The Story of Us

Let's Hear it For the Boys

2010-12-10T06:27:00.009-05:00

They're sixteen today. When did that happen? They've grown into such tender hearted, strong young men. I can hardly stand it. Sixteen years ago we found ourselves standing over incubators in a neonatal intensive care unit trying not to tangle wires and set off moniter alarms just to get close to them.

They don't look so tiny and frail now. They're still best friends, Freshmen Class Reps, members of their high school's crew team, and most recently winners of the Jefferson Award for their service to homeless and ill veterans. Happy birthday, boys. We are so proud of you and we love you so much.

Excuse Me, but the Correct Idiom is "Fall off the Wagon"

2010-08-06T21:37:00.011-04:00

It happened when I least expected it but fully needed it. Shoes kicked off, one leg slung over the arm of the recliner, saucer perched in hand, butter cream frosted slice of cake in midbite - Sam sidled up to me and with genuine sympathy said, "What's wrong mom? Did you break the wagon?" Wow. Really?

So here's my confession. Somewhere around the end of the school year, the running routine fell by the wayside. Along with it went all the good habits I had picked up. You know, the ones that were contributing to slow but steady weight loss, better eating habits, and greater confidence.

I did try once earlier this summer to haul myself up on that wagon before it left me in the dust. A friend called and invited me to run with her running group one morning. I thought that might be just what I need to kick start my routine again. "Great!" she said, "I'll pick you up at 5 am."

Five am? That was bound to be a committed group of women. Although I wasn't thrilled about the early hour, at least there would be a break from the draining heat of the day that had kept me at bay. But when I stepped out the door at 5am the next morning, it was as if I had donned a velvet sweatsuit dipped in warm water. Even at that early hour the heat was palpable.

We pulled up to the track right before 5:30. Not ten, not twenty, but nearly 200 runners had gathered to train for everything from 5K races in the coming weeks to marathons at the end of the year. My friend was training for a marathon, so I encouraged her to run at her own pace and I'd meet her back by the bleachers in 45 minutes. I found camaraderie in a pace group that slowed down and walked with me when I needed a breather. It was a great experience and I wish I could tell you I went back . . . but I didn't. The fees for the running club weren't possible and I figured all I needed was to get out there and just do it.

Fast forward six weeks and I don't have much to show for that pledge. About 10 days ago Robert rallied us and we started our early morning walks again. I hate starting over, but I know I'll feel better in a few weeks when I'm back in a routine. One of my dear friends from New York was in the area visiting family recently and spent the day with me. She's a runner. A darn good one. She's training for a marathon and was a great encouragement to me.

It's important that I do this. Pray with me that I can stay motivated as the school year is quickly approaching. The boys will be conditioning for cross country after school this year, so I doubt they'll have the energy to go on runs in the evenings like we did last Spring. It's going to be up to me this time around!

Summer of Service

2010-07-30T13:55:00.018-04:00

Has it really been two months since our last post? I believe summer days pass quicker than any other time period. I swear I was just cleaning up my classroom and this week I found myself rearranging desks to try a new classroom layout. School will be here in a matter of a few weeks, but we've been redeeming the time during our time off.

Hannah loves on her favorite horse Prince.
Sam, Nate, Hannah, and Kristina spent their summer volunteering with an organization close to their hearts. I told you in an earlier post that Hannah spent quite a bit of time at the horse stables caring for the horses and working with the handicap children who came for therapy. It can be back breaking work, but her only complaint has been the heat. It has been sweltering here in Central Florida this summer!

Hannah grooming Prince.

Hannah having a heart to heart with Image about where they are and are not going to go.

Hannah returning Prince to his stall.
Kristina was quickly intrigued by Hannah's work at the stables and signed on to help out. I found it interesting that she gravitated towards a horse named Lucky. Contrary to his promising name, Lucky is blind in one eye and takes a little more patience and care than the other horses. Maybe that's what attracted Kristina to him in the first place. I don't know who is more excited to see whom on the days the girls serve at the stables! She is dwarfed by this gentle giant and it tickles me to see them together.

When I showed up with my camera yesterday, Lucky had just peeked out of his stall to give Kristina a kiss.

Walking and talking with her favorite.

Obviously a hug is the finishing touch on Lucky's grooming regiment.

And while she may have her favorite, she shares the love by stopping to have a conversation with Equity . . .

and smooch on miniature horse Marshmallow.

The Horse Whisperer. Who knows what she's telling these guys, but they sure do listen!

In addition to her time at the stables, Kristina is also involved in something close to her heart. Reading! She volunteers twice a week as part of the Teen Library Corps by reshelving books, helping patrons find what they're looking for, and organizing as only our girl can.

Both of the boys wanted to be involved in serving soldiers in some way. I was glad when they settled on the Veterans Hospital here in Orlando. Both boys are hoping to join the military when they finish college, so I thought it would be good for them to see the less than romantic side of the service. They were assigned to the post-op surgery unit where they do everything from transporting patients to clerical work to running errands for doctors and nurses within the unit. They really enjoy ministering to the soldiers and their families. They've learned a lot from soldiers who are happy to share their war stories with two eager boys willing to listen. They've put in over 70 hours each this summer alone. I wish I had photos I could share of the guys on the job, but they work in a restricted surgery unit and patient confidentiality means a camera doesn't make it past those locked doors. Once I caught a glimpse of Nate wheeling a patient downstairs. He was dressed in his scrubs and I barely recognized him! I swear they've changed so much just in the last year. Sometimes I will hear a man's voice in the house and I have a moment of panic thinking someone has broken in . . . only to realize its just one of the boys. Like the summer, their childhood seems to have flown by too!

Josh is already looking at his volunteer options for next year. He spent this summer taking an online course and getting ahead in school. He did volunteer at the Run for Africa 5k last Saturday morning. This was one of the races the boys and I considered running when we heard about it a few months back, but when I realized it was being held in late July I opted out! It was a worthwhile cause though, so we all chipped in to help the organization. All seven of us volunteered at the event and had a blast working the water stations and shouting encouragement to hundreds of runners wilting in the early morning heat. Running is one of things that has fallen off my radar this summer - more about that later.

Okay that's enough for now - though there's lots more to share. Stay tuned!

Playing Catch Up

2010-05-29T08:30:00.009-04:00

I know, I know. It's been a month since we blogged. I blame it on the fact that I'm a school teacher. We're down to the wire here. Seven days left of school. My desk is a sea of ungraded papers and inventory sheets that mocks me everytime I step into my classroom. But apart from school, there have been some other things going on.

Sam participated in the annual JROTC district competition last weekend. Seven hours in the glaring sun and a mean sunburn were well worth it. Their school swept the competition taking more trophies in more categories than anyone else. Sam competed in personal inspection and the 100 meter dash for which his unit took first place. Hoo-ah! Exhibition/Rifle Team continues to be his passion though and both boys hope to attend The Nationals Drill Camp in Georgia one day for some real training from the top guys in the field. He and Nate are looking forward to being part of the high school unit next year.

Hannah has been volunteering at a nonprofit lately. She works with handicapp children and horses doing what is called hippotherapy or riding therapy. She LOVES it. She drives us nuts asking us to bring her to the stables more often. The child cleans stalls and grooms the horses without a bit of complaint. That's how we know how much she loves this! She insists on bringing the horses a treat almost every visit, so I have gotten in the habit of picking up an extra bag of carrots at the grocery store. I'll post some pics of her with her new friends soon.

Nothing new on the adoption front. I am growing more content with the knowledge that everything is in God's timing and that makes it perfect. There's a chance the boys might be sent to the same "camp" this summer. That would be very comforting to know they're together again. Pray that this would be the case.

Who Do You Know?

2010-04-29T13:31:00.004-04:00

We are in chilly Minneapolis this morning attending the first day of the Christian Alliance for Orphans Conference. So far: incredible! We were able to hear Tom Davis speak at the opening session and he was part of the session I attended on engaging "Youth and College Age Students in Orphan Ministry". If you're unfamiliar with Tom, a great place to start is his book Fields of the Fatherless. God used this book to help focus my vision for orphan ministry many years ago. Robert attended a session on church ministry and 501c3 organization and leadership structure.

The problem with conferences like this is there are 8-10 topic choices in each breakout session. I will have highlighted no less than four, yet I can't be in four places at one time. Thankfully the sessions are being recorded and will be available for sale. I'm sitting in the optional lunch session "International Adoption 2010: Challenges, Changes, and Difficult Questions" with a netbook perched precariously on my knees attempting to soak in and record as much as possible for our own adoption as well as the church that sent us.

Walking through the vendor tables this morning, I heard my name called and looked up to find Colleen Stats, board member of Frontier Horizon, Facebook friend, and fellow Ukraine adopter. It's amazing to meet people who you have only known in cyberspace. I know there are many others here who I know from the blog world and I hope to cross paths with before the close of the conference.

Robert and I are about the split up to attend the second breakout session. Robert will go to "Fundraising for Orphan Ministry" (which I'm sure will have a huge turnout) and I am headed to hear Traci Heim with Project Hopeful who will address "Adoption of HIV Positive Orphans and Other Special Need Orphans".

So much has been said this morning that strikes us deeply. The most provoking quote I would share is this question posed to a group of nearly 1300 individuals who call themselves servants of the King, "There are over 147 million orphans around the world today. Most Christians can't name 5. Why is that?"

Love Hurts

2010-04-24T18:54:00.004-04:00

We are making (very) slow progress, but determinedly moving forward with baby steps. We had our medicals done a few weeks ago. Poor Robert, the nurse had to stick him several times before she got a vein that would give up the juice. Fingerprints and background checks are officially done and in hand. The homestudy is a matter of one meeting and a big check, so we're holding off on that for now. In my time frame, I calculated having all the paperwork done by the end of school and (fingers crossed) a travel date by late summer. But things don't seem to be working out that way and I have to trust that God is behind the timing of all things.

A few weeks ago we were discouraged by well meaning individuals who told us we needed to put the adoption on hold until our finances were all in place. If we had followed this advice, Kristina would still be languishing in an orphanage on the other side of the world. Yet, we want to be sensitive to wise counsel and humble to hearing those around us so we are moving slowly in the hopes that God will provide in a big way.

We learned this week that Sasha has been approved to travel in the same hosting program Kristina came with three years ago. The thought of having him here for the entire summer and lavishing love on him is almost too much to bear, but we simply cannot afford the hosting fee and will have to learn patience in the process.

Please continue to pray for wisdom on our part and for God's provision. Pray for Sasha and Vitalik too!

Running Here, Running There

2010-04-24T18:27:00.008-04:00

Another blissfully busy weekend! Nate and I ran in the Run for the Trees 5K race in Winter Park, Florida early this morning. It was a harder run than I anticipated and I finished three minutes later than my last run, but it was a great experience nonetheless. The race path wound through beautiful Winter Park, around lakes, and eventually led to an off road wilderness path through private land that is only open to the public once a year during this race. We ran beneath a canopy of ancient trees and through orange groves as brilliantly colored wild peacocks eyed us from a few yards off. We received the traditional race shirt and goody bag, but we also were presented with two lovely Magnolia tree saplings at the end of the race. Nate has already scoped out the yard and found where he wants to plant his.

Signing up for my second race has kept me motivated to put my running shoes on several times each week and hit the pavement. You see, I'm not a runner, but I am trying! You would be surprised by the spectrum of ages and shapes of people who participate in these runs. While there's the traditional gazelle types who mark their places at the starting line, no one raises an eyebrow when I make my way into the middle of the sea of runners and wait for the starting horn. At one point in today's race, a speed walker actually passed us and Nate and I had to laugh at the humbling episode. We caught and passed him later, but I'm sure there's a spiritual application there somewhere! And I am reaping the benefits of the exercise. I've lost 7 pounds thus far and I feel great. We've decided to sign up for the US Secret Service 5K Road Race later next month, so that's where our focus will be in the coming weeks.

Sam and Nate have been running with me throughout the week and that has afforded us unique bonding time. Have I mentioned how much I love having teenagers? I keep waiting for this horrible phase known as the "Teenage Years" and it has yet to show it's ugly face. Listen, I work with teenagers for a living, I know that phase first hand. Yet the boys and I continue to grow closer and closer. Every relationship has its ups and downs, but I am loving this time with my guys.

Private First Class Sam had a JROTC competition this morning or he would have participated in our run. He has really found his niche in this group and loves every minute of it. His Exhibition Rifle Drill team took first place today and he will be receiving a special commendation for his participation.

Hannah is our resident artist. When she was a little girl, she would sit at the kitchen table with blank paper and colored pencils and draw to her heart's content. She signed up for an acrylic art class at Leu Gardens a few weeks ago to learn the medium. The melodies of Billie Holiday floated down the hallway where I found her in class today, chatting away with an artist in her 60's, and working on this piece of a Camellia she had plucked from the gardens earlier this morning. She is the only youth in a group of older, more experienced artists, but the instructor makes a point of telling me what a wonderful student Hannah is and how much they've enjoyed having her youthful energy in class.

Kristina joined a friend and her youth group for a camp out at the beach last night. They awoke early this morning and participated in a clean up project along the shoreline. I'd give you more information, but she collapsed into bed shortly after returning home this afternoon and I have yet to hear the details other than, "fun, it was fun," murmured as I kissed her forehead as she pulled the covers up under her chin.

Blessed Assurance

2010-04-15T23:56:00.003-04:00

I've received many emails and been stopped quite a few times by coworkers, friends, and family who want to know my take on the little boy whose adoptive mother put him on a plane and sent him back to Russia recently. No one knows the details of the situation, and we may never know them, but I believe those details really aren't relevant to the question at hand.

I posted this almost two years ago on Kristina's adoption blog and I think it reminds us of what our roles are in the Christian family, particularly when dealing with difficult situations:

I hate confronting sin. Its an ugly, unpleasant task. Dealing with my own shortcomings has always keep me busy enough, but as a mom I have to deal with the sin nature of five other little people. Its my job to call them on the carpet when they make wrong choices. In that role, I try to emulate the Father as much as possible: confronting sin plainly, offering forgiveness freely, and reassuring love unconditionally.

A situation arose with Kristina this week in which God called me to do all of these things. I learned she had done something and I was beyond disappointed. I dreaded the coming conversation in which I would have to confront her and hope that she would confess what I already knew.

This afternoon I took up my usual position in the Adirondack chairs under the tree in the front yard. I attempted to focus on the book on my lap, but found myself straining to listen for the school bus. Eventually the sound of their chatter drifted towards me as they made their way down the street. Skipping up the drive in her customized sneakers, she plopped her book bag at my feet and fell into the empty chair next to me. I waited until the other children wandered off to begin their homework before I broached the dreaded conversation.

I wish I could lead into a sweet anecdote about how she readily confessed the transgression, but that just isn't what happened. I asked. She denied. I asked again. She lied. I revealed the proof and she became speechless. Her eyes grew round and large and she seemed to shrink within the space of her chair. Once it was out in the open I explained that her choice was not one that we approved of and we were disappointed with her actions. It was clear she knew how serious the situation was as she glanced over her shoulder to the closed front door of the house and then back to me. I had never seen her look that way before. There was something about her face that made my heart sink before she even spoke the words. "Are you sending me back to Ukraine?" She sat motionless waiting for my answer as tears slipped silently down her cheeks.

