A Long Obedience

Happy Gotcha Day!

2010-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, we laid eyes on our beautiful little boy and held him for the first time. What a year it has been! It's gone by in a flash! We feel so blessed that God gave you to us on this day 1 year ago, Gabba Goo! We love you!

Here we are now, 1 year later, as one big happy family!

The Truth about God

2010-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Get ready for some hard truths, but then revel in the Truth of who God is! This post was a HOME RUN!! Check it out here.

Call to Action

2010-04-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

We need your help. Sign the petition after reading here.

CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!

2010-04-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

I love these tees, and I also love her other artwork. Go here to enter the Giveaway Contest and check out her stuff!

Watch for more modeling soon (once my order comes in)!

The Gospel in Action!

2010-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Truly inspiring. Found this from a fellow blogger's site .

Beautiful photography, but even more beautiful servanthood.

"Whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me." Matthew 25:40

My Shining Stars

2010-04-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

My oldest son serenaded me this morning with this little tune after just learning it on his own minutes before. Amazing! I think we have a "natural musician" on our hands! He's already great at piano, but I guess I need to enroll him in guitar lessons too!

My youngest son is becoming more and more verbal as the weeks pass. He is so cute with his newly forming words to his most favorite song--"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". I just had to share!

(I know, I know... it seems like he LIVES in this chair. Not true. It's just the only time he sits still long enough to be recorded!)

And I just had to show off my latest purchase. Isn't it so cute?! (Of course the model is pretty darn cute, too!) Go to 147millionorphans to get yours and help feed an orphan in Uganda!

Is God Talking? How do I know?

2010-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Love this post from an inspirational, Godly woman. It was so good, I wanted to share with those of you who don't already read her blog. It's called "How to Hear God Speak--Part 1"over at "A Place Called Simplicity". Good stuff!!

Birthday Girl

2010-04-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 10th Birthday to our firstborn daughter, Emma. Now she is "double digits" and so excited to be growing up despite the directives we keep giving her to "STOP GROWING"!
What a fun-filled day it was!

THIS is what we woke up to this birthday morning...A Winter Wonderland!!

This was our gift to her....a bike with GEARS so she can keep up with the rest of us!

Five hours at Boondocks went by FAST! WHEWW!!

Fun was had by all!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

It's Friday....

2010-04-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Beautiful

2010-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, I want to always be mindful of the beauty that is Christ. His life. His ministry. His words. His love. His sacrifice. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb! Thank you Jesus for paying the price for me.

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

2010-03-31T20:22:00.001-07:00

What a sweet hubby I have....these were sent "just because"! I love those kinds of surprises! And I sure love my man!

Birthday Boy & Dedication

2010-03-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Gabriel's 2nd birthday (his very first b-day with his new family) on Sunday and had him dedicated at church the same day. What a testimony of God's divine will. Gabe's story, his joy and just his sheer existence in our lives has touched so many already. There wasn't a dry eye in the church!

Empowering Women Through Design

2010-03-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this inspiring video I first saw on Emily's blog. I love seeing women across the world using their gifts and talents and being rightly compensated for it. The proceeds go directly to the women who actually made the product! No middle man! No giant corporation getting a cut! Pure, simple FAIR trade. Check Raven + Lily out!

Raven+Lily: EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH DESIGN from raven and lily on Vimeo.

Things that Bring Me Joy...

2010-03-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

No more bashing of self....it's not healthy. I just thought I needed to share the previous post to begin taking off the mask. Now I would like to change gears and share some of the things that bring me JOY. I hardly ever participate in those questionnaires my friends pass along to find out my favorite color, my favorite food, where my cell phone is right now, etc. etc. I wanted to make up my own list of things I find WONDERFUL. So if you really care, continue reading. (But, I'm really doing this for myself to remind me of how many gifts God has given me and to remember how wonderful life CAN be. I tend to get so bogged down in the atrocities of the world, the ugliness of people, and the pain that comes with life that I forget too easily the beauty all around).

So, here are a few of my favorite things:

big cumulus clouds floating in a sea of blue sky

snow-capped mountains; clean crisp air; spring starting to emerge as baby buds pushing away the cold

new life: a newborn baby, crocus in spring, a soul coming to know her Savior

my child unlocking the world of learning through the gift of reading

a tiny hand grasping my finger

a toddler's hugs around my neck

little fingers combing through my hair

the smell of freshly baked ANYTHING (bread, cookies, donuts...AHHHH, happiness)

listening to a songbird sing to her lover

hearing the trickle of a mountain spring

watching the sky explode with vibrant warmth at sunset

eating a delicious meal with a glass of wine, candlelight and my high-school sweetheart

watching the grace and beauty of dancers on stage who float on air

the drama of a symphony or the whisper of a sole violin

hearing my children play piano and liking it

leaves morphing into blazes of fire in fall

sweats, blanket and a good book to snuggle down to on a cold, rainy, quiet day

speeding down a powdery slope with the sunshine glinting off the diamond-flecked snow

riding a four-wheeler in the lush green mountains of Kauai

skating along on a jet-ski across water smooth as glass

movies that make me think long after the credits have rolled away

the beauty of words on a page that paints like Rembrandt in your mind--richly textured and so lifelike

the smell of freshly ground Ethiopian coffee beans

the healing power of a good swedish massage (body, mind & soul)

the flood of the Holy Spirit washing over me while worshiping in the presence of God

the knowledge that I am a child of God, dearly loved and blessed beyond measure

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy". ~Psalm 126:3

I think I need to make this a regular occurrence. I sure do see life a whole lot differently when I take the time to think about and list the things that bring me joy. It's good balm for the soul.... You should try it, too!

Getting MORE Real...(PART 2)

2010-03-05T11:14:00.001-08:00

Ok. So I recognize that I also become a little preachy at times and STILL do not reveal much detail of myself. I may need to be a little more specific in my "transparency" to effectively speak to others in the same boat. So, although my last post opened the window to my soul just a crack, I may need to open it a little further to the point of PAIN so that others may heal.

