April 8th

Today, April 8th, is a very special day. Twelve years ago, on April 8, 2002, after almost 2 years of starting the adoption process, our family finally got "the call" from our adoption agency telling us about my new baby sister. She was just over a year old and as cute as could be. That day, our lives were changed forever. I was no longer the only girl in my family and we were no longer a family of 8 but instead, a family of 9.This was the day, that we saw her face for the first time. And after months of praying for this little girl who we had no idea who she was, in that moment, we knew. She was forever ours. 

Today is extra special because not only because it has been 12 years since we first saw Kiah's face, but today, April 8, 2014, Handsome has left to join his forever family. He is no longer an orphan, but is now a son, a brother, and a grandson. We have loved him and provided the medial care he much needed and now the time has come for him to leave us and start the next chapter in his life. 

Yes, April 8th will continue to be a very special day to me. It's a day of redemption, new beginnings, and when forever families are formed. 

"He places the lonely in families."

Psalm 68:6

Miracle Students

Today was a big day. Two sweet girls joined my preschool class. My kiddos love school and when they aren't old enough to come, they try to come anyways and then throw a fit when they are not allowed. Today was the day. Sweetheart and Treasure got to join in on the fun.

As I was trying to find all my preschool material after being gone for 5 weeks and getting re-organized (still working on that one), I couldn't help but be reminded of what precious miracles I had in front of me. Both of these girls are living, breathing miracles. Without coming to the foster home, neither of them would probably be here today.

Sweetheart came to us as a tiny baby girl. Weak and sick. After two surgeries and lots of love, would you just look at her? Yes, miracle indeed.

Then there is Treasure. Remember all those months and months we all spent praying for this little girl? Interceding in prayer on her behalf and just begging God to let her live? That's right... this is the same little girl. Miracle indeed.

Even though having new students can be challenging and really tests my patience until they get the hang of how preschool works, I can't help but give thanks and praise to God. Because neither of these girls should probably be in my classroom. And yet they are. What else can I do but thank Him?

Art Class

We are blessed with numerous donations. Clothes, toys, books, preschool supplies, diapers, etc. We receive so many in fact that our storage room is overflowing! I love how God works and how He blesses us abundantly. I finally had a chance to go through a bag of preschool donations yesterday morning and what did I find? 4 sketchbooks! And how many students do I have? You got it.... 4. I wrote each of their names on a book and decided to spend some time in "art class" yesterday.

 They were so cute.... concentrating so hard on their "masterpieces."

 This little one is drawing actual pictures now. See his suns? And yes, that is a blue one.

I just love when they use their creativity. It does my heart good after seeing so many of them lying in an orphanage bed. Oh the miracles of the Lord Almighty.

Have a great weekend!

Remember When...

This little Treasure was fighting for her life?

When she was given no hope?

I do too....

Now when I hold her in my arms and listen to her sweet sing song voice,

or pick her up time and time again, when she is fussy,

I can't help but be thankful.

Because she was so close to not making it.

 Your prayers are what made all the difference.

Once people all over the world began lifting up this little sweetheart, that is when things changed.

You sure are a Treasure, little one.

Continue growing big and strong. 

Want to read more about her miraculous story?

Read about it here!