Every Orphan's Hope

For those wondering what Shelbie's summer will entail. Here's a glimpse.

Bathroom Prayers

As Shelbie has started her journey in Africa us at home have been thinking and praying about her constantly. I’ve been trying to think of the practical ways that we can be reminded to pray for Shelbie without ceasing. Today I went and bought a world map shower curtain. I think even time in the bathroom can be used more constructively.  

A new “norm”

Today we are attempting to adjust to our new “norm” for the summer without having Shelbie here. It was a “blah” kind of day for us. We went to story time at the library like we do every Tuesday, Shyloh and Bodey joined us. Afterwards we came home and pretty much spent the afternoon sitting at the dining table drinking sweet tea and chatting.

I feel so very blessed to have been able to have spent the weekend with Shelbie. We had lots of time to just sit together and talk. I loved having her on the other side of the bed from me. I slept with one arm stretched across the pillow with my hand on her head both nights she was with me. The last night I was there without her was very tough. The room felt so empty even though I had Shiro snuggled with me.

Papa, Nana, and I dropped Shelbie off at the directors house Sunday evening. It was great to meet the director and one of the other interns, Courtney. Courtney will be heading up the stateside part of the interns this year. She told us great stories of her time in Zambia last year.

We’ve been able to skype with Shelbie daily. Tonight we said good bye and we are not sure when we will get to see her beautiful face once she arrives in Zambia. The interns are supposed to get to go to an “internet cafe” once a week to be able to email and skype their families. Those will become our golden days!

With all the busyness of preparing and packing for this trip done the emotional side of this has finally hit…hard. Leaving Texas without Shelbie was the hardest thing this mama’s heart has had to do. Hearing her voice sobbing on the phone the night we left her was awful. Just because we may be in God’s will doesn’t mean there can not be deep pain involved. We are very naive if we think that’s the case. I am reminding myself that if God leads us then His grace will cover us. I’m clinging to that thought today. We all, including Shelbie, need extra grace over these next few days.

Tomorrow morning Shelbie will officially leave all she knows here in the United States and she too will start a new norm for the summer. She will see poverty like she’s never seen before. She will meet little ones who have never experienced the great life she has. Duane and I realize that she will come back forever changed by this trip. She will never again take for granted what we take for granted daily.

We are so excited for her but yet our hearts at home ache. The countdown to having her home has officially started.

We love you bunches Shelbie! May the LORD watch between you and us when we are absent one from another, may His arms hold you close when our arms can’t! We pray you feel Him close to you every moment of every day! May one hand guide you while the other covers you! XOXOXO  How many siblings can we fit into Shelbie’s suitcase? They all would’ve loved to be a stow away!

 Leaving San Francisco

Watching out the airplane.

Multitude Monday

881. The way the sun shining down on one side of the tree makes the leaves look like gold

882. The sound of the wind blowing against my window blinds

883. Watching thru my new window as my kids swim

884. Boys and their cats

885. “Can you please get me some school to do?” ~ Poppet  

(love being asked this!)

886. Skype 

(this will be in my top 10 favorite things when Shelbie’s gone!)

887. Praying the hard thing

888. Surprise parties

889. An afternoon spent hanging with family in the backyard

890. Prayer night for Shelbie  

(such a blessing to cover her with prayer)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10

Giving God Glory in all Circumstances

This week has left me thinking and wondering. We have been praying for two different women and their families as they battle cancer.  One day one Mama went to be with Jesus leaving two very young children, and the very next day the other Mama was given a clean bill of health and declared cancer free and now can continue mothering her two young children.

The same prayers have been lifted up, but two different answers have been given. In each situation the Lord has been glorified, His name lifted high. How is this? It’s incredible and amazing. My heart grieves for the family left without a mama, and rejoices with the other that has a new lease on life.

I want to question and wonder why He chose to take one and leave the other.  It’s not my job though. He is sovereign and that is that! In both families the faith that has been shown is amazing and leaves me speechless. Does God deserve less praise in one situation that the other? No, not at all. His plans are perfect in each situation. It’s not my job to question but only offer up thanks and praise. He holds each family in the palm of His hand. He loves and cares for them equally.

We can’t look at the situation and base our response to the Lord on the outcome of the circumstance. He is good, always, everyday, in every good and even what we  may consider “bad” circumstance. He is to be trusted and praised. I’m so thankful I serve a God who loves and cares for me and my family. I can trust Him with our lives and know that He is faithful and just.

I don’t have to understand. I just need to keep trusting and keep praising. My eyes need to stay focused on Jesus. Tonight one sweet sister in Christ is dancing with Jesus, enjoying sweet fellowship with our Savior. My other sweet sister is tucking her sweet ones in bed, planning her day tomorrow. In both homes Christ is being lifted up and His name glorified.