Monthly Archives: August 2009

Adoption Shower

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What an incredible family and group of friends we have!  Sarah and Kyle threw a shower for us at Lighthouse Christian Center and we were completely surrounded by love and support.  We enjoyed visiting with people (but it still seems as though there was not quite enough of that), and sharing the story of our adoption in new ways.  We also premiered the boys’ new video slide show, with which we are so happy.

Sarah put together a ten question test to determine how well people know Ethiopia and Randy’s mom got a perfect score.  Congratulations Mom – great job!  We also got to spend some time outdoors, as the fire alarm caused a building evacuation.  Thankfully it was quite pleasant outside and there was no actual problem with the building.  Thanks to those who were able to stick around through the delay.

We read all the wonderful cards late into the night.  The words of encouragement and support were such a joy to experience and it left us completely drained emotionally.  We appreciate all of the gifts to help us clothe the boys and get them started in their new life.  We are so grateful and humbled by the great group of people that God has surrounded us with and your support comforts us in the knowledge that we are not alone as we bring the boys home.

Special thanks to Sarah & Kyle for putting this together – Sarah did a great job up front and Kyle made sure everything behind the scenes was ready.  And thanks to Ilaria and Megan for helping with decorations and serving cake.  Lauren and Alyssa, thanks for manning the welcome tables.   Jennifer, the pictures are great – thanks for capturing the day for us.  Gwyn and Jennifer went above the call of duty with the cleanup effort as well – we really appreciate it.  Mark and Jeff, thank you for blessing us with your prayers.  Liane and Mark, your first-hand stories of our boys and the orphanage enriched the experience for everybody.  I’m sure others helped in ways that we didn’t even see, so please forgive us for not thanking you directly.  Finally, thank you to all who donated money for diapers and formula (as well as those who brought diapers and formula) for the orphanage.  I’m sure we’ll fill a duffel bag with your generosity.  Praise God!

Cannon Beach & Sunriver, Oregon

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Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock

Our good friends Gordon and Patty invited us to Cannon Beach, Oregon for Friday, the last day of their week-long conference.  On top of that, Gordon picked us up in their plane and personally flew us down!!!  What a treat!  There were several other friends attending the conference so we enjoyed great fellowship.  We also heard a wonderful talk from an Old Testament scholar, ate well (we always seem to eat well), played games, spent some time on the beach, etc., etc., etc.  God willing, we intend to make Cannon Beach a new tradition to start with the boys.

With Gordon & Patty
With Gordon & Patty

On Saturday, we got back in the plane (Cessna Skylane 182 Turbo) and flew to Sunriver, Oregon for the weekend.  We stayed at their condo in the beautiful resort.  Highlights included lots of bicycle riding, swimming, sunning, playing cards, and generally enjoying spending special time with Gordon & Patty.  On Sunday, when we had experienced all the sun we could fit in, Gordon flew us home to Puyallup.  On all flights, we got great views of the Cascade Mountains.  Sary-Jo, though a bit queasy, did quite well traveling in the small plane and Gordon provided us with excellent flights.

Thank you, Gordon and Patty, for your amazing hospitality and generosity.  We had such a memorable weekend!

Click on the photos for slide shows: Haystack Rock to see Cannon Beach photos; the airplane to see Sunriver photos.

Pacific Beach Day Trip

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Randy & Sary-Jo on the beach

Randy & Sary-Jo on the beach

Randy’s sister Carol rented a place in Pacific Beach, Washington and invited family to come, relax and visit.  We were able to get away on Thursday and spend the day.  Typical for the Washington Coast, it was a bit overcast and cool, but we had a great time.  Thanks for having us, Carol!

Click on the picture to see a slide show.

Sarah’s Trip

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As we previously mentioned, we are so thrilled with Sarah’s recent trip to South Africa and back home via England & Belgium.  We encourage you to click on the link and read her blog entries (or click here).  She brought back great stories and pictures.  For those really interested, here are some links to photos.  Make sure you have some time because she took a lot of good pictures.

Sary-Jo’s thoughts on “Why?”

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 We have been overwhelmed with the love and support we have received from family, friends, and acquaintances regarding our adoption. Everyone has been very positive, but many are quite puzzled as to why we, in our “right” minds, would be pursuing such a thing at our age. We understand.

