The Ethiopian Princess

Sis and I had fun this morning dressing the princess up in her Ethiopian garb:) This little outfit is very special because it was a gift from her birthmom. The day that we met her birthmom, she brought this outfit, specially wrapped up in shiny paper, for her daughter. I'm thankful that the princess will have this outfit and her cross necklace as tangible reminders of her birthmom's love for her. I'm so thankful to have the princess with us! At nighttime I love to feel her tiny arms around my neck and hear her sweet voice saying, "My mommy!" In response to this I squeeze her tight and smilingly say, "My baby!" God is so good to us!

An Inspiring Read

I love to read and I've been reading ALOT this summer! I just finished a book by Gracia Burnham called "In the Presence Of My Enemies". She powerfully tells the story of her and her husband, Martin's, year-long captivity by terrorists in the Philippine jungle. She and Martin had been serving as missionaries there in the Philippines for 15 years and were kidnapped while they were celebrating their anniversary at an island resort. Gracia chronicles their struggle to survive, their conversations with the other hostages, their relationships with their captors, their heartbreak over being separated from their 3 children, their thankfulness for God's special gifts to them along the way, their love and encouragement to one another during that dark time. She writes about becoming especially depressed one day...Martin talked with her about it and basically she said, "I believe that God sent his son to die for me...I believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world...I believe the Bible is God's Word...but I just can't believe that God loves me." She was miserable for 3 days until she came to realize that God truly did love her. I've thought about that often since I read her testimony. Then, when I couldn't sleep a few nights ago, I was reading John 12:27 where Jesus said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" It struck me that I serve a Savior who could have asked for an escape from pain, but it was through His pain that God was glorified. It made me think about all the times that I ask for a "way of escape" from painful or uncomfortable circumstances. I should be praying that God would glorify (make Himself BIGGER) Himself through the circumstance. That's what Marcia Burnham has allowed God to do with her life...and I think that God HAS glorified Himself through her!

July 10, 2008

The little princess has been with us since January 10, 2009...exactly 6 months! We can't imagine our lives without this darling girl:) She's brought so much joy, laughter and love into our home - we are so thankful that God has brought her to us! But as we celebrate the joy of having her with us, my heart aches for her birthmom in Ethiopia. The princess was brought to Hannah's Hope in Addis Ababa on July 10, 2008...exactly a year ago. I can't imagine what she is feeling as she remembers her precious baby daughter. I'm praying that God will fill her heart with His peace so that she knows her sweet girl is being loved and cared for here in the States...8,000 miles away from Ethiopia. Most importantly, I'm praying that she knows Jesus as her Savior so that one day we can all be together with Him!

The Bowling Princess

We took the Princess bowling for the first time recently! She loved the whole experience, but especially loved her beautiful orange ball:) We were laughing with her as she slid past the line a few times and landed on her bottom. Then, we found a great contraption at the alley that allowed her to simply push the ball and it would roll right towards all the pins. The funniest part of the whole experience was that this 3 year old Ethiopian beauty beat her sister, her big brother and her mommy during her first bowling game ever!

A Lesson from Ruby Bridges

We journeyed on a field trip to the Children's Museum yesterday. We hadn't been there in probably 3-4 years...I'm loving getting to revisit all of my favorite places for toddlers again:) Anyway...the museum has a powerful exhibit called the Power of Children that focuses on Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White. We were able to sit in a replica of Ruby's 1st grade classroom at William Franz Elementary School and hear a dramatic monologue by one of the Federal Marshalls that accompanied Ruby through the hostile crowd outside of the school. Ruby was six at the time and was the first African-American student admitted to the school. There were huge protests in New Orleans against her admittance. Many people were screaming horrible things at Ruby. The museum had a photo of some of the protesters...some of them had taken a black baby doll and put it in a coffin. In the same picture there is a smiling, little white girl holding up a cross. A cross?! Their hatred was a very ugly thing. After a few days of this same thing, one of the federal marshalls saw that Ruby was saying something as she walked by the angry mob. She was praying. She wasn't praying for herself, but she was praying for God to forgive those who were cursing her. This is part of her prayer: "Please, God, try to forgive those people. Because even if they say those bad things, they don't know what they're doing. So you could forgive them, just like you did those folks a long time ago when they said terrible things about you." I want to be more like Ruby Bridges and I pray I can teach my children how to forgive those who hurt them, like Ruby's Mom must have taught her.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Reflections on Mother's Day

