tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62166960632192565802024-02-19T23:01:42.757-06:00my father's eyes!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-18940487659786733522011-01-18T09:18:00.000-06:002011-01-26T09:18:49.949-06:00He is GOD of ALL!<b>The Last day in Haiti..</b><span> </span>The team went up the mountain and had the chance to see the city from a different view.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYVygZTo82y2SaxpIPqmnTnJH3KW7m419bhfYQq01mHeb04fOzZRcXr0y7PfBkF0nUTWQdYozGITqHS7Rbxmf0MwMHGCowxOFz7xNYIFoBU-hEn6plCSdkt5n7KoJx8bErvcjHIUpnKO1/s400/IMG_4659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563701517592920722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>I could not get this song out of my mind as I stood there and looked down…</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 18pt; "><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-family:Verdana;color:#545559;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">You're the God of this City, You're the King of these people You're the Lord of this nation, You are! You're the Light in this darkness! You're the Hope to the hopeless! You're the Peace to the restless! You are! <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 18pt; "><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-family:Verdana;color:#545559;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">There is no one like our God !!! There is no one like our God !!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 18pt; "><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-family:Verdana;color:#545559;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For greater things have yet to come. And greater things are still to be done in this City. Greater thing have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 18pt; "><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-family:Verdana;color:#545559;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">…And greater things are still to be done in this City, Greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done here!!!!</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before coming to Haiti for some reason I thought of it as a very spiritually oppressed place.<span> </span>I thought I would see even more helplessness,<span> </span>more sin, more evil.<span> </span>I had heard the history of how years ago Haiti was dedicated to Satan (although I know that it was recently rededicated to Christ).<span> </span>What I thought I would see was totally not what was there….</p><p class="MsoNormal">I really did see Jesus in Haiti.<span> </span>I saw him in the eyes of each of the children we touched.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_n_OG5Zx3UJgln9K-1wEz2y2mm1J_XoyAIymUDcs79zEfgrcQtdPIfoPcRaymCS67PeRQs8sIbOsalLNNPzfRt9gzx033E6bzAg-nAR6Tkr1J1F1V1aPlz9oVM_NnImrWcFY0l6BIOwV/s400/IMG_4486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563708594274534130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftmVqUCNOQHq3H35PmmJ5ArWJ9GP8ekyuqGuvTAg5YsHtgl8vVJxzvBAoxk7qmBOIaMubjLCou-veNQ4d5hFOqLKBCTI8t3tv-iQMK_rB8ij-qD-l-Q9op1_BDSRDCvNQ7PevYFmGbWyl/s320/DSC_0531.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563710809435007826" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCho2J1bRdy2h1vf28Bhs2XaCA8B1Vf7m3gr3j3G95240jTJgXfyuBhpOC45O4m3AOyLILPjNAa4C6SNhX2DZNx13N1Wrb4wj_Y4pxMCsXyeHA17-KZSghTopcx1bRgGS7-Fc4iRd18xk3/s320/DSC_0532.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563711108577554674" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeKytbddLm552aZtplix64c-Xi20uieheCJjkY18RzYu2iEP5Gb0etHw7APDSH17twK_WDhSFkv6ehxlSSDmlMuesC1mbcq7B2wGzyulLUZA-CASZGp8BXz_tBZpLGSefHkvpeHVbTgVn/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563711564469802242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E2YLtELWEzKvUno774WDyZNgUY1D4YJE2foWG31-WXkbDbrbvy5J9AoHkmnPk2fr5t1LQcfefV7chFl4RS9RGUcLp_X61yH07_au298mpWGJWiEWjpXe15rs4GaArN2XnUrD_mUPOmnE/s400/DSC_0330.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563708599003539298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">I saw people seeking after him as we drove by the packed out churches <span></span>as sounds of worship leaked out of the cracked walls.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BF89RPD8px9z-kaRFUW8QC5WxTCaUYI5RgQlycsVT3OWE-4Ss27i82_hAMPS-IsZ63LTTQjkwSt8fpg88TrW-iDddd9ou5EtWIFZLNL29RWKBqNwfw3oFt1Zbg_IBvP6wmw8wrOPOOkt/s400/DSCN0256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563709217702962514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Written on doors....</div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ibg3zhNkr3Rkfwkv1ulnqBFOP2EVSU4MAZTcBNRbKHawL7vLDm7UKpNY1ZmMnOEMoSclFGMzRrNaNuwtSMcAi3e8g-VYnsW4eugMSpKYBi0BalKTie7iBs1QhkNjrzQiBP-1kAQnBpMI/s400/DSC_0054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563707806713943170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">On their homes...</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj5RCeidfUn5nu2lP3tjwdweziRn0sgvUONtd39vlIq9nbjXrh3iqMGc8ppvCegvTXxzl0FjQcGGYZyOldwmRlr_9RVD1LRiwnA0oIj9XuBWEUuWlHJP7qEaGXcF0lQsdN4sc9qkGU9fj/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563707815150527170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 236px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Above the doorways of their schools...</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOBNeLNtt4xQYZcjBkrFUOVonDOdGioYz4PiopMyvSoGxA7UJOAU6XwfShJ6hGUzgq-Ks2u18uweks2PbHUrKLxkfgrn9MXCKW2smxO0eVLcaQW_Zd-iQZZP_HjD2oQRgxKd85BPjwfxs/s400/SDC12847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563707803869234626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">I saw him alive and at work in the missionaries we met,</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcmUXdm-ERhIwWm-sScw59vDJavdqdZPJdUw4zNURpmelpFSuUkZszKROLkvSqnwoNU78FnkZa9JJmY2vSfbQKjTDZo63Ns-UW8Yd4F9PSG_QYEesikc-9zKSkbrvAU3yc0jQ60oEtQ4_/s400/IMG_4533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563709961373985010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">definitely in “Healing Haiti” ministries...</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q2rNhjW_Os0S6tk4cCj9oKXLCcAfZcDzw56rmb5VpdrRNzpJtkX9kXnv0Ckee6WK00MES2ZEVMX0frxmc-6pbMyFgm7fSzVXTx24iq2F9kAbT_NXqfRDZ3M6m8bEP92ObqS8g3qe6LNs/s400/DSC_0408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563707818710689234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">and the incredible staff they have working with them …</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji11cCLc-XkTFEKwHsi3acYMxLpJCOd01HMg12GV2GIv7RW5LkM5Af7GrWqaHfUntwjHih3ATRaGkb033wZMKoDHRxOZXGoXNDG1TRao6cVPtwd3eC9fWrQU2Yt8gEETZ4RijM00V5TWWV/s320/DSC_0572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563718043453284258" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CsytDIpe0zsla3BCc8wqb8rSFK-2ENV2dy9FipQxWX-FICN-0TKoXwpyhZXuGEfS0KHDDkivzoGpIxrWd5d-aIPlDIZ0zs7wn_1Bk3dN0DKHamU-yKGjaJ4QxlQJnl65Gc4hFrYlOswH/s320/DSCN0200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563718497087267826" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px; " /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I saw God at work in my incredible team members...</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk25NIkqLhQ0n9mP6bUDlMhtpWEM_vu7HvdHSlyp1JNzPHOQThdRWY1jpQ63FvvaT-9krYYzp0Tstb7c-Nn9qYvHlxabdHG0Np2rNqhLA00PTPyNXKrZdEtDce_sv62EztmXk72k3_1O2/s400/DSC_0240.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563717619999712290" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rqjakhz6LLfdU8bUh5bG_6y_FEL9uTx9NtBK9UJy2-zStCWsxJuXATuPtSr3GLF3eUPZp05u_X7aIoHRi3o97ldIDjO3RndQh27cpbMxla08YLY9Kb-j_hBBYq0gnevp0G7scbZ4589G/s400/DSCN0205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563717359604946914" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6MzUXgJu5auswReBva5pi1K4IVgrJDjfUBZaUSbvl-fRxXldm9nUfo6SJEiu-KFEMP5fty_KFG86Ik09e083DR0gghRHyurihqgnkWj08EtzIMIi7Br-NltZU_QBTTTC5Cu8g1bM7hV-/s400/DSC_0421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563714908560187986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuiTPdb-eDV9rLxAqEg34WY2A0RHBXqkDjvMooP3n5fOSnvsKuR9ixqCMrAEPptf-1LJvz1KDcP1XTvP4VRsEehM8cJFR2vWre0Kqou4BdZYnNVa6r0Y7rAfNHOX9qxInfLZLoUAVA5By/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563714170929370098" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh30rb6apG_mnxWN4L_pmrHiZ5ekbRG6ctl3pre-LJ1VTzEyUzU8BDfcU1vHLoFLPYPvKyQubRbB77OdOX2BpCnBQl68IgkJiqmMoVyReKxgKxKWPdbPFHOTzlvf-qa0O9DD0FKxDOFK28/s320/DSC_0208.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563714173836762610" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">As we got to be His hands and feet to the YOUNG and the OLD.....</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">AND I felt his mighty hand working inside me … leading me, teaching me and molding me just a little more into who He wants me to be.<span> </span>He is the GOD of that City and the King of those people He is the only LIGHT that will pierce through the darkest of times.<span> </span>…. I know there is so much more to be done there … BUT I have complete confidence He is at work in a mighty way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">With that said, I also think we can find Jesus everywhere we go…. If we are seeking<span> </span>after him,<span> </span>If we prepare our hearts and minds and want God to work in us and through us.<span> </span>While God used Haiti to show me so many things… I know that the same God is at work here today as well.<span> </span>We do not “HAVE TO” go to Haiti to be his hands and his feet.. to feel or see His presence at work.. to be molded into the person that He wants us to be… BEING ABLE TO GO TO HAITI AND TO BE USED IN SUCH A WAY is a privilege, and honor… one that I humbly hope I will be able to do again sometime soon.</p></div></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-79686418516905635992011-01-15T09:08:00.001-06:002011-01-26T09:16:26.256-06:00Preparing for HOME!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt7u9kRiTZwIYTqz39UN3hd2S25-vANcL7sC2o_f-rBlx9WVD15S9IeTAHmQDsYDaadgMGAhcyvdbRGguDfjdsq3_iskMBbgeDFuJ_HOkBMrNmpLKG5F6AWIdhotJ6-VMycyC7go-IzK8/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left; ">Ok so I know I have some catching up to do on this blog and hopefully I will find sometime go back and finish up soon.<span> </span>It is not that I have not been trying to process some of my thoughts it is just that I seem to hit some road blocks along the way … Not bad ones but just can’t seem to get it on paper (or computer screen) right away.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>But for now…<span> </span>I am starting to prepare my heart to return back home.<span> </span>God has a crazy way of ripping your heart out on a mission trips and molding it to be the way that He wants it to be.<span> </span>It is an incredible time to really reflect on GOD and His plan… not ours.<span> </span>I have thought a lot about submission on this trip.<span> </span>Submitting to God’s plans even when they don’t always match with ours.<span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ok, I have to go back and tell you about the day we met Jude JohnPaul.<span> </span>He is a young 17-year-old boy who at the age of 5 started having seizures.<span> </span>His mother showed us his school pictures when he was a normal active young boy running around and playing like everyone else.<span> </span>The problem was when the seizures started they had no medication for him to control them like they would in the U.S.<span> </span>They became so severe that Jude John-Paul must of sustained brain damage at some point and for the last 12 years he has been bed ridden, his mind and body both completely affected.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS83SZTd5D2MepHuZRNSb4Jd84kLaMIMW75_MH5IeYy3uYSCvsW0Yx45iVf5DvLiMOtgHBoQeFXvHeCqtounHVdV0zxpMCtPQZB54NQetKc1z6CA0H71wP8FgEH5jRpKtls4hl8GrFRbZ/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563700710959183250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt7u9kRiTZwIYTqz39UN3hd2S25-vANcL7sC2o_f-rBlx9WVD15S9IeTAHmQDsYDaadgMGAhcyvdbRGguDfjdsq3_iskMBbgeDFuJ_HOkBMrNmpLKG5F6AWIdhotJ6-VMycyC7go-IzK8/s400/IMG_4588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566513322756600978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">As we laid hands on him and prayed for him I was overcome with emotions (YES, AGAIN!! ; ) ) So many things were running through my mind all at once and still do when I even try to process that moment.<span> </span>I guess the bottom line for me is that of submission.<span> </span>I will never have all the answers to the questions before us.<span> </span>I do not completely understand why God allows Jude JohnPaul to remain like this for so long.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Verses flood my mind like…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#FF6600;">…“Because you have so little <b>faith</b>. Truly I tell you, if you have <b>faith</b> as small as a <b>mustard</b><b>seed</b>, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">(in which I know 100% that God could heal Jude JohnPaul if he wanted to, is my faith really so little)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">“…You do not have because you do not ask God. <b>3</b> When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2-3</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">(LORD, We ask for this that your Glory be Reviled!)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Yet, I feel Jude JohnPaul is another example of us learning to submit to God. <span></span>learning to trust that His ways are better than my ways even though we don’t always understand. <span></span>For those of you who know me well and have read my other blogs know this is a repetitive subject for me.<span></span>WHAT IS GOD TRYING TO TELL ME?</p><p class="MsoNormal">For now I will just …</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; "><span style="font-family:Cambria;color:#FF6600;"><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "></span></span></span><span style="color:#FF6600;"><span></span>“<b>Keep on asking </b>and it will be given to you; keep on <b>seeking</b> and you will find; keep on<b>knocking</b> and the door will be opened to you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; "><span style="font-family:Cambria;color:#FF6600;"><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "></span></span></span><span style="color:#FF6600;">For everyone who keeps on <b>ask</b>ing <span></span>receives; the one who keeps on <b>seek</b>ing <span></span>finds; and to the one who keeps on <b>knock</b>ing, the door will be opened.<span> </span>Matthew 7:6-8<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Kerry Ann is reading the <b><i>Seeing God – by David Roper.</i></b><span> </span>I was looking through it and just need to share with you a part of<span> </span>it that hit me as I am preparing to go home.<span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b><i>“Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself” – Tolstoy.</i></b><span> </span>From the beginning of the trip Jeff has repeatedly said.. maybe this whole thing is more about US and our HEART then the people we are here to help. …</p><p class="MsoNormal">The book<span> </span>goes on to say …</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“I can talk about compassion for others and yet be utterly tactless and inconsiderate to my own family.<span> </span>In which case, what I am at home is what I am.<span></span>Or I can think myself reasoned and self-controlled, but what I do and say when angry and unobserved gives me away.<span> </span>My character is what I am when I am alone.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i></i></b><b><i>…. There’s old Adam within, with vast potential for greed and selfishness.<span> </span>I know I can’t change him much.<span> </span>Frontal attack has never worked for me.<span> </span>As soon as I resist sin, I endow it with more power.<span> </span>This same power it usese against me.<span></span>Inner transformation, thus is God’s work.<span> </span>As Mother teresa put it, we may will holiness, but He must do it.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>What I need is more of God in me.<span> </span>He must work His work.<span> </span>Righteousness is His gift, which I may receive, David’s prayer in Psalm 19:12-14 becomes my own.”</i></b><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><span style="color:#FF6600;">Psalm 19:12-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="color:#FF6600;">But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.