f o u r

We've been a family of four-for just over two months now.  I had high aspirations that when we returned from China I'd be able to whip out a Christmas card, or at least a New Year's Card.  Nope.  Didn't happen.  I haven't even sent out adoption announcements either.  What a slacker, I am!
Nonetheless, it was way past time for a new family portrait!  Especially since Judah's lip surgery is fast approaching!  I cannot imagine not having a few family shots with his sweet heaven-sent smile!!
Our dear friend, and adoptive mommy, took some precious pictures of the boys -- here's a peek!  You can check her out at here: S. allums photography

a few firsts

First Christmas at home!

First hair cut.

First picnic.

 First time to meet Aunt Caroline...and first bridal shower, at that :)

First Chinese New Year celebration in the US.

just a ramble

Sometimes thoughts do somersaults in my mind...round, and round, and round...

Ever since Egypt's revolution hit the media last week, my thoughts have been consumed with the situation.  Not sure why this story is different to me...the world has been a mess for a long, long time.  Still, I'm just disturbed.
Maybe I'm not so disturbed with what is happening, as much as I am with what started it all.  Obviously the protesters are dissatisfied with their country's leadership.  But one component of their frustration stems from their flailing economy.

And this is the truth that makes my stomach turn.
Our own government is flailing (at best), as well.  Yet, we have access to a band-aide called credit.  And we (our gov) continues to dump borrowed money into the US market, all the while, driving up inflation world-wide.  We, as Americans, feel only a tinge of the inflation so it's easy to not be concerned.  In America, we spend 10% of our income to eat three meals per day.  But in developing countries, families are spending 50% of their income to eat 1-2 meals per day.  The poor stay marginalized.  The hungry get hungrier.  Starving for food.  Isolated from Truth.

I guess I'm struggling because things seem so hopeless -- yet, I am a Believer, therefore hope should be mine.  I struggle with the injustices I see...I feel guilty.  Not so much because I have, and they don't.  But because I believe the lie that it's all hopeless...I do nothing.

Here's another struggle.  What can I do?  What should I do?  What should the North American church be doing?  Are we asking ourselves...asking God...these questions?  For the small percentage who are asking, are you asking believing there is an answer?

Sorry to unload here.  But I rarely find anyone who wants to talk about these things...much less pray about them.  Most don't want to know...don't care.

????

And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.

are you involved?

Vince and I participate in Compassions' Child Survival Program in Ethiopia -- maybe you would like to help keep families together in impoverished countries through the CSP, or by sponsoring an individual child...in Jesus' name.

Child Survival Program
Tragically, nearly 21,000 children under age 5 die every day, mostly from preventable diseases. Compassion's Child Survival Program (CSP) is battling for the lives of vulnerable mothers and babies by providing:
Prenatal care
Access to assisted births
Health screening
Nutritious food and supplements
The loving embrace of a Christ-centered church

Sponsor a Child