tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50814730887948053832024-03-12T19:40:36.274-07:00A Well Watered GardenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-51304693033907024812013-03-25T22:26:00.002-07:002013-03-25T22:26:23.058-07:00Six months and lifetimesToday it is officially six months since we became Henry's parents. In China we were clueless, unprepared, and scared just like any parents of a new child. In six months we have learned so much about ourselves and about each other. Henry has nearly mastered the English language, he loves school and for every day he lived away from his family he squeezes a couple of extra days into his present. He is a pistol for sure, challenging every idea, every rule, every thing but is sweet and wonderful too. He truly cares for the people around him and even though he hasn't quite come to grips with the fact that we are in love with him, he gives his love freely. <br />
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Today I asked him what he wanted to do with the afternoon. It was our first day of our three week Easter vacation and his reply was, "Let's just sit and hug." And that is truly what he meant...we sat and chatted and hugged for the longest time...he with his endless stream of questions...me with my very thoughtful, uncomplicated answers.<br />
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Have we felt the pang of change? Yes. Remembered the days of having "free time"? Sure. But how can that compete with an afternoon of hugging? <br />
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It has only been six months but I can not explain how much this boy feels like he was born to be part of our family...God has only begun to make up for what was lost...and I'm so looking forward to every moment of this new lifetime.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-72788421943994202412012-10-12T01:00:00.003-07:002012-10-12T01:00:16.708-07:00Zài jiàn China<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its our last day in China and we are so ready to come home. The Lord has truly been good to us, we have lived in close quarters for three weeks and all gotten along so well. Vivienne has been the greatest help ever and such a sweetheart as always, I can't imagine this trip without her....BUT, we miss home. We miss our beds, we miss our Ben and the rest of our family, we miss church and dear o dear, we miss BIG GIANT SALADS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKTYC0_MCzQMxkP2-qLDUobLelNbYdx9p01faBA4FRTlpAy1On_ssG3jnFv9NwTxkZyqzps09cSi497yvVNxcOtkELhPsrmbXE44mkCfrK1jxhr5AYEh4lpDTfhxve4_uNk3wnHDEZng/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKTYC0_MCzQMxkP2-qLDUobLelNbYdx9p01faBA4FRTlpAy1On_ssG3jnFv9NwTxkZyqzps09cSi497yvVNxcOtkELhPsrmbXE44mkCfrK1jxhr5AYEh4lpDTfhxve4_uNk3wnHDEZng/s400/IMG_4461.JPG" width="400" /></a>Henry is doing really great. We went to Shamain Island today and he was SO good. I was so prepared for him to burn out after a couple of hours but he is such a trooper. He and I are bonding more and more every day, he craves affection and I am loving it. He still prefers Charles but secretly, I am thrilled for them to be so close, it's really very cute:)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rA8AmJHyj0yjvlqhwfrH9U9U584s6axHIc5k-2zVdTnx5ON12lLWmBspC2-azY9L1nTvORiG9bSeoGRzs_7gN-xezz8vezHDjV5OK3PLOBrEuBXbqnkRvsFSabQFrP5Pz_soYCGXIc/s1600/IMG_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rA8AmJHyj0yjvlqhwfrH9U9U584s6axHIc5k-2zVdTnx5ON12lLWmBspC2-azY9L1nTvORiG9bSeoGRzs_7gN-xezz8vezHDjV5OK3PLOBrEuBXbqnkRvsFSabQFrP5Pz_soYCGXIc/s400/IMG_0113.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
So as we spend our last day in China, our last day of this crazy exhausting trip, I praise our Lord for His provision, for His covering and for His lessons. On to phase two...settling in. We are hoping to see you all soon and introduce Henry. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Z<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">ài jiàn China!!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-58169959573328077062012-10-08T22:42:00.002-07:002012-10-08T22:45:37.910-07:00Guangzhou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry with his friends Elizabeth and Joseph at dinner on our last night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our luggage - this ones for you dad</td></tr>
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On Sunday we said goodbye to our friends at Shepherd's Field and we are finally on our last leg of our trip...Guangzhou. Everything here is really nice. The city, our hotel and our guide are all really wonderful and we are feeling spoiled. Vivienne caught my cold but is doing fine otherwise.<br />
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We got here on Sunday night and yesterday we went to get Henry's physical. He was a champ as they attempted an eye exam and gave him a tb test. Didn't cry a bit. After a rest he and Charles went to the pool where he started to learn to swim. He amazes us with his courage and resilience. He is such a trooper and when our guide is with us he is full of questions. He is picking up new English words every day but is very proud that daddy can speak Chinese;) too so he goes back and fourth, truly bilingual, truly amazing. <br />
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Today we went on a city tour of a Temple, the Chen House and an arts and crafts market. Oh if I had money I would have had to buy another suitcase! So much history, creativity and talent here! <br />
We are all ready to come home though, every night Henry gets on my computer and looks at photos of family and friends and his bedroom. He is really excited to meet everyone and to kiss his dogs. <br />
Tomorrow we go back to the clinic to have his tb test read, Thursday is our consulate appt and then Friday we will hang out at the local park and pick up any last minute things we need to bring home and pack. We have to be at the airport at 6:30 am on Saturday because someone, I don't know who?, booked our flight home way too early. But we get into Los Angeles at 11:30 am too so it will give us a full day of discovering before going to bed early. <br />
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It has been a long three weeks. Adoption trips are not for the faint at heart but I hope I remember every moment of it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-27632717620450223142012-10-04T01:15:00.001-07:002012-10-04T01:15:42.276-07:00The Good, Bad and the UglyAdoption is an amazing journey...I'm saying that with full knowledge that I am simply at the beginning...still in China, half way through our "Gotcha Trip". But as I lay in bed sick, all I have to do is reflect on the journey so far and God has shown me a thing or two. First of all, I thought I had given up control two years ago, only to realize that I only gave up the first layer. The first one is the easy layer, the one that comes away quickly because it makes sense and you can rationalize it. This past year, through the adoption process God has brought me to my knees, literally and figuratively. The paperwork chase was just a shadow of things to come...waiting for your file to shuffle from one desk to another...the endless game of guessing when we would be traveling and where the finds would come from. <br />
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I feel like from day one God said, all you have to do is step out and I will do the rest....well that sounded great at the time...What a deal! right? Except that He was speaking literally...He was in control every single step...when I thought, Oh, great! Charles got a bonus, our car broke down. When I scrimped and saved so that I could meet the next deadline payment, something else happened. I would rush and stress over a notarized paper and it would get stuck on someone's desk. Every step of the way, God provided...His way. Every step of the way, He made me wait, taught me patience and told me to trust.<br />
The most frustrating part? We are here, and He is still teaching me. Henry bonded instantly to Charles but as hard as I try, it is not coming easily with me. Never in a million years did I expect this to be so hard, to love someone with as selfless a love as I can muster, and for it not to be reciprocated. <br />
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I look at Henry and it's hard not to draw the link between him and us as Christians. God draws us to Himself, he "purchased" us with His blood, (sweat and tears) and we are still unsure about Him. He proves Himself over and over and at the end of the day there is still doubt and fear. <br />
It has only been two weeks that Henry has been our son and I know that time will bring trust and bonding but I feel the sadness that God must feel on a much deeper level, when after years of being His daughter I still act that way. And all He can do is wait...and love, with his undying, never ending well of love.<br />
I love this. I love that He brings me to the end of myself to reveal things that I wouldn't otherwise sit still long enough to consider or feel. I love it that when I look at Henry I see myself, a scared child who has no idea how blessed his future is in the hands of our God. I love it that He chose me to be His daughter in spite of my past, in spite of my rebellious nature. I love it that God chose me to be Henry's mother and Charles to be his father and that every step from now on may not be easy but we will be gripping on to the hem of His garment.<br />
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But I have trusted in your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-77778855557111993972012-10-01T16:23:00.000-07:002012-10-01T16:39:37.147-07:00Back Home at Shepherd's Field<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there...It has been a crazy couple of days. We arrived at Shepherd's Field on Saturday night just in time for a western dinner of cheeseburgers/chicken sandwiches and fries...then drove hours through BeiJing traffic to the village where we happily said goodnight and found our perfectly perfect room with two comfy beds. We woke up to beautiful weather and coffee thanks to Starbucks via and Charles took Henry downstairs to check out the breakfast room, but from my window I could hear as Henry saw his friend Bai Bai (Elizabeth), they screamed and hugged and chatted up a storm and then his other friend Joseph came out too. What sweet kids...we gave Joseph the gifts we brought from his family and although he loved the clothes he kept having me read the card that came with it that said he was loved and that he should keep up hope. I told him his family loved him very much and would be there soon and he tucked the card safely inside the sweatshirt and smiled.<br />
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Sunday was a day of adjustment for Henry. He didn't have the authority of the ayis so he had a lot of freedom but without us knowing the language he definitely had the advantage. He had a hard time figuring out the boundaries and because they had been so small and clearcut in the hotel in Zheng Zhou, by the end of day we were all spent. After he fell into bed Charles and I regrouped and came up with a new strategy for today, Monday. Today was much better, he is still confused some of the time but is learning who has the authority and he hates for Charles to be upset with him. Bonding with me is still the challenge but I am patient and today we found a copy of a children's Bible so tonight at bed time I got to read him a story...He loves the story of Jonah and the whale.<br />
