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Monday, March 9, 2009
Abigail and Joseph ARE IN .....
UGANDA ...
As most of you know God has been preparing our hearts for two precious children from Africa ... A son and a daughter to sit at our table, to love on, to protect, to pray for, to share God with, to cheer on in life, to make pb sandwiches for, to tuck into bed a night, to sing songs with, to take on vacation, to kiss their booboo, to teach to read, to color with, and so much more !!! Since Katie entered our lives and turned it upside for the Lord we have felt our hearts pulled to Uganda ... We know we want to do life with Katie and her ministry there for as long as God calls us to and we hope that is a very long time ... So since our hearts are in Uganda with Katie it just felt so of the Lord that Abigail and Joseph were there ... We have put in our application to an orphange there called AMANI BABY COTTAGE (you can google it) ... We are beyond thrilled, at peace, and so preparing ourselves for the journey God has for us and our two children in Uganda, Africa! We don't have any real time frames, but we do know we could bring our children home by end of year ... Thank you Lord for clarity and answer to prayers for Scott and I ...
I read a recent post from a blog that just really rocked my world and it talked about getting down in the DIRT with the orphans of the world that no one even wants to look at or touch, the HIV positive children, the children who appear physically undesirable, yet so beautifully created by the Lord, the children who shutter at someone's touch because they don't know what it feels like, and the horrific look of a child that is starving ...I pray we can get in the DIRT and see all that God wants us to see in the children of Uganda... I know He will change us, because I have never been the same since that day I walked into a governmental building in China and Emily was placed in my arms !!!
I don't what this adoption journey will bring for us, but I do know we are stepping our toes in the water first knowing that God will part the sea ... I think sometimes you have to show the blind faith before you can clearly see the Lord ... Yes, we still have to finish Maggie's surgerys ... Yes, we still have about $13,000 to raise ... Yes, this seems absolutely absurd by world standards, but not the Lord,s ... Yes, economic times are supposedly tough by worldly standards, but compared to those starving around the world we have MORE THAN ENOUGH ...
So I ask you to lock arms with us ... Help us as we JUMP IN !!!! The t-shirts have been a blessing of a fundraiser and I have the short sleeve version coming in this week along with little girl and Men sizes ... I am asking you to continue to spread the world via your blog, add me to your facebook, and email all your friends about the shirts ... I would love to sell to all fifty states (already sold to London, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ... I am working diligently on the book and have a GOLD PARTY scheduled ... And have a few other things up my sleeve that I know the Lord the will bless ...
Scott and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this Adventure that God has called us to ...
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37
WELCOME JOSEPH ... WELCOME ABIGAIL
As most of you know God has been preparing our hearts for two precious children from Africa ... A son and a daughter to sit at our table, to love on, to protect, to pray for, to share God with, to cheer on in life, to make pb sandwiches for, to tuck into bed a night, to sing songs with, to take on vacation, to kiss their booboo, to teach to read, to color with, and so much more !!! Since Katie entered our lives and turned it upside for the Lord we have felt our hearts pulled to Uganda ... We know we want to do life with Katie and her ministry there for as long as God calls us to and we hope that is a very long time ... So since our hearts are in Uganda with Katie it just felt so of the Lord that Abigail and Joseph were there ... We have put in our application to an orphange there called AMANI BABY COTTAGE (you can google it) ... We are beyond thrilled, at peace, and so preparing ourselves for the journey God has for us and our two children in Uganda, Africa! We don't have any real time frames, but we do know we could bring our children home by end of year ... Thank you Lord for clarity and answer to prayers for Scott and I ...
I read a recent post from a blog that just really rocked my world and it talked about getting down in the DIRT with the orphans of the world that no one even wants to look at or touch, the HIV positive children, the children who appear physically undesirable, yet so beautifully created by the Lord, the children who shutter at someone's touch because they don't know what it feels like, and the horrific look of a child that is starving ...I pray we can get in the DIRT and see all that God wants us to see in the children of Uganda... I know He will change us, because I have never been the same since that day I walked into a governmental building in China and Emily was placed in my arms !!!
I don't what this adoption journey will bring for us, but I do know we are stepping our toes in the water first knowing that God will part the sea ... I think sometimes you have to show the blind faith before you can clearly see the Lord ... Yes, we still have to finish Maggie's surgerys ... Yes, we still have about $13,000 to raise ... Yes, this seems absolutely absurd by world standards, but not the Lord,s ... Yes, economic times are supposedly tough by worldly standards, but compared to those starving around the world we have MORE THAN ENOUGH ...
So I ask you to lock arms with us ... Help us as we JUMP IN !!!! The t-shirts have been a blessing of a fundraiser and I have the short sleeve version coming in this week along with little girl and Men sizes ... I am asking you to continue to spread the world via your blog, add me to your facebook, and email all your friends about the shirts ... I would love to sell to all fifty states (already sold to London, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ... I am working diligently on the book and have a GOLD PARTY scheduled ... And have a few other things up my sleeve that I know the Lord the will bless ...
