2nd Annual Show Hope Family Fest

It was exactly one year this weekend that we were invited to Show Hope's 10 Year Anniversary celebration.  It included testimonies from the Chapman family, stories of Maria and a tribute to her life, testimonies of other adoptive families and celebrating the obedience of all to The Lord... those who generously give, who adopt, and who come alongside and support the many orphans in our world.  

I remember during the concert watching other families and seeing the joy they had in their eyes and the beautiful children with them.  I watched our girls and their excitement as they met Steven Curtis Chapman and Shoey and the events of the day and evening.  You see adoption not only changes the life of the orphan,  to a son or daughter, but it also forever changes the lives of their siblings.  Craig and I are so grateful that our obedience to adopt has allowed us to see the beauty in our daughters and their selfless love for their brother and tenderness that they are developing for hearing and listening to The Lord.  

Today we were so excited that we were able to share and expose Luke to the many people who are apart of his story.  I personally, am amazed and thankful that while there are no guarantees in life, today was a sweet day with my family and I'm so crazy thankful for each one of them!

Fun, fun, fun!

Just arriving and checking it all out

The Red Bus Project is a part of Show Hope.  It takes used/thrift items and resales with profits going to orphancare.  Luke, Craig, and Alaina looking at this bus.

Inside the Red Bus

Watching the show

We also ran into some friends from church who were there supporting their friends.  

Ok, it's getting hot now "Ma!"

In Love, He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:5-10 ESV)

Here we are.... Perry PaRtY of SiX!

Luke's 1st pool times with his sisters!

We are so thankful for summer break!!  Luke loved the water, thoroughly enjoys his sisters doting over him, and watching the others as they swim.  Hooray for summer and sunshine! 

7 months today...

It's so hard to believe that 7 months ago today Craig and I took one of the scariest plane rides of our lives to a province far, far north in China... the province of Gansu, to the city of Lanzhou.  We arrived (thankful to be alive and off the plane) and I pretty much instantly began to feel butterflies within my stomach-knowing that within less than a few hours we would finally be able to look at, touch, hold, and begin life with this amazing, strong-willed, determined, smiley little boy.  

It's still a journey of figuring things out, wrestling with ourselves about what true obedience to The Lord looks like, and how to love these four kiddos with the same unconditional love our Father so freely gives.  To say it's all rainbows would be a big, fat lie..  but to say that we are thankful, proud, and working very hard together to bless The Lord in our efforts would be very accurate.... 

Luke is doing well and continues to amaze us with the progression of his English and with his witty personality.  He definitely has his sisters, Craig, and myself on our toes~ at all times!!

****For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NIV)****

First Mother's Day as a mommy of 4

I remember the agony of the waiting last Mother's Day... praying to God asking Him to put someone in our son's life who would hold him and care for him well until we were able to bring him home.  The waiting was so hard for this mommy's heart~ how grateful I am today we were able to enjoy the giggles, smiles, and laughter of our children.  

May I love them and bless them as sacrificially as my own mother has for me!  Thank you Father for children!