Its so sweet, they only two things he keeps saying that he wants are a watch and a bible. We finally got him an Angry Birds watch today for $2, but you can't buy Bibles in China so we are so blessed to have found one here this morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDF2n9ncleu7KFkH7ddltWj_pRG11XexR8MbXsKU2Jj8fCfJoMZVcZT0eKbCDePLmqUQKQrbnOsrrgRVxChax77RfvdoQBp6gLXtc9wKDUv-M_wfhV2OjX27DuTdj36fpVKgpL4yNyn4/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDF2n9ncleu7KFkH7ddltWj_pRG11XexR8MbXsKU2Jj8fCfJoMZVcZT0eKbCDePLmqUQKQrbnOsrrgRVxChax77RfvdoQBp6gLXtc9wKDUv-M_wfhV2OjX27DuTdj36fpVKgpL4yNyn4/s320/IMG_4339.JPG" width="320" /></a>Anyway, we are doing well. I'm starting to ache for home and for church but am happy to be here...the playground is such a blessing and I'm thrilled to be spending time with Jamie and Sarah.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-16774218682663835122012-09-27T05:58:00.000-07:002012-09-27T06:02:18.247-07:00Thursday in China<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today was a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> day. We are getting comfortable in this city and compared to yesterday it was a dream. We walked this morning, went to the park and then went swimming this afternoon. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yesterday we went to visit Henry’s founding place and to apply for his passport. The city was an hour and 40 minute drive, we left a little late, got completely lost trying to find the passport office...Henry was very squirrly in the car, so by we were done with that and with the Public Notary, we decided not to visit the orphanage. We were all exhausted and Henry was done. The orphanage that he was originally at closed and turned into a children’s hospital, so we were going to visit a different one in the area anyway but I was still a little disappointed. Anyway, we got home, ate dinner and went to bed. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I did realize that Henry must be a little confused with the language difference because he talks to the guide a lot and often asks her what we are saying. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We seem to be doing fine though, as long as we understand, “hungry” and “swinning” we make it though the day, but he does say much more than that and seems to understand almost everything.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I can’t believe what a trooper he is. We have been walking a lot, and he doesn’t complain at all. His biggest flaw is that he gets so excited sometimes and talks incessantly to everyone around him or simply to himself...but he is ALWAYS happy. Today while we were walking he was singing, “Crazy the Lord, Hallelujah! Crazy, the Lord, Hallelujah! Crazy the Lord, Hallelujah, Crazy the Lord”. You might recognize the song as saying “Praise ye the Lord”, and we are gonna have to tell him eventually but it was really cute. Tonight Charles and I walked to Pizza Hut to get pizza, it was really good...after we started eating Henry said, “STOP! We forgot to pray! Thank you Jesus for the pizza, and for my family, and for swinning. Amen!” I’m pretty sure this kid is practically perfect in every way:)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So we are taking turns, trading off as each wears out. I know that once we get home the energy will subside some, he is so overstimulated and I’m sure a little unsure still, but we are laughing constantly and really thrilled to be here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please pray for us that we don’t get sick, we have all been doing really great..but Viv’s joints started hurting today. She is going to start swimming in the afternoons, hopefully that will help but please pray for her. Also that when we return to Shepherd’s Field on Saturday that Henry does ok. He is really looking forward to seeing his friends again and we are excited to see Jamie. Three weeks is a long time to stay anywhere though so please pray that we are patient and that we see opportunities that we might be used for the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the wonderful park next to our hotel where we spend a lot of time:)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tai Chi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Henry's founding place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Henry getting his passport photo taken</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More Park Photos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are so excited to come home and introduce this guy to all of you. We are very blessed. Will update more soon.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-84769631848500523612012-09-25T04:24:00.000-07:002012-09-25T04:24:34.773-07:00Tuesday in ChinaWe have been in China for 5 days and today was the first day I didn't feel like I would fall asleep in my noodles. Vivienne and I got here on Friday morning and Charles arrived Sunday morning, then we met Henry around 1:00 pm on Sunday. He is a complete joy...he seemed comfortable from the first moment and hasn't stopped talking since. We have to stay on our toes because he has so much energy but we are all so happy that he does. There is a beautiful park next door to the hotel where we can go walk and play soccer and a huge pool where he loves to go in the afternoons after his nap.<br />
He is very good natured and when he gets too hyper or does something he shouldn't he responds quickly with redirection or a stern word. We are hoping this lasts:)<br />
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We all LOVE the city where we are staying...Zheng Zhou. Like I said there is a beautiful park just next to the hotel where the older people go to "play" Tai Chi and dance. The men play cards and smoke and there are a ton of people with kids walking around. Vivienne and I had a young boy follow us for a long time and after getting his courage up he ran up to us and said "So happy to meet you" and then "What nationality are you?" So cute.<br />
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The food is really good too. The hotel has a free buffet for breakfast. There is everything from waffles to chow mein....omelets and fruit to pastries and toast. Next door is a restaurant where we have figured out how to order our favorites...green beans, eggplant, beef and rice...and of course noodles. Henry LOVES noodles. Tonight Vivienne and I walked about 15 minutes in the rain to get McDonalds which was an experience. The cars have the right of way, then the scooters which ride on the sidewalk then the pedestrians. So you have to pay attention...we very nearly got hit by a bus on the way. McDonalds taste the same in China as it does in US, not very good, but Henry thought he was in heaven. <br />
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I am pretty sure that Henry loves being with us but I am also sure that he already misses his friends at Shepherd's Field. We are going back there for a week on Saturday and I can see why the Lord worked it out that way. He talks a lot about his friend Joseph and Bei Bei. I am really glad that he will get to see them one more time. <br />
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Ok so thats all I have for now. I will try to be more creative tomorrow...we are having a blast! We skyped with Ben today and can't wait to get home so he can meet his brother in person.<br />
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This is the photo that was taken at the Civil Affairs office where we got our official guardianship certificate.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-89168465733418981652012-09-18T22:22:00.002-07:002012-09-18T22:22:59.781-07:00The Night Before China<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Its the night before we leave. I have everything I can think of packed, and every piece of paper I think I might need printed. I can't believe it is happening....FINALLY! It seems like a lifetime, but I can see now why the Lord had us wait. We are ready. Mentally, spiritually, physically ready. It makes me think about my very first post....the well watered garden...in Isaiah 58</div>
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<i>"Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And
break every yoke?</i></div>
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<i>"Is it not to divide your bread with the
hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the
naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? </i></div>
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<i>"Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will
speedily spring forth; <b>And your righteousness will go before you; The
glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. </b></i></div>
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<i>"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will
say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of
the finger and speaking wickedness,
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<i>And if you give
yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of
the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom <em>will
become</em> like midday.</i> </div>
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<i>"And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in
scorched places, And give strength to your bones; <b>And you will be like a
watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail</b>.</i></div>
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He has gone before us...He has been in every detail<i>. </i>There is no way I can look back at this past year and doubt His plan. He has worked in our lives, tearing down walls and building us up. So all we can do is look forward, with such crazy excitement, knowing that He has been there. That He has prepared a path that we could only walk down if we were following Him. </div>
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And then, as if that wasn't enough, His glory will be our rear guard! In the months and years to come, as that little guy grows, God will be glorified...and us? Charles and I? We get to be like a well watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail:) What more could a girl ask for?</div>
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We covet your prayers, they have made a world of difference already....Tonight there is no stress, no nerves...just complete excitement and a feeling of being blessed beyond belief. So thank you...</div>