Scott and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this Adventure that God has called us to ...
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37
WELCOME JOSEPH ... WELCOME ABIGAIL
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47 kind words.:
YEA...
I am sooo happy for you girly..
Their blanket is on the way to my house and then it will be in the mail to you..
I CAN"T WAIT to see your family complete..
And as for the short sleeve shirts..
I am sooo ready for those too..
WELCOME JOSEPH & ABIGAIL...
Love ya girly.
Like I have said a million times over..
You ARE AMAZING..
I'm sitting here in tears, tears for these two that I have "known" for almost 2 years now. We first met via Corinne, via the blog- since then you have become such a part of my life- such a part of me and the woman He is shaping me- your family is an extension and these two kids- oh, I can't wait to see their faces- see the two He has had for you from before the beginning of time- see you with them!!!! I'm so overwhelmed at His goodness, His perfect timing, His working all things for our good and HIs glory.
I love you dear sister!
You know me:) always ready for another to journey another child or two...or three, home to their family!!
Arms locked with you and Scott all the way from Indiana. AND...if all the J's and I lock arms with you guys we've already got a LOT of arms!!!
Praying.
Congratulations...God is so good. We will continue to pray as the Lord meets all your needs...That your children will be in your arms quickly.
I will spread the word about the shirts and add you on my blogs.
¡Felizidades! Congratualations my dear friend. Can't wait to follow this Godly adventure, and meet Abigail, and Joseph :o)
Love you sista.
This is pretty exciting! Did you know that the Kecks and the Doyles are getting children from Amani this summer? They can complete the whole process in about six months! Maybe you will be there with them and your children will be life-long friends! What an amazing blessing. Let me know about the gold party and if there is anything I can do to help you. Love you. Connie
I can't wait to follow this next journey with you. How exciting to be a part of such an amazing process.
Lots of extra prayers and hugs!!!
I thank God that He has allowed us all to walk this journey together! Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose which prevails! We'll see you in Jinja, sister!
So glad we talked the other day....You know I am beyond thrilled for you....Emmie and I want to move to Brentwood..... ;)
Girl, I just checked your blog earlier today BEFORE this incredible announcement....AAHHH!!! This is just too cool, Gwen....and SO GOD! I love it when the Lord finally allows that lightbulb moment to shine into our hearts and minds and then it all makes perfect God sense...certainly not human sense as you've shared....but ALL GOD! Praying, praying for all your needs to bring your sweeties home!....ok off to google the orphanage! :) Much love and hugs!...and I gotta get your link up on my blog (been on my to do list)
Great post...it has been a blessing to be able to walk this journey with you everyday and spending time outside with Emily today made me yearn to have two other little ones to play outside with and look up at the clouds. You all are a blessing to me and I can't wait to see what God has in store for all of us...
Luffa you,
anna
Wonderful news!! I am so happy for you both!! I look forward to continue following your journey.
this is so so so exciting. praying for you. love you!
anna bliss
We praise YOU GOD for Abigail and Joseph - for parting the seas and clearly leading Scott and Gwen to them! Thank You Father for being the GOOD Shepherd and loving us so much!
We stand united together under the blessing of grace for these two children who You have set aside to be in this family forever! We love You LORD! We praise Your name above all others!
Oh Gwen I'm thrilled for you and Scott! Standing with you and praying for every detail to be handled by the One who knows them all intimately! Trust in His leading and allow Him to make the crooked path straight!
Love,
Jill
So excited for you guys! I'll be following your journey and praying for you all along the way!
God:
Thank you for the Oatsvall Team! Their spirit. Their love. Their heart for orphans. Thank you for allowing us to be blessed by their story.
Thank you for Africa! Thank you for everything that the Oatsvall Team does for Africa. Please bless them again and again and again on this journey.
We can't wait to watch it unfold!
Love - Laura, Tymm & Meron
All of your children and beautiful and gifts from God. I strongly believe in the power of love. I am so inspired to adopt when I read stories like yours. I found another blog today (http://mostlysweet.blogspot.com/) and my heart sank when I saw such a beautiful baby girl in a foster home. I know fostering is a beautiful place. But it isn't home. Thank you for bringing babies home. :)
Yea!
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help get that book published ... so that you can add it to your fundraising.
Laurel :)
Hi!!! I'm a friend of Katie's...I just met the Mayernicks tonight and have been a volunteer at Amani a few times over the past 4 years, and I'm told I *have* to meet you and your family! When they get back from this trip, we all need to gather over coffee and talk about some wonderful Ugandan children! I'm so beyond excited to read this blog.
Love and Godbless,
Amanda
So happy for you sister friend, you must email when you have time to tell me more about this and how you went about it, I am interested in knowing more...just excited and sharing in your joy and we are with you in prayer and thought and 110% behind you...so happy for you Gwen!!