<span> </span>Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="color:#FF6600;">May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "><o:p></o:p>I am making this my prayer…. praying that God continues to make me and mold me (no matter how painful it is at times) into exactly who he wants me to be.</p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-53718414295835974622011-01-13T23:06:00.000-06:002011-01-26T09:07:10.979-06:00Guillaume’s Orphanage -JAN 13TH<div style="text-align: left; ">Another stop we went today was one of Healing Haiti’s orphanages they sponsor.<span> </span>As we arrived the kids were in a big circle…</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyhZzGKOOMOFOa6EnHl0Nrudx-pj5mXXBNYI8x5UCkY9kf9d_JZRXDx1XTfvG1LtcScB8R1MEeZ54_oPi6kiNUdZ5F9u9dnts0zfLAFWmsPtj1hmfz5x5tUaQ8-0e7SvSsR_X9WbinZDU/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562248287226672674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">...wonder how long they were waiting.<span> </span>We pulled up and they all started to greet us singing with the most beautiful voices.<span> </span>You could tell they were so excited to see Jeff.<span> </span>They continued to sing songs of worship and praise.<span> </span>If you ever wonder what true SONGS OF WORSHIP was suppose to look like it was what I saw and heard today coming out of the mouths of babes.<span> </span>AMAZING!</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6NhZFYjPh019XNP_p5mmNfCe-3eKlxXkDKpyVRfSggpdEy61WgM_Xwj1TWesrYfOcPbaf-_Un-YpudDIkSzOUdwhFHE8VmVSU6d7y0jzDqXBoJCquqdW74yaF-Bei0DNzuHg37CTIs1h/s320/DSC_0199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562252043356896306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to Noelle’s creative mind we came up with a craft to do with the kids.<span> </span>We thought it was pretty simple, paint a rock, put a couple eyes on them, a dab a glue on the top and plop the little fake hair we brought. It started out pretty good..</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrhpOlCLw_nAYFmXYmSyS1FDuSgQuImM4IcEvs47TH4-ZHVZWl7wdskT6K4r4MvRPzezoAmNj2yEeL9VKz6HZ2ZKnFEyLBPf3S4CrqdshVPf0g9gv9K4B88uzuRPcF-6fwQ9vIjhxOb57/s320/DSC_0219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562256728508059282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIWFCBuuRhpQWA52kHtZ6yvMp-t7tW_0ItGqVmspZPEi1oO4-PfMbDJ3_yK8SQeSYMG1aDrdmw0M1gjZIJ3R0qIY7N5a0VhDpTZQAkMeo7ZGjwFfMBE2RR2OD4BpA4wh2BHoBZVDBOvET/s320/DSC_0218.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562256741259623522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>but then one thing led to another…</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeOVSUNaDBFYte6MMwRFVNLrVc2eaFd-6Hf9uXvGmZTu2qS3keozr9qT_UZ7sakR-zYouPPpOPwvAplDLW13aCZdCcN9HE6HuL4PcWIileSpE5TnGC0FqZ_F0LzR4hQ8-74-yHmZsvWRI/s320/DSC_0223.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562258831605868482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center; ">(tracing with chalk)</div><div style="text-align: left; ">another and ….</div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFMQQbddkIrzq8MKJBRt0PbElyzIT1YrXLiVBMCl35OXlFYO_d83CwQqkio4DG5l1dnr-xu4R9eLarXRBTSia164bFwze7GNP4t2yEwM2x8T7ACDMjNiYaNhyphenhyphen0gMCxn8-OnUEXiqjMZRF/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562263429729158482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 182px; " /></span>and another….</div><div style="text-align: left; "><span></span>as the fake hair was glued on their own faces.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexTuPDCLjnA6ikCI69kqSgisJu4HDocvg3Pnmm7LrKstae-rWBaQvp-KnTmU_cSuZ3bYE5u-6ts9tR1wtTWWkrGlw3qBmi9WzPXoo8KH_PNBXdJwcn7w22WG8jXC5JX2BqFztlBnB6gWN/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562475896278413234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center; ">(they are just posing like they are tough… such sweeties)</div></div></span></span><p class="MsoNormal">We had so much fun playing with them.<span> </span>Jeff and Fan Fan took some of the older<span> </span>boys and played some soccer, and keep away. I really could not tell you who was having more fun.. the boys or them.<span> </span>It was obvious how much the kids love them and it was obvious how much joy they bring to Jeff. AMAZING!</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmiZlrd4N2yQypBgkWBcA7Cn2imYUCkF9kucGU9M3Uhl9Sys4kz3YtR_BFdzdZrt-4_P6kh9G3sF3vFR9oY1-5-911xGpZq4Nr42dXHr-xuU5dRZjL1SGE74fUXGiv2akXgQcjOqP0sRt/s400/DSC_0298.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562473458710615554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: left; ">In the end the writings on the wall reflected the hearts of the children and it was absolutely beautiful. Their love for Jesus and their thankfulness for Jeff and Alyn.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyzQyb8ONOTvFwtfID2SeC1KOJoj2qgX_p8fWgAwojRjkR4eaJuB9taXuB0m8ywrACsbDIYKpwkhtga_GLyzMBzZ3UtJM9db6FInfFodoozsO15ux6N0ffxGASaTiyGBUporX_6HSyAjQ/s400/DSC_0294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562511514041139234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></p><div><div style="text-align: left; ">After gathering together for more worship and prayer the kissing and hugging line <span></span>formed.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl62_CfnHFL0QQpxa7ZMKrUO_tZgfz93FH3tpeeaFMRpn3RdW7IBwCAdtZalZdB43ovJQ39mglcaAZrdKdCjJQMlDaQJ0XyDr0uuYngFizwMFgak2BPTuuSiVjRp7CUiWeWQGpF8ywaBrE/s400/DSC_0332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507968274521186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKi1RFyiaGDevjcUZwzRXmXFCFAEtlQpppyvRjm_wNRwjTGrYSwM8K68ci3hw7R3Y_pmWkwwN5bTZFLndkOVdGmvd-C9CbDScabXSYMIFL1FYEYAb2nnVXOsJcKkx1GtNDkY2WDuYnGhf/s400/DSC_0351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562478744136652082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><br />We seriously have to do this at home sometime.. Maybe for my birthday!!! ;-) j/k. but it was AMAZING!!!</div><p class="MsoNormal">Really an incredible day….</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEvSVSOcaz8m4JX80xLSFvDF5a9CEBgDfihZsWF05orscY2y5dwhpv4vnf6TQQDkNOsEPPQS11PajM_t-LtnVA0kENCzLHcsO-FlrH3LYL34_ulPehc9HP2kXRYrtK8sPJqWwrdkTpjkK/s400/DSC_0361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562410609601982834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div></div><p class="MsoNormal">The Lord is Good and His spirit is most definitely alive here in Haiti!</p>-AMY</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-761011420369438132011-01-13T11:11:00.000-06:002011-01-26T09:19:47.198-06:00We WILL NEVER FORGET - 1/13/2011<div style="text-align: left; ">Today was jammed packed -although we got a lttle slow start it did not really bother me.<span> </span>There is just something about all sitting around a breakfast table together starting a day with the best happy face, high five and/or abstract pancakes.<span> </span>A slow start yet jammed pack and by the end we all were pretty exhausted… and dirty of couse.</div><p class="MsoNormal">One of the stops we made today was the grave site of the mass grave that was created at the time of the earthquake.<span> </span>Yesterday was the 1 Year Anniversary of this horrific event.<span> </span>232,000 people were killed that day.<span> </span>At least 100,000 of them buried here.<span> </span>There were many crosses and wreaths that were left behind to remember their loved ones.<span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NTkAOHI0_iJ9ZrQSwxRq794lQeYFTKILHag6K0p6nJDy46icSAdYmBTYsHWxqmqFrBl90wqgncBLceeaH6_N1lzBNMqred-RctPuusHW3x4bShcyGd5Ra0UF8E2zsObr9go-rXrQGa44/s400/DSC_0112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562634302925143250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>I know Jeff spoke of being dissatisfied in the site and I understands what he was saying.<span> </span>Think of what great memorial we would of built in the U.S. to remember so many lives lost.<span> </span>I may be wrong about this – forgive me if you strongly disagree – but part of me walked over the site and all I could think of was how all these people got to heaven just a bit quicker.<span> </span>I know how some home how feel closer to our loved ones when we visit the site where they are buried but for some reason I find this a bit odd.<span> </span>While I am in no way wanting to disrespect the remembrance of such a terrific life altering/ world altering event, I just don’t know if the site of the buriel is where I would go to feel closest or even remember my loves ones. Their body or outer shell may be there but they are no longer there at all. (I pray if I were to die people do not remember my ohhh so flawed outer shell but remember my still flawed but forgiven inner being who hopefully represents me a bit better).</p><p class="MsoNormal">It just so happened that this site was just on the way to GRACE VILLAGE.<span> </span>As we approached you could start getting a glimpse of it sitting up on the hillside over looking the town of Titanyen.<span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UOCDesRRChzYiWMkmE_c9Ihj0kR9-62xX6vEY8UtJq-UCpBNSa4d4POs8I2TQCnpLDBHhGv1yXcDUBL07gfa7XjPmLr96_BfTuzK_Hc_4XD6bgCV0O4TDXN6mlSEWpq806b4E7LaxW1s/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UOCDesRRChzYiWMkmE_c9Ihj0kR9-62xX6vEY8UtJq-UCpBNSa4d4POs8I2TQCnpLDBHhGv1yXcDUBL07gfa7XjPmLr96_BfTuzK_Hc_4XD6bgCV0O4TDXN6mlSEWpq806b4E7LaxW1s/s400/DSC_0134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562637379289808866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Driving through the little town I became so over whelmed with excitement to actually be able to see the place that I have heard of for so long.<span> </span>We tredged up the mountainside and when we got there the first thing that I noticed was the incredible view.<span> </span>I did not have to even look at the structures that were on the land but just taking in the incredible view of not only the gorgeous ocean side but being able to overlook the village, shanties and people below I knew this was a place where God was going to do mighty things.<span> </span>As we walked the land and buildings and Jeff shared the vision that God gifted him and Alyn with I was overwhelmed with emotions.<span> </span>There are little fingerprints of Alyn everywhere.<span> </span>Jeff said one of Alyn’s wishes were to see Grace Village finished but God knew she would love the beauty of heaven just a bit more.<span> </span>Alyn’s memory is so much more throughout Haiti then it could ever be at any gravesite.<span> </span>I am so overwhelming grateful to Alyn and Jeff for being so obedient to God’s calling and for touching so many lives in return, mine, the people of Haiti and so many in the US included.</p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-50338586499905996222011-01-12T22:00:00.001-06:002011-01-26T09:02:35.179-06:00BLESSED 1-12-2011At the end of every day we gather together for a time of reflection, sharing and prayer… part of this time we go around the room and each share our WORD of the day. It can only be one word but usually it is followed up with a longer explanation which leads to some discussion amongst the group – Really a great way to get us chatting , although this group does not really seem to have too much trouble doing that.<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Today my word was … <b>‘BLESSED.”</b><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">I feel so amazingly <b>BLESSED</b> to be able to be here … to have this opportunity to be able to be used by God in such a way.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Blessed</b> by the smiles and love each and every child gave me each time<span> </span>I held them or played with them or even touched them. (even the ones who cried the entire time not being held).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Blessed</b> to be able to attend the amazing memorial service I did tonight with some of the most amazingly selfless people who have given their lives and moved to Haiti to serve the people here.<span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Blessed</b> by the worship tonight and..</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Blessed</b> by just how much.. HE LOVES ME!!!<span> </span>- yep we sang many of my favorite songs tonight but this one especially always hits me right where I need it.<span> </span>It is one of Jeff’s favorites too… I know this because I think we have heard him play it about 20 times … and no, not sick of it at all.<span> </span>Who can ever get sick of hearing just how much our heavenly father loves us!!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">I think of the kids today that we visited at Gertrudes Orphanage.<span> </span>I know that they are well taken care of and their caregivers probably do love them… but <span></span>no one ( But God) can love a child like their Mama and Papa.<span> </span>Most of the children there may go throughout their lives never experiencing that due to their physical or mental handicap.<span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Like Mickey…. A 17yr old boy in a wheelchair, so smiley, and spoke pretty good English even, most likely intelligent-yet so skinny, entire body frail, legs seemed immobile, but he could use his arms to get around in his wheelchair although his entire body seemed to be contorted a bit, his eyes appeared as if he could not see but I think he could to some degree.<span> </span>He loved when we talked to him and especially when we massaged his arms and legs with lotion.<span> </span>Such an amazing thing what touch can do.<span> </span>Mickey will never know what it is really like to be loved and cared for by a mom and dad.<span> </span>He will most likely never be tucked in at night, prayed over and kissed on a consistent basis.<span> </span>But then I think how David called God, “A father to the fatherless.”<span> </span>And I think how Mickey has a Heavenly father that loves him so deeply.<span> </span>I know that someday Mickey’s body will be restored and perfect and then he will be able to run with all his might right into those arms of His Abba , Daddy who loves him so much!</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCh45jHkmbsWT6SUMNF30gVutJMW4tj3NrCAxoD8S14jHhHozYZZyncRETuwyPyAK_K5NQBQaVyUmXrInPEbaKd2Jtk-zAgAt-FF70wp0WEgG65OxpvKTl6Cvk_0ixekMVPE-G0MKQDC_/s400/SDC12774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561823382913137410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOlRASRXdhf1ud2eOfNoCEssgSkie4t71-8M27D54oeFb53kx5npR9RAeJSK9hET5krZfOkn9S4zH3FABwa_uh2reuDrK41pvFgTooHKxYQWVrocyDt-txbavEvE4Q_ILBVbZK6DMHwQX/s400/SDC12772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561823380562346594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Mickey was just one the children I had the privilege of caring for today. Each and everyone of them were so special in their own way, I long to know each of their stories, to spend so much more time there with them.. loving on them the way they so deserve to be loved.</span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj767RKowmUx5q9EvTdK_A46VHb0bhXGE1gQJ-nblaeN0-v8a4rhMY8oaflCVyNn1MsJGUbxHjHWznvWSo8zppDxUNOij7BJiRm0d8mwUFLwINVdz0Wc1R8PesfzX2vimm0WBHWmTyWMo_6/s320/IMG_4489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561840705265628306" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwOJaFBs8EWH8_94fxPPmOwbKpzj_ZKFra1CvquBMGG6TDQv_sEIfAHgO7R0bvI5PkUKpdAnT_c0PXfOQGzOy5JMMU8Q0GEUf4svjez8nYAbKAvSzxdeGyVo83e1Ehe8pgyDAnf2Y4G0r/s320/IMG_4510.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561839420339113682" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Needless to say my heart was broken today but I am ok with that.<span> </span>I never want to grow indifferent or blinded to what I see. <span></span>I always want my heart to continue to break for what breaks God’s in every way!</p><p class="MsoNormal">I am <b>Blessed</b> today!<span> </span>I don’t think I could ever bless any of the people or children that I have met on this trip as much as they have <b>Blessed</b> me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">-AMY</p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-32867967524718575682011-01-12T08:56:00.000-06:002011-01-26T09:01:21.261-06:00HAITI - WHY?<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46faD-Rzm1x8oZ1PmW8Mp5ZhhuiNmbctpfzT7epErpBZWwp9ABigpp1dGeTv-pPuCup_Wrgt1m0t22gDgtmOHHwKBZZWtUPMirynNj1-j85oybJX3HfWBSkL7rExqsiSK9G0Qij65iktw/s1600/IMG_4325.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46faD-Rzm1x8oZ1PmW8Mp5ZhhuiNmbctpfzT7epErpBZWwp9ABigpp1dGeTv-pPuCup_Wrgt1m0t22gDgtmOHHwKBZZWtUPMirynNj1-j85oybJX3HfWBSkL7rExqsiSK9G0Qij65iktw/s400/IMG_4325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561499944924549890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">One cannot experience a day like today without having the question “WHY?” go through your mind at at least some point?