Fundraiser pictures

Boy- did we have fun today! We are all exhausted, but it was well worth it. What a party we had... Here is Hubby and I trying our very first crawfish. Our response: when they say cajun, they mean it! haha

Hubby, the funny man!

Here is 'grandma', she was with us all day.

We had a live worship band playing for us today. Here is a picture of the children singing with the band, "This little light of mine."

Momma & the kiddos

The "fundraising table." We had cookbooks, beaded jewelry, 'fun-fur' flip flops, and a beautiful framed picture of the Liberian children (my friend brought it for us).


Finally, a picture of the cookbook...

We had such a fun day, thank you to those who came and volunteered your time to help us.
Have a blessed weekend!

Fundraiser tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big "crawfish dinner fundraiser." There have been lots of last minute preparations and lots of people helping us! We're told that the dinner is the 'buzz' around town (and in neighboring towns as well). We didn't have much luck selling tons of tickets, but we have heard many comments like: "We plan on coming, don't really care if we eat crawfish, we just want to meet the family and possibly give a donation." So, sounds like a party if nothing else...

BIG NEWS~~THE COOKBOOKS ARE IN!!!! I'll try to get a picture posted sometime next week of the cover so you can see it. Anyone interested in purchasing an Adoption Blessings & More cookbook, please email me and I'll get you a copy ASAP. We're asking $18 per book and $2 S/H. If you've contacted me in the past and were interested in a cookbook, look for an email in the next few days asking for confirmation. I want to be extra sure before sending out the books to you all. The cookbook has 3 'extra' sections including: baby food recipes, Liberian recipes & breakfasts.

No update this week on the paperwork. The woman we've been corresponding with is out of the office until Tuesday next week. We hope to call & speak with our eldest son Monday morning to check in with him. My in-laws will also be on their way down here on Monday. We hope to see them Tuesday or Wednesday! The kids here are super excited to see grandma & grandpa!

Have a great weekend. Please remember us in your prayers as tomorrow approaches. The dinner will be from 3-6pm (Central time). I'll fill you in on the details after it's all done.

We praise God for the blessings we will receive especially tomorrow and for the people we will speak with.

*Side note- 'grandma' has loaned me an authentic African lappa (skirt) and shirt. I'll be arriving at the dinner in style. I'll post pictures of that as well, next week.

Have a great weekend!

NEW PICTURE!

I just received this picture of our 4 precious children! This is, by far, is the best picture we've seen yet of all 4. I'll be oohing & aahing the rest of the day... enjoy!

Praise

Once again, lyrics from a song touch my heart today. We stay here waiting for our precious children, praying for them all day long. My mother's heart is longing for them. Longing to sing to them, longing to teach them & longing to love them. Part of my heart is half a world away...

With every breath, with every thought, from what is seen, to that deepest part. I offer up that I’ve come to be, to know your love, Father in me. Father, you’re all I need. My sole sufficiency, my strength when I am weak, the love that carries me. Your arms enfold me, I am a child of God.

With every step, on this journey’s walk, and wisdom’s songs that the soul has sought- I give myself unreservingly, to know your love- Father in me. Father, you’re all I need. My sole sufficiency, my strength when I am weak. The love that carries me. Your arms enfold me, I am a child of God.

Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. Jesus, be the center, be my hope, be my song, Jesus. Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live. Jesus, Jesus.

Jesus, be my vision, be my path, be my guide, Jesus. Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live- Jesus, Jesus.

Be the fire… be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live- Jesus, Jesus.

There’s no one like our God, no one at all- gave His son for us, Jesus the Lord. Who can love us like He does, no one at all. Oh, how we love you Lord!

You lift the needy from the ashes, and sit them high up with the princes. You give the barren woman healing, she’ll dance with joy like the mother of children.

There’s no one like our God, no one at all- gave His son for us, Jesus the Lord. Who can love us like He does, no one at all. Oh, how we love you Lord!

I have sung my songs of praise, thanksgiving on my lips, bowed low and worshipped you. But now I’m coming close, closer than before, for the veil is torn in two. Now that I am here with you, there’s no place I’d rather be! Now that I have felt your touch, make your home in me.

