Time to Catch Up

I have been REALLY bad about taking pictures and posting on this blog since Christmas time. January and February were VERY BUSY months for our family. We traveled to 5 different events in about a 5 1/2 week span. All 3 of us were sick for about 2 1/2 weeks of that traveling time. In the midst of that we have juggled office work, contracts, a homestudy addendum for our adoption process,  Hague training (an "8 hour" online course - which didn't really take that long) for the adoption, meeting with our Somali friends, English training with our Burmese friends (and just doing life with the Burmese as Billy has helped them get a vehicle and then get it registered - that was an adventure that took 3 full days!). And the list goes on with regular mommy duties (laundry, cleaning, bathing, zoo trips, play dates), working out at the gym and enjoying our house church. 

This week has been special for me. I did not calendar in any meetings, play dates, dr. appointments - nothing except our regular work out time at the gym. Billy was out of town doing some recording for our new EP that's in the works (he is writing new songs like a mad man!) So, it was just Libby and Jesus and me. We spent the week doing some special mommy-daughter things. I created a book for her that will help prepare her for the big trip to Ethiopia and for becoming a big sister. I took her to the zoo. We went for long walks. And I've just been asking the Lord, "how do you want me to spend my time starting next week?" 

To whom much has been given, much is required. Our family has been given the unusual gift of "flexible time". Since we are on our own schedule when we are home we can really wrap our office work and such around whatever the Lord asks us to spend time on. But it is so easy to stray from what Jesus requires of us to what I want or feel entitled to spend my time doing. I love hanging with my Christian friends and their families/children. I love getting on the computer and visiting Facebook and blogs. I love solitude and the quiet of my home. But really, none of the above advances the Kingdom of God to any great degree - though all are permitted and can be profitable.

A great teacher I often have the opportunity to learn from asked a simple and profound question a few weeks ago that really got me thinking about my time and about the people I have yet to call "friends". He asked, "if you have a rough day, do you pick up the phone and call your Christian friends or do you call your [friends who worship other gods or no gods at all]?" His point was that we are called to love outside of our "kind" just as much as we are called to love our brothers and sisters. To love means to have relationship. To have relationship is to share life - the good, the bad, the difficult, the joyous - and in the midst of that let our reactions and way of life speak and shine the light of the One who lives in us. But if I am always calling my brothers and sisters - always spending my time with them (though I love to do so!) - how can I be a part of gathering more into our "family"? 

The Lord is starting to clarify in me that I have not loved and built relationships outside of "family" like I should and this requires time  - of which He has given us much. He has been shaping our desires and our schedule over the last several weeks. Our new spring schedule is an exciting one. We will be regularly meeting with 3 different people groups right here in San Antonio to find the ones Jesus has told us to call friends. And we are going to love on them in just that way - as close friends. We are going to learn how to share life with people who are not like us at all. I am ready for the diversity. I am ready to learn from Jesus AND our new friends. Two of these people groups are amongst the most unreached groups in the world. How awesome that Jesus has brought them right to us. He said, "ask for the nations and I will give them to you." And He is doing that in spectacular ways! We are also going to start visiting a nursing home with another dear family once a week. We're still ironing out the details, but I am excited to introduce Libby to the wonderful ministry of caring for the elderly. She hears about cute orphans all the time (since she is one!) but to love on the old and wise will be a whole new adventure. Again, I believe we will learn so much from them.

The adoption of Lulu is trucking along. I am fairly sure that we will receive a referral by the end of April. That being said, we will have to wait several months for our court date and then will have to pass court the first time in order to get Lulu before court closures. If we do not pass court before closure in Aug, then we will have to wait an additional 2 months or so for a new court date and then travel 2-4 weeks after that - meaning - next Christmas. Yikes! We are praying for God's mercy - that he will give us a referral by mid April and a court date in July so we can travel in August.... We shall see. The process is definitely getting exciting and I am having to fight harder to live in the present and stay calm. I am just ready to get this going and discover who our little Lulu is - and then I want to get to her as FAST AS POSSIBLE! Billy's parents recently gave us a really nice financial gift to go towards the adoption and we are very grateful. As soon as our referral arrives we will have to start writing checks again! So their gift has arrived in perfect time!

