?” answered Mommy. “No” answered Gabriel. (It turns out that a Lewis is actually “English” as he has heard numerous people say things “in English, or in Creole”
• “There’s not any beans in that, is there Mommy?”
• “Will you zip my button?”
• “Can I have jelly on my honey?”
• “Momdy, or Dammy” – this one depended on who he realized he was talking to after starting the word…if he thought it was Mommy and then saw Daddy –Momdy. If he thought it was Daddy and then saw Mommy –Dammy.
• “How am I supposed to sleep with all these chickens cockadoodling?”
• “I need a fork (while picking up his spoon)”

Another favorite kiddo moment was during a Scrabble game, when Jonah is doing what only Jonah can do…nonsense word rhyming. He hits upon a favorite and begins chanting, “ShamaLamaDingDong” which is totally ruining my concentration. I ask him to stop and he does for about 30 seconds, bless his heart! Then comes a new chant…“MamaLlamaPingPong” at which we all fell apart laughing at his brilliant comedic timing. Like Father, Like Son!

Homeward Bound.

2008-01-25T07:49:00.000-06:00

We are closing in on the three-month stay here in Haiti, and it seems like it is going to be the busiest right at the end. Joshua is working very hard to finish the shade houses with George. This weekend there will be three men arriving from a ministry called “Heart of The Bride” to do some work in the area, and they will stay here at the guesthouse. Carol Ann will fly out on the plane they fly in on, and she will stay in Port-au-Prince for about 5 days. I will be cooking for the 8 of us here in the house (as well as George, Natasha - and Carol Ann when she is here) each day, watching the baby and homeschooling our kids as well as Natasha Monday-Friday! So pray for me, as that seems to be quite the task!!

We will leave for Port-au-Prince by truck on Sunday, February 3rd and stay at the Baptist Haiti Mission until we fly out the morning of Tuesday, February 5th. We should arrive in St. Louis on American Airlines sometime in the afternoon. Our layover in Miami is shorter this time, I think – and we will all be very much ready to arrive and greet our loved ones! We plan to go out to eat at Steak-N-Shake on 1st Capitol after gathering (hopefully) our luggage. We know for sure that Jim, Sharon, and Amy will be joining us for dinner. Anyone else is welcome to come along and we can just make the waitress’ night as the circus comes to dinner! Otherwise – don’t hesitate to call or make plans with us. We look forward to several Christmas celebrations we missed with our family. We will be busy unpacking and getting settled back home, but we have missed you all. We have reminded ourselves that most people didn’t pre-order tickets to “The Unger Family Theater” reenacting our trip, so we’ll keep the drama to a minimum (unless you purchase tickets at the door, and then sit back for quite a show – the kids are spooled up!)

We are just as prayerful about the re-entry as we were about the departure. Please join us in praying for the doors to open for employment for Joshua, and the grace to receive God’s will. His timing is always perfect, and His plans prevail for those who submit!
Nat

A mixed bag...

2008-01-17T09:10:00.000-06:00

Today was a great day!

We awoke and breath was still in our lungs.

That was followed by eyes blinking, coffee drinking,
minds thinking,and hearts thanking.

We then found ourselves fed by His word to have strength for the day.

We did what was before us to do and now are reflecting with thanksgiving.

1st Law of Thermodynamics:

Energy can be neither created nor destroyed
(except by God).

2nd Law of Thermodynamics:

The universe is moving from order to chaos.
(Hence, why I break so many things.)

Generational Change…

Her mother said that she would never…

She is willing to …, but with slight hesitation because it is new and different and slightly unusual. She still has to think about it and willfully choose to …

Her daughter, however, just accepts that she is going to ... It is simply part of living life.

My favorite part of being Haiti:

I believe God brought us here.

or

Kreyol for “noodle” is “makawoni”.

Relationally stupid or Emotionally fragile?

2008-01-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:25

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. We love, because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:18-19

The vows we make when we get hurt, and the things we do as a result of our wounds to protect us only make matters worse for ourselves and those around us.

All our striving only separates us from the only One who can truly heal our wounds.

I have chosen for years to get “tougher” with each rejection or kick to the proverbial groin. And after becoming a Christian, I like to call my stance “righteousness”.

While I am seeking the Lord with all that I am, people can only see my judgments, condemnation, anger, and Mr. Tough Guy persona. All of these are ways to protect myself from supposedly caring about the rejections experienced when I have opened my heart to folks…and then receiving only jabs, scoffs, and laughter. I am a mere man. I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a potter, a gardener, a missionary. I am learning to take my wounds to my Father in heaven who can heal and comfort. He can then use my scars for His glory.

My wife reminded me today that I’m not relationally stupid, that is just an easy place I can hide out. That sort of thinking gives excuse to the difficulties in my relationships. The truth is…I am emotionally fragile (as, I believe, most men are) and that sort of vulnerability is actually what God needs, if I will allow it, to be used for His glory.

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore, I will boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

May He break us and oh, so gently restore us…daily.

Not necessarily sustainable Haiti food talk, but…

Humbled to serve our King,
Joshua

Hope

2008-01-07T08:22:00.000-06:00

Romans 5:2-5 “…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts…”

For out of the depths of despair in my life, I sought an answer to the loneliness and emptiness that I felt. I looked in books, bottles, teachers, friends, love – yet all came up empty…The answer is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…”

At just the right time in my life, I was given the hope that I was looking for! It is my prayer that all those I love will come to know that same peace and hope that God is so ready to give. He won't throw Himself at you, and cannot force you to come to Him. But He is waiting.

Romans 5:6-8 “You see, at just the right time when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I challenge you to seek God and see if He doesn’t meet you right where you are, ready to pour out His love into your heart – through the saving grace of His Son, Jesus Christ. I’m praying for you…

Love,
Your Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, Friend…Natalie

Jonah has big news!

2008-01-04T09:01:00.001-06:00

Jonah responded this past fall to the Lord and accepted Jesus as his Savior. He asked Joshua about being baptized, and we set off on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 to do just that. We arrived in Mole St. Nicholas and were again reminded of our BIG and AMAZING God. It almost doesn’t seem real to be in such beautiful surroundings. I’ve never been to such a beautiful beach, and it was a day to remember! Jonah was baptized in the Atlantic Ocean, and rose up out of the water with a shout of joy – as you can only imagine that boy would! After that we picnicked and swam. Here are some pictures to enjoy, and I’m sure Jonah will enjoy sharing this experience with you upon our return.

We have left our footprints on Haiti, at least once!

Violet

2008-01-04T08:54:00.001-06:00

We were invited to visit The Leach family and Linda Blankenship who serve in Bombardopolis, Haiti. We drove the 1 ½ hours over to visit on New Year’s eve morning. When we arrived, they had a tiny bundle in an oval basket. She was a preemie twin who had caught a cold, and was being cared for by Faith Leach. Her name was Violet, as that was the color cap that Faith had placed on her head. Her twin sister was Jonita (Jon is yellow in Creole) and that was the color cap that Faith had put on her when she was in their care. The twins traded off in their short weeks since arriving, and whoever was weaker or sicker came to be cared for and the other went home with mom. Violet was there now, and she had stopped breathing three times the previous night, and one time for more than three minutes. Faith said, she had given CPR successfully once, and then had realized after that time that it was just not enough. But each time she began to breathe again once laid down. It was a miracle she was still living that morning. Faith had inserted a feeding tube to get the nourishment directly to her and not have the baby aspirating formula or worsening her cough. She was fed that way and cared for throughout the day and evening we visited. She was wrapped in many blankets and had a hot water bottle wrapped inside the basket to keep her warm. She hardly made a noise all day, and it was easy to forget there was even a baby in the basket over on the bench. There was another small baby who was being cared for – Linda took charge of that baby while we were there, his name was Willy. That baby was stronger and made more squeaks so we noticed him more, and I had chances to hold him and love on him. The next morning the children saw Willy and gave him his due attention and baby talking…but they didn’t see Violet. Emma asked if she had gone home, and Faith responded that yes she had, but not the way Emma had thought. Violet had not lived through the night, and her father had taken her home that morning to be buried. “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; May the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21

Here is Violet in the small oval basket…the next time you serve bread in a basket on your table, please remember to pray for the preemie babies of Haiti who are cared for with all the love of our Lord, and given every chance possible at life. God is sovereign and those He has taken home are certainly where they belong! We praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ today, and thank Him for our life and the opportunity to serve Him!