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We will never be the same.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-41322757438478204122012-09-10T16:46:00.000-07:002012-09-10T16:48:15.721-07:00We are going to China!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRYRoQvDsuEJv7Q02RRZ6uxufBIyqBHssSz17Y88GUQCfZ_VBNB0ScbA29wcXVPNcpDstekMbWFtkc8DlzrKwPeLvyHhxc8YsOG209tjdpVIa5dezRU_AedoaT2wg0m23gynbd5wTFt0/s1600/Henry15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRYRoQvDsuEJv7Q02RRZ6uxufBIyqBHssSz17Y88GUQCfZ_VBNB0ScbA29wcXVPNcpDstekMbWFtkc8DlzrKwPeLvyHhxc8YsOG209tjdpVIa5dezRU_AedoaT2wg0m23gynbd5wTFt0/s640/Henry15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We got our Travel Approval on Friday! What a relief to finally have that piece of paper. So that meant that Sara and Jamie could tell Henry he had a family, and then we got to Skype with him...I'll let the photos tell the story... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwETeMK0Jf9H3LAu3owTdo4f0gXugMqQ84poIGghO14U8ZWcFrQt4FmXER7e5QGAV7s-gHOFR6yP8DoNMqGPH5FqQM_UCs-VRKspBeXt6vOB9THib4OdeVCsU1Yy6ALMUNJfFLHCiOaI/s1600/Henry4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwETeMK0Jf9H3LAu3owTdo4f0gXugMqQ84poIGghO14U8ZWcFrQt4FmXER7e5QGAV7s-gHOFR6yP8DoNMqGPH5FqQM_UCs-VRKspBeXt6vOB9THib4OdeVCsU1Yy6ALMUNJfFLHCiOaI/s400/Henry4.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuzFQ_jyqrEXF3zYIpmi6_Mbp7e_hl7_cu9DFyl92am6tGxQskBZrr_9ErAb2mobUsYecGqeRXXy1Js1EtZMApLA9h5yM2l5VjPMdoHHU8Z2dnSxcvaXzCu8H08NZRuomvP-6P0Fg6w8/s1600/Henry9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuzFQ_jyqrEXF3zYIpmi6_Mbp7e_hl7_cu9DFyl92am6tGxQskBZrr_9ErAb2mobUsYecGqeRXXy1Js1EtZMApLA9h5yM2l5VjPMdoHHU8Z2dnSxcvaXzCu8H08NZRuomvP-6P0Fg6w8/s400/Henry9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-qNgCnKsjFyFvIRiVOZtBoMhntgLPXR7O9z1WPAlKOK0js59Nm8M8bSPNnbxn_MDtZzmP5lTAD4o7cpUFG9jjnLs4cSKrB2HrV1kTyxkxMLa-3TVpWjt7vBNtrnWZ8fyj86yr-FdIBE/s1600/Henry11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-qNgCnKsjFyFvIRiVOZtBoMhntgLPXR7O9z1WPAlKOK0js59Nm8M8bSPNnbxn_MDtZzmP5lTAD4o7cpUFG9jjnLs4cSKrB2HrV1kTyxkxMLa-3TVpWjt7vBNtrnWZ8fyj86yr-FdIBE/s400/Henry11.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMScMdCifdVLuBI_4KroGM3FdAm2Y8-fkSa8rrbCMsYet8KFV6N1OeAzobZe-_o_iFF-SBhx2Bc2_K03BGIQYvl6zKBdPIxbK2GgCNaq5RG6XfPkF8zcOhjJh5UoWWYpwSvJ8UTf7vyOY/s1600/Henry12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMScMdCifdVLuBI_4KroGM3FdAm2Y8-fkSa8rrbCMsYet8KFV6N1OeAzobZe-_o_iFF-SBhx2Bc2_K03BGIQYvl6zKBdPIxbK2GgCNaq5RG6XfPkF8zcOhjJh5UoWWYpwSvJ8UTf7vyOY/s400/Henry12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBke-179lPelWKlmmzyDY436tG94-3CgHfiqICK3TTYOgO00PN-0ameGK4Y-l9nPZR9H5lp4IpIPOuU71su8obRdospJt1yB-8TRDRrS-iSi5oGGEibnBOkT4KkbQT4ijU_4n0cGV2HUA/s1600/Henry14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBke-179lPelWKlmmzyDY436tG94-3CgHfiqICK3TTYOgO00PN-0ameGK4Y-l9nPZR9H5lp4IpIPOuU71su8obRdospJt1yB-8TRDRrS-iSi5oGGEibnBOkT4KkbQT4ijU_4n0cGV2HUA/s400/Henry14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry's Buddies at House of Love</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from our side of the screen...Notice us in the corner:)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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What a wonderful experience...We can not wait to get that boy home!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-65902333205086615082012-09-01T11:28:00.001-07:002012-09-01T11:38:30.911-07:00And the WINNER is....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
OK, so before I announce the winner, I want to say thank you to all of you who donated/entered...I know that winning an iPad for $10 is a good deal but I also know that most of you wanted to bless us by helping and that so many of you have been praying which is so important! We appreciate you so much...and if I could buy 52 prizes so everyone could win, I totally would. Charles won't let me:/ We prayed for each of you as we got ready to choose a winner this morning....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank you Thank you Thank You Thank You</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> is the part you have been waiting for........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">iPad Winner: </span>Brian and Lupe Lee</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr5IHNi-ClBVRB7-aAygmuxlPf3tNzs8lO3lL-uXIGH1eDHM9Xn_Lg67J1zUtSU6iorsPBTqv2bvJ6GedduQoriE1ACpYiND2N_lZ9DnFxo3hALy93Q56ZhpU21rs7QXscLKYpQweB-w/s1600/IMG_4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr5IHNi-ClBVRB7-aAygmuxlPf3tNzs8lO3lL-uXIGH1eDHM9Xn_Lg67J1zUtSU6iorsPBTqv2bvJ6GedduQoriE1ACpYiND2N_lZ9DnFxo3hALy93Q56ZhpU21rs7QXscLKYpQweB-w/s400/IMG_4239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2nd Prize: James and Rebecca Caggegi</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3rd Prize: Dani Bacon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4th Prize: Nancy Tumbas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5th Prize: Lori Sterling</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6th Prize: Miray Jaska</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7th Prize: Meg Schneider </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to all of you....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I will be contacting you in order, so that you can choose from the available prizes.</span></span><br />
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Here are the stats for those of you who are stat
nerds...like me.</div>
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51 People Played</div>
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300 Total Votes
(including shares)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">$2,420</span> <span style="font-size: large;">
Total Raised </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">44 people donated $50 or less</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">7 people donated over $50</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 of our 7 winners donated $100 or more</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again..Thank you...This has been really SO fun and has helped us get ever so close to our goal....China...here we come!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We are set to leave on September 13th and covet your prayers that our Travel Approval will come this week so that can work out for us....But we know that if it doesn't that ALL things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purposes....and we will leave the first part of October. Either way, God is Good, All the Time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings!!</span> </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-6060525680369302172012-08-28T18:56:00.000-07:002012-08-28T18:56:10.431-07:00Amazing God<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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Ok...I am SO excited! If you have been following, you know I have met so many wonderful people along this journey. I have found it SO difficult to fund raise and ask people for donations...Its completely humbling but if I put aside my pride for only a second I am encouraged, thrilled, completely amazed at the generosity of God's people. </div>
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Last Sunday our study was about how during Jesus' ministry he washed the feet of His disciples and even though they were reluctant, it was necessary. But also, in the last days Jesus will be again washing our feet! (Luke 12:37) And we have to be humble enough to accept that. Well, as I sat there listening the Lord spoke to my heart, "That is what is happening right now," He said, "I am using my people to wash your feet. Accept it humbly."</div>
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I'll tell you what, it doesn't make it any more comfortable, accepting money from people, but if I look at it from the perspective that I am accepting it from my Lord...it makes it easier.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, check this out!</span> Stacy from <span style="font-size: large;">Jubilee's Jewels</span> made this necklace especially for us! The verse on it is the verse that God gave me a couple of weeks ago, when I was fretting...<span style="font-size: large;">are you ready</span>?</div>
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<i>Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of
mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they
will be called oaks of
righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3</i></div>
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That is what we ultimately want for these sweet kids right? That is what HE ultimately wants for all of His kids, that they be redeemed from darkness and despair and that they will be like the oaks of righteousness, His planting, and that we might all glorify Him! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujvVV7fCgtROt_dP4kGzwn3-LTJOAy7nbXyaM4AIdyBROn2bf-ElZ7VJucUftRR-zoYOEZ5CLbw_LD8qni2EBr-XoF2D1ImiTUmtafn-IR67Xa6B-J39ICgOk-zPxf-jmD1FZwU11fhI/s1600/necklace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujvVV7fCgtROt_dP4kGzwn3-LTJOAy7nbXyaM4AIdyBROn2bf-ElZ7VJucUftRR-zoYOEZ5CLbw_LD8qni2EBr-XoF2D1ImiTUmtafn-IR67Xa6B-J39ICgOk-zPxf-jmD1FZwU11fhI/s200/necklace2.jpg" width="200" /></a>So this is the necklace...click on this link to order, <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span></span><a href="http://jubileesjewels.com/Isaiah-61-3-necklace" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">http://jubileesjewels.com/Isaiah-61-3-necklace</a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">then $14 of every necklace will go towards Henry's adoption. We only have about three weeks left if all goes as planned so get yours now! And look around at her other jewelry....its pretty amazing:)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eSAgpBq0MYKcJf9LrNWWSSkxNHRNjyw3wCNTJmW5wz1krRlrB503Y3lDE-FlZnKfOjaI-LHpgC8UpjtMuxv3NnjH9zoXxn8jVvlTjfWaAWf6D-lvVLT-DzR1qpM3ABqONJkO-zomyEI/s1600/necklace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eSAgpBq0MYKcJf9LrNWWSSkxNHRNjyw3wCNTJmW5wz1krRlrB503Y3lDE-FlZnKfOjaI-LHpgC8UpjtMuxv3NnjH9zoXxn8jVvlTjfWaAWf6D-lvVLT-DzR1qpM3ABqONJkO-zomyEI/s320/necklace1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcct2r9La0wV9Cb_Q_eCJFAzfqIDlU3fQOqyxaO98ugllTLSRLn8mL9_I02ThoJHEJhnVFV9oWAbu0nTQ-0l5hVA1iDHLfkfGFsUQe8IJxxu5i-LecU9rCuNSdk4I-RC9pRgUi-MPwz1k/s1600/Henryfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcct2r9La0wV9Cb_Q_eCJFAzfqIDlU3fQOqyxaO98ugllTLSRLn8mL9_I02ThoJHEJhnVFV9oWAbu0nTQ-0l5hVA1iDHLfkfGFsUQe8IJxxu5i-LecU9rCuNSdk4I-RC9pRgUi-MPwz1k/s640/Henryfood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just had to add a little Henry love...Got this unexpectedly tonight..I might have to start fundraising for my grocery money...jk....hahahahhahaha!<br />
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Blessings </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-25992978661064590032012-08-12T16:39:00.000-07:002012-08-12T16:42:49.738-07:00A Toast<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">James and Karla got married</span>. After a whirlwind summer living knee deep in burlap...its over, just like that. </div>
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I met Karla about 6 years ago when Charles and I started ministering in the high school group. She had just moved to the Mora's house and was tender and vulnerable. I immediately adored her for so many reasons but mostly because she was genuine....when Karla is sad you know she's sad, and when she's happy everyone around her is affected. In fact, she is a person that you can not be around and be unaffected. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1xW8zDVkP7sf5sNJl6vFbF9NhRJhgSNZkpwVkeJat20h25hQdIl4xMkDHZIOFng0yqTC8Z-CxhB5vzOdxTcHN-DKTnmTVhIuEVcvQfWBeTzNY9rMf-NUq_dAJDeizi1mpRubyVaKj9Q/s1600/karla7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1xW8zDVkP7sf5sNJl6vFbF9NhRJhgSNZkpwVkeJat20h25hQdIl4xMkDHZIOFng0yqTC8Z-CxhB5vzOdxTcHN-DKTnmTVhIuEVcvQfWBeTzNY9rMf-NUq_dAJDeizi1mpRubyVaKj9Q/s640/karla7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2007 High School Retreat when Karla was a high schooler</span></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdtxcbN0Mkcxymopj61AooUXc8d_yflQQNlSeycj3AE-fPPl_BfnrBqDSWa5JBNz5Ky-vxdz7nOnW-8pWokYg5uWaj551GcbgryaFbxfdTZcnZnpDYquw6XNY2qjBXxYWaIj48FtpA0A/s1600/Karla1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdtxcbN0Mkcxymopj61AooUXc8d_yflQQNlSeycj3AE-fPPl_BfnrBqDSWa5JBNz5Ky-vxdz7nOnW-8pWokYg5uWaj551GcbgryaFbxfdTZcnZnpDYquw6XNY2qjBXxYWaIj48FtpA0A/s640/Karla1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2009 England Team</span></span></td></tr>
