First Christmas Thoughts

This evening we gave the boys an early Christmas present- their first Christmas ornament of their own. They have spent the last few days watching the rest of their family decorate the tree with our ornaments.  It was wonderful and strange to share with them all the stories behind each one- 'First Christmas together', 'Baby's First  Christmas', childhood ornaments of Elmo and Curious George, and all the little horse figurines that invariably result from having four horse-crazy girls over almost eighteen years. One ornament, however, was amazingly poignant this year. As we all watched it mom and dad hang it on our tree, it took us back to our last two years- paperwork, waiting, praying, crying and hoping. Knowing who our boys were, knowing their names and being able to see their pictures, and yet not being able to have them with us as we celebrated Christmas.

SIX MILLION ORPHANS IN ETHIOPIA- MINUS 2

This Christmas, two little children who spent last year in an orphanage will be celebrating the birth of our Savior with a family who loves them. They are sons, brothers, cousins, nephews, and grandsons- no longer part of the indistinct '6 million orphans' but part of a family. Has it been easy? No! But following God's plan to 'bring us a future and a hope' is never easy. It means hard work, bad days, tears, and pain. However, His plan is perfect. I can see this now clearly, in retrospect, though it was cloudy and unsure a year ago. God is good! This Christmas, our boys are home.

Six million orphans in Ethiopia alone- what can you do for them this Christmas?