Our Boatload of Dreams.....

Welcome to Our Place Called Simplicity.

We invite you into our lives with one goal in mind: that you would be encouraged to live simply and truly love one another.

Married for 33 years, we are the parents of many. Eleven {so far} children. Eight of whom are adopted. We also have four sons and a daughter that we are parents of in Uganda as well. They were raised on the streets and had no parents until we "adopted" them 3+ years ago. So we really have sixteen children total {with more on the way}.

After 7+ weeks in Uganda, Emma {18} and I recently returned to the United States with our newest addition - a baby girl named Ruby Grace. Dw and Emma were leading a missions team in June 2011 where they had the privilege of meeting Ruby - a tiny 11 month old gem weighing only 6 lbs.

Our oldest daughter Abigail and her husband finally{!} allowed us the privilege of being Mimi and Jaja by bringing us our very first grand baby {from Uganda}...making us now, officially, a multi-generational adoptive family. Proof that adoption is a very, very good thing!

We've had the privilege of adopting our treasures from all over the world, some dubbed "special needs" we are convinced that the only TRUE special need a child has is to have a family.

Our peers are empty nesters, but we are certain that given this option to any orphan - "old mom and dad" or "no mom and dad", all would still vote for the old ones. So here we are - the old ones....doing it again....

If you are need of encouragement or wonder if God is able to move your mountain, please head over to the sidebar where Special Posts are listed. Start at Our Wild Adventure Part 1. You will be reminded of Almighty God's deep love for the orphan and how He will move mountains on their behalf....we call Him the Miracle-Working, Mountain-Moving, Awe-Inspiring, Gasp-Giving God!! Yippee Jesus!!

I am humbled beyond words and ever so grateful that the Lord is fulfilling a promise He gave me way back in 1982..."making the barren woman to be at home - the joyful mother of children" (Psalms 113:9). How I praise His name!!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

They're Off!!

Bright and early Dw, Emma and Graham went to the church to meet some of the team to head to the airport for their trip to Africa. I went to send my family off with bunches of hugs and kisses and to snap a picture of some of the team. They are meeting up with more of the team as they fly to different airports....until eventually all 19 are in Kampala together - your prayers are greatly appreciated. I will try to post the blogs of some of those who have blogs in the days ahead. The start of the team at the church just before they left.....Boy am I ever going to miss these big kids of mine....and of course, that big hunka hunka too..They will be planting trees around the African Hearts boys home in Ssenge Village.....(2,000 trees I think!)
And of course to love on the babies/toddlers at Sanyu Babies home - the place where we found our Elizabeth and Elijah.My two (most recent) precious babies.......
They are carrying a special package I put together for my African "son" pictured below....for you who didn't know he came to me after I had spoke at a Sunday service at the Ssenge Village church and whispered, "I want to go home with you." It broke my heart. I sent a special package to him: the picture below, a special note and a gift for him. Please pray his heart is encouraged. He looks just so sad.



They will be spending lots of time with Dw's and my "son" Tony, who is one of the directors of African Hearts in Kampala. Tony grew up on the streets as an AIDS orphan. He came to know Jesus Christ as his personal savior and is such a tender treasure - passionate for street kids and wanting them all to know Jesus Christ. How I miss him!!

And for the record, I went to WalM*rt last night and purchased 10 smoke alarms. Each room of the team members will have a smoke alarm - I would not go to bed last night until I knew that they were tucked in the suitcases. Below is a picture of the wiring in Kampala....and I took the picture before our fire....


22 Simply Sweet Words:

Sarah Dawn said...

Rejoicing with you as you send your arrows to impact the nations! What an honor to train them, sharpen them, and send them. Our children truly are a gift we give to a generation we will never see.

And the smoke alarms, love it! Makes me think I should get some to share before we head back to the mission field.

Besitos (little kisses in Spanish),
Sarah Dawn

Lynsay said...

praying like crazy cakes! Am I closer to them now or while they are home??? Hmmm...I might have to investigate...sure would be awesome if they would take a little detour...Miss you!

Robin said...

