a few final photos

Our last week in the USA is a bit of a blur, but I'm glad I have a few photos to help me remember it.  We were happy to get all the Rousselow's together for a fun time of boating up by Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Loved the time with my brother's, nieces, nephew, etc.

Best wipe-out of the day with arms and legs flailing everywhere on the Mississippi river.

These two had a cousins war going on during most of their ride.  I won't say who finally won.

Drake decided to fly instead of ride at this point.

The Stud Muffin of all!

Last day with Lori, back in Arkansas before she had to leave.

Missing her and Buzz Dakota already!

Our 5th Thai daughter came by our cabin the last day to  say good-bye along with brother Mikey. 

Love you Katy-bug, lady-bug-  you are growing up so-so fast!  

Treasure these photos of us being together!  Reports from the Foltz's is that Hayley is real confused about why we had to go back to Thailand and wants us to come back and visit! :(

Just a bit too late

This morning, while out for my morning walk, I heard a small pack of dogs barking like crazy. I was curious what the commotion was and walked the direction of the barking.  Our neighborhod spirit house had become a refuge for a terrified kitty.  There were four dogs at the bottom of the shrine barking and jumping up trying to reach this cat who was at the top traumatized and scared out of it's wit's end. He was pretty safe, clinging next to the golden idol. I hope you can see him here. I walked the block back to my house to get my camera and by the time I returned, I was just a bit too late.  The other dogs were roaming around the spirit house but just this black one was still holding on. By the time I left a few hours later, they had all left the scene and I don't know how it ended. Wish you could have been there with me!

Read through the Bible in a week!

My interest in this book all started from overhearing a conversation between two young mothers in Colorado this summer.  These mother's  were sharing how much they loved this Bible and how  as they read these Bible Stories to their young children, it brought tears to the mother's eyes.  I then found out that Jon and Marisa were reading it to their kids, too and Marisa also said how much she loved it.  I decided anything that good, might be worth the time to pick up and read myself.  I bought my own copy and decided it would be fun to read the whole story of the Bible  in one week, since I'd never done that.  My intent was to read it with the grand kids, too- but that did not work out so well.

The words of the subtitle say it best, "Every story whispers his name." From Adam to Moses to the great King David to that horrible giant --- every story points to Jesus. I loved the way she would show again and again the presence of Christ in all of the Old Testament Scriptures. I had not even recognized Jesus in some of the stories until I read this Bible. It is so easy for children (and adults) to see that all of God's revelations have been about Jesus from the beginning while reading the stories.  I recommend it to read to the little ones in your world-- or just enjoy it yourself!

Eating Humble Pie

I've gone back to daily language school again! You'd think after living in this country for 25 years I'd be fluent by now.  Not at all- by a long shot! 

When we first moved to Thailand from the Philippines, our girls were ages 5,3,1, and the next year I was pregnant with baby #4.  I had planned to study the Thai language full time right from the start when we moved to Thailand, but we soon figured out that would not be the best choice for our family.  Instead I was up to my neck with homeschooling and then teaching at a co-op school and just being a full time mom to our four little ones.  We decided at that time for me NOT to focus on language study - but on being the best mom possible that our four impressionable time-demanding little ones needed at that time.  If we had the choice to make again- we would do it just the same way. 

However, it is quite crucial to speak some Thai to get around in Thailand.  Over the years, I have gone to night language classes by busses across Bangkok, had tutors come to our home during nap times, and once the girls were all in school, I went to language school.  Over the years, I have achieved a level of feeling comfortable for conversations with Thai's, and able to do business and live here.  I never gave studying the language my full undivided attention as I was still involved in my girls world and taught at an English speaking international school. 

Once we became empty-nesters, I wasn't sure how much longer we would be here and wasn't sure about making the serious commitment to study Thai again.  Our schedule the last several years has involved alot of travel in our ministry around Thailand and trips  out of Thailand- which prohibited a routine schedule that is needed during language school.

This summer, was an amazing summer for us as we took a summer course on Leadership.  Our intent was to gleam out of it what we could to bring back and teach our Thai staff.  The more we learned and the more we thought about what we wanted to teach our Thai staff, the more I realized that I could not do a good job with my Thai at the level it is. Yes, I could teach basic concepts- but not this wealth of info we were absorbing.  Yes, I can always have someone translate for me- but I am tired of that and know that  it is not as effective.  I can read and write the Thai language slowly-- but in my spirit I feel to really be most effective- I need to revisit and seriously study the Thai language. Mike communmicates easily, but I cannot always depend on him.

