Walser Adoption Adventures

Reckless Abandon Day 5

2012-02-22T14:16:00.004-05:00

Wednesday

This was one of my favorite days of the trip. After devotions and breakfast we split up: the guys left for their Train the Trainers, where they would be teaching and training about 40 church planters. The gals headed first to Embracing Hope, a ministry run by Jerry and Christy Shannon. This was one of the coolest and most creative efforts I've seen to serve the poor women and children of Ethiopia. They have opened a free daycare for single moms so they can go to work and know that their children are well cared for. The Shannons said when they approached the government about opening this daycare, they were met with some raised eyebrows. Daycares were something only those in the upper class used. It was a new concept to offer this service for free to the poor. They opened their doors last April as today they have 60 children in their program. They help the moms find work, encourage them in their independence, and even offer micro-loan grants to help with those moms who have an entrepreneurial spirit. And they are finding these moms are discovering community through this program in a way they have not experienced before.

We spent the morning touring their day care, talking with the Shannons, and playing with the kids. It was such a blessing.

The afternoon was spent at Peter and Elizabeth Abera's project, Compassion Families International. We are doing a VBS for the next three afternoons (Wednesday through Friday) there, so I will write more about them tomorrow.

We all went to dinner at Island Breeze for some American fare (some of our team has had their fill of traditional Ethiopian fare this week, although I can't get enough!) Afterwards we went to the new Radisson Hotel for free wifi. It was like a bunch of kids in a candy shop--we were so excited to have some high speed, American internet!

We are so blessed by the ministries we have been serving with--so timely in my life--more on that later. Thank you--as always--for your prayers and love.

(I do not have good internet right now so I can't post pics, but check out our facebook page for the team's photos!)

Reckless Abandon Day 3 & 4

2012-02-22T13:47:00.007-05:00

Monday and Tuesday: Bring Love In

Monday we woke up to another beautiful day in Addis Ababa. We left for Jesse and Levi’s house after devotions and breakfast. We spent the day sorting through piles and piles of donations they have received from visiting teams, prepping everything to be moved to their new office location. On Tuesday, we got to actually go to the new building and help with some cleaning and prep for it to be move in ready. We did some cleaning, some painting and installed some light fixtures. Seemed like a small contribution, but it is so awesome to know we have had the privilege to serve them and be a small part of this exciting start-up time of Bring Love In!

It has been so much fun to hang with the Benkerts-- listen to their stories, catch their vision, and be a part of the preparations for their new home(s) for children. The location they just signed on will be the transition home and office as they take in children. Their set-up will consist of small homes with 8 children and a mom, and they already have funding for 5 homes—it’s just a matter of opening them! It is a great design and way to help orphans in Ethiopia stay in their home country and be part of a forever family. I am super excited about it and can't WAIT to see what God does in the next few months!!!

I'm so glad to know this family. If you want to know more about them, visit their website at bringlove.in and be a part by helping contribute towards the water tanks they need for the homes. And if you know anyone headed to Ethiopia soon and willing to bring donations, I know of a list of items they could use, so consider blessing this family in this way.

Monday night was dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, and Tuesday we were hosted by our driver Ephrim and his amazing wife Yeshi. Another amazing couple whom I feel privileged to call my friends. If you'll be needed a driver in Addis, Ephrim is your man! : )

Thank you again for your prayers!

P.S. You can follow our facebook page here for updates and pictures from the entire team on facebook!

Reckless Abandon Day 1 &2

2012-02-20T07:37:00.010-05:00

Saturday & Sunday

We are here and having a fantastic trip already. The trip here was relatively problem free and all of our luggage made it with no problem. Even all 800 pounds of donations! Thank you Jesus!

Saturday we all woke up a little jet lagged but extremely spoiled in our accommodations at Providence Guest House. We met up with Jesse and Levi from Bring Love In (formerly of Drawn from Water). They took us to visit Anointed Word of God Church, who were caring for the poor in their area, giving Bibles to the kids and flour to the moms. It was a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ in Ethiopia caring for their own, meting both their physical need and their spiritual one. We were able to spend the afternoon hanging out with Jesse and Levi, who are opening a home for women and children (more on that later). Our day was a bit different from what was on our schedule, since their home is not open yet. However it was a blessing to be with this couple who have been faithful servants to the people of Ethiopia. Our evening was low key, giving us a chance to rest a bit. We had our debrief at Kaldi’s coffee shop, and we as a team were able to discuss our first impressions, our expectations for the trip, and our plans for the upcoming week as well as pray together.

Sunday we split up for church. The guys went to the Anointed Word of God church where we had been on Saturday. They experienced a 3 hour worship service in Amharic. The gals went to the International Evangelical Church for an English-speaking service. We met up at lunch and had a chance to spend time with Bisrat, who has organized our upcoming Train the Trainers. From there we headed to Entoto Mountain for a great view of Addis. After some shopping a the post office, we went back to our guest house for a debrief and spent some time sorting all of our donations.

God is faithful and we feel beyond blessed to be here. We are thankful to have had a slower schedule to recover from our jet lag but we are all ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Tomorrow we head back over to Jesse and Levi’s to help them with some organizing for their upcoming move.

More updates to come! A few pictures below (courtesy of Jessica Olivero)! Thank you for your love and prayers!

Africa and Anniversaries!

2012-02-09T11:41:00.004-05:00

I am in full-steam-ahead mode as we prepare to leave tomorrow for Africa for our Reckless Abandon mission trip! Lots of last minute details, packing, organizing, and errands!

But I just wanted to take a moment before we leave to say THANK YOU! so so much for all of your support, for your prayers, for buying MudLove bands...I am so grateful!

The in-laws are here and prepared to take the reigns for the next 10 days. Joe and I are excited to be on this trip together and to see all that the Lord has in store for our team!

I hope to post updates here while we are in Africa, but I'm not sure how cooperative the internet will be, so we'll see. For sure I will report back here when we return.

Our schedule will be:

Thursday-Friday travel
Saturday-Tuesday serve with Bring Love In
Wednesday-Friday training church planters, serving with with Embracing Hope, and VBS with Compassion Families International
Saturday shopping and packing; leave Ethiopia Saturday night
Sunday evening home

We appreciate your prayers for:

opportunities to share the gospel in word and deed
our training of 40+ potential indigenous church planters
that we are a blessing to the ministries we are serving
safety and good health
for our loved ones and kiddos back at home

On Valentines day, Joe and I celebrated 19 years of marriage! So for fun, enjoy this video and hopefully I'll be back on here soon!! Bye for now! : )

2 Days Only!! Mud Love Bands $10 shipped!!!

2012-01-19T13:34:00.003-05:00

I need to finish this out, friends!!
I am soooooo close to being completed funded for my mission trip to Ethiopia!
We leave in exactly FOUR weeks! YAY!!!