Here goes:

i suffer from depression and have to take medication for it. (Failure as a Christian? Not enough Faith? or just a broken person who has the courage to recognize it as a disease/chemical imbalance and get help for it)

NOTE: Thanks to Sheila Walsh, author of I'm Not Wonder Woman But God Made Me Wonderful! and other dear people in my life who have given me the courage to speak up about this disease. It's not something I have control over or can just "gut it up" "get over" or "think positive thoughts" to overcome. God MAY choose to deliver me from it and He MAY NOT. In the meantime, I pray, educate myself (and others) and praise God for modern medicine.

i am a poor communicator when talking to others (Good listener? or just afraid to speak up for fear of showing my flaws)

i hate to clean but do so only when someone is coming over

i hate to cook and plan out meals---way too time consuming

i don't enjoy playing with the kids (Candyland, ugh! Barbies, ugh! Uno-- not so much) but i'll do it if i HAVE to

INSTEAD, i spend way too much time on the computer reading blogs & emails rather than doing housework, meal planning, cooking or playing with the kids

i hate crafts

i get nervous in social settings and would rather just be a fly on the wall, unnoticed but observing

i am scared to fly in airplanes ---ONLY GOD got me to Ethiopia & back without a nervous breakdown

i'm lazy....if i can't do something GREAT or all the way, then i don't even want to try--thus my house is always a mess or I end up spending hours and hours and hours getting every dust speck off--All or Nothing! (symptom of perfectionism)

i'm a homeschool drop-out (taught Sonlight Curriculum from Pre-school to 3rd Grade with first 2 kids and then got too frustrated with toddlers interrupting and kids not focusing. I MAY try again with my next 2 who are approaching pre-school age).

i have a temper (but doing much better with self-control lately)

i desire approval of others more than i would care to admit (Let me elaborate: My husband has a prestigious job, is well-known and well loved for what he does, and i sometimes feel invisible and insignificant, having no identity other than being Dr. Pruitt's wife. i want to stand out in my own way and approved of for who I am, on my OWN merit, but I feel it gets a little self-centered at times).

PHEWW!! There, now I REALLY feel exposed, RAW & REAL!

I'm sure there are many more things I can pull out of my "Vulnerability Closet", but my palms are sweaty and I'm not sure if I'll have the courage to press "Publish" if I don't just do it now.

Just know that I am praising God for giving me His Word so that I can put off the old self and put on the new....ever changing, ever growing as I learn to be a Christ-imitator. I'll leave you with this verse & quote that Sheila Walsh highlighted in her book (mentioned above)

"So if we say we have fellowship with God, but we continue living in darkness, we are liars and do not follow the truth. But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (NCV)

"When the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of change, then you will change." --Anonymous

HE LOVES US DESPITE OUR FLAWS!! HALLELUJAH!!

Getting Real (PART 1)

2010-03-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

If you follow this blog at all, you know I don't share much about myself. I am usually promoting someone else's words of wisdom, words of encouragement, words of conviction, etc. I have been challenged by the blogger at Storing Up Treasures to stop "faking it," or as I am calling it "getting real". I am only doing this in the hopes that it encourages someone else out there who, like me, feels insignificant, unimportant, inadequate at times. I am not writing this so that I can sound eloquent (which I'm not) or to promote myself or my words (far from it) OR even to be "bashing" myself. I am just trying to show a vulnerable side of myself that you haven't seen because I haven't let you in. The desire to hide is a result of my disease called "perfectionism". I don't want to show my flaws or have you really "see" me and then not like me. What I have been learning over the years as a believer in Christ is that PRAISE GOD I don't have to be perfect! I don't have to have it all together. I don't have to be the Super Mom I strive to be but fail at miserably. I struggle with patience like every one else...I struggle with the weight of responsibility that comes with being a good parent like everyone else. I often wonder if what I'm teaching my children is going to be helpful or harmful in their lives down the road? Is my example going to be a good one or a bad one? Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes it's no. And it's OK because "...love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)

What I do know is that I am called to live my life for Christ. That means I am called to die to self, to recognize that I AM NOT PERFECT, never will be and need a savior who is. He covers all my sins, all my flaws, all my imperfections. I just need to walk in obedience to what He has called me to do, and let Him take care of the "how it's going to all turn out" part. (Taking Beth Moore's study called Esther--It's Tough Being a Woman" where we just talked about this concept).

I sometimes gain more insight, comfort and encouragement from those blogger moms (and in-person moms) who are willing to "put it all out there", be vulnerable and REAL. Why can't I be that for someone else? Well, here is a small attempt at doing just that....so that someone else can benefit and revel in the fact that "when we are weak, He is strong!" Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 12: 7-10. He is talking about "the thorn in his side" which he pleaded with the Lord to remove. But Jesus replied, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

What is MY thorn? My thorn is self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy & insecurity. Perfectionism creates "accomplishment- driven" thinking, and when I don't feel I have accomplished anything, I don't feel adequate, like I don't measure up to my own standards. The TRUTH is, God is pleased with me no matter what I do. He LOVES me in spite of my imperfections, in spite of my failures, in spite of my self-centered pride. "While we were STILL SINNERS, He died for us." (Romans 5:8) Go here for more elaboration on the depth of Christ's love for us in spite of our weaknesses. I have written in the back of my bible this quote from Chuck Swindoll so that I would never forget it. He said, "Not until we come to the end of our own strength does God do His best work." Amen!

I hope that this post in some way helps someone else out there who may be struggling with these issues. If so, I encourage you to step out of hiding, be vulnerable, and share your thoughts. It is very therapeutic and freeing! Join the revolution!

Creating a Culture of Adoption

2010-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Dr. Purvis is an expert on attachment and sensory processing methods, and she wrote a wonderful book called The Connected Child. All you Gladney adoptive families (and many of you other adoptive families) are probably very familiar with her from the required education videos &/or conferences, or from reading her book. Here is a short video about how we, as THE CHURCH, are called to minister and to create a culture of adoption in our communities. I love how she emphasizes creating a culture of healing, a culture of acceptance, and a culture of unconditional love--as God loves us. Thanks to Amy at Building the Blocks for this video post.

Creating a Healthy Adoption Culture in Your Church from Tapestry on Vimeo.

Dads 4 Adoption

2010-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

From the Oatsvall Team ( founders of 147Millionorphans.com)

My Little Ethiopian Superman!

2010-02-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

Check out Mama Enat's handiwork if you want one of these cozy little blankets. (They come in a smaller "snuggle" size, too).

Featured Book--Forgotten Girls by Strom & Rickett

2010-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

Opening my eyes to the plight of women around the world....

For those who want to make a difference in a girl's life now, this is a great place to start learning about the needs & how you can use your gifts & talents to help meet those needs. Creating awareness is the first step. Pass it on!!

