Unexpected Blessing

Happy Monday every0ne! So this weekend I was on a church retreat Friday and Saturday. It was an awesome time of fellowship and communion with God. One of Scriptures that we focused on was the story of when Jesus came to dine with Mary and Martha. I was convicted (yet again) of my Martha attitude and habits and my longing to just sit at the feet of Jesus, as Mary did. I was also so encouraged as I thought about how Jesus was SO patient and gentle with Martha as she ran around frantically making sure everything "was perfect". How awesome to know that I have been adopted into the family of this Saviour who patiently waits and beckons me to come and just find rest and joy at His feet!

So anyway, while I was at this retreat, I stole a moment to check my email (so Martha-ish!). I had received an email from the Director from "From HIV to Home" - even though she lives in Colorado - we have become fast friends over email as we talk about the many blessings (and few challenges) that come with adopting an HIV+ child. She wrote me to inform me that a family (whom I have never met) will be doing a fund raising walk for me in early September. This family (who also has 2 adopted children from Liberia) will be walking to raise money to help bring little Jeremiah home. Can you believe it? The joy and amazement I feel in knowing that this family would sacrifice their time, money, and energy in order to bless Jeremiah and myself is absolutely amazing. I serve a very big God -a holy God - a God that continues to bless and amaze me in the most unexpected ways. Would you please join me in praying that the fund raising they do is a big success, but more importantly, that God would bless this family in amazing ways for the sacrificial work they are doing!

FAQ's and more great information!

Check out some FAQ's on the From HIV to Home blog :) Here's the link!

Informational Picnic!

Hey everyone! The informational picnic last weekend went amazingly well - thank you for your prayers! Many of my dear friends and family took time out of their busy schedules to come and learn more about adoption as well as become a little more educated about HIV. Dr. Christa and her husband, Rob, shared their story about how God moved their hearts to embrace a little one from Zambia, after serving as missionaries there and personally witnessing the tragedy of watching the great suffering of AIDS that has already taken millions of lives, including millions of innocent children. I'm so tremendously thankful for everyone's attentiveness, honest questions, and excitement about this little one joining my family! Here's some pic's from the day!

P.S. I've decided on one of little busters names - Jeremiah (after Jeremiah 29:11).
P.P.S. I got fingerprinted this past Saturday - now I'm waiting for USCIS approval - which will probably take about 2 months.

Isaiah - isn't he absolutely adorable!

Bulch and Isaiah playing a little game of catch!


Introducing Scott! If you haven't met him yet, he's amazing - hope you all get to meet him soon! I am a very lucky girl!

Rob and Christa's brood enjoying pizza!


In this shot, you can see Dr. Christa standing at the front and her husband Rob standing in the kitchen area. Also in the shot are my little bro and sis Tim and Brooke, step-mom Dottie, and work colleague Peg!

Me and little bro :)

My sweet sisters in the Lord, Allison, Anna, and Sam

Thanks for checking in everyone! I'd love to hear from you so leave a comment or shoot me an email and let me know what's up with you all!