Maia Faith

Our good friends Jeff and Dana have been united with their sweet little girl, Maia. It has been so great to go through this journey alongside Jeff and Dana and I can't wait for our little girls Maia and Molly to grow up together. Please pray for Jeff, Dana, and Maia as they are currently in Vietnam. We can't wait to meet you, Maia!

Remembering Grandma

My Grandma went to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. God continues to show His love and mercy to our family. I've thought a lot about Zeke in heaven yesterday and today. This picture is so special to me. My Grandma always lit up when she was holding Zeke--I can picture her holding him now and both of them smiling in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 23 was my Grandma's favorite. My mom said that recently when their pastor read it to my Grandma in the hospital, she quoted it with him. What a beautiful picture for her now:

Psalm 23

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.

Updates

Sorry it's been so long between posts lately--life has been busy around here! But despite the busyness, God has been working in amazing ways in our lives and in the lives of those around us. I feel like I am constantly learning more about who God is and who He wants me to be. I feel like in every area of my life--even areas that are painful--I feel like God is helping me get to the place where I fully put my hope in Him. It's awesome to see God at work all around us. :-)

School is back in full swing and it's always so amazing to watch the kids progress after Christmas. It's amazing that some of my kids came in at the beginning of the year not speaking English, and now they are slowly beginning to read. Even though it can be frustrating at times, working with our population is SO rewarding.

My Grandmother has been in and out of the hospital a lot in the last little while and is currently at a nursing facility where she is receiving "comfort care." It makes me sad to think about not having my grandmother here anymore, but happy to think that she'll get to meet Jesus soon--and see my Grandpa and Zeke. My aunt has flown in from India to be with my grandma and my mom which has been a HUGE blessing. Three of my cousins spent the weekend with us last weekend which was lot of fun. Even through the hard times in life, it is so nice to be given the blessing of family.

In Molly Grace news, we are still (somewhat) patiently waiting for our referral. Today is the beginning of TET--the Vietnamese New Year and in Vietnam everything shuts down for a couple of weeks so I'm doubting we'll be hearing anything for the next little while--but hopefully soon afterwards! I've been trying to get a little more serious about getting ready for her arrival. I sat down and worked on our adoption finances this weekend (slightly depressing, but God ALWAYS provides) and worked in her room a little. She even got a few new clothes but still needs a lot more--I guess I'll have to go shopping soon--bummer! :-P

I'll close this post with some pictures from our good friends Anna and James' Super Bowl party. Our camera is still in Winston Salem (but we're planning a trip to Winston soon so maybe we won't be cameraless much longer!) so currently, our only pictures are ones that we're able to steal from the blogs of others--thanks, guys! :-)

Happy Tet!