Labor Day

Just so ya' know

If anyone in Colorado Springs needs pictures there is a couple (knew them from a bible study) that are raising money for their Ethiopia Adoption and are doing this by taking pictures for a donation. Becky is a photographer and samples of her work can be seen here. So, if you need pictures taken any time soon, give her a call and help bring another child into a home.

I try to impart my "wisdom" into the life of my students by sharing stories and relating to their lives. Some days though, I feel so far removed from their realities, I did not grow up where they are growing up, my parents are still married, and I have every cognitive ability to be successful. How can I expect them to be any different than what they are when their lives are so in limbo? Uncertain?

Father, Give me the strength to love these children with the same fervor that you have loved your children, let it be an imperfect love but nevertheless, a love that is growing and changing. Open their ears to what I have to say and open my heart so that they can teach me.

Service

My husband is amazing! This month, he will be teaching me a great deal about selfless service.

Sunday night, as we drove home from a day with friends in Boulder, Ben informs me that for the next month he will be cooking every night, doing all of the dishes, and planning the meals... I like to brag on my husband because he truly has been given an incredible servants heart, but this just blew me away. I am by no means an amazing cook or a willing homemaker and I am certainly not overwhelmed by life since all I am doing is spending one day a week with the midwife.

I asked my sweetest husband why he is doing this and he responds that it is because he loves me and he wants to be a better husband (I did not think he could be any better?? I was wrong). If before the month is up, my husband grows weary and needs to take a break, I will gladly step in, but until that time I am learning to relinquish control, and enjoy being served by a man who truly understands what my heart desires and how I best feel loved.

I will never be an incredible homemaker, but for now I will learn what it means for me to be a wife, it is to be served willingly by my husband and to in turn serve him willingly and with joy.

The Covenant

"To be in covenant with God then meant this: I had been chosen for the privileged responsibility of participating in on of God's many projects to bring order to the chaos on the earth, and more specifically, I was called to do this in the life of one... child." - Josh Bottomly - From Ashes to Africa

When I read this quote, I understand that the longings of our hearts are a gift and mystery from God. I acknowledge and occasionally long for a life of ease, without the tugging in my heart to adopt and to live abroad and to change the world. We have been called to bring order from this world filled with chaos in the lives of children who have otherwise known nothing but sorrow and defeat. If I am to bring heaven down to earth than I will need to follow the deepest and most mysterious longings of my heart.

Career Change

During the month of July, I am hoping to spend some time with a midwife here in Colorado. After my experiencing the birth of a friends daughter, I have felt like I might be meant to bring babies into the world. Before I being a program I am going to attend about 10 births so that I can get a very good idea of what births are like and if I really want to be a midwife. I am looking forward to sharing all of my adventures here!

Check It Out

Oliver loves the new house!
Another view of the living room and dining room
Here is a view of our living room, we are so excited to have our couches back!