Thursday, July 22, 2010
a funny sequence
for someone who pretends to hate the camera,
she sure is a ham when i don't want her to be!
she sure is a ham when i don't want her to be!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
i didn't used to like cheap ice cream.
not really sure i even know how to blog anymore.
it has been a long time since i put my heart out in words.
there has been much.
much that has changed me, much that doesn't need to be shared,
much that does.
i realized last night,
that i get all jumbled up in my head when i don't write things down...
not shopping or to do lists,
but my heart.
so i am going to try to get back there,
the place where words flow freely, and don't get stuck.
the fact is,
i am different than i was.
these last few months have changed me... not the obvious, like, i have a new daughter.
but the spirit kind, like, am i really who i thought i was? or was this experience what i had imagined it to be?
the answer to both of those is yes and no.
our time in Ethiopia was incredible,
i love it there... my family is there.
i was living second to second for a time though, and that is draining.
was i sad to leave? yes.
but upon returning home, i feel a sort of need to hunker down and protect.
and i am feeling guilt from this.
like i should be doing more. for water, for anyone in need, for the widowed, the orphaned.
it is never enough.
and i am feeling the weight of that these days.
last night around midnight,
i went to the freezer, to get a bowl of chocolate brownie ice cream, and found myself excited about the blue bunny.
it wasn't ben and jerry's, it wasn't even bryers.
it was the cheapest of cheap,
and i was thrilled.
i spent the next two hours pondering what that really means, in my head, and in my heart.
because i am different now than i was.
i didn't used to like cheap ice cream.
it has been a long time since i put my heart out in words.
there has been much.
much that has changed me, much that doesn't need to be shared,
much that does.
i realized last night,
that i get all jumbled up in my head when i don't write things down...
not shopping or to do lists,
but my heart.
so i am going to try to get back there,
the place where words flow freely, and don't get stuck.
the fact is,
i am different than i was.
these last few months have changed me... not the obvious, like, i have a new daughter.
but the spirit kind, like, am i really who i thought i was? or was this experience what i had imagined it to be?
the answer to both of those is yes and no.
our time in Ethiopia was incredible,
i love it there... my family is there.
i was living second to second for a time though, and that is draining.
was i sad to leave? yes.
but upon returning home, i feel a sort of need to hunker down and protect.
and i am feeling guilt from this.
like i should be doing more. for water, for anyone in need, for the widowed, the orphaned.
it is never enough.
and i am feeling the weight of that these days.
last night around midnight,
i went to the freezer, to get a bowl of chocolate brownie ice cream, and found myself excited about the blue bunny.
it wasn't ben and jerry's, it wasn't even bryers.
it was the cheapest of cheap,
and i was thrilled.
i spent the next two hours pondering what that really means, in my head, and in my heart.
because i am different now than i was.
i didn't used to like cheap ice cream.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
my kids are amazing.
this girl had been so great with bosena...
teaching her so many things,
sharing everything,
waiting at the table until she is finished eating,
just being a great big sister.
and i am not surprised.
she is pretty incredible.
and these kids...
treating her like the Queen of Sheba
and brody too,
even though he is not pictured,
is currently singing a song...
"i just love you Bosena, i just love you Bosena!"
and even this old boy
is tolerating being carried around by his new owner...
although i imagine that is short lived.
we might have to invest in a kitten.
teaching her so many things,
sharing everything,
waiting at the table until she is finished eating,
just being a great big sister.
and i am not surprised.
she is pretty incredible.
and these kids...
treating her like the Queen of Sheba
and brody too,
even though he is not pictured,
is currently singing a song...
"i just love you Bosena, i just love you Bosena!"
and even this old boy
is tolerating being carried around by his new owner...
although i imagine that is short lived.
we might have to invest in a kitten.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
so far so good
we are doing well so far...
been to the aquatic center 3 times,
out to eat at the chart house,
friends over to bbq,
to the park,
and a 3D movie...
in less than a week.
and she still looks like this:
we are blessed indeed.
i AM planning on documenting some of our trip...
but i still need a little distance from it.
too fresh.
still makes my stomach turn.
some day.
i promise.
in other news...
good, good friends are moving away today.
and i don't know how to feel,
so i am apparently choosing to block it out.
it sucks.
and i don't know what i will do without them.
but they are only 13 hours away,
so i may be there a lot.
been to the aquatic center 3 times,
out to eat at the chart house,
friends over to bbq,
to the park,
and a 3D movie...
in less than a week.
and she still looks like this:
we are blessed indeed.
i AM planning on documenting some of our trip...
but i still need a little distance from it.
too fresh.
still makes my stomach turn.
some day.
i promise.
in other news...
good, good friends are moving away today.
and i don't know how to feel,
so i am apparently choosing to block it out.
it sucks.
and i don't know what i will do without them.
but they are only 13 hours away,
so i may be there a lot.