It was an unfathomable question. "There is nothing you could ever do that would separate you from this family. There is no lie you could ever tell that would make us love you any less. You are one of us and you will always be one of us." Her chest heaved a sigh as if she had been holding her breath. Her face softened as the terrified look melted away. She believed me.

As she hugged me, I contemplated what would cause her to think such a thing. Obviously, her past. She had been forsaken for a lot less. Those she has counted on to love and protect her have abused and abandoned her. We discussed the consequences for her decision and she gathered her things from the lawn. She has spent the remainder of the afternoon grounded in her room. I swear I've never seen a happier punished kid in my life!

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him
-Psalm 103:8-13

Wounded Warrior 5K

2010-04-10T18:42:00.012-04:00

Sam and I have been exercising together for the last few weeks. He's getting in shape for PT as part of his JROTC program and I'm . . . well . . . I'm just trying to get in shape. So Sam and I walk/jog together several days a week. It's humbling to have him jog backwards and carry on a conversation as I shuffle away. He says he's my trainer and takes great pride in this role!

After three weeks we decided to test our stuff and signed up for the Wounded Warrior 5k at Lake Baldwin Park. The race was sponsored by the Navy League and had a great turn out. About 550 runners gathered under perfect blue skies. There was a huge turnout of military personnel representing their divisions and friends who have fallen in battle. Many of the soldiers ran with their field backpacks which I know must have added at least 50 pounds.

Nate decided to join us at the last minute and because he hadn't been training with us, commented several times how hard the course was. I looked like I was running with body guards with the twins flanking me! I'm really proud we were able to do the run and so glad the boys came with me. We finished the course in 35 minutes and 30 seconds. We didn't break any records, but I did prove someone wrong who said I couldn't do it!

Sowing and Reaping

2010-03-13T14:54:00.008-05:00

Little children, let us love,
not in word or speech,
but in truth and action.
1 John 3:18

I love spending time with my family. We laugh a lot and genuinely enjoy each other's company. We're always looking for fun things to do that don't cost anything so we visit many of the state parks and nature trails in our area. This morning we headed south where we spent the morning gleaning oranges in a Clermont, Florida grove. It was a perfect day with blue skies and a cool breeze blowing. We loaded bucket after bucket of sweet ripe oranges from the trees.

It was a great opportunity for us to serve as a family. All of the fruit we gathered will be sent to local food banks to serve the poor and homeless in our area. The Society of St Andrew works with farmers and land owners across the United States to gather produce that would go to waste. Last night's family devotion came from the book of Ruth, Deuteronomy 24, and Leviticus 19 where God provides for the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan by commanding land owners to leave a portion of their field unharvested for those in need. It was a tangible way for our family to serve those in need and live out the Biblical mandate to provide for others. Sam decided to represent his JROTC unit and wore his uniform in the fields. There were several families there including ones with very small children who ran around excitedly picking up fruit shaken from the trees as it rained down to the ground. I even bumped into a few of my high school students in the field! If you ever get the opportunity to glean we would encourage you to do it. It made for great memories.

Sobering Numbers

2010-03-10T16:44:00.006-05:00

There are 143 million orphans in the world.

143,000,000

Can you fathom that number? Take a moment and let this video put it in perspective.

Orphan Summit VI

2010-03-10T14:31:00.003-05:00

God answers prayers!!! Out wonderful church is sending BOTH Robert and me as delegates to the conference in Minneapolis next month! I literally did the happy dance when we got the phone call. We are so overwhelmed at God's graciousness towards us. The breakout sessions are unbelievable and we're having a real problem narrowing down which sessions to sign up for. We'd love to know if anyone else in the blog world is planning on attending. Drop me a comment and let me know if you'll be there! We'd love to meet you!

Warm Hands, Warm Hearts

2010-03-05T17:45:00.005-05:00

A missionary friend recently shared that many orphans are without proper coats and winter wear in Ukraine. She sent out a Valentine challenge last month asking individuals, Sunday school groups, churches, and families to create Valentine cards for the children and include a small donation to go towards purchasing warm wear. We were able to share this need at the mission conference we spoke at and a church member shared the need with her middle school students who created 100 handmade cards! We were overwhelmed by the selfless act of these students and the messages of love and encouragement they wrote in their cards. Kristina set about translating all 100 cards with great joy and we were able to mail the cards and $200 to Ukraine! How can you, your family, and your church be involved in glorifying God through orphan ministry? Need some ideas? Sign up for our newsletter or drop us a line. Get involved!

Long Overdue Update

2010-03-04T15:59:00.011-05:00

Let me back up a little and tell what you what's been going on. Kristina and Robert arrived home safely at the end of January with lots of stories and pictures from their time with the orphans in Ukraine. It was a wonderful experience for both of them. They spent lots of time playing with kids, doing crafts, and just loving on the children. Kristina had the opportunity to meet with former caregivers and orphanage personnel to give her testimony of life with a family. We trust that those words will plant seeds that lead to change in perceptions concerning orphans and their potential. While there, she was interviewed by a film crew who are working on a documentary to be shown throughout Ukraine about orphans. It was an honor for her to be part of the project and we know God will use it to bring light to the good things that can happen as the result of adoption.

One of the things we were looking forward to was meeting the boys we are hoping to adopt. Unfortunately, Vitalik had been sent to a sanatorium for rest so they weren't able to meet him. But they did meet Sasha briefly while visiting his orphanage. He is tiny even for a seven year old.
There is some concern about how he is adjusting in his new orphanage. It is a rough environment and we would ask for your prayers for him at this time. Of course, that just spurs us on to get the paperwork rolling. We have spoken with the social worker who completed our home study for Kristina's adoption and she has agreed to do a new one for this adoption. We have the funds to cover that step and then we're back at square one financially. We trust that God will provide for this adoption as he did with Kristina's though. He is faithful and we look forward to watching Him work again!

Our fifteen year old twins Sam and Nate want to travel with us to Ukraine for this adoption and I am really hoping they are able to do that. They'll be a tremendous help wrangling two little boys throughout the process! They also want to see the orphanage situation in Ukraine and I am thrilled that God has made their hearts sensitive to serving in this way. To that end, they've started a little yard work business in our area to help raise money for the process. I'm guessing they'll need to raise a little over a thousand dollars each to cover their airfare and in country costs, so remember them in your prayers too. And if you're in Central Florida and need your grass mowed, your driveway pressure washed, your yard raked, or your gutters cleaned - let us know!

We were able to speak on orphan ministry at a missions conference recently and are so excited about sharing this mercy ministry with others. I am amazed at the clear commandments of God towards his people concerning caring for the orphan. The Bible is filled with instructions on how we are to minister to the least of these and we have found untold joy in following God's will in this area. We've recently started a newsletter to share news on orphans, the work of missionaries, and opportunities to practice this mercy ministry in your own life. If you're interested in receiving the newsletter by email, please add your email to the box in the top right corner of the blog.

I'm praying about attending Summit IV in Minneapolis at the end of April. There are so many great resources at this conference. If anyone out there is planning to go, please let me know!

From the Frozen Tundra

2010-01-24T13:06:00.006-05:00

Robert happened to be online at the same time as me this morning and we were able to IM briefly. He said they are FREEZING because they're in a mountainous area now. I think -23 degrees was the last temp I heard. Unfathomable! He said he was wearing two pair of pants, two shirts, his jacket and gloves at all times. I asked him if his thermals were coming in handy. He said, "What thermals!?!?" Obviously he didn't check the front pocket of the suitcase! Hopefully he's a little toastier now.

They were able to spend time with children at the village orphanage in Lutsk yesterday. Most of the children here have been removed from their homes because of neglect. The team attempted to teach the kids how to play football, but Robert said the rules didn't necessarily translate. Robert said he must have thrown the football a thousand times in the last few days as the team and the orphans ran around in the snow. What a wonderful image.

Robert and the team are staying with missionaries in the area and I can't help but be warmed by the generosity of these servants of God to open their apartments to the American team. They have gained us access into orphanages and let us glimpse the ministry they have built for the glory of God. One of the goals of the team was to encourage these missionaries, but I think it's safe to say that THEY have been an encouragement to us.

Wish I had pictures to share with all of you, but Robert said they are on dial up and are lucky to get an email out here and there. I'm sure there will much to say and pictures to post when they get home Thursday morning. until then I'll keep you posted with the latest!

Love Lost for Alaska

2010-01-23T09:20:00.004-05:00

Robert was able to send me a short email about their recent activities and new location. They took Erin to beautiful downtown Odessa and to see the Black Sea on their last day there. They also returned to Kristina's old orphanage for more time with the kids. I loaded a backpack full of snacks (beef jerky, Slim Jims, trail mix, granola bars) for Kristina and Robert before leaving because sometimes you don't know when you'll have a chance to stop and eat on these type of trips. Robert took the snacks to the orphanage. He said the meat sticks were a big hit and the kids ate everything he had. :) He briefly mentioned meeting Sasha, and this after I lectured him on wanting details about their first meeting! Leave it to a guy to provide only the basics. He was struck by how tiny Sasha was. And he made sure to give him chocolate. There is something about my husband that makes him want to feed every child he meets! I'm hoping for more details when he comes home.

They have traveled overnight by train to Lutsk to visit some missionaries and orphanages. They are bringing a dozen warm coats they purchased in the market with funds from a donor. And it looks like that may be a valuable commodity in Lutsk. The high temperature today is supposed to be 1 degree. Yeah, 1 degree. No that's not Celsius and no I didn't leave off a digit. Robert said he has never been so cold. He's always talked about wanting to visit Alaska. He has now changed his mind.

From Kristina

2010-01-21T16:04:00.008-05:00

Okay . . . . so here it goes.

The first thing I want to do and tell is thanks to Mom and Erin and everybody that prayed for me and raised money for me that I could go on this trip to Ukraine.

WHHOOOHOOO!!!!

Mom, I love you and without you and everyone else I could not go to Ukraine with Dad, Karina, and her dad.

Okay . . . so let's get to the flight!!! We flew from Orlando to Atlanta. We got to Atlanta at 10, but our next flight didn't leave until 3:35. So we waited and I didn't complain. I'm so happy for me!!! Karina, her dad, and Erin met us at the Atlanta airport and we flew to Paris. Here is something to make you laugh. You know how when you put all your stuff in the scanner to make sure you don't have weapons? Well you have to take your shoes off too. So I did that and I was watching my stuff and I realized only one of my boots came out and I was like, "Excuse me. I put two boots there and only one came out! Would you check for me and see if you can find it please?" Thank goodness they found it!!!

From Paris we flew to Kiev. It was good except for the part when my ears were popping and I almost started crying. And Karina and I didn't get to sit together except on the last flight from Kiev to Odessa. That plane was really tiny too. We got to eat dinner AND breakfast on the plane! Dad was sleeping the whole time but I only slept on the last flight.

So then we got to Odessa, waited in line, and got the luggage Karina and her Dad brought form their Sunday School to the children. M, V, and S met us at the airport and took us to A's house where we ate Ukrainian pizza (which I like better than American pizza). Then we took showers and rested after a long day.

The next day we were allowed to go to Karina and my old orphanage. We were not allowed to do video but pictures were okay. Since I've left the orphanage two years ago I didn't see a lot of people I knew because many of them have been adopted! I'm so happy for them!!! The children left from my class were Vladik (he missed me so much he gave me a hug!), Edik (he looks the same), Jenya (looks just like I remember), Marat (he is so much taller!), and a new kid named Uri ( him and dad are best friends. He is sooo sweet and very nice to talk to). Uri wanted my dad to make sure he knew what the Bible was so he took his out to show him. He also offered to give his Bible to Dad. Dad showed him the verse John 3:16 and he knew what it was. I also saw Sasha and Andrey. Andrey wasn't in my class but he remembers me. He was a good friend to me and Karina. You heard me mention Erin. Well she prays for many of these children.

I also met new friends like Luba and her sister. Luba liked to talk a lot and her sister was very sweet. The next day when we came to visit her sister gave me a hug. I enjoyed visiting them and sharing my love with them!!! While I was at the orphanage, I translated for my dad, Karina's dad, and Erin. I was happy to be able to do that for them.

I also met with the orphanage director and talked about my new life with my family in America. I also got to see my favorite teacher Svetlana V. She's my favorite because she would take care of me like a mother is supposed to. When I had lice (which I don't anymore), she would help me. When it was my birthday she would come early before class and give me a little present. She called me ponytails because I always wore ponytails. She loved me and I was her favorite! We talked to many people and answered questions about our families. I showed Erin around the orphanage and she met the librarian.

I also got to see my Natalia and Tatiana - my teachers from the orphanage! We talked, took pictures, hugged, and ate dinner. Natalia has a baby and he is so cute! I didn't hold him though. He looks like her. Tatiana gave us the pictures from a long time ago when I was little. I looked so cure! Maybe my mom can post them on the blog when I get back,

The next day we went to the open air market. We bought some warm coats for the kids in the orphanage. I hope the kids like them. We used the money from Karina's church. And a big thanks to Christina Dent for helping out!

After the market, we went to the orphanage where Sasha was moved to. I've taken many pictures so far. Some of you might have heard that we are trying to adopt two little cute boys. I wish my mom was with me, But I will tell her everything that happened and take many pictures of them and the other children. I think I might want to be a photographer. I know I'm not a better photographer than my mom, but I'm learning!!! We did crafts with the kids and spent time talking to them. Then me and my dad went to the cafeteria to meet Sasha. He was getting his food so we waited for him. When he came out, M gave me a present to give to him. It was colored pencils and a coloring book. My dad met him too. I took a picture with him and patted him on the head. We only got to spend 10 minutes together, but I thank God for that! He looks so much cuter in life than in the pictures! He is also very small for his age, but he is so cute! M said he likes to be cuddled and be tickled when he gets to know you. I'm thinking of sending him a package when I get back to America. I don't think we are going to be able to meet Vitalik on this trip. I'm upset, but I hope we can adopt them both. We looked around this orphanage and Erin and I talked with an 8th grade teacher. She was very sweet. I told Erin that if I was an orphan there, I would want this lady for a teacher. Karina's dad played football with the boys and they tackled each other.

We went back to A's house and ate borscht. Woohoo!!! We've also eaten pelmeni and shishkabobs. We went ice skating with Tatiana and I fell once. I also made Karina fall! We couldn't stop laughing. Dad and Karina's dad didn't want to skate, so dad took pictures of us.

Tomorrow we are going to downtown Odessa and back to my old orphanage. Then we are leaving Odessa to go to Luks to visit more orphanages. It is a 12 hour train ride. We're staying in a 2nd class car which is a small room with a door that can close and lock. We don't know if we will have internet, but I will try and write again soon.

The Milkman Returneth

2010-01-20T14:47:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite memories of our adoption trip was the day that Robert wiped out almost an entire milk section at the local "Kopeka" to bring back to the orphanage. So it came as no surprise to receive this as the opening in Robert's email this afternoon:

We went to the orphanage yesterday and I bought all of the milk in the store and brought it to them. I brought crab, ham, and caviar flavored chips and candy bars for them too.

