The Dunavant's Journey

First Camp Experience

2011-07-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

Matthew Ray, Madison and their friend, Cohen had their first summer camp experience this week! Not only was it their first but it was all in Arabic! It was a stretch for them but they did great after the first few calls home. Some of the conversations went like this:

Matthew Ray: Mom, we are coming home after swimming today. I found a man who will bring us home. I will call you when we are on our way and you can tell him the directions to our house!

Me: Matthew, you will be fine. You are not coming home. You have lots of friends there.

Matthew Ray: I think we are what is called homesick. Our heads and stomachs hurt so that means we are homesick.

Me: You will be fine. There are several friends there you know well!

Matthew Ray: MOM! YOU DON"T GET IT! I don't miss my friends! I miss my FAMILY!

Madison called a little later and said, "Mom, I'm sorry but I don't think I can do this..it's soooooo much Arabic!!" It was pitiful to hear these conversations but we encouraged them and they decided they could stay. We called today to tell the leaders we would be coming to pick them up and they said, "They have done great! They don't even miss you and haven't said anything else about you since you called." We are so proud of all three! It's a major accomplishment!
They made it home safely this afternoon and this was the report: "We had a great time! We went to church like FOUR times everyday! We don't need to go to church for a LOOOOONG TIME!"

Yousef...

2011-07-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Matt with Yousef...One of our Egyptian pastors is very sick in the hospital. We went to visit him and met his youngest son for the first time. Isn't he adorable?! We asked if we could bring him home with us but they love him a lot! :):)

North Coast of the Mediterranean

2011-07-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

We visited a new part of the Mediterranean last weekend...the North Coast! It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! The weather was amazing and this was my view...

We are so glad to be back home in the country we love!!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg dying and hunting!! We had a great day celebrating our risen Savior with other believers. Meredith is not pictured because she was on a trip with some friends. Hopefully I will get some pictures of her getaway soon and post them. :)

Matthew Ray's a Cheetah!

2011-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Matthew Ray is playing baseball this semester and loving it! The Amman Baseball League is great and he is a natural! We are so thankful for yet another sport that he loves! Go Cheetahs!! By the way..we are currently undefeated!!

We love these T-Shirts!

2011-04-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Some dear friends sent us these cool shirts from the recent "happenings" in E! We love them and they make us feel at home. :(

Jerash and The Sea of Galilee

2011-04-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Recently we took a day trip to the ancient city of Jerash and to the Sea of Galilee. We hired Billy, our taxi driver for the day. It was such a great day together. When we got down to the Sea of Galilee we spent time in the scriptures learning about all that Jesus did right in that spot! We love sharing these experiences with our kiddos! It is so meaningful and comes to life when we get to be where Jesus walked!

Dead Sea Trip

2011-02-16T01:07:00.001-08:00

Over the last few weeks we've had company...dear friends we love to live life with. We spent a day at Mt. Nebo and the Dead Sea..such a memorable and fun trip!Sweet Caroline...
Nader and Cairo...
The "men" floating in the Dead Sea...Matthew Ray thought it was so cool to just "float."
Madison wasn't so sure at first but then loved splashing around in this VERY salty sea...
Pure joy (with no teeth)...
Skipping rocks on the sea...
Audrey and Meredith tasted the HUGE salt crystals...

MEREDITH...I LOVE HER BEING 14 :)

2011-02-16T01:02:00.001-08:00

Meredith and her friend did a photo shoot together and this is what they came up with...pretty creative and 14. :)

Meredith also is enjoying her new friends at her school...AND getting into 14 year old poses at school..she's so funny...

Sharing My Big Family With You...

2011-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

I ran across the picture taken at Christmas and wanted to share my sweet family with you...I love you all so much and am so grateful for a great Christmas ALL together!

The Nose Story...

2011-01-25T03:17:00.000-08:00

As stated in an earlier post, we ran out of water 2 days before the city would turn it on again. Matt and I decided that we would all go out for dinner that night so we didn't have a yucky kitchen for 2 days. We loaded up in a taxi and headed to a local restaurant with these place mats...

After leaving the restaurant with hysterical place mats we decided that we should stop by a local store (called a doukan) to get a few bottles of water for drinking. The kids and I waited in the taxi while Matt ran into get the water. I was looking down and suddenly Madison screamed, "Daddy is hurt and is bleeding!" I looked over to see Matt doubled over and blood gushing from his nose. I jumped out of the taxi and told the kids to wait there. Thank goodness for Meredith who can comfort and mother Madison and Matthew Ray..they were crying and concerned.:(

Matt ran smack dab into a VERY CLEAN glass door! He never saw it! After getting the bleeding under control and paying for the water we decided to go home and assess his nose to see if it may be broken. Matt was in pretty good spirits and seemed to not be in that much pain but his nose was crooked and swelling fast.
We decided to go have it x-rayed just to make sure. X-ray's showed he had broken it in THREE places! Since we had no water at home and he didn't want us all to have to come back to the hospital dirty the next day, Matt told the plastic surgeon, Dr. Mo, to go ahead and set it while he was awake....
Dr. Mo did a great job on a very painful procedure.
Here's Matt at home afterward on pain meds :)....
The next day we had a very scary moment when Matt passed out and seized in the kitchen. After speaking with the doctor it was determined that it was a vagal reaction to an injury like this. We are so thankful that he is recovering quickly and will have a straight nose once again...in sha Allah..

The Kids are doing GREAT!

2011-01-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

While we were in the States we always were asked, "How do your kids like living overseas?" We can honestly say that they love it and adjust very well to different settings. Many times we feel like they are "missing out" on things like a yard, all friends speaking English, more time with grandparents and Target(oh, that's mine..sorry!:) But really, they aren't "missing out"...they are gaining in so many ways and we feel so blessed that we have the opportunity to show them "life outside of our own little world." Their eyes are opened to how people hurt, how people live in darkness, the hopelessness of those without The ANSWER, and how serving others brings HIM glory! Of course we would love a yard, love to have grandparents around at all times, love Target...but those are very small sacrifices for living out obedience.

Here are a few recent happy faces...

Matthew got a new spike...
Madison on the street..she picked out her outfit for going out to dinner...
Meredith in the taxi...she's so sweet...

First day of school in front of our building...

Flat Number 2 in 2 weeks...

2011-01-25T02:44:00.000-08:00

We've moved again to another flat since arriving a little over two weeks ago. We have gotten settled into this place and will be here for the next 6 months. Then we will move to another flat that is unfurnished after we receive our crates of belongings...or at least that is the plan today...our life tends to change so much so you never can tell what may happen next! :)

Our flat is very cute and very "American like" except for the temperature and the water issues! You would think it would be very hot here in the desert but it is VERY cold where we are now. The temps are only in the 40's but we don't have central heat, we have ceramic floors and concrete walls and that makes for us living in a big refrigerator! We also have water issues here..imagine that..in the desert! Water is only turned on two days a week in the city where we have unlimited use of it on those days. The rest of the week we use water from our reserve tanks and pray we make it to the next week! We didn't make it last week but this week I am the "MOM WATER POLICE!" I walk around saying, "Turn off the water! Do you need that much water? Take a really quick shower!" Oh the joys of learning again how to live in yet another place!

Here are a few pics of our flat...

Entrance is "down below"..kinda unique!
Kitchen...very cute...stove cooks EXTREMELY slow and microwave stops every few mins..:)
Madison and Matthew Ray's room...
Meredith's room...
Our room...
The living area...

