Paid In Full

With praises to my King, I share with you.....

Our entire expenses for our mission trip to South Africa are now paid in full.

And, I wonder how my Heavenly Father is smiling down on a group of young people here in our little community in south Georgia.



You see, a few months ago, I shared with our youth group at church our desire to change the world for orphans. I shared how God had called us both to South Africa and to adoption. We viewed photos and videos with information about the orphan crisis. When the service was over, there were few dry eyes.

Then, after I got home, my phone rang.

It was our youth director.

He said, "Mrs. Robbie, remember how I asked our youth how many of them wanted to do something for orphans? Every hand went up. Then, I asked how many were willing to sacrifice something. Every hand went up. Let me tell you what the LORD has laid on my heart."

As he began to pour out his heart, I began to cry. And, as he has continued to pray, meet with his leadership team, meet with the pastor, and meet with the deacons, I stand amazed at what God has done.

He has asked our youth group if they are willing to sacrifice youth camp this year so they can use their allotted funds in the church budget to pay the remainder of the funds needed to pay our way to South Africa. He said when he went back to the youth group to share his plan, he was prepared for questions, and even a little pouting, but he received none of that. They were all willing to pay the price that others may hear the Good News!

As it was noised abroad of the working of the early church in Acts, may it be noised abroad that there are teenagers in south Georgia willing to make a radical unselfish sacrifice for the Kingdom of God!




The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad!

Prayers

My heart is burdened for a mother I love dearly. She is so lost in her world of drug use. She doesn't see the love, the life, she is destroying. My heart hurts for her children. My heart hurts for her mother and her grandmother. Please pray for her. Please help me know how to pray. Please ask God to make her so miserable she only knows to turn to Him. Please pray peace for her family.

What Do You Say?

What do you say when.......

You are standing at the back of the church, talking with a visitor who has travelled from VA with your guest speaker. You are discussing your upcoming mission trip, as he is promising to pray.

When, your Ellie comes to you, grinning from ear to ear and says,

"Mama, look at my boobs."

I'm not sure how many tissues she had placed in her shirt.

What do you say?

Ponderings of a Mother's Heart

I've learned that Ellie wouldn't trade me for a cookie.

I've learned that Josie-Tatum thinks that one of the things her mom can do best is love orphans.

Oh, what a blessing to be a mother.

I've begun reading Jesus, the One and Only. Thank you, Beth Moore for helping me dive into the life and Jesus and develop a closer walk with him.

And, last night as I read her thoughts on Mary, and how she pondered all of these things in her heart, I began to ponder.

What a blessing to be a mother! What a blessing to be the mother of SEVEN. I didn't get to spend the day with all of my treasures. I did get to spend the previous day with the best MOM in the world, and the best sister, and all of my daughters!

Our lunch was served by some pretty awesome dudes...young Christian men with a heart of service.

And, I can't wait to tell you about the sacrifice those boys are making. It will make your heart smile, and the joy may leak from your eyes...but I can't tell you until next week!

I was saddened some, not having all of my chicks home for Mother's Day, but I did have all of them home for Easter.




So, last night, I pondered. I wonder what Mary pondered, how she might have wondered just how such a tiny baby could change the world.

As we prepare for our mission, trip I ponder.....how might God be preparing this precious child to change the world:

And, I ponder, how many more lives will this treasure continue to inspire:

How did my baby boy grow up so fast with a desire to protect and to serve?






And, what does God have in store for my first born? She leaves on June 6th to serve for two months in San Francisco with the North American Mission Board. What if I had ignored her request to attend church camp when she was eight years old? What if I had ignored her desire to serve at that same camp year after year when she became old enough to be a counselor? Would she be prepared to serve today?



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Then, what does God have planned for this child of His? When he graduates from college and begins to teach, how much more will he relate to his students in need because he has known need? How has God guided His life so he, in turn, can live for His glory?



And, I know that next year Mother's Day will be the BEST yet! For, Zeke will no longer be a face on the computer to Drew. They will finally be brothers in a family who longs for them to be home.


And, tonight, I will go to bed pondering many things. I wouldn't trade this ride for a cookie.

What I Think

I think I am way behind on my posts and hope to share some photos with you tomorrow! ;)

I also think Uganda bead necklaces would make GREAT graduation gifts for any girls you know who are graduating. And, for a limited time, (if I can sound like a commercial) I will have Katie's Red Dirt Road necklaces, which are also made from recycled paper, but are solid red.