He kills me! Robert said Matthew brought footballs to play with the kids during their visit. This was Robert's highlight of the time:

One of the boys, about fourteen or fifteen who had early on in life been badly burned and lost a few fingers, made friends with me. At first he was shy but we threw Matthew's football back and forth in the room and he opened up. I doubt that anybody has ever played catch with him before. He really enjoyed it.

I had the misfortune of being at my desk when I read that and it took a good deal to maintain my composure. I ached for this boy. Not necessarily because he carries the scars from a traumatic physical experience, but because he carries unseen scars that can be healed by the love and touch of another human being.

According to Robert's report, they returned to the orphanage today to play with and love on the children some more. He tells of Matthew getting on the floor and wrestling with the boys. They had dinner with Kristina's orphanage caregivers and a girl who was in Karina & Kristina's class. She has since run away from the orphanage because of circumstances that are beyond her control. Robert was troubled to hear her talk about her situation.

Kristina is obviously taking tons of photos that I can't wait to see. Robert reports she and Karina are sisters reunited and are having a wonderful time. He said she's not spending much time with him because she's so excited to see everyone. He understands though and is giving her space to reconnect. They plan on visiting another orphanage tomorrow and may get the chance to meet one of the boys. They're also taking the train to visit some of the more remote orphanages later in the week. I'll update you when I hear something again. You can also visit the Naseoks's blog and get a first hand update of what is happening on the trip!

Short & Sweet

2010-01-19T15:45:00.005-05:00

Matthew's wife Sheila was good enough to call yesterday and confirm that Robert & Kristina are alive and well in Ukraine. Although I stalked their flights online, it was good to hear another person confirm what the monitor was telling me. I breathed a little easier knowing they were okay, but I still would like to hear their voices.

Just before midnight last night, my cell phone chimed to let me know a comment had been posted on the last blog entry. I was tickled to see that it was from Kristina who was wide awake and apparently looking for an nontraditional breakfast by both Ukrainian and American standards:

Mom we travelled safe and we have Internet access - I might write on the family blog soon. We are going to the orphanage today and I am so excited!
We are going to see Alyona today! It is 6:30AM here and Karina and I might go eat some ice cream!!! Karina is hungry and won't let me sleep!! Karina had to take a freezing cold shower because I used all the hot water up. I cut my finger and it bled for a while but it is fine now. Karina and I talked to one of our supervisors and we hope to see them.
Bye, Mom! I love you!

This is the first time she and I have been separated since she came home two years ago and it's strange. We're so much alike that some days I long for a little distance, but after only 2 days apart I am really missing her.

You know what struck me about the comment she left? The part where she says how excited she is to go to the orphanage. Understandably the orphanage holds a lifetime of memories for her, many bad. The fact that she is excited about returning confirms that she has claimed her place in our family and can face her past with new strength and even hope. Now for all I know, she may have had a meltdown when she got there today! I haven't received an update as of yet. But I think she will be fine. She knows that this trip wasn't really about her. It was about the orphans left behind. It was about bringing hope to those left behind.

Robert was able to send me an email early this morning, and in a fashion matching his daughter's short and sweet update he wrote:

When we found out that Matthew and Karina were delayed in Jackson due to weather, Kristina got worried and asked me if the planes would fly in the rain. On our fourth flight from Paris to Kiev we began to get a little excited. On our approach to Kiev we could see that the landscape was snow covered. When we landed we put on our coats and headed for the stairs. In an instant our faces were pelted by the snow flurries and our breath was as visible as smoke. It was freezing! The contrast was that we went from literally sweating in the Atlanta airport to stinging hands and faces. We love Odessa! Today we're go to the orphanage to visit the children.

Hopefully the two of them can manage to scratch together more than a few sentences on the next update. And hopefully they'll be able to access the blog and post some pics. Some of you have asked how short we were on having the funds for the trip. We were about $500 short of having what we needed and the team is helping to cover some of their costs, but some of the costs are a bit higher than they anticipated. So please pray that we can still find the funds to cover the deficit. And keep praying for all of them!

In Ukraine

2010-01-18T08:24:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting, but it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks. Robert AND Kristina are both in Ukraine this morning. They flew out yesterday and met up with the team in Atlanta where they caught their connecting flight. I am anxiously awaiting word that they are safe (and warm!) in Kiev and praying they had a uneventful crossing. Some of you may remember how much Robert loathes flying. Kristina was a bundle of energy on the way to the airport and I can only hope she calmed down a bit before being strapped in next to Robert for the twelve hour flight.

We didn't know if this trip was actually going to happen, but last Monday we were only a few hundred short of having the funds necessary for both of them to go. Granted, we didn't even have a US passport for Kristina. When we made the leap of faith to move forward, I scheduled an appointment with the passport office in Miami to apply for the expedited passport. On Wednesday of last week, we made the four hour trip south and sat in a government building for most of the day waiting on clearance and for her passport to be printed. Add the influx of rescue and recovery workers applying for expedited passports to get into Haiti, and we were a little nervous about it happening. But happen it did and Wednesday night we headed back to Orlando with passport in hand.

Please join me in praying for Robert, Kristina, and the rest of the mission team for the next 10 days. Pray for safety, wisdom, and favor with God and man. I'm not sure if they will have Internet access, but if they do you will likely see updates from them posted here soon enough. Check back!

Bok Gardens

2010-01-03T08:46:00.013-05:00

This weekend we visited Bok Tower Gardens and wandered the estate to look at blooming flowers and listen to the bells ringing from the Singing Tower. The property offered stunning views from an elevation that I didn't know existed in mostly flat Florida. We even made a friend along the path as a squirrel ate right out of our hands!

Orphan Mission Trip Update!

2010-01-01T10:12:00.005-05:00

We have received $400 towards Robert's trip!!! We are so excited and so blessed to have you partnering with us! Thank you Stephanee and family! Thank you Lynn & Carmen! Robert spoke with a couple this morning that will match funds for him up to half the cost of the trip. So technically, he has $800 at this point!!! Praise God!!!

Matthew called yesterday to let us know that he has already purchased his and Karina's ticket. Kristina decided that she needed to escort Robert on this trip since her best friend Karina was going with her dad Matthew. I would love for her to go back to Ukraine with Robert. She is as much a part of this vision of orphan ministry as any other part of our family, but of course she has been there and can minister in a poignant way. She wants to go and asked if we would pray with her. We agreed to do that. It will be another $1500, but if it is God's will it will come to pass. So please add that to the prayer requests we've asked of you already. We'll keep you posted!

Going to Ukraine

2009-12-30T13:36:00.005-05:00

I know, I know. We fell off the face of the planet for a little while. I started to tell the story of how our family came to be and two installments into things, I disappeared. There have been lots of changes happening with work, school, and family and we've had to make adjustments. Add to that the fact that both laptops died within a week of one another and the ability to blog came in at the bottom of our "to-do" list. But with a few days left in holiday break, I wanted to let you know what's going on.

Those of you on our mailing list, or those who were able to read the previous post with our newsletter, already know about the upcoming trip to Ukraine. We are very excited about the possibility of Robert traveling to Eastern Europe in less than a month. If things work out, he will be leaving with Matthew Nasekos on January 17th. The Nasekos adopted Kristina's best friend Karina from orphanage #4 last year and the girls were able to reunite for the first time back in April of this year. The Nasekos have a real heart for missions and the orphan. Matthew and Robert will be traveling to Ukraine to visit several orphanages, meet with missionaries in the field, and assess how they can help meet the needs of both of these groups.

It sounds very much like my first trip to Ukraine back in the Spring of 2006. It was a life changing experience for me to see orphans in several orphanages and meet with individuals who were giving their lives to practice pure religion. It was on that trip that I met Kristina for the first time. And coincidentally enough, if Robert is able to go on this trip he will meet the two boys we are hoping to adopt.

There, I said it. You wouldn't think saying that would be so hard, but it has been. We have really hesitated to share about our hopes of adopting two specific children for several reasons. We haven't received a lot of encouragement from those around us. Looking at surface circumstances, it isn't the best time to adopt. But we have faith that if God intends for these boys to be part of our family, then He will order things to that end. If not, then we will graciously accept His will and rest in the confidence of His perfect plan. We have been praying for the boys for several months and receiving updates on them periodically.

Let me share what we know. We initially heard about Sasha back in April. It was his red hair and blue eyes that reminded us of our own three boys. We soon learned that while Sasha didn't have any biological siblings, he had the next best thing: Vitalik, his best friend. Both boys were abandoned at birth and have been together since the baby house. We couldn't stand the thought of separating the two of them, so we began praying about adopting both. It didn't take us long to wrap our hearts around the idea.

Sasha is seven and Vitalik just turned eight and they share the same medical condition. I spoke with our pediatrician yesterday and he was able to give me the contact information for a specialist in our area that he recommended. In time, when we are further along in the process and are closer to the adoption coming to pass, I hope to share more about the boys' condition. But for now, I'd ask that you'd pray for them and pray for us that we would have wisdom.

So if Robert is able to go on this trip, he will have the opportunity to meet the boys and spend a little time with them. Unfortunately, Sasha was moved to a different orphanage a few weeks ago. He is very sad at having been separated from the caregivers he knows and the best friend that he loves. We grieved over this news and wish that it had not happened, but we are confident that God has a reason for even this in Sasha's life.

There is a long way to go in this journey. We've been down this road before and are excited to see God work again. Our immediate hope is that Robert can travel to Ukraine in a few short weeks and minister to Sasha, Vitalik, and hundreds of other orphans. Please pray that God will provide the funds necessary to do this.

Christmas Newsletter

2009-12-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

Newsletter 1209

Pyromaniacs

2009-11-07T19:34:00.008-05:00

Another minor cold front passed through this weekend. Highs were only in the 70's and the evenings have been cool enough to cut off the A/C and enjoy the breeze coming through the open doors. Robert has been itching for a project and today we decided to build a fire pit area in the backyard. The kids helped level the ground, lay the foundation stones, and assemble the fire bowl. Calling on his boy scout days, Robert took some time showing the kids how to build a proper fire. We spent a wonderful evening roasting hot dogs and making smores. Kristina (and Robert!) had never had smores. Kristina was convinced that they sounded yucky, but after her first one she was hooked. Eventually the Hershey's chocolate ran out and the fire died down, but it's a sure bet you'll find us in the backyard next weekend again.

The Blind Side

2009-10-31T08:18:00.006-04:00

I rarely pay full price for movies. We wait until they end up at the dollar movie or on video. But this . . . this I will pay full price to see in a few weeks. I can't watch the trailer without crying. I think it will be an incredible message for so many of us.

Holding the Line Part II

2009-10-27T20:31:00.009-04:00

Where were we? Oh, yes, pregnant with 8 month old twins. I had just begun my senior year of college. I was due in May and the math worked out on my fingers. I wanted desperately to graduate, but could we keep the pace up?

The boys were becoming mobile and were still attending school with us. Robert was pastoring his first church and building a little house on a few acres way out in the country. Literally, he and his father were building a home for us to live in. We were both taking a full time class load in the hopes of meeting the requirements for graduation. It was a crazy time and we often felt stretched beyond our limits. Several times I would break down in tears in the scurry to get diaper bags and book bags packed for our morning commute to campus. I might have given up in those times had Robert not reminded me how close we were.

We faced all the difficulties newly married couples do. We worried about finances. The little Baptist church Robert pastored operated on a "free will offering". In other words, there was no set salary and no benefits. Whatever ended up in the pastor plate at the end of the service is what we took home - whether it was $10 or $100. We quickly learned to look to God for our provision. We bought building supplies as we could afford them. When we moved into the house, it was literally a shell with studs for walls, plywood floors, and an open ceiling that looked into the attic space. But it was our home and we were happy to have it.

Many people said starting a family so soon would rob us of our time together. I wonder about that logic now. Robert and I became a tuned machine, working together to meet the needs of one another and our little family. There were no "assigned jobs". We worked as a team to get done whatever needed doing - diaper duty, typing papers (on a typewriter no doubt!), cooking, cleaning. It's a philosophy that still rules our house. See a need - fill a need. We grew together because we needed one another.

This second pregnancy was easier. I didn't experience the morning sickness I had with the boys (severe morning sickness that put me in the hospital at one point). How much harder would a third baby be? We had a rhythm going and I was in the final stretch of school.

I began a negotiation with God in the Spring. "God, what is it going to take to let me finish school and graduate before this baby comes?" Surely He wouldn't let me come this far and not let me finish. He was teaching me about His perfect timing though. Each OBGYN check up was met with speculation from my doctor. He just couldn't be sure if the baby would come before or after graduation day. I took it easy in those final weeks, taking the three flights of stairs to my Lit class very slowly. Everyone around us encouraged us that the baby would wait, but we saw their fingers crossed behind their backs.

When graduation morning arrived and the baby hadn't, I thanked God. I was feeling a little sluggish, but the excitement of the day gave me the adrenaline push I needed to get going. We arrived at campus and were greeted with a record crowd. The auditorium was already filled to capacity with family and friends of the graduating class. Administrators made a last minute decision to have the graduates stand throughout the ceremony so there would be enough room for spectators.

It was a warm Mississippi May morning, I was nine months pregnant, and I was just told that I would be standing throughout the 3 hour service. Do you see the perfect storm brewing here?

It started with a subtle ache in my lower back. I shifted from one foot to the other. If I rested my hand on my lower back, it helped a little. The graduation candidate in front and behind me looked anxiously at my movements. "How you doing? Do you want to step out of line and sit down?" There was no way I was stepping out of that line. I smiled and shook my head to ease their discomfort since I couldn't ease mine. After the speeches had been given, the issuing of diplomas began and the line started to move. I thanked God again for marrying me to a Landrum and not to a Zimmerman.

Crossing the stage and taking that diploma was as good as hearing God audibly say, "I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I turned in my robes at the conclusion of the ceremony and headed to the hospital. "Well, it looks like you're going to have two major accomplishments today, Leslie," my doctor declared after examining me. Hannah was born later than night, just an hour shy of Mother's Day. Robert propped my degree up on one of the shelves in the birthing suite. Nurses would walk through and pause to gaze at the official looking document, shake their heads, and remind us that we were lucky that we had waited until graduation to have a baby.

:)

And then when Hannah was less than a year old, I found out I was pregnant again. . .

Landrum State of the Union Address Part I

2009-10-25T16:45:00.008-04:00

It appears that I blundered by posting an ambiguous status update on my Facebook account a few days back. And while I didn't mean to stir the pot, it appeared as though I was sending some sort of veiled message about an upcoming announcement to my friends. Knowing me like most of you do, you probably guessed what I was thinking about when I wrote that status update. So let me address the question at hand: Are we planning on adding to our family?

The answer? Yes. Always. Whenever someone asks if were planning on adopting again, the answer is always an unhesitating "yes". But that's where the specifics tend to get hazy. Since we've brought Kristina home, three different children have come to our attention. Each time we considered and prayed about pursuing their adoptions. The last one was this past March; a little special needs girl who opened our heart to bringing a child with unique needs into our family. But a strange thing happened all three times, after we had chosen to move forward God provided a family for each of these children. Our hearts were bewildered and a little torn. There was a part of us confused about the outcome of events and a part joyful that three children would no longer be called orphans.