I feel so safe with you, acceptance in your voice. You whisper tenderly. You are my beloved, chosen one my friend, you’re so precious to me! Now that I am here with you, there’s no place I’d rather be. Now that I have felt your touch, make your home in me.

New day

Today is a new day!
I thought I would bring forward the organization that we trust the most that adopts children out of Liberia.

If you feel led to donate to someone for the Liberian orphans, we personally recommend this particular agency: Acres of Hope. Please pray as to where the Lord is guiding you to direct your generosity & love. All orphans in the world are in need of compassion and a helping hand- if you're not specifically directed to Liberia, please search out other places/countries where you feel led to help.

http://www.acresofhope.org/aboutacres.htm


This entire process of adoption has been full of ups and downs- moments of worry and moments of pure joy. I don't doubt this is the story of every adoptive parent. Hubby and I see this as a wonderful blessing and even in the tough times- we thank God for this journey. I heard a wonderful quote today on my favorite christian radio station. It is: "I don't mind the 'valley' times that much- it makes the mountain tops that much sweeter."

How true is that?

We thank you all for the prayers. Once again, I found strength in the form of a song this morning. I thank God for placing me in a country where I can simply listen to the radio and hear christian songs. I praise God that I can open my bible anywhere I please, and read His inspired words. I'll leave you today with the wonderful words that brought my heart renewed hope & strength.

"But the voice of truth tells me a different story- the voice of truth says, 'DO NOT BE AFRAID.' And the voice of truth says, 'This is for my glory.' Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth. Listen to the sound of Jesus...."

Reality check

My reality check is this: Before we began these adoptions, I went through my daily life NEVER thinking about orphans or those suffering in ANY 3rd world country. I never thought of them and I never prayed for them. I felt bad when I saw commercials on t.v. about starving children- but I never did anything about it. The most important thing we can ever do is- PRAY! I never, ever prayed for these people. I'm having a huge reality check that this IS happening in 2007 and it is true that a large percentage of the world is living on less than $1 per day.

I know that the Lord is almighty and 100% in control here. He has a master plan and I know that I need to fully understand that and feel it in my heart. It is very easy for a helpless feeling to creep up on me and send me into a tailspin but that brings God no glory.

So- today I resolve to give God 100% of the glory even in spite of what is happening "in the world." I praise God for the blessings He gives and the life lessons He teaches. Please join with me and pray for all the orphans in the world who are suffering. Please join me in praying for those who live on so little and who have not a fraction of the 'things' we have.

Not only should we be praying for those who live in poverty- but let's broaden our prayers for those who are non-Christian. Those who live in poverty and don't know the love of Christ. There is a 'section' in our world called the 10/40 window. Look here for more information and please pray for these people. Liberia falls in this 'section' of the world.

Have you all seen the movie "Facing the Giants?" Hubby and I are 'preparing the field' as we have firm confidence that the Lord will bring forth His blessings. The big crawfish-dinner fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 31st from 3-6pm. Depending on whether or not we sell the cookbooks and last 5 boxes of chocolates, I will be outside of Walmart on the 1st of April selling those.

No answer at the orhanage yet. Other parents are having the same problem getting through and haven't been able to talk with their children.

I have 23 yarn dolls done- almost half way to my goal!

Yarn Doll Ministry

I think the "theme" for my life should include the word MULTI-TASKING! I'm beginning to think that I get more done when I have a lot going on- I think this started with nursing school. I planned our wedding during the first year of school and then I was pregnant with our first child the second year. I'm beginning to constantly think about the phrase "when you want something done- ask a busy person." Except, I'm doing this to myself.... :)

We received an American Girl Craft Idea Book for Christmas. In that book was how to make an "old fashioned" yarn doll. Dear daughter #3 wanted to make a yarn doll for her friend's birthday present- so, this morning we ventured to make our very first yarn doll. How cute! It turned out great and it is so cute!

To make a long story short, I was drying my hair after my morning shower and an idea hit me like a ton of bricks. I have just a mountain of yarn sitting in a rubbermaid bin. *Of course, I have great intentions to knit something or to finish crocheting that blanket I started about 8 years ago. It took me about 15 minutes to make the body of the yarn doll, and another 5-8 minutes to make the hair and glue on the eyes/nose/mouth (buttons). I think it would be so great to do a "yarn doll ministry" for the Liberian orphans. Hubby and I usually sit down every night after the kids are in bed and watch atleast an hour of tv (we're huge American Idol & Survivor fans). I could make 4-6 dolls a night while we watch our favorite shows- MULTI-TASKING AT ITS FINEST!

