We Like Posting Pictures!

In case you haven't noticed, we like posting new pictures here at mcmali.com. We've spent the last couple of weeks in Utah and have enjoyed seeing the many wonders of God's creation. We've posted these pictures in the "United States" category at our picture pages. Among the many pictures are several shots of Miriam and Hannah. Enjoy!

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What We're Missing (by Thom)

I looked at my computer's 'countdown clock' today and it reminded me that we have just 38 days left in the US before we return to Mali. It's hard to believe that we've been home for 67 days already! That got me to thinking about some of the things we've missed about Mali since returning. (Even though it's been very cold here in the US it has also been very, very hot in Mali. Thus, I won't mention the weather as something we've missed!)
First, and probably most obviously, we've missed our friends there - both Malian and missionary. Even though we're with our friends and family here we've had to be away from many good friends during these 3 1/2 months. I'm looking forward to sharing time with my friends there and telling them about our time in the US and asking about what we've missed.
Second (and with no disrespect meant towards American churches), church in Mali is fun. It is a time of celebration and fellowship and family. I miss the lively praise songs and the drum beats during church as well as the sermons of my Malian pastor friends.
Third, I miss serving the C&MA missionaries in Mali. That is something that I love doing! Being home is nice and we've loved sharing what the Lord is doing in Mali but I can't wait to get back to a schedule and feel like I'm doing something again!
Finally (and I can't believe I'm actually admitting this!), I'm looking forward to getting back to my French studies. I feel like the Lord opened doors for relationships through my studies - with my professors, Malian pastors, and other people I've met along the way. I don't enjoy the actual studying of language but I do like the applications!
Thanks for all the support we've gotten so far during our time home. We've been blessed in so many ways. Still, we're looking forward to getting back to Mali; we're looking forward to getting back home.

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Prayer Cards

We officially have prayer cards! We've left some at Shawnee Alliance and Cable Road Alliance in Lima, OH. If you can't pick one up at one of those places and you would like a prayer card send us an email and we can mail you one, two or whatever you request (within reason, of course :)). Email us at mcmali@gmail.com.

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Catching Up (by Thom)

I know it seems like we've disappeared, but trust me - we're around! Amanda and I have been running all over the place, proudly showing off our girls and sharing the story of how the Lord blessed us with them. We'll be sharing at a few other places still including the Alliance churches in Louisville, KY and Lima, Bucyrus, Kenton, Centerville & Marietta, OH. There were so many places we wanted to get to but the time just isn't there. We're sorry about that and hope to catch up with you the next time we have a furlough.
Today we're in Ann Arbor, MI visiting Amanda's dad. We're flying to Utah tomorrow to visit my parents! This past Sunday we were blessed to spend Easter morning at the church I grew up in and see some old friends. Stop by our picture page to see pictures of the twins in their Easter dresses and more.
Recently Miriam started crawling! She hasn't managed to get away from us too much but we've got to keep a constant eye on her. Hannah doesn't seem too motivated to start moving much but she's got some of the early parts of it down. A lot of people say they think she'll walk before she crawls. :)
To wrap up this rather disjointed blog entry let me put out a prayer request. Amanda and I were blessed with baby sitters a week ago and had our first 'date' since we got the girls. We had dinner and then went bowling. During the game I felt something rip in my finger. X-rays showed no break but I apparently tore some tissue in my right hand index finger. The doctor told me to expect a recovery time up up to 6 weeks. It's quite painful to type and it means Amanda has to work a little harder to take care of the girls. Pray for recovery and for Amanda during this time.
Thanks, and we'll try not to take too long until the next post!

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