Last Sunday was Mother's Day and D. decided that he'd treat me to a family bike ride! I have always loved biking with D and the kids. When we were first married and living out in VA, D surprised me one day when I came home from teaching to say, "Let's go buy some bikes." My response was, "Why do I need a bike?" I'm so glad he persuaded me to follow his lead! We still have those same bikes after almost 20 years:) Anyway, back to Mother's Day...we took the kids to a bike trail that we haven't ridden on for about 6 years, so the kids have grown since then (and we've added the African princess!). The whole time I was just filled with a sense of awe and joy that God has given us these precious kids to care for. I kept looking at Bub's back as he rode next to D. and thinking, "He's looks almost like a man! Last time we were here he was 7!" We rode the bikes on the trail to this special park we used to visit...the Princess had fun on the playground...it was surreal seeing her enjoying the same things Sis and Buddy enjoyed so long ago...now the playground seemed tiny to them! The day just reminded me of all the good things and simple joys that God brings into our life daily. One of my prayers as I'm parenting has been from Psalm 90:12, that God would teach me to number my days aright, so that I could gain a heart of wisdom...that I would enjoy each "stage" of their childhood. He has been faithful to answer that prayer!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

A Funny Conversation

I have always loved the nighttime routine with our kids, the time when everyone gets ready for bed and D. and I go into each of their rooms to pray with them and talk about whatever they want (sometimes this is shorter if we're all exhausted!). Last night, I had fun getting the little princess ready for bed...bathtime, new kitty pajamas, sweet arms wrapped around my neck, reading the "Spot" books together, then we had this conversation.

Me: Tomorrow morning you can have some oatmeal:)
Princess: Oatmeal.
Me: Yes, oatmeal.
Princess: Cheerios.
Me: Cheerios.
Princess: Banana.
Me: Banana.
...a slight hesitation and a little smile...Princess: M&Ms!

Yes, Princess, you might get some M&Ms:)

The African Princess Turns "Tree"

We celebrated the Princess' 3rd birthday yesterday...actually she even had b-day celebrations over the weekend! Some good friends surprised us with a cake for the girls since they both have April birthdays:) Little B's face just absolutely lit up as we were singing "Happy Birthday" to her! She loved blowing out the candles and actually said, "Again!!!" when we were done the first time, so the candles were relit numerous times! What a joy it is to have her here with us! I'm still so amazed at how God has brought her into our family. I was able to be with her by myself at the park on her birthday since the other kids were doing their standardized testing at the library. It was a gorgeous day and I was thrilled to just wander with her on the beautiful, wooded paths...my heart is full.

Pondering God's Grace

Last Saturday I was able to go out to breakfast with a very good friend and then head to the Christian bookstore. We were looking for Bible studies for the spring and found one entitled "Grace: An Invitation to a Way of Life" by John Ortberg. I eagerly began the study on Monday morning and was thrilled that God used it to speak to me about His tender care. The study is focused on Psalm 23..."The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." At one point in the Bible study we were to paraphrase the scripture so that it meant the exact opposite...The Lord is not my shepherd - I shall be in want...he makes me lie down in barren places, he leads me beside turbulent waters, he distresses my soul. It was very difficult for me to write that. The point was to contrast the Truth of God being our Good Shepherd with the lie that He doesn't truly care for us. It made me soooo thankful that He does care for us and that I can place my complete trust in Him.

The Bible study also challenged me to begin the practice of noticing...to notice something, to truly pay attention to it. It was a reminder for me to stop and notice God's gracious gifts to me everyday...being able to be home with my kids, taking a walk with my husband, picking daffodils with my toddler, a warm bed on a rainy night, the ability to read, being able to buy groceries...this list goes on and on. May you also be challenged to stop and notice God's very special gifts for you today!

"God...richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." I Timothy 6:17(b)

The African Princess' First Bike Ride!