Conversations with the Haitians.

2007-12-28T11:38:00.000-06:00

Ours days here in Haiti became more difficult for me recently, probably out of my silly impatience. Historically, I have powered through situations, or at least that was my perception. Our adventure began obviously busy and didn’t allow for much evaluation or contemplation. It was just a transitional time to get semi-settled. That was followed by my just being happy to be here. You know - the honeymoon period. I smiled to be on an adventure. I smiled just to follow Jesus – He brought us here. The last week, however, has been, well, a time when I was missing my world of familiar faces and circumstances. I wanted to go home.

Creole is cumbersome. My body is weary from everyday tasks being at bit more involved and difficult than with the many creature comfort afforded in suburban America. Boo hoo for me, huh? I have yet to have a burning pillar of fire to follow God’s direction. I guess that is what is most troublesome for me. I have been praying for clarity of God’s call on my life. I just want to be obedient to what He has for me, but I want it to be obvious and well…now. So, I fret. I whine. I question. Is this where I should be Lord? Why hasn’t this happened? Or that happened? Silly boy, am I.

Natalie and I have been praying specifically for the opportunity to have conversations with some local leaders and farmers. And the other day Austin Truelove, George and Carol Ann’s son back on winter break from College of The Ozarks (Cool School!), came up to me while I was digging the footings for the shade houses with Jeznet and Jean Claude. He said that a couple mayors and the local pastor wanted to “interview” me. HA!

I, being a tad cynical at times, immediately questioned their motives. Why would they want to talk to me? Is this an interview or and interrogation? But, I very eagerly went to speak with them via Austin the translator.

It was an answer to prayer. It was a conversation with the Haitians. They asked how long we would be here. Where have I traveled in the Northwest Region? From my three visits to Haiti, what has been most impressionable about Haiti? What do I see as possible solutions to the lack of water? The Haitians bent towards “raping” the land? The style of agriculture I prefer? If God calls me back to Haiti, will I come? I love that one! Which area would I prefer to live? …

I shared that I was thankful that they came to speak with me, that they were a very real answer to prayer. I shared about my first experience in the Northwest territory, the love for Haiti and compassion for Haitians God has put in my heart. I shared that before being able answer questions about water or preferred farming styles that I still had a lot of learning to do about the Haitian ways. I shared that the question of obedience is the ultimate question for us all – will we follow Jesus where He leads? I shared that I believe Haiti needs foundational restoration of its families. Fathers need to come home. Restaveks (castaway children) need to come home. Growing food can allow a family to feed itself and become free from hunger, and malnutrition. They can also gain economic and political freedom if they become independent from other’s charity and hand-outs. If they live by God’s ways, He can help them. The hand-to-mouth situation in Haiti can be stopped. Haitians are incredibly proud and capable of solving their own problems. I shared that I believe my role, or any other foreigner’s for that matter, can be encouraging not enabling. To encourage a people beat down by difficult living.

It was a great conversation for me. It allowed me the opportunity to get a glimpse into their perceptions of their country, their life, Americans, etc. I pray that it was a great conversation for them as well. I pray that God would grow the words I spoke that were from Him, and that they would forget the words I spoke that were not for Him. May He continue to bless us and our efforts towards growing His kingdom on this earth before His return. I pray for an open dialogue.

What is it that Josh does?

2007-12-28T09:03:00.000-06:00

This is not the first season of my life that people have had this question. While the rest of us have shared about their experience here in Haiti, I have not, sooo...

The first few weeks here it was difficult for me to do anything except that which was right in front of me to do. I have settled into a sort of routine, but this is only a three month stay. Any long term, permanent, or complicated projects just don’t make sense to put energy into right now.

With that said, I have not found myself with idle hands. Foremost, I have been occupied with making sure that my family if aptly supplied for the everyday life with produce and staples from the local market and merchants. About twice a week I walk the 3 mile round trip to Mare Rouge with a backpack or two strapped and loaded.

Beyond that weekly chore, I have had an ample list of to-do’s at the Faith Medical Clinic, the Truelove’s home, and beyond. Tasks have included:

 grass mowing
 rock clearing
 brush mulching
 trash burning
 tree trimming
 fence raising and tying
 trenching for and burying electrical line and conduit from the generator to the clinic
 outhouse repairing
 clothes line constructing
 goat butchering
 bi-weekly email and blog communicating
 roof repairing and patching
 furniture (a buffet) sanding, sealing, finishing and installing
 smell finding (twice!)
 ambulance driving for the clinic
 rock busting for the shade houses
 foundation digging for the shade houses
 manure collecting
 depot organizing
 tool box building, painting and installing into Gabriel the 2 ½ ton ex-military truck with George
 radiator removing, and installing with Chuck
 bench seat cutting, sanding, painting, and installing into Gabriel’s bed
 custom painting Gabriel (again the truck. Not my son.)
 learning welding
 language studying
 Bible reading
 home schooling as per course instructor
 board game playing
 joke cracking
 blah, blah, blah

Anyway…It’s frustrating to not be able to communicate clearly and freely with the people around us. It makes me feel isolated at times and exhausted other times because of the amount of energy it takes to think of and look up words to complete sentences and expand my vocabulary. Lord, help me. I look forward to the day that I can smart off with the local teenagers. But for now, I can be cordial, negotiate at the market (while dicey at times), and when an interested and kind soul gives me the time even manage a few complete thoughts.

Hopefully, I will able to have a few rounds of “20 questions” with some of the local farmers and community leaders before we return to Missouri, because I believe the most important part of this stage in the game is for me to get as intimate as I can with the Haitian dilemma. What is it that they think they need? What do they see as possible solutions to their problems? Where, if even, does God have for me to fit into this puzzle?

Merry Christmas...continued.

2007-12-24T07:51:00.000-06:00

“Not exactly a white Christmas!”

“Are you hanging your laundry outside today?”

“Fresh picked flowers in December!”

“Emma is helping neighbors make “akason” - a hot hominy drink.”

“Neighbors”

“Thanks Debbie”

“Nat can almost carry charcoal like this!”

Merry Christmas...

2007-12-20T09:04:00.000-06:00

Enjoy this video of Nativity through the eyes of a three-year-old. Notice the manners we are oh so proud of...Love The Ungers.

Compassion, anyone?

2007-12-20T08:21:00.000-06:00

Ever have one of those days when YOU don’t even want to be with yourself? I didn’t have enough going wrong today, and even had to make stuff up to cry about. At one point Joshua called the kids in from their raucous playing outside to tell them, “Sit down and be quiet, your Mom is hormonal!” If that doesn’t make you stop and laugh…well after you stop crying again for being so out of it that people make it like an illness! I gained perspective this afternoon and feel shamed for my drama, when I remembered to pray for someone’s surgery. Some have just received new hope by medical interventions, and some may not receive that same answer of healing. We are praying for those of you who have shared your needs. God cares about all of our hurts, big and small. Psalm 23:3 “He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Yesterday the baby threw up on me with projectile vomit twice and Gabe had an accident in his pants. You might be thinking, gross, why is she sharing this? Well, those of you moms were just thinking…been there, done that! As I’m cleaning dirty clothes in a small bucket of cold rain water, I’m not exactly praising the Lord. I wish I could say that I was mature enough to sing hymns while cleaning diarrhea, but I’m not. I gave Gabe a cold shower while he screamed, and I told him I wouldn’t have to do that if he didn’t poop his pants.
Well, how’s that for compassion.

