Thursday, March 12, 2009

Please take a moment to listen to the cry of the orphan...

God's beloved children...Father of the fatherless...

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in how cute and special our own children are (and how comfortable we all are) , we easily forget the millions of children out there who are orphans and don't have parents to love and protect them. (they are just as special...and imagine how they could bloom with the love of a family!) God has been putting them on our hearts again. Actually a more accurate statement would be that we are finally listening again) and we just wanted to share more with you about this. We have been feeling convicted recently for not being more of an advocate towards and for these children! (besides just subtly showing how cute our kids are :))

Adoption has BLESSED us more than we could ever put into words...and that is why we think we have a hard time expressing it ...we would love to see everyone experience the blessing of adoption! We feel that the Bible shows how strongly God's heart is for the fatherless! We would like to challenge you all to pray about what your role is in caring for and/or defending the fatherless! We know not all can/should adopt but there are so many ways to help these children. That said though, we would also like to challenge you to pray about being one of these brave and loving families that could open your heart to these children and give them a home and a family (no matter how many children you already have, no matter the cost, no matter emotional trials and difficulties, no matter the cost of college, no matter whatever fear or well meaning thoughts comes to mind-God will provide and protect!). It is not always easy, not always comfortable...but a million times worth it!

In the future days...we will try to post different things and information that might help give ideas on where to start in taking care of the orphans. And we would love to talk or answer any questions we can about this.

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

Psalms 68:5-6


And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

Matthew 18:5

We saw this video a few weeks ago, and it tugged on our hearts. It is not an easy thing to watch, but please take a few minutes to watch it. As you watch, keep in mind that this situation is not the exception (we are the exception), and every day there are children like these around the world.

Noah's 7 month picts (can you believe he is 7 months already?)

Noah is doing great! He is 19.5 lbs the last time he was weighed at the doctor (2 weeks ago) and he is in 12 month clothing. He is trying so hard to be on the move and we see daily improvement toward his crawling skills! It probably won't be long... He is so fun right now too! Full of personality and expressions! He loves his jumper, only I think he would be able to jump everywhere not just in the doorway (he is always pushing the restraints of his jumper...mostly to try to be with Mateo or Oliver) :) He is still loving his solid food and still on his formula...still sleeping through the night...He is doing well over all...still no teeth yet but they are coming! He loves playing with his "Boys" (mommy too but it is more fun to say "his boys") :) One of the perks of being the only female around. :)

























Blessings, Expressions, and Activities of the Last Month













Fur Rondy Parade with Granny...Mateo and Noah's first Parade...just a tad cold! (but could have been worst)







Fur Rondy Multi-tribal Gathering--it was scheduled after the parade so we went for the first hour or so...











Daddy's Creation...we have been wanting to get a dish holder for Oliver that would get his dishes off the ground for his sake...but we have put it off and put it off because we could never justify spending $50 + for it...so Josh (with a little help) brainstormed and made this! It is perfect! And it is a two in one! The big white garbage can full of his food next to his dishes is gone now! And Oliver loves it...also it allows Mateo to help feed Oliver because now he can reach the food. See how brilliant (and thrifty-I love that! :)) my husband is!





Our boys love each other so much...it is so fun to see their relationship grow everyday!








Fur Rondy Train Exhibit with Grandma and Grandpa!