So in order to address the question at hand, I need to give you some background on how the Landum Family came to be. If you want a direct answer to the question, "Are you adopting? And if so, who and when?", chances are you'll have to tune in in a few days when I finish the background info. Don't feel compelled to stay. I'll get to it eventually. So lets start at the beginning. . .

Almost sixteen years ago during premarital counseling, our pastor asked us about our family plans. We both said we had discussed the issue and were on the same page: we both wanted children. Case closed, next item of business. But he probed further and asked us to truly examine our "family plans". After much prayer and talking, we made a decision that didn't receive a lot of support from friends and family. We would allow God to plan our family.

Our friends said we needed time for just the two of us, to get to know one another and grow as a couple. Three months into the marriage, I learned I was pregnant. A month later I learned it was twins. We were juniors in college - ecstatic and a little scarred. I figured that would be the end of my college pursuits, but I knew God's plans were perfect. I went into labor right before Christmas during exam week and for fear that it was false labor, I brought my Hebrew exegesis work with me to the hospital. If I wasn't having a baby (babies!), I was going to have to show up for that Hebrew language exam. The labor was real enough and later that night I gave birth to Samuel and Nathanael. Samuel ("Asked of God") because we had prayed that God would give us a child in His time and Nathanael ("Gift of God")- because we asked for one and God gave us another. :)

The boys arrived 8 days shy of our one year anniversary. By the time we were released from the hospital, Christmas break had commenced and we began the adjustment to being a family of 4 over the holiday break. During that time, I contemplated what our life would look like now that we had these precious boys. I couldn't possibly return to school with this new responsibility, so I resolved to put college off until much later when the children had begun school. When school commenced in January, Robert and I returned to campus to introduce the newest Landrums to the faculty and our friends and to drop all of my classes.

One of the offices we stopped at that morning was the office of the academic dean Dr. Larry Braidfoot. Robert and I had both been students in Dr Braidfoot's Intro to Christian Theology class. Holding one of the boys, he questioned me about my college plans. I stumbled a little at the line of questioning. Of course I would be dropping out of school. The boys were a priority and I couldn't be both a full time student and a full time mother. But Dr. Braidfoot saw something in me that I didn't, he said I didn't have to choose. "Follow me," he said as he locked his office door and headed out of the administration building. We followed him across the street to the School of Religion building and down one of the hallways to another office door. He unlocked the room and swung the door open to reveal a wood paneled office with desk, chair, and bookshelves from floor to ceiling. He walked about in the small space, scratching his chin and moving things about. "Do you have one of those portable play cribs?" he inquired. I nodded, confused about the direction he was going. "I can bring a lamp in to cut down on the glare of the fluorescent overhead lights and I have a rocking chair. The crib can fit over here," he said moving some boxes aside. Robert and I were stunned at his proposal. Rather than quit school, he was suggesting that we all come. Robert, me, and the boys. It was unorthodox. It was unconventional. And it was totally God.

So for the first year of the boys' lives, that little unused office of Dr Braidfoot's became our sanctuary. Robert and I managed to schedule classes opposite of each other so one of us was always in the office with the boys. They were good babies, rarely crying. I can still see Robert sitting at that heavy wooden desk under the glow of a lamp, a book in one hand, a sleeping baby over one shoulder, and another sleeping baby rocking gently in the baby carrier at his feet. And so this was the melody of our life for that first year. It wasn't without its challenges. During exam week, we took shifts sleeping, studying, and tending to the children. But the majority of our memories are of the peaceful sanctuary of that room, "Grandbecky" the secretary to the department chair who adopted all of us, the "thump, thump, thump" that echoed down the deserted corridors in the religion building as the boys crawled across the historic wooden floors, and the squeals of delight as they later clung to the wainscoting of those halls and took their first steps. I managed to take a full course load, maintain a 4.0, and be a full time mom. And it was all by the grace of God. It seemed that trusting God to plan our family had paid off.

And then when the boys were just 8 months old, I found out I was pregnant again. . .

More Pics From the Birthday

2009-10-20T22:27:00.008-04:00

Kristina received a new camera from my parents and she immediately wanted to use it (wonder where she gets that?). We rode our bikes to the park to work off the incredibly rich cake we had after lunch. Of course, I brought my camera too. The fading light worked against us, but I managed to get a few shots of her on this special day.

Twice a Blessing

2009-10-18T14:51:00.005-04:00

I can never get her to wear her hair down lately. "It's too frizzy. It's too big," she protests as she pulls it into the pony tail she wears to school most days. Some days she gets up extra early to use the straightener. Its a painstaking process that ends in her hair returning to its natural wave before she gets to the end of the street. But she's an American teenager now and she wants to blend in.

Last night I talked her into letting me do her hair for church this morning. It took some prodding, but I guilted her into doing it as part of her birthday present. Skeptically she perched on the edge of my bed with her mane hanging before her as I carefully dried and scrunched it into what I knew her hair was meant to be. "Done?" she asked as she marched into the bathroom to examine the results. She looked at herself for a long time, turning this way and that to get a look from different angles. "Okay?" I asked. "Okay," she smiled back. Her golden brown hair spilled in beautiful spirals around her face.

Today my daughter is 14 years old. I missed the first 12 years of her life, but God has made up for it in the blessings of the two years that we've had together. I thought of her biological mother this morning and mourned that she never got to see the beautiful woman her child is growing into. Regardless of the dark beginnings of this child's life, at some point she must have been a blessing to her mother. At some point her mother must have held her close, peered into her blue eyes behind the frame of brown ringlets, and known that God blessed her with at least this one thing. Now I know that blessing too. Not many children have the opportunity to bless two mothers in their lifetime. The gift of adoption wasn't just for Kristina. It was for all of us too.

Same Couch, Different Kid

2009-10-14T15:57:00.004-04:00

I picked up Hannah from school this afternoon and it appears as though she picked up Kristina's cold. Kristina, by the way, returned to school today and is her happy self once more. So now I guess it's Hannah's turn. Same symptoms: fever, headache, nausea. Two down, five to go? Let's hope not!

Quotes from the Sick Ward

2009-10-12T15:06:00.003-04:00

I picked Kristina up from school with a 102 temperature today. She changed into her winter pajamas, her thermal socks, her down jacket and then settled on the couch with the pillow and comforter from the bed. She dozed in and out for a few hours. Periodically she would wake up and say the strangest things like:

"I love this couch. I prayed for myself. The coffee talked to me. I feel better."

"My head hurts. Does this mean I have brain damage?"

"Dad said a bad word - habitual."

"My hair is soft."

"Dad, what are you doing? Wanna pass me the M&M's?"

"I'm not a magazine maker."

"What's the highest fever?"

"I think I'm going to go to bed." (rolls over and faces the couch.) "I don't think anyone heard that."

Of course, Robert took great pleasure in trying to carrying on a conversation with her in this state. He was sitting in his chair reading one of Calvin's commentaries. He told her she should try to read some of his books. She said, "No, I need lower books. Your books are high definition books."

Of Great Importance

2009-10-04T19:19:00.002-04:00

This is cross posted from the wonderful Kaysers' blog. Adoptive families, please take a moment and do your part.

...And write your Representatives and Senators. This was a major reason we were able to adopt and I know for many families this did as well.

Making the Adoption Tax Credit Permanent
Adoption Action Alert
Taken from (http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=639)

The federal adoption tax credit has helped thousands of families say "Yes!" to adopting a child. It's vital that this financial support stay in place to help families offset the costs and fees associated with adopting a child. Unfortunately, the tax credit is set to expire in December 2010 unless Congress votes to continue it. It's time to take action!

The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213 , will keep the adoption tax credit from being repealed, and may make the tax relief measure permanent. It only takes a few minutes to email or call your senators and congressmen it's important for them to hear from families impacted by the tax credit.

Currently, there are 76 State Senators and Representatives cosponsoring H.R. 213. However, there are 16 states that currently have no sponsors of this bill, including eight on the East Coast* (one of the largest areas of the US with internationally adopted children). H.R. 213 is currently in committee, where most bills die. It imperative that adoptive families, and all friends of children waiting for families, act now.

It only takes a few minutes to write, call, or email your representatives. Please do so today!
Email Representative: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Email Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Currently, the following states have no cosponsors or commitments of support for H.R. 213:
West Virginia
Delaware
Connecticut
Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Maine
Idaho
Oregon
Nevada
Montana
South Dakota
New Mexico
Arkansas
Hawaii

The two states offering the greatest support are Texas & Georgia with 6 cosponsors each, closely followed by Pennsylvania with 5. Honorable mentions: Florida , Indiana , Illinois each with 4 sponsorships each.

Pass this on to friends and family, and ask for their help in writing, calling, and posting on blogs and facebook. To gain momentum, we must have an absolute ground swell of families lifting their voices together for the well-being of children throughout the world!

COPY and USE

Hello my name is ___________ and I live in ___________. We recently finished our adoption of two new children. Our journey was amazing but also was very expensive. We were able to accomplish this partly due to the tax benefits that were provided. There are over 140 million orphans in the world today and anything that will help families give these kids homes. Please vote for the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213 , that will keep the adoption tax credit from being repealed, and may make the tax relief measure permanent. Thank you for your service and we pray for you and your colleagues daily. May God Bless you.

Out with the Old, In with the New

2009-10-03T19:20:00.005-04:00

I can't believe its October. We had a "cold front" sweep through earlier this week and experienced the first hints of cooler weather. Technically "cold front" here means 65 at night, 85 during the day. We take what we can get though! My students trudged into class wearing long sleeves and complaining about the cool nip in the air. I love the promise of things to come though!

We are almost half way through the first nine weeks of school. I wish I could say that the wonderful routine we fell into this summer survived the demands of the return to school, but that's not exactly what happened. After teaching all day (and two nights a week at a local college), I just haven't been able to work the biking into my schedule. I hate it too. I felt great and was really experiencing a change in my health. And I miss biking. It was an activity that all of us could do together. I'm hoping I can balance out my schedule and regain some of the old routine soon.

We're all enjoying some new activities though. Hannah and Kristina are part of middle school girls' Bible study. Sam, Nathanael, & Joshua all made the boys volleyball team at school. We're excited to cheer them on at their first home game this week. Four of the kids are in the music program at school. Sam and Nathanael are in their third year of band. Hannah and Joshua joined this year and are loving it. Kristina wasn't interested at all though, so we respected her decision to opt for other electives.

Even I'm trying my hand at something new. I play three other instruments, but I've always wanted to learn guitar. With no money (or time) for an instrument or lessons, it just never happened. Last Christmas, a guitar made its way under the tree with my name on it though (thanks, Dad!), but I still couldn't swing the other half of the equation until a few weeks ago. It just so happens that there's a guitar class at school during my planning period. So most days, I squeeze my way into Andrea's classroom, grab an acoustic, and set myself between two 16 year olds who happen to be in my English class. There are about seven students in seventh period guitar class who have me for English class sometime earlier in the day. The first time I showed up, the kids raised their eyebrows. But now they make room for me and check my technique when I'm practicing chords. I take notes and tests right along side them and they seem to respect me for that. On Friday, Tabby popped her head in my classroom and shouted, "OMG, Mrs Landrum, did you practice for today's test? What song are you going to play???" I have to laugh at their enthusiasm because I share the same jitters and the same sore fingertips.

Some things never change though. The boys went off with Robert this morning and left me with the girls. We had good intentions to clean the house, but sometime (shortly after the boys left) Kristina successfully convinced me that she was in desperate need of a denim skirt. We set out for Ross (love Ross!) and didn't manage to find what we were looking for. We did however find a pair of "skinny jeans" that Kristina wanted for her birthday. Skinny jeans are the new must have obviously. She tried on about ten pairs before settling on a dark washed pair. She even convinced me to try on a pair. For future reference, skinny jeans are for skinny people! The girls said they loved them on me and tried to convince me get them. I explained that I worked with teenagers - the last thing I need is to try to look like one!

Head in the Clouds

2009-09-20T14:36:00.014-04:00

I love to fly. Robert hates to fly. Some of you may remember I mentioned this almost two years ago (gasp! yes, its been almost two years since she came home!) as we were preparing to travel to Ukraine for Kristina's adoption. Robert was invited to speak on orphan ministry at a church in Louisiana several weeks back. I was jealous as I booked his flight online and brooded over the fact that I would have to remain grounded while he got to jet off into the wide blue sky and speak to a congregation on my favorite subject.

As much as I love to travel by plane, I don't do it nearly as often as I like. In fact, Kristina is the only one with real flight experience. Robert and I flew to Los Angeles with the twins when they weren't even 6 months old to look at a seminary on the West coast. But other than that, none of our kids have experienced the thrill of flight. That is, until yesterday.

On Sunday I read the paper. Its the only time I sit down and give the news much attention throughout the week. Technically, I buy it for the coupons, but I still manage to flip through all the pages. Last weekend I noticed a small blurb about "kids fly free". I paused to read about an aviation program offered at one of our local airports. Bright and early yesterday morning, I stood in a hanger decorated with WWII pin up girls and old propellers hanging from the walls. One by one, Sam, Nathanael, Hannah, Kristina, and Josh all got the opportunity to take a flight with a pilot who walked each of them through the preflight checklist and offered an overview of the dials and gauges that starred back at them from the cockpit. Josh was the only one who was a little nervous. One by one, they donned headsets, climbed into their planes and taxied out onto the runway. Sam and Nathanael actually were allowed to take the controls at one point and experience how the plane responds. Each of them touched back down with huge smiles and infectious enthusiasm about their experience. Its not exactly like the big commercial flights each of them will likely take one day, but I think each of them shares their mother's love for flight now!

Breathing a Sigh of Relief

2009-09-10T20:54:00.004-04:00

We are thankful to report that the three Ukrainian girls many have been praying for are safely back in the custody of their guardian and headed back to Ukraine. Please pray that the Ukrainian government will see the swiftness in which the US court system and law enforcement acted on behalf of the girls and not shut down hosting programs and possibly adoptions. Keep the girls in your prayers.

Simple Summer Pleasures

2009-08-11T19:59:00.015-04:00

Today is our official last day of summer. I return to teacher preplanning on Thursday and Robert has meetings tomorrow. In a last hurrah to our summer time together, we took a road trip to Dunnellon, Florida to tube the Rainbow River. We were pleasantly surprised to find this natural beauty tucked deep in the country. Kristina has never been tubing and she gasped at her first glimpse of our destination. Emerald green grass waved to us from the bottom of crystal clear waters as we made our way down the two hour float. Turtles sunned themselves along the water's edge on fallen trees and egrets studied us as they skimmed above the river's surface. A small four foot gator lay hidden in water reeds only 20 feet from us. He paid us little attention as we floated by.

The serenity of the environment was only broken by the random scream as Robert flipped the kids out of their tubes or the boys splashing into the water after attempting to surf on top of their tubes. Somehow I managed to get sunscreen on everyone except myself and now the tops of my legs are bright red. Ugh! We had a blast and will definitely return.

Heeellllloooooo, Internet!