Later that evening, I invited two neighbor children over to watch a movie on the projector since we finally caught up on battery juice. Well those two turned into twelve, but that is expected in a place like this. I was moved during the movie when I thought about how many of these children don’t have a father, or even any parents. How my heart cries for those who don’t get what each child needs, love and affection. And they will know we are Christians by our love…Do I live this out? That is a great question to examine myself. I know that I do show that love when things are going easy, but that kind of love isn’t about my circumstances.

The kids are learning Matthew 5:16 this week in school.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

God moved my heart the other night to do something for the neighbors for Christmas. There is a group of buildings behind the medical clinic next door, called The Nutrition Center. People who come for medical care and have malnourished children are allowed to stay there to receive longer care and access to food/medicine. These women have usually had children back-to-back-to-back. It is not usually the baby who suffers but the one who had to stop nursing so mom could care for the newest baby. Carol Ann has tried to convince the women to keep nursing during pregnancy, but it is hard sometimes to get Haitians to see their responsibility of their children’s malnutrition and make changes. Right now there is a mom with a tiny preemie baby staying at the center. The baby weighs about 3 lbs. Carol Ann usually keeps these babies until they are strong enough to go home. She already is caring for 5 month-old Francelynn and going to Port-Au-Prince this week to deliver a baby for a missionary. Sunday night we were walking past the nutrition center, and I asked if I could take pictures of the women and their children. I think they wanted the camera and I did my best to explain that I’ll print them on paper and they’ll receive a picture later. Then they started posing for pictures! The next day when the women saw me again, they asked me lots of questions as they lined the fence. I told them I have three children and they wanted to know about the Haitian baby I was holding. I told them she lived with Miss Carol Ann, and then they started asking me if I wanted their babies (At least I think they did). I laughed and said no thanks, and they laughed and went back to their day. I heard later that these women don’t know my Jesus, and I have been thinking of them ever since. So, the Lord laid it on my heart to clean up the yard for those families and bring them cookies. This is a witnessing opportunity for all of us and it is my prayer that their hearts are being prepared as I type. I can think of no better way to honor Christ at the time we celebrate his birth, than to share the love we’ve been given to the lost and sick. Pray for our family Saturday as we work together in the name of the Lord.

This morning, Emma praised God for new mercies after we sang, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” We were all homesick yesterday, and we talked this morning about how some days it is easier to choose to follow Jesus than others. Thank you for your prayers.

more photos...

2007-12-17T08:05:00.000-06:00

Photos...

2007-12-14T06:49:00.000-06:00

Daily Life.

2007-12-14T06:47:00.000-06:00

I was asked to give more details about our daily activities. If it were like taking a snapshot – they are just like at home. If you zoom in closer, there are lots of differences in how we do things even though we do the same things.

We all get up by 6 am and eat breakfast. After mom washes dishes and we all clean up, we start school. Lots of distractions and interruptions and we finish school by lunch usually. After lunch, Gabe naps and we do quiet activities. The kids play outside until dinner and afterwards we read and talk. Sometimes we listen to music or work on the computer writing responses to people’s emails. We go to bed by 8 pm usually. Joshua is doing lots of maintenance work here on the property and preparing the land for the shade houses. We read our bibles and pray every day and go to church on Sunday mornings. We usually take a family walk on Saturdays and buy a coke at the store if it is open.

The differences are cold showers, laundry by hand and hung on a line, propane-fueled small stove, no refrigerator, and no indoor toilet (unless you count the 5-gallon bucket used during the night!) The store is at least a mile-and-a-half walk away, and he isn’t always open. The market sells produce and items we might need on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-2pm but there is no guarantee what will be available. We don’t have our own vehicle, and we don’t speak the language. If we were to run out of money, there is no bank in this area. It is possible to exchange money in a few places, but you have to have the money to exchange. We can buy cell phone minutes, but it is terribly expensive to talk to anyone we know, as they live in another country! We have solar-powered batteries giving electricity for computers, projectors and lights. We have a digital camera, laptop computer and lots of toys, school supplies and books.

When the laundress comes to our door, I gave her the bars of lye soap, a plastic cup full of “Fab” and a cup with Chlorox, and she takes the two great big metal bowls called kivettes to wash in the space behind the house. She sits in a very small rattan chair which looks like it is for a toddler. The clothes are rubbed with lye soap and then rinsed. After that they are rinsed with the fab soap which is a powder soap that supposedly smells better than the lye soap. I don’t know what it is, both of them stink to me! Joshua and I talked and would rather use Tide (or some other American soap) for all things in the first place. I don’t know if it would clean like lye soap, but I would be willing to try. Nothing smells like lye soap mixed with sweat! This is how laundry is done here, even if a hand-held mixing machine or tables were available for people to use. This is what they know, and they don’t want to change.

We still eat American, with some locally grown produce.

Breakfast is oatmeal, cream of wheat, eggs, pancakes, banana bread or cinnamon rolls that Natalie made. Josh broke down and bought four boxes of cereal for the kids when we arrived. That is gone as of this week. Only Gabriel will eat it with powdered milk. I think the powdered milk would be fine, but we don’t have a refrigerator here at the guest house, so it is just as cold as the water I mix it with. Sometimes we have bananas or grapefruit.

Lunch is peanut butter and jelly, or sometimes leftovers. Sometimes there is avocado, and carrots. We usually eat the Haitian sour oranges, which we have come to enjoy. Sometimes they are too sour, but if they ripen enough there fine.

Dinner is noodles, or rice/and or beans. I make a tomato sauce or white sauce for the particular meal. We have can tuna, chicken and sometimes goat. We only had fresh chicken once. It is more expensive, and we were able to get a case of canned chicken. Joshua would like to get the fresh fish from the lady who comes by on occasion, but we haven’t caught up with her yet. We eat homemade rolls and salad as much as possible. Cabbage salad with lettuce or spinach if it is available. Joshua makes a vinaigrette dressing, but has to use vegetable oil instead of olive oil. We have carrots, and sometimes tomatoes. Twice we ate homemade pizza from Carol Ann. That was soooo good!

We’ve had brownies, cookies, pie, and once – homemade donuts since we arrived as well as some pate (like a turnover) and cinnamon bread.

So to answer someone’s question, are you guys losing weight? No, in fact it is still as much of a struggle to keep from gaining weight with the white bread and pastas and refined sugars. We eat healthier at home, but more options are available to us there. Even the same foods we eat at home are made with healthier ingredients. I eat less sugar and sodas here, but the others didn’t get to sneak those as often as I did at work! We ate organic, and natural at home with more vegetables and whole wheat. We did bring coconut oil with us to use as a substitute for Crisco, and we will probably run out and have to use the vegetable shortening. We have been using vegetable oil, and most everything has the evil high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredients, as well as msg Joshua informs me.

We have experienced the difference since Joshua began to grow food for our family. We eat so many more vegetables and it is becoming more of what we are used to. Some vegetables are available here, but it is one person doing a good job and many people reselling their produce. So what we have found is that it is just as expensive or more to eat like Americans here in Haiti, unless you farm or choose to lose nutritional intake. I look forward to practicing what we have learned here. We stretch things further and have to be creative sometimes without refrigerators or microwaves.

The Haitians eat usually bread, or some kind of porridge in the morning with their coffee or hot chocolate, and a big meal around 1 or 2pm. That meal is usually soup, rice and beans, or some kind of pasta dish. This is the meal they include meat if they can. Kids eat oranges, grapefruits, and sugar cane as snacks sometimes, but they usually don’t snack. There are also these shortbread-like packaged cookies and different packaged hard peppermint candies. There is another short meal in the evening, maybe rice or more bread. Today, Dadu came over with a big hunk of bread and a slice of avocado after school. She sometimes has a bowl of rice for dinner.

