On a ship far away . . .

Jenga!

Recovery can be a pretty long and boring process… what better way to pass the day than to play Jenga with a friendly nurse . . .

Photo credit : Catrice Wulf

He got me!

It's taken a bit of time, but he got me back!  Almost two years ago now, on April Fools day, I put an old ready-for-trash CPR manikin head on a plate in the fridge and Matt not only found it, but was a bit freaked out by it.  Fast forward to this morning, and the manikin head's a bit worse for the wear having been used for target practice and a few other miscellaneous jokes here and there. I opened my underwear drawer and there he was settled in with Victoria's Secret and JC Penny!  We are now plotting, Matt - beware!

This was the head - minus one eye and some brains!

   

A bit nippy?

I was shocked when I came in from my run this morning to discover they had cancelled school due to cold weather!  I must say, it was only -10*F today - as compared to -14*F on Monday when it actually felt a bit colder! 

Jabulani!

I received a gift yesterday that brought a smile to my face.  You see, last summer, when the Academy Prinicpal Nikki returned to South Africa for surgery and Micah and I took her place at Mercy Ships International Operations Center for the Kids' On Boarding Program, I had asked Nikki, if she had time, could she find me earrings from South Africa since I have earrings from every country we've visited in Africa except her home country.  They arrived yesterday full of memories and love!  The top of the package said "Jabulani" - which just happens to be the theme song of the Africa Mercy - "Rejoice, O Africa".  I've attached it here for your viewing pleasure - my favorite version with Lionel Peterson.  Under Jabulani on the package, it was printed "kwazulu natal free trade".  Kwazulu Natal is the area our friends Ben and Kristy lived in and the name of the University they worked at.  More good memories!  And wouldn't you know - Nikki had found me earrings in my favorite color - teal blue!  Thank you, Nikki!  And she's promised earrings from Madagascar when she visits there in March.  Something to look forward to . . .   

Moments in Malagasy . . .

"B" Ward Day Crew

After a brief dry dock period in Durban, South Africa 

(June-July 2015),

the Africa Mercy will return to Madagascar 

for it's 2015-2016 Outreach!

The Great Unveil!

In 2014, we successfully took a family picture every month.  Sometimes we had more grimaces than smiles and not everyone was happy every time, but we did it!  Now, it's officially 2015 and it's time for the great unveil!  

What are those Zany Zupkes doing this year?  

Well, since both parents enjoy math, follow our thinking:

52 weeks in a year divide by two = 26

26 letters in the alphabet

We'll go out to eat every two weeks and see if we can find 

restaurants A-Z in the Twin Cities area! 

We'll be on a budget - $50.00/meal, including tip.  We hope to broaden our horizons, strengthen their concept of money, discover the joy of coupons and maybe even have fun!  Meet us at the zoo in December!