Review
"This is a moving and inspiring collection of personal stories about real girls from Asia to Africa surviving violence, abuse, discrimination and injustice . . . and the role of God's hand in turning lives of desperation into lives of hope. Strom and Rickett make the facts and sociocultural realities of their worlds come alive, and they challenge us to question our own assumptions about whether or not any single person can make a difference. . . . Everyone's help is needed to truly end this oppression and abuse." --Dean Hirsch, president, World Vision International

Product Description
Think of the little girls you know: your daughter, a niece, a friend's child.

And then think about this: little girls are tossed away every day.

All over the world, women and girls face

* starvation
* displacement
* illiteracy
* sexual exploitation
* abuse

In fact, statistics show that the world's most oppressed are overwhelmingly female.

Moved by their plight, Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett took a trip across continents to partner with ministries working to help females and to interview girls in some of the most difficult places in the world.

These pages hold those girls' stories: stories of deep pain and suffering, inspiring courage, and incredible hope. They are the stories of girls who have discovered their value in God's eyes, in the midst of cultures that have rejected them. They are stories of rescue and redemption by God working through compassionate people--people like you.

These pages might hold pieces of your story as well, as the authors invite you to pray and speak on behalf of the millions of women and girls who still need to know how much they're worth. For each of the five sections of the book--physical suffering, education, sexual protection, prison and war, and spiritual life--the authors provide specific, practical action steps and prayer points that allow you to get involved as God leads.

Opening these pages will open your eyes to situations you couldn't imagine, to places you've probably never been and to young girls--not so different from the ones you know--who are dearly loved by God. And our powerful God will help us as we read, speak and pray on their behalf, that the forgotten might become free.

6 Months Today/ The Call of Christ

2010-02-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Today marks exactly 6 months from the day we were officially PLACED to be Gabriel's parents (called Date of Placement on our forms). Our GOTCHA DAY was the day I got to hold him in my arms for the very first time (2 days prior). I wanted to commemorate this day with a picture of mommy & Gabe on GOTCHA DAY and post another moving video I found on Emily's blog entitled "The Call of Christ". Is Christ calling YOU to step out and "die to self"? Are you called to serve "the least of these"? Check out this ministry Visiting Orphans to see where you might be used by God to do just that.

Mens Cross Country Skiing: Robel Teklemariam

2010-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Although he finished 93rd out of 95 competitors yesterday, Robel is still a hero to Ethiopia! Check out this article and the following video. It's not everyday that you see an Ethiopian Cross Country Olympian Skiier!

Good News!

2010-02-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Dear friends of ours, who happen to be one of the teaching pastors & his wife from our church, are officially on the paper chase trail with Gladney for Ethiopia adoption!! Yea God!

Bring on the SNOW BALL effect!!

Perfect Valentine's Gift--Suubi

2010-02-01T12:34:00.001-08:00

Timely Words of Wisdom

2010-01-21T12:38:00.001-08:00

I got on the John Piper website to listen to his sermons on adoption, and I discovered this nugget of encouragement that I wanted to share. It spoke to me in many ways and I needed to hear these words of wisdom today. I could probably stand to hear them on a daily basis. Anybody else with me?

Enjoy!

Orphans in Haiti

2010-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our hearts ache for the people of Haiti. Orphans are highlighted now more than ever. Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Good can come from calamity. But would adopting a child from Haiti be prudent at this time of crisis? Please read these two posts (from Sarah who is an advocate for Children's HopeChest and Gina who works for World Orphans) that describe both the tug to "save a life" and the need to WAIT. Biological families need to be found and reunited. That might take time.

Pray for God's leading in this matter, and in the meantime, find a place to help the people of Haiti. The above posts mention a few places. Samaritan's Purse is another organization that has been working hard in immediate, tangible ways since the day of the earthquake.

Remember...microgiving can make a MACRO difference!

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!!

2010-01-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

As we are all enjoying our "day off" (or at least some of us are), let's not forget why we are celebrating this day. It has always been an inspirational day and one I am very grateful for--- to remember such a courageous man who advocated for such a huge change in our American culture, but now it has become more personal. Now we are even more aware of the obstacles and the challenges African Americans were (and still are) up against. Now we will need to educate others on a personal level because of the color of our son's skin. I thank God for courageous men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who aren't afraid to fight for what is right, noble, just, EQUAL---a human right!

Here is a post from a dear friend of mine who has 3 children--1 bio and 2 African/American children. She says it so well!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." These words begin the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Although these words were included, we all know it would be many years before this would actually be true for African Americans and women. Because Dr. King had a dream and was courageous to be the voice for so many, we can now say our government recognizes and upholds these words for ALL people. Unfortunately, the hearts and minds of many individual people has not changed. I encourage you to stand up in the gentle, peaceful and unrelenting way the Dr. King did. We should not deny each of us our God given differences, but we should also not use those difference to divide. I ask you to honor one man and his dream today. I thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. for making it possible for all my children to stand firm in their right of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Another great post to check out is Emily's who highlights "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Sterns. Check out her whole post.

Hope for Orphans by FamilyLife

2010-01-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in starting an orphan ministry in your church in the future but aren't sure where to start, check out this video produced by the people from FamilyLife through the ministry called Hope for Orphans. Join us in praying for how we can spread the word of HOPE to "the least of these" through the Body of Christ---our local churches!

Big Art Give-Away

2010-01-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

If you haven't seen it already, go to this website to check out some wonderful watercolor originals & prints made for adoptive families. A percentage of the proceeds are going towards the Kolfe Youth Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Very cool!

Survivor's Guilt...

2010-01-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

....is something I have just a taste of.

(Disclaimer: I don't usually write about what's swirling around in my head because frankly you wouldn't really want to know or be interested, but I have the need to get this out and "on paper" so to speak. Forgive me if I don't make sense. Another blogger friend Sarah put it so much more eloquently than I ever could, so check out this post, but I thought I would give it a whirl and write down in my own words what I mean).

Let me explain....

Some days are better than others, but MANY days I am slammed with the reality and the question of WHY? Why was I born in America where everything is so readily available, easily accessible, quickly attainable, instantly consumable (you get the point), while millions around the world were born in a place where they can barely survive on scraps. Where having 1 pair of shoes would be miraculous--a Godsend.

Where an occasional piece of meat would be treasured. Where fresh, clean water would be something to rejoice about.
Where a home and a family is only dreamt about in fairy tales. It breaks my heart!! It's NOT FAIR!! What can I do about it? How can I justify all my "stuff-- all my time spent buying stuff, saving for stuff, trying to get rid of stuff, managing stuff, fixing stuff, organizing stuff, giving stuff, etc. etc. when others have NOTHING?!! How can I plan trips to Disneyland (not this year) or trips to the zoo, or piano lessons or dance lessons without feeling extravagant or guilty? My perspective is all skewed. It is so hard to live in America now that I have seen. It is so hard to take my kids to fun places without feeling like that money could go towards saving a life, towards giving the "barest of necessities". How do I live in two juxtaposed worlds? How do I find peace, a balance? Although my husband and I now give more than we ever have to wonderful organizations like Drawn from Water, Compassion International , charity:water(not bragging....really!....), I still don't feel like it's enough! Because it's not. What is God calling me to do, then?

