Pictures From Our Trip

We had so much fun with our friends! It was definitely worth the 12 hour drive (each way). It was a blessing to see them, and we can't wait to see them some time in the new year!

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Road Trip

We're off to take a road trip in the morning! We'll be visiting with a family that my parents traveled with in Ethiopia. We're all pretty excited to spend time as a family, and also with friends around this holiday season. A dear friend of my mom... Her parents are letting us stay in their duplex, which is just about 30 minutes away from where are friends are staying in their hotel.

God has blessed us to go on this trip, and we're thankful for that! Erin and I are packed, and maybe the boys... not sure yet. Just to finish packing everyone else and everything else for our 12-13 hour road trip. Dear Lord in heaven give us all peace, and patience! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We definitely did!

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Merry Christmas 2011

God's Beautiful Creations #3

Between Wednesday afternoon and this morning, it has snowed (just a little dusting) about three times. It is December 23rd, the eve of Christmas Eve. Here in MN there has been only one (end of november) big snow fall. With the temperatures dropping, and the excitement of the holidays you'd expect it to snow really soon. [AND STAY] God has a good sense of humor, and we are "Dreaming of a white Christmas"! Here are a few photos I quickly took.

Some snow or not... He still show's his beautiful creations to us everyday! Sunsets and all...

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Christmas break...

Yesterday, was the first day off from our "normal" routine!

The beginning of "Christmas Break"

I look forward to the time together and the reprieve from the usual daily routine...

That being said, I so thrive in "routine" and believe my children (and many others) also do better with knowing the plan & expectation :)

But today, most of my kiddo's enjoyed a laid back day of just being together!

A break ... from the get up and GO schedule!

 NOT watching the clock all day long for the next trip out was a welcome relief.

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But I said "most" of my kiddo's :(

Just as it's been since the beginning of the holiday season - in November with the celebration of multiple family birthdays and Thanksgiving ...

T. is struggling!

She struggles with even the slightest change in "normal" routine

And unfortunately, the first day of her siblings home for Christmas break, did NOT prove to be easy on her.

It puts her into a "funk"

Uncertain what the "break" in routine means for her...

She finds her [intentionally] predictable world become a bit too big to manage :(

We are working tirelessly to help her depend not in what she is capable of managing but to trust in the mom, dad and forever family God has given to love,care for and guide her.

With T's background of loss & trauma, this process is a very painful & difficult one.

She is guarded.

Trust does NOT come easy, and why should it?

What her past has taught her is; bad things do happen & loved one go away.

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The "normal" structure of our family is forever different and constantly changing

As we look at our way of life with a NEW perspective and make choices with the past of our youngest and for the best of our WHOLE family in mind.

This is HARD!

But we feel God leading and equipping, moment by moment.

It's not what we imagined things would be like.

I definitely miss the peaceful & carefree days that Christmas [break] use to be

But believe it's okay to miss what once was but NOT dwell there.

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The Holiday season & celebrations may feel more stressful this year and maybe always will,

but no amount of anxiety, hurt or chaos can ever change the reason we celebrate Christmas!

Each and every day, moment by moment

we will continue to put our trust in the One who was born that first Christmas morn

who came to die for us,

and give us LIFE!

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And it's our heart's desire to live a life that gives glory to God

It isn't picture perfect,

But God led us into the hard & messy places of life

And it's exactly where we want to be,

trusting & more dependent in Him alone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

God Bless,

~Becky

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ  the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11

The Tree is Up

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Mighty to Save!

I know that many, many of you are following Jonathan's unfolding miracle! I cannot even begin to tell you how much we appreciate your continued prayers as his family works hard to bring him home.

Over the last few days there have been many obstacles to overcome. At times his adoption has almost seemed impossible.

BUT GOD!

He who sits upon the throne has heard every prayer on behalf on this precious young man! He truly is mighty to save the orphan.

This is an update from the precious family trying so very hard to bring Jonathan home:

"The Embassy in his country has made Jonathan's case priority. They emailed back quickly! All we have to do....get this....all we have to do is submit our I600a before his birthday to USCIS. We don't even need to update our home study to submit it! I'm overnighting it today! That is for his visa. One thing down.


Now, we are working on making sure the orphanage doesn't release him. We should know more about that today! I'll update you as soon as I hear anything! Praise the Lord! His hand has been on this the whole time! Even when I couldn't see through the fog! It almost doesn't seem real. I'm so humbled and blessed that we serve a God who cares so much for us, so much for Jonathan!

The prayers of God's people! That is what led us in the right direction. Thank you!"

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. There are still a few hurdles to jump over, but things are definitely starting to look more positive. Please keep praying! Pray that they will be able to keep Jonathan in the orphanage until his family gets there. Pray for a heart of compassion for those who make decisions on his behalf in his country. Our God is ABLE.

For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zeph 3:17