To try and complete my fundraising, I am offering a 2 day special on the MudLove bands---
just $10 each shipped!!!

What an awesome Valentine's gift for your sweetie!!! : ) : )

To order yours, use the donate button to the right,
and let me know in your note which band(s) you want.
(Details on MudLove bands here.)
Or comment below and I will get back to you!

I still have a couple more nickel pendants left and some tshirts--
so let me know if you'd like any of those as well!

This deal is only good through Friday, January 20th!
So order yours NOW!
THANK YOU for your support!!

T-shirt & Crosses Clearance!!! $7-10 shipped!!

2012-01-05T12:11:00.008-05:00

I am clearing out my remaining stock of adoption t-shirts and nickel pendants and using the funds toward my mission trip. The shirts say "Love with abandon, love an orphan." These are a SCREAMIN' deal, folks!!

To order: Use the Paypal "donate an amount of your choice here" button to the right, and let me know in the comments which items you are ordering. OR you can email me or comment below and let me know what items you would like to order, and we can handle payment arrangements.

T-SHIRTS

Ladies Cream v-neck

(1) Large
(2) XLarge
$10 SHIPPED!
(these are fitted so order a size up)

Adult brown
~~(1) Large~~ SOLD!
$7 SHIPPED!

Girls fitted brown
~~(1) Small-6~~ SOLD!
(1) Medium-8
(1) Large-10
$7 SHIPPED!

Kid's brown
(3) x-small-4/5
(3) small- 6
(2) medium- 7/8
~~(1) Large-10/12~~ SOLD!
$7 SHIPPED!

NICKEL CROSSES
from Ethiopia
(I have one of each of these)
$10 SHIPPED!!

~~cross #1~~ SOLD!
(approx. 2 in long)

~~cross #2~~ SOLD!
(approx. 1 in long)

~~cross #3~~ SOLD!
(approx. 1 1/2 in long, hinges in the middle)

cross #4

(approx. 2 in long)

cross #5 (approx. 1 in long)

AND for a limited time, if you order any of the above,
you can add a MudLove band of your choice for only
$10!!

Just add $10 to your total and be sure and let me know if you want a:
redeemed necklace (brown or black)
redeemed bracelet (brown)
lovewithabandon bracelet (brown or black)

Obviously my stock is limited so order today and thank you for helping support my trip to Ethiopia in February!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:25:00.002-05:00

We are thankful to have Abby home this Christmas and to have the opportunity to teach her about why and Who we celebrate.

We wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas celebrating Emmanuel--
God with us.
A child,
and yet a King.

Blessings,
the Walser family

Reckless Abandon t-shirts for sale!!!

2011-12-16T08:53:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to show you our new t-shirts we are selling for our mission trip! Check out the awesome design (created by our very own talented friend Nichol Shubin!)

FRONT:

BACK:

You have to admit--they're cool, right?! The shirt is unisex, navy or grey shirt, with grey and yellow printing. They are so soft!

You can order yours today for just
$25 shipped!

AND we have sweatshirts for just
$40 shipped!

Get your order in today! Use this link below or the one on the right sidebar of my blog!

Love-with-a-band-on!!!...Mud Love bands!! LAST day to preorder!

2011-12-09T13:05:00.004-05:00

It's the last day to pick your choice of color and style of MudLove band--yours for a $15 donation toward my mission trip to Ethiopia in February!

A few things to love about MudLove bands:

they not only help me get to Ethiopia, they also provide clean drinking water for an African for a whole year!!
sooooooo many colors to choose from and three different styles
they are handmade, waterproof, and adjustable in size
perfect for guys and gals!!
they would be a great stocking stuffer for [you or] someone you love!

For every $15 you donate towards my trip,
you can pick the MudLove band/necklace of your choice [no shipping fees!]!
Preorders end today, so be sure and let me know which one you want!!

Order using the menus on my right sidebar or go to this post here!

[If for some reason the paypal buttons aren't working, you can use my email address as the Paypal recipient (walserhome@tampabay.rr.com) and let me know in the notes section the MudLove item you want.]

Thank you for helping to support my part of Reckless Abandon 2012!!!

MudLove Bands!! Help support Reckless Abandon 2012!!

2011-11-30T08:28:00.024-05:00

What a crazy couple of months it has been! Weddings, adoption homecomings, celebrating forever family day for Abby, a visit from some of our dearest friends, THANKSGIVING...it's been non-stop! We are blessed and thankful indeed!

And as excited we are to enjoy these next few weeks of the holiday season, we are already looking ahead and preparing for next February 16-26th-- when Joe and I join a team to head to Ethiopia for our mission trip: Reckless Abandon 2012! We will spend a week in Addis training church planters, working on an orphanage building, running a VBS, as well as serving in Korah, the leper colony we served in two years ago. More details are coming soon and can be followed here in the upcoming weeks as well as on our church website.

But now the fun news: To help fundraise for my trip expenses, I have THE COOLEST bands EVER!

MudLove bands

MudLove bands get me excited for several reasons:

well for one they are just cool looking and awesome! : )
they are handcrafted by the founder Luke Wright in IL, who is a IWU grad like my niece Katie!
Luke gives 20% of all sales to clean water in Africa through a faith-based organization, ICDI, a company dedicated to providing, equipping, and empowering people in the Central African Republic with the essential tools and knowledge to survive and thrive in their country! Each band provides clean drinking water for an African for a year!!!
And now he has agreed to partner with me to help fundraise for my trip!

For every $15 donation to my mission trip, I will send you a MudLove band of choice below! We have three options you can choose as a thank you for your donation:

A "redeemed" band, in the color of your choice
A "redeemed" necklace, with either a brown or black cord

OR......[drumroll bc this is my favorite!!!]

3. A custom designed "Love with Abandon" band, in the color of your choice!!!!

Luke is still making these custom bands, so above is a picture of the prototype. Isn't it cool?!?! So here's the deal: my goal is to be able to give:

10 bands each day for the next 10 days!
Pre-orders begin today and end Dec.9th!

You can donate below or on the right side of my blog and select the band of your choice. All bands will ship mid-December. You can also use the general "Donate" button below for a donation amount of your choice.

Pick out yours today! Thank you for your part in helping send me back to Ethiopia for some Kingdom work!

[If for some reason the paypal buttons aren't working, you can use my email address as the Paypal recipient (walserhome@tampabay.rr.com) and let me know in the notes section the MudLove item you want.]

Thank you!!

He's coming home!!!!!!!