I'm pickin' up the slack around this blog! :) -meredith

2011-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

SKINNY DIET coke...I guess it gives you a goal to reach "be as skinny as the can!"
Our heater....we like to call it our fireplace....you are most likely to find one of us in front of it at all times!
the bathroom...not much more to say about that....
our washing machine that holds 1/10 of an American load!

the VERY orange bathroom!
Matthew and Madison chillin' in their bedroom
my bedroom!!! XD
the hallway....
Momma's already starting to cook from scratch in the kitchen :)
a view from our back door
a view from the stairs

Hey everyone! To start off, I would like to apologize for my mother...who has not been updating the blog, but tonight I (Meredith) have decided to update ya'll on what's been going on. :) We just got back from spending time with family, friends, and some interesting schools in the states for six months and are so excited to be back on this side of the world! Usually my mom would tell you guys that the flight was great and was smooth sailing, but I'm going to be honest and say that it was tiring, long, and the food was nasty. Haha...the landing part was fantastic though! As we now unpack and start life in Jordan in a guest house, we are anxious to find our own apartment to settle into! Actually, tomorrow house hunting begins and my parents are going to enroll us into our new school!! I am super excited about getting out tomorrow because there is no way I am going to survive in enclosed walls for much longer. :P The guest apartment is great though! There are stairs (which Matthew and Madison love), we have wireless internet, it is CLEAN :), and it is fairly close to stores and such. I have uploaded some pics of where we are currently living:). Everyone is slowly.....oh so slowly getting over jet lag! We are all excited to find out what God has in store next!!! We'll just have to keep on trusting Him! <3

It's Been Way Too Long...

2010-11-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

I know! I have been terrible about updating the blog since being in the States! It has just been easier to throw a few pics up on fb than to actually sit down and type out some great words with my pics! Hee hee!! I am feeling a little overwhelmed by back tracking and catching up the blog. So, I have decided to catch it up in this one post.. yep, one post...a few pics..a few notes...done..and I feel much better! :) Here goes...

Matt and I got to get away for a few days in Tennessee for some rest and relaxation. When you see the other pics below you will know that we have been busy people and this trip was SO NEEDED! My sweet parents kept our kiddos and we can't thank them enough!! :)

Madison cheers...Every week has been filled with cheer practices and football games for Madison! A few weeks ago she was in the local Cabot parade.

She did cartwheels almost all the way down the street for the parade...:)
Matthew Ray is a soccer champ! Our weeks have also been filled with soccer practices and games! He is one of the star players on his team! Last week he made 6 goals!! We think that his practice with Egyptian boys in a 3 ft wide hallway in Egypt really paid off to improve his mad skills....
Mimi came for a visit from California! We had so much fun and she was such a blessing. She kept our house under control while I recovered from foot surgery...
Mimi and Matthew Ray love Juliana's dog, Bentley...
Micah, Bryar and Avery Rae got to come for a couple of days to visit as well! :)
Grandparent's Day...Madison and Matthew Ray's school had grandparents day. Grandaddy and Grammie had lunch with them and took them to buy things at the book fair. What a sweet time for them to share together that doesn't come often in our lives....

Madison and Matthew Ray's 7 and 8 year old birthday party! My mom decorated her house in fun fall decorations for the party...
It was a dress up party and we painted pumpkins and had a cook out...I had to post this pic..it makes me laugh every time I look at it!
Army Man and Ladybug....:)

Tulsa!!!!

2010-09-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

We have missed seeing these two together...

We made a trip to Tulsa to see the Prays! They had a weekend of All-American fun pass times planned for us all to enjoy together...
Baseball....Boating...sweet Caroline is talking so much now!Fishing...and swimming in the lake...so fun!Thanks for a great time guys!!! We love you!!

Soccer and Cheer-leading...

2010-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Not long after arriving in the states we signed Madison and Matthew Ray up for some extra-curricular activities..yes, yes...we were quickly sucked into the All-American life! :)

Here they are the day they got their uniforms...(notice how "cool" Matthew Ray's pose is:)

Matthew Ray's first game is next week..Here he is after soccer practice. He came back to the car after pracitce with his shoulders back and walking like a man. It was so cute to see his "manliness" come out!

Madison has loved cheering...it is SO HER!

Here she is cheering at her first football game! GO BEARS!

While it keeps us super busy, we are glad they are getting to do something a little different for a few months while we are in the states.

Lots and Lots of Traveling...

2010-09-13T09:34:00.001-07:00

It seems that most of our time is spent like this....

and while we don't always look this happy after we have been in the car for MANY hours, we are having a great time traveling to see all those family and friends we have missed so much!

Juliana...

2010-09-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

Juliana...such a sweet sister, sister-in-law and aunt to us...We love spending time with her when she gets to come home from college...we just wish that was more often! When Juliana is around she loves taking pictures with our kiddos. I just had to share some of my favorites...

WE LOVE YOU JULIANA!!! COME HOME MORE OFTEN!!!!

Meredith's Golden Year...

2010-08-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Meredith has been saying for years that she couldn't wait for her "golden year" birthday! I had no idea what that meant until she explained to me that it was the number of her age matched with the date of her birthday. So, since she was born on August 14, her golden year is this year when she will be turning 14!
We decided that her birthday would be really special this year to spend with her best friend, Jenna. Jenna has a July bday so we had a joint party for the two of them.

Such great friends...
Meredith's former teacher, Allison, from Egypt even came!
and these girls have known each other since Meredith was 2..sweet Wendi and Whitney....
The blow up slide was a big hit, making everyone extremely sore the following day..:)
Jenna made Meredith a poster of old pics, friend sayings and memories of their friendship...so thoughtful!
They HAD to have this cabana cake...yummy!
It was a great day to get the bday celebrating started..as always, we will be having another party on her "real" bday with family, especially since it is her GOLDEN YEAR! :)

Welcome Home Party

2010-08-02T21:42:00.001-07:00

Some dear friends had a welcome home party for us this past weekend! It was so much fun getting together like old times. I was so busy chatting with everyone that I didn't get any pictures of the decorations or of all of the people that came! I did manage to copy a few pics of the evening from a friend who is a "picture taking crazy man!" :)

This was the staff at Calvary when we served there...minus Kelley...Great memories!

Madison got to share a special story about our life in Egypt. She did a great job!
They are all so big now! Wow!
Dancing fun...too sweet...

Calvary Visit 2010

2010-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

We made a trip back to Pensacola to visit Calvary Baptist where we served for 8 years.Meredith and Kooky..too sweet.
Matt and I got to speak to the small groups...(it looks like Matt might be texting instead of listening to something important from me..:)
I listened to him very well! :)
We were awarded the famous Carley cookies! YUM!
We had such a great time seeing everyone and catching up!

Old and New Friends...

2010-07-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Madison and Emmy finally reunite after 3 years!Meredith met some great new friends in VA...they wanna come see us in Egypt!
Meredith and her BFF, Jenna...they always pick up right where they left off..
Meredith with Calvary youth at a pool party..

Swimming and Marshmallow Fun

2010-07-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Matthew Ray LOVES his Aunt Mary...

Roasting marshmallows...
We haven't forgotten Egypt..:)

She can even priss while roasting marshmallows.:)

Washington D.C. Trip

2010-07-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

We made it to Virginia to see Phillip, Mary, Holly, Phillip Tyler and Jake. Our first day with them was spent in D.C.

Phillip and Stacey

Meredith and Holly...
Matthew Ray and Phillip
The Crew...:)
Madison loves how she keeps finding her name all over America...
Madison anticipating seeing Lincoln Memorial...
Madison was so happy to see The Thinker...
Two proud kids to be beside Lincoln...

Hard Working Farmers...

2010-07-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Grandaddy planted a garden this year and prepped many fun things for Madison and Matthew Ray to help with.

Here are the beginnings of the pumpkins! They are starting to sprout! We have big plans for them in the fall...
Grammie and Grandaddy put together a great scarecrow that the kids helped stick in the ground...
Pickin Peas...:) They actually picked these peas for some needy families in the area.

Fun in America...