Speaking of my in-laws - BC (Billy's dad) recently found out that he will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree from ETBU this May! He was so surprised! And we are so excited for him! Congratulations BC!

And then there's Libby:  Libby is..... imaginative, emotional, daily stuck between young toddler and young lady, loving, generous, compassionate, ready for Lulu, full of energy (more than I ever knew possible), brilliant (I'm not biased!) and challenging. Age three is definitely all that everyone warned me it would be. But I am (cough, cough) enjoying every minute of it! Seriously, I am - even when I'm frustrated and clueless.

The other morning Libby and I were running errands. She asked me questions ALL MORNING! Why did Jesus make the sky blue? Why did he make trees? How did he make rocks? I was in the middle of explaining how dirt gets compacted over time and how it turns into rocks when all of the sudden I realized - I'm explaining this to a 3 year old and she is seriously listening and interested! The rest of the day (and really every day since) she continues to request the entire story of Billy and I's wedding, how we found her in China, how we're going to get Lulu and then she asked, "Tell me the whole story about Jesus." I started with the creation story and went all the way through his resurrection and the girl listened to the whole thing and then had questions afterward. I was amazed! I think my biggest challenge with our Chinese beauty is how to keep her from getting bored and somehow not go nuts with exhaustion in the process!

So - here are some precious recent photos. Enjoy!

(Above) Looking for ice cream at the zoo. (Below) Found it!

Libby loves to help me around the house. She dusts and she does a great job washing dishes!

Below - Libby sits on the lioness at the zoo. Following picture is of her on the lioness in October 2006 - just a few weeks after bringing her home!

Libby had a slumber/pj night with her friends. Their mommy and daddy had a special date so we kept the girls and they had so much fun in their matching pjs!

Above: Cute Libby!

Below: this says it all. She loves sports. She's very athletic. But she's still all girl!

This was the night that we flew into San Antonio at 10pm! She had NO nap that day and was still awake when we landed. Not only was she awake, but she was keeping the entire back row of the plane entertained with her stories. She told them that she lives in a flower garden next to San Antonio and has 4 boys ages 4,5,6 and 7. My, oh my! It was cold outside waiting for the bus. So we bundled her up. She's so adorable!

We were in a hotel on Valentine's Day. I heart Libby!

Here, Libby is playing with her Aunt Terry. My mentor and friend.

Libby will be in a wedding in March. This is her precious flower girl dress!

Storing Up the Good Memories for a Rainy Day!

Being a mom is the most amazing experience that I have yet to find the words to fully express. But as every mom encounters rough patches with their youngsters, I have experienced such with Libby this week. Yesterday was the climax of her disobedience, terrible attitude, swatting, talking back, and her flat-out ignoring me and even talking over me to act like she doesn't hear. Most days there are just a few instances of these things. This week and especially yesterday I was completely spent and clueless as to what to do with her. I went to bed last night begging God for a break through because I was at my end with her. 

Today was glorious. She obeyed all day. She gave me little kisses on my arm throughout the day on her own initiative. She helped me around the house and sang songs all day. She smiled and glowed and I couldn't get enough of her.

Maybe the previous days can be blamed on the fact that at least one of us has been sick for the last 14 days and we have traveled out of town to 3 different events in the last month - 2 of those events during all the sickness. Maybe we have just been crammed together as a family in either our house, a plane or a hotel room for too long! But when a mom has a day like I had yesterday I really don't know how she keeps going without faith in Jesus and the hopes He gives when He says "peace I give to you" or "my mercies are new every morning". 

One thing I need to do a better job of (and there are many more things, believe me!) is writing down the sweet moments so I don't forget that God is doing an amazing work in my daughter as He shapes her heart and mind. So, this post is for that - to dwell for just a moment on how Libby's heart and mind are processing life through her own words.

1. A few nights ago we were driving home and Libby asked, "Mommy, where is the sun?" I replied, "It is night time and right now the moon is out." She said, "Mommy, in the morning do you think Mr. Moon will go behind the clouds to get the sun?"   