I have enrolled in an intensive program at the same university that we opened the ministry on 19 years ago. Monday was my first day of class (just 2 days after we arrived back).  As I walked across campus carrying my new notebook, it was a 'deja vu' of many years of walking across this  campus at the start of a new ministry year.

Honestly, I have not made this step earlier partly because of pride.  Sometimes, I feel ashamed that I have not advanced more in the Thai language. I am in class with young whipper-snappers  that have just arrived fresh to Thailand.   When we go around the room and share how long we've been here- I hang my head abit and admit that it's been 25 years. It's embarassing for me and I've wanted to ignore the problem for years.  But it is- what it is. I have a choice now to; continue on with my limited communication at a real heart level OR just suck it up and admit that I'm horrible at the language and dig in to study it again.

Deciding which level to start at was a hard decision.  I'm okay in speaking on some topics and bad at others.  Only certain classes had openings for me to consider.  I decided to skip the conversation levels and start over with reading and writing.  I need to review those basics.  The Thai language has 42 consonants, 28 vowels and at least 21 rules concerning which of the five tones to say each word with.

This is the best part.... I loved the first week of class!  It helps that most of it was review and so far- I'm not too overwhelmed!!  In the past, language study for me has been stressful and  painful but this first week was really FUN. God knows that I need all the encouragement that I can get.  I've prayed alot about this, and the only way I will ever get to the level of feeling comfortable in Thai is with a miracle of God.  I'm doing my part now-- and eager to see what He will do.

Camp Soaring Hawk now Camp Barnabas

In 1976 while I was in college, I went on a summer project with Campus Crusade and worked at a camp in the southern tip of Missouri called Camp Soaring Hawk. It was managed by Heno Head and his family and I had a fantastic summer of growth and fun while working there.  It is not that far from where Jon and Marisa live and several different times, I have wanted to go back and visit this place that was so special to me.

After looking it up on the Internet, I knew that the camp had changed management and had a new focus.  It is now Camp Barnabas and "exists to provide life-changing opportunities to people with special needs in a Christian camp setting".  The story of how the camp got started is really neat and you can read that story here.

I really wanted to go down memory lane and visit the camp but was not prepared for what I would find.  We went a few weeks ago, just before we left Arkansas.  Jon and Marisa had a ministry activity one day, so Mike and I loaded up the three grand kids and drove up to visit the camp.  It rained all the way there and all the way back but was totally clear while we got a first rate tour.  The kids loved riding around the camp in a cool golf cart.  It is an amazing place and we loved our visit.

It had changed so much, I could hardly recognize the the place. The camp was chosen for one of the projects of the TV show 'Extreme Makeover Home Edition'. In fact, I heard it was the biggest makeover that they ever did. You can read the story of what they did to the camp here.

This is just the coolest camp, especially they way it is run.  They have about 90 summer staff, and also one volunteer  each week for each camper.  The day before the campers arrive, they lay out pictures and details of each camper and the volunteers pray over them and then each choose one to be a buddy with the entire week.  They sleep on the bunk above them, eat with them and do every activity with them.  It is not just a 'so-so' camp when it comes to facilities-- it has all the complete activities of any camp, but made for children with special needs.  We got to go up in a tree house that is made for wheelchairs. They have elevators to get them down the cliff to the dock. They  have special water wheel chairs to get the kids into a pool with slides and fountains. The place is so amazing!  They also have another regular camp going on at the same time for the sibblings of the special needs kids- called thier sibbling program, so that thier needs can be met, too.

Most of the physical buildings of the original Camp Soaring Hawk were gone.  They had preserved this one old cabin which I'm pretty sure was the cabin I had worked in.  They also still had the infamous "Inspiration Point"- which is a big cross overlooking a beautiful cliff view where we had devotional talks early morn and late night.

These original tennis courts are still there which is where I taught tennis that summer. (I know you think I'm joking- but it's true - which really was a joke!) It was also while living away from Mike that summer that I decided that I didn't want to live without him the rest of my live.... saaaa-weeeeet-eh? 