Oh, thank you so much! Well, sadly, my Gpop did pass away last Monday, but I *did* have some clarity about traveling, and thankfully I was able to get up there and have two days with him in the hospital. I couldn't have asked for much more, and I know he is no longer in pain now... if you think about it, direct those prayers to my Grandmom as she is dealing with these days. I know she could use them.
Yes! You can't begin to know how thrilled I would be to answer what questions I can, and to talk with you about your future kids!!! I could just sit here and cry right now at the thought of so many Ugandan, Amani children coming to this area! Amazing, amazing.
WOOOHOOOO HOOOO!!!! I'll be posting on my blog about you and your AMAZING heart later this week. I'm bursting with excitement to see what the Lord has and I can't wait for the little girl shirts. Olivia will love to wear hers proudly! I need to order mine yet. I'll email you about sizing. SO happy for you all!! Amazing to see the Lord work.
Oh YEAH!!! I am beyond excited for your family!!! How awesome is our Lord to bring you down this path! Prayers to you all!
Love,
Carrie
I will find you on facebook too.
Gwen, my sister, I have tears streaming down my face as I read this... the vision of us all locked in arm jumping into tumultuous waters together is amazing. The thought of the little ones who are dirty and shunned shakes me to my core. Crazy Love is rocking my world and I just need a little of you and others like you who "get it". There is NO way you can ever go into an orphanage and see the warehouse of human souls and walk out the same... just no way! It's a burning desire that doesn't go away. And though I don't really feel called to parent another child, how in the world can I care for them? I know for sure I want a t-shirt for Meg... are the little ones in?
Jesus is so in the dirt!....love it! so excited to bring them home! praying elle and jimmy can love on them when they are there! :)))
Hey again.....check out the blog and the Oatsvall Team highlight!! :) HUGS!!
I am crying,
I have goosebumps,
I am sitting here in awe....
Thank You Jesus!
Please know I will be helping to pray your babies home!
Ok, that is two of the three of us..... God is changing husband's hearts and providing the means... Nikki's little man is home, J&A are on the way, next comes my Isabella!
I am in awe of His love and faithfulness....
God's speed
love you sister
Daleea
How very exciting for you and Joseph and Abigail!! Praise the Lord!
Tracy
I am SOO excited!! You know Uganda has a special place in my heart!
I am praying for our Father's perfect will and provision for your family my precious sister!
Rejoicing in His goodness! Praising His name and thanking Him for your beautiful family!
Have I mentioned how TOTALLY EXCITED I am!! Much love to you!
Well, I had kinda thought this would come...I really did. I almost said "what about Uganda"...But the Holy Spirit is much better at leading people then me :-) Your family is a precious treasure and I'm excited to "meet" Abigail and Joseph!
I have been waiting for this post. God Bless you my friend. I will post the shirts.
yay more babies coming home!!!!
just to say your beautiful t shirt has arrived in England,thank you so very much : )
we support you girl!!!!
and we are praying for you : )
xxx
s
Hey, Steve thinks that Amani is where BA has been doing fundraisers for this year.
so so happy for your sweet wonderful friend...
I haven't had time to check in on my bloggy friends either but I think of you often... My mom loves your blog:) She checks on you and prays for your beautiful family:)
SO HAPPY!! Praise God for your peace! Can't wait to talk.......whenever it suits you. :)
Hi Gwen! I've come to your blog a few times via Katie's and couldn't help but comment once seeing this post. I am so excited for your family! I spent a couple of months at Amani last summer and have since been trying to figure out when I can get back to Uganda. I can't wait to see what God does in and through your family!
~Heather
(the blog connected to this is from last summer, so as soon as I can decide on a name I'll be commenting from a new one :D )
I am so excited for you and can't wait to meet YOUR Abigail and her brother Joseph. I am continuing to pray for you and for how I can help. Love you girl! Angela Winnier
Was wondering if you wanted to raffle off a handmade baby blanket with hat and booties to match to raise money? I will pay for the supplies and crotchet them...just let me know! Love you!
Hi Gwen. This is truly great news to read on a monring like I am having today. Thank you for sharing your progess and Faith.
Woohoo! I love to read adoption stories. May God bless this journey. I'll add you to Bloglines and follow along. Hubs and I have one bio, are in the LONG China wait, and are considering an adoption from Ethiopia. Thanks for being an inspiration.
I am so excited for you guys!!!! I cannot wait to follow this journey!!!
Do you have a "button" code for your t-shirts?
I would love to put it on my blog.
Amy
By the way, I love my t-shirt!
Can't wait for the kids t-shirts!
Do you have a "button" code for your t-shirts?
I would love to put it on my blog.
Amy
By the way, I love my t-shirt!
Can't wait for the kids t-shirts!
That is soooo cool
My prayers are with you always
Of course they are in Uganda! Oh ... God is SO GOOD!
I am so excited about your official announcement and we will help pray Joseph & Abigail home.
Love ya Sister!
Kim
I can't wait for the short sleeved shirts!!
I love this quote from your post... "I think sometimes you have to show the blind faith before you can clearly see the Lord" That is so, so true.