this and that

So many things have happened since I last wrote! Not even sure where to start but at least I'll give you a summary view of the last month. Most of you know that our children all came to Iraq for Christmas. That was a huge treat and we enjoyed every minute of their visit although it went by way too fast. We ate tons of Kurdish food and enjoyed the bazaar on several occasions. Mostly we just sat around the house and played games & talked. It's hard not to dream about June when we will all be together again! Two days after the last ones left, the folks from Baghdad, Mosul and Duhok (14)came rolling in for 5 days of pastoral training. Although these are great times of encouragement & learning for them, they are very busy days for us as we cook for everyone and make sure there is enough water, blankets, heaters, etc. This time we had a guest from the US come to give the course. Several more are planned before we go on HA. If you get our monthly update, you have read about our desperate need for land to build a church on. We have been hesitant to actually look at land because we don't have the cash on hand but two days ago we went out with our blind real estate agent & saw the perfect piece of property! It was a hoot to ride in the car with this guy as he pointed to turn left, then right, the second turn to the left and mentioned all the landmarks along the way. I always get such a kick out of him. He has memorized this entire city it seems! I'm including a picture of the land that we are dreaming about buying. Our lawyer is asking about the probability of permission being granted for a church in this location. It is open on three sides and can never be closed in; right on a major road that leads to the airport. Please PRAY! The property is quite small but we have an architect who has drawn up some brilliant plans that will help us to use the building to the max. Although property is coming down in price all over the world, it is sky-rocketing in this country because everyone is flocking here to invest since it is considered a very secure area. Meanwhile, we have begun a new semester at the LIFE Center with a record enrollment of students. With 5 classes running simultaneously 3 nights a week + a women's class 3 mornings a week + coffee shop once a week, our center is being put to good use. Our coffee shops have been packed out; you'll always find our team members surrounded by students. We continue to thank God for this wonderful facility that he's provided for us. (sorry I posted the pictures backward!)