6 months in photos

Yesterday marked our 6 month anniversary with Davis!! Can you believe it? I can't!

6 months ago yesterday, we picked up our little boy halfway across the world. I am so thankful for our little man who 6 months ago hated me! Now, that same little boy would like to be held by me at all times. He loves to be cuddled, snuggled, hold hands, everything. Such a lovebug! He loves to play that game, "Who do you love most?" and teasing us by shouting eaither Ma or Daddy just to get tickled. We are so blessed with this boy. He has the sweetest heart for his sister and brother and fits so perfectly into our family. He plays ball with Brayden and chases Gracie around like nothing else. He has a smile to light up a room and loves to play and tease. We can't imagine our lives without him. Thank you, Jesus! Here are our last 6 months in photos.

Our Gotcha Day (November 30, 2007)
First smile captured on film. . at the hotel in Liberia
December

Almost 1 month home. . .

January . . already loves me!
Fits right in. . .loves and is loved by his sweet siblings
February. . .

March

April
May. . today! Playing outside in the sprinklers! I used to love "self portraits" with my friends, growing up. . .even more fun with my sweet little kiddos!

Pee, Pain and Perspective

It has been quite the week around here. When getting ready to make a diaper fun last week, we realized that we are spending $100 a month at least on diapers!! Oh my!

So, I decided that this week, it was potty training time! Yes, I'm possibly an idiot. Gracie has been interested for a while now and Davis is turning 3 (supposedly!) in 2 months. However, I've been dragging my feet. Who wants to potty train? Who wants to have to run to the bathroom with 3 toddlers at Chick Fil A? Not me!

I decided to do the "run around naked" approach. I bought a noise making potty chair that plays a tune anytime something touches the bottom (great idea, by the way!) and bought new fun panties for Gracie. Starting Tuesday morning, they've run around in just their undies every day. Thankfully, we have wood floors, so I just rolled back the rug and we played in the living room all week! Yes, I am going crazy. Staying on only the wood means no room time, no long breakfasts where they watch Diego and I blog and no play on the backporch time. . .why? because if you can't tell from my title there has been a LOT of pee around here. To be exact, Tuesday we had 25 accidents. no I am not kidding! 25! count 'em. . .25 times of cleaning pee of the floor and changing undies again! I almost cried a number of times. Thankfully, Wednesday we had 7 accidents and today only 4! All in all, I'm pleased with their progress. . but had a hard time thinking of that on Tuesday when Greg came home and I smelled like urine! yeah, keeping my eyes fixed on what is seen was a tad hard for me this week.

To top it off, I went to the dentist yesterday (don't you love using your babysitting time for appts like this! aagh!) and found out that I needed ANOTHER root canal! So, today was spent using my nap time getting my root canaled (nice verbage, huh?). I'm not a fan of this, in case you are wondering. . . as much as I talk, I really do have a freakishly small mouth so opening in wide enough to fit two people for an hour and half hurts!

But, you know what. . .I have 3 children. 3 children who are alive, happy and healthy. 3 children who have enough water to need to pee 25 times. and. . a house for them to pee in. . and extra undies. . and a washer to wash them. . and tv to entertain. . and tons of books. . AND dentists to take care of me. . and a hubby who has a job which can hopefully pay this dentist (let's pray for a couple new clients since dental insurance covers NOTHING!).

So, I choose joy. I choose perspective. I choose to be grateful in all circumstances. Well, that's what I want to choose. I can't say that I did it well every time I was covered in pee. However, I want to. I want the Lord to continue to renew my heart and change me so that in all circcumstances, I will choose joy. One of the things I was realizing after listening to "When the Saints" by Sara Groves (you guys HAVE to buy this cd!). . every saint mentioned went through amazing pain. From Paul in prison, to saints liberating the slaves, to Jim Elliott, to Moses standing before the Egyptians to a modern day hero liberating a woman sold into slavery. . each one of them chose joy and faith in the midst of horror. If I am asking God to make me a woman of faith, I may have to endure more pain in my life. To be ready for those times, I must choose joy today. . in whatever I face. . whether that be pee or pain. . that is so little in light of eternity and what is truly important! (ps: remind me of that if I call you crying next time my child pees on me!)

