Belachew and Geremu together again!

Last weekend we headed up to Chicago to meet Geremu and his family. Belachew and Geremu were close friends in Ethiopia and have a special bond. Thankfully, we were able to connect with the family that adopted Geremu and have stayed in touch. We visited them last year and decided it was time to get together again. The boys had so much fun together. They didn't talk much, but they sure wrestled and laughed a lot. I think they have the same energy level and same sense of humor, so they have a great time together. We want to do everything we can to keep this special friendship going. Here are some photos of their time together (from Geremu's mom).

A Remarkable Woman

My friend Jody has been recognized by Lifetime as a Remarkable Woman. Check it out here: http://www.mylifetime.com/my-lifetime-commitment/ewc/every-women-counts-salutes/index. Jody has been an inspiration and encouragement to me. I'm thankful that she and her efforts to raise awareness and money for Charity: water to provide clearn drinking water in Liberia have been recognized

My birthday boy!

This is the first year that Belachew has started to understand what birthdays are all about. He went to a birthday party for a friend in May and after they sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl, he told everyone at the party they should now sing happy birthday to him. He decided he wanted to have an orange and red puppy dog party and invited just about everyone he knew.

Belachew had special guests come for his birthday- both sets of grandparents and two of his cousins. On Thursday, we had cake and ice cream with family and some of Belachew's grown up friends. Then today we had a party for his "kid" friends.

I wasn't sure at first how to make an orange and red puppy dog cake, but I came up with an idea and the birthday boy approved.

I think his favorite birthday gifts were a harmonica, a horn for his bike, and a laser gun.

He is a special boy and has added so much joy to our lives. We are blessed to have so many family and friends in our life who love Belachew and were able to celebrate his birthday with us.

"Look, I'm 4!"

Puppy dog cupcakes and cake (not real dog treats-

those are graham crackers in the shape of dog bones)

Fun with cousins

Guess who had a birthday today?!?

Belachew turned 4 today! Birthday pictures to come...

Please pray...

Some friends from St. Louis have been working on a documentary about poverty in Africa. Paul and I were with Dan on his first trip to Kenya several years ago and we have been supporters of his project. They were in a plane crash Saturday in Nairobi and thankfully they survived, although they have injuries. Unfortunately, the pilot lost his life. Please pray for the pilot's family, and for Dan and Rob's physical and emotional healing.

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A few more reasons why I haven't posted lately

We had a great time in New Hampshire, visiting family and introducing Belachew to more cousins. Belachew is an amazing traveler and did great with the nearly 20 hour drive each way.