Dan and I knew that we would be terrible at writing those update letters every month. Many missionaries struggle with them because it's hard to communicate everything in a short but sweet one page letter; a letter that someone would actually want to sit down and read. We decided it would be best (and more fun) to have a blog with weekly postings of our lives ministering over seas. It was so much easier to share the little details, the things that matter.
I have loved this blog. When we started it back in 2007, I never thought it would mean so much to me. It began as a place for Dan and I to share our struggles and joys of serving in Malawi with ABC. We wanted our supporters, family and friends to be able to see that we are okay. But because of this blog, I feel like many of you were right there with us during very lonely and trying times. We managed to feel close even though we were so far away.
Now that we are back, we no longer have a use for this blog. Our job was accomplished for lack of a better word. However, this is certainly not the end of the Robbins being abroad. We simply have a little pit stop in St. Louis while Dan goes through seminary. We are sure that God is calling us to ministry and missions far away. We don't know where yet, but we are thankful for the next four years to figure that out.
I just want to officially thank everyone for the support and generosity that was shown through this blog. If you are still interested in what we are doing in St. Louis and beyond, you are more than welcome to follow us here.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Officially in St. Louis
Life has been weird lately. Over the past 2 months since arriving in America, we have traveled back and forth between Nashville, Seattle and St. Louis. It has been fun but very tiring. We took one last road trip down to my parents house outside of Nashville. It was a busy weekend as we shopped for furniture and then painted it all. It was a lot of work, but we are SO happy with the outcome. Plus, you couldn't have beat the prices!
We did most of our work while Eli was napping. He also had his meals outside so we could get more work done. He loved being in the middle of things.
Mom and I just getting started. This picture makes me laugh so hard, because I am my mother. Of course, wearing her painting clothes helps me to look MUCH more like her. Oh, and I also love how my little sister is trying to get in the picture, too. (look behind my mom)
Before: This was a $10 vanity/desk. It had water damage on the top, loose joints and woodwork coming off. My dad did the gluing and tightening. Dan peeled the top layer off and mom and I painted the desk and the handles.
After: My new craft/sewing table! Sadly a little bit of the paint scratched off during the move, but it gives it a distressed look that I kind of like.
Before: This is a good solid dresser for $40. It had been painted a strange pink color and then painted again in a brownish green.
After: A sturdy gray night stand and dresser with matching chunky drawer pulls. I LOVE these.
We did work hard, but made sure we got to play, too. Eli cuddled up with Grandmarmie and Grand diddy after a hard days work.
Eli testing out his new stick horse toy that Grandmarmie got him from the dollar store.
After a fun weekend with the fam, Dan and I packed up the U haul trailer and then drove back to St. Louis with my sister and my dad. Eli played with the dogs while we packed up.
It was fun hosting our first guests in our apartment. My dad and sister were so helpful while they were here. Dad spent time sanding down doors that wouldn't close, hanging up curtains and helping Dan pick up our craigslist washer and dryer. Abby was the official diaper changer/baby bather/babysitter.
Since being back in St. Louis, we have had more time to get to know our new city. Eli loves the zoo. Actually, we all do. It's the coolest zoo I've ever seen and it's free!
The penguins were my favorite. There is an inside exhibit that is REALLY cold! Sorry Seattle Zoo, but these penguins are so much cooler than yours!
The butterfly exhibit was my second favorite. We watched one come out of a cocoon. Sadly, there are no pictures.
Yes, we have two couches. We bought the cream one on craigslist for $40. The next day, we came across one of the gray couches that I had dreamed of owning. That dream ended when Dan's bike was stollen in Malawi and we no longer would have the money for a couch. Anyways, the gray couch was there and it was on sale and then half off of the sale price. We couldn't beleive it. By the end of the night, we were the proud owners of two great couches for under $200.
Coffee table was $10 at Salvation Army. Side table was $15 at an antique store and the lamp was a craigslist find.
My first baby quilt. It still isn't finished, but you get the idea. I loved the idea of having bright orange and teal together, just in case we have a girl next.
We did most of our work while Eli was napping. He also had his meals outside so we could get more work done. He loved being in the middle of things.
Mom and I just getting started. This picture makes me laugh so hard, because I am my mother. Of course, wearing her painting clothes helps me to look MUCH more like her. Oh, and I also love how my little sister is trying to get in the picture, too. (look behind my mom)
So what did we get and how did it turn out? With lots of gray paint, red and black spray paint, I think we did pretty well.
Before: This was a $10 vanity/desk. It had water damage on the top, loose joints and woodwork coming off. My dad did the gluing and tightening. Dan peeled the top layer off and mom and I painted the desk and the handles.
After: My new craft/sewing table! Sadly a little bit of the paint scratched off during the move, but it gives it a distressed look that I kind of like.
Before: White night stand, water damage on top, paint peeling, fake metal brackets on corners, rusty old drawer pull.