<span> </span>Why them and not us?<span> </span>Why are we blessed with so much and they suffer so greatly?<span> </span>Why don’t we as a country, church, people do more to help?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Tonight we gathered as a group and pondered some of those questions together.<span> </span>One thought was…. Maybe it’s really not about their poverty at all.<span> </span>Maybe it is more about OUR hearts… OUR abundance… and this is God’s way of (for lack of better word) testing us.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Just think how time on earth is really just a twinkling of an eye compared to the eternity we get to spend in heaven with the Lord.<span> </span>There are a number of different places throughout the bible where it talks about<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> “those who are last who will be first, and the first who will be last.”(Luke 13:30) </span><span></span>Maybe these people… <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">“The least of these” Matthew 25 </span>are actually so much richer than us… rich in faith and rich for these are the people that may just be a little quicker, a little closer or just "the first" that is spoken of.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Mike always talks about delayed gratification…<span> </span>Working hard now for something better later.<span></span>Some, in the US, think of retirement as their delayed gratification.<span> </span>But really, the biggest retirement party I can ever imagine is the one we get to celebrate in heaven.<span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am totally just babbling a whole mix of thoughts that are going on in my head and heart right now but that is kind of how I am feeling at the moment… I think it may take some time to really process all that is going on.</p><p class="MsoNormal">It was brought up over Christmas in a discussion with my brother, about just how far one can go with the giving and sacrifice.<span> </span>Are we all to live on a shack on the side of the road and give everything we have?<span> </span>I don’t know the answer to this.<span> </span>Maybe we are not supposed to know.<span> </span>I think God works in everyone’s heart and lives differently and at different times…. but I do believe we all should wrestle with this question though.<span> </span>I do know this.. <span></span>“Jesus said to his disciples, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> </span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">will lose it, but whoever loses their life for ME will find it.” (Matt. 16:24&25)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">“From everyone who has been </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">given</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">much</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">much</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">much</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">much</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> more will be asked. As much as is given as much we are responsible for (Luke 12:48).”</span><span> </span>OH boy does everyone in the U.S. have a lot of responsibility.<span> </span>At one of the stops today I met a little bit older boy, probably a teenager of some sort.<span> </span>He was different then the rest.. he spoke incredible English that he said he taught himself and he said he could read and write also.<span> </span>He was dressed nicer than those around him and he said he has worked from time to time helping at the Cholera treatment center.<span> </span>I told him that God has blessed him greatly with such a gift and that with that gift I pray that he continues to use it to help others and for God’s glory.<span> </span>Oh and he agreed and said he thanks God very much for giving him the abilities he has.<span> </span>My words stung as soon as they came out of my mouth though.<span> </span>How many gifts has He blessed me with?<span> </span>Am I using them all for His glory? <span></span>Who was I to be saying that to this young man?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdpWC9wBkCA1aZ4s23vi_HrTSUgcu_JKW1qzzyKgm5TrkI69PCSX0rVUxPgvNfqqdfDMLG7AAfTAW-dz7E2tWiCRTI_gdZzAYMBgHtP1ggWElwvGlgXhcrlFxARfQ2gBI6_h4fgjXPDmS/s400/IMG_4346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561501923374216994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Amy Lindahl</span></p><div>Healing Haiti Team Member</div><div>January 2010</div></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-60472784909235494812011-01-11T15:57:00.002-06:002011-01-26T12:49:23.083-06:00Here we are .... send us!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><h2 class="date-header" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-transform: uppercase; min-height: 0px; "><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); padding: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; ">SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2011</span></h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry" style="position: relative; min-height: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; "><a name="8318052176937900409"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin-top: 0.75em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; "><a href="http://healing-haiti-rockpoint.blogspot.com/2011/01/here-we-are-send-us.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(204, 102, 17); ">HERE WE ARE ... SEND US!!!!!</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; "><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="width: 520px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Whew... What a whirlwind this week has been! At this time last week none of us knew what an adventure God was planning for us. We are so sad for the tragic loss the team that was planning on going has experienced thus causing them to have to reschedule but also feel so blessed for the opportunity that has come to us.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">One week ago today I sat next to Julie Sexson at Rockpoint church (even that was not a coincidence). After service we stood there for sometime sharing our heart for Haiti and I expressing how I was not sure when an opportunity would come for me to be able to visit. I mentioned how I felt like maybe I could find some way to be involved locally but really not sure what that would be.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Monday morning I woke up ... still thinking of Haiti and I wrote the Mission Team sharing my heart a bit then that night Mike told me that some guys from his Bible Study were getting together for Appetizers. I was asleep by the time he was home but the next day he called me from work and told me that Jeff was there and mentioned how he was not sure how he felt about going to Haiti alone the first time since he has lost his incredible partner, and wife Alyn. Mike asked if I would want to go. I whole-heartedly said YES but at that time I honestly never thought it was at all possible to pull everything together in such a short period. Guess the verse </span><span style="color: rgb(148, 54, 52); ">“With man this is <b>impossible</b>, but with God all things are possible.”</span> <span style="color: rgb(148, 54, 52); ">(Matt 19:26) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">slipped my mind at the time. .. oh God must have been laughing.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">One phone call to my mom and the reality of the trip actually happening started to sink in.There is no one I would feel more comfortable with or who would be as capable to come live at the house and love on my family for the week, but I still needed to find someone who was as crazy as me to drop everything and fly to Haiti with less than a weeks notice.Little did I know God had been working in the heart of my dear friend, Mary Ericksen, long before the actual invite came. I first called Becky Nelson, who could not go herself but then said, “I know who wants to go. We just have to call and let her know she wants to.”Becky immediately hung up the phone and called her…. I am sure Mary will share what was going on in her heart at the time… bottom line is, she said YES!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">We met with Jeff for lunch on Friday. Saturday our tickets were purchased and we are leaving bright and early Monday morning for Haiti!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">OH wait, there is more… I sent a text out to a few of my family members saying I was going on the trip and wondering if there was anyone who wanted to go with me. My niece Alana texted back within seconds …. YES, PLEASE!!!! Alana is the sweetest girl and I know God is going to break her heart on this trip for what breaks His. She is on her winter break right now and it was the perfect timing for her.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Now reading this you would think we were nuts…. going without preparation and thought, the 3 of us headed to Haiti with Jeff, but I have to share with you… I truly believe God has been preparing each of us for this trip for sometime now…. Which is a huge lesson in itself!!! How so many times we have no clue what God is doing …. Is He there? Active?But HE always is…</span> <span style="color: rgb(148, 54, 52); ">He knows the plans He has for us</span> <span style="color: rgb(148, 54, 52); ">(Jeremiah 29:11)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">(EVEN IF HE DOES NOT TELL US TILL THE WEEK OF) . Can’t wait for Mary to share all that has been going on in her life lately and what she has been studying. God knows what we need just when we need it. Are you ready? It may not always be a call to jump on a plane and fly to Haiti but man, I love it when He makes something like this happen when we are willing and obedient to say YES GOD!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">There is a blog that I read not so long ago that I just love and would like to share…..</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/12/nets.html</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">So now we are “AT ONCE” throwing down our nets and going…. SO excited to put the next foot in front of the other and see what God has planned for us…. How He will use us, and what is He going to do with our hearts on this trip.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b></b></span></o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Thank you Lord, Thank you Mike, and Mom, and to all my children who are willing to sacrifice their comfort a bit and give up their mom for a week.</span></b><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">THE LORD IS GOOD!!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">-AMY</span></p><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 20px; margin-right: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -2px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 11px; "></div></div></div></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-39257875541523342732010-12-18T16:14:00.020-06:002010-12-18T17:21:07.855-06:00Dissonance... or NOT??? CHRISTMAS '10<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px; "><b><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Verdana;color:#7B7B7B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Definition of DISSONANCE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">1</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">a</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> lack of agreement; </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">especially</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs — compare </span></span><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive+dissonance"><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">cognitive dissonance</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-6-I0kcbKt6JvgWfZoTbuwMeoogcCvG9ncnFFbjxNO1JlDq6FKMkbZIhdYe4Z3ycwXvz2wy2sZQHRz7vkBIwynUCpqPkipQ7v9B1_USfsl6h5DOQorliwoatMJw0j4IH0DomrZIEPB09/s1600/hilg-christmas+06+180.jpg"></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I know I have not written for a while. Not sure how many people will still read this.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">To be honest as much as I want to share with others what is on my heart this is a place mostly for me to process my thought and feelings. This one is probably going to be one of the more personal and vulnerable blogs I have shared.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Obviously life has been so busy around here. I have not had the time nor energy to write or think most days. Things are going quite well and we are very blessed. Hopefully I will find time soon to share more about all of that.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">For now though, this is much more important I feel. What? More important than “caring for the fatherless”?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">YES!!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I do believe it is.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">This time of year I find myself in such a dissonance.. more thanever !</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Sometimes I wish I could just shut my feelings off, stop being such a deep thinker, analyzing things so much.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I wish I could just lollygag thru life in oblivious blissfulness but my mind and heart won’t let me go there.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Maybe this year more than ever because of all we have been through the last few months. Maybe it is because my eyes have seen and heart has been more open to the world beyond us.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Do I want to live in “depraved indifference”?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">YES .. kind of .. a little.. to be honest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">But then again…</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">“</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act.” Proverbs 24:12</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Here is what I am talking about and where the DISSONANCE comes into play.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I have always LOVED CHRISTMAS!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I love this time of year!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">My sister and I were just talking about what an incredible childhood we had.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Seriously, I still believe we had/have one of the best celebrations around as a family. We start out, as soon as we enter the house (my childhood home now where my brother and his family live) we all go to our rooms where the red plaid pjs are laid out for us.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">The entire time we are together as a family we are wearing these matching pajamas.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">A tradition started years ago when I was young.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">We even have a few extra for any visitors that may join us.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEv72xZe5cYPtWE9RA2Froi_A92r_dDonmhgWTGUYPAxGftwVr4nB0NF2GrjH4HDT73ftK12o2DyuoF9mGxlFtBJwzIGMyTKvo2MhNUbC0PsFFqw5xBBjImiYggOPOqa7Z9MyGf3jLMUg/s400/DSC_0054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552151864451347314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">There is always so much to eat but everyone really loves just being together more than anything.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">As the evening comes we gather in the living room and gifts are exchanged.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">Here is where my father always went overboard (ohhhh in an incredible way! ) He loved to give. Have to admit getting those big surprises and gifts were always so fun. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">After a bit, someone would say “how about we start to sing Christmas carols” followed by a wink to all in-tuned. Hilgenbergs are not known for their musical talents but for some reason it makes it all the more fun.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">Eventually it would come.. the sounds of the bells are heard and the air tenses with excitement as we hear the HO HO HO and Santa makes the special visit first to our house before starting the rest of his travels.