Living in Albania--Richard L. Bowman

July 14, 2015

More Time with Family

Our daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matt, and their children came to our house on Friday evening and left Sunday afternoon. Our other daughter and her family, Heidi, Holden, and Sydney, spent all of Saturday with us as well. Here are just a few reminders of that good day.

One project for our day was to purchase the correct tools (to replace those lost in the shed fire) and supplies to install a grab bar in opur shower for me to use after my surgery. Thanks, Holden and Ty!

Holden and Ty installing a grab bar in our shower

Ty and Holden Busy with Installing a Grab Bar in Our Shower (11-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Supper was grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the deck.

our supper was grilled hamburgers and hotdogs on the deck

"Let's Have a Picnic!" (11-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Sydney poders the fate of the universe

Sydney Wonders about Life? (11-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Luke does not want his picture taken but he is smiling all of the time

As Usual Luke Is Enjoying Life (11-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Sydney and Ty value enjoy their ice cream cones

Ty and Sydney Enjoy Ice Cream Cones (11-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

It was a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend. On Sunday Norma Teles was at church and shared about the Joshua Center she manages in Lezhë, Albania. Then I showed a video I made for the children (and adults) about our lives in Lezhë and presented a sermon on how we all are called to be God among those with whom we interact daily, weekly.

Now it is time to leave for the hospital and my hip surgery.

July 9, 2015

Reuniting with Family

One of the activities Elsie and I were looking forward to this summer was that of seeing our nine grandchildren in person. They range in ages from three and a half to twelve (turning thirteen on August 21). The first one we met was Sydney, the youngest one and the only one living near Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. In fact we have eaten two meals at their home since we have returned to the US.

Sydney finding and eating ripe raspberries

Sydney Looks for Ripe Raspberries and Eats Them (1-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

All of Elsie's siblings and their spouses live in Harrisonburg, too. Se we were able to plan a meal together on July 3 at the home of Jim and Bonnie Hamilton. It was a nice time to reconnect and relax.

Hamilton siblings and spouses eating a meal together

Elsie, Bonnie, Jim, Dave, Carol, Alice, Dennis, and a Spot for Me (3-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Then on Saturday, July 4, we drove to Landisville, Pennsylvania, with Lancaster nearby to see our other three children and their families. As we gathered for a meal on Sunday evening with some simple fireworks afterwards, we got to see everyone including my dad.

our five grandsons watch Matt light a "black snake" fireworks

All Five Grandsons (Caleb, Jared, Ty, Nathan, and Luke) Watch as Matt Lights a Black Snake Fireworks (5-Jul-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Maya and Ty hold their sparklers

Naomi watches her sparkler

Leah, Nathan and Jared hold on to their sparklers

Great Grandpa Bowman (my Dad) gets in the sparkler act, too

We also spent a couple of hours with each family separately. Below are two photos from the time we were at Todd's and Maria's home.

Nathan and Jared play with their stuffed dogs at their home

Leah gives a big smile for the photographer (me)

This is just a precursor to our planned gathering at our house the first weekend of August. "Thank you, God, for family who care for each other and you!"

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