Here are some fun pics of my kiddos (Aunt Laura's been begging!). . .I also took ADORABLE potty training pictures today. .just not sure that I should post them on my blog. The cutest is Gracie in hot pink undies, a hot pink headband and pearls. .nothing else! Too cute that one! Davis is hilarious too, b/c he really does the lean well. . ya know, little boys need to really lean to get it all in and he thinks this is hilarious! But. .sorry I can't post them here!

We went to see Curious George at the bookstore last week. Davis hates characters so he's not in this one.Gracie sitting on Abbie's lap!Park time. . smiling for Aunt Jekka (Jess). . although she's starting to really say Jessica and neither Jess nor I want to handle that!Yeah. .did I tell you guys how HARD parenting has been lately? oh my! No time for more words, but let's just say that Davis and Brayden have lost ALL of their toys! Problem is. .they don't care. . as you can see, Brayden and Abbie found a new toy. a hiding place under the bed!

Research! Help!

Hey guys,

We need researchers. . .RLC is looking to compile loads of information so that when people are looking to adopt, they'll have access to lots of info all at one point. . however, that means actually compiling it! If any of you are interested in helping with this process, please let me know! We need info on tons of different countries and agencies and I'm looking for people who will take on the task of compiling all that info for a particular country (or two!). What they are looking for is to have a page like THIS, but for every country and filled in with all the necessary info. (ps: don't worry about how to put it on the page, we just need the info!)

That would include: a list of agencies working there. . costs associated with adoption, broken down by agency, timelines, pros and cons of particular country, possible websites for more info on that country, books to read about that country, demographics of country, orphan care model for country / agencies, travel tips, what to expect or not expect, and even paperwork advice! This means some serious research on lots of different agencies, some info that is available online and some you'll need to request info or email someone at the agencies. . phew, I'm tired thinking about it. .but, you know what? I sure wish I had this available when I was frantically googling "African Adoption" and every other phrase I could think of!

Will you consider taking a hold of a country or two and digging in for the sake of future adoptive parents? Your hard work and research could effect the lives of ophaned children, as many people turn from adoption because the information is just so hard to come by! Thanks! Email me if you are interested! brandi@kidslake.org

200th Post

For my 200th post, I want to honor blogging friends. . The truth is, I used to tease Jess when she first started blogging. Now, I'm obviously hooked! I've met some of the coolest people who I adore (who knew you could actually make friends online? Does this make me a dork?). Regardless of how I've met you, we are friends. We tease that when we meet it will be a reunion, a reunion of strangers! These are people who are stepping out of the boat to serve the Lord in ways that change the world. Who live a dangerous surrender that others may know Him more. Who inspire me and challenge me and encourage me. Who go to the far reaches of the world to obey God's command to take care of widows and orphans. Who reach out in their own backyard to love the children other's have harmed. Who stand up for justice. Who ask the Lord to change them each day. Who desparately desire to hear Jesus say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" and live their life accordingly. Who love a people they have not met and spent time on the knees praying for those who hurt. Who show true compassion and enter into the suffering of others. . .who challenge me to love Jesus more and obey Him more fully. Thank you for your friendship. I am thankful for you! To name you all would take all day, but you know who you are!

Brandi
PS For a special blog, check out ANGEL who picked up her little girl in China today! Angel and Russ, we celebrate with you and Praise Jesus for His faithfulness!

9 Days Left

Have you guys checked out KidsLake? This month, our featured organization and country is a Women's and Children's Hospital in Mali, West Africa. This hospital not only make a difference in whether many of these women and babies live or die, but they also take the opportunity to tell them WHY they are serving them, for God's Glory alone.

Remember, the goal of KidsLake isn't just to raise money, it's to help you encourage your kids to make a difference. To help them gain perspective on our world and it's needs. And, to help them find unique ways that God may have gifted them and trying to use those things for His Kingdom, even now while still children! The bonus, is that you get to come alongside your kid and use the opportunity to (shhh) teach them too! Check out the post, KidsLake for Parents for ideas on how to teach them about Mali or the needs of her people. Also, remember to use this time to help your kids pray for others!

We were so excited that Whitehall Academy of Atlanta, GA participated in last month's project. We heard story after story of how that group of parents and kids learned about and LOVED the Ugandan people last month. This 2nd grade class alone raised $1145!!!! Thanks Guys! Our total for the month was $2642.07! This was enough to provide tuition, uniforms, books, pencils, paper and chalk to 120 kids at Rapha School in Uganda!!! Praise the Lord!

There is still time to help the Mali Hospital. We have still have 9 days left this month! Some ideas (remembering that this month, you can raise money or send packages of meds!)

