For Such As These

Introducing L and his mom & dad!

2012-01-27T08:16:00.001-05:00

Remember “L” from our TLZ auction? So many of you donated, prayed, and bought stuff to go towards his grant? And we so appreciated it!

L’s family just went to court and passed! He is officially their son!

They are now home and are waiting on Embassy clearance to bring him home! :)

I asked them if I could share a picture of them so you guys could see the fruit of your labors!

Here is L and his mom and dad :) LOVE. He also has some sweet siblings in his home as well.

Continue to pray that the rest of the process will be smooth so they can bring him home asap!

Happy Friday everyone!

Grant Info and Fundraising

2012-01-26T08:42:00.001-05:00

Recently I have received a lot of questions on grants and fundraising. Below are some of the resources I found.

I know there is a lot more! Feel free to comment and share the ones you love and support or received support from!

ShowHope www.showhope.org

Katelyn's Fund The best thing about them is that they called and interviewed us and just wanted to hear our hearts...(loved that) and then they all prayed for us (every board member) and told us that they would be praying for us by name for the length of our adoption...I love them. www.katelynsfund.org

Ava's Hope...get on their mailing list. They email when money becomes available and then give a window to apply. http://www.avashope.org/

Lifesong for Orphans. We received no interest loans both times from them. They also do matching grants. They do a lot of work in Africa as well with adoptive families. Neat organization.

http://lifesongfororphans.org/

A Child Waits www.achildwaits.org

http://ggam.org/apply/ God's Grace Adoption Ministry costs $10 to apply below $60K

Our Creator's Hope http://ourcreatorshope.com/Our%20Creator's%20Hope%20-%20Grant%20Applications.html they have deadlines to apply by for each quarter.

Orphan Impact http://orphanimpact.com/Orphan_Impact/Grant_Forms.html income above $30K but below $80K

Sea of Faces http://seaoffaces.org/

Foundation for Hope and Grace This is a new one started by a family. Their blog is here with the email to get info. http://life-with-grace.blogspot.com/p/adoption-grants.html

A Charity Project website assists you in fundraising. People are currently rockin’ this one and doing well with it! http://www.acharityproject.com/

Also..many organizations offer way to partner with them to earn money

www.justlovecoffee.com Get $5 for each bag of coffee you sell (and they are around $13-15 each)

http://www.ordinaryhero.org/Ordinary_Hero/OH_Fundraising.html great items to sell

http://www.147millionorphans.com

Guatemala Bound Friends :)

2012-01-25T14:58:00.001-05:00

I encourage all my friends to go check this out!

http://godetchedyourname.blogspot.com/2012/01/great-giveaway-send-me.html

There are tons of great items you can win! tshirts, artwork, a mayvall bag. on an on.

I met Christi will adopting through AGCI and then from her work with Lifesong Hope for Orphans. She is a sweet gal and will serve the people with a sincere and giving heart.

I am very excited about this new journey they are on to Guatemala! From our limited time there—I know that the need is great.

and…pssst.…I am hoping that some of our family get to go over there and serve with them! :)

Are You A Trader?

2012-01-23T14:24:00.001-05:00

Saw this today.

Love it.

I specifically love how he says ‘find specific things to do’

To Do.

Not just to ‘feel.’

But do.

Amen.

Hold Back the Berbere!

2012-01-23T08:28:00.001-05:00

While in Ethiopia, I had shiro and loved it…so Fekadu stopped and we picked up some -which also gave me a chance to use my Ameseginalehu (thank you).

So…this past week I finally fixed it along with some misir wat. (that recipe coming next!)

I basically combined 2 different Shiro recipes.

The one from http://www.kitchenchick.com/2005/09/imbb_19_shiro_a.html

Shiro for Two

1/2 C shiro powder
some chopped onion (say 1/4 cup, or more if you really like onions)
some chopped tomato (about two small-ish medium tomatoes. I skin them first) or use tomato paste
garlic powder
a few Tbs of vegetable oil
1-2 C. of water
salt to taste
extra berbere powder if you like it spicier
Injera for serving

Puree the onion in a food processor. Heat some oil in a pan and saute the onion until soft and just starting to brown. Puree the tomato in a food processor. Add it to the onion and saute a bit. Add the shiro powder and 1 cup of water. Stir to mix. Cook for a bit and salt and spice to taste. The shiro will thicken. Turn off heat.

and the one from http://www.ethiopianspices.com/html/recipes.asp

Shiro (This is a simple dish to make.)Measurements and Ingredients (serving for 10)

2    cups of Mitten or Nech Shiro
2    large onion fine chopped
1    cup of vegetable oil
5    teaspoons minced or powder garlic
1    table spoon Berbere
2    teaspoons salt (as needed)
10   cups of water
Preparation Method: In a medium pot, simmer onion and garlic with vegetable oil. Add berbere and simmer for about 5 minutes at low heat while adding a dash of water to avoid sticking. Add the remaining water and mix the shiro by adding a small portion of the shiro flour at a time and continuously stirring. Let it cook until it becomes thick, but runny for about 20 minutes at low heat. For thicker shiro add more shiro flour. For extra flavor finish off by adding a spoon of Neter Kibe (Seasoned Ethiopian Butter). Serve hot with Injera (Ethiopian flat bread made of teff).

So..here is what I did….used the Ethiopian Spices recipe but added some pureed tomato (I didn’t have any fresh tomatoes) and I did not use that much oil. Only as much needed to simmer the onion and garlic.

It was very good…but I used too much berbere. I think I put 2 tablespoons in? (not sure why as I am now reading that it only says 1)

no wonder it was so hot! :)

forgot to take picture of finished product!

I also made some more Niter Kibeh using this recipe ( I have another recipe that uses butter..but thought I’d try this one) From what I read, this is put in a lot of recipes!

How to make the oil (this is for one litre or about 32 oz) – you can vary the amounts to your taste:
Place the following in a heavy-bottomed, deep saucepan:
One medium-large onion, chopped
About 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tablespoon fenugreek
8 cardamom seeds, 6 whole cloves, crushed up a bit with mortar and pestle
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 or three pieces cinnamon bark (sticks)
2 tsp turmeric (mostly for that wonderful golden colour – which stains everything)
Over everything, pour one litre of olive or canola-olive blended oil

Simmer on medium heat (turn to low if bubbling too strongly) for about one hour, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool. Use metal strainer to remove solids from pan, and then pass the liquid through several layers of cheesecloth. If you let the oil cool before straining, you won’t burn yourself and you can strain directly into plastic containers. Refrigerate. Pure olive oil will slightly congeal and “solidify” when refrigerated, but the olive-canola blend stays liquid.

If you try these let me know what works for you! I am constantly changing everything to suit our tastes! :) and there is a seemingly endless list of recipes out there!

Flashback Friday! Zambia

2012-01-20T17:59:00.001-05:00

Due to some recent donations we just received from Olive Tree Promise to Grassroots Heroes, my mind has been on Zambia!

PS…check out Olive Tree Promise! Great place to buy things that benefit adoptive families and great place to fundraise!!

Visiting Grippes Village in May 2008

Meeting Selita, the little girl we sponsor (and who led Greg’s heart to adoption)

Getting my hair done

Teaching eager students who had hardly any supplies

falling in love over and over again

spending time with these great gals.

sharing my story at Chikumbuso

being heartbroken over so much need

meeting young men that were full of life

seeing a shoe become a dollbaby (see her wearing it on her back?)

If you’d like to see more about the work going on in Grippes Village in Zambia-

I encourage you to go to www.grassrootsheroes.org or www.luwizhisactofmercy.com

You can also like Grassroots Heroes on Facebook! www.facebook.com/grassrootsheroes

Knight Family Update

2012-01-19T08:18:00.001-05:00

It’s been a while since I’ve done a family update!

So here you go!

Greg’s job is going well and he is very busy. There is no shortage of people in our area or in America for that matter, of people needing help with food. I am so thankful for Feeding America and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Teshale is doing wonderful! He is now 13 1/2 months. He is growing and has quite the little gut! He is starting to let go and stand on his own now! (just started last night) He gets so tickled with himself. He can walk holding onto stuff but hasn’t quite got the hang of it by himself. He usually just reaches and falls forward laughing. He is a joy. He makes us all laugh each day.

Ab loves his drum lessons (I need to upload a video of him playing!) and is always on the move-full of life and energy. He drums on everything…absolutely everything.

Greg and I were having a ~~discussion~~ argument the other night. Ab was in bed…and apparently could hear us.

He came out and left us this note on the counter.

Yes. He’s our spiritual adviser. :) haha. He hadn’t really heard us argue that much and he said that it really bothered him. sweet boy.

Bekah has started her first college class. Spanish 101. She has tutored in Spanish for quite a while and has a ‘bucket list’ goal to be fluent. So here she starts. She spends her days pricing plane tickets to Guatemala and Norway.

Josh has fallen in love with all of football—playing it (in the backyard or at co-op) and watching. His little brother has joined him and the spend many hours outside (even yesterday when it was rainy and COLD. brrr.)

Speaking of football…have you seen this video? Love it.

Rachel, our social butterfly, spends her days forming play dates. She recently came to me and shared that she had a glow stick that was still glowing. She was very excited because she had asked God to let it glow for a long time so she would be reminded of His love. It lasted about a month!! It was a pretty cool thing! She had it hanging on her bed so she could look at it at night.

Encouragement

2012-01-16T09:12:00.001-05:00

Don’t you love to receive a card? a real one? in the snail mail?

While I love the quickness and creativity of e-cards, I also really enjoy getting a card in the mail. A card with someone’s handwriting and love right inside of it!

During this past season of losing Greg’s mom, we have been so encouraged by the cards sent. Especially the ones where people have written notes telling us how she had touched their lives and what she meant to them. It calmed our hearts and made us smile many times.

Dayspring has a package of beautiful cards called Simply Marvelous. They contain friendship, encouragement, and birthday greetings! And they are absolutely beautiful. The picture does not do them justice!

If you go to the link above you can see them in more detail and go ahead an order a pack!

They also have these beautiful premium Thank You cards.

I love these and wish I had several boxes full to send to some of the people who have made my world a better place!

Dayspring also has the large nifty card organizer. (It’s on sale for only $4.99 right now!) It is big enough that I am going to use mine to store all our receipts and other needed stuff for the year! It is great for cards or other items! (It will hold a 81/2 by 11 paper!)

Dayspring is also allowing me to give one blessed reader a $20 coupon code to their online store! (you do have to pay shipping)

Enter by leaving your favorite Bible verse that encourages you!

I will pick a winner this Friday at 9pm eastern time!

PS DaySpring gave me the free product to review and that all opinions stated are my own.

6 yr old waiting boy needs a home and family

2012-01-11T09:42:00.001-05:00

This is one of those boys that I just can’t stop thinking about. Especially since our Ab was almost 6 when he came home and he has been such a blessing in our lives. Watching him grow and thrive has been a privilege (and yes, there have been rough times—but they have all been worth it!)

Our agency, IAN, has had this little guy waiting for quite some time—and it hurts my heart each time I see it.

Here is a little bit of info about him. To see pictures or hear more, please email

waitingkids@internationaladoptionnet.org.

I am in process of trying to get some more info on him and will share it once I do.

Name: “UP”

Age: Six Years of age

Gender: male

Country of Origin: Ethiopia (Gambella Region)

Waiting Since: 08/26/2011

Summary: Very happy and intelligent little boy just waiting for his forever home

and here is our story of bringing Ab into our family.

http://weloveourlucy.blogspot.com/2010/01/amazing-testimony-read-on-and-be.html

Mesob Injera Recipe

2012-01-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

I received this recipe from another adoptive mom. It came from Mesob restaurant and then was adjusted a bit.

Happy Injera making! Let me know how it goes!

Thank you Mesob restaurant for sharing your recipe!

