Daniel and Papa

We told Daniel we were going to adopt him on our mission trip in June. Although he was a bit quiet when we told him the news, it was obvious by his reactions he understood and was very pleased. He latched onto the girls immediately and would not leave their side. After spending the night with us at the guest house, he seemed to get it ~ he was finally getting a turn to leave the O and go to the guest house like so many of the other children. It was then when Daniel began to call us "mom" and "papa." After we returned to the O the next morning, Daniel ran up to Junior and told him, "I have a family!" My heart just melted when Junior told us what Daniel had said to him!!!!

I just love this photo! It was taken on the way to our DHS appointment last month. Daniel was so proud that he had a family that day. I asked him to stand by his papa so I could take a picture. He ran right up to Mike and wrapped his little arms around him. I think the look on Daniel's face and the sparkle in his eyes shows it all! I will always remember the moment, the day and the way Daniel expressed his excitement!

Summer Camp '08

The kids are back from a week at Stronghold Camp. Stronghold, a Presbyterian U.S.A. organization, is a youth christian camp not too far from our home. This was summer number 5 for Tim. Megan has been going to Stronghold for the past four years, and this was Kate's first year to be able to attend. They all really love going to camp and look forward to the week each summer. It's a great way for them to learn about nature, God and getting to know and working together with others. We feel very blessed with the opportunity to be able to send the kids there each year!

This year, Tim was old enough to stay for the entire week. He had a blast and did very well being away from home for 6 straight days. We were very proud of him! Meg and Kate attended Day Camp and both spent the night on Thursday as a "try-out-camp" option. They all loved sleeping in the cabins, having camp fire at night and waking up in the woods in the morning.

More so than anything, the kids LOVE their camp counselors! Most of them come from other countries studying abroad or spending the summer in the States. This year, Tim enjoyed spending the week with his counselor from England and the girls both loved theirs from South Africa. It's a great experience to be able to get to know so many people from other places, play, worship together and share their love for the Lord.

Feels Like Summer....

...FINALLY!!!!

It's been sunny and in the eighty's this week. We spent a day at Magic Waters, a water park nearby, and lots of time in our backyard pool. Once the river goes down and we can launch the boat, summer will truly start at our house!

Have You Ever....

...had a day when you feel like you are just going in circles trying to get things done?

And, in the end, it seems as if you accomplished so very little?

Na ou pita Junior!

We had an awesome time while Junior was here with us. Being the worldly traveler now, he is up in Michigan visiting many of his TA's friends. He is having a great time and enjoying his visit in the States.

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Everything went well for Junior while under Mike's care. Mike was very pleased with the test results and the diagnosis is a good one. We pray the Lord takes away Junior's pains and keeps our friend healthy!

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We miss him already ~ especially the kids! It was fun for them to have a big brother around the house for a while. :) They are hoping Junior will return so they can take him to Six Flags and Chicago one last time. We will have to see if the Michigan clan will let him go, however...

*On the way to Michigan...

..and wearing a Chicago Bears' hat no doubt!

Missing Our Boys!

Someone Got a Haircut!

Thanks for the photo, Kaitlyn!

Fitting In

I'd say by the looks of this video, Kate fit in just fine with the kids at the orphanage. She just LOVES Mia and had so much fun with her.

Thanks for a great week, Mia! Kate misses you!

naje amizman!

Swimming Fun!
We are having a great time here with Junior. It is so fun watching his reactions to so many new things here is the States. It's been cool to show him around a bit and take him to some of our favorite places. The kids just love swimming with Junior, too! They have been trying to teach him the strokes so he can stake afloat in the deep end. They hope by tomorrow he will brave the slide and diving board.

All went well with Junior's scope. Mike says things look "good" and we pray the meds will help the pain. Please pray for this for our special Haitian friend!

Wow!

It was another wonderful week in Haiti for all of us. Tim, Meg and Kate all had a wonderful time. Mike and I are so proud of the way they embraced Haiti. Mike did some amazing procedures in the clinic. God certainly blessed his hands last week with the abilities to help so many Haitian people. Daniel and Jonathan are doing wonderfully and we were able to complete our DHS appointment for their adoption. So much was accomplished at Angel House, as well. It was a week full of miracles and we can thank our Lord for it all!