2010-07-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

We made it to the States on June 15th and haven't stopped since we landed. Our days have been full of seeing family, friends, traveling and packing our days full of fun, fun, fun! Here are our first few days of events...

We made a trip over to see Uncle Jeff, Aunt Micah, Bryar and Avery Rae..

It was a great day for a lemonade stand...
and some soccer...
We stopped by to see the Cupples and got to see Ashli's new house!

We also went swimming and go cart riding with our Love friends!
and we saw Stacey's brother and family for Father's Day..Matthew Ray thinks he is cool like Justin and Brandon :)
Sweet Callie and Meredith never miss a beat..they always pick right back up where they left off last time...

We Almost lost a thumb...

2010-06-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

Before surgery...

Matthew Ray and his daddy were doing "man stuff" and working in our storage room this past week. They had just finished cleaning up the storage room and putting up a shelf. Matthew Ray was proud of his work and went to shut the storage door like a real man (very hard). When he did, his left hand was on the door facing and he slammed the door on his thumb. He began screaming and then I heard Matt screaming. I ran into see blood everywhere and Matt screaming that we had to "GO NOW!" We debated which hospital as we were going down our elevator and decided that the one that is a 60 second run from our house was best. Matt took off running while I went back up to our apartment to get our phone.
When we were all in the ER the nurse told us that a hand surgeon would be coming to us from the hand clinic in the hospital. I thought to myself very sarcastically, "yeah right..like there is really a hand surgeon here and an actual hand clinic!!" A few minutes later a doctor walked in and told us he was a hand surgeon and explained how he will do Matthew Ray's surgery to sew back on his thumb. They got him settled in his room and got his pain under control with the help of some meds, cartoons and good friends to keep him preoccupied.
They came to take him to surgery and that was really hard for me and Matt....to see our little one go away screaming and know he was about to be put to sleep was scary. About 30-45 minutes later he was out of surgery, screaming but doing fine. The doctor came in to give us instructions and to tell us about the surgery. He pulled out his computer and showed us all of the thumb surgeries he had done here in Egypt. I was amazed at how so many of them looked like Matthew Ray's thumb but of course with darker skin! :)
I am so amazed at how God provided just the right hospital and surgeon just seconds away from our house. HE is so good..so good..and we are grateful.
Now we will follow up this week with the surgeon and then we have to follow up in the states with an orthopedic. THAT is what is hard...so far the docs in the states won't let us make an appointment because they don't have the ER notes and x-rays from Egypt...oh joy...I am going to miss the ease and convenience of some things in Egypt...just sayin..:)

The day after surgery...

Two days later...

We're in High Spirits These Days....

2010-05-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Not only are we in high spirits because we are heading back to the states for a visit in just a couple of weeks, but we showed our true school spirit this past week!! Each year the kids love choosing what they are going to wear each day for spirit week. Here are their picks for this year:

Crazy outfit and hair day...

This picture makes me laugh so hard..:)
International Day..Matthew Ray (America), Madison (India), Meredith (America)

Madison with her awesome principal who grew up in India....
Favorite Sports Team...Madison with her buddy, Eun Seol

Twin/Triplet Day...

Grass...

2010-04-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Some dear Egyptian friends of ours have an apartment on the Red Sea. They allowed us and the Prays to go there for a couple of days for a little break out of the city. You know what is just as exciting as the Red Sea? GRASS! We don't see much of that around here, much less walk and play in it. As you can see the kids had a blast!

And we'll take the sea too...

Madison on the Red Sea

2010-04-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Madison and Sweet Caroline :)

Meredith's Spring Break-Going Away Party!

2010-04-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Since we are going back to the states in a couple of months, Meredith wanted to have a Spring Break/Going Away party with all of her closest friends here. I knew what that meant but her daddy thought that meant just about 6 or 7 giggly girls! Uh..no, not anymore. Her guest list consisted of about 31 and I think I counted 30! My how things have changed since Meredith was having parties as a little girl. We made tons of food, they arrived, and then my job was done...pretty easy! It was a great time with a great group of kids...we hope to do this more..or at least Meredith and I do! :)
The Sea of kids....

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Bathtub Baptism #2!!! :)

2010-03-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

A few months ago Madison began asking questions about how to have a relationship with Jesus. She knew all of the right answers months before that but one day she was different. She came into the kitchen and asked me about how to have Jesus in her heart. She talked about how she wanted her sins taken away and how bad she felt for them. I talked with her for a long time and then she said she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart and have her sins forgiven. So, that's what she did. Since then we have been talking with her and asking her hard questions just to make sure she knew the importance of this decision.
So, this Palm Sunday weekend was so special at our home. We asked a few friends over to see her baptized in our bathtub. Meredith was baptized 3 1/2 years ago in a hotel bathtub. We feel so blessed and so excited to see our children come to know the Savior and to Walk in HIM! Two down...one to go! :)

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Winners in the Desert Race this year!!!

2010-03-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Yippy! All three Dunavant children came home with a medal this year from teh 2k/5k race in the desert! Meredith placed 1st in her division, Madison 3rd in her division and Matthew Ray 3rd in his division. They have been training for the last month and their hard work paid off! We are so proud of each of them and their hard work...

Each of them on the home stretch...I love how Matthew Ray is cheering on and encouraging each of his sisters in these pics :)

Meredith 1st place....

Matthew Ray and Madison 3rd place in each of their divisions...we missed a shot of Madison receiving hers but you can see how proud she is in the right hand side of this pic....

Big Buds....love this pic!

Meredith’s First Valentine’s Banquet

2010-02-15T04:22:00.001-08:00

Meredith is growing into such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. She has such a good head on her shoulders and continues to bring us joy as we watch her mature. And with that maturity comes A LOT of youth events!!!
This past weekend she went to her first Valentine’s Banquet with her youth group. To prepare for this event we went on a little mother/daughter dress shopping trip with one of her friends and her mother. We had a great time shopping for just the perfect dress at just the perfect price. We hit the jackpot with this cute little number…

I stepped into the banquet for just a few minutes to grab some shots of Meredith and her friends. These guys love each other and really have become family at school and youth group.

Meredith, HK, Chelsea, and Bonnie

Chelsea and Meredith

Rita, Bonnie and Meredith
She came home a few hours later talking non-stop about how much fun she had. We are so thankful she loves her life here, has such great friends, and has Godly leaders in her life that pour into her!
Here she is with her amazing youth leaders...

Our First Official Date Night....

2010-02-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

Matt has been taking the girls on a date for quite a while and he has taken Matthew Ray on "buddy time dates" for a while as well. But Matthew Ray and I had never been on an official mom/son date until just the other night. When I asked him to go on a date with me he was so excited. He told me he wanted to get dressed up really nice even adding in that he would wear his dress shoes that he really doesn't care for. :) Meredith was in the bathroom when he came in to get ready and she said that he pulled off his shirt to change, flexed his arm muscles and said, "Whew! I gotta get my guns ready for my date!" I love this guy!

We ate hamburgers at Johnny Rockets and like any great date would do, he let me shop for a shirt. :)

Special Guests for Dinner

2010-02-15T04:08:00.000-08:00

Matt works with Egyptian pastors. With that job comes lots of traveling to churches. We often travel outside of the city to visit these churches and each time we do we are fed tons of delicious food.
A few weeks ago one of our pastor families was able to come into the city to visit our home for a meal. We had such a good time eating together, working hard over Arabic (their Arabic is a little different from what we speak here in the city so this is always a stretch), and watching our kids play and sing together.

Here are a few pics of our time together.

Been a Long Time...

2010-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

I know..I know…it has been forever since I posted anything to our blog. Partly because we have been so busy and partly because our small camera is broken and we just don’t “tote” around our big one as much because it makes us look like major tourists! 
So, I hope to catch you up a bit on some happenings in our life…
Here’s our newest family pic to get the ball rolling. Some have thought we were standing on our balcony but this is actually taken on the roof of our building overlooking Cairo. You should see our roof…wow…dust…trash…metal…wood…yuck…but we love it..it’s our roof! 

