tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73021343107560328952024-03-13T14:41:20.261-04:00Victims of GraceLife is an amazing rainbow of God's provision and promises! We hope you can be touched by the blessings and miracles that we have experienced already in our walk. We dont ask for good things to happen but, God in his awesome love and unending kindness keeps pouring out His Grace into our lives! Instead of focusing on the evil in this world we can see Gods hand in it all and view ourselves as Victims of Grace. May He bless you this day-ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-48766168331793904652011-05-18T20:58:00.003-04:002011-05-18T22:04:09.936-04:00For better or for worse.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZ-AC_MKquvDFCrJT1s0SkfG5-lQqmPGGM-HlnEYniTjtISqdkeAtsM0ni35WAK7GMEzCdoaBT66DTnBIAWZQzOXpQ4-dfE1dJy9ej_gGu6aBNyaEzW91wuBpTC57nNIV1_746MyqARQ/s1600/Dec-April+2011+350.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608226715129936226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZ-AC_MKquvDFCrJT1s0SkfG5-lQqmPGGM-HlnEYniTjtISqdkeAtsM0ni35WAK7GMEzCdoaBT66DTnBIAWZQzOXpQ4-dfE1dJy9ej_gGu6aBNyaEzW91wuBpTC57nNIV1_746MyqARQ/s320/Dec-April+2011+350.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I am a mother. I have never carried a baby in my body or given birth. I have two little Mayan girls who hold a piece of my heart. I was their mommy for 4 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">wks</span>. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know where they are now, but I still think of them and pray for them. Then there's the two little girls we tried to get from India, but we were not old enough. Still, I think of them and pray that God brought them loving families. There were gallons of tears and thousands of prayers. I got to the point that I felt my heart would never be the same. So much so that we decided to accept a little girl from Guatemala when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">country's</span> doors we quickly slamming shut. We accepted her at two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">wks</span> old. Our hearts were shattered, but we knew this was the road God had called us to walk. We were supposed to get Mia when she was 4 months old. Absolute latest 8 months old. At 9 months old-we were told that she may never come home, things were getting bad in Guatemala. Mom and I went to Guatemala to be with her, to meet her and she stayed with us for 5 days. It was blissful! This little one slept with me, showered with me, ate with me and was my all in all for 5 days. But, God does things that we can now see were for good. At 10 months old, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mia's</span> birth mom was called back in to make sure that she had truly wanted Mia to have a family. Because of this, we have a picture of her with her Guatemala mommy. How cool is that?! At that time we were just so upset that she was not home. Now I am glad she had that time. I still wish we could have had her as a baby, but God knew best. So all this leads me to this....perhaps in this awful-prolonged time of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">continuous</span> investigation-we may know more amazing things about the days that we did not have with our two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Little's</span> in Ethiopia. Maybe-just maybe-God has something super cool up His all-knowing sleeve:) But I will leave you with this-I am a mom. These are my children. I have poured out my heart to God for them and will until I am with my Lord in heaven. These children may not look like me or have the same color of skin as I do-but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> you ever forget that God has made me their mother. To love them and to care for them. Its my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privilege</span> to care for these children. Their birth moms made the most amazing sacrifice for these children and I consider it a honor to care for them-when God so obviously has a special plan for their lives!</div><br /><div>Okay-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> all my ramblings for the evening:) <strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-88796508459340777392011-05-12T08:27:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:40:01.828-04:00More Prayers!If you read this-please pray for me. Pray I would know what is Gods calling in my heart v.s. my desires. I have been wrecked by the Lord the last few weeks/months. Things I never thought of before that I feel the Lord is opening my eyes to. Things I never thought I would do but feel God is saying "GO". I am just really needing clarification for these things and could really use your prayers. Thank you!ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-5594247546275372132011-05-09T17:47:00.002-04:002011-05-09T19:20:35.224-04:00It's another day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhdNGneQZ02dDa0pINSXYDIBr95hHi8AN6ksSYMOpn__HcuCjwActVcFCqY_gNGwzPAX8Ky4LxhEnMKcWpErR9BvNsTMyW1q9HMENilwSXuxBdUMMdyUj1JvNKJR3hI8eUfmmeyliA4Pe/s1600/Dec-April+2011+369.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604837068592397666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhdNGneQZ02dDa0pINSXYDIBr95hHi8AN6ksSYMOpn__HcuCjwActVcFCqY_gNGwzPAX8Ky4LxhEnMKcWpErR9BvNsTMyW1q9HMENilwSXuxBdUMMdyUj1JvNKJR3hI8eUfmmeyliA4Pe/s320/Dec-April+2011+369.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>So this picture is how I feel a lot of the time, but to be a example to my daughter-I refrain myself! Life has been challenging. We have sweet Mia and she is growing like a weed. The clothes I bought in Feb. for her Florida trip will probably not make it through the summer. She is so much fun and its so neat to hear her comments about the children. The other morning-she had just woke up and I was carrying her down stairs. She says to me "mommy, I love my sister Livia and I really miss her". Or I hear her praying for them as she plays through the day. She is so excited to show them her world and we are too. Its has been a long journey and for some reason it has been very hard for me. I think its the knowledge gained through our time in the country. The knowledge that these little ones have had a hard start. That we will be the 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> family that they will have. And then I have a serious problem of wanting to be in Africa so bad it hurts. I have cried so many tears for this country and the hardships of so many. I know God has called me to serve in missions. I never knew it would be so hard for me to wait to go back. I know that I am in a season of being a mommy and being needed at home. So until that day I get to go back -I wait and pray and try to be the best mommy I can be:)</div><br /><div><em><strong>May you be blessed-A</strong></em></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-59741850468615811382011-04-23T14:44:00.002-04:002011-04-23T15:06:25.573-04:00Shredded.I have to tell you that the last few weeks have been so hard. There are just so many crazy twist and turnes going on right now with our adoption. Thursday brought more news we didnt want to hear. I cried all the way to town and back, and truly my heart just wont bounce up again. I am doing my best to hold on to the Word of God and to keep going. Trying to be happy for my family and put on a smile each day for Mia. But my heart is shredded. It hurts. I know God is in control and I know that He knew each twist and turn before it happened. I know He knew we would not get a single grant we applied for. He knew we would watch our babies turn into toddlers while they were still far away from home. He knew our visas would be twice as much as we had been told. He knows we have $1886. 