The beginning of a journey...

Well this is an entirely new direction for our blog. We are going to share our journey through the process of adoption. Here is how our story began...

When Scott and I were thinking about getting married we discussed what we wanted our family to look like someday. We both have been on overseas missions trips, and loved the experience. We were both open to the idea of adoption...after we had a few kids of our own.

Fast forward two years later...our church is offering a missions trip to Haiti. I don't really want to go to Haiti because they don't speak Spanish, and I don't like the idea of not being able to communicate at all. But we didn't have any other opportunities to serve over seas in 2012, and we felt like the Lord was really calling us to go. We joined a team from our church that was going to do evangelism and medical work. Neither of us have any medical training, but we were willing to help wherever we were needed.

While we were in Haiti Scott was great with the medical team. He did triage for all the patients, and was really good at it. I, on the other hand, felt kind of useless. I couldn't help with medical procedures, I couldn't talk to or understand the people speaking Creole. What I did do though was hold babies. The Haitians love for Americans to hold their babies, and I was more than happy to do it. I knew that it was my opportunity to show a little of God's love to these precious children, and just pray over them. The more babies I held the more it just felt 'right'.

Scott and I knew we wanted to wait several years before trying to have children, but I felt like the Lord was creating in me the heart of a mother. At the same time I did not want to bring another child into the world after seeing what those children had to live through every day. God was really working in my heart, but I did not know where He was leading me. I just kept praying that God would do something 'big' in me after returning from Haiti. I even felt like He might call Scott and I to go overseas. I would love to go overseas and work with orphans someday, if the Lord calls us to that.

So that is where I was at when we returned to Haiti. The next Sunday at church (Scott was already in Dubai on business) our pastor preached a sermon called "If you can't do it for all, just do it for one." And I thought so if I can't take care of all the orphans does that mean I should just take care of one? And then our pastor said, "For some of you that might mean adoption", and it just hit me. I felt like that statement was spoken just to me. But I wanted to make sure Scott was feeling the same because I wanted him to lead in a big decision like this. When he returned to Dubai we talked about Haiti, and what it had done for us. We talked about adoption, and it felt like we were right in the center of God's will. What an awesome feeling that is.

In December we went to an informational meeting with Bethany Christian Services, and were super excited to get all the information. The only disappointment is that one of us had to be 25.

Fast forward to March 23rd...Scott turns 25! So we have finally submitted our formal application for adoption. I have done some reading, and I know it's not always an easy road to travel. We know the Lord is guiding us, and has some awesome things to teach us along the way. I hope you enjoy sharing this journey with us! We appreciate your prayers, and we begin the process.

Now I know how to be a tiger mom...

Book: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom
Author: Amy Chua

I know I'm behind the trend; everyone else has read Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom by Amy Chua. My mother-in-law, Emily, lent it to me for our trip to Hawaii. Normally I stick to fiction, but this was an easy read. I finished most of the book on our 7 hour plane ride. It definitely kept me engaged. It was story-like enough that I did not get bored.

I enjoyed the book because it gave a glimpse at what being a tiger mom is like, but didn't say you were a bad parent if you don't choose that style. She pointed out weaknesses in the 'western' way of parenting, and the book also had an interesting conclusion about 'chinese' parenting.

She also does a great job of explaining her definition of 'western' and 'chinese' parents. She does not mean just parents in the United States or parents in China. Western parents are those who tend to let their child make decisions to choose their own happiness. Chinese parents are those who make choices for their children to ensure they have a successful future. Both parents can be any ethnicity; the terms just describe two extreme types of parenting.

Overall I thought she a great job of giving a look at both types of parenting without being overly judgmental. However, I will probably be considered a 'strict' parent when I have children, so I did not feel like either parenting style was an exact fit for me. I would encourage people to read it with an open mind, and to take away at least one good parenting tip from the book. Happy Reading!

A New Direction...

So I tried my hand at blogging, but that didn't last very long. My husband has suggested that my blog take a new direction...book reviews! I am a Christian, so my reviews will come from my viewpoint. I like to read all types of books, including Christian and non-Christian. I am open to suggestions if people know of good books to read. I can't guarantee that everyone will like my opinions, but that is ok with me. I'm not hear to have debates about books, just say what I thought about them. I may give away some details about the book, but I'll try not to ruin any crucial parts. Well here goes a new direction!

Book: Winter Garden
Author: Kristen Hannah

I really enjoyed this book because it is a mix of past and present. It combines the story of Stalin's rule in Russia with sisters living in present day. It is a powerful story of family, and how love and persistence breaks down all barriers. It deals with some very serious tragedy, and how it changes a person. It has an unpredictable ending, at least I didn't see it coming.

There is some language in the book including the 'f' word, but it does not appear very frequently. It has some brief, but not explicit sexual content.

I would recommend this book, especially if you enjoy historical fiction.

If you read it, let me know what you think!

This year's Christmas card!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Awesome Resource...

If you teach Kindergarten you should check out this raffle for an awesome resource-KindergartenWorks.

My Favorite Things

1. A weekend away. My hubby and I got to go to a marriage conference this weekend. It was fun to get away. We learned a lot, ate a lot, and got to stay in this beautiful hotel. Better yet, we didn't pay for it!

2. Having time to read. I just finished some great books by Janette Oke, and now I need some suggestions. Any ideas?

3. Focaccia Bread. It is my new favorite thing to bake. I use my bread maker for the dough, but bake it in the oven. It is so easy, and just like the real thing from Israel!

I'm linking up with Abby!

The end of a season...

Tonight was our Cheerleading Awards ceremony, officially ending our season which started in July. (Please tell me what other sport has an 8 month season.) It was short and sweet without being too sappy. It was such an amazing year, and full of great memories. I have learned so much through coaching my first cheer squad. I'm pretty sure they taught me more than I taught them. It was such a blessing to coach the girls that I cheered with all those years ago. God has been faithful through many ups and downs, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for next season. I will so miss my Seniors, but I know life holds great things for them. As I looked out over my team tonight I realized that this year was so much more than coaching cheerleading, this year I made so many new friends. Next year is going to be awesome!!!

I love these girls!