Still No Camera...but a pic....

2010-01-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

We still are having camera difficulties...but a friend of ours did take a pic of us this past weekend. I just thought I should update the blog...so, here ya go!

Christmas and a Camera Catastrophe...

2009-12-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics of our Christmas this year...not taken by our camera...but pics to let you know how our Christmas morning went...no pics of our Christmas Eve because of camera issues...ugh...BUT we did have a great Christmas Eve with friends...we told the story of Jesus two different ways...a book and the reading of Luke 2 by one of our friends that dressed up like an old lady to read the story.
And...we don't want to forget the HAM...we had HAM...no, no picture to prove it..but we had HAM!!!

So, here are pics of Christmas thanks to April's camera and a little commentary to go with it...

Our friend April stayed the night with us again this year...Santa brought her gifts too!

Matt read the letter from Santa to the kids...I love Matthew Ray's stance in this pic...
Meredith bought Matt his first Egypt soccer shirt...
Matthew Ray guessed he was getting a Ben 10 watch before he opened it...He was so excited he had guessed right...
Meredith's favorite present...cracks me up...she got a lot of nice things..and this is her favorite...
Madison has asked for a doll house for 2 years...now she finally has one....
Santa brought us all tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet. Madison was THRILLED and Matthew Ray was NOT so thrilled...between scenes when the orchestra was playing he said, "Oh come on! This is like when a movie or game is loading, loading, loading!" :) We did have a great time together as a family...so nice to do something all together.

And again...camera issues...we have 2....and this is the ONLY picture that turned out from our night at the Nutcracker. I love this little guy...He makes my heart warm!
Now to figure out our camera issues so I can keep blogging!

Not Everyday do you...

2009-12-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

get a holiday greeting from the pyramids!

Merry Christmas!!!

Santa's Helper..

2009-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Madison would make a really cute Santa helper. If it counts, she is a daddy's girl!

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth...

2009-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

That's what Matthew is singing this year after losing 2 teeth, 2 days in a row!

Bil Hanna wi Shiffa

2009-12-06T01:27:00.000-08:00

Our friends are in the military and graciously took us to the commissary here! What a treat!!!!! We were able to get great American food at great American prices! Instead of paying $10 for coffee creamer (which we don't ever do here), we got it for $2.62! Instead of paying $2.50 for a can of cream of chicken soup, we got it for $.69. When we brought all of the food home the kids were screaming with excitement as we got each item out of the bags.
In Arabic when you are given food at someone's home they may say to you, "Bil Hanna wi shiffa" which means "May this food make you happy and heal you." Well, I am not sure this food with make us healthy but it sure does make us happy!!!

A real live HAM for Christmas dinner!

Tostitos sell here for about $8 a bag...not at the commissary...$2!!!
Bacon...and do you see the biscuits and crescents to the left? We can't even find those here!!

Can you tell we are excited?!?

Busy with Visitors...

2009-12-06T00:47:00.000-08:00

Our sweet friends, the Sprakes, came to see us this week. We have been super busy seeing all there is to see in Egypt. Many times when people come to visit it is busy but not this busy....why so busy you may ask? Well, the Sprakes have 4 kids of their own. So, when you add their four to our three and the adults to our apartment and in our car to see all of the sites...well, it is MUCH busier...believe me! :)
Here are some of the things we have done so far...

We took Santa hats for great pics at the pyramids...
We became quite popular when we got the Santa hats out of our bag....Little girls love to have their picture made with Meredith...

Madison waiting on us to finish riding the camels...she's content to just sit on the desert sand and rocks..:)
Night on the Nile...

Cute Kids...

2009-11-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

if I may say so myself! :)

A Trip to the Sinai..in Asia??!

2009-11-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

We took a little trip to the Sinai this past weekend. It's always nice to get out of the city and breath fresh air and see stars. We drove through some amazing scenery...wow...God is so creative! The most fasinating part of the trip was that we crossed over into Asia, stayed on the Red Sea looking over Saudi Arabia in an area that some believe to be the place that Moses crossed over with the Israelites...and we were near a Bedouin village...just typing that amazes me! We are so grateful for the experiences that God allows us to enjoy.

It was a little windy...
The Red Sea...with Saudi in the background and where some believe Moses crossed...(and where we made a sand castle!)
Bedouin lady making bread dough...
Her name was Selma...
Mariah and Madison posing with her...
Meredith making her bread...just imagine if we had to do this everyday..we would starve!
Matt had to have a turn...I love his concentration face!
But this was definately Madison's cup of tea... or slice of bread..:)

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We loved this sign and even went back to see the camel races but they didn't have them at the time they were advertised...:)
But we did find a camel hanging out in the street...and Matt almost had a head on collision with one!

Soccer is BIG Here...

2009-11-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Madison and Matthew Ray proud to be Egyptians!

Meredith with her very cool friends/teammates, Dana and Kinzi

The same day that Egypt played Algeria in a playoff for the World Cup, Meredith's school played a local Sudanese school...We were just as excited about Meredith's game as we were the Egypt game! We were sad to see Egypt lose but super excited that Meredith's team won!! Go Crocs!!!

Madison and Matthew Ray's Belated Bday Party

2009-11-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well, we were a little late this year getting to the actual party for Madison and Matthew Ray...people visiting and an appendectomy threw us off this year. :) I was determined to make a really cool rainbow cake this year. I don't think I could have made it without Mariah's help but it turned out great! We had a full house and everyone had a great time!

Check out this super cool surprise...

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The Biggest Surprise EVER!!!!

2009-11-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

So, everyone knew but me....but it was the coolest surprise ever! Mariah came to see me. I didn't even recognize her because I was so not expecting her. Matt tricked me into going to the airport to help with some other friends that were coming. I wasn't feeling well that day and really didn't want to go but at the last minute I agreed. I think the pictures really speak for themselves:

Ahhh...I love her!

Meeting Needs...

2009-11-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

This past week has been an amazing week around here in these parts! We just sent off a group from the States that have been with us for the past 9 days. They were here helping us with our ministry to Autistic children and their families. I have to say that they were ONE AMAZING TEAM with so much talent. We saw 18 children and trained about 15-20 shadows, parents and teachers each day. They were able to ease some parent's minds and were also able to give them the tools they need for their children.

Training Time:

Mervat, one of our translators and a dear friend to our family:

Julie and Vicky with Stacey and Matthew Ray
April with Vicky and Julie

The team also spent time playing with our kids and loving on them:

And....while they were here we also celebrated my (Stacey's) 38th birthday at the NEW Outback Steakhouse. It was such a fun time of relaxation in the middle of an intense week.

Don't ask...but just know that this is pure talent (I'm just sayin:)

THANKS GUYS! WE LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO COME BACK AGAIN!!!!!

Madison's Ear Piercing

2009-11-07T13:11:00.001-08:00

For Madison's 7th birthday she asked to have her ears pierced. Her daddy was a little reluctant....

BUT he allowed it because in our culture ALL little girls have their ears pierced from birth. She sounds pitiful at the beginning of this video but you see how happy she is by the end. :)

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Our Life is Different now....

2009-10-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, different...that's the best way to describe our life now. Not bad, not wrong, not what we ever expected, but different...sometimes different in a crazy way...sometimes different in a bad way....but most of all different in a good way. We used to spend our "extra moments" outside in a yard, our weekends packed with church activities, and our evenings filled with counseling sessions. But now...now what do we do in this different life?
We spend our family times in our apartment doing these activies...
baking....

doing homework and playing school with the kids...

enjoying our "most of the time embarrassed" teen...

spending time with and ministering to families that live among us....

and...