52 to get to Africa and back. He also knows it cost a lot more than that and I know that He will continue to make a way and provide. He has done some amazing things on this journey and He is not done.<br />This week, when things were crashing down around me, I just kept thinking of Jesus. How He must have felt this week so many years ago. How He must have had such a heavy heart, knowing the suffering that was to come. But-then that 3rd day...When the world forever changed! I am so thankful that He Rose!! That He payed the price and ripped the curtain in two. That I can pour out my heart and soul to Him and know He hears every cry and even collects my tears. Praise God for the gift of a RISEN SAVIOR!!! In this I find my strength to go on and to continue through each day-knowing it will be worth it all. I pray that if you are reading this and you dont know Jesus Christ as your personal savior-that you will go to church on Sunday and hear the most awesome news ever told! He loves you so much He died for you!<br /><strong><em>May you be blesses-A</em></strong>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-47322548960628292362011-04-13T21:35:00.004-04:002011-04-13T21:54:58.393-04:00Where He leads......I just thought I would throw this out there.....I am already thinking about our next adoption and wondering where God is going to take us. Wondering if we will be lead to another child. There are so many little ones who need some one. I cant wait to see if this is something God is going to do. I always wanted 5 kids. Yes. 5. Some may call me crazy or insane, and after each adoption I do wonder if I am crazy. But its still sitting in my mind. Still I wonder if I will be one of those moms driving a huge white van!:) Where He leads, I will follow! <strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-87256629462504334362011-04-01T08:08:00.002-04:002011-04-01T08:20:03.612-04:00April 1st<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rwFo5UEhAcibIhBBS-9HjDrHY57dIK30_FHRjkHd9dObR9UpRUzkgV5gYz921hAf5eXA273KXcIcr-tjk14KbvedcvozNQsZjgSEn6y8OpM1wOGJjvbucHRKX28yiVwq91M-9ef1kTSS/s1600/easter+and+nats+wedding+100.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590587131731741810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rwFo5UEhAcibIhBBS-9HjDrHY57dIK30_FHRjkHd9dObR9UpRUzkgV5gYz921hAf5eXA273KXcIcr-tjk14KbvedcvozNQsZjgSEn6y8OpM1wOGJjvbucHRKX28yiVwq91M-9ef1kTSS/s320/easter+and+nats+wedding+100.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>Today I was thinking of Easter. This picture is from last year:) Doesnt seem possible that its been a year since I have seen my parents-WoW! Any way, I was thinking about the ressurection of Christ and His second coming. This is something that is always on my mind right now. We are waiting for "the call" to go get our children in Ethiopia and we are also on watch for the return of Christ. Every day I think of it and I am glad for the daily reminder of all of this through our adoptions and the waiting. I hope you will take the next few weeks to prepare your hearts for Ressurection Sunday! This is the best day ever and I am so thankful that the debt I could not pay has been payed in full! <strong><em>May you be Blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-13495366112528333372011-03-17T20:59:00.003-04:002011-03-17T21:18:08.904-04:00Ethiopia-Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nG7URjdEnaGX__Png2-es_imWkbtH9X37efwCXDJ0mu0JkDAbYD_8AsTKFIj_tUPz__snikMEhiKUdixbVvk3GDEK6bdgbdaTWDCV_cEwMA4ER_8pNaN3Py_uj4afdDdoX3D1BSp30qf/s1600/Ethiopia+trip+2011+061.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585218953521478834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nG7URjdEnaGX__Png2-es_imWkbtH9X37efwCXDJ0mu0JkDAbYD_8AsTKFIj_tUPz__snikMEhiKUdixbVvk3GDEK6bdgbdaTWDCV_cEwMA4ER_8pNaN3Py_uj4afdDdoX3D1BSp30qf/s320/Ethiopia+trip+2011+061.JPG" /></a><br /><div>This picture is Ethiopia. The people are so very kind and we had so much fun getting to know many of them. Their hearts amaze me. Coming from a society that is so hurried and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> have time for inconvenience, much of the things we saw blessed me. I am struck by how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">people</span> help the beggars and the poor. How they walk arm in arm, with out worry of obnoxious sexual comments. I love that they openly show kindness for one another. To me, when we go to Ethiopia-the bible comes alive! After witnessing this culture, I can picture how the disciples sat together and reclined in Christ's embrace. Walking through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Korah</span>, I picture how it would be if Jesus came there. The crowd of needy, broken people who would show up to be healed! And I see Summer-She is the hands and feet of Jesus to these people and how they love her! The first time I went to Ethiopia, all I saw was desperation and despair. This time, I saw hope and a future. God is raising up people who love Him to do a mighty work for His Kingdom! </div><div>I cant wait to go back again! I cant wait to scoop my little blessings up and hold them knowing I will never have to leave them again. God has a great plan for them. He has done amazing things to bring these little ones to America and I cant wait to see how His story for their lives unfolds! If you would like to be a blessing to the people of Africa-you can through donations! We are collecting diapers, wipes, diaper creams and powder, formula-lactose free and non-gassy, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">children's</span> vitamins and medications. If you are local- you can drop them off at Bliss Salon and Day Spa in Lafayette. If your not local-you can send them to me or send a monetary donation and we will buy the items. You can email me at <a href="mailto:ashleyskiles29@msn.com">ashleyskiles29@msn.com</a> for our address. Cant wait to bless these people:)</div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-78367802554934624272011-03-05T06:15:00.002-05:002011-03-05T06:37:08.756-05:00Ethiopia trip-part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKRmXZwKuhXW-m3iV-ecA5boOMSUuZT0_1JwqLE6-rtLXcktLTzTVgLPWnU3bFPf4YteTtJvk1u1cIKhdRNhA_f6nNzs_soHT3FkiD6cb_jXQvuDt-Nl3oGzZuE3I-J5noSBaxf_0h0Go/s1600/christmas+and+Ethiopia+days+1-4+087.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580553618239544546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKRmXZwKuhXW-m3iV-ecA5boOMSUuZT0_1JwqLE6-rtLXcktLTzTVgLPWnU3bFPf4YteTtJvk1u1cIKhdRNhA_f6nNzs_soHT3FkiD6cb_jXQvuDt-Nl3oGzZuE3I-J5noSBaxf_0h0Go/s320/christmas+and+Ethiopia+days+1-4+087.