God Delivers!

Good Morning to all! I hope you have had a wonderful week, I have. For the first time in all the years of working with the youth, and attending Falls Creek I have never been so excited about the first time that all of my family would be there. David and I as sponsors, and youth staff and Ashley attending her 4 year and Kaylee her very first Youth Falls Creek. Kaylee has been going to Falls Creek for many years but never to Youth Camp, just Kids Camp (which are different). This years Falls Creek week was no different than the years in the past. God had plans for each one of us, to speak to us all and draw closer to each one of us. He spoke and we listened. Many decisions were made and a couple of "Echo" groups as well. "Echo" groups are 2 or 3 students getting together to meet every week and worship the Lord, pray, study and serve in the church, school and communities and spreading the gospel to all. I am very excited about their plans and love for each other.

We had wonderful cooks, and sponsors. Our pastor and camp director was awesome and all of them served with all their hearts. Already missing the laid back feel of Falls Creek.

Our Sunday Falls Creek program went really well. We had 5 Baptisms and almost all of the students shared with our church what God had done for them personally. Looking forward to seeing all the students staying with their commitments to the Lord.

On news for our adoption process: Our Dossier was sent to China on Friday, and we are praying for a shared special needs list to come out soon. We will keep you posted!!!!!!

The Whole Gang the day we left

A bunch of our kids in front of the Gift Shop at Falls Creek

Ashley and two wonderful friends she made at camp.

One of them they have formed a
"Echo Group" together along with another student. I am very excited about the friendship and accountability they will offer to each other.

Kaylee right after the shaving cream/peanut butter fight on the last night

Kaylee and Kacie on the grounds of Falls Creek

Ashley and a group of the girls in our cabin. Very strong bonds were made this year between the girls. So excited about what God did.

Was so excited as well when David joined us on Wednesday. They students were asking for him as well. He was a great help, helping in the kitchen after part of the kitchen help left.

Myself and Nallely (my adopted Youth daughter)

Myself and Austin (my adopted Youth son)

Do You Remember The Times:

Do you remember the things you did when you were a child, or the things you did after your child was born? The traditions, or special memories that you will never forget. Maybe it was a trip somewhere or a special gift you received, or holiday memory that has become a tradition, well we have had a special trip for many years. It all started when we planned a trip to Branson, during the normal Spring Break time during school. My girls were not in school so it was very easy to keep to this trip for many years. The closer to school age the harder it became to go! At the time of full time school, the trip became very difficult and eventually we didn't go anymore. Many times we wanted to but once again our schedule or my moms would pose a problem. This summer my mom and myself said "We Must Go Again"........

On June 12th we loaded up my Durango and headed to Branson...... We were so excited, could not wait to do the many things we had done when we were there many years ago. We had planned for Noah the Musical, Silver Dollar City, Miniature Golf, our favorite restaurant, Hard Luck Diner, and of course shopping, shopping and more shopping!!!! We were able to do it all, and have many laughs, nights of games and another great memory to add to our collection of so many. Enjoy the pictures of a well awaited trip to never forget.........

Myself, Ashley, Kaylee and my mom at the "Sight and Sound Theater"

Waiting to watch Noah the Musical

"The Whole Gang"

Kaylee, Grandma and Ashley playing mini golf

Mom, Ashley and Kaylee doing what we love....... Shopping!

Kaylee, Mom, Jason Yeager (American Idol), Ashley and Grandma

at the Hard Luck Diner

Mom and Daughter at Silver Dollar City

Ashley and Mom

Grandma and Kaylee

We had a great time and hope to be able to do it with Emily as well. We talked about what it would be like to share all of this with her. She was in our thoughts and prayers! This mom, these sisters and one special grandma are anxiously waiting her arrival!

A Long Awaited Hello!

I know, I know, I know! I have not blogged in over two weeks. I would like to say that I am sorry, but it was something that seemed very hard to do. I avoided it for awhile, and kept thinking that I needed to say something. Our family went through some very difficult times during the adoption process. It has passed us now, but the hurt is still there. Although we felt we did exactly what we were suppose to do. Due to the sensitivity of the difficult time, I will not share all of the details. One of those reasons is it is so hard to put into words that make sense. We did receive two referrals(on two separate days), and as a family made the decision together, to decline the referrals. It hurts so much to even put that onto paper and see it in writing. We are fully aware that God is in control, and has already planned our journey and it is up to us to be obedient, and faithful to Him. We have not second guessed our decision, just have felt the pain creep back in. Our Awesome God has already picked out our Emily, and we can't wait until that day comes when we see her face to face, and give OUR DAUGHTER her first hug and kiss, and we know we can't let go.

FAITH ~ Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. "

GOD IS IN CONTROL ~ Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

SADNESS ~ Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, He rescues those are crushed in spirit."

TRUST ~ Psalm 33:21 "In Him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in His Holy name"

During this time, I am thankful for my family, His Word, our friends, and the many prayers that were lifted for us. May God touch you today in a way you will never forget!