We were both so encouraged and impressed by the facilities and vision for this camp, all started from one couple taking that step of faith. They started with almost nothing and obviously God has really rewarded their faith with a camp that is so unique with it's blessing to families. I dare you to watch this video without getting tears in your eyes.

Wow- Perfect Timing!

This morning, I read this devotional that was dated for August 23.  I'm pretty sure it was written just for me, although thousands of others probably read it today, too. I love that last sentence.  Taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

ENTRUST YOUR LOVED ONES TO ME; release them into My protective care.  They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.  If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself.  Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac.  I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship.  Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions.  I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.

When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand.  As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them.  My presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me.  Watch to see what I will do.

Genesis 22:9-12;   Ephesians 3:20;   Exodus 33:14

Chair Project

I had so so much fun with Jennifer and Bethany in Arkansas helping them decorate their newlywed apartments.  This was one of our most ambitious and favorites.  It took allot of team work! The above picture I borrowed from Jen.

It started with these. Jen and Ben really did not have much furniture at all to start with.  I am amazed at how quickly they found what they needed at thrift stores and garage sales and how it is all fitting together.   While we were still up in Iowa, we texted Jen a picture of these chairs (and a table) from Dick and Joy's basement that were not being used and asked her if she wanted them. Thanks again Dick and Joy!

Deciding on a color was one of their biggest decisions and they decided on this light sea blue. We sanded the chairs, painted them a few coats, and then distressed them to give the look Jen wanted. We did our work at the Foltz house, and here they are ready to be loaded up to take to the apt.

We actually picked out this fabric first and then chose the paint to match. Wish I would have gotten a picture of the 6 chairs around their table, cuz they turned out so cute and look great in the kitchen area. We didn't know for sure what the outcome woud  be until it was all done- but just experimenting, trying to visualize it and then just doing it together was the best part of all.  Hope these chairs are  comfy for some great meals and memories in your first home, Jen and Ben!



Psalm 22:27-28

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord and

 all the families of the nations will bow down before Him for

 dominion belongs to the Lord and

he rules over the nations. 

HOME

So so glad to be home.
The adventure continued on our return trip.
Flight delayed, re-routed through Hong Kong instead. 
Another handle on carry-on broke--- a bit inconvenient with so much walking through airports.
Landing in Bangkok last night, we immediately felt at home.
Honestly, some aspects of Thailand we are just more comfortable with than the USA.
Possibly because we've lived here longer than the USA.
Wouldn't it be nice to take the parts of both countries  that we like and combine them into a perfect place?
We are here- but our luggage is not! They said it'd be here today- but today is running out!

This morning in Bangkok, I asked Mike to find one thing that I could take a photo of to show we were back in Thailand.  First we noticed that our waiter at our average-type hotel was an older man in a coat and tie.  Just not use to seeing that, but decided to pass on taking his photo.  Then Mike told me perhaps I should get a photo of the lady who stays in the men's bathroom cleaning the urinals while they are being used. Sorry for the awkwardness here- but we're talking about differences, right? Instead, I decided to just photo the sign....

actually, I think their spelling may be more correct than ours.

...and of course the spirit houses in every establishment are a stark reminder that they worship a different God who they are unable to have a personal relationship with.  

I am so thankful for modern technology and really do not know how we did it in days of old.  Upon arriving, I decided to check my e-mail and found all four girls last night or this morning on the Internet and was able to chat/text with them.  Great to get updates on their lives...

-Jen and Ben both found jobs they like and they both had a great first week of work.

-Michael and Bethany have had a great first week of ministry at U of A and are learning so much all ready.

-Lori just found some new housing that is a perfect arrangement for her and her dog, Buzz which is a big answer to prayer.

-Marisa was just happy to tell me that Nathan (5 months) had slept through the night- so she was a happy mama.