I think it is the lack of nutritional value from a varied diet that people are missing. People who aren’t starving, still aren’t very healthy if they don’t vary their diet. People can’t do that when the food is expensive and their salaries are so small. People do walk everywhere though, and that is part of why they are thinner, plus they eat less altogether.

So that is what it is like for us right now. Sometimes the same activities – it just takes more work to get it done. We really haven’t given up too many comforts, and when I’m not being a drama queen (I can almost hear all of you gasp “not you” in my defense) I can see just how good we’ve got it here. When I walk a few yards and see what others have (or don’t have) I remember it is all going to burn anyway, to quote a friend. What we need most of all, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, is more than enough!

Ou Met Ale.

2007-12-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

My heart is moved for a woman named, Ilyama, who lives on a pile of rocks next to the generator shed outside our fence. She wears torn clothing that don’t completely cover her, and has many teeth missing. She doesn’t bathe and talks and laughs to herself. People here describe her as someone who is “not right in the head”. I asked more questions, and forgive me if I get some details wrong, but her story is not unusual. She got a very severe case of post partum depression (sp?) after delivering her third baby. That developed into major paranoia and she began to live her life this way. She has family and neighbors who have taken her in and offered her another life. She goes back to the same pile and keeps herself the same way as soon as she can. She brings a pot of food to our door frequently and says things that don’t make sense. Someone is obviously feeding her, but I don’t know who. Some children go by and throw rocks at her and taunt her. She usually yells back and throws rocks in defense. Working for Community Opportunities these past few years has given me a perspective about what is possible. Without medications, some people cannot choose to be well themselves. But I’ve seen people live longer with a quality of life that isn’t available here. So I pray for Ilyama’s deliverance from the mental illness, and that she would accept the outstretched hands offering the love of Christ. And I offer her what I can…a smile and a kind voice while I say, “Ou met ale” (you may go). Everything inside me fights those words, because I don’t usually tell people to go, but keep inviting them in. This isn’t about what I want though, but what is best. So, I reluctantly follow suit of those who’ve been here longer and just keep walking by. Not my will, but Your will be done…

White Kids Can't Dance!

2007-12-12T07:02:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the Sesame Street song, Which one of these things is not like the other? Which one of these things just doesn't belong? Well....can you pick out the three things that don't belong in this video. Hint - look for the ones without rhythm. Enjoy. Love, the Ungers

more thoughts...

2007-12-10T09:52:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe we have been here for a month already. We are trying our best to learn the language. It is hard to put all the words together, and know what you need when you are in the middle of a conversation. We all laughed when our littlest friend, 3-year-old Dadu, walked in while we were eating dinner and started a dissertation in Creole. We looked at each other and back at her just laughing out loud. We explained to her that we don’t know Creole, and understand only a little bit – she just hung her head and walked away dejected. I am just in love with that sweet thing, she just has the biggest grin and chatters away just like her counterpart Gabriel. And she isn’t so naïve, but knows my soft side and suckers me out of candy or “chicklets” every chance she gets. It’s called the Wear Down Theory and just like my kids she is a professional. We had a chance to explain to the kids that we laughed at Dadu for the same reasons people laugh at us. We have no idea what she was saying or coming over for. Other people laugh because we do things differently and say things they cannot understand. I think they understood a little better. As a mommy, it sure warms my heart to see our kids surrounded by other kids and playing happily. The “machines” or cars are a big hit, as well as the unifix cubes which all the kids use for a multitude of activities not just math. I am learning useful language for playing, and that is what the kids need right now. We sure miss our church. It is fine to go to a Baptist service here, and similar in many of the traditional service we know…but to sit through a long sermon without having any idea what someone is saying can be difficult enough without three bored little “angels.” If I can know what passage the sermon is from, I can read my bible and pray…but the little ones just act like they are in prison! I won’t let them take anything but their bible now as to not disturb others. Joshua and I laughed at lunch after church when we thanked God for the six new words we did understand in the sermon! The pastors are very passionate and I can tell that the message is powerful. The Hatians can hit an octave so high, I didn’t know it existed. Joshua has been practicing saying wi (yes) with that high pitch, it is funny. This last week we took the Lord’s Supper. It was beautiful to know that even though there are language barriers, the Word still reads the same, and the sacrament is still the same. A woman was standing and swaying to the music while we all received our bread and wine. I was moved by the way she unabashedly responded to the Lord by giving him all her praise and worship. I felt so renewed this week from the Sabbath, and know that you are praying for me. Joshua noticed how much I smiled, and we danced in the kitchen one night. Thanks, Sarah for that encouragement! It might have been that I relaxed because I was drugged with Benadryl taken to offset the allergic reaction from the bug bites – but I would much rather believe that I am filled with the Holy Spirit, and joy from serving the King of Kings.

Unger Top Ten List from Haiti:

2007-12-10T09:50:00.000-06:00

10. We live in the clouds on a tropical island.
9. Joshua dumps the bucket in the morning now!
8. The “sweet” smell of lye soap and sweaty clothes worn by Joshua for days.
7. Confused roosters crow all night long.
6. Dog fights outside the bedroom window wake us in a panic in the still of night.
5. The goat lady delivers like Dominos (well... not exactly like Dominos).
4. Animals sound like a broken See-And-Say.
3. Cold showers on a cold mountain morning (30 demos, 30 demos, 30 demos…)
2. The aroma of burning trash mixed with charcoal kitchens and the outhouse.
1. We finally found the source of that smell…AGAIN!

If you have never been to Haiti, maybe this makes you more certain you aren’t going! If you have been to Haiti, you are probably misty eyed at the memories. And if you never sold books door-to-door as a college student, you won’t get the demos reference! We love all of you reading this blog and thank you for the encouragement you send us each week. Emails and comments help us feel connected during this transition. God Bless.

According to Jonah...

2007-12-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

"Before we came to Haiti, I thought our trip would be different. I thought we wouldn’t have the things I wanted, like my toys. When I got here I found out it wasn’t different because it was really fun actually. I didn’t think I would have friends, but I found some. I climb trees with new friends Herold, Jean-Luc, Vlad, and RoJeano. We build with blocks and Legos. I also get to go to the bathroom in the bushes all the time, and I never get to do that at home. It is fun to take walks because I get to look at the pretty rocks and take them home. I collect coconut shells, hermit crabs and snail shells. When we went to the ocean, I collected pink, white, and other shells. There are a lot of people in Haiti, and I don’t know what they say. I get embarrassed sometimes when they stare at me, or laugh at me.
I liked to ride in the big army truck, it goes really fast. I was surprised by the cold shower because it felt like there was snow on me. Now Mommy heats up water in the teapot and puts it in the bucket. She dumps it on my head, and I like it better. I like the cabbage salad a lot. It tastes like broccoli and cauliflower, and I like those vegetables. Haiti doesn’t have as many vegetables as our garden back home. I have to eat a lot of goat meat and I don’t like it because it is so chewy. I have sit at the table a long time those nights. Back home I had to share a room with Gabriel, and now I share it with him AND Emma. I wish I had my own bedroom. Here, I get to work with Daddy and pick up rocks and trash. He pays me and I get to buy my own Coca Cola when we walk to the store. I helped Daddy buy food at the market. I want to come back to Haiti."

As you are going....

2007-12-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

I am unsure of being called/designated a “missionary”. I have seen foreign missionaries seemingly lifted onto a platform before local congregations. In a sense, I am reluctant to accept a title which easily could puff one’s pride as being distinguished for having attained a “higher level” of righteousness than others.

My being in Haiti, is simply my responding to God’s call on my life and attempting to be obedient to my Lord. Biblically, we ALL, as followers of Christ have that same exact calling on our lives.

Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, ….”
Mathew 28:18-19, NLT

I read recently that the “go” has been mistranslated into English. “Go” is not a directive. Rather, the original text should be translated, “As you are going”. I like that.