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">Santa calls each of the kids by name and gives them one gift each as they sit on his lap for the photo shoot.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">He sings one carol with us, gives a strict warning to the little ones to go to bed right when the parents tell them to and off they go.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">Now this next part may sound so absurd but I think it is one of the favorites of all.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">When Santa leaves all the kids rush to the windows.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">Dad was the initiator when he was with us but the older grandkids seem to fill his footsteps quit well.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">They watch so intently for it to happen .. they wait .. wait… and then one of the older ones start out.. “THERE IT IS!!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">THERE HE GOES!!! I SEE IT”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">It is a pandemonium uproar of either “I see it .. I see it.” Or tears of “Where ?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FF99;">I didn’t see it again?” As they look for Rudolf’s nose as Santa flys away.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOOCM4rwDFFTx7eeb74MHCnECRmX_Bi5HUR9Bbq3WJvV9tjnjEn9l-qaujUSFQoM4urWxJMl-pNOB-m3KHZ_wZuvOyZ7VvjX-HiF1FUM5X2SJupdcwFmval3Yx7WJQHwTWhe3JnMqXtiw/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552152952576501058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">The rest of the evening is spent tucking all the kids in to there slumber party sleeping arrangements and putting a Christmas movie of some sort on for them as the adults stay up late eating, talking and hopefully getting some type of board game in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Christmas morning it does not slow down.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">As the kids gather on the step for our morning picture…</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw7XRWk2QWTXeGdS59vtgn6UxZpS3NhD0dzB_2U4JXBbMzuEE8BB3J9q6DDOrgfpEza4bbhyewK_37ysCfKz3M2XROj1_KgOYuTY-NrXjXJVaTXuDGMJ-qgevNQFS-OSwKnCL1sn5d3eA/s400/DSC_0221.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552153415480736722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF99;">One child is chosen (usually the oldest) to come down announce “Christmas 2010.” For all the video cameras running and the rest of the kids follow running to their designated family areas where they find their Christmas surprises.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF99;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF99;">Just when things calm down and the kids have opened their presents and shared with each of the cousins what they got the announcement for “STOCKINGS” comes… The kids all line up and head downstairs where they find that their matching stockings (Yes – all the same as the ones we had as a child growing up) have been filled with candy and extra little fun miscellaneous gifts.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnspUBvfPN6JGZhuzDcTaJdXDOWng8oLOLePiYlKlKze6LFp9gJT3BnY4zmQzfLPltFHmkLNPRFXGGH3vPnYirc6uVjlyEvHBXosh3si0LVl2gZsIzvCctUQWun1APXnF-Dc8_NBWrrVnD/s400/DSC_0280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552153894197985906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">Oh wait there is more… As this whole morning is going on there is a smell of “Christmas” throughout the air. Every Christmas morning that I can ever remember we have the same breakfast.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">It is a German tradition that my grandma always made for us… Gritwurst. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">IT is kind of like a flat spiced sausage patty ????</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">I don’t know how to explain it other than it is the BEST!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">After stockings we all run up to the kitchen and literally stand in line for Gritwurst.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">It is Noelle’s own self proclaimed tradition, which somehow she started when she was so little, and we for some reason follow, that she gets to be first in line every year.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8OoWvsmwp9bS3eIMto1ay0RsEOasfhs3d6njsc8ljYqMT7yOxACjsEbk3zELlmPi5leSUIl-Xa_npf1avSb-ncup5cT72BbVpK70Anw3cCuldnUhkERv60PkwnhdVSzzseLezskVbhev/s320/hilg-christmas+06+192.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552160512438089986" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2_vj9j9ICHsqXe0rtg7c1n36hz9j_ARTmbnvCOakllZilovcrUDEhyphenhyphenjMLON1VvEF8SvTpBOVIbv_9f0beHWds0EFu8mWawJks8j7t26_5bvU_Bs_Ibj_O_jbQhX7iVaw1ISLQHp156LN/s320/Nov+Dec+05+289.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552160000821589058" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXf2GvXv2ArB4ZIB9QI5svlODBt-OgktH_dm05e6Lf9x8qJ_JSGkL6yICsd0tX2ngTf4qCkZxw9tPdUpkyrWsrqyrIfTohTGXTycpK2ZIeGuBZD-wPvtHEZOrtYYwkNwqNgCO9CWEUjfT/s400/DSC_0286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552154263891796530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Finally before the festivities are our over we take time to dress each of the grandchildren up and act out the Nativity story.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">My dad would always read the nativity story from a book ( the role now passed dow to my brother ) as each child would do their part in being the best, shepherd, angel, mary, joseph or baby Jesus each year.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Then we would end in once again singing Away in the Manger together.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-6-I0kcbKt6JvgWfZoTbuwMeoogcCvG9ncnFFbjxNO1JlDq6FKMkbZIhdYe4Z3ycwXvz2wy2sZQHRz7vkBIwynUCpqPkipQ7v9B1_USfsl6h5DOQorliwoatMJw0j4IH0DomrZIEPB09/s320/hilg-christmas+06+180.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552160682155257506" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVvpqlmrnScN6XOcVvagWuQqKHcPydvf5fxJGiRFOn1kgBpqeNO1XasXUdARCKlaDPxtoGYvcCZxrUu2kZrdjT1M2fiuHSHV4mSvR7FaLBpZ3lX_Fe4FVvROSOCFQlyVE0Rgu3detGMZ5/s320/DSCF0163_Fixed%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552159644538564290" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxYvC5Bm8eTaI0eHEMc8TFzGEOjOSTEHZmnI9OdRcsgVJ8LzWoL5m_ZxMpw8EOXKzCgbVp9FjbrofCaJjPou_5vFOVqhXe_8q_8OHjtfPOv-IYXMUL1yCaGtaVu-pRNz-4q6d8SWJ0dDl/s400/DSC_0308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552155225888755762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Every year it is the same and every year I go away feeling so blessed and loving the time together.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">By now most of you are wondering what the problem is… sounds like the ideal Christmas.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Truly this is my struggle. I think so myself.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But this is the dissonace that comes into play ( actually I don’t even know if that is the right word for what I am dealing with.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">You see… I BELIEVE 100% that Christmas is a Celebration of Christs Birth.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The most amazing sacrificial gift ever given </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">to anyone.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">YET… I am not sure my actions reflect those beliefs all the time.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I sometimes wish we could celebrate the Birth of Christ and Christmas on two different days.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">A quote I recently read regarding the true meaning of Christmas was …</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">“</span></span></span><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ha...how many Christians do you know that actually celebrate Christmas because of Jesus? I think the majority of Christians celebrate Christmas by getting each other presents and eating, not by celebrating Lord and Savior. Christmas has become a holiday devoted to family, not Jesus. It's marketed very heavily in retail. That's why everyone celebrates it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Now looking back on the events of our Christmas I just wrote about how much exactly is Celebrating Jesus’ Birth vs. celebrating family, and gifts and just being together.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Think about all the “Christmas Parties” we go to each year.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">How many of those parties do you really talk about The Lord, His birth and the sacrifices he made for us.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Are the party’s really about Him at all?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Now I know a lot of the rationale that come along with these thoughts.. I go over them all the time in my mind… I would anyone to share any thoughts you might have that would help me with this this holiday season…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">All this said and you got to know I in no way want to be known as THE SCROOGE!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I love to have fun and rejoice. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I don’t think Christmas should be a time of sitting still in a somber manner.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">NO it is a time of celebration and excitement… excitement for HIM and all that he has done.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Mike is the one who said to me.. “ I want everyone to have fun at my birthday party!”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">in which I agree.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I do believe that God rejoices in our happiness.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Again, maybe this is hitting me harder this year because of seeing all the need throughout the world and then realizing our abundance.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Maybe it is having our 2 new children here that have never experienced Christmas and the overwhelming task it is at times to explain everything we do and why especially our Christmas Traditions… like the tree, lights on all the homes, gifts to each other ect.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Am I teaching them about the most sacrificial gift ever given?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Am I teaching them to learn sacrifice themselves?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">OR Am I teaching them that Christmas is all about FAMILY FUN FOOD AND GETTING GIFTS?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">… CAN IT BE BOTH.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">There are so many other blogs and/or videos that do this topic so much more justice then me… please take the time to visit some of these…</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I love this blog....</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-Lucida Grande";font-family:";color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/2010/12/o-holy-night.html">Livesay [Haiti] Weblog: O Holy Night</a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">OR</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-Lucida Grande";font-family:";color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UWHJ6-YhSYQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">OR</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uS6Q4GCTsPw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uS6Q4GCTsPw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </object></span></span></p></div><span style="Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-Lucida Grande";font-family:";color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-41913792175220949132010-10-05T20:13:00.005-05:002010-10-05T20:30:23.967-05:00Nothing left to give today... Looking forward to tomorrow!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This quote went through my mind so much today....</span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> have not a single bit of talent left and could say...I Used Everything You Gave Me!" </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kept thinking... "I've officially done it ! I've used them all up, God." </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not sure there is much left to give... at least for today. Hopefully God will be filling my tank for tomorrow.. otherwise not sure what will happen!!! ;-) </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Think I just need to claim this verse and go to bed...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><h2 id="passage_heading" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lamentations 3:22-24 </span></span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, </span></span></span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for his compassions never fail. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They are new every morning; </span></span></span></h2><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> great is your faithfulness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><p></p></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><br /><table class="uiInfoTable mtm profileInfoTable" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 10px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; width: 520px; "><tbody><tr><th class="label" style="padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold; width: 90px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; "><br /></th><td class="data" style=" text-align: left; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; font-size:11px;"><div id="id_4cabccfed5ce40c7c5baf" class="text_exposed_root" style="display: inline; "><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;font-size:11px;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-33620556448255696652010-08-29T21:32:00.006-05:002010-08-31T10:26:48.526-05:00Sacrifices... Huge Rewards!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">A dear friend of mine has pointed out the obvious to me a few times... "You could of had an empty house here soon..." (speaking of when all the kids go back to school) OR "When all of us will be sending our last ones off to college you will still be just in the midst of things. " Helllooooo - I think I have thought of that before... just a few times! This whole thing is going to take some sacrifices for sure; even little daily ones like a quiet, peaceful, CLEAN house, a relaxing sunday afternoon with nothing to do, time sitting and visiting with friends, reading a book, even time alone with my husband. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">When evening comes around lately I admit I have found myself feeling exhausted, a little irritable, out of control and a bit overwhelmed lately. I have questioned if I am up for the task at hand, doubting my own abilities sometime, yet thanking GOD I am not alone in this adventure also.