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!!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Update on Evan...

Grateful for each of you who have been praying diligently.

Isn't it beyond exciting to be part of an event that is 
going to literally change history??

It's HUGE!!  HUGE!!  HUGE!!

And how humbling and mind-boggling to think that we GET TO!!

I was thinking about how in the years ahead Kirill's mommy and daddy and Evan's mommy and daddy and Baby J's mommy and daddy will get to tell each of their treasures about the people around the world who prayed and fasted and prayed and prayed....and the God of the Universe moved every single obstacle, mountain, bureaucracy, judge and government to get them home....

What a story it will be - FOREVER!!

And an update:

Tesney, Kirill's mommy posted this early this morning regarding Evan's case:

 "Evan's case was continued until tomorrow. 
There was an issue with a document that they are trying to get resolved. 
This is a good sign in my opinion.
 At least the judge is allowing them to correct the issue. 
So let's all pray!!! 
It gives us another day to talk to the God 
of the universe on behalf of the Evan's and her family!"

So the word would be...


KEEP PRAYING!!!

19 Simply Sweet Words:

Feona said...

I'm on pins and needles! Thanks for the update. I will keep praying and praying and praying!

Christy said...

Continuing to pray! Thank you so much for keeping us updated!!!

Tracy said...

This story has emotionally drawn me in so close that all of my other thoughts and prayers have taken a backseat.
I am so excited to see the outcome and I know that I will praise Him even now before the rejoicing really begins! : )

Chad Candace said...

Thank you for the update! We will continue to pray:)

Tammy :) said...

God is so good! He had this planned so we could pray MORE! Still praying my dear for all the sweet ones! Love ya!

Marci said...

I have had lots of these moments the last months... "Keep praying" has been changed in my mind and heart from a burden and obligation to a delight and the same level of expectation an over due mother has... Wonder, excitement, joy and preparedness for the labor ahead. I pray that we all and these families savor the time to pray more, to have our faith strengthened to resolute and to take great joy in being a vessel of God through prayer.

Amy said...

Will keep up those prayers!

Melodie Monberg said...

I keep checking to see the words, "he is theirs!". We went through a similar issue when we adopted our daughter. It was and still is amazing to see God work as we pray!

Melodie

Rachel said...

Praying, Praying!

kidsaregreat said...

Praying!!! Thank you to everyone who has kept us updated through their blogs. I just read that the actress Patricia Heaton has heard the story and contacted Reeces rainbow. What God is doing through these precious children is amazing...and he allows us to be a part. We truly move the hands of God in prayer.

Full Spectrum Mom said...

Won't stop!

Audrey @ The Brown Brigade said...

Thanks so much for the update. We will keep praying!

Rachel said...

Absolutely still praying!

elizabeth said...

lots of blogs are following this unfolding story, and I knew you would be the first to update! Thank you for that ! Come on Lord, Amaze us again. WOO WOO JESUS!

Debbie Lister said...

Praise God for the opportunity to continue praying for Evan, Kiril, and Baby J.

Catalina said...

Ive been wearing the refresh button on my browser out today, hoping to hear updates, and fearing them at the same time.
Keeping praying, keeping beleiving.

Anna Marie said...

Thanks for the update Linny. My agenda was detoured by God this morning for some work in my village so I just got to drop by for an update. I am beginning to lose track of the time-zone differences but I think I am 7hours ahead of you so I will enter into the day soon and be praying for all concerned...On Sunday I asked God to lead me back into a lifestyle that included fasting after a year of Him not prompting me to do it much- and then you posted and requested us to join you!!!!! One of my God given hearts desires is to have an impact for the Kingdom in Russia. I have really seen His hand in this on so many different levels!

Carol said...

I have been lifting these precious, precious little ones and their families to the Father all day. Also praying for the judge, that the Lord will use these families to bring her face to face with her Heavenly Father. Can't wait to see what God Almighty will do.

Lorri said...

In Evan's case, the judge has ruled YES! http://faithnotfearhooks.blogspot.com/2011/04/yes.html
Continuing in prayer for Kiril's family.