Friday, July 2, 2010
this makes me laugh...
the last three nights,
i have had the same dream.
i am in the woods, with different people everytime, but i see a huge grizzly bear in the near distance, she sees us, and begins chasing us.
i turn and walk slowly away.. breathing heavy, but not running.
she follows, close.
then i wake up.
i looked it up...
here is what i found:
"To dream that you are being pursued or attacked by a bear, denotes aggression, overwhelming obstacles and competition. You may find yourself in a threatening situation."
really?
no kidding.
i have had the same dream.
i am in the woods, with different people everytime, but i see a huge grizzly bear in the near distance, she sees us, and begins chasing us.
i turn and walk slowly away.. breathing heavy, but not running.
she follows, close.
then i wake up.
i looked it up...
here is what i found:
"To dream that you are being pursued or attacked by a bear, denotes aggression, overwhelming obstacles and competition. You may find yourself in a threatening situation."
really?
no kidding.
home.
home sweet home :)
wireless internet is out... will post more when we get a new router... just know we are beyond happy to be home.
blessings friends
wireless internet is out... will post more when we get a new router... just know we are beyond happy to be home.
blessings friends
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Amy and Bosena
A photo of Amy with her daughter...
Hello all,
Cassie here. Wanted to get this photo up of Amy with Bosena on "metcha day". Without sharing too many details, she is asking for prayer. Please be praying that all meetings go quickly and smoothly and that Bosena's visa is granted in the next 24 hours. She and Steve are anxious to bring her home and covet your prayers during this time.
Thanks.
Hello all,
Cassie here. Wanted to get this photo up of Amy with Bosena on "metcha day". Without sharing too many details, she is asking for prayer. Please be praying that all meetings go quickly and smoothly and that Bosena's visa is granted in the next 24 hours. She and Steve are anxious to bring her home and covet your prayers during this time.
Thanks.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A day late...sorry amy!!
we are here :)
the planes were long, and rushed, and we had to run to make connections,
but we made it, along with the bags.
it is amazing to be with people who look like my daughter.
there are no words to describe it.
ethiopia is more beautiful than i had imagined
it smells of spices, and insense...
it was raining lightly, mid fifties, when we arrived...
'
tomorrow morning we head to church,
oh how i cannot wait to worship here.
will try to post more tomorrow.
(amy sent this to me to post yesterday and i was out of town. but still thought she might want it on here for documentation!! love you guys...praying you home!)
the planes were long, and rushed, and we had to run to make connections,
but we made it, along with the bags.
it is amazing to be with people who look like my daughter.
there are no words to describe it.
ethiopia is more beautiful than i had imagined
it smells of spices, and insense...
it was raining lightly, mid fifties, when we arrived...
'
tomorrow morning we head to church,
oh how i cannot wait to worship here.
will try to post more tomorrow.
(amy sent this to me to post yesterday and i was out of town. but still thought she might want it on here for documentation!! love you guys...praying you home!)
father's day in ethiopia
not sure if this will work...
but i am giving it a shot.
first of all,
happy father's day to my dad, and steve's dad :)
we love it here...
the people, the streets, the sounds, the smells...
it is home.
this morning we got up and went to church,
then had the priveledge of taking photos for our new friend ashlie, as she met her son for the first time...
it was such a gift to us.
i will remember it always.
we are getting ready to go down and meet clarah's birth mother...
we didn't think that they would have enough time to get her here, but they did, and i am so looking foward to being able to have this meeting, and share it with clarah later...
another gift.
still a bit surreal, that we are here, and actually get to leave with our daughter...
but the excitement is mounting.
22 hours and counting. :)
but i am giving it a shot.
first of all,
happy father's day to my dad, and steve's dad :)
we love it here...
the people, the streets, the sounds, the smells...
it is home.
this morning we got up and went to church,
then had the priveledge of taking photos for our new friend ashlie, as she met her son for the first time...
it was such a gift to us.
i will remember it always.
we are getting ready to go down and meet clarah's birth mother...
we didn't think that they would have enough time to get her here, but they did, and i am so looking foward to being able to have this meeting, and share it with clarah later...
another gift.
still a bit surreal, that we are here, and actually get to leave with our daughter...
but the excitement is mounting.
