Is This Your Son?

Please read and pray for this young boy...just 13. He literally has 10 days left before he ages out of the system and can no longer be adopted. For those of you with children, what if it was your child? For those of you with no children, what if it was you? Take yourself back to age 13. What were you doing? Would you have chosen to go through life without a family?

Pray. Praise God. Pray. Praise God. Pray. Praise. Pray. Praise. Pray. Praise. Pray...

God you are faithful. You are love. We pray for a family for "Kevin". Your word says you set the lonely in families. We trust in you Lord. Your will, not ours be done. May your grace be put on display in "Kevin's" life and may you receive all the glory. In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Sometimes you have control of the hair...

and sometimes it's controlling you.

What a difference a year makes...

One year ago, the older kiddos were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their brother and sister...look at them now. Merry Christmas.

The Sanctifying Work of God

The words roll in my mind as if on a ferris wheel, going round and round, each having their separate seat, yet they are intertwined like children on a Twister mat. How do they fit together, Lord?

The Words~Sanctification, Purify, Refine, Holy...

How do they work in the life of a believer? Who is the worker? Who is the receiver?

I prayed to you Lord, that for my whole life, you will take me more deeply into the gospel. You are faithful.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sanctification-such a large word, one I've not heard often over the last decade, even in christian circles. What are the intricacies of it?

Sanctification: to cleanse or set apart for sacred use; to declare or make holy
(def. from NIV bible)

Sanctify them by the truth, Lord. Your word is truth. -John 17:17
So, I am sanctified by your truth, your word.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Is this why you want me to love your word, to soak in your word, to pray your word, to speak your word, to write your word, to teach your word to my children?

Jesus, you said to Paul, "I will rescue you from your own people and from the gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness into light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. -Acts 26:17-18
I am sanctified by my faith in you, Jesus-that is, my complete trust that you are who you say you are, you have done what you say you have done, and will do what you say you will do.

You say, Lord, in 1 Cor. 7 that an "unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

What about two believing spouses? Are we sanctified through each other? Do we need to be sanctified through each other? Are we a stronger unit because we each believe you are who you say your are and will do what you say you will do?

Can circumstances sanctify? I don't know that they can without the working of the Holy Spirit, the reading and hearing of the word of Truth, faith in you, the marriage covenant of a husband and wife.

Ahh, so many questions I have for you, Lord. And so it is, that today you've stopped my mind on the ferris wheel seat of sanctification and allowed me to peer more deeply into who you are and in this seeing more clearly who I am in you. Teach me, Lord. Search my heart and correct my thinking. Take me deeper into your gospel. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

And even now, Lord, as I ponder a title for this piece of ponderings, I understand more clearly that sanctification is solely from You. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for your amazing grace.

Words Pour Forth

I think I might have the words bottled up inside. Deep down-longing to pour forth into the lives of others. I guard them, though. I will not allow them to pour without the strong discipline of my over-analytical, self-critical mind. I keep them at an arm's length because if they start coming, they may not stop. I'm caught between my heart beckoning me forward and my mind and fear causing me to stop.

How do writers connect the two, Lord?

Is it a fool who would put her heart into the world to be stepped upon, broken, criticized?

Or, is it a fool who will not?

I've learned that being a follower means I will disregard "followers".

I've learned that You, Lord, are my audience. Those reading are special spectators, yearning to know more of who you are. Draw them in, Lord. Draw them to you. Give them ears to hear and eyes to see.

So, tonight I drink from the everlasting well, and pour forth the words from the well of my heart. I understand that my heart is deceitful, so I rely on the One who is ever faithful.

Only you Lord, are faithful and true.

May your Truth pour forth and my words be quenched. Your will, Father, not mine, be done.

Correctly Handling the Word of Truth

2 Timothy 2:15-17a Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid Godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaueus and Philetus, who have wandered away the truth.

These words have me trembling these last few days. I'm learning how each word I say, each word I write, matters. And to add to this, each action I take or don't take, matters. God has entrusted me with such an awesome responsibility in calling me to be a wife and mother and allowing me to have others in a circle of influence around me. Each of us have this influence-for good or for evil. I know that I work from a place of grace, a gift given that I can never repay. (Eph. 2:5) A gift given through Jesus Christ, dying on the cross for me, and becoming the ransom for my sin. (Col. 2:13-15) I am so thankful God is sovereign, that is, in complete control. Yet, I do have a responsibility to handle God's Word correctly, and I will answer for the things I do and don't do, say and don't say. (Proverbs 24:12)

Dear God~Make us careful studiers of your word, lovers of your word, Lord. Help us to see where we reject your word. Thank you for your Word. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for us. It's in your name I ask all these things. Amen.