I think God is telling me #1 that I cannot control this situation. I cannot solve world hunger, the orphan crisis, famine, disease, etc. I AM NOT IN CONTROL!! HE is. What He wants from me is a willing heart to do something....anything. To have compassion for those who are poor and needy. To show love. To pray more. To tell others of the need. To not get so bogged down in the world's suffering that I am no good to my husband or kids. To have joy, show joy, create joy for others. To do what I can, but know that He is taking care of it all. He's got it all under control, whether I like it or not. HE HAS A PLAN! His ways are NOT my ways. I can't FIX the world. I can do something, however, no matter how small I feel it is. It is something. Writing this blog is something very small, but it is something. Adopting an orphan seems small, but it is something. Giving to good charities is small, but it is something.

If we all did SOMETHING small, ("micro-giving" as they say at Hope Mongers), the world would change in a HUGE way!

So, I guess I should amend the title from "Survivor's Guilt" to "Survivor's Conviction"---food for thought.

Pray with me:

Father in Heaven,
Thank you for opening my eyes to the needs of the world outside my own little bubble. Thank you for allowing me to be used by You for Your glory. Help me not to try to control things by trying to "figure it all out", by trying to see how I can FIX this world-- thus making me feel so overwhelmed and so weighed down with sadness that I am frozen & ineffective in life. It's not my job to fix it. I know the suffering will not be "fixed" until your Son's return. Thank you for that. Thank you for allowing us a "second chance", a chance to have Eternal Life with You through the suffering of Your Son, Jesus. Help me to spread that Hope of a Second Chance to others. Help me to see the need & act on it, but ask for your guidance and strength every step of the way. Help me to encourage others to do the same. Lord, I ask for healing on this suffering world. I ask for mercy. I ask for peace. I ask for a stirring in fellow believer's hearts to rise up to the injustices, to ACT on behalf of those who have no voice. No choice. No chance at survival without other's help. No one to protect them. No hope without You. Let us be lights for You in the darkness. Help us, Lord. Give us courage & strength to act. Show us where you want us to go. Let us be used by You.

In Jesus' precious name,
Amen

Ethiopian Christmas--Jan. 7th

2010-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to the beautiful people of Ethiopia! Check out this wonderful slideshow presented by the BBC with commentary and read about their Christmas traditions here.

Melkam Gena!!!

Merry (Belated) Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

World AIDS Day---TODAY!!

2009-12-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Check out this post for information and inspiration on how to make a difference to someone with HIV (from a fellow soon-to-be adoptive mom).

Also, one of my new favorite authors and humanitarian has some great ideas on how to be proactive. Watch his video on AIDS in Africa. Check out the 5 for 50 site here.

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

2009-11-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hair Care Highlight

2009-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-27T09:13:00.001-07:00

More Family Pics

2009-10-26T10:24:00.001-07:00

Family Fun--Pictoral Update

2009-10-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

On Their Own

2009-10-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what happens to the children who "age-out" and are no longer adoptable? The outlook is grim, but there IS HOPE! We can do something. Check out this video sponsored by Gladney Center for Adoption. Get involved! These children need us.

Answer the Call to Help the Least of These

2009-10-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Drawn From Water, Adopt from Drawn From Water on Vimeo.

Shopping for a Good Cause

2009-10-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Holiday shopping time is here! What better way to spend money than to buy gifts that give two-fold. Give a wonderful, handmade gift to a friend, family member or co-worker, and know that the proceeds are going to either an orphange &/or the poor beggars in Ethiopia (check out this blog for CUTE stuff like the threads Gabriel is sporting), or towards women in Uganda working to sustain a livelihood and improve their community (check out www.suubiafrica.org).

BTW: Gabriel could be a model, huh?! (This will be the closest he gets to modeling as long as I call the shots, however).

Per Director's Request---Angels in the Dust Director's Cut

2009-10-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Loise Hogarth, the director of "Angels in the Dust" requested I post the "director's trailer" version of her wonderful, heartbreaking, must-see movie. She also would like others to check out these bracelets women from South Africa make. Please go to http://www.orphanbracelet.org/ to help out orphans and mothers. Also, rent the movie. It is so well done.

Good & Faithful Servants

2009-10-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Breakthroughs.....

2009-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

I may never know the trauma my little boy experienced at an early age while in the countryside of Ethiopia. Who knows what creatures stalked him &/or his family day or night. (I've heard that hyenas are prevalent in the villages). Our first inclination that things were not right was seeing his extreme fear of cute and cuddly toys like baby dolls, stuffed animals, "Little People", smiling cars with eyes, etc. Things we thought he would love to play with just set off screams of fear and trembling in our child. Needless to say, he freaked out when he laid eyes on our two large dogs for the first time. He is slowly becoming OK with them in the house as long as they keep their distance. He is also realizing that the dolls are not real (although they do look alive), the toys are just plastic, and the stuffed animals won't hurt him. I remind him occasionally by tapping on the dolls' head and hands to show how hard they are and then tap on his soft, warm arm to show him the difference. This worked wonders. Our breakthrough moment was today during playtime with big sister. This video says it all! (He's also saying quite a few words). Way to go Gabriel! We are so proud of you! You have conquered one of your fears! Now I pray that his nighttime fears dissipate and his sometimes restless, noisy dreaming subsides.

Orphan Sunday--Nov. 8, 2009

2009-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Spread the word. Share with your church community. Get involved.

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Highlight of My Day

2009-09-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

.....watching my white baby & my black baby jammin' to Toby Mac's "One World" in the car. LOVE IT!!! (sorry, no pic, but enjoy this video)

Angels in the Dust

2009-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

My husband & I watched this documentary over the weekend....and we are forever changed. This is reality for so many in Africa. If you are looking for perspective, this movie will give it to you.

Things I Don't Want to Forget

2009-09-16T09:09:00.001-07:00

Using all 5 senses, I wanted to jot down some of the things I want (or need) to remember about our trip to Ethiopia. Since smell is the most potent "memory jolter", I will start there.