2009-08-06T18:55:00.005-04:00

(Insert crickets chirping here)
If anyone is still out there, just thought I'd let you know we have internet again! We are officially back online! It has been a wonderful summer. God has been good to us and we have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time off.

We've been spending a lot of time playing outdoors and getting as much exercise as possible. Most mornings Robert gets everyone up and out the door by 7am. We're back to biking the local trails several days a week, having covered over 50 miles this week alone. Finding new paths has become an adventure and we're always asking ourselves, "Can we bike there?" Video needs to be returned to Blockbuster? Its only 6 miles round trip, so we ride. Kids want to get new books at the library? Eleven miles. I know it sounds like a long way, but its really not bad. We try to be out early before the Florida heat sets in. To encourage everyone to stay together and keep up, Robert warns, "The T-Rex picks off the slowest in the pack!" ??? They just shake their head and pedal faster.

This morning we got on one of the trails and headed to an uncharted section for us. A new pedestrian bridge went up over Interstate 4 and the kids have been wanting to see the view over the traffic. Once we got to the top, the kids laughed themselves silly at the truck drivers who blew their horns and the commuters waving to us. At one point, Robert lifted his shirt tail to wipe the sweat from his brow and was greeted with a flurry of car horns. A mortified Kristina urged him to "put his shirt down"! Big mistake. Knowing how much it embarrassed her, he found every opportunity he could to show off his 'abs'. Sometimes he will randomly break into song as we're riding along and the kids will quickly distance themselves.

Robert takes an unusual pleasure in embarrassing the children. We've been playing tennis at our community courts quite a bit. Even though there are seven of us on the court, the ball usually ends up getting past somebody. Robert says its proof we need more kids! We might not be very good at tennis, but we enjoy trying to get that little yellow ball somewhere other than over the fence. But the heat on the courts can be intense and last week Robert shouted out, "I'm burning up! Tom Cruise, use your witchcraft to put the fire out!" The girls rolled their eyes and hid behind their rackets. But the boys are starting to pick up the joy of embarrassing others. Chasing a ball across the court, Nathanael broke into Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer". How and why he knows the lyrics to that song, I have no idea, but invariably it raised the "Mom!" response from the girls. When does this phase pass???

Fun With Idioms and Funny Sayings

2009-07-03T09:25:00.007-04:00

I didn't realize how much fun language barriers could be until I began to sport around with idioms. It was the first time that I had to tell Kristina to "put a sock in it". She replied with a bewildered face and in her Ukrainian accent, Vwut does this mean poot a szock in it?" I said, "you know, 'put a cork in it'." She said what is this "cork" and "put it in what?" "You know, zip it up!" She (still bewildered) looks down at her zipper. "No, put a lid on it." And on it went. I have taken some sort of sick pleasure in this and torture her all the time with American idioms. I can't help myself.

The kids think that they are far smarter than me and their mother. And so their foolish devices never cease to amaze me. It is a full time job with over time to keep on top of it all. At first I thought they simply do not understand logic. But the fact is they are born with a working knowledge of logic. They simply think that we don't understand logic.

Me: "Stop doing that."
Them: "I wasn't doing that."
Me: "So my eyes are playing tricks on me?"

Me:"Come here."
Them: "I am here."
Me: "Well you weren't when I called you!"

They are good at semantics too.

Me: "Why didn't you rinse the dishes before you loaded them into the dish washer?"
Them: "I did."
Me: "Well did someone put food back on them when you got done?"
Them: "Well, I did rinse two of them."

This can be fun too if you don't let it get to you. So I told Kristina that I have your number. After a few days of telling Kristina that I "had her number", and her still not understanding what I meant, but kinda feeling like it was an idiom, she finally said out of frustration, "Well if you have my number, What is it?" Without hesitation Joshua said, "I'll tell you what it is: 666!"

We were walking down to the pool and Samuel asked Leslie what the difference was between an atom bomb and a hydrogen bomb. Her reply to him was, "Son, this may come as a surprise, but as amazing as your mother may seem, I am not a nuclear physicist!"

While we were in Sears waiting to get a battery fixed Samuel was acting guinely annoying and boumcing off the walls of the waiting room. He noticed a sign posted on the wall that said "Die Hard." He said, "Look mom, I have to do what it says: die hard! Without lifting her eyes from the book she was reading, she replied "why don't you find a sign that says, "Sit down and shut up"?

Deidra, Don't Call the National Guard!

2009-06-30T10:47:00.008-04:00

One of my sweet colleagues and dear friends sent me a message on FaceBook indicating that if I didn't send a flare up to let everyone know we're okay she was going to do something drastic. Yes, we're still here. We're without Internet and that has been a trying experience for me. Not a day goes by that God doesn't speak to me through everyday events in my life and the life of my family. I want to share what He's showing us and how He's loving us even through this difficult time. It will be awhile before we have Internet set up, so I will try to post as often as I can.

I want to share with you something that happened last week. Those of you following the blog are aware that Nathanael sustained a pretty bad injury to his arm back in March and had to be taken to the ER and then admitted for surgery. The experience was frightening because although we have three boys, they've managed to stay in one piece up until this point.

But to be honest, there was one thing about that experience that truly set me on edge. We didn't have health insurance for Nathanael at the time. When the ER doctor told us that he was transferring Nathanael over to the pediatric hospital for surgery, I had a melt down. I figured we could, in time, cover the ER bill paying a little bit every month, but the thought of what a hospital stay and surgery would cost floored me. I prayed and tried to trust that God would see us through.

Then the bill came.

$27,000 !

And then my trust was shaken. I wasn't sure how we could possibly cover that. Robert is in construction and his work has not been consistent because of the economy and to have this added to our financial burden was almost too much.

We have family devotional together daily. There are seven of us and so each person has claimed a day to lead in prayer and open God's Word in devotion for the family. Robert is Saturday, I'm Sunday, Samuel is Monday, and so on. Last Sunday I read the first two verses from Psalm 127:

Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.
I shared with the children that work is good and God created us to work, but that we must remember that God is the source of our provision. That last verse stood out to me and there seemed to be something there that I couldn't put my finger on: God provides for us even in our sleep.

The next day I sent Nathanael to check the mail and he returned with the usual parcels. Among the envelopes I found one with the hospital's return address and my heart sunk. I was frightened to open it, but I knew I would have to eventually. I unfolded the letter and read it. And then I re-read it. And then I read it again. The letter indicated that the balance of our bill was $0. I was sure it must be a mistake, so I called the hospital . The woman in the billing department pulled up our account and confirmed that indeed the balance was $0. Her exact words were: the debt has been forgiven. I wept as the poor woman attempted to comfort me through the phone line.

The night before I had brooded in my heart over our situation. I shared those verses from Psalm 127 for myself as much as for my family. I needed to be reminded that He is the Great Provider. But even as I slept Sunday night, God had already provided. Even in my sleep.

How gracious my God is. Even in my doubt, He shows Himself as a loving Father. I will cling to this reminder in the days to come and as we face the hardships ahead, I will pray that God will bring this to my mind over and over again that I may praise Him for his infinite goodness and mercy.

A Few Miscellaneous Funny Sayings of Late

2009-06-22T11:05:00.006-04:00

I have been working on structuring the kids reading time, i.e. taking out the junk food and replacing it with a little more sustenance. Kristina is now walking around with my large American Heritage Dictionary. I hope I haven't over done it. Samuel was assigned The Foxes Book of Martyrs. He came to me after having gotten a few chapters under his belt and said, "Dad this book is a bit depressing. Everybody that I have read about so far has died." So much for my previous introductory lesson on what a martyr is.

Leslie and I were having a discussion on something I read by Augustine on consecrated virgins and Joshua walking by said, "By the way who was that person called Attila the 'Nun?'

As we were talking about our lunch options Kristina, still struggling a little with the language a bit, suggested that we eat at a favorite Mexican place of ours Tijuana Flats. She accidentally said "Marijuana Flats"!

Let the Games Begin

2009-06-02T15:56:00.005-04:00

We made it to the pool yesterday to cool down from the Florida sun. I settled into a chair riveted by Melissa Faye Green's There is No Me Without You. The typical swim races between Robert and the kids took place and eventually I heard Kristina's protest coming from the shallow end. I looked up to see Kristina standing about midway between Sam and Nathanael who were playing polar opposites.
"What's the problem?" I called over the top of my book.
"Mom, the boys aren't being fair. They won't let me play," Kristina informed me. I saw a drenched tennis ball arc high over her head and be caught by Samuel as Kristina attempted to intercept it.
"Well, what are you playing?" I asked.
"Keep away," Nathanael informed me. I laughed at Kristina's obvious frustration as she hopped back and forth between her older brothers.
"Honey, that's the point of the game. They're trying to keep you from getting the ball. You know - 'keep away'?'
She stopped and stared at me, water dripping from her face, "Well what kind of game is that???"

Call for Prayer

2009-06-01T11:42:00.003-04:00

The governing body of Ukraine is set to vote on a bill tomorrow (June 2nd) that will forever change the face of orphan ministry in that country. If passed, there will be a moratorium placed on international adoptions. In other words, no more adoptions. The bill would also limit contact with orphans in orphanages to ONLY those who are official workers and other governmental officials. Please pray for the officials considering this bill, the children it would affect, and the families in the process of adopting.

UPDATE: The law was taken off today's agenda and was not voted on. Speculation remains whether it will resurface in July, but there is mixed information coming from facilitators at this point. Please continue to pray for those families in country and those who are planning on traveling soon.

Greetings from . . .

2009-05-31T16:20:00.004-04:00

Much to my chagrin, I made an ironic observation this past week. We have a cat. Her name is Jetta and she is very much her own animal. She is not like our Jack cat who would allow us to scoop him up and nuzzle him. She pretty much does her own thing and believes she is blessing us with her presence if she simply passes through the room we're located in. And while Jetta has a list of things she does not appreciate (like nuzzling), there is one thing that truly freaks of her out: the car. We've been back and forth between Mississippi and Florida several times in the last eleven months. Each time, Jetta is packed away in the pet carrier and secured in the rear of the vehicle. Nevertheless, she proceeds to meow her protests. For hours. Like for eight of the eleven hour drive. When Robert was driving to Florida by himself back in March, I called every few hours to check on him and in the background I could hear Jetta fussing with a monotonous stream of "meow, meow, meow, meow".

The funny thing is, Jetta hated Mississippi. She loves our house in Florida and the familiar territory. When Robert arrived at the house and let her out of the carrier she was happy as could be. She recognized home and rolled around on the sidewalk to show her appreciation for being there.

Listening to Jetta's protests on the drive back to Florida earlier this week, I thought to myself, "If you would just shut up already, I'm taking you to a place you'll like better. You'll be happy when you get there. Trust me!" I was suddenly struck with the realization that I'm a lot like that stubborn cat.

Although my last post promised that I would find joy in whatever direction God sent us, the realization that we would have to leave Mississippi hit me hard. I wept, grieved, and questioned God. I have never prayed more or sought God more than I have in the last few weeks. But when God's will was revealed, I failed to embrace it gracefully. We sat in our home church this morning and I just cried. This was the same place I cried over leaving eleven months ago. Now I was crying because God had sent me back? I think my grief has more to do with not understanding why. A large part of my rebellious nature wants to demand an explanation from God. And I grieve over the fact that my heart is like that. I want to understand things, not necessarily trust God. Could He have something better planned here for us? I fail to see that even when I know how good and gracious He is by nature. I tend to just sit there and meow my protests from the backseat. Pray for me.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6

Seeking the Source

2009-05-14T19:53:00.002-04:00

The end of the school year is always a whirlwind for teachers, but I have mixed emotions this time around. I have been challenged more professionally, mentally, and spiritually this year than in any of my other years of teaching. I have found God in the challenges that came with relocating to Mississippi.

One of my sweet colleagues noticed I was a bit quieter and introspective today at lunch and commented, "Leslie, I can't imagine what you'd be like if you didn't have all these pressures on you. I wish you hadn't had to struggle with the transition." I assured her that they were more of a blessing to me than I could ever be to them (so true), but I was thankful for the struggles of the past year. It's important for me to remember where my strength and security resides. I wouldn't trade this year's challenges for anything.

School will be out in eight days. In eight days I will know if we're moving back to Florida or staying in Mississippi. My heart is torn over the possibilities. Not so long ago, I was missing our little house in Florida. I was missing our friends. I was missing our home church. I was missing the familiarity of our routine.

Nothing went smoothly when we moved here. We lost our beloved cat Jack. Our original housing plans fell through. We had one financial set back after the next with unexpected medical and mechanical bills. I searched for God where I couldn't make sense of things. He used the challenges to draw me to Him slowly. In the midst of the chaos, I found He was the only stable thing. Clinging to that security gave me great liberty and I came to love that which drew me to Him, good and bad.

Ten months later, I love teaching here. I love my colleagues. I love the community I serve. I love the possibilities I see for orphan ministry here. I love Mississippi. For quite some time I cried out and begged God to give us a way to stay. And then I considered the possibility that this calling to Mississippi was just for a season. Perhaps it has been a learning experience and a temporary bit of Utopia. I stopped asking to stay and started asking for His will to be done. I understand now that I will only find joy and security in His perfect will - and that is good enough for me.

So for those of you so inclined, please pray that God's will would be done in the next few days and that I will praise Him for it - whether that send us back to Florida or keeps us in Mississippi.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
"For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
-Jeremiah 17:7-8

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

2009-05-03T20:12:00.005-04:00

Hannah's current favorite singer is Taylor Swift, so when I heard she was coming in concert I was poised to purchase my tickets through Ticketmaster the moment they went on sale. However, history repeated itself and the show sold out in minutes before I even got my call through (just like the Hannah Montana concert in Orlando last year). I was disappointed because Hannah's birthday is this month and I knew she would have loved to go. I've checked eBay and Craigslist over the last two months, but the tickets were going at scalper prices and I simply couldn't and wouldn't go there. And then earlier this week, I got an email from an individual who had three tickets and wasn't going to be able to make it. It was almost too good to be true, but we worked out a deal that got us into the concert for almost half the face value of the tickets!!! The gentleman overnighted the tickets to us and I presented them to a half hyperventilating, dancing Hannah and Kristina. The girls and I headed to the Gulf Coast for the show on Saturday night. Kellie Pickler and the group Gloriana opened for Taylor Swift. The seats were amazing, the show was amazing - we couldn't have asked for a better night!

Adoption Update

2009-04-30T20:29:00.006-04:00

Several of you have asked what's on the horizon with adoption for us. I wish I had something specific to give you, but I don't. We still very much feel as though God is calling us to this again. And strangely, even though we don't see a direct path to one particular child, we have a peace that God will work out the details in His timing. I was thinking today that Sophia really opened our hearts to adopting an older child and Sophia #2 opened our hearts to adopting a child with a disability. So while we don't have a face and a name, we are still moving in the same direction.

