From start to finish...

Personally, I think Tom is one of the most creative people on the planet...but, perhaps, I might be biased! He was asked to do some artwork for the set of Divaz Next Door which is a local talk show on PlusTV, a Christian TV station, here in Belize. Here are some photos that I put together showing the evolution of his artwork!

His initial concept

He wasn't happy with the direction of this one...

So he changed direction.

Cirilo's preparing the set

The table was custom made by Pastor Scott Stirm and his son Shane.

all set and ready to go!

And it's show time! 

We had an informative talk with Mrs Arzu about the Garinagu people of Belize

Andrea and I also enjoyed a song by David Smith of Roots and Honor Records!

passing the time...

Tom has always enjoyed doing puzzles.  In the early years of our marriage, before we could afford artwork, Tom would do a puzzle and glue it together to hang on our walls.  Now our home in Belize is graced with his artwork.  But, the joy of completing a puzzle still remains!

 

 

He thought at first that there were a few pieces missing...

Thankfully, Auntie Manesha found them today when she came to do the floors!!

Number 29

Tom's artwork graces our walls.  Here is one of his latest pieces.  It was influenced by the local Mayan masks that we've seen here in Belize.  He was intrigued by the thought of what jewels of different colors look like when light hits them from various angles. 

I loved how it turned out!

CDF at work and play...

Here are a few shots from our time in Dream Valley this morning.  CDF was asked to do a training on Child Abuse for a group of preschool teachers as part of their Teacher's Day retreat.  

 

Shelly started off by explaining who CDF is and what we do...

 

There were close to 50 for the training...

 
Tom teaching...

And then it was time for a break before lunch.  There was so much to see and do there.  Some of the teachers went for a boat ride, some visited the butterfly farm, others enjoyed the pool, while others just soaked up the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The grounds were beautiful, birds were singing, various flowers are in bloom, oh what a wonderful day!

The Exterminator...

 

 

We've been battling ants in the house for several weeks now.  So Tom decided to get serious.  He purchased the chemicals and the sprayer and got to work.  Never thought he would get to add exterminator to his resume!

Two men and a lady at work...

 

 

Spencer and Tom digging a trench and Harley supervising!

Happy 50th Birthday Tom!!

I remember way back when you turned 16...where did the time go?  How quickly it passes!  I am so grateful to have you in my life.  And I am blessed by the journey we have taken together and all of the ups and downs we have weathered side by side.

You are an amazing man and your ministry has blessed people in various countries all around the world.  I pray that God's hands continue to bless and guide you each day.  I pray that you feel His presence leading and comforting and supporting you every step of the way.  I pray that He provides strength and insight and hope for you each and every day of this new year of your life.

I love you, Tommy!  Happy Birthday!

just chillin'

Tom relaxing!

When he's not working at the CDF office or preparing a lesson for Belize Bible Center you can find Tom painting at home.  I love all the art work that graces our walls.  If you want to check out his pieces...just come on over!

a just cause...

There was a Family Focus Forum held at the University of Belize on Tuesday. Tom was asked to represent the Child Development Foundation and give a 10 minute presentation.  The issue being discussed is the removal of sodomy laws here in Belize.

Our involvement is related to how the repeal of this law would affect male children and teens. As this sodomy law is the only law Belize has right now to charge pedophiles with who prey on young men.  There has been much in the media lately about teen boys being violated  and this part of the issue needs to be heard when the case about repealing section 53 goes to court in December.

Tom is introduced in this video at minute 6:52.  Please keep this issue in your prayers!

Number 11

Tom's latest painting for the church.

Man at Work

Tom enjoying his studio time and the benefits of his labor!

A man and his dog...

Tom is chilling while Harley stands guard. All is safe in our yard.


Linking up with:
This is My Father's World

Where in the world is Tom?

This past week Tom has been in Yakutsk teaching on Codependency. He got there on Saturday and they have had him working each day since he arrived. He has been to the local rehab center, spoken to a group of youth and is teaching daily at one of the area churches.

Each day he sends us text messages to keep us updated on how things are going. Yesterday he told us that the day started off at -50 and warmed up to -47. Today he wrote to say that it was colder than yesterday but that he was afraid to know exactly what the temp was. Oh, by the way, the locals are telling him that it is not even winter yet.

If you Google "coldest city on earth" Yakutsk pops up... give it a try!

Tom's interview with HTK tv

Wednesday I was interviewed by Russian tv correspondant Marina from HTK. Marina is a 20-something who spent a month in California & Ohio, & is fascinated with all things American. When she heard from a mutual friend that friendly Americans were in Krasnodar teaching topics to help Russians grow emotionally & spiritually, she decided to check us out.

The focus of her interview had to do with stereotypes of people - where the stereotypes come from & do they help or hinder communication & multi-national understanding? Some of the old US stereotypes of Russia are that, ‘all of Russia is covered with snow, there are live bears that walk the streets, the KGB follows you everywhere & every Russian drinks lots of vodka.’ She asked me the stereotypical question, ‘why do all Americans smile so much?’ I replied, ‘many Americans smile because of the freedoms we have in life.’ Unfortunately, I don’t know that I provided her with any controversial or newsworthy quotes, as I love the Russian people & very much enjoy living here. I want to keep it that way!

Tom

What would you do?

Tom just gave food to a woman begging door to door. At the end of the day, he'd rather be accused of being too loving than being too judgmental.

the everything for 40 Rubles Store

Tom and I went out to the Mega Mall today to pick up some energysaving lightbulbs. As we were walking around the mall we spotted a 40 Ruble store. At today's exchange rate it would be the Everything for One Dollar and Twenty One Cents Store. We found ear plugs, an elbow brace, a pill box... just to name a few.

When Tom teaches he likes to use props. He had already found a compass he needed for a teaching he will be doing next month. And while we were at the 40 Ruble store he found his second prop... a pregnancy test. Now neither one of us looks like a spring chicken anymore, so can you imagine the look on the cashier's face when I paid for the pregnancy test??!! She looked me up and down, smirked and keyed in the item. As soon as we got out of the store I explained to Tom what she had done.

I would love to hear the version of the story that she told her friends after we left the store!!