Gracias a Dios

We have many reasons to give "Thanks to God" for another great Mexico Mission Trip.

Before we went on the trip I shared that I wasn't quite sure if or how I would be able to relax and just go with the flow of the trip while having Gavin in tow. And let me just say that God answered my prayers. Gavin was a dream traveller and didn't get thrown off too much by being in a different place for a week (except for starting his day every morning at 5:30 am). He loved being outside so much (we've been wimpy here in cold WA) and he loved the teenagers and adults and all of the activity around him.

I did my best to remain involved during the trip, but Gavin still got most of my attention. We're thinking that this will be the last trip for me and Gavin for a while. As he gets older, more mobile and requiring more (and different kinds of) attention, he'll probably be more of a distraction than anything else. Having been on this trip for the last five years, I've mourned a little bit that I won't get to go again for a while. But it's not about me after all-- the trip is for the high school students and that's where the focus needs to be.

Our group worked together quite well to complete two big projects. We painted and installed bamboo flooring in one of the girls's dorms-- a space over 1000 square feet. We also helped a family in the community by putting a roof on their house and pouring concrete for their floor. The father had been building his home brick by brick for the last five years and the couple had just become Christians. They were to be baptised a week after we left. They were very welcoming and quite overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a gift to be able to bless them.

Sorry I don't really have any good pictures of the projects. In fact, all of these pictures were taken by other people. I didn't even carry around a camera, can you believe it? At any rate, the blog from our trip is still up and you can see some other photos (that aren't Gavin-centered). The link is in the right margin.

We did some shopping at the Tijuana border while we were in line in our car to cross back into the US. We made a few impulse buys, including some tokens to help Gavin experience his Mexican heritage (no, it's not in his blood, but it's certainly has roots in Tony's family and even a little in Claire's).

We had a great trip! Thanks to all of you who said a few prayers on our behalf. We definitely benefitted from them.

Eight Months Old!

Here we are again, another month flown by. Gavin has been eight months for a week, so I figured I should posts some photos. I haven't forgotten about posting photos from our Mexico trip-- those will come soon.

These photos were taken at Andrew (Tony's brother) and Connie's house in Mazama, WA. We went there for a long weekend over Easter. Before Gavin, Tony had two "babies"-- his truck and his guitar. Needless to say I was pretty surprised when Tony suggested his guitar case and then even added his guitar for these photos. (Gavin even spit up a little into the guitar case-- OOPS! But neither one of my boys had a meltdown.)

Gavin did his best to reach for the guitar and eat it. Thankfully he didn't quite make it.

Gavin's face got washed out in this one, but look at those blue eyes!

Gavin continues to work on his crawling skills, but still no crawling, just moving backward. And, as of today, still no more teeth but he's still eating solid food like a champ. Gavin continues to prove to be our "slow and steady" kid. He's always learning and changing but just not in any hurry to make things happen. He's loving life and people and being outdoors. Sleep could be better, but we know that there will come a day.

Gavin has been making more little people friends lately. Babies and toddlers and a great source of entertainment for him. And, when they are near, his usual reaction is to stretch his arms out to his sides, tense up his muscles, bounce, and squeal and scream (in a happy way). Funny, as I describe it, it sounds like an animal mating call, but it's actually quite endearing. Just his way of saying I'm really happy right now and so excited to see you. He sometimes startles other kids sometimes with his volume and excitement.

These days he is also quite entertained with our fish tank. I'll watch him roll and scoot around a bit and then stop to take a break. Either on his back or with his head resting on the ground he finds a way to watch the fish move around in the tank while he rests. One of our recent babysitters said that the fish were the easiest way to soothe him.

There are more and more days here that feel like spring and what a charge of energy and enthusiasm the sunny days bring. We're excited for more walks and outdoor family adventures. Gavin has so many new things to experience, I can't wait.