... sitting in traffic jams daily...breaking every traffic law (if we were in the states)

...taking trips to the Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, and Red Sea

...daily seeing ancient sites around us
...including the pyramids
...encountering beggers on every street
...speaking Arabic with the locals
...bargaining and dickering for everything from apples to apartments
...sitting in gov't offices for hours for ONE piece of paper

...ordering fresh meat on the street, straight off of the cow
...buying fruits and veggies for pennies

and understanding more about the meaning of the 'washing of feet' in Scripture...in more ways than one! :)

Different...just what HE has called us to be!

Plumbing in Egypt :)

2009-10-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

When you see that title you know there has to be a story behind it, huh? We have had many plumbing problems on this side of the ocean...ya know, things aren't made as sturdy here and I really don't think the plumbing system is all that modern if you really want to know the truth:)

Among many of the repairs, each year we have had to replace our kitchen faucet...have no idea why...not really abusing it...it just breaks. So, once again we called our plumber, Mohammed, and asked him to come and put another one in. Madison and Matthew Ray enjoy watching repairmen. Matthew pulled this hairy substance out of Mohammed's toolbox and brought it to us and asked, "Why does he have HAIR in his toolbox?!"

Mohammed's toolbox and the HAIR (not really hair...some type of synthetic string stuff)
"Does this guy really know what he is doing????"
Mohammed...he's really comfortable here now...he asks for "shay" (tea) each time he visits. :)
Madison and Matthew Ray showing Mohammed some of their kitchen doorway stunts....

Rainbow Cake...first go around...

2009-10-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

Madison and Matthew Ray's birthday (and mine) is in just a few weeks. I have talked them into ONE MORE (maybe) joint party. So, I was trying to decide on what kind of cake to make this year. When I came across this I just had to try it. Well, this is my first attempt..hmmm...It tastes great..but needs a little work on the appearance for sure! It will help when I get some really cool food coloring from the states. It's a good thing I have more time to practice...I guess my family and friends will be having lots of cake for a few weeks...birthdays...gotta love 'em!

What have we been doing???

2009-10-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have blogged but I have a really good reason....I promise! All schools here were closed for a couple of weeks due to the "most recent" flu going around the world. So, our school decided to send all of the school work home for the parents to homeschool their children during this "time off" to keep us from extending the year into the summer.
The kids did a great job and we worked day and night on all of their assignments...but I am TIRED...whew..that was A LOT! 3 different kids at 3 very different levels...let's just say I am EXTREMELY thankful for our school here and how it ministers to our family.
Here are the kids working really hard:)

A Day on the Nile...overcoming fear...

2009-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today we went for an afternoon ride on the Nile River. We all enjoy this experience except for Madison. She has refused to go on a faluka for over a year now....she is so motion sensitive and is just petrified. Today we encouraged her to conquer her fear...it was tough at first but she finally did it! Afterwards we were praising her for how well she did and then asked her if she was ready to go the next time...her reply, "NO!" :)
Adam and Liz enjoying a relaxing time...:)
The fam...glad to have Madison back in our Nile pictures..
Love birds..

Meredith and Caroline..so sweet

Madison's Very First Spelling Test!

2009-09-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Madison has been working so hard in the first grade. You know that first grade is so much harder than kindergarten!! This year she has been getting accustomed to tests and lots of reading. Today she had her first spelling test...we worked on those words all week...this morning she left in confidence that she knew them all...and she did! She ended up missing one little thing...her "p" was backwards in one word but we will take it. She also made a 100 on her math! Here she is holding her good grades and wearing her new shirt and headband she got for doing so well. :)

Empty Nest (sort of)

2009-08-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

Our last child has now officially entered kindergarten! It feels so weird for all of them to be in the same school at the same time. Matthew Ray had a great first day of school. When I picked him up he said, "That was the best day of my life EVER!" Hmmm...how should I take that?:) His teacher said that he was so good and that he was such a great helper. He also has taken up getting his and his sisters lunches and water bottles ready each day...he is a "tasker" and loves to serve..his sisters love to be served! :)
Madison was sure to show him the ropes of the school since she is a veteran now. I have to record this cute dialogue between me and Madison the night before the first day of school. I don't want to forget it!

Stacey: Madison, now remember...you have to listen to your teacher. You have to listen to directions. Make sure you REALLY pay attention.

Madison: I know...but Mom..you see, I don't always understand all of the words. For instance, if my teacher says, "are you allergic to something?" and I don't know what the word "allergic" is...now mom, I KNOW the word allergic but this is just an example...then I don't know all she is saying cause I am stuck on that one word.

Stacey: So, then that's when you should raise your hand and ask, "Mrs. S I don't know what the word "allergic" means."

Madison: MOM! I told you! I know what the word allergic means!!!!

Finally....the Party!

2009-08-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Meredith's birthday always falls right before school starts..which means people are just getting back into our city. This makes for difficult party planning so this year we decided to wait until everyone was back in town. So, tonight we headed to Johnny Rockets, goofy times at the mall and a sleepover. I love 13!!!! These girls were so much fun to hang out with tonight and it was BY FAR the easiest party to plan and have! At the moment all of the girls are back in Meredith's room hanging out and I can't even hear them...weird! :)

We didn't dream big enough...

2009-08-16T02:39:00.001-07:00

The day Meredith was born was filled with excitement and joy but mostly those feelings were overshadowed by the unknown...what do we do now?...how do we change these diapers?...when do we feed her?...how often?...what do we do if she gets sick?...how were we to raise this gift God had given us?...what was she going to turn out like? We had many dreams, many ideas of how it would all turn out but I guess we just don't dream big enough sometimes...we never dreamed she:

would be a child born in Memphis, TN and eventually live near the real Memphis...
would be the most obeidient child we had ever met...
would bring complete joy to our family just by her presence...
would make our hearts literally warm up to see her smile...
would struggle with her decision to follow Christ but then come to a joyful ending of giving her all to HIM...
would be baptized in a hotel bathtub over skype with her home church...
would be considered "a peace maker and a friend to all"...
would be a HUGE social butterfly...
would be the best big sister ever...so patient, responsible and kind...
would be so aware and appreciative of her life and the opportunities she has...
would "fit" a piece of the puzzle for our ministry as a family...
would be able to adjust smoothly to moving a lot...
would live in Africa, 30 minutes from the pyramids...
would speak Arabic...
would wake up on her 13th birthday on the Mediterranean Sea...

We didn't dream big enough...but God knew the whole time. He knew her before she was even thought of...He knows her now more than we do....and we are dreaming of BIG, BIG plans HE has for her future!

Egypt's Extreme Make-over....DONE!

2009-08-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

In May we started a room make-over project for the kid's rooms. We moved Matthew Ray to his own room and put the girls together. We had some amazing friends from FSU come and visit and they helped us tackle our project!!

This is how it all began....

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The finished product:

She's on the Move again...

2009-07-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Meredith has been busy visiting family in Arkansas and Tennessee. She was only able to send me three pictures of her time in Tennessee because of our time difference and because she has been on the move sooooo much!

Meredith had a great time at Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Micah's house. Here are the three pictures I have but I know I will be able to post more when she gets near another computer!

Today she is headed back to Florida for a while longer and then she heads back HOME!!! Hurry up, time....we are dying without her! :)

There's No Place like H...I mean...Grandaddy and Grammies!

2009-07-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

Meredith has made it to Arkansas and according to Grammy..."She's made herself right at home like she has always lived here!" and "That girl can eat!" I guess she feels pretty comfy in her home away from home. :)

Getting ready....when did she grow up??
We miss that face around here! :(
Get her full, Grammy! Grandaddy, make her work in that garden! She needs to earn her keep!

Crazy Cousins

2009-07-16T06:33:00.001-07:00

Meredith and Callie....just 9 months apart...get together at best once a year...seem to never miss a beat...and get crazier (and cuter) each time!

