My Boys!

 

Just love these guys!!

 

I started a new blog for the Dorm- check it out!

 

http://mikalasdorm.blogspot.com

 

 

 



Summer is over....

 I'm updating my blog with our final summer pictures- can you believe that summer is over already!!??

 Marion Splash Park

The boys are back at Little School Preschool this year and they are loving it. Caleb attends afternoons Tuesday-Thursday and Micah goes Tuesday and Thursdays.

 

 

We are rounding week three here at Mikalas Dorm. Today I'm feeling tired but still so grateful. Tonight we are taking our international boys and their friends to a bonfire. Many of the boys din't know what a bonfire was....once described -one boy said, "A party around a fire- sounds so dangerous!'

 

:)

 

 



 

Da Boys

 If you are a visual person [such as myself] I thought I'd include some pictures of the boys so you can see what they look like as you pray!

 

Here is Arthur. He is from China and brillant. Super sweet, quiet, and again...brillant!

 Bruno from Spain. Very fashionable, hip, and adored by the girls of Kokomo High School

Cool Costi from Italy. Before we moved into the Dorm he was assigned to be our exchange student. We have a special bond with Costi and the boys just love him....it helps that he has a very neat accent! Again, adored by the girls of Kokomo High School!

 

 Fan is from China and loves comic boys. He is the cleanest boy in the house and is very smart!

 Jose from Bolivia. The neat thing about Jose is that when I was in high school I went on a mission trip to Jose's hometown! I knew he looked familiar.... ;)

Santi from Spain is mature and a great soccer player. He is our 'all-around' boy!

 Oscar won my heart Day 1- when he brought me Mexican candy and a Mexican Tablecloth- So sweet

 Yannic is from Germany. He talks fast and moves slow ;) He is funny and a joy to be around!

Thanh is from Vietnam and I think has had to adjust the most as we differ greatly from his homeland. He thinks we eat too much cheese and is very generous!

Keita from Japan is always smiling, plays the electric guitar and takes his school work seriously!

Miquel from Mexico is very well liked among the house. He is fun and kind.

 

 

"Ask and I'll give the nations to you!"

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvuoCrDfru4

 

 

 



School is in session

 Caleb headin to Preschool- could not be more excited!

 When asked to smile, this is Micah's best attempt-

 Micah heading to the 3's classroom!

I believe that Children are our Future!

 

 

We have now been living the in the dorm for 2 weeks. I still feel a bit 'gitty' when I get up- excited for the day ! Each day is a bit different, each day is a bit crazy! 7 of the 11 boys are involved in an after-school sport so managing those schedules is busy. It's only been 2 weeks but it is amazing how close you become while living in close quarters!

Please pray for wisdom for us and that we will be lead by the Holy Spirit. In addition, pray for the salvation of these wonderful boys!!

Seven Years!!

 For our Anny this year we went to Lean On Lodge to celebrate. This Lodge is off the beaten path and was truly a time of rest and relaxation for us!

 Since we were so far away from civilization we decided to grocery shop before our arrival and make our meal together in this lovely, rustic kitchen. I was amazed at my ability of focus on the meal without worrying about where or what the boys were destroying as I prepared!

 You can't tell by the picture but this Lodge was unreal. I am on top of ladder that leads to a secret hide-away-

 My view looking down

 

F.O.R.E.V.E.R!! :)

 

Cousin Time!

 My sister came up for the week a few weeks ago and what's a trip to Kokomo, IN without a FREE Trolley Ride! Heading to Walmart!

 A former Bridges student got Caleb a fish!

 Cuz Time

About an hour away from our house is a place called Conner Praire. This is an interactive, historical park. The kids were able to go inside an Inn as it would have been in the 1800's. Here they are washing carrots getting them ready to prepare Carrot Soup for dinner.

 The boys watching the Potter

 H.A.N.D.S.O.M.E

Back to the Dorms...

 So....we fell into this AMAZING opportunity to work with some International Students here in good ol' Kokomo, IN. The city was selected as a host site for International Students in a type of foreign exchange program. However, instead of the students staying with host families we build a large dorm for all the students to stay at! And we get the honor of living in an apartment that is attached to the dorm by a small, indoor hallway!! We were told of the position on Sunday, interviewed on Tuesday and moved in on Saturday! Whirlwind! Pictured above in a Mexican table runner from Oscar!

 The new kitchen- LOVE

 I always assumed that the only time I'd ever get a walk-in closet would be in my 'mansion in the sky'....but here she stands in all her glory!!

 The apartment is loaded with character- check out the pocket door that lead to the garage!

The Dixie Chics would call this room "Wide open spaces...."

 

We LOVE this new adventure and know that God has put us here, with these 11 boys for 'such a time as this.' If you could join us in praying for wisdom with the boys and eyes to see their needs, concerns, etc... Lord use us!

 

P.S The boys love their new brothers and Oscar has already taught them a few new handshakes!