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Wow! The last 10 days have been crazy! We left for Ethiopia on Feb. 23rd at 6am from Indy and arrived in Ethiopia on Feb. 24th at 8:20 am. We saw two sunrises that day. We were met at the airport by sweet Bisrat and went to the Ethiopian Guest House. Same house, same room from my missions trip in July. Very nice to see familiar:) We rested up-had lunch-rested some more. Than we called the lawyer to see if we could go see the children. Thus began the crazy cycle! We were told to be at his office asap- so we were off. Crazy ride in parts of Addis that were super poor and a little creepy. Got to his office and found out that the children had never been in the orphanage that we had been told! Found out they were in a government orphanage two hours south. So after much talking and even more confusion, we were told they would bring them up and put them in a transition home. We were given a tour of this place and its nice and pretty. Very clean and calm. As far as we know that is where the kiddos will stay until we go back for them. The nannies are sweet and the lady who runs the place-she's the one in the pic- is very nice. They are working with Olivia to get her healthier and we could tell by the time we left that she was already better. Thank God. I never thought my little girl would be like one of the children I have seen in pics of malnurished African children. The skin on her arms and legs was wrinkly and hanging like a very old womans, yet her tummy was large. Londons wasnt as bad for which we are so thankful! The children are great! We are going to have so much fun and be so busy! They took a little while to warm up to us and Olivia will probably need the most work. She avoids any eye contact, cries when she see's us, and mostly tolerated us. But that is okay. We love her and we just kept telling her that and one day she will love us back:) We learned lots on this trip and met some very wonderful people. Praising God that our paths crossed with so many people who love the Lord and serve Him! I have so much more I could say, but I am getting tired again:) Jet lag is annoying! Bless each of you who lifted us in prayer. Words fail me for how much this means to us and how much we felt them! Thank you for standing by us when we needed you! We love each of you so much and I cant help but think of the reunion that heaven will be someday! </div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-34901455498998057052011-02-22T09:58:00.003-05:002011-02-22T10:13:11.328-05:00Here we go!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIL21vM5FQuDC6umVa9Bfu7vWmdGDXVWndTB1OLIKhpHKC8PxfjOeOO3GsxSQ28a4R1J6EwkKRZ1Dn9tIdtivg1ZvMxDZ-da-EyZ_Ba6lwCavNLnBbDyBMHPXeOwcQmDMlro4dJLLJvaX/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+502.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576529804996860050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIL21vM5FQuDC6umVa9Bfu7vWmdGDXVWndTB1OLIKhpHKC8PxfjOeOO3GsxSQ28a4R1J6EwkKRZ1Dn9tIdtivg1ZvMxDZ-da-EyZ_Ba6lwCavNLnBbDyBMHPXeOwcQmDMlro4dJLLJvaX/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+502.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Well the time has come! We have prayed for this moment in time and it is now upon us! Our time in Addis will be spent with the children and we hope to visit Korah and the Alert Hospital. I also hope to purchase things for the children to give to them in the years to come. </div><div>Prayer request:</div><div>*Safety in travel to and from.</div><div>*Pray for the Lord to prepare our hearts and the childrens as we spend time together.</div><div>*Pray for our court on the 28th!</div><div>*Pray for Mia while we are away from each other.</div><div>*Pray that we can get a visa appointment asap:)</div><div>*Pray that God will be glorified in all that we do and pray that we can be a light for HIM to everyone we meet.</div><div>We love you all and covet each prayer as we go one this journey!</div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-90131295500275810822011-02-08T14:48:00.003-05:002011-02-08T15:01:09.202-05:00Clean Underwear!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpdiLRbnUXeM1K0Hsy2nq6WM8xxYULZGo6gOh8BGGQWzwONSgCQPjVyfRDPxtlMuW4d2MI7j7_pAy_JwklbuMulpjjCpXQVQLwolyA7wuTV0O0GwA1kgJNr8VcJcczMUKNJyQDW0GA2us/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+602.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571409062691517410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpdiLRbnUXeM1K0Hsy2nq6WM8xxYULZGo6gOh8BGGQWzwONSgCQPjVyfRDPxtlMuW4d2MI7j7_pAy_JwklbuMulpjjCpXQVQLwolyA7wuTV0O0GwA1kgJNr8VcJcczMUKNJyQDW0GA2us/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+602.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Do you like clean underwear? Have you ever had to wear the same underwear for a couple of days? Well lucky you-you have underwear to wear! Korah is home to thousands of people. Some of the most godly men I have ever had the priviledge of knowing call Korah home. Its a trash dump. There is destitution like I have never seen here. Its filthy, nasty, and stinks something awful! But its full of <strong>souls </strong>of boys and men who for the first time in generations are having the opportunity to hear the word of God and to see His mighty hand work in their lives. You can be part of that by simply sending me some boxers for the boys and men who call this place home. We need small, medium and large boxers and will take gently used. Leave me your email in the comments and I will send you my address.<br />Go beyond the call and do something-send me boxers!! <strong><em>Blessings-A</em></strong>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-67286904563270538832011-02-05T21:35:00.002-05:002011-02-05T21:58:48.970-05:002.5 weeks!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbAezYVuLJLiDQWTyxlhU03KJ3xwQlvC-P8jz-MCUjIzPh5Fqun2Mb8PX3bfpT6kRkf7VABRfa8dMcXJ1bmExRu4s-XPrt356ya5OrJo_6YkSOZBfDPpQMrySDdYpZajGX-FOYEpjDVAz/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+761.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570400487379586914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbAezYVuLJLiDQWTyxlhU03KJ3xwQlvC-P8jz-MCUjIzPh5Fqun2Mb8PX3bfpT6kRkf7VABRfa8dMcXJ1bmExRu4s-XPrt356ya5OrJo_6YkSOZBfDPpQMrySDdYpZajGX-FOYEpjDVAz/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+761.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I am having a hard time believing that in 2.5 wks I will be in Ethiopia! I am so excited to meet the two sweet babies that will soon become our legal children. I am excited to go and to see this country agian and to share it with my sweet hubby. I am so looking forward to getting to know my Ethiopian friends better and to enjoy some yummy, authentic food. I have a list of things I want to do and show Brett during nap time-which is when we are not to be at the orphanage. One thing that is hard to think about is saying goodbye. I have done this before and its hard. I have prayed about staying in Ethiopia, but feel its more important to come home to be with Mia and prepare her for how our lives are going to change. So I try hard not to all ready dread that day. On to fun things-got a new double stroller. Looked long and hard and read soo many reviews. I decided on the Safari Instep. So far its been quite the entertainment for Mia who has been practicing how to push it and get her dollies in and out of the straps:) Mia amazes me. She understands so much. Today she was asking if London and Olivia where getting enough to eat. She has been very concerned for the children in Africa who are hungry and I am so glad that she has a heart for these children. I pray that we can continue to live outloud in a way that our children understand that life is not about us, but about doing the will of God and being the hands and feet of Jesus!<em> <strong>Praying you are blessed-A</strong></em></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-37828076134294186812011-01-28T21:11:00.002-05:002011-01-28T21:42:00.843-05:00COURT DATE!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vLyra-42_NhZC6PLOUV2YhAcAC38DrxZifSmPNQJ7OqvIVMUTUPZiWMMirbv8Q3lbE7dbgog3dTt3eYGUJGUJHgNo95l9qzX2je6lhRh2aHaJBYBjVkKR2hOi3nL863hJRu3xwR-BlHt/s1600/spring+09+072.