Catching Up

2009-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Meredith took her camera with her and she sent me more pictures today of her many adventures. Here she is with many of her "old buddies" as they caught up on old times at Calvary...sweet memories.
I can't believe how everyone has grown up so fast! (even you, Andrea!:)

Gotta have a gansta pose...it's in our blood (somewhere)

Miss Hollywood Goes to Arkansas

2009-07-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Meredith is now on her way to visit family in Arkansas and Tennessee! We are soooo jealous!

Logos Bible Giveaway

2009-07-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

Logos Bible Software is giving away 72 premium bibles in the next year. Those of you that know me already know my weakness when it comes to nice bibles. Adding the Logos Bible Search Bar is one way to enter the contest. That is the reason we added this feature to our blog. Think of the advantages. Now you can spend time in the Word while you are catching up on the latest Dunavant adventures.

She's Worn out....in a good way! :)

2009-07-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

I talked to Meredith today and she said, "I don't think I can handle one more person!" Now, don't take that wrong....she has just been loved on sooooo much and gotten to do so many fun things that she is just plain, worn out! Thanks to all of you who have kept her, taken her to do fun things and loved on her while she's been back "home!" She is having so much fun and we are thrilled she is with you!! :)
Meredith with the new and lovely Sarah Claire! I can't beleive she got to hold her first! Jason took her knee boarding!
A sweet reunion....we love you Mr. Mac!
Wow....these girls are so big now! I remember the day Amber came home from the hospital(looking like a little Indian baby:)...they have been like sisters since!
A trip to Wal-mart...wow...look how clean and organized! Only those who have visited us can imagine what I am talking about! :)
Bowling fun with the Kings!
And a good home cooked meal at her home away from home!

Needless to say....

2009-07-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Meredith's having a great time! Just look at her!!!
Meredith and Alex...
Jenna's smooth moves...

They could do a Toyota commercial!

The shampoo fight!

Meredith's First Trip to America alone (kind of)

2009-07-01T01:02:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how God has blessed us with such wonderful people in our lives! We have been doubly blessed by several people in the last few weeks and I just had to share it with you on our blog. Some dear friends, Paul and Sherry, offered to pay for Meredith to fly back to the states for a month long visit just so she would have something to do during our long, hot summer. We knew we couldn't let her fly alone but didn't know if we could find anyone coming to the states for just one month.....there was no way we could let her go any longer!:) Meredith's sweet teacher said she was going for that length of time and would be happy to have Meredith as her flying buddy. We are so thankful for her and her servant spirit she always shows! Thanks Miss Allison for all you do!!! :) Thanks Paul and Sherry for being who you are...we love you and miss you everyday....you too, Jenna and Alex! :)A few tears were shed... Our baby is growing up into a beautiful young woman!
Paul snapped a shot as soon as she arrived. I can't believe how big these three girls are now...it seems like they were just playing dress up (in the famous purple pants) just a few days ago!
First stop: Cracker Barrel for some chicken, greens and fried ocra! A southern girl's dream!:)
Safe and sound with one of her best buds...too sweet.
Since arriving back to the states, Meredith has gone to the beach, tubed and knee boarded on a lake (with Jason...thanks, sohobna), eaten at Sonic and Cracker Barrel, and word has it that she is going to her first Youth group tonight!

More Vacation Pics...

2009-07-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

I found a few more vacation pics to share. This first one cracks me up! The hotel where we stayed hosts a boy's orphanage once a year for two days at their hotel. These boys joined us in the pool for several hours of our stay. This boat picture makes me laugh! :)

The girl can jump! Such a daddy's girl

Bathing Beauties :)

Red Sea Vacation 2009

2009-06-28T23:51:00.000-07:00

Warning: Many pictures to follow! We had a fun and relaxing time at the Red Sea this year. We only had about 3 days to squeeze in the middle of all of the craziness but it was well worth it! We played, swam, banana boated in the Sea, and just hung out with each other and some of our friends. I had a hard time picking which pictures to post so I posted most of them!:)

We always take a family picture while on vacation. This year we decided to have a little fun with it! Not many people know this side of us...for those that do...thanks for loving us anyway!

Matthew Ray and Cohen....they are best buds! I love how you can see the water pouring in this pic:
Matthew Ray, Cohen and Cairo....a boy's dreamland!
We decided to be a little more serious with this one :) Matthew Ray had a hard time reaching his knees and looking up...too cute!
Another favorite boy passtime. They loved playing in the grass that is so rare here. I love Matthew Ray's soccer concentration face:
The more adventurous ones took a banana boat ride in the Red Sea! What would the Israelites think!?
Quite the young lady these days....beautiful inside and out!
Oh Madison....I tell ya, she's gonna be a leader of some kind one of these days. Look at how natural she looks at giving orders!:) Madison really has become a fish this year. She is a great swimmer!
Buds again...they really are sweet together. We are so thankful for friends!

Gangsta and Bethlehem

2009-06-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation..."Mom, what is there to do?" "Be creative...go play....that's enough t.v. and Wii."

Here is what they came back with. Oh, to understand the minds of my children!

Make sure you pay attention to the birth of baby Jesus;)

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Great Birthday Party...Wrong Month...Bitter sweetness...

2009-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

We have discovered that there are many emotional ups and downs that come with living overseas. One of the exciting things is meeting so many new people and really becoming family with many of them. Living in another culture can feel overwhelming at times with so many different sounds, sights, words and customs. So, when we find a few other Americans to socialize with we find a place of familiarity that just feels "normal." But one of the sad things about this "familiar family" is that it is full of many good-byes.
One of those families that we have grown to love is leaving soon. They have four precious children and two of them are right around Madison's age. She has been so sad thinking that they would not be able to come to her birthday party in November. So, tonight we planned a sleepover birthday party at the last minute...when I say last minute, I mean we came up with the idea, decorated, made 2 Barbie cakes and wrapped presents in a little over an hour! Madison was so surprised! We had a great time getting it all set up and the girls had a ton of fun!

Another Year Down...Such Gifted Girls

2009-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Another year of school is now behind us! Meredith and Madison had their last day of school today...completing 6th grade and kindergarten. Today their school held an award's ceremony and talent show. We are so proud of how God has gifted each one of them. We pray that their lives will always glorify HIM!

Meredith received the Bible award for her class. Her teacher said that not only was she a super bible verse memorizer but that her WALK with Christ was amazing and showed in how she lived. I think it was the best award of the day! :)

Madison getting ready to receive her art award...she was SO excited! We have discovered that Madison is our "creative/artistic" child.

Madison and her teacher who invested so much special time with Madison:

Madison came home from school yesterday with her drawing book. She opened it and showed us this picture and stated that she drew it all by herself! We were shocked and a little concerned that she might not be telling the truth. But as it turns out..her teacher told us today that she did draw it all alone. Her teacher had a drawing like this on her white board and Madison drew one herself. We may have a future artist on our hands! :)

A BIG SECRET REVEALED.....

2009-05-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

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Matthew Ray is a Graduate...

2009-05-24T05:06:00.000-07:00

Matthew Ray graduated from his Egyptian hadonna (preschool) this past weekend. Some of our friends from the States came and helped with the program. He was so proud to be a graduate and we were so proud of him! Matthew Ray and his teachers:
He was so excited! He kept calling his gown his graduation costume....
Our friends from the States...they are so cool and Matthew Ray is their big bud!

Progress...

2009-05-24T04:43:00.002-07:00

Well, we have made SOME progress....but this is Egypt...so, it may take a while to finish everything!

Extreme Makeover-Egypt Edition...

2009-05-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

We have some visitors for the next few weeks. They are teaching at Matthew Ray's hadonna (pre-school). They were supposed to paint at the hadonna but the plans were changed and they had a couple of "free" days....so, we put them to work at our house! They have been so great to help us with our mini-makeover of the kid's rooms. We decided to move the girls in together and give Matthew Ray his own room. (Don't worry all of you Meredith fans....she wanted to do this and is excited about getting new loft beds for their room).