LemonAID for Mali (stolen from Whitehall Academy's LemonAID for Uganda!) outside of school
Selling Donuts or Bagels before Church
Doing extra chores around the house
Asking to help babysit or be a Mama's helper for a family in your neighborhood or church
Asking to order just water at a restaurant or skipping a fun activity

Maybe email your friends and family (or even make cute little cards explaining what you are doing) and asking them to bring children and infant meds on a certain day and your family will be responsible for mailing them in!

Those are just some ideas. . .be creative! Watch for your kids' giftings and help them use them for His Kingdom!

Thanks!
PS If your family is participating, we'd love to know! Send us an email at team@kidslake.org we are also always looking for kid-attainable fundraisers in other countries, email me if you have an idea at brandi@kidslake.org

Tragedy for Steven Curtis Chapman, PLEASE PRAY

Please pray for Steven and Mary Beth Chapman. This is a family that desparately needs your prayers. Prayers for every member of their family and group of friends. Let us lift them before the Father today. . please join me.

The Tennesean
"Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.

Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The 5-year-old was hit by an SUV driven by her teenage brother, she said. Police did not give the driver’s name.

The teen was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser down the driveway of the rural home at about 5:30 p.m. and several children were playing in the area, McPherson said. He did not see Maria in the driveway before the vehicle struck her, she said.

“It appears to be a terrible accident,’’ McPherson said.

No charges are expected, she said. The accident was witnessed by two other children; the entire family was home at the time, McPherson said.

Singer/songwriter Chapman, who recently was inducted into Music City Walk of Fame, is one of contemporary Christian music’s most recognizable and most awarded names.

He and his wife Mary Beth have long been supporters of international adoption, having brought three girls from China into their family. Maria was the youngest.
The couple is so active in the cause that they formed an organization, Shaohannah’s Hope, to aid families wanting to adopt.

With his latest music tour, which came through Nashville in November, Chapman started a campaign called “Change for Orphans”. He asked audience members at each stop to bring spare change to the concert, where it was counted and given to a local family to aid in their adoption process.

“I don’t know of anybody who loves his children more than he does and is so committed to the adoption concept, and to lose one, no matter what the circumstances, is heartbreaking beyond all comprehension,” said John Styll, president of the Nashville-based Gospel Music Association.

“He talks about his kids all the time. That’s his life. His kids are more important to him than music, that’s for sure.”

The tragedy was announced during Wednesday-night services at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, which the family attends. Maria had just graduated from the church preschool.

And word spread throughout the tight-knit Christian music community on Wednesday evening.

Styll got the news not long after Maria’s death.

“I’m confident I can speak for everyone in the community to say we will do everything we can to support this family, as we would do at any time, but especially at a time like this,” he said.


Note: I stole the story and picture from Tom Davis' blog. Be lifting him up as well, as he was a very good friend of their family.

Gloriously Ruined - Dangerous Surrender Chap 3

*I originally wrote this post on May 20th. . but then tonight (6/27) I read the 3rd chapter of Dangerous Surrender and realized. . I've already blogged this concept! The concept is "Gloriously Ruined" and oh that it is. The truth is Africa has ruined me. Her pain, poverty, her people. I'm ruined. . ruined for my life here. . ruined to enjoy "the finer things". . ruined to stop thinking of them and their sweet faces and their pain. I hurt and ache for the hurting in our world. . and yet, somewhere in the midst it is glorious. There is something AMAZING about this life change. I wouldn't go back if you paid me. While living in both worlds can be tricky (a bit of an understatement at times!). . it is glorious b/c it brings me closer to Jesus. Somehow, asking Him for His heart for the hurting. . both in Africa and throughout the world is amazing and intimate. I feel drawn close to His chest when I cry out for them. When I weep it is on His shoulder and with His tears. She described it beautifully, I am Gloriously Ruined! This song says it all. . thanks to Sara Groves who put words and music to this concept!


This song has been on my mind so much lately. . it practically haunts me. PLEASE turn your volume up and take just 3 minutes to watch this video. If you haven't been or don't really have a passion for Africa (and/or poverty stricken lands) and basically just read this to keep up with my life (family and friends). .please take the time to watch this. I feel like this video / song explains me.



The truth is: I saw what I saw and I'll never be the same. I love this video, but the truth is that my own images play in my head while listening / crying to this song.

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it. . .


I heard what I heard and I can't go back. . .


