Snow

Sometimes things don't go the way you expect them too.  However, sometimes that is just fine.  That's the way it is around our place today - and for good cause.

Here in Colorado you can just know that sometime in the month of October you will get the first snow of the season.  When we first moved here that first snow came on Halloween. It took me awhile to get use to the fact that you have to wear long johns under your costume when you go trick or treating.  Very strange for someone who grew up in Texas where we wore shorts on October 31st. However, as the years have past, that first snow seems to be coming earlier and earlier. And, that is just what happened today.  We first got word that the snow would fall last week.  As the week wore on, the excitement of the snow coming grew and grew in our home.

Today, it officially snowed here in Green Mountain Falls.  Not a lot by any means, but it was snow and for a 12 year old who has never experienced the white stuff it WAS alot.  Tons...according to him.  To think that we would be able to concentrate on school things was just a silly idea.  So, today our Jacob is experiencing the fun of the white stuff.  To see him all dressed up in hats and gloves and hearing him run around the yard screaming at the top of his lungs is what we are doing today in our home. The joys of adopting , the joys of bringing a child into a family so that they can experience life and the "white stuff" are so worth it.

Snow at our home

As we move into the month of November, please remember all of those who are in the process of bringing a child into their home. Times are hard, finances are tight but that doesn't mean we can stop advocating for the orphans of the world.  The whole reason we do what we do is for them - for those who might never have the opportunity to scream at the top of their lungs and enjoy all that white "stuff".

Lorrie

Remembering Anticipation

I'm sitting here this morning remembering what if felt like to be in anticipation of Jacob's arrival.  I am remembering what it was like to feel that ache, knowing my son was in an orphanage, knowing he was waiting for someone - anyone to be a father, a mother, a brother, a sister to him.  I remember the anticipation of 'the call' we were desperate for to go get him.  I remember the uncertainty - "how on earth can we do this?"  "where are we going to get that much money?".  Most of all I remember my Jesus showing up -right when we needed him and with exactly what was needed.

Now Jacob is home.  He's learning and growing, he thanks God (so do we)  for his family when we pray and thank God for the day each night.  He plays - boy does he play.  He's with his old friend - now sister Naomi.  Things are getting to be a routine again, things are also bigger, more colorful, more filled with joy and a richness that we'd miss if we did not - "Go".

I just wanted to remember today...how it felt then and how it feels now to anticipate what God is doing in this (and your) adoption story.  I know it's hard for those of you that are waiting.  But I want you to know that waiting is, in retrospect - beautiful.  Its there that you are closest to seeing the Lord pass by - He is Beautiful.  Do not loose heart, be encouraged.... watch this:

November 4th is Orphan Sunday.  Lets do something.  Help those that are adopting by praying for them, equipping them.  Let's also pray for those that have no one - pray that they will have SOMEONE - soon.

Marshall

Jacob and Camping

I was sitting here thinking - I bet you guys are wondering how things are going.  First let me tell you things are going very well with Jacob.  I can't believe how well he is adjusting and connecting with his family in so short of a time (since May).

Let me give you an example:

Camping.  Those of you who know us know that we love to camp.  Each summer we drag our hail damaged trailer (that we call the ruptured duck) out to some destination for a few days of fun, hiking, seeing something new.

Mom and Dad at Zion NP

So after Jacob got over the fact that we actually drag this box around behind the car and sleep in it.  He really got into it this summer.  My favorite trip is the one we just did...So we pull into Green River UT at night on our way to Zion.  Now then - it was dark when we arrived so Jacob missed the changes in the landscape from mountains to Utah desert.  So picture this:  he's still in his pjs and he comes out of the trailer rubbing his eyes - then he focuses.....OH MY!  We're not in Colorado anymore!  - The look was priceless!

After explaining to him that we're now in the desert (and what a desert is)  he remarked ..."oh.  Ok"  And then he was all about the exploration.

So when we camp some of us prefer to sleep outside.  Now when Jacob got here - he was a bit nervous about bears, mountain lions etc.  But he see's his brothers and me sleeping outside so this last trip he asks: "can I sleep outside with you?"  Now you may think that's not real significant but consider being a green horn in the African Serengeti and saying to your guide " I want to sleep on the ground unarmed" - most of  us might not ask that....but Jacob did!

Marshall