I’ve decided to refer to Ben as BEN! from now on, since that seems to be the way all of my children say his name.
Obviously BEN!‘s visits to our home have piqued people’s interest and led to plenty of questions…but here’s the deal. My own teens go through stages where they don’t care to have their lives played out in public on the blog. And I respect that. How much more so for BEN! who isn’t even a part of our big, crazy, family?
But here’s what I can tell you. Iris and BEN! met at Teen Missions International when they both went to Honduras. BEN! is 19 and currently an apprentice as a farrier. Before that, he was an arborist (in New Zealand that’s someone who cuts down trees) with his family business.
BEN! has four brothers and one sister and happens to be a twin. 
BEN! is outgoing, friendly, and adventurous. He can fly airplanes, drive motorcycles and climb huge trees barefooted. While he was here we hiked, camped, swam, skated, and watched way too many movies after the little kids went to bed.
BEN! flies home to New Zealand tonight. And he will be missed.
That must suck to see him leave!!
Sorry guys and good luck on your trip home BEN!
-Caiah
I just found your blog recently, and I am loving it. I have several things in common with you; One of our sons went to Teen Challenge…long before you could keep up with them on computer… (Wow, its been about 15 years ago.. it doesn’t seem like its been that long.), and have adopted (3), homeschool, and our daughters have done home birth, so visiting here is like finding a kindred spirit.
Pam
Those photos are awesome, you guys obviously have a great sense of humor. I also appreciate that you do not bare all about your kids (and their friends.) It’s not our business.
I love the way personality and so much of a sense of fun comes across in these photos.
Haha, I love how you say BEN! I have a nephew-in-law and I always write his name Glennnnnnn! Too funny!
It’s tough being the oldest (at home) paving the way for younger siblings when it comes to new friendships. Adalia seems to be doing a pretty good job, as much as can be interpreted through photos.