I know what I know and I can't deny it. . .



Something on the road, cut me to the soul. . .

I don't have a picture of this little man. . .the 1-2 year old boy, who upon seeing Buster get out of the car with candy, dropped off the perch he was on with his mama and crawled, naked to Buster. Crawled, not because he was too young to walk but because his feet were clubbed. Crawled the way he'll always crawl. I couldn't take a picture, I was sobbing at that point. . .

Their pain has changed me. I'll never be the same. I know it feels like I'm a downer and you may not enjoy hearing my heart or even looking in their eyes. .but, do it. There I was changed. I will never be the same. In an amazing way too. . I wouldn't change that time for the entire world. Just looking at these pictures and watching this video make me LONG to go back. . oh please, Tom, let's get this trip planned. . I have to get there soon!!


"Your Dreams Inspire"

Compassion, Pain and Intimacy

Let's face it. . we don't like to hurt. It's true, we can all admit it. We don't like our hearts to ache, to feel sadness, to mourn, to cry our eyes out. Why? I believe because it leaves us needy and vulnerable. . and wanting something more. We don't like that. .

However, we sing, "I want to know you, I want to see your face, I want to know you more. I want to touch you, I want to hear your voice, I want to know you more."

Nope. We don't. Well, we don't all the way and when we do, it is an act of obedience and not necessarily the easiest song to sing anymore. You see Jesus is a contradiction that we don't understand. He is complete joy (this, we like) and also the epitomy of suffering and loss. We want to know, love, touch and see the beautiful parts of Jesus that fill us with love and joy.

Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, you have done to me." Want to see Jesus? Look into the eyes of the homeless man you pass. Want to touch him? Hold an HIV+ orphan. Want to hear him? be a listening ear for a single mom. Want to know Him more? Obey him.

Compassion is where it's found. Jesus talked about and demonstarted compassion during His ministry here. In fact, His CHARACTER is compassionate. First, let's define that word. Compassion is from the Latin words "pati" and "cum" translated, "TO SUFFER WITH". Henri Nouwen says, "Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak , vulnerable with the vulnerable and powerless with the powerless. . ." Tom Davis sums it up in 4 words, "Compassion is about INVOLVEMENT". We saw Jesus get involved in people's lives. To walk among the hurting, to go to their homes to visit their cities, to wait for them at the well in the heat of the day. AND, he told us to do it too. God's word is replete with commands to weep with those who weep, to comfort, to mourn together. INVOLVEMENT in other's lives. .yes, even their pain. Jesus did this, the early church did this. .do we? Are we willing to enter into other's lives and feel their pain? And, at what point do we say, "enough is enough". Are we willing to enter in our neighbor's life? Are we willing to cry for the families in Burma and China who lost their lives and loved ones? Do we weep over the starving children or those sold into prostitution or slavery today? Or. . do we shy away from pain. I am challenged to believe that to shy away from pain, is to shy away from Jesus.

Not only did he command compassion and demonstrate compassion during His earthly ministry, but He offers it to me EVERY DAY. Read and let the words of Lamentations 3 speak to you,

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "

And this is just ONE of 100 verses that mention compassion. I encourage you to spend an hour. Go to Bible.com and search the word compassion. Now change it to "suffer with" every time you read. Do you stand amazed? The GOD OF THE UNIVERSE suffers with me every day. He chooses to enter my pain and comfort me. He chooses to see my tears. God's word says they are precious to Him. If I feel SO special that the God of the universe would feel my pain, why am I not willing to do the same for others. To cry for the AIDS orphan in Zimbabwe for whom no one has cried. To cry with the single mom who just doesn't know how to do it anymore. To feel their pain. And, in the process, to know HIM more.

For he says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. "

There is little that is more intimate than comforting someone who is mourning. Am I willing to mourn so that I may be comforted by the lover of my soul? Are you?

*PS: if you want to be challenged more, go buy Fields of the Fatherless by Tom Davis!

Call to Prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calling all prayer warriors!!

