A Chance to Give Hope

Lots of family and friends know that we have talked for a few years now about possibly adopting a child from China at some point. Among other holdups right now is the fact that both parents have to be 30 just to submit any paperwork to begin the process. That said, I am always keenly interested in ways that we can help Chinese children and in organizations that provide Gospel love to the millions of orphans found there. Today, I came across a new organization so I thought I'd post a link to the website and encourage people to check it out. In a nutshell, the organization is called "Bring Me Hope" and it is made up of christians who provide a type of summer camp for Chinese orphans. You can learn more about it by clicking here or visiting www.bringmehope.org. There are lots of opportunities to give money, sponsor a child or even be a camp volunteer for a week or two.

Also, as a follow-up to my rants about the Chinese government during the Olympics, I was thrilled to hear that despite being displaced during the Olympics (in order to house Chinese soldiers for security), the camp still continued their activities--albeit in neighboring towns. They were even able to take kids to see the games-and had a number of Olympic athletes volunteer time with the children. To top it off? The camp even received press coverage from NBC! Just when I thought the media was all liberal propaganda--the Lord reminds me that He is at work everywhere and in everything!

Finally, as a disclaimer, I have not "vetted" this organization, so please do your own research to find out all the details about it!

Falling, Falling, Falling Asleep

With so many world events going on, the economy, government bailouts, and not to mention the "freedom forum" granted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the U.N. today, it was a good time to escape with a nap. Unfortunately, since we returned from California, Emma has yet to nap on any kind of regular schedule. She has adjusted her nighttime sleep really well, but daytime is another story. After 45 mins of frustratingly listening to her just "play" in her bed instead of napping, I went to watch her from the crack in the door. I grabbed the camera so I could see her better, hopefully without her seeing me. And praise the Lord, I actually watched her FINALLY (and somewhat suddenly) fall asleep! At that moment, it felt like my own personal miracle. Here's what I shot for those that are interested... (sorry the video is sideways part of the time...)

Seven Years Later...

Well, we're mostly packed and relaxing enjoying the reviews of the Presidential Forum tonight. It is pretty amazing to think that it has been 7 years since the horrible tragedy of 9-11. Like many Americans, I remembered where I was when the planes crashed into the towers. My brother, Rob, was stationed at the Pentagon at the time, but miraculously, he was out of the office that day. It was a few hours before we knew he was safe and unharmed. My prayers continuously go out to those families who received different, devastating news.

Seven years later, however, I can see a bit more Hope. I am reminded of the story of Joseph when his brothers came to Egypt to apologize for selling him into slavery. Joseph responds to his brothers that "You meant it for harm, but the Lord meant it for good." Somehow, I feel there is good to come out of this massacre. It is certainly a good at a high price--the incredible loss of life--but I pray those families and friends grieving lost loved ones today find solace and comfort in the Lord's redemptive and sovereign plan for each of them, our nation, and the world.

Now, what you've all been waiting for (or just skipped to). I thought I would post a few more pictures from this past weekend. We're looking forward to coming home--back to a RED state!! :)

Emma is checking out Uncle Rob (don't worry Emma, you're not the only one who thinks he's funny looking...):



Grandaddy finagled himself onto the floor and read "The Priest with Dirty Clothes" to Emma. It is a bit "over her head" right now, but she made it through about half the book before drooling on it... (nice legs Grandaddy...)

Yeah, the camera caught me. I was crawling. I just wanted to check out that electrical outlet...

Lipstick and Pigs...

Ok, well there are neither of those items/animals in this post, but it has certainly made for interesting television watching these days. Dad had a post-op followup visit today and received a good report. He's cleared to exercise, drive and resume life as he knew it. What is more scary is that he says he feels like he has more energy now! While he's committed to taking off this entire week from work, he's already called the office to warn them of his newfound (or refound) energy!
Here are some pictures of Emma, et al.--we ate lunch and dinner outside today and it was so nice to enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh air. If only I could bottle it and bring it back!






We've finally finalized a flight home and we'll be arriving in Birmingham, Friday night at 11:30. We'll see how Emma does flying at night this time...more on that later, I'm sure.

Praise and Thanks...

A quick update---Dad's surgery went very well. Modern medicine is pretty amazing. His pacemaker is set to regulate his heartbeat at a steady 60 beats/minute. So far he is feeling good, but is having some chest tightness. Hopefully, the doctor can evaluate this symptom at his follow up visit this week. He still has to be very careful with his left arm and cannot lift much and shouldn't be driving. As of now though, he has been a very good patient and following the rules (which is an amazing feat in and of itself.. :)) Thank you for all the prayers and Praise be to the Lord for his mercies, grace, and provisions!

Emma is doing well. She has finally adjusted to West Coast time--just in time for us to come home, right? The weather is great--with a high of just 78. We've turned off the A/C and have the windows open for fresh air. There is no humidty and barely a cloud in the sky (after the fog burned off though--which made it a chilly 50 degrees this morning!) We don't have much on the agenda for the rest of the week, except to help out here--doing laundry, etc. Not much different than I would be doing at home. Apologies all around for the lack of pictures, hopefully Emma will pose later on today and I'll post them.

Greetings from Cali...

Emma and I made it to San Fransisco on Wednesday to help out before and after my Dad's surgery. The flight was interesting--to say the least. Emma did really well, but it was pretty rough. I am already dreading the flight back--but maybe it will give me lots of time to think about ways airlines can improve traveling with children! Anyways, after we learned Dad's surgery went well and he was in recovery, I snapped some pictures of Emma around the house. We also went to the park where she enjoyed the swings for a few minutes.

Oh and just because I can't not mention it (excuse the double negative)---Go Sarah Palin!