Approved

Today we were approved at court. The Lord heard our prayers and everything fell into place. Thank you Yosi who has done so much work. Today is exactly one year since we were matched with these children.

The Lord has taught us to trust Him, to wait, to have self-control, to live day by day, that suffering is a gift, His timing is perfect, and to pray constantly. Now when I say that I know we will continue to learn these things as long as we live. He gave us a gift this last year and I am beyond thankful.

Now the work really begins. Preparing to bring three children into our home. The Lord has brought us here and I am confident that He will continue to carry us. I am so thankful to all that have prayed and supported us.

Court Date December 11th

We have a court date of Dec. 11th. The Lord has been so faithful and done miracles to get us to this point. This will be our third time to court. THe first two were not approved because of lack of paperwork. Dec. 11th marks one year exactly since we got matched with them.

We are trusting God to finish this. If He does finish this, it will be just the beginning. When we told the kids about the court date Marya started screaming with joy. She has been praying for use to get a court date for some time. It was so fun to see the excitement. She kept saying, Mom God answered our prayers. Then I had to spend time trying to explain to her that just because we got a court date does not mean that we will get the kids.

May the Lord lead us and may the Lord prepare us.

No Satisfaction

Why does this world not satisfy? Why does a new shirt not bring joy? Why does marriage and children not fill my loneliest times? Why when all my needs are more then met, I am left feeling empty? Why does the dream of living in the country close to family not feel quite right?

I can only come up with one answer. I am not meant for this world. This is not my home. My heart aches to live out the passions of the bible. To let go of this world and all it has to grab on to greater things. To rejoice in suffering and see beyond my own selfish thoughts. You better count the cost, this road is full of loss (wow I better write a song).

How can I learn to depend on God when every need of mine is met. I want to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God of Noah, Joseph, Moses. The God of Ruth, Ester and Mary. He is the same God today as He was then. Why do I not experience HIm that way. I get glimpses of Him when I pray and sing at the piano. I feel satisfied when I am in the word, but I want more of Him!!

It is a real war. My flesh desires the comfort of this world, yet my soul cries out to leave it all behind for the sake of the greatest treasure. I fear one day sitting on my front porch, old in age, and realizing that I never really lived at all. There is only one way to live as a Christian, fully for Christ. When I was adopted into Christ's family I get the privilege of calling God father. Out of love for my father I will obey Him. Not out of duty, but great love. I am confident that His word will light my path.

Fake trees busted

If you trim an artificial tree, here are three myth busters from the National Christmas tree Association. I hope you make the switch.

MYTH#1 Real Christmas trees are cut down from forests.

BUSTED: Only a tiny percentage of trees come from forests. Most come from a farm where growers plant one to three seedlings for each tree harvested.

MYTH#2 You save a tree by using an artificial tree.

BUSTED: Trees are a crop. They're planted by farmers to be used specifically as Christmas trees. ARtificial trees come in a cardboard box. Does that save a tree?

MYTH#3 It's better to use an artificial tree because you can reuse it each year.

BUSTED: Research shows that most of artificial trees are only used six to nine years before they end up in a landfill. Real trees are biodegradable and recyclable. They can be used for mulch and erosion control.

Jake meets the kids

WOW, that is all I can say. Jake's time in Ethiopia has been greatly blessed. Each day he spends with the kids they get closer. Of course the first day they were all nervous and each day gets better. The kids run to him and hug him. Abreham even started to cry one day when Jake left. It does my heart so much good to see Jake holding them and loving on them.

Also Jake has gotten a lot of clarity on our case. Since he has been there a lot has gotten done and hopefully this Monday the last bit of paperwork will be completed. God has really blessed Jake's time there. HE has provided just the right people to help. I ask for prayer for Jake. He is sick with a fever and congestion. It is always hard to be sick away from home.l

There is a possibility that Jake will be staying longer then planned if he thinks it will do good for the case so we will wait and see what happens.

Travel to Ethiopia

Jake leaves tomorrow for his long flight to Addis Ababa. He is going to see the children to see if he can help at all. He will try to get some answers of what is going on over there. He will hold our children and tell them how much we love them. He will tell them that we are fighting for them and doing everything we can. We have no idea what is ahead for us but we are praying for a miracle. This was a last minute trip but we both feel so peaceful about it. His trip is from Nov. 2-11, he will stay longer if he feels like he needs to.

Weekend in Nashville

With our dear friend Rebekah

Ezra enjoying the beautiful weather!!

Jake and Marya doing some climbing.

They have a great time together.

Gosh, she looks so old. How can I slow it down?

It was so great to visit Rebekah in Nashville this weekend. WE miss her all the time. We went to some awesome parks and ate some great food, and enjoyed some beautiful weather. We did not want to leave.