Last month Maria hit 13 months, and she really thinks she’s as old as all her other siblings! She says a few words: yes, baby, mommy, and daddy. She loves looking at books. She examines the pictures as thought she’s actually reading the book. I’m not sure we’ve ever had a child who pays such attention to details in books at her age. One other thing she loves to do is “write.” We were quite surprised when she picked up a pencil the other day and held correctly at the tip and started to “write” on a paper. It looked better than my pencil hold! The next day when I tried to get a picture, her hold was similar but not as good. So fun to watch!

A few days before Maria turned 13 months, I put her in two of my baby dresses and took some pictures. Maria is not one to pose for pictures; she’s too busy and too interested in seeing her picture on the camera to stay still.

Our time in the States was hard on Maria. She was a very happy baby when with us, but she wouldn’t nap in her pack-n-play or go to nursery. The days she was held by other people were often her worst nights – it’s as though she was anxious, often waking up 4+ times per night. I wasn’t sure what to expect on our return to Cambodia and was wondering how in the world I was going to teach school and read the Bible with ladies in the afternoon, if Maria wouldn’t nap unless being held in silence. Thankfully, after about a week in our home, I tried putting Maria down to nap listening to music (Who Made You). The first time I let her cry for 20 minutes and then she slept for 20 minutes. Two days later she went down with only a little crying. Now she’s napping twice a day and as long as the music is playing, she’s been doing fine. I’m so thankful. It’s made a big difference to my day. Maria is a sweet little girl who loves her siblings. She loves playing chase.

Yesterday we started our 2024-2025 school year! Looking forward to 9th, 7th, 5th, 3rd, kindergarten, and fun grade! Every year before the start of the school year I get overwhelmed with the thought, “How am I going to be able to teach all these grades and care for the little children?” It’s a huge job. God gives grace, and I find myself praying through a lot of my day. Thankful for these precious years with our kids.

Friday night we arrived in Phnom Penh with all 17 pieces of checked luggage. We had smooth flights. On our 15-hour flight they put us next to two empty seats. When we arrived in Korea, we rushed to our connecting flight and made it just as they were boarding. So thankful we made our flight! As we started to board one child said, “We just got off a plane.” Our 5-hour flight to Korea was mostly one of sleep for everyone except me. When we got out of the airport in Cambodia, we were happy to see our friends the N’s and K’s waiting for us. So happy to be back in Cambodia!

This week we celebrated Ezra’s 6th birthday! He’s been requesting a giant “E” cake, which was nice and easy to do. A few weeks ago my parents gave Ezra a bike – early since we’re going back to Cambodia this week. He’s loved riding up and down the sidewalk and at a park. Ezra wanted spaghetti for his birthday. After dinner we watched a birthday slideshow, gave gifts, and ended with cake!

We’ve been in PA for the past week and much of our time has been packing our luggage, which takes a very long time. The kids have been doing projects – one day the older four went to my mom’s school to help her get ready for the new school year. Another day there was a birthday party for Maria and me.

Monday we were able to visit with the Jensens (not related) and enjoyed fellowshipping with them. Tuesday we went to Lake Tobias and enjoyed the animal safari and zoo. To end the day we went to Dover’s National Night Out. Unfortunately after we finished eating a rain storm came and we had to seek shelter, thinking we could wait it out. That was not the case. My dad got separate from the group, and Josh got soaked searching for him and getting our van. An exciting adventure. We went from sweating to shivering in one day.

We left Dad and Mom Jensens’ home early Tuesday morning (July 23) to drive to Pottsville, PA to visit with my aunt’s family. One of the treats she planned for the kids was horseback riding at a camp. The younger boys wouldn’t ride until we took them out a second time, and then Micah was crying when he had to dismount.

Thursday we visited with the LeBlanc Family. It was great to be with them. The kids enjoyed riding go-carts in the woods, the zip-line, and playing games downstairs.

Saturday we headed to Long Island, NY to be with a church. We enjoyed our fellowship with them. Saturday evening through Sunday night. We enjoyed getting to know the Reimanns 0- they treated us to donuts Sunday morning. Monday morning we drove through the Holland Tunnel, via Manhattan, to visit my Uncle John and Aunt Ruthy. Monday evening we returned to Dover, PA. Tuesday we enjoyed fellowship with the Luttmann family to talk about Bible Visual Internationals. We’re now in our last two weeks before flying back home to Cambodia.

This week Maria celebrated her 1st birthday! Our sweet little girl has made amazing progress with her walking in the past two weeks and is now on the go. We’re all so delighted with our little girl, and all her siblings love her. She’s a spunky little girl who loves to talk with expression and hand motions. (The dress is the one Yayyi gave Anna for her 1st birthday.)

