Sorry Tim! I had to post one more time....

I read this today on another blog.   I had to post it here.  If you want to see the world in a different way, check it out http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/  After I posted I realized this might need a slight introduction.  This is a lady who is in Uganda caring for orphans.

Here is the excerpt:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008

I found this story in my journal last night... its fairly old but still has the same meaning. As you hold the ones you love this Christmas, please keep in mind those who have no one to hold them.

Yesterday a sweet little girl named Rita came to my house with two teeth that had been completely eaten through by a cavity and were almost completely rotted away. The holes looked like they were starting to get infected and the nerve was exposed; I cant imagine how much pain she was in. I took her to the dentist, and they said they were closed. The dentist was in a hurry to leave and wouldn't help me, but he said I could use his things and do it myself. Of course I was terrified, but I was more scared to think about the teeth not being removed immediately; they looked so painful. I gave her a shot to numb her mouth, waited about ten minutes, tried to sterilize these tweezer things with a match and dug out what was remaining of her poor little teeth. I don't think she could feel it, but my heart hurt for her.

I took her back home, made her a hot bath and some soup. Then she had ice cream and slept in my bed under a big blanket. As i tucked the covers in around her and kissed her heas she looked up at me with these big, wondering eyes. Unbelievable as it is, she was SOOO happy. She told me that this was the best day of her life, even though her mouth hurt. She said that she would get her teeth pulled every day if she could stay with someone like me. And that made my heart hurt even more.

There are so many children out there that don't feel loved on a daily basis. So many children that don't have a person to hold their hand or rub their back when they are scared and in pain. So many children who don't have the simple pleasures of taking a warm bath or sleeping under a blanket. I would move all of them, ALL of them into my house if I could. I wish I could love them all. I wish more people cared enough that they also wanted to love them all. Sometimes I just can't even believe how blessed I am. I have always been loved, always been cared for, always been warm and well-fed. Its frustrating sometimes, but mostly its just motivating. Sometimes I feel so tired, and then something like this happens and I am reminded that I can give a child the best night of her life simply by naking her soup and kissing her forehead. Simply by love her.

Sometimes I feel so tired that I think if I give away any more of myself I may actually be empty. And then I remember, It is only in giving away the love given to me by the Father that I am ever actually full. And so I keep going because of Rita. Because kissing her forehead and saying 'I love you" actually did change the world for that little girl. Because maybe through my hands she can get just a glimpse of a fraction of the love her Maker has for her. There is nothing better.

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YEP!

From the little lady (that's me:)

Tis the season.........to be AMAZED.  Since my husband hasn't had much time to post, I thought I would post what's been rolling around in my head.  Many of you have asked me for updates on how I am adjusting as Joseph's new mother.  Here is where I am.....

I am still amazed that Joseph is home.  He is learning new things every day.  He is getting better and better at learning our language.  He is learning the rules of the house, some he likes more than others.  He and Nathan are starting to learn to work together and have fun!  We are all learning what it's like to be a family of 4.  I'm learning that having two kids is awesome!!! Cleaning up after two kids, not so much.  It is amazing at how much of a difference it makes in the laundry alone!  :)  I'm not complaining, merely commenting.  How could I complain, I rarely do it!  If I open a drawer and realize oops, I have no clean socks, I decide to wash a load. Those of you who know me, know this is not how I normally operate.  I can't remember the last time I made up my bed.  That's right, I'm admitting it, putting it all out there for the world to see.  The funny thing is, it doesn't really bother me.  Too much anyway.  Now, Tim on the other hand.....well I guess I'll let him speak for himself.  

On to more amazing things.....Tim and I have grown even closer over the last year.  We have weathered yet another storm of life, lived to talk about it, and hopefully bring glory to God through it.  Joseph is a great example of God making the impossible, POSSIBLE.  Especially the way Joseph has blended in with our family.  That was a big answer to prayer.  Not to say we didn't have rough patches in the beginning.  On occassion, we still have rough patches. Life isn't perfect, but only heaven is.  I also have to say that I have friend who has waited 3 1/2 years to bring home their little girl from Guatemala.  THEY ARE NOW IN GUATEMALA picking up their sweet daughter, N----!!!  Congrats guys!  Again, God doing the impossible.

As we are preparing for Christmas, I feel immensly blessed by our families and friends.  I have had the best time getting everyone's gifts.  Wrapping them up and picturing their faces when they open them really puts me in the spirit of Christmas!  Not to mention all my holiday baking!!!  Can you say.....peppermint bark?!  This is a big year for Nathan and santa.  He is very into it this year, so that has been alot of fun. He has enjoyed helping Dad shop for "his person." Nathan has kept his Dad's secret and not revealed the name of the person he is buying for.  I have thoroughly enjoyed that new little tradition this year.  

We just can't wait to be with all of our extended family this year!!  It certainly is a special year to celebrate!  

Who's watching Charlie Brown tonight???  

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!  

Christmas

"Jesus is the reason for the season" and "Christ is the most important part of CHRISTmas" are two phrases that get said many times during this season.  The best thing about them is they are true!  Without the birth of Jesus, we would have no reason to celebrate.  Because of our very sinful natures, we would simply be wandering souls without reason.  But, due to the gift of Jesus, we know why and what this season is all about.

The more years that pass, the more I am less enamoured with "stuff."  Don't get me wrong, I still like my toys and nice things; I just want fewer of them.  I understand more why my dad is so hard to buy for.  There are some things he would like, but it is more important to him that his family is happy and whole.  I understand that one of the best gifts for him is seeing his kids and grandkids.  The trouble is we tend to get swept up in the gift part.  Spend more money to show your love.  At least that is what the retailers want us to believe.  If you really love them, you will give a new 60" plasma.  Or the latest ipod.  Or the hottest whatchamahavit on the market.

                                                              

Taking the easy way out, I told my parents just to get some clothes for me.  Oh, I really can use them (I know my mom read this), but that is simply to fill up some holes in my closet.  Seriously mom, I need them.  

I have found myself desiring more of the things that shows someone knows and loves me.  It doesn't have to cost much.  It really doesn't have to cost anything.  Just put some thought and love into it.  I am happy and thankful just knowing that both of my boys now live under my roof, that my wife is still in love with me and I with her, and that the rest of my family has been spared total devestation for another year.    

Don't take this to mean that those who love to give big gifts or get them are bad.  That is not what I am saying here.  I am just asking you to take some time in the middle of all of the crazy this year to think about the gifts with which God has blessed you.  Your family?  A job you love?  A good friend?  The fact that someone one the street took time to smile at you on your bad day?  A warm home?  Thank God for it and the best gift we have ever received, one that can never be topped by a 60GB super-duper high-speed shiny red phimelfarb, Jesus.