Finding their way home from Africa.....

Have you ever wanted to get involved in the adoption process, but knew you were just not able to parent another child at this time? Well, here is a wonderful opportunity for you to be used mightily thru something that is very near and dear to the Lord's heart (adoption, of course!). On the other side of the world (Africa) there are two sweet little boys that have bi-lateral hearing impairments (totally deaf) and they are orphans. They attend a special school during the day, but have no one to tuck them in at night. Imagine for a moment what that must be like for these two young boys....

Good news. These little guys have a mom and a dad right here in the US who already love them and have done everything necessary to bring them home: home study, immigration papers, adoption papers, court proceedings, etc. Fortunately, they have managed to raise all of the adoption expenses but are down to the wire on their travel expenses (airplane tickets for 4,hotel, etc). They have one week to purchase these tickets through a travel agency and the total cost is $5300.00 (edited amount as of 10/30 is 4900.00). Would you consider helping this family be united? The way I see it, if 500 people gave just $10.00, they could be in Africa this time next week hugging those sweet boys and telling them they will never have to be cold or lonely or scared ever again. Is it worth it? You bet.

Anyway, if you are still reading this, then you must have that old familiar tuggin' on your heart strings and wonder how you can help. Here's how:

Go to this website:

www.Tidalcreek.net

and once you are there, you can go to the online giving section and enter

"Anderson adoption"

in the subject line when you give.

If that's too complicated or if just want to know more..feel free to email me and we

can work something out :-)

This sweet family attends our church and the dad is a United States Marine. Honestly, I can not wait to see these precious boys sitting in the front row with their new mommy and daddy, hearing the sermon through ASL (sign language) and learning about a BIG GOD who loves them so.....

Pray for them as them embark on this new journey together as a family of six. You will be surprised how good it feels to be a part of something SO much bigger than we can imagine.

Our legacy

One day last week I went into our daughter's (she wishes to remain anonymous) room to put something away and happened to notice this chart. She has always amazed me with her organizational skills and her need to plan, but this was just a bit over the top:

It just happens to be a full list of each one of her children (my future grandchildren) and where they will sleep in her "Jon and Kate Plus 8" style home. So, I am thrilled to think that one day I will get to finally meet all of them :-) Sarah, Lexy, Cole, Nate, Myly, Amanda, Laryn, Rose, Mady, Becca, Lily, Maia, Marin and Gracy. Aren't they just perfect already? It gets better. Her family will also be composed of children of her womb and children brought to her family through the miracle of adoption. So far, that will include daughters and sons from China, Vietnam and the Phillipines. Woohooo! I wonder if I will get to travel with her family or if I will stay behind to care for the other dumplins?!!

My mind is already racing ahead with her to thoughts of our holiday celebrations and family gatherings. What a wonderful memory we already have to look forward to....

I keep thinking of Exodus 20:6 where God says he will bless those who love Him to a thousand generations. WOW! With at least 14 grandchildren...think of the legacy we could leave behind?!

Plenty of motivation to press on when the going gets tough, huh?

GRANDCHILDREN? Who'd a thunk it?

Educational Roadtrip

A few nights ago, the girls and I piled into the car with the Murray's and headed to ECU to attend a campaign rally that featured the Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The "Pro-life hockey mom" addressing the Republican crowds

Read my lipstick: It was one of the most educational experiences of my life (don't laugh, I know that is not saying much!) . Amazingly, on some level, this seemed to open both Austyn and Landon's eyes as to exactly what was going on in our country's future. It is one thing to study about the presidential election, but a whole new story when those become living, breathing, speaking people right before your young eyes.

Young Republicans :-) Landon, Austyn, Helen and Joey

The next morning before Landon left for the 5th grade, she stopped me in the kitchen with the strangest look on her face. When pressed, she admitted that she had watched the news and was worried because John McCain's opponent was reported 4% ahead in the polls. I had to laugh. I assured her that one candidate will certainly be elected as president and we will just go on with life as usual no matter the outcome. Ack! Too much pressure for a ten year old, huh?

Random moments in time..

Landon and Stephen getting ready to eat daddy's birthday dinner: shrimp boil.

Stephen loves going to "my cool" (school).

Whoa. His coordination has really improved.

Why does this poor Black Drum's face remind me of the Tide-to-go commercial and the talking stain?? Wha-wha-wha-whawa wha..

Life is great when you have a buddy! Christian and Stephen try to make time to roam the roads each afternoon..thick as thieves they are.

You would think she would know by now not to play on a wet playground, especially with her sister and cousin who were looking for an opportunity to soak her. Lesson learned?