Maria had two birthday parties – one at Canaan Land with her cousin Levi who turned one the day before. Emily made smash cakes for the birthday babies, and Maria loved hers.

Maria’s second party was with the extended Jensen family. We spent Saturday evening until Tuesday morning with Josh’s family. We all enjoyed a relaxing time being together!

My birthday is two days before Maria’s, and I also had two parties – one with the Rodriguez family and one with the Jensen extended family. Dad J and I share a birthday! It was special to celebrate with friends and family.

July 10th we started our last weeks of traveling before we settle in PA to start packing to return home to Cambodia (we’ll get back to my parents on the 29th). On the 10th (Wednesday) we drove to VA and stayed with the Gustafsons’ again. We were able to return the stroller they kindly lent us during our travels and enjoy being with them again. Thursday we spent six hours revisiting The National Museum of the United States Army. First we went through the special D-Day exhibit. Then, once again, the older kids went through the exhibits, while the youngers enjoyed the area designated for younger kids. It was a very rewarding day for me as I watched our kids live out our educational goal for them: Learn to Learn and Love to Learn.

Friday we drove to Charlotte, NC and enjoyed visiting with the Cole family. We spent evening Friday and Saturday morning together. It’s been over 10 years since we’ve seen the Coles, and it was a delight to catch up with them. Becca especially enjoyed their girls and spending time talking about literature. The boys had lots of nerf wars. The little boys enjoyed grinding coffee beans with Michael.

Saturday afternoon we drove to the Lake Toxaway area and started the Sutter Family Reunion. (I don’t have the pictures from this but will post what I have.) Besides my older brother’s family who was in the process of moving to Florida, everyone was able to attend. The 16 cousins had a great time hiking, playing games, biking, and running around the campus together. Ezra learned how to ride a bike without training wheels (we started by pushing him down a grassy hill to help him get his bearings). Thankful for the time everyone had to get to know one another and play together.

You can tell from the picture that our girl knows she’s a ham! Maria took some steps last month, but she hasn’t taken off yet. She wants to run and doesn’t have the patience to practice walking. Sadly, Maria will not nap in a bed. She sleeps great in the car or will fall asleep when I hold her, but she up the minute I try to put her in her pack-n-play. At nights she’s up multiple times. The constant travel and changing rooms has been hard on her. BUT she’s a pretty happy girl most of the day. She loves to play and laugh and eat. Everyone adores her! We love you Maria!

Last Friday we had the special treat of getting together with the 2 other families, plus one college student, from our Cambodian missionary family: Farmers, Smedleys, and Jon Pawley. We all just happen to be in PA at the same time. We met at a park and spent several hours fellowshipping. The kids enjoyed playing games. It’s always a treat to be with family from back home in Cambodia!

Saturday we headed to NJ to take a scenic train ride starting in Flemington with the “2 Wheelers.” It was fun to have a train ride – everyone enjoyed it!

We spent Saturday late afternoon and evening with the Puccios. The kids enjoyed swimming. It was fun to watch Mr & Mrs Puccio, who were my SS teachers, take the same interest in our kids as they had with me and my friends throughout our childhood years. These are precious people who I’ve known as long as I can remember.

Sunday we were at NDC, in Piscataway, the church where I was born. There are still a handful of people there from my growing up years.

Sunday evening we met at my Uncle John’s house for a get-together with family. All my Dad’s siblings were there and a few cousins. My brother, Sam, came to see us with his family. They are moving to FL this week, and we really appreciate their making time to drive down to see us during their very busy week.

Monday we visited again with my Uncle John. Over a year ago he ended up in the hospital with multiple blood clots in his leg and almost lost his leg and then his life. We’re thankful for the progress he’s made so far, but he has a long way to go. It was good to spend time with him. This was also the first time for me to be back in my grandma’s house since her death….a bit sad.

We left Texas on June 20th for our two-day drive to Tennesee to visit our good friends the Burkes. (We stayed over-night in Memphis.) It was great to visit with Sterling and MK and meet their girls. We were with them from Friday afternoon until Sunday after lunch. Always a pleasure to be with Cambodian friends. Sunday evening we arrived in Cincinnati and stayed in a hotel to be near The Creation Museum.

At the Creation Museum we split up into two groups: Josh, Becca, Isaiah, and Anna made up one team; Clara, Ezra, Micah, Maria, and I made up the other team. This allowed us to go at an enjoyable, appropriate pace for each group. The older group went to a lecture on the Golden Ratio, while the rest of us toured the museum. We met for lunch and then went to a lecture on animals and then went to the planetarium. In the afternoon the older group went through the museum exhibit, while the rest of us walked around outside and then went to the 4D show on the Days of Creation. The older group went to the 4D show after we did and by then it was 5pm and time to head back. We’re very thankful for our friends who arranged for us to use their friends’ lifetime passes to the museum – which included entry and the planetarium showing. (Note – this year kids 10 and under are free and both the Creation Museum and The Ark Encounter. So if you have a lot of young kids, this is the year to go!)