On Sunday, we found our bike seat up in the attic!!! The weather was just perfect for the little darling's very first bike ride! She loved it:) Having her on my bike brought back all kinds of memories from our three other kids riding in the bike seat...long bike rides on the Monan Trail, stopping at Subway in Broadripple, playing at the park...aahhh...does this mean I'm getting old when I begin to reminisce about my children's past? Anyway, B. did love the ride and especially enjoyed our final destination...the local Dairy Queen!!! She got to do what everyone in our small town does in the spring - sit on the wall at DQ and wave at friends as they honk and drive by. It means that spring has finally arrived:)

A Day of Firsts

Buddy Boy has reclaimed the name "Ratatouille" for desiring to and successfully fixing scrambled eggs all by himself for the first time! It was such a stunning accomplishment at lunch time that we asked him for a repeat performance at dinner:) Very well done! So now he's famous in our household not only for his delicious fruit salad, but for his super scrambled eggs! And I'm going to encourage him to keep on cooking;)
Meanwhile, Bub had a first today also...he was hitting some baseballs with his Dad and actually broke his baseball bat! Dad claims it was the pitching that broke the bat, but we know it was really those 13 year old muscles of steel!
Little African Princess has her first doctor appt. with our regular pediatrician and came out with flying colors...27 lbs. and 36 inches...and LOTS of spunk! Big Sister was a lot of help in the dr.'s office and continues to grow more and more in love with her baby sister each day.
Now, I know that those of you who really know me are surprised that I'm taking the time to blog...I've been tapering off...but 2 of the kids are out of the house right now and the other 2 are playing happily so here it is:) I'm praying for each of you!!!

Jesus Loves Me!

The princess loves to sing and this is one of her favorite songs! We sing it continually throughout the day...when we're in the kitchen, when we're in the car, when she's in the tub, before she goes to bed...basically, you could call it her theme song:) The special moms at Hannah's Hope taught it to her, so she's been singing it since the first day we met her! I've recently really pondered the words to this children's song that I've known since I was a little girl..."Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong!" At nighttime I think about those words as I'm holding her...she is weak, but God is soooo strong! He saw her need and brought her to us! He is truly AMAZING!

May each of you know at this moment how very precious you are to God. Jesus loves you!

A New Hairstyle for the Princess

This cute hairstyle is one "B" herself showed me! We were at a friend's house for our teaching co-op when the princess discovered these little rubberbands in the toy room. Immediately she began to put them all over her head...her tiny fingers were so cute as she was twisting each section of her hair to make it even all the way around! I only had to help her with the ones on the back of her head! She is constantly amazing us with all the things that she has learned to do for herself. She is a treasure to us:)

Our Girlie-Girl

We are so enjoying getting to know our newest daughter! She is extremely expressive and makes us laugh alot:) Her little eyes light up when are playing "chase" or peek-a-boo. One of her favorite games is to pretend to put one of us to bed ("mahtah-mahtah"="night-night")...she makes us lie on the couch and covers us with the blanket. If we cry, she pats us and says, "Ah-teh-free" (don't be afraid). The funniest part is when she wants one of the kids to come and sit on her lap...she's very serious about this!

She's also a girlie-girl which is great! She loves to wash her hands, brush her teeth, get dressed, and fix her hair. Some of her favorite things are lotion (Japanese cherry-blossom is her favorite), chapstick (this was a life-saver on our trans-Atlantic plane ride!), head-bands, and anything that sparkles (purses, shoes, etc). She is also like her big sister in that she loves to go "bye-bye":) We're filled with gratitude to God that He has brought her into our family!

The Journey

That is what I have called this 12 month process towards adopting our little daughter from Ethiopia. Actually it only took nine months, I just wrestled with God for three. Many have asked how K and I arrived at adopting our little girl. Along with how much does that cost? Wow you are doing what? Now, how old are you? Here are a few lessons that God taught me as we started walking on this Journey.

1. Somewhere in my life of raising three children, I was taught that the busy life I was living being a dad to three great kids ages 13,11, and 9, leading a church, living life with my family and friends would soon be over and that Real Life really begins at lets say for me 51 (Empty Nest). Adopting at my age a 2 ½ year old would push this back to let's say 58. All kids gone from the house at 18. Somewhere, I was taught that there is an age that you are too old to give life and then there is an age that Real Life for those who are too old to give life begins. God pushed me on this and I got in line with him and I am betting that my daughter will give me more life than any golf course or doing my selfish thing could ever provide.

