Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas this year now that all of our family is here. We had hoped they would be here last Christmas but that didn't work out. They both really loved Christmas. We explained to Leah that is was Jesus' birthday and that was why we were celebrating and she seemed to understand it. Everyone wanted to give them a present. At one point Leah said "another one!" But they had fun and everyone enjoyed having little ones at Christmas again.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them...;'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'

~ Matthew 2:10-11

College Visits

Our oldest son, Joshua is a senior in high school this year so we have been looking at colleges to decide where he will attend. We went to visit Belmont in Nashville about three weeks ago and this last weekend went to Southwest Baptist University (SBU) to visit. We were all very impressed with SBU and we, of course, were pushing it because it is our alma mater but we wanted to leave the decision ultimately up to Joshua. He loves music and loves to play his drums and would like a career in the music business so he thought he wanted to go to school in Nashville but after our visit to SBU he truly felt that the was the place for him. The professors and everyone else there were wonderful and really worked to try to help him figure out the best path for him. We all just felt at home there so after the day he decided that this is the place that he will attend. We are thrilled with his decision! And it will be fairly close to home so we can still see him often. It is a relief to have this decision made but now comes the hard part of figuring out how to pay for it but we know that God is in the decision and he always provides all that we need. He's never failed us yet!

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

~ Proverbs 16:20

Halloween

Our little pumpkin and princess had a great time trick or treating. They had fun dressing up as their favorite things. When we drive around town Rachel points out every "bumbum" that she sees. Leah was a little disappointed when she went to the school costume party and discovered that she isn't the only princess but she recovered and had a lot of fun. It was a really great night for both of them.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

~ Psalm 103:2

Rachel's 2nd Birthday

We celebrated Rachel's 2nd birthday (her first with us) today! She had a great time opening gifts and eating cake and ice cream. She had her very first birthday cake today. We celebrated with a lot of family and everyone had a great time.

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

~ Psalm 103:13

Our Little Blender

A two-year-old is kind of like having a blender...but you don't have a top for it.

*Jerry Seinfeld

We have started referring to Rachel as our little blender. She is very active and into everything. She definitely keeps us on our toes. She is all smiles and very happy but she is also full of energy and wants to do things that she shouldn't be doing. We can't relax for a minute with her. The other day I was going through the mail and she wanted to look at it so I gave her the Kohl's ad while I looked at the mail. She started patting my leg and saying Momma so I looked to see what she was pointing at. She was pointing at a picture of a blender and after looking at it closer we saw that it was called a "Ninja blender". This really made us laugh because it was just so appropriate for her so I guess from now on we will just call her our little Ninja blender.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

~ Isaiah 43:19

First Day of School

Leah started kindergarten yesterday. We decided to go ahead and put her in kindergarten since they have an English language teacher there that can help her with her English. We weren't sure how she would do. We took her a couple of times before school started to meet her teacher and to see the school. She didn't look happy about the idea and even saw a few tears while we were looking at the school. We showed her everything so that she would understand what she needed to do and the English language teacher said she would spend the first couple of days with her to help her out. She talked about school and her teacher for several days before school and seemed very excited about it. When the day finally came she happily skipped to the car and was all smiles but when the time came for the teacher to take her to her room the tears came back. The last I saw of her she was walking down the hall with tears in her eyes. After going all day without a phone call we figured she must be doing okay. When she finally came home she was full of smiles and was telling us about her day. She was very excited and had a lot to say. Up until this point she would only say a word at a time and do a lot of pointing. When telling us about school she starting use more sentences and saying a lot more words. When I asked her if she liked her pizza she said yes and then told me she had a cookie and it was yummy. I asked her if it was chocolate and she told me about her drink. We realized that she had chocolate milk and was very excited about it since she had never had it before. She has told me many times about her chocolate milk when talking about school. When she came home from school today the teacher said she had a great day and she was laughing. She has been talking nonstop since she got home today. School has definitely opened her up and helped her a great deal even after two days. We think she will be talking in full sentences very soon. It was a very good decision.