2. A while back we were at the home of a family who has very little. The youngest girl ran out to our car before we left her house to give Libby her only little teddy bear. On the way home we explained to Libby how precious that was and asked her if she wanted to give this girl something the next time we saw her. When we got home Libby went straight into her room and picked out one of her nicest and biggest bears and told me she wanted to give it to the little girl. A few weeks later this family was in our home. Libby was so excited to give her this bear. The little girl must have been in a picky mood (normally she is not this way, but we all have our days, right?) and she told us that she didn't want that bear. She wanted a different bear and she pointed to one of Libby's favorites. As I sat and watched I started to interrupt and make a different suggestion so Libby wouldn't be upset or something, but before I could say much Libby gave her the bear and started suggesting all the others she could have. She was willing to give almost every bear away.

3. For the last several nights Libby has been sleeping with 2 small little bears. They have been her favorite all week. This morning she said she wanted to give them to Taylor and Camryn (her cousins) but I know that Becky (their mom) is not wanting them to have any more stuffed animals so I said to Libby, "Taylor and Camryn already have teddy bears. We should give them to someone who doesn't have any, like the Somali kids." She picked up her bears and set them on the kitchen counter and said, "these are for the 'mollies' when we see them tomorrow." And there they sit until tomorrow.

4. Every morning Libby and I pull out our "Operation World" book that features a different country almost every day along with the unreached peoples in those countries and we pray for those nations and people before breakfast. Today Afghanistan was featured. I said to Libby, "today we are praying for Afghanistan". She said, "who's Afghanistan" so I started to tell her about the country and I said, "many of the people are very poor because of all the war." And she said, "the people have no food to eat?" and I said, " that's right. Many of them don't." Libby proceeded to get out of her chair and go to the pantry. She brought a box of wheat thin crackers and said, "this is for the poor people in 'Afghnstong'. We can give them our crackers and cheese nips." How do you explain to your three year old that its a little more difficult than that and then put the box back in your cabinet? 

5. Libby has talked about Lulu A LOT lately. When she eats her Spaghettios she says she wants to save some for when Lulu comes. When we get into the grocery cart at the new HEB she says Lulu can sit in the cart-seat next to her. Today, Libby was asking questions like, "why did you marry daddy?" So I answered her question and then she would say, "You marry daddy and then you get me and then you'll get Lulu." She's getting the order correct! As she asked and talked about this order she went on and said, "Where is Lulu?". I explained that she is in Africa if she is born already. She asked, "when are we going to get her?" I said, "we are waiting for some people to say we can go to Ethiopia to get her." "Who are the peoples mommy? she asked." "Well," I said, "there are 2 groups of people. One group is our adoption agency and they are helping us find Lulu. The other are Lulu's nannies in Africa who are taking care of her until we can get there." "huh," she said as she contemplated what I was saying.  I went on to say, "you know, you had nannies in China who took care of you until we could get to you and that is exactly what is going on with Lulu right now." She just mulled over that the rest of the day.

6. We've been reading Bible stories to Libby at night. We are going chronologically, but Libby often wants to read the same stories over and over again. We've read about Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Esau quite a bit. The other morning Libby was sitting on the couch with her daddy and she said to him, "Daddy, you have very hairy arms like Esau in the Bible."

7.  Several weeks after pulling Libby out of moms-day-out (only because I wanted more time with my baby girl before Lulu comes), we were driving to the gym when out of the blue (we really had not talked about school since before the Christmas break) she said to me matter-of-factly, "Mom? I think my teachers at school are wondering where I am."  

8. Libby makes up words and nicknames for friends all the time. I'll never know why, but when she's being really sweet she calls me Mimi. She calls our friend, Terry, "Pumanina". Sometimes she makes up words and uses them regularly but we still can't figure out what they mean. The most recent one is "cantaboo".  I have no idea....

