Amsterdam and Kiawah Pictures

I have been enjoying my home leave so much.  After leaving East Africa, I went to Amsterdam as I had always dreamed to see the Ten Boom home.  This devout Christian family helped hide many Jewish people during WWII and her books are so inspiring to read about her commitment and faith in Jesus Christ.  Along with visiting the Ten Boom home, I also went to the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh museum.  Then I headed to the US for a quick visit to a small church in Texas that some dear friends lead, and then to St. Louis.  I was blessed to be able to travel to Kiawah Island, South Carolina with my parents, one nephew, and three friends.  Relaxing, bike riding, eating good food, and enjoying the beach was amazing. 

Ten Boom Home in Haarlem, Netherlands

The cheeses in Amsterdam were delicious!

Standing in the hiding place where the ten Boom's held Jewish people in during WWII.

There are so many beautiful house boats around Amsterdam and I stayed in one. 

Outside the Anne Frank house

View from my canal tour

It was quite rainy.  Behind is the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum recently reopened and was an amazing opportunity to see some of the world's finest artwork. 

Rembrandt's Night Watch

The Van Gogh museum showed many amazing pieces of his artwork.

Yummy quiches

Outside our favorite restaurant in Charleston, SC with my parents, nephew Noah, Kelly and Rusty, and Sarah

We managed to all get in one self photo

And most importantly my new nephew Brady Thomas Arneson born Father's Day.  What a precious gift from Jesus!

Tanzania Pictures

Reunion with the Grade 5 students at Amani School

Amani School is growing with 7 classes now and one more to add each year for the next two years and it will have 2 kindergarten classes and grades 1-7.

The final new classroom building

Mbwana, a 7 year old boy with Down's who I worked so much with.  He is now walking!

The kids who lived next door are growing up. 

With my Tanzanian Grandfather

Village ladies walking to do their laundry

Oranges were being harvested and they were delicious

It was Mary's last week in the village after 9.5 years working in this community.

Wayne and Joyce were my teammates and are now working in Kenya.

I love this picture (taken by Mary)

With Kado who I cared about so much.

With Mama Sara, our pastor's wife and teacher at Amani School

Mary was in a sweater and I was in a tank top.  That is the difference of where we live (Mongolia vs Tanzania).

Mbwana was so scared of me at first, but then warmed up to me. 

Boba, another special needs kiddo I worked with

A true African picture

Faces of those who need surgery

Anudari, VSD, PFO

Tuguldur, VSD, urgently needs surgery

Ireedui, VSD, urgently needs surgery

Enkhmunkh, Tetralogy of Fallot

Irmuun, VSD, urgently needs surgery

Enkhriilen, VSD, urgently needs surgery

Anuujin, Tetralogy of Fallot

Enkhbileg, VSD

Ganchimeg, VSD, Coarc, urgently needs surgery



Bayarjavkhlan, VSD

Please pray for these children and many more who need surgery from Mongolia.  Children's Heart Project works in 4 countries throughout the world, so we pray hospitals in North America open their doors and hearts to these special children to give them an opportunity to live long, healthy, lives after open heart surgery. 

Difference of a year

What a difference a year makes!  This boy Itgelkhuu, which means Son of Faith, but goes by Antushkha had surgery one year ago in Texas.  He was so sick prior to surgery.  We visited him in the local hospital and he was fighting for his life.  So many people prayed for this boy and his family and he was accepted for surgery at 6 months of age.  His parents are believers and his father has quite the story of turning away from alcoholism and dedicating his life to Christ.  Antushka's surgery had some complications, but he recovered so well and is now thriving.  He is a happy and healthy boy.  Enjoy these pictures and praise God for the healing in this boy's life. 

Just a month or two old when we first met Antushka

In his Mongolian dell with fur hat

His daddy loves him so much!  Look at that hair!

After surgery!

Look at him now (April 2013)!

His sister just had a baby so Antushka is an uncle!

Dressed in his Mongolian wrestling outfit. 

Praying before his meal. 

Christmas 2012

So precious!