Happy 2nd Birthday Connor!

Dad and Connor playing

Connor's new playset

Connor and Oma swinging

Mom and Dad got Connor a Playset for his birthday. We had our builder assemble it for us and everyday Connor went outside while Johnny was putting it together and said, "Johnny's making Connor a present." Connor LOVES it. He loves to swing but only if one of us is swinging in the blue swing next to him. He also loves the slide.... Fun times!

San Diego

Sam & Jon with their "rally caps" at San Diego Padres game

Last weekend, we all flew to San Diego for one of Shannon's conferences. The Four Seasons there was very nice and we enjoyed catching up with our dear friends, Jon & Emily Foreman.

Connor loved room service, the hotel pool, the beach, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and the Wildlife Animal Park. Shannon's mom, "Oma", helped us with Connor. Thanks, Dee Dee!

Connor's First Days of School

Connor started school last week. He goes Tuesdays and Thursdays and is in Ms. Eva and Ms. Lisa's class. We expected him to have a tough time but he really has done well, no tears at drop off! His favorite part is the slide in his room.

Jean Claude

Just back from Rwanda where I received some tough news regarding the little boy, Jean Claude, that Sam and I thought may one day soon become our son......

Mom, the Hearne’s and I went to the orphanage this afternoon and we were in the toddler room feeding the babies and I introduced Mom to John Claude. Just afterwards an American girl picked him up and said to me, “my friends are adopting him next week.” My Mom heard and so did Lynda Hearne and they both just started bawling. It was really a shock but I am not sad. I told this girl that my husband and I were in process of adopting him as well, it seems that their timing was quicker and they will get their final approval next week. I have prayed over that little one since my first days there and have prayed for a home for him, at first just home, eventually our home. But God has answered my prayers and is providing a home for him. It is a couple who have never been to Rwanda before but are friends with this girl who is acting as their power of attorney (she teaches at a missionary school there). The adopting couple is a couple from Kansas and it is a youth pastor and his wife. She gave me contact information for her so I could be in touch with them and let them know how I have prayed for this sweet child. Mom held him for a long time after that but I couldn’t hold him again, I just kissed him on top of his head. The entire time I heard our worship leader, Mark’s voice in my head singing “Here I am to Worship” and it was a source of comfort.

I realized that evening that God gave me that gift that day. If I had come at any other time, I would have just been told that John Claude had been adopted as the proceedings are confidential and private I would have known no more. Now, I will know his parents. I will also get to say goodbye. I can’t explain why God would answer my prayer for a home for John Claude just months before it was to be ours but I know His hand is in it. It was always about the big picture, the children, it was never about the child and I am happy (I really am) that now at least 2 will go home with parents John Claude with his parents and another with us. It is a victory for the kingdom.

Mom in Rwanda

Wow! She finally joined me on one of my trips. I was thrilled to have my Mom with me on my most recent trip to Rwanda and Kenya. I had longed for her to come so many times and it was incredible to finally share the journey with her. I loved hearing her impressions and insights throughout our time on the ground.

Me, Pastor Sam and Mom

Mom playing with some of the nursery school kids

Mom and her new adopted daughter Harriett, my new sister!