Monday evening we had dinner with the Lyons family. This was our third time to see the Lyons. Our first visit with them was planned and the last two were unexpected. Every time we say goodbye we say, “See you in 5 years.” And then somehow 5 years goes by really fast! The Lyons (who live in SC) just happened to be visiting Michael’s parents in Cincinnati.

Tuesday we spent the day at The Ark Encounter. We enjoyed the zoo first, hoping that the crowds in the ark would lessen in the afternoon. Everyone enjoyed The Ark Encounter. At the end of our visit we attended a drama by the BJU drama team on the lives of two Russian pastors. After the show, we headed to Lexington, KY to spend two nights with our friends the Raslaus. We had a great time of fellowship with this kind family. Then Thursday, June 27th, we headed out to drive to PA. Thus completes our long trip: GA–>AL–>TX–>TN–>OH–>KY–>PA. We had a wonderful month visiting with friends in many states. We’re thankful for each one of them and the time we were able to spend catching up on their lives and being encouraged on the Lord’s work in their hearts.

We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this week. So thankful for these past 16 years the Lord has given us. Things just keep getting better as we walk through life together as one. For our anniversary we went out to breakfast, then late afternoon we headed out for the night with Maria. We enjoyed gyros at a park and then walked around. Maria didn’t enjoy walking, as she wanted to go back and swing at the playground. She loves swinging and watching other people. Happy 16th Anniversary to Us!

We left Georgia on June 5th, stopping at Grandma Martin’s on the way for a quick lunch visit. We drove to Alabama and stayed with the Leitharts. They were very kind to receive us and house us for the night. It was a pleasure to spend time with this kind, humble, unassuming couple who has and is doing so much for the Kingdom. Dr. Leithart gave Becca two books he’s written on Jane Austin. She was thrilled.

Thursday, June 6th, we spent 12 hour in the van driving from Birmingham, AL to Plano, TX. Texas the birthday place of our two oldest children. It was a long day of driving, but everyone did really well with the trip. We were glad to arrive at the Countrymans for two nights. Friday lunch we met Dr. Pat Davis at a McDonalds. She thoughtfully brought activities for all the kids to do. I am always amazed by Dr. Davis – a 92 year old lady still doing literacy work and training with tribal groups in Peru.

Saturday we drove to spend the night with Bob and Martha Gamblin. They are a sweet couple and think of us as family. Sunday we attended Redeemer Prez in Arlington and Josh presented our ministry and preached. It was good to be with many of our friends from our years in Texas.

Sunday and Monday nights (June 9 & 10) we stayed with the Ishams. It was great to catch up with them. Monday we went to the Fort Worth Zoo – everyone enjoyed seeing the animals and riding the train. This zoo has special memories, since we used to take Becca there when we lived in Texas.

We left the on Tuesday and had lunch and a swim at the Woods. Tuesday to Friday we stayed at Ann’s. She kindly gave up her house and moved in with a friend so we could have her entire house to ourselves. It was a sweet gift for our family during a very busy time. Miss Ann was Becca’s SS teacher when Becca was 3. Tuesday (June 11th) evening we fellowshipped with our friend Kathy, one of Becca’s NICU nurses. She also invited Teresa, another one of Becca’s nurses. Wednesday (12th) we had lunch with the dear Olsons. They arranged for us to have a picnic lunch at their church, so there would be a place inside for the kids to play. Wednesday evening we met the Walters at a playground/spray park for a picnic.

Thursday (13th) we drove to GIAL and spent some time with Dr. Parker (a former professor of Josh’s) and Dr. Kroeger. It felt like a mini Grammar seminar reunion to spend time with Dr. Kroeger. He treated us to lunch and brought rice for the kids from an Asian store. On our way back, we stopped by at UTA to visit our old stomping ground and Becca’s tree. Friday we visited with the Rylands. It was fun to be with them and see their growing family. The kids did water play in the back yard.

Friday to Thursday (June 14th -20th) we moved in with our friends the Martins. They put our family in their gym building and it was a great space for us. We enjoyed swimming, playing kickball, nerf gun wars, eating, shooting guns, and playing together. So nice that our kids enjoyed playing together. We also celebrated Father’s Day with them.

Sunday we attended All Saints and had lunch with the Bennetts. Monday we visited with Vitaly and his family at a park. So nice to see them after 11 years. Monday evening we met Den and his wife at a park. Den is our Seed Company project manager. Tuesday we meet the Countryman’s for lunch at a CFA, so we could see Aaron (who was away in Europe when we stayed at his house). Thus ends our two weeks in Texas. It’s been a great time connecting with so many friends from our years (2008-2013) in Texas. Our kids enjoyed lots of extra activities and making new friends. Now on to Tennesee!