Unforgettable Smells:
exhaust from the blue buses
roasting coffee beans at the coffee ceremony
rain
mildew
shea butter after bathtime

Unforgettable Tastes:
rich, chocolaty ethiopian coffee
sour injera
spicy wat
potent honey wine
bitter, hoppy ethio beer
tasty ramen noodles
dairy-free choc. b-day cake for nicki
chalky pepto tablets

Unforgettable Sounds:
pterydactyl crows outside window
screaming babies
barking dogs/howling cats
crowd cheering in middle of night (running)
steady, relaxing rain
car honking at gate, carrying our son for our first meeting
children's sweet voices singing for bread and for Ethiopian New Year during coffee ceremony
african drum beat at traditional dinner/dance
ipod music to put me to sleep on plane
first time Gabriel said "momma" and really meant me
first time Gabriel said "daddy" and really meant husband
first time Gabriel said siblings' names
first time Gabriel said extended family's names

Unforgettable Sights:
Gabriel's face in person
all the poverty
children begging on streets
black exhaust
blue buses
beautiful red & green plants at Bejoe House
beautiful people everywhere
beautiful art in the gallery and at gentleman's studio
circular mall
u.s. embassy
Gladney Care Centers
children's clothes hanging on lines and laying on pallet
boy's orphanage
"yard" of beer
dancer's unbelievably flexible neck, doing the head swing
traditional dancers
joy & hope amidst the poverty

Unforgettable Touch:
Gabriel's smooth buttery skin the first time I held him in my arms
the wettness of his leaky diaper on our first encounter
the cool dampness of the Ethiopian air
the cleansing rain
the gentle touch of Gabriel's "special mom" as she dons earrings and necklace for me as a gift
the pain in my heart for the beautiful people and the innocent children
the warmth & giddiness in my heart when we were reunited with our family at the airport

I praise God for all 5 senses and for Him allowing us this amazing, heartbreaking, life-changing experience!

Our Trip Across the World And Back

2009-09-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pray for Rain

2009-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

This video is a news broadcast in Southern Ethiopia. This is where our son was born. This was to be his future.....

Please lift his people up in prayer today (and every day) and be mindful of the many blessings we have here in America. How can we share these blessings? God will give you the answer.

Featured Videos

2009-09-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Until I can put together a video documenting our OWN trip to Ethiopia, here are some special videos I found on YouTube and wanted to share. Grab kleenex.

got coffee?

2009-08-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here's one easy & practical way to help orphans....drink Gobena coffee! YUM!

My Hero on Earth

2009-08-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

WARNING: This blog is very convicting. Please pray for Katie & her ministry, and then ask God how we can be used to ACT in practical, tangible ways. These things should not BE. These things should not have to happen to innocent children. Yes, suffering is part of life on this broken world, and yes, there is hope in Christ who will end ALL suffering, but there are things we in WEALTHY America can do NOW to help stop these attrocities. Please be on your knees. I know I will be. And read Katie's blog at www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

We're Home!

2009-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Although we're still recuperating, things are going EXTREMELY well! We have such a love bug! Gabriel is a happy, easy-going little guy. Although nap time and night time are a little hard, he's slowly gaining trust and exhibiting less fear. The kids are so in love with him and he with them. Praise God for such a smooth transition so far!

Taking Risks

2009-08-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

I needed to share my thoughts in this post as we prepare for our departure in only 5 days. I have been reading John Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life". Last night I read a very timely chapter called "Risk is Right--Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It". As some of you may or may not know, I struggle with the "fear of flying". It stretches me out of my comfort zone and I tend to worry irrationally about it. Having young children that are relying on us to raise them and take care of them amplifies my fears. I know they will be in good hands and will NEVER be abandoned or alone, but I want to always be there for them (God willing). I know these are not uncommon thoughts and fears. I constantly give it to God and try to think rationally that all will be well. After all, so many families have gone and come back just fine! Obviously I struggle with letting go of control and trusting God to take care of the details of life. But reading John Piper's take on it made me feel better about the adventure we are embarking on. Here is an excerpt from his book that I wanted to share:

What is Risk?
I define risk very simply as an action that exposes you to the possibility of loss or injury. If you take a risk you can lose money, you can lose face, you can lose your health or even your life. And what's worse, if you take a risk, you may endanger other people and not just yourself. Their lives may be at stake. Will a wise and loving person, then, ever take a risk? Is it wise to expose yourself to loss? Is it loving to endanger others? Is losing life the same as wasting it?
It depends. Of course you can throw your life away in a hundred sinful ways and die as a result. In that case, losing life and wasting it would be the same. But losing life is not always the same as wasting it. What if the circumstances are such that NOT taking a risk will result in loss and injury? It may not be wise to play it safe. And what if a successful risk would bring great benefit to many people, and its failure would bring harm only to yourself? It may not be loving to choose comfort of security when something great may be achieved for the cause of Christ and for the good of others.

I am remembering Matthew 6:25, 31-33--"Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ....do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'...your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

I hope this is helpful for all of you other fellow EX-"worry worts" out there! God has it all under control. Just hang on and enjoy the ride!

God's Mission--by Max Lucado

2009-08-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

God's Mission:
Adoption by Max Lucado

When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God's justice and love are equally honored. And you, God's creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn't end with God's forgiveness.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God (Rom. 8:15–16 NASB).

But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Gal. 4:4–5 NASB).

It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home. He takes you home to the Great House of God.

Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. I certainly don't mean to offend any biological parents—I'm one myself. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came. In fact, sometimes the child came with no decision. I've heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I've never heard of an unplanned adoption.

That's why adoptive parents understand God's passion to adopt us. They know what it means to feel an empty space inside. They know what it means to hunt, to set out on a mission, and take responsibility for a child with a spotted past and a dubious future. If anybody understands God's ardor for his children, it's someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us.

God has adopted you. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home.

Leaving in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!!

2009-08-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

So, for all of you concerned about my anxiety, I have been practicing deep breathing ever since Friday morning's call. Details are coming together. Our flight is booked (with Emirates), our lodging is booked (at Bejoe' House), paperwork is mostly done, humanitarian aid items are collected (almost), many other items are purchased for the trip just waiting for me to organize and pack into suitcases. I'm feeling on top of things so far. Now I just pray I don't overpack, which is my tendency! The best news of all is that rather than feeling dread and anxiety about the flight, I have a giddy excitement to finally get to go pick up our son! It will be not only a good time away from life's stresses (somewhat of a vacation, if you will), but an exciting time of bonding as my husband and I depart on this adventure together-- knowing our son is waiting there for us. As I am writing this, however, my heart aches for those families who are STILL waiting on things that are totally out of their control to bring their children home. I wish this process were easier, but in the end, God's will prevails and we are made stronger so that we can persevere and bring glory to Him in our obedience to His will and timing. It can be "a long obedience", but the ultimate goal is pleasing God as we wait, as we hope, as we prepare, as we worry, as we long for the time when we can hold our children in our arms and tell them we love them. God is holding US in HIS arms too as we walk this slow, tedious journey called adoption. What a blessing to be part of it!

