Anniversary! (by Thom)

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of when Miriam and Hannah came into our lives. July 31st, 2006 was one of the most important days in our lives.
We first heard about the twins a few days before, when we were called and asked if we were interested in adopting these two orphans. It didn't take long to decide! We were actually supposed to arrive in Koutiala the day before, on July 30th, but our car broke down along the road about half-way between Bamako and Koutiala. We ended up staying the night in a local hotel. The next morning a missionary from Koutiala came and picked us up. Here was our first moment holding the girls:

Because of illness the first days and weeks and months were pretty difficult, but that seems like such a long way in the past now. Here's another picture, taken last month.

They haven't changed at all, have they?

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We're Here (by Thom)

OK, this is a few days late but we arrived safely in Dakar last Friday morning. Our flight was even early! All our luggage came in with us (a fun treat) and we've been simultaneously recovering from jet lag and plugging into setting up our house, as well as regular ministry responsibilities.
The painters are currently in our new apartment and should be done in about 3 days. We had an electrician in today and the carpenter will be coming a bit later to fix up a few things.
One great piece of news for us is that the truck driving bringing all our personal effects - including such trivial items as our clothes, fridge, stove, and beds - from Mali to Senegal called yesterday to say he had crossed the river (at about the half-way point) and could be here as early at this evening. This is a pretty big deal since we didn't know what to expect with this truck. The bridge in the Malian city of Kayes is under repair so the truck had to take a ferry. There have been reports of troubles at the ferry so we were very excited to hear the truck had made the crossing safely.

We will have to wait for the paint to dry and air out - it's oil-based - but we're looking to move into our new apartment as soon as early next week.

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On the Road

In just under 3 1/2 hours we'll be flying out from Detroit, east-bound for Dakar, Senegal. We have 1 layover, 2 total flights, and 12 hours of traveling. This will be, by far, our shortest trans-Atlantic trip (next shortest: 25 1/2 hours!).
Miriam's favorite part of flying is the tunnel we get to walk through to board the plane.
Hannah's favorite part of flying are the airport trams and buses.
Thom & Amanda's favorite part of flying is when it's all done.

Please keep us in your prayers over the next day as we travel and adjust to our new home in Dakar.

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