My goal is to make atleast 50 yarn dolls with the materials I have on hand. Literally the only thing I need to purchase are little styrofoam balls (for the head of the doll). I think I bought a 6 pack for about $1. I'd really like to send the dolls with hubby to Liberia when he goes to bring the kids home. I'm remembering the post on our adoption loop about the small stuffed teddy bears were brought to the boys at one of the orphanages. They were so blessed to be given a teddy bear and just loved on them and cuddled them. That may have been the first and only gift they'd ever received.

If I can make 50 yarn dolls for the children- how many more smiles will those little dolls bring forward? I just know they will feel so blessed to receive them. So, this is my goal... 50 yarn dolls by the time hubby leaves for Liberia. If you would like to join in on this ministry, please do so! You can make the dolls as plain or as fancy as you'd like. Our dolls will be fairly plain, with button eyes/nose and a red yarn mouth. We'll make long hair for the girl dolls and tie in some ribbon.

I would like to keep this going even after the kids come home. You can send us the yarn dolls and we will get them to Liberia and into the children's hands. Please email me for our mailing address at: gusnbec@hughes.net

I'll keep you updated as I make the dolls- and how many I have completed. This is a great way for you to keep me held accountable as I follow through on this project. Below you will find some links on how you can make your own yarn doll(s). I would also be happy to copy our directions and mail them to you, just drop me an email. Have a blessed weekend!

http://www.makingfriends.com/yarn_doll.htm

http://www.aokcorral.com/how2mar2000.htm

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/do/yarndoll.html

Truths

Someone asked me yesterday what kind of reactions we've received about the adoptions. After our son had a "melt-down" in Walmart last night, I thought I'd post a few comments from other adoptive families about the truths within a family regarding adopted or biological children.

"Even in the same family, individual personalities make all the difference. There is no way to know what your situation will be like. Some kids find life in America is not what they thought it would be and have a really hard time adjusting to parental authority. Some have thankful hearts and are just glad to be in a family.

In looking back, I can clearly see that God's call to this ministry was not only about the children, but what He would do in the rest of our hearts as we all learn to love unconditionally as He loves us....as we learn to sacrifice as He sacrificed for us. If we never come around to being "one big happy family", we have been challenged to walk a lot of Biblical teaching that used to be just talk. Our faith has grown bigger and more firm. It's worth all the struggles.

Just be obedient and leave the rest to God. Remember....there ain't no testimony without a trial! There isn't anything you can say that will make a person understand the 'foolish things that only the Lord can make confound the wise".

Where the Lord's work is, there WILL be tribulation and trials. Where the Lord's work is there will be wonderful moments and down right hard ones. It's what produces the growth He wants in you, and it will be what defines you as HIS child. Your life will not be like any others, your children will not be just like any others. You can only stand firm on the promises He makes, and whether or not He has called you to this. By obedience and faith we step forward, one day at a time.

We just pray each time we get pregnant that the Lord strengthen us for whatever the needs of our new little life are. The same held true for our adopted children. There will be needs, and God can and will give you the wisdom to handle them.

I do see how God has been glorified in each step we take, and how the people watching can only say "By God's grace and mercy can this family do what they are doing.

Every child is different. Some struggle with behavior, attachment problems, etc and others blend into the family as if they have always been there. It is impossible to really know until the child is in your home. You have to be educated and prepared for the worst while hoping and praying for the best. It is important to realize that there probably will be at least some issues with any child. Being adopted, brought to a new culture and country, etc are all very big changes and few children will not struggle at least a little bit with the experience. Does that mean you shouldn't adopt? Absolutely not! If God is calling you to adopt then He will give you the strength, wisdom, discernment and energy to parent the children that He gives you. That doesn't mean that it will be easy, but it means you can do it and that you can bring glory to God through it.

