Please Pray With Us

I am leaving for Haiti this Thursday morning to lead a team of adoptive parents and their families down to Angel House Orphanage for a fun visit with their children. I am really excited to be going with an extraordinary group of people who share my love for the country and people.

Originally, we were hoping to have a medical visa appointment for Jonathan while I was there; however, it is Haiti and one never knows what is going to happen. With the flooding, destruction and devastation from the hurricanes, we are not sure all is ready to go with the paperwork down there?

We know God can move mountains and allow miracles to happen. And, we know we could pray for this to happen so Jonathan can come home for medical care. However, we are standing firm on waiting for God's will to be done with our son. If the Lord sees it needed that Jonathan come home now, He will provide Three Angels with the paperwork and passport needed for the appointment this coming week. If the Lord sees it necessary for Jonathan to come to the United States for medical care, He will pave the path and a visa will be issued.

Whatever the outcome, we know it is what is best for Jonathan right now. God will protect and provide for our little boy as He has in the past. We have faith He will take care of Jonathan as He continues to do. Would you please pray with us this week and ask God to allow His will to be done for Jonathan?

Thank you,
Colleen and Mike

souri souple!

I have a new camera.

Last year at this time, my pocket-size digital camera broke. I decided not to replace it, but instead purchased a really cool, but larger, camera. I do LOVE the other camera I now have, but really missed the portability of the other. So, when I received a 25% off certificate and a $40 off coupon for Best Buy recently, I decided to buy a replacement.

I know you are probably wondering why in the world would I feel the need to announce this... Well, I am just so excited! I am going to take this camera with me to Haiti. And, because it is so small and easy to use, I will have it with me all the time. And, because I will have it with me all the time, I am going to be taking TONS of pictures. And, because I am going to be taking tons of pictures, you can be certain I will capture all the kids at the O on film! And, because I will capture all the kids, I will have SOOOOO many pics to send all the adoptive families.

So, to make a long story short.... Be on the lookout for lots of pictures of your kiddos, TA's families. I have the battery all charged up and a HUGE memory card loaded. I promise to get lots of shots of your sweeties!

Some Call It Nesting...

...I call it "Enough Is Enough!"

I have been reading a book called Living Simply by Joanne Heim. The title speaks for itself. I am trying more and more to simplify my life in all ways. From my busy schedule to our over-crowded home, I am trying to de-clutter my life.

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Each time I visit Haiti, I realize more and more that we just do not need all this "stuff" in our lives to be content. I see all the Haitians living with such little yet being able to lead fulfilling lives. Of course, they have little choice; however, I have noticed that they can get by with what they have and live full lives. To me, this means my family most certainly could get by with A LOT LESS and be happy.

When Mike and I first married and started a family, we had nothing. We didn't own a big television, a computer or closets full of nice clothes. We had what we needed to get by and lived happily with one another. Ultimately, that is all we needed: one another! We were content and satisfied with our lives and possessions and felt very blessed with all we did have. What happened...?

So this afternoon, the girls and I were in their rooms "nesting..." I had a garbage bag, a box labeled "to keep" and a box labeled "donate." It has taken lots of time to sort through everything, but the girls are understanding what they need and what they want. I am happy to say the "donate" box is overflowing and the garbage bag is full!

I had to step out and take a break for a bit. I thought posting might help me chill out and regroup. I cannot believe how my "stuff" our children have. It is way too much stuff!!!

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Although we have a long way to go before we can live what I think is simple life, we are off to a start. I just wish it wasn't so stressful getting there....

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, JONATHAN!!!

Wow! You are getting so big, Buddy! Have a wonderful birthday! Mama will be there in 10 days to celebrate with you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with our beautiful three year old. We praise You, Lord, for wrapping your loving arms around Jonathan helping him to grow healthy and stronger each day. Please continue to watch over our son, protecting him and providing for him whatever he needs to thrive. If it is your will, Lord, we pray you continue to bless Jonathan with good health as we learn more about his disease and what lies ahead for him. We are so blessed with the nannies, care takers and loving people you have sent to Three Angels to take care of our little boy. For this, we thank You! We pray that Jonathan has a happy day today and enjoys his time playing with his friends and being with his nannies. In Your son's name, Amen.

One Year Ago...

One year ago, we committed to adopting Jonathan. One year ago, our lives were forever changed. Thank you, Lord, for bringing this precious boy into our family! Thank you, Lord, for blessing each of us in ways we could never have imagined!!!

Finally! Some GOOD News!

Although we are still waiting on birth certificates and medical visas, I have some wonderful news for our TA's family and many of my blog friends.

Kaitlyn and Michael are engaged! YEAH!

They are planning a November wedding and could not be happier! We are so excited for them and want to wish them all the best in their new life together.

Congratulations, Kaitlyn and Michael!

(They have actually been engaged since the day Kaitlyn arrived home from 4 months serving at Three Angels in Haiti. I couldn't wait to tell everyone, but had to wait until Karen announced it officially on her blog. Thanks, Karen, cuz it was killin' me not to be able to tell everyone! It's difficult to keep happy secrets!)

Closer Look!

This is a photo taken after the THREE hurricanes fiercely flew over the island of Haiti over the last few weeks.

Take a closer look...

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Please pray for the people of Haiti.

Pwovèb 3:5-6

Mete tout konfyans ou nan Seyè a. Pa gade sou sa ou konnen.

Toujou chonje Seyè a nan tou sa w'ap fè. Li menm, l'a moutre ou chemen pou ou pran.

I Am Blessed!