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">Adoption is not easy! I realize the sacrifices we are making. YET, ONE THING I HAVE NEVER ONCE QUESTIONED IS... IF THESE SACRIFICES ARE WORTH IT! It still is a no brainer to me. No matter how much I want to cry from exhaustion or because my laundry is piled high or I can not find my kitchen counter tops at the moment, no matter how much I would love to have some "me time", or even relax and dig into God's word as much as I use to... When I look into those big brown eyes of these two precious lives that God loves so very much and hand picked for our family, when I think of where they came from and all that they have gone through, there really is no sacrifice that I am giving up that even comes close to all that we are able to give them and how much of a blessing they are to us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">I really try not to "PUSH" adoption on anyone. I know this is such a special calling God has given us, but I wonder how many people have ignored the tugging of God's calling with the excuses of all the scarifies or hard work it would take. Oh, could I list all the excuses NOT to do this. It may not particularly be about adoption either but to truly live a life that goes beyond ones own desires and self; to not just see the needs of others throughout our lives or in this world but to step up and really do something about it. It is a scary thing to totally be open to what God's complete will would be for your life, to live a life completely SOLD OUT to Him.. no doubt there will be sacrifices, no doubt it may not look just the way YOU planned your life to look like.. but there is also no doubt the rewards in the END will far out weigh anything this world could ever offer. </span></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-29459183240941746882010-08-24T22:38:00.009-05:002010-08-25T19:14:51.508-05:003wks HOME - Attachment & Bonding Update<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">I have thought of starting this note so many times and there are so many reasons why this one is so difficult. First of all ...TIME - basically there is none! ... at least </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">extra time</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"> to sit down and really try and articulate all that has happened. Second reason is because I think I am afraid if I share the reality of the situation, I fear that someone may just focus on the stressors and I will not be able to properly articulate the amazing blessings that far overshadow any stressors along the way. But, I so badly want to try and document, remember and share this amazing time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">The kids really are amazing. Just looking at them can melt my heart... well most of the time. I don't think you have to be particularly an adoptive parent to understand the adjustment that is going on right now having 2 preschoolers around the house again. I was pretty prepared for these adjustments that were going to have to take place but it really does not make it that much easier. Time for myself is out the door and some days I am barely staying a float. The Lord continues to teach me SELFLESSNESS, PERSEVERANCE, AND to fight off any type of LAZINESS, and for this I am thankful! Remember the days that having a second to go to the bathroom alone and in peace was a treat! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">I am so thankful for the older kids in the house and am trying to balance taking advantage of their love and ability to watch the kids and wanting to make the most of this transitional BONDING period. So far the BONDING and ATTACHMENT has really been going well as far as I know or feel. Before we left for Ethiopia we sent out a letter regarding some of the issues of attachment and bonding and what our friends and family may be able to expect or how they can help with this issue. We mentioned things like for the first weeks/months we may be pretty secluded, and when we did venture out we requested that friends and family not pick up, hold or meet any of the children's needs if they do seek them for such things but rather redirect them to us. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">While we were in Ethiopia and shortly after our return we went through a period of time that we, or at least I, felt like the bonding was going so well that I questioned all the need for the rules. They did seek us for all their needs and would return to us if they got hurt or wanted anything. The love and affection that we shared with each other was so apparent. The problem was they shared that with most anyone they came into contact with. Even though these people were our closest friends and relatives there still was something that we questioned about it. We spoke with one social worker, sharing our concerns, but also explaining how we felt like this was so cultural for them. Ethiopian people are so loving and affectionate to each other we wondered if this was just normal. The one social worker thought we had nothing to be concerned about unless they started rejecting us or seeking others over us to meet any of their needs. But something still did not feel completely "right". </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Last friday we spent the entire morning with the children at the University of MN Specialty Adoption Clinic. We had already brought them to our general pediatrician who we adore but we are also so thankful that we made the extra effort to go the this clinic as well. It was so amazing watching how they interacted with the kids. It was obvious they knew what they were doing. I am telling you, my kids are hard to resist! Just imagine the cutest little boy not only batting his long eyelashes at you but then puckering those big adorable pouty lips and offering you kisses if not on your check he will kiss her hand. While I know it was not easy, they did so well resisting his little love poisons. They did not pick him up, and even redirected him to me. "Your mama's right there. There's your mama." I seriously was so impressed and learned so much. What was even more amazing was how it seemed to put them at ease a bit. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Later last weekend we adventured out to a larger social outing. We were not sure if we were going to be able to do this and were prepared to leave as soon as things seemed tense. It was not a small event either. Since graduating from College this particular group of girlfriends have gotten together once a month, with husbands joining us for a party at christmas and the entire families together once a summer for a pool party. Not everyone was able to be there but still no small gathering. Before going we emailed everyone asking that they completely ignore the kids. Again, really this is no easy task but I was so impressed on how well everyone did. We held the kids initially and visited with people not paying any attention to them. This is where them not speaking English did come in handy for we could talk as much as we wanted about them without them knowing. I again was so amazed at how at ease they seemed to be compared to times when less people would visit, obviously to see them and talk to them. My understanding is when children are institutionalized they get attention and positive feedback by being cute, friendly, flirty with the caregivers. They were use to doing this to just about anyone they would come in contact with. Dr. Howard had asked for me to try and identify the number of transitions they had gone through in their lives. SEVEN was what I came up with (including us). Each of these transitions and places they had different caregivers who they had to be cute or loving too in order to get what they wanted and obviously never really bonding with any of them. I noticed that when people would come over to the house it seemed like Zoeyahna would feel like she had to perform for them and would get a bit hyperactive. I now think that this was all anxiety related. It again was amazing to me to see what ease the kids were at when everyone, except us of course, seemed to just ignore them at the party and not put them on the spot. We even were able to let them go for a bit and play in the pool with our older children while we visited with our friends poolside.</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B9P-gSYllARb9U0D8XiPCkoRp-ZecerE8zcaxkXJRUYPeGnCw7iabWL8lGEdUSkWP438pXT7HWukEo_hwNagCdx1gvlKycBhNI6RsM_Dl1pt0w_Su6Fuwxz-KDwBZWdMrpgyE0HCo1UD/s1600/IMG_6518-1.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B9P-gSYllARb9U0D8XiPCkoRp-ZecerE8zcaxkXJRUYPeGnCw7iabWL8lGEdUSkWP438pXT7HWukEo_hwNagCdx1gvlKycBhNI6RsM_Dl1pt0w_Su6Fuwxz-KDwBZWdMrpgyE0HCo1UD/s400/IMG_6518-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509504079484722690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The offspring of all of our college friends...12 couples=39 children, </span></span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">though they weren't quite all there)</span></span></span></h3><div><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">How long do we keep this up? I am not sure! I have heard 6 months is ideal which seems like quite awhile to me. But think about it... If I just had a baby I would at least take a 3 month leave of absence not wanting to leave that baby's side for that period of time. I nursed most of my birth-children so much longer than that even. These precious children at least deserve that and even more to formulate the bonding and attachment we both have missed out on with each other!!!! Hopefully the entire 6 months I will not be longing for my quiet little private moment in the bathroom but I will try and treasure this time of bonding. </span></span></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">My mother retells the story of when she had just had my youngest sister and she was standing there at the top of the driveway holding her as she sent my brother (the next youngest child) off to kindergarten. She recalls thinking "What was I thinking? I almost could of been free!" And now, summer is coming to an end and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. I do think of all the other things I could be preparing to do with my time but nothing could ever have as much value or purpose than loving and caring for these two precious children of GOD's. I continue to be so thankful for the opportunity to be used by God in such a way.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Oh boy.. this post got long.. and I feel I have not even begun to touch on all that has happened in the last 3 weeks. Hopefully I will find time again soon to write more!!!! </span></span></div></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-70528687586751530732010-08-14T22:56:00.013-05:002010-08-15T00:50:04.187-05:00Attachment, Adjustments and BLESSINGS!!!!<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I know there is still so much to share about the trip itself and adventually I will somehow find the time to write about all that we experienced and saw. It continues to weigh so heavy on our hearts and we are anxious to share it with all who will hear. But for now I am doing all I can to stay a float during this transitonal season we are in. We have only been home for 10 days now and I really cannot believe how well it has gone.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I keep holding out for some major hurdle to come up but so far nothing shy of a miracle.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">It is the only way that we can explain it. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The attachment that is going on between all of us is amazing.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">WITH THAT SAID, </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">even though the attachment is going so well this does not mean that the adjustments are all extremely easy also. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Just the fact of having two little ones around the house again is an adjustment in itself. I admit I am tired and feeling the household duties falling wayward (yes, more than normal even.)</span></b></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Zoeyahna and Ezekiel (Zoey and Zeke) are such happy kids.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">They bring so much joy to all of us.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Sure they have their moments and little outbursts here and there, but who wouldn’t.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">It is funny because I find myself questioning everything.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">So many things I could so easily blow off as typical kid-things – I think each of the older ones have behaved or done the same things but now I study and question everything wondering if it may be a sign of problems to come.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I think I have read so many things about what problems to expect from children who have come from hard places that I forgot about the similarities that kids have no matter what part of the world they come from.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The other night I was putting the kids to bed.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I went through the “normal” routine we are trying to have, but as soon as I tucked them in and took a deep breath, one has to go “shint” – (no – I do not have a foul mouth, nor did I mis-spell that</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">- it is their word for bathroom), then again we are tucked in and another wants “Whaa”- (a drink of water…) I did finally catch on and say “all done” when they tried saying they were hungry.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I started wondering if one of my other kids had snuck in and taught them all the tricks of the trade…</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Seriously who taught them these things?</span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> Zeke is actually a complete charmer and ham. If this kids giggle does not bring a smile to your face I have no idea what would. Culturally, I believe Ethiopians are such loving and affectionate people. Greeting each other with kisses are normal and Zeke adheres to his culture. Who wouldn't want to kiss those lips????</span></o:p></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BlmwsNGxYtrNXHwr5tso4w0LWnFSa0bnuYdswajbV4bWySayADHFFVyAD1m6LNrWlMTth4Gj0ixAI9m7Mt6G4fR2av9zalGqv93MlL2mWgoYUh9zvGImVbImapCVMo5B-Pvo_owUCF_j/s400/DSC_0145.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505503455701702738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Zoey is a little sponge. I can tell she is so smart. Sometimes I wonder if she really understand all that we are saying and just pretending to not speak English. Every once in awhile she will blurt out a new word, or start to count in English or saying some of the ABCs with out us even working on them. She definitely do not like a lot of attention directed to her and as a tendency to get a bit hyper at times.</span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-yKRnNDEu_K3y2nGlOy_G2hCJod5RV8miIEsO3RboYHSj4NoNm__SsbBcum0KdbWGtc-UUSnr_6o6CKex7nnPy1CbEn35YAz32-iRL2T2Dlyn38JOr99JTon8LBeJzZDO_UeWmyuHLA7/s400/DSC_0594.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505501152541667906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">When we were driving in the car the kids heard the song Our God...(?) on the radio which usually anyone in the car will joyfully sing a long with. I really think they probably only heard it once or so but the next time it was on, they actually tried to sing along with it. Now Zeke always asks for "OUR GOD." (or something that sounds like that) whenever we get in the car. </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Right now language is a major barrier though this too I am surprised how well we all communicate with each other with out actually speaking the same language.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Though there has been plenty of times that I have really wanted to teach or explain something more in depth and just can not right now.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I know it will all come in time, but they are little sponges right now, soaking up everything and it is frustrating when we cannot take complete advantage of that. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> I love how excited the family is to have them around but I do admit I am looking forward to the day that the excitement fades just a little bit and we can sink in to a norm.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The little arguments between the girls as to who gets to sit by them, who gets to carry them or hold their hand is minor but definitely adds to the tension throughout the day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Then the fact that the little ones really prefer the older girls more then sweet Emma is just a wee bit heartbreaking.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Emma is probably having the hardest adjustment.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">She is handling it so well and I am so proud of her but she is definitely the one that it is affecting the most.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">We are pretty intentional right now as to making sure Emma (and all the kids for that matter) still gets some individual time and attention.</span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I really do not want to come across, as this is an easy journey.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">But the blessings that continue to come our way throughout all of this are immeasurable right now.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Our Lord is so good and we are so very blessed!</span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <!--EndFragment-->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-76435925076419476132010-08-07T21:26:00.015-05:002010-08-07T22:03:46.992-05:00HOME!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">There is so much more to share about the trip, all that we saw there, the incredible needs and ministry opportunities to be apart of but for now I need to skip forward because…</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><b>OUR FAMILY IS TOGETHER!!!!