and here's farmer Jonah....





nice doggie, I mean goat....

THE WHITEPOST FARM
We had a great time today exploring one of the farms here on Long Island. It was amazing. So many animals to see, pumpkins, horses, a train ride, pony ride, hay ride, corn field, toy houses to explore...and so much more. We had the best time feeding the animals as you can see in the photo's, especially the video. After just a few minutes Jonah was an old farmer hanging out with all the livestock. He had a blast! We will be going back for sure, they have festivals for the harvest and during Christmas time. I think we liked the goats the best...they can sure eat alot...and best of all they like milk...yum!



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CHURCH
Well we were pleased once again at the Calvary Chapel in Holbrook. The pastor is just a crack up and boy can he talk (remind you of someone). He kept on joking that we weren't leaving until 2:00-which I'm sure would of been fine by many of us. Mitch's friend, Antonio came and left wanting to come back. Praise God! He had only good things to say...so we shall see what happens. It is tough that the church isn't right around the corner, hard to get used to the fact that you just can't drop by, however, God has us here and knows what He is doing. They have so many different ministries going on. Couples retreat, Men's retreat, prayer, bible study...they have a Sat. night service starting up with a ministry called the Solid Rock Cafe afterwards for teens and younger adults. So there is plenty of opportunity to get fed and serve. I feel like we have found a new home and I'm sure we will cultivate new friendships. We still miss all of our brothers and sisters back in F.B. and send out our big hugs and love to all of you...the Jaffuels

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DID SOMEONE SAY CHEEEEZE?
DID SOMEONE SAY CRACKER? DID SOMEONE SAY HAIRDOOOO?

WHAT'S NEW
Time is ticking by, and at rapid pace. I can't believe we have been here almost 2 months. Jonah is growing by leaps and bounds. He used his own potty...oh my gosh. Just for pee pee but wow! I don't think Mitch and I were ready for that...it's so grown up. He goes to the park almost every day either with me or grandpa. My dad tries to take him out all the time. If not to the park then into town where they can people and car watch. Jonah loves to run around, (everywhere) and is climbing stairs like a pro. He waves bye bye to us when he leaves the room and then he comes running back to do it again (and again). He is getting so much love. He gives not just Mitch and I but my mom and dad hugs all the time. It's so awesome to see. We wanted so much for Jonah to be loved by my family and it's just great to witness it actually happening.
We are getting more of a normal day to day rhythum going, which is nice after such a long haul of "Stuff". We attended Calvary Chapel of Holbrook on Sunday...we liked it alot! First the pastor's name is Kevin...good sign. Second, no suit...even better. Third, there building is an old Knight of Columbus hall...ahhh just like home. But most importantly the pastor just loves the word. We could feel his heart and soul behind his teaching. We just couldn't sit thru someone who sounded like they were reading a script. After Kevin Green the bar was set pretty high. I think the Lord may have lead us to the right spot. It's a bit of a drive (about 35 minutes) but that's o.k. Mitch actually knows someone who lives out that way and perhaps he will meet us at church one day. I feel so anxious to be part of a fellowship...it is an obvious void in our life. The pastor was teaching in Hebrews and he talked a bit on patience....I know I know. He talked of all the waiting by different people throughout the Bible. God answers, God is there, His timing is perfect, He knows what the next chapter, He's got us in His hands....it's good to be reminded. We look forward to next Sunday, please pray for the spiritual meat to be fed to us. Thank-you!

CENTRAL PARK

We had a lovely Labor Day Weekend (after the hurracaine blew thru on Saturday). Sunday was just perfect with a nice drive along the shore and then on Monday we hit Central Park. We saw the animals in the Zoo, we walked around the lake where there are lots of toy boats motoring around the water. Plenty of ducks to feed, musicians to listen to (Jonah really liked a beautiful guitar player and an old man on an old violin). There was tons of people watching and when we walked down 5th Ave. lots of good traffic to watch. We saw the sea lions get fed and we got real close to a polar bear. Jonah ran around the lake and tried to befriend all the dogs. He practiced his stair climbing and had a ball. The weather here has been real pleasant. It felt almost a bit like a fall day today. Perhaps the real hot weather is past us. We hope to take a trip upstate and see some of the beautiful areas nearby...we'll keep you all posted.