The Hard Days

It's the hard days that cause me to write. The hard days-when the laundry's piled high, the toys litter the floor, and my heart seems as though it's breaking in a million pieces. Yes, the housework reflects my heart. The days when a child's face can bring me to my knees. It's how I process, I suppose.

I used to think the face of a child in an orphanage might shatter my heart, but the other day... The other day I was reminded of children who have no one and they live on their own. Children the age of my oldest son-ten years old. They're not even in an orphanage with adults to care for them or food to sustain them. These are the days when I ask, "How Lord, how can we care for so many?" And He says, "One. One at a time." You do the work I set before you. One at a time."

Are the hard days so hard because I'm relying on myself. Have I forgotten who my Father is? Have I forgotten what Jesus has done for me?

I have begun to think that it is not too small a thing to focus all my energies and affections on the cross of Christ. When I look elsewhere, to the right or to the left, I feel discouraged. I must focus on the Cross because what I feel is not an accurate reflection of whose I am or who I am and most importantly who He is.

Dear God~In the name of Jesus, I ask for your grace and mercy, as I turn from myself and my feelings to You. I ask for forgiveness for relying on anything other than you. Amen

He Died: A Real Miracle

Today I listened to James MacDonald during a broadcast, Walk in the Word. Right now he's going through a series on Revelation. Today he continued to speak about Christ revealing who he is, as written in Revelation 1.

In Revelation, after John describes Jesus, he says "he fell at his feet as though dead." MacDonald spoke about how we have this attitude of, "When I see Jesus, I'm going to ask him a few questions." Really?! It's almost as if we have an arrogance about us and we walk around saying what we'll do when we see Jesus face to face. It caught me. I stopped and thought about it for a while. What will I do? Will I fall to my face as if dead? What does Jesus do when John falls to his face? He places his hand on him and tells him to stop fearing. When you meet with Jesus, what do you really have to fear? Jesus says, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead..." I stop here at this miracle: "I was dead". MacDonald says this is the real miracle, that he died. Jesus, being all he is, in all his glory- he died. He died for you. For me. For all who would believe in Him. Today I rest in this. He is the first and the last, the Living One, who holds the keys to death and Hades. And, he died for us.

The Knots

The words of someone else from the unspoken depths of my heart. Praise God for this person who so wonderfully put into words what my heart desperately wanted to utter today.

The Knots Poem

Please untie the knots that are in my mind
my heart and my life.
Remove the have-nots, can-nots, and do-nots
that I have in my mind.

Erase the will-nots, may-nots,
and might-nots
that may find a home in my heart.

Release me from the could-nots, would-nots,
and should-nots that obstruct my life.

And most of all, Dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind,
my heart, and my life,
all the am-nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought that I am not good enough.

Amen.
Author Known to God

Acts 4:29

Is Family Worth More than a Trifle?

As my family shopped last evening for a few camping items and other items for our house, I came across a trifle bowl. I've been wanting one for months and never picked one up. When I found it, I showed my husband, and he said, "Sure, go ahead and buy it, if you think you need it." Do I need it? Hmmm. I suppose not. But, can't I just want something? Just this once. (Slight exaggeration-I want things All the time ie. coffee, new floor, naps, and the list goes on and on). So as we drove home, I became quiet, and I suppose a bit angry. I knew in my head it was ridiculous to be angry over a trifle bowl. The funny thing was, I didn't know who I was angry with: my husband for asking the question, myself for wanting it, or God for not allowing me to have it. I knew there was a bigger issue at hand than the trifle bowl, but I didn't know what it was. I'm not sure that I know all the implications today, but I learned something through this seemingly ridiculous experience.

How many times in my life do I choose the trifle bowl over what really matters, for now, we'll call what really matters, "the pan of brownies"? What would the purpose be behind the trifle bowl? It would look pretty. I could prepare beautiful desserts. My friends and family would be impressed. And there you have it. Two sinful deceptions I deal with in my life: pleasure and position. What would the benefits be of a simple pan of brownies? They're quick, leaving me more time with my family. They're nonimpressive, leaving no room for anyone to think about me while they're eating them. They're still delicious, allowing us to give thanks for simple pleasures.

