NYC for Brazilian Passport

Every now and then you have a rough assignment -- like going to NYC at Christmas time. We had to renew Ev's Brazilian passport that had expired and the consulate made our appointment for December 16. It all went so smooth I could hardly believe it.

It was a quick trip, but we stayed at a hotel across the Hudson River the night before and took a ferry over to Manhattan. (No, we didn't have to stop and rescure any plane crash survivors on that trip). It was a bit chilly that morning, -7º so you'll understand why Ev is dressed the way she was. Then we had a little sandwich at the Carnegie Deli (and split a NY style cheesecake) before heading back home. (By the way, the temperature listed was Centigrade; Ev is warm blooded.)

E e D Boa Terra (Good Soil E&D)

From October 21 through November 16 Ev and I traveled to Bauru, Porto Alegre, Campo Grande and Fortaleza where one of our missionaries, Dan Cook, and I held 4 different Good Soil Evangelism and Discipleship Seminars. The feedback has been very positive from close to 100 participating in the basic seminar (two day event) and almost half of those involved in the Train the Trainer seminar (third day). One of the memorable moments in Bauru occurred when a man finished the seminar at noon one day and that afternoon his nephew came by and asked what the booklet was that he was going through. After 45 minutes of taking his questioner through The Story of Hope, his nephew said, "That's what I need" and placed his faith in Christ. Enjoy the pictures.

FAMILY PICS

Our family was able to enjoy several days together at Christmastime this last year. 21 people in our house was both fun and bedlam. Siblings and cousins enjoyed the time together and so did Grandma and Grandpa Southwell!

At the Baltimore Zoo with Dave's and Christy's families each of the "kids" experienced being a turtle. I can't remember who said that grandpa couldn't fit into the turtle shell -- but he did.

Ontario in May was cool weather, but some hot fishing! Randy and Lucas were home on furlough from Brazil and so I took the opportunity to get them and Mike and Bryce (Wilkerson) up to the great north land. It's more fun fishing and camping with grandsons.

Grandma having an old fashioned soda at an old fashioned drugstore in Fort Smith, AR with Becca, Jordan and Kaden. Ryan and I were still being served. It was nice to visit the Cassedys and see their new home, new work place, and new church and friends.

Ev and I were able to visit Jonathan and Bobbi Jo Emsheimer in May in Alberta. They were former missionaries with us along the Amazon, but have had to return due to Bobbi Jo's brain tumors and surgeries. She was suffering some set-backs and we believed we should go see them. They are a great young couple and deserve your prayers for them as a family.