THE ATLANTIC

Jonah got his first taste of the ocean on the other side. It was a beutiful day, not too hot and the water was real warm. There was lots of seaweed that was facinating and after a bit Jonah really got used to the sounds and having water splash all around him. Grandma went with us and had a ball. More people to see, kids to run around with and sandcastles to destroy. There is an undertow that gets some getting used to...it feels like your feet are slipping out from under you. By the time the day was over and Jonah was showered off (they have outdoor showers here) and in the car he was tuckered out. He feel asleep in about 5 minutes. Wow what a day!

THE BAKERY
Well we went to the bakery this morning and little guy had a real NY treat. A chocolate dipped cookie with some sort of gooey filling. Yum. The bakeries around here are pure heaven, so much to choose from. The ladies are all real nice and they just give Jonah a cookie for free. As you can see he really enjoyed it. It took him all of 30 seconds to eat the whole thing...he is practicing eating everything in one bite. It was a bit messy but he managed. Grandpa has been taking him to a nearby park with swings and slides and lots of fun stuff for toddlers his age. I finally made it over there today and we met a mom with twin boys his age. They had fun checking each other out and Jonah managed to eat a bunch of their snacks. It was nice to just get out and have some fun...Yea!!!

IN TOWN
Here we are in our little town of Malverne doing what we love to do...watch the traffic. The downtown are is so nice to sit in. There is a bakery and a deli (which you can see) and lots of shops and a train station and a bagel shop and a pizza place and all that good NY stuff. But best of all there are cars and buses and trucks. We sit in a little area that has benches and we always catch the mailman (they walk around here) coming by and sitting down to take a break. It's a nice stroll from my mom's house and Jonah just loves it.

HEAT RELIEF
Well we finally had a break in the weather and we ventured outside into the pool. Jonah was begining to think the outside didn't exisit anymore. As you can see he was quite happy to be out. The warmer temp., when reasonable, is nice for playing in the water. We can run around and not get cold at all. Everyone had fun just watching our little guy explore the outdoors, splash, laugh etc. We can't wait to get to the beach for more summer fun. Yeah!!!

REUNITED

Well Mitch finally has arrived and needless to say we are very happy to see him. Jonah as you can see settled right in to his pop's lap, like usual. The trip for him was safe but full of many stories...some real God one's too. Tomorrow the U-Haul gets off-loaded and that chapter should be behind us shortly. Thanks for all the prayers in getting him here safely. Whew!!!

WE'RE OFF!

We are off on Friday for the next chapter in our lives. We know God is doing a mighty work and it is His hand that leads us. We have so much more growing up to do in Him and it is His path we must follow...we covet all the prayers our dear friends have prayed up for us. Our new church home will be Calvary Chapel of Hope, Pastor Claude...yes he wears a suit, I'm sure we'll adjust and from the few times I've already been there his message is right on...so we look forward to a new begining, a new fellowship and the opportunity to be a vessel to the Lord. We love you Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg...Peace in Christ...Mitch, Lisa and Jonah

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23: 1-3

JONAH AND HIS 2 BUDDIES
Here I am with my two buddies, Noah and Eli. I'm sure gonna miss these 2 guys. God is going to have us 3 pretty spread out over the country...I'm sure God has a plan. I hope in his plan I'll get to see my friends again, I sure like them.

GOODBYE CALVARY CHAPEL
Today was our farewell Big River gathering. It was to say the least pretty overwhelming. God blessed us with a beautiful day filled with beautiful people. The love we reveived from our brothers and sisters filled our hearts with such joy. What a gift. It was for sure an emotional day and we will cherish it always, we thank-you all for coming out to say goodbye. It sure is tough to leave this body of Christians, we pray God will gift us with friends back east half as special as all of you....xo

YUM PICKEL'S
Well we sure like pickel's around here. Jonah likes to munch on them and can eat a whole one practically all by himself...he get's a little help from mom and pop but not much. Yummie!

LONG HAIR GOODBYE
So here's the long-haired prince. It's getting a bit much sooo...time for snip snip. We hate to lose his curls, they're so cute, but we know it's time. We have to get ready for the East Coast heat and get all that hair off of little guys neck. It's so long when it's wet that I can put it in a ponytail. Goodbye long locks.