I leave in the morning!

I will keep a journal and update our blog when I return...

7 more days!

We leave for Ethiopia in 7 days! Team Tasfa (means "Hope") is pictured below during a packing party with all are donations. The group from Colorado decided to get together and spread the donations out equally amongst us all so we could maximize what we take. There were a lot of great items we will be taking to bless the adults and children in Ethiopia. I will be posting pictures and stories from the trip when we return in January. Merry Christmas and God bless!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Wow, only 14 days left...

until I travel to Ethiopia! I have raised the $2,500 and am beginning to pack. It is becoming very real with two weeks left to go. I am planning on bringing a journal to capture my thoughts each day and when I return I will put them on the blog (with a few pictures, I pray). I will have limited phone coverage back to the states and no access to the Internet. I will definitely miss my wife and kids as I have never been away from them this long; let alone without being able to communicate to them. My original reason for going has not changed; to be used for God's will to be done in the lives of the people I will meet. I am asking for your prayers for this purpose, for our donations for to the orphans to make it through customs and for peace/protection for my family back home.

DW

Betsy's grandmother's memorial

"Bill" was what everyone called her. She lived a full and joyful life of 98 years! She was a school teacher, publisher of Christian Sunday school books and a great christian role model. Her memorial service was on Saturday and below are a few pictures from the trip.

Pictured with Betsy are her brother, Eric and 3 cousins.

One thing I will always remember about Bill is that she was always joking and loved toys. One was a dancing chicken that Betsy is holding below. The other items were part of costumes she would wear as a teacher for different holiday occasions.

Halloween with friends...

Our friends, the Howlett's, joined us for some chili and trick or treating. This is the first Halloween I can remember, in Colorado, where we didn't need a jacket:)

Derek's golf outings...

It felt great to be back on the golf course this year. My back is 100% and I have not felt this good since college. Thank you God! I enjoyed several golf outings this year. Below are a few where I had a camera available.

Lucy/Morgan Fall Sports

The girls wrapped up their regular season for Fall sports. Lucy scored 2 goals in her last soccer game and won 3-1. Lucy ended up with 10 goals for the season! Morgan played her first year of volleyball and loves the sport. Another one to add to the list. Morgan did great and I have a goal for her to get 5 serves over in a game and in the final game she served 11 over! Morgan plays in her tournament this weekend. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. Our camera is getting a bit outdated and need to invest in a new one soon. Next is basketball and snow skiing for both girls.

It was bound to happen...

Lucy received 4 stitches the other night after falling from some bleachers; head first. She was at Morgan's volleyball practice with Betsy and I was at an elders meeting. I received a voicemail and text that Lucy was at Children's hospital. What? I wasn't too surprised though. Lucy had a big gash in her chin and they couldn't stop the bleeding until it was stitched.

Makeover :)

Lucy and a few of her friends decided to take the older girls (Morgan and her friend, Abby) hostage and do a "funny" makeover... The picture speaks for itself.

Back to School!

The summer is coming to an end and yesterday was the first day back to school. Morgan is in 5th grade and Lucy embarks on her first full day in 1st grade. Here are a few pictures...

Before school starts the kids line up (by classrooms) outside and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Morgan got to hold the flag for the first day of school. The lady next to her is the principle; Dr. Robinson.

Lucy Soccer Camp

Lucy participated in a week long soccer camp from 9-3pm everyday last week. This is a Christian based soccer camp called; Ambassadors Soccer Camp. They ended the week with a "world cup" day of games and skill events. Lucy was one of forty kids in her age group of 6-10 year old. In two of the shooting events Lucy was one of three finalists for a trophy. She did an amazing job. We are so proud of her! Lucy has found a sport that she can excel in that is different from her sisterLucy shoots and scores...Goallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
Lucy competing in the dribbling skills contest.

Morgan turns 10!

Happy Birthday Morgan! Today Morgan turns 10; double digits. We are so proud of you! For her birthday she wanted an iPod touch. For those of you who are crippled by technology:) it is a larger version of the iPod that plays music and has other functions. Morgan is also going with a best friend of hers to get her ears pierced. This is a big deal for Morgan. May God bless you in all you do!
Morgan and her (bff's) best friends forever...

