Past, Present, and Future
While it's still Christmas I can't help but think about the passing of another year as well. It never fails that I have to take stock of how the year went and how I want to start out the new year. So, here's my prayer for 2014. I pray that I will be able to honor and remember the past, but not dwell in it. I pray that I will look ahead enough to enjoy the future. I pray that I will put the past and the future aside appropriately to enjoy the present. Here's to a spirit filled year of service to God's work.
Here's how our family has celebrated more Christmas and the New Year.
On the 5th day of Christmas we had visit from "K"s godparents. On the 7th day of Christmas, New Year's Eve, there wasn't a lot going on. Kevin and I apparently are very boring people when it comes to New Year's celebrations! However, I did have a great evening with "M*".
We went to silent communion together that evening. There was something about sitting in a dim sanctuary beside my daughter while we both silently read scripture. Then we quietly came forward and knelt at a rail for Pastor to give communion to just the two of us. I knelt beside my daughter and whispered the Lord's Prayer. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little teary eyed. The beautiful thing about this is that "M*" gets it. She really does get how meaningful this all is. The other girls do as well. It's just a beautiful thing to see your children grow in their faith and develop a relationship with God.
Another exciting thing is to see the young people I work with at our congregation grow in their faith as well. We hosted a New Year's Day event for the high school youth. We invited them over to watch the parade, play games and have a Bible study on the book of Revelation. Those youth are amazing. The insight they had and the discussion that came about was nothing short of inspiring. Our congregation and community are blessed with some amazing young people!
That evening Kevin made a traditional family meal. His grandmother always made fish and lefse for New Year's Day. A wonderful Norwegian family tradition! "M*" enjoyed it so much that she asked for fish and lefse for breakfast.
With the girls returning to school this week we are having to return to normal life again. A few more days of Christmas and then we will well the celebration of Epiphany.
Update on "T"
"T" still continues to transition well. Her English improves daily. The other day I asked her, ""T", do you want a piece of gum, too?" She quickly answered, "No, only one "T"!" She thought I was asking if she wanted two pieces of gum! It was super cute. I am also noticing that she's using the phrase "not me" instead of "not "T"." She's learning and growing everyday!
Update on "M^"
We have not heard any updates on "M^" from Ethiopia. We continue to pray for her and think of her each and everyday. We are also working very diligently at finishing up our paperwork so that we can continue the process of her adoption. UNICEF is working very hard to stop international adoptions. Unfortunately, they are making headway in Ethiopia right now. There have been talks in the Ethiopian congress and proposals are supposed to be out sometime in the next couple of weeks. Who knows if it will be more severe regulations or total halt of adoptions. Many people have asked me what we all can do.
1. Pray. Pray that we can adopt "M^". Pray that the other children that need homes will still be able to be matched with families through international adoption. Pray for the wonderful people that work for the behalf of these children as well.
2. We can also contact our senators and representatives to get legislation on the floor and hopefully passed that supports international adoption here in the US. Look for more information on this here
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/support-chiff-get-involved/
I will update as soon as we hear something definite. Thanks so much for your support!
Puzzle Fundraiser
While we are waiting for news and paperwork we are still working on our Burke Adoption Puzzle Fundraiser. We've been able to sell 234 pieces and raised $2,345! We feel very blessed and are eternally grateful to all of those that have helped us financially. If you're interested in seeing updates on the puzzle or want more information about our fundraiser check out our site . . .http://www.gofundme.com/5mkubw
Our puzzle as of January 4, 2014. Any guesses what it is?
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