LOVE that pic of the wiring in Uganda!! I've totally been lurking on here for ages. I work in Uganda but I'm in Texas for furlough right now. One of my great friends (and soon to be neighbor) is meeting your team at the airport. Wish I was there too....maybe next trip!!!

Chris and Sarah said...

I didn't know Graham was going too. I can't wait to follow the blogs and I wish I was along on the trip.

They are all in my prayers.

Mountain Family said...

Yea! We will be praying for them.

-Kat and Family

Just Me said...

My heart is on that plane with them! Oh how I wish it would have been my time to go but I trust that it will come :) Thank you for keeping us posted on their mission!

Blessings, Lisa C.

JR said...

Hi Linn, I will definitely be praying daily for the Kampala team. I can't wait to hear all the praise reports of how God uses this precious team to minister in Africa.

I'll be praying for you and your sweet children at home also! Love you guys!

sierrasmom said...

Linny, I can't wait to follow their journey!!! I will pray for a safe journey for them!!!!
Kathie

CARE families said...

We're praying...again...is that all I ever tell you? Well- we thank God for the honor of lifting up you, your babies, and the team before His throne!
mark,lisa,tavin,taleah

scrappy quilter said...

Oh how I wish I was on the plane with them. I know they are going to be blessed beyond measure. Will be praying for their safety. Hugs and love..

Joyful Mom said...

Ten smoke alarms???? Oh my friend--I couldn't help but have a little chuckle :)
I am soooo excited for the team going to Uganda. Oh my I would love to go--maybe someday. I cannot wait see what God does in and through them. So exciting. Praying that many hearts are moved and a few even fall in love with one or two or ten babies to bring home--Go JESUS!!!

Love and biggest hugs.

Jenn said...

Hi Linn!

Lexie's mom, Jenn, here. Karl enjoyed meeting the group in Dallas and felt such peace sending our girl off with them. I'm so excited for her and scared at the same time! Lifting them all up in prayer!

Blessings,
Jenn (Mom to a treasure headed to Africa!)

Karin said...

There is nothing more exciting than mission and adoption trips! :) I am looking forward to hearing all about it--and praying for your precious crew!! :)

Holly said...

We will be praying for the trip!!! Oh how my heart longs to go. I pray I will be able to someday! Love and prayers for you and your kiddos left at home, too. :)

Teach said...

Thank you! I will rest easier knowing they have smoke detectors.... especially after seeing the picture of the wiring.

Praying, praying, praying
Cheremi (James' wife)

Amy said...

Oh Linn, that's a YIPPEE JESUS!

Your precious family is where they were purposed to be!

Praying with you for their safe travel and that they may shine the light within them in ways that soften hearts and move mountains!

With Much Love,
Ame

Shauna said...

Ya!! Justin just called and was seated next to some Christians on the first flight and they had a great conversation and prayer time - God is SO in this!!!!!

Teresa said...

I am so excited and we will be praying for the team. I prayed just this morning with our dear friend who is part of this amazing mission trip. Praying for a safe and wonderful journey for all and for those at home keeping this running smoothly.
The Chrisman Family, CA

Transformed from glory to glory said...

Praying in Uganda! I was supposed to meet Shonni and her daughter at the airport (with my seven little ones in tow) but just got an email to pray for them....If the Lord makes the way let us know if we can help with an airport pick up. We also have a guesthouse if they need a place to lay their weary heads. And, if there are any other needs, let your husband know we can help. We are with Calvary Chapel!

lyly said...

i have been thinking about this trip since you've mention it on the blog, and I am very excited for those leaving. and for you as well, since you get to spend a lot of time alone with the little kids. i am sure that can be overwhelming. :)
keep us posted on how things go both in Uganda and with you&the babies:)

Ioana

Jean said...

I'm looking forward to following the blogs! praying in MN for safe travels and an enjoyable time at home with your precious babies!

Is it possible to adopt a child between the ages of 4-10 from Uganda? I think I remember you saying that only the children 3 and under could be adopted.

Blessings to you sweet friend-
Thanks for fasting!!
Jean

Keisha Suzanne said...

Praying for your team and the lives they will touch as they embark on a new adventure with the Lord.

I too work with street kids and I share your heart and passion for the lives of the lost and those who seem to have little to no hope... but we must remember WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
Keisha