2011-11-16T12:54:00.003-05:00

See this little peanut?!?!
It's been four long months since this picture was taken.

See that mamma?!?!
It has been four long months since she held her son.

It has been a long wait. But though there have been tough days and plenty of tears, I have watched this family wait well. Trusting God and His faithfulness, even when His timeline is foggy and when the hole in their hearts and home seemed too great to bear. I have watched them have faith and hope even when circumstances were hopeless, because they knew their God was bigger than any obstacle.

Tomorrow, the Masers leave for Ethiopia, to bring Caleb home forever.

On Thanksgiving night, all 7 Masers will finally be together.

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
(I'm just a little excited about it.)

Go let Melissa tell you about her day yesterday.
And then die of cuteness when you look at the next photo.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5

This Sunday and every Sunday// One less orphan

2011-11-06T08:00:00.008-05:00

Today is orphan Sunday. Our church is making a video and I was asked for Abby's referral pictures. I cried when I uploaded them. What a difference a year makes. One year ago, Abby was an orphan. Today, she has a family.

2010: Abby's referral pictures

Oct. 2011

How incredible is God?! How blessed am I?! I read this yesterday on Lara's blog:

God's heart is for orphans to become sons [and daughters]. And He lets imperfect people like me be a part of that. Mommies who sometimes let their kids watch too many cartoons or forget to pack a spoon in their lunchboxes. There was a time I thought He only wanted the really great moms to do this job. I was so wrong. He equips me (of all people!) to do this. Everyday I wake up, completely incapable of handling the day ahead. And everyday, He gives me just what I need to love these children He has loaned me.

Today I just am amazed. Adoption is not easy or glamorous. It's not always fun, and I am not always patient. There are hard days and many times I feel like the wounds are too deep for my inept love to heal. But God is so present, and His love never fails. And it is all so worth it.

Below is my post from last year's Orphan Sunday. Don't forget to remember them. See where loving orphans can take you...it is soooo worth it.

This Sunday and Every Sunday

Orphan Sunday.

I have to admit, a little part of me doesn’t like that we call it that. Like it’s limited to one day a year. We don’t have “Prayer Sunday” or “Quiet Time Sunday” or “Obey Jesus Sunday”---these are a regular part of how we live out our faith daily, they aren’t just highlighted on one Sunday every November. It would seem weird to say, “Share the Gospel Sunday”.

I guess I understand. It’s there so we don’t forget our responsibility and calling. It’s a chance to speak up all the more loudly for those who cannot speak for themselves. Especially here, in America. Today, we sit in our comfy churches where our kids go to Sunday school and eat their cups of goldfish and accidentally spill their dixie cups of clean water and where we sip on our coffee and nibble on our donuts and complain that the thermostat is set a little too low and the volume of the speakers set a little too high. Even in gospel-centered, truth-teaching, God-worshipping churches, we can be mostly isolated from the situation that over 147 million children face every morning when they wake up: no mom. no dad. Today helps us remember.

Because we do forget. I forget. We forget that there is an orphan crisis. Not just that there are orphans in the world. But an orphan crisis. 147 million is a number I can hardly begin to wrap my head around. I can write it; but I can barely grasp the magnitude of that. many. little. children.

Who will teach these 147 million children to ride a bike? To write their name? Who will tuck them in and tell them stories and comfort them in the middle of the night when they have a nightmare? Who will buy 147 million pairs of light-up tennis shoes and 147 million pairs of jeans and 147 million toothbrushes? Who will fill their Christmas stockings and their Easter baskets? Who will take their pictures over the years and notice every little change as they grow? Who will kiss their bo-bo’s and bandage their skinned knees and make them chicken noodle soup when they have a cold? Who will laugh at their silly jokes and hold them tight when they are sad? Who will throw 147 million birthday parties, with cake and hats and games and party favors?

Who will help them avoid lives of servitude or prostitution? Who will pass on to them the traditions of culture, religion, of history and government, of craft and profession? Who will help them grow up choose the right person to marry, find work, and learn to parent their own children?¹

And who, who will tell 147 million children that they are loved by their Creator and that He has a purpose for their lives?

The Bible says who. US.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans
and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31:8-9

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
Matthew 18:5

Adoption is not the only answer.

Adoption rescues few. Adoption illuminates by example: these few once-loved children…have been offered a second chance…like young ambassadors, they instruct us. From them, we gain impressions about what their age-mates must be like, the ones living and dying by the millions, without parents… For every orphan turning up in a northern-hemisphere household—winning the spelling bee, winning the cross country race, joining the Boy Scouts, learning to rollerblade, playing the trumpet of the violin----ten thousand children remain behind alone.²

There is much for us to do. There is something everyone can do. For the orphans in our country and around the world.

So adoption may not be the only answer. But it is part of it. Maybe you are being called to adopt. Look into it. Ask questions. Don’t dismiss it and let the impulse pass by without weighing the thought: is one of those children your child?

And if not adoption--there are so many ways to serve orphans. A few blog posts I recommend to get started:

Read. Pray. Investigate. Let God lead you. But don’t wait for a flashing neon sign---the call is clear.

Tonight at our church we’ll watch a short video and have some info out about adoption and foster care. Our pastor will mention it briefly during the sermon. We won't have any fancy posters or cool decorations, but I suppose it will pass for a decent attempt at an Orphan Sunday.

And that’s ok with me. Because the spirit of adoption and a love for the least is written on the hearts of our people. And while we still have a long way to go as we figure out individually and corporately how to live that out, this Sunday will not be a reminder. We already know. It’s a responsibility we own and pray to obey daily.

As Christians, we must go to church and worship together. We must read the word and pray and share our faith.

And we must take care of orphans. We must hurt for them and pray for them and serve them and love them. This Sunday and every Sunday hereafter.

In you the orphan finds mercy.
Hosea 14:3

¹This paragraph is quoted from “There is No Me without You” by Melissa Fay Greene, and the paragraph before it is adapted from the same section as the quote on pages 22-23.

²Greene, p. 24

MIA

2011-10-16T21:55:00.005-04:00

No, I did not fall off the face of the earth! : ) I am still here. I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. What can I say, it's been a change of pace and schedule and routine, and some things have had to be put on hold. I've been trying to keep up with blogs and facebook, but the time for that is less and less, and I find myself only half in-the-know, which is almost more frustrating that not knowing anything at all! Hoping I'll find my sweet spot eventually.

Many of you have asked about the kids, and they are doing great. In the last couple of months, God has showed us several different reasons why he has led us in this direction, and we are seeing Him working in us and in our kids. I am grateful for your continued prayers as we continue to navigate this path.

So what have I been up to (since it certainly hasn't been blogging)?! Welllll....here's a few things...