LOVE IT!!!

2009-08-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

I "stole" this from another blogger, but loved it so much I had to share, too. We are ALL in this together and God is the ONLY solution! Let's be His hands and feet wherever we are placed in this world.

Introducing.........Gabriel Sentayehu Pruitt!!!!!

2009-07-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Praise God for His blessings and provisions!!! We passed court today!! We can't wait to hug our little boy in 2 WEEKS!!!!! (deep breaths, deep breaths).....

We're Back in the Game

2009-07-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Praising God today (and MOWA) for allowing us another go at a court date now set for July 31st. I had my doubts that we would make it to court before closures, but God's answer this time was "Yes, sooner" rather than "Later." Keep praying that we get through court and pass on Friday. We are keeping all you other adoptive fams with upcoming court dates in our prayers as well.

Hanging on To God's Promises...

2009-07-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 55:8-9 says:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "And the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Job 1:21 says:

"...the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

July 24th court date was postponed until further notice. MOWA extended their 2-week training 1 more day. We are hopeful we get in before court closure, but we are now just trying to trust that God's timing is best and rest in that. We know that when we finally have our son home, this roller coaster of emotions during the waiting period will be just a "blip" on the radar of life. It feels like eternity now, but it will be long forgotten once we have him home. Praying for all the other families who are still on this roller coaster (esp. those who have been on it much longer than we have). We should know more early next week....

Open Your Hearts

2009-07-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Watch these new videos from Gladney (I saw on another family's recent post):

Those Left Behind- Part 1

Those Left Behind--Part 2

----

Processing....

2009-07-08T09:26:00.001-07:00

I am not eloquent with words, but my heart resonates with thoughts like the ones quoted below. What do we do with all of this information? How can we possibly make a difference? What is God's will for us and how do we fit as individuals into this part of the puzzle? It's so easy to get overwhelmed to the point of inactivity. To get frozen with fear, with lack of resources, with lack of "know-how". How do we REALLY be God's hands & feet?? This amazing woman is an example of what it looks like to live it out...to show by example, to ACT. A modern-day Mother Theresa. I stumbled across this ministry and her blog amidst the amazing woven tapestry called the blogging world. And now I am truly blessed!! Thank you Auntie Katie for your example and sacrificing your life for "the least of these." Check this amazing woman out, and prepare to be inspired! She started Amazima ministry. Check out her ministry here.

From June 5th, 2009 post:
"We aren't really called to save the world, not even to save one person; Jesus has already done that. We are just called to love with abandon. With EVERYTHING we have. We are called to enter into our neighbor's suffering and love them right there."

From Sept. 14th 2007 post:
"i am marveling at how one small candle can seem to fill my whole house with light. just as Jesus fills my heart. and now i take my candle around to all the others and light them, the house practically glows. my one tiny flame has made everything bright. and i am reminded that i can light candles in the hearts of others, as long as i let Jesus fill my heart here first. 'you are the light of the world.. so let your light shine before men that they my see your good works and glorify God the Father..' "

I am still reading through her blog. It is a treasure FULL of golden nuggets like the ones quoted above. I am truly amazed and grateful to know there are such beautiful souls in this world making a difference like Katie is in Africa. She is teaching me so much about selflessness and unconditional love.

Calling All Prayer Warriors! We Have A Court Date!

2009-07-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Please pray for God's will for EVERYONE trying to pass court before they close......including us! We have a court date set for July 24th. Living on the cutting edge of timelines. God is good and sovereign (and has a sense of humor sometimes)! But we are so grateful that it has happened so quickly! When I talked to my husband after I received the news from Jessica, he said he just KNEW today would be the day we would find out court date. He had been talking to his co-workers and patients about S this morning and showing off pictures....and he just had a feeling we would hear something TODAY. So cool! Pray we can sustain patience and peace as we wait. Pray for wisdom as we continue to prepare our hearts and our home to welcome our son. Pray for his little heart and that he can transition into a new and very different life soon! Praise God for His mighty power and love and mercy. Pray for the families that are in ET now, the families that are preparing to travel in the near future, and for those who are waiting to bring a child home. Pray that God touches other's hearts in astounding ways only God can do through adoptive families' examples/stories/ journeys.

It is finally feeling like a reality....pray that things continue to move along smoothly, without any delays.

Attention Book Lovers!

2009-07-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some of these gems I found to read to my kids (and to our ET son). The first set I found at www.amharickids.com. It's a wonderful resource and has many more items than I have listed. These are just the ones we have and that I recommend:

And these....

For learning simple Amharic, I also recommend this book & CD from www.adoptlanguage.com:

And last but not least, these treasures about color and diversity are a MUST!! My favorite, surprisingly, is the Sesame Street book. It almost made me cry! I have little ones, so this is especially good for their ages (2-9). I found them at amazon.com.

And my 6 year-old son's FAVORITE of them all is this wonderful story about the Ethiopian Saint Tekla:

First Update

2009-07-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

“While S is a little bit shy at first, he is very comfortable with his caregivers. I think that he is ready to start driving because his favorite things to play with are toy cars and car keys. When the caregivers were playing with him they kept jingling their keys and he would instantly look for where the sound was coming from and try to grab them. He definitely has his serious side and often seems content playing with his toys by himself. On the other hand when you catch him at the right moment he can light up a room with his sweet smile and be very playful with those he is comfortable with.”--Rachel

We can't wait to hug and kiss on this precious little boy! I also can't wait to see him smile one day. Still praying for a quick court date!

Questions....

2009-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Ok. While I am waiting to hear about a court date, I wanted to ask all of you adoption bloggers out there who have already gone through this a few questions...

1) What would be the best use of my time while we wait in this stage? I am feeling anxiety and shortness of breath often these days in anticipation of needing to make possible travel plans, but not wanting to get ahead of myself (or able to get ahead of myself) before we even know when we will be going.

2) Speaking of travel, how many of you used a travel agency? Would you recommend it, or did you make travel plans on your own? What happens in case of emergency? A friend who has been to Africa before told me it is much cheaper to fly into Asmara (a few hours north in Eritrea) and then drive into Addis. (??) Not sure it would be worth it, however. Any thoughts?