This one was our cheapest find: FREE! It has a drawer, too.
Before: This is a good solid dresser for $40. It had been painted a strange pink color and then painted again in a brownish green.
After: A sturdy gray night stand and dresser with matching chunky drawer pulls. I LOVE these.
Before: A rusty green kitchen cart on wheels.
After: A bright red retro kitchen cart. So useful and cute!
I do not have a before picture of the dining chairs. We got a set of 6 from the thrift store. They are strong and in good condition but were very ugly. Just imagine old gross black and red flowered embroidered upholstery on the seats. They were gross. A staple gun, cheap Ikea fabric and a few hours later, they look like this!
I do not have a before picture of the dining chairs. We got a set of 6 from the thrift store. They are strong and in good condition but were very ugly. Just imagine old gross black and red flowered embroidered upholstery on the seats. They were gross. A staple gun, cheap Ikea fabric and a few hours later, they look like this!
This little metal stool was $14 and very rusty. It cleaned up nicely.
We did work hard, but made sure we got to play, too. Eli cuddled up with Grandmarmie and Grand diddy after a hard days work.
Eli testing out his new stick horse toy that Grandmarmie got him from the dollar store.
After a fun weekend with the fam, Dan and I packed up the U haul trailer and then drove back to St. Louis with my sister and my dad. Eli played with the dogs while we packed up.
It was fun hosting our first guests in our apartment. My dad and sister were so helpful while they were here. Dad spent time sanding down doors that wouldn't close, hanging up curtains and helping Dan pick up our craigslist washer and dryer. Abby was the official diaper changer/baby bather/babysitter.
Since being back in St. Louis, we have had more time to get to know our new city. Eli loves the zoo. Actually, we all do. It's the coolest zoo I've ever seen and it's free!
The penguins were my favorite. There is an inside exhibit that is REALLY cold! Sorry Seattle Zoo, but these penguins are so much cooler than yours!
The butterfly exhibit was my second favorite. We watched one come out of a cocoon. Sadly, there are no pictures.
Eli tried to catch a butterfly that landed on our stroller.
Eli and I explored the park across the street in our radio flyer wagon. It's similar to Green Lake in size but it's not a lake, it's a park. There is a great toddler playground and wadding pool inside this park. Very fun.
Besides getting to know the city, we have enjoyed unpacking and reconnecting with all of our belongings. It feels like Christmas opening boxes that we packed over 2 years ago.
Decdorating our apartment has been so fun for me. After this experience, I would love to write a book on how to decorate/furnish a home on a thrift store budget. I love the challenge of having limited cash but real needs to meet while not skimping on style. For those of you who have been asking me for pictures, here you go. For those of you who don't care about interior decorating, just skip this next part.
Living room:
Living room:
Thrift store chairs. The storage ottoman and rug were both on major sale at Urban Outfitters.
Yes, we have two couches. We bought the cream one on craigslist for $40. The next day, we came across one of the gray couches that I had dreamed of owning. That dream ended when Dan's bike was stollen in Malawi and we no longer would have the money for a couch. Anyways, the gray couch was there and it was on sale and then half off of the sale price. We couldn't beleive it. By the end of the night, we were the proud owners of two great couches for under $200.
Coffee table was $10 at Salvation Army. Side table was $15 at an antique store and the lamp was a craigslist find.
Eli's room. The rug is Urban Outfitters, shelves are still on sale at Target and the orange storage baskets are $9 for two at Wal-Mart.
My first baby quilt. It still isn't finished, but you get the idea. I loved the idea of having bright orange and teal together, just in case we have a girl next.
The bathroom.
Hanging out on the front porch.
Eli's favorite part of the apartment is the mail slot. He sticks all sorts of stuff in there.
Eli and papa on the couch.
Update on Eli:
Eli is almost 15 months old. He is constantly walking. He loves to walk so much that he sometimes will walk in circles for a long time. He is almost weened which is sad for me, but I think it's time. He sleeps so much better now and I am thankful for that. No more night time feedings! Oh and he talks too. Besides all of his animal noises he makes, he also says "all done" pretty clearly.
Eli's new favorite thing to do is parade around the apartment in his towel after bath time.
We are definitely more settled now. St. Louis isn't home yet, but it's not nearly as strange as it was. Dan begins school next Thursday and he couldn't be more excited. Please continue to pray for us as look for jobs and set up.
Eli and papa on the couch.
Update on Eli:
Eli is almost 15 months old. He is constantly walking. He loves to walk so much that he sometimes will walk in circles for a long time. He is almost weened which is sad for me, but I think it's time. He sleeps so much better now and I am thankful for that. No more night time feedings! Oh and he talks too. Besides all of his animal noises he makes, he also says "all done" pretty clearly.
Eli's new favorite thing to do is parade around the apartment in his towel after bath time.