</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">We are home and it feels so good!!!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Any anxiety of the much talked about dreaded flight home was unwarranted.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">The children did great.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Again it was so nice to have Bereket and Daniel, our friends from the orphanage who spoke the Walayta language, to be able to interpret for us as we explained to them exactly what to expect. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">The arrival at the Minneapolis airport was incredible.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqX-uF0QXf6x7oBPRmt8o9m1NYtgGTxT9w5etWJ91VtV3aX9JYafZqFMOdup3yRhnrkdprvE4LAPsn0S6C3P-hM6MhtgqTTqqptIo6T_ujNG9WZDnX6q4whoGBuIQZQFWHXBFKtHqkh0c/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqX-uF0QXf6x7oBPRmt8o9m1NYtgGTxT9w5etWJ91VtV3aX9JYafZqFMOdup3yRhnrkdprvE4LAPsn0S6C3P-hM6MhtgqTTqqptIo6T_ujNG9WZDnX6q4whoGBuIQZQFWHXBFKtHqkh0c/s320/IMG_2985.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502860542515153586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjFh8cCSAUil4qGQW_biOHI76XziEQv8GeClC-3PkFCXTW7SFtk4jX4_lWxCn72wzfnhOnRsu4F1xVBH8e_YlUoEH1dq-pLqyCTcjY7iX5-ZnVJg3k7XL-YIkeSVhBbUfH31djK2c-aJV/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502861058828965122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnck4PeWMXI8Z454q_yiMB2dlc2OUVR84w6tmbKoVNhvYTMv7MwxF6XVV_SDRM5wfpc-NTA8oG5F0z8KdI4eh40_aIHKcvar_38qGuvmuEosFp6cVbE5c048zohiO-6T60WfJXNnrR3-dc/s1600/Amy.jpg"><br /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKPoUzT9evPw3iuyIfgmQ6bzC5OOYi8-7cBUTdFMRNV9Q2se4QIsuPU2KXCISgk6IoyTIEkz-QNYyJxidphxq-L8A2RKD9yVTiLercOAKe-ax8hvSraCKvRfph8LDFYGRkJ9Gp_D2-o1p/s320/IMG_2993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502861951568192466" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVCbFGDH83RZqtBp1KxDEsTPdjK9K1kdz2DZYpFWXLwpGG-cyG40Bt6lZEVns3UJRuY1swBWZiPB9Iil9xpXyUBUgSVDcJZK9-Lkz6osAUeeueKcHPW60zVHBueqeNmmbKuA-vB8MWd9f/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502862407891397666" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjRN6VtSKjN3l0cVt5hRDFjHa4GxeZx9NDzcZUvgMvKlb0BrXkFuPB9QJeC9tzfVkyVi_BC3N59C5fROpyepn2Le2ORdhEcr2EbmwyWTxzAxPyoeukO6Qzl1x5QHNI-hoeLY5HkVDjDBf/s320/A+kiss.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502862826283278434" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXGEJDGfN61QsBsdO_b7tjB2cTvm4u8sCbjB_2x65M1eJxiHBDVLDeiU8DqbS4Bz7wObg9zHYw6CG4urSYOpWeUs1BOInpEvUEBZC3vOWU6QFX6LfTwATA2IaTDG-RpBYfiSjNO0hYxoi/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXGEJDGfN61QsBsdO_b7tjB2cTvm4u8sCbjB_2x65M1eJxiHBDVLDeiU8DqbS4Bz7wObg9zHYw6CG4urSYOpWeUs1BOInpEvUEBZC3vOWU6QFX6LfTwATA2IaTDG-RpBYfiSjNO0hYxoi/s400/IMG_3005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502865093828955298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px; " /></a><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEfgyFfG18lANGis1MS5F5sBa9Cy_AGwadsyUHmrm7b_HJQQBf0lXXUb88g14Uf2OR3366ZnMM8FODo79h8TqNWS28eeaSPDlsNucB1ae1j1-wxrnIUU_0QXL58Z6SDDXLVNb5lH0CUP/s1600/family.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEfgyFfG18lANGis1MS5F5sBa9Cy_AGwadsyUHmrm7b_HJQQBf0lXXUb88g14Uf2OR3366ZnMM8FODo79h8TqNWS28eeaSPDlsNucB1ae1j1-wxrnIUU_0QXL58Z6SDDXLVNb5lH0CUP/s400/family.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502865598371617394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px; " /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">To have our family waiting for us with signs, balloons and all the love possible to welcome us home was something I will never forget.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">We had practiced with the kids identifying each of the other older children and their names over and over on the trip so when they finally saw them in person I really think it all clicked for them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Mike and I have prayed so much for an extra-ordinary type of bonding between all members of our family.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">The 6 of us have always been so close and it is something that we prayed would continue with our 2 new members.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">I heard and read of so many attachment difficulties so we were prepared for this too.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">While I know we are only at the beginning of this journey I have to say that we really could not of asked for a better beginning.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">We feel so blessed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFaPLl68soiyWauWMNb_FxzLPW7cwCdaEd_XFSYALuOFPsnR6tcDDUjkEbfv6m7hXsqgYPgMq4XwyeZVMF2PTl3_d7CcBOL2d2cTtisYiVaf0jqY2cpum0E_BDH8T3VlXf9JJZ9iJ4sZt/s1600/Amy.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFaPLl68soiyWauWMNb_FxzLPW7cwCdaEd_XFSYALuOFPsnR6tcDDUjkEbfv6m7hXsqgYPgMq4XwyeZVMF2PTl3_d7CcBOL2d2cTtisYiVaf0jqY2cpum0E_BDH8T3VlXf9JJZ9iJ4sZt/s400/Amy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502866957551500370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">THE LORD IS GOOD!!! OH SO GOOD!!!! TO HIM BE ALL THE GLORY!!!</span></b></div><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-65686590041313061732010-08-01T18:24:00.001-05:002010-08-07T08:48:57.165-05:007/30/10<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJouA7PLu0CailHDgyZMTTSn9MHaKQieb5wrVwkPgC3yRTQy7wJ1aJhBWNESkZVVmC_oFWJ6k6h0nswwLKauBoqSN4V54Xg04hxhm-pjJmSRp2f3tlxODNwWC5RRic_1pDM4o_05JWMbs/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">7/30/10 Friday</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Meeting the children</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The sun is coming up, the dogs barking, the roosters are crowing and the chanting has begun.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Mike and I are sittin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">g here right now trying to wrap our minds around the fact that we are going to meet our 2 new children in just a few hours.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We really do not know how old they actually are, how big they will be, what will they actually look like.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We have studied the pictures over and over again, even the video that I took at our first brief encounter but still we just do not know what to expect.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">How will they react to us?</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">What will we feel when we see them?</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">OH LORD, Please Calm our anxious hearts !!!!!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We have them!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">They are with us and to quote Mike, “Could this of gone any better!”</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">They are beautiful and extremely affectionate children.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We start walking from the gate to the house, they see us and come running.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">All four of them, our 2 children and the other 2 twin girls they have been with and grown so close to at the orphanage.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am almost worried that they are too affectionate and the bonding is going too well for just the first day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Although, they have seen pictures of us and have been told all about us for sometime, you read about </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">attachment disorders</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> where the children will go and are affectionate with just about anyone never making that proper real attachment to their </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">adoptive parents</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I really am not sure if that is the case or not.</span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJouA7PLu0CailHDgyZMTTSn9MHaKQieb5wrVwkPgC3yRTQy7wJ1aJhBWNESkZVVmC_oFWJ6k6h0nswwLKauBoqSN4V54Xg04hxhm-pjJmSRp2f3tlxODNwWC5RRic_1pDM4o_05JWMbs/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502662314174478738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">From the care center in Addis we right away drove to Soddo.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We were so concerned for the children regarding the ride down there for we heard they were not use to driving in cars and would often get car sick.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We had grabbed two vomit bags from the plane just for this very reason.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">However, they were not the ones we needed to be concerned about.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Both Mike and I, pretty much the entire trip had to be looking forward out the open window, trying not to make any movement of our heads, with the good ole’ vomit bags in hand to be used at any second.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Not sure it is due to the extreme rain they have had this season but all the roads especially the ones trying to get out of Addis (which took a good hour itself) were under extreme construction or needed to be.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The huge bumps, that I was sure we were going to get stuck in any second, and the constant swirving, stopping and going, combined with the constant smell of exhaust could make anyone who was not use to this lose their breakfast.</span><span> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b> </b></p></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-71403472661013170102010-08-01T18:22:00.002-05:002010-08-07T08:36:04.396-05:007/29/10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J9VQM-UkyBr1WTQyAvUkY5e8u6cGW3TZn5AtlPZ121-hL76j1bU3Bu6xhOGDmPIHRp0nTfJmJlL209VhGE6A_XzMzJQu6o2bNFYVZtEcK9RHfiBj74ZopDkHUZM30KQSK-l572RslzC9/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhe1Vx_KsDzPG1VwUOv6E4dX29fGiSrQpFcbo7BQPVOkYB1NS85CxdjGPTWoQFfZROizzxKVL41Apq54ka8Ws0an4FrltbfUfZvWFsLTGcV_x7QAKQk9vfN5j8JPIIclW7mH36KLb1BId/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><br /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">7/29/10 Thursday Arrive in </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_0" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ethiopia</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> 10 p,m.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The flight - was completely uneventful but you forget how horribly long it is. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We left Mpls. a little late.. Probably around</span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_1" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">6pm</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> and flew to </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_2" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Amsterdam</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> where we had a about an hour and a half layover.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The Amsterdam airport </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- was ginormous.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Talk about </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">having fun people</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> watching.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It was incredible for me to see so many different people from different cultures all together.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I could not help and think again about God’s love for all of us.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It also struck me how important </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I think it is that every Christian experiences some type of</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">international Missions trip</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> at some point in their lives if possible.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I know you do not have to necessarily even travel to far from home to go beyond your own culture and bubble we live in.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But international travel, especially to a third world country really opens your eyes to just how big and diverse our world is.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It is so easy to narrow our views and perspective of life to all the things that REVOLVE AROUND US… but instead we are just a portion of something so much bigger that REVOLVES AROUND THE CREATOR OF IT ALL!!!!!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">From Amsterdam we stopped for an hour in Kartoon, </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_5" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Sudan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> to refuel, not leaving the airplane and then onto Ethiopia.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">As we were standing in the Immigration Line in the Airport</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I was flooded with emotions;</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So many things going through my mind.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It really hit home.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We are really here.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This is really happening. Some of the gush of emotions was remembering the experiences of the last trip here.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Most of which I want to block out but yet amazed to be able to look back and now see What God’s Big Plan was that I was unaware of at the time and in the midst of all the turmoil.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So glad Mike is with me right now and we were experiencing this together.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I could not imagine traveling here again with out him.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The GUESTHOUSE- is very nice.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We were greeted at the airport by 2 BFAS</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">staff,</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">loaded our stuff in a van and drove just a few miles to the </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280703854_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">guest house</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The electricity was off right when we arrived so they had candels lite and a table set for us to have dinner.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We did the all the paperwork necessary for the Embassy appointment right away including giving them our Embassy fees, then sat and had a bite to eat just the 2 of us and headed to bed. I was not sure if I would be able to sleep but I slept solidly for a good 4 – 4.5 hours, waking at about 4:30am.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J9VQM-UkyBr1WTQyAvUkY5e8u6cGW3TZn5AtlPZ121-hL76j1bU3Bu6xhOGDmPIHRp0nTfJmJlL209VhGE6A_XzMzJQu6o2bNFYVZtEcK9RHfiBj74ZopDkHUZM30KQSK-l572RslzC9/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502660314552311938" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhe1Vx_KsDzPG1VwUOv6E4dX29fGiSrQpFcbo7BQPVOkYB1NS85CxdjGPTWoQFfZROizzxKVL41Apq54ka8Ws0an4FrltbfUfZvWFsLTGcV_x7QAKQk9vfN5j8JPIIclW7mH36KLb1BId/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhe1Vx_KsDzPG1VwUOv6E4dX29fGiSrQpFcbo7BQPVOkYB1NS85CxdjGPTWoQFfZROizzxKVL41Apq54ka8Ws0an4FrltbfUfZvWFsLTGcV_x7QAKQk9vfN5j8JPIIclW7mH36KLb1BId/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502660027387940834" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></b></span></p></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-88269376304122978632010-08-01T18:06:00.004-05:002010-08-07T08:28:08.700-05:007/28/10<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN4Uz-Ueu4pJnemFNJu87jCsWyl4yGtq3KN7giXXeRjxkB1K-adT_NVrWywIQgJaUE-nbPuZRxCOZ8t8JrhP36Mqyh0OioSFlwP-yjA-SbiZzyUee0uuFt1rL9cCVPGorD5hnW0by6INL/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Hey everyone! It's Noelle here, Amy's oldest daughter. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Just posting some journal entries for my mom while they are in ethiopia. Blogger does not work there so she emailed them to me.