As I thought of the parallel of the "Great Dessert Display Dilemma", I thought of my life, and how God directs me to choose the simple pan of brownies-the important things in life, the eternal things, and every ounce of my being screams for the trifle bowl-the unimportant, the temporary.

I want to go to a quiet beach somewhere in the Outer Banks. A quiet retreat to the mountains close to home is best. I want a few new shirts. The several shirts I own is best. I want to live in a quiet place in the country with a little land.  To be grateful for our home in town is best. I want to see my kids graduate from high school and spend the last part of my life here on earth, quietly with my husband, sitting on the porch swing hand-in-hand.  Giving up my life is best. 

No, God's best and my desires do not always match. But, I do trust that His ways are the best ways. It is a constant laying down of my life, including my wants and my desires on a daily basis.

Do I really need more evidence than this?

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what is best, even when I pout like a baby. Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to discipline me. Show me how to do the same with my children, Lord. Thank you for everything. Every single thing you give and every single thing you don't. I love you, Lord.


And because God always says it best,
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matthew 6:19-33

Abide: to remain, to stay

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ~John 15:5

It is in this quiet place, that the Lord calls to me and reminds me of who He has created me to be. As the early morning surrounds me, quietness remains, and the Lord beckons me to come. During this time, I sit. I listen. I wonder. I gaze. Tears flow out of grace. It's been some time that I've had quiet, uninterrupted time with Him, but once again by His grace, I long to touch the face of Jesus. To walk side by side, questioning, laughing, just being. He dwells in my inmost being. He surrounds me with who He is. Keep me abiding, Lord.

What if God didn't take the risk on me?

What if God had thought I was too risky, I had been through too much, I might not attach to Him, that I might cost too much?

The cost of adoption, financially, is typically thousands of dollars. Is it worth it?

The cost of adoption, the surrender of your will, well, it's difficult. Is it worth it?

The cost of your adoption as a child of God was the death of God's son. Was it worth it?

Adoption. Yes, for eternity, it's worth it.

Are you a family, looking for your boy?

Idris (pronounced Id-drees) is 13 years old and lives in Pennsylvania. His adoptive family has not yet found him, though. He is legally free for adoption. You can click HERE and read his profile. You'll have to search for his face among the other children, and click on his photo, as I can't figure out another way to show it.

A brief description of him states that he is smart, friendly, polite, respectful, and protective of younger children. He enjoys watching movies, playing board games, and performing magic tricks. Feeling safe is important to him.

Proverbs 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Any of You Who Does Not Give up EVERYTHING...

"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:33

"....If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
Matthew 16:24-26

Could my "everything" mean: the ideas I have of how many children I will "choose" to have, the way my house appears, my reputation, friendships, flying in an airplane again, having "me" time, having just the right amount of time with my husband, playing guitar

These are things I'm currently learning that are a part of the everything Jesus is talking about in my life. Just until a few days ago, I was certain that we were done having children. It is not easy having two babies the age of one. Duh?! Not that I thought it would be-it's just living out the reality of it. A week ago, our oldest son announced that he thinks we should adopt again. A two-year old. From Guatemala or the United States. When he said it, I knew. I knew God was asking me to open my heart to the possibility. I literally put my fingers in my ears and sang, "La-la-la-la-la." I considered for a nanosecond what it would be like to have another child and put it out of my mind. But. Here's the BUT. God is opening my heart to the possibility. I vacillate between two thoughts, "How could we not?" and "How could we?" The babies have only been home for 5 months, so I don't expect it to happen over night, but still. It scares me half to death. I pray often that I will be like Mary or Joshua. They did just what the Lord said with trusting hearts. Will I trust?

Hey, Snyders!

I can't post a comment on your blog for some reason. Do you have email? I was So excited to see your blog. We must get together soon :-) You can email me @ ministree333@yahoo.com

Does God Really Get ALL the glory?

Today my daughter quipped, "It just doesn't seem fair that God gets all the glory. I mean, can't we just get a little bit of it?" It sounds as though she was making a joke, but she was dead-serious. With a hidden smile on my face, I thought on that comment for a moment.