We have encountered some of the same types of comments and concerns from friends/family. You won't be able to convince all of the nay-sayers, but you also don't have to. Often God calls us to things that don't make sense to other people. There is a verse in 2nd Corinthians that comes to mind ( Chapter 5:13-14). Here it is in the New Living Translation: "If it seems that we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us". Some people will think you are crazy - even people you love and respect like your family, your pastor, other church members, etc. But,
if God is calling you to adopt then this is part of His plan for your life and He will bless you for it."

These are just some of the truths that we know exist within any family. Overall, the reactions we have received have been positive. Although, we have also received negative comments and reactions- some from friends and even from family members. Hubby and I keep our eyes on the Lord and his plan for our family. We try to keep in mind the "big picture" and don't let the "nay-sayers" weaken us... even if the hurtful comments come from family members.

We continue to try and stay humble, making sure we are learning the absolute truths about family life and stay conscious of the "rose-colored glasses syndrom."

As for our son's meltdown in Walmart, at times like those I just have to smile and think- "I'm a momma and this comes with the job!"

I've shared many lyrics of songs here, they sure ring true in my heart. Here's a song that is "ringing true" today as I talk about truths:

My times are in your hands, I know I’ll never understand but I’ll trust in you. Sometimes my heart grows cold, I’m sorry when I take control- how I’m needing you. Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost- you take my hand. I will hold on, I will hold on, I will hold on- yes, I will trust in you.

My life is in your hands, you hold the key to who I am. And I’ll trust in you. Sometimes my heart is stone, I’m sorry when I walk alone- how I’m needing you! Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost, you take my hand!

I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on, yes I will trust in you. And I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on…

Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost, you take my hand! I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on…

Human Rights Celebration Benefit

It's been one week since we attended the Human Rights Celebration benefit, in which we were honored. The night started with a lovely potluck dinner & we all ate well! Some good friends of ours also came to support us, we had a nice time talking and eating with them. The service started and it brought attention to many issues throughout the world dealing with Human Rights. There were also prayers and a few songs. The Local/State President told our story, mostly what was published in the paper, and then asked us to step forward.

We were presented with a framed certificate that reads: Church Women United, Inc.- United Nations Office presents its Human Rights Award for your leadership service as a mentor and social activist on human rights and human development, an advocate for peace with justice with no boundaries of political system, country, cultural background or religion. The certificate was then signed by The Local/State President and The National President of Church Women United.

They also gave our children a CD set of Children's Bible songs & stories. There was also a "love offering" taken and we were handed the overflowing offering plate. The people there were so generous and we are so thankful for their donations towards the adoption expenses. The women there offered to have a "clothes" shower for us before the children arrive home. That will also be a tremendous blessing as clothing 4 more children has been weighing on my mind (where does one start?).

We are so thankful and so humbled by this experience. It took hubby & I about 3 days to fully sort through all our emotions. It's during times like these that saying "thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough. We wish we could do more to show our appreciation, but thank you is all we have. We thank God that He has brought all these generous & loving people into our lives to support us and stand beside us!

Letters from Dear Son #2

This is the only other picture we received of ds#2 from the disposable cameras. The second picture of him is with the other 3 children (on ds#1 post). Dear son #2 is the boy in the front wearing the Scooby Doo shirt. During the Christmas Eve phone conversation with him, we were able to hear a little more of his voice. He said, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, mom and dad. I love you." That was more than last time! :) He has a voice like an angel, I can't wait to scoop him up in my arms!

This is a little of what he had to say in his current letters:
Dearest Sweet mom,
I send a special and kind greeting in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you so much, but you know that God loves you the best. Thank you for the wonderful letter and things you sent to me in the last package. I pray that we can come home soon.
Love, peace and joy from your son


Dearest Dad,
Special greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you so much but God loves you the best. Dad, I cannot wait to see you here in Liberia some day. I pray that the almighty God will be with you and keep you safe and sound. Bless your work and everything you do.
Love always from your sweet son
*There are drawings of little stick people all over the bottom of the page of the whole family, all 9 of us! There is also a little saying that says, "We all love you dad, mom, sisters & brother!"

Letters from Dear Daughter #1

These are the two best photos of Dear Daughter #1 from the disposable cameras we sent last trip. The first photo shows her in her room, striking the same pose as dd #2 in her picture. They seem to have swapped the stuffed bear and hat for each picture... The picture below is of Dear Daughter #1 wearing the bandana I sent for dd #2's birthday (they share everything!). I purchased a blue bandana and then embroidered her name on the edge. Dd#2's two favorite colors are blue & red.

