Book Review: Kisses from Katie

                                                               


Ok, this may possibly be one of my favorite books EVER! I ordered it last week, after devouring everything I could find on Katie's blog. Katie is an incredible young woman who left everything she loved to go and serve the least of these in Uganda. Hers is a story of human frailty, loving Jesus, and learning to go the extra mile. What I love about this autobiography, though, is that it's really not about Katie Davis. It's about Jesus. As I read of Katie's adventures, I laughed and cried. It took me two and a half days to finish this book, because I simply could not put it down. And now I want to move to Kenya and bind up wounds and help to heal hurting hearts....... (:

Kisses in the Wind

I came across this lullabye last night while I was working on a project. It is so beautiful, and so perfectly sums up my family's emotions right now. :




I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

No word yet

Here's the hardest part of the whole fundraising letter- waiting for an answer that may or may not come. So, we're still waiting for a reply, but I promise, as soon as I know anything, I'll let you all know :) 

Major adoption prayer request

Ok, I have a really, really important adoption prayer request. As some of you know, Becky, the Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project coordinator, was pulling together a presentation for a very wealthy donor who may have been able to give upwards of $1 million. However, the phone/personal presentation didn't work out for several reasons. Anyway, she had to revert to a letter, not always the most successful fundraising route. Interestingly enough, the presentation covered many families, ours included, but none framed as to stand out more than any other. Due to the change in format, Becky is unable to present all the cases. After a weekend of thought and prayer, she decided that our family's adoption was the highest priority case, and should be the one sent in the letter. Therefore, a letter presenting our need will most likely be in a very wealthy man's hands tomorrow. Please pray that God would move his heart to give abundantly- Becky has asked for the $70,000 needed to complete both adoptions. This could mean the difference between 1-2 more months of waiting, or 1-2 more years of waiting. Please, please, be in much prayer about this!

Fundraising:update

We're now at $830 ! it may still be possible to reach $1000 before Friday!!!

Homestudy

So, if you've read this blog at all, you know that I'm a tiny bit excited for my brother and sister to come home from Russia. (okay, WAAAYYYY more than a tiny bit) Well, today, my parents are driving to "the big city" to start the homestudy!!!!! (not an incredibly thrilling process, basically lots of interviews and paperwork, but it's a start!) Please pray for my parents to have wisdom to say the right things, and to be a good testimony. 

"I can't wait"

I have nothing deep for you today, just a simple thought from my little brother. Michael is three, and an absolute joy! As he was walking up the stairs, he started a conversation with my mom.
Michael : "Mama?"
Mom: "yes?"
Michael: " Me can't wait."
Mom: " you can't wait for what?"
Michael: "Me waitin' for Thomas and Juliana come home."


I can't wait until Michael gets to meet his new big brother and sister! You'd be amazed how often he talks about them....about whether they'll like what we're having for dinner, or when he can take them sledding, or if he can share his room with Thomas, and if his brother Thomas will like Thomas the train. I love my siblings....every single one, and I pray that they all make it home safe, and soon!

The hope of a family

Today I saw up-close exactly what a family can do for an orphan. I spent my morning playing with an adorable 22 month old ex-orphan "Becca". She wasn't expected to have much of a future, but with her wonderful family, she is exceeding all expectations. I am amazed, the more I am exposed to adoptive families, the incredible christian families I meet. Becca's parents have been married 8 years and have adopted 4 children from Ethiopia! I love meeting new people, but having common bonds as strong as Christ and adoption, I love it even more! Anyway, I just thought I'd share the hope and joy I saw on her sweet little face, and ask again for prayers that my brother and sister would soon know that hope and love.

Adoption update

We are still waiting to start the homestudy, but we are one step closer! the homestudy agency has made contact with the adoption agency, and they have determined that they can work together. We're now just waiting (impatiently :) ) for paperwork to arrive. Please be praying for the Russian Orphan Lighthouse trip in October- my dad will ideally be going, because he needs to meet the kids before they're adopted, but if there aren't enough interested families, the trip may not happen. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please visit this webstite! http://www.lhproject.com/