I know in my head that God gets all the glory-yes, Jules, ALL the glory. Sorry, baby girl.

However, do my actions match my head-knowledge? How many times have I acted or spoken to receive the glory due to God?

Isaiah 42:8
I am the Lord; that is my name. I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.

Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they said,
"Worthy is the lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"

The Kingdom of Me

There have been a few people who have shared their reading of this blog and have been in awe of my faith. Perhaps I've not been totally transparent, perhaps I've tried to keep up with other inspiring blogs of faith. Whatever the case may be, I'd like to share what the Lord is showing me, the yucky stuff and all.

I serve myself. Most of my thoughts are about myself. How can I be comfortable? What should I wear to look good? When will I get a nap? When will I get some time alone? When will I get to choose what I want to do?

Do you hear this? Blahhhck! These are some of my self-serving thoughts. I just started reading the book, "Dangerous Surrender" by Kaye Warren. I told one of my friends just two days ago that I probably shouldn't read it right now and had determined that I wouldn't pick it up until I was done resting for a while. Ha. There's this verse in the bible where Jesus goes off with His disciples. And the crowds follow Him. What does He do? He welcomes them. Oh, there have been so many times that I wish He had told them, just this once, to go away. (Luke 9:10,11)

Our family has been encouraged to rest countless times over the last few weeks. I do believe we are to rest, but sometimes I think my definition of rest and the Lord's Truth of rest are two different things. I picture myself having long, leisure naps and peaceful walks by myself. I'm not saying these are wrong, and I'm not saying rest is wrong, but these things would comprise a majority of my day. Yes, truth be told, if I had my way, I'd be alone for most of the day and go out and "serve" God when I felt I was ready. Do you hear me? I, I, I. Welcome to the kingdom of Ang.

The Lord asks me often, will you choose _______(could fill in with several things) or will you choose Me? He's speaking to me of surrender. I'm like, again, really Lord? I thought I surrendered everything. My job, my house, my comfortable family, my friends. What more could you possibly want? But, He says, You've not surrendered yourself: your moment-by moment thoughts, your dreams, your ambitions, your energy, your rest, your time. It's mine, Angie. All of it. If you will surrender it to me. I will teach you how to love outside of yourself.

How about you? Are you totally sold-out for Christ? I wish I were asking this to someone face to face. (There's my "I wish"...again..blah.) What does surrender look like to you? What does it mean to take up your cross? Yes, your cross? Not the cross of someone you think needs "fixing". I've tried that, too. In trying to avoid my own selfishness, I've tried to work on many others-my husband, my friends, my family. Oh my. I foolishly thought my cross was this one big thing, and that if I just surrendered that thing to Him each day, then all would be well. I'm learning that my daily cross comprises my thoughts, my desires, my emotions. Basically, all of me. My will.

I have no idea where surrender may take me. I don't really see the next step. I'm pretty much a "give me the big picture" gal, and I can work out the details. But-we walk by faith, not by sight, right? (2 Corinthians 5:7) In Kay Warren's book, she writes, "Surrender always leads to peace."
Hmmmm. I have to ponder that one for a while.

I've used my past abuse as a support that held certain walls in my life. This past weekend, my supports were taken away when I met two different women who were also repeatedly abused. So, I no longer can walk around with the attitude, "You don't know where I've been or what I've been through" because they do. I also met a woman who has no earthly family, other than a sister. There goes my crutch of, "My family's dysfunctional. You don't know what I've been through." All of these supports, these crutches, were attempts at protecting the kingdom of me. I somehow tried to prove I was strong through holding on to these self-serving thoughts.

Dear Lord~I can feel you breaking away things that stand between you and I. It's uncomfortable. It even hurts. Some days it hurts so badly I think I can't move forward. You're showing me how selfish I really am. You're showing me my attempts at preserving myself. I love you, Lord, and it is my desire to serve you and you alone. Break me of the things that I choose instead of you. Show me how you would have me live my life for you. I often choose the things that get me noticed. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to serve you, even if no one on earth gives me another "thank you". Help me to serve you in joy and peace. May you be made known and praised through my life on this earth. May I decrease and You increase in my life, Lord. I'm so focused on myself, I don't even know how to pray. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for this sinner. I love you.

Praying for Abby/Chrissie

Please join in praying for Abby and Chrissie, two little girls, fighting for their lives, and their families. See the photo to the right.

