Our Icy Escape

Ryan and I escaped this past weekend to my parent's condo in South Haven.  This place is flooded with wonderful summer memories with family and friends over the last several years - boating, fishing, sea-do-ing, grilling, swimming, sun-bathing, kayaking. . .the list goes on.  It's a sunny beach town on the shores of Lake Michigan where the perfect mix of fun and relaxation abound.

So as you can imagine with icy temperatures and Michigan snow, this haven of summer had an entirely different look. . .

Footprints in the sand don't look quite the same. . .

As we walked and enjoyed the silence of the frosty beaches and the peaceful crashing of waves against the icy shore, I was reminded how thankful I am for seasons.  The shoreline was so beautiful with the massive ice frozen along the lake and the pier's edge, but I look forward to soaking in the sunshine again!

Snow Day

Finally we had some snow in Michigan!!  The kids (dog included) enjoyed sledding, snow ball fights, fort building, and snow-blowing. . . all before 9 AM!

Already a Blessing

Last month while in one of our local public schools taking photos, I met a man who had adopted his oldest daughter from China several years ago.   My friend who introduced me to this man, explained that I was in the adoption process.  He asked a few questions and commented, "You will be so blessed....adoption is such a blessing."

What struck me about his comment that even though we haven't brought our children home yet, I already feel like we've been tremendously blessed.  As God called our hearts toward adoption, He has drawn us nearer to Him.  As we questioned and wondered about this major change for our family, God challenged us in ways where we learned to solely rely on Him.  We know He alone is in control of our future and we trust Him as we move forward.  As we wait, we trust in Him that His timing is perfect.

Another blessing has been seeing God work in the hearts of our kids.  I have written previously of what KJ wrote in church two days after we mentioned that we were considering adoption.  Several weeks later, my heart almost burst when I found her attempting to translate English into Amharic of how she could tell her future siblings 'I love you'.  

And as we pray for these future siblings every day and night, our kids' view of the world has expanded.  They've truly come to understand that there are kids around the world who don't have enough food...who don't have a warm home...who don't have parents to love and care for them.  My heart was again full to the brim last night when I tucked J into bed and he prayed with gratitude, "God, thank you for letting me have a mom and a dad..."

Finally, during Christmas break, a friend, who I don't see that often, randomly stopped by our home. Her family was enjoying an evening drive looking at Christmas lights  and were in the neighborhood. She didn't stay long - just dropped off a card and gift bag.

I opened the card to find this on the front:

And this written on the back:

"Ryan and Kamarah,

This summer we started stashing loose change in a jar - we had been studying James and thought it would be good to put action w/our words. . . we were wondering who that orphan or widow would be??  We know every little bit helps and hope you can put what's in this jar to good use!  Praying for you all on your adoption journey!"

I then opened the gift bag and found this:

Not only was I moved by their sacrifice of saving all their spare change for an orphan they didn't know, but I was also humbled that the Lord had them praying for our family since this past summer.

In case you aren't familiar with the verse in James (1:27) she was referring to, here it is:

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Beyond grateful for the Lord's blessings. . .

Inspiration

My dear friend, Jane, has used one of my photos to highlight and encourage others to write about and reflect on Scripture.  If you'd like to visit her blog and Monday Morning Meditation, click here!

January Adoption Update!!

  We are so excited to be moving forward (slow, but still moving!) and are hopeful as we move closer to meeting our children!  

We would love your prayers for us as we anticipate and prepare for these little lives to enter our family.  Please also pray for our kids: that they are protected, comforted and loved, wherever they are and that their hearts are being prepared to meet us as ours are for them.   

Baptism

My mom pointed out from my last blog that I missed a MAJOR event of 2012 - our kids getting baptized!!  This was definitely a highlight of our year!  (I think I missed it because I had it filed under church photos instead of '2012').  Anyway, our kids have both chosen to follow Jesus and each decided  to be baptized in front of all their family and friends.  It was an amazing morning!

The baptism took place in our backyard pool. . .

2012 - The Year in Photos

Happy New Year!!!

2012 was filled with fun memories, time with family and many sports along the way.    Here are some of my favorites from throughout the year (in no particular order because putting them in order would have taken me a long time :) ).

A family vacation in South Haven with many hours enjoying the beach:

Our 8 Year-old

Our 10 year old

Siblings 

Artprize

My two favorites:

A sweet niece joins the family:

Blessed and amazed to be surrounded by close friends (Literally - their homes are across from and next to our house):

 Fun night with the neighbors:

A wonderful trip to Disney World - amazing vacation, full of memories!!

Family photos taken by my mom:

New sport of the year: Soccer!

The most stunning rainbow I've ever seen (and I happened to have my camera) - God's glory revealed!!

Morning solitude

My silly girl (playing a game together)

Fun with Cousins 

 Hours of relaxation and time with family in South Haven:

Adorable, funny nephew:

cutie niece #1:

cutie niece #2:

Grammie and great grandson playing ipads together:

South Haven Pool playing "Dibble Dabble".  Object of game: one person places a toothpick into pool and the rest wait until they see it.  First to jump in and grab it yells "dibble dabble" and wins.  Played for HOURS.  Potentially enjoyed by adults as much as the children.  Hilarious.  

Fifth Third Riverbank Run

60th Birthday celebration for my father-in-law complete with a limo ride:

Trip to Taylor University to enjoy "Silent Night".

Camp:

 Campfires with friends:

The beauty of our backyard:

Baseball:

Father/Son Draft Party:

Our living room is a fort:

Pumpkin carving:

Last swim of the summer:

First year of soccer for her:

 A super-hero nephew at Christmas:

Endless backyard summer soccer games:

Thankful to everything 2012 brought and excited to see 2013!  Happy New Year!!