He is Risen!

The boys in white. Looked good for church. Bennett got ketchup all over his shirt at lunch...but I think it all came out. White on boys only happens around once a year for a reason.

Showing some love...Austin has been pretty affectionate lately and even gave his little shadow a sweet kiss during pictures.

Happy Easter! Our day is just winding down. It was a fun day of celebrating the resurrection, minus a few unexpected mishaps. Chris discovered a "real" American football league here in town (with pads and tackling and everything) and went for the first time last night. He came home with a hurt knee (hopefully not too serious) but is limping around today. He couldn't ride the subway or do stairs very well. And we finally started driving our friend's car this week...and went out this morning to find a dead battery. Rather, I went out, got the kids strapped in and discovered the dead battery, since Chris left two hours earlier to set up music. We ended up taking a cab- thankfully we found one! So the day could have started off better.

Chris leading with the African choir.

But once we got to church, I was reminded of the great reason for today's joy and the pettiness of small things. Usually there are two services, but for Easter we had one combined service that met out in the foyer of the building where we rent rooms. It was a very well-attended and I love the international flavor of our church. There are people from all over- US, Europe, Australia, Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pacific Islands, India...and there are many more, but for the English service that encompasses a lot. Chris led worship this morning with the African choir...it was a very vibrant and alive and...just plain fun time of worship. Very rhythmic and meaningful. After the service, an impromptu dance party broke out at the front of the room..led mostly by the Africans and Pacific Islanders, but later joined by the more rhythmically challenged white folks and Asians. They even started a dance line around the room later with the pastor joining in. It was really fun and I always feel like I am getting a glimpse of heaven where the nations gather together. Here is a little clip of the Resurrection Fun.



We had lunch out with friends, a short but quiet afternoon and then dinner with our neighborhood friends. Thanks to Nana for sending fun treats to fill the boys' Easter baskets...fun candy from the States is SUCH a treat at Easter. At dinner, the kids did a small Easter egg hunt in our living room. The boys are now chatting in bed, even though it is 9 pm. I think Austin is ready to sleep, but Bennett is singing "Hosanna, hosanna in the highest" at the top of his lungs.


He is Risen! Happy Easter.