9. At one of our recent events I was leaving Libby with a friend so I could go sing. Libby was off schedule and did not want me to leave her. In the lobby of the hotel she was screaming and crying "I don't want you to go. I don't want you to go." Finally I started to make my final move out of the hotel when she screamed very loudly and dramatically, "MOMMY! I HAVE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING." I fell for her desperate attempt and came close to her and said, "what is it, baby." And she cried loudly, "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO!"  Surprise, surprise!

10. I often lay down with Libby for her naps. One afternoon she would not be still and go to sleep. Out of aggravation I said, "For the love of St. Pete, please go to sleep!" She started laughing uncontrollably saying, "sweet pete" over and over again. So now, when we want her to laugh we say "st. pete" or "sweet pete" or "sweet pea" and she is happy in an instant. I have no idea how long that will last so I'm using it for all its worth!

Happy memories,

Cindy

I'm 34!

Another birthday has almost past. Today I turned 34. Mom - thank you for enduring 36 hours of labor to give me life! Mom and Dad, thank you for all your sacrifices to make my life FULL. I love you both so much!

Last week Billy and Libby were both sick. Libby ran a strong fever for 6 straight days, poor thing! I did everything I could to stay well knowing that we were singing in Nashville soon for the re:create worship conference. I tried everything -sudafed at the mere thought of allergies coming on, vitamins, healthy food, no sugar, no soda, no dairy, saline nasal mists and even the Neti pot. But to no avail! On Monday of this week after taking a kickboxing class I realized that

I was not feeling well at all! The drainage began.  On Tuesday we flew to Nashville. On the plane ride my ear decided to go crazy on me and for the rest of the day it felt like someone shoved a plum in my left ear. Not so much fun when you have to sing! But everything went well and we flew home the next day. The flight home didn't help the situation much so I found myself in the doctor's office this morning - yep, on my birthday. Turns out that I have a cold and an ear infection so I've started antibiotics. I had to cancel some of my other birthday plans with friends so I can rest and get well before our next event. But Billy and Libby have made my day very special! 

A couple of weeks ago Billy and I were doing some office work and Libby wanted a pen and paper so she could write with us. I have never worked on Libby writing letters. I didn't think she was ready because she rarely wants to draw or color. She's known her letters for a LONG time and knows words that start with each letter. But that did not prepare me for this

 delightful surprise!  Next thing I knew Libby said, "I for ice" and I looked down and she had written the letter "I". I made a big deal about it and told her how wonderful it was that she could write a letter and then asked if she could write any other letters. She proceeded to write the letter "O" saying "o for oval" and then the letter "E" saying "e for egg" and then the letter "K" for Kelly (her uncle).  I was completely blown away!!!! I had never worked on this with her. She just knew how to do it - CRAZY!

So today when Billy handed me my birthday card I saw the most precious thing. Billy had told her what letters to write and all on her own she had written "I Love U".  Billy did not help her draw these letters at all! This is amazing - here's proof. It says.... I  LO       VE  U.   Do you see it? Not bad for turning 3 this past November! I will cherish this card FOREVER! Her first written words saying "I Love U"! How awesome!

Later, Billy and Libby came home with flowers, pizza and cake. What more can a mom/wife ask for!? Here is a picture of Libby and I. I'm looking pretty rough and she has icing on her lips. 

 

Of course, Lulu is present in our thoughts as I am wearing my comfy Africa t-shirt. We moved up in the waiting line for an infant girl. You can visit our adoption blog to read more about that: http://www.adoptingaria.blogspot.com

We are now number 8 in line! We could receive a referral as early as March or April. We shall see.

There is more news to share on the horizon (no, I'm not pregnant) but it will have to wait for now. We're keeping this post short so I can finish enjoying my last hours of birthday bliss.

Peace!

A New Graham Has Entered the Family

John Hunter Graham was born last night at 4AM. Kelly, my brother, and his wife, Carissa, are the proud parents. This is their first baby! Carissa had to have an emergency C-section last night when Hunter's heart beat was too slow. It was discovered that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and then again around his head! Though the C-section was a surprise, Carissa and baby are doing just fine! Hunter was born at 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long!

