Rathjen Family

Rathjen Family
Rathjen, Party of EIGHT

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 28, 2010





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.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

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.