Help Kirill

"This child is better off just staying in an institution than having a forever family."

Can you begin to imagine going through the adoption process, traveling half-way around the world - TWICE, sitting through court (for 5 hours in this case) and then being told that your request has been rejected?

That's what happened to an Alabama family in a European court room last week. They were on their second trip to visit their son - the trip where they thought would go to court and be declared Kirill's parents.

Why would the judge say no? Only becase Kirill was born with Down Syndrome.

Despite their devastation, this family is holding onto the God who loves them, the God who loves Kirill - and yes, the God who loves the judge that said no.

The family is working quickly to appeal through the Supreme Court in Kirill's country. But we know the Judge who sits on the throne, and we know that He hears our prayers. So please join me in praying that hearts will be softened, and that the decision will be overturned so that Kirill came go home to his forever family. And pray that through this all, God will be glorified.

Here is the Davis family's blog: http://oureyesopened.blogspot.com/ - please leave a note and let them know you're thinking of and praying for them!

And here is an article you can share via facebook, twitter, blogs, email, etc:

http://tinyurl.com/HelpKirill

Please help spread the word (especially to media outlets - need to get the message out quickly!) and please pray!

*** Not only is this devastating new for Kirill & his family - but also for 2 others families seeking to adopt children with Down Syndrome from the same region (which means the same judge).

Learning to say Yes

Often you hear people that say "you just need to learn how to say no."

Silly faces before bed
(notice William's pj's - all I say is WOW)





Well, I'm realizing something. I say No. A Lot. And not so much to other people, but to 2 certain little ones. (Of course, they are also the ones that ask the most of me, so I guess percentage wise it's probably not that different.)

So tonight, despite my hesitations, I said yes. To something silly. Because honestly, sometimes they need to hear the word Yes, and not just No.

Tonight, both of the boys are sleeping with their heads at the foot of their beds. They think it's hilarious. I think it's crazy, and am hopeful they will settle down enough to fall asleep sometime soon.

I want them to recognize that they have to obey & not pout when I say No. But I also want them to know that it's not the only word in my vocabulary.

By the way, if you have a minute or two, I encourage you to read THIS BLOG entry by my friend Sharon. And I pray that you'll become uncomfortable, too.

Eight Months

About eight months ago, I wrote a post (HERE) about Daniel's progress after being home for two weeks.

In that post, I included a link to a short video clip, and a list of 36 words & phrases he knew.

And reading that post, it sounded like things were going pretty well. But to be honest, we were in a battle. A battle to show him what family is. A battle to show him what love is. A battle to break his will without breaking his spirit.

Some days we still battle. But then again, we've come so far. All of us. I looked back at that post from 8 months ago and was reminded of how far we have come.

He understands us. He seems to really like us. He's playing better with others. He is beginning to express sympathy and gratitude. He seeks to be included. He loves to help.

From just 36 words and phrases, to now speaking in complete sentences - sentences that he puts together himself. Not always structurally sound, but he gets his point across! In fact, the boy talks non-stop. He talks from the second he wakes until the moment his eyes [finally] close. As a matter of fact, he even talks in his sleep. And for the past few months, all of his sleep talk has been in English!

Last night, as Daniel prayed, among prayers of thankfulness for food and toys and family, we also heard, "Thank you for God, I like you God." Melted my heart.

We are so thankful for the progress he's making, and thankful for the many valuable lessons God is teaching us through him.

Life Lessons from a 6-year-old

Ever heard of the Momma Bear instinct? You know, when someone offends your child, they've offended you - and the claws come out. When one of them hurts, you hurt just as much, and probably more.

This past week, we experienced some of this with our littlest man.

Daniel became hesitant about a certain social situation. He said he didn't want to go. It took a while, but he finally admitted that there is one child who won't play with him.

Now I know my little guy isn't perfect. Yes, he can be annoying. His English is still lacking, so communication is sometimes tough. He's probably the smallest kid in his class at school AND church (and the oldest by several months). And his social skills are definitely a work in progress.

But I also know that he is not mean. So to hear this broke my heart.

Oh, how this boy wants to be with friends, wants to be accepted. And honestly, we knew this would come soon. Maybe not this soon, but it was bound to happen. Things just don't come as easily for him as they do for other kids: whether it be writing his name, or making his bed... or friendships.

As I was seeking to comfort him (and trying to keep from becoming too defensive), I thought to myself... Why is it that kids desire the acceptance & approval of the ONE person who doesn't want to give it?

Ah, a light bulb moment. This issue isn't unique to little kids. It's middle-schoolers. And teenagers.

And yes, even adults.

I want to encourage my boys to be themselves and let their friendships develop naturally. But you know, before I can really teach them that, I guess I need to learn it for myself.

Follow You

I've heard this song so many times. But for some reason, today, it really spoke to me. Praying it will speak to you as well.

God, I'll follow you. Please lead me.

Wanna hear a God story?

Have you ever had God give you the nod? You know, when He lets you know that you're on track with something specific...

We got the nod a few weeks ago.

The story begins one Friday afternoon. We're talking about a possible Spring Break road trip. Zack mentions a couple of places, and I chime in, "or New York?" but quickly follow that up with "but we don't really know anyone there."

Not so fast.

Two days later, we're at church, talking to our missions pastor. There's a church planter visiting from out of town and he wants to know if we will take this guy out to lunch after church while he attends a staff meeting.

So we take out our new friend, Steve. Steve is a church planter that works, where else, but... New York City!

We have a great conversation getting to kno each ther, and then we mention our desire to visit there.

I should mention that we've been seeking some cross-cultural ministry experience that all four of us can get involved in...

Steve goes on to tell us that he thinks it's a great idea. What's more, he works with a couple who is starting a Russian-speaking church. And the real kicker? They're from Ukraine!

So looks like we'll be hitting the road for the Big Apple soon. We'll do some touristy stuff, and we'll also get some missional experience.

I am so excited about how God is working all of this out!!

Just pics

Sunday morning, before church

Zonked out in the car (I've since bought travel neck pillows!)



We're down to NO glasses. 3 pairs on order - hope they come soon!



Enjoying the warmer weather, playing some golf

Girl Scout cookies! (Daniel's first)

Dr. Dove

Their Valentine from us was a trip to the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game

Dr. MLK Jr's gravesite

Daniel came to visit me at work a couple of weeks ago

These boys LOVE sushi!