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567425682351362274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vLyra-42_NhZC6PLOUV2YhAcAC38DrxZifSmPNQJ7OqvIVMUTUPZiWMMirbv8Q3lbE7dbgog3dTt3eYGUJGUJHgNo95l9qzX2je6lhRh2aHaJBYBjVkKR2hOi3nL863hJRu3xwR-BlHt/s320/spring+09+072.JPG" /></a><br /><div>On March 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> 2009 we started the process of adopting one or two children from Ethiopia. We have pinched <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Penny's</span>-prayed 100's if not 1000's of prayers-had fingerprints done a few times-had a few fundraisers and watched God perform so many miracles we just stand in awe of His awesomeness!!!! We got a referral on September 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> for a baby girl and a baby boy. After a short time of waiting that feels a million times longer than its actually been- we got the news! On Monday of this week I randomly decided to check my email. I had stopped checking it so often because I was driving myself <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cookoo</span>. I opened my email and saw this title-court date!!! I opened it, read it. Than I read it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">again</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">That's</span> when the shaking and sweating started. I turned around and told Brett that we could stop dieting because we were going to Africa and not Florida!!!! For the next several days I simply went crazy-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> sleep and had a few <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pepsi's</span>:) </div><div>So Lord willing, we will be meeting our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baby's</span> on the 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> or 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">February</span>!!!! I simply cant believe it. God-thank you for working even when we felt like things were going no where. Thank you for answering our prayers even though it felt like they were bouncing off the ceiling. London and Olivia-I cant wait to hold you-to kiss your sweet brown skin! </div><div>You can keep the prayers rolling in. This road is not over and we still have lots to do and accomplish. God has done some amazing things and we have some really awesome things we get to take part in when we go to Ethiopia. <strong><em>Blessings to you all-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-82018474114334908862011-01-24T08:28:00.002-05:002011-01-24T09:26:29.435-05:00God found us you!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_1hjJf4em_fIpAb1aadeJSrNfXqtCvbO4ZKIzjH7u95Shhk1c6wWaiIgKQoA_pvct-WtKCSoX3cH3GLFqy9Sute81eIjF-MT9t2wZt3GoF6MsUelmJ-YXw5T-dp6fUwdz0cnhuPQx0vi/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+301.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565744770832887106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_1hjJf4em_fIpAb1aadeJSrNfXqtCvbO4ZKIzjH7u95Shhk1c6wWaiIgKQoA_pvct-WtKCSoX3cH3GLFqy9Sute81eIjF-MT9t2wZt3GoF6MsUelmJ-YXw5T-dp6fUwdz0cnhuPQx0vi/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+301.JPG" /></a><br /><div>We got our new book in the mail on Saturday. Its a sweet story of adoption called "God found us you". Mia loves it and we have read it many times already. One thing I really like about it is the way it gives openings for conversation with your little one and their story. It also has me thinking of my little ones who are so far away. One part of this book that I so love goes like this- "Did you ever give up?" Little Fox asked. "Sometimes," Mama said, rubbing Little Fox's cheek with hers. "But I trusted God knew you, and knew me, and knew when we'd fit perfectly together." So today Lord, I am trusting you know when our little ones will fit perfectly together into our family and we wait for that day! I woke up today really missing my babies. So strange since I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> really know them. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Haven't</span> had a new picture or update in months, and yet I feel I know them in a way. I pray that in 2011 more people will step out and be a forever family for the fatherless! My heart just about explodes when I talk with people and they give me all the excuses for why they cannot adopt. I know its not for everyone, but you can sponsor a child. You can go on a missions trip and hug and kiss the children. You can do SOMETHING!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> forget, as a child of God, you are adopted too. God <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> make excuses about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">whether</span> or not to adopt you, He <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> whine about being too old or go on about how He would no longer have time for the things He liked to do! I know-He is God, but do you get what I am saying? So what can you do this year for the little ones across the world that just want to belong? Are you willing to give up a little, so that a child will know the love of Jesus through your obedience to His call? One little girl in Uganda was in tears because we had come all the way across the ocean to hug her. She was in awe that God would do that for her. We may have went all the way to Uganda just for that sweet little girl to understand that God heard her cry and loved her enough to send a bunch of white people to Africa to give her a hug! <strong>Praying you will stand in the gap for a orphan today-A</strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-6131611143506637982011-01-04T17:56:00.002-05:002011-01-04T18:13:22.527-05:00A precious gift!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY1TXQy2KeNbtlYkYfdBXzBx19cbLZV5HtxqNu6whiR3M0nfKM_64hujA3YIX73434y8JPdU0XxyJh8s8kUwPfTt4wxX1Bca8_GLlergzs6PKN1Hsy9lHAiDT4tGejKyoy81V78j4zQRe/s1600/christmas+2010+079.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558469063002920530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY1TXQy2KeNbtlYkYfdBXzBx19cbLZV5HtxqNu6whiR3M0nfKM_64hujA3YIX73434y8JPdU0XxyJh8s8kUwPfTt4wxX1Bca8_GLlergzs6PKN1Hsy9lHAiDT4tGejKyoy81V78j4zQRe/s320/christmas+2010+079.JPG" /></a><br /><div>This summer I went to Africa for 14 days. While on the trip I got to know some great gals from PA. They were mom and I's roomies for the duration of the trip. Well last week mom calls me and is about to burst with with excitement, but she is all secretive and cant tell me anything. All she says is that this exciting something is coming in the mail. Everyday she asked if I got the mail. By Thursday I was kinda forgetting about it. Then it was all crazy with the new year and then the mail didnt go. So yesterday I forgot to get the mail. I got it this morning. I was saw a envelope and was excited about another christmas card. I opened it and it was not a christmas card. It was a sweet little booklet that talked about making 7000 cookies to sell over christmas to help orphans in Africa. And how on a cold-snowy day in PA they sold them all! Now these women have been busy. On facebook, Marge had talked about making tons of cookies since November! They spread the word on facebook about selling them and how they would benefit orphans in Africa. I am in Indiana just praying for these cookies to sell and for the children who would benefit from the sales. Marge and her hubby are going to Ethiopia in Febuary with Visisting Orphans and I assumed the money would go with them. Little did I know that these women were doing ALL this work for our babies!!! I opened the booklet-I read this fun little story, and then I cried! I cried because this is such a sweet thing that these women have done! Women who have only known us for not even a year yet! So many people have been used by God for this adoption, but this selfless act of giving so touched my heart! I pray that each person who