“…Therefore, as you are going, make disciples of all the nations, …”

It implies no special action, no special place, and no special skills. EVERY follower of Jesus is to make disciples. They are to share their knowledge in the Lord with those they come in contact with everyday. What a subtle lie from hell to believe that the sharing and teaching of our faith is quarantined to only a specific, elite few and then only when they are on a “mission” or in the “ministry”. Even the greenest Christian knows more of salvation than most who are without a relationship with Jesus.

It’s funny. The moment I committed to follow Christ wherever He sent me was the moment I settled with never leaving where I was. I realized that His calling is the same wherever “here” or “there” is. Frankly, we faced real opposition to heading our family in this direction. Some of it was overt and in-our-face. Some of it was subtle and discreet, flimsily dressed as support. Still more of it was unseen by our eyes and unheard with our ears. All of it, however, was futile. We are “here”. “Here” is wherever we are. Jesus is our Lord. We take the kingdom of God with us because the kingdom of God is wherever Jesus is Lord. That is where we are, in the kingdom of God.

Again, “…as you are going, make disciples of all the nations, …”

May we live our lives OUT LOUD. Every moment of every day.

Lord, you have my life. It is yours to use. I pray that I will have the grace to receive your will. Amen.

Joshua

Crazy Tasty!

2007-12-03T14:47:00.000-06:00

A note to loved ones: we are very safe and happy. I won’t say comfortable always, but taken care of for sure. God provides for all of our needs! We have solar battery powered electricity, running indoor water from a clean well that we drink from, and even access to the internet. We can walk and buy a coke, and we get fresh food every day. The Truelove’s have a projector that views DVD’s and sometimes we even have movie night. The projector pulls a lot of energy from the batteries so it has to be fully charged, or we just would have to go without lights! It feels funny to be watching movies here though!

Carol Ann told me that the rainy season comes a few times a year here. George said the longest straight days of rain here on record with him is 28 days. I sure hope next month we don’t see that repeated! Sheesh that would be pretty frustrating for all of us, but maybe needed for the growing season? Usually it rains for little bursts, but mostly the sun is shining. It is cold in the evening and morning, typical mountain climate – and if the sun keeps up during the day it feels like a warm fall day back home.

OK, so picture this: We are sitting at the kitchen table having our usual school day and there comes a knock at the screen door. I hear a quiet “Madanm Natalie” People usually stand back at the door until asked in, so you have to know the voice or come to the door to see who is calling. I go to the door to see the neighbor who is pointing to the yard to a woman. I step out, confused as I don’t understand what the neighbor is telling me this woman is here for. I think she has said it is wash day. I don’t understand still because she is not my laundress and so I start to wonder, “Does she want to do my wash? Does she want me to do her wash? Does she want to talk about the overpriced lye soap?” Now, mind you this woman has a big silver bowl called a kivet on her head. It was full, with a green cloth over everything. I finally notice the obvious that she doesn’t want to debate the salary of the laundress in Haiti when I see the leg sticking out of the side of the bowl. She has a dead animal to sell me! Alrighty then….I said, “Um..Mesye Joshua, and point to the Truelove’s house across the road. He was over there doing some work. The woman looks frustrated as she was told to come here to me! Well we make our way over to their gate, and I tell her to wait. Joshua is confused – but Carol Ann knows just what she is doing. We all go outside and find that this woman has butchered her goat this morning and is on the way to market (Thursday open market in Mare Rouge) and is stopping to sell us meat as she was instructed on Tuesday when Joshua bought meat from her at the market. I don’t know that Joshua knew he told her this. Oh it is fun to learn a new language. Well, I explain that I know nothing and the lady laughs and agrees quickly. Joshua and Carol Ann haggle over prices and cuts of meat. The lady is kicking a dog out of the way while she takes this huge cleaver and begins to “whack, whack, whack” at the bones and meat. I’m seriously NEVER going to be a butcher. I’m barely allowed to use the steak knives and reluctantly use bigger ones with supervision usually!!!! Well Joshua said she did a very professional job cutting neck to tailbone without a bone splinter. All I know is this lady hands me a large leg of goat and a chunk of liver and I’m off back across the street to “sweat” the meat as Carol Ann instructed me. Do you think the people going to market, and the neighbors were laughing at a woman carrying meat? Or a woman carrying the cut of meat I had? Or perhaps the look of disgust and confusion on my face? Well, I tried not to take it personal that they laughed at me, and be happy and thankful for fresh meat. I did have Emma take a picture of me so you all could laugh at me also. I prepared liver for lunch, and we saved the other for subsequent meals. At lunch, Joshua saw me eating my liver very fast, and he asks me if I’m doing that so it will be gone fast. I just smiled and nodded, trying not to choke. He laughs and says, “You sure do love Jesus, don’t you!” Now, I have made banan pese which is fried plantains since we arrived and did pretty good. These have gotten ripe like bananas though, and they are not the same let me tell you. I gagged down every bite as quiet as I could. I had to set the example for the children that we don’t waste food we don’t like as there are people who are literally starving to death. Now, I realize that I could never be hungry or full enough myself to save even one person from starving to death – however I can have an attitude of appreciation for what I have been given. Oh, was the Lord going to test me that day on this. Man, if I had to eat one more thing I didn’t like. Oatmeal, liver, fish, and yucky sauce etc. It just wasn’t my day. Those of you with kids have probably read the book about Alexander and his terrible, no good, very bad day. Well, I was ready to move to Australia…but they probably serve goat liver, and yucky kangaroo stuff there as well. Anyway…have I given enough insight into my bad attitude yet?
Philippians 3:19 “…their god is their stomach, and their glory in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” (I am properly rebuked here.)
Philippians 4:12, 13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (This is what I am aspiring towards)
So this is a glimpse into the confessions of a humbled missionary who sees her sinful selfishness and knows that joy comes from a thankful heart. Let me take the time here to tell those of you reading this how truly thankful I am. Thank you for your support, and encouragement. Thank you for not judging me when I honestly and vulnerably share my experiences. Thank you for your prayers that I will grow more Christ-like through this experience. Thank you for the examples that you women set before me that obey his commands and joyfully serve your household and your Lord! Thank you for sending us so that God can direct us to work He has planned for our family.

Joshua is loving the land, and learning about the people. He has gone today for supplies to begin building shade houses here for the Trueloves. It is great to see someone doing what they are meant to be doing. Well, I guess that is my lesson. How do I shift my paradigm to remember it is an honor to keep a happy home, and that happiness will start from Mama and spread out? I guess I keep my eyes on the Lord, and a song on my lips and get to scrubbing pots with cold dishwater and cut up fresh meat. As I read in The Power Of A Praying Wife: Lord, give my husband a new wife and let her be me! May I be a witness to the transformation that Christ gives, and not just a whiny wife, and my husband says an AMEN to that

Grandma Lamb! Get crocheting because your chapos (hats) are all the rage!

Over the hills...

2007-11-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

We spent Saturday with the several of the missionsaries in the Northwest of Haiti at La Source. As a Thankgiving to God celebration we had the traditional fixin's except chicken substituted for turkey. It colminated with 13 flavors of pie. That was only outnumbered by the 25 people that flanked the truck for the 1 1/2 hour drive through the mountains.

Join us in Thankgiving to a God that is suffiecient to meet ALL our needs. Amen.

Haiti...some raw thoughts.

2007-11-28T13:17:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to be here,
to be with my wife,
to be with my children,
to be on a new adventure,
to be serving our King,
to be humbled by our Lord,
to be walking by faith,
to be convicted of sins,
to be forgiven when I ask,
to be broken daily,
to be restored daily,
…simply to breathe.

There was an overwhelming moment recently as I realized and contemplated that my heart’s desires may be in my Lord’s will. Sheesh.

