Daizy Update

Yesterday was a good day. Unaware of how the day would turn out, I wore my Daizy shirt yesterday and it was a great adoption day. I got word from the attorney in Uganda that if I was ready to send payment for their services they were ready to start getting everything together (paperwork) on their end so that when I get approval from the US government they will be ready. This will help speed up the process tremendously from what I understand. As if things weren't already real....they got REAL when I started sending money to Uganda.

I cannot say PRAISE THE LORD enough for His provision, His nearness, His tender mercies throughout this process. Because of the way He has provided in abundance and ahead of schedule (my schedule)at every turn, my heart has been so assured along the way where it could be so easy to doubt or get discouraged.

On a random side note: I got an SOS call last night from my friend Andrew Hunter. We had cancelled Life Group because the stomach bug has taken their household hostage. While is pregnant wife was home tossing her cookies he decided to be father of the year and take all three of his girls to Chick-fil-A for dinner. While at CFA one of the girls started throwing up in the bathroom. I got a text message asking for help...so I turned off the oven, put real clothes back on, grabbed towels, wet wipes and walmart plastic bags and headed his way. A quiet night at home turned into a sleep over at BeBe's house with the two girls who were already over the stomach virus. I got a good taste of motherhood last night. Clearly I need some work....Anna Grace went to school today with chocolate (from her chocolate and sprinkled covered donut)on her skirt and chalk all over her shirt. The good news is we were up and dressed in time for her to play on the chalk board. And in my defense we went to Harlow's for breakfast because when Mercy asked for milk last night and I gave her a sippy cup of lactose free skiim milk, she took a sip and handed it back and said "want milk Kaybee". By all means I had to take that girl to get some whole milk for breakfast. Needless to say we survived and I got a taste of what is to come. Now I am praying against and rebuking those stomach bug germs in the name of Jesus!!

Anna Grace and Mercy in Daizy's bed reading a story.

South Africa

The day after Christmas I left to serve with a team from FBC Montgomery in South Africa. The group was leading a camp for MKS (missionary kids) from the south region of Africa. We had a blast.

Here is just a small glimpse into the 4 and half days we got to spend in SA.

This would be the backdrop for my consumption of caffiene and time with the Lord every morning....isn't is beautiful?

These are the cool "kids" I got to work with...from left to right: Rory, Heather, Linda, Me, Tommy, Brian and Jeff

Our cabin...though rustic way more than I ever expected when you think about being in Africa. We had running hot water and could drink from the tap so for me this wasn't roughing it at all :)

*to be continued....the internet is super slow right now

Christmas 2012

I am not really sure where the time goes. I really feel like we just kicked off the fall semester and here I sit in my office getting ready for the spring semester. All that to say, Christmas break snuck up on me and then was gone in a flash. I was able to make a quick trip home to Alabama before heading to South Africa (that will be another entry). And what a memorable Christmas it was.

Last Christmas I stayed with my sister who didn't have cable or internet at her house at the time. The result of the boredom led to a speed read through the Hunger Games trilogy. It was a great way to spend some time off completely consumed by a guilty pleasure. I felt it was such a great use of time that I went for a round two this Christmas with a marathon viewing of the show Downton Abbey. I seriously watched two seasons in three days and I am hopelessly and completely addicted to the show now. Season three kicked off this past Sunday evening and I assure you I was found in front of the TV.

The other highlight was our tribute to the Grizwald Family from Christmas Vacation. If you recall in the movie when cousin Eddie shows up in an RV that he parked in Clark's driveway to camp out for a month....well that was us this year. Matti (my dog) doesn't get along with Maggie (my dad's dog) so in order for us to keep peace and all stay together we pulled their RV up beside their trailor at the lake. Me and my sister and our dogs stayed in the camper. Every time I walked outside I found myself saying, "Clark, this here is an RV."

Here are just a few pictures to give you a glimpse in our Christmas....

Here is my stash of Christmas presents....I racked up.

Here is one of my favorite Christmas presents...

Christmas wore Matti out

And this is a picture of Daizy at the Acres of Hope Christmas feast that we were blessed to be able to help with. This is her Christmas dress that she wanted and her new hair do....Merry Christmas sweet girl!