participated in this cookie selling are richly blessed by the Lord! I know I have been so touched by this and I cant wait to tell London and Olivia the amazing ways God used people to help them come home to their forever family! <strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-12163429822670027312010-12-24T15:15:00.003-05:002010-12-24T15:24:47.945-05:00Christmas Time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UwPpQByhR0pmIp9Pj_T0fG3gAvE4yqNW6iA2ZZ-VV-sISTuTedKJNPXN8MaD1t0K1CKzS_QYMvR_jkk1TY1VjGMedmNXvDUuwy7D2-gsX34VAk-RnJuTi-g2TWfmHupHL8t_3RS-6ARk/s1600/nov-dec+2010+023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554345515630396898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UwPpQByhR0pmIp9Pj_T0fG3gAvE4yqNW6iA2ZZ-VV-sISTuTedKJNPXN8MaD1t0K1CKzS_QYMvR_jkk1TY1VjGMedmNXvDUuwy7D2-gsX34VAk-RnJuTi-g2TWfmHupHL8t_3RS-6ARk/s320/nov-dec+2010+023.JPG" /></a><br /><div>What a fun and crazy time of year! Mia has been learning that its time for Jesus birthday and not hers. She <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hasn't</span> quite got it, but she will. I know that in the morning she is going to be on cloud 9 with all her presents! Tonight is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> eve service at church and she is supposed to sing with the 3 yr. old class. We will see what happens. We have just been so busy. I have been ind the process of getting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">London's</span> room ready and redoing the office to be more of a productive work area. In between that, we have MOPS and Mia has preschool -which she loves so much! We have been so blessed this year. Its been kinda tight, but God has never failed us and He always takes care of us! Praise Him for all that He does for us. </div><div>Going to Africa has really changed the way I look at the holidays. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> love the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extravagance</span> like I used too. I still translate things into shillings and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">birr</span>. I think of my friends in Africa all the time. I pray that those moments we have to see a different way of life change me so that my life we be more of a reflection of Jesus Christ! <strong><em>Merry Christmas and may you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-21935246469966269292010-11-25T20:41:00.002-05:002010-11-25T20:53:57.256-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirH3bnqssVDxvBo-uZ_MBiUgK0NABC1Ndzq2Wg6h0Y1jpZSE1bPLGgGzshZGxGsGTE_VxOEP6RZkOmFs-SydRa2oMJVmZATqH-K3YBYMt1_AdGjjO0fmtBK7YGxYln_b76c6Bgj_i54mq6/s1600/fall+2010+086.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543668220399672530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirH3bnqssVDxvBo-uZ_MBiUgK0NABC1Ndzq2Wg6h0Y1jpZSE1bPLGgGzshZGxGsGTE_VxOEP6RZkOmFs-SydRa2oMJVmZATqH-K3YBYMt1_AdGjjO0fmtBK7YGxYln_b76c6Bgj_i54mq6/s320/fall+2010+086.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! Today was a delightful day. We got to be with our family and had more food than I have seen for a long time. Actually had trouble fitting it all on a very large table. I have to say it made me a little ill to look at it. So much food!! Did any of the people there realize how blessed we were? All I could think of was the beans, rice and a small egg that 400 children got one day in Uganda. I thought of each of those kids we met at the dump in Ethiopia and the hunger that gnaws at them each day. I prayed that London and Olivia had enough to eat today in their orphanage. I didnt take pictures because I knew I wouldnt post them because I didnt want to flaunt my over abundance before my hungry friends in other countries. I felt sad knowing so many in Haiti eat dirt to stay alive. </div><div>I thank God for my blessings-dont think I am not thankful. But this was the first thanksgiving in my life that I hurt because I knew how <strong>abundantly </strong>blessed we were and how much I take for granted in my american life. I pray that I will remember this day and continue to share my blessings from God with others in lesser situations. Praying each of you were blessed to be having family time on this wonderful holiday! <strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-19609043566470736982010-11-15T20:53:00.002-05:002010-11-15T21:01:40.383-05:00Two years!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCnUkKjutxEVGVZhokUTqHFcwXZG6RTRsLSn_WD3SfbqaYDgPF7mPTPDWjr24QjX6YQO3IobKhuDM0uWKvNZe0ge_jBCOOCGlc5CD3Or5RYriSDp7lUkCF1-ZjaqIpMfMCuXTjqcOtVUq/s1600/wa-09+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539959893973617522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCnUkKjutxEVGVZhokUTqHFcwXZG6RTRsLSn_WD3SfbqaYDgPF7mPTPDWjr24QjX6YQO3IobKhuDM0uWKvNZe0ge_jBCOOCGlc5CD3Or5RYriSDp7lUkCF1-ZjaqIpMfMCuXTjqcOtVUq/s320/wa-09+005.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Well this is the youngest pic I can find on the lap top! I cant believe its been two years since we flew into Guatemala and raced into our hotel to find Mia waiting. It seems so long ago and yet its only been two years. I remember how excited I was and so scared too. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> know this little girl. She did not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">remember</span> me at all. I had all the "what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">if's</span>" of motherhood running through my brain and I was so far away from my mom! </div><div>Mia is one of Gods amazing blessings in our lives. She fills our home with joy and laughter! She is most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> Guatemalan. I thought she would loss that and yet she loves bright colors like her culture loves. She loves the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mexican</span> food-yet not really the spicy stuff. She is just precious! We are so blessed to be called her parents and she amazes us every day! Thank you Jesus for our little Guatemalan blessing! </div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-42960540885665944532010-10-24T18:13:00.003-04:002010-10-24T18:25:08.407-04:00Passage of Time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTZk43fpfW2Zmj3pSliXd8MFT-Xwf9hM1JUqiA8POtpFDJ3bbt2_F_hWEV7t63kiYXy5UOAjNjl2nNFu8_Q_n9AZI5oDtWF9JZ2huONG-qyCUKwFgkrHzNTn2VZ-YwvtXlPpxWwqidi6C/s1600/Mias+birthday+and+fall+2010+042.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531739962704802706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTZk43fpfW2Zmj3pSliXd8MFT-Xwf9hM1JUqiA8POtpFDJ3bbt2_F_hWEV7t63kiYXy5UOAjNjl2nNFu8_Q_n9AZI5oDtWF9JZ2huONG-qyCUKwFgkrHzNTn2VZ-YwvtXlPpxWwqidi6C/s320/Mias+birthday+and+fall+2010+042.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Well its no secret that I have not blogged for a while:) Life has been so crazy since I returned from Africa. We started harvest early this year. This was nice because we are now done about a month earlier than last year. But it also makes for crazy busy days. During this time we accepted two babies in Ethiopia and pulled off two fundraisers. Mia turned 3 during the craziness and we will have to have a really awesome birthday for her next year since this year was pretty boring. We are hoping to get a court date soon and praying that if its Gods will we can get those babies by Christmas! </div><div>Mia is getting so big! She is just such a blessing from the Lord! She is so sweet and I just really enjoy being a mom most days. She is in preschool one day a week and she loves it. She loves animals of all kinds and loves her kittys. We had to get a new home for Olive since she was needing a lot more attention than I had to give her. Mia has not missed her a bit, so that was better than I was expecting. We are so glad she was adopted into a really nice home where we know she will be loved. I was so sad to see her go though. I think I was the only one:) </div><div>Well I dont have a whole lot to say except we are so blessed and life is going good and oh so busy!