Everything is great here at the house and we will be so happy to unpack our suitcases when they get here and put them away.  Thanks so much for lots of prayers for our trip!

not a good start so far

La Porte:
up at 3am
to leave at 3:30am
to fly at 5:50am
starting out real tired
scales at cabin were not accurate
resulting in all 4 bags a few pounds over weight
'by the books and rules'   check-in agent
if left as is  4 x's $100=$400 charge
so Mike and I carefully go through luggage and pull out 20 pounds of our acquired books from the summer

Denver:
upon arrival wheel partially broke  off on my carry-on resulting in a loud rattle through the terminals as I walk
flight just delayed, giving us a very close connection in San Francisco for our international flight

One flight down, five to go
Cedar Rapids-> Denver->San Francisco->Tokyo->Bangkok-> Chiang Mai-> HOME!
appreciate your prayers for the long day(s) ahead of us
sitting here at gate calculating the travel hours of this trip
door to door LPC to CM is 46 hours

what was the quote a few posts back?......
"making a sacrifice is a way to say 'I love you' to God"
and what about Paul saying, "I have learned to be content in all circumstances"
lots of time for reflections now and time to pull out one of those books
again...appreciate your prayers!

Guys, Gals & Grandbabies

Mike and his guys

Me and my girls

Us and our grandbabies

Yesterday and Today!

Yesterday was a bad day!  Today was a good day!

The good-byes yesterday with our kids and grand kids were painful!  Long drive back up to Iowa with my own little pity party most of the way.

Arriving in Iowa we noticed obvious differences from Arkansas-- mostly greener and more bugs!  Our windshield proved it well.

Today, it was time to end the pity party and get on with life. We are squeezing allot into our last 4 days.  Church at Jesup Bible Fellowship this morning was so encouraging.  Christian Junker had just gotten back from his trip to Thailand that I had set up for their group.  It was so encouraging to sit in the pew and listen to him share all that God did through their time there and all the things that God had done in his life.  His favorite part was their time on campus working with our staff.  15 new believers are being followed up on that campus by our staff as a result of their group going.  One professor told them that he felt they had come just for him, as he had been searching to know God.

I think our Iowa friends are trying to fatten us up with fine Iowa cooking before we return.  Christian's parent's, Bob and Mary whipped up a huge amazing lunch for 20 of us after church with just a short notice.  Wish I was that amazing of a cook. She has the gift of hospitality oozing out of her. Thanks Bob and Mary!

Then tonight it was over for another great home cooked meal with Jerry and Maria and family.  I got my Iowa garden sweet corn and tomatoes along with delicious salmon and deer meat all caught with Jerry's hands.  Maria also oozes with hospitality every time we stop through Iowa! Thanks Jerry and Maria! Thanks Angela also for the best key lime white chocolate mouse ever created!

Closing the chapter on Arkansas......

Ben's parents, Jake and Sue and brother, Daniel came for a visit last Sunday and we enjoyed our time with the two families together.

Decorating Bethany and Michael's new apartment all together was a fun family activity.

These photos show the 10 steps in between Jen and Bethany's doors. The one on the left (#9) is the Allen home, taken from Jen's front door.   The one on the right (#7) is the Seiler home, taken from Bethany's front door. It now has a newly homemade wreath by Jen  on the door that I'm anxious to see a photo of. From now on photos and skype will be some of our best friends. 

Off for some Rousselow family time tomorrow and thinking of Summer on her first day to Kindergarten!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is the Thai Mother's Day!  It is the Queen of Thailand's birthday and a public holiday.  In Thailand, they are celebrating and honoring their mother's today.  Mike's mother, Marj passed away on August 12 the Thai Mother's Day in 2004 and my mother, Lola also passed away on August 12 the Thai Mother's Day in 2006.  We are still honoring our Mother's on this day along with the Thai people, thinking of them, missing them, and thanking God for their influence in both of our lives.

my share of skin cancer

When I walked into a dermatologist here in Fayetteville this week, he said "Looks like you've been beat up quite a bit this summer!"   I agree.  In the past 5 months, I've had six different spots of skin cancer removed.   3 were basal cell as I have had in the past, but a new development for me has been that 3 have been squamous cell carcinoma. The first was a squamous cell on my arm removed in the operating room ( a 2 hour procedure) in Chiang Mai before we left which resulted in me having a large lightening bolt "Z" scar on my forearm.  Next was 2 more squamous cell spots on my legs  at two different times that were scraped out while in Colorado this summer. After some more biopsy's from Colorado lab work, I was referred to a dr. here in Arkansas and this week have had 3 more surgeries that were all basal cell on my neck.  One was a 1-2 inch incision below my ear, and this morning they called me back in to redo it after discovering there was more left from the lab work.  The next lab results will come back this week a day or two before we get on the plane to return.  Please pray that the report will be that this dr. got it all.