Utensils:
2 Large bowls with lids
Wisk
Small measuring cup
Ladle
10-12 inch heavy nonstick flat or shallow skillet or nonstick frying pan; must have lids
Round rattan charger or placemat (minimum 14 inches in diameter)
Clean white cotton tablecloth

Ingredients for fermentation

2 cups teff flour and 4 cups cold water

Additional ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1cup barley flour (or 1 additional cup of flour)

2 tsp yeast

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Pinch of fenugreek powder (optional)

Directions:
Mix 2 cups of teff flour with 4 cups of water in a large bowl, using your fingers to break up any lumps. The batter should be smooth and almost runny. Cover and set aside.

The batter for Injera is very temperature sensitive. If the temperature in the house is hot, allow the batter to ferment for 2-3 days. If the temperature is mild, allow 5 days of fermentation. If the temperature is cold, allow 6 or more days for the batter to ferment. If the batter is not fermented well, the Injera may stick to the pan when you cook it. Check the batter after the 6th day: if all the water has risen to the top and is separated from the batter, then fermentation is complete. If the water has not separated, allow to ferment for another day and check again.

After the batter has fermented, in a separate bowl, mix together all purpose, barley flours, and fenugreek powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix yeast in with 2 cups of warm water. Combine yeast water with dry ingredients, using your fingers to break up any lumps.

Pour into the teff batter and mix well.

Cover and set the batter aside at room temperature for 24 hours. Afterward, refrigerate for 4 hours and up to 5 days. Remove from fridge. Drain off any water that has separated from the batter into a small measuring cup and set aside. Mix batter well – it should be smooth and runny. If the batter is too thick, use the drained water to make it thinner. If the water is not needed, discard. The batter should be consistency of a thin pancake a batter.

Preheat skillet or frying pan until hot enough that water droplets sizzle on the surface. Stir the batter, and ladle one-half cup into the measuring cup. Start pouring the batter into the center of the skillet, and continue pouring in a circular motion until the batter covers the pan. Cook until bubbles or “eyes” cover 80% of the injera and cover for 30 seconds. Remove cover and check the injera; if the edges are curling, the injera is done. To remove injera from the skillet, carefully lift one edge and slide the charger or placemat underneath and pull the injera onto it. Carefully slide injera onto the tablecloth to cool.

Stir the batter well, and repeat the steps mentioned above for each injera until the batter is finished.

For leftover Injera, store in tightly closed container. At room temperature Injera can last up to 2 days but it is best to refrigerate it.

Making injera requires patience and may take a few tries before you get it right.

Note: The batter may have a fermented odor but this is part of the process.
For a less fermented or “sour” Injera, reduce the fermentation time from 5 days to 3 days. This type of injera is known as afleña injera. It is also good for people who have trouble digesting fully fermented Injera.

A Year of Commitment

2012-01-09T12:54:00.001-05:00

Our church’s Engage Service went through several books this past year (such as Radical, Crazy Love) and really considered what it was that God would have us to do as a church and as His people.

Here is what we are doing as a church:

The Radical Experiment is a one year experiment that engage is undertaking in 2011-2012. The goal of this experiment is for individuals, families, and our faith family to spend our lives for the sake of the church, the lost, and the poor around the world for the glory of God. During our Radical Experiment we are committing to five challenges:

1. Pray daily for world missions.
2. Read through the entire Word.
3. Practice consistent tithing and sacrificial giving.
4. Spend time in another context.
5. Commit to a multiplying community.

How we are living this out as a family:

We using the book Operation World (and also using their online feature) to pray for the world.

http://www.operationworld.org/

We have a map in the kitchen (great decoration don’t you think? it screams homeschool family..lol) and are putting a dot on each country as we pray for them. Great to beef up our geography skills as well!

We and the big kids are reading the Bible through chronologically using this plan:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/oneyearweeklychrono.php

The little kids are making sure they read their devotion books and Bible each day (thankfully, they both love their devotion books and Bible reading!)

We have started small groups to enter into community and to reach out. Greg and I (with another couple) are leading a SS small group with an outreach focus of reaching and ministering to orphans and widows (in our community and abroad.)

We had our first meeting yesterday and I am so excited! It is a great group of like minded people but with very varied background/season of lives—which I love! It will be sure to add some great diversity to our group!

Waiting expectantly to see what God does. :)

sharing what God has done in our lives recently—so grateful for His presence in our lives!

Resources to help you in your own journey http://www.radicalexperiment.org/resources.html

Baby Dancing :)

2012-01-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

Love his moves. Have I told you how blessed I feel?
Also…we were so grateful to be able to send $90 over to Ashli York for Restoration Orphanage in Ethiopia.
Thank you so much for purchasing Rachel’s Beefy Biscuits to accomplish this! I know the money will be well used and is much appreciated!!

Flashback Friday-Myrtle Beach 2008

2012-01-05T21:41:00.001-05:00

I was attempting to find a good/cheap place for us to escape to in a couple of weeks for some much needed relaxation and family time. No such luck yet—but still looking. Our requirements are warm-sunny/East Coast/ Cheap/sleeps 7.
Not a lot of options out there..but we’ll find something. (the warm requirement is mine..I need some good ole vitamin D from the sun!) Any suggestions?? Feel free to comment or shoot me an email of your recommendation! :)
The whole family is a little desperate for some being still and being together after the past few months. It’s been an emotional year.
While looking I began reminiscing over past vacations.
Here are some pics from Myrtle Beach 2008.
These are 2 months after Ab came home. He was so little here.
Our first vacation as a family of 6.

Eucharisteo of our holidays

2012-01-04T19:43:00.001-05:00

As many of you already know, this was a hard Christmas season for us as a family.

Before Christmas, Greg’s mom was fighting leukemia. At first the prognosis (in July, right before our court trip) was very good. It was said to be very treatable and ‘old age’ would likely take her before the leukemia would. She went on chemo pills and began the treatments.

Several weeks before Christmas we were told the cancer had become very aggressive and were given a window of 6-12 months.

We prayed and prayed hard. Rachel prayed for a miracle for Grandma and asked each day if she was better.

Grandma did get her miracle….just in another form. She’s home…really home. This world was not her home.

But it’s hard for an 11 yr old to embrace that. It’s hard for all of us at times to embrace that.

Christmas was spent with the family taking turns being with Grandma and helping her. Hospice was called on Tuesday (would probably have been sooner if not for the holidays) and shecalled home on Weds evening.

Grandma is now no longer in pain—but is dancing before the Lord…and I imagine with a full beautiful smile.

The holidays, I must admit was a bit rough.

As Rachel said “it doesn’t feel like Christmas because I am not really in the mood for Christmas.”

BUT in the practice of Eucharisteo … (giving thanks in all things to lead to joy)

Things that I am thankful for this past Christmas season:

1) that Greg’s mom is no longer in pain. She is in ultimate freedom….ultimate joy.

2) that my older kids were able to spend large amounts of quality time with her. Because of our homeschooling and flexible days, they would pack up and just go spend the day with her; doing chores, or just being company.

3) Greg’s job and employers/co workers. They were very understanding and helpful as he took the time off to do what needed to be done.

4) Friends and family who brought meals, called, sent flowers, sent notes, and prayed for us. Know that your love made a difference!

5) Memories. Lots of good memories.

6) Laughter. Laughter with family in the midst of hard times.

7) The birth of Jesus that ultimately brings us the gift of eternal life.

Until we meet again…..

Update on Hope Ethiopia: 100 Challenge

2012-01-01T19:22:00.001-05:00

Do you remember that Hope Ethiopia:100 challenge we gave you? The one where YOU all completely exceeded our goals?

And that one phone call where an AMAZING donor committed to match ALL donations (up to $130,000) to Lifesong Ethiopia through the end of 2011?

Well, we found out about that donor on November 17th! That's 45 days to raise $130,000... which made this goal seem next to impossible... in OUR eyes! However, as you all know... GOD had different plans for THESE kids -

and these kids -

Plans that we could never had imagined... plans to give them hope and a future!

Thanks to an AMAZING TEAM of individuals and their fundraising efforts, coupled with the provision of our Lord, THE MATCH HAS BEEN MET! Did you hear me? All ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS has been donated for the children at the Adami Tulu and Ziway, Ethiopia schools!

We stand in complete awe of our MIGHTY Jehovah Jireh!

Thank you fundraising team for your efforts, for the way you never stop advocating for these children, and for our faith in our Lord God Almighty to provide for ALL of their needs!

Thank you donors who stepped up to the challenge and did not let the dollar amount get in the way... but trusted that EVERY one of your dollars mattered!

Thank you to all of you who advocated for these children, pray for them, and have invested in their lives... it will surely be an invest with an eternal reward!

Check the Adami Tulu site often to learn more about The Project, the fundraising priorities, and what's in store for 2012!

Merry Christmas Friends!

2011-12-24T11:14:00.001-05:00

Randomness

2011-12-21T15:57:00.001-05:00

1) Ab has started using the word “ya’ll” It is so weird hearing my Ethiopian boy say it. I am not sure if I should be proud or apologize. :)

2)Teshale just had his check up. 21 pounds and 29 inches. He is doing great. He is also sporting 2 new teeth. Up to 6 now! He was NOT happy about the finger prick, shots, or getting his ear cleaned out.

3)Tonight is the first day Hanukah and we are celebrating it with latkes and pulling the menorah out. I love Jewish history and tradition and have many times wished I had Jewish heritage in my family line.

4) Bekah and I keep trying to make things and we realized we are not Martha Stewart…or even her great granddaughter…or 2nd cousin twice removed. We stink. But these tasted good at least!

5)We always wondered what took Ab so long in the bathroom (like an hour—specifically during school time) until we caught him taking a pack of cards in there with him. Apparently the bathroom is the great place to play cards.

6) Bekah is my favorite child. But don’t tell the others (written by Bekah….mom can’t leave her blog posts open for a minute.)

7) When Teshale is upset and wants to yell, he takes his pacifier out and holds it up in the air and yells loud and then sticks it back in his mouth when he’s done. cracks me up.

8) Bekah did an awesome job in Scrooge- The Musical. Her momma sat and cried as she sang.

9) We went to the Bethlehem village last night. Kids thought the camels were the best part.

Enjoy the season—going off to do some baking :)

Flashback Friday and last day to donate!!

2011-12-16T05:37:00.001-05:00

Me way back when. :) When my hair was really blonde and I loved Snoopy. I am still rather fond of Snoopy but my hair is no where near blonde—unless you count my grey.

Today!!

We will choose 2 gift recipients for the Kindle Fires at 9pm central time!! Be sure to check back here for the names and the total amount raised!!

If you haven’t donated yet—go here to do so!

I have been so blessed watching funds come in and even more important, the support and love shared.

I ask that you continue to love and support the Gillis family as they continue their journey to A—which I know you will—based upon your love so far :)

Let’s Eat Cake!

2011-12-14T08:23:00.001-05:00

Excuse jumpy video in the beginning! :)

Blessed by Community

2011-12-12T10:13:00.001-05:00

I am so blessed by our adoption community far and with—from our AGCI families to our IAN families and then add in families with other agencies that we have come to know through common hearts and passions.

Some of these families I have never met—have only connected through facebook, emails, or the phone. Others I have had the blessed pleasure of meeting them in person.

I have watched in awe as families have rallied around our TLZ auction (those who have adopted and others who have been touched by it) and I have been so blessed to watch families rally around the Gillis family.

I have watched as donations have come through from families who have just completed adoptions or who are even fundraising themselves!

Last week I wanted this Nativity Set from Hobby Lobby (none around here) and you couldn’t buy it online. I posted that I was looking for it and had several families who said they’d run out and look for it for me. Two even asked their mothers to look! And yes, I was blessed as someone took time out of their day (and trusted me to pay!) and bought it for me!

That’s true community folks. Love it. I love praying for each other and sharing praises in good news and sharing heartache and tears in bad news.

I loved it when friends took pictures and video of our little guy and I loved returning the favor!

