Inspiration from Malawi

I came across this story and thought it was inspirational.

I would love to see some of our students striving this hard.....

Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday.

A day to defend the fatherless (Isaiah 1:17).

I wish all churches would take the time to acknowledge this day-to fight for this like they spend countless hours fighting for other causes....

We are a people called to defend the fatherless…to care for the child that has no family…to visit orphans in their distress.

Here are just a few ways you can get involved this Orphan Sunday. For more ideas and information check out the website: www.orphansunday.org

• Teach a class on "God's Heart for the Orphan."

• Encourage your pastor to preach on a Biblical theme related to orphans

• Partner with the Faces of the Forgotten Google Earth project to highlight visuals of orphan needs worldwide to your community or church family.

• Host a prayer gathering at your home or church

• Host a "Movie Night" on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at your house with a film including orphan-related themes. Plan questions beforehand to stimulate post-movie discussion.

• Partner with local artists for a concert or other performance that raises funds and/or awareness for orphan issues.

• Show a short video during your Sunday morning service.

• Host a campus gathering or lecture on orphan issues at your college.

• Give up one meal on Sunday; devote the time to praying for orphans and the money saved to help orphans.

Adoption Month

The month of November is National Adoption Awareness Month. This provides the opportunity for celebration, education and advocating for the many children still awaiting homes.

It seems to coincide appropriately with the month in which we also give thanksgiving for the many wonderful things we have in our lives.

Adoptive Families has created a calendar with ideas to help celebrate on a daily basis. Check it out here.

Happy Adoption Month!

A Journey from Eritrea

While driving around town to accomplish some errands I heard this story on NPR's All Things Considered. It reminded me of the various situations people are encountering while I remain comfortable in my own shoes partaking in many indulgences along the way, while all the while they are on a quest for hope.

Ethiopian News

Ethiopian Journey and Aid for 6 Million
Both of these articles appeared in the news today.

Ethiopia continues to be on our minds and in our hearts for so many reasons....

A Little Preview

Meeting M. in the care center for the first time.

Holding M. for the first time.

Playing with M. the next day at the care center. He was playing peek a boo with the bear.

Just after bath time and manly enough to not mind pink!

Leaving the care center for the first night of staying with mom and dad!

M. christening Micah into parenthood by peeing on him.

Playing in the hotel.

After our visa appointment. We can finally bring him home!

M. exploring a toothbrush for the first time.

First time on an airplane.

First ride in the car seat.

Introducing M. to his new bike at home!

Home at Last

We are home, oh we are home!

Our trip was an amazing journey and we pray that we will find the words to describe it all. We were moved to tears many, many times and our hearts were overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving many more times.

There are sooo many beautiful stories to tell, but for now we are all trying to catch up on sleep - and of course enjoy getting to know one another more.

We will try to post pictures and stories soon!