May Flowers

Is the month of May really almost over? Wow, it seems like it has been non-stop! The month started a little rough. As I mentioned in my last post, we were all quite ill at Easter. However, we pushed through and have been running all month. The first weekend, I attended a local ladies' conference. It was about 9 hours from here...twisting through mountains and driving sometimes ridiculous roads (to American standards). I was able to sit in the front so I only "heaved" a few times - nothing traumatic!! However, it was so worth it to gather with believers and learn and grow together. These women have amazing stories. I can't wait to share them with those that are interested!! (Fall 2012 - now scheduling!) We returned on Mother's Day. My sweet family had the house cleaned and had found a nice table and chair set for the balcony. On the 10th, I celebrated my 35th birthday! WOW! I now have to move up a level in my face cream, but at least by company standards I am allowed to weigh more!! (YEAH!) The second weekend, we had locals from our first city in country fly over for a visit. It was so wonderful to reconnect. Praise the Lord for language growth as I was able to share more of my faith. We also attended the local fellowship together. There is nothing like hearing truth from people that know your background. I am so thankful to be a part of this special group. The third weekend, we took a trip out of the city. We traveled straight up into the mountains - 5 hours from here about a mile above sea level. It was an amazing 3 days. We climbed all over the biggest castle any of us have ever seen. We rode a ferry out to an island that had a monastery from 700AD. Grace's big event of the weekend was a trip to a cat reservation. There are only 300 pure Van cats left on the planet. The university in Van is now trying to preserve the breed. Honestly, I think they are a little freaky looking, but Grace enjoyed herself. You can Google it if interested. We have pictures on facebook of all these weekends. The kids have one more week of homeschool; however, we will continue having our language tutor through the summer. The kids are now working on language books with the grade levels they just finished in American school. (2nd & 3rd) I am so proud of them! May has been a wonderful and exciting month for the Travis family. We pray you all enjoy a wonderful Memorial Weekend and the start to an amazing summer.

I just wanted to catch everyone up; sorry this blog was a bit random....I love wild flowers! AT

Easter 2011

Well, I had hoped to post all the exciting things that we had planned to do over the Easter weekend; however, William spiked a 104 fever on Friday night and it was all downhill from there. We have all "caught" something. We had to cancel our plans with local friends and only Matt was able to attend the special church service in a neighboring city. We still rejoice and proclaim.....BLESSED BE YOUR NAME!! Sooooooo; we basically had an "at home-in PJs" Easter. There will be no pictures of the family all "spiffed-up". We are really glad that our church program was last weekend. The kids worked so hard I would have hated for them to have missed it. You can check out photos on Matt's facebook page. I am also really glad that we have been celebrating and doing activities for Easter for 2 weeks. It would have been a big bummer if we had saved everything for this weekend! Lollie (Matt's sister) gave the kids some special egg "markers". They did muster the energy to do 2 eggs each before they wanted to lie back down. We still plan to color eggs next weekend with some locals that have never done it before. We are also going to be sharing our 12 Resurrection Eggs with them. William's big present was a game for the computer and Grace's was a new "little pony". Poor things, we put the baskets on our bed this year thinking that everyone might just want to lay down to open gifts and read scripture. We were a pitiful sight!! No chocolate bunnies this year, but the kids have changed their taste buds to the candy here so everyone was happy! (not that any of us needed sugar while ill, or trying to keep from getting ill!!) Matt still missed not having his Cadbury Creme eggs, but he's adjusting! : ) We miss each of you and pray that you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Praise His Holy Name!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day12 - Last EGG!

Matthew 28: 5-8 He has risen!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!! Praise the Lord, our last egg we found empty. We serve a risen Savior. He was/IS victorious! Sin, death and hell now no longer have power over those who trust in Christ for salvation. It says in John 8:36, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!" Our family thought for the day is: Are we walking in the freedom that Christ has given us or are we allowing unbelif to hold us back? Are we boldly sharing this good news with those around us? Freedom is Sweet!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day11

Today we read Matthew 28:1-3 and opened an egg containing a small stone. The Resurrection Eggs book states that the stone that was placed in front of Christ's tomb was bigger than a door and as heavy as a car. In the area that we live in now, we have seen tombs with stones that fit this description. It is really quite fascinating. You can click here to view a few pictures I have posted on this blog. You can also check out my facebook page if interested. The Resurrection Eggs book also says, "Words about the stone being miraculously rolled away and about Jesus' resurrection from the dead are the most encouraging and hope-giving words a Christian could ever have." Our family thought for the day is: Are we standing ready, waiting for the miracle that Christ has for us? Do we believe His promises? Do we trust in His amazing plan? We pray you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day10

Matthew 27:57-61 - Today we opened an egg containing a white linen cloth. It is interesting to think about the people that are not mentioned in the Bible. Those that were followers of Christ, but not among the 12, and perhaps those that maybe didn't consider themselves "followers", but stood on the sidelines listening, watching...pondering. Joseph of Arimathea was like that. He was a rich man likely a member of the Jewish leadership. He is not mentioned before this time; however, he had to have been secretly observing and listening to Jesus. In the end, he decided to step forward in boldness and ask for the body of Christ. How many people are there like that around our families, our ministries our churches, etc.? We will never know for sure, but I know that they are there. Our family thought for the day is: When people look at our life do they see a genuine love for Christ? Is Christ proclaimed in our treatment of each other and our service to those around us? We desire that it be said of us as individuals and as the "Travis Team" that we glorify God and have integrity in all that we do. May we seek Him with boldness and with all our hearts - AT!

Resurrection Countdown - Day 9

Today we read from John 19:31-37, and opened an egg containing a spear. Yes, Jesus actually died. It was not a trick. He didn't just collapse from exhaustion. To make sure that he was really dead, the soldiers pierced His side. When they did, out came water and blood. Later in the day, William asked why this was proof. Well, since the only "C" I received in college was in biology and Matt had already gone to work, I decided to look it up on the internet. I didn't really find the answer that I was looking for as far as why water being there and not just blood was important. (How did that mean He was already dead?) However, I did find a ton of things on all the symbolism that is represented. It was quite interesting. Again, like yesterday, I am amazed at all the details that the Father has woven together. I won't go into the details; you can Google if interested. Any of my nurse/doctor/biology smart friends are welcome to answer the question for William. I know he would appreciate it. Our family thought for the day is: Think about how much Jesus must love us that He was willing to suffer and die in our place. Praise Him Today - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 8

Today, we read from John 19:23-25 and found a single die in our egg. It was the fulfilling of prophesy that they would divide the Messiah's garments and cast lots for His clothing. I stand amazed over and over how all that was prophesied in scripture Christ fulfilled. Our family thought for the day is: Do we know God's word? Are we faithful to study it every day, memorize it and ponder it? We want to be found ready to give an account for our faith. Blessings Today - AT