Another friend of ours is flying in next week and bringing their SUPER cute bedding! Here are the beginning pics of the project. We hope to be done with everything in a few weeks because we still haven't heard back from the man who is making the loft beds....This is Egypt....so, you never know! :) We will update more as the rooms progress.

From pink to CHOCOLATE:
Matthew Ray trying to help Amanda...trying!
Christa working and playing:

This girl didn't stop! Leshay painted EVERY letter of my kid's names....and it was not an easy task! Her reason for being so efficient? "I am stubborn!":)
Melinda and Stacey in the "dungeon" painting letters...

New Friends....

2009-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

We were invited to eat with some new friends last week. We had such a great time and the food was FABULOUS! I even learned how to make a dish and tried it out this week....yummy!

Madison and Marriage...

2009-05-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

For some reason we have had many conversations of marriage lately in the Dunavant household. Madison has been very clear in what she would like her future to look like in regards to this topic: "I am NOT marrying anyone!

Tonight the girls and I were cooking supper together and the topic of marriage came up again. Matt called and was checking on me (such a sweet gesture) and when I got off of the phone I said, "You girls need to marry someone like your daddy. You need to marry someone that loves Jesus more than anything, that treats you like a queen, that "chases" after you, that adores you, and that will take care of you."

Meredith said, "Yeah Madison...that last thing means....don't marry a cheapskate!" Madison put her hand on her hip and said, "Meredith! I am NOT going to marry a CHEESECAKE!"

Madison did go on to say a little later that the reason she is not going to marry anyone is because I took the good one...her daddy!! How sweet it is for her to love her daddy that much....

Our First Coptic Wedding....We Partied ALL Night!

2009-05-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended our first Coptic wedding. Our pediatrician and his dear wife invited us to their daughter's wedding. It was an amazing evening. Stacey, Meredith and Madison spent a few hours at the Coiffure getting pedicures, manicures and their hair done. (totaling $30!) The wedding started at 8 pm at the Coptic church on our street. We arrived at 8 and the bride arrived around 8:20 which is very common here. While we waited we took these pics:

This is Meredith with Mirna. Mirna is in our Bible study.
The bride arrived in a beautiful limo with her mother. Her mother exited the car and then there were many pictures taken of the bride sitting in the car. Here are her parents waiting in anticipation for her to get out of the limo:
We then followed the bride into the church. The bride and groom stand to the side of the platform. There are chairs for them there because there is a lot of standing and sitting during the ceremony. No vows are given. There is much "chanting" by the priests and some things read to the couple.

Madison loved being there:

Here is a video of part of the ceremony. The priest covers the bride and groom with capes (I forgot to ask why).

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Side note: On the way home from the wedding Matthew Ray said, "They didn't even say,
You may kiss the bride or nothin! They didn't say you may do anything! That was boring!" We had a good laugh! But that was just the beginning of our evening. We got the kids to a friend's house to spend the night and then Matt and I headed to the reception at a popular hotel.

We were awe-stuck by the reception....it was incredible!! Matt and I arrived at around 11 pm and the party was just getting started. We ate appetizers while we waited for the bride and groom to enter. They danced the first dance and then the festivities really began. The buffet opened with ROOMS of food...it was just amazing! The bride and groom sat on a couch as they watched the show begin...here's just a clip of it:

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All in all it was an amazing evening...we have never seen anything like it! Here we are at 2 am...a little frazzled looking but having a good time! :)

It's Good to Have Friends....

2009-05-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Meredith and her pal...

You know, when you move to a new country one of the main things you worry about is how your children will adjust to a new place away from all of their friends. God has been so faithful to give our children great friends since moving overseas! We are so thankful that they share some things in common and provide endless hours of fun (ending in sleep:) for our kiddos!
Madison and Matthew Ray with their newest friend...exhausted after hours of sword fighting...

Why I love 5 Year Old Boys...especially mine...:)

2009-05-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Winding up the month....

2009-04-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

My (Stacey) parents have been here for about a month now. We have seen so much and really enjoyed our time together! We are so thankful that we have gotten to see our parents several times since we left over 2 years ago. God has truly blessed us with amazing families who continue to support and encourage us!

Haynes and Susanne leave in 2 days. We took our last sight-seeing trip today to the Giza Pyramids. It was a fun time...full of excitment with camel rides, dickering over prices, dodging camel poopy, a trip to the Pizza Hut next to the pyramids, kissing the sphinx and good ole' sunburns! But our most favorite thing this time was holding up a prayer sign for Stellan (www.mycharmingkids.net) We have been praying for him for quite a while now. We were so glad to add to his photo gallery at the pyramids! The kids made a sign for him last night for us to hold in several locations today.

A few sphinx kisses...

Meredith has never gotten used to the camel getting up and down...

My mom reapplying her lipstick ON THE CAMEL....:)
We are praying for you Stellan!

Egyptian Beauty...

2009-04-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Egyptian women are beautiful and they love to keep their skin and hair looking young. This calls for several trips to the Coiffure each week to have their hair styled and hair removed from their entire face.
My mom had a double treatment this past week. These first few pictures show Madison and Matthew Ray giving her an "ooh la la spa treatment" (they named it)....she had her hair done, a foot treatment with a starfish, a back rub with a jump rope and tattoos placed on her legs as well as a tree frog on her belly!! She also enjoyed her pleasant experience while Matthew Ray fanned her with a palm leaf.:)

Mom also took Meredith to the Coiffure for the first time to have her eyebrows done. Mom had "fatla" (hair removal with a string) done on her eyebrows and Meredith had hers done by a STRAIGHT RAZOR!!! Here's a video for you to see....YIKES!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Isn't she beautiful?!

Pyramids...A Family Field Trip...

2009-04-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

Today we took a little trip outside of the city to see 3 pyramids we hadn't seen before. We saw the Red Pyramid, The Bent Pyramid and The Step Pyramid. We went down into the Red Pyramid (well, most of us did)...a few of us thought it was a little scary...ahem...but Matt went down with our 3 kids and they thought it was so cool! It was a great day to be together as a family but it was CRAZY WINDY...we were covered in sand by the end of the day! When we got back home Matthew Ray said, "Wow! This was a great field trip we did!" He doesn't even realize how cool his "field trips" really are!

The Red...(Matt, Madison and Matthew Ray after they went in the pyramid)

The Bent....
Mummies we found in the tombs :) They sure look good for being so ancient! :)

The Step....It was SO windy..."Mom! Help! The sand is everywhere!"

All cleaned up and happy at the end of a long day...

Easter Evening

2009-04-14T13:03:00.001-07:00

After our fun afternoon Easter activities, we headed to a garbage area of Cairo called Iz Betel Nokl to worship with a church there. Matt preached....and then after he preached the pastor got up and announced that Matt and his wife would be singing a song for them in English. So, thirty seconds later we were singing a duet of "How Great is our God." One of the great things about Egypt is that there is never a dull moment...always something new...always (most of the time) keeps us laughing! ;)

Some of the kids from the church with Madison...
We loved hanging out with these girls after church....
Stacey and her dad with the translator...

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with friends and FAMILY this Easter! We went to some friend's house and had a great time of fellowship and an Easter Egg Hunt. Mom and Dad loved being a part of the festivities this year and we were so happy they were with us, too!

I can't believe how fast they are growing up! This was Meredith's first time to wear high heels!

Nile Peace...

2009-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Another peaceful Nile Cruise...well, not really a cruise...but a Faluka ride is so nice after a crazy day in the city. Notice Matt and Madison are not pictured....Madison has grown increasingly afraid of the Faluka ride, so we no longer insist that she ride down the Nile with us. She and Matt spent the night together.:)

Awww.....