3) When did you start purchasing your humanitarian aid items?

4) (For those of you with toddler sons at time of placement.....) to circ or not to circ????

Please pray for my anxiety. And please tell me it's normal!! I am trying to arm myself with knowledge by reading the recommended books, and I would like to try and get some things done now before "crunch" time---I'm just not sure where to start. For starters, though, I know I need to get into the Word more to calm my fears. Pray that I make time for that most of all!

Celebrating Ethiopian Style

2009-06-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was able to find an authentic Ethiopian restaurant about 30 minutes south of us (and the ONLY one in Utah) where we could celebrate our momentous day! The food was really tasty! Even the kids tried it (and liked most of the non-spicy stuff). If you like sourdough bread, you will like injera. I did! We made connections with the owners, and we look forward to getting to know this little Ethiopian community. My stepfather already knows the cousin of the owner, and Tony is their relatives' doctor, so we are already "like family". We'll definitely be back! We look forward to introducing our son to them soon!

And as an added BONUS, God gave us a reminder of His promises and of His good gifts--- THE BRIGHTEST DOUBLE RAINBOW WE HAVE EVER SEEN!! What a blessing on this glorious day!

Referral Day!!??!!!

2009-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

We have only been waiting 2 months and 1 week for our referral!!! We got THE CALL this a.m. I am still on cloud 9! The kids and I had to wait 2 more hours until my hubby could come home and see the pictures on his lunch break. But the wait was soooo worth it! He is absolutely beautiful!! A precious angel!! He is 15 months old! Now I know what everyone is talking about regarding the emotions! I can't stop thinking about him and looking at his beautiful face! It is so bittersweet when I think about his birthparents. I am thanking God for his amazing love and perfect gifts. I don't take this gift He has given us lightly. I pray that we can meet G's birthparents someday in heaven. Here we are "meeting" our son for the first time--and he is forever burned into our hearts! We love you G!!!

We Take So Much for Granted

2009-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

The September Campaign Trailer - www.borninseptember.org from charity: water on Vimeo.

Let the Countdown Begin!

2009-05-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting 1 month for our referral. We are keeping busy finishing up school, enjoying the spring weather and praying for our little one (and his mother & father) while God works out the details. Please join us in prayer as we wait. Pray that God provides for those in Africa during the famine crisis, that His hand heals and protects those with HIV/AIDS, that He unites families who are waiting to adopt their children quickly, that He comforts and heals those families who have to relinquish their children so that they can have a chance at life, and hopefully a better life, and that ultimately His Name becomes known throughout the nations and His glory shines above all!

Just For Fun (and for a good cause)

2009-04-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't seen these sites yet, I wanted to draw your attention to them. I got most of them off of Amy B.'s blog. Do a little shopping and know they all go to a good cause. (Scroll down on my bar to find the ever-growing list). (Mother's Day is coming up soon!)

Releases June 1, 2009 by Tom Davis

2009-04-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the World from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

I found this off the Children's HopeChest website. Can't wait to get a copy!

One Year Ago Today...

2009-04-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

4/29/08--The day we made the call into Gladney to start the adoption process to bring "K" home. This brings up old feelings of sorrow, frustration, and doubt that has lain latent for a while. After we got the news in July that "K" ran away from the orphanage, I slipped into a "mini" depression. I couldn't understand why God would bring him into our lives and then take him away 3 months later. I wasn't even sure we should continue the pursuit of adoption of another child once we conceded that "K" wasn't going to be found (unless by some miracle). But once I "snapped out of it", I turned to the truths in God's word and rested in them---

Isaiah 55:8-9 says:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "And the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Job 1:21 says:

"...the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I know His ways are so much better than my ways. I may not always understand why things happen, but I don't need to understand. I just need to trust that God has it all in His hands, in His control, and in His time. My job is to trust and obey and continue in the pursuit of the miracle of adoption that He has called us to. I pray &/or think about "K" almost daily. I pray for his protection. I pray he finds someone in the community to take him in and to show him love and compassion. If he does happen to make his way back to the orphanage, we were told that we would be the first to find out. But I realize that maybe my job for now is to be a prayer warrior "mom" to him while on this earth and then hope that someday I will see him in heaven. And life goes on. I continue to love and care for my family and pray for guidance during this entire adoption process. I know we are on the path God desires for us. It's not always a straight, clear-cut, easily laid-out path, but it is the one God wants us to travel. I know He is taking care of the details.

Psalm 10:14 says:

"But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless."

I rest in that promise......

Winter Into Spring

2009-04-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some new and not so new pics put into montage form showing the beauty which is Utah! Enjoy!

**REVISED

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

On the lighter side of life....

2009-04-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to my sister Tammy & her husband Gary! They were married at Sundance, Utah one year ago yesterday. What a beautiful day it was!

No Rest for the Weary...

2009-04-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some more heartbreaking and triumphant stories told through video. I know I can't get enough. Hopefully you feel the same way. Get inspired! (And get kleenex again!)

WARNING: Difficult to watch, but please stick with it to the end....and then watch the follow-up story.

Using the Gifts God Has Given You

2009-04-24T11:59:00.001-07:00

Another thought I wanted to throw out there while I'm on my "soap box":

When people find out we are adopting from Ethiopia, some have said, "Oh, that is so great! I could never do that!" My first gut reaction is to say, "If I can do it, so can you!", but instead, I have had to stop and remember, "Oh yeah, I thought the same thing not too long ago." God has put us on this long path to obedience and it has taken many years to get to where we are now. And we still have many more years to grow and mature in this "Long Obedience"--a lifetime in fact. (See Eugene Peterson's book from which our blog title came). God has directed our "baby steps" and has slowly revealed parts of His will for us on this journey. He has orchestrated our gifts and talents in conjunction with certain people He has placed on our path (from those we went to H.S. with, college with, church with, etc.) to get us to where we are on this journey now. I want to try and be humble and say "Don't give us the glory for this act of obedience, give it to God." But some small (prideful) part of me says "We are doing something most people haven't or won't do" and I then I start getting "self-righteous". I pray to God that He can help me with this pride and judgementalness. (Trying to be transparent here). I don't want to ever start patting myself on the back for this small act of obedience. So many people in this world are giving of themselves and sacrificing SO much more than we are. So, instead, I want to come to a place where I can feel "honored" and "humbled" that God would choose us to be used to show His glory. And then ask Him what MORE we can do for Him. I also want to use our experience to encourage and cheer others on to find out how they can glorify Him (and serve others) using their own special gifts & talents. We can ALL make a difference in this world in some way!