I'm sure this is all due to 2 factors for me.  First is growing up on a farm as a kid.  We did not wear sunscreen back then.  In fact, did they even have sunscreen in the 50's and 60's? I loved playing and working out side on the farm all summer long, detassled corn  in the summer's and loved summertime.  Second factor is that I have lived in the tropics close to the equator for the past 33 years.  These past 6 years, because of our works on the islands with the Moken Sea Gypsies I have especially spent much time on the ocean in uncovered boats travelling to and from.  I do wear sun protection now, but I'm sure that the many hours that I have spent  in the middle of the ocean  has exposed me  to way too much direct sun.

In the past, I  have loved the sun and the sun loved me!  That has definitely changed this summer and I am sad.  I have loved the tropical beaches, sand, palm trees and warmth.  After what I went through today, I want to avoid the sun.

I will need good follow-up, too from now on.  I DO NOT feel comfortable with the skin dr. in Chiang Mai.  I am praying that I can find a better one in Bangkok and will have to go there for my check-up's now.  All these new spots in the last few months have made me realize that I need to get myself checked by a good dr. more often.

We have delayed our trip to Iowa one day, returning on Saturday now.  My face is sore and swollen. Hoping to get the stitches out  next Wed., the day before our long plane trip back. 

Also, just got a phone call that my brother Dean found out he had a surprise 70% blockage in an artery today and had a stint put in.  Appreciate prayers for him, too.

I don't think you want to see any pictures of me and this blog post topic for sure.  Here is one sweet little five month old Nathan that is getting cuter as the days go by. 

that lump in my throat

It has returned-- the good-byes are here again.  Lori had planned to leave today- but moved the 18 hour drive till tomorrow early morn. We get one last night all together!

"Don't the good-byes get easier?" is a question we are asked quite often.  You'd think that since we've been doing this for 33 years, that maybe we'd have learned how to manage the pain of separation....fight back the tears and just 'buck-up'! I'm sorry to say-- it still hurts so much!

Having 3 of the girls in one city (Fayetteville) is going to be new to us.  I've actually counted the distance between them..... Bethany and Jen's apartments are 10 steps across from each other and Marisa's house is an 8 minute drive.  Knowing that they have each other so close is a comfort to us....but also difficult in a new way to know  that they'll be together often and we won't get to be with them.

Our next trip back is planned for fall of 2012 for some medical surgeries for me combined with Christmas.  It may not sound that long to some people-- but not seeing our grand kids for over a year is long for me. 

I recently read in a book that "giving sacrifices to God is a way to say "I love you"!   Mike has always told us to think of  the good-byes as a sacrifice for God-- when that lump in the throat and tears creep in.  I'm trying- I really am! Appreicate your prayers during these next 3 days of good-byes with our kids and grankids.

one happy mama!

so much to share...

where to start?...

12 days till our return to Thailand...

all four girls in Arkansas this week with us...

together but not simultaneously...

only two partial days of all togetherness...

focus has been moving newlyweds into new apartment rentals...

Allen's and Seiler's apartment doors are literally directly across from each other...

interesting family dynamics now with 3 son-in-laws, 4 grand kids, and Lori's  new pet dog...

Jen and Ben interviewing for jobs...

Michael and Bethany in Austin this weekend for their Cru internship briefing...

maximizing Lori's first visit here in over a year and then back to Arizona/Calif in a few days...

hitting garage sales and every thrift store in the area trying to find used furniture for Jen and Ben...

unpacking boxes and organizing...

sanding, painting, creating, organizing new homes together...

valued times with the new in-laws (Roy & Debbie, Jake & Sue) during their short visits...

thrilled to report that Michael and Bethany got the commitments for their financial support for this year...

thankful for God's perfect timing so that we can see them before our return to Thailand...

exhausted because this 12 day visit seems too short and yet so thankful that we get to be together!!

Michael and Bethany drove a rental truck with all their stuff from California along with Michael's parents, Roy & Debbie and his sister, Kristen. They drove it in two days, arriving just in time for us all to unload it together and then they took off the next day for another long drive for their training in Texas.

