Will he get to go to school?

             
It was our last day in Ethiopia, and we were visiting an orphanage and doing a little shopping before we had to pack up.  We had stopped on a little side street in front of a little shop in order to pick up some translation papers.  I had "G" on my lap, and we were looking out the open bus window at everyone when a boy about 13 to 15ish approached my window asking me to buy some gum.  I immediately said "no thanks".  He persisted, and I was a little annoyed.  I had "G" on my lap and was totally trying to focus on him and didn't want the "disruption".  But, then we started talking, and I had a reality check...

"Will he get to go to school?"

That was what he wanted to know.  He looked at "G" and asked "Will he get to go to school?"  He wasn't selling the gum for extra money or to annoy me.  He was trying to make enough money to go back to school after the break.
 
Since we got home, I have thought of our exchange often, not only because I was impressed by this pleasant young man, but also because of my actions - or should I say inaction.  You know...we had a nice conversation, and I enjoyed talking with him, but as the bus pulled away, I had my second reality check...

I didn't buy a piece of gum.  I. Did. Not. Buy. A. Piece. Of. Gum.  Isn't that ironic?  I was on my way to an orphange "to be the hands and feet", and I had this sweet boy right in front of me basically asking me for a little hope, and I didn't do it.  How many times does God put things right in front of us, and we miss it?  We're too busy, we didn't plan for it, it makes us uncomfortable, blah, blah, blah.

Needless to say...this was one of those moments that I sooo regret, and I pray that next time I get it right.
  

I Am Thankful For...

 
My little turkey...
 

First Haircut!

  
(11/16/10)

Well, it was time for our first haircut.  One of my friends gave me a recommendation on where to go, and it just happened to be right down the street.  Lenny was awesome, and "S" liked him so much that he decided that Lenny would be his new barber too. 

 

We were a little worried about how "G" would do.  He did great!!!  (Of course, this is all second-hand info.  It was a father/son deal.  I tried to get "S" to take the camera.  He drew the line at the camera, but luckily his phone has a camera.)

When he got home, he was so excited to show me his new haircut.  He looks so handsome!!

 

WOW!! He looks so big with his short haircut. I see him growing so much already.  Even though he has only been home for a couple of months, it is like we are leaving the toddler stage and are now fully into the preschool stage.  We've missed so much of his life already.  I look forward to each stage.

  

 

Happy Baptism Anniversary!

  

Every year we gather together to help AB remember her baptism.  She loves it and looks forward to it every year.  Several weeks ago at dinner, she reminded us that her baptism anniversary was coming up and wanted to make sure that we were planning on it.

WOW!  She is turning into such a wonderful little girl.  I am so proud of her!

She just loves her little brother!

Little sis "helping" her with her presents.

We have never done daily devotions with the kids.  Hopefully, this will be the start of a new tradition.

 

Dear LORD, thank you so much for A.  She is such a blessing to us.  I pray that she always knows that she is a precious child of God and that you have chosen her and that she has a calling on her life.  I pray that she knows and fulfills her calling with passion and has a heart to love you more than anyone or anything.  In Your Holy Precious Name I pray...Amen!   

  

Happy Halloween

       

 We had such a blast this Halloween!!  We were a little anxious about how little man would do.  He did great!  It only took a couple of hands of candy, and he was ready to go.  And, of course, the girls could have trick-or-treated until midnight.

First, we all get a little pumpkin love.

  

 

 

Next comes getting all the guts out.  The girls love this part.

Little man was a little unsure, but the girls assured him that it is fun.

Now, he is really getting into it.  He loves getting the yuckies out.  "No eat"

Isn't this the cutest Bob the Builder!  (Wasn't going for the hat.)

Here's our little Hannah Montana.

 

Here's Hannah Montana with one of her rock star friends.  (A was going to be Taylor Swift, but then decided that she wanted just plain hair with glitter spray.)

 

They're ready to go!!!

This is our customary next day activity...count and sort the candy...count and sort...count and sort...count and sort

Happy Halloween!!