Adoption

This blog is a follow up to our newsletter. If you do not receive, let us know and we can put you on the list. I mentioned in the newsletter that Craig and I want to adopt and that I'd share more. Here goes...
Our friends, Andy and Rachel, had a desire to adopt in 2004 or earlier. After much prayer and discussion, they started the process to adopt a little boy from South Korea. Unfortunately, I don't know all the details of the beginning process. We enter in the story when a boy has been born and chosen for Andy and Rachel. The process had have a been about a year as we all prayed for this little boy to come home. As they waited, our little YWAM community of 60, prayed, fasted, and gave financial support with so much generosity not to mention emotional support to this family. I was completely in awe of that goodness. I felt is was up to me to take it upon myself to remind everyone to pray for this little boy. As the weeks went on, the news came that is was time to go to New York to get this child because someone was bringing him over. Andy and Rach asked Craig to go, film the meeting, and keep hep their nerves down. Watching the video was one of the most amazing things, I've ever seen. It was short and sweet but God moved in my heart and I knew from then on we were to adopt a child into our family. I believe it is one of the greatest ways to show love and such a beautiful picture of how God has adopted us into His family. It's amazing, also, because I don't worry about the when and how of this process for us. It doesn't matter to me that it could be one of great sacrifice. I'm honored that God has called Craig and I do be apart of it.
It's hard to type out such deep feelings and assurance on a blog. Here is a picture of the family shortly after they got their little guy.

Staff Retreat

Once a year, my company goes to a retreat center. It is 4 days of playing games, watching movies, eating good food, eating yummy snacks, drinking coffee, playing games, eating yummy snacks, and repeat. I don't come home well rested but I do come back full to the brim. I'm stuffed with food and fellowship. Craig and I are both people people and hanging out energizes us and we feel the love. As much as I love good speakers and corporate prayer time it's nice to just hang out. Here are some pics!!



nerds

tearin it up

4 rambunctious cuties

brittney and anthem

cara and noah

I'm reading The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje and I have not seen the movie. This book is lovely to me because it describes the vast, exposed beauty of the desert, speaks of Arab culture which I miss very very much, there is a quote that I relate to within my heart. "Born in one place and choosing to live elsewhere. Fighting to get back to or get away from our homelands all our lives." I think it's beautiful.

One of my favorite sites!

The Pioneer Woman

Hello Friends,
You may know or not know that I'm obsessed with the Pioneer Woman. I love her; her blog, her ranch, her cooking, and most of all her sense of humor. I smile at many many things. A good hearty laugh is another thing. The Pioneer Woman has made me laugh a good hearty laugh consistently for several months now. She obsesses with many things too, which is like me; food, husbands, our dogs, to mention a few. That's the latest with me and has nothing to do with what this blog was originally intended for but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.



Here is a pic of her cookbook and the pics above are of her recipes that I've tried.
She also inspired me to join this website and I've posted one recipe. Try it sometime and say yum or bleh.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/salads/salad-fusion/

What is God Up To?

It's been a month since we arrived in Orlando, and if I do say so myself we have adjusted with ease. We are working with the School of Missions and have various other responsibilities that help this base run.
Upon returning, we wondered what God was going to do. We very clearly heard last May that we should work for several months and then join up with Y. I wondered why we should do this because we live by support of our friends and families (people who believe in us, our calling, and that God has a plan for this world). There was not one person who questioned us and God provided for us in Greenville in so many ways we felt truly blessed. Needless to say, I'm excited for this season and so far God hasn't disappointed. There is a Turkish Cultural Center that some friends told us about. We are taking Turkish language lessons for $35 a head, including books. WOW! What a leg up! We are enjoying that gift. On top of that, we have several people who have shown interest in joining us on this unknown, following God's voice, adventure to move to Antalya and start a ministry. I admit I had doubts we'd find anyone ever. Again, wow!
Now, I know, that we don't always see God at work. That sometimes it feels like our prayers hit the ceiling and there is no evidence of a greater being but I'll remember times like this, the proof of Him in my own life, and be able to continue believing that there is a God and He is Good and is up to something.

P.S. We have a new and beautiful nephew, Stephen Monroe born Jan. 24th.
I have a terrible cold and swallow garlic to boost my immune system.
Craig still sleeps by me despite the smell. Good old boy!!!

Back to It

Hey Everyone! We are back in Orlando, FL, back in YWAM!! Whoo! WHoo!! We spent six and half months in Greenville and two weeks in Pagosa. Now we are here until God leads else where. Most of you know that we are hoping He will. Not because we want to leave our friends here but because the calling God has put on our hearts has only gotten stronger and stronger. We are now taking steps to towards that goal! Whooweee! Exciting. Meanwhile, we are working with the School of Missions and plugging into the base. I have seen God fulfill promises. I heard him speak to me and then move on those words and yet I still doubt. Sometimes I think I'm crazy. I'm afraid that He won't speak and we just look silly and lazy. Well, I say that thought is crazy. God does speak, He has, does, and will!
Anywho, we are here in Orlando now but I wanted to post some pictures of our time celebrating Christmas in CO. Here you go!!!