So, if you want to make a purchase, let me know!!!!

Where We Stand

I have so much to share and so little time! I hope I can share much soon.

For today....we have our airline tickets for South Africa. We have stepped out in faith that God will provide the remainder of what we need.

Please join me in prayer tomorrow! I am joining Linny at A Place Called Simplicity.

We need $4,800. We have two fundraisers in the next two weeks, a Boston Butt sale, and a concert.

If the LORD is leading you, click on the Why South Africa tab and click the donate button. Each day in Africa costs us 100 each. I wonder if any of you are able to sponsor one of us for a day? Could you donate $100? Could you donate $10?

If you live locally and would like a Boston Butt, they are $20 each. Email me if you'd like a ticket. The butts will be ready for pick up on Friday, May 13th at 11:00 a.m., or after 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Blackshear.

And, if you live within an hour's drive or so...............

JOIN US:

This Saturday, May 7th at 7 PM
Youmans Chapel Church

"For the Fatherless"

Featuring the band Letters to Rome

Challenging videos to commit to making a difference in the lives of orphans.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Ask you youth director if he is taking your student group. Invite your small group from church. Help spread the word. I can email a flyer if you are interested.

And, pray, pray, pray!!!!!

We have fought Satan every step of the way. One team member's mother's home burned to the ground, one team member's grandmother passed away on Sunday, one team member has endured a personal crisis, we had some scary medical issue with Ellie this weekend. (All is well with Ellie now.)

But, pray, pray, pray!!!

I am more convinced now than ever that the enemy does not want our team in South Africa because God is getting ready to do great and mighty things.

Pray, pray, pray!!!!

Spread the word!!!!!

To God be the glory,

Robbie

Super Saturday

Josie-Tatum competes for the state of GA in Regional Competition tomorrow, very early in the morning.

We are here at the Hotel Libby...aka my cousin Libby's house, near Tampa.

Early in the morning, we'll leave to be at the convention center at 7:30 a.m. Competition begins at 8:00 am.

We'll update tomorrow....

Thank you, Jennifer, for the good luck wishes today!!!!

Easter Blessings

Just time to share one.

Check back again, and I'll share many more!

Why South Africa?

Did you notice the new page button underneath the header. Click the Why South Africa tab to learn more...or perhaps remember with us....how the LORD called us to South Africa.

More Reasons to Smile!

Once again, I found a sweet surprise in my Inbox.

Here is our Drew, with his buddy Cameron. Cameron will come home to America a few months before Drew, to a family in Michigan. Don't they look precious together?

I hope we can arrange for the boys to see each other time and again and remain life-long friends.

And, who would ever think this photo was taken in China? They were at an outdoor mall, could have been anyplace in the USA, don't you think? These children are so blessed where they live now, as the foster home is ever faithful to prepare the children who come to live there for their forever families.

And, would you join us in prayer? We are so anxious to hear that our homestudy is complete. Our wait for Ellie was one of the most painful seasons of our life. I desperately do NOT want to relive any of that pain. Please pray with us, that our homestudy is complete, that our I800 comes quickly, and that our paperwork can move miraculously quickly through China. I am sooooo ready for an Ephesians 3:20 answer to prayers!

Thank you, Jesus, for the smile!

My Girls Make Me Smile

My girls argue like any other sisters whose age difference is two years.

My girls laugh and play together and make me giggle when they do.

My girls whine when it's time to go to bed and whine again when it's time to get up.

My girls leave me notes that say, "I love you."

My girls yell at one another when they are tired and cranky.

My girls sing together with voices that make angels smile.

My girls make messes that make me angry.

But, my girls love each other so much!

There is a race at school tomorrow. Josie-Tatum will be one of the fastest in her grade. Tonight she asked, "Mama, do you think Ellie will come in last tomorrow?"

We discussed the possibility. Ellie will run with her walker. She might not be last. But, she might be. And, this mama's heart aches because she thinks she might win first place.

Josie-Tatum loves her sister, and though they argue, she wants to protect her feelings. She said, "I hope she's not last."

It is this love that causes tes scene that made their mama smile this morning. There are three beds in their room. Whitney has a double bed to sleep in when she is home. Josie-Tatum has the top bunk. Ellie has a trundle.

Most mornings, though, I find a sight that looks like this.

Shhhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell Josie-Tatum that I posted this photo. She asked me what I was going to do with it. I didn't tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Have You Seen This?

