Waterpark Fun

I apologize for my not keeping up with the blog.It seems life is moving at lightening speed and time has really gotten away from me. I did not even get Abby's Bday pictures posted. I will try to get them up, there are a lot of them so I thought I would update what I could do quickly. Last weekend we headed to a water park in Lake Geneva for a last family fun time before school ascended upon us. We spent the night at Timber Ridge Lodge.Although everyone had fun,it was Abby who really had the time of her life. She loved the slides and was quite the little daredevil,trying to keep up doing everything her big brothers did. She was ticked when she couldn't go down this intense body slide because she wasn't tall enough,LOL. She stayed in the park until 10pm and was ready to go back early the next morning:)

Abby's Journey Home

\ 6 years ago today a 2 day old baby girl was found abandon on a roadside in China..but God had a plan for her life and that baby girl (after a long journey) would find her way home. Brandon created this video and it shows beautifully the miracle of adoption and the miracle of Abby-Grace!

Happy Birthday Abby

Yesterday was Abby's 6th bday. She had a great day full of presents,cards,Chuck E.Cheese and Dora cupcakes. Sunday is her party so there is still more fun to be had!!!!

Abby's birthday photo shoot

I took Abby for her birthday photos. Here is just a sampling. It is so hard to decide. She did a great job. Her birthday is on August 5th and party on August 9th so stayed tuned for more photo fun!!

An orphan's prayer

An Orphan's Prayer
posted in a AGCI email


I am waiting…somewhere far, far away…on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like.
But somehow, deep in my heart, I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.

It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time.


I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.


For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering, "Why was I born here and not somewhere else?"
Asking, "Why couldn't my life have been different?"
It is so lonely…



Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing.
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.



My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace…
I long to be saved by a mother's love.
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God, please help them come quickly."


Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured.
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears…
Touching my lonely heart.


The one who made me,
The God who knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.


But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast, and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found.
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields.
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.


My prayer is…
When He speaks, please don't forget to listen.
When He calls, don't be too afraid to go.
For I am waiting…somewhere far, far away.

It took five years to find her,I know she is the one that God placed on my heart so long ago. What if I had given up, what if I had listened to those who said"maybe, it's not meant to be? I can't imagine life without her..I knew my heart was right, what is your heart telling you?

Summer time fun

Abby continues to amaze us with how well she is adjusting. She has really taken to the pool and gets a little braver everyday. Her fear of the worship center at church has also turned to curiosity, She wanted to sing and pray to Jesus with Brandon . I got there just as they were singing the closing song,so maybe next week. She also went to the children Sunday school for about 20 minutes. She did well and gave Arol(The family pastor) two thumbs up and a good job for his singing and guitar playing. Every day is like a new adventure ,as she continues to discover and learn about this new place called home

Cowgirl Abby

Abby has become very fond of a girl from church named Savanna. Savanna rides horses an so Abby wanted to try it also. The trust she has been exhibiting is so wonderful. She had a great time, she is really adjusting so beautifully. I am so thankful to God for all he has done for us this past month. Abby also said her first sentence in English..looking at a used car lot she said"pretty balloons on the cars" I said,"Good talking",Abby. She points to her head and says "Abby is smart" She is So Right about that!! She has already added so much joy to my life!!