Going to my Castle!

Have you ever had one of those days? It's not a bad day but more like a "I am pooped and don't give a fig days." On one hand I am ready for the holidays to be over, but on the other hand each day that goes by is one day closer for Dustin to leave. That I am not ready for. I am practicing my fake brave face. I am also sad because 20 years ago today my mom died. I miss her and I often think of how much she would have loved getting to know all of her grandchildren!
I knew raising my kids would be the greatest blessing in my life but didn't think it would also be the most heartbreaking at times.
I went to the Women of Faith conference in OKC last month. One of the speakers said when you are having a bad day, people are getting on your nerves or your family is pushing their luck you should close your eyes and go to your castle. All castles have a moat and a draw bridge. So unless you put that draw bridge down know one is to bother you. So at home or at work if I am having a bad moment I just say "I am going to my Castle" they all know until further notice it would be in their best interest to leave me alone! By the way that is a crown I am wearing. Kennedy gave it to me for the castle!

An awesome week with my family

This week has been full of blessings. I have all my kids home and that is the best Christmas present I could have asked for! I met two precious little ones who have been in their new home for just 4 days and are doing well. Adoption is so awesome. Some friends blessed our daughter Jordan with a very nice gift! And more than anything I feel Gods presence in each situation. I know that I am beyond blessed and I am very grateful. I think of the children in the world who have no one and this breaks my heart. I wish I could do something for all of them, the fact is that we all need to be doing something for them. Please say a prayer for these precious children and while you pray for them ask God what you can do to make a difference in their lives. I hope and pray each of you had a very Merry & Blessed Christmas.

My Husband

I really don't say a whole lot about my husband Mike on my blog. I don't know why. Well yeah I do, he is sort of a private guy. I am a share my life girl. He really doesn't say a lot. I could talk until the cows come home. He sees the world in black and white and I see it in full color. He recycles, well he taught me to recycle. He loves sports. Me not so much unless him or one of the kids are playing. He is from Oregon. I am from Texas. For good times, hang around our house when the Spurs and the Trailblazers play each other. Spurs rule, but he has not accepted that yet. I am nine years older. Hmmm... your thinking,what do these two have in common? Everything that matters. God, family, friends, helping those who need us and loving a life that some may see as chaotic but we see as a piece of heaven. Our song is "Two of a Kind working on a Full House" by Garth Brooks. On that point we have been very sucessful! He is an awesome dad. Even though we fight, sometimes a lot and there are times I think I can't stand another day in the same house with him and yes he feels that way also, I can't imagine my life without him. God brought us together for a reason. He knew we would be a good team. And we are. Because of who we are as individuals we compliment each other as a couple. I'm his hon and he's my babe. So to my guy, I love you and I hope your 45th birthday (been there done that ha ha!)
is the best. You are a blessing and I love you.

Days like this!

Are what you live for! Several months ago a young man was hired at our church. He replaced a woman who had the job for many years. The first thing I found out about him was that he and his wife were hoping to adopt. They were adopting through DHS and were just waiting. They are a wonderful young couple and were open to siblings. Months go by and still nothing. Fast forward to Adoption Sunday at our church. They were sitting in worship longing for a child, I was looking at them praying that God would reveal their child to them soon and an older couple who are members of the church had a circumstance in their family with children involved and were beside themselves on what too do.One week later this man calls me and tells me about the situation. He said him and his wife were sitting in church that Sunday trying to figure out what to do. They were sitting during the Adoption program he said "Elaine! maybe she can help us."As he explained the situation this young couple came to my heart. I got as much information as possible told the man I may know of someone and that I would call him back. I called the young man and his wife. I told them about the phone call I had just received. A siblings a little boy and girl. They were so excited. I gave them the gentleman's number hung up and called the other gentleman and told him about the couple and they would be calling. They all met and hit it off! For a while for whatever reason it looked like it would be 6 months before the children could be placed with them. It was ridiculous! They had been approved, they were ready to adopt!Yesterday the young man called me. He said " Elaine we have news. The kids will be coming next week! In time for Christmas! OH MY GOSH!!!!!! I could not have been happier! They are so happy. Again God never ceases to amaze me. Is He awesome or what!I love thinking back on how God orchestrated these events.A woman leaves a job she had for years to try something new. This young man is hired. He hears about our Adoption Ministry and shares with me. Adoption Sunday, a couple prays for a child, I pray for the couple and another couple knows two children who need a home but are not sure what to do. I am placed on their hearts, they call me this young couple is placed on my heart, I call them and a miracle happens! I have been asked why I am so passionate about adoption and Hug Away. The answer is easy. For days like this!