My friend Julie and her hubby Scott NEEDS your prayer. We are starting a round the clock prayer watch for her and would love for you to be involved (even if you don't know Julie!). She has been waiting to pick up her 8 year old son, Teddy, from Liberia for OVER a year!! She has dealt with lost referrals, 2 trips to Liberia (one where she had to stay a whole month just to figure out Teddy's case), getting to know her son and having to drop him BACK off at an orphanage and delay after delay. Please lift her up. You can imagine her weariness, her ache for her son, her question and constant prayer for his physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, her fear that she will never bring him home and so many more emotions. There is even WAY more to her story than I will even share here, but know that her family especially including Teddy desparately need your pryares. Currently, Teddy's case is sitting on a judge's desk awaiting a decision (we call it finalization. This may confuse some b/c Teddy was already finalized. But, since his first finalization was done with paperwork saying that he had an abandonded father and dead mother which Julie found out wasn't the case. . everything had to be redone). Right now, the Liberian gov't has shut down all adoptions until they figure out a good system and laws for it. There should be a decision made soon. Pray for the impact that may have on Teddy's case.

Pray for:
1. The logistics of Teddy's case. Getting it finalized
2. Pray for peace for every person involved
3. Pray for wisdom and discernment for Julie and her family
4. Pray that this time would be used in each of their lives for HIS glory. That they wouldn't just "get through it" but would "get out of it" whatever He intends
5. Pray that God will create something beautiful in each of them and have this be a time of intimacy like they have never experienced before
6. Pray for finances. They still need at least $2,500 to even buy tickets.

Here is the schedule so far. . .remember, you are signing up for a specific hour. This doesn't mean you have to pray this entire time, just sometime during this hour every day until there is resolution. We will also take multiple people per hour. How amazing would it be for Julie and her family to know that there were people all across the country lifting them up every day? PLEASE, even if you've never commented before, comment now. If you can't sign up for an hour, pray in the comment. I'll forward all of this to Julie and Scott. Just reply in a comment what hour you'd like and I will edit this post to reflect it when I get home tonight!

*All times are in est. subtract 1 hour for central, 2 for mountain, and 3 for pacific)
**edited as of 4 pm est on 5/16
1 am Amber
2 am
3 am
4 am Cindy in WV
5 am Jena
6 am Brandi
7 am Missy and Whitney W.
8 am Pat J
9 am Misi in FL and Randie T and Carolyn in FL
10 am Katy
11 am Jennifer K
12 pm Megan S
1 pm Laurie L
2 pm Katie B, Christina H
3 pm Melissa A
4 pm Sandra
5 pm
6 pm
7 pm Lisa in IL
8 pm Denise and Christie in FL
9 pm Julie L
10 pm Melinda
11 pm
12 am Jocelyn
Thanks guys. I can't wait to watch as people all across the globe Stand in the Gap for Julie and her family. WE get to be a part of the story by choosing to pray!!

COOL OPPORTUNITY. . .Don't Miss out!

Hey guys, If you are passionate about Africa and especially Ethiopia, you won't want to miss this announcement!

Children's HopeChest is launching into Ethiopia!!!

They are hosting a conference call for anyone interested. This means, if you are interested in Ethiopia, Africa or just want to be a part of something HUGE, plan your day around this one!

THIS THURSDAY (yep, TOMORROW)
10 am CENTRAL (that's 11 am Est, 9 am Mount and 8 am pacific)

Call: (712) 432-1620Access Code: 1083603#

If you are going to join, please send an rsvp to Daniel Clark at daniel@hopechest.org

This is a great opportunity!! In fact, even though I am wanting to be more involved in Children's HopeChest projects in Uganda and Liberia (future), I feel this is a great thing to at least listen in on. You will experience others' passions, get to share ideas, get more resources to pray for those involved and I believe, get a first row seat to the work of the God of the Universe. . who in their right mind would turn that down?! ha ha!! I'll even be sneaking away to a quiet corner of Aquatica (a waterpark) to listen in. . If you hear splashing in the background, that's me!

Join us. . Pray for us. . .May God's Will be Done and His Power displayed!!

Tying it all together

I've been slacking about posting the last few days not because I have blogger block but because I have SOOOO much to post on! I know, I know, you are SHOCKED that I have a lot to say!! ha ha!! But, watch how all this ties together. . .

First, check out these AMAZINGLY beautiful kiddos. . .

One of my best friends in the world, gave birth to TWINS last week!!! Ava Kate and Claire Marie, we are thrilled to have you in our lives. You have one of the kindest, most gentle and Jesus loving Mamas. Brooke, I'm so proud of you! Love you guys!