The hardest part of this season in not my life is not the weariness from travel or the lack of familiar creature comforts. It isn’t even the unfamiliar circumstances, or the inability to communicate clearly with the people around us. Nor is it the strain of learning so many new things at the same time.

The hardest part of this season of my life is the examination of the purity of my motives. Why do I do what I do? If I am seeking to know Jesus, if I am aspiring towards Christ-likeness, then I will be consistently, even constantly checking myself. I will be evaluating my reasons for doing. Often, I am faced with simple selfishness. Ouch. God sees our hearts. Do I do what I do to glorify my Father? Do I do what I do because I want to look good before man or to fill my own desires? Ouch.

I was reminded this past week by a friend about the seed that must die to bear fruit. While contradictory to the world’s logic, or even common sense, this idea of self-sacrifice is foundational to following Jesus. This is what He requires. He wants us all wholly.

So, as another friend reminded me recently, I pray that I may have the grace to receive His will.

Joshua

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T13:59:00.001-06:00

Here we are in Miami ready for the final ride

We are a three-ring circus! Look at all that carry-on luggage!!!!

The Eagle Has Landed!

She'll be comin 'round the mountain when she comes...here is the mountain "road"

Blog for 11-18-07
We got up and ready for church. Emma was invited to go to small group girl’s class with Natasha Truelove. She bravely jumped up and headed out the door. When that was over though – she came back and asked if she could go back to the next bigger class. By the time we met her at worship service, she was crying and ready for mommy! When I asked her why she was upset, she just said she didn’t like it that she didn’t know anyone or what they were saying. Later, Natasha said the girls were just excited that she was there. Emma thought they were teasing her in a mean way, but they were just playing with her because they were happy to meet her! Carol Ann said everyone at church was excited we were here. She said a lot of missionaries come through but not very many come with their children. As our children colored with their small books and crayons, I had the thought about whether that just separates us even more as their children don’t have crayons or paper to bring to church. In America we are encouraged to have quiet activities and children’s bulletin papers to color in worship, so they don’t distract the adults. Haitian children just sit quietly, or some get up and walk outside. There aren’t very many disturbances even though there are tons of small children at church. So, I’m not sure if we’ll try to move towards not bringing things, or keep things like our kids are used to. After church, we got ready for Ro Jeano’s birthday party. It was so great to be included. Unger kids were thrilled to eat homemade pizza, cake, and get party favors. RoRo received two quilts that ladies from our church made, and he was so excited to get his own special blankets! It is getting colder, so that will be helpful, I’m sure. After things were winding down, George brought over a projector so we could watch a movie. It was a good movie, and even though it was in English – many teenagers joined us because that is a pretty big deal to show a movie like that. God sure blessed us today!
Here is a photo of the party.

Here is RoJeano with his two quilts from the TFB Women's Quilting Ministry. Thank You ladies for your generosity and hard work. He is thrilled and warm!

Blog for 11-19-07
This morning, I was faced with laundry drama!!! Carol Ann told me that the laundress was definitely out of line when I asked her if she was taking too much soap from me to do our laundry. So this morning she said she wanted to come talk with her about it before she could do anymore laundry for us. Well that turned heated fast, and the girl was defending herself, but of course I just stood there feeling uncomfortable since I hardly could make out their words, and I definitely can’t say them myself yet. So it was left with clearly defined amounts of soap, and money to be paid as well as days to do wash. The girl felt bad, I’m sure – but it still seemed like she had been trying to take advantage of me. Well, then another lady came to defend the laundress and her and Carol Ann had a very passionate discussion leading to both of them turning their backs to each other and walking off. I’m left standing there with the other women, going…well, I guess I’ll go inside now! So those of you who know me well, know that I do not like confrontation and would rather be bossed than be bossy. I’m way too much of a pleaser to be an employer! I can’t wait to give this girl my laundry 3 times a week for the rest of the 3 months! I can only guess the grumbling that went on that day, none of which I could have understood.
The best part of the day was when I wrestled the solar bag full of water and heated it up in the front yard. I got it hooked up, and hallelujah, a WARM shower, yeah!!!!!

Blog for 11-20-07
Carol Ann is at a seminar this week in Cape Hatian, so she asked me if I could watch Francelynn for the morning. She is such a sweet baby. She loves her snuggly blanket, thank you to Nana who made the extra purple blankets I brought! She doesn’t turn over though, and likes to be involved. It was my day to try baking bread so that didn’t always end well. She fussed quite a bit off and on, but the kids just love babies and tried to entertain her while I tried to work the propane stove.

Bread was successful, and I’m so proud of myself! We have 12 dinner rolls, 1 loaf, and a bag full of cinnamon rolls. Joshua went to the market by himself. It started to pour down rain, but thankfully he was already there and was under a pavilion at the time. He returned with fresh produce and a LIVE chicken to “prepare” for me to cook for dinner. GROSS. Oh yeah, I’m serious, he killed it behind the house and brought it in for me to boil and add to dinner. Well, it went off without a hitch and we ate chicken and dumplings. That is about as fresh of a meal as I’ve ever made! The children loved it and kept giving me compliments. When Josh first walked in from the market, he asked me to hold the chicken while he took off the heavy backpack full of food. I said, “Yeah, right!” We have bought chickens freshly butchered from a local family whose son began a business growing and butchering free-range chickens. That was quite an experience for me earlier this year, when Josh first made our order. We went out to the farm and the kids and I watched James and his father run the machine and clean the birds for us to take home in the cooler. (The chickens are VERY tasty, and if you want some, ask us for the Braley’s contact information. They live in Silex) Somehow even that process seemed a little more commercial than Joshua swinging a chicken’s head off in the backyard! I’m totally excited about the case of canned chicken Joshua ordered yesterday. God is surely working on me to be able to someday really embrace the kind of simple and sustainable lifestyle my husband aspires towards. In the meantime, pray for my willingness to take on new challenges with a joyful attitude, and less wrinkling of my nose!!

Blog for 11-21-07
This morning was cold and rainy. I know that this concrete house is totally safe, but the tropical storms blow hard and the metal roof makes it seem so much louder than I’m used to. It makes it almost impossible for me to sleep. Joshua said it is like white noise for him and he enjoys the sound. I just keep praying for the rain to stop, like it’s all about me, right! Good thing that God doesn’t answer every prayer from my selfish point of view. I’m sure there is someone benefiting from all this rainy weather! The laundress came and did laundry, but it is too windy to hang it outside, and we don’t have any clothespins. Thankfully we put those inside lines in – so I hung all the clothes wherever I could, but it is still chilly and will take many days for them to dry if we don’t get sunny weather without that wind tomorrow or Friday. If not, I guess I’ll have to stop doing laundry until we do! Wow, I never even thought that laundry would take up so much of my time and day here in Haiti. I didn’t even consider that before we left. Some women might be laughing at me, as I’m so spoiled and lived a life of electric convenience for the past 32 years. I’m trying to learn more phrases to teach the children so they can talk to their friends that come to play in the afternoon. They all have so much fun even if they can’t understand the language, it inspires me to keep venturing out of the house and meet the challenge of making relationships. This is a beautiful land, and the people have a lot to teach me if I’ll let them!

