A Trip to the Big Apple

God certainly is hilariously funny & definitely has His own ways of operating. In my last post I wrote about us selling our home - what a MIRACLE!!! We are so relieved & thankful! Do read that, if you missed it. At the same time, He was moving mountains to sell our home, Isabelle's Global Orphan Project was hitting Local & National Media. We actually closed on our house between interviews - one for ABC & one for CBS. We closed on our house on Friday the 10th & headed to NY City on Sunday the 12th - CRAZY!!! After arriving, we found out that breaking news was bumping us to Tuesday morning live - what fun a WHOLE day in NYC. . . .

We spent lots of time in Central Park - these are some of my favorite photos!

Isabelle had one request when she found out we were going to NY - We went to see the Statue from afar - too many people to get a boat ride over to see her up close. Isabelle stilled loved it. Then we went to Ground Zero & went into the Cathedral that was a place of healing after 9/11. It was moving - there are so many memorials & stories from that tragic day. One of the amazing things for our history bugg - was this church pew - it is the one President George Washington sat on in this very church before the capital moved out of NY. Cool!!

Riding the Subway was a HIT with Isabelle. . . she thought it was great. She also enjoyed the LARGE NYC Pizza


Times Square was BUSY, LOUD, & FULL of people. Very fun for Isabelle to see. Her highlights were shopping at the M&M's Store & the Hershies store - CHOCOLATE fix, YUMMY!!

Mike Farag, Beth Fox, Isabelle, Kevin, & Mike Fox (The Fox's founded the Global Orphan Project & Farag is the Marketing guy.) We were SO thankful to get to travel with them! Here we were in front of Radio City Music Hall. The other picture is from the M&M Store - a whole wall of M&M's - it was really a crazy sight to see!

What trip to NY wouldn't be complete for a little girl without a trip to the American Girl Doll Store. We have 2 dolls, so a little accessory was all we purchased - fun none the less to see 3 floors of DOLLS & their necessities (well, dad doesn't think they were necessities!)


Isabelle with Harry Smith - he was so kind & very gracious to us all. . . we so enjoyed meeting him. He sat with us for about 5 minutes after the interview & chatted. He seemed very genuine & interested in Isabelle & the orphans. Harry wanted one of Isabelle's cards & asked her to sign it for him. . .

Here we are in the conference room waiting for hair & makeup!

Isabelle went outside for the last segment on the Early Show - they were making cookies. Harry had promised her one after our interview was over. So she went & got to be on TV again with Harry, the weather guy, & the news guy. It was too cute!!!

This is Liz - she works for CBS & did our story. She was so sweet & very excited about Isabelle & the Global Orphan Project. We can't wait to see what else God has in store! He has moved in mighty ways over the last 7 days. There are many orphans who will be able to have homes because of God sharing Isabelle's story in only ways that He could do!

Person of the Week

Well what a week we've had. I have been sitting her speechless, not sure what to type, where to begin or how. Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would wake up today & realize that Isabelle has been seen all over the world. We found out a friend of Kevin's growing up in Africa saw the story yesterday on ABC! Isn't that amazing.

God's ways are truly amazing. We could not have tried to make any of this happen - it is so clearly His way & His will. He is doing something to alert everyone to the forgotten plight of orphans. We knew Isabelle might do a few things in the future weeks with the Global Orphan Project. We had no idea God would trump any plans we were beginning to make & move things so quickly & SO big. Kevin & I are still astonished at the attention her story is getting, she doesn't seemed phased at all. When we told her someone wanted to come talk to her & it would be a bigger news station that more people would get to watch she said, "that's great, maybe more people will hear my story & more people will help." She has NO idea how big any of this is. . . and we are thankful for that! We are thankful that God has spoken to her heart & that she is obedient to His call.

One year ago in our Bible study, one of the questions was "Has God called you to do anything?" - she answered "yes, he has called me to help orphans." She has known this & it is just in her. One week ago our devotional was about Esther - a similar question was asked in that - again she replied, "He has called me to speak up for Orphans." Thursday (2 days ago) our Devotional was entitled "God calls Isaiah". Again, a similar question about calling was asked & she said, "I already know what he's called me to do & I'm doing it!" This morning our devotion was entitled "God calls Jeremiah". Are you seeing the theme yet? God is truly moving & speaking. This isn't about her - it's about HIM!!!

We all have a call, we all have a special part to play in His great story. Our time on this earth is very temporary & He has a job for us to do. He has people for us to bless. He has love for us to share. We are His voice, His Hands, His feet. What is God asking you to do? I've been asked that questions before & have pridefully answered "it doesn't feel like much". Throughout the last 6 months & especially this last week, I've been convicted of my answer. Nothing is small in God's kingdom. He notices every touch, every smile, every word, every action. It is prideful for me to think I don't matter - because when I think that I'm just focused on ME. I'm not thinking what does GOD wants me to do or allowing myself to be open to what He might have because I'm focused on ME.