</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">7/28/10 Wednesday FLIGHT LEAVES FOR </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280704015_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">ETHIOPIA</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> – 5:05 pm</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">As much as I have been packing and repacking for weeks you would think that I would have been so organized and had the luggage on the side of the curb just waiting to be loaded in the car when it was time to go.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unfortunately that is just NOT how it worked.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Not sure why it is always like that for me.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Such a bummer.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The night before we left our Pastor, Youth Pastor and their wives came over to pray for us. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to feel so much love and support from these people.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I really believe it is not just because they happen to be our pastors but they are truly our friends.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It was great being able to pray together, Giving Him all the Glory and Praises for what is has and is going to do and also praying that the He goes before us and paves the way and makes our paths straight!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">When they were there I felt like I was pretty set.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The bins were closed, not sealed but closed. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We were bringing our 2 carryons with our personal stuff, 1 suitcase for the kids we were shipping and 5 larger plastic bins of donations, including the 2 computers we were able to purchase from the donations from the shower we had. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Something happened between then and the time we were to leave for the airport.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I really have no idea what it was but it was NOT PRETTY. For some reason I felt the need to reorganize all the bins.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">LUKE was the official wiegher of the bins (Although I will give credit to CHASE, one of seragent sons from Rockpoint, who did step in when Luke was not available – YOU MADE THE BLOG CHASE!!!;-). I think we weighed and reweighed, reorganized and weighed again a hundred times.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">At first I wanted to reorganize so I only had to open certain bins while in Addis and certain ones in Soddo,</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But as soon as we were into that and almost done we concluded that we knew of someone that was actually leaving a week after we got back and could bring the extra bins for us.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We were allowed 2 check in bags each and were going to pay $200 for each of the extra bins we were bringing.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This realization made me panic and scramble to again reorganize everything so anything that I needed for specific individuals were packed in the bins I was bringing and not the ones I sent later.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Seriously MY PLAN was to have all the bags on the curb when Mike got home from the half day of work he put in.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I really thought I could do it.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I was fully aware that with any trip/vacation we go on there is always a bit of tension and anxiety in the house until everything is packed and in the car or even checked in at the airport. Then you add the little facts like this was a trip to AFRICA, all the extra luggage and ministry things we wanted to take advantage of, ABOVE ALL THAT THE FACT THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS WHOLE TRIP IS TO ADOPT AND BRING HOME TWO PRECIOUS LITTLE CHILDREN. I really wanted to be able to minimize that tension as much as possible.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It really was my intent.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Instead when Mike got home he arrived to a little tornado to say the least.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I had my girlfriend, Lynette over – Organizer extraordinaire-</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">One of my Favorite cousins of all times who has experience with the adoption process multiply times and been by our side through all of this from day one– and my mother</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">all running around like crazy.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We tried to act like we had it all under control but there was no fooling Mike. It did not help that Luke runs up to him says “its just out of control here!”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Oh, I am so sorry Honey! </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I really did try.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">All that said, we were at the airport, checked in and even at the gate 2 hours before our flight</span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN4Uz-Ueu4pJnemFNJu87jCsWyl4yGtq3KN7giXXeRjxkB1K-adT_NVrWywIQgJaUE-nbPuZRxCOZ8t8JrhP36Mqyh0OioSFlwP-yjA-SbiZzyUee0uuFt1rL9cCVPGorD5hnW0by6INL/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502658905552992386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-35995917604445870892010-07-26T10:16:00.005-05:002010-07-27T00:46:12.008-05:00WE ARE HEADED TO ETHIOPIA!!!!<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Apple Casual', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">WE GOT THE CALL!!!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This last Friday we were told we got the okay from the US EMBASSY in Ethiopia to travel there and BRING OUR CHILDREN HOME!!!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">WE are leaving THIS WEDNESDAY!!!!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Apple Casual"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I wanted to write some incredible entry but you know what …. I just do not have the skill or the time right now!!! I thought better to update a little than not to update at all but then I heard this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="Apple Casual"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">quote by Elizabeth Elliot, and realized even if I did have the time there is no way I could say it any better... </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><i>"I've told the Lord I want to be an obedient servant, and He shot back…. 'And are you willing to face grief and pain or whatever it takes for Me to make you that?' …. Even though I felt unable, I said, 'What choice do I have? I know too much to drop the ball now. There's no turning back.' I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid. But He has brought me this far and already my joy is unspeakable." </i></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Oh to be as eloquent as Elizabeth Elliot! I think I could write days about that single quote. It is so much of what is going on in my mind right now.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;">“What choice do I have?... I know to much to drop the ball now.”</span></i></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This journey has really been an amazing one for me. When I think about sharing the journey with others I wonder, HOW DO I EVEN BEGIN? To really be able to tell this story I have to start with the revelations that has occurred in my life. It has been in ongoing one yet one that continues to grow all the time. </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This revelation is the realization of …WHO GOD REALLY IS… WHAT HE DID FOR ME and JUST HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME.</span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I think once this really sinks in and takes grip of your heart it is then that you sit there and say… What choice do I have? I know too much to drop the ball… to turn away… to not want to bring Him glory in everything I do. This most amazing, incredible, powerfully GOD of the UNIVERSE LOVES ME, even to the point of dying for me. He chose me, to give me eternal life. He has blessed us so much, how could I say NO, Especially to something or someone HE treasures so much!!!!!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:"Apple Casual"; mso-bidi-Lucida Grande";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;"><o:p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;">“I’ll be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid.”</span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Understatement !! Now I am No Elizabeth Elliot.. Not even close. I am not going out to live in the jungle with people who may take my life or who have already taken my husbands life. I have fear nonetheless!!!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">BUT WHAT INCREDIBLE PEACE TOO!!!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="Apple Casual"font-family:";"><o:p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><i>“But He has brought me this far and already my joy is unspeakable."</i></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So excited about all that God has done already throughout this journey. And excited about all that He is going to do as we continue to walk the journey He has chosen for us!!!!!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So there it is…</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Please be praying!!!! </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> I hope to update the blog while there but I know I had trouble last time so maybe I might be handing the updating off to Noelle. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We return Wednesday the 4</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But for now.. Please continue to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">pray</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Pray</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> for safety and good health throughout the trip both for us and for the children. </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Pray</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> for an extra ordinary attachment and bonding for our entire family. </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Pray</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> that throughout the entire trip that God opens our eyes and hearts to the needs of those around us and will show us how to pray for others and meet those needs as we are able, whether that be in the airport, on the plane, at the orphanage or in the village. </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">THE LORD IS GOOD!!! OH SO GOOD!!!!!</span></b></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:'Apple Casual';"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">MAY ALL PRAISE AND GLORY GO TO HIM ALWAYS!!</span></b></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-13228689442585343712010-07-16T12:09:00.003-05:002010-07-17T02:47:40.260-05:00One step Closer!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">PAPERS ARE IN THE US EMBASSY's HANDS!!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Now what, you may ask .....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Well.... WE WAIT!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">YES, WAIT, Once again!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">The Lord really is teaching us things like patience, perseverance and submission. Word is that the US EMBASSY in Ethiopia is completely backed up. Many families that have already received their invite to go and get their children have gotten called at the last minute that their appointment times have been pushed back. Not really sure what this means for us or if this affects our agency in anyway at this time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">At this point it is solely up to US EMBASSY as to when we get to travel to Ethiopia and finally bring our children home. We are trying to trust that God's timing is perfect in all of this even though there has been so many times throughout this process I have caught myself thinking that my timing and my way would of been so much better. BUT... HE KNOWS WHAT IS BEST... not I !!! AGAIN... PEACE!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Meanwhile - It has really been amazing around here watching God prepare our hearts in such little but oh so significant ways. I think we as Americans look for those big instant life changing things. We want to see the instant miracles.. RIGHT NOW!!! And if we don't we get frustrated and begin to doubt... not realizing that God really is doing incredible things.. in His timing and His way. Again it is about PERSEVERANCE and FAITH! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Thank you GOD for the journey you have us on. Thank you for all you have done and all you are doing - even the things we are not even aware of right now. YOU ARE SO AMAZING!!!! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-80276333517391309592010-07-07T13:47:00.007-05:002010-07-07T14:19:46.835-05:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, serif; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwHuzD5cJyGrY-EBnbbtlkO2VLIVWIMkHcqcyLpJTsEcNWkcm87PhZBjTkA8F6yGWCH9-rpr0z_kppc8OISgFxODBlAB8ba-pyp8imzr2a4hLcoleAr-9njzKIpuxtP-aQ07eF81MToZC/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">SO SO SORRY!</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, serif; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwHuzD5cJyGrY-EBnbbtlkO2VLIVWIMkHcqcyLpJTsEcNWkcm87PhZBjTkA8F6yGWCH9-rpr0z_kppc8OISgFxODBlAB8ba-pyp8imzr2a4hLcoleAr-9njzKIpuxtP-aQ07eF81MToZC/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG"></a>Can you tell that school is out? Just a bit busier around here now that they are all home! Well not all of them …..YET!!!!</span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Thank you all for your phone calls and emails wanting to know what is happening and how you can be praying. The roller coaster of emotions and ups and downs with international adoption continues but at the same time I find it amazing how God continues to sustain us and we continue to lean on him and grow in our faith.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Writing all that has gone on in the last few weeks is not an easy task so bare with me.....</span></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Hearing court was delayed on the 10</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> was a big blow. But then the day after that someone close to us who also was told they were postponed to the 29</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> found out that they had passed court. This gave us a little hope that something could happen sooner. </span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Monday, June 14</span></span></span></b><sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></span></b></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> was an incredible day. Girlfriends of mine had been asking about throwing a shower for us but instead we turned it into a big SHOWER for the orphanage. It was an incredible night being able to share with others all about what God has laid on our hearts.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">My house was packed full.... Packed! It was hard to get an overall feeling of what was going on because there were so many to talk to and so much to share and so many wanted to know - I wish I had more time to share everything - but I am still trying to figure out how to even start to explain the journey that we have been on – taking a look at the last few months it really is almost unbelievable... but not even the journey of the past but how can I explain what an incredible opportunity we have before us to really make a difference - the connections - the people- the places - the need -</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I just don't know if I did or even can do it justice - I don't know how to put it into words all that God has done or the opportunities He has given us that lie ahead.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Just a few of the highlights from the SHOWER…</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">A classmate of our youngest daughter is from Ethiopia. She came with her younger sister, aunt, mother and grandmother. The grandmother brought coffee beans and roasted them over the oven .. ground them and boiled them and then did an entire coffee ceremony for us.. we were so surprised that the fire alarms did not go off due to the smoke from the incense - a bit over powering but yet so cool.