Blog for 11-22-07
Today is Thanksgiving. Grandma and Grandpa made us special envelopes to open on specific days. This morning at breakfast we eagerly opened the first of them. It was a card with a picture of them, and also Shadow (their dog). We are all so excited and it made us thankful to be loved on like that. We love you guys!!! It was very cold last night and this morning. But then the sun came up and it warmed up beautifully. The clothes dried outside in the sunshine, and we completed school quickly. We found Daddy and took a walk to town to check out the market (today is a smaller market day) and buy a few things from the store that Joshua couldn’t fit in his backpack on Tuesday. Elda, one of the Truelove’s daughters, came with us. She was like a superstar walking into market holding Emma’s hand! It still surprises me how quick Emma is to make friendships. On the way to town, women and children were calling her by name and saying hello. That girl has never met a stranger. Jonah seemed a little jealous, but he has several little boys in his own gang each afternoon. Gabe turns everyone’s head with that halo of blond hair, and then they usually make fun and mimic his whining to mama! We miss our family today, but are very thankful to be in His will.
Here is a picture of Jonah's "gang"

Blog for 11-23-07
How can two selfish people serve each other, much less a whole people in a third world country? That is the question we asked after a not-so-polite exchange of ideas this morning. The answer is, we can't. I reminded Joshua that we must put ourselves aside, actually to death the bible says, and pick up our cross daily to follow Him. We must put others before ourselves, and control our tongues. Whew, easier said than practiced! This experience is definitely providing opportunities to grow up and practice this. I'm focusing on that song, "And I thank you, thank you, Lord. Etc" I don't know all the words, so if you do, sing for me the rest of the song!:) We love you all for your prayers and kind words of encouragement. I'm baking this afternoon for the missionaries Thanksgiving celebration which will happen tomorrow. Hope all my pictures get downloaded, but it is sloooooow as molasses, so if not, just imagine how cute we all are!
Here is Emma learning clapping and jump rope rhymes from the big girs. Thankfully she has my willingness to giggle at her clumsiness since she inherited my clumsiness!

Here is Gabriel, and his new best friend "Dadu - that is her nickname" She is three and cute as a button. She especially likes Emma who tickles her to the ground every day.

So thankful to be here finally!

2007-11-17T17:48:00.000-06:00

Sorry that this blog will be so long. We didn't get the chance to use the internet until now. It feels so good to finally communicate. Here is some updates.

Blog for 11-10-07
We rose at 3:00am and were out of our house by 4:00am. We met our ride (Nat’s family) and got to the airport early, but had to repack nearly every trunk due to being overweight. This contributed to us being slow to the gate and the last passengers to board. Not a big deal unless you have 10 carry-on items which are stuffed to the max. and 3 small children to push down the aisles as well. The plane was PACKED and as I pushed my stuff down the aisle – hitting nearly everyone I passed with my enormous backpack – Gabe decides to protest at aisle 10. He drops his small backpack and begins to cry, saying “I can’t do it anymore (with much whining). One gentleman tried to put his backpack back on him and say, “You can do it big guy!” Most people were rolling their eyes and being silently thankful I wasn’t coming to sit by them I’m sure. I realize I need to get stuff in front of me, but as I sling the backpack forward – it unzips and my bras and underwear go splaying out into the aisle!!! All I could say at that point was, “WE ARE HAVING FUN NOW!” Remember that it is only 6:15am. Whew, we all finally made it to aisle 36 (the last aisle on the plane) and got settled. Everyone did awesome and enjoyed the plane ride. We didn’t get to do any activities, as I had no idea where we stowed all the bags and didn’t want to wake people by opening every bin to find things. So, thanks to Debbie – we bought headphones and listened to the movie playing “Hairspray” and found snacks in mommy’s bag to make it through. Layover in Miami went smooth, and we did better getting settled on the next plane. Praise the Lord, George Truelove has connections with people at the airport and was waiting for us inside after customs. We got all our carry-on luggage, but none of the checked luggage made it. I wasn’t worried, as I packed clothes etc. for this reason. But three months without any more clothes or whatever else we packed was certainly going to change the game! Maybe it will arrive tomorrow the airline said. Off to CSI guest house and dinner/bedtime where we met Chuck Martindale. Altogether it was very smooth and comfortable. Thank you all for your prayers.

Blog for 11-11-07
We woke and had breakfast at the CSI house with the host/hostess and a few other guests. At CSI they don’t serve lunch and on Sunday (today) they don’t serve dinner. Josh, George, and Chuck took someone to the airport and did errands. The luggage arrived and was taken to the army truck, and Josh returned by 2pm with sandwiches, fries, and we had cokes (this was timely since we ate all the other snacks we could find as we didn’t think we would be getting lunch – but goldfish and granola bars only get you so full!) At dinnertime, we ordered Dominos which was delivered. Who would have believed we would have pepperoni pizza delivered to us in Haiti?! First night of cold showers for the kiddos:. Emma giggled; Jonah squealed; Gabe screamed. Well, we’re clean anyway. It is probably around 80 degrees and very sticky. Even with bugspray we all have lots of bug bites (except Joshua who is undesirable to the bugs for some reason) but we are doing great. The kids especially loved the rooftop hammocks and played up there every chance they had. We brought lots of activities in their backpacks and special items from home, so they were comfortable.

Blog for 11-12-07
We rose early and left packed in George’s truck cab like sardines at 6:30 am to leave for the mountains. We caught up with the army truck by 7:30 am and Jonah jumped in with Chuck, Joshua, and a Haitian man named Delisol. We wound our way up the mountain and arrived in nine hours. Evidently this doesn’t usually happen so quickly, and without some major repairs needed on a vehicle, again – THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS. Gabe and Emma are not able to go to the bathroom in the bushes, but they made it to the bathroom when they had a chance. We all traveled pretty well, but according to Daddy, Jonah was absolutely in love in that big army truck. He sang, yelled, and cheered his way through the trip, not minding the bumpy roads or loud engine. He only slept forty-five minutes, but stood the rest of the time in victory as a man charging into the wilderness to conquer the land. That is Jonah for you. He mostly gets in trouble for being a boy – jumping on furniture, being dirty, and for stunts/tricks inside which usually end up breaking something. He keeps me in a constant state of catching my breath, closing my eyes, and praying for the Lord’s protection. But I am thankful for that opportunity to be himself, as nine hours of that squished next to me would have done us both in I’m sure. We had quick sandwiches and got into bed. It has been raining here all week, and everything is chilly and damp. It was a little tough that first night for all of us, as we are still packed up and travel weary. It’s good to finally be here though.

Blog for 11-13-07
Busy day of unpacking. It took all day to sort through our luggage and put things away. Joshua went to the market with Carol Ann and came back with some needed items. Each day we find out something else we didn’t know we might use that we put on our list to get. The sun came out and there was a woman who was willing to do our laundry. Her name is Gurline, and I found out we needed 2 large metal bowls and two different soaps. Well…we don’t have those, so she had to improvise. Thankfully they are clean, but now we don’t have a laundry line hung yet. One day at a time! We had school, sort of, to get back into the routine. Jonah and Gabe got spanked for jumping on the furniture. They were told the first night when Carol Ann saw them do this, that it was not allowed. When Chuck came in and saw them, I realized what they were doing and needed to discipline them. Jonah thanked me later and told his Dad he would remember, because his mom loved him enough to correct him! By dinner, my back hurt from unpacking and I was exhausted. I’m also completely insecure about cooking. It is a propane stove, we didn’t have a can opener – and I’m just more nervous because we are feeding Chuck. If it was just Joshua, well he would smile even though it was a disaster and eat a snack – but we had someone else to feed, so…It all worked fine and we had turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn. Thank God for canned meat/vegetables and potatoes from the market.