I am blessed when I announce a need the Care Center has, to see it met almost immediately.

I am blessed when I see payments coming in for the auction, cross referencing them and seeing more was given then required.

Thank you friends—far and wide! You bless me!!

Below is a video from Dennis Jernigan (who graciously donated to our TLZ auction by the way). Let is bless you!

or another version (a duet..my favorite version)

http://open.spotify.com/local/Dennis+Jernigan+%26+Friends/Hands+Lifted+High/I+Bless+You/214

Now…winner of Mini-Giveaway! Nicole Huson!!

Be blessed today my friends!

Flashback Friday-Christmas 1998 and Update!!

2011-12-09T08:51:00.001-05:00

I think we had like 15 ornaments on that tree! :) That’s the one we were going to plant and watch grow. We watched it die. Yea..didn’t try that again!

Birthday cake for Jesus :) See that cup Josh is holding? He carried that thing everywhere. Even slept with it.

Such a cute little guy.

And…UPDATES!!

TLZ Auction….over $4000 in bids and donations and still growing!! (thanks to generous people who give more than their bids called for!!) AMAZING! I loved watching people rally around these boys and families!!

And…The Gillis Family Adoption Fund is now up to over $1900! We were all amazed to watch it grow yesterday! Keep sharing and giving! You have till next Friday!! Be sure to comment when you share on facebook! Someone is going to receive a fantastic gift of a Kindle Fire ! :)

My heart is full today. I love watching God and His people work and make a difference.

Be blessed my friends. Enjoy the day God has given you.

Happy 16th Birthday Bekah!

2011-12-07T09:35:00.001-05:00

Happy 16th birthday to my first born baby.

Daddy and our brand new girl.

(no picture of me—I had swollen up like a beached whale. Seriously. My own dad came in the room and didn’t recognize me. It was bad. Darn old toxemia.)

Oh yes, baby in a pail picture.

First birthday. She like her cake as much as Teshale did.

Rebekah now. Thought this picture was fitting because it shows her heart, love and desire as well.

To get back down to Guatemala and to be fluent in Spanish.

Bekah hates mushy stuff but I am going to put it in here anyway. :)

I love you and I am so proud of the young lady you have become.

I am proud of your heart, your desires and your ability to see what’s important in life.

I am praying that God fulfills your desires in His timing and way. I can’t wait to watch Him work in your life.

Happy 1st Birthday!

2011-12-06T11:51:00.001-05:00

I think he enjoyed it.

2011-12-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

Hope Ethiopia from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

Children at the Lifesong Ethiopia school are fed 2 nutritious meals per day, provided with a quality education, and taught the message of Jesus Christ. This gives kids like Beza the hope they need in order to break free from gripping poverty.

We currently have a need to build a 12-room expansion to our existing school, in order to reach more children like Beza. We have been blessed, by the generosity of a donor, to be able to MATCH all donations to the Ziway and Adami Tulu Schools between now and December 31st... up to $130,000!!!

This week, the 5^th through the 9^th, we invite you to join Hope Ethiopia:100. We are looking for 100 people to give a one-time $100 donation!

Joining this team will not only give hope to kids like Beza, but your dollars will be matched AND you'll be entered into a drawing for a FABULOUS gift basket (details below).

*Gift basket includes: $100 itunes or amazon gift card, Lifesong t-shirt, Lifesong cookbook,Journey On CD, handmade necklaces & note cards by orphans in Zambia, handmade ornament from a child in Ukraine, 5 bags of Gobena coffee, Gobena coffeemug, Gobena t-shirt, andGobena tote bag. This basket is worth over $250!*To commit via check, please send an email to info@lifesongfororphans.org. Make check payable to Lifesong for Orphans, indicate 'preference Hope Ethiopia: 100' in the memo.

Flashback Friday–Hawaii 2001 & our Jesse Tree

2011-12-02T08:50:00.001-05:00

Oh man, can I just go back in time for a minute (or how about a week?) This seems like a lifetime ago.

(yes—for those that read this earlier—I changed the year—we took two trips (both won from Kraft) and I got the years mixed up :) )

Now..here’s the cool thing. This trip was completely paid for. even spending money. My hardworking hubby won it through a contest at Kraft Foods (who he used to work for) by working his tail off.

Island of Maui…this where you can see all the whales when it is that time. sigh. it wasn’t that time of the year. very beautiful though (and windy as you can tell from my hair!)

Island of Kauai. Very beautiful.

Now..here’s a story to tell you just how weird and messed up I am. Right before we left there were reports of numerous shark attacks across the coast of the U.S.. You could have called it the year of shark attacks. Now..I am not one who is all that comfy in the big ole ocean anyways. I was only at one once as a child and that was for about an hour. My first big beach trip was as an adult (and I was pregnant with Bekah) so I use that as my excuse.

So back to the story..so while at this beautiful blue ocean paradise, I was terrified of being eaten by a shark. terrified. I definitely had a spirit of fear about me. so much so that I never even went past my knees!! While Greg snorkeled I sat on the beach and prayed he’d return. (he saw an octopus which was way cool). I know I know. I was CRAZY.

But..it was still a wonderful week and I want to move there permanently and invite all of you along.

oh and yea, could someone find me that body I have in these pictures? I lost it somewhere along the way. :)

Our Jesse tree. Nothing fancy. (I would love to be a fantastic crafter but alas, I am not)

tree branches spray painted green and ornaments made out of the templates from Holy Experience Jesse Tree download.

And our bowl to plant our seeds of kindness in each day.

Have a great weekend friends!

We have a birthday party for a special one year old boy to plan!

PS..Auction closes tonight at 9pm eastern time!! Be sure to bid!! www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

First Himbasha and Injera & marathon anyone??

2011-12-01T15:36:00.001-05:00

After getting the Christmas tree the other day we stopped by our local Ethiopian restaurant! Always a favorite stop and we always leave stuffed!

Teshale had his first injera and himbasha and LOVED them both. crazy love. I had a hard time eating for him grabbing things out of my hand.

PS..There were others in the restaurant and Rachel looked around and said “hmph! they are amateurs eating with their forks!” :)

This young man always loves his Ethiopian food. Keeps him going. Two weeks ago he was determined to run a marathon and truly believed that he could just go out and run one! We kept telling him long it was and he kept saying “well, I’m good—I think I can do it.” Greg took him to the track to run to show how many times it would be around the track…Now, keep in mind he has never done any running here aside from soccer (though he does run hard in a game!)

The kid ran 8 3/4 miles!! in 112 minutes!! Barely broke his pace! We thought he would barely be able to move the next day and he just said his legs were a little sore! I think I may have a runner on my hands! Now..who wants to come run a marathon with him?

Now..don’t forget the auction ends Friday at 9pm eastern time! www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

Don’t forget to bid on stuff!

Big Hint! There is a beautiful child’s SEE coat from Show Hope there that has no bids on it yet!!

O Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T13:24:00.001-05:00

This year it was Ab’s and Rachel’s turn to pick the tree. (we take turns to avoid knock out/drag out fights in the middle of the tree farm :) )

Here’s the keeper! And bonus…we found a large bird nest in it when we got home.

T was beyond excited..over what I am not sure.

Love this picture of the little ones. T loved that candy cane. He gnawed it enough to get a small hole that he could suck the peppermint out. He was not happy when we took it away. not happy at all.

We are starting our Jesse Tree tonight using the template from A Holy Experience.

Anyone else?

Good Good News!

2011-11-28T20:57:00.001-05:00

Z has family!

All 3 boys that we have been advocating for and raising funds for now have families waiting for them and fighting for them!

There is much rejoicing going on in our adoption world!

God is good, my friends. so good.

I will link you to their blog as soon as they announce it on there!

Please keep checking the auction at www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com to support these families!

Saw this on a friend’s page and thought it fit wonderfully:

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving was a bittersweet time this year. It was good to get together with family but there is a lot of serious sickness right now which makes you wonder. How long? You just don’t ever know. None of us do, really. Death can come in a flash. I don’t want to live my life with regrets. I am trying to really be ‘in the moment’ during each day. Hard to do at times. It’s so easy to get bogged down by problems—big and little ones. Working on that.

Here are some pics from our day!

The little ones doing the wishbone thing.

T learning to play Dutch Blitz.

Greg’s side of the family…Know how many pics it took to get this one? :)

TLZ Auction Update! We are over $2000 with bids! Keeping checking it out! Remember it closes on Friday! www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

Flashback Friday

2011-11-25T12:50:00.001-05:00

Found this while looking through photos the other day.

It was our membership photo for our church back in 1994. Pre-kids. Married for around 2 years.

Knew absolutely nothing but thought I knew so much.

This was my I will have 1 maybe 2 children days. hahahahaha.

I am all of 21 there and still sporting that nice curly hair. and my nice blue shiny suit. That was shorts instead of a skirt. Yep. classy. (I heard that’s coming back) I WON’T be taking part of that trend this time.

And..I have my all time favorite necklace on though you can’t see it. It simply said Try God. Loved it. Lost it.

Greg is wearing glasses that we found out years later that he really didn’t even need.

And..I think that tie is still in our closet. Maybe we need to clean out the old tie rack?

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Don’t forget to check out the auction during your holiday shopping! www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

And Rachel is still in making beefy biscuit mode! click on the tab above to order some for your furry friends!

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T06:19:00.001-05:00

I am very thankful this Thanksgiving. For so many reasons that it would be impossible to list them all.

At the top of my list?

For my husband who was very supportive of his crazy emotional “I’m in the middle of an adoption” wife for the last year.

For my 5 children. They make me laugh and I love their hearts. And I am so very thankful that #5 is HOME.

For my local friends—that are loving and supportive and fun! I am also thankful for my homeschooling buds that I see each Friday at co-op. It’s wonderful to be with you each week!

For my far away friends—some we haven’t seen for a while, some are on different continents, some I have never even met—but the bonds and connections are there. If only I had that Star Trek transporter.

For the ministries that we support. I am thankful for their integrity and hard work and the difference they make in the lives of others.

For the adoption ministries that supported us in the last year and helped us bring Teshale home.

For modern medicine that fights cancer.

For generosity of people I have never met that are helping us with the TLZ auction.

and most of all for a loving Heavenly Father that chose me to be His child.

Counting my blessings today—for there are many.

2011-11-19T06:58:00.000-05:00

Make a Difference in ONE Life!

What is your holy discontent? What is your God-given passion on this earth? You know, that one thing that MOVES you to action, that brings you to tears, and causes you to lose sleep? We have a passion, a yearning to see justice for the fatherless! "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." - Isaiah 1:17

2011 Gifts of Purpose from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo. NOW, for even more exciting news....

In Ethiopia, children need an education to break free from gripping poverty. Public schools are lacking, so kids are left behind without the HOPE of an education or future. Our current Lifesong school is not only giving by teaching these children about Jesus, but also feeding 350 hungry children 2 meals each day. We currently have a need to build a 12-room expansion to our existing school... please join us to make a difference in a child's life.

As of last night, we have a generous donor that has stepped up to MATCH all donations to the Ziway and Adami Tulu Schools in Ethiopia between now and December 31st... up to $130,000!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited? What a GENEROUS way to make the most of your giving and bless the children and families in these communities! Let me tell you first hand, these schools NEED to be expanded... these children NEED an education... they NEED to be fed each day... they NEED to hear about Jesus! Lets give HOPE to these precious children in Ethiopia!

Would you join us in prayer as we seek to make the need known?

MAKE A MATCHED DONATION NOW! ***You can use the link above to make a matched donation OR select any of the Hope Ethiopia options below.

Gift of $30 cares for 2 children for 1 month.

Gift of $525 cares for 35 children for 1 month.

Gift of $1,500 furnishes one classroom.

Also, don't forget that you can give a gift in honor of a loved one this holiday season!