</div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-315373416739994302010-09-26T17:45:00.004-04:002010-09-26T18:30:52.811-04:00Ethiopia-2nd leg of mission trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2NfpBzvD2sRkeWRa0e37efFXGGn0j3jV3b6ZQbKoPzBXAYNFOgUNR4dWSr-eewtsFpGJ0Byy6snLNt2qGSR_Ykv05fuM0_8ZGm83aybNR2iGi8cB_7pZFQ7uoQXKHAudXXqasGzFanCg/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+453.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521342480966025346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2NfpBzvD2sRkeWRa0e37efFXGGn0j3jV3b6ZQbKoPzBXAYNFOgUNR4dWSr-eewtsFpGJ0Byy6snLNt2qGSR_Ykv05fuM0_8ZGm83aybNR2iGi8cB_7pZFQ7uoQXKHAudXXqasGzFanCg/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+453.JPG" /></a><br /><br />To me this picture says Ethiopia like no other pic I have! I also love it because one of the sweet men at our guest house did an oil just like it and I bought it from him. It will be going in baby boys room:) Ethiopia was the second leg of our trip and it was quite amazing. It was beautiful. There are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eucalyptus</span> trees there and they smell awesome. That smell will always be Ethiopia to me from now on. When we got to ET we were tired, hungry and dirty. We got to the guest home and it was like going from camping to the Hilton in my mind! We could shower with warm water and sleep on a 4 inch mattress rather than 2 inches. Now the only part of this that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">didnt</span> enjoy was the endless prayer calling. Between the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Muslim</span> and the protestant-we never lacked for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mournful</span> noise. The people of ET are just beautiful. I love these people and love that they are free to show love to each other and not pervert it like we do in America. They are generous and will do anything for you. Our itinerary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">didnt</span> go as planned, but that is okay. We were in the places that God wanted us to be. We spent some time a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">AWAA</span> doing a mural for the orphanage. The first time we were there, I held a little girl about the whole time. She was so tiny. I thought she was probably 3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">wks</span> old. She was 3 months old. She <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">didnt</span> like to be swaddled like a little baby normally would. She just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasnt</span> used to the human contact and the comforting snuggles of a mommy. It broke my heart. She cried a lot and would stop when I sang to her. I think of her every day. I prayed over her before I left and pray that she has been blessed with a loving family by now. As I think of my own two children sitting over there it just makes my heart ache for them and what they may or may not be feeling.<br />We spent a lot of time driving in Ethiopia. We would start out-the drivers would say "yes, yes" and act like they knew where we were to go are what was going on and then we would get to do something different:) Lots of crazy miscommunication! But one day we got to go to the dump. I believe there is around 80,000 or more that live and make a living at the dump. This area started as a leper colony. Than generations got lost in the poverty and rejection of growing up a dump child. The people here are amazing!! I know I use that word <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> but its just what fits. The love that they have for each other is such a testimony. They are going to be the Hebrews 11 people of Ethiopia! We spent the day there and it was a hard day for me. The altitude is killer and I was really suffering from low blood sugar that day. I got to walk through the dump with part of my group. Words cannot describe what our eyes saw. My heart felt as though it would burst wide open with emotion I have yet to put into words. Mountains of trash-puddles of dark yellow and black water-and more trash. Broken glass every where-I was begging God to not let me fall down. You are looking at the mountains of trash and than you start to see bodies moving on it. Its the people who are digging through all of it to find something that they can turn around and sell to make a small amount to keep on living. More flies than the old testament plague. You had to breath through your nose or you would eat flies. Maybe I should have for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">protein</span>! The children are so dirty and the women or too! Yet they hugged us and smiled like it was another day. I felt like I was in a nightmare. How do these people live here? How come they have to do this. What will happen to the tiny baby on the mothers back? This day changed my life. It opened my eyes to something I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">didnt</span> know existed! When we got the referral for two babies, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">I asked</span> Brett "how can we say no?". I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldnt</span>-not after what we saw. We got to bless the children at the dump ministry with lunch of lamb and than we got out the soccer balls! We walked to a beautiful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eucalyptus</span> grove down by the river to play some soccer. So awesome! A day I will never forget. You can sponsor these children to go to school and get a education. To someday break the chains of the generations of dump living and hopelessness. If you would like more info on this ministry please leave your email and I will get you the info. This ministry just sent 250 children to boarding school. 250 children who will for the first time in their lives have 3 meals a day, a bathroom, more than one change of clothes, their own blanket, a bed and I could go on and on. I cant wait to take Brett. For him to walk the dump and see the poverty with his own eyes and see what I saw!<br />At the end...I was so ready to go home! It had been a long time away from my family and I was ready for some food! When I got to D.C.-I was so happy to be in the USA!! So thankful that I live here. I was so hungry though and I stunk so bad:) I found a little pizza joint at my gate, bought a huge slice and a yummy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Caesar</span> salad. I sat down and Blessed the food like no other time in my life. Than I proceeded to eat faster than ever with tears rolling down my face. I am sure the people around probably thought I was a little mental! Africa was awesome! Lord willing-I will go back to serve the people <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">again</span>. In the future we will go back-there are two little souls there that are waiting for mommy and daddy to come and get them!!! Thanks for your prayers and support for the most life changing summer ever!!<br /><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-26320541280765853222010-08-22T17:35:00.003-04:002010-08-22T18:07:23.708-04:00More of Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8aVavUVDyqgaOztHIgCunYPJPaPBjOCctKyscJrF6k5KWrqQM3m6ZP3-GTSctrqszZcWTU1scErUc13Oz81Ygh-Rbk5Rh3HiIJgMS2KYC2rQuK4EsHlfjGLnFzFVQPoVrWdjmFbdz6_8/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+068.