Ben is graduating....

We are so happy and excited for Ben as he graduates from the University of Maryland with a BS in Business Administration. Pics to come after he throws his cap....

Radical by David Platt

Taking back your faith from the American Dream.....
Are we growing more like Jesus daily or are we growing Jesus to be more like us, if so...when you gather in church and lift up your hands and your hearts to worship Him, we may not actally be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshiping ourselves.....!

TheKnot

You can go to this site and view the plans of Ben and Alisha's wedding and join to receive updated information: TheKnot

Jumping for JOY

Well, we continue to grow as a family and add to the Smith name. We are so proud to announce that Ben and Alisha will be getting married on August 27 here on Okinawa. They have set up a blog site for everyone to view. Have a blessed day.

Slide Show of Andy and Jillian

Go to this site to see the slide show a friend from church put together for us for Andy and Jillian.

http://www.vimeo.com//14638157

Lizzy has 6 puppies

Here is the boy with his first nursing session. He is always nursing. He is well on his way to becoming the family pig.

Here is girl #1.

Here are # 3 and #4 girls.

Lizzy with all 6. The little one not nursing is "Runty". He is not doing so well.

"Runty" trying to stay warm on a heat pad. Not long after this pic, he died. We cried and so did Lizzy. She kissed him and wanted to keep him. We had a nice little burial in our flower bed. He has the sweet smell of mint to enjoy for now.

Ms. Idzerda 2nd Grade Class

Ai no Kesshin received 10 baby quilts and a $786 check along with some cash. Thanks to Jalyn and Jason Foster and their nomination to Jalyn's second grade class at Bechtel Elementary at McT. The class wanted to help children in Okinawa and Japan who were orphans and handicapped. We were so surprised at all they had raised and all the beautiful quilts they had made. They actually split the monies they raised between Ai no Kesshin and Make a Wish Foundation, so do the math. This class has been on the ball making quilts and raising $$ for children. I was so proud to receive these gifts from them and even more proud of their hearts desire to help other children.

Here is the parade of quilts that they made for babies and children.

I was told by a parent that the class has been working on making quilts since December. They each made an individual quilt and then teamed up to make the baby quilts. The quilt show was my first ever and boy was a high standard set for when I go to another.

They were happy to give us the quilts but even happier to touch and talk to Shin kun and Tomo and ask lots of questions about them.

I would like to say that I was able to receive this generous contribution without crying, NOT. But I did regain my composure to keep from embarrassment......

THANK YOU Ms. Idzerda's 2nd Grade - Alycia, Matthew, Nathan, Leah, Jordane, Brett, Mariah, Manoto, Zachary, Maria, Christian, Hailey, Justin, Isela, Kurvon, Christopher, Jasmine, Logan, Riana, Ty, Jalyn, Jocel and Ms. Geraldine Idzerda.