Dear daughter #1 didn't send home her camera or any letters in the last batch. We were very concerned about her, thinking she may have become ill again and had to leave the orphanage. When we called the orphanage on Christmas Eve, we were able to speak with dear daughter #1 and she apologized for not sending a letter. We didn't mind- we were just so thankful she was ok! She sounded great (as did the the children) and we used her again as our "interpreter." It's more difficult to understand dd#2 over the phone so if we cannot understand, dd #1 gets back on the line and explains to us what sister is trying to say. The phone connection always seems to be in and out and the children are very quiet (with a lot of background noise). Here are some of the things dd #1 had to say in her last batch of letters.

"To my baby sister,
How are you? I hope you are fine- as the Lord blesses you. How wonderful to know that you are my baby sister. My name is ****, my new name is ****. I love you very much and I will teach you how to dance and dress like a princess and act like a princess. You look wonderful in your picture. I love you.
Your sister

To my sweet brother
How are you? I hope you are fine as the Lord may bless you and the family. I am ****, your new sister. When I come over, I will teach you a lot of games and brother will teach you how to play football (soccer) and baseball. I can not wait to see you and I pray for you. I love you so much. Bye to my sweet brother---
Your sister

My wonderful sister (dd#3),
How are you? I hope you are fine as the Lord may bless you all. I am your new sister, *** and when I come over, I will teach you a lot of new games. I will also show you some African dance. I cannot wait to see you, I love you and I pray for you.
You are my wonderful sister.
From your sister

Dear my mom and dad,
I greet you with all my love and care. How is everyone doing? I am fine, in the Lord Jesus. It is a blessing to know you people better, because I was not thinking about going to the U.S. because I gave up in everything to be adopted. I gave up hope but all the while, God was keeping my family aside for me and my brother (ds #1). We have been a long time on this mission, people come and go and meet us. Everyone leaves to go to the states, we thought that God had forgotten about us. But, I thank God we have a family who cares and loves us much.
Mom and dad, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am **** and I lived on this mission with my brother and other children. I came here in 1996-1997. See how long I've been here? Some of my friends that came with me have gone but I always know that there is a God who never fails, he says in Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the Lord while he may be found, Call upon him while he is near." He says that all things are possible and that He will not leave me as an orphan. My prayer is that God will work everything out for us and that the paperwork will be soon completed and we will be together.
I like the new name you gave me, I am so happy because I have my new grandmother's name for a middle name. I will teach you all African games and cook African food for you. That day will be a wonderful day in my life! Mom, I don't know how to express my love for you but when I come home, you will see it.
I send you extra love and hugs (XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO), may God richly bless you!
Your lovely daughter

Letters from Dear Daughter #2

These are two of best quality pictures we received from dd #2's disposable camera. I don't know if the sunlight was a problem, the quality of the camera or the inexperience of the photographers...In the first picture, she is standing beside a friend who has also received a package from America. The second picture seems to be of her in her room, holding a stuffed bear. They seem to have a table in there stocked with supplies (toothpaste, etc). Below you will find some of what she had to say in her letters. Through the letters we've received, she looks to be the creative, artistic one. She always has pictures and many colors of marker around the pages. She likes to write in many different colors of ink and has also taken on the task of writing letters to us from dear son #2. I don't know if he actually knows she's doing this, but she's made sure there's letters to us from herself and him. It also seems she had taken possession of dear son #2's disposable camera. There is one photo of ds#2 and his friends but the rest seem to be of the girls. Dd#2 likes to take pictures of herself, close-ups! It's fun to see some personality from these kids- I wonder if they will be anything like this when they come home??

