Baby Alive

Hello!

I just sent this picture to my mother-in-law because she wanted to share the story that goes with it to a group of kids at her church.

It's one of those stories that I thought about writing but never got around to. It's worth going back to though even if it's a few months old.

Ali, on the right, is my daughter's best friend. Her cousin, in the middle, lives with her most of the time. Another missionary had a team bring them each a Baby Alive doll and they absolutely loved them! All the other girls around wanted one too, including Heidi, on the left.

This summer, when we were back in Canada for several weeks, Ali and her dad, Chucho, came to visit us. Ali told Heidi, "If I go to Canada, I'll bring you back a Baby Alive doll." Heidi's mom shared with me that Heidi had been praying and asking for a Baby Alive doll for a long time but they just couldn't afford one. Toys like that are very expensive here, especially when people do not earn as much money as they do in Canada or the United States.

We looked at the price of Baby Alive dolls at Wal-Mart. Chucho didn't want to spend that much on a doll either. He bought some souvenirs for people at the dollar store and loved going to yard sales. Then, at another yard sale just a couple days before leaving, Ali came across a Baby Alive doll. It came with a bed, blanket, and clothes. When they asked how much it was they were told, "Twenty-five cents." Only a quarter? They bought it! When they brought it home and put new batteries in it, it worked! It walked and talked and did everything it was supposed to. Heidi was thrilled and her mom was so grateful. She told me that Heidi plays with it, sleeps with it and takes it everywhere she goes. It's just a little doll, but it was a huge answer to prayer!

What are you praying for? I'm still hoping for a real baby from China. It's nice to be reminded that God cares and can provide for us in ways beyond what we can ask or imagine!

Marcie Cooper

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Eph. 3:20-21

Fun in the Snow

Hello!

Here are some long overdue pictures of our fun in the snow in Canada. We didn't have much snow last Christmas and were praying for some more this time!

I think he looks bigger than last year

He did get out in the snow and discovered that it tastes good!

Snow angel attempt?

Sledding at Grandma and Grandpa's

Even more fun at the park

And even more fun tobogganing with Daddy!

And a snowman, of course

My favourite part was shovelling a giant maze on the pond with my four year old maze-lover but we were too busy to get a picture. We will have to do it again next time. 

While we would not have minded a little more time in the snow, we are content to be back in the Dominican Republic enjoying the sun.

I hope you are enjoying the weather where you are too!

Marcie Cooper

Canadians

Hello!

Before we left for the holidays we were answering questions like, "What's toboganning?" and "What's a squirrel?" We weren't sure if our kids could call themselves Canadians! The three weeks we spent in Canada were packed with Canadian experiences. Hopefully our kids will remember them!

Toronto (CN Tower)

Niagara Falls

Tim Hortons

Canada Geese

Hockey

Swiss Chalet

Maple Syrup

and finally...

SNOW!

More on that next time.

What are some of your favourite Canadian experiences? Or what things in Canada you would like to see? If you've never been, it's a great place to visit!

Marcie Cooper

Snow

Good morning!

The first thing I heard when I woke up this morning was, "Mommy, there's a lot of snow outside!" When I looked I saw less than a centimetre but the kids were thrilled. My little girl said, "I'm so excited about the snow! My dream has come true!"

There was enough for her to make a snow angel but we're still hoping for more for a snowman. There isn't any more in the forecast right now though so his may have to do for a white Christmas. It's whiter than our last Christmas anyways!

Before we left, we were telling a little Dominican friend that there wasn't any snow yet where we were going. She said, "Just wait. On the 24th it will come." I guess she was right! Our Dominican friends will celebrate Christmas tonight with a big meal, new clothes, and visits to friends and family. We wish them and you a wonderful Christmas and ¡Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas!

Marcie Cooper

Cold

Hello from Canada!

It is the first day of winter and we are cold! My little monkey boy thought a sweatshirt would be enough to keep him warm outside even though he had bare feet. He told his sister, "I'm fine with the cold!" but quickly came back in and put on his socks, shoes, coat, and mittens.  After playing for a while he took them all off outside and stood by the door in short sleeves and barefoot again, wanting to come in. We had to teach him to come in first and then take off his warm things. We also had to let him know that we skate on ice, not snow, even though we haven't seen either one yet. We're still hoping!

Have a great day wherever you are, warm or cold!

Marcie Cooper

Power Out

Hi Kids,

Our power was out for most of the day yesterday. I was glad that it came back on before it got dark. We have a gas stove so we can cook without electricity. When we told a Dominican friend that most people in Canada have electric stoves she asked, "How do you cook when the power goes out?" We answered, "It usually doesn't!"  Here it happens a lot. One time I went to get my hair cut when there was no power. The hairdresser had to use a generator to run the hair dryer. I had to pay extra because of the gas that it used!

Have a great day and enjoy having power in your house!

Marcie Cooper

P.S.  Where I come from in Ontario, Canada we call power "hydro" because of hydroelectric power that we get from Niagara Falls.

Canadian Thanksgiving

Hi Kids,


Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.  We will miss eating turkey with our families but will have a chicken dinner instead.  We have one Canadian friend here who will come over with her husband.  I made pumpkin pie too because it is my favourite.


I am thankful for my family, friends, and good food to eat.


Can you list three things that you are thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving if you are from Canada!

Have a great day!

Marcie Cooper