The kids were really anxious about leaving their friends in Haiti for so long; and though they do miss them - they have really enjoyed getting re-acquainted with old friends and making new friends here!
Everywhere we go....there are people that the kids immediately bond with that they wish they didn't have to part with. Though it could be sad...to always be leaving friends or family as we move on,  I try to encourage them  (and me) to think of the good times that we have had and how blessed we are to have so many people to care for and to be cared by!

Alanna has frequently asked, "Why can't all of our friends and family just move to Haiti so that we can all always be together?" Sounds like the perfect solution.  ;)  The Folkeringas and Lenkers are catching on! ;)  They will be joining our missionary team soon!  ;)

                                               My Pre-K class! :)  3, 4, & 5 year olds

Alanna's Birthday & Mazura!

In Haiti, when a child is "changing teeth" you call them "Mazura"  :)

ROOFING DAY!

Kristina hammin' it up

Happy Birthday Brianna!

Brianna enjoyed celebrating her birthday with MANY friends!

All the kids played games followed by a movie while eating snacks and cake.

 

 Before the movie, the girls were given ballet lessons, followed by "Art" time while the boys played a game of soccer.

The night before Brianna's birthday we enjoyed roasting hotdogs and marshmallows in honor of her birthday -The following day was her birthday party followed by a Christmas Eve Party at our house later that evening.

Here is Brett and Junior preparing the coconuts after Bri's party so that we can make pina-coladas for our Christmas Eve gathering - its become a tradition. :)

Cowman International 2010 Christmas Program

The Christmas Program, "Meet Me at the Manger" was a HUGE success!  Miss Erica and all the kids did a TERRIFIC job of sharing the REAL meaning of Christmas.  One of the songs asked why bother with the tree, the gifts, the cards if you don't have Christ in your heart?  One of my favorite songs included this line, "We bow down, in your holy presence. We lift our voices in our song of praise, Emmanuel has come to live among us, Emmanuel has come to LIGHT the WAY!"  The sweetness with which the kids sing this beautiful song - just gets me EVERY time. Even in practices!  It was truly a wonderful program.

The kids also enjoyed the party afterward!  One of the mothers brought a brand-new cotton-candy maker!!!  What a treat!!!   Just this summer my mom was trying to find cotton candy for my kids to try ....and now, we have cotton candy right here in Haiti! Who would of thought! :)