Independence Day

When we lived in the United States, we never made too much of the 4th of July. Sure it was a holiday, and we liked to watch fireworks, or maybe even go to the parade, but it just wasn't a big deal for us. Now, we really love to celebrate Independence Day. It's the one day that we really get to be "all American" for the day. It's tradition here in São Paulo for all the missionaries to get together that day for an American cookout. This year since it fell on a Sunday, we had a 5th of July celebration.

One of the missionaries has a piece of land that he is working on developing into a camp. It made a perfect place for all of us (about 50) to get together. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, with chips, potato salad, and baked beans. We even had apple pie and red, white, and blue cookies! We had a great time of games and fellowship, and ended with evening with s'mores and fireworks.

I forgot about taking too many pictures, but I got a few!

The kids had a blast in the sand pile

Judson spent most of the day sitting here in the sand. He was full of sand when we got home

The "big" boys played volleyball all afternoon

Nothing beats a nap in the hammock!
~Elijah Kokenzie~

Though we live in a foreign country, we are still proud to be Americans, and we are thankful to all of those who have served their country and fought for our freedom. Nothing makes you appreciate America more than living somewhere else!

God Bless America!