Giving Thanks

We Thank the Lord for being a loving and all powerful God.  We are also thankful for our family and friends.  They keep us going with their encouragement and prayers.  We are also thankful for the chance to minister to children through church, school, and recently the bus.  (Yep Evan has started bus driving.  We are trying to be creative with our fundraising and ministry so he is bus driving and I am tutoring.)

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful.  We were able to celebrate with both sides.  This is a picture of my family.  My mom and Dad are in the middle.  Starting from the top left and zigzaggin with spouses there is Evan and I, Kris, Nicole (Baby Isaac) Jake, Jess, Jeremy, Sharla, and Jo-Jo.  Annie my little sister was dutifully working, but I will post a picture of her really soon. The little ones in the front are Lilly, Xander, Alie, Sophie

Lately in Sunday School we have been teaching about Moses and the Israelites.  Their story has reminded me of God's amazing power.  Some days are harder than others waiting, but we know that God has a plan in store.  The Israelites journey to the promise land reminded me personally to keep a positive and trusting outlook on God's Timing.  We are continuing to seek God's wisdom through his word and praying that we can continue to trust in his timing.

Waiting on God

There have been a few sad twists and turns lately.  A bill passed in Taiwan that might make the adoption process more complicated.  Overall our prayer is that it does not hinder the ministry of Home of God's Love.  Also we pray for our process to be quick and easy despite the complications the bill might cause.
Recently I went to a women's conference with Kari and Jess.  The speakers and singers were wonderful.  The Duggers with their 19 kids were there as well.  I found it quite encouraging.  I thought if one family could have 19 (and counting) kids then surely the Lord will bless us one day as well, with at least a few.  The whole event was refreshing, but the most touching moment was talking to Aunt Debbie.  She reminded me of Isaiah's words in the Bible.  She had told me about a verse that mentions waiting on the Lord.  While we wait we are being braided together with the things we need to be stronger for what is to come.  These truths reminded me that we are waiting on God.  While he is braiding us together, preparing us to be parents we will continue to be faithful and hopeful.    

This verse fills my heart with hope

Orphan Sunday

November is Adoption month.  We will be discussing what it means to be adopted into God's family with the children at church.  We ordered a package from www.orphansunday.org and they sent us bags of rice and dried vegetables.  The children at church are going to learn a little more about how some orphans live.  We will also discuss how we are all orphans until we accept the Lord as our true Father.  This Sunday, we will share a meal eaten by orphans around the world.   Orphan Sunday is One Day, One Voice, One Purpose.  On this day I encourage you to pray for all of the 143 million orphans.  (Also pray that hopefully Adoption Month will be a blessed month for our family.)    

Family Pictures

Ryan took our pictures a couple weeks ago and here they are! We went down to the creek and all wore our Bless You and Keep You shirts. They turned out great but we can't wait to have a new addition in these picture soon!