Kai's Video

When Kai saw Sarah-Grace's video, he asked if he could have one too. So, here it is. Enjoy! :)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had a wonderful Christmas day. It started this morning with a 6 AM webchat with Sarah-Grace. That was a bit touch and go at first as we could not see them and they could not hear us! But it all worked out and we got to watch our little daughter in Taiwan open her Christmas stocking. She was so happy!

Kai-Wei had a happy Christmas too. His comment, "It's good." He really, really enjoyed the presents. As we ate dessert after our big Christmas dinner he asked, "Any more presents?"

We had a nice Christmas at home this year with my parents visiting and Dana's sister and her husband. We'd made a gingerbread house/creche this week and we each shared a reflection on one of the people who were at that first Christmas. I was really fun and meaningful.

I wrote about Joseph:

Scripture tells us Joseph was a just man, a carpenter, blessed by God. We see him as obedient, wise, patient and appreciative in the accounts of Jesus' birth and early life.

When faced with the fact that his young fiancee was pregnant he was troubled and wanted to spare her shame, public humiliation and worse--possible stoning.
Three times angels appeared to Joseph in his dreams and direct him to God’s ways. Each time he promptly followed their direction. Scripture shows no hesitancy or unbelief. One may wonder why God chose to send a visible angel to Mary as she went about her day, but a vision while sleeping to Joseph. Perhaps Joseph was a practical man--not prone to “wearing his heart on his sleeve” A man who may more comfortably sense God’s presence in the quiet of sleep than in the bustle of a busy day.

When Simeon blessed Jesus and recognizes him as the Messiah scripture tells us that Joseph, along with Mary, marveled. I like the idea of a dad for Jesus who marvels at the incomprehensible ways of God.

I chose to focus on Joseph, out of all the people at that first Christmas, because I heard a radio program in which the speaker described Joseph as watching Mary give birth “from a distance”. As I reflected on the little God’s Word tells us about Joseph I doubted he was “at a distance.”

I think a man like Joseph would have been right there with Mary supporting her head or holding her hand. I believe God knew Mary would need a just, practical man to be there to help her raise the Redeemer of mankind and support her in turbulent and uncertain times.

God, the Creotor of all, knows our needs. He knows what we are made of. He puts those others in our lives that will help us advance His Way.

I am thankful for each of those God has placed in my life as an instrument of His Grace. And as I reflect on Joseph this Christmas I am especially thankful for my husband, Dana, who shares many of the fine qualities of Joseph and has been there for me as God grows me up in His way.

Christmas Time Again

God is Good

Well,  I mailed another Christmas stocking to Taiwan yesterday.  I wish I'd taken a picture, but I'm always in a rush.  It just had a few little things--some craft items, a toy cell phone, a new shirt.  I hope she loves it when she gets it.  I love Christmas stockings.  There was a little Santa peeking out of this one and of  course a candy cane!  

We never dreamed last year we'd still have a child in Taiwan.  We are so thankful it is only one and we have one at home to celebrate his first Christmas in America!

Kai is very excited.  He kind of knows what is going on.  He has heard lots of things from friends about getting up early and wearing Christmas pajamas and getting presents.  He is also a bit tentative.  He doesn't quite like not knowing what's coming next.  He has had that problem for the last 10 months.  But this time around he seems willing to trust us that its GOOD.  He's been enjoying shopping for gifts and hearing the Christmas story and decorating.

We've really enjoyed having everything seem "new."  We had to cut our own tree--since that is the fun way.  Dana even had to buy more lights to put outside!

So, even while we feel sad that Sarah-Grace is still in Taiwan, we are enjoying our Christmas season.  Sometimes joy comes in accepting what God has for you and enjoying Him in your everyday life.  

We've learned that all our paperwork is set at AIT.  We've had the final adoption decree and the final custody ruling.  Now we wait for them to set a time for travel. 

Please continue to pray with us that Sarah-Grace will be home soon!

It's that time of year again

You know, the time of year when you dust off your pointy green hat and bust some moves.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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