22 hours and counting. :)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
we r out.
woke up this morning to the phone....
a call that we were cleared to travel,
this weekend.
i spent the better part of the day on the phone with the travel agent, and arranging pick up, drop off, fill in, and travel for the kids...
nana is going to be here,
which is huge.
takes a lot of stress off.
well, we couldn't get the flights booked for saturday.
so we booked for friday.
we are leaving less than two days from now.
yikes.
if you are local, and want to send over donations with us...
we would greatly appreciate it :)
as would our agency, and the orphanages in Addis.
we are collecting:
scrubs, new or gently used
diapers (any size)
and wipes
lollipops (dum dums, or tootsie pops)
small packs of gum (like the 5 piece packs)... one of our drivers runs an org. for homeless boys, and this is what they sell on the streets
shoe polish (for the boys as well)
okay.
now for my lists.
and packing.
and putting clarah's bed together...
a call that we were cleared to travel,
this weekend.
i spent the better part of the day on the phone with the travel agent, and arranging pick up, drop off, fill in, and travel for the kids...
nana is going to be here,
which is huge.
takes a lot of stress off.
well, we couldn't get the flights booked for saturday.
so we booked for friday.
we are leaving less than two days from now.
yikes.
if you are local, and want to send over donations with us...
we would greatly appreciate it :)
as would our agency, and the orphanages in Addis.
we are collecting:
scrubs, new or gently used
diapers (any size)
and wipes
lollipops (dum dums, or tootsie pops)
small packs of gum (like the 5 piece packs)... one of our drivers runs an org. for homeless boys, and this is what they sell on the streets
shoe polish (for the boys as well)
okay.
now for my lists.
and packing.
and putting clarah's bed together...
Friday, June 4, 2010
too much
i haven't been blogging.
it's not because i have nothing going on,
or no pictures to post.
it's not because i have no words.
it's because i have too many.
my life right now is full of change.
positive and negative.
ebb and flow.
bittersweet.
and i am just not ready for the floodgates to open.
it's not because i have nothing going on,
or no pictures to post.
it's not because i have no words.
it's because i have too many.
my life right now is full of change.
positive and negative.
ebb and flow.
bittersweet.
and i am just not ready for the floodgates to open.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
and more water stuff...
west middle school held another talent show for water
the talent was amazing,
and the kids gave.
we are so blessed to be a part of a community that teaches kids about the world around them.
fifteen hundred dollars was raised in one day.
amazing.
the talent was amazing,
and the kids gave.
we are so blessed to be a part of a community that teaches kids about the world around them.
fifteen hundred dollars was raised in one day.
amazing.
last week...
i am so behind on here..
last week brody graduated from preschool.
i wasn't sad.
but i will be in a couple of months when he gets on that school bus for ther first time
last week brody graduated from preschool.
i wasn't sad.
but i will be in a couple of months when he gets on that school bus for ther first time
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
overwhelmed... in a good way
sunday afternoon we had a benefit concert and picnic in the backyard of ours, and our neighbor's house...
i haven't posted about it yet,
because i am so overwhelemd by the support of our family and friends.
first of all, our neighbors, for coming along side of us, for championing our cause as if it was their own, for being Jesus, to us, and to Clarah.
and to these guys, who gave up their day, their pay, their comfort, their families, to come and play... we are forever grateful to the best band ever assembled. ALP
and our family and friends, who gave so much,
so well,
so deep.
we feel your love.
i really don't have the words to express what my heart feels when i think about sunday, when i think about all the people who have given before sunday...
we are blessed.
clarah is blessed.
thank you.
from all that is within me.
i haven't posted about it yet,
because i am so overwhelemd by the support of our family and friends.
first of all, our neighbors, for coming along side of us, for championing our cause as if it was their own, for being Jesus, to us, and to Clarah.
and to these guys, who gave up their day, their pay, their comfort, their families, to come and play... we are forever grateful to the best band ever assembled. ALP
and our family and friends, who gave so much,
so well,
so deep.
we feel your love.
i really don't have the words to express what my heart feels when i think about sunday, when i think about all the people who have given before sunday...
we are blessed.
clarah is blessed.
thank you.
from all that is within me.
a WATER opportunity :)
(straight from our fearless leader)
We are looking for a group. A big group of people to Walk so that our brothers and sisters in West Africa don’t have to.
So they don’t have to walk miles every day…to collect water…often contaminated water. We want to free children up to attend school rather than walk everyday to find water for their families. We want women to be able to earn a living and learn a trade rather than spending their days walking for water. We want mothers to be able to provide the life-giving substance of water to their children…water that does not harm and does not kill their children.
We want people to know. To be aware. Of the need for clean water that plaques 1 billion people worldwide.
And we want them to know that it doesn’t have to be that way.