Pick-up line

So I can now see where I will loose years of my life that I'll never get back: school drop off/ pickup line. Sitting. Waiting. All so my kids don't have to ride a bus. Not to mention all the running around, picking up and dropping off for social activities and youth group and school functions. If you're ever looking for me, I'm probably in the car, taking someone somewhere to do something. I am officially a taxi driver.

Boot camp

I started a beach boot camp two weeks ago. It was a groupon deal and it runs out in 2 weeks, but I'm determined to use it while I can to jump start my physical fitness. So I'm up at 5:15am each morning, which is a feat in itself since I am NOT a morning person. This is a picture of me stretching this morning---haha no not really. For one, I'm just slightly less fit, and when I try this pose I usually fall over--not to mention my class is at 6am and it's pitch black outside still. But you get the idea. It's been fun. And hard. And already rewarding. There's something pretty cool about living five minutes from the beach and being able to exercise by the ocean and under the stars. Even if 9 out of ever 10 moves cause me to do a face plant in the sand.

Homeschooling Abby

It has been so fun for it to just be me and Abby during the day. We have begun some preschool/kindergarten work, and she loves having my undivided attention. Since her language skills are slightly underdeveloped for her age (for obvious reasons), I forget she's 5/almost 6--and it always amazes me how well she is able to accomplish other tasks and demonstrate other skills. Just because she's still learning to recognize her letters doesn't stop her from being able to cut things out perfectly, or solve a maze, or put things in a sequence. She's a quick learner, and we're having a blast.

Parenthood

We are now addicted to this show, thanks to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. We are halfway through season 2 on DVD, and season 3 is recording on our DVR for when we are ready. We're getting through it slowly--we don't have time to watch much tv, but when we do, this is what we are usually watching.

"I just think things should work properly."

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Dyson, and nothing gets me more frustrated than when the things I depend on most, DON'T. Like my car. Or my kids' PC. Or my phone service. Or my kitchen cabinet for that matter (which keeps falling off the hinge). My car has been in the shop twice since I last posted. My kids' computer is new-to-us, and has been in the shop three times since we got it in August. God is teaching me all about the fallenness of the world. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. : )

******

Oh and there's soooo much more. I could go on and on. I don't think I'm any different from any other mom, juggling about 30 different things at one time, all day long, and still somehow managing to fall into bed each night with just as much to do the next day.

My friend Barbara says, "Just do the next thing." It's been my mantra. Since Abby's looking at me with her hungry face, I guess lunch is what's next. Happy Monday, ya'll!

One year in heaven

2011-09-01T12:13:00.004-04:00

One year ago today.

These were my thoughts a year ago.

Here's where D&J are now.

Today, I ache for a year of life and memories missing. But at the same time, I see Glory. I trust in a God that brings beauty from ashes. And I choose hope.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time
are not worth comparing with
the glory that is to be revealed to us.

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together
in the pains of childbirth until now.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons,
the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved.

Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Rom 8:18-25

You can be a part of honoring Emma Jo by helping build a well in Uganda. Join the party. Details here.

{D&J: I love you. Wish I could be there. <3}

Pinspiration Link Up!!!

2011-08-29T11:18:00.012-04:00

<br /><a href="http://www.lovewithabandon.com"><img<br>src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad356/rachelwalser/pinspiration.jpg" border="0" /></a>

So today I'm hosting a linky party for our Pinterest inspired projects! Maybe you've tried a recipe there, or bought something you saw there, or did a project or craft you pinned. Maybe you used a decorating or party idea you saw. Anything you pinned will work!

I'll share my project first, then tell you how YOU can participate today!

I've used several recipes on Pinterest already, but since I've done recipes on my blog before, I decided to share about something else.

This past weekend was Melissa's shower for baby Caleb. I had seen a quote on Pinterest several weeks ago, and knew it would be perfect for a homemade gift. I admit, I didn't actually pin it, because I didn't want Mel to see it. But it inspired my gift.

Here's the image I saw on Pinterest:

I changed it up a little bit so the wording reflected adoption. I got this frame:

I liked the design but it was gold [hideous]. So I spray painted it black. Then, I printed my own version of the quote and a picture of Mel and Caleb onto some pretty scrapbooking paper, and voila! My gift:

{Note: I wasn't planning to use this as my Pinspiration post, so I didn't take great pictures of the process. Next time I'm be more deliberate. : )}

It was fun to make and fun to give. : )

OK, so here's how you can link up your Pinspiration post:

Click on "Click here to enter" below
Put your permalink in the linky below (link directly to your post, not just your blog.)
Add the linky box to your post so your readers can see all the projects!
Copy and paste the Pinspiration logo at the top on my post, and add it to your post!

Looking forward to seeing some ideas in action! I'm off to go make some of these! Your turn!!

{Back} To School! (Pinspiration postponed!)

2011-08-26T10:58:00.005-04:00

It has been a crazy week in my household as I'm sure it has been in many of yours. It's back to school time! As I mentioned, for us, is a new adventure as my kids go TO school for the first time. We are all adjusting to new schedules and new routines and new experiences and new JUST-ABOUT-EVERYTHING! We're finding our sea legs in these uncharted waters, and I am glad to report: so far, so good. We are easily identified in the school--since we kinda stand out--one family, four kids, all in one middle school, homeschool background. We are praying for our representation of the King in this new context and for His glory displayed through us.

One thing I am quickly realizing is that my time to sit and be on my computer has virtually evaporated. Abby and I stay pretty busy during the day, and with the driving back and forth to school and various evening activities, there's just not alot of time left. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. But you may see a little less of me on facebook and pinterest and even here. I'll be around, I just may have to catch up in chunks.

In light of the busy week, I am not ready for my pinspiration post. So how about we reschedule, and do it Monday? Are you planning on joining in?? Now you have the weekend to take photos of your project and post to link up here so we can all see what kind of fun things Pinterest in inspiring (be sure and grab the logo on my pinspiration post)!! And our easy weeknight dinner board is up, so message me your email if you'd like to be a contributor and post recipes there for all of us to share and comment on! C'mon, I know some of you have some good ones to share with me!!! (By the way, if you're not on Pinterest and want an invite so you can join immediately and not wait to be accepted, message me your email address.)

Hope you enjoy a great weekend after this busy week! I leave you with some back to school pics of some good lookin' kiddoes! : )

Nathan, 8th grade

Josh, 8th grade

Hannah, 8th grade

Danielle, 6th grade

Abby, Kindergarten {at home}

The Fab Five

Some Pinterest fun!!!!