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I got to know James well in 2009 during our Missions trip to England. He was impressive and bold for the Lord yet so super funny and also seemed to have a positive effect on everyone in the group. When I realized the two of them were getting close there in England, one night I took Karla out to the High Street sitting area to have a talk. I told her to knock it off:) and that when she remembered England I wanted her to remember falling in love with the Lord, not with James. Although the "special moments" and silly flirting stopped the "falling" continued, they were both gonners.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6O1vLOQ_6PGTNjw3GPRM967OPlckRQetMDqQa6qbAlOWF1ooFjEQQPtVTletvSZjG_vGPWnilHgkAfquqni73IoWssDbku3u6fwoIGROKv7a3zyR_7bHsSXsubbjJbg6AUHmEdigMrI/s1600/karla2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6O1vLOQ_6PGTNjw3GPRM967OPlckRQetMDqQa6qbAlOWF1ooFjEQQPtVTletvSZjG_vGPWnilHgkAfquqni73IoWssDbku3u6fwoIGROKv7a3zyR_7bHsSXsubbjJbg6AUHmEdigMrI/s640/karla2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me, Karla and Melissa in England</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7rhvf_kGq4zHSVJnr7njLOX6pIBD_YPyhBcD4xAc3uaiQgQH5baQSHFuU7XQ_-Uk3GERA_ppfZpmvxLd5mcuMHA2X3LmDr1hdjVOBsju_lw-kQGZQewuRMzqz-n8dSTzc-ifJzIATuo/s1600/karla3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7rhvf_kGq4zHSVJnr7njLOX6pIBD_YPyhBcD4xAc3uaiQgQH5baQSHFuU7XQ_-Uk3GERA_ppfZpmvxLd5mcuMHA2X3LmDr1hdjVOBsju_lw-kQGZQewuRMzqz-n8dSTzc-ifJzIATuo/s640/karla3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 High School Retreat</span></td></tr>
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Since England they have stood beside us in the high school group bringing their infectious personalities and adding the energy that Charles and I just don't have anymore. James is a gifted teacher and his commitment is so much appreciated as Charles has to travel for work and knows he can always count on James to cover him. They love the kids deeply and go out of their way to connect with them. The bottom line is that the high schoolers love them and trust them and on Friday night it was evident in their willingness to work so hard making the day special.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyuSLIpkCCosx_m-TvGTjqJDDBjVPaHIsIu_3Jk39YTLB_OmQbVKEXWd66cdykJ65J9QueAo7EeAXL0qd-Z3S2LviQ9jIAKiZ3GVYyVD9kV-Mq1dMKxtE68NYWsf98eD2-axl5V04qvQ/s1600/karla8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyuSLIpkCCosx_m-TvGTjqJDDBjVPaHIsIu_3Jk39YTLB_OmQbVKEXWd66cdykJ65J9QueAo7EeAXL0qd-Z3S2LviQ9jIAKiZ3GVYyVD9kV-Mq1dMKxtE68NYWsf98eD2-axl5V04qvQ/s640/karla8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Team Henry 1/2 Marathon - Feb 2012</span></td></tr>
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I will miss Karla. I will miss the late night chatting, the endless juicing and smoothies. I am thrilled to have spent the last year watching her mature and grow. God is so good. When He took Karla's mom at 16, He didn't leave her without. He gave her Jessica, who at such a young age herself rolled up her sleeves and tackled raising Karla with strength and courage. He gave her Sheila, who is consistent and godly with so much wisdom for the years to come, and He gave her me. During this last year I was thrilled to help her, talk to her, give her opportunities to remember and heal....so that she could leave what was and cleave to her husband. I like to think I mothered her, however much the Lord used me over the past 6 years, I was blessed and honored for every second of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ898BPVyfHCsjzPQh56Aki6ypmWQkP2Dj4P15Y-ilEeRPM9kGfFyT4RwEGn02VggWW9ke2D9cF8v9CU8Y797MIIAVTio-57Ufinx7JPb63gg24PKvthVqlVnLL8qwBcOyPsrFTDOnI0/s1600/karla5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ898BPVyfHCsjzPQh56Aki6ypmWQkP2Dj4P15Y-ilEeRPM9kGfFyT4RwEGn02VggWW9ke2D9cF8v9CU8Y797MIIAVTio-57Ufinx7JPb63gg24PKvthVqlVnLL8qwBcOyPsrFTDOnI0/s640/karla5.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
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Congratulations James and Karla, I can't wait to see what the Lord does with two of the most impressive young people I've ever met.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-21568819742230030352012-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:002012-08-28T19:05:08.065-07:00Win an iPad!!<span style="font-size: x-large;">UPDATE 8/24!!!!! <span style="font-size: large;">We are on our way!! We got our Article 5 which is the last official step before our Travel Approval that should come in the next 10 days. We are so thrilled, excited, nervous, uncontrollably antsy, AND only $3000 short of our goal! Please consider donating just $10 and get a chance to win that iPad you have wanted for so long:)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some very wonderful people have donated items to give away for second, third, fourth...etc, places! Please check them out, if your name is drawn second you will get to choose which of the donated items you want.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAGdRwmiUnaktArjAGurUCpaUcU3l4DwuHjZjBr4QN5LPh93monU8Jgo4lubH1Dpv8-Lo78NSn6tJUWFBKhBbrRaNwGfJI6pc21G-yhsQ3-agL1J4Pz7gn_3p3BffTvK5OyiNwqObMbE/s1600/Henry:Tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAGdRwmiUnaktArjAGurUCpaUcU3l4DwuHjZjBr4QN5LPh93monU8Jgo4lubH1Dpv8-Lo78NSn6tJUWFBKhBbrRaNwGfJI6pc21G-yhsQ3-agL1J4Pz7gn_3p3BffTvK5OyiNwqObMbE/s400/Henry:Tim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are SO close!!</span>We got I800 approval!!!! Now we are waiting for Article 5 and then final Travel Approval. As many of you know we expect to travel in September and we are so thrilled to finally bring Henry home!! We have been so blessed by the generosity of all of our friends and family and truly there will never be any way to repay you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With everything moving along quite quickly and now that we have a date to travel, we have come to the
realization that we are still short about $4000. I know it seems like so much but truly if you consider where we started, we are SO close!! Please consider helping out and get an opportunity to win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">For the month of August we are
offering an </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;">iPad 2 - 16GB!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBSzVim57D3xmPbS_K9Lq_fk__tiy-J8WXraAFVY19G9eu9IYrfy-8pJHb9kJEKOYzz1UNE7DS3L3IVvN9gvFSxDffKI7pt3LG2kuYkAjGU0bqDUJudbPam20c-lmKm-4gls5yhCMuT2n/s1600/step1-ipad-prodselect-gallery-front-limit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707759724742843938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBSzVim57D3xmPbS_K9Lq_fk__tiy-J8WXraAFVY19G9eu9IYrfy-8pJHb9kJEKOYzz1UNE7DS3L3IVvN9gvFSxDffKI7pt3LG2kuYkAjGU0bqDUJudbPam20c-lmKm-4gls5yhCMuT2n/s400/step1-ipad-prodselect-gallery-front-limit.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 330px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heres how it works</span>....<span style="font-size: large;">$10 per ticket or $40 for 5 tickets</span>....<span style="font-size: x-large;">PLUS</span>, <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">if you share this link on your facebook page you will get an additional ticket free! Just click on the donate button on the right side of your screen and we will notify the winner by email on August 31st.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismuB5OUnHL6wGyWWgpWwOw1tmijrK2mh1r-mRfYPEkh-_xVnpbUncKUd0U5Pg8DkoPUqOz5-xyHzCC2J2SjnUvj0Ce1evccv8o1JDML_ReGOwDZPOTBR9_tdsbsH95w1YQiFuwHMc3pw/s1600/Laundry+tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismuB5OUnHL6wGyWWgpWwOw1tmijrK2mh1r-mRfYPEkh-_xVnpbUncKUd0U5Pg8DkoPUqOz5-xyHzCC2J2SjnUvj0Ce1evccv8o1JDML_ReGOwDZPOTBR9_tdsbsH95w1YQiFuwHMc3pw/s320/Laundry+tote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FWbgqtchJbPKQJG7iEgdXg2YKcD1jCnlt79zEjYGoP-i8-__hYklt1gtjBxq8l6M23-7hTiiCP6bc50d3eW1gqu_abBlLj77AqtjwN6IqwCv80dxuHqTlkUMYwHXcfjow_N2J48LpVE/s1600/il_570xN.227780588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FWbgqtchJbPKQJG7iEgdXg2YKcD1jCnlt79zEjYGoP-i8-__hYklt1gtjBxq8l6M23-7hTiiCP6bc50d3eW1gqu_abBlLj77AqtjwN6IqwCv80dxuHqTlkUMYwHXcfjow_N2J48LpVE/s320/il_570xN.227780588.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DXmFJbze85SCMaO4RqAQfuYcdMTRct_UvR7iNdjMsLe8z3eRGjNCY9sqMT0sYpYgDqaZgNnjUCLIpdpLlZPpLGn0JDGexLtmvBOIwvbmWhxJ2gAf5mrK59-9_SoNycg5Rr5KDVLIz7U/s1600/il_170x135.345444837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DXmFJbze85SCMaO4RqAQfuYcdMTRct_UvR7iNdjMsLe8z3eRGjNCY9sqMT0sYpYgDqaZgNnjUCLIpdpLlZPpLGn0JDGexLtmvBOIwvbmWhxJ2gAf5mrK59-9_SoNycg5Rr5KDVLIz7U/s320/il_170x135.345444837.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is truly the cutest thing! It is a travel bag for your under garments....it zips at the top and has a compartment for clean and laundry.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">super talented sister makes them:) Check out her etsy store: <span style="font-size: large;">Plum Cozy Cottage</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My sister will also donate a percentage of any Memory Quilts ordered in the next two weeks. These quilts are truly amazing, she takes special clothing, jerseys, etc and turns them into a special keepsake. Check them out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/80352508/baby-clothes-memory-quilt-blanket</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXFRmBUizOKp1v0dEA_-S2IIdZ7_Mf3DziOY_8VenSA0qAHdAJHTmeopowsckkBmFcT8wt7EwZ9GhWOAvsIgh_heUE33KycTCkAbjpQ_Wf1NGlOJ1MMf7K84PNoOShZl2RG9OWq5Gc-E/s1600/IMG_4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXFRmBUizOKp1v0dEA_-S2IIdZ7_Mf3DziOY_8VenSA0qAHdAJHTmeopowsckkBmFcT8wt7EwZ9GhWOAvsIgh_heUE33KycTCkAbjpQ_Wf1NGlOJ1MMf7K84PNoOShZl2RG9OWq5Gc-E/s320/IMG_4187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This adorable "thirty-one" overnight bag was donated by a dear friend:) It is just big enough to hold all your necessities but not too big that it won't fit into your luggage! <span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Chrissy!</span> You can also visit her website for other super fun choice<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">s: </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/ChrissyD/" onclick="LinkshimAsyncLink.swap(this,
"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/l.php?u=http\u00253A\u00252F\u00252Fwww.mythirtyone.com\u00252FChrissyD\u00252F&h=fAQE6O7Hc&s=1");" onmouseover="LinkshimAsyncLink.swap(this,