So we are walking. In a way hoping that eventually those around the world won’t have to.
July 24th is the Quad City Bix.
We will be walking it together. Carrying jerry cans. (Most likely empty jerry cans. If you want to actually fill yours with water…you might want to bring your own personal medic).
T-shirts will be available as well.
We would love to have as many people as possible join us.
It will be fun. And it could be a very powerful image to bring awareness to our community.
So here’s how to join us:
1. Sign up for the Bix on your own here: https://secure.townnews.com/bix7.com/secure/2010/
Do it soon. The cost goes up after June 1. ($30 before June 1).
2. Once you have done that, send Angie an email to let her know you will be joining us. angelicamhunter@gmail.com
She’ll get you the rest of the info.
We are looking for a group. A big group of people to Walk so that our brothers and sisters in West Africa don’t have to.
So they don’t have to walk miles every day…to collect water…often contaminated water. We want to free children up to attend school rather than walk everyday to find water for their families. We want women to be able to earn a living and learn a trade rather than spending their days walking for water. We want mothers to be able to provide the life-giving substance of water to their children…water that does not harm and does not kill their children.
We want people to know. To be aware. Of the need for clean water that plaques 1 billion people worldwide.
And we want them to know that it doesn’t have to be that way.
So we are walking. In a way hoping that eventually those around the world won’t have to.
July 24th is the Quad City Bix.
We will be walking it together. Carrying jerry cans. (Most likely empty jerry cans. If you want to actually fill yours with water…you might want to bring your own personal medic).
T-shirts will be available as well.
We would love to have as many people as possible join us.
It will be fun. And it could be a very powerful image to bring awareness to our community.
So here’s how to join us:
1. Sign up for the Bix on your own here: https://secure.townnews.com/bix7.com/secure/2010/
Do it soon. The cost goes up after June 1. ($30 before June 1).
2. Once you have done that, send Angie an email to let her know you will be joining us. angelicamhunter@gmail.com
She’ll get you the rest of the info.
Monday, May 24, 2010
it's a girl...
we got a suprise phone call this morning... we passed court :)
more words later... for now...
our daughter.
more words later... for now...
our daughter.
Friday, May 21, 2010
didn't pass.
didn't pass court today... again.
there is a slim chance we could on monday,
but if not,
our next court date is
June 8th.
i am so done with this.
there is a slim chance we could on monday,
but if not,
our next court date is
June 8th.
i am so done with this.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
happy birthday brody
yesterday was brody's birthday...
and i didn't post.
he is five.
a whole hand.
and he is my baby.
i love him.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
happy 14th birthday emily christine :)
my oldest baby is 14 today...
a driver's permit to come.
so adorable at the beach... she always has loved the ocean
could not be more proud of the woman you are becoming emily...
even if you are a little bit too much like your mama. :)
a driver's permit to come.
so adorable at the beach... she always has loved the ocean
could not be more proud of the woman you are becoming emily...
even if you are a little bit too much like your mama. :)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
happy 10th birthday sweet hannah grace :)
oh how i love this girl..
best baby ever.
learned to walk at 8 months.
sleeping in a big bed at 11 months.
and so, so sweet
she still has the same expression when she is happy :)
turning into such a beautiful young lady...
so, so proud of you hannah girl :)
we love you.
happy birthday
best baby ever.
learned to walk at 8 months.
sleeping in a big bed at 11 months.
and so, so sweet
she still has the same expression when she is happy :)
turning into such a beautiful young lady...
so, so proud of you hannah girl :)
we love you.
happy birthday
Monday, May 10, 2010
didn't pass.
we didn't pass court today.
i was not surprised,
but the disappointment is still there.
we have a second court date scheduled
for May 21st.
a new countdown begins...
i was not surprised,
but the disappointment is still there.
we have a second court date scheduled
for May 21st.
a new countdown begins...
Friday, May 7, 2010
wordless.
brody and i planted yesterday
while the big kids were in school
and last night it rained,
perfect timing for our garden in pots
and i have no words these days
don't really have much to say.
lots to do
lots to think about
just not a lot of words.
while the big kids were in school
and last night it rained,
perfect timing for our garden in pots
and i have no words these days
don't really have much to say.
lots to do
lots to think about
just not a lot of words.
Monday, May 3, 2010
seven.
the number of days until our court date in Ethiopia.
i am trying not to get my hopes up,
as 50 percent of families don't pass on the first try.
but it's not working very well.
they are high.
i want to pass.
the end.
i am trying not to get my hopes up,
as 50 percent of families don't pass on the first try.
but it's not working very well.
they are high.
i want to pass.
the end.
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