2. Thoughts came to my mind like another mouth to feed. (Don’t mention that I could just eat less and share my food with this new mouth and I would benefit health wise by not eating so much) College to pay for, clothes to buy etc. Then the reality of what I was embarking on hit me. It was like God said D will you shut up and see the big picture, there is a little girl who has no home and you can provide for her with what you have now. She has no home!!! K and I were walking back from the orphanage with our daughter and she said, B has nothing to bring with her, all she has is what we brought for her. The clothes she was wearing at the orphanage, they stay for the next child. She has nothing to bring, yet now she has a home. Talk about a moment.

Humbling...

"Snow" Much Fun

Today was the Princess' very first experience in the snow and she loved it! She had a blast sledding down our little hill with Sis and Buddy Boy, then we took her on a walk in the woods. She liked hearing the crunch, crunch of the snow beneath her boots. It was so beautiful and peaceful among the trees. When it was time to finally come in, she was upset and showed it like only a 2 year old can :)

Right now it's very quiet here at the house because D. took the older kids for nighttime sledding and before he left he put the "sleeper hold" on the princess! He's a great man and I'm so thankful to God for him! So...I'm going to fill my free time with a good book...and I'll probably be snoozing in the not too distant future. I remember these days of "heavy" sleep from when Bub, Sis and Buddy were toddlers :) I've got to be ready for another day of fun-filled, action-packed adventure tomorrow!

Almaz, God's Servant in Addis Ababa

I've been wanting to write this post for the past 4-5 days and am now just finding the right time to do it :) This post is a tribute to an amazing servant of God, Almaz. She is the director of Hannah's Hope in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is a woman who truly loves Jesus and she really loves all of the precious orphans that God has placed in her care. Her home is just a few doors down from HH and she is always on call day or night for these sweet little ones. She does not expect the children to be "perfect", but encourages them to play, laugh, even get into mischief. She is a humble woman who prays for strength and joy. She leads the 27 special "moms" who work at HH with wisdom...she encourages them to touch the children, talk with the children, comfort and love the children. We are so thankful to God for placing her there at Hannah's Hope. We know that our princess is adjusting well to us as her family because of the love and prayers of Almaz and the "moms" at HH. For those of you out there who have children at Hannah's Hope rest assured that God has made it a special place of life, hope and joy!!!

Belly Laughs

What can make a 13 year old boy act like this? An overflowing love for his baby sister:) The little African princess was laughing so hard she was literally falling over last night! What a joy to be together as a complete family!!! We are all adjusting well, although our youngest son does disappear when B. begins to cry or pout! That's a bit too much for him. Today was our first day back at homeschooling...it went pretty well...I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but God gave me His peace so all in all it was a very good school day! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be at home with ALL of our children:)

Out of Africa

What an amazing adventure that God has called us to join Him on! We had an incredible, life-changing experience as we traveled 8,000 miles to Ethiopia to pick up our little African princess! She is such a joy to us! Her laughter is priceless :) We are very thankful to God that He has called us to be a part of His plan for her! We are humbled that He has allowed us to be the ones to clothe her, feed her, care for her...she is a treasure!

Dressing her in the yellow dress was extra significant for me. Sis and I had gone shopping for clothes for our little toddler back in July even before we knew our toddler was B. Actually, the amazing thing is that the exact day we were buying her clothes was the exact day that she was brought to Hannah's Hope! So...I've had the small yellow dress hanging in my closet where I could look at it each time I went in. When I looked at it I would imagine what B. would be like and what it would feel like to hold her. When we were in Addis Ababa and I could finally put her in the dress I was ecstatic! It truly was a dream come true!

B. is fitting in great with her brothers and sister! They are entertaining her right now while I blog...so this may be short:) Bub just asked me a minute ago if she'll always be this active...haha! I told him that he was twice as active as her when he was a toddler and that I didn't sit down until he was 3 years old (those of you who knew him then remember this well!).

The scripture that I'm thinking of this morning is this: "LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Isaiah 26:12 This whole adoption is all about HIM! He is the One who is worthy of all our praise!!!!

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us, encouraging us, watching our children, feeding us, loving us...we are truly blessed!!!! May God bless each of you as you have blessed us!

B and Mommy...Mommy and B

That is life in Ethiopia, K is B's comfort and B feels best when she is with mommy. That is why I have been delegated to take care of the Blog.

We were able to meet with the B's mom and uncle here in Ethiopia. We prayed that she would come. It was a very emotional experience for all of us. The uncle was very gracious and a man of prayer. K will share more with you in a few days after we get back. At this moment, we are at the hotel waiting on our 11:30 pm flight. Should be quite the plane ride. Hopefully the late flight will allow B to sleep on the plane. We have two nine hour plane rides and then a short one from Detroit. Should be very interesting with a 2 year old, not to mention one that does not speak English.