It's that time of year again. Holiday music rings through your speaker systems. Decorations light up your street corners. Families gather together.It's the season of love, joy and family.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this season of giving, we often forget to give to those who NEED it most! This year give differently. Give FAMILY to the 147 million orphans worldwide who dream of belonging. Give HOPE to children living on the streets whose only Christmas wish is survival.

What if, this year, your family gave a gift to those who need it most? A gift that won't fit under the tree?

Would you consider making a difference in ONE LIFE...

Help a child break free from gripping poverty.

Give the love of Jesus through Christian mentors.

Give a future to an orphan's caregiver.

This year join Lifesong for Orphans in giving a gift with purpose. A gift that will speak Jesus to a child. Introducing Lifesong's 2011 Gifts of Purpose Catalog.

Flashback Friday

2011-11-17T22:17:00.001-05:00

It was one of those homeschool days where it was gorgeous out and we ditched all the school and went to the park for a photo shoot and play time.

Back when Josh was still cuddly—and I had short haircut. (and Josh had a short haircut too!! )

I love this haircut—but it only works when I am thin:) ahem. I don’t have it right now.

Rachel was so little here. Love it.

Random note. That gazebo behind Rachel is where this was filmed:

Can anyone guess what movie it is? (look at bottom of post for answer )

crunchy leaves. favorite of fall.

Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me!!

Be sure to check out the auction at www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com!

It is going great! Lots of bids and lots of items!!

PS. Evan Almighty is the film!

Woah!!!

2011-11-16T07:42:00.001-05:00

I am blown away by the response for the auction! BLOWN AWAY!

There is tons of good stuff on there! Ethiopian items, books and music by Dennis Jernigan, Gary Haugen, Dave Ramsey, Sara Groves. A new 36 diamond and 10k gold bracelet (that would make a GREAT gift!) Baby Bjorn carriers, slings, soap, tons of jewelry, coffee, photography sessions, and acupuncturist visits for those in CO. So much stuff!

Be sure to check it out at www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

Also..in case you didn’t get to read it before: Our testimony is up at No Greater Joy’s website (which I love!!)

http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2011/11/knight-family-always-according-to-his.html

Now..some fun stuff. Here are pictures from our photo shoot with Brand New Photography

Teshale was a wee bit cranky from his shots and teething so he wasn’t his normal smiling self. But I still love them. :)

And my absolute favorite! hehehe

I’ve got so much stuff swirling in my heart and head. Stay tuned.

God is faithful my friends. so faithful.

TLZ auction is live!

2011-11-14T23:56:00.001-05:00

Hello friends in blog world!

I would appreciate it so much if you would help us publicize the below auction for 3 very special boys!! It is at www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

Thank you! You can share the info below if you’d like! (just link back to www.forsuchasthese.blogspot.com please!)

While picking up our son, Teshale, this year, we met and were burdened by three young boys at IAN’s care center. Three boys who have been waiting over a YEAR for family. Why? Because they are older—8, 9, and 10. A Year. Imagine that! Watching other kids and parents come and go while you still wait.

Many other families have felt the same burden. Some families have already met them. Some have just seen pictures and heard stories. But all have a desire to do something—anything—to help them have a family. a home. love.

A group of us have joined together to do everything in our power to help these children. (2 of the boys now are matched with families! Thanking God for this!) We continue to advocate and pray for a family for Z-a sweet 10 yr old boy.

We are hosting an online silent auction to bring awareness to their needs and to provide grants for the families who step up to provide them a home. 100% of the money we raise will go towards those grants! The grants will be split between these 3 boys’ families.

The auction starts Tuesday, Nov 15 at 6am (eastern time) and will end Friday, Dec 2 at 9pm (eastern time.)

Head on over a take a look!

www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com

There are many many items and you are bound to find something that you just HAVE to have. There are many Ethiopian items brought back by adoptive families are included (including that beloved coffee!), artwork created just for this auction, jewelry, music, books, Karen Purvis items, and much more.

And..shipping is free on all items!

Come shop—and bless these boys and their future families.

Ray of Hope by IJM

2011-11-10T12:20:00.001-05:00

In this new 12-minute film, witness the powerful courage and unrelenting faith of our IJM Kolkata team as they travel from Kolkata down to Mumbai to search for Suhana in a city of 18 million people.

Be encouraged as you experience the joy of rescue and the hope of new life, as well as the reactions of IJM staff in a way never shown before.

You guys know that I love IJM!

Go check out their new website!

And our auction for TLZ has a signed Just Courage book (by Gary Haugen) in it!

Rachel’s Beefy Biscuits for Restoration Orphanage

2011-11-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

Rachel has received a request for her beefy biscuits to be sold for Christmas presents for our favorite four legged friends! :)

She thought for a while and has decided that she would like for the funds to go to Ashli York for Restoration Orphanage through Ordinary Hero. All proceeds from these sales will go to them.

(and thank you to those who helped her to raise funds for Samaritan’s Purse’s Horn of Africa Famine Fund!)

Greg and I visited this orphanage while in Ethiopia and was very impressed with the work being done and realized many of those children would have been dead if hadn’t been for a young woman saying “yes, God—I will go!” Seriously. It moved us enough to have Greg bawling in the middle of it. And he is not a easy crying man (unlike me who cries during sappy commercials!)

Rachel saw our pictures when we came home (I wish I could show the pics of the sweet wee ones) and was moved by their need. (read that post here)

To read more about Ashli and the orphanage go to this link:

http://ordinaryheroblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/immediate-need-in-ethiopia.html

Each bag contains 21 dog treats and will be in Christmas shapes-some large and some small. These treats are all natural..containing only whole wheat flour, a bit of honey, beef broth, egg, yeast, and parsley. (and cost big bucks in the pet stores!) Dog love them! We have sold them before and everyone has told us that they are loved by their dogs.

pic from her last batch—this batch will be more Christmasy :)

Price: $5 per bag if you are local. $10 per bag shipped (any extra funds from shipping will also be sent)

If you want some shipped and want more than 1 bag—email me with your address at gcknight at verizon dot net and I can get you a quote for what shipping would be for more than 1—we can do combined shipping to save you money!

Go to the link below to purchase.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L2LDE3NJ2FUVS

Thank you so much!!

PS Rachel will also have some Beefy Biscuits for sale at our TLC for TLZ auction starting on Nov 15! www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com All proceeds from this auction go to a grant fund for 3 older waiting boys at our agency’s care center.

Our Adoption Testimony

2011-11-05T22:03:00.001-04:00

Kari at My Crazy Adoption posted our adoption testimony and I realized that I had never posted it here! Oops!

Here it is :)

This adoption was an adoption of faith-almost from day one! We signed on with our agency in February and were excited to again add to our family through the miracle of adoption. Greg lost his job in October, along with the $5000 adoption credit his company would give. Yikes! There were so many questions at that time–where would he find a job? Would we have to move? What about the adoption? Did we hear God wrong? We chose to have faith and believe God had something in store for us and He did! Greg took a job with our local food bank which lines up with his heart for helping the vulnerable! We were blessed as he only had to go two weeks without a job.

We continued to wait for our referral.

In March we received the referral of a beautiful baby boy whose name means “Praise.” We were excited and quickly fell in love. We received a court date for the first week of June. The Monday of the week were leaving, I received that DREADED phone call. Our little one’s mother came to court and changed her mind and took him home. My first emotional reaction? I am done. Adoption is too hard. I can’t stand the emotional roller coaster anymore. I AM DONE!

Even in the midst of this God was working and moving. My caseworker called my husband first and told him to come home. A friend was walking up the walk for a play date minutes after I hung up. (little did she know it was going to be a cry fest!) We cried, prayed, asked many why’s and just sat in silence.

As we continued to pray God asked me, “what is adoption about? You or the child that needs a home?” I began to realize, (I knew it down deep but it finally rose to the surface of my heart) that this was a good thing. If this little baby’s mom changed her mind and could raise him–than that is who he should be with! A friend emailed me words that comforted my heart “a baby is back in the arms of his mother tonight.” How could I be upset with that? Was I grieving? Yes–for the loss of the child who we thought would be our son. However, I was so happy that this child could be raised by the mother that carried him, named him, and loved him.

We were also blessed to have friends there when she picked up him from the orphanage that took pictures of them together and told us that she loved him and he would be okay. Our hearts will forever be linked to theirs. There was a purpose and reason for all of it. Little “Praise” will be thought of and in our prayers for the rest of our lives. He was not to be our son, but he will not be forgotten.

Fast forward a couple of days and we received another referral of a tiny little boy, Teshale, whose name means “Better One.” I can’t even begin to tell you how that confirmed everything for us. God has blessed us immensely and looking back we can see how everything worked according to His plan. Teshale needed to be home quickly. Because we were already in the court system, the gracious judge just postponed our court date for us. As my caseworker said, “you are ready and he needs to be home quickly–a perfect situation.”

July 15 we were in Ethiopia for court and met our son. He was our son! The bond was immediate and we knew this was the child God had for our family. We came home September 10^th ( after an amazingly quick clearing of Embassy) and are doing well.

Adoption is hard. It is emotional. It is full of bumps, curves, and road blocks.

It is worth it.

I now have so much more of a picture of what Christ endured for me.

I have a glimpse of His heartache and passion.

As I sat and cried over that first little boy I imagined how God weeps over those that He longs to have as His children.

May God continue to break my heart for the things that break His..

Now..head on over to http://tlcfortlz.blogspot.com/2011/11/tamirats-story-older-child-adoption.html to read Tamirat’s story as we continue to advocate for our favorite 3 waiting boys!

Don’t forget the auction starts Nov 15 and we have got some crazy good stuff!

Flashback Friday

2011-11-04T05:36:00.001-04:00

I liked to pretend a was a cowgirl way back when. I vividly remember this vest and how cool I thought I was with it on.

And I still have a cool leather vest that I wear when we go to the rodeo or other cowgirl type things. With my turquoise rodeo earrings. Go ahead and laugh. I give you permission.

Occasionally I still make the whole family pretend. Good golly look how little the kids are. Rachel is thrilled—can you tell?

Occasionally I pretend. I look pretty good here—until the horse moved and I yelled for Debbie to take control of this horse (yea, he took like, um, 3 steps but they were prancy steps I’m telling you!)

Rachel pretends too.

And go here http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2008/11/is-it-horse-or-train.html

and you will see Ab’s first time on a horse several months after he was home.

We try, people. We try.

Courageous Movie Products Giveaway!

2011-11-01T11:56:00.000-04:00

I love this Resolution print..it reminds me of my favorite Beth Moore bible study Believing God and the words I printed off from that reminding me to believe God. We all need reminders in our lives where we are pulled in so many directions and encounter so many different views.

From Dayspring’s website:

THE RESOLUTION is a bold declaration of commitments that men are making to be faithful to God as the spiritual leader of their home. As read in the movie, this print is ready for framing to mark the moment and celebrate the commitment being made to God and family.

Message

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

I love this men’s card pack as well. So many card packs are focused at women and let’s face it—our men need some encouraging too!

This assorted pack of ten premium cards features messages to recognize and encourage men, and 2 specific cards for your husband.
Five cards in the assortment are inspired by COURAGEOUS, and all cards include trusted Christian messages, relevant Scriptures, and inspiring designs.
Assortment include:

6 Encouragement cards appropriate for men
1 Birthday card
1 Husband Birthday card
1 Friendship card
1 Husband/Love/Romantic card

Have you been living under a rock and haven’t seen the trailer for the movie? :)

If so…go here http://ecards.dayspring.com/courageous/ where you can watch the trailer or buy tickets!

Now..honest confession here—I have yet to go see the movie (though I really want to!) Greg and I were supposed to go to a premier back in late spring—but it was an adoption crisis day and I knew that my heart just can’t take the emotion of the movie considering I had been crying all day already—fast forward to the movie is out but now we have a precious one that we can’t leave very long yet. :) But…it is on my list to buy when (like all the other movies we buy from Sherwood Pictures!)

