donuts & date night

Can I just brag on my husband for a moment? The other night while I was Skyping my family, Mark undertook a little "project" that I must admit I didn't think would turn out. Well, he proved me wrong!! This little "project" was to make Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Yes, ladies & gents, Mark Carney Phillips made donuts all by himself. Really & truly!! I was nowhere near the kitchen so I can take NO credit!!


Here they are! Yummy crispy, creamy doughnuts a la Mark Carney Phillips.


I love this guy!


We went out on a double date with Brad & Sally the other night to an Algerian restaurant. Sorry no pics of the food, but it was pretty tasty.

kids, bugs & sweat

Parker and a few of her favorite people.

Mark and a few of his favorite people.

One of our not so favorite people.

One works up quite a sweat after a long, grueling day of language. (Actually, sweeping the house is what induced this massive amount of perspiration)

Us with Tara & Mandy (2 volunteers from North Greenville University who lived with us for the month of May)

what my mac taught me

I don't know if you've seen those commercials depicting the epic computer battle: mac vs. pc. They constantly poke fun of how un-hip pcs are and how prone pcs are to viruses allthewhile showing mac as this cool virus fighting machine. Parker and I loved those commercials ... until our mac crashed two weeks ago! We didn't realize how dependant we had become on our computer for keeping our finances updated, keeping in touch with friends and family, and staying a little in tune with what is going on in the world. However, thanks to my parents sending our start-up disk from the states (there aren't any Best Buys or Office Depots here) our computer is back online.
It's been a good reminder and a good lesson on learning to depend more and more on God alone to provide. Our 7+ months here have shown us several things. We have learned that God is faithful to give us exactly what we need each and everyday. We have learned that so many things we thought we needed were not necessary at all. And we have learned that God's goal for our life here in Niger is to change us as much as he changes the people of Ayorou.
We anticipate more lessons learned in Niamey this week as we're here because our truck and our house are both out-of-order right now! Oh well, at least we have a Mac!