10 months, 18 years, before time began

Tomorrow marks 10 months since our dossier arrived in Rwanda and boy what active months we have had, here in the states as well as in Rwanda.  Many families have received their non-objective letters and several have received referrals (these are actually the photos and medical history of their children that they will soon be bringing home)  We have been very encouraged as other families prepare their hearts and homes for these little ones and share their journey with us.  There is something about sharing an adventure with others when the end goal is the same.

Tomorrow also marks the birthday of my oldest niece.  She is turning 18.  Now, when she was born, I was still in high school.  I was in choir and a message was delivered to me from the office stating that my sister, Kelly, had given birth to a baby girl, Kataeri.  She goes by Katae now and has always been a bright spot in my life as well as the others that she comes in contact with.  Happy Birthday!   You continue to blossom into a beautiful, compassionate young lady.

Some other happenings for the month of February include, but aren't limited to, a family trip to New Jersey, another snow day, and a matching grant of $1000 from Lifesong for Orphans.

Our trip to New Jersey was relaxing. I know this might be difficult to believe, because if any of you have ever driven in New Jersey for any length of time or been passed by a car exceeding the speed limit by at least twenty miles per hour on your own state highways, then your assessment of Jersey is only partially accurate. As long as your not driving, NJ can be a low key and slow moving experience. We took a trip to the city (by subway) and shared a part of NY with Grayson.



The church that survived 9/11 (literally next door to the spot where the twin towers once stood) It now serves as a memorial site for all to visit.



Construction site for the New World Trade Center as viewed from the cemetery of the little church that survived 9/11



Lunch at Peking Duck in Chinatown.  We took in some culture as several roasted ducks were carved for other lunch eaters within our vicinity.  And yes, they still had their necks and duck bills attached.



Rice Pudding shared at Rice to Riches in SoHo, a favorite treat.



As for our snow day, I am in the midst of it right now.  I am hopeful that this might be the final snow fall of the season, but only time will tell.  It is wonderful having Randy home for the day.  Grayson and he went on a snowy walk and now hot cocoa is being prepared on the stove top, so I only have a few more moments of sharing left.

Our final piece of February is the $1000 matching grant that we have received from Lifesong for Orphans.  Our church, Riverbank Church, has created an adoption fund and partnered with Lifesong for Orphans in order to disburse these funds.  Lifesong for Orphans is a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to helping meet the needs of orphan children around the world. Now, what matching grant means, is that this is the amount that is available to our family.  Every dollar that is donated toward our adoption is literally matched.  If $20.00 is donated, it turns into $40.00 all the way up to $1000.  It means that as you, our family and friends, prayerfully consider our adoption, you will now have a tax-deductible way to donate money if God is calling you to do so! Between now and April 20th, Lifesong will accept donations for our family and then give them to us as an adoption grant to cover adoption expenses. All donations given through Lifesong are tax-deductible and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

100% of the all funds raised will go directly to cover adoption costs and Lifesong takes nothing out for administrative costs. This is an amazing opportunity!

To make a Tax-Deductible donation you have two choices! You can write a check to Lifesong for Orphans with preference Stahley #1859 adoption in the memo and mail it to:

Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40/ 202 N. Ford St.
Gridley, IL 61744

Or, you can click this link to Lifesong's donation page and donate through Paypal with preference Stahley #1859 adoption in the memo! 

 

Please know that while Lifesong does not withhold administrative fees from your donation, Paypal will.

 

Finally, we are reminded day in and day out, that before time began the Lord knew of this moment before it was even conceived. "I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11   We just find such comfort in His words each time our heart wraps around them.