Thanksgiving....2011

This year, Thanksgiving we had two extras.....Bethany and our foster daughter, Yi Mei. We didn't scramble or worry about getting a turkey, we had KFC:-)   YEAH!! along with that, garlic bread, broccili, apple crisp, mashed potatoes and the kids made pumpkin spice cookies (thanks to a family who sent Betty Crocker!!). It was a great time of noise (well, that is normal at my house) and just eating away. We didn't have a humungous get together. We are going to try to go to the English fellowship on Sunday and spend some time with friends there.

The kids and Bethany colored turkey to decorate our kitchen door. I understand they reinacted the Thanksgiving story with Anna as the turkey....should have that on record!!LOL!

Since it is not a holiday in Taiwan, I did have to spend some time in the center. I did have to take a momma to court for an adoption hearing. The staff sent me home later saying it is an American holiday GO HOME!! Luke and I went shopping by ourselves!! rarity!

My post on facebook captured alot: this Thanksgiving we are so thankful to be celebrating in spirit with so many people! We are thankful to the Lord for his protection and guidance this past year, but most of all HIS promises of being with us through it all. We have been through alot, we have gotten to know so many families and friends who encourage and support this ministry. Thank the Lord, not just on Thanksgiving for all HE has done and all HE is still planning to do.
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

ｊｕｓｔ ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ ｗｅｅｋ：）

If you saw my facebook post today, you will know it has been a week. In many ways, we are so excited to see what God is doing, yet at times due to tension still there, we feel like we have to look over our shoulder or becareful of what we say and where we go. But, thinking about that feeling, it is not right. We have done nothing wrong and are in God's will. Why be afraid? God has brought so much to us knowing we can handle it, why not just leave it in HIS hands.

A former momma came by this week to see me. She messaged me on facebook to see if I was there. Honestly, that day, I was busy and tired. But I told her I had to leave in 15min, so if she could be here before then, okie dokie. She was there in 5 min flat!! She comes in saying "Shr Mu....I need a hug!!"  Gave her a hug, held her, let her cry and talked to her. Her boyfriend (only one in the past year) had broken up with her. There were many reasons, and we all saw it coming. Nothing really major, just broke up. She is feeling alone, sad, rock bottom. She has a 3yr old, no job and one month left on her place to stay. Talk about lonely. We talked some and then I had to go about my meeting.

Later that day, I was thinking about her. There are mixed opinions about are we holding on, are we helping her? Some say we are not letting her stand up for herself and she is relying on others too much, especially me (gee....I often here that...I help too much!LOL!). I don't know really what to think. I do know that God has her continuing to come to us when she is down and lonely, I do know she has been coming to church regularly, and I do know she is needing help. Physical help as in a job, child care and paying for things, no I cannot do that, but emotional and spiritual help....I will stay by her side as long as it takes!

We welcomed a new baby in the world yesterday. He has a wonderful family  already. Being at births are bitter sweet. So excited for the new babies, the new lives. Hearing a baby cry for the first time is so exciting. But then I look down on the momma who is trying to be tough and not cry, or looks away. We try to comfort them, but no matter what it is still hard for them. They just went through hours of pain and labor, then delivery, but will be leaving with empty arms and an aching heart. Their decisions are ones that are so brave. Not having an abortion for one, then facing family, normally  being kicked out of the house or arrangements made for them to live elsewhere til birth. This momma was lucky, her family came to visit her at the hospital. But that is a rarity.

It is times like this when I am so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who I know wraps ＨＩＳ　ａｒｍｓ　ａｒｏｕｎｄ　ｍｅ　ａｎｄ　ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔｓ　ｍｅ　ｌｉｋｅ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｏｎｅ　ｅｌｓｅ　ｃａｎ。　Ｔｈａｎｋ　ｙｏｕ　Ｌｏｒｄ！！