A Place Called Simplicity: From Iowa City

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!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

From Iowa City

Greetings from Iowa City!! We spent 3 hours at the doctors this morning. Dr. Morquende is such a kind man - absolutely wonderful! After examining Isaiah he felt that a different surgery altogether was the best for Isaiah. So tomorrow Isaiah is going to have surgery at 4:30pm. Please pray for grace and peace for Isaiah as he waits all day long and is unable to eat. ugh

Lots and lots more to tell you!! Something even that is the most exciting news in forever!! But I only had 2 hours of sleep last night and I am running on empty. I will write more in the morning. Please pray for Isaiah's surgery - tomorrow at 4:30 cst.

PS We are staying in the Ronald McDonald house. Very thankful for that!!

27 Simply Sweet Words:

Karen said...: Great to hear that Dr M has a plan. I'll be praying for Isaiah's wait for his surgery and the surgery itself. Sleep well.; June 29, 2009 7:43 PM
Brian and Megan said...: We have been so encouraged and challenged by reading your blog. I am thankful Dr. Hatch was running behind and we got to meet you and Isaiah last week. Brian and I will be praying for the surgery tomorrow!
Love,
Brian and Megan Lockwood, Joseph's mom and dad (Casper, WY); June 29, 2009 8:29 PM
AlyAbox said...: Hi Linny~

We will be praying for your dear Isaiah tomorrow, as well as before bed tonight. Praying for perfect peace for you all.
Can hardly wait to hear your exciting news!
Be blessed!
Love,
Alycia; June 29, 2009 8:33 PM
Susan said...: Oh yes, Ronald McDonald houses are wonderful. I'm glad you made it safely to Iowa City. I'll be praying for all of you.; June 29, 2009 8:40 PM
KK said...: Oh poor little guy having to not eat all day!! Y'all will certainly be in my prayers tomorrow!!; June 29, 2009 8:43 PM
Lori said...: I can't wait to hear all the details! I'm so happy that surgery will help Isaiah. Poor guy is going to be miserable not eating though...ugh.

What you and I talked about isn't going to work...God's hand just isn't in it. Another family came forward though so, it's all good.

SLEEP WELL!!!

Love you guys!; June 29, 2009 8:45 PM
Stephanie said...: Y'all have my prayers. And I just set an alarm on my phone to remind me pray even more specifically while he is in surgery. Is there an estimate as to how long this surgery is expected to take? Hope that y'all all have restful sleep tonight!

-Stephanie; June 29, 2009 8:45 PM
Holly said...: Praying for Isaiah...Can't wait to hear the awesome news!; June 29, 2009 8:47 PM
Mallory said...: Definitely praying for all of you! I've stayed in RMH before, so I know what a great blessing it is. Can't wait to hear the super exciting news! You and your family, of all people, deserve something good right now!; June 29, 2009 8:50 PM
Linda said...: So glad to see that you arrived safely and that the surgeon has a plan. You guys are amazing. I can't believe you had a wedding on Friday night and are in Iowa on Monday night for a surgery. I think you need to change the name of your blog to "A Place Called Adrenolin" - lol! I will pray for your little Isaiah. Blessings, friend!

~Linda from Northern Colorado; June 29, 2009 9:05 PM
JR said...: Good to hear that the appt went so well. Yeah God!! Still praying for all of you.
Love you guys!; June 29, 2009 9:08 PM
Andolicious said...: Praying that everything goes great with Isiah's surgery! I know he can be strong not getting to eat all day. Just keep him distracted! Can't wait to hear the good news! BTW, Congrats to Tyler getting married!!!; June 29, 2009 9:29 PM
Jean said...: I am so glad you are safely there and have seen the doctor. God Bless your sweet boy! I will be praying for him (and for all of you). I hope you sleep well.

My daughter Katie may try to contact you tomorrow- I know you are very busy so if it works wonderful and if not it is okay. She is in Iowa City.

Bless you all!; June 29, 2009 9:35 PM
Jean said...: BTW- I am excited to hear what else you have to say!!
Please tell us as soon as you can!; June 29, 2009 9:36 PM
Susan said...: I want your energy.
Prayers for our sweet boy!!!
Can't wait to see his next color combo casts!
:); June 29, 2009 10:09 PM
as written by Barbara said...: Isaiah,
We are excited you have a new doctor who would take such a long time with you and your family. He must be a very nice man to think of all the best things like he does.
We will keep you in our prayers tonight and tomorrow. Love your glowing smile... waiting to hear the minute you are awake after surgery. God Loves You!!!
Blessings and bigggg hugs,
Barbara Lyman:-)
Marysville, WA

Linny, DW, & Liberty,
prayers for His quiet, peaceful assurance,
Barbara; June 29, 2009 10:10 PM
Waitingfaithfully said...: Linny,

The kids and I prayed for Isaiah at bedtime (Mon), we will be praying through the day today.

Oh Father keep this smiling boy hidden safely under Your protective wing. Give skill to the surgeon, and bring healing for sweet Isaiah. Be with Isaiah during the wait Lord, especially as he fasts. Be with his mama and daddy and Liberty as they wait with him, and then for him, as he undergoes his surgery. Thank you Father for safe travels, and for the Ronald McDonald house to stay in. Please watch over the rest of the crew in Colorado and keep them safe and healthy. Thank you Father for your miracle named Isaiah and for his precious family. In Jesus name, Amen

Love you guys,

Tina

Can't wait to hear your "most exciting news in forever"! xo; June 29, 2009 10:12 PM
Chris and Sarah said...: Glad you are there safely and I will be praying for all of you. Can't wait to hear the exciting thing that happened.; June 30, 2009 3:00 AM
allisyn said...: i am praying for your little guy right now :); June 30, 2009 3:46 AM
Amie@WildOlive said...: praying for little man and for mama too. and so glad Dw is feeling better. PTL!
love to you!!
~hugs
Amie; June 30, 2009 5:40 AM
Faye Verquer said...: You love to leave us hanging dont you?!!!

We have been praying for little Isaiah and will continue to do so all day today. We know it will all go well and he will be back up and running in no time.

Hugs to all of you.; June 30, 2009 5:40 AM
Jaime said...: prayers are happening for the sweet little smiling boy of yours! i've never had to use the Ronald McDonald House but have always loved them since volunteering with my sorority and since many friends and family have used them. such a great organization.; June 30, 2009 5:52 AM
scrappy quilter said...: I'll be praying. Hugs and love; June 30, 2009 6:49 AM
Joyful mom said...: Hi Linny,
Thanks so much for the update. KNOW that I will be praying for your sweet boy today. Trusting that the Almighty will work through the hands of the surgeon!!! Can't wait for a praise report ringing out through your blog soon.
Try to get some rest. So thankful that Dw is with you :); June 30, 2009 7:14 AM
Karin said...: Praying for Isaiah's surgery. What a sweet boy he is!! I am blessed by every picture I see of him. Give him a kiss for me!; June 30, 2009 7:36 AM
Julie Hoagland said...: Praying for Isaiah today!; June 30, 2009 7:55 AM
Cindy said...: Linny - praying for your sweetie. We will stop what we are doing when it's time and pray for the surgeon(s) as well. Don't you hate it when it's your child? So much easier to deal with stuff that happens to yourself than your child.

In His peace - Cindy
MoM(Mom of Many)
www.faithfulpromises.blogspot.com; June 30, 2009 9:14 AM