Irene King

Well, they go by many many different names - Grandmother, Grandma, Granny, G-ma, Grami, Mamaw, Memaw, Nana, MeeMee, Honey and more - but their function is the same! They love their grandkids! They spoil their grandkids! After years of suffering with the imperfect parents they are blessed by the arrive of a clan of perfection! They verifiy what all children know is true unconditional love is modeled by their heros also know as grandma. They know that they are the most precious person in the room. They know that play-time goes all day at grandmas. They ask questions like, "are hot dogs junk food?" to receive answers like, "not today!"

Irene King, my grandma, was born on this day 91 years ago. She was to me the most beautiful, patient, kind, and loving woman. She made the best grilled cheese, took a nap everyday, read her bible everday, loved everyone of her children the same but in their individual ways. She wore a ring with the birthstone of each of her chidren in it. Among the 7 children she raised, she raised the most wonderful mother in the world, Linda Labowski, my mom!

During this time in the states we have been blessed to be around not only Jeff's grandmothers, and Jubilee and Malakai's grandmothers, but many other mature women who loved on them and Jeff and I in ways that were grandmotherly. We love each of these women and thank God for their displays of love towards us. May we pass it on!

Overdue Update!

Hey! Well, we are in Everygreen, CO. What a priviledge to be back with this part of our church family! Since the last posting we have been encouraged and loved on by wonderful people in Olive Branch, Brownwood, Austin, Brownfield, and Dora. We are so thankful for everyone, especially those that kept us in their homes, the Washburns, the Bottas, the Burketts! They are a big part of the reason that the kids are doing so great! Jeff has mastered the art of sharing his presentation! His furlough sermon is fabulous. Now we find ourselves in Colorado trying to figure out how to see all the people in Denver that we love and miss. What a terrific problem!

The church is Cochabamba seems to be doing great! Major news:
1. Betty and Walter, the parents of Wendy, were baptized last Saturday. Praise be to God!
2. Also, we will having a special event to celebrate 5 years of partnership in the mission to Cochabamba, Bolivia! Everyone is invited to join the Cochabamba Mission Team on May 28th and 29th at the DFW Hilton Lakes. Registration is $50 per person for a one-night stay at the Hilton. To register or for more information, contact Josh Marcum by ...email at jjmarcum22@hotmail.com or call Austin Avenue Church of Christ at 325.646.0855.

Remember God loves you! Praise his holy name!

Katie

Update from Forbess furlough

Well, we are still at it!

We have been to three states and have been blessed beyond belief! God is so good! Reconnecting with family and making memories that will last a life-time. The Forbess family unplugged retreat was wonderful and the time in Hot Springs Village with the Labowski's was as close to perfect as it gets.

Yesterday we had a wonderful time in Searcy, AR. We had the opportunity to meet the Chalenburg's, a family that is going to be in Cochabamba this summer and stay a little over a year, learning language and working with our team. We also met the Bower's, who are looking into the possibilites of working with our team. They were both wonderful family and a blessing to be with in Searcy. We staying with the Sandoval Jrs. and spent time with the Richardsons, the Hooks, Michelle, and made a new friend, Kaylee (sorry I don't know how to spell that). A true miracle to go back to the place were Jeff and I met and reflect on the blessings of 9 1/2 years of marriage. God is awesome!

Tonight we are in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Tomorrow we will be at Friendship Church of Christ. Jeff will do the preaching and teaching and I will try to sit pretty and keep the kids in-line :)

Hope everyone is doing great!

Please pray for the celebration of the 3 year anniversary of our church in Cochabamba that will be going on tomorrow.

God bless!
Katie, Jeff, Jubilee and Malakai Forbess

Furlough - Day 12

Well, in all the excitement I missed a few days :) We have had a very quick wonderful trip to Rogers, a white xmas in Dallas, a visit to Sea World (with the Johnsons, Labowskis and Escalantes!) and a fantastic lunch in Austin (with the Bottas) since the last time I updated this blog. Safe travel and happy children. Couldn't ask for anything more! I hope to post pictures today! Love, Katie, Jeff, Jubilee and Malakai

Furlough 2009 - Day 3

Yesterday was a fantastic Lord's Day in Chillicothe, MO! This congregation is a light and encouragement to our family. Jeff did a wonderful job on the presentation and sermon. Jubilee was in a Christmas program. We had a potluck, roast at home with family and then back for the program and treats. In between Jeff, Jubilee and Pops went iceskating with the kids from church and a side trip to Wal-mart for passport pictures. Grami, Maley and I stayed home from the skating fun to start repacking our stuff. We are planning to leave this morning about 9 to meet Grandmother and Susie half-way so that they can take us to Rogers for the night. We will hug as much family as possible in Rogers and then tomorrow morning head out for Dallas. To God be the glory! Today we are praying for Johnathan Sandoval and his surgery. Please continue to pray with us! Love, Katie, Jeff, Jubilee and Malakai

Furlough 2009 - Day 2

Yesterday was another wonderful day. We had a relaxing morning and then went out into the cold to run errands with Grami. We went to the post office, payless, wal-mart, stage, the dollar store and goodwill. The last five stops were to find shoes for Jubilee. She doesn't have her mommy's feet yet but we ended up with $2.50 boots from Goodwill that are so thight that will probably only fit for week. I am thankful for the options of places to look for her shoes. Then we came home and had roman noodles and hung out until it was time for the first xmas. Presents for the kids and strogenoff for the adults :) - we are growing by the minute - and I don't mean spiritually! It was wonderful! Then the kids went to sleep and the grownups watched Hallmark! God bless and hope you had a blessed day too! Enjoy the pictures! Love, Katie, Jeff, Jubile and Malakai

Furlough 2009 - Day 1

We had a fabulous first day in Chillicothe, MO. Jubilee had a Pop's date at McDonald's and a date with Grami at an afterschool Christmas gift exchange. We, Jeff and I, made our first trip to Wal-mart. Always a double edge sword. Good for the spirit. Bad on the wallet. We also had a very nice dinner with the Blakely's at AppleBees and went to see the xmas lights of Chillicothe. Both kids were asleep by 8 and we stayed up talking with the Forbess' until Jeff and Rod were basically asleep in the chairs. Great day!

Today we are praying for Johnathan Sandoval who will have follow up back surgery on Monday. Please pray with us for his family, the doctors, his safety during surgery and a great recovery.

God bless you all!

Katie, Jeff, Jubilee and Malakai