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!!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Almost Forgot.....

A few days before Christmas Dw was contacted asking if we would be interested in being interviewed for an article in our town's newspaper about parents with kids depl*yed during Christmas.

We loved the idea!!  

Dw and I met up with the reporter in Starbucks one afternoon and spent about an hour with her. 
 I cried most of the time and after told her how therapeutic it was!!  

The crazy thing was that in the midst of the interview my cell rang!  It was our treasured son calling all the way from wherever he is....my hands always shake as I slide to unlock the keypad...undoubtedly nervous that I am going to slide it the wrong way {I know, what a goof!}.  

The reporter seemed almost as tickled as we were that Ty should be calling at that very moment -
 right when we were talking about him!  



10 Simply Sweet Words:

stephanie said...

Linny that was a beautiful article! What were the chances of Tyler calling right at that moment.

I can't imagine what you face every day. Thinking and praying and wondering.

stephanie said...

Linny check your email. I've got something amazing to tell you.

CARE Families said...

Hey there Friend,

I pray you're feeling better. I've also been struggling with the aftermath crash of holidays.

Hey, last Sunday's Denver Post ran an essay I wrote about our first trip to Kenya (in the travel section). It's called "Living a Prayer in Kenya."

Nice of these newspapers to pick up some good news!

Hugs,
Lisa

Tiffany said...

We got so excited when we saw the newspaper! What a gift to hear from Ty while you were doing the interview.

Janet said...

What a beautiful bittersweet post! Praying that the war will end soon! I so appreciate all the service men and women who put themselves on the line so I can be free! Janet

Mary McG in TN said...

Very nice article. It is so hard to put into words the feelings of your child or loved one is serving in a distant country. My daughter is a missionary in South Korea and has not been to the states for 9 years for Christmas. Her 'duty' is serving the Lord and Christmas is a high priority. She has not been in harms way - having previously serving in Taiwan. South Korea is an 'iffy' situation. My heart goes out to ALL that are away from their home country this season. God Belss the military and those serving the Lord during this season. My word verivican is 'cryin", how apropriate.

Charissa said...

What a great article! It was so touching and so personal. I am sorry that you and Dw have this burden to bear. Praying for you both and Tyler and Sarah!

Stuff could always be worse said...

What an honor, the newspaper! Son calling also
kim

Our 7 Blessings from God said...

What a beautiful article! Please tell Tyler that we appreciate his service.... and his family's sacrifice.
Blessings to you all,
Karen

Blessed Mom of Four, Now Five said...

Oh, Linny, how awesome that you had the privilege of reminding others that our heroes are spending time away from their families, and families need support, too!

We had our precious Navy son home for 10 days through Christmas, but I know it will not always be that way. My heart hurts thinking of a Christmas without hime.

I'm good at accidentally hanging up on people when I go to answer the phone. I can understand the trembling fingers. ;)

Love and prayers,
Now 7 children and counting!

Well, Stan says we're not counting any higher.

Robbie