Eseza and Amina

Eseza was the first child we ever sponsored. She is pictured below...Sadly she passes away. We are not sure of the cause at this point. It was very sad for all of us, Zoe especially. For a while Zoe would write letters to her and tuck them away. They used to write each other monthly. Having a child die, that you know and have a connection with, especially when you are just a child yourself hard to wrap your mind around. I was thankful at that point that we have Heaven and could truly feel and relay to the kids that Eseza was no longer hurting and living in poverty, she was dancing with her Maker. Now we have Amina. Amina is a darling little girl from Kenya and we are so excited to start another journey. We found her through World Vision while shopping in the Christian Store this week. Zoe was ready for a new "sister." I could tell by the squeals each time she would read her "bio" on the way home. She goes by and gazes at her picture a few times a day, and sometimes picks it up for a closer look. Amina is going to cost $35 a month with is a small investment for what not only Amina will get but what we will get as well.

Sponsor a Child through World Vision

Tugsuu and Keegan's Baby Reveal

Today was an AMAZING day! I had the honor of going with my dear friend Tugsuu to her ultrasound. We had a unique plan though... The ultrasound technician was to tell me the sex and not her. The tech was smart, she even made Tugsuu close here eyes while she went "down there." Then, with the new news I ran home and started baking a cake. The color of the cake would tell the family the sex of baby once cut. So we threw some spaghetti in the crockpot and invited the troops. Every one was filled with anticipation and giggles were every where...and then the time finally came. Together this adorable couple and their daughter Rachel cut the cake. Blue, blue, blue! Tears, laughs, squeals and hugs were shared. Congratulations to Keegan and Tugsuu! I feel so blessed to have been a part of such a joyful occasion.

Giving to the Giver

Found a church, for sure

After a long hunt, now I am not so sure why I went on, I have found a church. I guess I just wanted to be sure. Where you spend every Sunday morning, and with whom can greatly influence your week. The reason I am not sure why the hunt seemed so complicated is because the River church has always been on my heart. Ever since I discovered it, I have been drawn to it. So when I started my search for a new church, naturally that is where I went first and loved it! However, I felt the need to be sure so I kept attending different churches every Sunday. They were all nice, but none felt quite like this one. I love the music, the people, the environment, but what I love most is the Pastor and his wifes "on FIRE heart" for the orphan...I cannot wait to see where 2011 will take me, joining hands with this wonderful group of people.

I visited The River Church today...

As I walked through the doors I was greeted by some of the nicest people. I went with a girlfriend of mine, and she headed to the children's area to drop off Zoe and her son. The pastor's wife came up and shook my hand and introduced herself. Little did she know, I already know her...I follow her blog, "A Place Called Simplicity." I follow her blog because I love to read about all their beautiful adoptions. I explained this and she was grateful. I also mentioned how I would love to adopt but have not yet. And she very sweetly said, "God's timing is perfect. His interest is with the orphan. Pray and fast, and you will be amazed at what He will do." It gave me hope.

Alternative Schooling is a Blessing

This school year we have embarked on a new journey. We have decided to home school/Christian school our daughter. She goes to school two days a week and home schools the rest. We do fun things on some of the Fridays with our school, Hope Community Christian Academy. I am so grateful we have the opportunity to play such a huge role in our daughter's education, but with some guidance. I love the teachers, the curriculum and the environment. We have seen major changes in Zoe since starting this. She no longer cries on school mornings. She no longer feels "behind," and she is more confident and happier all together. It is a huge adjustment, and we have had some hard days, I am not going to lie, but overall, I believe our life is more peaceful. I am so glad we turned to something unknown, conquered our fear of change and followed our hearts....I give God the glory.

I am finally a doula!

I have thought about becoming a doula for quite some time now. I first heard of it while watching "The Baby Story." So, I went for it! I found a class, I have done all my requirements and now I will wait for my certification. Woot-woot! I love it. I have assisted in 2 natural births and one c-sec. They were all such beautiful experiences. Each in it's own special way. Being a doula has made me realize how strong and amazing our bodies are. Giving birth is a miracle. If you have ever witnessed it, you are blessed.