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

~ Psalm 92:4

Vacation

We had a really great time on vacation in Colorado Springs last week. Leah and Rachel did really well on the trip. We visited Focus on the Family, Compassion International, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge and drove to the top of Pike's Peak. That resulted in new brakes for our truck but that's okay we needed them anyway. We had a wonderful time seeing the beauty of God's creation. It was a great break before everyone heads back to school. Leah will be starting kindergarten next week. Hopefully that will go well. She has been talking a lot about her school. They will have a teacher helping her to learn English so that is an added benefit. Leah has been doing really well that last 2 or 3 weeks so we are hopeful that this will go well.

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.

~ Psalm 100:2

Leah's Birthday Party

We celebrated Leah's 5th birthday last night. Her birthday is actually in May but we waited until she was ready to celebrate. She had a great time blowing out candles, opening presents and eating cake. She did really well with all of the family that was there. She swam a little even though the water was very cold. She had a wonderful time at her party and has made remarkable progress.

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

~ Galatians 6:9

Church

We have had a pretty good day today. We have had a bit of problem with Leah going to church even though she is doing well going other places. Today we took her to her Small Group and she cried through about half of it but then she saw that the other kids were having fun and actually participated. Then we went to worship and she really seemed to like it. Maybe next week we can go without any tears. This is definitely progress. Also, Hannah and the boys left for summer camp this morning and so far she has done okay without Hannah. We will see how it goes at bedtime. We aren't sure how Leah will do all week without Hannah but it could be good for her to learn to depend on us instead of Hannah. We hope we do get some sleep this week.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

~ Isaiah 40:31

Adjusting

Leah is adjusting well now. We have had to deal with a few good temper tantrums from her but most of the time she is doing well. She is still not speaking yet. Our daughter, Hannah, has gotten her to repeat some words after her but she doesn't want to speak in front of us. She is usually looking people in the eye now when they speak to her and a few times she has cried a little and been able to calm herself down so that is progress. Most of the time she is happy and doing well. Leah, Rachel and Hannah went for a swim in the wading pool today and had a really good time as you can see. Rachel is very happy and energetic. She is helping Leah a lot with her adjustments. Our 13 year daughter Hannah is helping a lot too. We were having issues with getting Leah to sleep at first. After a few days we had Leah lay down with Hannah and she slept well then. Hannah finally got Leah to sleep in her own bed right next to Hannah's bed after about a week. She is writing letters for Hannah and will do about anything for Hannah. It is going well overall and getting better every day.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

~ Romans 12:10

Haiti Mission Trip

Our sons, Joshua and Benjamin left on Thursday to go on a mission trip to Haiti. They got to their destination last night after a day long bus trip which included the bus breaking down. I know they are exhausted but we are so proud of them for going and serving in this way. Today is Benjamin's 15th birthday and we miss getting to celebrate it with him but we are thankful for young men who are willing to go and serve the Lord in this way.

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

~ 1 Chronicles 16:24

Royals Game

We took Leah to the Royals game on Tuesday night. We weren't sure how she would deal with it and were prepared to leave before the game started if necessary but she did great. She had a great time and had plenty of junk food including ice cream. As you can see from the picture she enjoyed it. We stayed until the 7th inning and that was only because it was getting late. She would have been okay through the entire game. I am not sure why she can handle that well but going to the doctor's office and having one of the nurses speak to her causes a complete breakdown. She was okay when we got in the room and the nurse weighed her and took her temperature and left the room. She was sitting on the examining table coloring when another nurse came in to talk to her. She was very friendly and just wanted to say hi to her. When she left Leah started crying and refused to color or do anything. By the time the doctor came in she was having a good fit and we couldn't get her calmed down. It is hard to know what she can handle okay and what will set her off and why. Since we can't really communicate we can't talk about why she is upset. Hopefully soon she will be able to tell us why some things upset her so much. Our 13 year old daughter, Hannah, is doing a great job with her. She has been helping her write her letters and she had her repeating letters and words. Also, Leah is sleeping in Hannah's bed with her because she would not sleep anywhere else. We are very proud of Hannah for doing so much to take care of Leah.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