I may not be making sense, but all this to say, find out what your gifts and talents are, what your passions in life are, and then find out what God's purpose for your life is--and then ACT on it. Then you, too, can make a difference in someone's life. It may not be adoption; it could be something entirely different. It could just be being nicer to those around you. I could be that you give a compliment to someone without strings attached. It could be that you help someone move (the ultimate in helping others :). It could be a multitude of things....big or small. God sees it all and loves it when we "love our neighbor as ourselves."

So if you, too, are inclined to say, "I could NEVER do that," instead ask, "Lord show me how you CAN use me today to make a difference in someone's life. How can I please You and give You the glory today?"

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10-11).

Start A Trend

2009-04-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

Ok. So I get all of my thoughts & inspiration while in the shower....about the only time (with 3 kids at home) I have alone so that I can think and process and compose a finished thought without being interrupted. So now I am hurriedly trying to compose those thougthts into a written post while they are busy playing (we take Fridays off of homeschool).

I was thinking about the fact that the "latest trend" in Hollywood amongst a few celebrities is to adopt children from Africa. (Although I don't follow the latest Hollywood gossip closely, I do go grocery shopping about twice a week usually and I see the magazine rack in the checkout line). ANYWAY, about it being a trend, I say "BRING IT ON!!" It should be a trend!! I hope it becomes so much of a trend that we no longer have any orphans left. (I know, wishful thinking, but I like to DREAM BIG!) God can use even those celebrities who don't know Him or care to know Him to bring about change, to create awareness, to stir people's hearts into action, and to ultimately show His face in the love that follows, the service that is ignited, and the glory that shines through His children FOR HIM and TO HIM!! Even though this is not the catalyst that brought us to the decision to adopt, I was aware of it (Angelina & Brad specifically) and it showed me that if they can do it, we CERTAINLY can do it too! So let's get on the bandwagon & start a "trend" for HIS glory and for HIS children around the world.

Creating Awareness-Please Watch...And Pray...Then Act!

2009-04-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite videos I have seen on other blog sites.....WARNING: Have kleenex handy!

Shout Out!

2009-04-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ok. I am very new to all this blogging business and I'm trying to figure out how to "join the club", get connected and get to know all of you Ethiopia Adoption bloggers out there. If you are reading this, please let me know you are out there! Would love to hear from you. I am also trying to figure out how to make contact with those of you I have been "stalking". I love reading all of your blogs and have quickly become "addicted".

Oldie but Goodie

2009-04-22T10:07:00.001-07:00

I love worship music, and this is one of my favorite worship songs. I sing it often in times of "waiting" or desperation. I hope this is inspiring for those of you in this same position.

God's Hand is in the details

2009-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to point out how I feel God is working in the details even when we sometimes question--- "what are we doing?" "why are we doing this?" "can we handle this?" "is this the right thing to do?" "Is God with us in this process?"

He always gives me a resounding "YES!! You CAN do this with My help, it IS right, and I am right here with you!!" I know because it says in His Word over and over again that we are to care for widows & orphans, but also because, more personally, He has placed significant hurdles in this adoption process right ON specific/significant dates:

7/16--K ran away (Dd's birthday)

2/10--Gladney approved! (Dh's birthday)

4/6-- On waitlist! (oldest dd's birthday)

Not a coincidence!

It started with a seed....

2009-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

So how did we come to the decision to adopt? It goes back to the beginning of our marriage almost 15 years ago. My DH majored in Chinese in college, had a love for the Chinese culture, and was beginning to have a love for missions as a new believer. In our "family planning" discussions, he would ask me what I felt about adopting from China since (back then) the girls were being discarded right and left. I wasn't sure at the time, but THE SEED WAS PLANTED. However, I feared I might not be able to love an adopted child as much as if we had our own biological child, and wanted to try having kids the "traditional" way first. So we did. We had a girl, a boy, and then another girl. Adoption was put on the back-burner for many years. Since we already had 2 girls, adopting a girl from China was also less of an option. And life went on. Then, last Nov. 2007, THE SEED WAS WATERED when we found out our dear friends in Kansas were going to adopt a teenage girl from Ethiopia. We had been receiving email updates on their process and had been praying for them and cheering them on along their journey. It wasn't until April 2008 that THE SEED SPROUTED for us. Our dear friends from Kansas forwarded an email from their dear friend who was in Ethiopia at that time to bring home their teenage daughter. Her name is Krista. She wrote of a specific little boy in one of the orphanages who became attached to her during her entire visit to this orphanage. They shared many tears together during their time together, and she continued to promise she would try to find a forever family for him. After reading her email and crying most of the day myself, the kids and I talked about what life must be like over there and how hard it must be to grow up without a family. Suddenly my then 8 yr. old daughter asked, "Why can't we be a family for him?" And I said, "I don't know why not!" So I called my DH at work and told him about the email, told him my heart's desire... to be a family to this little boy (around 7 years old), and asked what he thought. He didn't even hesitate! He said, "Let's do it!!" So, as you can see from our "Adoption Timeline" the bumpy road began. Just 3 months after starting paperwork to bring this little boy ("K") home, he ran away from the orphanage he was in through a hole in the back wall. So, we hired a PI to try and find him (like trying to find a needle in a haystack), but there was no luck. We had one lead about 6 weeks into the search, but we think K got scared and never came back to the spot he was sighted at. He had no idea that a family from America wanted to adopt him, however. So he ran again out of fear and hasn't been back to that orphanage since. We still pray for K, but after 3 months of searching, we decided to pursue a younger child. It was a very difficult decision. We had become very "attached" to K, and we even had pictures of him to "pour" over. Not long after he disappeared, we had also received his "medical write-up" along with pictures and personal info on him. It was very heartbreaking to let him go. But we know God works all things together for good to those who trust and believe in Him. So we obey and continue in the pursuit of His will---even through all the doubts and fears and questioning. And now we wait.........

Welcome to our blog!

2009-04-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, family, strangers all! I have decided to join the world of blogging due to an increased awareness of the connectedness it allows matched with the need I have to share with other adoptive families who have, are in the process of, or are going to in the future bring a child home from Ethiopia. This has been a long process for us already, but much "fruit" has been produced along the way. Please join us as we chronicle this journey for ourselves, our future son and for all those interested in this process called adoption. I have much "back-tracking" to do, but I won't bore you with all of it in one post. I will try to do it in increments. So, stay tuned!