2011-08-19T10:18:00.008-04:00

OK so who's like me and is pinning things on Pinterest non-stop, but the follow through is a bit lacking?? So I had a fun idea to get me inspired to actually implement and create the things I'm pinning on Pinterest! It's called:

<br /><a href="http://www.lovewithabandon.com"><img<br>src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad356/rachelwalser/pinspiration.jpg" border="0" /></a>

Next Friday, I'll have a linky party where you can link up your posts about something you have done, created, worn, or eaten that has been inspired by Pinterest! It will be so fun to see what others are creating as well as motivating to have a deadline to finish something so you can post it!! Whadaya say?!?! Are you in?! OK, then get busy, and check back to link up your projects next Friday, August 26!

EASY WEEKNIGHT RECIPES

And maybe it's the fact that my kids all head to school next week and I'm already overwhelmed with the anticipation of our new schedule--but I am trying to find healthy, easy recipes for dinner on busy weeknights. Maybe it has only a few ingredients, or takes just a little prep time, or cooks in the crockpot, or maybe all three!! But I need your help planning my next few weeks full of menus!

SO...I've created a board on Pinterest we we can ALL post our favorite easy dinner recipes on one board and share them with each other! Leave me a comment here with your Pinterest name, and I will add you as a contributor to my board on Pinterest, so you can post there! You'll receive an email letting you know you can now post there. Won't it be fun to all share recipes and comment on each others ideas there?!

Hope you'll join in the fun! Have a great weekend!!!

We love Show Hope!!

2011-08-17T10:23:00.008-04:00

We recently submitted a testimony to Show Hope as they were collecting stories from their grant recipients for the last year. This organization has helped so many families, and we will forver be linked with their ministry. I recently finished reading Mary Beth Chapman's book, and it was so fun to hear the Chapmans' adoption stories and read about how Show Hope was founded. I fell in love with her passion for orphans and her {huge} heart to come along side families struggling to pay for their adoptions.

Even though some of what I wrote for the testimony I've already written here, I thought it would be fun to post. It was good for me to reflect back over the whole process again, and remember what God did to bring Abby home.

Our grant was unusual, in that an anonymous donor who had never met us actually funded the grant to our family through Show Hope. I will never be able to personally thank that person outside of updates I still send to Show Hope. But, my dear donor friend, whoever you are--if by chance you read my blog and follow Abby's story still--know that we will be forever grateful for the part you played in helping Abby become a part of our family. Thank you. Thank you.

In August of 2009, we embarked on a journey with little logic and lots of faith. Years before, a seed had been planted in our hearts for adoption, but it loomed large before us, as something overwhelming and costly and unknown. We figured we’d stay open, and if God wanted us to adopt, He would give us the push when the timing was right.

After ten years in full time pastoral ministry, we moved to Florida in 2007 to plant a new church from scratch. Joe began working bi-vocationally and I focused on homeschooling our four children while we sought to honor the Lord in this new endeavor of ministry. In 2009, God brought a family to our church with a passion for Africa and for adoption. It was a clear sign to us. I remember the night Joe looked at me and said, “Well, it’s our turn.”

All of the circumstances around us pointed to us being out of our minds. Here we were, with little to no discretionary income, Joe working two jobs, balancing the pressures of church planting with the needs of our family, in a three bedroom house with six people. But we prayed, and realized: there is never a good time to begin an adoption. But, as my friend says, there is never a bad time to have a baby! You can plan and fret and try to be strategic but ultimately God gives you the grace you need, one. day. at. a. time.

We felt called to international adoption and specifically Ethiopia, as our church began to catch a vision for a long term, strategic ministry in that country. We loved that our ministry would overlap with our child’s birth country. But the cost scared us. It was almost laughable, the amount we needed. Then my friend said to me, “Do you have $100? Because that’s all you need to apply. Take it one step at a time. One fee at a time. God will provide.”

So that’s exactly what we did. We pulled together $100 and mailed in our application. Then we had a big garage sale. I designed a t-shirt and began selling it on my blog. I hosted a vendor/craft fair fundraiser night. I planned a raffle/auction event. I did market research to earn extra money. When we got our referral, friends –some we knew and some we didn’t—participated in a puzzle fundraiser online that covered our referral fee. And then we received a Show Hope grant that finalized our travel and finished our fundraising needs. God always provided just what we needed for the next step. He proved Himself faithful to provide for what He had called us to do. It also convinced me that money should never be what stands between a family and their calling to adopt. God is the Father to the Fatherless and owns it all—all we have is His and all we need is His to provide. We found that to be firm ground to stand on.

Abby was a little 4 year old on the waiting child list for our agency. She had been on the list for almost two months when our paperwork was completed, so we immediately asked for her file. On July 28^th, 2010, we accepted her referral. Because of court closures and various hang-ups, she would not arrive home until January 8, 2011. But she was well worth the wait.

After a year of fundraising, our Show Hope grant took the pressure off by providing exactly what we needed to bring Abby home. We will forever be grateful for the way God used this organization and it’s supporters as a part of our adoption journey.

In the last eight months, our small church has seen three children come home to their forever families, and we will be welcoming the fourth home next month. It has been a movement of God, revealing the heart of the gospel in a tangible way and the ripple effect is ongoing. Our story is so much bigger than just our family—it is woven together with our close friends and colaborers as we have walked this out side by side, as deeply invested in each others’ adoptions as we are in our own.

It has been a wonderful six months since she has been home. I try to expect and be prepared for anything at the same time that I enjoy the relative ease with which Abby has integrated into our family. We continue to speak love and assurance to her little heart, not just of her place in this family, but as a child of the King. We try to be sensitive and open to her as we watch her continue to discover how God is weaving her unique story, consistently providing a secure and loving place to grow and develop. I know there are many who fear adopting an older child, and I would certainly never suggest our experience would be everyone's. But I am blessed to say any problems we have faced so far have paled in comparison to the joy we have experienced with Abby in our lives. Becoming this little girl's family has been one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me, to Joe, to Josh, Nathan, Hannah and Danielle. We all agree: we are richly blessed.

Linking Arms with Friends

2011-08-13T09:32:00.007-04:00

CALEB LEYKUN MASER

One of the greatest blessings (I feel like a broken record, but it's true) in this journey of adoption has been walking it out with dear friends at the same time. In our church, four families have been somewhere in process for the last 2 years. Three of these children are home. We have one left to go. Caleb.

Yesterday, the Masers found out they had received their MOWCYA letter and their court decree--Caleb is officially a Maser!!!!! They will travel in the next 4-6 weeks to bring him home. Adoption timelines are always uncertain, but we were gearing up for a long wait, particularly because of several issues in Ethiopia as well as the courts annual closure that began last week. It looked like it could be late October and even potentially into the new year before Caleb would be home.