April and Meredith under the sunset...too sweet

Grammie and Granddaddy's Visit

2009-04-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

Grammie and Granddaddy are here and they have EMBRACED the culture! Our first day was spent at a local park with 10,000 orphans! It was a very crowded place...but very enjoyable for all of us. Madison and Matthew Ray were filmed for a news program having their pictures sketched and Stacey was interviewed for the same news program IN ARABIC! Craziness....just craziness...only in Egypt! :)

Dada Can't Get Enough....

2009-03-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

of Meredith, Madison and Matthew Ray!!! He has spent every spare second with each of them...

Date Night with Meredith at Ruby Tuesdays...

Speaking at Meredith and Madison's school...He brought Madison to the front and told everyone how much he loved her...she was truly embarrassed but loved every minute of it!

Shrimp sandwiches on the street with Matthew Ray (they called it their "buddy time" while the big girls were in school...

The Annual 2K-5K Race...

2009-03-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Every year the kid's school sponsors a 2K-5K race in the desert. This year Meredith won 1st place in her division and Madison and Matthew Ray received certificates for participating! :) Last year was so much fun and this year proved to be even better because Dada was there for the action! Make sure you watch all of the video...it is 3 clips put together of each child's "run." They all ran their little hearts out!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dada's Here!!!

2009-03-24T13:39:00.001-07:00

Dada (Matt's dad) is here and we...well, he...has been busy! Here's just a few of the things going on this week:
**Dada has been able to meet several of our local friends on this visit.
**Dada has had a "buddy date" with Matthew Ray where they went to eat shrimp sandwiches on the street.
**He also had a dessert/french fry date with Madison to McDonalds after dinner one evening.
**He is getting to teach some local pastors with Matt all week.
**He and Matt picked up a new "dulab" (Egyptian closet) for us yesterday and came home and put it together...only a little blood, sweat and tears but they did it!
**At the end of the week he and Meredith have a date planned for the 5 story mall!
I got these pictures from Dada's camera...hopefully I can get some more as the week goes on.

You Scratch my Back....I'll Scratch Yours :)

2009-03-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

I (Stacey)met such a sweet friend a few weeks ago. She works with autistic children and needs to learn more English to earn her degree in this field. We meet once a week. She is a lot of fun to be around. I teach her English and she teaches me more Arabic...it is an eventful 2 hours each week!

Juliana's Adoption...

2009-03-17T00:20:00.001-07:00

Hello all! We have been a little busy these days and haven't had a chance to post anything. But I have a treat for you today! My parents wrote Juliana's adoption story for the mom's blog that I also write for...Prayer of Hannah. I wanted to post it here as well because I think my parents and Juliana are amazing people and I am so blessed they are part of my life!

In 1990 I was a home health nurse. A patient assigned to me was an elderly woman who was bed fast. On one of my visits I discovered two toddlers sitting on the floor beside her bed, eating out of paper plates. She told me they had been left there by a family member, for her to care for. Now, this woman could not take care of herself.She could not even turn over in bed by herself. I immediately began to call some of her other family. The problem was solved quickly. That evening I told my husband, Haynes, about the visit I had made that day. We both agreed how sad it is for children to be neglected. I believe this was the day the Lord planted the desire in our hearts to adopt a child.

A few evenings later we watched a T.V. special about starving children being adopted in Romania. Over the next couple of weeks we talked about the children in Romania.We prayed and prayed about adopting a child. The idea of adopting began to grow in our hearts. You need to know…we had raised five children, and just sent our last child to college. The thought of raising another child had never entered our minds before. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways. We decided that adoption was what God was calling us to at this point in our lives. The process began to take shape.We talked with a lawyer, we got in touch with other people who were in the adoption process, and we prayed and prayed.

A few weeks later Stacey, our youngest daughter came home from college for the weekend. That evening the exact same T.V. special was repeated again. At this point we had not mentioned a thing to any of our children. As the program was ending, Stacey looked at us and said, “Ya’ll need to adopt one of those children!!” I began to smile. She quickly said, “This is not funny! I am serious! You need to go and adopt one of these children!” I told her I was not smiling because it was funny…we then told her we had been discussing adoption, and planned on discussing the possibility with all five children that weekend, beginning with her. This was a very happy weekend for our family. All five children were thrilled and excited. They were all asking questions and wanting to help. We believe it is very important for all close members of a family to be in agreement about such an important event.

Then the real work began. There were mounds of paperwork, a home study, finger prints, passports, and plane tickets. With lots of prayers, and help from lots of friends, we were on our way to Romania...

Two days after arriving in Romania, we were traveling with a lady who wanted to adopt a little boy. We were told there was a little boy for adoption in a nearby village. Translation into another language sometimes does not always translate correctly. The little boy was a beautiful curly haired girl. She was wearing only a cotton jacket…and it had been snowing! I knew the moment I saw her, she was for us. Her name was Juliana. We fell in love with her and her name. Juliana was the fourth child of a young woman, age 18. After finding the young woman and talking with her and the government official, they set a court date.. The adoption only took a few minutes. The main question we were asked, “Will you take care and provide for this child?”

Juliana was a very happy child from the beginning, even though she was malnourished and had a severe sinus infection. She quickly learned where she ate and where the food was kept.She wanted to stay in the kitchen and play. Also Juliana wanted to be held and patted all of the time. This is where the bonding began. (Now at age 19, she still loves to be hugged and patted:)

From the beginning, Juliana was like a sponge. She quickly began to say words and interact. One of the most important words we used from the first day was “adoption.” My husband and I believe it is important to tell a child they are adopted from a very early age. Explain all of the details you can for their level. As time goes on, they will have more questions…answer them. Do not leave an opportunity for any surprises along the way. I think the fact that I was also adopted helped with a lot of the answers for Juliana.
Juliana is now a sophomore at Ouachita Baptist University, majoring in speech pathology. We have six children: Drew, Phillip, Stacey, Tracie, Jana, and Juliana. I can tell you without a doubt, there is no difference in the feeling you have for an adopted child and a child you birthed. It is amazing to see Juliana now grow into a lovely young woman! How quickly time flies and what a joy to be a part of this precious child’s life! The Lord has so blessed us! I look forward to what He has for us in the future!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of you heart…Psalm37:4

Bon Qui Qui Kid Dunavant Style

2009-03-02T00:11:00.000-08:00

If you don't think Bon Qui Qui is funny, you won't appreciate this video. However, if you are one of our "Bon Qui Qui Friends" (you know who you are)...this is for you!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Valentine's Day Date...

2009-02-27T03:12:00.000-08:00

I know we are officially past Valentine's Day but we are still in the month of February and our stores in Egypt are still filled with tacky heart shaped items (even furry bird houses:)! So, I wanted to share these pics with you and tell you what our 2 younger sweeties did for us!

On Valentine's morning we were awakened by Madison and Matthew Ray telling us we had a surprise in the living room. We came out to find this precious sight. They had gotten themselves dressed, prepared our dining area (bathroom stool with bean bags) and had made us raisin bran and cups of milk. Madison did apologize that they did not know how to make coffee for us and that if I would show her how she could do that for us next time:) It was a great Valentine's Breakfast date and really our only date for this year's Valentine's celebration. What sweeties!

I

Mad Men....Sweet Kids

2009-02-25T00:38:00.000-08:00

I received a few more pics from a friend of mine from last weeks "getaway out of the city." They were just too good not to post.

For the family olympics, we played "Steal the Bacon." The men were ruthless....it was crazy...I just knew we were going to have to make a trip to the emergency room...but we didn't...just a few stained pants and some REALLY sore men who forgot they aren't teenagers anymore!:)

Aren't these the cutest pics of the kids? They love their friends...we are so thankful for good friends and special times with them!