The journey has been great, the people here have been very kind. We can't wait to be back though with our three. Guys if you are reading this ... We love you so much. To all that are praying for us, K and I send our thanks. Seek His Kingdom and righteousness.

Bringing B home....

It's Official...She's Ours

B is officially ours!! The Embassy appointment came and all the paper work went through. God is so good!! Thank you for all your prayers. Just to let you all know B is bonding to momma really well. We feel so fortunate.

Hey kids Dad is the main go between here as mom is getting B ready for bed. I am sure mom will post soon. B has a great sense of humor. Danielle start practicing the word sa-mean. It means kiss. She gives great kisses.

Okay, the Pastor is coming out now....If you are reading this and God has been working on you to do something...if He is speaking through His word and to your spirit about a situation you are going through, I encourage you to follow His instruction. The journey is so good with Him. Is it easy? Most likely, not. However, it will always bring you closer to our Savior Jesus. And as disciples, is that not what life is all about?

A Day Early...What Could Possibly Happen?

A note from D...

K is holding B at this very moment. Can you believe it? Almaz came to the hotel while we were eating lunch. K told her that on our walk this morning we found Hannah's Hope. We wanted to go in so bad. She said, "Why didn't you knock? Let's go and see your daughter." K was stunned!!

Get this....K walks in and the children are listening to a story and Almaz calls out B's name and she comes walking straight to her momma. She is giving kisses. In fact, she is staying the night with us tonight. K just walked in with her...God is good.

Sis.. she gives you and her brother's pictures big kisses.....oh man...this is a blast.....

Something Beautiful Out of Something Broken

A good friend of mine gave me this necklace a while ago when I was going through a really difficult time. It's a piece of broken china that's been made into this special piece of jewelry. When I wear it I think about the symbolism behind it...something beautiful out of something broken. I'm so thankful to God that He has taken my brokeness and created something beautiful for Himself. I'm taking it with us as we fly to Ethiopia tomorrow. We are overjoyed to be able to travel to get our sweet little African princess, but there is also a touch of sadness in the whole process...sadness for her in the loss of her birth family...sadness for her birthmom in giving up her daughter. Thank you for praying for "B" and please pray that we will be able to meet with her birth family while we are in Addis Ababa.

On a happy note, we were able to pack LOTS of formula for the babies at Hannah's Hope!!! We have enough for over 800 bottles:) May God multiply it even more!

We shared Ephesians 2:10 with our kids this week...we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do. It's stunning to us that God is allowing us to be a part of His plan for little "B"! It was just a year ago that we began seeking God's wisdom concerning adoption for our family, and NOW here we are! God is so kind and we give Him all of our praise!

Balls, Bubbles and Jump Ropes!

D came home from work today with LOTS of basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes & bubbles for the kids at Hannah's Hope in Ethiopia! We are also taking as much baby formula as we can, but D wanted to make sure that we took fun stuff, too :) Thank you to all of you who have bought gifts for the orphanage or given money to buy these things! Thank you most of all for praying for us as we prepare to leave on Friday!!! We're excited to think that our little darling girl will soon be here at home with us!

I'm thankful for the peace that God has given me. I praying that these few days before we travel will be happy, peaceful and reassuring to the kids before we fly 8,000 miles away to Africa! I'm praising God for His tremendous love and faithfulness!

Hopeful Anticipation

Soon after we mailed in our adoption application to All God's Children on May 1, 2008 we began to pray about the name for our little princess. One morning after I'd been in God's Word I felt Him whisper that her name would be Hope. I shared that with the family and that's when Sis designed and posted this sign for her bedroom door:) At that time, we didn't even know anything about Hope. Since then, we've learned about her and have decided to let her keep the African name that her birthmom has given her, but her middle name will be Hope! I've been thinking alot about that sign this week as we prepare to travel to Ethiopia on Friday...the fact that Sis was confident that one day "soon" she would be getting her little sister. It makes me smile to think of her childlike faith and confidence in a great and awesome God who was performing the miracle of adoption in our family. God is so faithful! It reminds me of His incredible promise: "Those who hope in me will not be disappointed!" Isaiah 49:23(b)

"...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:24(b)-25