Orphans...

I have been back from Africa for 3 weeks now. It was absolutely amazing. I just can't put it into words. The best place to go is Parental Care's website to read a daily blog about our trip.

Since I have been back, and during the trip itself, God has definitely been stirring my heart toward the needy and oppressed, and I feel like he is doing the same with so many friends. One of my best friends who I've grown up with since first grade and is now in my life group is actually starting the process of adoption from Ethiopia. Her blog is on my sidebar as "Scarlett and Chris". I'm excited to go through this process with them.

This follows another life group family, the McNeely's, who recently adopted from China. Their precious 2-year-old son, Xander, was left at a hotel by his birth mother, and he had cleft palate. He has already had two surgeries to correct it, and he looks amazing. Their blog is also on the sidebar, "Allison and Kevin".

We recently celebrated his 2nd birthday at the park. Here are a few photos from that super fun day celebrating sweet Xander:

Jack and Tanner climbing -

Tanner and Jake sliding...I love Jake's arms here -

This is so my Luke. He has to survey the scene for a few minutes before he joins in.

The Martin's (adopting from Ethiopia) -

Luke and one of his good friends, Lynzee -

I love sweet Hudson!

Tanner and Hudson's awesome momma - Jana -

And, the birthday boy, Xan-Man with his daddy, Kevin! How cute is he?!

When people ask me what I took away from the trip, I mostly say that it resonated with me how many distractions are in my life that are keeping me from seeing the big picture, thus keeping me from producing fruit. I am praying that God reveals to me when I am planting myself in the "thorny soil", so that I can pray to rid myself from those distractions that choke me.

All that to say, something is stirring in Greg and my heart...not sure what, but God keeps putting the same theme in our life...the poor, oppressed, needy. When he repeats something over and over to me, I better listen up to what He is trying to show me, especially when it comes to those who are closest to his heart...the widows, orphans and the oppressed!

Here are a few books that we have either already read, are currently reading, or are on our reading list that speak about this:

Jesus Wants to Save Christians - Rob Bell
Radical - David Platt
There is no me Without You - Melissa Fay Greene
Adopted for Life - Russell D. Moore

Let me know if you know of any others! I am so excited to see where God is taking our family! Stay tuned...this is just the beginning.