Here's a picture of the proud mommy and her baby boy:

The Mountain of Entitlement vs. the Trench of Persecution

Entitlement - a big word....full of ugly....It's the idea that I deserve something just for being, or for being good, or for doing whatever.... it's the "I worked hard today so I am entitled to...fill in the blank - a pedicure, a warm bath, some other luxury." Or, "I helped people today so I deserve to be alone now." Its ideas like "I worked out today so I deserve a brownie (or 2) or a new outfit." Its the thought of, "I accomplished such and such and I deserve some praise"....oooooo - now we're going deep - deeper than the desire for a brownie, at least.... However shallow the thought or desire, it's entitlement either way. And entitlement is exactly what Lucifer was cast out of heaven for - his belief that he deserved praise - a.k.a. glory.  Sometimes - for me - I don't see it as wanting glory... I mean - going back to the brownie - what glory is in eating a brownie?  But the brownie is reward, is it not? Why do I think I am owed a pat on the back or a reward. When the Psalmist says, "there is nothing good in the heart of the man" it really means not-one-thing...unless God puts it there - which means it wasn't my doing after all....so why do I want the reward?   

The American culture feasts on the spirit of entitlement. Every commercial jingle has a hint of "you deserve this" in it. So how do I root it out of me?....I don't fully know. I think (but maybe I'm wrong) that somehow it would be easier in another culture - but then I'd probably be (in my ugly flesh) thinking - "I am adapting to this new culture and it's so hard so I deserve....". 

The Spirit and the Word have been showing me this thread of ugly in my life. It runs deep in the thought of, "I am adopting from Ethiopia so I deserve a referral now." But, the desire in me to adopt did not come from me nor is it about me so why am I entitled to a quickened process? Well, I'm not. Period.

If everything good is from above then there is no place for my glory robbing, my want for words of affirmation and adoration. Those things belong to my Lord, Jesus Christ alone.

Entitlement is a mountain. On top of it is a life of luxury and ease that, it seems, most of us yearn for and work toward. But what happens when God decides it is time for me to endure persecution? If I am on the mountain of entitlement I will not be equipped to face it. The love for ease and things will far surpass the love of following Jesus to the smelliest, dirtiest places - like prison or the streets - and the love of sharing Jesus with the people He longs to know him.

In pondering the news of the struggles in Israel and talking with a friend about the signs of the end times coming I am more convinced than ever that I am to train my daughter in such a way that she will be able to endure the worst persecution. Of course, I do not want ANY of that for her, the heartache and pain of it. But, it seems, that her generation will indeed face increasing opposition to Jesus.

But how do I train her well.... that is what I'm begging God to show me. She is only three, after all. The only (well, one of the only) thing I know to do for now is teach her more than "Jesus loves me" and focus also on Jesus loves the nations - all of them - every tribe, every tongue, every stranger, every language group. That means her love story with Jesus is about more than just her. There is a cause in the form of the God-Man Jesus to live for that can impact as small as a world as her own or as large as a world as God's. So which is she going to live mindful of - her own perceived entitlements or the heart of God who is entitled to her obedience and praise and life and service no matter the cost. 

Tuesday nights with our Somali friends will soon begin again. Serving and teaching the Somalis English and life/culture lessons is not always easy. It messes up my routine, frankly. When I take Libby I am constantly concerned because of the location in which we meet. It is not always easy to focus on the Somali people as I scan the field for my daughter's happy face. Libby goes to bed late - really late - every Tuesday night. And every Wednesday morning we struggle with Libby's weary whining. But, on the flip-side, she is walking into "Africa" only 30 minutes from home and surrounded by a culture completely different than her own. She plays with them just like she would play with one of her Chinese friends. And this unusual site of a Chinese girl playing with Somali Bantu is just the kind of normal I want for her - the kind that she grows up with and never thinks is unusual.