</span></span></span></o:p></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sgJVWFZFeMmG1P6t3opDIE1JIoHQY1oiP2W8VYkIaaI-o-mSvR5aAnClZfPZes6q8bDWLSTbmEIieHdG4TpPRd8CkpbsjbREXfFV3qm_FkEct_NeE0c8hY1z_XjMHKxrnZKdT1OpHYtT/s200/DSC_0668.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491241562712974514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px; " /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">A special blessing of the night was that adoptive parents that I have been communicating so much with for the last few months came.. they recently adopted a 12 year old girl from Operation Rescue Ethiopia that we met when we were there last summer. Hailyn was beautiful. What a joy! I just hugged her and cried. She represented so much of what this whole journey is about.</span></span></span></o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrKJYw3dXAsmps-N3YD0fH9k2ZentG4HqztN9QOfoTCH4xc7ntP5lEQEKr114yaXdpzme0kCVePt6zFVmbc2_X6gw8eD4BnLW1ExSTb6LE4QElNbzMqv4Ee-UPVkFDuxm8RR4oyDntALk/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrKJYw3dXAsmps-N3YD0fH9k2ZentG4HqztN9QOfoTCH4xc7ntP5lEQEKr114yaXdpzme0kCVePt6zFVmbc2_X6gw8eD4BnLW1ExSTb6LE4QElNbzMqv4Ee-UPVkFDuxm8RR4oyDntALk/s200/DSC_0658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491242083131424018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Probably the highlight of the night was when everyone gathered around our family and our pastor led a time of prayer and blessing for us We could physically feel the love and support from everyone not to mention the presence of the LORD at that very moment.</span></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwHuzD5cJyGrY-EBnbbtlkO2VLIVWIMkHcqcyLpJTsEcNWkcm87PhZBjTkA8F6yGWCH9-rpr0z_kppc8OISgFxODBlAB8ba-pyp8imzr2a4hLcoleAr-9njzKIpuxtP-aQ07eF81MToZC/s200/DSC_0655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491244349648432914" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 122px; " /></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MbnjIMCw2ClBkh3oZqY56bNnX0ZJ8wAI5QYW7ujXIjb51sBPtwsk9QYSsE2-GUfzlcFCWYatBMoXjBLKadk2dU9N_2lIYbH595nz7MhfOwC0XTL2GRQCIryrkCyzpqLMtMMzLULPIS0H/s1600/DSC_0654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MbnjIMCw2ClBkh3oZqY56bNnX0ZJ8wAI5QYW7ujXIjb51sBPtwsk9QYSsE2-GUfzlcFCWYatBMoXjBLKadk2dU9N_2lIYbH595nz7MhfOwC0XTL2GRQCIryrkCyzpqLMtMMzLULPIS0H/s200/DSC_0654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491245440779264866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> It really was an amazing night. And the Lord new I needed it. That morning I had woken up really expecting to hear that we had passed court and that the shower would be a time of celebration. After all of it was over.. I realized that that it really was a time of celebration even though we were not celebrating the passing of court. We were celebrating how incredible our GOD is and the entire journey He has brought us on… The entire thing.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Now I know this might sound a little freaky to some of you. BUT, it was obvious that Satan was not happy with all that had happened that night. When God starts working … beware.. Satan will try and destroy it. There was a sense of tension in the house. Coming from all direction.. and we really had to battle through it. </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">JULY 17</span></span></b></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></b></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> - We actually found out that we </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">PASSED COURT</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. They were officially LINDAHLS! OUR CHILDREN! But even then I could tell something was not right about the way that I was feeling. The heaviness and oppression was so obvious. Here is something I wrote in my journal at the time..</span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I have not shared this with anyone ... not sure why... even hard for me to pinpoint right now... not sure that I want to be this vulnerable or open on the blog or with anyone else at this point...</span></span></i></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am not feeling right... not sure what to even say about it... I can't even think right .. I have really not slept for a week... I really should be so excited .. last night.. this morning at 3:33am we got the message .. we passed court.. they are OURS!!! Officially LINDAHLS!!!</span></span></i></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It is weird.. I don't know what to say... I don't know how I am supposed to feel. what I think I HAVE been feeling lately is... Scared to death!!!! What the heck am I doing? Am I going to be able to handle this? I can hardly handle all that God has already given me... I am really a pretty lazy person... unorganized ... and selfish. Life is going to MAJORLY CHANGE --- Am I ready? CaN I do this ? Do I even really want it to? My life is full right now.. really full.. this is going to take sacrifice, hard work, probably a bit of pain.. emotional pain... WHAT AM I BRINGING ON... ? </span></span></i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am a loving, affectionate, touch-ie feel-ie type of person.. and I fear I will not be able to love them like I should. I fear about the lack of attachment there may be... not even from them .. but from me... Am I all talk? Am I capable of loving like GOD commands us too? What if I don't like them?????? What if I don't even like MY CHILDREN?</span></span></i></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Even now I am nervous to post the feelings that I was having at that time. But as I have shared them with other adoptive parents it has been so reassuring that a lot of these feeling are pretty normal. I know it sounds crazy especially after all we had gone thru to get to that spot and yes most of it is probably due to lack of sleep but I really feel like there was a spiritual battle going on at that time.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">June 26</span></span></b></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></b></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">– the next Saturday Mike and I along with our two oldest children were suppose to load a bus and head to OHIO to a national youth convention. We were supposed to be leaders and were previously so excited about this trip but at the time we seriously considered backing out. But God knew this was exactly what we needed. Even then I feel like Satan was not going to give up.</span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The first night, just before the first session we got a call from our adoption agency that the MOWA had lost our files. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">LOST OUR FILES!</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Now I am no one to point fingers at anyone for losing things because I do it all the time. But as I had said to them.. IF I lose something… I LOOK UNTIL IT IS FOUND… SO FIND IT!!! We wanted to file for Embassy by July 1</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">st</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> and this was not going to be able to happen now.</span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Again though …. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Victory was OURS! </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Not that they found our files but I really believe God knew what we were going to need to sustain us through this new BUMP! An incredible night/week of worship and focusing on HIM and His WORD! Wow!!! Really, it was incredible. And to be able to be there with my husband and two of my children, watching them have so much fun and worshipping was such a blessing and something I am so very THANKFUL FOR! (I WILL ADD PICS HERE SOON)</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Just </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">TODAY</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> we have it confirmed that they have found the files. It would be our prayer to be able to file for Embassy as soon as possible but it may not be until the 15</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. After that we then wait for the Embassy to do their thing /research and then tell us when we are able to bring our children home. While I know we are nearing the end of this portion of the journey I also feel like this has been NO SPRINT.. But more like a MARATHON.. and if anyone ever tells you that last few miles of the marathon are the easiest…. THEY ARE LIEING! </span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Please continue to pray for us. Pray for our family as we prepare for our new little members. Pray for health and safety of those precious 2 children. They have been through so much already in their short little lives. Pray the Lord provides the proper healing that will need to take place. AND PLEASE PRAY.. for an extra-ordinary attachment and bonding between all members of our family and that God will equip us with the right wisdom and tools to accomplish this.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-1307173871058437142010-06-12T21:49:00.003-05:002010-06-12T22:13:57.468-05:00... all the TIME!!!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><b><i>The Lord is good.... all the time! </i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;">We are also doing good! Really we are ! We are not going to let Satan get us down. While some of you have called or swung by and caught me on a "not so good" moment we really are hanging in there. Sure I can cry quite easily these days but we have such amazing PEACE that all is going to work out! I seriously have nothing to complain about. A postponed court date is not a closed door just a little further journey to get to the next step. Who am I to complain? After all the author of the story really knows what He is writing and I feel so blessed to be apart of it! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;">We have been busy getting ready for a <b>SHOWER/ FUNDRAISER</b> here on Monday night! I am sooo excited about this. I love the quote from the interview previously posted, "Adoption is not the period at the end of the sentence for us." This is totally how I feel. I know this adoption is but one part of something so much bigger. The "Shower" for the orphanage our children are at, is one way to bring awareness and allow others to be apart of this journey with us. If any friends or family that have not yet heard about this but would like to swing by we would love to have you!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;"><b><i>The Lord is good .. all the TIME!!!</i></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-75314434497142081122010-06-10T09:44:00.003-05:002010-06-10T10:00:43.632-05:00COURT DATE RESCHEDULED JUNE 29th!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">It is times like these that hurt so bad and you cry out .. <b>WHY?</b> ... wanting so badly to be able to do SOMETHING!!! ... All the while needing to sit back and TRUST.. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!! HE </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">IS</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> DOING "SOMETHING" RIGHT NOW... </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">even though we do not know what exactly that could be... we need to <b>TRUST AND BELIEVE </b>it is good... even better than we could ever imagine!!!!!!</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Still the tears flow!!!!!</span></i></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-86181557641357360632010-06-09T21:41:00.005-05:002010-06-09T21:59:06.264-05:00# 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENFL1Dn0PPc0jrvg7WkWYWwn2_IShLX59qvHcVsM32HO98nxHZJcSXxN-c5KVCeKfDIedQGzSxWObsCTm9LebniOG1WoXQqiMQ4l34u-vbIxA-fkISGGYw4cBko_QypRnNF7mEdWpLO1I/s1600/wallpaperFinger1024.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENFL1Dn0PPc0jrvg7WkWYWwn2_IShLX59qvHcVsM32HO98nxHZJcSXxN-c5KVCeKfDIedQGzSxWObsCTm9LebniOG1WoXQqiMQ4l34u-vbIxA-fkISGGYw4cBko_QypRnNF7mEdWpLO1I/s320/wallpaperFinger1024.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480970798529278866" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Actually, LESS THAN......</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBNMTWRaGzRFg6tg2POeV-nnyzDTc_Y-2Z9Co5ijKvb91hHjnMXSfbDp36jfU2j1xA4tv8ap0HXgN0IBH6zGkpNyrpcUtC69sxe2D58RUVBe-tUMqqdO1ZyfUPdXSk81-oejZLgnLJqn6/s1600/10073390_24hours.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBNMTWRaGzRFg6tg2POeV-nnyzDTc_Y-2Z9Co5ijKvb91hHjnMXSfbDp36jfU2j1xA4tv8ap0HXgN0IBH6zGkpNyrpcUtC69sxe2D58RUVBe-tUMqqdO1ZyfUPdXSk81-oejZLgnLJqn6/s320/10073390_24hours.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480970235008723906" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">PLEASE BE IN PRAYER!!! Our case will be heard in the Ethiopian Courts in less than 24hours. Tonight as we are sleeping so many things have to come together and the judge will be making a decision whether we will be the forever parents of these two precious children. We have heard that there usually is a 50% chance that you pass court the first time. Please pray that the Lord directs All and His will will be done!!! May He be glorified with whatever happens!!!!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfAyqo6AQKRZnLKx8GF1tS_JjQzKrSFw_k3oqIQalzdCk1bWYbhyzKWC4e2mw5K-HqwpEyq286rC0gYLuz7PsD6861_ZYe5MyZMf30bIo1KdtDSKL9uasSMg4f_uQSnLXgZs_-8GyIWpL/s1600/wallpaperFinger1024.gif"></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-30831272603815671002010-06-08T16:29:00.002-05:002010-06-08T16:50:50.481-05:002<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaCyuW8o_3aRjNTZVY_Uj1eYrJ8OdPj_h0f-0Zu_fn203DbEHQBspsCAWDunIQPjFb1NzMrY91s1fnaRiHkvYMCDqbAVDuDZrKLQTUTfT_ODGKaeHdiDjm5Uxn5wDl2gnlIB39RyAzojW/s1600/thumbnail1.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaCyuW8o_3aRjNTZVY_Uj1eYrJ8OdPj_h0f-0Zu_fn203DbEHQBspsCAWDunIQPjFb1NzMrY91s1fnaRiHkvYMCDqbAVDuDZrKLQTUTfT_ODGKaeHdiDjm5Uxn5wDl2gnlIB39RyAzojW/s400/thumbnail1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480518371835978034" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-30571271525215935862010-06-07T17:09:00.003-05:002010-06-07T17:19:43.650-05:003 - Labor Pains????<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5czJpPPfbUBr1xALI0E7e7xivSoHgvJBDjQa40TwO82Co4P-TvHTlfWIMcmME31WOCjquz0r5dbyXWSlEwOOUBhpK6p9CyYwwe2I_q_y3GQAyaoceBRXSjA4wPTtpI0hv_9kJ_xCR36iE/s1600/2805493353_5d344714bf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5czJpPPfbUBr1xALI0E7e7xivSoHgvJBDjQa40TwO82Co4P-TvHTlfWIMcmME31WOCjquz0r5dbyXWSlEwOOUBhpK6p9CyYwwe2I_q_y3GQAyaoceBRXSjA4wPTtpI0hv_9kJ_xCR36iE/s320/2805493353_5d344714bf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480157469394261762" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">Labor Pains are kicking in!!!!!! Coming off such a busy weekend into a crazy busy week and I am starting to feel the anxiety and stress kick in. I initially missed number 4 of the count down and was not going to post today either until a got the sweetest call from my husband letting me know I missed yesterday and that today WAS #3!!! Yes - Mr. "Not so sure about this Blog thing" himself. Can I just say... that I may be feeling the crunch and labor pains of the upcoming events but I have the best coach and partner ever to stick through all of this with me .. thick or thin!!! He was incredible during the delivery of all 4 kids, and although this is a different kind of labor there is no one I would rather have by my side at this time!!! LOVE YA HONEY!!!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">THREE IT IS!!!! </span></span></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6216696063219256580.post-39666062252705995102010-06-07T17:06:00.000-05:002010-06-07T17:20:54.154-05:004<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwozWsQTtH-51fZTwFY4MP83IJa5yUoZMuGwer69oXV_RyRSk8hCGzfo4p218ThK-ddxnP_bLmDCbMOtJI3y_0L-IbETLU8bLpRvYwI5QyLya2kQ-XKntrVNzZZqtvHwhpWB8XZYm5YnhO/s1600/7337271_ead81b790c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwozWsQTtH-51fZTwFY4MP83IJa5yUoZMuGwer69oXV_RyRSk8hCGzfo4p218ThK-ddxnP_bLmDCbMOtJI3y_0L-IbETLU8bLpRvYwI5QyLya2kQ-XKntrVNzZZqtvHwhpWB8XZYm5YnhO/s320/7337271_ead81b790c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480157157668099410" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407793647772517827noreply@blogger.com0