Trevor called today. Normally this wouldn't be something to blog about, but today he called from Liberia, Africa. He left with our friends Matt and Michelle on Christmas day to go get their three adopted children and bring them home. They will be home on Dec. 31st and I think it would be best to wait for him to write about his experience.

My role in all this is nurturing the combined children of our two families. Let's just say I've stepped into the world of seven children and conversion vans.

Jackson's been sick, really sick. But thankfully he's smiling and eating today. And that awful fever is gone. Last night I really felt like Jackson's illness was Satan's attempt to wedge his way in. Thankfully Tater came to my side and his faith-filled prayer for his brother encouraged my heart and I knew God was going to heal Jackson. And He did. Like I said, he's smiling and I haven't seen that for 2 days.

Ellie's 11th

A few braids to make the "Watoto" birthday slightly more realistic.

Happy Birthday Ellie!

Did you find them dancing in the house of the Lord?

Definitely - when the Watoto DVD's playing!

Bringing Bethlehem to Jones

Last night people from all over Michigan came together to bring Bethlehem to Jones. Some were angels. Some were shepherds. Some brought cookies. Some brought a goat (sacrificing the former-pleasant aroma in their van). The snow fell and the roads became challenging so many stayed tucked away in their home, but a few brave souls ventured out to see and hear the story of our Savior's first coming.

The stable is stable at last!

Though we had gathered for the purpose of creating a nativity scene, the weekend evolved into much more. An amazing blend of family and friends filled our home and the combination was incredible. Family? Friend? After a while the two blended until it became almost impossible to tell the difference.

Today was full of good-byes despite our hopes that the snow would continue to fall and that everyone would be snowed in and have to stay longer. We are so thankful to everyone who embraced being slightly to majorly inconvenienced in order to be here! We miss you already.

A Multitude of Heavenly Hosts!

Liberia Bound

Travel day is approaching! It's looking like they will be leaving Dec. 29th.

And the winner is...

Every dog wins!