As I have been sizing up what our calling to the Somali's looks like and how best to serve them as a family I have been considering what entitlements God will have to strip away for my heart to really engage with the Somali people. What if we are supposed to spend more than one night with them each week? What if that leaves less time for my routines or what if it messes up Libby's schedule making her mood swings my problem? Am I entitled to a schedule that keeps my daughter happy for my sake? What if I'm supposed to give one of the Somali families my phone number so they can call me at any time day or night? Would I be okay with that? Could I keep my sanity and wrap my family life around a family of 8 or 10 poor, needy, and sometimes demanding and manipulative people? If we are called to the family with the youngest and wildest children would I still invite them into my home? Am I entitled to a clean house and undamaged sentimental items? Would I be okay if one of the children walked around my house with a buttery corn on the cob in his hands looking for a piece of fabric (of any sort) to wipe his buttery fingers on? Oh, how pitiful am I!!! I mean it! This is not a point I am making for anyone but myself....how wretched am I?

A Voice of the Martyrs magazine arrived in my mailbox today. I sat in the tub tonight reading the first article in it. It talked about people in countries all over the world - but specifically Iran and India - who have joyfully embraced the trench of persecution. The writer of the article was sharing the stories of these beautiful believers but also focusing on the fact that "Opportunity for...witness exists everyday, whether or not there is persecution." He goes on to say, "If we lack faith, we fear opposition."  But why do we fear opposition? Because there is something we don't want to lose/give up - meaning, we feel entitled to something - good health, no broken bones, a college education, a life of freedom outside of prison, cleanliness, privacy...this list could go on and on. 

Below this article/letter to the readers was a picture of a card with another language written all over it. What I read in the caption next to it almost made my heart stop. It read, "Radical Hindus in Orissa State, India distributed this notice before a rally against Christians. It says, 'In order to make it a grand success, you all are requested to please come and join the rally with all your traditional weapons, like arrow, axe, spear, sword, etc.'" 

Faced with that kind of opposition would I feel entitled to justify denying Christ for the sake of protecting my daughter? Oh, please Lord, give me the strength of my fellow believers in India! Their houses are burned and they have nothing - not even a future, except.... they know the reality of heavenly reward and eternal life and live in the light of that. 

So, this is where I am in my thoughts... the mountain of entitlement both in me and in our culture will not provide me/my family with the tools, the endurance or the wisdom needed to accept the persecution that will one day come. So I must - and all who love Jesus must - find a way to walk, roll, repel or dive off the mountain of entitlement and begin finding the path along the trench in which to train our minds, bodies and souls for the opposition so we can be found faithful to the end. And I'm just asking God to continually remind me and show me what that looks like. Any thoughts and ideas on how to develop this entitlement-free living are welcome. I know there is a balance in it all. I know that God enjoys my enjoying his creation and - yes, even brownies... but, oh to go deeper into his heart and find enjoyment in the learning of how to suffer for his name sake instead of glowing in reward. The ashy faces of the pastors in an India prison glow (most likely) far more than the one with a recent facial and manicured feet. If only my eyes and heart could be trained to see all that is opposite of this world's ways. 

Bread of Life for Today and Tomorrow and Forever

From Thanksgiving until Christmas day we rush, plan, pack, wrap, shop 'til we drop (which takes longer for some) and then... Christmas day comes and.....ahhhhhhhh...... sigh of relief..... we can slow down now. Today has been an emotional day of quiet for me. After being with family in SC last week and having lots of noise (the good kind!) and activity, this morning felt all too quiet. The quiet was bringing out an emotion in me that I've been trying to ignore during the busy-ness. It's the emotion of loss - only, I haven't lost anything - I just haven't received what I'm wanting - Lulu. 

It was a little over 2 years ago that God put it on my heart to adopt from Ethiopia. In the next day or so it will be one year since Billy said, "let's get a baby from Ethiopia." It then took us about 6 months to finish the paperwork and on June 13 our paperwork was shipped to Ethiopia and we began our "official" wait for an infant girl. At that time the expected wait for a referral (picture and medical info of chosen baby girl) was right at 9 months. Since then only a few baby girls have been referred and we are at least number 17 on the list. March is not going to be the month for a referral unless miracles happen. Then AWAA (our agency) sent an email out saying that the wait time for an infant girl has increased to 9-11 months. I received this news last week and was sad, but I had so much going on I don't think I let it completely sink in. 