As you share in our excitement for Isabelle being chosen as person of the week - will you also honestly ask each day what call God has for you? It may look different each day, but each day is unique in it's own way. There will NEVER be another Saturday July 11, 2009 & He does have something for you in this day - a way to grow you, challenge you, encourage you, bless you, increase your faith, etc. . . . How will you respond?

Please pray for us as we will be travelling to NY for the CBS Early Show on Monday morning. We are thrilled & honored that they will be welcoming us to share her story. We cannot wait to see the amazing responses God will bring for the orphans. Keep praying that we will all wake out of our slumber & move as the people of God!

Contract on our home!

Well, I can hardly type fast enough because my mind is just swirling with excitement & joy today and I have to share all the details. I MUST share because I want you to know how amazing God is. He is amazing just because of WHO He is - but we have added reasons to praise Him today!

Yesterday we received a call at 11am that someone had made a cash offer on the house we've been trying to sell since January. It was a low offer so Kevin countered the offer around 11:30- our realtor wasn't too optimistic. At 1:00pm, the realtor called my cell & with much excitement said, "WE SOLD YOUR HOUSE!" He couldn't believe it! He said he'd never seen anything like it. The guy wants to close by the end of the week - so they are expediting paper work, etc. Today is the inspection & assuming all is okay (which it will be because this is completely God!) then we should be finished very soon! We found out later in the day, that this buyer called our realtor's office & made his secretary get him out of a meeting to show him the house - I'm sure that was a little annoying! So he showed the house & then the man pretty much made an offer on the spot. That's when he called us. . . CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????

So now we wait for all the details to come together to finalize the sale & then we begin to move forward on our end. We have NO idea what that looks like at this point - so don't ask! :) (I have to say that because it feels like it did after we had our first child & people immediately ask when you are having your second! This is a tremendous weight off in this journey we've been on & we want to enjoy it before we jump into more chaos!) We feel very overwhelmed with all of these developments as it is without adding on the future too fast. We feel a tremendous peace about moving forward slowly & waiting on God for the right thing - He did it with our house & He can clearly show as we move forward.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us . . . we feel so blessed by your care & genuine concern for us through your emails & calls. This is truly a story that only God could have scripted & we wait with you to see the next chapter.

The devotion I read this morning was entitled "PRAISE TRANSFORMS"! I was reminded of my Monday(7/6/09) - I felt the Lord leading me to spend a chunk of time with Him in prayer. During that time, my heart was heavy & burdened about our home, but I kept feeling Him say - "Just praise me!" So I did, despite my feelings (which can never be trusted) I praised Him . . . over & over & over. The devotional this morning said the following:

Rejoice in the Lord always, for as you rejoice and give thanks, you release heaven's treasures and shower upon your head the blessings of a delighted Father. Nothing so thoroughly delights the Father's heart as the praises of His children.

For Praise exercises the heart toward gratitude, and gratitude nurtures contentment, and you may know for a certainty that no fruit appears on the tree of discontentment.

So praise, My children, and never cease in your praising, for in the midst of it I will manifest Myself, and you will understand that when I demand of you your praises it is for your highest good.

Out of praises come courage, faith, strength, optimism, clarity, and peace. Out of praises come health and happiness and the soul satisfaction men seek in the world and do not find.

Praise will transform the humblest dwelling to a hallowed haven. It will light the countenance and make the plainest face beautiful. It is impossible for the man who has learned unceasing praise to be a failure. God's blessing attend his path, and God's Spirit rules his heart. He is eternally at peace with both God and Man.

How will you praise Him today?????

Happy 7 & 3/4 Birthday???

What is the only thing that our Isabelle wanted for her 8th birthday???? (which isn't until October 4th!!!)

A BOW - so she could hunt with her daddy! She is making some big promises for the fall hunting season - a 12pt Buck!!! (Dad's was a 10pt from last fall) She has been asking for this since before her last birthday - she just wasn't quite old enough. In order for her to hunt this fall, she needed to have her gift this summer so she can practice & be prepared for the season to begin in September.

Kevin & I told her he was taking her on a "special surprise date". She wanted to know so badly what she was doing, so we told her she was milking goats or cows, & maybe going to ride a buffalo. She was very confused & didn't find it all that amusing - WE DID!!!

They arrived at the shop, which is in the back of someone's home - so she was still clueless. She thought it was a stop along the way to their eventual "date spot". Well after arriving in the store, she still didn't get that it was for her - we do look at a lot of hunting things in our home, TV, & in stores - so it wasn't too big of a shocker to be at a bow store. When Kevin finally told her they were there for her - she lit up like a Christmas tree. She later told Kevin that it was the best surprise she's ever had. The grin on her face is priceless.

