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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the first of August we gathered in Snohomish, Washington to catch up with our extended family. It was great to see those who came, and to talk about those who didn’t (just kidding? you decide, but you should be there next year). Click on the picture to see a bunch more…
We passed court today!!! We received a phone call from our agency a few minutes ago that the boys are legally Averills. God is so good and we are grateful that He is including us in the work He is doing in these boys’ lives. We are eager to go to Ethiopia, meet them, and bring them home.
Next week, we should learn the date of our appointment at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. We’ll build our travel plans around that date. Once we bring them home, we can post pictures.
Please join us in praising God for His work and timing!