"http:\/\/www.mythirtyone.com\/ChrissyD\/");" rel="nofollow me" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://</span><wbr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></wbr></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">www.mythirtyone.com/</span><wbr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></wbr><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ChrissyD/</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-3eB96M9fll1Al8yZh83nUGxHWMKwEYRPgGXniZd07RVAOACd3dUgu6T0-y5-by9j_SaOV0Vck_8VA6LLKF2Eh2rsqph3wXTSdjl4qKxnkxYxBzB4YAXbV-HiuUhfS_7LmD8Zs4JqEA/s1600/31459643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-3eB96M9fll1Al8yZh83nUGxHWMKwEYRPgGXniZd07RVAOACd3dUgu6T0-y5-by9j_SaOV0Vck_8VA6LLKF2Eh2rsqph3wXTSdjl4qKxnkxYxBzB4YAXbV-HiuUhfS_7LmD8Zs4JqEA/s320/31459643.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVX8UtsoBmI5bj-ku2OuLLSMZTy6DDuql6ImSl-NlNCOdj9K4CPQsoqKwrzK810kEzdTTne5byJJBOtza3V1ekCmYnNyusV7C6FJ-99Y6-GRUvvhDxD7U0njb1nu1yMDpTRh5VK57O9Y/s1600/17151768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVX8UtsoBmI5bj-ku2OuLLSMZTy6DDuql6ImSl-NlNCOdj9K4CPQsoqKwrzK810kEzdTTne5byJJBOtza3V1ekCmYnNyusV7C6FJ-99Y6-GRUvvhDxD7U0njb1nu1yMDpTRh5VK57O9Y/s320/17151768.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I am SO excited! The wonderful Kara from <span style="font-size: large;">Elislids.com</span> has been such a sweet support to us as this last year. She donated 25% of the sales of her amazing child sized fedora over the past 6 months and today she donated these two hats to add to our raffle gifts. What a complete blessing...<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Kara</span>:)</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbV7TpmlRWkYjP8NDyMrWdrUV4JeMqpbhANwjw1ypLkrjjfYH0MaNanfcsVNWzknjfIGojbho7t87eVemUV4XvYzh579pRY1OnM7uTMPwGQ0Z4v5791_96Hsf_xy-i3yYoZSAZoVSZKA/s1600/612111.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbV7TpmlRWkYjP8NDyMrWdrUV4JeMqpbhANwjw1ypLkrjjfYH0MaNanfcsVNWzknjfIGojbho7t87eVemUV4XvYzh579pRY1OnM7uTMPwGQ0Z4v5791_96Hsf_xy-i3yYoZSAZoVSZKA/s1600/612111.gif" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Kisses from Katie</u></b> is a story of what God can accomplish through one willing heart. At 18, Katie moved to Africa to teach the children and has now adopted 13 Ugandan girls. This is another one that I am going to be sure to buy for my trip to China! <span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Willette Family</span>, you are the best!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujvVV7fCgtROt_dP4kGzwn3-LTJOAy7nbXyaM4AIdyBROn2bf-ElZ7VJucUftRR-zoYOEZ5CLbw_LD8qni2EBr-XoF2D1ImiTUmtafn-IR67Xa6B-J39ICgOk-zPxf-jmD1FZwU11fhI/s1600/necklace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujvVV7fCgtROt_dP4kGzwn3-LTJOAy7nbXyaM4AIdyBROn2bf-ElZ7VJucUftRR-zoYOEZ5CLbw_LD8qni2EBr-XoF2D1ImiTUmtafn-IR67Xa6B-J39ICgOk-zPxf-jmD1FZwU11fhI/s200/necklace2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I am thrilled thrilled thrilled to have one of these to give away as well. Made by <span style="font-size: large;">Jubilee's Jewels</span> you can go to her website and buy one as well...she is amazingly talented and creates the most amazing pieces for fundraisers for families who are adopting.<span></span><a href="http://jubileesjewels.com/Isaiah-61-3-necklace" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">http://jubileesjewels.com/Isaiah-61-3-necklace</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eSAgpBq0MYKcJf9LrNWWSSkxNHRNjyw3wCNTJmW5wz1krRlrB503Y3lDE-FlZnKfOjaI-LHpgC8UpjtMuxv3NnjH9zoXxn8jVvlTjfWaAWf6D-lvVLT-DzR1qpM3ABqONJkO-zomyEI/s1600/necklace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eSAgpBq0MYKcJf9LrNWWSSkxNHRNjyw3wCNTJmW5wz1krRlrB503Y3lDE-FlZnKfOjaI-LHpgC8UpjtMuxv3NnjH9zoXxn8jVvlTjfWaAWf6D-lvVLT-DzR1qpM3ABqONJkO-zomyEI/s200/necklace1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuHBMajoTgNZXICdOy0QalkDBAau4AFAZdsys6IF51ljcT7gU0Fbi8mbJLajwCpqglzExVHhv1g8X6O4f0rp5fewP9n4Mg88xT-EyANGJcKkadiCU0OW4sifTM-qJbe1-JTB3LKLBvt4/s1600/Quilts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuHBMajoTgNZXICdOy0QalkDBAau4AFAZdsys6IF51ljcT7gU0Fbi8mbJLajwCpqglzExVHhv1g8X6O4f0rp5fewP9n4Mg88xT-EyANGJcKkadiCU0OW4sifTM-qJbe1-JTB3LKLBvt4/s320/Quilts.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">OR...You may choose one of my custom made
quilts...a perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself! </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Word on the street is that there are several more items coming soon so don't fret boys...and come back often to see what there is to win:)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good Luck!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-2433690682498113102012-06-28T09:37:00.002-07:002012-06-28T09:40:23.667-07:00Counting the days...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Day 71....that's a lot of days. Who counts days? One side of my brain can't keep up with the days and looses track of what month it is and the other quickly kicks in and reminds myself that it is the END of June...day 69, 70, 71. Each day begins with a slight hope and excitement, some begin with a sweet photo on facebook and then at around 12:00 pm it is just another day...69, 70, 71. </div>
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Recently our worship pastor was teaching about waiting. He explained that waiting in Christ, isn't inactive but active. That it is drawing our thoughts back to Him and His will for our lives. After all, He IS the creator and He is the one with the ultimate plan...He has shown us over and over again that He is trustworthy and that His timing is perfect...SO we wait IN Him...not on Him or for Him....IN Him. </div>
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An update on the adoption? We are happily, joyfully, waiting! :) we are on day 71 of our wait for the Letter of Approval (LOA) from the Chinese government. When we get that we will travel approximately 2 months later. Henry gets cuter every day....we can't wait to hug him.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJcnnpqZpYrpnV57idYnK4BlAFVPDvxKiqNRSpLhQX_sTNA7zMWaCILJDXoIa9_hi0YINuudTuN1uaSL42GVRKx_2zYF3ZnnknTM60Ofwfb1oSn_rZGxoWdl0cONkuD0rtE3EtbA7Y3Y/s1600/Henry6:12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJcnnpqZpYrpnV57idYnK4BlAFVPDvxKiqNRSpLhQX_sTNA7zMWaCILJDXoIa9_hi0YINuudTuN1uaSL42GVRKx_2zYF3ZnnknTM60Ofwfb1oSn_rZGxoWdl0cONkuD0rtE3EtbA7Y3Y/s640/Henry6:12.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">BINGO</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In other news</span>...<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Zp7_FGBb2DY6Oo33D0SEuTAh2BKu1pdOTLa2HzAiAYPuBdHOEWkE5UHm5uzXB02KXWI3i_ePA03AxuKGgpQm6jTyuzP4vWe3ZM5ii1EkOO6Fkkhyphenhyphen4kgXaREYPXG-KG1vU-yVYx7yoQY/s1600/Ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Zp7_FGBb2DY6Oo33D0SEuTAh2BKu1pdOTLa2HzAiAYPuBdHOEWkE5UHm5uzXB02KXWI3i_ePA03AxuKGgpQm6jTyuzP4vWe3ZM5ii1EkOO6Fkkhyphenhyphen4kgXaREYPXG-KG1vU-yVYx7yoQY/s320/Ben.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Ben<span style="font-size: small;"> is beginning to do really well with his t-shirt company and has started printing t-shirts as well, which has really been wonderful for us! </span></span>He is seriously so creative and works so hard, we are really proud of him.<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vivienne</span> finished her Junior year strong and is looking to graduate early. I'm realizing that at this point I just need to get out of her way, she amazes me every day. <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karla</span> is in the final stretch towards the wedding...which is shaping up to be simply wonderful...I can't wait to see all the Lord has in store for her and James. <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Charles</span> is working extra hard selling motorcycle parts to raise money to bring Henry home...and loving every second of it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom</span> is cancer free and has
been given the ok to stop chemo for a while...this is so amazing, we are
praising God! And me? <span style="font-size: large;">I</span> got a new job...at the same school I was at before, but working in the front office...a couple more hours a week, (but still only 20), and I am thoroughly enjoying my summer break! </div>
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All in all....God is good all the time. There is no where I would rather be then directly under His covering, in His will, where the blessings flow:)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-15995522539379855732012-05-22T09:03:00.002-07:002012-05-22T16:20:51.346-07:00Spring Fever!!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Well, school is almost finished for the year, and boy am I happy about it. This has been such a long year with everything that has happened. I am looking forward to a FULL happy summer! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">CCLW Retreat 2011</span></td></tr>
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We have our <span style="font-size: large;">high school retreat </span>coming up at the end of June, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cedtRBiqiw8SYGQLfmGNivHUwWn6_DGY4cb4djej1JZiHCavDg7Th2dpDPHS-HmnbwWk2Zeyrhka3h6O_xsYWaXENO4OMgRRiZ__vYJeDoFF3xdmjlIM9sv6HKbGw3q3eXUSNWryeV8/s1600/amazing_wonders_140x140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cedtRBiqiw8SYGQLfmGNivHUwWn6_DGY4cb4djej1JZiHCavDg7Th2dpDPHS-HmnbwWk2Zeyrhka3h6O_xsYWaXENO4OMgRRiZ__vYJeDoFF3xdmjlIM9sv6HKbGw3q3eXUSNWryeV8/s1600/amazing_wonders_140x140.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> VBS in July</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoJ9zHnuCwZzdrXSEJIF78CZedu8xh8wFm2BLjDjIZU1TXkrBHecqTEgDNMgdB1LMKMnxsp2VO35mStL2Lq8p1JrFNh-Lwnvagbe33GGKfSoqsmgRuiDwvSSi2mAyixD2MTL9hPqB9Mo/s1600/James:Karla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoJ9zHnuCwZzdrXSEJIF78CZedu8xh8wFm2BLjDjIZU1TXkrBHecqTEgDNMgdB1LMKMnxsp2VO35mStL2Lq8p1JrFNh-Lwnvagbe33GGKfSoqsmgRuiDwvSSi2mAyixD2MTL9hPqB9Mo/s320/James:Karla.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Karla's Engagement photo by Dominic B Photography</td></tr>
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and <span style="font-size: large;">a big important wedding August 10th</span> </div>
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and then hopefully we will have lift off to <span style="font-size: large;">Bring our Henry home</span> on August 15th.</div>
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So here is the <span style="font-size: large;">adoption update</span>:</div>
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We are in one of the last stages now where we are waiting for our Letter of Approval from the Chinese Government. The average wait is 60 days and we are on about the 33rd day. As soon as we get that things should start happening more quickly...</div>
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we will apply to the US Gov again for immigration papers, </div>
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then we will get a Cable and Approval letter, </div>
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then an Article 5, </div>
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THEN...we will get our Travel Approval. </div>
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I know the timing is in the Lord's hands as we wait and prepare for everything BUT Henry. I say that with a smile on my face because I am a little nervous about preparing for him physically. Mentally we are prepared...Financially we are getting there...but physically I just can't seem to do besides buying a few items of clothing here and there. </div>
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Maybe its because we are a little short on room at the moment...maybe its because I want to spend some time with him and see what he likes before I decide what his room will look like and what toys to buy...maybe its because I'm afraid of letting my heart go because I'm already having such a hard time with the patience that is required of me to sit and wait for our blessed governments to shuffle papers around. </div>