Forget the former things...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." ~Isaiah 43:18-19

There was a moment that I remember distinctly, sometime last year, when I sat in this same chair telling my husband that I just believed things needed to change. I wasn't content with the way things were. Ha! Nearly everything in our lives has changed in the last month. When we came home from Ethiopia, obviously our family had changed from 4 to 6. Praise God. A few weeks after we arrived home, the kids and I were in an accident with a bus, yes, a bus. The van was gone. No one was hurt. Praise God. The van returned yesterday, all nice and new looking. Praise God. Prior to leaving for Ethiopia, we sold our house. Praise God. Yesterday a family accepted our offer to move to our new home on the same day we close on this one-April 30. Praise God. Yesterday I handed in my keys at work. I am officially (almost officially-just have to write the letter) a stay-at-home mom. Praise God. Julia and Cole love our new house. God renovated their hearts on this one over the last few months. I praise Him. God has called us to a new church. We praise Him, though we don't know where we're going for sure. He's allowed us to rest in a particular church which we love for a time. Truly we are praising the Lord moment by moment in this place.

Truth be told, this last month, and particularly the last few weeks have been incredibly difficult. I would like to say I was trusting that everything would work out, but I wasn't. I was doing some serious panicking and having major control issues over not knowing where we would live. In addition to this, all of us were sick by Jim. I'm not saying this to gain pity. One thing I learned over this past month is that complaining does not please the Lord. I felt a bit like the Israelites in the desert, complaining when God was supplying all of my needs. I was even eating "manna" each day, as I was having my own intestinal issues for a week. (I know-too much info.) The parallels with the Israelites were hard to digest, no pun intended. That was me. A big whiny cry baby, and for what? As Jim said yesterday, I knew the Lord would come through, I just didn't know how. Boy, I wish I could have been in that place of trust. But, as the title reads, He is making all things new. With that, I pray that He is building my trust of Him and Him alone. I pray that He will show me more of who He is and not who I make Him to be.

Everyone is doing well. Julia wants to move to the new house tomorrow. She has plans, baby, for that establishment. Cole has plans to start a gun rack business. Ana is pulling up on things. Gabriel is still sitting well and still laughing like crazy. Jim and I are trying to take things moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day. So thankful. So blessed with God's richest blessings.

Anyone Selling a House by Chance?

Okay, we have until April 30 to be out of our home. Jim assures me the Lord knows where we're going. I'm getting a bit antsy. So, if you know of anyone selling a home in our neighborhood, give us a ring.

Doing Well

Quick update to say we're doing well. The babies are falling into a routine, which is wonderful. They are both on soy milk, which has worked wonderfully in clearing up both congestion and rashes. Ana continues to become more mobile each day. She's army crawling and getting into everything. Gabriel is sitting well, though he's anxious to get moving, too. Cole and Julia are doing great! They are such wonderful helpers.

Smoother Sailing-thank you, Lord.

After having sleep for the last few days, I feel normal again. Ana has had sleep, too. It seems that she was having some tummy pain that was causing the crying. Perhaps lactose intolerance, we're not sure on that. We've switched to soy formula. I don't know. I am just SO thankful that we're both sleeping, and daddy, too.

Jim is an amazing father. He is patient. He is kind. He is loving. He gives the kids and I his undivided attention. I learn so much about loving my children by watching him.

Reality of Adoption

It's not all rainbows, unicorns, and confetti. I knew it in my head before, but now we're living it. Last night was a rough one. Ana was awake about every hour. Right now she's asleep, in her sling, attached to me. I find myself asking God questions on a moment by moment basis. I'm learning more about my weakness and my independence, and it's not pretty. I guess weakness is a good thing, but independence, yikes. I look back over some of the things I've done in the last year, heck even in the last day, and realize how much I rely on myself or others to get the job done. I'm learning about total dependence on the Lord for every breath. Someone recently said something like, "God always will have you in a position where you will have to trust Him if you're following Him." Trust. How do I trust Him completely? Do I trust Him completely? With everything?

I'm understanding the reality of adoption is joy and pain. Just like my adoption as God's child. I remember distinctly the day I rounded the corner on Newman Road on my way to work, and I gave Jesus my whole life. (I've since had to surrender my selfish desires many times.) I had no idea that day the joy and pain that would follow. The pain of looking back on my past, realizing how I must have grieved my Father every time I turned away from Him. The joy of realizing I am loved unconditionally, no strings attached. Do I really get it? Do I really know how much I'm loved? I look down at this precious babe in the sling attached to my hip. How could I not believe that my Father loves me more than I can imagine and that He loves to be gracious to me?

