Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday Snapshot: New Brother, New Friend
Yesterday, Kaya looked at me & said, "My new brudder is home?"
Yes, sweetie, he's home.
*******************************
Friday, May 28, 2010
What Happens When You Say Yes?
Our adoption from Ethiopia was a leap of faith. People ask all the time how we decided on Ethiopia, and my answer is always, "God". We had no intention of adopting internationally, but our ways are not God's ways. (By the way, we also had no intention of EVER doing foster care, & we ended up doing that, too...see a theme?) This journey has been amazing in so many ways, & tonight was yet another beautiful example of how God blesses us beyond our imaginations just because we said "yes".
Only a few months ago, two little boys were friends in an orphanage over 8,000 miles away. Today, these same two little boys are living with their families in America...about 40 miles from each other. And because their new parents said yes to God's calling, they get to enjoy a special new friendship on top of getting to be mommy & daddy to these two awesome boys. God is so cool like that.
May I always trust His plans so that I don't miss out on the gifts He has in store.
Only a few months ago, two little boys were friends in an orphanage over 8,000 miles away. Today, these same two little boys are living with their families in America...about 40 miles from each other. And because their new parents said yes to God's calling, they get to enjoy a special new friendship on top of getting to be mommy & daddy to these two awesome boys. God is so cool like that.
May I always trust His plans so that I don't miss out on the gifts He has in store.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thankful Thursday {Children's Heaven, Ethiopia}
Before we left for Ethiopia, I had been praying for many aspects of our trip, including what God might have for Kameryn there. She was very anxious to experience Ethiopia, but she also wanted to DO something. I am so thankful every time I reflect on our time there & the doors that were opened for her to love others. I have some beautiful pictures of her with the little children at my son's orphanage, but out of respect for other adoptive parents, I will not post those. You'll just have to trust me...they are beautiful pictures of Kami loving & being loved by sweet little girls & boys. I know that they have left a special imprint on her heart.
The other opportunity that presented itself was a trip to Children's Heaven. You can learn more about this wonderful organization at www.childrensheaven.org. Hanna has a great ministry going there for girls. We went to visit on our last day in Ethiopia, & it was amazing. Kami got to spend time with girls close to her own age, & they were thrilled to find out that she plays basketball. Come to find out, they have been very curious about the game of basketball, so after we enjoyed listening to them sing for us & having a snack together, we headed out into the compound so that Kami could show & teach some of her basketball skills.
Since they do not have basketballs yet, they made due with soccer balls.
The girls were fascinated at how Kami could dribble between her legs. I loved how they would watch her & then head off by themselves to practice & then come back to show her how they were doing.
Suddenly, a downpour hit. However, four of the girls were not about to quit, so they stayed outside with Kami for a game of soccer in the pouring rain.
The fabulous 5...Soaked but smiling.
The sweet, beautiful afternoon group of girls at Children's Heaven.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting. As we were leaving, one of the girls said, "Kameryn, we love you!" I am thankful for the moments that leave us never the same.
The other opportunity that presented itself was a trip to Children's Heaven. You can learn more about this wonderful organization at www.childrensheaven.org. Hanna has a great ministry going there for girls. We went to visit on our last day in Ethiopia, & it was amazing. Kami got to spend time with girls close to her own age, & they were thrilled to find out that she plays basketball. Come to find out, they have been very curious about the game of basketball, so after we enjoyed listening to them sing for us & having a snack together, we headed out into the compound so that Kami could show & teach some of her basketball skills.
Since they do not have basketballs yet, they made due with soccer balls.
The girls were fascinated at how Kami could dribble between her legs. I loved how they would watch her & then head off by themselves to practice & then come back to show her how they were doing.
Suddenly, a downpour hit. However, four of the girls were not about to quit, so they stayed outside with Kami for a game of soccer in the pouring rain. 
The fabulous 5...Soaked but smiling.
The sweet, beautiful afternoon group of girls at Children's Heaven.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting. As we were leaving, one of the girls said, "Kameryn, we love you!" I am thankful for the moments that leave us never the same.Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bustin' Out the Bathing Suits
Summer really is coming! And I think our Ethiopian dude is going to get along just fine.
Kade is really enjoying his little brother. Notice the matching trunks. Bless Kade's heart...he thought this was very cool. Love these boys. It's really quite crazy how much alike they are!
Boys . . .
K'Tyo took a break to try & get Kaya in on some water action. Alas, I think the girl has decided that bathing suits are merely an accessory for her cuteness.
Friday, May 21, 2010
More Ethiopia Memories
Part of a journal entry from my time in Ethiopia:
"...We then visited the Leprosy hospital & what a blessing it was. The people we got to meet made me cry. Really. I mean they really made me cry, but not b/c I felt sorry for them, but because I was so surprised & overwhelmed by their outpouring of love. They asked our driver so many questions about us having K'Tyo to which they would then say over & over, 'Lucky boy. Lucky, lucky boy.' And then they would say, 'God be with you. God bless you.' I think I am the lucky one...."
"...We then visited the Leprosy hospital & what a blessing it was. The people we got to meet made me cry. Really. I mean they really made me cry, but not b/c I felt sorry for them, but because I was so surprised & overwhelmed by their outpouring of love. They asked our driver so many questions about us having K'Tyo to which they would then say over & over, 'Lucky boy. Lucky, lucky boy.' And then they would say, 'God be with you. God bless you.' I think I am the lucky one...."
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