Now…to enter the giveaway—Let’s honor our husbands!!

In the comments tell me about a time that your husband showed courage—whether it was forgiving someone, boldly leading, or loving the unlovable…How has your husband showed courage?

I will pick a winner on Sunday!

You then just need to give me your shipping address and Dayspring will mail you these Courageous gifts!

(PS..Dayspring gave me this product free to review and this my own opinion!)

Randomness

2011-10-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite items from Ethiopia. When we were in Ethiopia for our court trip I commented on the beautiful necklace that one of the front desk gals was wearing. Her response? “If you like it, I will give it to you” I quickly told her that it wasn’t necessary but it was beautiful necklace. (And that has been stuck in my brain—how quickly she was willing to give me something of hers just because I liked it)

We chatted back and forth when we got home and were waiting for Embassy Clearance. We told her when we cleared and she responded that she wanted to give us something—anything when my daughter and I came. Why? Because my husband had been so nice to her. What did he do? He took the time to get to know the people behind the desk-—just by talking to them. When we arrived she had this pendant for me.

The power of words, kindness, and smile. I am always amazed at the change that takes place when you give a smile and speak nicely to someone while you are waiting in line or being checked out or even stopping to great the cleaning lady at the hotel, though I think I may have overwhelmed ours when I kept trying to talk to her and she kept replying “no english” :)

Remember to take the time to get to know the people around you—whether that’s here in the States or overseas. You will be blessed and your circle of friendship will broaden.

Another fave: kolo which is Ethiopian Roasted Barley Snack. The mixture I purchased in
Ethiopia has peanuts mixed in too. Love it. It’s great to grab a handful when you need a quick snack. Very good. Be sure to get some while in Ethiopia!

Some random pictures! (just posting some fall pics even though it snowed about 3-4 inches here this past weekend! Craziness!!)

A favorite view of the valley where we live. Farmlands with mountains in the background.

We also had a beautiful rainbow over the fall leaves last week

And lastly…don’t forget to check out www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com for some great older child adoption testimonies! We have some wonderful donations that will be auctioned off for grants for our 3 special waiting boys! We can still use your help!

Updates, Pictures, and Teasers

2011-10-24T12:08:00.001-04:00

Remember Rachel’s Beefy Biscuit Sales for the Horn of Africa Famine Fund? She is done with her sales from her two batches and now has:

$69 that is going to Samaritan’s Purse to help those who are in need.

I am proud of my little girl and her giving heart. Thank you all who helped her earn money to do her small part in changing the world.

Our donation search for our auction at www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com is going great! Some items that will be for sale are a Baby Bjorn carrier, Tacoma Coffee, silver Orthodox cross, Ethiopian scarf, lots of different t-shirts, jewelry and much more (continue looking for more items teasers)

We can still use your help! We want to raise as much funds as we can for the families that step forward for these 3 boys that have been waiting a year! All money goes to grants for these families that step forward. Just contact me if you have anything you can donate!

Be sure to head over to the blog to read one mom’s heartfelt post about Z. She just came home on Saturday and her words will stir your heart.

My Bekah is also made a super cute Africa tshirt to donate. She recently wrote a blog that made me think. Check it out : http://ramblingsbybekah.blogspot.com/2011/10/we-dont-care-about-death.html

Now some pictures :)

We recently went to hike on a trail that goes through Carter Mountain. It was an easy hike that was stroller accessible. Win.

Teshale felt that he needed to work on his stroller wheel the whole time.

Big brother likes to help carry. Look at that gut! :)

help for waiting boys

2011-10-19T16:28:00.001-04:00

While at the Care Center for our court date and then later picking up Teshale—we met three wonderful boys who have been waiting over a year for a family to call them their own. OVER A YEAR. Think about that for a minute. As they have watched other children leave with parents—they have waited. and waited. Just because they are ‘older.’
Parents that come and pick up their kids leave burdened for these sweet boys.
Their ages are 8, 9, and 10 and here is a bit about them.

T – T is a quiet boy who likes to play with his friends. He has a calm and friendly personality that one might see as being shy, but after he warms up to someone he is more outgoing, kind and friendly.
T likes to be active and play soccer with his buddies. He is good at sharing and is kind to the younger children at the Care Center.
L-L is an adorable little guy who loves to have fun! He can be shy around adults but is friendly with the other children. He loves to play cars and enjoys trying to make one-on-one conversations with visiting adults. Showing off what English he is learning.
Z-Z is a very compassionate boy. He is always looking out for the younger boys at the Care Center. He is seen as a big brother to every one there and is sweet to every one.
Z is fun and loves to play games with his friends. He is not over powering for attention but is willing to wait his turn.

Several of us have decided to host an online silent auction to raise funds for grants for the families that step forward to give these boys a home and family.
It will be from mid-November to December 1st. (just in time for your Christmas shopping!)
We would love to have you help us! Right now we are in the stage of gathering items to put in the auction (the website will be www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com It’s in process right now )
Would you be willing to donate something?
Here is how it works:
1. You let me know if you would be willing to donate. Email us at mailto:ianwaitingchild@gmail.com%20withwith what you would like to donate! Then, just sit back and relax!
2. We will create a blog post about your item, including a description and picture, a minimum bid price, and a link over to your etsy page/website/blog so they can check out the other fabulous things that you do!
Look for it on http://www.tlcfortlz.blogspot.com/
3. We are planning to open the auction mid November and end it on Dec 1 (just in time for Christmas!) Readers will bid on your fantastic donation!
4. When the auction closes we will e-mail the winner to get their mailing address. Then, we will send you the address.
5. So the only thing you have to do is mail them the prize!
Also, after the auction closes, We will write a post encouraging bidders who bid on your item and did not win to go check out your etsy page/website/blog! Hopefully this will bring you a lot of free publicity.
The sweet boys get advocated for and families get a grant. Win-Win.
Feel free to email me with any questions or ideas!!
We’ve already received some fantastic donations and I can’t wait to share them with you!
And..I will leave you with a picture :)

PS. If you’d like to inquire about these waiting children or any others that are currently waiting:
Email waitingkids@internationaladoptionnet.org

WINNER!!

2011-10-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

Rachel was my random number generator and picked a number corresponding to each comment….

and the winner is Stacey!!

Stacey—I will send you your coupon code for your free recordable storybook!

Thank you friends for joining in!

I can’t wait to read some of your books!!

What’s your favorite children’s book? and a Giveaway!

2011-10-12T11:18:00.001-04:00

You know—the one you keep after your children are grown up because you can’t bear to get rid of it?

Or the ones you always pick out to give as gifts?

My turn first:

All those children’s stories by Max Lucado. Here’s a few. I have seriously bawled before while reading them for the first time.

Love You Forever (another one that makes my cry)

I just love this one—especially for little tots Somebody Bigger than I

A new one I just fell in love with ---and yes, I do the singing part in it! :) If You Were My Bunny

Now…what’s your favorites?

Please share so we can all enjoy them! I love books! especially good quality ones!

And I will pick one person who shared their favorite book for kids and they will receive a coupon code from Dayspring to receive their own recordable story book! You just have to pay shipping!

Just comment on this post!

I want to share with you a recordable storybook by Dayspring that just came out with.

They have a few really cute ones to pick from. Check them all out here. I had a hard time choosing which one to review!

Here is the one I have.

It starts off by “From head to toe, all through and through ….I love how special God made you!” (with cute pictures of panda and baby) and it keeps going describing the things you love about them. This would be great for a Grandma to send to her grandkids or for those that just want reinforce I love you and that God made you special!

The pages are thick so they won’t tear easily too. Great for wee little ones!

Can you guess who I am doing this for? Yep, a sweet little baby so he can hear momma’s voice over and over again saying that she loves him!

Now…go comment about your favorite book so I can give someone a coupon code for a free one of these courtesy of Daypsring!!!

I will pick a winner on Monday!

(PS. Dayspring gave me this product to review and this opinion is my own)

Fight to Five

2011-10-06T20:41:00.001-04:00

As a mom who has adopted two children that came home from Ethiopia with diarrhea (one of the leading causes of death in children under 5)—one with parasites and one with bacteria---this cause really hits home.

Sevenly is a t-shirt organization that partners with different causes to raise awareness and raise funds. This week (3 days left!) they are teaming up with Compassion International (who is doing GREAT work in Ethiopia) with a Fight to Five t-shirt.

Fight to Five

Here is the link to order your shirt! www.sevenly.org They are only $22 each with a portion going to Compassion to help Ethiopian mothers specifically.

People who are near and dear to my heart!

sooo…how are we doing?

2011-10-05T11:00:00.001-04:00

We are in love with our son and so happy that he is home.

And does it tell you anything that my teen daughter begged me to buy the onesie that said “My mommy is exhausted” :) Because I say it so much!

I forgot how much work babies are!! And then add in being the only one (other than Greg) to feed and meet his needs—and trying to sleep together to aid in bonding (= no sleep.) Phew.

Add in not taking any break and jumping into all our activities, lessons, and homeschool (note to others: not a smart move!!)

BUT—It is all more than worth it and I am soooo glad he is home. I still pinch myself.

The BIGGEST thing that I deal with when coming home from Ethiopia, Guatemala, or Zambia is always the discontent, heartache, and just plain frustration of how we can have so much (materially) and they can have so little.

I sat in Sunday School this past week—holding our son and I looked around and thought “if each of these people gave me $5 we could feed a child for a long time. months”

As we listen to crazy spending on things all around us, my husband looks at me and says “I know you are adding up what that can do or how many children could be adopted.” Yep. he’s right.

There is one image that haunts me. There was a little boy (age—3, 4, or 5) that we saw each time as we went to the Care Center who had no pants, no underwear. Just a shirt. Full of smiles and waves as he chased the car down. I wish I had stopped and bought that precious child a pair of pants. and shoes. It was chilly and wet and he should have both of those things. ugh. seriously. won’t leave me mind.

I know that we are blessed to bless others and all that jazz. But—how many times do we just go on about our business and forget? or maybe not forget but it’s not a priority so we don’t ever do anything about it? have lots of compassion and tears but never ACT?

and I know that one person can’t save the entire world (though I wish I had a wealthy benefactor backing me so that I could give it shot! any volunteers? haha) but we can do something.

So…forgive me if I seem to have a one track mind—but it is not something I can just let go. Lives depend on it.

and because I can’t get anything done—I am 3 days late for multitudes on mondays! :)

98) friends who ‘get’ me

99) normal baby poops. yep, that for sure.

100) fall air

101) a crackling fire

102) my 2nd and 3rd grade class during show and tell. they crack me up!

103) a 9yr old birthday party

104) seeing the first red and yellow of fall leaves

105) laughter of a friend

106) hope

107) worship that causes you to cry

108) fresh cut grass

109) late afternoon sunlight

110) getting reacquainted with old friends

111) meeting new friends

what can I do from here?

2011-09-26T19:12:00.001-04:00

One of things I am asked often as a justice advocate with IJM is “What can I do from here?”

Well—here is your opportunity to make a BIG difference in someone’s life. Someone who has unjustly imprisoned since December 2010.

You have the opportunity to encourage them and to give them hope.

Go to to the link below and you can send an encourage through the website or you can print one off to mail in to IJM if you’d prefer handwritten!

http://www.ijm.org/content/share-hope

Also..

During September (you’ve only got a couple days left!) you can become a Freedom Partner and your first year of giving will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor!!

$24 a month so IJM can show up 24 hours a day to bring rescue to those that are beaten, abused, raped, and enslaved.

IJM is wonderful about keeping you updated on rescues and how you can pray!

I love being a Freedom Partner with IJM and encourage you to jump in with me!

http://www.ijm.org/freedompartner

Eucharisteo

89-chatting with friends in Ethiopia (the wonder of facebook!)