Last week, the amazing Christine wrote on her blog about our family's desire to adopt again and encouraged her readers to partner with us to that end. I was humbled for several reasons. We love and respect Christine and John who have adopted several children, some with disabilities, and who have encouraged and instructed us through their candid adoption writing. But the most remarkable thing is, the Reeds are in the process of adopting again, and as such, are also attempting to raise the funds for that adoption. Robert and I were discussing the fact that God doesn't have limited funds and when we understand that, we cease from being "territorial". The adoption process is so uncertain, often the only area we feel like we have some input and control over is the financial side. To divert attention away from their own adoption shows a real understanding of their role in the process. God provides every penny of this uncertain journey and you can't use up the resources of the One Who Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills. It's a beautiful thing to see and embrace. I hope our journey through this next adoption will be one of renewal, growth, and profound trust - the very thing we have seen exhibited in the Reed Family.

So let me divert your attention here for one more moment. Our friends the Fumias and the Hoffmanns are adopting children from our Kristina's class. We were thrilled to hear that they both received their SDA appointments today. We were even more thrilled to know that they will be arriving in Ukraine at the same time because their appointments are on the same day - May 18th! Amazing! What a gift to have one another as they go through this process. What both families lack are the funds to complete their adoptions. So I'm beseeching the tiny audience we have here at The Landrum's Blog to prayerfully consider helping them. Can you contribute financially? Pray, fast for these families? There is no small sacrifice you can make on their behalf or on the behalf of the three children they will bring home. Consider the eternal investment you will be making in the lives of these particular orphans. While we can't give you a name or a face for the child who will be our child, we can give you these names and these faces: Greisha, Elaine, and Lisa. Three orphans who will be claimed by families who will couch them in the redeeming love of Christ.

The Fumias have a PayPal donation button on their blog and the Hoffmanns are collecting funds at any Wells Fargo bank using the account name "Hoffmann Ukraine Adoption Fund" and the last four digits of the account number, 3692, for verification. (Be certain the teller spells Hoffmann with 2 n's.) They are also set up to receive funds through PayPal at hoffhouse@hotmail.com

Thank you for believing that God will provide and for being part of that provision.

Fruits of Our Labor

2009-04-25T19:17:00.009-04:00

Saturday my dad and I decided to take a walk to pick briar berries or black berries off the side of the road in the bushes and near barbed wired fences. We took a bowl and we filled it up to the very top. It all took about two hours to fill it to the top. My dad said he used to pick berries with his grandma when he was a boy. When we got back we were exhausted from the two mile trip picking berries and getting pricked by its thorns. After we drank about three glasses of water we decided to make a pie with the berries. I mixed in some sugar, cinnamon, and flour and then poured it into the pie crusts. When it was done some of the filling dripped out and I couldn't resist tasting it. It was very sweet despite the fact it was organic and home made. When it was time to cut the pie we ate it with vanilla ice cream and it was the best pie in the world! I had fun picking berries and walking with my dad.

Being a Faithful Servant

2009-04-24T16:27:00.003-04:00

Sunday night we had the opportunity to speak on orphan ministry at another church. We shared our video "Orphans of Ukraine" (first video in the sidebar) and again saw God move on the hearts of His people. While I'm not an eloquent speaker, I am becoming more and more comfortable with the role. Our goal in doing these presentations is two fold: to raise orphan awareness and to provoke local churches to begin their own orphan ministry. Inevitably people heart brokenly respond: I didn't know! That's the first part of the equation - awareness. But it is not enough. All it takes is one person in the congregation (hopefully more) to take the next step.

Our desire isn't that we would merely show up and gather money for orphan ministry. We want to give Christians avenues for which THEY in turn can minister. That might mean creating an adoption fund in their own church to help families shoulder the burden of the financial demands of adoption. It may mean connecting them with a missionary who works with orphans or adopting an orphanage to support. It may mean encouraging them to rally around a family spiritually and financially who is pursing adoption. Perhaps several families in the church would consider hosting orphans or even adopting themselves. The beautiful thing about these speaking opportunities is that orphan ministry looks different in each church! God isn't necessarily calling each congregation to the same action. There are so many possibilities and so many ways to practically live out orphan ministry!

Many people feel that because they can't make a trip to an orphanage overseas or because they're currently unable to adopt they're disqualified from participating in this mercy ministry. But nothing could be further from the truth!!! God has placed us in the position we are currently in and equipped us in a unique way to reach out according to our gifts and talents. Consider Jesus' Parable of the Talents:

For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.

Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents.

In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.

But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.

The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, 'Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.

'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'

But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.

'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.

'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'

For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Did you notice that the last servant blamed his master for why he didn't use his talent??? I have heard some say, "We just don't have the money to contribute to (our own or another) adoption." "We can't travel to Eastern Europe for a mission trip. I have work, family, etc." Instead of looking at what we CAN'T do, why don't we focus on what we CAN do. God has given us exactly what we need to minister to those in need. It is He who provides our income and manages our time. Do we use what He has given us or grumble because we don't feel it's enough??? Can we commit to praying for an adopting family? Fervently praying? Would you consider fasting for a day and pleading with God to work on their behalf? What would that cost us? There is so much that can be done.

If you are here reading this post, it isn't by chance. Many of you are here because you helped bring Kristina here or because you yourself have adopted or are in the process. Some of you may have stumbled upon us because of a Google search or through another blog, but it is no accident that you're here. God is calling all of His people to orphan ministry. I want to encourage those of you reading this to seek God in how you can be involved. Speak to the leadership in your church about beginning an orphan ministry. Not sure what to say? We'd be happy to come and stand beside you to share the needs of children around the world. Looking for a missionary to support? We can point you in the right direction! Feel led to come along side a family and pray for/support them through an adoption? May I point you to the Reeds, the Fumias, the Hoffmans, and others?

We have had two other requests to speak at chuches this week alone. And while my nerves always get the best of me, I know that I must come forward and speak. I'd ask you to consider the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

In any moment of decision,

the best thing you can do is the right thing,

the next best thing is the wrong thing,

and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Who's Bo?

2009-04-20T21:15:00.009-04:00

I once had a dog named Bo. I have heard of a singer named Bo. And now there is a mysterious and stinky person that goes by the name of "Bo". Well, not really.

Our car is shrinking! Or maybe its the kids that are growing. Whatever the case, we have a bit of a problem. There are seven mouths, fourteen armpits, fourteen feet, and seven--well you know what! All of which, if not properly maintained, emit certain foul smells. Crammed into the car the other day, I pointed out that someone forgot to put deoderant on and how with all of us on top of one another for our commute each day, everyone needs to be really conscious about B.O. Well this talk about "B.O." eventually led our confused Joshua to a point of frustration at which time he intensely exclaimed, "Who is this Bo anyways???"

This brings to mind another time that a not so pleasant fragrance filled the car. Someone ran over a skunk on the highway. Kristina had never heard of or smelled a skunk before. So she shouts, "Ew! What's that smell?" "It's a skunk," Leslie explained and followed up with a lesson on how skunks use this odor to protect themselves and scare away predators. Kristina contemplated this for a few moments, quickly covered her mouth and nose with her shirt, and asked, "Do they kill with it? Can it kill you?" Leslie explained that though the smell might make you want to die, there's nothing lethal about it.

You know, there are a few things that parents just shouldn't have to hear, such as: "Don't put your athletes foot on me! (It wasn't athletes foot but medicine for a corn problem on one of the boys' feet by the way.) "Put your tooth away. It stinks!" (This being in the context of someone loosing the last of their baby teeth.) And (after correcting the B.O. problem), "Here smell my pits now!" This is simply not an option. Neither is "Smell my breath." One only makes these mistakes once. Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt.

Predestination

2009-04-16T05:09:00.000-04:00

"We're going to be late! Where's Daddy? Samuel, get in the car!" All my fussing didn't seem to make anyone move any faster. "Mama, can I take a picture with my sunglasses on?" Kristina asked from the backseat. "Sure. Sure," I agreed absently. I told her we were going to the park to take pictures. But the truth was, we weren't going to the park for a photo shoot.

I knew she'd believe the setup because I always have a camera in my hand. She wouldn't be suspicious at all. We spent the morning straightening her very curly hair with the flat iron. She settled on jeans and a favorite t-shirt. She checked her look in the mirror a hundred times before we finally got the boys loaded up in the car.

When Robert finally came out to the car, he asked, "Is the camera battery charged? You know you're going to want to take at least a few pictures." I glanced quickly in the rear view mirror, but she hadn't heard. She was searching for a song on her MP3 player. "You are going to spoil the surprise!" I protested, "Not another word until we get there! And no I didn't charge the camera battery; it's already charged." I would later learn that the battery was not charged. Something Robert is still teasing me about four days later.

When we finally made it to the park, the other vehicle was pulling in just ahead of us. I scrambled out of the driver's seat and grabbed the camera. Kristina climbed out, but went around the other side and was preoccupied with her siblings. "Kristina, where'd you go? Come here!"

When she walked back around the car she saw her. "Karina!" Even though she was wearing her sunglasses, I could tell she wanted to cry. The last time she had wrapped her arms around this girl, she was gathering her few belongings at the orphanage and saying goodbye, believing she would never see her best friend again. It had been 16 months, but they stood wrapped joyfully in each others' arms once more. They giggled at their attempt to speak in Russian and English before settling on Russian.

What are the odds? What are the odds that two American families who had never met would adopt two Ukrainian girls from the same orphanage, best friends at that, and that those two families would live two hours apart? What are the odds that the moms of both these girls would later learn they had grown up not 15 miles from each other? Some might call it chance, or fate, or serendipity. We in Reformed circles have another word for it.

As many things with Kristina have been, this experience taught us that things are not always as they appear. We thought we were reconnecting our daughter with an old friend, but in fact it was she who would connect us with amazing new friends. We felt an immediate connection to Karina's family. We saw so much of us in them and were pleased at the easy conversation and shared experiences. Our children (three boys and two girls) and their children (three boys and two girls) chased each other around the playground and pushed each other on the swings while we chatted. They spoke of their impending departure for the mission field and passion for mercy ministry and we found ourselves leaning closer to hear more. We have prayed and asked God to show us where we could serve in mercy ministry on the mission field. We were encouraged by their joy and vision and haven't ceased to speak about the impact their words had on us and on our future.

Our families met up again on Easter Sunday morning and worshipped together. Karina and Kristina compared dresses in the parking lot of the church and then snuggled into a pew, side by side, whispering and laughing until the services began. I marveled at the picture of them sharing a hymnal, singing praises to God. What are the odds? How good is our God?

Kristina & Karina when I first met them in 2006

Kristina & Karina during our 2007 adoption

Karina & Kristina reunited 2009

Not for the Faint of Heart!

2009-04-15T21:08:00.009-04:00

Leaving the hospital after surgery.
I distinctly remember going for the sonogram that would tell me the sex of the twin babies I was carrying. Although I preferred if our first child was a boy, I was sure it would be two girls. Girls were easier. (Yes, I now know that is NOT true and a whole other post!) When the doctor revealed that we were most definitely having two boys, I was in shock. I walked into the waiting room and said, "Boys? What am I going to do with boys? I don't know what to do with boys!" Boys picked up creepy crawling things, they got dirty, and they broke things. Sometimes even themselves! Let me just say how thankful I am that this has not been the pattern of the last fourteen years with my boys. However, a few weeks ago . . .

The orthopedic surgeon said it was a bad break, a really bad break. When the surgery was said and done, a permanent metal screw and three temporary metal pins had been inserted into the bones of Nathanael's right arm. The surgeon indicated that the temporary metal pins needed to be removed by this week, so we were relieved to find a orthopedic specialist who could do it locally. I was in admin meetings all afternoon and was secretly relieved that I wouldn't have to accompany Robert to the doctor's office for the procedure. Robert was with Nathanael when he went for his post-op appointment a few weeks ago and had the surgical bandages removed and a cast fitted. He said it wasn't pretty and I should be glad I wasn't there to see the metal pins protruding from Nathanael's arm.

Our understanding was that removing the pins would be a fairly simple, in office procedure. The doctor sawed the cast off and they got a good look at how things healed over the past few weeks. The three inch incision from the screw placement was pronounced and pink, but healing well. The sight of the metal pins was a little much for Nathanael who became obviously bothered by the sight. When Robert showed me the pictures, I understood his reaction. It looked like something out of a horror movie. Only one of the three pins slid out easily. The other two took some twisting and tugging (gag). He was relieved to have it done and over with. The arm is still very fragile, but the doctor indicated it was best not to recast it because they were concerned he wouldn't be able to regain movement if he didn't start moving it soon. He will have to be very careful for awhile. There's a real possibility he could re-break it, and that would be a major surgery.

Let me preface this by saying that the following pics may be too much for some.

I warned you!

Spring Break (no pun intended) Recap

2009-04-04T23:13:00.011-04:00

Though Nathanael breaking his arm was the defining moment of our Spring Break, it was far from the only thing we did. I posted about our Sunday trip to Cocoa Beach to watch the shuttle launch, but I didn't manage to post about our second beach trip to Sanibel and Captiva Island.

Sanibel is the number one shelling beach in the world. We left extra early for the five hour drive and made our way to powder white beaches and gentle surf of the Western Coast of Florida on Tuesday. The kids spent much of the day crouched in this position studying remarkable shells.

I settled into my favorite beach chair with a book while the kids brought their favorite picks and made small piles at my feet. Hannah took a break from shell hunting to delve into her current read. Kristina tempted seagulls to inch closer and closer with small bits of left over Sun Chips from lunch. The boys wandered the strip of sand tossing the football.

We didn't manage to make it to the biking trail, but we did ride to the State park near our house and walk the park trails. My college girls came over for movie night and we went to Kobe for dinner. I had coffee with dear friends and attended class with Robert at RTS. Robert is taking class with Steve Brown this semester and he insisted I tag along. The class is titled Radical Grace and it was absolutely amazing. I have always enjoyed Steve Brown's preaching, but sitting in class was a whole other experience. The rest of the week was spent hanging out with neighborhood friends and church activities. Robert and Josh managed to squeeze in a visit to a favorite fishing spot near the end of week.

Thank you for the concerned emails about Nathanael. He is on the mend. The surgeon put a permanent screw and three temporary metal pins in his arm. He had his post op follow up about a week ago and had his arm cast. He'll go back in two weeks to have the pins remove and possibly have the cast taken off for good. Because of the recovery time and follow up visits, we had to leave him in Florida with Robert. He has enjoyed having Robert all to himself and we have missed having him around. He and Samuel have never been apart for this long, and as a result they've been calling back and forth almost daily. Sam has been a bit underfoot lately, so I know he is missing his brother's companionship. Robert is coming in tomorrow with Nathanael. We're excited to have him back and love that we get a little extra time with Daddy too!

Hannah

2009-04-04T18:20:00.005-04:00

This is how I remember her in my mind's eye. Tiny, blonde, giggly. Our youngest daughter is growing up so fast. She'll be thirteen next month. I had her sit for me on the porch this morning so I could take a few photos. Later today, we headed downtown and walked through the historic district's annual street fair. I noticed her turn heads more than once. Of course, she's completely oblivious. It's a bit unsettling, but I knew she wouldn't stay little for long.

Extended Vacation

2009-03-22T07:37:00.005-04:00

Sorry for all the time between posts. We don't have Internet at the house currently. So guess where I'm blogging from. Go ahead.

The hospital.