Morgan showing off her newly learned archery skills in the side yard.

Family Beach Trip 2010!

We had a great family vacation this summer. We visited Cinci, Charlotte and Hilton Head. Below are some pictures from the beach! This was the first trip to the ocean for both girls. Here Morgan is eyeing a good wave for boogie boarding... Betsy and the girls resting from shopping in Harbour Town

We went with Betsy's family. Here pictured are her father (Jim), brother (Eric) and the rest of his family with us.
Lucy can get real used to this :)

Daddy even remembered how to catch a wave!

Ethipoia updates better late than never!: More Projects We Will Tackle

Please check out my friend blog below on updates for our Ethiopia trip. This particular post shows more ways we will be able to support the village there. DW


The Howletts 5, er, 6.... better late than never!: More Projects We Will Tackle: "Hello Dear Friends! So much is happening, there is new news every day, and new details to work through.

Ethiopian trip 2011!

I posted this because you are trusted friends and family who visit my blog and I need to raise monetary and prayer support to visit (FOVC), Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children, in Southern Ethiopia. Our close friends; Dave and Lory Howlett are board members of FOVC and are planning a 2011 mission trip. FOVC is a small organization that depends solely on God for all help and hope. To date, two families from the West have ever visited (or helped) FOVC. If I am able to go on this trip, my group will be only the third western (white) visitors to Shanto in the history of the village. Of course, it is not the color of my skin, but my desire to bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ that really matters!

If you want to read/learn more about FOVC, then please visit their blog at http://fovcethiopia.wordpress.com/. Desalegn Daka, Howlett’s friend and the founder of FOVC, is also very active on Facebook.

At this time, we are looking at the following dates to travel:

December 29, 2010 to January 8, 2011

We expect to be gone for about 10 days. Currently, airfare is running about $1500 per person for all of these dates. I do not yet have in-country travel, food or lodging costs, but I have reason to believe the trip will run approximately $2500. An FOVC board member is working on getting 501c3 status for FOVC, which--I believe--will make our expenses tax deductible.

"What would we do in Ethiopia?" you ask.

We expect to spend the first couple of days in Addis Ababa. This is the capitol city of Ethiopia. We will stay at a guest house there, rest up and do some sight-seeing. There will also be opportunities to visit Children's Heaven (http://www.childrensheaven.org/), the leper community that is located in Addis, the world-renowned Fistula Hospital as well as ministry opportunities.

Next, we will travel approximately 5 hours south to the small city of Sodo. During our time with FOVC, we will be based in Sodo.

FOVC is located in the village of Shanto, approximately a 30 minute drive from Sodo. At the time of our trip, FOVC will be working on building its new orphanage facility, thanks to just-announced funding by an organization called Ethiopian Orphan Relief (www.ethiopianrelief.org). We will help with this project. We will also deliver much-needed supplies to the children there. Finally, our presence will provide life-changing support and encouragement to the orphans, vulnerable children, FOVC staff and villagers of Shanto. Shanto is an extremely remote and impoverished area where people suffer greatly from preventable conditions and children die of starvation.

In addition to the things we hope to accomplish for FOVC and the village of Shanto, I know the children and the villagers desire to welcome us with a festival, cultural dancing, street races and etc.

After three or four days in Shanto, we will travel back to Addis via the beautiful lake country of Ethiopia. And, or course, wherever we go in the country, we will see the beautiful, warm, welcoming people of Ethiopia.

If I am able to join in this trip, I know, I will never be the same!

Please let me know if you have questions, and if you are interested in supporting me as I need to raise $2,500. This amount of money will cover airfare, in-country lodging, food and travel. Please be assured that I will strive to be an excellent steward of any gift you are able to give: we will be safe, but in no way extravagant, while we are in Ethiopia. I am praying that God will use me and that this will glorify His name!

Blessings to you and through you,

DW

Grand Elk Club; Granby, CO

We were able to enjoy a few days up in Granby (near Winter Park) for some R&R. Some friends of ours from church who also had a child in Betsy's class have a mountain home that they blessed us with for a few days. We had beautiful weather and a great time!

