Let's Get Back to What's Important--Doing Christmas Differently

Hair Care Highlight

As we ponder and pray about adopting a girl from Ethiopia, I have been increasingly interested in how in the world to do African girls' hair. Can I do it? Will I have enough time? What will it look like? Although this won't be our deciding factor on whether to adopt again or not, it can be a little intimidating to think about. I stumbled across this website that eased my "hair fears". She even has video demos on how to do each type of braid or twist. So cool! For all of you who are in the same boat regarding hair phobia, check this site out! It's called Shuruba--African Hair Products & Accessories.

Spreading the Word of Hope

As most of you know, it is Orphan Sunday on Nov. 8th. Our church celebrated it early (this past Sunday) due to Veterans Day coming up. (Since we live in a town with an Air Force Base, we make it a priority to honor the troops whenever we can. So we will be honoring troops & veterans this coming Sunday). After drawing our pastors' attention to Orphan Sunday, they decided to highlight our family and another adoptive family on the same day at both church campuses for all 3 services each. We were given the opportunity to share how we came to the decision to adopt, how it has impacted our family specifically, and if an "average joe" can do it. I felt honored and humbled to be part of this important ministry. I shy away from "the spotlight" and attention drawn to me or my family, but this wasn't about ME. This was about the hurting & lonely children all around the world that need a family to love them, tuck them in at night, teach them about the love of Jesus, and care for their needs. So I didn't mind getting up in front of hundreds of people to highlight the need. After the brief "interview", the pastors played a video highlighting the plight of orphans in Uganda and the ministry our church body supports called New Hope Uganda (www.newhopeuganda.org). Members from our church will be going on a short-term mission to Uganda in May. I'm not sure if God will allow us to go this year or not, but regardless, it is so neat to see God moving in other people's hearts for those in need on the other side of the world. Praise God!

We have another exciting opportunity this Sunday to meet with several families who are interested in adoption and answer any questions and calm any fears they may have. Please pray for us this Sunday (as well as for those advocating for orphans in churches all across America) that God can use us for His Glory and His purposes in drawing attention to those who have long been forgotten, neglected or unable to be cared for by their parents living in poverty, disease, and worn-torn situations--the orphans of this world.

Harvest Party & Halloween