Breakfast at the infamous "Rick's Bakery" to get good sugary energy before unloading the truck.

This image might give an indication of the flurry  of activity when we all get together trying to accomplish so much in so short of time.

Lori with her new adorable and smart Siberian Husky, affectionately know to all of us as "Buzz Dakota".

I still can't believe that 2 of our daughters will be living  in apartments across  from each other and 8 minutes away from the Foltz's.  What fun for them all to enjoy time together, like never before.

It has been extremely hot here, (over 100 F. all week) so joining the nieces and nephews in their new pool is a great way to cool off in between painting jobs.

Auntie Lori, please...please...please.. will you move here with Buzz to live close to us, too?

Soaking up each day as much as we can, never taking these times for granted!

Two Reunions

We drove from Colorado back to Iowa on Friday, getting in just in time for a weekend of reunions. 

Class of 1971

Mike and I were able to be a part of his high school class reunion for his first time ever.   Honestly, I wasn't sure really what to expect.  I had lots of feelings, hesitations, and  expectations going through my mind...tried to imagine all these best friends of his from Vinton that I had never met..... how special they must be to him.... what would they think of the girl he ended up with......what if they were all reminiscing and I did not feel a part..... and yet I really wanted to meet them and Mike really wanted me to go.

Immediately, when I met the group all my hesitations melted away.  They were a great group of friendly, conversing OLD PEOPLE!  It was an all weekend reunion, but we were only able to be a part of the Saturday afternoon activities.  When we walked up to the picnic area, the whole group got real quiet and just stared at Mike.  He simply said, "Hi, I'm Mike Christian" and they immediately repeated back in unison "MIKE CHRISTIAN?????"  I guess he had changed alot and we were old people too.  From there on everyone talked and shared about the past 40 years, recalling memories, and giving updates on their lives.

We later moved into a restaurant in their town of Vinton and conversations continued.  At one point, they asked Mike to stand before the group and share about his life experiences as he was the only one from out of the country.  Alot of life has taken place within the people that were there.  Their graduating class was around 120 and about 30 came to this reunion.  It was obvious to me which ones know God in a personal way, because they came over to talk to me and wanted to share about their own walks with God and wanted to know what had happened to Mike between his high school days and now to give his life so much meaning compared to back then. 

I had to sneak this picture of these two ladies for my daughters.   One was his 6th grade sweetheart that broke his heart, and the other his homecoming date.  Ha ha! They were such a nice group of kids and I'm so glad that we got to reunite with them.

Christian Family Reunion

Mike's sibling's also has a family reunion all weekend. Dinner on Friday eve., lunch (all-day) Sunday, golf on Monday, etc.  It was a great turn out as 6 out of the 9 brothers and sisters were there  (2 have passed away).  They only  missed Mary who lives in Idaho.

Steve from New Jersey, Harlan (Rose's husband). Debi from Missouri, Barb,  Linda, Dick and Mike. 

A fun surprise for them was when the oldest brother, Dick decided to have "Christmas in July", by making and giving them all a two-sided home made game board.

This is everyone  of the aunts and uncles and cousins who made it to this summer's reunion.  There would be a lot lot lot more if everybody came- but like most families, they are spread out all over the country.

All of the Yarrow family was able to come.

Dick and Joy's family also got a perfect attendance award.

Every trip to Iowa, I like to stop and visit our parents grave sites. It still is difficult to get the whole family together and not have our parents with us, the reason it all got started in the first place. We will always miss them and be thankful for each of them.  Special weekend of reunions is over and now one last trip to see our kids before our return to Thailand.



Out of the Chutes

During our last day off in Colorado, we decided to explore the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

It is the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration.

We enjoyed the day with our Thai national director,Nok and Kyle & Betty Bergen...

and Jennifer and Ben.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Fast and Furious Trick Riding

Bull Riding

Loved watching the clowns do their thing, in and out of the barrels.

We tried to figure out what motivates these guys to do what they do.

like...... does this look very dangerous or what?

Bareback Riding

Tie-Down Roping

This rodeo is known as the Daddy of 'Em All

We even got to meet "Miss Wyoming Teen-2001"  and her proud proud mama  who was thrilled to take our picture with her.

Gotta love those large turkey legs, too! It was fun to expose Nok to another part of our American culture!