<--This guy thought he could fly yesterday afternoon. Nathanael climbed a tree and attempted to jump to another tree. Yes, I said jump. He claims he's done it before (apparently without incident). Needless to say, he missed. So our journey back to Mississippi at 4am has been put on hold and I'm sitting in the family waiting room of the surgery unit. He broke it badly enough to need pins put in. Please pray for our Tarzan wanna be. And pray he stops telling the nurses that I pushed him down!

The Good News and the Better News

2009-03-16T15:07:00.006-04:00

The good news: we are home! We drove back to Florida to spend Spring Break with Robert. It's only been a few weeks since he was in Mississippi to check on us, but it feels like ages ago! We went to church yesterday morning and then drove over to Cocoa Beach to play in the ocean and wait for the space shuttle launch. We've always been able to see the shuttle go up from our house nearly 60 miles from the launch pad, but we wanted a real up close view. Thousands of families and photographers lined the beach hours before liftoff to lay claim to good viewing spots. I parked myself in a beach chair with a book and Robert took the kids out into the surf. When the shuttle went up at 7:43pm, the sky lit up bright orange and crowds of people cheered on our astronauts.

The better news: God has answered prayer! We received an email on Saturday from the director of the organization that advocates for children like "our" girl. The child we have praying for has a family! And while we feel a little sadness that she will not become the next Landrum, it is but a drop in the ocean of joy over knowing that she will not see the inside of an institution and will know the love of a family. God has answered prayer! We firmly believe that she was our second Sophia and so we anxiously await where God will lead us next. God hasn't closed the door on adoption for us, He has simply redirected our path. And while the change in direction can sometimes be surprising, we still rejoice in the fact that He does direct our path! When I shared with Robert the news about our girl he said, "Well, there's no shortage of orphans in the world! Choose another one!" I love his unflappable attitude and the fact that He trusts God so very much. This will give us more time to save and raise adoption funds. It will also allow us time to either sell the house in Florida and move to Mississippi permanently, or move back to Florida and resettle in our home. God's timing is perfect and we trust Him so very much in this process. Continue to pray for us as we seek Him about adding a child/children to our family, raise support, and find where we should be!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28

True Love

2009-03-11T20:51:00.006-04:00

When God first began to speak to my heart about adopting a child with special needs, I immediately wanted to know why other families had chosen this adoption path. I learned that there were many families who had no experience or training with special needs children. They were adopting because they had a unique love for these precious little ones. One mother told me, "Leslie, I had numerous discussions with my husband about it and the only thing that I kept telling him was 'this could have been one of our children all along.' And, it could happen any day too from a car wreck or anything." That struck a chord with me.

Would I not love a child who was born to me with a disability? Would I not love one of our children who became disabled as the result of some trauma? Love is not an emotion. It's a choice.

We waited a very long time for Kristina to join our family. We loved her from a distance for over a year. We were blessed to have one summer together through Frontier Horizon's hosting program. During that summer, we were able to see her true colors several times. When she came home for good in December of 2007, we continued to work through her adjustment to life in a new culture, with boundaries and a family. There were moments when she really struggled. But what surprised me most was there were moments when I really struggled. In fact, I think I experienced a bit of Post Adoptive Depression.

This wasn't because I regretted our adoption or adopting Kristina. What I learned was that loving someone, truly loving someone, was often a painful process. It was much like the reality of marriage. After the wedding, there's an adjustment period that happens when you realize just how imperfect your spouse is. You learn of his weaknesses, his shortcomings, the things he does that annoy and disappoint you. And if you're not careful, you'll forget that love is a choice and not an emotion. At best, romance is highly overrated. At worst, it can be the faulty foundation for a relationship.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-Romans 5:8

So what is true love? The fact that God chose to love me, the one with weaknesses and shortcomings who was bound to disappoint, is a beautiful thing. That His love doesn't depend on me, but on Him! Is that not the love that we are to give to our spouses, our children, and those around us? Is that not the picture of the Father's love to his adopted children? Knowing how imperfect we were, He chose us and made us His own. While the post adoption experience brings its own challenges, regardless of the challenges of the child, our response is still the same. We will choose to love a child because He first loved us.

We love because God first loved us.
-I John 4:19

Questions, Questions, Questions

2009-03-09T21:17:00.004-04:00

First, let me say thank you to the many of you who have written to say that you're partnering with us in prayer. I am blessed to have so many friends who would approach the throne of God on behalf of a little girl and the family who loves her. So many of you have written with your questions, I will do my best to answer some of them.

How much is this adoption going to cost? We're estimating around $20,000. I'll wait for you to catch your breath before I continue. Okay, better? Moving on . . . because she is special needs we will save a few thousand dollars on facilitation fees. Kristina's adoption was around $24,000. We didn't have the money for Kristina's adoption two years ago and God provided then. We are trusting that He will make a way again if this is His will.

How much do we need to commit to her? About $700 at this point.

What is "our" girl's condition? She is diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I have been reading everything I can and speaking with other adoptive moms about the condition. Because FAS is a spectrum disease, we won't know how affected she is cognitively until she is little older. The information we have about her indicates that she is delayed, but we believe she could blossom with the love of a family. She also exhibits some of the physical features of FAS. The first time I saw her, I thought she was perfect. And I still do!

Will I post her picture? Soon, hopefully. I don't feel right until we have committed to her and she has been removed from the waiting list. Oh, you're going to love her too! She is precious!

What do the kids think? They're as excited as we are. Kristina insists that she must accompany us back to Ukraine and serve as our official interpreter for the little one. The girls are thrilled about evening out our numbers. The boys initially tried to convince us to adopt a boy ("girls are too much drama, Mom"), but they came around. Nathanael had a report and presentation for science class last week. He was assigned the topic "mental retardation" to research. As he was doing his research and learning about the causes, he made the connection about our girl's condition. He asked permission to talk about her when he gave his presentation to the class. Love him!

Any other questions?

Moving Forward?

2009-03-08T12:43:00.004-04:00

Several phone calls back and forth between Robert and I yesterday consisted of, "You're sure?" followed by a text message to confirm in writing that he was indeed on board with another adoption. For those of you who have read my past posts, you'll know Robert wasn't the one who needed the push. We both want to add this little girl to our family, but the financial commitment scares me. We have less than a thousand dollars set aside for another adoption.

However, in my heart, I had already committed. Her picture is the background on my cell phone. I stepped out on Friday and shared with a close friend and co-worker our desire to adopt again (and she didn't faint!). I revamped our family blog and added a new header with all our pictures, including the little girl who would be our daughter.

Late last night I emailed the director of the organization that advocates to find families for these special needs children. I finally fell asleep after 3:30am. When I awoke this morning, I immediately reached for my cell phone to see if she had responded. And she had.

Because of the urgency of finding homes for these children before they are sent away to institutions, they require a financial commitment up front. The money goes into a fund that is returned to the adoptive family once they complete all their paperwork and submit their adoption petition to the Ukrainian government. It is reasonable and understandable. These children are living on borrowed time and need families who are in a position to move forward quickly to complete an adoption. "Our" little girl will be four next month. Four is the magic number that sends these precious children away from baby houses. Many do not survive the first year in these mental institution. If a family can commit to her, the orphanage director may be able to delay her transfer until the end of summer.

I emailed the director back and let her know we weren't in the position to make the initial financial commitment, but we would try. And with that, I came back to this blog and removed the little girl's picture from our family header. I replaced it with a heart and "+1". Then I added a PayPal donation button to the sidebar. This process will be out of our hands. We are praying and asking God to open the door to the child who would be our daughter. Please pray with us.

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
-Psalm 37:5

Confessions of an Unfaithful Daughter

2009-03-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

One of my blog friends emailed me about a week ago and asked me what my hesitation was with moving forward with this adoption. Even as I clicked away my reply on the keyboard, I realized how ridiculous my response was. I found myself arguing with my own reasoning. The only hesitation we have is the financial commitment that another adoption demands.

And yes, I know what some of you are thinking. We are the same people who adopted Kristina 15 months ago. The same people who God provided those adoption funds for. Finances couldn't be worse (yet we are thankful for what we have). The future couldn't be more uncertain (yet we know God directs our path). I laid awake from 2:30-4:30 last night thinking and praying. I tried to think of what I have of value that I could sell. There are no accounts to tap. Our savings are gone from our Mississippi adventure.

"What you need is a benefactor," Robert teased me as I was wrestling with the numbers in my head. My instant reaction was, "I do. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills." Yet putting that faith into action is easier said than done. This is the conversation that runs through my head. See what I'm dealing with?

We do not have the luxury of time either. The child we are praying over will age out of the orphanage she is in and, due to her disability, will be sent to an institution in a few months. It's not a place she belongs. It's not a place any child belongs. Taking decisive action is of the essence. Yet here I stand, terrified to move. If I could, I would call the facilitator and commit to this adoption tonight. If I could . . .

And Jesus said to him, " 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief."
-Mark 9:23-24

A is for Adoption

2009-02-24T12:38:00.001-05:00

My understanding of adoption, and specifically the true spirit of adoption, has been an evolving process. At the last church group we spoke to, I printed handouts that members could slip into their Bibles with a call to action, specific things they could do to minister to orphans. Robert proofread what I had typed up and quickly corrected one of my points, "Honey, you can't say God has called everyone to adoption."

"Yes, I can. He does call us all to adoption."

"But you can't SAY that God is calling each of them to ADOPT."

"And why not?"

Frustrated, he said, "Well, you just CAN'T."

I understood what he was getting at, but quite frankly, I do believe that Christians should be ministering to orphans by bringing them into their families. There is no clearer picture of God's redemptive love than this earthly action. So why is adoption often considered "plan B" for many families? If we as Christians believe that adoption falls to those who cannot conceive otherwise, then we have missed the message of adoption.

Adoption was always God's Plan A. It wasn't an afterthought in the redemptive plan for mankind. And perhaps what is just as humbling is WHO God chose to adopt. God chose the unwanted, the poor, the lame, the lowest of creation to redeem as his sons and daughters. That would be us, chosen to be heirs to the great King. There was nothing we brought to the table. Nothing that made us appealing. God chose us because of His boundless goodness.

There is a waiting list for healthy newborns. Families line up to adopt these precious children. But what about the others? In advocating for older child adoption, I found myself discouraged by families who would consider adopting an infant, but didn't feel as though they were 'equipped' for anything else. Yes, healthy newborns need families too, but we've misunderstood the true spirit of adoption if we limit our role in God's calling in this way.

I was praying to God about this and voicing my frustration months ago, when I distinctly felt Him question me about MY understanding of adoption. Would I be willing to adopt ANY orphan God placed in my path? What about another older child? What about a child of another heritage? What about a child with a disability? If I truly believed the spirit of adoption does not discriminate, then I wouldn't hesitate to say, "yes". But I examined myself and found fear. Was I 'equipped' to handle a child with a disability? Was I one of those potential adopters who put stipulations on a child that would join my family?

And then God reminded me that adoption isn't about the adopter. It's about the orphan. It's not about filling a void in a family. It's about filling a void in a fatherless child. It's about providing a family - safety, security, and acceptance in a hostile world. And God did a strange thing. He opened my frightened heart to the possibility of adopting a child with a disability.

I decided to test Robert on this issue and see what he thought, "I'm going to ask you a question and I don't want you to answer me right away. I want you to really think about what I'm asking you. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Who would you be willing to adopt? Any child?"

I barely got the word 'child' out of my mouth when he replied, "Any child."

"No! I told you to really think about it. Don't give me a gut response. Really think about what I'm asking. Would you be willing to adopt a child with special needs?"

This time he thought for about 10 seconds before he replied, "Yeah. Any child. They need families too, right?"

What does this mean for us? Can we meet the needs of a disabled child? Do we have the strength and resources? Of course. All those things come from God. We have many adoptive friends who have walked this path and adopted children rejected by their mothers, their homelands, and potential families because they weren't healthy infants. Their stories are inspiring testimonies to the goodness of God. In them we see the true spirit of adoption. We see what God intended. We see Plan A.

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?

Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
-James 2:1-5

Unbreakable

2009-02-22T12:37:00.001-05:00

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Last Thursday night I was literally at the end of my proverbial rope. I was frantically trying to help Nathanael construct a mosaic for an ancient Rome project and Samuel cook Tiger Sweets for an ancient Egypt project. Somewhere in the midst of supervising wet cement pouring and cooking one of the oldest known recipes to man, I felt myself unraveling. Hannah still needed help with math, Kristina wanted to bounce ideas off of me for a project due next week, Joshua needed a special lunch packed for his field trip the next day, and a stack of ungraded essays beckoned impatiently from the other room. God has brought the above verse to mind when I've felt overwhelmed in the last few weeks. He has reminded me that I'm not alone.

Robert came in Saturday morning and I can honestly say "phew!". We are all so happy to have him here for a few days! We've easily fallen back into our comfortable routine. Robert and the boys watching old horror movies, Robert teasing Kristina like a smitten eight year old, the humor of filling up an entire row of pews at church. It's good to be together again.

Even with all there is to keep me busy, my heart has been heavy recently with adoption issues. We've been talking about adopting again for some time and so the topic isn't necessarily new. I immediately broached the subject to see where he was with all of it.

"Honey, I really feel burdened to return to Ukraine. I know the timing is terrible and finances couldn't be worse, but I really want to go."

"Okay."

"Okay? I mean, I'm not necessarily talking about returning to Odessa. I feel like there's another area I should visit with children in more dire circumstances."

"Okay."

It was the same nonchalance with which he greeted my suggestion about adopting an older child two years ago. Such a sweet man. He humors me, but I know he would buy the plane ticket tomorrow if we could and let me follow my heart. I am so grateful to have a husband who shares my desire to love these children.

And there is a child. This child may simply be another "Sophia" meant to lead our hearts in trusting God, but the child is there nonetheless. I've stared at the photo saved to my laptop repeatedly over the last month. I check my email constantly hoping for some further information or photos from other families who have recently visited the orphanage. Why now? Why am I so drawn? I hesitate to even share this, but I'm hoping you'll pray. Pray that God will make His will clear and fill us with faith for whatever He calls us to. It is not good that any child should be alone. Pray that God will provide a family for this child . . . to lift up, to keep warm, to protect . . . whoever that may be.

miles and miles to go

2008-12-27T14:12:00.002-05:00

I just went on a 3 mile bike ride!
Last year I went on a 21 mile bike ride!
Thats not evan close to what I did last year!

Strange Things and Funny Sayings of Late

2008-06-12T12:39:00.005-04:00

(1) Joshua had apparently fallen asleep in the back seat of the car and was awakened to a car sleep sweat. He shouted right out of the blue, "Can someone turn on the air? I'm sweating like a dog back here!" You probably had to be there.

(2) Leslie's car charges me with static electricity and I get shocked every time I get out of it. Sometimes I make it past closing the car door only to be zapped by the door of whatever store we may be going into. I look like an escaped mental patient as I erratically go about reaching out for the door, quickly reaching out for it but quickly pulling away from it, until finally I gain the courage to touch it. I found myself fearfully frozen in the car as we arrived home from town the other day shouting, "Somebody come spray me with the Static Guard so I can get out of the car!"