"To my beloved Mom,
I want you to please send some of our pictures that we we took so that we can share with our friends when we are leaving Liberia. We love you and we cannot wait to see you soon. We all just have to be patient, and wait for God- His time is the best.
From your daughter

These are all my friend's name:
Patience, Yamin, Princess, Olivia, Martha, Lydia, Pauline
Mom, they all say hi to you and the others. Mom if you are writing to us, I want you to please write each of them a letter so that they will know you. They also said that if I leave Liberia they will miss me a lot. Mom, I love you and I cannot wait to see you soon.
Love always,
Your daughter

Dearest Dad,
I thank you so much for the lovely letter you were able to send me and I was very happy to receive it. I was so excited to receive it and I enjoyed reading it over and over. Dad, if ******* is coming to Liberia, we would like you to send us some little money for the seasons that are coming so we can buy something. We pray for you every day and night that God will bring us together soon. May God bless you and keep our family safe. Dad, I want you to please give my little brother and sisters hugs and kisses on their lovely faces. May the Almighty God bless you and keep you safe and sound.
Love always your daughter

*This letter has yellow, orange, green and purple marker EVERYWHERE!! :)

Dearest sweet mom,
Special greetings come to you in the name of Christ. My reason for writing you this letter is to tell you that I love you but God loves you the best. Mom, I was sooooooooooooo happy to receive the sweet and kind letter from you again. For each day of the week, the teacher works out the weekly theme in scripture in subjects for praise, thanksgiving and petition and a brief reflection. Mom, I want you to know that I am very excited to be part of your family. Mom, I want to tell you something that happened to me and my family. I was very little when I came to this mission and I have stayed here 10 years. Today, God has answered my prayers to be part of a family. I have not seen you, my parents, yet but I am so grateful to God for answering my prayers. I pray the paperwork will go quickly. Mom, my brothers (ds#1 and ds#2) and my sister (dd#1) all say hi to you all.
Love always from your sweet daughter

*This letter has black, orange, yellow, green, brown and purple symbols written around the entire border of the page. The symbol seems to be that on the side of the buildings at the orphanage.

Letters from Dear Son #1

These photos are from the disposable camera we sent to Liberia for ds #1. He took many pictures of himself and his friends- the quality is so-so, but in these two photos you can see him pointing to the state of Arkansas and a picture of all 4 children together. We were able to speak with him on Christmas Day. We'd been trying to reach his orphanage for 3 days and finally were able to connect and speak with him. It was very nice to hear his voice, although we could hear a bit of sadness from him. We believe he just wants to be home so badly that this waiting is wearing on him. We are sending letters/packages out to some friends today. They will be traveling to Liberia Jan. 4th. Please pray for their safety and that they will accomplish all their goals while in Liberia. Below you will find some of what ds#1 had to say in his latest letters. Have a wonderful week and a Happy New Year!

"Dear Mom,
I greet you with love from God our Heavenly Father. Mom, I am very much happy to write you this letter because of the love you have for us. Mom, thank you so much for the camera that you sent for us. I used the camera to take many pictures. I can not wait to be home very soon to see you and my brothers and sisters. Do you think you will win at the Bible game (*I've been playing a "bible game" with him ever since we started writing letters. I write him a verse and then have him tell me what he thinks it means. Then he writes me a verse back and I tell him what I think it means...and so on...), I am studying to win this game! Mom, I am so happy that you and dad are adopting me. Some times when I look at your picture, joy can fill my head and my heart. I love you so much and I can not wait to see you soon. I believe that God can do everything before January 30th that we can be home. I believe my God can do it. Because, with faith God can work.
From your dear son


Dear Mom & Dad,
Thank you for the new name you have given me. I can not wait to come home soon to see all our family and meet my special uncle ****. I am very happy to receive his name, I love this special name so much, when I think of it- joy fills my heart. All praises go to God, the most High, in everything we give God thanks for his good and faithful work to us His children. Please tell my precious sisters and brother I love them and I can not wait to see everyone of them very soon. I want for the adoption paperwork to go very quickly, you can ask *****, she will explain much to you. I can not wait to see you very soon.
Love your son

Project Red/Keep A Child Alive

I happened to turn on Oprah today and saw Bono telling about his new "project"- project RED. Here's a little bit about what he's doing to help the continent of Africa:

RED™ is a revolutionary program designed to eliminate AIDS in Africa. "Lots of people here in the United States have been trying to deal with the problems of Africa in a very serious way," Bono says. "But not everybody has the time to be an activist or put on their marching boots. So we said, 'How are we going to get the shopping malls involved? How are we going to get to where people live and shop…?'"