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508351802408065634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8aVavUVDyqgaOztHIgCunYPJPaPBjOCctKyscJrF6k5KWrqQM3m6ZP3-GTSctrqszZcWTU1scErUc13Oz81Ygh-Rbk5Rh3HiIJgMS2KYC2rQuK4EsHlfjGLnFzFVQPoVrWdjmFbdz6_8/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+068.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I'll start by saying that jet lag is for real! The first week I was home I was sick and really jet lagged. So now that I have finally returned to Indiana time, I have a lot of catch-up. I wanted to tell you about each day but that is going to take way to long. I loved Uganda! The whole team did. The children in Uganda were so vivaceous and amazing at all they did. They would sing and dance for us each place they went. These little souls would praise God with all of their hearts and just put our little american faith to shame. I was so amazed at their spirit of faith in the midst of poverty and tragic circumstances of the lifestyle of an African. They have the real thing when it comes to true faith in God!! We had the priviledge of living at Canaan Childrens Home for 5 days. That was so fun. Momma Rebecca fixed the best food and Pastor Isaac was a man of God, so full of His joy. These people had needs and never once did I hear them ask for anything. All that came from the mouths of the people of Canaan was praise the thankfulness to God for all that He had done for them! What a testimony. We did not get to hear Pastor Isaac preach- but I imagine that its powerful and life changing. This man was shot and left for dead and God restored him and is using his life to change the hearts and souls of the fatherless! You can sponsor a child at Canaan. If you want to know more, just leave me your email and I will get you the info. </div><div>One thing I now think-if you are going to go on a mission trip-dont make it to short. It takes a while to get over your self and be thankful for the stuff you do have. I want to go back-Lord willing- and I would love to take Mia with me. She would have just loved all those kids and the singing and dancing! </div><div>In Uganda we went to 5 different ministries. We played with over 700 kids in 6 days. It was a little tiring. Each morning at the crack of dawn, the rooster would begin his mission of waking every thing. Than the muslim call to prayer would begin. And just when you thought that you would get to go back to sleep-the kids would be out and ready for the day to begin. Their school day began at 6 am. The kids are super smart. I was amazed at the artistic talent that so many of them had. At one ministry I spent hours coloring with the children. They liked the bright colors the best! They loved the silly bands, silly string, and the many balloon hats that were made and passed out. One thing that was hard for me- was that we were asked not to give things out to the children. The ministry leaders ask this of us so that the children will learn to respect authority and not beg. I think that is awesome that they do this. Its so fun to give and see little eyes light up with joy, but so neat that they are being taught such good principles. One of my favorite things about Uganda was the day we got to go out on the Nile River!! Such a cool experience to get to see this river and be on it. To know that the very waters that Moses floated in as a baby-I got to float in them too. It was beautiful and a little scary. The boats took on a little water and I am not hugely fond of swimming in large bodys of water. I am so glad that I got to experience all of this with my mom. I felt like we didnt spend just huge amounts of time just talking, but we got to do this together and that will always be a memory that I will never forget. </div><div>I also think its just amazing that for 20 some years I have wanted to go to Africa and now I have been! God did amazing miracles too. I never once became sick! I never once got homesick! He kept us safe and sound! My body never once fell apart! And the most amazing thing....it just clicked. You know how you go through life wondering " what is Gods purpose for me? Whats that one thing that God has called ME to do?" I think I know:) I just felt a peace in my soul. God called me to something that was huge and way out of my comfort zone. Sure I wanted to do it, but so many things have forever held me back. I then I said "yes"! I went forward in faith and God supplied the money, the good health, Mia did awesome while I was gone, and so much more. I can tell you that if time last, I will return to Africa! </div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-46207066194009312612010-08-04T07:25:00.003-04:002010-08-04T08:25:31.908-04:00The Pearl of Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsM-f9ckWdeMYDevGDvQcTxO5bwP_VbbC2KlYsh7JcyiyumE977Dz6P2kX8T1xdBu6LMeq1TuvX-CRFpRyZHJod5n6cUNoqzmXQZorW5YYN42soCk8kY6UX4uMrr7wvTTX2gcJlGOlHa/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501528693127640146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsM-f9ckWdeMYDevGDvQcTxO5bwP_VbbC2KlYsh7JcyiyumE977Dz6P2kX8T1xdBu6LMeq1TuvX-CRFpRyZHJod5n6cUNoqzmXQZorW5YYN42soCk8kY6UX4uMrr7wvTTX2gcJlGOlHa/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+029.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVXJR8rU2LMebNe8fMGz9IAPO-dsV1MwVWxIokHgsI3jjSYKTrdzvdn-FFscwZ0jUldXR8FobOMzY6k3qFgjE5d0lelUO9dEmCwJvslrcrAJh-IvWeqj62TuABsh7crxTefRDXErk1WSW/s1600/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+021.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501514985874436018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVXJR8rU2LMebNe8fMGz9IAPO-dsV1MwVWxIokHgsI3jjSYKTrdzvdn-FFscwZ0jUldXR8FobOMzY6k3qFgjE5d0lelUO9dEmCwJvslrcrAJh-IvWeqj62TuABsh7crxTefRDXErk1WSW/s320/Uganda-Ethiopia+2010+021.JPG" /></a> Thank you Jesus for being us safety to Uganda! Its a long way to get here. Well I will start with day #1. I enjoyed my last hot shower and we headed off to church for the early service. We got to the airport 2.5 hours ahead of departure and that was a good thing. First round of craziness began at the ticket counter when the lady helping me asked for my paper tickets. I told her that they were e-tickets and she said she couldnt find them. That began the frantic phone calls to the agency who works with VO. Things were changing by the minute and Mia was starting to be naughty because she was so hungry. So Brett and Mia went to get lunch and I waited to find out what was going on. Well long story short-Ethiopian airlines forgot to push the tickets through and that was the cause of a lot of hassels! So my image of having a nice lunch and spending a little more time with my family fell flat. By this time my plane was going to start boarding soon. I started to cry. The gal had been so nice and was doing such a good job of figuring out my mess, but I just wanted to spend a little more time with the family. So she saw my tears and gave Brett and Mia security passes to go with me to my gate. So sweet of her! So we got to the gate and hung out for a little. By this time it was past nap time for Mia and she was in full naughtiness mode. So we said our goodbyes and they were gone. Then we began boarding. The lady scans my ticket and it flashes "already seated". I am like "I dont think so". So thus began the next round of craziness. Well the man in my seat was so kind and gave it up since he had already missed his connection in Dulles. During this time it began to storm and they grounded all