We are definitely more settled now. St. Louis isn't home yet, but it's not nearly as strange as it was. Dan begins school next Thursday and he couldn't be more excited. Please continue to pray for us as look for jobs and set up.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Support Update / The Future
Hey all!
We just wanted to let you all know some logistics as far as supporting us for the month of August. We are still able to receive support through ABC until September 1st. So, if you would like to continue supporting us, ABC can facilitate that for the next month. If you send a check after that point that is designated for us, then you will receive it back in the mail.
Currently we are in Tennessee at Beth's parents house collecting the rest of our stuff. We will be heading back to St. Louis this Wednesday. I will be looking for a part time job in a restaurant once we move into our apartment.
We could use extra monthly help since we will be living off half a pay check. We are currently investigating some avenues that facilitate just that, and would allow you to get a tax deduction. If none of the possibilities we are looking into work out, we may just ask you to send us personal checks (and you could just reserve a certain amount for taxes). Either way, if you are interested please send me an email at:
dfrobbins at gmail dot com
Let me know if you want to get emails and be on our support team. I will fill you in on the details of just how to support us once I have the details.
Please pray that a position will open up for me. As well, Beth and I are both feeling anxious to have our lives halfway sorted out before school starts, please pray for us.
As we know things we will let you all know. We are continually thankful for your support and prayers. We have never lacked because of your care for us... thanks be to our Lord!!
We just wanted to let you all know some logistics as far as supporting us for the month of August. We are still able to receive support through ABC until September 1st. So, if you would like to continue supporting us, ABC can facilitate that for the next month. If you send a check after that point that is designated for us, then you will receive it back in the mail.
Currently we are in Tennessee at Beth's parents house collecting the rest of our stuff. We will be heading back to St. Louis this Wednesday. I will be looking for a part time job in a restaurant once we move into our apartment.
We could use extra monthly help since we will be living off half a pay check. We are currently investigating some avenues that facilitate just that, and would allow you to get a tax deduction. If none of the possibilities we are looking into work out, we may just ask you to send us personal checks (and you could just reserve a certain amount for taxes). Either way, if you are interested please send me an email at:
dfrobbins at gmail dot com
Let me know if you want to get emails and be on our support team. I will fill you in on the details of just how to support us once I have the details.
Please pray that a position will open up for me. As well, Beth and I are both feeling anxious to have our lives halfway sorted out before school starts, please pray for us.
As we know things we will let you all know. We are continually thankful for your support and prayers. We have never lacked because of your care for us... thanks be to our Lord!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Saying goodbye again
Ok, I am REALLY sick of saying goodbye! Seriously! Thankfully, this time we aren't saying goodbye for a year, Lord willing. Dan and I have a late night of packing ahead of us, but it will almost be relaxing compared to years past. No 7am international flight in the morning. Getting on that plane tomorrow will be the easiest thing we have done since August 2007. I miss Malawi terribly, but I am glad we are not returning tomorrow. I just wouldn't be ready.
Here are some pictured from the rest of our time here in Seattle. We had a blast as you will see. Still, we are ready to go "home" and settle down.
We met Ezra and Aine at the zoo. African animals are the first you get to see. It was kind of fun to see all the elephants, girraffes and zebras because we never got to go on safari.
There is a little pretend village set up inside the zoo complete with a Nyka primary school.
Blythe receiving her cool mom present for her baby girl at the shower.
Time at the beach with our dear friends Megan and Andy. We worked with them in Malawi at ABC for two years. It was SO good to see them!
Eli worked on his balance as he walked all around that boat in high winds
Eli helped us begin our packing. He's been asleep now for 3 hours and we still have a lot to do. Please remember to pray for us tomorrow as we take our last flight of 7 in the past month. We will be so happy to stay on the ground for a little while.
Here are some pictured from the rest of our time here in Seattle. We had a blast as you will see. Still, we are ready to go "home" and settle down.
We met Ezra and Aine at the zoo. African animals are the first you get to see. It was kind of fun to see all the elephants, girraffes and zebras because we never got to go on safari.
There is a little pretend village set up inside the zoo complete with a Nyka primary school.
Cross Point Green Lake women in prayer
Eli posing in Papa's sunglasses
Foggy morning in Seattle
Blythe receiving her cool mom present for her baby girl at the shower.
Time at the beach with our dear friends Megan and Andy. We worked with them in Malawi at ABC for two years. It was SO good to see them!
Eli's first Ferry Boat ride last summer
Eli's second this summer
Eli's second this summer
A cloudy Mount Rainier
Eli worked on his balance as he walked all around that boat in high winds
Great Grandma Todd
Seattle at night
Eli helped us begin our packing. He's been asleep now for 3 hours and we still have a lot to do. Please remember to pray for us tomorrow as we take our last flight of 7 in the past month. We will be so happy to stay on the ground for a little while.
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