As I've wrestled these past few days with the joys and challenges of having Katya in our home, I've known one thing - we're doing the right thing for this period of time. It's easier to stay locked up in my corner of the world with my sweet family, our two dogs, and our safe life, but God has placed in our hearts a desire to have His heart for the world. And so we went to Columbia, South America several years ago and spent time in the barrios. We went to Ukraine and visited widows and … [Read more...] about Increase your capacity
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3I am claiming this for Katya. There is so much joy and laughter in her days here, and yet there are glimpses of deep pain. I wouldn't expect anything less. She was abandoned as a 2.2 pound preemie in the hospital, but rescued by her grandmother. This woman loved her and protected her and saw for her a hope and a future, and so when Katya was six years old, she put her into an orphanage. How can that be love? Katya's grandmother, her babushka, is … [Read more...] about He heals the brokenhearted
One! Two! THREE!
Swinging on the rope swing beside our house is one of Katya's FAVORITE things. She'll check in with me, head out the front door, and head straight for the swing. The first few times she just watched the other kids, but then she muscled up her couraged and went for it! One! Two! THREE! Oh JOY! Katya is a joy and we are learning so much about each other. She loves to paint sunshine, spell her name, count in English, read Dr. Seuss, put stickers on the dogs' ears, get dressed in the … [Read more...] about One! Two! THREE!
Sally the Camel has one hump
Meet "Sally the Camel." "???????" in Cyrillic and then here's your phonetic pronunciation - "LI bloot." It has been critically important for me to know how to say "Camel" in Russian since Katya has been here, because Sally the Camel has been suffering all sorts of indignities. For reasons totally beyond my understanding, of all the Playmobil animals that are in our household, Sally is the favorite. Sally dances. Sally walks on two legs. Sally flies. And Sally suffers the ultimate … [Read more...] about Sally the Camel has one hump
Rosetta Stone Russian is EASY …
with Katya in the house! :) … [Read more...] about Rosetta Stone Russian is EASY …
Precious one
Lord, this is your precious one. Tonight she called out Your Name, "Ee-sus!" as we read about the soldier's boy who was sick, so sick. You healed this boy, Jesus, and you can heal Katya. Patterns of this world are etched into her heart from the pain of abandonment. When she hurts, she shuts down or strikes out and today, this came against me. But it's okay, Jesus. In the midst of her tantrum, I see myself. I've been right where she is. I've questioned You. I've wanted to do what I want … [Read more...] about Precious one