90-slobbery baby kisses

91-laughter and squeals

92-friends who bring me coffee at co-op

93-friends who are a breath of fresh air

94-a little boy who runs up to Teshale each time at co-op and is beside himself with excitement and says “oh, he’s so darling

95-campfire at dusk

96-huge marshmallows

97-relationships far and wide built through adoption

Last Day in Ethiopia!

2011-09-24T13:56:00.001-04:00

Our last day in Ethiopia included a coffee ceremony at the Care Center to say goodbye to everyone.

The gentleman in this photo worked very hard on our case and was very supportive when we lost our first referral. A wonderful man who loves the kids and works very hard. One of the most touching moments in the week was when he walked up to me (right before this picture was taken) and said “you have your Better One now.” (Better One is what Teshale’s name means)

Most of our group. The other family left the day before.

We then went to our friend’s house and had some WONDERFUL Ethiopian food. and lots of it. Bekah and I both did our best to eat all of it but alas, we failed. It was very, very good. Greg said (on our court trip) that it was the best food he had in country.

Below are two godly men (Fekadu and Joel) who quickly became our friends and family in Ethiopia. They took us around all week, taught us about Ethiopia, prayed for us while we waited and loved on my son while I was away. I can’t recommend them enough. Look for them on facebook “Life Tours” and contact them for your trip. Tell them I sent you :). And they gave my tired arms a break and let me eat :)

Have I told you how much I love Ethiopian coffee? and its ceremony?

Fekadu’s mom who fixed the scrumptious dinner and gave us our coffee ceremony. She also loved on Teshale and said he was a good baby. I agree. A beautiful woman with a gentle spirit. I love their family.

Bekah and Joel looking at Fekadu’s pictures. Have I told you how much I love these guys?

From Bekah: I’m totally digging my hair here.

Waiting to take off for 17 hours on a plane. yikes. Did we tell you how much we hate to fly?

He’s ready.

We bit the bullet and paid for a seat for Teshale. It was WELL worth it. He slept for 11 hours straight like this. This is him in Rome.

He then woke up and had messed himself up to his neck. yes. wonderful. went to the bathroom and am trying to change him on that little board and I have his clothes off but not wanting to take his diaper off (for fear of more) and realize that I don’t have another diaper. Ack. keep hand on baby and prop door with foot trying to get Bekah’s attention—she’s asleep—stewardesses are in the back since it’s night on the plane. crud. pick up baby up (yep with stuff on him) and go to get diaper. nasty. clean up as best as I could with trickle of water and baby wipes. put coat on top of t-shirt. Life of a Mommy. :)

Bekah mid-flight. She looks thrilled doesn’t she.

We are home!!

Teshale back in Daddy’s arms.

Big brother with T.

The good mom that I am has lost the pictures of the little ones with the baby at the airport. sigh.

And that’s our trip!

And it is soooo good to be home and I am still pinching myself to make sure it’s all done!

Now..on to re-adoption (not required but suggested) and post placement visits. It’s all good. :)

Thank you for being with us on our journey!

3rd Day

2011-09-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

We went to the American Embassy on our third day in Ethiopia.

We had some down time in the morning and slept in (sorta) and had a leisurely breakfast. We talked to a sweet young family whose husband had received a lottery visa to the US and they were back in Ethiopia visiting family. A very nice family.

On to the the Embassy: We waited for 3 hours while waiting for our names to be called. The lady behind the window was very nice and personable. We raised our right hands and stated that we know of no fraud with our case and that he was our son. We then heard the blessed words of, “your adoption is full and final.” and that our visas would be ready in the morning. Thank you God!

We then came home and had a relaxing dinner with our friends.

My photographer daughter:

Dinner at the top of Addis View. This is Fekadu—our guide in Ethiopia. A wonderful gentleman who gave this tired momma’s arms a break during the entire meal! Email me if you’d like his contact information for your trip to Ethiopia!

Even put the baby to sleep! :)

Bedtime with the Buzz Lightyear pajamas that Rachel’s bff in Ohio sent to Teshale.

He loves for you to copy whatever he does. Notice that headboard---he would wake up and try to soothe himself by rocking and one night was rocking so hard that he was banging his head on the headboard. Sweet boy gets rocked by momma now!

Pretending to fly like Buzz Lightyear (can you tell we were bored this night? lol)

I love it when Bekah makes bug eyes for pictures. :)

From Bekah—the deranged looking eyeballs were intentional…just so you don’t think I have naturally creepy eyes.

Also…want to check out Bekah’s blog? Never know what she will say—and most of it will make you laugh :)

www.ramblingsbybekah.blogspot.com

2nd Day in Ethiopia!

2011-09-19T15:24:00.001-04:00

After our quick trip to the hospital we went up Entoto Mountain. Greg and I had already been on our court trip but I wanted Bekah to see it also. The view is wonderful (though it was cloudy the day we went up) and there was a wonderful museum as well with many artifacts.

blurb from a website

Entoto Mountain is a fifteen-minute drive from the center and 3019 meters high. Emperor Menelik II had chosen Entoto for the great of the court before the foundation of Addis Ababa. Here one can see traces of earlier settlement and two fine churches St. Mary, where Emperor Menelik crowned Emperor in it and St. Raguel built in 1880’s. The top of the range is a point for the panoramic view of Addis Ababa with its surrounding forests and its breath taking air.

Going up:

At the top

the church:

This is the first Eucalyptus tree planted on Entoto Mountain. The mountain is now covered with them and smells wonderful!

Stopped by here to pick up some scarves on the way back down.

Making the scarves.

The very nice gentleman let Bekah try her hand at scarf making!

Back at the hotel to rest before dinner. I love his smile here.

Culture dinner!

Trying the tej (honey wine) Bekah was not impressed. Excuse the grainy photo.

First Day Together

2011-09-17T09:43:00.001-04:00

So…we picked our little man up and headed back to the hotel. He was sleeping when we picked him up so he was a bit out of it :)

Bekah held him for a bit on the way over (and she thought I wouldn’t let her hold him at all!)

We then got to the hotel and cleaned him up and changed clothes and had some snuggle time.

Ate some cereal (he LOVES his cereal) I think here he is saying “hurry it up mom!”

He and Bekah then had a photo shoot…with funny faces at all. (PS..he LOVES being without his clothes on! as soon as you set him free he laughs and giggles and kicks.)

In our bed that night. That felt sooo good. When we were there for court, I hated going to bed and thinking about him in his crib—without me.

He had a very hard time sleeping that night. VERY congested and would cough until he gagged and threw up. At one point he had trouble catching his breath so I ran to the bathroom and turned on the hot water (which is super duper hot) and sat in the steam for a while which seemed to help. I was worried he had pneumonia or bronchitis (and thinking about that 17 hour plane ride coming up) so our friends (BEST drivers/guides in Ethiopia—email me if you want their contact info) arranged a hospital visit for us and we went to have him checked out. The doctor said he was congested and gave us some amoxicillin.

Do you know how much that cost? Hospital visit plus meds was $9. Yes, $9. and took 15 minutes. I was so appreciative to be able to go and make sure he was okay.

Each day he started getting a little bit better. We then headed to Entoto Mountain with our friends. I will share that tomorrow! :)

need I say anything more?

2011-09-13T21:16:00.001-04:00

We’re home!!

2011-09-11T18:10:00.001-04:00

I keep pinching myself and can hardly believe it! We are so glad to have all of our family under one roof!

We had a GREAT trip. Bekah was a great help to me –and we made some great friends!

I will write in more detail later (when I can think straight) but here are some teaser pictures.

We arrived a little after 8am and we were surprised to have our friends Fekadu and Eyuel waiting for Bekah and I to surprise us. (best driver/guides/friends in Ethiopia—highly recommend them. Email me if you want their contact info) We got our luggage and then went to the hotel and quickly freshened up and had a cup of coffee and went straight to the Care Center.

Teshale was sleeping when we arrived. I tried to wait. I couldn’t.

and back to the hotel we went. More to come later!

CLEARED!!!

2011-08-30T13:51:00.001-04:00

We have been cleared and have an embassy appointment of September 8!!

THANK YOU LORD!!

I have been blessed by those of you who prayed for us! Friends all over the world encouraged us and kept us in your hearts and I so appreciate it!

And..I cannot wait to get my arms around my son!!

Please continue to pray for our journey (and just so you know..I hate to fly)…my 15 yr old Bekah is going with me (and just so you know…she hates to fly too) and I am excited to share Ethiopia with her!

Blessings to all of you!

PS….For those of you still waiting..I came across this post on Sunday and it really touched me. It was real—and encouraged us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Hope it encourages you as well.

http://www.incourage.me/2011/08/lament.html

PPS ….Don’t forget about Rachel’s Beefy Biscuits for her Horn of Africa famine fund. She has a good start and is very thankful for your orders. Want some?

Check out this post: http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2011/08/beefy-biscuits-for-horn-of-africa-food.html

Beefy Biscuits for Horn of Africa Famine Fund!

2011-08-26T11:21:00.001-04:00

Rachel came to me yesterday and asked if she could bake her Beefy Biscuits for dogs again to sell to raise funds for something. We talked about different needs and she decided to raise funds for those suffering from the famine in the Horn of Africa.

I am sure most of you have seen those images—and it is heartbreaking.

We have decided that the funds raised will be sent to Samaritan’s Purse—one reason being that they are on the ground and are already working. You can see what they are doing at the link below.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/food_crisis_in_kenya/

They are also one of the groups recommended by CNN—and we personally feel comfortable with the funds going to them and that they will be used with integrity.

Each bag contains 21 dog treats. These treats are all natural..containing only whole wheat flour, a bit of honey, beef broth, egg, yeast, and parsley. (and cost big bucks in the pet stores!) Dog love them! We have sold them before and everyone has told us that they are loved by their dogs.

Price: $5 per bag if you are local. $10 per bag shipped (any extra funds from shipping will also be sent)

If you want some shipped and want more than 1 bag—email me with your address at gcknight at verizon dot net and I can get you a quote for what shipping would be for more than 1.

Go to the link below to donate. For some reason the button won't show up.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L2LDE3NJ2FUVS

Clyde already scheming on how to get one. When we have these cooling, he will stand at the counter and beg and bark :)

showers of blessings

2011-08-25T13:43:00.001-04:00

2 weeks ago two of my besties threw a shower for me and our little man!

I was blessed for the friends that came—and for a grandma that drove down from WVa to surprise me!

A few pictures from the night

and let me tell you—Bekah was like the paparazzi and I believe she got a picture of every horrible expression I have ever made while talking. Geez. I make funny faces while talking! I apologize now for it for every future conversation. :) If you came to my house and looked through the 100 some pictures—you would get a good belly laugh out of them!

It felt weird having a shower and not having a big belly! Here I am telling them that I should have my paperwork file taped to my stomach! :)

Much laughter when I saw the gift in the bottom of this bag. I stunk at registering at the stores…just felt like I was being ‘give me give me’ like. (not that it is—at all –totally my weird self)

But I knew that some people like it—so I made an effort. Bekah went with me and we saw a big bag of M&M’s—and we scanned it and laughed to see if someone would buy it!

and a sweet friend did! Thank you C!

excuse squinchy eyes. the other pictures were even worse!

And I had some helpers who were just as excited as I was! :)

Thanks friends! You bless our family!

waiting

2011-08-23T14:10:00.001-04:00

and waiting..I should be used to this by now, right? Yea, I still stink at it.

Our case was submitted to Embassy last Wednesday so now we are waiting to hear the wonderful words of clearance.

Would you pray with us?

That we would be cleared to bring our boy asap? There are some medical things that need to get checked out and we would like to get that done fast and have him here getting the care that he needs (though our care center is doing a WONDERFUL job—they have fattened him up quite nicely!)

I received these pictures yesterday:

He is the cutest thing ever.

And look at that! 2 teeth!! He had none when we went for court (though we knew they were on the way!!)

Thanks for following our journey with us!

Also..check out www.olivetreepromise.com Great place for vendors, adoptive families, and shoppers!!

