China . . . . .

This is going to be quick, but I just wanted to update a little bit. Those of you who have been reading my brother's blog are probably wondering why I haven't brought up China on here, but it's just the fact that there's so much to write about, that I've been procrastinating!!

So, my Dad has been offered a job managing a dairy farm in China. There is already a farm there that raises cashmere goats and sheep, as well as pigs and chickens. They are wanting to start dairy farming, but need someone who knows how to dairy farm (which my Dad has been doing for the past 5-6 years).

Nothing is finalized yet, but we are moving towards the direction of moving over there in 10-12 months. After we first get over there, we would live with the family that is currently living there (the Shells) while our house was being built.

On Sunday Mr. Shell came over from China to meet with us, and to look at some different farms/milking options with my Dad. Then on Tuesday the supervisor, "Uncle" Eddie came to meet us. He stayed until Thursday, and Mr. Shell is leaving sometime today. We really have had a great time with both of them, and it's been really fun!!

Tonight (well, tomorrow) Dad, Ike and Zack are going to China to see the farm and everything. After they milk at the farm tonight, our friends are going to drive them to the airport (about 2 1/2 hours away) where their plane will leave at 1am tomorrow morning!! They will be gone until next Saturday (I think their plane gets in around 6pm). So in about 1/2 hour we will go to the farm to see them off!

There's a quick update. For more detail go to my brother's blog where he's written a lot more about everything.

I covet your prayers as we move forward with this major change in our lives!! Everyone is really excited about this opportunity, but I am probably the one who is the least excited! I am so comfortable with our current situation, and am thinking maybe the Lord is using this opportunity to stretch me. I am learning sooo much how to lean on HIM, HE is the One who knows everything, knows what I'm going through, struggling, feeling at this time.

I am also very sad at the thought of leaving everyone here. We won't be able to just drive to visit someone - it'll take a plane ride!!

So, please pray for me, that I would continue to trust HIM, and know that HIS plans are BEST!!
Love,
Aliisa
P.S. This is so brief - ask whatever questions you have, and I will do my best to answer them!!

Quiz!

I created a quiz on truefriendtest.com. If you want to - please take it!! It'll be interesting to see what you think I would be like!!

Here's the quiz link: http://www.truefriendtest.com/friendtest/169592

And here you can see everyone's score:

http://www.truefriendtest.com/scoreboard/169592

Have fun!

A short update . . . . .

I haven't blogged in a while, so here's a quick update:

A couple weeks ago our friends the Petersons came for a visit (I will hopefully be putting more pictures of the visit up on our family blog).

Me and Sarah

Last week we got sick with the flu!! All of us except Mom and Emmy got it to some degree or another. Anja got it the worst, and everyone except Dad and I threw up. We got over it in a couple days, except for Anja, who was sick for about 6 or 7 days. It's so hard when the littlest ones are sick!

On Saturday (the 10th) Zack and I went to a Civil War Ball with a bunch of friends. The dance went from 7-midnight, and was an absolute BLAST!!! The only down fall was it was 2 hours away, and with daylight savings we lost an hours worth of sleep!! But we made it up the next night. Here are a few pictures of the dance (I may post more once I get them):

Zack is the 3rd guy from the left in the guys' line (he's kind of hard to see, but he's got on a dark suit and black cowboy hat)

My good friend, Dana, and I

On Sunday the boys, Aleks and I went to a square dance at our friends farm. Lots of our friends were there, and it was a lot of fun! (most of the people there had gone to the Civil War Ball, and were all pretty tired!)

This week is pretty normal, and on Sunday we're going to visit Dad's parents for a couple days, which we're all looking forward to!

Sweet shades!!

Elsie loves her sunglasses, so together we posed for this picture:

Ping pong!!

Every Monday night the boys, Aleks and I take round dance lessons taught by our friends. For about an hour after lessons, we fellowship with friends, and play some ping pong! Here are some pictures from last night:


"Around the World"

Those who were "eliminated" . . . . .

Everyone's back in!


When there are only a few people left, you really have to run!
(note the ball in mid-air!)

Happy Birthday!

Zachary Eugene Klahn

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY, ZACK!!!!!

We love you!!

Here are some interesting facts about Zack:

*He broke his collar bone when he was born

*He is only10 months younger than his older brother (from now until the end of April, we have two 15-year olds!)

*He doesn't drink milk (as a baby, he was lactose-intolerant and had several ear infections) but does eat other dairy

*He was the "baby" of the family for 6 years

*He had trouble learning to read, but now loves to!

*He's had braces for over 2 years, and hasn't complained!

*He snores (coming from his room-mate!)

*He's a great goalie in Foosball

*He loves playing with his little sisters (especially the babies!)

*He enjoys square dancing and round dancing

*He loves the Lord, and desires to become a missionary - pilot when he gets older