We couldn't have BEGUN to do this without you!

Dear friends and family around the world,

This is a belated thank you to those who made our California trip, our Brisbane stay, and our Ukarumpa move-in possible. I am overwhelmed at how very much so many, many people did. The blessings included loaned baby items, use of vehicles, picking us up at airports, planning, hosting, and attending get-togethers, hosting our family or family members, making meals to freeze or serve us immediately, meeting us at a park with food, putting up meal lists, arranging for volunteer help as we settle in, having us over, stocking our kitchen, putting meals in our freezer here at Ukarumpa, cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning all the messes, soliciting prayers for us, playing with and taking care of our kids, and taking care of us parents, too! The list could go on and on. If your particular act of service wasn't included, please forgive us and know that we are GRATEFUL beyond measure for you!! I'll no doubt realize people/jobs I've forgotten and feel badly about it later. :} 

I'd like to extend a special thank you to my beloved in-laws, "Marmi" and "Papa," who helped us endure perhaps the hardest week we've had yet as a family, in California when all the kids were sick and Seth ended up hospitalized, with our PNG trip just around the corner! The amount of logistical planning and execution to put up and transport a family of eight, including five toddlers, for a full week plus wedding weekend with out-of-town family, then with an unexpected hospitalization thrown in, just boggles my mind. They had everything ready so we just walked into their lovely home and had cribs and diapers and toys and anything else that was needed, thanks again to many families loaning and giving so generously. It was such a disappointment to us all that the week ended up being so much more difficult than anticipated, but we still had lovely times of play and swimming and cuddles, plus visiting with each other and with our many supporters and friends and family in CA. A huge thank you for hosting our get-togethers, Mom and Dad Jones! That was a ton of work during an already über-stressful week with sick, needy, exhausted babies underfoot and a huge family to feed and care for.

I'd also like to say thanks to my siblings-in-law who helped us greatly with the babies (as well as to Naomi and Megan who flew out to babysit during the wedding while my parents stayed with Seth at the hospital and I attended the wedding - hooray!).  Our time together as the extended Jones family was far too short, but it was sweet. We love and miss you all! Thanks for coming over that last night, Murmps, and thanks for inviting her, Mom and Dad Jones!! :) [Murmps is Gavin's grandma.]

When we think of all the Lord has done for us through so many of you, we are completely humbled and amazed. We are also undeserving, but that's what His GRACE is all about. "For by GRACE that you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Thanks again and again for all your gifts in every form!

Carrie

A cute picture of Papa helping David on the slide at the park in CA.

Marcie in Marmi's sweater and cap made by Murmps!
It was cold in the mornings in Brisbane.

Papa with Marcie going backward, Gracie coming up,
Seth and David behind. He's a great sport - love the grin. :)

On the swing in Brisbane at the park near our host family's house

Checking out our PNG car (Nissan Patrol) David in foreground, Gracie standing behind, Seth barely visible.

Grace watching Baby Einstein

Someone didn't sleep long enough!

I love this picture: Marcie, Gracie, Seth

. . . and this one :)