family

haven of hope is really a family.

as we prepare and discuss our first ones to be adopted out of the home i have realized more and more how strong these bonds are. the aunties (and trena and i) love these kids as if they were our own (as is evidenced by the instant tears whenever adoption is brought up) and they love each other as brothers and sisters.

but it is just as important to remember that God has given us these babies for a season. a season in their lives where we can BE their family, can love them as they deserve to be loved for the time that God is preparing their family. we are able to provide them with relationships that will be filled by others for the rest of their lives.

it has been quite the experience seeing the process of knowing these babies and seeing them placed with their real families. it gives me chills to see how specifically and awesomely God has picked the perspective parents for each of these kids. God knows these babies better than we will ever know them and he has their families specifically chosen for each of them- meeting their every need. and his plans for them are good.

and though it makes me nauseous thinking about watching any one of them leave, i know that God is protecting them and i KNOW how deeply each of them has touched my heart and life. i love them and thank God that i could be a part of their season here, even if only for 4 months.

huh.

interesting evening:

1) took me 20 minutes instead of 5 to get home tonight...because i got stuck in the middle of cattle. yup. huge cows, surrounding the car. i was moving the speed of cows. awesome.

2) watched "pre-school power" dvd..one of the kids' favorites which is a sing-a-long dvd with common kids songs with fun corresponding videos in the background a few things about this program:

- why does "humpty dumpty" have a giant dancing dolphin in the background?

- why does three blind mice show a kid with a mullet running around a summer fair?

- who knew "how much is that doggie in the window" have verses about taking a roadtrip to california and also about there being robbers with flashlights in the city?

huh.

consumed

God has been challenging me recently, asking me how consumed i am with who He is.

how do my:

choices of how to use free time

words

actions

thoughts about myself and others

reflect that i am consumed, filled, and complete in Him?

tonight instead of watching the typical hispanic soap dubbed in english while eating suzie (the other one...not referring to me in third person) said she was going to go outside and worship by herself. we soon heard her singing sweet worship songs to her Father and it was a beautiful thing. when she returned (to feed her hunger before returning) someone asked, why are you singing tonight suzy? and she responded "because i am so in love with my Jesus i feel like singing to Him so all can hear"

i want to have that unrestricted love and passion for God. that all my actions and the words out of my mouth are not only honoring to Him but showing Him to others...singing JUST because I am in love with Him.

package fun.

The baby house had a great surprise when we got a big package from STEPH EBRIGHT! thanks to her 1st grade class babies had a great time updating their closets with some pretty awesome clothes.

Eli sporting his ADORABLE new collared shirt.

not a great lizzie picture but adorable outfit!

yeah and that's a perfect joseph outfit. (look at those chunky legs!)

miah smiling like a big boy in his tommy shirt. hello little charmer.

and joseph again in his baller sweat outfit. love it. (please note awesome denim shoes with orange laces. yup.)

and here is a video of them loving the new stuffed animals! (i had great intentions of posting many of the videos i have of this...but with INCREDIBLY slow internet and me not understanding blog/video relations you only get one youtube link...but you still get to see these adorable kids in action for 45 seoconds! enjoy!)

Miah and Eli exploring the toys

thank you SO MUCH steph and mrs. ebright's 1st grade class! the babies love everything (and steph i sure do love all of my goodies as well!)

carpooling

today when we were eating dinner (ugali. again.) we saw a commercial that mentioned carpooling.

sitting with 3 women who have never driven a car and rarely ride in them they looked at me with confused faces and asked the simple question "what is this carpooling?"

simple thing. that i have done since i was the age of these babies we are watching.

and explaining things that are so ingrained sometimes is more difficult than i imagine..

"ummm ya know, if there are multiple people going to the same place you drive in one car..to save money, and its better for the enviornment"

blank stares

"why not just walk?"

valid question my african friends, valid question.

lyrics

i love good songs. tonight i am listening to christy nockles "waiting here for you".

a song i just got and it's a good one. one that hits me right where i am, right where God has me, confirming everything i am learning.

some of the best lines:

if faith can move the mountains, let the mountains move

i come with expectation, i am waiting here for you.

you are the lord of all creation, and still you know my heart

i am waiting here for you, with hands lifted high in praise, it is you i adore.

You are everything you've promised, your faithfulness is true.

I am desperate for your presence, all we need is you."

God is good. His faithfulness and promises are true.

photo of the week

hopey tickle spot.