Going back a few weeks, we left SC on May 27th and drove to Forsyth, GA to spend a week staying at Eventide. Our friends to Gottwals generously allowed us to use Eventide and rest there. We enjoyed the beauty of the location and the extra time we got to visit with our friends during the week. The kids enjoyed fishing, walking around the property, and reading all the books from Gottwals Books.

One afternoon we visited the Museum of Aviation, 2nd largest museum in the US Air Force. The kids especially enjoyed the cockpits they were able to sit in. After sitting in a cockpit, Anna commented on how difficult it must be to be a pilot. The boys absolutely loved being in a helicopter.

Over the weekend we were with Central Fellowship Baptist Church. It was good to be with them the Wednesday before as well. We met a kind lady who offered to cut our hair at her salon – she wash, cut, and styled all the girls’ hair. We very much enjoyed our time at Eventide and the rest and fellowship that went along with the week. And we, of course, enjoyed visiting Gottwals Books. Thankful for our friends the Gottwals!

We had a great time celebrating Isaiah’s birthday at Eventide. The Gottwals joined us for a chili lunch and a pizza supper. After lunch, Shane set up a “water park” with water guns, water balloons, pools, a slippy-slide, and a bubble machine. It was a great time for everyone. There was a dads vs kids water gun war. After the water wars, we had cake. Thankfully Isaiah chose a simple cake design – a big 12.

Isaiah has been enjoying lots of things in the US – spending time with family, parks, museums, reading, etc. He’s been a great help during our travels and enjoys talking to others about Cambodia. He’s even allowed some elderly ladies to hug him – and that’s a big step in maturity for him. We’re delighted to have Isaiah as our son and look for to this year of being 12!

May 18th we left the HP mission house to start our last two weekends in SC. We enjoyed our three months in the home, having a space of our own to rest in while traveling and visiting with friends, family, and churches. Thursday, May 16th, we spent time with the Rodriguez family. It’s been great to have them close by and be able to be with them multiple times. Yani made some extra time in her teaching schedule to come over a few mornings to pray with me – a special treat. Becca enjoyed spending time with Amaris.

Friday, the 17th, we got together with David Wynn. Josh had a great time catching up, and the kids all enjoyed playing. We only saw Mrs. Wynn for a moment before she had to leave for a family event. Saturday morning we packed up and cleaned the mission house. We stopped by Chick-Fil-A on our way out of town to Florence, SC. We spent the weekend with Berean Baptist Church. The kids enjoyed our time staying with Pastor Don & Miss Karen. A highlight was boating on the lake at their property.

From Florence we headed to Canaan Land for a vacation with Dad & Mom Jensen and Caroline & her kids. We had a great week of hiking, boating, eating, game playing, and just enjoying each other’s company. The kids worked on a puppet show with a staff member and performed it at the Thursday evening campfire. Friday we took a trip to The WILDS. The kids enjoyed Fort Fun, the water guns, and playing games.

Saturday, May 25th, we left Canaan Land and drove to Sumter, SC. On the way, we made a stop in Colombia to visit with the Lyons. We enjoyed our weekend with Sumter Bible Church. It was our first time to stay in a hotel during our time here, which is a bit of a challenge with lively children. Monday we drove to GA and are now staying at Eventide for the week.

Mother’s Day weekend we were full celebrating Josh’s parents anniversary, but Sunday evening there was no church, so we took sandwiches to a playground for supper. It was nice to watch everyone relax and play. I’m thankful for our family. Thankful for a husband who loves his family and is delighted to have seven children. I’m thankful our children enjoy playing outside and enjoy playing with each other. I’m thankful that God has blessed us with our children. This year Becca will start high school, so it means we only have a few more years of having everyone at home and everyone on the same side of the world. We’re thankful for these years and are enjoying them as we raise our kids together.

This past week has been full of visiting as we wrap up our time in SC. Thursday & Tuesday my sister Emily came for the day with Levi. Monday we had lunch with the Whitakers and supper with Uncle JD & Aunt Kim Crowley. Tuesday evening we were with Taylor and Emmie Crowley. Wednesday we went to the Children’s Museum with Mom Jensen and in the evening had a picnic with our HP Life Group. Josh visited his grandma Wednesday morning.

Over the weekend we celebrated Dad & Mom Jensen’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. The whole family spent Friday evening through Sunday lunch together. It was a nice relaxing time to celebrate Dad & Mom’s anniversary and for everyone to enjoy fellowshipping together.

The last picture is with the Bells – we ran into them at church.