She has practiced everyday - she loves to try & perfect the target shooting! She will be a good little hunter. She loves to be outdoors. She loves to sit in the tree stand with her dad & see all kinds of birds & animals. She has such a sweet tender spirit for nature. From hunting to budding artist she is. Today she started an art class. She painted her 1st picture with acrylics. It was great. She is in a class with one other little girl her age & absolutely LOVES learning about real art, not just doing crafts. Our little girl is growing up & begin to have very strong interests, desires, & talents!!! Happy EARLY b-day big girl!!

Happy Birthday & Summer Fun

We arrived home from Haiti just in time to celebrate both my birthday & Kevin's. What fun!! The kids are doing some activities at the Library this summer & the activity on Kevin's birthday was cake decorating - how exciting!! They started with 2 cupcakes a piece, but the numbers were lower than expected - so they ended up getting to decorate 4 a piece - they were pumped. They thought it would be fun to put candles in them for dad - but neither wanted to share their masterpieces - (I think Kevin was okay with that - they were very decorated!)

Last weekend the Army Reserve base had a family day - there was face painting, pony rides, an obstacle course, guns, dog tags to be made, & all kinds of vehicles to look at. The kids thought it was really neat - until we had to wash off the face paint. It took 2 washings, actually scrubbings, to get it all off. After the 1st wash, JM looked like the incredible hulk because his eyebrows were stained green. I thought it was humorous - the kids weren't laughing!

Haiti Trip 2009

We are back - showered & adjusting to air conditioning! We had a great trip. . . I've written lots on http://artsfororphan.blogspot.com/ about the significance of our trip. Here I'll just share personal photos & funny stories. Check out the other site for more details.

Highlights of the trip:

1. 2 hour delay on our trip to Port Au Prince - we were boarded & ready to leave, but another passenger thought he'd try to take raw meat & ice in carry on suitcase - it leaked blood all over another passenger - HAZ-MAT had to come on & clean it all up before we could take off. YUCK!

2. Arriving at Isabelle's House of Hope the 1st night was one of those moments we will never forget. (Read more at Arts For Orphans blog)

3. Watching Isabelle play & laugh with the Haitian children, though they couldn't verbally communicate.
4. Flying on a 20 seater plane to Les Cayes, Haiti - & arriving their without my luggage! (let's just say, when it's 99degrees & you have no clothes - for myself or Isabelle - to put on the next day - you begin to feel pretty nasty) 5. After learning my luggage was still in Port au Prince, we joined up with our group who'd gone ahead of us to find out that the place we were staying had no power or running water. You guessed it, no clean clothes, no showers, no toilets, & no A/C. Needless to say it was a bit overwhelming for me at first - but the Lord quickly reminded me "it's just like camping, sort of!"

6. Showering in the dark with cups of water. Bathrooms & bags, that's all I'll say - a code of silence was issued!

7. Tarantulas & various other large spiders.

8. Children almost attacking us just to touch Isabelle - they were so intrigued by her.

9. Watching Isabelle - she was in her element. There was on surprise for her on this trip. She expected to see her home & know that more homes are needed. In her words "more kids need a place to live". Isabelle saw this sign in Chapel - she recognized that it said Jer 29:11 at the end. It says "God has your future planned." She told me that she knows God has something for each of the kids here. Her faith & expectancy is very challenging to us!

10. Laughing, crying & quickly becoming friends with 17 relative strangers.

11. Getting to know Rustin better . . . he travelled with us videoing & interviewing Isabelle about her experience. You're awesome Rustin! Thanks for all you do!!!

12. Meeting Micherline . . . she is 12 & we really connected. She made me a necklace & then the next day brought me a handwritten note, thanking me for loving her & praying for her. It was so sweet.

13. Beautiful sights of a tropical island . . . Isabelle watched this butterfly for 2 days. It stayed close by our housing area at Mission of Hope.

14. Sisters, Mandy & Joy, who made this trip extra special for Isabelle as they loved on & cared for her deeply! Thanks, you two! We love you!

15. Watching Isabelle work diligently on a poem she wanted to write about her trip to Haiti! It was too cute!16. Watching Isabelle sleep peacefully & with all the lights on as others were still getting ready for bed - many answered prayers for peaceful sleep were answered!

17. Getting to visit the clinic at Mission of Hope - how inspiring to see the care they have for each persons needs. This is the pharmacy . . . always great needs for Children's antibiotics.

18. The simplicity of love!

Haiti Preparations

We are just about ready to depart for Haiti. I will update this some, but if you're interested in our journey please click on "Arts For Orphans" on the right side of this blog. Arts For Orphans is truly how this journey began & it will hopefully be updated (if we have electricity) while we are away.

These are some of our friends who'll be making this journey with us! We had a packing party last night to prepare for the trip. Many more stories & picks at "Arts For Orphans". If you are unfamiliar with C3, the organization that we work with, you can click on their link as well to read & see videos!

We would appreciate your prayers as we embark on this God ordained journey!