So, when you look at those twins, don't you just love babies?! Well, yesterday I was reading in our church bulletin about a woman having twins in Mali, West Africa. Not so easy. She ended up in Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children through an act of God. Koutiala Hospital was set up by people who LOVE Jesus passionately and desire to obey His words to go out into the world and make a difference. To love and show Jesus to others through their sacrificial actions. Through their sacrifice and obedience, these Malian twins were protected and saved. They were born through C-section (had she given birth in the village she lived, they would all 3 be dead) and were quickly diagnosed with fevers for the next few days. With quick work from a staff of people who are committed to living out Jesus' Red Letters these twins were spared and healed. Please pray for the staff and clients served at Koutiala Hospital in Mali (and have your kids check out http://www.kidslake.org/ to help in a practical way).

More than that. . .does your heart respond to sacrifice like this? Do you long to LIVE the Red Letters howevever God might have you? In the city, county, country you find yourself and beyond!! Well, now that you mention it, I have a MISSION FOR YOU!! Yes, this is a real mission. If you are a blogger and have a passion to see "The Church" live out HIS words, I want you to do something.

Step One: Go to http://www.redletterscampaign.com/
*This site is created as a "townhall" of sorts for everyone who believes. There will be links and info on adoption (from every country we can find!), a MALL with every item being one that gives back to "red letter" causes, a spot to find ways YOU can be involved from home, mission trip ideas, and even a feed for everyone who that day blogged about Red Letter issues (everythign from adoption to poverty to what God has to say about Widows)

Step Two: if you have a blog, sign up to be a blogger buddy or adoption journalist!!!!! I mean it, I will be calling Angel to see how many of you guys have signed up! All you have to do is email them to get started. . then, go back and label all your old red letter posts (I can walk you through this. . or it's listed HERE on the RLC site.. . you can call or email me it took me under 5 min to label 300 posts!) and start blogging. .each time you blog about a red letter issue, just label it and add a little badge on the bottom!

Step Three: Blog about it. . yep, I'm taking it a step further and asking you to help spread the word! Please join in!!!

Step Four: Bookmark http://www.redletterscampaign.com/ and keep checking back for more info

The fact is, we need each other. We need to bond together and step it up to make a real difference in this world. Sometimes, we all think we are doing "our own thing" and the truth is, if we are following HIM passionately, we are all doing the SAME thing. . it's time to connect one to another and get excited. They say that there is power in numbers. . let's make it happen!

Love you guys,
Brandi

For The Joy Set Before You (FF #1)

I told you guys I'm reading Fields of the Fatherless (have you bought it yet?). Deep stuff. . the kind of stuff that you underline almost everything and have to take it to Jesus to chew on!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

On the other hand. . . .I have 3 friends right now talking about or pursuing adoption / foster care. One pursuing foster/adopt for a baby or toddler, one for foster/adopt for a teenage boy and one consider adopting an HIV+ child from Africa. ALL 3 women have gotten these comments, "do you know what you are getting yourself into?", "but, what if the mom exposed them to drugs?", "this is going to be really hard", "I've heard of people adopting teens who go on to kill them all", "what if the baby you adopt comes here to die a horrible death?".

JESUS, For the JOY set before Him, endured the cross for us. THE JOY, did you read that part? JOY!!! Joy in following the Lord, Joy in redeeming us, Joy in changing the course of history. For the Joy set before HIM, he CHOSE suffering. I live my life with gratitude that Jesus didn't listen to those who would have said, "it's not worth it". He didn't equate JOY and EASE. In fact, the greatest Joy was found in the cross. So, then WHY do we not live life like that? Are we that selfish? Is our comfort that pricey? Are our tears that valuable that we would rather let a little child DIE alone, in the dirt, hungry and hurting in the middle of Africa than hold her head and whisper words of Truth to her in the midst of her pain. That we would rather watch the fatherless continue to grow up alone. That we would say that teenager, JUST MIGHT cause me trouble. That we would CHOOSE not to enter the suffering of our world. Is that the kind of people we want to be? Is that the characterization we want of our church, HIS BODY in this world?

The truth is that to enter the world of the orphan, the widow and the stranger (whom God talks about ALL throughout Scripture and commands us to minister to) requires some pain, some discomfort. I had a friend tell me recently that all this talk of starving children in Africa was "a real downer". Yes, I know. But, Jesus did it. He entered our world of suffering to save us. I am eternally grateful that He chose to leave perfection, Heaven, a place of privilege and blessing to enter the world of poverty. To be born a baby in a barn. To die on a cross. For the Joy Set Before Him.

