The Christmas Star

"When they saw the star they were filled with Joy".  

Matthew 2:10

This Christmas I am so thankful for so many things.  It seems like just yesterday we were waiting for our oldest son to be born.  Now that's been 18 years ago and we are coming upon his graduation from high school and thoughts of college and moving out of our home are surfacing.  

It seems like just yesterday that we were then waiting for our baby girl to be born.  She is now a beautiful young lady.  In 10th grade.  So grown up.

Then again, it seems like just yesterday that we were waiting for our next baby girl to be born.  She is now in middle school, playing volleyball and is such an amazing young lady.

Yet again, it seems like just yesterday that our next baby girl was to be born.  Literally, she has a January birthday and I was so ready to see her this time at this time of the year.  It was still a wonder if she was a girl or boy at this time of the year, but we found out shortly as our third princess entered this world.

And, it seems like just a few years ago that our fourth little girl was just a newborn baby at this time of the year.  Such a sweet bundle we were able to share with our family as we celebrated Christmas that year.

And, it seems like just yesterday that we were waiting, wondering what God was going to do to show us our child that was waiting for us in Ethiopia.  It was on December 23, 2010 that God showed us our SONS that were waiting for us.  

God has blessed us beyond what I could ever dreamed of with each of these children.  He has continually shown us His faithfulness and love with each of these gifts. 

I have to admit, at times many times I have wondered what God was up to.  And, in the time that has passed since we have brought home our twins from Ethiopia has been a time of wonder.  A time of watching God knit together our family in an amazing, awesome fashion.  A time on our knees asking God what we are supposed to do with what He has shown us.   I think that's a good place to be.  If God had laid out my whole life in front of me before I "lived" it I think I would have been overwhelmed. 

This Christmas I am so very thankful for the Christmas Star and JOY.   Just like the wise men that were following the star to find baby Jesus - the Savior of the World - I am so thankful for the guiding hand of the  Lord.  I'm so very thankful that I can look up and see the star AND when I see that shining star that I am filled with JOY.  It is my prayer that you too look up and see the guiding hand of the creator of this world and feel His JOY this Christmas and whole year through.

Merry, Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Embracing Hope Ethiopia

It's been a long time since I've posted.  Not for a lack of things going on in this household, but mostly for a lack of time to work on a blog post.

I feel like I need to post some pictures of my little guys.  They are getting so big and have changed so much over the last year and half.  It's CraZy, really.  We love, love, love them to pieces!

But, I just needed to share this with you...

Remember when I shared with you about this family that we visited while we were in Ethiopia for our Embassy appt? We visited the Shannon's at  Embracing Hope Ethiopia over a year ago now, but have not forgot about our short visit or the sweet faces of the children that were at the daycare that day.

I am very excited to say that I get to help out on the US side of their store.  And, it's a really neat store.  The store is stocked with handmade jewelry, baskets and other items that the mom's that Embracing Hope Ethiopia serves hand make.  These mom's are paid for making the items that you can now buy!  Your purchase helps a mom in Ethiopia support herself and her child(ren).   A mom that now can be proud of her work and be able to support her child(ren) rather than resort other means to simply live and keep her child alive ... such as begging.

Check it out.  Think about your Christmas list.  And, for the next 11 days you can get in the Pre-Order Sale on Apparel, which is new to the store.  You can now wear your very own Embracing Hope Ethiopia shirt.  It will give you an opportunity to share with others what Embracing Hope Ethiopia is all about.  Not all clothing items will be available after the Pre-Order Sale or will the prices likely stay the same.  Plus, right now you get a an Embracing Hope Ethiopia decal with your T shirt order.... and free shipping!

A day to celebrate!

It's been a year!  One year ago we landed in MN with our sons.  Our friends came to get us - on their anniversary - and drove us home.  Happy Anniversary, Steve and Tammy!

Travel was finished.  Our family was all under one roof.  We all were able to sleep in the same house for the first time.  Life was good.

So much has changed in the last year. 

Last June we were dealing with this cast after Buche broke his leg in Ethiopia.

Communication was different.  I showed Buche and Burka this video of Burka this morning.  Today he said "What is Burka saying??" 

I love to hear him sing!  He has a beautiful voice.

Looking back over the past year I'm amazed at what the Lord has done...in each of our hearts.  God is indeed good.  We are indeed blessed.

This news about a disruption in the Sidama Zone in SPPN came out this week.

Our boys are from the Sidama Region.  I have been in contact with a friend in Awassa.  There are indeed things going on there.

Not long ago this would have been sad to me, but I do not believe it would not pull on my heart strings like it does today.  Ryan and I spent a few days in Awassa last year June.  We have friends in the Sidama Region.  We have family in the Sidama Region.  

While we were in the Sidama Region although we saw a rich heritage in the lives of so many amazing people we also saw so many people struggling with poverty and all that comes with that ...  disease, starvation, death, lack of medical care, lack of housing, lack of schooling ...

Today, this news of something happening on the other side of the world moves me to tears.  Breaks my heart for the people going through this disruption on top of the life that many already lead.

Please join me in praying for the people in the Sidama Zone. 

Happy birthday Buche and Burka!

Last year, we celebrated Burka and Buche's birthday in Ethiopia.  We actually celebrated on the 23rd because Ryan and I didn't get back from the South until really late on the 22nd.

Today we celebrate at home.

In some ways it hardly seems possible that a year has passed.  In other ways it's hard to remember life with out our precious Ethiopian son's.