I look at Ana and Gabriel and wonder what they've been through in their little lives. It comforts me to know the Lord knows. He's not surprised by anything that happened or the fact that they are with us. It comforts me to know He knows all about me, especially during these times of transition when I'm not sure that I even know myself.

I am so thankful for this life. It is hard. But I know it is of Him. I'm learning.

Journaling our Journey-Day 1

On Friday, January 31, C and J left with Meme at about noon. It was so hard seeing them go. Cole has been having difficulty with us leaving, so it made it especially hard. After they left I slumped on the chair and had myself a good cry. I think it was all of my emotions coming to a head. I pulled myself together, with Jim's help, and I don't really recall what we did until Clint and Tom came to pick us up to drive us to the airport. It was finally time. Rick and Cindy, our traveling companions, aka angels sent straight from heaven and our drivers, again, pure sweetness, arrived. I took the last few minutes before we left to clean J's room. It's kinda my thing. When I'm nervous, I clean, more like straighten. I get this weird craving to have everything around me neat and symmetrical. I have issues. Our flight on Emirates left around 11:30pm. If you haven't flown Emirates, you should. Wow, are they fantastic! On the way to Dubai (12 hour flight), we had a few meals, snacks, hot drinks. You also had your very own entertainment system. Crazy. I watched a few episodes of Friends (just for you, Ashley) and a movie or two. The crew on the plan was wonderful: young, sweet, and took care of your every whim. The hotel in Dubai was incredible. We landed at 8:30pm (their time). They gave us a meal ticket for dinner, a refreshment (for that late night craving-that's what I'm talkin' bout, and breakfast. The food was delicious, until I ate the hottest thing to ever touch my tongue. I thought it was a vegetable and ate the whole thing. Shamwow! I could feel it from my ears to my toes. Another funny, at dinner, Cindy didn't see them pour her water out of the bottle. So upon realizing this as she took her first mouthful of water, she held the water in a mouth for a few seconds and spit it back into the glass. Jim and I just stared at her. I was thinking the water must be gross. When she told us what had happened, it pretty funny.

We left in the morning at 8:30 am to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We were so excited! We weren't sure if we would meet the babies or not, so we were trying to keep our excitement at bay. We landed and made it through the airport. We were told to not allow men to help you with your bags unless you have birr (their currency) to tip them. So, what happens?. A few men come and put our luggage on a luggage rack to take it a few yards away. I was little confused b/c we were still in the airport and I didn't know if they were hired by the airport to help us or not. Communication was definitely an issue at various times. Cindy and I ended up exchanging our money for birr, the men wouldn't take no for an answer, and we tipped them. However, they followed us, telling us we didn't tip them enough. Not a good way to start the day in Addis. A man asked if he could help me. I told him I'm looking for our lawyer, Sintayew, from Dove Adoptions. Finally, a man came over, told us he is our lawyer, and said, "I was holding the sign. You didn't look at me." Apparently Rick was looking, but

Rick's so tall and our lawyer's on the short side, that Rick didn't see him. I think our lawyer realized I was going

to cry and eventually said that everything was okay. Jim thought it was a language barrier, not that he was upset with us. So, we're loaded in the van, meet our driver for the week (Ephraim), and Sintayew asks if we want to meet our children today. UH...YEAH!!! It was about a 5 minute drive to the YGF guesthouse where we stayed for the week. We unloaded our things and we went for lunch. My stomach was not feeling well (blame it on the pepper of death), but lunch looked delightful. Jim, Rick and Cindy enjoyed it. We had a few hours to kill while we waited to see the babies. It was finally time. We hopped into our van and off we went to Toukoul. The door is where the babies would enter.

Filled with Joy

We're Home!

Life is good, and God is Great.

We're home! It is SO good to have all 6 of us under the same roof. We're trying to get acclimated. A few photos to share, too.

Excitement and the Hard Part

C and J just left with Meme. That was the hard part. I had to have a big 'ole cry when they left. I just love them so darn much. God continues to remind me to give them over to Him. That He is their provider, not me.