Restoration Orphanage

2011-08-12T09:06:00.001-04:00

One of the places that I wanted to visit while in Ethiopia was Restoration Orphanage. I had read about it and Ashli York on Ordinary Hero’s website and wanted to see and visit this awesome God-story of a place!

Ashli taking us through and telling us about the kids.

What I loved about Ashli was that she just made herself available—without all the answers or certifications, or degrees. She just said “I can go”. What God can do with a willing heart!!

As Greg and I looked upon babies that were growing and being loved on—that were once extremely malnourished and sick…we were overcome by God’s faithfulness to the willing.

We were also realized that without the one girl that said “YES” the fate of those children would be so very different.

If you’d like to read the beginning of Ashli’s story:

http://ordinaryheroblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/immediate-need-in-ethiopia.html

If you’d like to help Restoration Orphanage:

(From Ordinary Hero’s website)

I KNOW WE CAN ALL HELP IN SOME WAY!

Ashli has given her life to help these children. Let's show her support as best we can.

If you would like to make a one time donation, or a much needed monthly partnership to help this orphanage, please CLICK HERE to go to our Donate page. Be sure to put in the "SEND US A MESSAGE" box ORPHANGE AIDE . If you do decide to help monthly, please let us know that. All donations are tax deductible through Ordinary Hero Foundation.

Also, I have added this orphanage to our drop down menu when you check out of the OH Store. Anything you purchase from the store, you can click on Orphanage/Ethiopia, Restoration and that orphanage will get 40% of your sale.

favorite items from Ethiopia!

2011-08-03T14:32:00.001-04:00

Below are some of my favorite items we brought back from Ethiopia on this trip. Shopping can be somewhat overwhelming! Lots of vendors, lots of items, and lots of haggling! I tend to pick out what I wanted and ran when the haggling came. I let the hubby handle that one—being he was the professional sales guy and all!

There were some items I didn’t get this time because I ran out of time/forgot or just plain couldn’t think. I will have a list of items to pick up next time (and as always more coffee!)

These pictures made out of banana leaves. There are pretty fragile and I was worried—but they made it back fine. There were lots of different scenes to choose from. We got those from the antiquities store in the big mercato.

Scarves. We bought lots of scarves for the girls and friends. The ones below came from the Former Women Wood Carriers Association. (I think that’s the formal name-I might have messed it up a bit) It’s at the bottom of Entoto Mountain.I asked and they said it takes about 2 hours to make on scarf. They had tons and they were beautiful.

One of the women carrying the wood down the mountain. From what I have read—they do this once a day for their own use and selling. They make about $3 from it. And it is HEAVY. and it is a STEEP mountain. Can’t imagine doing that every day.

We purchased some scarves from the Leprosy Hospital as well. These had a lot more elaborate designs and a sheen to them. They also had clothes there and table clothes.

One of my very faves. A basket made from the women at the Fistula Hospital. A very moving and humbling place to visit.

We just purchased the coffee set below from some random guy on the street. He kept following us and his price kept dropping—I finally told the hubby—“buy that!” And I am amazed we made it home without it breaking! We packed it with a bunch of our clothes in our carry-on.

Animals—we always bring animals home from the kids from our trips to Ethiopia and Zambia.

Of course, we need the coffee to go with that coffee set!

Some traditional clothing for our little man.

Some necklaces for the girls—there didn’t seem to be as much jewelry this time as the last time I was in Ethiopia.

They has these postcards all around. I wish I had bought more—they would be pretty in black frames in a grouping. Might put them on my list for next time!

Another fave—this is the story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba on a canvas. They had quite a few of these and other pictures that were really neat in the antiquities shop as well. Not sure how I am going to hang it yet.

Close up of it.

And for Ab and Josh—their only request were soccer jerseys. Josh’s we paid too much money for and then found them cheaper and got Ab’s (first store only had adult sizes) and of course the sweatbands for Ab and his Mirinda.

It’s official!!

2011-08-01T12:12:00.001-04:00

Friday we received great news that our recommendation letter was done and that our adoption was complete and final by the Ethiopian courts!!

Levi Teshale is officially our son!

Our favorite pic of me holding him. Isn’t he beautiful?

He is such a happy boy. And a snuggler! He loves to lean in close. I cannot wait until we have him home.

Now what?

We wait for a birth certificate, adoption decree, and other paperwork to be done to be submitted to the US Embassy. We then wait for their clearance. Typically they ask for additional paperwork before clearance is granted. We are hoping/praying for a quick process!

Thank you all for your prayers and those who have been on the bumpy journey with us. I am amazed at God’s sovereignty. He really does know best!

We’re Home

2011-07-25T05:37:00.001-04:00

Today is usually Multitude on Mondays and I thought that I would give you our Eucharisteos from our court trip.

105) the sweet gal I met at the airport on our way to Ethiopia who came back to me and asked our son’s name so she could pray for him by name

106) 2 brothers in Christ that we traveled around Ethiopia with for the week. They encouraged us, made us laugh, and prayed for us.

107) our beautiful beautiful son.

108) the special mothers that love him and take such good care of him

109) the couple we met from Spain who said they would pray for us as we wait to pass court

110) the beautiful women of the Fistula Hospital and those that work there to bring healing to them

111) Ashli York at Restoration Orphanage. I am in awe of this gal. She inspires me. (more on her later!)

112) church in Ethiopia—need I say more?

113) the other families we traveled with—hearts joined together.

114) our children—who stepped it up to keep things going while we were gone.

115) our friends who jumped in to help in our absence—I appreciate each one of you!

view of Addis from Entoto Mountain

new life out of the water

2011-07-11T18:47:00.001-04:00

My “Eucharisteo” this week?

Two of my children choosing to be baptized by their daddy and youth pastor. Choosing to make the public demonstration of dying with Christ and rising as a new life. A new life that shows change and desire to be like their Savior!

My prayer for them:

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. Deut. 30:6

packing packing packing

2011-07-08T21:06:00.001-04:00

The day is almost here! I am ready. Feels like it has been a long time coming. What a journey it has been!!
We received a ton of donations—formula, meds, diapers, donations for the Fistula Hospital and much more. Remember those “It’s a Girl Thing” pad kits? Yep—on their way for the nannies at the orphanages—30 of those going..the rest on the next trip!
The little guys helped by pulling tampax out of cartons (they had a huge box full to do!) so that we would have more room. Thankfully Ab never asked what those things were! :)

Here is on pic of some of the stuff. There was much more…and I came down to take pictures of it all..but hubby had packed 2 suitcases full already! We now have 3 suitcases completely stuffed up to 50 pounds of donations and another partially packed. We just have to squeeze our stuff in! :)
Thank you to everyone who donated supplies! They are much needed and will be so appreciated!

multitudes on monday 96-104

2011-06-27T14:35:00.001-04:00

96) catching up with a friend and picking up right where we left off—with much laughter and heart felt discussion

97) s’mores over the fire—complete with sticky hands and lips

98) the sun streaming through the clouds in lines that look like it straight from Heaven

99) A COURT DATE!!

100) a day at the lake

101) hearing how God is working in the lives of my friends

102) listening to my daughters play the piano

103) butterflies in the field

104) teeny tiny baby clothes

Waiting 6yr old girl

2011-06-24T18:51:00.001-04:00

Update! She has a family now!! Hallelujah!

A 6 year old little girl—waiting for a home and a family to call her own.

This beautiful girl is from Gambella, which is on the border of Sudan.

She is very friendly and social, loves to smile and has opened up a lot since coming to the Care Center.

Might she be your little girl?

If you are interested of learning more about her please email waitingkids@adoptioninternational.net

Court Date!!

2011-06-24T09:20:00.001-04:00

We received our court date yesterday—and I missed the phone call because I was busy being re-fingerprinted for our FBI clearances! (We have to update our homestudy, FBI clearances, and USCIS fingerprints because of the length of time. We are right on the line for everything)

Our court date is July 18!

They did a great job of getting us in quickly. I am so thankful for the judge and her working with us to get us into court and our son home.

Please continue praying that all of our paperwork will be correct and there (including that famous letter!) and that we will pass court while in Ethiopia!

Then I will be able to show all of you my sweet one’s face.

I wanted to share a picture that my sweet friend from our old travel group sent me. This was right after we lost our first referral and received the next one. Her note was that Jesus was holding BOTH of my boys in His arms and to trust Him with their care.

Her words were balm to my heart and soul.

Isn’t it beautiful?

Thank you all for your continued prayers and love.

Our God is good.

love box

2011-06-20T10:01:00.001-04:00

Do you have one? A place where you store sentimental stuff? notes, cards, poems etc?

Mine is an old Godiva truffle box. (they were divine, by the way)

Anything that makes me feel loved goes in there. Cards, emails, notes, pictures—all sorts of things.

I also have a love notebook. This has cards, notes, emails, stickers, quotes, verses. etc etc. This one is primarily for the way God shows His love for me through others. On days when I feel so unloved—I will take this out both of these out and pour through them—usually bawling. There is a note from a friend when I was waiting to become pregnant with our first—and she encouraged me on God’s timing for my life and for my baby. That first child just got her learner’s permit!

There are many notes/cards from one sweet friend as we shared pregnancies, scriptures, raising small children, vacations and so on. Though they live away now, there is a special friendship that will never be broken.

Many others from other special people as we shared trying times, exciting events, or even just the day to day life of walking with God, and raising our kids. Many of these people have moved or we are in different churches or in different spots—but the bonds and love are still there—just different now. (which sometimes makes me sad!)

There are emails printed out and taped that encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.

Reminders of love of my Heavenly Father through my earthly friends.

Anyone else have such a thing?

beach times

2011-06-18T21:13:00.001-04:00

I love the beach.

I love to sit and just watch that vast ocean continually move to and fro.

I love to watch the birds dive down for their lunch.

I love to watch my kids build sand castles and have shark teeth finding contests.

I love to read in the salty air and feel the breeze.

The ocean always reminds of me of this quote by Amy Carmichael

If I say, "Yes, I forgive, but I cannot forget,"
as though the God,
who twice a day washes all the sands
on all the shores of all the world,
could not wash such memories from my mind,
then I know nothing of Calvary’s love.

multitudes on monday 86-95

2011-06-13T09:08:00.001-04:00

86) a little snail slowly making his way across the road

87) a good piece of chocolate

88) a walk with a friend in the early morning air

89) a video of my boy smiling. melt my heart

90) a caseworker that calms my fears

91) fresh cut grass. love that smell

92) scoring at a yard sale with baby clothes—25 and 50 cents a piece!

93) this shirt:

94) a husband who looks at me and says “you look great” :) even when I don’t think I do.

95) surviving a ride home with Bekah who just got her learner's.

Winner of Dayspring Coupon Code

2011-06-10T21:27:00.001-04:00

The hubby picked a random number and it belonged to…..

“Indescribable” ! I will email it to you soon!

cleaning out the closet

2011-06-10T12:27:00.002-04:00

I am cleaning out our adoption close and have a few things left if anyone would want them.

SOLD!! Black bag with red lining and red stitched Africa by Bekah $15 plus $3 for shipping
(this is really pretty—it was just hard to take a picture of)

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SOLD!! XL (true xlarge 16-18) white tshirt with brown swirly Africa $15 (includes shipping)

________________________________________________________________

SOLD!! small v-neck (modern fit 4-6) pink tshirt with polka dot Africa $15 (includes shipping)

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Isaiah 1:17 shirts in natural color (loose reg tshirt fit) medium, large $10 (includes shipping)

Isaiah 1:17 shirts in large grey (loose reg tshirt fit) (only one available) $10 (includes shipping)

PS..Don’t forget to enter the giveaway in the post below!

Encouragement is a Powerful Thing

2011-06-07T14:13:00.002-04:00

Encouragement really is a powerful thing.

I know from experience.

I know from last week.

