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!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Home Sweet Home

Just came in the door a few minutes ago....and trust me - home never looked so good!!

And wait till you hear the Memorial Box Monday story this coming week - you will know why I am giggling and laughing....God is so stinkin' amazing!!

I am so thrilled I did the trip!! Thank you for all your prayers! They were so needed. I think about that first night in Gothenburg, Nebraska. I really thought I ought to turn around. I was so overwhelmed and wondered what I had gotten myself into. No doubt the enemy of my soul wanted to defeat me. Your prayers sweet friends made all the difference....thank you Jesus.

We made unforgettable memories and had loads of fun! We laughed and talked lots.

I am already dreaming about what trip I will take the kids on next. Not even kidding. Look out United States of America - this woman is determined to make memories with her precious cherubs.

But alas, for now there is a boatload of laundry waiting....and some pretty rowdy kids who need to get to bed so mama can crash....so for now, I'll dream of the next trip while I sort the piles....

12 Simply Sweet Words:

Holly said...

Welcome home. Love that feeling when you walk in the door and while you had fun, you are just thankful to once again be home. Ah.
Thank you Lord for the gift of home that so many don't have. Help us Father not to get so comfortable in our homes here that we forget that our true homes are in Heaven!!

Waitingfaithfully said...

Home Sweet Home! Thank you Father for safe travels and precious memories made.

Wait, did you hear that? I think it was San Antonio, calling out --"Visit me!! Visit me!! Visit meeeeeee!!"

Love you friend!

Happy you are safe and sound in Durango!

Tina

Jill Funkhouser said...

Glad you got home safely! Hope you had a swet sleep!

stephanie said...

Welcome home!!! can't wait to hear the MBM story!!!

Renee said...

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! What fun to venture across America with you and yours....
Yet it is always good to come home again....Enjoy!

scrappy quilter said...

Welcome home. So happy you had a wonderful trip, made lots of beautiful memories and found the best donut place in the States. Hugs and love

Nadia said...

how about Canada?!! :) lots of adoptive families to visit up north here!!

Nadia...in Alberta. sister to Jordyn(7.5 from Haiti)

connie said...

Welcome home, sweet friend!!!!!!

Sally-Girl! said...

Glad you made it home and even more glad for the memories! My vote is you head out to California!!!!

Sally-Girl! said...

Or maybe us to crazy woman should meet in the middle!!! Now that would be fun!!!

scrappy quilter said...

Now I have to agree with Nadia. I'm not that far from Alberta!!
Hugs

~Truly Tina~ said...

Glad you all made it home safe and sound. It's always fun to travel to see family members and new sights, but it's twice as nice to return to home sweet home.