My Little Helper

I am forever hearing from people either at church, school or places we frequent often, that Owen is such a helper. He really gets satisfaction out of helping complete a project or feels proud to be asked to help assist in someway. It makes this mommy's heart happy to see him putting others above himself and finding joy in being a servant to others.

Now I will say there are times like anything else where we have to be reminded about putting ourselves last and others first. He is five after all. Shucks, I even struggle some days. However, on this day we went to the post office to send more paperwork out and my little helper was quick to want to help. He set right down on the floor and put stamps on 29 envelopes and then of course had to put them in the box all by himself. Now I could have been quick to say I can do that faster let me do it but I would have missed an opportunity to see my son being like Jesus.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
 Mark 10:45

Words are enough today!

Shoes for Haiti

On my trip to Haiti last year we took lots of supplies with us but realized really quickly that we did not have enough shoes. I believe we ran out  within thirty minutes. There is such a need for shoes in Haiti. This year when I realized I would be going back I decided I would make it my mission to collect shoes to take. I have gotten my school to do a shoe drive this month and my older son's school will run one in April. My goal is to take at least 500 pairs. I spent  part of my afternoon today rubberbanding shoes together and counting and packaging. So far we are up to 172 pairs. I am so excited to see the need being met by the wonderful people in my community and cannot wait to see the smiles on all the faces of those who will be the recipents of this act of kindness.

Hague Training

We are still working away at the list of documents and training that we have to do.  We are currently working on our Hague classes that we are taking online here at home. Both Drew and I have to complete 10 hrs of  classes that count towards our adoption. Honestly, I am finding it interesting and feel it is very helpful in preparing us for some of the situations that may arise during the process.  We are also gearing up for our next fundraiser and I will tell you more about that soon. Continue to pray and lift us up as we walk along side of our Lord in helping fulfill his calling on our lives. 

Watching the renowned Dr. Karyn Purvis speak.

Where will you GO?

“‎We will miss the greatest adventures of our calling if we remain compelled by comfort. We will be bored stiff and wonder why God never called us to anything. How willing are we to just flat out GO for God? And it is important to remember that in order to go anywhere, we first have to leave someplace else (usually that means our safe place, our comfort zone). If we choose comfort to motivate us we will risk our callings…because this I can promise you -- your calling will always be WAY outside your comfort. God is a whole lot more interested in your calling than your comfort.” -Beth Moore




I read this quote from Beth Moore on a blog called http://tarajill.blogspot.com/ and found it to be a moving quote and one that I would say we should all ask ourselves.Think through it for a moment and ask yourself are you stepping out of your comfort zone and going for God. My prayer is that you are.

Inked Up

We are still making head way in our paperwork and feel we are close to getting all our documents in order for our home study. Hoping to have them completed and ready to go by the first week in March.  We had our fingerprints done on Friday and sent everything to SBI today. Hope it comes back quickly. Does anyone know how long that usually takes?

I look at Drew often and say how I cannot imagine going through this and not being organized. The paperwork alone is crazy but it's the little details that will get you if you are not careful. I try to be intentional in giving thanks to the Lord for this stage of our journey. Every signature,  every paper notarized,  every appointment is all helping us get closer to the day when we will bring our daughter home.

Parent's Night Out

Our first fundraiser for the adoption was a huge success. We held a parent's night out at my school and had over 65 children and 15 teacher friends who helped make it all possible. Our theme for the night was love and we started off with a pizza dinner. We followed up with fun crafts, decorated sugar cookies and game time.

Making heart cookies for Parents Night Out.

The cost for the night was a donation to our adoption fund. We ended up taking in $1195.00 that will go to help bring Kennedy home. We are blessed beyond belief to have such wonderful friends and parents who want to be a part of our journey. Thanks to all who made last night possible.

And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16.