This is going to be an exciting year for our family and our country! We had a wonderful time in Kansas seeing family and friends. It stretches my heart to spend time with my loved ones. They remind me that I'm blessed to have come from a heritage of faith and inspire me to "keep on keepin' on"...as my Grandpa Hutson used to say. (A country pastor's translation of Paul's words in Philippians 3:14 - Press on!)
I think my favorite thing about Christmas is watching my kids eyes light up, but even more than that is how much my husband loves it. He loves everything about Christmas. This year Brad had a very sentimental Christmas. His Dad's wonderful guitar was refurbished by a good friend. It was the guitar Papa got from his roommate after betting that he'd marry that girl across the room, when he first saw Brad's Mom. (Those charming Martin men are the confident ones, aren't they?)
I framed this beautiful picture and gave it to Brad for his office. How much more precious this verse has become to my heart this year!
My sisterinlove got married in a surprise (to her kids and mom) wedding on Christmas night. I'm so happy she's happy and in love with such a great man that I look forward to knowing more as my brother.
Here are some updates from the last post on our Adoption Journey:
1) We are awaiting authentication and should be DTC by the end of next week!
2) Lottie's friends are home and it's so sweet to watch their timid, unsure faces turn to BIG SMILES! We are so ready to see our baby smile, too. Keep praying for her as I'm sure she misses her little friends.
3) The care package has arrived in China and should be in HER hands by the end of this week!
4) 2017 Grant applications are beginning to show up on websites, so I'm filling out paperwork again.
1) We are awaiting authentication and should be DTC by the end of next week!
2) Lottie's friends are home and it's so sweet to watch their timid, unsure faces turn to BIG SMILES! We are so ready to see our baby smile, too. Keep praying for her as I'm sure she misses her little friends.
3) The care package has arrived in China and should be in HER hands by the end of this week!
4) 2017 Grant applications are beginning to show up on websites, so I'm filling out paperwork again.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a stranger when she heard we were adopting. She said she always wanted to adopt from China but heard it was TOO expensive! "...Yes, it's expensive..." I replied, "but God has provided every penny and she is so worth it to me!"
Here is the picture I received from our friend who just got home and an update that melted my heart, my favorite gift given a few days before Christmas:
"She was just precious! She followed us downstairs to the directors office and listened to everything. She has the sweetest voice. She said mama, baba, thank you, bye bye while we were there. (in Cantonese) Just know that she is absolutely precious! She was wearing squeaky shoes. She is well loved there too!"
2017...I'm ready for you!
