Josiah Daniel was born on December 4, 1995.  He was only 15 months old when he woke up with a little brother and first said, "Baby".  He's been a great big brother ever since, helping and teaching as he learned.   Josiah is totally his father's son, with an incredible love for legos and the computer and that perfectionist streak (makes having a messy little brother even harder).  Josiah takes most everything very seriously - having fun, drawing, cleaning, unfair events in life.  His teachers will love his drive to get things perfect, and his great patience with figuring things out - also very much like his Daddy.  We're very proud of Josiah, or "Siah" as he calls himself and is called by Joshi.   And it was a highlight in Rachel's life to be able to lead Siah in the sinner's prayer and into the family of God on March 17, 2000.  Siah is also fast on his way to becoming quite the artist, he loves to draw and do crafts - happily spending hours at a  time busy at his desk or the kitchen table.

Siah's had the 'year of the first best friend', his buddy Máté (Matthew in Hungarian).  Rachel has also gotten to be good friends with Máté's mom, Kriszta, and we've had them and little brother Beni over a lot or met them all at a park near their house often this past year.  Some tears have already been shed over the fact that both boys will be going to different schools come fall, be we expect the friendship between our families to remain.  Both boys have been teaching each other their language, while Máté has been teaching Siah how to play soccer and Josiah has shown Máté how to tackle and throw a football.

Josiah will be leaving 'Ovoda', or preschool and kindergarten, behind in September and starting First Grade in a full-Hungarian elementary school.  While Máté won't be at the same school, Siah will have a little friend still, Dominic.  Dominic's mom is Hungarian and his dad is an American missionary with another organization here in town - their similar family situation is amazing - and we're very grateful for this friendship.  More news later on Hungarian school - I'm sure we'll all learn a lot!

Clockwise from bottom: Joshi, friend Attila, Siah and friend Dominic at Siah's 7th birthday party.

Siah and his best friend, Máté, at Siah's 6th birthday party.

Kindergarten Class Picture, Spring 2002

Can you find Josiah?  Above he's on the top row, fourth from right, with Máté right next to him.  Below he's again on the top row, second from the right.  Máté is first on the bottom row.

Siah looking so grown up, and yet, next to all his special 'friends' up on his bed, Nov. 7, 2001 at almost six years old.

Siah the spider in the doorway to his room on June 20th, 2001 - five years old.