But Jon and Melissa's faith never wavered. She was an inspiration to me to trust that our God could do BIG things, bigger than all the obstacles and hurdles in the way. She said on her blog:

We have peace friends. Peace doesn't mean that you still don't hurt and long. We are standing firm in our Faith. COME WHAT MAY. Jesus is all we ever seek and His will is all we ever ask for. The pains we have in our heart were put there by Him. Making our requests known and believing with out a doubt that If He wanted to get our letter by tomorrow He could. Also believing without a doubt that our hearts are being transformed and prepared for whatever His will is. Thank you Jesus! Being "caught in the closures" has no bearing on my King.

I love that! "Being "caught in the closures" has no bearing on my King."---darn right, sister!!! She wants her boy home!!!--and she knew that even though she had everything going against her, she had God-- a Father to the fatherless-- on her side, and so she prayed. She was ready to accept His timing, either way, but in boldness she asked for Him to move. And He did.

It is hard to put our hope out there. We fear disappointment and know it seems crazy. But faith is trusting when what we're asking does not make sense in light of reality-- unless God is who He says He is and heaven is real. We can ask God in boldness to move when we know we are in His will and asking ultimately for His glory. Sometimes He moves, and we give Him glory. Other times, our timing is not His, and so we continue to wait...and give Him glory. The Masers' faith was never in the outcome. It was in the God who was able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all they could even conceive to ask. And I think He delights in exceeding our expectations.

So we're celebrating here, rejoicing with our friends, and now counting the days until Caleb is home where he belongs!!!!!!!

Congrats Maser fam!!!!!!! We love you all!!!

And speaking of friends, I have a couple who are fundraising and could use some help! These are some really fun opportunities going on this weekend to get some cool stuff AND help raise funds for adoption. You really should go check them out!!

LARA'S

I met Lara (online) early on in our adoption process, and I have watched her own adoption journey unfold in an amazing way. (I have also become a faithful reader of her blog--it's a good one to follow!!) There have been ups and downs in their process, but God has led them to adopt a little boy from Uganda! Her friends hijacked her blog and are doing a virtual shower--go check it out and see how you could win this:

SARAH'S

Also my local friend Sarah is running an auction and give*away on her blog! Be sure and check out the neat things she's offering to help raise funds to bring home her baby girl from China! (Also, she is featured on My crazy adoption today, so go read her story here for fun!!

Auction main page
Gift Certificate Give*away

Have a great weekend!!

From homeschool to public school: one mom's journey

2011-08-05T13:12:00.004-04:00

A person who lives in faith must proceed on incomplete evidence,
trusting in advance what will only makes sense in reverse.
Philip Yancey

So it's official. After 10 years of homeschooling, my kids are going to public school. I am a little bit excited and alot terrified.

This is totally new to me. My kids have been home with me from birth, and I starting schooling them when the boys were 4 years old. If I'm honest, my decision to homeschool at first was a financial one. I had fun doing some activities at home when they were little toddlers, but when the boys were 5 and Hannah was 4, I looked into preschool. There was no way we could afford it for all three to attend, so I figured hey, how hard could it be? A couple hours a day a few times a week, no problem. Then it was time for kindergarten. I figured, hey, I did preschool, how much harder could kindergarten be? And so on and so on...

I know that doesn't sound like a very convincing reason to homeschool, but it was mine. I had read about classical education when my kids were babies, and it fascinated me. One of my greatest problems still is being able to tie things I know about history and literature and science together chronologically, and I thought a classical approach would be a neat way to learn multiple subjects. I have never (EVER) wanted to be a school teacher, but I had three kids all in the same grade (Hannah was always right there, ready to do whatever the boys were doing!), so it was like I was tailor made to homeschool my very own little classroom.

And there were other reasons, too, other positives to homeschooling. We had a high priority for a good education and wanted our kids in a more controlled environment for sure, where we could pass on our values and give them undivided attention in a way a classroom setting can't always provide. But we have never been anti-public school--this is just what worked for our family. And I always said to Joe--it's one year at a time.

I loved the flexibility it gave me. At the time, Joe was off on Mondays, and I loved that since we didn't really get a traditional weekend, we always had Mondays to look forward to for family days. We did school 3 days a week, and that left one day for field trips or playdates or co-ops. It was a good system, and worked for several years.

After we moved to Florida, my kids started 5th grade and we switched to a software based curriculum. I was sacrificing a bit of what I liked about classical education, but I loved how it streamlined my paperwork. The kids loved working on the computer. We ended up needing to add Mondays as school days, but homeschooling gave us the flexibility to take a day or two off whenever we wanted.

Last year, the curriculum went online, and it was even better for me, to be able to access my kids' work from anywhere. Computer breakdowns no longer set us back for weeks at a time--we'd just use a different computer or go to the library.

But my kids were growing weary. Each year, when we'd evaluate what we were doing for the next year, the kids were pretty compliant. But this last year has been different. Their independent learning has been good prep for self-discipline in college, but it's not good for kids that want and need some interaction to learn. They were tired of being home. all. day. long. They wanted to be around other kids. Sure, we'd go out, do things with friends, go to the skatepark, go to co-op---but it wasn't enough. They wanted more. And as they approach 8th grade, I'll be honest--the material has gotten harder. Up to this point, if they had a question, I could skim the lesson and find a way to teach whatever they were struggling with. But this last year that became harder and harder to do. It took me longer to figure out what the answers are myself, and while I may have been more apt in certain subjects, I was an expert in none. The ratio of time to teach myself and then turn around and teach them was growing, and my motivation was lacking.

And then there's Abby. Let's just say it's not been the quietest studying environment since she's been home. And I couldn't send her to her room away from me and the kids--that's just antithetical to everything we've tried to do to bond with her. She could only color and play with playdough quietly for so long. I could take her out and run a few errands, providing some quiet for the kids, but somehow it felt wrong to leave my kids at home doing school by themselves.

So the tide shifted. We began to investigate all of our options. And frankly, financially, we only had two: homeschool or public school. I'll just put it out there and say my first choice would be private school--a gradual shift for my kids out of the home and into a classroom in a more controlled setting. I'm not naive enough to think issues won't arise because it's private school, but it would not be the deluge that I fear with public school. However, financially, there is just no way.

So we made a list of pros and cons. And there are both pros and cons! Both for homeschooling and public school. Good things and bad things about both. Without taking you through them individually and through our last few of weeks of wrestling through them, you know by our decision where we landed.

