Gone 4G!

The Plattner's have gone 4G. 4G is broadband internet. Simply put, it is hopefully an internet upgrade from our ultra finicky internet. I dont know the extent that 4G is advertised in the states, but I am sure you are familiar with 3G. Well, 4G is just the next generation of that technology. This means that we are getting our internet wirelessly. Actually, we are just giving it a try, but so far it is working. This is supposed to have the potential to increase our internet speeds by 5x. We hope it works. When it comes to mobile technology, Jamaica is "on the ball." I think mobile coverage here may be better than it is in the states and the newest technologies are generally available. Digicel, Jamaicas largest mobile carrier, has done a great job of getting mobile technology to the masses. If you are interested, here is an interesting article from Forbes.com on Digicel's takeover of the mobile phone market.

Weeble-Wobble

Daisha is officially using walking as her primary mode of transportation! She is still about as steady as a weeble-wobble (do you remember weeble-wobbles?). She is very much like a weeble-wobble, but she does fall down (weeble-wobbles never fell down). Actually, she is the earliest walker of all of our kids. We think back and cant imagine. Truitt did not start crawling until he was 15 months and wasnt walking until 18 months. Daisha is 14 months old. She is beautiful. In the video, she is very sober and doing her little trademark sucking of her middle two fingers. Actually, in the context of sign language, she is doing the perfect, "I Love You" handshape to herself. Its adorable! She has a fun-loving personality with an electric smile. Congratulations Daisha on your successful passing of the crawling stage.

Normal Life

I can remember towards the end of our honeymoon coming home with the thought, "I am ready for normal life." Dont get me wrong, our honeymoon was sweet and we would take advantage of that type of trip again and again if we were able, but there is something sweet about doing normal life. Family time, work, routine, little things, etc. I thought that again the other day as we had to say goodbye to Kirk's brother's family. We thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly enjoyed our time with Kirk's brothers family, but you can only live that kind of life for so long. You can't live life on vacation, vacation has its place, but then it is time to get back to life. We were so thankful to have them visit and share a bit of our lives with them. We really feel like our time was blessed and now we give thanks!

Week in Review

Here is a little picture review of our week with the Clint Plattner family. As you can see, the kids loved hanging out and playing. No matter the activity, Tyler jumping off a water fall, Abrey swinging off the rope swing, playing at the hotel, just laughing together, we had a blessed time together.

Mr. Bent

Awhile back, I introduced Tashi Bent to you. She attended our sending church for 4 years as she got her degree at Taylor University. She went to school at CCCD and comes from a deaf family who are strong leaders in the Jamaican deaf community. Tashi's father passed away on Tuesday. I never really knew Mr. Bent. I had met him before, but he uses what they call "country sign," and so my interactions with him were fairly limited. But, we all know that we are known by our fruit and I was impressed by Mr. Bent. From my observations, he always seemed to be a thoughtful person who would then surprise you with a hearty laugh from a good joke. And, even more impressive, he demonstrated a love and commitment to his family. A faithful husband and loving father who led a Christian family. I know Tashi adored him and from working with his son, I know that his son respected him. I am praying for those kind of relationships with my kids. I desire for them to walk in Truth, for our family to enjoy spending time together, and for their respect. Mr. Bent had a brain tumor and knew that it was terminal. Lets try to say a prayer of comfort for the Bent family.

Plattner Family x2

Kirk's brother is visiting this weekend. There is a bit of chaos when the Kirk Plattner family meets the Clint Plattner family. 4 adults + 7 kids = a good time. The fellowship has been sweet, the laughs have been hearty, and the fun will be memorable. We are getting away to Montego Bay with them for the next couple of nights and they fly home on Wednesday. What a blessing!

No more Spanking!

Here is my conversation with Drew the other night. And, for setting, his words are all flowing in a rather nonchalant, matter-of-fact tone of voice.

Drew - "Dad, I need to go down to the shop to get some wood to make a sign."
Me - "Oh really, what are you making a sign for."
Drew - "for my bedroom."
Me - "ok, but what is the sign going to say."
Drew - "It will say 'Dad and Mom, no more spankings and time-outs"
Me- "But, what if you do something bad and really need a spanking"
Drew - "I will try hard to do better"
Me - "But what if you still make a mistake"
Drew - "Then we can just put an X through the sign"
Me - "What about Truitt, what if he needs a spanking"
Drew - "We can make another sign for Truitt that says "FREE SPANKINGS"