I love the adoption community that I have become a part of. It is a fiercely compassionate and loyal community. An encouraging community. An earnestly praying group of friends--even the ones I have never met.

You know the whole love language thing? Guess what mine is. Yep, words of affirmation. Big Time. It feeds my soul. It makes me feel loved.

One thing that I am learning more and more of is that God is the Great Encourager. He is the absolute best at it. He doesn’t forget. He sees all and He knows all. We just sometimes miss His encouragement because we are too rushed, too loud, or we are looking for it in the wrong places.

As I have been reading One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp, I have been challenged to make my own list of 1,000 gifts to be thankful for.

Little things (or even big things) throughout the day that I can pause and be grateful for.

I have come to the realization that so many times that is how God encourages us—through those little snippets of joy in between heartache and hard times. And so many times we miss it.

My friends, pause and quiet your heart and look for those whispers of encouragement from God. Remember—sometimes He is in the most gentlest of breezes.

Charisa

(keep reading for a giveaway at bottom of post!!)

Yesterday I received something wonderful from Dayspring to help me count those blessings and gifts!

A magnetic memo board that has Count Your Blessings on it.

Here it is hanging in our kitchen (with my sweet baby on it!)

Giveaway!!

On this Friday, June 10th—I will give away a $20 coupon code to Dayspring’s store.

How can you enter? Just comment on this post and share something or someone that has encouraged YOU recently!

disclaimer stuff: DaySpring gave me the free product to review and all opinions stated are my own. :)

multitudes on monday 71-85

2011-06-06T07:18:00.002-04:00

Many things to be thankful for and to find joy in the past two weeks:
71) renewed relationships
72) hope, hope, and more hope
73) morning air at the beach
74) slipper sea shells
75) nice strangers
76) cool shade on a very hot day
77) laughter with my teens
78) feel of wet sand between my toes
79) firm ripe cold blueberries
80) watching seahorses
81) first lightning bugs that I see of the season
82) God’s better plan
83) unfathomable peace
84) tears of compassion from friends
85) unexpected joy
Eucharisteo

“Better One”

2011-06-03T12:06:00.002-04:00

Amazing. Simply Amazing.
I received a call for a referral yesterday!
a little 5/6 month old baby boy
whose name means “Better One”
Yes, “Better One”
My friends—God had something better in store—for our first little boy, this little boy, and for us.
I am in awe of God.
I told myself that I need to make a Stone of Remembrance for this time—so that when I begin to doubt His love and faithfulness—that I can look back and know He loves, He cares, and He knows.
The courts have agreed to just expedite our paperwork so we hope to be in Ethiopia soon for a court date.
I am in love and my heart is full.
Full for both boys.
Praise our God---for He is good.

God’s will and not my own

2011-06-01T14:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we received some devastating news that the mother of the baby boy we were going to adopt came and took him home. Her court date was on Tuesday and she had changed her mind. While we always knew that there was a chance for this—our boy had been in the orphanage since October so we didn’t really concern ourselves too much with it.
Our emotions are in a whirlwind. We are sad that we will never get to hold him and meet him. However….as we grieved and prayed yesterday—God reminded us that adoption is not about us. It’s about the child. And whatever is best for the child is what it needs to be about. So while I am grieving my loss, I am thankful that he will be raised with his mother.
Our lives have been connected for 3 months with the little one and his mother for a reason. Perhaps to remember to pray for him and her for the rest of our lives. We are connected and we won’t forget him.
Our little one’s name means “Praise”. And we will continue to praise God and know that He is good and still on the throne.
I went to my grandmother’s today and listened to the song below over and over again.

So—come and listen to what He’s done.

a wonderful compassionate caseworker who even called my hubby to come home before she called me.
a friend that was coming for a play date and showed up right after that call—and she sat and literally held me and cried with me.
a friend that came straight over after she heard the news and prayed with us.
countless emails and phone calls and facebook posts giving love, compassion, and understanding.
a friend who was at our care center that shared with me that our boy will be okay and that he is loved by his mother.
learning even more about how much God must yearn for me as His daughter—and how much He loves me.
my peace, unfathomable peace. I am a gal who can be overrun by her emotions—and while I have cried and grieved, I have peace.

I must admit that at the beginning, right after the call, my first thought was “I am done. This is too hard. Let’s cut our losses and run.” and God began His work and poured out His love for me and for a mother and son across the ocean.
And He confirmed it with precious friends. I am going to share bits and pieces of emails so that they may also speak to you in whatever situation you are in.

God did not even spare his own Son suffering and grief - how can we expect to be spared? Somehow that thought comforts me and helps me to not sink into being angry with God for things not going how I'd like them to go - how I prayed for them to go. Be comforted and continue to be brave, my friend!!! ____________________________

My heart breaks with you today. I do not always understand God's ways but trust completely in His Sovereignty. I know He holds your future child close and right now holds you even closer in your disappointment. He knows your disappointment and understands your grief.
__________________________________
Tonight, one beautiful little boy rests again in the arms of his mother. And another waits in the orphanage right now, for the day to come -- soon! -- when he can rest in his forever momma's arms.
His timing is never wrong. It is always, always, always perfect.
__________________________________

Praise our God for He is good!

waiting sisters

2011-05-19T09:40:00.001-04:00

"E and Y"
These beautiful sisters (age 6 and 8) are from the Sidama region of Ethiopia. They have been at our care center since the beginning of March. They are both quiet and very sweet. They are social and love playing with the other young girls at the care center. They are close to each other and often spend time playing together.

In the three weeks Liz spent at the care center with the girls, she saw their personalities start to open up and they started learning the alphabet, and English words for body parts. They are very quick learners and eager to come home to their forever family!

One adoptive family that recently visited had these kind words to say about these girls, "The most adorable girls ever!! It took a day or two to get some real smiles out of these girls but when they decided they could open up to us - they were soooooo very sweet! Absolutely beautiful! Anyone would be blessed to call these girls their daughters!"

If you would like more information, please email waitingkids@adoptioninternational.net

beach time: a walk down memory lane

2011-05-19T08:09:00.002-04:00

We are headed off to the beach soon. We haven’t been back to this one since Ab had just came home—almost 3 years ago.

A walk down memory lane--Abenezer had been home about 2 months in this video.

I miss that little accent :) When I look at these I am amazed at how much he has grown and learned.

A huge blessing to our lives.

Wow! You guys rock!

2011-05-17T09:20:00.002-04:00

I am blown away by the outpouring of love and generosity for Thomas!
We have raised $212 with one time donations and one precious friend who has sponsored Thomas for 2 years!!
Thank you friends across the states. I am just in awe of how God moved on your hearts to help this young man that you have never met. Please know that I appreciate it and am blessed by it. You are making a HUGE difference in the life of a young man.
I am also so thankful for Vincent who will come beside him and help him put his life on a good course. Vincent will manage the funds for Thomas to make sure that he gets what is needed and best.
If any of you have a desire to send Thomas a word of encouragement—you can email it to me at Chrissy@grassrootsheroes.org or if you want it to be handwritten—email me for my address to send it to.
Please be in prayer for Thomas—that he will make good choices and that he will know God’s love and faithfulness down deep in his soul.
Now…some pictures of the village that Thomas lives in.

The white building in the above picture is the current location of Mango Grove school. This is the school Grassroots Heroes supports with a sponsorship program for students. We are in process of moving it and building a new one. (Thomas goes to a different school now as this one does not go to 9th grade) A broad view of part of the village

Kids playing on the play pump.

A little view into his world. A village filled with beautiful people.
Thank you so much!!

Meet Thomas

2011-05-16T08:22:00.002-04:00

I received an email from Vince last week sharing the needs and story of Thomas.

Thomas is a double orphan and is in 9th grade. He has no one helping to care for him or looking after him.
He has been working hard in school and 9th grade is very important in Zambia. It literally decides your future.
Vince would like to help Thomas start a small business so that he can have the funds to feed himself and take care of his own needs.
This is the center of our heart—to help people’s immediate needs and make a plan to help them support themselves so they don’t have to rely on handouts forever. To give them hope, dignity, and life.
Immediate Need: Food
Food per month he would need K150.000 ($32 US per month)
Self-Sustaining Need:
Start up capital for a vegetable garden will be K300.000 ($63 US)
Can you help out and give a young man hope for the future?
Every little bit given adds up and together we can make a difference in this young man’s life so that he doesn’t become another sad statistic.
If so, go to www.grassrootsheroes.org and click on the left to donate. Just make sure to put Thomas’ needs in the comment section. You can also send me an email at chrissy@grassrootsheroes.org
For those that contribute—we will keep you updated on Thomas’ story so you can see your gift at work!

Update on our friend L in Zambia

2011-05-13T16:26:00.002-04:00

I realized today that I haven’t given you an update on our friend!
We received enough money to start up both businesses for her and to provide for some immediate needs such as food for her and the 4 children. Below is a picture of her with the first start of the chicken frying business.

I am thankful for Vince who is helping her to manage her funds and I am thankful for those of you who donated to help her!
I am always amazed at how so little money from us can make a HUGE difference in the lives of others. Especially when we combine our resources together!
Thank you again!!
Be on the lookout for a post about a young man that you will also have the opportunity to help!

2011-05-12T13:10:00.000-04:00

This video makes my heart full. I am so thankful for those love Ethiopia and her people. I can't wait to be there again--soon!!

The City of Addis - A short documentary from Session 7 Media on Vimeo.

multitudes on monday 58-70

2011-05-09T19:51:00.001-04:00

I am grateful for:

58. a wonderful mother’s day with 4 precious children and 1 more waiting that I long to hold.

59. the feeling of dirt under my fingernails while working in a garden.

60. homemade mashed potatoes

61. friends who sacrifice for our family

62. fresh cut grass

63. grace upon grace upon grace

64. music that feeds my soul

65. listening to my daughter play beautiful music

66. a car that can be dented with a baseball.

67. hearing the laughter of 8 giggly girls.

68. soccer coaches that teach much more important lessons than ball handling.

69. a son that gets that lesson in his heart.

70. A donation of $200 worth of meds at cost from a friend for our son’s care center.

Court date!

2011-05-04T17:14:00.000-04:00

Most of you know by now that we did receive our court date Friday!

Right in the middle of our co-op meeting! I saw our agency’s phone number –heart started beating wildly and I answered with “please tell me you have good news” and she did!

We are so excited to meet our son and we’ll be there in about a month!

I told the kids asap and here are the responses:
Rachel: “Yea—are you going to be happy now?” Yea..she’s seen ALOT of tears.

Bekah: “ I knew it was coming today because you didn’t think it would” smarty pants—but it’s true.
Even told my coordinator so after she told me it could. Yes. One of my finer moments.

Ab: “ I wondered why you are all wound up like a wildcat” I have no idea where that came from.

Josh: “yea” those of you who know my son know that he is a man of many words!

We have a CRAZY month coming up and I know it will fly by.
I am so stinkin excited to get my hands on that boy and to be back in Ethiopia again.

Now..how can you pray? Please pray that all of our paperwork will be in order and that all details will go smoothly. That our recommendation letter will be there and we will hear the wonderful words of “congratulations” from the judge while we are there.

We have a wonderful God-ordained travel group and I am also excited to meet each one of them!!

Also..if you’d like to help with donations for our son's care center—Here are things we are looking to help take. You can also donate through paypal below:

Diapers –disposable and clothwipes
powdered formula
cloth diaper covers
vitamin D liquid for children
multi vitamins for children
Multivitamin syrup (poly-vi-sol)
diaper rash cream
baby lotion
anti-fungal cream
baby clothes---in good condition
pedialyte powder
bumper pads for cribs

And one last thing…my baby girl turned 11 today. So hard to believe. one of my favorite pictures after she helped herself to some lipstick--

I miss that baby face and her falling down—jumping up and yelling “I’m otay..I’m otay”

Happy Birthday little blessing.

All those people who told me to enjoy them little because it goes by so fast?? They were right.