Ballerina

The first day of ballet was early this Saturday morning for our little Ava girl.  It was extraordinarily sweet!

 

Ava marched in the room as if she had done this all her life.  She got her little colored dot, sat in her little spot, and the music and fun began.  She checked on several of the girls in her nonverbal way, checking to make sure they too were well.  We watched and drank in the sweetness of 10 little two-year olds in tutu's.  

 

We were stopped by another mom as we all gathered in the window to watch our little joys.  She asked if Ava was adopted and to our mutual delight learned she was in process for a China doll.  We had a marvelous conversation and promised to be a resource for all that lay ahead including their desire to be matched with a little girl with cleft lip and pallet.  

 

God is so gracious.  His mercies and miracles are truly new every morning.

Contentment

I am convinced I have never been more content than this Christmas.  It was glorious.

 

It was not the gifts under the tree.  We are not really list makers at my house so the joy or the feeling of contentedness truly does not come from there.

 

No, it was looking at my little China doll and knowing this work, this amazing dream that God gave us over 3 years ago had come to fruition.  The Christmas I had dreamed of in 2011 now was living, breathing, running and laughing right in front of me.

 

It wasn't her happiness that brought me contendedness, although it brought me tremendous joy.  It was the deep knowledge that we had been obedient to the call.  It was an extraordinary feeling.  For the first time in many years, there was a sense of completeness to my family, a sense of moving forward to the Father's next dream.

 

I have no idea what the Lord has in store for any of these treasures I am blessed to call my children, but it is an incredible privilege to watch it unfold.

 

I thank Him for the gift of His Son and this journey we call life.  It is truly Wonderful.

Happy Referral Day!

One Year Ago... we got the call.  The call every adoptive family pines and prays for... on the other end of the line we heard..



"a little angel is in China, and we think she is yours"

Yesterday at church,  Ava was helping her dad with costumes for the upcoming Christmas pageant.  How gracious of the Father to remind me of His blessings.

A little angel lives with me now.  She makes me, her daddy and sister and brothers laugh every day!   She has FILLED our house with JOY and the Father has filled our hearts to overflowing.

Thank You Jesus!  

Happy Referral Day, my Ava Joy!

one of these little gals came to me from eurasia, one from asia, but they are woven into my heart like a beautiful tapestry.  my Lily, my Ava, my beloved daughters.

we celebrated them and orphans around the worldsaturday night.  it was an amazing, beautiful time.

God truly moved in the hearts of dear friends, family and our church family.

we are forever grateful !!

once upon a time there was a little girl who cried when her brothers and
sister went to school

now.... she sneaks up to their rooms, finds their most precious toys and
her imagination takes flight.

i was going to call this, 'tea for one" but with all the chattering
going on and the pouring of tea. i was convinced ava had her dearest
imaginary friend in the room.

i love age 2, and 3 and 4..... how blessed we are
!

Introducing Marmalade Joy....

A very talented local girl is making these cuties for  our adoption concert to benefit the orphans of the HENAN REGION OF CHINA.



           HOPE FOR THE ORPHAN
Concert is at 7pm on November 17, 2012 at Sanctuary Church  1S430 Road 
in Batavia, Illinois

 Pleasse  stop by if you are in the area, 
 Ava's dad, 
J Brian Hill will be singing.  

Go to www.sanctuaryag.com for directions.




Also, more details to come with items for sale from Shaiman Island, China will be posted here in a few days.

Happy Birthday Mommy

Celebrating with the girls!