Lucy's lost tooth

Lucy lost another baby tooth yesterday. The funny part is how she lost it. Grandma Weber was throwing a diving stick in the pool for Lucy but it missed the pool and knocked Lucy's tooth right out. Lucy never cried and was happy to finally lose that tooth! We had to write a note to the tooth-fairy that we lost the tooth in the pool so he would leave some money :)

Kindergarten Graduation

Our last child is moving on to full day school! Lucy celebrates her Kindergarten graduation and we are amazed how time flies! Here is a picture of Lucy and her wonderful teachers...

Lucy's good friend from our neighborhood, Sydney. They will look forward to playing at our pool this summer!

Field Day

Morgan enjoyed the last few days of school but it was bittersweet as mom will miss having Morgan in her class next year. It was a great year for the whole family! Here Morgan shows off some skills with the hurdles...
Not to be out done, Betsy shows off her track skills from High School :) This was the favorite event of the day. A different take on beach volleyball!

All-Star Tournament

Morgan was invited to play in her 10u fast pitch softball all-star tournament. She got the game ball for MVP in her All-Star tournament but what we are most proud of is she also was awarded the sportsmanship ribbon by the other coach and she told them that another teammate deserved to receive it and she gave it to her. We are so proud of Morgan!

Rush Hour

Not that kind of "rush hour" but instead Rush Hour is a family-centered Sunday morning experience at RMCC (Rocky Mountain Christian Church) that is virtue-driven. Rush Hour uses music, drama and storytelling to entertain, teach and inspire. Morgan auditioned in the fall and made it as a Crew member. She acts out the motions and dances on stage with the worship team to praise God. "Rush Hour is Where Kids Bring Their Parents to Learn"

Lucy's 1st soccer game

Lucy played her first game of soccer this Saturday and loves it. Lucy likes action sports and enjoys playing offense. She scored the first goal of the game and of her career (daddy is already thinking scholarship, ha).

12 Year Anniversary

I love you Betsy!

Proverbs 31:10-31 (New Living Translation)

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Something to think about...

When you worship do you relate to the statement or the question?

1: The Music is too loud/fast/etc. for me.
2: What kind of music will attract people to the Lord?

1: The message from the pulpit needs to be more focused to my needs.
2: What kind of message is necessary to touch the hearts of our newcomers?

1: They keep asking for money, time, etc.
2: What can I do to keep our ministry going forward?

Lucy turns 6!

I know it has been a while but I didn't have any new pictures until now. We celebrated Lucy's birthday party with her friends at the rec center pool.

Do you have to sing to me....

Big sister and her friend Abby showing the girls how to say "cheese"...

God is...

Indescribable

Glorious

King of Kings

Great Healer

Powerful

Saviour

Holy

Creator

Love

All Knowing

Just

Lord of All

Light

Patient

Forgiving

My Everything

Lucy our Cheerleader

Lucy participates in our church Upward program as a cheerleader. She is very excited as she participates with her friends from kindergarten. They cheer for the Upward basketball players both boys and girls that play. Lucy will get to cheer for Morgan's basketball team a few time this year.

Desiring to hear God...

Have you considered what God has done for you or through you in 2009, today, or even more what he can do in 2010! If we trust in Him he can do anything in us and through us if we honor Him and use it for His glory.

We also need to consider; What have I done for God lately? If we desire a close relationship; it is a two way street. In 2010, I want to ask myself, what I can do for God today? More of Him and less of me is my prayer in 2010.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. " Proverbs 3:5, 6

Mathew West; The Motions (Lyrics)

This might hurt, it's not safe But I know that I've gotta make a change I don't care if I break, At least I'll be feeling something' Cause just okay is not enough Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind Let Your love make me whole I think I'm finally feeling something' Cause just okay is not enough Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

No regrets, not this time I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind Let Your love make me whole I think I'm finally feeling something' Cause just okay is not enough Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

take me all the way (take me all the way) take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions) take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real) take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?"

I pray that 2010 I will have no regrets and let my heart defeat my mind! DW