Blog for 11-14-07
Today was our first day of full school, and it was rough. Whining was making it difficult to get work done. Joshua and I need to practice the Haitian alphabet so we are ready for lessons with George next week. We disagreed on pronunciations though and I’m realizing how tough this is to feel so inadequate and not be able to communicate with others. A woman was selling baskets, but I couldn’t figure out what to pay her. Chuck was nearby and helped me out. Joshua helped me make a cheat sheet to convert the money – but that doesn’t help me know what is fair to pay for things or for people’s work/time. I’ll pray and leave it up to the Lord for discernment, and ask the questions later from Chuck or the Trueloves. I’m going to make my first rice and beans dish tonight, but I’m nervous. Usually the instructions are on the bag in case I forget how long or how much – not so much when they give you an amount in a black trash bag at the market. I need to experiment and be willing to fail. This is a weakness of mine. I’m cautious to do something unless I know I will do well. It is prideful to want to look good, and I need to remember just to make God look good by being honest and willing. The most important thing I can do here is be teachable and humble. Whew, I am being stretched like silly putty:) The laundress came to me and asked for the “talons” but even with the dictionary I couldn’t figure out what she needed. I finally brought her a scrub brush, but she looked at me like I had three heads. She had asked for the bucket, so I emptied it and gave it to her - but what I finally figured out was she wanted the “pantalons” in the bucket (Joshua’s pants) because they had been extra dirty and needing to soak overnight. Gosh, I have a lot to learn, and just know how much these ladies laugh at me. I’m sure that it seems so funny to see all of us trying to adjust and figure things out. Just wait until I start trying to speak their language. Pray for me not to be sensitive and get my feelings hurt when I get laughed at, even though I’m trying my best! After the kids nap, some local children were waiting for them. I was preparing supper and looked out on the porch to find them surrounded by children, and Emma somehow ended up with a baby on her lap. It made me smile to see them trying to teach each other their languages. Dinner actually turned out good, and I learned something about ratios and amounts. I was thinking to myself how I wished we had a side dish, like a salad of some sort – and there is a knock on the door with a dish of fruit coleslaw from Carol Ann! God is so faithful and his timing is always perfect. That was delicious and maybe Friday Joshua will get to buy apples in Port de Paix when they take Chuck to the airport. He will fly back to Port au Prince and stay one night in the city before taking a flight back to Florida on Saturday. We enjoyed talking into the evening, but again went to bed by 8:00 pm.

Blog for 11-15-07
It was a tough morning for me, I still have a cold and have my ears plugged from the congestion. I am frustrated with my snoring at nighttime and cannot get a good night’s sleep. School is going much better, and they are all adjusting to having more of my attention and time. I am learning what to say to the laundress, and how to pronounce the alphabet. Carol Ann said I can come over when they bake bread tomorrow to get the hang of it. We also had two more bottles of propane filled today, so now I don’t have to think about what to do for meals if the propane is empty. It is such an adjustment not to be able to just run out and get something if you need it. Joshua and Chuck are making repairs on the army truck and putting in the new radiator we brought with us when we came. It is absolutely amazing how dirty people get here so quickly. There is a red clay that permeates everything, and Josh is full of it head to toe each day! He is so happy though, and I’m learning to accept the dirt and bugs. It is so different from back home though and mostly I still wrinkle my nose at how “yucky” it seems. To quote Gabriel, it is all just “oowey” in Haiti. It is not hot now, even though it is 70’s or 80’s during the day. Please pray for sunshine so we can do laundry, and the mud will dry. I was not the girl who liked to be dirty, so even though I’m not prissy – I’m still a princess. Pray for me to loosen up and enjoy this adventure:)

Blog for 11-16-07
Carol Ann invited me to make bread with her cook this morning. It was such a blessing to have someone work side-by-side with me. We made a loaf, cinnamon rolls, and 10 dinner rolls. My family was sooooo proud of me, and it tastes great. The real test will be if I can do this by myself at our house next week. How I took it for granted that I could just run to Walmart when I need something. Whew, it is hard work to cook/bake from scratch, but at least we have propane fuel. If I had to cook over charcoal - we'd be eating a lot of fruit loops with powdered milk! I'm learning so many things in a short time. Carol Ann runs the Faith Medical Clinic, and is caring for a beautiful 4-month-old baby, Francelle, and I gave her one of the blankets with a new rattle that Nana made (the purple one)and will also share a new hat that Grandma Lamb made. It is getting colder here than Joshua thought it would be. Good thing that I'm just obstinate enough to overpack clothes he thought we didn't need!! So we have a good mix of cold/warm clothes. The trick is having enough sunshine to get the clothes dry.

Blog for 11-17-07
Today, Gabe woke up with a swollen eye. I also have to take Benadryl as we are just allergic to bug bites. His eye went back to normal by 10am, and even though I walked around in a fog, my bug bites are less swollen. We walked a few miles to the town Mare Rouge to buy a coke from the store. They were cold and delicious (thanks Debbie for the coke funds!!) It was quite a walk for the litte ones, but good to get out and about. Joshua is so good with directions, and had walked to the market with Carol Ann as well as gone out with George a few times now. He confidently led us around the area. It is sad though, as people come up to us at every opportunity to ask for money. They don't seem hungry, just smiling or smirking that the "dumb, rich Americans" might give them something. The ladies just LOVE Gabe, and giggle when he walks by. It doesn't matter if he is being cute or not, they are so taken with his blond hair and blue eyes. One girl today just touched Jonah's hair in fascination. She just needed to know if it felt as smooth as it looks. They have many friends, and today Jonah woke from nap to tell me that the day he met "RoRo a nickname for
Ro Jeano which is pronounced WoWo" was the best day of his life in Haiti. That is absolutely melting my heart to hear him so sincerely be thankful for friends he made in literally minutes. The last trip we made, I took one look at this boy and just knew if he ever met Jonah - the two would be best friends here. I have pictures, and soon I'll try to upload them so you can see them together. On another note - Jonah disobeyed our rules about leaving the yard, and let a bigger kid put him over a fence to retrieve the ball they were playing with. He tripped on rock and got a big gash in his knee. I doctored him up and even wrapped his knee with ACE bandage, so he wouldn't get it dirty. He learned a great lesson. I'm not taking anything for granted since my bee sting turned into a blood infection. I'm being extra careful cleaning wounds and using Triple Antibiotic cream. So far though, we are all healthy and happy. Please pray for our sleep. Dogs, roosters, and people are noisy ALL night long here. I havn't had one full night sleep yet, and it is weighing on my attitude! Hopefully this keeps you all up to speed. We'll send a newsletter out soon. Love you all, and hope to make a few phone calls to hear loved ones voices. Nat for the whole gang. Here is an excerpt from Emma:

According to Emma Unger (seven-year-old missionary):

The airplane ride was like a roller coaster. The first one had a t.v. with a movie I could listen to with headphones. The movie was “Hairspray”. I ate my favorite food, Chinese lo-mien noodles in the airport at Miami.

In Haiti, the hotel we stayed at had a hammock on the roof. I laid in it to read Meet Kit, American Girl. My brothers played on the roof with me. We ate lots of snacks and candies, my favorite was the chicklets. My Dad helped bend my tooth forward after it came loose when I was eating my sandwich. I lost my eighth tooth in Haiti!

Haiti is fun because there are lots of nice things. There are helpful people. They help me learn their language. They wash our clothes. They play with our toys. I made a new friend Natasha Truelove. My Mommy made tasty rice and beans like they do in Haiti.

Lately I have had some surprises. My showers were surprising, they are cold! The people’s hair also surprised me, it is different – stiff and also thick, very thick. We have to go to the outside bathroom, and it stinks! Their language is hard to learn. I am going to keep trying to teach the children more words in English throughout the trip.

I want to taste goat pizza. George Truelove told me that his family sometimes eats pizza with goat meat. My Daddy said it would be like goat-eronni pizza, instead of pepperoni pizza. I wonder if they have the pizza in November.

I miss my bedroom back home. I have to share a room with my stinky brothers, Jonah and Gabriel. I love them, but I don’t want them sleeping in my bedroom. Our first night Gabriel took my bed, pretending to want to sleep with me. Then he told me to sleep in the other bed. He stole my bed! Now he sleeps on the bed with the flower sheets. I actually am glad that he did that, because now the bed I sleep in is more comfortable! So, he is nice to give me that bed.

They don’t have stores like I’m used to shopping at – Walmart. We don’t have our own car, refrigerator, or t.v. here. I miss watching “Super Y”, a cartoon on PBS. I think God wants to teach me what it is like to be a kid in Haiti who doesn’t have those things. To be hot with no air conditioning, and not always have what I want.