Prayers for Chapman family

Many of you know by now about the tragic accident in Steven Curtis Chapman's family. It has been a week today yet our prayers are still fresh for this family. Steven and his wife, Mary Beth, adopted 3 daughters from China over the past few years and they have become huge supporters and advocates for adoption. Their youngest daughter, Maria, died last Wednesday at her home after being hit by a car. The family is mourning the loss of this vibrant child who spent only a few years with them. Please remember them in your prayers. The song downloaded before has so much more meaning now than when he first wrote it. May our Heavenly Father hold this family close during this time.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13)

In this you greatly REJOICE, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

Family

Nadya giving us her biggest smile!! A pensive Emma.

I decided to post some family photos for you all to see how we are looking these days!! Grampa and baby Hayley!
Hayely and Melissa hunting Easter eggs on our front lawn.
My sweet smiley faced Hayley!
Hallie and Sam keeping warm in the sun!
Melissa and Aimee Easter 2008

A MOTHER'S DAY PRAYER FOR ALL THE MOMS I LOVE

Wishing you all a special blessing on Mother's Day. I think this day often comes with high expectations and disappointments. So, it is my prayer for you all to try and put this day into perspective.

Lord, please watch over these dear family members who are also mothers. Being a mother is a special calling and often goes without any praise or acknowledgement. Let them feel encouraged in their calling and let them remember that being a mother is something that will last a life time. May you all feel God's love as you journey thru life and mother your children. I love you all!!

Africa 2008 continued

Larry serving the meal he helped cook for the children.
This is the meal from Kids Against Hunger.
This little girl is enjoying her new meal!! Yummy!!!
The team, John Warden, Gary Angstat, pastor and Larry.
The Kids Against Hunger food package!!!

I decided to continue this post on Larry's trip to Africa this past January. Although we love see the photos of the faces and places he visited, the purpose of the trip was to determine how to feed these little children a healthier meal so that they would have better chance in life. They currently eat a meal that consists of a corn mush and one cup of water that may or may not be clean!! There are no bodies of water nearby and water is carried in jugs, often for a couple of miles from it's source. The team went to see if they could provide a prepackaged meal that was high in nutrition thru Kids Against Hunger. This organization is located in Mo. and provides food both locally and abroad. The mixture was prepared over an open fire and served to the children while they were there and much enjoyed!! It consists of rice, soy protein, dried vegies and some dried seasonings along with vitamins. Yummy!!! We would also like to have wells put in at each of these carepoints. Many churchs have committed to supplying these needs. PTL..Larry and I have decided that we are ready to begin a new journey that would help provide food, water and other necessities to children around the world. The ministry called The Coalition of Care will focus on adoption, foster care, humanitarian aid and orphan care. We are still in the beginning steps so please pray for us as we trust God to lead us down this path.

You can check out our new web site at www.achildshopeintl.org

Swaziland, Africa 2008

Larry holding the hand of an African child, so different yet the same.
This is how these kids eat at this "carepoint". Most of the children have no family and live alone. They walk daily to these carepoints to have a meal of corn mush and a cup of water, that is it.
One of God's treasures!
Tribal chief and my chief!!
These kids have a special headcovering called "underwear". These kids received some new undies and did not know what to do with it until my dear husband showed them!! Yes, it makes a great hat!!