The excitement builds as we think of seeing A and G for the very first time.

We are praying for peace for the kids that surpasses all understanding.

See you when we return with two more blessings...

How do you pack...

Okay, seriously. How do you pack for two babies? I have no idea how much they weigh at this point. We've not received an updated weight since the beginning of December. I'm told that some of the babies are being moved to a newer facility, so updates are a bit sparse. Which, I would normally be okay with that, it's just that there are so many variables to packing for these little ones. I know I need to turn this over to the Lord. I can't do it. Don't you love when you get to the point where you throw up your hands, scream aloud at God, and say, "I can't do this! You'll have to!" And He replies, "Finally."

What Is It Like?

I'm wondering what it's like to see your baby's face for the first time? Of course, with C and J, I can picture it as though it was yesterday. Will it be different? I haven't seen photos of them for two months. Will they look as different now as they did in their updated photos? Am I really going to hold them and kiss them and whisper into their ears that I love them? How could this be? How could God be so good to allow us to experience this and so much more. For C and J-they will see the brother and sister they've been praying for for so very long.

I've been focused on so many other things: work, house, car, etc. I'm choosing to focus first on Jesus and my family. Everything else is just details, and I know God has the details covered.

It appears as though I'll be teaching on my last day of school. It's an interesting turn of events. My long-term substitute's child is sick, poor thing, so she's staying home today. I'm excited to see what the day brings. It will definitely be fun being in the saddle at least one more time :-) Thank you, Lord, that report cards were completed yesterday, and of course, praying for her child to feel better.

Our babies will be home soon...

We leave in five days. In many ways, it feels like it's the most normal thing to do: to jump on a plane to Africa and bring our children home. In some ways, it seems surreal. I remember thinking as I stood in the Baby House in Guatemala that I could hardly believe that I would be allowed to take two babies home. Staring into the faces of the babies and toddlers while there was just beautiful...changing diapers, a necessary evil. I kept thinking, "Really? They'll let us leave with two beautiful children? Really? " So yes, it's true, really. It's what God does. It's who He is. Really. He sets the lonely in families.

He Loves You

Dear One,

I don't know who you are, but He wants you to know that he sees you and He loves you. He sees your struggles. He sees your questions, your doubts. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. Though all may fail you, He loves you. Though times may be tough, though your father may not be, He loves you. You are worth more than rubies. You are worth more than diamonds. You are everything to Him. He died for you.

I died for you, child.

He wants you to know that. Wherever you are. Whoever you are.

Peace to you.

Grace.
Mercy.
Love. His love. Not the world's version of love. His love.

Change and Packing

I distinctly remember sitting in this exact chair by the computer, telling my husband that I didn't feel content. I wanted to be at peace, yet it seemed as though something needed to change. I wasn't sure what that was: my job, our family, our house-I just couldn't pinpoint it. As I described this to one of my friends, she said, "Wow, this reminds me of Joshua, crossing the Jordan." I just kind of looked at her blankly because I didn't know the story. Well, I do now. I've read it, meditated on it, and thought about a few hundred times since then. We have seen the result of what God has been whispering to us very clearly over the last few weeks. Here's the rundown:

Referral of Babies-October 26 (change of family)
Sell car-buy van-Jan. 9 (change of car)
Negotiations underway for sale of home-Jan. 22 (change of house)
Last day at current job for a while-Jan. 26 (change of job)

So, one month and much has changed. I told God many times that I was ready to cross, to cross to the other side. I didn't know what it meant, I just knew He was calling us. I still don't know fully all that it means, but I'm excited to see where He leads.

We're in the midst of packing for our trip to pick up the babies. We leave in less than one week-wow.

I'm so thankful. It's the only thing I can really say. I've tried so many times over this last month to verbalize to our friends, coworkers, family how thankful I am that they have come along side us in this journey. It has been nothing short of a miracle to see how God has worked in others' lives and our lives over the last year.

Praising God that He never changes, for being our rock.

