Chicken Pox at the Sibleys

Sia has chicken pox. Physically, she is fine. No fever, aches, or pains. But emotionally, she is embarrassed to tears by all the blisters. I am 99% positive both Sia and Isata were immunized for chicken pox so this came as a complete shock.

Here she is on her bed. She let me capture this image as long as the mosquito net was down since she is very self-conscious about her spots.

When Sia and Isata first arrived, they were poked a lot not only to catch up on all their immunizations but also for a zillion blood draws (well it seemed like a zillion). On top of that, Sia needed her tonsils removed. Sooooo, I "may" have postponed their chicken pox immunizations. If so, I forgot completely because this was a huge surprise.

Isata is on pins and needles wondering if she is next. I know for a fact that Carlin, Steven, and Shauna are all fully immunized. So Isata is the only one on the hot seat and believe me, she is more than a bit concerned.

We are grateful that Sia is feeling no sickness at all. That said, we appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Blessings and joy,
Beckie

HE IS RISEN!

May your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to grow as you celebrate the wonder of His resurrection today.

Blessings and joy to you and your families!

Farewell Janman Family (sniff sniff)

Today we said goodbye to our dear friends as they returned to their home country of Australia. John and Belinda, along with their three children Daniel 12, Kiara 8, and Isaiah 3 are true gifts whom God brought into our lives at a very crucial time. It was a year ago and we were moving into this house.

I tried to get a family photo but Isaiah would have none of it sooooo above is Belinda, John, Daniel, and Kiara. Below, adorable Isaiah runs through the yard giggling while everyone tries to coax him into joining the family for pictures.

I thought I could capture a good picture when he finally came up to me, but no...he wasn't falling for any of my tricks.

Leaving for the airport.

Mwenda Bweno Janmans! We already miss you ohhhh so much. At the same time, we thank God for the privilege of sharing this last year together. Even though we may never live in the same country again, we will always share a special bond, one our family will cherish forever.

Blessings and joy,
Beckie

**Breaking News**

After 44 days of living with raw sewage gushing around our house and through our yard, the crisis is over (we hope)! Hooooray!!! Tonight was a victory celebration at the Sibleys. Cleanup begins tomorrow.

Blessings and joy,
Beckie

"If anthing is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."

I titled this post with the last few words of a well-known passage of scripture, Philippians 4:6-8. Is it possible to find anything excellent or praiseworthy after forty-one days of the neighborhood's sewage gushing all over our property? Honestly, some days, okay all days, (keepin' it real here), it seems I can't tolerate even another minute of it and yet that is not a choice I am privileged to make.

Actually, I am astounded that Beckie Sibley, who gags at the slightest sight, sound, or smell (particularly smell) of bodily fluids has managed to carry on a somewhat normal life while thousands of gallons of sewage meanders under her windows and through her yard. Seriously, it is absolutely disgusting to see what people are flushing down their toilets particularly when it is ...uh I'm sure you get the picture.

Below are a few images I captured recently no more than twenty feet from the foul-smelling sludge. As you can see, God has showered me with precious gifts all of whom are "excellent or praiseworthy" so they are what I choose to "think on". Enjoy!

Justin asked for pictures of his little brothers and sisters. After sitting for individual sessions (which was quite painful for the boys) they wanted group shots. Of course they could barely keep from laughing. We all had fun. Jason was being crazy as only a dad can do keeping us all in stitches.

Here are our sweet daughters. Their sisterhood has grown deeper since Sia and I returned from the States.

Aren't they just the cutest girls???

Okay, the story behind the above picture: Carlin is telling Justin he needs to get used to being second place in the family because he is not the "little kid" that left for Zambia a year and-a-half ago. Sibley men are constantly teasing each other over who is top dog. These boys can hardly wait to see their big brother and show him who is boss.

Can you hear the giggles through these images?

I just had to include this picture of Jason polishing the wood floors. He cranks up the music and really goes after it. Notice the sweatband? I absolutely LOVE my husband to pieces!

Living with raw sewage is one of the worst things I've ever experienced; yet it has provided another opportunity to see scripture come alive with relevance to my daily struggles. So again I ask the question, Is it possible to find anything excellent or praiseworthy in the midst of my current circumstances? I give all glory to God and say with utmost sincerity, YES.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:6-8

Blessings and joy,
Beckie