The reality is - miracles will still have to happen in order for us to get a referral in 11 months. I don't know exactly how it all works, but unless more baby girls are referred soon the reality is we are still way down the waiting line and I need to expect a much longer time frame than I originally thought. I know that God has already chosen our baby girl so I do have much comfort in that and I trust His timing. But that doesn't make the wait easy. Today, in the quiet of our small family, it was obvious to me that someone is missing. Lulu is not missing in the eyes of Jesus. He is with her even now. But to me - she is not here and so part of me is not here either... If you haven't adopted this is impossible for me to explain...

On a happier note, however, we have had a delightful Christmas day. We originally planned on having a Burmese family over for lunch and a Happy Birthday Jesus Party, but we found out yesterday that they had other plans. So, here's what we did today:

Libby woke up and opened her presents -one of which is a huge and really cute dollhouse. We played with all her toys and rearranged her room to fit the dollhouse in there. Then we fixed breakfast and had a small but wonderful "Happy Birthday Jesus" party with cake, balloons and all! 

Afterwards, we got dressed and took 20 loaves of scrumptious gingerbread to each of the Somali families. I have not seen the Somalis in several weeks and I have missed them so much. I can't tell you how good it was for my heart to see them today. Their little faces lit up with excitement and they seemed kind of relieved that we haven't forgotten about them. We just hugged and loved on each family and let them know that we missed them and will see them again soon. It was probably more of a blessing to me than it was to them. I just needed to be around Africans today! I love them so much!

After that, we drove to Larry and Terry's house and were so excited to find Batula (one of the Somali moms with 8 children!) and all her children having Christmas lunch with the Singletary's. Larry and Terry bought each of the children Christmas presents. Terry prepared a fabulous meal and I walked in to see bright, happy African faces beaming with the knowledge that they are loved and not alone. It was all too overwhelmingly beautiful for me and I burst into tears. One of Batula's sons was wearing a black suit - jacket, pants and all. He was all dressed up for this special occasion. Batula's newest son was just born a few weeks ago. She named him Larry Ali after Larry Singletary. I got to hold Larry-Ali and Libby was so precious with him. And that's when it hit me  - this was God's Christmas present to me - I got to hold an African baby and see my daughter help feed him his bottle. God brought Africa to me when my heart longed to be in Africa getting my baby. How sweet is that!

Our trip to SC was wonderful. It took a grueling 2 1/2 days to drive there because we tried a new route that just took FORVER, unfortunately. Libby started the trip out sick and our first night after traveling the first full day was just AWFUL! It was a long night of crying and total tantrums... but everything got better after that.

My sister-in-law, Carissa and my brother, Kelly, sweetly allowed us to invade their home and stay there for the week. They are also pregnant and due on Feb 19 so my sister and I and Julie (a friend) threw a baby shower for her. It was a great turn out and a blast to do that for her. Libby enjoyed playing with Taylor and Camryn and even Kelly and Carissa's dog - Banjo. Libby flirted with my brother, Kelly, all week and loved opening presents. Billy went fly-fishing with Jason (my sister's husband) for 2 days so Libby and I spent the night with Becky that night and I loved sitting up in bed with my sister having a long, deep conversation. We shared a room growing up, but we haven't had the chance to sit up talking like that since we were young. It was so so good. 

I had the chance to catch up with a couple of old friends. One old high school friend, Will, met us for lunch. I love what God is doing in Will. When God allows the grit of life to humble us, He does such because He is standing by mercifully anticipating stepping right into that humbled heart. He is doing that in Will and I am so thankful for that! Will, lunch was a blast and I just love you, friend!

Betty Jean was in SC the same time we were so we met her and her entire sweet family for breakfast. They are all doing so well and, again, God hand is wonderfully working and has done a great healing in my sweet Betty Jean. I am so glad she is full of life and doing well. I love her and watching her be a mom to Bowen is so amazing. She is an awesome mom.