Missing Casa Bernabe

I'm missing Casa Bernabe tonight. I miss the faces. I miss walking into the baby house and touching the babies. I miss this amazing feeling of being enveloped in the arms of God through children. Perhaps it's my babies I'm missing. Perhaps it's the devastation in Haiti. I want to do something, but I want it to be purposeful. I want it to be God working through me, prompting me, leading me forward. I'm thinking back to little Carlos, who I had the honor to carry to church at Casa Bernabe. I keep thinking...he went home. He went home. And for Gabriel. Gabriel who went home to his family in July 2008. He went home. But this isn't the reality for so many children. They'll never go to their earthly home again. How Lord? Show me how to love these children as you love them. Not with words, but with actions. Orphanage. Love. Mission. Life. Do something. You have one life to live. The way you live your days is the way you live your life. It's what's on my heart, and it needs to come out.

I realize I'm rambling. Perhaps I'm tired. Perhaps I'm overwhelmed with a flood of emotions. Thanking God for the ability to type and get out some of the stuff crammed into my brain.

When I was at CB this summer, there were many times that I felt as though I was on an "observation" mission. I can't really explain it, other than to say, there was so much activity going on around me, and I would just observe. I was learning. I was learning of how things were working together. I watched the missionaries. I watched the house mothers. I watched the cooks. I watched everyone. I described it as feeling as if I was "home". Though, there was a nearly numb feeling I experienced the entire time I was there. Everything was so raw. So in-your-face. I didn't have to talk so much about love those days. I lived it. I was able to love without any expectation of receiving love back. I remember when little Ana Carolina came and sat on my lap. There has always beeen something about her from the time I first saw her picture. Her eyes grabbed me every time I looked at her. And when I was at the orphanage, it was the same way. However, at first, she wanted nothing to do with me. Which was somewhat odd, as most of the children were eager to play with anyone and everyone. She was reserved. On one of the last nights, Jim and I went to the toddler house. This is where Ana Carolina was. As we were playing with children, she sat down on my lap, and I caught my breath. I don't know why. There's just something about her. We have named our daughter Ana,though she goes by Carolina. I don't know the connection, but there is one there.

I must go to bed. It's getting late, and if I don't get some rest, I won't be able to do devotions before C and J awake in the am.

Haiti, Update, and Other

First, praying for all in Haiti and those waiting to hear word on loved ones.

Prayer request: There is a paper needed at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa by USCIS here in the States. Please pray that it gets there smoothly.

We are not frantically packing, as I thought we might be. Much to the dismay of more organized people, our suitcases are in the attic, and they are EMPTY. We've not packed on thing. The babies' cribs are full of things we plan to take for them, so that's a good thing. We leave in two weeks. It's okay, though. We plan to pack lightly for ourselves.

We have shown the house quite a few times over the last few weeks. We currently have an offer and another family is coming to look at the house for the second time today. Praying and Praising God. Also, sweating like a madwoman as I run around cleaning up our home for millionth time this month...slight exaggeration, and actually Jim did most of the work on this one.

We sold Jim's tractor and purchased a van. Praising God for his guidance with this. The kids LOVE it. Because they love it, it makes me love it all the more.

Some friends are throwing us a shower this evening. The only thing they've told us is that our friends Megan and Ken will serenade us with a rendition of "Islands in the Stream"-can't wait! They are singing maniacs :-)

I will be done with work in 6 days. I had a moment as I sat there yesterday, thinking of my students. I realized for the first time how much I will miss them. I mean really miss them. They bring so much joy to my life. They're so funny. So sweet. They're like little golden retriever puppies...they just love you and love you and love you. They keep you young. It's like reliving your childhood all over again some days. You even start to think like a first grader. I find myself laughing at the oddest things. I remember when I first started teaching this grade level, I thought they were a rare breed. They laughed when things fell off the wall, I tripped, said the wrong thing, etc. Now I find myself laughing along with them. Crazy.

And then there's my friends at work. Words can't express what they mean to me and how much they encourage me. I trust the Lord and His best for all of us. It just doesn't take away the "I'll miss them" factor. However, God has provided an awesome new teacher for the students and a wonderful lady to add to mix of women at work. I'm so thankful for His hand in all of this, down to the last detail.

When we started the adoption journey, I had NO idea it would be like this when we brought our babies home. Actually, I didn't ever think we'd actually bring babIES home. Always thought it would be one. I know I've said it a lot in this post, but seriously, just praising God for His goodness. It's not been easy. I could write a year's worth of posts on the struggles and things we've learned along the way. We've learned, however, that God is Faithful. He is always with you, no matter what comes along.

A wonderful friend sent this to me today. How did I miss these verses??!!

"When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. ~Matthew 17:6-8