~ Psalms 143:8

First Day at Home

Leah had a pretty good first day at home. She woke up at 3:00 am to potty and wanted to eat. She colored a picture and watched a video then was ready to go back to bed and slept until about 6:30 am. She did pretty good during the morning although when she got tired and overwhelmed she just spaced out and wouldn't look at any of us. We let her sit and color and watch videos and this seemed to help a lot. As you can see from the pictures by afternoon she was feeling much better and ready to play. Rachel really wanted to make her feel better and would try to comfort her by patting her. They played well until dinner time but we when gave her food to her she just sat and stared again. Mike held her and she fell asleep in his arms at about 6:00 pm. She still has some adjusting to do to our time and some sleep to catch up on. I think after she has caught up on her sleep she will be much happier and ready to deal with everything.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Leah is Home!

Leah and Mike are home. Leah is still a little overwhelmed with everything. She was crying when she came off the plane because she had been asleep and wasn't ready to be up. She didn't know what to think about all of us. Rachel kept going up to her and patting her on the arms, legs and face to try to make her feel better. When we got home we got out her coloring book and crayons and she colored a couple of pictures. Her cousin helped her pick out the colors and she like that. She went to bed easily because she was exhausted. Tomorrow should be a better day after she is rested.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

~ 1 Corinthians 13:7

Leah

Mike took this picture of Leah while waiting at the airport in DC. Isn't she beautiful? She looks happy to be coming home.

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

~ Psalms 98:4

In DC

Mike and Leah have landed in DC. Leah slept from Addis to Rome and did okay while they were refueling but when the plane started to take off again she started crying and was very upset. Many of the Ethiopians around tried to calm her down. Finally the flight attendants took her and found a coloring book and colored pencils and she was happy. She did not want the coloring books that we sent. I don't know why. Mike got out the 64 crayons that he took and that made her very happy. She spent the rest of the trip coloring the entire coloring book. They get to spend the day in DC and then will be home at 5:00 tonight. We can't wait!!

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

~ Psalm 118:24

Heading Home

Mike and Leah are preparing to head home from Ethiopia. They are at the airport and ready to board the plane. Mike was able to get them moved to seats that will allow Leah to lay down on the flight so that she can sleep. Leah smiled today when she saw her picture on the VISA so Mike took her picture out of his wallet and gave it to her. She has been holding it ever since. She still is not speaking but seems to be trusting Mike. He asked her if she was ready to get on an airplane and go home and she shook her head really big. It seems that this is the day she has been waiting for.

...Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.

~ Revelation 15:3

Embassy Date

Mike had the Embassy date today and everything went well. He said that Leah is doing much better. She still won't speak. He said tears roll down her face when she is hungry or tired. She won't speak with the nannies either hopefully the speech will come in time. She is playing and coloring now and coming to Mike. He said she seems to be bonding with him. When she gets home and gets used to all of us she should do well. They will get the VISA and head home on Thursday night and be back to Kansas City on Friday night.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

~ Romans 8:28

Arrived in Ethiopia

Mike has arrived in Ethiopia and picked Leah up from the orphanage. He only got about 4 hours of sleep on the flight there so he is exhausted. He said Leah is VERY quiet and will not play with any of the toys or coloring books that he brought. I'm sure she is very overwhelmed with the situation. She has had so many changes in her short life. From losing her parents and sister to living with her uncle and then being moved to the orphanage. She probably does not know what to expect or how to deal with it all. The orphanage has been her home for the last couple of years and she probably has not left there that entire time. Please pray that she will warm up to Mike and will adjust to the situation and that we will be able to communicate with her and make her feel loved.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