Just for a moment, I clicked a link to a blog recommended by another adoptive parent. Oh my! This mama sings my songs!!! Go here. Really! You'll laugh! You'll be blessed!

Our "More Than I Imagine" God

If you've visited here often, you know I love Ephesians 3:20. I stand amazed at the many times God has exceeded my expectations. This is one of those days! After worrying about our Zeke for months, we received photos of him last month. You can see them here if you misssed them. But, I have now made a contact with someone who had been to Chanzghi SWI where he lives. She is now working with the orphanage to help children who need extra medical care. She assures me that he is reported to be doing well. That news from last week made my heart smile! Some ladies from her organization visited the SWI on Wednesday. They visited with him! They took these photos: I received a photo of the SWI: and learned, that the orphans will be moving into a new building at the end of the month: The person I've come to know in China asked me if I had questions she would like to ask, and she has more information for me. PRAISE THE LORD! She had much to do, so the information is coming later this weekend, but she wanted to get the pictures to me. YIPEE, JESUS! So, you know my heart is smiling, but do you want to hear it sing? She also sent me a video!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy! Smile! Sing with Me! And, if any of you know Chinese, please let me know what he's saying...umm...shouting! :)

Memoria Box Monday--The Necklace

Today's Memorial Box Monday is another Ephesians 3:20 moment. I am forever amazed at how God takes the little things and makes them BIG!

How God took a necklace and did oh, so much more.

As we've been fundraising for our adoptions and mission trip, there are moments when I stand amazed at all that God is doing for us.

The story begins with the purchase of 3 necklaces. Only one person, M, bought directly from me. Another purchase was made by by M's brother and given as a gift. M's brother had purchased from a friend of mine who is diligently selling four our cause. The third necklace was bought from me and given as a birthday gift to a sister, Stacia.

This tangled tapestry was brought together at a party. All three of the lovely ladies were wearing their necklaces at the party. How cool is that?! But, then a conversation began, the story of the necklaces, the cause....when Stacia asked...

"Do you think Robbie would like for me to sell some of the necklaces in Athens?"

Would I?

Stacia is now selling necklaces for our family in Athens, GA. And, just like our God, THAT is not the end of the story.

I had never met Stacia. I know her sister and one of her best friends, but I had never met her.

She called to tell me she needed more necklaces. I told her we could carry them to her over the weekend because we were going to Athens, to see our Brandon.

And...to see the Gym Dogs.

And, this precious daughter of the KING, is the one who arranged for our girls to meet the Gym Dogs! My girls were STAR struck! I've seen Josie-Tatum in the shy-zone, but even Ellie entered there.

We didn't just meet them, but we were invited into the locker room. A locker room that looks more like a dressing room for the Oscars. It was the dream of a princess!

We watched as they finished up their hair and make-up, helped each other with last minute details. They were on their way to a tail gate party, but took the time for a few photos, to speak to the girls, and to wish Josie-Tatum good luck when she goes to Regionals at the end of the month. Then, we were give the GRAND tour of the training facility. Now, that might seem a bit boring for two young girls. But, decide for yourself if the girls look bored.

Josie-Tatum stood on the beam and said, "This is my future!" How's that for a dream?

The girls were absolutely sweaty when they finished their "tour."

We had a photo with one of the assistant coaches Julie Clark (who has also purchased two necklaces, BTW) .

And, a photo with Courtney, McCool, former Gym Dog and Olympian!

I am certain the girls would have had a BALL at the competition, but, after meeting the team in person, they had a BLAST!

We owe a special thank you to our new friend, Mrs. Stacia! She made all of this happen.

And, in our Memorial Box, we will place the photo of the girls with Mrs. Stacia along with a necklace from Uganda. I want them to see that He can take the little things and make them BIG!I want my children to remember that God is present in our lives, even in the little things.

John Ortberg wrote "It is possible for God to be present without the person recognizing that he is there. Apparently, God is closer than you think."

We humans seems to separate God from our daily tasks sometimes. But, He is always there. He is always working on our behalf. His desire is for us to live life abundantly. May we all remember today....

God is closer than you think!

Some Days Are Like That--Our Day with the Gym Dogs

Some days, it seems the SUN will shine forever.

Sometime, you feel God's smile all day long.

This was one of those days!

I'll share more details when we get home...share how God arranged this beautiful day. For now, I hope you enjoyed the photos of our day with the Gym Dogs!