This does not mean we love everything about public school and this decision. In fact, I've told my friends--I reserve the right to change my mind, to feel differently about what is best, especially as the next few months unfold. As I said, I'm terrified. I am not a controlling mother, it's just not my way. But I wrestling with entrusting my kids to people who don't care about them like I do. I wrestle with how kids will treat them, especially being the new kids in middle school (does anyone remember actually LIKING middle school??). I wrestle with what they will be exposed to, what the "norm" presented to them will be, what messages they will be bombarded with that are directly opposed to what we believe and what we have taught them. I wrestle with their vision of what it will be like being shattered--since what they perceive is some blending of Disney Channel and Glee--and what reality will feel like for them as they face the demands of a new schedule, new relationships, new teachers, HOMEWORK, etc---all at once.

At this moment, we feel like we have good, open communication with our kids. We feel like they have every advantage a kid could have entering into the flow of the world. I plan on being at that school every week volunteering and getting involved in the PTA and bringing brownies to the staff and talking to their counselors and teachers--it's not like I will sit idly by and hope for the best. We will pray alot and remind them daily of their identity in Christ and his love for them--just as they are. We are excited--we're church planters, after all--to get to know new kids and new families and have opportunities to share the gospel in word and action. I am excited to have time just with Abby to begin teaching her and planning our days around her activities.

But the verdict is still out. These are uncharted waters for us. It could be horrible. It could be wonderful. It could be some combination of the two. These are our kids!!! Much is at stake.

I guess I'm writing this post mainly because I need to write out my thoughts, for myself. It helps me. : ) But I know this is a touchy subject that many have very strong feelings about on both sides, so I'm taking a bit of a risk sharing my personal process. I just want to say up front: this is my journey, my story, and these are my kids. I am not making a statement about what is best for you or your children.

I'm just a mom, leaning into her Savior, and trusting He has a plan.

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.
C. S. Lewis

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19

Six Months Home

2011-07-29T11:26:00.002-04:00

It is surreal to me that six months have gone by. Abby has done so well, adjusted so well, attached so well...it's like we've always had her here.

I went back and reread my post on Abby's first month home. We had some concerns then about her bonding and attachment. Abby's personality has always been so outgoing, and she displayed indiscriminate affection towards anyone who showed her attention. We didn't know if she would hone in on us as her sole caretakers and providers. We were not sure if she would continue to respond well to our boundaries and correction.

But she has. She has a heart that wants to please, and though she feels the freedom to push boundaries sometimes, she always responds well when we set her back on course. There is no doubt who her parents are and who to go to when she has a need.

This is a little girl that LOVES life. Everything is fun. Everything is exciting. Joe laughs every time we're out and she says she has to go to the bathroom. He knows I dread it. Public restrooms are the worst. They are not exactly the most sterile environments, and yet she wants to explore every aspect of them!!:the seats, the paper dispensers, the flushing mechanisms, the locks on the doors, the faucets and soap, the paper towels or air dryers---it's exhausting to try to keep her on the simple task of actually using the restroom!!!

Abby laughs alot. Her giggle is infectious. She adores her siblings and they adore her. Sure, the honeymoon phase is over, and at times she annoys them like any good little sister should. : ) But there is undeniable love and delight in their relationships, and she has brought a levity and energy to our lives that often leaves us rolling in laughter.

In the last six months, Abby has met almost all of her extended family, which has been a feat as spread out as our families are. We have been blessed that many in Joe's family have come here, and I was able to take her to Texas a couple of weeks ago to meet most of my side of the family.

Abby eats just about anything, and she eats as much as her teenage brothers! Her preferences change often, but she loves peanut butter, pizza, pasta, burgers, and anything with sugar! She never really hoarded food or ate too much to the point of becoming ill, as many kids can do. While she seems to appreciate food and is always up for a meal, she isn't desperate about it and I don't get the impression she was ever without food. She cleans her plate like someone who's been trained not to waste food, and no one in this house can clean a chicken bone like she can! But she seems secure that food will always be provided.

Abby speaks very good English and there really isn't anything that we say that she doesn't understand. There are still a few Amharic words and phrases that she uses, but for the most part she uses English. (With a little Spanish thrown in, since she loves Dora! : )) Her vocabulary grows daily, and I think she is ready to begin learning how to read in the fall.

If you would have asked me last week if Abby is secure in her place in this family and home, I would have said without a doubt. She has absorbed all the changes and adjustments from life in Africa to life here in America with ease, and she shows no outward signs of fear or insecurity.

But yesterday, she crawled in my lap when she woke up, as she does most mornings, and as I smothered her with kisses, she giggled a bit, then turned serious and looked up at me. She said, "Abby stay here long time?" To clarify, I asked her, stay where? She said, "America?" I spent the next half hour assuring her of course, you live here now and we are together forever! We talked about who her sisters were and who her brothers were and how we are a family! She giggled, hugged my neck tightly, and ran off to play.

I guess there are still some things her little heart is proccessing that I may never fully grasp or be able to anticipate. It makes me realize there will be times in the future that moments like this, conversations like this, will seemingly come out of left field--and give me a glimpse of how she is reconciling where she has come from with where she is now.

I still don't know much about what the first 4 years of her life were like. I may never know. I don't know if she'll ever be able to tell me what--if anything--she remembers. She, like most kids, lives in the moment, and her thoughts from the past seem a bit blurred and run together. And while sometimes I'll ask her things about Africa, most of what she shares are things from the orphanage and transition home, which makes me wonder if she has really forgotten what her life was like before last spring.

So we will continue to speak love and assurance to her little heart, not just of her place in this family, but as a child of the King. We will try to be sensitive and open to her as we watch her continue to discover how God is weaving her unique story, consistently providing a secure and loving place to grow and develop.

It has been a wonderful six months. But I am under no illusion that the adjustments are done. I try to expect and be prepared for anything at the same time that I enjoy the relative ease with which Abby has integrated into our family. I know there are many who fear adopting an older child, and I would certainly never suggest our experience would be everyone's. But I am blessed to say any problems we have faced so far have paled in comparision to the joy we have experienced with Abby in our lives. Becoming this little girl's family has been one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me, to Joe, to Josh, Nathan, Hannah and Danielle. We all agree: we are richly blessed.

one month home:

two months home:

three months home:

four months home:

five months home:

six months home:
(at the top of the post)

Referralversary!!

2011-07-28T10:36:00.007-04:00

One year ago today, we said yes.

We were told by the social worker that these referral pictures
didn't capture this little girl's personality at all.

For us, what they did capture was simple.
A child with no family. No home.
A precious soul.

And we fell in love.

So, over dinner, we discussed. Prayed.
[Like we would have said no....]

And we said yes.

What a difference a year makes.

Happy referralversary, precious Abby girl!
You have brought life and light into our home,
and our hearts are overflowing with love for you.
We are the lucky ones.