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But my God is working behind the scenes...<span style="font-size: large;">check this out</span>! I was a little nervous...ok REALLY nervous, about putting Henry in 1st grade for obvious reasons. I contacted the Childrens School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Tustin and they said that they would be willing to let him go to Kindergarten there for 6 months to get acclimated and hopefully we could transfer him after that, but after visiting I realized that school would not be a good fit. SO, I went to talk to the first grade teacher at the school I work at about helping us with materials so that we could work with him at home until he was ready to transfer into the first grade. She was very excited as I explained our situation, she said that coincidentally she was asked to start a pilot program next year, she would be teaching a Kindergarten First grade combined class of ESL students!! Can you believe it? Its like God created a classroom specially for Henry...where I could be close and work with the teacher! To top it all off she is a Christian!! Wow...why do we doubt?</div>
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So needless to say...I am confident that everything will happen exactly as He planned it and considering His plans are the best...I am not going to stress about it. </div>
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But I do still struggle with the patience part....SIGH.</div>
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Please consider checking out the things that people have done to help us with adoption expenses...my original estimate of $15 to $20,000 has significantly grown to around $29,000. We are SO close, God has really blessed us above what we would have every imagined, but we are still about $7000 away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPANIqy6wGqhyMo__NqLbhc8DfdFqOPlY0QwF81XIT_B1OC_TX9dEInjC_ZTzRBQDVM8e7jYSwU28RH3NmA6zDaF7fcmNNct5JLHcNQmiBRkvph200ekK4IgiH3tQJ_dGSbL4ZM_PN19w/s1600/Grafted+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPANIqy6wGqhyMo__NqLbhc8DfdFqOPlY0QwF81XIT_B1OC_TX9dEInjC_ZTzRBQDVM8e7jYSwU28RH3NmA6zDaF7fcmNNct5JLHcNQmiBRkvph200ekK4IgiH3tQJ_dGSbL4ZM_PN19w/s200/Grafted+Final.jpg" width="196" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlMqY_plpzteKE3zp9gVrNoXRO0dxY-bpUAVZIJmyuCFkDZUJ_-MJJMWhkeClWAdSa3r-C3nfBPZSy2aAUa7BFr4MvvojTRuyywJktWAVincOcQbAVz7FhiaOYTStQhrAL8m2OYNnBDU/s1600/fedora-twins-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlMqY_plpzteKE3zp9gVrNoXRO0dxY-bpUAVZIJmyuCFkDZUJ_-MJJMWhkeClWAdSa3r-C3nfBPZSy2aAUa7BFr4MvvojTRuyywJktWAVincOcQbAVz7FhiaOYTStQhrAL8m2OYNnBDU/s200/fedora-twins-copy.jpg" width="141" /></a>So if you haven't already gotten your Joe Arant cd, get yours now for only $5...you will be SO blessed by this original worship music. (Don't forget to include your address in the comments section)<br />
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OR check out those adorable fedoras!<br />
I can't wait to get one on Henry's sweet head!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just receive this via text this morning:) Gotta love technology! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This smile should last a few days:)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bhOhQLFOolHaC7Zup5CzG4lrRnvxvZD2GJz0uWyfoYA885yOaQoUSLDs6jaq0e-uEGeM_3P6zXZ72xo063UGZlpnzwgFgd1H8RdjArTkCg0DBCoK1wSgYnzRQNQgnsVBabGXElFcFG4/s1600/Henry:Phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bhOhQLFOolHaC7Zup5CzG4lrRnvxvZD2GJz0uWyfoYA885yOaQoUSLDs6jaq0e-uEGeM_3P6zXZ72xo063UGZlpnzwgFgd1H8RdjArTkCg0DBCoK1wSgYnzRQNQgnsVBabGXElFcFG4/s400/Henry:Phil.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-80923908663219166062012-04-28T13:53:00.000-07:002012-04-28T13:53:55.492-07:00Dad<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Spring is here and I am so happy</span>! I seem to have so much more energy
when it is warm outside and the days are longer. We went to my
dad's house for my Grandma's 83rd birthday last weekend and I was
reminded again how much I enjoy my family. I have two sisters adopted
from China who are 8 and 12 and I love hanging out with them. I can't
wait until Henry can hang out there with the chickens and the bunnies
and swim...what a blessing. My dad is different now then he was when we
were young. Not completely but different. It seems that with age you
figure out what is important, what battles to choose and which ones to
fight. I am so proud of him for the dad he was to me when I was young,
but I love to watch the changes and the growth from then to now. And I
love love love it that the Lord planted my two sweet sisters in my
family before Henry was a glimmer in our eyes. Isn't it fun to step
back from your life and admire God's workmanship? How everything is
woven together and blends so beautifully? I wonder why we doubt the
future...even as we face trials and unknowns...shouldn't we be excited
about what they will look like in five years? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZhA5feJR7z_48fTwZ_qQYut9WXqlUmaFfsBtwp9cMgVGAMNhvCPezWCz8O4iPAyekvEMHTUxtPE9GaiPtQoN3TuSYszU_st8ghZHNDgWMH-DqqgspfBWBg5ft-Vhya5q5Qvd3cYiLo0/s1600/dad:kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZhA5feJR7z_48fTwZ_qQYut9WXqlUmaFfsBtwp9cMgVGAMNhvCPezWCz8O4iPAyekvEMHTUxtPE9GaiPtQoN3TuSYszU_st8ghZHNDgWMH-DqqgspfBWBg5ft-Vhya5q5Qvd3cYiLo0/s400/dad:kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I watched my wedding video last night and sat in wonder at where
the time went. Wasn't it just yesterday that I had Ben? Could it have
been 22 years ago that I married the man of my dreams? And even more
amazing is the transformation in me. It seems like yesterday that my
dad and I were struggling to find the light of day...we were both
disasters willing ourselves to make life work. I talk about my mom a lot
and what I learned from her, when I think about my dad I think I
learned sheer, raw determination. There is nothing my dad is afraid of
and when he sets his mind, there is very few things that will stop him.
He has always been my hero, not because he's perfect....hahahah...he's
far from that....but because he is a good man. He taught me what a good
man is and that even though they are rare, they exist. He might be
rough around the edges...may not always say the right thing...and rarely
will he say it delicately, but he is good, and that is more important.
So here's to the last 28 years, Dad...because of God, honesty and that raw determination we both came out ok.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-59234611385891496582012-04-27T16:29:00.002-07:002012-04-27T16:29:24.457-07:00Grafted In<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Time goes by SO fast! I can't believe it has been two months since Viv got home and I've written last. We are still plugging along with Henry's paperwork, it all went to China the beginning of April so we are just waiting for it to be approved now. I added a timeline to the left side of the home page so you can follow along...hopefully it will make sense to you because it took a long time for it to make sense to me. Unfortunately it is looking like we will be traveling middle to late August but God's timing is best....it always has been.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilOPODZWF0YWbXFCayLD-39oWjpZIE889ygb_eHT-WXmWgaGfgYBI8nu9i2TshrcLadC9CFeL6QEL9RIU8KyEuR_IFrod5fu9s8GCQXI-OjGiCBoB5fRZ24J0DlGhFSzHxChlsAWHH88/s1600/Grafted+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilOPODZWF0YWbXFCayLD-39oWjpZIE889ygb_eHT-WXmWgaGfgYBI8nu9i2TshrcLadC9CFeL6QEL9RIU8KyEuR_IFrod5fu9s8GCQXI-OjGiCBoB5fRZ24J0DlGhFSzHxChlsAWHH88/s320/Grafted+Final.jpg" width="315" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">"Grafted In" </span><br />
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Our amazing worship leader, Joe Arant, often writes and sings original worship music. They are really good songs and he is the most humble guy ever. Anyway, because people are always asking him for his music, he produced a cd of his original songs and is donating the proceeds to Bring Henry Home. The suggested donation is only $5 so I wanted to make it available to you here as well. </div>
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The idea is that it become an annual album that the donations can go toward families who are adopting or we can donate them to an orphanage but they will be earmarked for the orphans. </div>
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We are so blessed to be a part of our amazing church family who have been so tremendously generous. Henry is already loved so much. </div>
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If you would like one of these cd's called "Grafted In" please donate using the button on the right hand side of this page and include your address in the comments section and I would love to send one out. </div>
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If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that
He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither
sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and
will be in you. <b>I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. </b>John 14:15-18 </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-81315640306708291852012-03-23T10:01:00.000-07:002012-03-23T10:01:33.408-07:00Homecoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbykrfjhjj1ZRPd8IeHsDkVS3V3jvOUT1s8tIMOk7TCGiDwO2PlmG4Pt-qiqQEnju2CD7rfJFE_yAbnS2mEUXQu0n1C-EtY9KxD4YBrU2YK6LUwiMTPfTQYa0roOd1jue6YW8pKeHt38/s1600/Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbykrfjhjj1ZRPd8IeHsDkVS3V3jvOUT1s8tIMOk7TCGiDwO2PlmG4Pt-qiqQEnju2CD7rfJFE_yAbnS2mEUXQu0n1C-EtY9KxD4YBrU2YK6LUwiMTPfTQYa0roOd1jue6YW8pKeHt38/s320/Home.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Well she is home. So much has happened in the short three weeks since she got here. She did great! What a stud. Her health was perfect, her travels were easy and she was full of stories all the way home. What an amazing opportunity she had, to go and spend 6 weeks in China...and when I asked her the best part? She said it was hanging out with Henry. She told story after story of what he said and how they played. Don't you love it how God can accomplish so many things at once? Simply Delightful. <br />
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We are through the thick of the paperwork but now in the waiting phases where said paperwork gets shuffled from one government agency to the next. I dropped it off at the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, where it was for a week, then put all my blood sweat and tears in an envelope and sent it to Colorado to be reviewed, as we wait for a separate verification from US Immigration, then it will all go to China, only to come back to return to US Immigration, only to return then to China.....sigh. At this point it looks like we will be traveling in late July or August...pray for the Lord's perfect timing because I just don't know if He has seen our summer schedule! hahaha<br />
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I couldn't sleep last night. I woke up and just laid there, thinking. I am not stressed, just excited. I started thinking about how I wish I could write Henry a letter. He wouldn't understand it of course, in language or in content but I wanted to write it anyway. <br />
<br />