Bono teamed up with old friend Bobby Shriver to create (RED)™. Bono says (RED) focuses on AIDS because we can make a difference.

"In some countries over a third of the people are HIV positive. Can you imagine that? A third of this audience is sitting there and they know they're going to die," Bono says. "We have these drugs. And they're not that expensive. We think it's a very American thing, it's a very European thing, to say, 'Look, these people are going to die; they don't need to die.' Two Twin Towers a day. A tsunami a month. One hundred fifty thousand Africans die of a preventable, treatable disease every month. They don't have to. And we think the Oprah kind of people will just not have it—they'll do the right thing, they'll do the (RED) thing."

Help women and children suffering from AIDS in Africa by visiting the following (RED)™ websites (or stores).

JoinRed.com
(RED)™ was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to empower consumers to shop and do good at the same time. A portion of profits from the sale of (RED)™ branded products goes to The Global Fund to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, providing access to education, nutrition, counseling, medical services, and the two pills a day they need to help them stay alive.

The Global Fund
The Global Fund is the world's leading funder of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, which kill over 6 million people per year.

Gap
Gap is introducing Gap (PRODUCT) RED™—a new, limited collection of clothing and accessories for men and women designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. As part of Gap's global partnership with (PRODUCT) RED™, half of the profits from sales of the Gap (PRODUCT) RED™Collection will go to The Global Fund to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Armani
Emporio Armani is a proud partner of (PRODUCT) RED™.This pioneering initiative will raise money and awareness for The Global Fund through the sales of a RED-branded capsule collection designed by Giorgio Armani. Over the next five years, 40 percent of the gross profits from (Emporio Armani) RED will go directly to eradicate AIDS in Africa.

Converse
It's just a little, red eyelet, but it's the mark of a big idea. That single red eyelet at the top of each pair of Converse (PRODUCT) RED™ sneakers signifies participation in (RED)™, a program designed to help fight AIDS in Africa.

Motorola
Introducing the new red MOTORAZR V3m. The red MOTORAZR V3m was designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Apple
The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™Special Edition holds up to 1,000 songs, 25,000 photos, and a little hope because $10 from every iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™sold goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.



Alicia Keys was also on the show telling about her organization, Keep A Child Alive.

Alicia Keys is a singer, songwriter and a nine-time Grammy® winner who has taken the continent of Africa into her heart in a very big way. Through her involvement with the organization Keep A Child Alive, Alicia learned that in some cases an African child who has HIV can be helped with as little as $1 a day. With the proper medication and treatment, AIDS-infected adults can also live longer, fuller lives.

After celebrating with patients who have been helped by Keep A Child Alive donations, Alicia visited a family who lives in the slums of Mombasa. Alicia says she was overwhelmed when she met Sudi, a young man who was born with HIV and didn't receive proper medication until he was 14 years old. At 17, Sudi stood less than four feet tall. "Nothing really prepared me for seeing Sudi and seeing his family," she says.

About a week after Alicia left Kenya, Sudi passed away. "If we knew him when he was 3 and were able to start [treatment], he would still be alive today," Alicia says. "You can totally turn a person's life around by providing this medicine. … It's the simplest thing to save a life. Every one, single person can be a hero for a dollar a day."


For the first time on the same stage, Alicia and Bono perform their duet, "Don't Give Up (Africa)."

Bono and Alicia Keys's duet can be downloaded at www.keepachildalive.org. The song costs $1.49, and all proceeds go to the Keep A Child Alive organization.


Just one purchase or donation helps make a difference in the life/lives of a person who doesn't have the resources to stay healthy or stay alive. If you can, please help a mother/father protect themselves and/or their children from this disease that is devouring the continent of Africa. Buy RED.

