Please Pray

My dear dad has been hospitalized due to apparent complications from the appendicitis he suffered a few months back. At the time, the doctor decided to forgo surgery because his appendix had already burst by the time he got into the hospital, and follow up tests showed that everything had "cleaned itself up." Apparently, that was not really the case, as he started having pain in the same area last week and now has peritonitis. They'll decide what the next step is in the coming hours.

Enjoying Spring

Spring has sprung, and we went out on a hike to enjoy it. Another one of those great "firsts" for Abby. Even the drive there was filled with wonder for her, as she excitedly pointed out everything she saw "Cows, momma"; "Look, look, a horsey"; "Mommy, what is that over there, long, long away, it's blue????"
I love that all the things that have become mundane for the rest of us (even Cy) are so fascinating to her. And I pray that I can learn to see the world newly again through her eyes, and regain the wonder at my Father's creation.

Sisters

And one of Abby's musings today, which totally cracked us up:

"Daddy, I want to tell you something"

"What is it Abby?"

"You are very, very, silly."

No Monster

I don't know if I've written about this before, but if I haven't I'm sure you've noticed it in some of the pictures. Abby has large deep red birthmarks that cover a good portion of her right hand as well as both feet. They actually start in patches a bit around her legs, and then cover most of her feet. They are not a sign of any underlying issue, and they cause no harm; they're just birthmarks. Her doctor had told us that it is something that could be removed by laser, and that a good time is usually when it starts to bother the child, probably around the pre-teen years.

Since I met Abby back in January, she had not discussed the birthmarks with me. She loves to wear dresses and never seemed to have any kind of concern about showing off her legs or her feet. I thought she was very oblivious to the birthmarks and not at all bothered by them. That is, until this week.

As her language skills progress, Abby can share more and more about her life in the orphanage. She is also able to ask more and more questions, which she does incessantly. She is especially curious about things having to do with God, as her brain is trying to wrap around this new concept of a God who loves her and knows her personally.


At some point in a conversation this week, it hit her that God created man.

She said "Mommy, God made man?"

I said, "He sure did, Abby."

So her next question hit me like a rock: "Why did He make my hand red?"

And I had to be completely honest with her "I don't know sweetheart. I really don't know. But I know that when I see you, I see a beautiful girl. I see your red hand, and I still see a beautiful girl. And God sees your hand, and He sees a beautiful girl."

Then, more heartbreak. She went on to tell me how the kids at the orphanage laughed at her and called her "monster". And all I could think is how I wish I'd been there to comfort her then.

I also went on to explain that the birthmarks can be removed. She was so happy she ran into my arms for a full hug.


I wish we had answers for all the hard questions. We don't. Hopefully, as she grows, in both years and faith, she can see things the way I now do. Hopefully, she can come to understand that this side of life is the battlefield. Things aren't perfect, they're not always pretty, and they most certainly aren't the way we would choose. There are wars, and poverty, hunger, and crime, and a great deal of unfairness. Sadly, Abby has experienced more of those negatives at her tender age than I care to think about.

But for those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is victory at the end of the battle. And we are blessed to know that ahead of time. We know what lies on the other side. And what a sweet day that will be, when we come to see our Father face to face.

And beyond that, we are not left to face the battle alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us to get us through this end of things.

P.S. I guess we'll be looking into that laser procedure a lot sooner than expected.

Friends and Celebration

Well, here's the promised picture of the kids with their good buddies from out of town. It is always such a joy to be able to get together with them!! What a blessing to have like minded Christian friends (who happen to love Killer Bunnies). The best news is we might get to see them again in a couple of weeks : ) I'll miss these opportunities when we're off to Japan.


Today we had our end of unit celebration, closing out the past 9 weeks of school. We usually make a meal that has something to do with what we were studying, and the kids each do some kind of oral presentation on what they've learned. Some of us don costumes befitting of the time era. The highlight of the evening is getting to sit down and show Dad some of the work they've completed. Check out how much Abby enjoyed getting to participate for the first time:

Showing Daddy what she's done the last few weeks:

Small Victories

Getting little Abby to eat good well rounded meals the last few weeks has been an uphill battle. I've tried every creative thing I could think of, but was getting pretty worn out. However, she is now weighing 3.5 lbs more than she was at her check up in China!!!! YAYYYY she IS growing! I'm sure getting over her car sickness (or nerves, or whatever it was) and the weekly six pack of PediaSure is helping quite a bit.

It feels great to see progress in that area. What a great start to the week!!! And, she's only been sitting at the table for 37 minutes now and she's almost done with her one scrambled egg - and I suspect the strip of bacon won't take too long to get through. Even for her, it's hard to eat bacon slowly : )

In other news, we had a wonderful visit yesterday with old friends who had been very rude last year and moved AWAY from us. I didn't think I'd ever forgive them, but I can't resist it every time they call me up and say they're coming for a visit. Abby had a great time joining the rest of the kids in their usual movie making antics. She sure got a kick out of being cast for a part in the movie, and then watching herself on the computer screen. I think I'll have to get her involved in some kind of drama classes. Her smile WOULD light up a stage : )

I have a great picture of all the kids together last night, but that will have to wait until later.

Lucy

This sweet little girl needs our prayers!! She is a 3 year old in China who not only needs a family, she needs a heart transplant!! Basically, she really needs a miracle - in finding a family that can help her meet her medical needs, and who can handle the many risks ahead for her. If you are a someone who is paper ready for China and you are able / willing to consider adding Lucy to your family, or if you would like to hear more about her story, please visit ASIA HOPE.

There is going to be a Day of Prayer for Lucy all day tomorrow (March 18). If you can commit an hour of your time to praying for this precious girl, go to 1001 tears and leave a comment with the time that you will spend in prayer.

I can't wait to see what God will do in Lucy's life.

Hard at Work

Here's Abby hard at work. Can you tell she's not crazy about it?? But, I've been very impressed. She's been working on an ABC book, and when I put these sheets in front of her the last couple of days, she's been able to tell me the right word for most of the pictures on her own. Either her vocabulary is increasing, or her reading skills are!!! She also does a great job at everything I put in front of her. And she DOES love school when it's time for Starfall (computer program that teaches reading) or puzzles. Or cuddling next to mommy on the couch for some reading. Too bad we can't just do those things all day!!!!