Dear Henry,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruDgDE8j7a6J_braMB9SaJK7l_0xX1U7RkfVTqfHFSAD6IcGtIQiSw4cly2i08coJLLWDVc3-Ed0nuqmU9TTbageJ7zpA0sr0HzWeN9q0FN6cbbN_LBKWlvEu8P5hISHz_YV8rY_tQwg/s1600/Henry+Piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruDgDE8j7a6J_braMB9SaJK7l_0xX1U7RkfVTqfHFSAD6IcGtIQiSw4cly2i08coJLLWDVc3-Ed0nuqmU9TTbageJ7zpA0sr0HzWeN9q0FN6cbbN_LBKWlvEu8P5hISHz_YV8rY_tQwg/s320/Henry+Piano.jpg" width="213" /></a>I can not wait for you to come home for so many reasons. (blah)<br />
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Dear Henry, <br />
Waiting stinks. I know you know that. (Sigh)<br />
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Dear Henry,<br />
I don't know how I can love you so much already.....(hmmmm)<br />
<br />
Henry.<br />
I miss you.<br />
Sometimes I sit and imagine how it will be when you are finally here.<br />
I can not wait to see the look of pride in your dad's eyes when you do something new.<br />
I can not wait to see the wonder on your face when you see the ocean.<br />
I can not wait to watch as you recognize your friend Yibian (Viv) for the first time. <br />
I can not wait to see the delight when you realize you have your very own guitar and keyboard.<br />
I can not wait to listen to you sing to our Lord. <br />
I can not wait for you to meet your big brother. <br />
I can not wait to watch as you help your dad work in the garage.<br />
I can not wait to laugh as you play.<br />
I can not wait to hug you and kiss your sweet cheeks.<br />
I can not wait to get endless hugs from you.<br />
I can not wait to read you a story at night.<br />
To watch you sleep.<br />
To say Good Morning.<br />
I can not wait.<br />
<br />
Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life.<br />
Psalm 23:6 <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-66359697622926885662012-02-21T17:25:00.000-08:002012-02-21T23:04:47.956-08:00Fedorable!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDkjKJQ3uQh7ZCF-IYynbUmVIQt-ZGDH9uqYDgikuW50nk3zpCbE7NO8uSIHkRI0cFk0v1NOiakB8S-I6_yvYvXtIIEspaSmAEZUbkCMzjvedmuyGlBFZSM6l7EExXsyvBppM6zYPInY/s1600/402110_10150551434255588_503470587_9188611_2131555496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDkjKJQ3uQh7ZCF-IYynbUmVIQt-ZGDH9uqYDgikuW50nk3zpCbE7NO8uSIHkRI0cFk0v1NOiakB8S-I6_yvYvXtIIEspaSmAEZUbkCMzjvedmuyGlBFZSM6l7EExXsyvBppM6zYPInY/s200/402110_10150551434255588_503470587_9188611_2131555496_n.jpg" width="188" /></a>So I am super excited! A few months ago I participated in a boutique to support a family that is adopting from China. I took my quilts and sat all day long but didn't sell one. At the end of the day I was super blessed to meet the hosting family, but convinced that God just wanted me to hang out all day with Charles, which was really nice.<br />
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A couple of months later I got an email from a gal named Kara who owns a business making hats for kids. Her first hat is a beanie and she donates a portion of the profits to an organization called Surfers Healing, which helps kids with autism. She recently added a new hat to her line and was looking for "something to do with China" to donate a percentage of her profits to and Sara from the boutique gave her my name. Just Like God. We are so quick to write things and experiences off never considering that there is a plan in place...a will in motion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZocQ01pz-YueFyGioAUy1ALLZDfCQ4zHLsXnbI6BqseluzL475kO_pxjwaHbdNysLW7_IjcICSAIVDk_C4GKYpJxn4GvWsOksoi7x3FodWNIxaPVF2EeITDqAQictlp0xkfgnQUpfr_Y/s1600/fedora-derby-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZocQ01pz-YueFyGioAUy1ALLZDfCQ4zHLsXnbI6BqseluzL475kO_pxjwaHbdNysLW7_IjcICSAIVDk_C4GKYpJxn4GvWsOksoi7x3FodWNIxaPVF2EeITDqAQictlp0xkfgnQUpfr_Y/s400/fedora-derby-copy.jpg" width="266" /></a>So <span style="font-size: large;">please</span> check out this company and consider buying hats for all the sweet blessings in your lives. The fedora is the one Henry is getting a percentage of but really the other hat she sells is so cute as well. I can't wait to get a photo of him wearing one....I can't wait....I can't wait. Go to the secret sale link for special pricing.<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.elislids.com/fedorable_secretsale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.elislids.com/fedorable_secretsale/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.elislids.com/">http://www.elislids.com/</a></span><br />
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Here is the blog that tells about Henry:) and its super fun to read..make sure you scroll down, all the fedoras are on it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.elislids.com/blog/">http://www.elislids.com/blog/</a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-47543949457804883222012-02-11T10:14:00.000-08:002012-02-11T10:17:19.954-08:00Prayers and Miracles<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We throw the words around..."I'll pray for you", and sometimes, hopefully a lot of the time, we actually do pray for those people. But there are those times...those times when someone's mother has stage 4 cancer, those times when that same person needs to come up with $25, 000 to adopt, there are those times when our prayers are sincere but doubtful at best. Oh, we are sure that the Lord has a plan and that His plan is good but we are also sure that a complete answer could not be anything short of a miracle and truth be told we don't witness many miracles these days. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JtJyFkfRQmfhnshczvbpzCx415vbMw5Y9IiaGkTYKhZ_aL6h18RNE1Sivx1mgobvCoaiZwLlKiTJ2YRqEmCIVj9rs7e4TrrHcmq4mnBF0TcFFvfalFEbI-dWrXA8P8CHt36EQIG8KbA/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JtJyFkfRQmfhnshczvbpzCx415vbMw5Y9IiaGkTYKhZ_aL6h18RNE1Sivx1mgobvCoaiZwLlKiTJ2YRqEmCIVj9rs7e4TrrHcmq4mnBF0TcFFvfalFEbI-dWrXA8P8CHt36EQIG8KbA/s400/mom.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, my mom's test results came back completely clear...no signs of cancer. She was told by two different doctors that she is in complete remission...the same doctors who told her that if the chemo didn't work she would have 3 to 6 months to live. How does that happen? Even the doctors are marveling at the "apparent" miracle. And truth be told, SO AM I!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But seriously almost as miraculous is the amount of money the Lord has provided for the adoption of our sweet Henry. Honestly, we struggled about committing to something so important without any idea of where the money would come from. It just seemed so irresponsible. As we talked to different families all we heard was, "The Lord provides for the orphans, step out in faith if you feel the call". And so we did. I want to just tell you that we did not have a back up plan...we were completely dependent on the Lord and as of today He has provided close to $20,000! How does that happen? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfULNMdjCKgIjN0ALTCGTtsvLLq3UEdkvEtdlcYPfZd-qrLcwj4sjOVW5ljpLzfMT-DLzmjNaYnpt7H7keiYvkkaf_COM-XdWMK8HWgE4itZ2b7hoFUDwInJx0466c_KySWqbLcB-Wj4/s1600/henry2:11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfULNMdjCKgIjN0ALTCGTtsvLLq3UEdkvEtdlcYPfZd-qrLcwj4sjOVW5ljpLzfMT-DLzmjNaYnpt7H7keiYvkkaf_COM-XdWMK8HWgE4itZ2b7hoFUDwInJx0466c_KySWqbLcB-Wj4/s320/henry2:11.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bottom line is both situations are the same in a few very important ways. First, they leave us helpless, at the end of our ever controlling selves. Second, they make others aware of our needs, which is oh so humbling. Third, the miracle brings glory to God, which is thrilling to be a part of, and fourth they build our faith. How many are going through something so horrible that they just want to hide? How many are feeling the call but don't see the "way"? Our God is faithful. He won't give us more than we can handle and He is just waiting for us to step out so that He can blow our minds with his riches!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This week talking to my mom she said she was amazed that she was God's miracle. She said she felt like she should be glowing or have wings:) I think she does glow, and I'm sure her wings are waiting for her...but for now, we are assured that she will be here this summer to meet her new grandson. CAN YOU SAY "GLORY"? Look to your neighbor and say GLORY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks for all of your prayers:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever; To all
generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. Psalm 89:1</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-81377368337828730142012-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:002012-02-06T08:02:24.063-08:0013.1 Miles Later<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Well, its OVER!! We all met in the morning yesterday and our super support team drove us down and dropped us off at the starting line. There were 16 racers in all on Team Henry and every one of us had a great race...some ran to win, some ran to finish before 2 1/2 hours and some ran to finish before 3 hours. We all accomplished our racing goals and we all finished strong. I couldn't be prouder of our team. It was such a blessing to have 16 people run in honor of Henry. He is such a loved boy already. There was a lady who I must have seen 15 times throughout the race because she was at a similar pace as me, she had a t-shirt on that said, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me, and boy is that the truth!</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Josh Patopoff won the race by a mile, literally:) but Josh Beames came
in an amazingly quick 2nd after very little training. (Oh, to be 18
again:)</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Great Job guys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eLLtloOg0Q9SVmUNXm9tvdBD7RC_p0KvgFhFGRg8deUqIhn5vRHm-yVazH_hLGLmKTsIq1PCgaCHz3suUb4vKPLUvPHfEN79K4JWRR9Sx9ZMW7riqSTrZ0Yaix8jPMS8eDQUwOk9OmI/s1600/Team+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eLLtloOg0Q9SVmUNXm9tvdBD7RC_p0KvgFhFGRg8deUqIhn5vRHm-yVazH_hLGLmKTsIq1PCgaCHz3suUb4vKPLUvPHfEN79K4JWRR9Sx9ZMW7riqSTrZ0Yaix8jPMS8eDQUwOk9OmI/s400/Team+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is our pre-race Team photo. What a great group of wonderful people! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7vSmQ4DHd8Y8qh2RsaQ_8wsBRSZ8dnn09z-nWiaKY326uml2AmRPYb5gBSNH-7q-dMIy7SUZrE9P6VCfch0kIG6SX2kNl324R0tNeUtgGXLmkcYDsfhQWMBJszIZHdzQzF2eyN9VoEE/s1600/meandmolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7vSmQ4DHd8Y8qh2RsaQ_8wsBRSZ8dnn09z-nWiaKY326uml2AmRPYb5gBSNH-7q-dMIy7SUZrE9P6VCfch0kIG6SX2kNl324R0tNeUtgGXLmkcYDsfhQWMBJszIZHdzQzF2eyN9VoEE/s400/meandmolly.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Molly and me post race...I was much happier than I look:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Post-race, but missing a few racers. We were ready for our showers and snacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Charles and I with our best friends Meg and John Schneider. </span></div>
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All in all it was a great day and a FANTASTIC fundraiser. Our team raised over $2000 and we still have donations coming in! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daniel Miller</span> won the iPod Touch on his vote for Josh Beames. </div>
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His response: <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4f2ff7e1d6a059c00867478">
Awesome!
...unless it's a different Daniel Miller -- then congrats to that guy!