Just a few names for Jesus

Jesus- Mt 1:25
Almighty- Rev 1:8
Alpha Omega- Rev 1:8
Beginning & End- Rev 1:8
First & Last- Rev 1:11
Amen- Rev 3:14
Anointed One- Ps 2:2
Beloved- Eph 1:6
Bread of Life- Jn 6:48
Cornerstone- Eph 2:20
Deliverer- Ro 11:26
Everlasting Father- Isa 9:6
Faithful & True- Rev 19:11
Good Shepherd- Jn 10:11
High Priest- Heb 4:14
Holy One- Ps 16:10
I Am- Jn 8:58
Immanuel- Mt 1:23
King of Kings, Lord of Lords- Rev 19:16
The Light- Jn 8:12
Lamb of God- Jn 1:29
Living Stone- 1Pe 2:4
Lord Jesus Christ- Ro 1:7
Messiah- Jn 1:41
Mighty God- Isa 9:6
Prince of peace- Isa 9:6
Redeemer- Isa 59:20
Resurrection & the life- Jn 11:25
Savior- Lk 2:11
Son of the most high- Lk 1:32
The Rock- 1 Co 10:4
The Way, truth & life- Jn 14:6
Wonderful counselor- Isa 9:6
Word of Life- 1Jn 1:1

The Refiner

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about Malachi 3:3, the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "how do you know when the silver is fully Refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy- when I can see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Footprints

Today is a day of encouragement for me. As I prepare our home for our new children, I can't help but feel lonely for them. Even though we haven't met them yet, they are in our hearts as our other 3 children are. We celebrated Dear daughter #3's 6th birthday on Sunday and as we looked around at all the children eating cake and having fun, we couldn't help but think there were 3 missing. We've just begun this process and have many months to go! We also can't help but think of our Liberian children and how they must long for a family. Being that they don't even know about us yet, they are still praying for someone/anyone to bring them into a home and love them.

I watch the video of them twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. I love to hear their voices and see their smiles and facial expressions. I beam with joy when I see them, just like a mother would look upon her child at a first ballet recital or first soccer game. They are all so precious to me. So, I needed encouragement today to hold strong and be patient during this wait. The poem "Footprints in the Sand" came to mind with the very last verse ringing true in my mind and heart. "God replied, 'My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you during your times of trials and suffering. When you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I was carrying you.' "

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108: 1-5

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

When love takes you in

I know you've heard the stories, but they all sound too good to be true. You've heard about a place called home, but there doesn't seem to be one for you. So one more night you cry yourself to sleep and drift off to a distant dream where love takes you in and everything changes. A miracle starts with the beat of a heart, when love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins, when love takes you in. And somewhere while you're sleeping, someone else is dreaming too, counting the days until they hold you close and say I love you. And like the rain that falls into the sea, in a moment what has been is lost in what will be. When love takes you in, everything changes, a miracle starts with the beat of a heart. And this love will never let you go, there is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold. When love takes you in, everything changes. A miracle starts with the beat of a heart, when love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins, when love takes you in it takes you in for good-when love takes you in.

-from Steven Curtis Chapman's "When love takes you in"

Thankful hearts

I just read this on my particular e-group for people adopting from Liberia. I thought it was very appropriate to share.

"You aren't just adopting because of 'us' or 'the children in Liberia.' You are doing this because of God. He is the One who lays this on our hearts, He is the One we are obeying when we answer the call. They are His children, He is their Father. We do this for Him. Praying that we will bring glory to Him above all. Let's be thankful to Him for all things. And as we rejoice or grieve over each step that is accomplished or not accomplished, let's remember that NOTHING compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. Let's show mercy and grace to each other. Grieve with those who grieve and rejoice with those who rejoice, but above all, Glorify Him!"

Mural completed

The mural is now completed. My sister did an amazing job! She left yesterday evening to return home to her family, we miss her and my niece already. It was a fun-filled crazy week, but did we have fun! We made many beaded key chains and I've sold some already for donations. If you'd like to purchase any, please contact me for pictures. The price is $5 per keychain and all the money goes towards adoption expenses.
Sunday night Hubby went before the board at a friend's church. He told them our situation and that we were trying to raise money to bring our 4 precious children home. They were so kind and gracious to him. Our friend called after the board meeting was over and they decided to give a very generous donation. We have also received additional donations through the mail and from friends here in town. We also continue to receive donations for clothes and other daily care items.

Thank you, Father God, for touching the hearts of others that they would give so freely to us.

Thank you again to those of you who have given donations! We couldn't do this without you!

Also, thank you for all the support and prayers. We are so enjoying this process and look forward to standing firm to the end until this journey is completed. We so look forward to the day our children are home and we can start "daily life."

He tends his flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11