(3) What you don't want to hear at the breakfast table from a teen aged boy: "Hey somebody pull my finger!"

(4) Kristina (our Ukrainian girl) still navigating the English language said, "pass me another one of those 'Man Sandwiches'", we were eating Manwiches for dinner.

(5) I joke with Kristina all the time saying, "I have your number." The idiom doesn't make sense to her. So she always says, "if you know my number, tell me what it is". Joshua piped up one time and said in typical littel brother fashion, "I know what it is--666!

(6) Samuel was asking the blessing one morning and said "God, thank you for this food and the 'um'. Amen." I asked him what is this "um" that he was thanking God for? Is that something like Manna or what?

(7) Nathanael was trying to say a certain word and mispronounced it. We all laughed; he got offended, and said "I have a speech disability and I have a paper in my backpack to prove it!

The Seven of Us

2008-03-31T15:47:00.001-04:00

Things I Never Thought I Would Say--Until Children

2008-01-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

This post will be occasionally updated as thing happen in life and things come to mind:
(1)"Stop pointing at peoples moles!"
(2)Before we realized it we would say "You better start being have!" It dawned on us one day that this in nonsensical. The word is behaving.

Life With Seven

2008-01-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

I thought that we would acclimate Kristina into our family without much change at all. There are so many of us that I thought, "what's one more right?"
Our new addition, however, has caused us to do a bit of adjusting--in more ways than one. Here are a few funny things that we have encountered so far.
It first hit me that some things just aren't going to be the same when I was grocery shopping and realized that my brand of breakfast sausages only came six to a pack. Now I am off mathematically! Also, when we dine out the gratuity is automatically included in our bill as if we are a party of people or something. There are no additional legal seating options left in our car. When I cook breakfast I use eighteen eggs and an entire pack of bacon. Our washing machine broke so we went to the laundry mat to do our clothes. We occupied fifteen washing machines (almost the entire laundry mat)!! We take up a pew and a quarter at church and a whole block when we ride our bikes. There are a few perks that we now have as well. If we use the hair cut card that you get stamped for each cut, we automatically qualify for a free cut. And if we go to get ice cream we use up all the stamps in one shot, immediately qualifying us for a free cone.

My Trip to New Orleans

2007-12-26T22:50:00.000-05:00

Today I went to New Orleans. Here are two Pictures I took with my new camera that I got for Christmas. I had fun. I saw the Mississippi River.

New Orleans Fun

2007-12-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful Christmas with my family.
Today was great too. I went to New Orleans with the girls. We ate lunch at Cafe Maspero, and then after walking around in the French Market we had coffee and beignets for dessert. Latter we had oysters in the French Quarter. (Me and Hannah did at least.) We got drenched in a down poor as we ran to take Kristina to see the Mississippi river. That's why we look so wet in some of the pictures. But the rain only added to the fun!

Some Funny (and Embarassing) Things My Kids Have Said and Done

2007-10-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

http://religiouscontemplations.blogspot.com/2007/10/some-funny-and-embarassing-things-my.html

Boating

2007-09-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

Today I went boating with my family. We saw some alligators. We went swimming with big fish. We also saw gar fish . The water was freezing; I could barely get in. My dad kept telling me to jump in, but I did not want to. He tried to drag me in and my brothers kept scaring my sister. My mom was taking pictures. My grandma and grandpa came along with us but did not swim.

Another Encounter with Nature

2007-09-06T16:46:00.000-04:00

I was sitting in the living room and out of the corner of my eye I noticed something on the fence in the back yard.

Anyone seen the cats lately??

Uncle Troy Would be Proud

2007-09-02T19:36:00.000-04:00

I caught Samuel teaching Hannah to ride a skateboard today. It made me think back to my Vans wearing brother who lived on a skateboard at about the same age. These are for you, big brother!

A Wing and a Prayer

2007-09-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

A small movement caught my eye on the way out the door Thursday morning. On the edge of the lawn was a small bird flailing in the grass. Its panicked chirping broke my heart. I called for Robert who brought a gardening glove to secure the bird so that he could examine it. An infant female Red-headed Woodpecker, it appeared to have a broken wing and puncture wounds from an animal attack. It was early and we weren't sure where we could take it, so we placed it in a pet carrier to protect it from predators. By the afternoon, the rangers at Lake Lotus park agreed to deliver her to a bird rehabilitationer who would nurse the bird back to health.

Saint Paul's Church Youth Pontoon Boat Trip on the Saint John's River

2007-08-26T09:29:00.000-04:00

It was a Saturday morning and we were going on a boat trip and my dad was driving one of the boats. There were 12 girls and 5 boys. each boat had a super soker watergun. Three times we got scared because the boat tipped into the water and we all ran back to the back of the boat to level it so we wouldn't fall in with the alligators and get eaten. then we got off the boat the boat and went to the picnic tables to eat our lunch. after lunch we went to the springs nobody wonted to get in because they knew

how cold it was. So one of the girls pushed me in to the water. It was colder than i thought! and my feet and toes became numb. Then every body started to jump in to the water. Then we went up stream were it was a little warmer and we got into the water. We saw a big tree that had fell in the water a long time ago. And we started to climb it. i was the first one up the tree and the farther up we went steeper it was and pretty soon we reached the point to we started to see fire ants heading towards us i was allergic to fire ant or any other ants. And then we all started to jump off the tree. I was first one to jump

of the tree. i was holding my breath while i sunk to the bottom of the river I almost hit a log but i got closer to it and saw that it was a root! Then it was time to leave the river, but that wasn't the end to of the trip. We are now going to the island park. and we got something to drink there and we got to explore there too. Finally we got to the exhibits and looked at all the different animals there. My favorite animals there was the snakes, they also had a coral snakes. The one they showed was a dangerous poisonous snake there. Then we went back to the boats and had a water gun fight. Then we left for home.

No More Summer

2007-08-16T17:50:00.000-04:00

It is the end of summer school is starting soon!

Our Weekend

2007-08-05T22:23:00.000-04:00

Friday night we ate at the pizza buffet. This Saturday we broke our biking record. We road twenty miles! Hannah was always bringing up the rear in the past. We did not realize that she had outgrown her bike. We all had to apologize to her for dragging her along on our rides. She is on a bigger bike and dishing out a lot of pay back. Joshua is the youngest. At age nine he road twenty miles. He is a trooper.
Sunday we heard Don Kistler preach at Saint Pauls again. Afterwards we ate at Red Lobster. Yummy! And while Hannah was at a birth day party I took the boys swimming in the pool.

Our Weekend

2007-07-31T15:50:00.001-04:00

It is a little late but we have not made a post lately.
Last week end we visited St. Paul's and hear Don Kistler preach on the "tongue." We also saw the movie Shrek III. I am glad we waited for the dollar movie! This morning all six of us road our bikes four or five miles. Hannah was lagging behind and Joshua being concerned about her, kept looking back to see how she was doing. Not realizing that he was approaching a curve; he ended up in the hedges. I did the best I could not to laugh as I untangled him from the hedges, and his bike. We got him dusted off and he was okay. He is a good sport and he hung in there till the end of the ride.

Construction in Florida in July

2007-07-19T16:48:00.001-04:00

For the past few days I have been taking my two oldest boys to work with me. I have taken all of my kids to work at one point or another on jobs that would allow it in the past just to let them have the experence of being at work. They like to "paint." But this time it is different. My boys are almost teenagers and they are getting big enough to actually be productive. I think that I can begin to train them in the painting trade.
They helped me unload and load equipment, trim hedges off of the house, move drop clothes pick up trash, get things, and even move some tree frogs that took up residence on some columns.
I may not be able to take them on every job this summer but next summer I think they will be old enough to work the whole summer.
They were not to happpy about all of the spiders and various bugs that painters encounter. And the heat is almost unbearable. But I am impressed with them.

Our Vacation

2007-07-07T17:55:00.000-04:00

We left for a visit with the grandparents in Mississippi on Wednesday. This is a ten and one half hour drive (this trip at least). Leslie brought some "occupy my mind, but don't have think literature." So after listening to twelve sermons on eschatology by R.C. Sproul I thought I would give it a try. I rapidly went through three or four of these magazines and came to the conclusion that they are the biggest waste of time and space on the planet. There are a few divisions of topics that all of the magazines have in common: who is in the spotlight; who is getting together/breaking up/or single; who is skinny (anorexic), perfect, fat (another eating disorder) or curvy; who is going into rehab or getting released or leaving early; who has/had/ or is getting cosmetic surgery; who got into legal trouble, and you get the point! What a waste of time. It worked for about an hour though. And I am up on enough gossip to keep me in purgatory for a very long time.

Upon arriving in MS we visited with family. Joshua, Nathanael, and I rode the four wheeler. All of the men went to see Transformers. Leslie and I ate some Cajun food; a food that we love and miss since being in FL. I have mostly been doing nothing but watching the outdoors channel on T.V. (we don't have cable at home at this time). We are having a great time!

Our Weekend

2007-07-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Thursday night we saw the preview of Ratatouille. Leslie got us free tickets from a Disney radio promotion! Sunday we went to church. Then we went to International Drive and had lunch at Fuddruckers. After lunch we went to the Bass Pro Shop where we bought our fresh and salt water fishing licenses as well as a few fishing lures. Yes, we are getting ready! Due to rain, however, we are sitting on a rain check. On the way we stopped at the Mall at Millenia where Joshua bought a game for the Play Station.

Last weekend

2007-06-25T21:18:00.000-04:00

We went to see "Evan Almighty" and to Sea World last weekend. We did not last long in the heat at Sea World but we managed to see a few things--the penguins, sting rays, and the shark exhibit. We have been grilling almost every evening out in the front yard. This is fun for everyone. Joshua likes to turn the meat. Hannah holds the umbrella because it seems to rain every time we fire up the grill. The boys like to circle the block on the bikes while the grill does its work. Sometimes they turn the meat too. Everybody likes to hold a skewer in the fire to catch it on fire. And the cats lay in the yard or on a car doing their part.
After dinner me Samuel and Joshua rode our bikes to Blockbuster to exchange a movie. We have a lot of fun together.

A NEW FRIEND

2007-06-18T08:17:00.000-04:00

I started doing camp 2 weeks ago and I thought it might not be fun.

I went though the morning with puppet shows. Then I met a kid named

skyler. ''We talked and he said whats on your thumb''? Then we talked about what happened to my broken thumb. And I just found out that he broke his thumb during basketball.

Today

2007-06-11T18:33:00.001-04:00

Early this morning Leslie and Hannah road their bikes for five miles. And tonight we grilled chicken in the rain. We all had a good dinner together. I love having dinner with everybody at the table.

My bike rides

2007-06-10T19:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I rode my bike on a bike trail. It was 15 miles long! But we were too tired. We only rode 14 miles. That's still far! On the way there was a Panera. We stopped and got refreshed. The next day I rode my bike to Block Buster and Costco. That's 5 miles! So all together we rode19 miles! That's better than last weekend (15 miles)! In the morning we also went to church.

The Last of the Weekend

2007-06-10T19:13:00.000-04:00

This morning we went to church and heard Dr. Sproul preach on the trial of Jesus. After lunch I installed a computer game for the boys. We each played "Red Alert II" for one session. We closed out the weekend by riding our bikes to Block Buster to return some movies. We road about five more miles making our way from Block Buster to Cosco for some cold drinks and then back home. I had a great weekend spending time with my family!

Bike Ride

2007-06-09T14:16:00.000-04:00

Today we went 14 miles on our bike.

Our Weekend So Far

2007-06-09T13:39:00.001-04:00

Last night we had a back home style seafood boil see Leslie's blog for pictures. As we were having the boil, we saw the space shuttle launch from our front yard. This morning we got up early and rode our bikes on the bike trail seven miles to Lake Mary, had lunch at Panera Bread, then road our bikes back totaling fourteen miles! That is quite an accomplishment for us and I am very proud of the boys and Hannah.

NO SCHOOL!!!!!!

2007-06-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

YA SCHOOL IS OUT WE GET TO DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS LIKE GOING TO THE WATER PARK AND GOING TO DISNEY

school

2007-05-31T20:01:00.000-04:00

Today I went bowling with my friends and scored two strikes and then we went back to school and watched two movies and then I went home.

my graduation

2007-05-31T19:40:00.000-04:00

I have just graduated to 6 grade. We watched a movie all about us and we got certificates. We even won a birth certificate for being twins. And there was a dessert and punch. Then we spent time with my parents. It was a special time for me.

fun

2007-05-30T20:31:00.000-04:00

Today we skipped school and went to a water park and then we ate at a restaurant and then we got ice cream and funnel cake .

memorial day

2007-05-28T21:28:00.000-04:00

Today I went to McDonald's and got a chicken sandwich. Then I went to the pool and swam for two and one half hours. I made new friends and played with diving sticks. When we got home we did chores watched TV and waited for the new refrigerator. Then we went to the church cookout. I played water dodge ball.

Our Weekend

2007-05-27T21:40:00.001-04:00

Our weekend started Thursday evening. Me and Leslie went to the president's reception and banquet dinner for RTS graduates. Friday I graduated and ate dinner at Applebee's to celebrate. Saturday we road our bikes to block buster. Sunday we went to church and heard Dr. Sproul preach on the deity of Christ. We then bought a new refrigirator at Lowes. We also bought Leslie a new laptop computer because she has been using the school's. Since she is not going back to Orangewood we had to get a computer. MAINLY I NEED TO BE ABLE TO BLOG! We then road our bikes adding up to a total of 15 miles for the weekend. Finally we got everybody set up to make blog entries. Hannah and Nathanael didn't post. I think they wete too tired.

my weekend

2007-05-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend I saw pirates of the Caribbean 3 and rode my bike for 15 miles! We watched Tom Sawyer and went to Block Buster to rent the movie Magma.

weekend fun

2007-05-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

This weekend we rode our bikes 15 miles from our house. And then we went to see pirates of the Caribbean. and then we went to my dads graduation at bible school and then when we got back it was 10:00pm.

As if We Needed Another Blog

2007-05-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

How many accounts does the general population need of our bike ride to BlockBuster Video? Obviously six. Robert decided we needed a family blog that would allow everyone to post. Robert, Hannah, and I already have one (or more) blogs. So when Josh approached me last week and asked if I would make one for him, my knee jerk reaction was, "No!". He asked for a journal instead, so I thought I had pacified him by bringing one home from the store. Anyways, in two weeks we will be computerless (is that a word?) and I can't imagine six of us vying for computer time!

So why are you looking at this then? Unfortunately Robert knows how to set up a blog without me. I've created a monster. And now he's about to spawn four other little monsters. Can any good come of this???

Sunday Fun

2007-05-20T21:58:00.000-04:00

Today we went to church at Saint Andrews where we heard Dr. Sproull preach on the last supper. We partook of the Lord's supper as well. Then we ate lunch at the Olive Garden. After that we road our bikes to Block Buster Video to return some movies. We like riding our bikes together. After that we went swimming at the community pool. We threw the tennis ball and miniature foot ball in the pool. We also had fun racing from one end to the other. Finally Leslie made dinner. Me and the kids made the dessert. I am making the first post because it is now getting late.