Thanks Hills - love you guys. And thanks Josh Patapoff and the rest of
Team Henry for making this dream come true. I'd also like to thank my
producers and teamm<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ates. And Tim Tebow. And most importantly
(pointing upward) Jesus Christ -- for keeping everyone who ran today
safe and healthy and for giving the Hills the chance to bring Henry home.</span></div>
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Today we are 13.1 miles closer to you Henry...can't wait to get you home:)</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-91041956711959724012012-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:002012-02-03T08:47:06.138-08:00Week 2: Vivienne's Birthday<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Week two is over and I have such mixed emotions about Vivienne being
away. First I am completely overcome with missing her. I love being
her mom, I love hanging out with her and laughing, I love pestering her
with questions and marveling at how her mind works. BUT, I am so
completely thrilled to have her there, in China. She is once again
amazing me with her ability to adapt and thrive. She is being used by
the Lord in so many ways all the while minding her health and her
homework! I know I gush about this girl but seriously....where did she
come from? God is truly good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photos? YES!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4qit2ciaxD9sfJxIsCNlAc6Mv02V4Pjmc7pLmVSFpgkyQqdXtenVCX4cY6fDLsIP4mNEOKci-9YvU2_yz5CELZrPqtzkHljSmt1CT1sv1DC_6CzYZtGqRHqsk8eMqjbuLYK1qrx4PgA/s1600/vikiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4qit2ciaxD9sfJxIsCNlAc6Mv02V4Pjmc7pLmVSFpgkyQqdXtenVCX4cY6fDLsIP4mNEOKci-9YvU2_yz5CELZrPqtzkHljSmt1CT1sv1DC_6CzYZtGqRHqsk8eMqjbuLYK1qrx4PgA/s400/vikiss.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Got this one texted to my phone...What a treat!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC54NTAnMwbsGf-QunwRJ98aet0MQWLxUdgA2MpaAUaLfHbSK5ZR0S1PWMAAe0jN3ZFLnJdnp0aTOTnijNJBBAXS47c2eQwXg7lyQ528fV9gUhliT2kYGRkvMJMskPc90qX3IMW49NS8I/s1600/Vivthai.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC54NTAnMwbsGf-QunwRJ98aet0MQWLxUdgA2MpaAUaLfHbSK5ZR0S1PWMAAe0jN3ZFLnJdnp0aTOTnijNJBBAXS47c2eQwXg7lyQ528fV9gUhliT2kYGRkvMJMskPc90qX3IMW49NS8I/s400/Vivthai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sweet girls at Shepherds Field took Viv out for Thai food. Isn't this photo gorgeous?</div>
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I love the colors.</div>
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So today, in China (Feb 4.) it is Vivienne's 17th birthday. I thought I would include this super cute photo of her when she was little. She is with her best friend Chloe (the dog) and Eleanor who was visiting from Canada (waving). Just as sweet, just as cute!<br />
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And this is Vivienne and her best friend forever, and cousin, Hannah, whose birthday is today in America...(Feb 3) They have spent every birthday together and I can not think of two people who love eachother more then these two. Sweet and sweeter, sweeter and sweet! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLn4G5A3ifxr-dWdOhrOqgVFRkKFkzVkf227gU9OGQSdSsMi5Pz0l7UJLi4rOAjsyaGBQx_Hk3PSJDg-hOb4Yfjlx9OAvOZRhliOO5KtO2I6rl7TLWoNCMdfMA76YOof9bQNr8HrcO3w/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLn4G5A3ifxr-dWdOhrOqgVFRkKFkzVkf227gU9OGQSdSsMi5Pz0l7UJLi4rOAjsyaGBQx_Hk3PSJDg-hOb4Yfjlx9OAvOZRhliOO5KtO2I6rl7TLWoNCMdfMA76YOof9bQNr8HrcO3w/s400/IMG_2656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday to you both, I love you more then words can say.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-44285507395405416182012-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:24:26.682-08:00What a Weekend!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> This weekend was so much fun! We really are so blessed to live where we live, to have the most amazing friends and family and a truly faithful God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are some of our weekend highlights...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We ran 8 miles with some of Team Henry</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and then enjoyed a post run meal together, one of my favorite things is to have a full table of people I love.</span>...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">only 1 week left!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Ben finished the design for the race t-shirt</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3Q8nxtCRZb6E7HywDJDz1MQYPOq2ZYSDVWHlTPvUqvktrBWgjOem4CT-dZNFNKwx5nkx4KPty0OwFm94_-TMg7xIdx3h_CEjQx9UTZKdviq1cIv_e_fUhiFU9lgOACLAVO4vSGxNWW4/s1600/henryhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3Q8nxtCRZb6E7HywDJDz1MQYPOq2ZYSDVWHlTPvUqvktrBWgjOem4CT-dZNFNKwx5nkx4KPty0OwFm94_-TMg7xIdx3h_CEjQx9UTZKdviq1cIv_e_fUhiFU9lgOACLAVO4vSGxNWW4/s400/henryhome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We got to Skype with Vivienne, who is doing great in China... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AND I got these sweet photos from a friend who is at Shepherd's Field</span>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pmgMwKos23zksS7Hb4n6eJKxmjqFV-iEpZHw1k2PQvenEhm_dFpwDBJ23-qRWp-DN0Ut0srHkGQ0fUDsw01Af1FlheGZI6owG-khLN_6AwvfKArsKZOLkjfMtHMy_f2PHuuBQs_bEFM/s1600/V&H2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pmgMwKos23zksS7Hb4n6eJKxmjqFV-iEpZHw1k2PQvenEhm_dFpwDBJ23-qRWp-DN0Ut0srHkGQ0fUDsw01Af1FlheGZI6owG-khLN_6AwvfKArsKZOLkjfMtHMy_f2PHuuBQs_bEFM/s400/V&H2.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfLpLGtt9ivPrxNLRUc2npCVanyOsoAvno_nyW9ocrXlSD50LzptUm6-UH5lcaIjYshNdEcU4o5U59rPASq5etQ_rueZPlud2erLWz6PE2u0jzq2oylTCsznc4oyntDHu3Jql0i4hv9M/s1600/V&H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfLpLGtt9ivPrxNLRUc2npCVanyOsoAvno_nyW9ocrXlSD50LzptUm6-UH5lcaIjYshNdEcU4o5U59rPASq5etQ_rueZPlud2erLWz6PE2u0jzq2oylTCsznc4oyntDHu3Jql0i4hv9M/s400/V&H.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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There are not words for how cute they are...I can't wait to get them home. </div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-7132300128629937302012-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:002012-01-26T09:14:24.686-08:00Week 1: Lessons and Blessings<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Its officially been one week of Vivienne gone. And I haven't died from not being able to ask a thousand questions at the end of every day yet. </div>
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The Lord is good...all the time. </div>
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He is showing me so many things about myself, about my marriage and about my mothering:) He is also working in Vivienne's life as well as she has to adjust without a parent to guide and about where to turn in times of loneliness. </div>
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Week one down and I know He has only scratched the surface of the lessons and the blessings. I seriously can not wait for the end of week six. Not only to see my sweet Viv again but to look back at this six weeks and marvel at our God.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJABE2swOyhq4GfVKvv0-t6W_WACQGcX8yEpbqp4V1e_pd5RxCwSzPX19Q4tTkbUrz22_zyuOr-4kNPaxdjc0jsZQab_QLqXYvOGoi0sqC_I8o9O0VIp6D2r-HUDaVavtYLb3T83Fb4/s1600/vivhenry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJABE2swOyhq4GfVKvv0-t6W_WACQGcX8yEpbqp4V1e_pd5RxCwSzPX19Q4tTkbUrz22_zyuOr-4kNPaxdjc0jsZQab_QLqXYvOGoi0sqC_I8o9O0VIp6D2r-HUDaVavtYLb3T83Fb4/s400/vivhenry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is the only photo I've received so far, but aren't they super cute?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> She promised me more would be coming soon:)</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081473088794805383.post-39975829629789946542012-01-19T09:43:00.000-08:002012-01-19T09:47:09.713-08:00Sunshine in China<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Vivienne left today to spend six weeks in China to intern in the clinic of Shepherd's Field Children's Village. She will assist the doctors on staff with special needs orphan's as well as a plethora of other things while she is there.</div>
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When she asked if she could go, there were three conditions: </div>
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<b>#1 She had to get a job and pay for the trip herself.</b></div>
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<b>#2 She had to get approval from her doctors that she was healthy enough.</b></div>
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<b>#3 She had to work it out with her teachers.</b></div>
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Honestly, I didn't think she would pull it off when I agreed to it. What 16 year old could? But here we are 6 months later and she gone. </div>
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She was such a stud as she was searched and her luggage was double scanned during security because of the excessive amount of coffee she was smuggling to Jamie. She was icy calm as she stood in line and her dad gave her every instruction that he could think of for the "just in case" scenarios. She was confident and cool and Karla and I gave her long goodbye hugs in front of the masses of people. She smiled a little smile as she got onto the escalator and looked down to us one last time on her way to being a grown up. </div>
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I am really proud of her...I can't even tell you how proud. She is 16, almost 17 and she is fearless. Talking about her last night someone asked what I was doing at 16, almost 17 and I pointed out that I had a baby. Such an incredible thought but it dawned on me that we are the same, Viv and I, in a lot of ways. At 16, almost 17 there is a confidence based on mostly nothing but strong none the less. There is a need to move on from youth to something more significant and purposeful. Its hard to say that my choice was wrong or destructive because my son changed my life. God used him to remove me from the destructive path I was on and showed me a whole new life in Him. But I'm so glad that Vivienne was smart enough to recognize the opportunity she had and to work hard to achieve it. I'm so glad that the Lord already has a hold of her sweet heart and she was sensitive enough to answer the call. There is nothing more bittersweet then seeing your children grow up, but today I feel anything but sadness. No tears, no anxiety, no fear...just admiration, pride and thankfulness that God raised such a great girl.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQR08C1v9iwD6IxPtoIgKLYE8Se-Dk4BuoMskTTMJT3n_FzyupDGMPKDauf8JEf5P8zNPoHZKA_jD0BvIF_kG6FTDupUiXwL37N809cnJOxryr64NdZmEqV_kJwNppU_MknhHC4K8r_w/s1600/viv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQR08C1v9iwD6IxPtoIgKLYE8Se-Dk4BuoMskTTMJT3n_FzyupDGMPKDauf8JEf5P8zNPoHZKA_jD0BvIF_kG6FTDupUiXwL37N809cnJOxryr64NdZmEqV_kJwNppU_MknhHC4K8r_w/s400/viv.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are praying for you Viv, in the middle of the night, in the brightness of the morning, we will pray without ceasing and we are so excited to see what He will do with your precious life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I Pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Eph 1:19 </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15125631867594220260noreply@blogger.com5