~ Colossians 3:15

Leaving Soon

Mike is leaving on Saturday to head to Ethiopia. He will be checking Leah out of the orphanage on Monday and then will have the Embassy date on Tuesday. Please pray that the attorney will provide all the necessary paperwork for the appointment. Please also pray that Mike will be able to communicate with Leah. This will be harder than when he got Rachel because she is older and will need to be able to communicate her needs. Please also pray that everything will go well when she comes home in a week. We are nervous about how she will fit into the family and how we will communicate with her but we are very excited that she will finally be home. It has been a very long wait and it is hard to believe that the time is finally here.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

~ Colossians 3:15

Embassy Date

We received an Embassy date of May 24th today. Mike will be leaving on May 21st to go get her and could be home with her on May 26th. It's hard to believe she will be home soon. There was a time when I started to believe that she might not ever come home. We are all so very excited!

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

~ Psalm 118:24

Mike Going to Ethiopia

We have finally found out that we would need an approved I-600 for an escort to be able bring Leah home. This could take up to 6 weeks to get. We have decided that Mike will take another week off from work and go and get her. We have waited too long to get her we are not willing to wait another 6 weeks. We have requested an Embassy date of May 24th. If they give us that date Mike could be home with her by May 26th. It is hard to believe that she is finally going to be home after all the issues we have had. We give God all the praise for clearing the way for her to come home. The hurdles seemed insurmountable to us but God is good. We are so thankful that she will be home before her 5th birthday on June 22nd. We had hoped to have her by her 4th birthday but obviously that didn't happen. It has been 14 months since we received our referral and first saw her beautiful face. The wait has been much too long but we will finally all be a family at last.

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!

~ Psalm 66:5

More Paperwork Issues

When we contacted the Embassy to request an embassy date we received a response that they need an approved I-600 to be sent to them from an office here in the United States. Our agency has told us that this is not necessary since we went to Ethiopia for court and saw Leah before the court date. The agency has sent an e-mail to the Embassy about this and we are waiting for a response from them. Please pray that the Embassy will go ahead and give us a date and determine that this is not necessary.

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

~ Colossians 2:3

Escort Arranged!

We finally have an escort for Leah! One of our dear friends has volunteered to go over and bring Leah home. This is a great sacrifice for her because she has a lot going on in her life and we are very thankful that she is willing to do this for us. We have requested an Embassy date and hope that she will be able to get her the second or third week of May. Please pray that we will get all the arrangements made and that she will be able to find people there to help her out since our agency is not willing to help us since we won't use their escort and pay extra for it. Please also pray that we will have wisdom in dealing with Leah and helping her to adjust to being here and being a part of our family. There is a lot to do in the next few weeks to get ready but it will all be worth it!

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

~ Colossians 2:3

Escort for Leah

Please pray for us as we try to arrange an escort to bring Leah home. We are hopeful that we may be able to get a family that is traveling for their court date to at least escort her to where they live. This would greatly reduce the cost for us. Pray that God would provide the right family if this is his will so that we can get her home as soon as possible.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

~ Hebrews 10:23

More Easter

Today we went to Sandy's family for Easter. Rachel got to have another Easter egg hunt and had a great time playing on the swings and slide. She also got to enjoy lots of new food that she had never tried before including vegetable dip and strawberries (not at the same time). She also had green kool-aid which made her a little hyper so I don't think we'll try that again for a while. She had a great time with more family. We just can't believe how well she has adjusted and fit right into our family.

He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

~ Matthew 28:6

Easter

We had a wonderful time at Mike's parents today celebrating Easter. It was Rachel's first Easter egg hunt. She had a great time and learned very quickly how to hunt for the eggs. All the kids had a wonderful time with her! We are looking forward to have Leah with us at the next holiday.



But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

~ Romans 5:8