Everyone who knows us has heard of The Means Family. I sometimes forget how often we bring them up until someone asks, “Oh, you mean Carie?” or “Yeah, you’re talking about that big tall guy, Sam?” I bet even my parents know the names of all the Means children.
We have a running joke in our family–all of our closest friends eventually become missionaries. I remember the first time I “got a clue” the Means Family were headed that way–while talking to Carie on the phone one evening, she mentioned something in passing, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before an official announcement.
So we’ve prayed for a smooth deputation over the past year and even though we knew these days were coming, we were able to say they were still at least weeks and months away. But not anymore.
Our church will have their sending service this Sunday and then they’re off to work with the folks in Mexico. While we are very excited for them, we’re going to miss them dearly.
I wish I had more pictures but my camera’s battery died earlier.
Over the past month, I asked Carie if she’d help me start a garden. I’ve created a few goals for 2010 and a garden is on the top of the list. 🙂 Carie is an expert on living in small spaces and gardening, so I knew she was the girl to ask. Here are a few pictures from that day–I wish I’d gotten more, but the afternoon flew by. I don’t think I’ve ever covered so much ground in such few hours.
Carie in the parking lot of the organic gardening center.
I’ve been trying to show “Auntie Carie” that Camden can walk, but he gets all shy and floppy when put on the spot.
Our last picture after visiting all the shops and picking up some young coconuts. I was so excited to learn where to purchase young coconuts. I can’t imagine any other friend appreciating this excitement (or finding pineapple at great prices).
And here are a few pictures from last night.
Having story time with Andrew: 
Having some popcorn while watching a movie.
The first order of the day was a tea party!
While the other children ate some frozen yogurt, I put a little bowl of it on the bench while I got a few more spoons. When I returned, I saw Camden reaching all the way over to the bench, picking up the entire ball of frozen yogurt and gobbling it up. I quickly put a spoon in the bowl, but as you can see, he prefers using his hands. 🙂 I guess he likes frozen yogurt.
Adelina said they stayed up very late. The last thing I remember of the evening was a visit from Morgan and Adelina around 11ish because they were worried there was an intruder who got in before we set the alarm. They both heard footsteps and were convinced someone was in the house. After trying to convince them there wasn’t a burglar, Adelina decided she had a better explanation of the footsteps and hurried off with Morgan.
Here are some extra pictures I found on my disk from making muffins that day. They were definitely healthy and had the taste to prove it. Those sweet girls ate them up though. 🙂
Muffins fresh out of the oven and ready for the children to dip into the butter and roll in the cinnamon and “sugar” (Xylitol).
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Hey Liz, just wanted to write you and let ya know I know how ya’ll feel. When the Ellzeys left it was bitter-sweet also. We were sad for us but happy that the Lord was going to use them in such an awesome way!! And to just encourage you that even though they’re far away, everytime they come home its like they never left. There still our best friends and even Trey and Matthew, who weren’t around at the beginning became friends.
And to the Means you will be missed but were so happy that God is using your family in such an awesome way. We’ll be praying for ya’ll!! Love ya, Lisa Baire