In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I had some uneducated apprehensions about pursuing adoption. I'm going to be honest about these apprehensions because I think it will be helpful. It's easy to post articles like I've see float around social media on "What NOT to Say to Adoptive Parents," but truthfully, I'm going to be... Continue Reading →
Wilberforce, MLK Jr., Kim Bean, and Adoptive Parents
Early in 2012, God orchestrated a few circumstances that challenged us in our thinking and consequently, our action. I read a biography of William Wilberforce and John Newton and we watched Amazing Grace, a movie about their fight against the slave trade. We also were educating our girls more about the Civil Rights Movement and... Continue Reading →
No Turning Back
Our lives met that summer. Paths crossed and eyes locked. Love tiptoed in and grabbed hold of our hearts and turned them right over. Although everything seemed just perfect when we'd met for lunch, counting the hours until we could talk or see each other again. Trying as hard and we could to be reasonable... Continue Reading →
My Sister, My Friend
Jenny, you and I were friends before we were family.In fact, I loved you and your mom and dad so much I had to check my heart to make sure I wasn't just dating Matt as my ticket into your family. 🙂 But, although I of course still love you all, eventually Matt did win... Continue Reading →
Adoption Update
The week we moved, back in April, I contacted the Bethany office we'd be working with here in Florida to make sure they had received our file and to get information about moving forward with our adoption in our new home. At that point, it seemed the transfer would be relatively smooth. We were told... Continue Reading →
Abounding Grace
We are winding down our second week of school. There's been enough grace to go around and we have every reason to believe "God is able to make [more] grace abound to [us], so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, [we] may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)Here are... Continue Reading →
Grace For Every Hurdle
It's been a few weeks since your ninth birthday. Did I really think if I didn't write my annual post to you I could bypass the reality that we most likely only have nine more years together? And I feel like your dad and I are still hunched over you in the back seat, trying... Continue Reading →
Already Not Yet
At our church's business meeting last Sunday, Matt gave a 3-month update since coming to OPBC. Overall, we are thankful for a smooth transition to life in Florida. In some ways, it seems like we just got here and in other ways, it feels like we've been here forever.Just Got HereThe bugs. I thought it... Continue Reading →
Cause our Faith to Rise
You crossed the finish line of another year, but I'm the one who's out of breath, heart racing, and legs about to give way. It's been a rough one, hasn't it? But we made it with God's help.You keep this mama on her toes occasionally, but more often on her heels, struggling to catch up.... Continue Reading →
Rock of Ages When the Year is Long
So you have the audacity to go ahead and turn another year older, do you? In motherly determination, I push deep and try not to feel the angst. It's hard for me this year, I'm not going to lie. Maybe it's because my soul was dripping wet with thousands of tears and hung out to... Continue Reading →
Another Week
Easter bunny craft since we didn't want to end up with a PAAS-dyed hotel room. Hotel living has its perks!Thankful for Netflix:)Can't get over this gorgeous view we enjoy while running errands. Sweet new friends reaching out to us and our kids...Ruby asked when we were going to get her one?!Water gun fightsAnd wagon ridesProgress... Continue Reading →
Home Sweet Hotel
We've been in Jacksonville almost a week now. We have received an overwhelmingly warm welcome from our OPBC family. They've been keeping us well-fed as we set up house in the local Holiday Inn for awhile until our home is move-in ready.Here are a few pics of our new area.Our church buildingHoly Week activities hotel... Continue Reading →
A Museum of Memories 