planes due to lightening! Then they said I may not make it so once agian I am calling Mike to find out what to due with my flights! Lots of confusion and craziness later-we were finally all boarded and ready to depart of Dulles. This flight was originally to take 1 hour 49 min. We made it in just under 1 hour:) Got to Dulles and hit the ground running! Ran right into Kari, Randi and Dee Dee. They had been praying for me to make it. So we got all the luggage forwarded onto Entebbe and went to find mom. She was going to have to collect luggage and rebook for Entebbe. So Ernie went with us and we got that all finished in time to board the plane for the next 16 hours! Now Ethiopian air is really good at feeding you like every 2 hours! And I really think they absolutely love waking you up! They shake you awake-plop some food down and smile! We had a fuel stop in Rome and then we were on to Addis. We got there and grabbed some water. Soon we were boarded and headed for Entebbe. We got to Entebbe I think about 2am. We soon realized that most of us were missing our luggage. So we spent more time trying to cross the language barrier and get some understanding about our luggage! Soon we were off to Sophies hotel for to rest for a few hours. </div><div>That was a little shocking! We walk into this place and soon realized that the reviews we had all read online were so true:) Lizards on the walls and 3 inch cockroaches in the halls! We are in Africa! They did serve a good breakfast though. Each morning was funny. The rooster would crow, then the dogs would bark and on it went, back and forth! We would soon learn that this is normal. Well that is all for now. Gotta run. I will continue to update each day as I have time:) </div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-47796512300283190762010-07-17T10:36:00.002-04:002010-07-17T11:03:27.318-04:00Africa-Here we come!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NN6q8f_GCZoYCkE5eIkXGaSi1g17iAqB2_sNHl2yPDCKpMnHhy791r6P5utWmAhiAJ0sNqC7CyE98G4pOw86oohA9ANH1s4u6ww5kpXYlpQKIuB8EWA0zaXof04E-DElSBWrDETZnlFk/s1600/ramdom+2010+077.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494884817741769522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NN6q8f_GCZoYCkE5eIkXGaSi1g17iAqB2_sNHl2yPDCKpMnHhy791r6P5utWmAhiAJ0sNqC7CyE98G4pOw86oohA9ANH1s4u6ww5kpXYlpQKIuB8EWA0zaXof04E-DElSBWrDETZnlFk/s320/ramdom+2010+077.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Well the time has come to fulfill my life long wish to go to Africa! I will get to ride a boat on the Nile, maybe learn a few new dance moves and I have heard that the Africans really know how to worship! Our dates of the trip are July 18th - August 1st. <strong>Please keep us in your prayers</strong> and I will hopefully beable to update the blog on the trip. We will see how all of this goes:) </div><div>We leave out of Dulles as a team at 8:30 pm Sunday night and we arrive in Entebbe, Uganda at 3:30 am on Monday morning. Our schedule is to go to Return Ministries Uganda, My Fathers House orphanage, Canaan's Children Home, Nile boat ride, Amazima Ministry and their feeding program for the Karamajong children. That is all in Uganda and I have a lot of fun stuff to give out thanks to so many who donated. Then we will be on to Ethiopia. Hope to update on our time there when we get to Ethiopia. </div><div>Well I cannot thank you enough for interceding before the Father on our behalf! </div><div><strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-65859181078318935242010-07-10T08:55:00.002-04:002010-07-10T09:07:32.390-04:00Count down!<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492260903246945666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXFhaxu4s2n8AugBNWeyujBPojYRnx4me_pENH4YrdkJk4NGGFqC2frmXAh4JQO854lqoDyPTLQWvGgNUvbShCGW3dPYhjx93okyZa5mx8OxRnuv7THsISVz0e_pT-DiQaUU-D7lzuwb0/s320/ramdom+2010+097.JPG" />These days have just been zooming by us! We have been having lots of summer time fun though. Mia and I have been doing some swimming. This little gal is a fish! You put her arm floaties on and she will swim for the next 3 hours! She loves to doggie paddle -mostly because its called a "doggie" paddle:) We have been talking lots about Africa and all the fun things she will get to do while I am gone. I got a grab bag that is filled with fun things for each day that I am gone. We had to go do some clothes shopping due to the fact I wrecked a load of laundry:) I love Old Navy. I found some great deals which is awesome. Most of the things we got should also carry over into fall and winter. Its sad to see all the back to school stuff out in stores already:/ I am a forever summer sort of person.<br />Well I will try to get my itinerary posted this next week and hopefully post at least once while I am gone. We shall see. My bags are packed and I am mostly ready to. Hope you are all having a great summer too. <strong><em>May you be blessed-A</em></strong>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-24110052915387899082010-06-25T16:50:00.002-04:002010-06-25T17:01:16.680-04:00lazy summer days!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNQyeX7iv-uRlBkuL1sM7lDTb1utQvVo-AA5BnMLhS-RxXyrSetJ9_IA40zJHRghoA03tCtzDb9Remr8XMi9z6OhS3IrjsedDLnaOlcTsFiZQTSTzIsGBeaG5xqau9vba6GyOz3Q8G-xF/s1600/ramdom+2010+076.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486817300434769138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNQyeX7iv-uRlBkuL1sM7lDTb1utQvVo-AA5BnMLhS-RxXyrSetJ9_IA40zJHRghoA03tCtzDb9Remr8XMi9z6OhS3IrjsedDLnaOlcTsFiZQTSTzIsGBeaG5xqau9vba6GyOz3Q8G-xF/s320/ramdom+2010+076.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Summer is crusing by so fast! I have been trying to make the most of each moment and nice day that we have been blessed with. Mia is such fun these days. She just puts more and more together. She loves to roll in the grass with the kitties and they tolerate her affection. We have had a ton of rain lately and some major storms and she just sleeps through them! I am so glad that she can. She loves to eat watermelon and just discovered orange push-up's:) She loves them so! We are so excited to be going to Chicago next Tuesday. We are going to go up and spend the day with a sweet friend of mine and go to the Shedd aquarium. Mia is going to love it! I cant wait for her to experience it. </div><div>Well just 23 days till I head off to Africa. Very excited and a having a little bit of a hard time thinking of leaving my hubby and little gal for that long. I can get a few tears if I think very long on it:/ But so excited to see what God has in store for the team and all that we will get to do and all the people we will get to bless with our donations! That will be awesome!!!</div><div>Well the little gal has been sleeping now for 3.5 hours and I think I am going to go wake her up or it will be a long time till she wants to go to sleep:) </div><div><em><strong>May you be blessed-A</strong></em></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302134310756032895.post-58349290063311987052010-06-15T07:20:00.002-04:002010-06-15T07:25:14.765-04:00Africa..in 4 weeks!!!Hey friends! I just wanted to put a shout out to anyone who would has a heart for the orphan and would like to donate towards my mission trip. I would like to fill a 50lb duffle with childrens medications! This is a big need and not as fun to buy as crayons and toys. If you would like to donate, please let me know and I will get our address to you or can pick up if you are local!<br />I would like all donations in by June 28th!<br /><em><strong>May you be blessed-A</strong></em>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17753445989964700875noreply@blogger.com1