I also got to catch up with some family members who we never get to see (which is why I am in every picture with each family member - because I never get to see them and wanted to have some pictures of us together to remember). All of my dad's side of the family came in town and we had a big Christmas party with them. Then I got a chance to visit almost everyone on my mom's side of the family. On both sides it was so good to see that God is at work, changing hearts and lives. I was so encouraged by my Aunt Jenny who shared some words of comfort with me that my soul just needed to hear. God is so good. I am, even in the midst of grieving over longer wait times for Lulu, so in awe of and grateful for His never-ending, powerful, inspiring, surprising mercy and grace. 

I have so many pictures to share from our David Wilcox concert, SC trip and Christmas celebrations that I don't know where to start - or where to stop, I should say. Here goes:

Libby's class waited until December to celebrate all their birthdays on one day. Libby dressed up cute for the birthday bash! (She picked out the red wrist band herself!)

We attended a David Wilcox concert at Blue Rock View Ranch with David and Kimberly Guion. First, want to say - we LOVE the Guions. They are such a special family and I'm so glad Billy and I had the chance to spend this evening with them! Second - have to say - David Wilcox ROCKS! The Spirit of God was present at that concert and we witnessed one of the most beautiful God moments through song during that concert. Amazing night!

Billy and I had such a relaxing, awesome time at the concert!

Billy with David Wilcox. Wilcox has had more influence on Billy's writing style and depth than any other songwriter. I so wish we could have had coffee with this man. He is "other-worldly" in the best sort of way.

Libby and her cousin Taylor had a blast together all week. Aren't they so cute!?

Baby Camryn has the best, fun-loving personality. She is precious!

Jason with Taylor and Billy with Libby. The men hold their girls for the Christmas Light festival on James Island.

My hot sister (w/ her new awesome hair cut) with sweet Taylor.

Camryn, Becky, Kelly and Carissa roast marshmallows at the festival.

Libby thinks her Uncle Kelly is cute. She never said such with words, but she flirted with him all week. Kelly is in Thailand right now leading worship for some special people there. Be lifting him up if you think about it.

"Peace"

The Girls.

Family time in downtown Charleston.

My Pepa with Libby and me.

Carissa's shower. Here, we were praying over Carissa and Baby Hunter. Can't wait to meet that baby!

All the food at the shower - YUM!

Becky, Carissa and me.

Julie, Becky, Carissa and me.
Santa Clause... I mean, my dad! Love you, daddy!

 Aunt Barbara with the Foote family. (Libs was a little tired of taking pics at this point)

  Aunt Jenny and me. She was making me laugh!

   Libby and I with my grandma - affectionately called Mema by me and Great Mimi by Libby. She had a cold so her eyes were really red - but this is a great pic because usually she won't look at the camera at all. We were sneaky and got her to look this time! Gotcha!

Mom and me. Love you, mom.

         Aunt Judy and the Footes.

Uncle Ron, Beth, Aunt Kathy with us.

Uncle Tony and - you guessed it - the Foote fam.

Dad, with my cousins Mason (left) and Smith (right)

I Love these two cutie-pies.

Taylor and Libby. Libby ate fruit, fruit and more fruit on this trip. Such a healthy eater.

Libster and I with Sweet Betty Jean.

My little sister, my little brother and me.

         Libby with her tub stickers.

Christmas Eve - time to build a dollhouse!

We gave Libby several of these Chinese Barbie-type dolls. She loves them and they are so cute in her dollhouse.

Christmas morning - Libby meets the dollhouse!

Libby's Christmas Day Loot.

Aren't these Corolle dolls so cute! Lulu and Libby!

Happy Birthday Jesus Party/Breakfast. We had eggs, sausage, milk, oj, cake and even balloons and streamers! 
Libby blew out the candles for Jesus!

We stopped by the apartment complex to see our Somali friends. We took a loaf of Gingerbread and lots of candy canes to each family. Look close in the picture above - at the ceiling. These are not Christmas decorations - it's just the way they decorate. 

Larry and Terry's house was full of Somali's, food, fun and Jesus!

God's gift to me for today - the chance to hold an African baby.

By the way - after I first posted this I realized that the people group to be praying for today is the Afar of Ethiopia! How cool is that! Maybe Lulu is from the Afar people - you just never know!