The question is WHAT do we set before ourselves? 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "So let us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For, what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal." IF, my eyes are on Jesus. On the JOY Set Before Me, I will choose to suffer with the least of these, to be uncomfortable.

Where in your life do you need this truth to permeate? Where are your eyes fixed on the temporary, the seen, the circumstances? Where can we, as believers, join Him in choosing to suffer with the least of these, to care and do something (no matter what!) For the JOY Set Before Us?

SO many things. . .

I have SO many things to blog about right now. . for tonight, I'll just tell you about our day. Tomorrow, there will be a super long (you know, one of my ranting, raving and processing online kind of posts) one on Fields of the Fatherless, my new favorite book that I'm going to go get Amazon Marketplace (thanks Tom) to sell right here on my blog b/c everyone of you NEEDS to read it!

Ok, so. . .about Fields of the Fatherless by Tom Davis. . speaking of Tom Davis. . .

We had lunch today! Yep! You read that right! I know that right now there are 2 groups of people reading this blog. One group is freaking out, "oh my gosh, Tom Davis! I LOVE him! I loved Red Letters" the other group is thinking, "Who the heck is Tom Davis" (no offense, Tom!).

Tom Davis is the author of Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds and Fields of the Fatherless. He also leads an organization called "Children's Hope Chest". This org goes into countries and partners orphanages or care points with churches here in the US. Great org. . .click on it and read more! You'll see more about a few of their campaigns soon here. .

Anyways, they are looking into getting involved in Liberia and Tom found us when we were doing the online book club for Red Letters (see my RL posts in the archives). We've been trying to connect via phone for over a month. So, when Tom facebooked me that he would be in Tampa on Wednesday, I messaged him back that we could meet somewhere in the middle. We set it all up to meet in Lakeland (halfway between Orlando and Tampa). I went to Lakeland yesterday. . after driving there and waiting 30 min, I began to question. . Well, biggest miscommunication ever!! He was FLIYING IN on Wednesday. He, of course, thought that I knew that and we were planning on lunch for Thursday. I, of course, didn't even consider that and planned for Wednesday! Oh my! So, I (along with my new friend, Amber!) drove an hour and a half to eat lunch at Mickey D's! It all worked out though, because Greg was actually available today! So, Tom came to Orlando and we had a super long lunch (2.5 hours!).

We had a blast! What a great time to dream, think, plan and share about Africa! We basically spent the entire time sharing stories of Africa (and Russia, for Tom), people who loved and were involved in Africa and how we could connect all these points.

3 things came out of our time together:
1. We are DEFINITELY going to do a KidsLake project with their feeding program in Swaziland! They can feed 100 kids for $7! PS: you can also order Saint's Coffee and feed an orphan for a month by buying a pound of coffee! It's great too!

2. We are going to be setting up a "Red Letters Weekend". This will be a weekend for Pastors and anyone else who wants to know more about Children's HopeChest and Orphan Relief to come to Orlando and learn for a weekend. Tom, and possibly some of his team will join us! (PS Feel free to email or comment if you, your church or anyone you know is interested!)

3. We are looking into getting involved with Children's HopeChest. The main way that they get churches involved is through Vision Trips. These trips take Pastors to the countries they'd be working in. . to the exact orphanages that their churches might support and cast the vision with them. Greg and I have dreamed for years of leading trips like this. We are talking to Tom about being a part of their team in this fashion. Possibly in Liberia or other parts of Africa.

I know many other things will come of this. . I am so excited to see where God will lead in all of this! It was also just fun to spend a whole lunch just talking about Africa! Tom is definitely a new friend. He also is a kindred spirit to Greg and I (he and Greg really clicked. . if that says anything!). Thanks, Tom, for taking time out to come hang with us! See you soon!

May KidsLake

I am so amazed to have been a small part of what God did in the month of April! You guys gave enough to fund a brand new clean water well for the Rapha Community! Thank you guys! Also, we have almost enough money to pay for ALL 120 kids in Rapha school!! In fact, we are just $200 shy and Jake's class is still not even done! God is SOOOOO Good!!! I can't wait for Katie or Jena to get their butts to Uganda and get us some pictures of those sweet kiddos!

