July 4th

I am so thankful for the freedom that I have as an American and as a Christian.  Even though my government has decreased the public freedoms of being a Christian, they can’t take the true freedom away.  Living in a former communist country and working with people who lived without freedom much of their lives has been eye opening for me-- who always grew up with freedom and knowing nothing different.  The Christian freedoms that I have lost in the States are nothing in comparison to what these people have gone through.  It’s been 20 years since the fall of communism.  Communism was awful, and yet so much darkness entered these countries when it died.  The difference is that the people could see the darkness of communism; the darkness that entered afterward was a darkness that most of the people are blind to.  I pray that their eyes will be opened and they will be able to experience true freedom that only Jesus can give.

We went to the same place as last year for a 4th of July party.  There were about 40 adults and 20 children who came.  It was nice to have hamburgers, salads, and homemade ice cream.  We actually only took pictures of Ethan (surprise, surprise).

Nikki, I hope you had a great July 4th birthday!   It looks like Ethan is contemplating his next move or trying to figure out if he can get the ball through both wickets in the picture above. Fun with bubbles!