Having faith and grace

Today I read about the Marine jet fighter that crashed into some houses in San Diego. The pilot ejected, but the crash killed a S. Korean women, her 2 month old and 15 month old daughter's and her mother who came from S. Korea to help her with grandchildren. A neighbor said he had saw the husband kiss his wife goodbye that morning and thought how sweet the moment was. Little did that husband know that would be the last time he would kiss her.
Yoon Dong-yoon did a news interview tonight. You can tell his heart is broken and he is grieving. I could not believe what he said first. The first thing he asked was to pray for the pilot. He didn't want him to suffer and feel guilty, it was an accident. He said this man helps protect America, he is treasured. He then went on to say he knew his family was in heaven and God was taking care of them now. They had moved into their house a month or two ago.
I sat here crying and wondering if I could ever be such a witness. It seems he lost everything. His family, his home but the one thing he still has is his faith. Tonight I saw a perfect example of faith and grace.
Please pray for Yoon Dong-yoon and the pilot.

A peaceful heart

I know I am cute!

Taking a break

Helping Dad

I have had a great day! I am at such peace with some decisions I have made. Prayer is a good thing!
I found out that Dustin will be home on the 21st! I am so excited, yet I know this is the calm before the storm in my heart. He will leave on January 10th Kennedy's second gotcha day and the day before my birthday. What a difference a couple of years makes. This will probably be one of the toughest test of faith I will ever have.
God told me He would take care of Him and I am going to continue to believe that.The peace I have in my heart about Dustin, Hug Away and a few other things can only come from God.
Again please pray for all our men and women who are serving. It has too be really hard around the holidays for them and their families.
I am really excited about Hug Away and where we are going. I know that God has great things planned. He has spoke to my heart and 2009 will be so awesome for the foundation.
OK I have to tell you about Ms. Kennedy and Santa. This is only her second Christmas and she is pumped! This girl is not shy. When she sees a Santa she will tell him about her list again and just smile. A Santa walked up to her in the mall and she smiled and raised her hands for him to pick her up! She talked his ear off!
Very opposite of Cameron, who was terrified of Santa and still is not that thrilled when she sees one. She is also very into decorating. She was outside all day after church Sunday with her daddy putting up lights and decorations.

Imagine!

Have you ever done that? I am sure almost everyone has. Imagine if you will no wars, no abuse of any kind to any one. Sounds like a song, hmm...John Lennon. The world has changed a lot since he died.
Imagine that we all got along, respected each other, cared for one another, enjoyed helping our fellow man and loving one another. Imagine NO ORPHANS! That would be my dream. Because it goes along with the respect, caring helping and loving each other.
I have been struggling with what to do with Hug Away. True we were so blessed too help 4 families. But for the first year I expected so much more. Notice the word "I"? There is the problem. I. Don't get me wrong. I know God laid the foundation on my heart and gave me the dream. The problem is I took it away from Him.
Too be honest I thought about giving the foundation up. It was too overwhelming. But then a cool thing happened. God said to me "Imagine!" Imagine Elaine if you acutally listened to me what could happen? Imagine that you let go and trusted Me. IMAGINE!
So I did! Oh it looks so good. It looks so hopeful. Now I am looking forward to what God has planed for Hug Away! I can only Imagine!!!

Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5-6