So, (drumroll please). . .the May project for KidsLake is Finally here!!! We will be praying for and raising money for Koutiala Women's and Children's Hospital in Mali, West Africa! Click on over to www.kidslake.org for more info and for our post with lots of links to help teach your kids about Mali and it's people! The kids are challenged to raise, earn and save money for:

$6 Thermometers (to be used at the hospital)
$8 Mama Packs (to be given to the Mamas after delivery. . .one of the main reasons women come to deliver at Koutiala is to receive these baby clothes, diapers and essentials!)
$10 Vitamins
$125 Stethascopes (for classes or church groups to go together for!)

This time you also have a second option: Mailing Packages! Yep, if you are a great coupon cutter, this may be the way for you! The hospital is in need of children / infant medicines like Tylenol or Advil, etc Feel free to buy these and send them in to Shelby Alliance Church in Ohio to be packed with the rest of the items!

Thanks for your participation! We can't wait to hear your stories this month!

Luau on the Lawn!

Last weekend, we had our first Luau on the Lawn at church! For those of you who don't know, I'm volunteer staff at our church and have the joy of overseeing small groups and events. We have 3 large, outreach events each year and this is our spring event. We invite the whole community through postcard mailers and huge banners out front. These are such fun events for us. The fun thing is that we get to throw events that challenge the way people think of "church". We try to do everything with real quality and don't charge for anything. We also don't "preach" at people while they are there. The whole point of these events is to introduce people to our church and to normal Christians! The other fun thing is trying to figure out how many people to plan for. Our church is medium sized at 600 people, so we have NO clue how many people will show up at any of our events. I have the sweetest events team (Thanks Carrie, Donna, Shai, Shannon and Atwinda!) and we just pray and plan with no clue how things willt turn out. We now call God, "The One who Brings Them" b/c all we can do is pray, plan and wait to see what He does! This event was a HUGE sucess and a ton of fun to throw. . .Although I will say that I'm not as good at this anymore. . with 3 kids and 4 African campaigns. .I'm not as "on my game" as I used to be! Anyways, back to the luau. Atwinda just joined our team and they actually do this for a living. They own an events company and were able to LOAN us all of these fun decorations! Can you believe it? They also put us in contact with amazing talent that proviced the show for us! This is the first event that we've had a show at and it really brought things together. Everyone LOVED it! Especially the fire dancer! You usually pay $60 a person for a show like this! Here are some pics that others took for us! Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event a success! We couldn't have done it without you! Our final count was between 2,000-2,5000 people attending! Yeah! God did it again! My favorite moment of the night was when an 8 year old girl came running up to me (I'm not sure how she knew I was in charge), grabbed my hands and screamed, while jumping up and down ,"I love this church, I love this church"! AND, they've been to church the past 2 Sundays! That's what it's all about! Isn't this guy amazing?
Here is the food tent. . .this is the only thing we charge for. This year, the youth handled it and made money for their Costa Rica Missions trip! Thanks guys, you did a GREAT job!
This is just one entrance. . the other side is more decorated. We had greeters handing out leis at each entrance.
I thought this was a cool shot! The kids LOVED the Hawaiian themed bounce house / slide

Ok, I have MAD Hula Skills! well, not really! But, it was fun to try! PS Yes, this is my lappa from Liberia turned into a hula skirt for the night!
The kids doing the limbo!
They pulled up Pastor Jon and Pastor Dan on stage. . .at this point, I'm pretty much praying that the hula girls won't act sexually b/c come on, this is our pastor and I sure don't want complaints!

The Hula Show! They were AMAZING! They did 2 shows during the night.

Sweet Madeliene. . .isn't this a fun picture?!
Kids learning the hula. They loved this part!
Oh yeah. . I've got pictures!! These are available via email for any church member for ANY purpose! ha ha! I can't laugh too much b/c he has video of me too! I still need to get the video of this moment b/c we were all just dying! too funny!



These are the few pictures I have of my little ones for the night. Greg was out of town which made this a particularly tricky event to be in charge of! However, Grandma and Grandpa watched them through the afternoon, brought them to the Luau and then took them home to spend the night (this was particularly helpful since I didn't get home till after midnight!)

Isn't this a sweet picture?!

My mom (aka Nana) ran the photo booth for most of the time she was there. . .thanks Mom! Thankfully, a friend caught this sweet moment during her and Gracie!

Me and the Kiddos! Yes, I probably should have removed the radio and lanyard for the pics, but people were actually radioing me during this picture! It was a quick hug and pic and on to making sure things were running smoothly. Thankfully, my team was on top of things, b/c my two little ones were not loving me walking away all the time so I usually had one of them on my hip at all times!