One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Matthew 5:16 is the theme verse of the year at our children's school.  Throughout the year, the children are learning about that verse and exploring what this verse means in regards to what, why, how, and to whom to let their lights shine.  They had the opportunity a few weeks ago to let their lights shine in such a concrete way, by hosting the Boccie Ball Special Olympics tournament.  It was difficult to keep a dry eye, as I watched the students cheer for the teams, give high fives and welcome the players with open arms.  They were able to embrace the needs of others and show others what Christ is like.  

Continuing to give thanks...

-willing and excited volunteers

-positive school spirit

-letting their lights shine as they embraced the needs of others

-being loving and accepting towards others, particularly those with exceptionalities

-celebrating our son's third birthday (even though he is miles and miles away, he is close to us in our hearts!)

-celebrating- classic Vos style- with doughnuts and chocolate

-how she reminds us every meal time to remember Seber in prayer

-jumping in leaves

-yard clean-up helpers

-the beauty of the trees with leaves and 

without leaves

-how she was SO excited for her first class trip

-how she persevered with all of her cross country races, even though she was far from loving it

-that they're starting to enjoy hiking a bit more

-my awesome husband and how he puts up with all my many different moods (not all of them being very pleasant)
-how he supports me with my decisions
-how he helps finish the many projects or other things that I start (team work!)

-our precious daughter who tries our patience with her unpredictable meltdowns, but who brings us so much joy and laughter
-listening to the laughter with Beppe as they were playing her new favourite monkey game
-her first sleep over and the fun that she has with her special friend
-how I was spared from serious injury in my little fender bender
-how our friend had the strength to preach at his dear mother's funeral
-how our friend's mother's funeral was such a testimony to God's faithfulness
-enjoying a few days off of school
-a gym full of wonderful, Christian teachers committed to teaching our children, in the name of Christ
-hearing beautiful words about our sweet son
-how he's enjoying high school

Adoption Update

"[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; ye they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Baby steps.

We are one step closer to meeting our precious little boy.

We were informed that there will be a M.O.W.A. (Ministry of Women's Affairs) court date on Tuesday October 28.  When that has been passed, we will be issued our court date (4-6 weeks later) which we will need to be there for.  Although we were hoping to travel to Ethiopia in October, we are very thankful that we are one step further in the process and we look forward to travelling, the Lord willing in November or early December.

We pray that the MOWA court date will be successful, and that we will get our court date soon thereafter.  This has been another lesson in patience and trusting in God's perfect timing!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

 "Just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live in Him, rotted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:6-7).

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day.  It's a bit easier to give thanks on a day specifically designated for giving thanks.  However, there are days when it's not as easy to give thanks.  For myself, I sometimes need to be very purposeful in giving thanks, hence these blog posts of "One Thousand Gifts".  Reflecting on Thanksgiving Day and giving thanks, I had a feeling of "overflowing with thankfulness".  I don't just feel blessed- I feel doubly blessed!!

Continuing to give thanks (by twos!!)...

-enjoying two beautiful family hikes

 -celebrating Thanksgiving twice with two wonderful families

-marriage and celebrating two decades this past summer

-for second chances and healing and reconciliation by the grace of God

-enjoying nature at two beautiful parks so close to home

 -the beauty of God's creativity with two waterfalls

-the blessings of two big brothers (even when they like to tease their little sister- still!)

-enjoying two festive dinners

 -two wonderful in-laws who have demonstrated for 55 years what a Godly marriage should look like

-two of his many talents (origami and spelling)