Getting here has been a process that God began long ago. God has given us a passion for children, a desire to parent, an ability to run a household and train up kids, and – most recently – a burden for Africa and its precious children. Those that have heard or read our adoption story know that God has undeniably called us to this assignment. He’s been preparing our hearts for years and this is the precise way and the exact timing He has chosen for us to touch two more children’s lives. What an amazing thought! God has molded us into this shape and when He called, we answered! That is why we are doing this. Bottom line – it was God’s idea!

There is no retiring or taking it easy in God’s economy. We are to be active and willing vessels in meeting needs, however that might look in each of our lives. I’m so grateful that we were acutely aware and open to God’s call. People often tell us “those boys are so lucky; you’re doing such a great thing.” But in all candor, we’re not being altruistic here. We desire to be in obedience to God because being used by Him is the greatest blessing we could have. We know He asked us to adopt these boys.

What is God asking you to do? How is He asking you to serve? Will you allow Him to lead? Will you humbly comply when He tugs at your heartstrings? Remember that when God calls, He equips. May you be encouraged as you walk in faith for His glory!

Adoption Picnic

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We went to the annual picnic sponsored by the Adoption Ministry of YWAM, where we gathered with many friends and met new ones.  We were surprised by some of the people we ran into, such as former teachers and coaches of our daughters and people from our foster training and agency.  What a joy to catch up with them and share stories.  It’s comforting to know we are surrounded by such a great support system as we prepare to bring the boys home.  This picture is so precious that I had to share it (with permission from the parents).

It was a wonderful gathering of families having a lot of fun!  Kudos to the people who made it all happen.

Travel Date

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We received our appointment date at the US Embassy in Ethiopia today!  Our appointment is September 15 so we’ll be booking our travel soon.  We’re so excited and a bit anxious to meet our boys.  Our tentative plan is to travel the prior week so we can go to the orphanage before meeting the boys.  Then we’ll just “hang out” with them for a few days to get to know them, play some games, etc.  On the 14th we should meet with our lawyer to complete all the forms for the embassy.  On the 15th we have our meeting at the embassy.  On the 16th we’ll be issued travel documents for the boys and participate in a function at the adoption agency’s facility.  Then we’ll come home on the 17th with children numbers 3 and 4.  Once home, we can post pictures and names of the boys, but not until then.

Pictures with Phil

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It was HOT!!!

It was HOT!!!

Here’s a link to many of the pictures we took while Phil was staying with us.  We really enjoyed getting to know him and are looking forward to staying in contact with him.  Someday, we want to meet his wife.  Click on the picture of him cooking to see more pictures.

 

ECC Reunion

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Al & Pam hosted the THIRD Annual Edgewood Community Church reunion.  We had a fantastic time and were encouraged by what God is doing in the lives of our friends.  Of course, we shared what He’s doing in our lives as well.  Click the picture to see more.

If you did not hear about it, but should have, please let us know so we can ensure you get invited next year.

Randy’s ramblings about Africa

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I was just reflecting a bit on how God continues to place a burden for Africa on my heart.  For years we’ve sponsored World Vision children (and I urge all of you to consider doing so ), and Janel has been to Uganda for each of the past two summers.  It’s clear from scripture that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).  I cannot claim that the small amount we’ve given to World Vision sponsorship qualifies as my “treasure” but  Janel certainly does!  And as my treasure has been there, my heart continues to have a burden for Africa.   If you pray for something or someone God will increase your concern for it.  That’s probably not much of a revelation to anyone, but I think it’s worth reflecting on a bit.

Also, it dawned on me today that three of my four kids are in Africa right now (although Sarah is about to leave)!  I have to admit it was kind of weird when that dawned on me.

I have no idea what, if anything, this means.  But i continue to have a burden for the people of Africa.  There is so much to do there and so many reasons to pray.  I encourage each of you to learn a bit more about Africa and what is going on over there.  AIDS heads the list of things that come to mind for me.  It’s infuriating that so much could be done and for relatively little money.  I don’t want to say specifically what is so aggravating, because my own knowledge is so fractured and incomplete.  I don’t want to lecture people who know as much, or more, than I do.  Information is everywhere, but I’m sure it’s not all reliable (it can’t be because the information contradicts itself).  Still, I suggest you read several sources and form your own opinions about what’s happening. 

Clearly God called us to adopt these two wonderful boys.  And just as clearly He is NOT calling everyone to adopt; He’s not even calling everyone to do something related to Africa.  But God calls every believer to do something.  I just want to encourage all my friends and family to spend time in the Bible and spend time listending to the Holy Spirit – and think BIG because He’s a BIG God.  He’s got bigger plans for you than you think.