Happy August. . . almost!

I have a hard time updating this thing. So much to do and so little time. Today I made and froze salsa, picked the garden, made lunch for my Grandma Clark, went to Little Rock to pick up my Grandma Jane, shopped, went to a singin' and tidied the house for company. Now I need to pack for ASi. Who has time to update Xanga? I really don't know? Anyway, I guess it doesn't take long to say a few words and put a few pictures. And why I'm motivated at this late hour I'll never know.

I have had an awesome summer visiting Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Sweden, Canada and Texas! If you want to know more look at Chester's site! But with all the travel the summer has flown by even faster and now I'm madly getting ready for school to begin. One and a half more weeks! Ugh! Its good to be a teacher though. Two months off a year is way better than two weeks off. Hey all you out there. . . become teachers! My advice for the night. And here's some pics taken along the summer's road of life.

Shafer Family Reunion in June.

In Athens, Greece

In Philippi, Greece.

So much to see, so much to carry!

Family Vacation in Banff, Alberta

Karen & I

The fam

Jon, Jill & Andy

The most awesome nephews!

I bet I'll see some of you at ASi. Hope your life is filled with peace.

 Hi everyone!

Finally I'm going to attempt a Xanga page. People say its just great. I guess I'll find out for myself. I do like writing so maybe I'll keep up with it. . . at first!

I still teach school in Bonnerdale, Arkansas. Its a great place-- out in the country with lots of trees and hills, lakes, creeks and rivers. I love it here! I'm almost done with year 9 of teaching. Its crazy how fast the time goes. I love my students and my fellow teachers.

For spring break I went to Ecuador on a Maranatha mission trip. Dad came along too to pull teeth. I had a great time building and making new friends and trying to learn a little more Spanish. Here I am at the middle of the world!

Here's the building crew.

  Help!
Bet you didn't know I was this tall!

Anyone hungry?

Hi!

It was a great way to spend my break. I think I'll go again someday.

This past weekend I learned how to milk a goat and then feed the milk to a calf. I was visiting my Umpire friends and the Beierle's always have an adventure on the farm. I have such a great time visiting those guys.

Here's Justin with their new filly.

Ringo was the cutest calf ever. His mom died in childbirth or I guess it would be calf birth. When he finished the bottle he chased me for some more.

Weekend before last I went with a Megan, Christine, Rob and Michael Prewitt to the Buffalo region up north. We went hiking, caving and canoeing. It was great fun. You've got to try it someday!

Caving budies!

This week one of my teacher's, Mrs. Mooney, lost her son in a freak, side of the road accident. Greg Mooney was principal at Jefferson Christian Academy in Texas. One of his staff members was taking 5 girls with her to Keene on a weekend leave and they broke down on the freeway. Greg took another staff and a staff kid along to help. They were winching the van up onto the trailer when from nowhere a car came flying and hit them. Greg was killed instantly. The rest could have been killed but weren't. I went to the memorial in Jefferson yesterday and today they bury him in Bonnerdale. Its so sad. I taught with Greg's wife Mary for about 4 years. All their kids grew up in Bonnerdale and went through our school. And they are related to half of my church or more. Last year my other teacher lost her husband in an awful accident and 4 years ago my other teacher lost her husband. I'm praying earnestly for my family right now! My Umpire friends said, "We don't want to hear any more news from Bonnerdale!" I am thankful that God's in control and that He is faithful. Please pray for these folks. Greg and Mary had 4 kids. Amanda is finished with college and nursing. Jessica and David are at Southwestern and Johnny is about 11.

Thankfully Jesus is coming soon!

Until next time . . . stay faithful!