We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

(To celebrate: Today, we'll skype with two of Abby's friends from the House of Hope! And tomorrow, I'll post about 6 months home.)

TGIF!

2011-07-22T16:02:00.004-04:00

WOW my summer has been a blur, how about yours?! It has been a busy month or so for my family.

But this weekend, guess what's on my schedule? NOTHIN'!! What a glorious thing!

This morning I spent some time catching up on my blog reading. I was way behind, so I had to do some skimming and very little commenting, but at least I kinda know now what's been going on! (Speaking of--if you're a blog follower of mine and I don't have you in my blogroll, would you comment or email me and leave me your blog address, so I can follow yours as well??)

I also spent a little (too much) time on Pinterest. It has definitely begun to outweigh my facebook time. (Are you on Pinterest? Holla so I can follow you there, too!)

When I realized it was past noon, I finally unglued my bottom from the sofa. Can't say I was very productive even then, but at least I was moving! : )

Tonight is family night.

We're gonna make some of these

and these

and these

oh and these.

We might play this.
or this.

Oldies but goodies.
(What games does your family like?)

Then, we're gonna watch this.

Yep. Should be a great night. As for the rest of the weekend, well...not sure what I will do.

I might make this.

Or paint this.

Or read some more of one (or all) of these.

I just. don't. know. One things for sure, I'm not gonna flip out if I don't do any of it.

Sometimes, you just gotta chill!

Whatever I do, I know I'll be thinking of Mel, who's meeting her son for the first time this weekend! As I type, she's probably navigating the chaos that is Addis Ababa airport. Praying for her and Jon as they love on little Caleb and prepare for court on Tuesday!
And of course, Mrs. B, who's lovin' on the ladies and orphans at Rafiki Village in Rwanda. Two friends in Africa. I confess: makes me want to go back. Maybe soon?.....

Have a great weekend!!

Don't waste your retirement

2011-07-15T09:52:00.004-04:00

(me, my mom, & Ms. B)

I am beyond blessed to have my friend Barbara in my life. She has been a friend to me for about 10 years, and we have been through much together. We have shared many laughs and rolled up our sleeves together on many occasions. Despite my shortcomings and idiosyncrasies, through some rough waters and tough times, she has stood by me (and my entire family) as a faithful friend. My husband could not do what he does without her. My kids adore her. And I have learned by watching her what it looks like to "offer your life as a living sacrifice" for the King. No one has consistently modeled the heart of my Savior and "the basin and the towel" quite like she has in my life. And I know I am only one in a line of many who feel the same way about her.

Tomorrow she leaves for Rwanda. This will be her first time to Africa. I asked her to guest blog for me today about her trip. But before you hear her words know this: this is a woman who has decided to be on mission wherever she is, be it Florida or Africa. She is not following a fad or trying to get inspired or motivated to do Kingdom work. This lady serves her King day in and day out, and this trip just broadens her territory and her impact a bit. Here are her words:

As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires,
but rather for the will of God." 1 Peter 4:2

God's own are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them [Ephesians 2:10]. That verse in Ephesians is crazy!! The CREATOR of the universe, the Alpha and the Omega, the KING of Kings has works -- good works -- for me and others of His own to do. How crazy is that?!! It boggles the mind. Some years ago, I read a quote -- "Watch to see where God is working and join Him in His work." Crazy!!

Joining GOD? That is like a 4 year old joining Da Vinci as he painted the Mona Lisa, or a construction worker assisting Dr. DeBakey [the great father of modern cardiovascular surgery] while performing heart surgery. Crazy that God calls us to join Him in kingdom work, and yet He does.

Ten years ago, the King brought a young pastor and his wife [Joe & Rachel Walser] to my then church in New Jersey. From the very first moment to use an old idiom, I knew "I was to hitch my horse to that wagon." God was working in and through them to advance His kingdom, and I wanted to join in. God, by His own plan, had it in mind that this then middle aged couple would co-labor with Joe & Rachel. Crazy!! And now as a senior couple, we got to join in planting a church with them here in Florida. Larry and I get to serve in so many ways here ALONG WITH alot of peculiar people (See 1 Peter 2:9) who we are crazy for, and it is CRAZY, absolutely crazy. I like to say, we get to do what angels long to do.

"All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass, and we fly away."
Psalm 90:9-10

I just turned 60, and God has prepared another work for me in which to join Him [I know, crazy!] - I get to go to Rwanda through the Rafiki Foundation.

It takes my breath away. While writing this, I was reminded of a story... posted here which describes, I think, God's plan for His own.

A Bike Ride with God - Author Unknown
At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like the president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable ... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, and it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal." I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we're off again. He said, "Give the gifts away, they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, to be in control of my life, I thought He would wreck it; But He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He smiles and says ... "Pedal."

I love that story.... I love Jesus! So grateful that He does crazy things!

This Saturday, July 16th (returning August 2nd), I travel to Africa. I covet your prayers as I serve there. Of late, my mind has been on the times of Noah, before the flood when people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until Noah entered the ark, and the people were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. People busy with life, not expecting that Jesus could come back at any time. (Matthew 24:36ff). Please pray that I take every opportunity to witness. That God open for me a door(s) while traveling for the word, "to declare the mystery of Christ,...that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak. That I walk in wisdom ..making the best use of the time. Pray that my speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that I may know how I ought to answer each person."

I believe it is God's plan for me to serve, here in Florida with LifeBridge Church and to go and serve in Rwanda at this time with the Rafiki Foundation, and in every place to take every opportunity to witness [Colossians 4:2-6] .

To God be the Glory!
Barbara

What a way to spend your retirement! Will you join me in praying for her?

Barbara~ I love you and am praying for His glory to shine through you in Africa as brightly as it does here in Florida. Have a wonderful trip and hurry back to all of us who will feel your absence for these two weeks. You will be missed but we can't wait to hear every detail when you return!

We have a winner!!!!!!

2011-07-12T23:18:00.003-04:00

What a FUN FUNdraiser!!! This has been a blast!

My partner in crime said this on her blog:

1 iPad. 6 Days. 491 Entries.

Many donations, Multiple posts on facebook and blogs.

I know I can speak for the Masers when I say that they are so INCREDIBLY thankful.

Several have asked how much was raised and I am blown away and completely blessed to watch everyone participate and be a part of little Calebs story.

A total of $3,494.00 was raised in SIX days!! That's not counting the fact that Lifesong is doubling a portion of those funds. Glory to the King of Kings!!! The Masers now have just under $1700 left to be fully funded!!! What an AMAZING God we serve!

So who won?!?! Check it out: