tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577086726279024762024-03-13T18:52:20.562-07:00Journey 2 MalachiAbby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-39752583227095276922018-02-20T16:57:00.000-08:002018-02-20T17:00:06.706-08:00No longer an orphan. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We have some BIG news! I haven’t posted it until now because... well... nothing I could think to say had the ability to carry the weight of this announcement! So I have finally decided to just announce it and realize any presentation will fall drastically short. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">On March 30th, 2017- a beautiful baby boy was born in a southern state of India known as Tamil Nadu. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">On July 14, 2017 - due to unfavorable circumstances and a world full of brokenness, that baby boy was legally declared an orphan by the court system in his hometown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">On August 31st, 2017 - a coordinator for an American adoption agency saw a photo of that little boy on India’s adoption database. This coordinator MATCHED that little boy with an American family carrying the last name Blackburn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">On September 6, 2017 - the adoption coordinator had received all the updates she needed from the orphanage so she made a phone call to the Blackburn family to tell them that they had been matched. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">On September 7, 2017 - Lee and I saw photos of the most beautiful baby boy in all of India!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">And on February 15, 2017 - that same baby boy was LEGALLY DECLARED a Blackburn by a judge in India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He is no longer an orphan. He is a son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">OUR son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We did not realize we had PASSED court until last Friday when our agency called us. She said that the orphanage had reached out to them and let them know that we actually passed court! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I will never forget my coordinator saying, “It’s official. He’s your little boy!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">About the photo(s). I decided to post this photo to tell a small blurb of our amazing journey with Jesus. Before I do, please hear my heart. I fully understand that adoption always begins with brokenness. Family preservation and/or reunification is ALWAYS the goal. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Believe me when I say that our hearts BREAK for the loss that Malachi’s birth parents have experienced, are experiencing, and will experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I just wanted to praise a God that is always working upstream. Sometimes in the seen. Sometimes in the unseen (by us). But nothing is unseen by Him and no detail is missed. He is El Roi (the God who sees). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He has worked upstream in SO many ways in our lives and adoption. One small glimpse of His power at work is this: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We began our adoption journey in the Ethiopia program in January 2012. On August 31, 2012 we sent all of our paperwork to Ethiopia and that was called our DTE date (Dossier to Ethiopia). This date was significant because it was the day our agency officially put us on the waiting list for a child. This was also the way our agency identified us. We were “Blackburn family DTE 8/31/12.” All through our journey we celebrated and cried and mourned on August 31 because that was another year gone by without a photo of our boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This year, August 31st was a super weird day for me. I felt like we needed to take a photo because we had for 4 years. However, I decided against it because we were no longer in the Ethiopia program. We had switched to India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">So I didn’t take the photo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">And quite frankly, I felt like all the other photos we had taken were a wash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Little did I know that on August 31st our coordinator had just matched us with our son! And 7 days later we would see his face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Yes... on AUGUST 31, 2017 we were MATCHED with our son. Many of you are going “cool coincidence.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">No. No. No. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">That is a MIRACLE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Don’t miss it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">For alllllll of our paperwork and allllll of his paperwork to line up. For his orphanage to upload him at the exact right moment. For allllll the years before. All of It. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">It’s a miracle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">And the icing on the cake?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Remember that photo our family did not take this year? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Guess who DID take a photo on August 31, 2017? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">It was the ONLY photo we have ever received of him that had a date on it. The only one. All the other photos do not have dates. If you zoom in the date reads 31/8/2017. They write day, month, year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This ALSO happens to be the photo that we had to sign our names across and write “we accept S. as our son” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Only. God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He gets all praise not because He performed a miracle.... but because of WHO HE IS!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We can’t wait to tell Malachi about how God has been working upstream in his life, specifically in sending his son, Jesus!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">When do we travel? </span></div>
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<li style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">we were switched to the travel coordinator within our agency (something I had begun to think we would never experience). </span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We have to wait on written court orders from the judge (our orphanage expects them in 4 weeks). </span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">After the written court orders arrive, our orphanage will apply for Malachi’s passport. Once they get his passport.... we get on a plane to go get our boy!!!! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Blackburn. Party. Of. 6. </span></div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-88710933924902810812018-01-05T09:49:00.001-08:002018-01-05T09:49:24.231-08:00Malachi is not the lucky one, we are. <div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">What would parenting a child with a missing arm look like? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">How treatable would his clubfoot be? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Were we prepared for any other conditions that came with the already known needs of this little boy? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">These questions and the sub questions that followed them laid at the forefront of our minds and conversation all night long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We researched. We prayed. We talked. We agreed that we would not review his file unless we were prepared to say yes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We “slept” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The next morning my heart raced as I knew It was decision day. I will never forget standing in our bathroom when Lee walked in and said with complete confidence,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“We need to review his file.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">My heart stopped. If I could have sobbed right then I would have. The same man who sat beside me on the edge of the bed the night before with a slight look of shock on his face when our coordinator said, “his arm is completely missing” was the same man standing before me after spending time with Jesus saying “this is the way, let’s walk in It.” The Holy Spirit is so very real and able to lead you in all aspects of life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We left home, rode downtown to complete our fingerprints and then got in the truck to head to the church for our mission trip. During that 25 minute drive we made one of the biggest phone calls of our entire life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We called our coordinator and said, “we want to review this little guy’s file.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">She began telling us his story and all the info his file contained. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Adoption can be beautiful, but It is so important for people to understand that adoption always begins with brokenness and loss. Our son’s story is no exception to that and we will never take that lightly. Someone else’s pain has become our joy and that is not lost on us. Not for one second! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">This quote is so true:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“A child born to another woman calls me Mom. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege are not lost on me.” Jody Landers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Malachi is not the lucky one, we are. </span></div>
Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-88475520213964452022018-01-03T19:59:00.001-08:002018-01-03T20:02:43.227-08:00Continuation of “The Call”<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Silence filled the air as Lee and I sat on the edge of the bed after we hung up the phone with E. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The phone call we had been waiting on for almost 6 years had finally happened. Only It was slightly different than we had ever envisioned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The clash of emotions that began whirling inside of me was confusing at best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Intense FEAR sat beside overwhelming JOY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">DOUBT held hands with CONFIDENCE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">WONDER led to CURIOSITY who filled my heart with EXCITEMENT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Only to have FEAR come rushing in again like a wave that crushed everything in front of It. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We smiled sheepish smiles at each other and agreed to talk later once the kids were in bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">“Why is he smiling at me like that?” I remember thinking while changing the baby’s diaper. Lee had exchanged one of those smiles that obviously had a million thoughts and emotions racing behind It. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">“What is he thinking?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">“Does he want to review the file?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">One of the longest waits was getting everyone to bed (including my mom :-) ) so that we could talk! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">During the 2+ hours between the phone call and us finally having time to talk again, God spoke some things to me. </span></div>
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<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He reminded me that “just because something (in this case, the phone call) doesn’t turn out exactly how I expected it to doesn’t mean It isn’t from God. In fact, my expectations are wrong... often.” </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I’m female. I’m full of emotions. When my emotions are high It is difficult for me to make a rational decision. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I knew that Lee needed to make the decision on whether or not to review this little boy’s file. So during one of our passing moments before bedtime I looked at him and said, “I trust you. I completely trust you. I know that my emotions are way too high and I cannot be trusted to make a good decision, but you can. So we will do whatever you say to do.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He confidently replied, “okay.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He knew I was being honest. And I knew he would follow Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">What happened next is such a sweet memory that will be embedded into my mind for a long time. Jesus sweetly invited us to trust Him and to journey with Him. I watched my husband begin walking in a direction that was completely unconventional, yet exactly the path Jesus was calling him to. It was a path that He was calling our family down. A path that led to a very special little boy and I almost cry when I think “we could have missed this.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">But we didn’t!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">And OH I am so thankful we did not. </span></div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-21940509474502287592017-12-23T06:17:00.000-08:002017-12-23T06:17:38.753-08:00The day we finally got “THE CALL” <div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The day we got “THE CALL”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We began 2017 updating all of our paperwork for the Ethiopia program and we end 2017 with photos of the most beautiful baby boy in India on our family Christmas card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">God has done amazing things. Miraculous things. Things that my heart has pondered for months. Things that I still cannot believe actually happened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">There is so much to share and not enough time to do so. There are limitations for what I am legally able to share (like his beautiful face! We can’t share until he’s legally ours). I also have some guardrails regarding aspects of Malachi’s personal story that I will never share over social media. It’s his story to tell when and if he chooses. Not mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">With that being said, I had some time today to pray and reflect. I thought a lot about the day we got THE CALL about Malachi. I wanted to share parts of that story with you guys who have followed our journey for almost 6 years now!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">September 6, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It was around 6:30 pm. We were scheduled to leave the next morning for Indianapolis on a church plant mission trip. The kids were scurrying around the house. My mom and I were in the kitchen. My phone battery had died earlier so It was on the charger in my bedroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">As I stirred potatoes on the stove I heard my phone begin to ring. I remember walking down the hallway thinking, “I wonder who that is because Lee and Mom are both here with me.” As I approached the phone I could tell It was a number that wasn’t saved in my phone and It was out of state. I picked up my phone and almost silenced It. Then I noticed the state was Maryland. I remember thinking, “Maryland is close to Virginia (the state where our agency is located) so maybe I better answer this just in case.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Honestly, in that moment I still didn’t think It was THE CALL. One reason was because It was 7:30 eastern time and our agency closed at 5 eastern. Two, because I had saved our agency’s number and set a specific ringtone so I would KNOW when they were calling! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">But I answered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“Hello”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“Hi Abby! This is E. (our family coordinator) I am so sorry to call you at this time of night. Things just happen in India at different times than here in the States.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">At this point... I’ve basically stopped breathing. Was this the phone call i had waited on for almost SIX years? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I slowly sat down on the edge of my bed and clung tightly to every word she uttered. I waited for her to say something I had always imagined. Something like “this is your referral call” or “I’m calling to talk to you about a little boy.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">But she didn’t. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Instead she said, “I have a scenario that I want to run by you guys. There is a child who borders the special needs you were open to. I would like to tell you what his special needs are, give you the night to talk and pray, and then let me know tomorrow whether you want to review the full file or not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Is Lee around or somewhere that he can talk?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I’m stunned. I didn’t know what to think or feel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“Yes, he is here at the house. Can you hold on while I get him?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I walk halfway down the hallway and yell Lee’s name. He responds, “yeah?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">“Can you come back here for a minute? It’s E. on the phone.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I knew when he heard her name that he would know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">He came around the hallway corner with the biggest grin on his face like “oh my goodness!!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I quickly said, “its not exactly a referral. She wants to go over some special needs with us tonight.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We both sat down on the side of the bed. We placed E. on speaker phone. She explained to Lee what she had told me already. This child had special needs that we were open to but because there was more than one need she wanted to discuss It with us before having us review his file. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A million emotions flooded us when we hung up the phone. Who was this child? Was he our long awaited, son? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">At this point we had no info other than his specific needs. No photos. No background. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">But we had Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It was immediately understood between the two of us that we were about to enter into a night long conversation with God! </span></div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-38168066554345762172017-03-19T13:51:00.002-07:002017-03-19T13:58:01.594-07:00But because You say so...<div style="text-align: center;">
Somewhere along the way I quit blogging. I quit talking. I just sort of retreated to a place of solitude when it came to our adoption journey. </div>
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And I am still here. </div>
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But friends do not mistake our silence. We are still very much in this fight for our son in Ethiopia. In fact, since March 1st we have waged war for our son through constant prayer! </div>
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And war we have entered into.</div>
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Over the past few months we have updated ALL of our paperwork. We are once again eligible to be matched with a child. </div>
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And now comes the question "when?" </div>
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We do not have an answer for that. It could be next week. Next month. Next year. </div>
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I received an email from our adoption coordinator on Friday. The email was informative but not necessarily encouraging. We are close to the top of the list of families waiting to be matched within our agency. However, Ethiopian adoptions are still very, very hard and very, very unpredictable.</div>
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I left work Friday extremely upset. I couldn't hold the tears back. I am so tired. On Friday I had absolutely no fight left in me. </div>
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And I was angry. Very. Very. Angry. </div>
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The temptation to switch programs or routes for adoption overwhelmed my soul. I know that God often changes the course of adoption plans and I am not ruling that out. He just has not given us the green light to do so yet. </div>
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Could we adopt faster from China or India or somewhere else?
ABSOLUTELY. </div>
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But for us this journey has never been about a child. It has always been about being obedient to what Jesus told us to do. </div>
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But on Friday... if I am being completely transparent... I was tired of being obedient. I was tired of the whole thing. </div>
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God shepherds my heart so perfectly. I knew that in the days to come He would speak and I was preparing my heart to listen. </div>
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On Saturday I opened the Word. </div>
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And I had a "But because you say so" day.
I'm still tired. My heart is so very tender towards our adoption. But because he says so I will climb back into the boat and go back out.
I do not want to miss an opportunity to SEE Jesus. For the day will come when I return to the shore and am no longer empty handed.</div>
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Walking back into work Saturday morning I received our daily scripture from our mission team. </div>
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It read: </div>
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If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. </div>
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Psalm 37:23-24</div>
Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-53634094546549333822016-08-31T19:06:00.002-07:002016-09-01T03:17:08.859-07:004 Years DTE<br />
Four years ago today was one of the most exciting days in our adoption journey. We had completed all of the necessary paperwork and it was finally shipped off to Ethiopia! We were officially placed on our agency's waiting list.<br />
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4 long years have passed since that day<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNoy9qjNkZ1id5coTH3R33qO7FBgtX3Zp-O0DJ7AFaGUbx-xY3hb51P2nBsF-6shku5c2k7IztT3Xr3oH8M1vfRZjhBSnbXI3cLGt_fOfkZDIEUopnABJ20VQkw9FId8JBPlg9Ad9TFA/s1600/FullSizeRender-798684.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6325178577927569458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNoy9qjNkZ1id5coTH3R33qO7FBgtX3Zp-O0DJ7AFaGUbx-xY3hb51P2nBsF-6shku5c2k7IztT3Xr3oH8M1vfRZjhBSnbXI3cLGt_fOfkZDIEUopnABJ20VQkw9FId8JBPlg9Ad9TFA/s320/FullSizeRender-798684.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQKrbhvtKf58ldrbF7CO9uATT2b57Zfz2v3NMWBZfNP6UQ5CVdviIOKsoJuXyzZ5b5B1rdac3hscWp0p7vHm7gBREMF3ZSPsu00m5nJJ2gqBz7lhGhDP5sq91ApPU_thZ38rF1wtOlQ4/s1600/FullSizeRender-710484.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6325176910179773058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQKrbhvtKf58ldrbF7CO9uATT2b57Zfz2v3NMWBZfNP6UQ5CVdviIOKsoJuXyzZ5b5B1rdac3hscWp0p7vHm7gBREMF3ZSPsu00m5nJJ2gqBz7lhGhDP5sq91ApPU_thZ38rF1wtOlQ4/s320/FullSizeRender-710484.jpg" /></a><br />
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Quite frankly, I'm not sure whether today is a day of celebration or a day of mourning :-)<br />
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I have so much to say about what God has been teaching us and why we have chosen to stay the course on this crazy ride to Ethiopia (versus switching to another program which would be faster) but I may have to save all of that for another post.<br />
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For now... My hope has been renewed. My hope that this adoption may eventually actually happen :-)<br />
Honestly, my heart is scared to get hopeful because I've had much heartache during this journey. However, my hope is in God and not in an organization. I am learning to trust that He is faithful.<br />
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In July, our agency issued 3 infant referrals. In August they have issued 5 referrals (not sure of the ages). Those numbers have been unheard of in the past few years! Ethiopia is divided into regions and while many of the regions have completely closed their doors to adoption... One region recently RE-OPENED their doors and our agency has a new orphanage partnership there! This is extremely exciting!<br />
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Think of our waiting list as a line. You are placed in order based on your DTE date. Our DTE date is 8/31/12.<br />
The last infant referral I saw the family had a DTE of March 2012 (so that's a family just 5 months ahead of us in line).<br />
And then on the toddler list... We actually recently got skipped for a referral!! A family whose DTE date was December of 2012 got a 2 year old boy just a few weeks ago. I know it sounds crazy but it actually excited me that we got skipped. It means we had a chance at a referral if we weren't on hold for baby girl.<br />
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So.... I have new energy to get busy updating all of our paperwork!! We can officially come off hold once Tate is 6 months old (so December 22). Once she is 6 months and all of our paperwork is up to date... We are officially eligible to receive a referral! We are pretty close to the top of the list. We are unofficially #24 on the infant list and #15 on the toddler list. But like I said, many of the people ahead of us are on hold or don't have their paperwork up to date for some reason! So we are actually higher on the list than those numbers!!<br />
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I know I sound excited. I kinda am. But I'm also realistic. While it could be this spring finally seeing his face... International adoption is very unpredictable and it could be much much longer.<br />
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Pray for our hearts!<br />
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For today, we are thankful God has loved us enough to take us on this journey which has ultimately resulted in us getting to know HIM more... Trust Him more... Love Him more and be more like Him. Isn't that always the goal? Even if it's painful.<br />
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Happy 4 years DTE!! We are coming for ya Malachi!<br />
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-47977932851855874102016-02-16T13:48:00.001-08:002016-02-16T13:56:55.257-08:00Very Overdue Blog Post!! <div align="center">
Hey Guys! </div>
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The last time I blogged was in October!! Geez!! </div>
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So, PROJECT 30 in October was simply AMAZING!! We had so many fundraisers (thanks to our "village") and we ended up raising......</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">10 thousand dollars!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">thank you. thank you. thank you.</span></div>
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We could have never done that without you guys!! </div>
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We are considering ourselves "fully funded." Yes, there may be surprise expenses that come up, but we feel confident that we are very close to the total amount that we need to bring this baby boy HOME!! We do have lots of left over shirts that we will sell in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for those!! </div>
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Here are a few photos from that week.</div>
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But these are only a few photos I had on my phone. There were so many other amazing fundraisers!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbJ0aia236RIYamvvCbrPj3yjuUou-ndx0QgqlfRW7SeMXKq0nD5NpMEz_YTFOEFHSZ-Xpsy-QbL6GzlqneGR1oVJhRj8GAGjMNql5WauJUq-I2SRd-x-ugf22jmXB2C1UEwWdHA1Yfw/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbJ0aia236RIYamvvCbrPj3yjuUou-ndx0QgqlfRW7SeMXKq0nD5NpMEz_YTFOEFHSZ-Xpsy-QbL6GzlqneGR1oVJhRj8GAGjMNql5WauJUq-I2SRd-x-ugf22jmXB2C1UEwWdHA1Yfw/s640/IMG_5737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My husband's gun raffle turned out great! He raised around 4K just on the raffle! Thank you to everyone who helped and bought tickets.</div>
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Megan Manuel did an awesome bake sale! She even delivered the goodies!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFsZMe_vx_Pwpo1qzCo5qUchX_aIe3GZP2eJdLRC41l0rau8mry4UctvFB97vUc9Dquxh_gaYtUkPoQ84CrAy4HCXM7TtdbRWYpc6TPNL4wVp1xkMkJp5oTE3pT8kh5CP5anC9aQgWjI/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFsZMe_vx_Pwpo1qzCo5qUchX_aIe3GZP2eJdLRC41l0rau8mry4UctvFB97vUc9Dquxh_gaYtUkPoQ84CrAy4HCXM7TtdbRWYpc6TPNL4wVp1xkMkJp5oTE3pT8kh5CP5anC9aQgWjI/s640/IMG_5789.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We had a Noonday party (pictured above). We also had a Trades of Hope party but I don't have any photos on my phone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZxEalE_EUzFGlEWUf7HNsfsOAE0rX5HuEL7K0MTMWoGuXENjlgCMDFwxcPxpJG3WeVHGx5sPHxWpLdrdHxnwW-Z1KSq6nLD3dCX1hGs6qhA1Gs4xIdxi3rIK_NziicJdTUK2A416l8A/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZxEalE_EUzFGlEWUf7HNsfsOAE0rX5HuEL7K0MTMWoGuXENjlgCMDFwxcPxpJG3WeVHGx5sPHxWpLdrdHxnwW-Z1KSq6nLD3dCX1hGs6qhA1Gs4xIdxi3rIK_NziicJdTUK2A416l8A/s640/IMG_5793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Proceeds from a Brittany's antique booth!</div>
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Crossfit Clinton hosted a Saturday WOD!</div>
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Outdoor Movie Night at the Gates' house!! </div>
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Another photo from the Crossfit WOD!</div>
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I could spend the rest of the blog talking about how amazing it was to see our village come together! Amazing things happen when people join together around a common cause! </div>
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So why am I just now updating on a fundraiser that happened in October??</div>
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Well... </div>
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On October 24th I wasn't feeling "normal." I decided to take a pregnancy test "just to rule it out."</div>
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To my complete and utter shock... it was POSITIVE!! </div>
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Seriously, I paced around the house sweating! Can I reiterate the word "SHOCKED??" </div>
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Pregnancy was the farthest thing from mine and Lee's minds. God had different plans!</div>
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One week later... BAM.</div>
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Nausea. Fatigue. The fullness of the first trimester hit me! </div>
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I am so thankful for Lee because there were days that I just laid on the couch and let the boys run wild. It was a rough 3 months!</div>
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I'm feeling better now!</div>
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And.... </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">It's a GIRL!! </span></div>
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We are thrilled!</div>
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So how does this effect our adoption? </div>
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We filled out all of the necessary paperwork to remain in the program during pregnancy. We are officially "on hold" with our agency until baby girl turns 6 months old. </div>
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After baby girl is born we will update our home study as a family of 5. When she is 6 months old we will come "off hold" with our agency and be eligible for a referral (so around December 2016).</div>
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While "on hold" we still continue to move up the waiting list! </div>
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Which means that by the time we finally come off hold, we should be very close (hopefully) to the top of the list! We are praying for a referral in 2017!!! </div>
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We are currently #29 for an infant and #16 for a toddler!</div>
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Lots of changes coming up in the Blackburn household!</div>
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Thank you so much for journeying with us!</div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-16922744257726874342015-10-09T16:16:00.001-07:002015-10-09T21:55:45.797-07:00You guys are AH-Mazing!!Seriously. Amazing! <div>It is a beautiful thing to see such an outpouring of support for our son! I was telling a coworker today that though Malachi may feel very alone right now... There is a multitude of people here in Mississippi eagerly awaiting his arrival! Project 30 is tangible proof of that! </div><div><br></div><div>My birthday week is next week! </div><div><br></div><div>I wanted to write an update on the Project 30 fundraisers although I am confident and hopeful that they have been filling your newsfeeds :-)</div><div><br></div><div>We have 28 fundraisers!! We only need 2 more to reach the goal of 30. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to be as effective as possible in this blog post so I am going to try to "group" some of them together. </div><div><br></div><div><b><i><u>Online</u></i> <u>Silent</u> <u>Auction</u>:</b></div><div>6 of the fundraisers will be silent auction items on Facebook next week, so stay tuned! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VKQa9YR0i4ukz6VUpLmxCWdCUxp-QCCVaQi_WLs01RO5m9JIkewhD9iePEwu84boGnoBPZ-NZkKVQNMS0MaXeEWLqPnjVjfcWrRZIg9vuH2ebnR3OxDCI2f-iKmXXXFgP0Urg0PlvuY/s640/blogger-image--1565274140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VKQa9YR0i4ukz6VUpLmxCWdCUxp-QCCVaQi_WLs01RO5m9JIkewhD9iePEwu84boGnoBPZ-NZkKVQNMS0MaXeEWLqPnjVjfcWrRZIg9vuH2ebnR3OxDCI2f-iKmXXXFgP0Urg0PlvuY/s640/blogger-image--1565274140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These adorable handmade dolls are one of the auction items! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJinBNSUcdGcM0etaTmIpi1lUmBUUtdXDvnosSSsQxCOXTBisattEujEBjqeaqZGOs2_plwdOx11mjbxgdK52Y7GbC5-0lpaB4XHRqgtAvyzEYwNSmXyvYeUawR2w74HvctuCi-fSq4BE/s640/blogger-image--332692776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJinBNSUcdGcM0etaTmIpi1lUmBUUtdXDvnosSSsQxCOXTBisattEujEBjqeaqZGOs2_plwdOx11mjbxgdK52Y7GbC5-0lpaB4XHRqgtAvyzEYwNSmXyvYeUawR2w74HvctuCi-fSq4BE/s640/blogger-image--332692776.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><u>Crossfit</u> <u>Clinton</u> <u>WOD</u></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next Saturday, October 17th at 10 o'clock a.m. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sign up and come work out!! You don't have to be a "super athlete" to come work out! Just put on some sneakers and come on out!! It's going to be so much fun (plus you'll get a good workout in). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is the link to sign up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.rockbuiltgym.com/project-30-fundraiser.html">http://www.rockbuiltgym.com/project-30-fundraiser.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's $20 and you get a cool tshirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So. Go sign up. Now! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxax3vmc_SLzAVM0qlr0rmO5i8VD2Hjl_y38pesU7QmSH5T4tTw0kLDVwfVWUfERlTUDEdlZXHUfQg_cG5zPlmgM4wm-OGvjj7_u9z9pN59Bq_Wm1rCHKYYWg29rW6miAWpm9RluxHimw/s640/blogger-image-889596568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxax3vmc_SLzAVM0qlr0rmO5i8VD2Hjl_y38pesU7QmSH5T4tTw0kLDVwfVWUfERlTUDEdlZXHUfQg_cG5zPlmgM4wm-OGvjj7_u9z9pN59Bq_Wm1rCHKYYWg29rW6miAWpm9RluxHimw/s640/blogger-image-889596568.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><u>Yeti</u> <u>Cooler</u> <u>Raffle</u></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Amy Sherman is having a raffle drawing for a Yeti Hopper 20! This is an awesome cooler!! </div><div>The raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.</div><div><br></div><div>You can Facebook message Amy Sherman for a paypal address if you want to pay via paypal. Or you can pay by cash/check! </div><div><br></div><div>The drawing will be held on Halloween! </div><div>But don't wait to buy your tickets or you will forget :-)</div><div><br></div><div><b><i><u>Rifle</u> <u>Raffle</u> </i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Another awesome raffle item we have right now is a gun raffle that my husband is doing! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ6x8RgvdR_qaqBqHlzqq-rfY7cm0n9aMWu3dzwLDg6qI7ZqJx8iwUqla0jyhk2gzfXS7DflDcLvOJ2E0qnUW0CEw_rqwqkOWNAWxTafY22O8WKx7AhW2SKO6IVFD8eXCXXCjEu8QwNM/s640/blogger-image--1910937258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ6x8RgvdR_qaqBqHlzqq-rfY7cm0n9aMWu3dzwLDg6qI7ZqJx8iwUqla0jyhk2gzfXS7DflDcLvOJ2E0qnUW0CEw_rqwqkOWNAWxTafY22O8WKx7AhW2SKO6IVFD8eXCXXCjEu8QwNM/s640/blogger-image--1910937258.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The above photo is before the custom cerakote job by Dixie Precision Rifles and the below is after. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexaqN1x3H-QF36nsZEXl7-xy18nsBxJOuqZsqwXLqce_NFea2YT20iggCe282H8n3ywf8RdRbV9NrTvF44L1Vmtzn4zN1CzpVLVFlOMcxG-RWFDya4YjAtj7RvY9k9YjrWlnymmlMM5g/s640/blogger-image--348008075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexaqN1x3H-QF36nsZEXl7-xy18nsBxJOuqZsqwXLqce_NFea2YT20iggCe282H8n3ywf8RdRbV9NrTvF44L1Vmtzn4zN1CzpVLVFlOMcxG-RWFDya4YjAtj7RvY9k9YjrWlnymmlMM5g/s640/blogger-image--348008075.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is a brand new Remington Model 700 VTR .308. It has an Oculus scope with BDC reticle. The rifle is valued at $1,700! </div><div><br></div><div>Just in time for hunting season! </div><div><br></div><div>Raffles are $10 for 1 ticket. </div><div><br></div><div>Bonus raffle opportunities:</div><div>$50 you get 10 tickets (5 extra tickets) </div><div>$100 you get 20 tickets (10 extra tickets)</div><div>$250 you get 75 tickets (50 extra tickets)</div><div><br></div><div>Drawing for the gun will be held next Saturday after the Crossfit Clinton WOD! </div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Fresh</u> <u>Picked</u> <u>Shopping</u> </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KOJCKeug5MSA6c0QbFzM3FPK5QZh19SYb_UjCQCnMzElK_EM5tHvUvqo1Ll9PToqHgAbBF9ypxQgASHI93TsV5g6JScruEI6dFvM48CvbsiQ9pVOGe78JzxNVJGt_12BNOvu4eQxu8E/s640/blogger-image-608219017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KOJCKeug5MSA6c0QbFzM3FPK5QZh19SYb_UjCQCnMzElK_EM5tHvUvqo1Ll9PToqHgAbBF9ypxQgASHI93TsV5g6JScruEI6dFvM48CvbsiQ9pVOGe78JzxNVJGt_12BNOvu4eQxu8E/s640/blogger-image-608219017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brittany Wilson is giving the October proceeds from her shop "Fresh Picked" at Antique Mall of the South in Ridgeland to our adoption! So go shop!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u><b>Photography</b></u><b> <u>Sessions</u></b></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OLLyaid5NdjYI5SpFjPq94zAGswMKB61acmRZMQEJw_aHF-xjm91g8R7QM_C6U3YTeT3gzwvFIEeQx0ovNz0HnVukyeunLxKYEr5J7a9oa8RsdChMcIrnh5gs4__Z7UH8nIC4CEe99Q/s640/blogger-image--1990663841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OLLyaid5NdjYI5SpFjPq94zAGswMKB61acmRZMQEJw_aHF-xjm91g8R7QM_C6U3YTeT3gzwvFIEeQx0ovNz0HnVukyeunLxKYEr5J7a9oa8RsdChMcIrnh5gs4__Z7UH8nIC4CEe99Q/s640/blogger-image--1990663841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Amy</i> <i>Beckley</i> <i>Photography</i> is offering family mini sessions on October 25th! Amy is an amazing photographer! We have used her for years. She has done both of my boys' "itty bitty baby" photos </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Book your session today! You won't regret it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzzoc2w7WixTFedmxR4ky1CFqbGibj6VKxk-gugD2o1Vqi4Rr2R7PC6-Jg4MG67RzLWQ_JhvW60xUPUIiRZgnGsM9fQb00pB-NYAcS-EjalbxSFMHxVjhHcKuunud5BAqH9CAu4CkAdo/s640/blogger-image--1167164053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzzoc2w7WixTFedmxR4ky1CFqbGibj6VKxk-gugD2o1Vqi4Rr2R7PC6-Jg4MG67RzLWQ_JhvW60xUPUIiRZgnGsM9fQb00pB-NYAcS-EjalbxSFMHxVjhHcKuunud5BAqH9CAu4CkAdo/s640/blogger-image--1167164053.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Jennifer Crane </i>is also doing photgraphy sessions and is a fabulous photgrapher! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is what she is offering:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">30 minute session for $60</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">46 minute session for $85</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You will have copyrights to all digital photos. Sessions available the weekdays of Oct. 12-16th starting at 5pm (except Wednesday). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Weekend sessions for October 10-11, 17-18. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sessions located in Madison, Ridgeland and Reservoir. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Email Jennifer.nicole.crane@gmail.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>Outdoor</u> <u>Movie</u> <u>Night</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Our friends, the Gates, are having an outdoor movie night! Everyone is invited! It's going to be a blast, so if you are in the area please stop by!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eQnUzN5zxB0enrehVVlbl_GiteyxjYi7O912fJJlSHaXFqN8SYxbB4OrfHxa4AfnbvIDl_vrqjWvoy_8i512bmbCN_YrRwNy4zQj6TcPj0DIy19zkKLDJztvtcGOwunyNLHo1PyghOk/s640/blogger-image--2053865796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eQnUzN5zxB0enrehVVlbl_GiteyxjYi7O912fJJlSHaXFqN8SYxbB4OrfHxa4AfnbvIDl_vrqjWvoy_8i512bmbCN_YrRwNy4zQj6TcPj0DIy19zkKLDJztvtcGOwunyNLHo1PyghOk/s640/blogger-image--2053865796.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><b><u>Online</u> <u>Tupperware</u> <u>Sale</u></b></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1">Kristin Blackburn and Susan Shaw are doing an online Tupperware fundraiser. This ends on October 17th so make sure you get your order in! You can always use some new Tupperware! Plus, 40% of the purchase goes towards our adoption! </div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><a href="http://www.tupperware.com/?fundraiser=56098548369bd1582828182e">http://www.tupperware.com/?fundraiser=56098548369bd1582828182e</a></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8axw4JMo4DLgiU3pxSTk1wRM4O_UMUB4a_XvRbL92Zv9aq7C5T2vxkAVkP8P9ugjCCyTDj-d8LoHCYDHKr8_AGLDpNCMitwJ1jTtnZNMOPKDe-vVHWj1dM8cKj5IRN5PRn5-urA24aI4/s640/blogger-image-73679813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8axw4JMo4DLgiU3pxSTk1wRM4O_UMUB4a_XvRbL92Zv9aq7C5T2vxkAVkP8P9ugjCCyTDj-d8LoHCYDHKr8_AGLDpNCMitwJ1jTtnZNMOPKDe-vVHWj1dM8cKj5IRN5PRn5-urA24aI4/s640/blogger-image-73679813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><b><u>Garage</u> <u>Sales</u></b></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1">We have two garage sale fundraisers! </div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><br></div><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPDdLG_pOkVrKemQuxQXCml7ytfjHhzyZ0uNA7LKcFAB8Po9WNYdpukmBWwuLuvLEaN5ZJle9_551MhPLjnGsA6uXhFv6IA-pJxBpXE0K0VJk9vidi26TpdWiPlqz86HQ5i-Bqc5D2Yc/s640/blogger-image-867691946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPDdLG_pOkVrKemQuxQXCml7ytfjHhzyZ0uNA7LKcFAB8Po9WNYdpukmBWwuLuvLEaN5ZJle9_551MhPLjnGsA6uXhFv6IA-pJxBpXE0K0VJk9vidi26TpdWiPlqz86HQ5i-Bqc5D2Yc/s640/blogger-image-867691946.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One is happening in Massachusetts thanks to Diane Beddia! So if you happen to live near or know her, please consider donating some items! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another garage sale is happening locally in Madison. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alison Schmitz is having a garage sale on Saturday, October 17th from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It will be at 449 Pine Ridge Drive in Madison. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you live in the Jackson area, please send any donations her way! Or if you love a good garage sale, please go shop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>3</u></b> <b><u>Jewelry</u></b> <b><u>Parties</u></b>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1) <b><i><u>A Noonday Collection Party</u></i></b>. This </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">party will be hosted by Amy Stackler and Hannah Wallace in Clinton, MS on October 13th at 7! Please, please feel free to come over! It is going to be a blast. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can also order online! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHxTf-uM-wbVTwIfBZFkB5fpvFhYYzUIw2ougU_J83IEGRcyKAU-ba42PXBUFf_11jRQUpi5tG5kBIsXO9l5jvkYUHMV8BAC5YQetjtsKWh4AX9Qa9B6Q9Zm3P_WlDwAydlaF3lFci_U/s640/blogger-image-1777945101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHxTf-uM-wbVTwIfBZFkB5fpvFhYYzUIw2ougU_J83IEGRcyKAU-ba42PXBUFf_11jRQUpi5tG5kBIsXO9l5jvkYUHMV8BAC5YQetjtsKWh4AX9Qa9B6Q9Zm3P_WlDwAydlaF3lFci_U/s640/blogger-image-1777945101.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/AmyStackler/eventstore11414/AMUS/default.aspx" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/AmyStackler/eventstore11414/AMUS/default.aspx</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2) <i style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Keep Collective Social </u>- </i>this is an online sale by Jessica Thornton. Keep Collective has some awesome jewelery so get online and check it out! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/with/jessicathornton" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://www.keep-collective.com/with/jessicathornton</a></font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDN_K3Uxu-VIh9DYd4X9PdYOeXpGk4ClwsKLX3XsMpUoBY68OMav2vnX5U1NLCfDxqbpD8pwrkKI3w4yqKyDSoWkk8WJ2Dyy8qRnfrHwt1nliLRsJSCK9jGO0DbHJUGLzQQC_XjHwUhs/s640/blogger-image-1332181674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDN_K3Uxu-VIh9DYd4X9PdYOeXpGk4ClwsKLX3XsMpUoBY68OMav2vnX5U1NLCfDxqbpD8pwrkKI3w4yqKyDSoWkk8WJ2Dyy8qRnfrHwt1nliLRsJSCK9jGO0DbHJUGLzQQC_XjHwUhs/s640/blogger-image-1332181674.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3) <b><i><u>A Trades of Hope Party</u></i></b>: This party will be hosted by Pamela Arnett in Brandon (near Flowood) on October 20th at 7pm. If you're in the area please stop by! It will be a lot of fun! (Yes I have changed the date a few times! Totally my fault)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you can't make the party you can order online. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.mytradesofhope.com/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=18414&PartyGuestID=-1&RequestedGroup1Code=&RequestedGroup2Code=&ReferringDealerID=816001" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://www.mytradesofhope.com/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=18414&PartyGuestID=-1&RequestedGroup1Code=&RequestedGroup2Code=&ReferringDealerID=816001</a></font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq2aFYdXRqDVkcCW3IHky_CwzaSRAkr-XrBTvPTcFpqpAeY0BvXjCrcibuhjut0r4v1q9fEOd_L7KSYTcb5KB_fMEx6AWjgA_H45GOfLk9wyd5H5s1d72lsB1gZQkZmvVxIXVzmHkXis/s640/blogger-image-1328813183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq2aFYdXRqDVkcCW3IHky_CwzaSRAkr-XrBTvPTcFpqpAeY0BvXjCrcibuhjut0r4v1q9fEOd_L7KSYTcb5KB_fMEx6AWjgA_H45GOfLk9wyd5H5s1d72lsB1gZQkZmvVxIXVzmHkXis/s640/blogger-image-1328813183.jpg"></a></font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>Lemonade</u></b> <b><u>Stands</u></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maggie Varner and her kiddos are having a lemonade stand! If you know her, message her for details and go get you some lemonade! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>Make</u></b>-<b><u>up</u></b> <b><u>Sale</u></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Morgan White is hosting an online <i>Younique</i> <i>Makeup</i> sale! She just had a baby so I will get back with you guys on details of the sale! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>We have 4 already completed (or almost completed) fundraisers!! </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54M-fQuc8zztkUeY7JfXuxLz2upYNsuM1f_Wc1QnfruddVkVumQjAn1ac4HgecwJKduCye48gnjf64J6iLSmNcvEgRdjlsVAi5duRsqU8bLMKpQkuP-Zr5XM1gLW43ZKtHo_Q6M6qMko/s640/blogger-image--221318697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54M-fQuc8zztkUeY7JfXuxLz2upYNsuM1f_Wc1QnfruddVkVumQjAn1ac4HgecwJKduCye48gnjf64J6iLSmNcvEgRdjlsVAi5duRsqU8bLMKpQkuP-Zr5XM1gLW43ZKtHo_Q6M6qMko/s640/blogger-image--221318697.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sweetest adoption buddy, Megan Manuel, baked and delivered these delicious treats today!! She had close to 30 orders!! Literally warms my heart! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QptXRLuzgLmlnUpYp5S8yT1zizI1B2KJlQ9ViW6zacz2SHcHAa9UyYQMjVkhJneaCN2KXYs3ZC_PgdmdfS544cLi53DdCxTmUXpbDdkGc2JhdadgqEPYEWCNPgqwWL7WLyQvsh1bAkw/s640/blogger-image--906133032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QptXRLuzgLmlnUpYp5S8yT1zizI1B2KJlQ9ViW6zacz2SHcHAa9UyYQMjVkhJneaCN2KXYs3ZC_PgdmdfS544cLi53DdCxTmUXpbDdkGc2JhdadgqEPYEWCNPgqwWL7WLyQvsh1bAkw/s640/blogger-image--906133032.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Our t-shirts have been ordered and will hopefully arrive next week! Thanks to everyone who bought one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XLQIKnygmejYIWcgz2Cn1JW0o-7os0Uhh0vMqJm6tuHjz6yvsvELtPxZUYj_8YqGmgr_aqvxdnQrKmHPI4kS0We1eDlAO69b-famtm844OeU1h8S_mNn62GOmVbiVGnRUyCtcpChIsM/s640/blogger-image-918196885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XLQIKnygmejYIWcgz2Cn1JW0o-7os0Uhh0vMqJm6tuHjz6yvsvELtPxZUYj_8YqGmgr_aqvxdnQrKmHPI4kS0We1eDlAO69b-famtm844OeU1h8S_mNn62GOmVbiVGnRUyCtcpChIsM/s640/blogger-image-918196885.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alison Schmelzer's childrens consignment sale is over! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTlvuvpeXgXqOWrmSYNGmoBQ0mbcv_CoJARzFTrN3uHEV1ZiZJn9ZQKhDZJC6f5ycrQHAFDMwsLKT9OSl78S3R92cr0z5sYgdmMQ9DS5HXhzdQasOhEnvWMW-A-Vrl1VvO3mWHyTYcvk/s640/blogger-image-753260450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTlvuvpeXgXqOWrmSYNGmoBQ0mbcv_CoJARzFTrN3uHEV1ZiZJn9ZQKhDZJC6f5ycrQHAFDMwsLKT9OSl78S3R92cr0z5sYgdmMQ9DS5HXhzdQasOhEnvWMW-A-Vrl1VvO3mWHyTYcvk/s640/blogger-image-753260450.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The FIT for FALL 100 Mile Challenge is well underway! The people completing this challenge are doing an amazing job of staying active!! Thanks Decatur Running Group :-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>That's all folks! Project 30 is already the best birthday and best ever adoption fundraiser!! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>You... The Village... I can't say thank you enough! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Praying baby Malachi home to meet his village! </i></div></div></div></div></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-21248629709080060472015-10-03T13:52:00.001-07:002015-10-09T21:25:17.511-07:00Jewelery & Clothing FundraisersMany of the Project 30 fundraisers are underway! Yay!! <div><br></div><div>I wanted to take a minute to promote 3 fundraisers that fall under a similar category. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Jewelery</b> & <b>Clothing</b> </div><div><br></div><div>These fundraisers not only help us as an adoptive family, but they also help women across the world. These are the perfect gifts for Christmas! </div><div><br></div><div>So here are the 3 fundraisers. </div><div><br></div><div>1) <b><i><u>A Noonday Collection Party</u></i></b>. This party will be hosted by Amy Stackler and Hannah Wallace in Clinton, MS on October 13th at 7! Please, please feel free to come over! It is going to be a blast. </div><div><br></div><div>You can also order online! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHxTf-uM-wbVTwIfBZFkB5fpvFhYYzUIw2ougU_J83IEGRcyKAU-ba42PXBUFf_11jRQUpi5tG5kBIsXO9l5jvkYUHMV8BAC5YQetjtsKWh4AX9Qa9B6Q9Zm3P_WlDwAydlaF3lFci_U/s640/blogger-image-1777945101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHxTf-uM-wbVTwIfBZFkB5fpvFhYYzUIw2ougU_J83IEGRcyKAU-ba42PXBUFf_11jRQUpi5tG5kBIsXO9l5jvkYUHMV8BAC5YQetjtsKWh4AX9Qa9B6Q9Zm3P_WlDwAydlaF3lFci_U/s640/blogger-image-1777945101.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/AmyStackler/eventstore11414/AMUS/default.aspx">http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/AmyStackler/eventstore11414/AMUS/default.aspx</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2) <i style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Keep Collective Social </u>- </i>this is an online sale by Jessica Thornton. Keep Collective has some awesome jewelery so get online and check it out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/with/jessicathornton">https://www.keep-collective.com/with/jessicathornton</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDN_K3Uxu-VIh9DYd4X9PdYOeXpGk4ClwsKLX3XsMpUoBY68OMav2vnX5U1NLCfDxqbpD8pwrkKI3w4yqKyDSoWkk8WJ2Dyy8qRnfrHwt1nliLRsJSCK9jGO0DbHJUGLzQQC_XjHwUhs/s640/blogger-image-1332181674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDN_K3Uxu-VIh9DYd4X9PdYOeXpGk4ClwsKLX3XsMpUoBY68OMav2vnX5U1NLCfDxqbpD8pwrkKI3w4yqKyDSoWkk8WJ2Dyy8qRnfrHwt1nliLRsJSCK9jGO0DbHJUGLzQQC_XjHwUhs/s640/blogger-image-1332181674.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div> </div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3) <b><i><u>A Trades of Hope Party</u></i></b>: This party will be hosted by Pamela Arnett in Brandon (near Flowood) on October 22 at 7pm. If you're in the area please stop by! It will be a lot of fun! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you can't make the party you can order online. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.mytradesofhope.com/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=18414&PartyGuestID=-1&RequestedGroup1Code=&RequestedGroup2Code=&ReferringDealerID=816001" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://www.mytradesofhope.com/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=18414&PartyGuestID=-1&RequestedGroup1Code=&RequestedGroup2Code=&ReferringDealerID=816001</a></font></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq2aFYdXRqDVkcCW3IHky_CwzaSRAkr-XrBTvPTcFpqpAeY0BvXjCrcibuhjut0r4v1q9fEOd_L7KSYTcb5KB_fMEx6AWjgA_H45GOfLk9wyd5H5s1d72lsB1gZQkZmvVxIXVzmHkXis/s640/blogger-image-1328813183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq2aFYdXRqDVkcCW3IHky_CwzaSRAkr-XrBTvPTcFpqpAeY0BvXjCrcibuhjut0r4v1q9fEOd_L7KSYTcb5KB_fMEx6AWjgA_H45GOfLk9wyd5H5s1d72lsB1gZQkZmvVxIXVzmHkXis/s640/blogger-image-1328813183.jpg"></font></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>A special thanks to Amy Stackler, Hannah Wallace, Jessica Thornton and Pamela Arnett (also Emily Cooley) for these 3 fundraisers! Thanks for being the village! </div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-36225039299489553892015-10-02T05:01:00.001-07:002015-10-12T15:51:37.675-07:00Our trip to Czech RepublicMany of you know that we recently returned from a mission trip to Czech Republic. Words fail to describe the experience we had while in Czech Republic. God is up to some amazing work and we were both encouraged and strengthened during our time there. <div><br></div><div>Czech Republic is a beautiful country. All week long we were amazed by the beauty around us. </div><div><br></div><div>We drove through rolling hills filled with trees, livestock, villages and fields. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKnVDEgr-t7JjVqFp9fqDNtnQEv79ZfDEy4nkrPHmOjBiaSIzBmCJcO6y27l1V1840VrBgEB1OUWMxmrMXbgTapmntJyb_fcW_QwbtHDO90iBdjxEzAywHlL3folPPo7pD3-ivRdyoFA/s640/blogger-image--820814714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKnVDEgr-t7JjVqFp9fqDNtnQEv79ZfDEy4nkrPHmOjBiaSIzBmCJcO6y27l1V1840VrBgEB1OUWMxmrMXbgTapmntJyb_fcW_QwbtHDO90iBdjxEzAywHlL3folPPo7pD3-ivRdyoFA/s640/blogger-image--820814714.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw extremely old and beautiful castles with rich history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnMnGSP2nKNOum8qRJ2mGhUXchej7Gfm2QYKjw2h-xhr1HKFFZXti1CcskDx1sHgzkmOPRO0yC6zj3iLsvF6v6-t-jddn4IbJtSoE8DXvoy2q0CwSxK4I2cj1SOm9RhnoWFeLB_Ua5M/s640/blogger-image--1614482945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnMnGSP2nKNOum8qRJ2mGhUXchej7Gfm2QYKjw2h-xhr1HKFFZXti1CcskDx1sHgzkmOPRO0yC6zj3iLsvF6v6-t-jddn4IbJtSoE8DXvoy2q0CwSxK4I2cj1SOm9RhnoWFeLB_Ua5M/s640/blogger-image--1614482945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On top of the castle walls, we could see as far as our eyes could possibly see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvtzcUYKcOoPz_fKE2JcVuTawZDgqs24wq4eXhDuom1qjhOMFMcP1Y4g48rPvt4ygRvThPOST-KXGJiQH75E2notUXQWjXHiB1aYNlVuHhOagmfKfuUXvm5lTc2eAx8o9MGM8lCurzCc/s640/blogger-image-786529486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvtzcUYKcOoPz_fKE2JcVuTawZDgqs24wq4eXhDuom1qjhOMFMcP1Y4g48rPvt4ygRvThPOST-KXGJiQH75E2notUXQWjXHiB1aYNlVuHhOagmfKfuUXvm5lTc2eAx8o9MGM8lCurzCc/s640/blogger-image-786529486.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QvxFOrXwPJjb0eq7Wh7UjuFV4XizXtI7B1RwY2Q_PVPAPsac1nr4g8SbsgtsLpaIDBf-5Tri7KAB8KCEDHMR4LyKiALNyqD68C0X5ki1-aKconYlNj2u3MYbLpsqy38wtjyRBzEhaGs/s640/blogger-image--1261074934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QvxFOrXwPJjb0eq7Wh7UjuFV4XizXtI7B1RwY2Q_PVPAPsac1nr4g8SbsgtsLpaIDBf-5Tri7KAB8KCEDHMR4LyKiALNyqD68C0X5ki1-aKconYlNj2u3MYbLpsqy38wtjyRBzEhaGs/s640/blogger-image--1261074934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Inside the walls were more beauty and history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c2MqaeayJRaHShElqV4-X3gMtUBw4AHzDN-_pPAN-KLZnAc1iEiCClB9ifJmFK3clKVQiDG_IyXIfme7yrwAilJb5qVdF7zVhP1r6O4aCpeMJuxi89uW-K3oRGJy1zFOTTr_wTszNn4/s640/blogger-image-337164973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c2MqaeayJRaHShElqV4-X3gMtUBw4AHzDN-_pPAN-KLZnAc1iEiCClB9ifJmFK3clKVQiDG_IyXIfme7yrwAilJb5qVdF7zVhP1r6O4aCpeMJuxi89uW-K3oRGJy1zFOTTr_wTszNn4/s640/blogger-image-337164973.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even the conference center where we stayed was filled with beauty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nhG9OtE8RPplV16t4bXHjFkk_kfb1AjQzrhR1QuzhjkLl8mMLCo0S0omZHnBiQKErSaSM12E8sVMcaGn7qEsqyfb9NoKA4B93rJaivrI3Fras0FsPG9f2vxcVoAewnkDOIq6XzGFxEQ/s640/blogger-image--1430889197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nhG9OtE8RPplV16t4bXHjFkk_kfb1AjQzrhR1QuzhjkLl8mMLCo0S0omZHnBiQKErSaSM12E8sVMcaGn7qEsqyfb9NoKA4B93rJaivrI3Fras0FsPG9f2vxcVoAewnkDOIq6XzGFxEQ/s640/blogger-image--1430889197.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even though we felt as if our eyes had seen so much beauty since our arrival... Two days before we left the country we drove into Prague to tour. Those of you who have been to Prague laugh because you understand the beauty of the city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These photos are such a vague comparison to the actual beauty of Prague. Seriously, every photo I took almost aggravated me because it didn't even come near to capturing the true beauty of what I was seeing with my eyes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The city is FILLED with beautiful cobblestone streets. We navigated all day through the city walking on cobblestone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs16kuFjnahRcAUzHX52RlXWViqtdRYqc8lzmQHZcPNKfNbkJlj_C3f9MIvibd-_9ZH5JE36cS5QeUSzFVqULM9FJGjLFjz2_wmM-3twUb7UcOxXl99Ze1mx-_-3rCtsenP1fFMEAuQU/s640/blogger-image-1673201936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs16kuFjnahRcAUzHX52RlXWViqtdRYqc8lzmQHZcPNKfNbkJlj_C3f9MIvibd-_9ZH5JE36cS5QeUSzFVqULM9FJGjLFjz2_wmM-3twUb7UcOxXl99Ze1mx-_-3rCtsenP1fFMEAuQU/s640/blogger-image-1673201936.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We passed by the astronomical clock in old town square. People gather to watch it do "it's thing" every hour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLONVF_w6BGvDHnBgrrY9liYXr4Mb-Rw9bd-ySHw2xlH5mkZBuyDBeQah5EUFBmB8gc9lysa-7_4osp0b2LqHBQebx0_lcpHYKiGHY0jwYLfMWAyifVCjayFUkfqTR78s13VOeLJWDxw/s640/blogger-image--1654385582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLONVF_w6BGvDHnBgrrY9liYXr4Mb-Rw9bd-ySHw2xlH5mkZBuyDBeQah5EUFBmB8gc9lysa-7_4osp0b2LqHBQebx0_lcpHYKiGHY0jwYLfMWAyifVCjayFUkfqTR78s13VOeLJWDxw/s640/blogger-image--1654385582.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We crossed the St Charles Bridge and the views from it are purely stunning! Photos were simply unable to capture the beauty. We took about an hour to walk across the bridge because we were so struck by the history and beauty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgUG87UfTIMUW5ZX-Jwl2vWvBCRy8VbCe8fKMQQBSiRCyojdQgtFnIN8w0Ua-rA6dEgtJDEdYjWQsLtwk5xK9pSQGbv3k9oS-OmzbsyZ74RbtofF79ysFkl0sJFYXMrVwVMAv7Ae-Yx8/s640/blogger-image-1551593636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgUG87UfTIMUW5ZX-Jwl2vWvBCRy8VbCe8fKMQQBSiRCyojdQgtFnIN8w0Ua-rA6dEgtJDEdYjWQsLtwk5xK9pSQGbv3k9oS-OmzbsyZ74RbtofF79ysFkl0sJFYXMrVwVMAv7Ae-Yx8/s640/blogger-image-1551593636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes that dark spot on top of the hill is an amazing, beautiful castle! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwaOgMUM6n6bzfK3Cr2cBrLjabnu1ujZsNVfoC2xAdaWcY8VMuIb2CUN43Or76-E967eRCNiWlkyBKYWblsVrFbNzuqxEJixW7ydefXPt_9CG80KVK9iJU6bB1FQcWkTkjSn4MHrHRg/s640/blogger-image-1885546422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwaOgMUM6n6bzfK3Cr2cBrLjabnu1ujZsNVfoC2xAdaWcY8VMuIb2CUN43Or76-E967eRCNiWlkyBKYWblsVrFbNzuqxEJixW7ydefXPt_9CG80KVK9iJU6bB1FQcWkTkjSn4MHrHRg/s640/blogger-image-1885546422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyub-a9qzHARumxbT_IFNmtwfTqaxsUcNNkN0w7RDS08AVSQxEhu39A7o03_HGkN4Gkk4Jz9wa82OoFB5ZeqnaSf7F2XXLxj6sT0U9cDBEiLoW8PLBYuh4n4SExYCc91qsqY1-H5u05D0/s640/blogger-image-3002511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyub-a9qzHARumxbT_IFNmtwfTqaxsUcNNkN0w7RDS08AVSQxEhu39A7o03_HGkN4Gkk4Jz9wa82OoFB5ZeqnaSf7F2XXLxj6sT0U9cDBEiLoW8PLBYuh4n4SExYCc91qsqY1-H5u05D0/s640/blogger-image-3002511.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, we began our up hill journey to Prague castle. The hill was steep but COMPLETELY worth it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Overlooking the side wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLZ5M8om4OBYxAQGSu8-X4VRXf2ADEVbaxQqjYBWgcH9WbTmn79_m62IkE0_8qym8JxkfY9ZdKfdshvqjlI0eb0L0ovkqEMXtL1dnp3Lz44t5qzfdfMWFyh_xRE3O2CwpMtbjnY6OmVw/s640/blogger-image-1855399353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLZ5M8om4OBYxAQGSu8-X4VRXf2ADEVbaxQqjYBWgcH9WbTmn79_m62IkE0_8qym8JxkfY9ZdKfdshvqjlI0eb0L0ovkqEMXtL1dnp3Lz44t5qzfdfMWFyh_xRE3O2CwpMtbjnY6OmVw/s640/blogger-image-1855399353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We walked through the gate. Wes (the missionary in Czech) showed us photos of the Nazis and Hitler standing in front of these very gates that we walked through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZXHYXSs4tsyfeJJFaPJuvQhlCET1bLlZG2hrTbrJdfhMpo312Q2Nt_GhMXL5nrha6JAlyQ1Upk_b9HPkiFWoprlZiFZuS1F1p81K31nKxS-VZy4tie5pAxiWxF3DNnNVwwavTSzuffU/s640/blogger-image-1022941710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZXHYXSs4tsyfeJJFaPJuvQhlCET1bLlZG2hrTbrJdfhMpo312Q2Nt_GhMXL5nrha6JAlyQ1Upk_b9HPkiFWoprlZiFZuS1F1p81K31nKxS-VZy4tie5pAxiWxF3DNnNVwwavTSzuffU/s640/blogger-image-1022941710.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We entered into the cathedral. We were awestruck. I didn't even want to take photos because they did it no justice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexxnW4lP8Wa_xaEKqjZC-gOqUujv_wU2vQvFrXg_wG1rBk-odCwOgqaUPhfMZEVmTSBqQmBLILHuq3a298fyznBklJJ7qXVKWBLxQKAyu_JyAEmLME5nYoN2z1LRaioKjrieb2eW0y3I/s640/blogger-image--118030846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexxnW4lP8Wa_xaEKqjZC-gOqUujv_wU2vQvFrXg_wG1rBk-odCwOgqaUPhfMZEVmTSBqQmBLILHuq3a298fyznBklJJ7qXVKWBLxQKAyu_JyAEmLME5nYoN2z1LRaioKjrieb2eW0y3I/s640/blogger-image--118030846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We walked outside the cathedral and more breathtaking views awaited us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjPhhfUfZJkhvioWT332VjN1yf8zuE7oYbPMMGeFMthkRvbiFau77b68tW4EMqeaBGYpUD0xWa7XjUShKD9aHLzKQ8gcplrpfh9kxMj8WsJ1ElxKXZQqaXykKJL94GkgDRI6pvzOJMJM/s640/blogger-image--709642646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjPhhfUfZJkhvioWT332VjN1yf8zuE7oYbPMMGeFMthkRvbiFau77b68tW4EMqeaBGYpUD0xWa7XjUShKD9aHLzKQ8gcplrpfh9kxMj8WsJ1ElxKXZQqaXykKJL94GkgDRI6pvzOJMJM/s640/blogger-image--709642646.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then... As we were standing outside looking up at the beautiful architecture around us... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvaPnwXeKe4t5mLjqvObHhSZxkAY1dgrtAh_trbL4Abr6vwFf9WF6IlmQ0WDryHKWE5WkMXWEwl-umbhNNKCAtkoIlYLDJ2b0hsjqIni-lo91I6wX_p7BJwo45DyZTcyyqdQcIlSq_uo/s640/blogger-image--556108838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvaPnwXeKe4t5mLjqvObHhSZxkAY1dgrtAh_trbL4Abr6vwFf9WF6IlmQ0WDryHKWE5WkMXWEwl-umbhNNKCAtkoIlYLDJ2b0hsjqIni-lo91I6wX_p7BJwo45DyZTcyyqdQcIlSq_uo/s640/blogger-image--556108838.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Wes Stafford (the missionary living in Czech) asked a question. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Everything that you have seen... All of the beautiful architecture of this city, castle and cathedral.... Does it make you want to worship God?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were silent for a moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted to answer the question honestly. </div></div><br></div>It felt as if my answer should have been "yes" because of the vast beauty around us. But my honest answer was "no." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, the things we were seeing were beautiful but they did not make me want to worship God. If anything, it drew my heart to think of man. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thankfully Lee answered before me and he confirmed my feelings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He simply said, "No. It's beautiful but it doesn't make me want to worship God." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That moment stuck with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I remember our trip, none of the physical beauty of Czech Republic strengthened my faith or made me want to worship God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you know what DID make me want to worship God? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">THIS... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwRQlWTV4FfB3AQcEAr7xVH1ITVKHZx9-W1Vtpdmhd-Tm6LxMWTEhfZxpqR1rmgaHWE-q9hztEV7OejMSttuhOJVK0rh0VXAqu_VzIrhUFrJTRO9vSomuQLG3UHW59C5L4SQeJ0ko_o/s640/blogger-image--1792335329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwRQlWTV4FfB3AQcEAr7xVH1ITVKHZx9-W1Vtpdmhd-Tm6LxMWTEhfZxpqR1rmgaHWE-q9hztEV7OejMSttuhOJVK0rh0VXAqu_VzIrhUFrJTRO9vSomuQLG3UHW59C5L4SQeJ0ko_o/s640/blogger-image--1792335329.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not the church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meet Radim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is the guy on the left facing the camera. Radim grew up in Czech Republic. When he came to America, he was not a believer. This trip was his first time to return to Czech Republic as a Christian. He was both excited and nervous. </div>His life has completely changed since he became a Christian. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is his childhood church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this photo, Radim is translating the history of the church to us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching Radim on this trip made me want to <i>praise</i> <i>God</i>. God truly gives us new life. Radim stepped back into a country completely redeemed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLG8qRtWFNIjm6m6J-Ydi1PiC6b14x-EGmdyFxpi0pd779Cl7cQ_TJlrk0hSp3eXHBYpLkeoMyfjkSWWbOPNJOwaJz-UrCS8ZUr18y9OZX3rQDlI08SF0ga8oyAx1Uxr2DWh8swQQKxQ/s640/blogger-image-2090018997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLG8qRtWFNIjm6m6J-Ydi1PiC6b14x-EGmdyFxpi0pd779Cl7cQ_TJlrk0hSp3eXHBYpLkeoMyfjkSWWbOPNJOwaJz-UrCS8ZUr18y9OZX3rQDlI08SF0ga8oyAx1Uxr2DWh8swQQKxQ/s640/blogger-image-2090018997.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching the lives of Wes and Sherie Stafford made me want to <i>praise God.</i> These two packed their bags and moved across the ocean to share the Gospel. The left family and all they had ever known behind to share the love of Christ in a foreign land. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o1lc7gH-ydT076ueFzhG2BXbBvqE9ylBMTrXAoEXNdj8CflcFaENcKsKFm4wz1ADIh3qoMOQuV0BNIAeBMdUuone7Dqv9erJBF91AuVelb7ojgv9FxGDxigA85eREECi6cNZYSJyQ0Q/s640/blogger-image--1454001212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o1lc7gH-ydT076ueFzhG2BXbBvqE9ylBMTrXAoEXNdj8CflcFaENcKsKFm4wz1ADIh3qoMOQuV0BNIAeBMdUuone7Dqv9erJBF91AuVelb7ojgv9FxGDxigA85eREECi6cNZYSJyQ0Q/s640/blogger-image--1454001212.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Walking into a local church that has a ministry called "Majak" (Lighthouse) made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Young Czech believers give up their Friday afternoons to pour into the lives of kids who come to Majak. They love Jesus and desire to share the gospel in a dark world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching these 6 Czech believers continually sacrifice their time to share the gospel made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYtoUOFL8gVJWW63Vz0RxOTtfpynQNG50ijs807klUxmtFFaJJDRE0mKvnd6lhN2lBi8AaVJ2FaYrxH3BWhXhq6RM87YpeFyQQQjrpQFlP6A_gdQuHIcmudUGNV3w7BIqG4WH0xDmGHM/s640/blogger-image--1485811769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYtoUOFL8gVJWW63Vz0RxOTtfpynQNG50ijs807klUxmtFFaJJDRE0mKvnd6lhN2lBi8AaVJ2FaYrxH3BWhXhq6RM87YpeFyQQQjrpQFlP6A_gdQuHIcmudUGNV3w7BIqG4WH0xDmGHM/s640/blogger-image--1485811769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Being able to share a meal with both American and Czech believers as if we were family made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching them extend love to the workers of the restaraunt who were both exhausted and overwhelmed made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div></div></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC5Xj8V26b4wnhC2lfANTWGMw6Wqx_6t343dcEO212BsGCzqDS4JUvsZ3TC351Qg47cPsF7qPrg10_2PCxdJV5AS3JHe4kqbV1bIdYsxs5hVmiJcyY_Nnt5eCFqy0DEX0Bot0uuvMCwo/s640/blogger-image-1247777454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC5Xj8V26b4wnhC2lfANTWGMw6Wqx_6t343dcEO212BsGCzqDS4JUvsZ3TC351Qg47cPsF7qPrg10_2PCxdJV5AS3JHe4kqbV1bIdYsxs5hVmiJcyY_Nnt5eCFqy0DEX0Bot0uuvMCwo/s640/blogger-image-1247777454.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seated around this table are 6 Czech believers ages 20+ who gave up their weekend to learn more about Jesus. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7 Americans who traveled across the ocean to disciple local leaders. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2 missionaries who live in Czech Republic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Simply sitting at this table was overwhelming. Two languages. 15 believers. Two nationalities. Different ages and seasons of life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yet one common goal: To know more about God and to share the gospel with a lost world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zjNEBe1nWutezVUkuAewakAq4kQu-GAkV_PT6X6SkBLsPDGEpL9oVKdE1TaaoRzXLC3hcNKTtGT_Agsgarmj_eJ1RBUEdA_bUmZj0KuhREqqXx_vp9P-7ymmXmEZfYdej6A2WOuWoCg/s640/blogger-image-18796539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zjNEBe1nWutezVUkuAewakAq4kQu-GAkV_PT6X6SkBLsPDGEpL9oVKdE1TaaoRzXLC3hcNKTtGT_Agsgarmj_eJ1RBUEdA_bUmZj0KuhREqqXx_vp9P-7ymmXmEZfYdej6A2WOuWoCg/s640/blogger-image-18796539.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching Nela share the gospel using a concept that we learned at our church here in America was awesome. She shared in the Czech language and Radim translated for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This moment made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbXBdfrLRk9isH8plNa2ITtdfYj9S4SQbrS-tclfiA_K_XrH1eshrOnWZFjfuVkq7jf9vLZGMWMtvki5DoLZWSeCveqWMy9b9lXtnCsjyvWSMAPiJCl1N8Ve9JIwnQoY6UXgXQ8n3BWw/s640/blogger-image-2088826576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbXBdfrLRk9isH8plNa2ITtdfYj9S4SQbrS-tclfiA_K_XrH1eshrOnWZFjfuVkq7jf9vLZGMWMtvki5DoLZWSeCveqWMy9b9lXtnCsjyvWSMAPiJCl1N8Ve9JIwnQoY6UXgXQ8n3BWw/s640/blogger-image-2088826576.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Worshipping God together in both the Czech and English language made me want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7pqSXTGPY9Me-1A03yH8Qr3qnR0drnuozpyYJlkmuHg5T6i5QzNzjnJeFMtsGGhOe-I0DyIULJDYro8L8OjcOrU7gBXi3e6PHLEhX5r-pnKs-b4UnjhGJiqZkCBbs4EmUScICfYivhU/s640/blogger-image-1615363515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7pqSXTGPY9Me-1A03yH8Qr3qnR0drnuozpyYJlkmuHg5T6i5QzNzjnJeFMtsGGhOe-I0DyIULJDYro8L8OjcOrU7gBXi3e6PHLEhX5r-pnKs-b4UnjhGJiqZkCBbs4EmUScICfYivhU/s640/blogger-image-1615363515.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of the Czech believers present this weekend spoke English. However, Tomas is deaf and though he can speak English (which is amazing), he has a difficult time lip reading English. So Martin (pictured above) did an amazing job translating all weekend so that Tomas did not miss a thing! Tomas eagerly did not want to miss a single thing! Tomas probably had to work harder than any of us as he lip read and took notes on a huge amount of material. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching these two all weekend made me simply want to <i>praise God. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8p282nlSzdt9LP4ZhmRHKOQ4hfSv2wgj1bLAhdFz_2Ov-asRP-B-NOsJ2mJO_BYhT37qJaQjnOg7lFl9pkUyoCZi9fuNfaeMAlLCKKUc2oEGJxW0BK4WNz0K1NK4lsj161AP0IrnjX0E/s640/blogger-image-536027281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8p282nlSzdt9LP4ZhmRHKOQ4hfSv2wgj1bLAhdFz_2Ov-asRP-B-NOsJ2mJO_BYhT37qJaQjnOg7lFl9pkUyoCZi9fuNfaeMAlLCKKUc2oEGJxW0BK4WNz0K1NK4lsj161AP0IrnjX0E/s640/blogger-image-536027281.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div>At the end of it all, I wasn't touched by the physical beauty around us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was inspired, encouraged and strengthened by watching the glorious work of The Lord in the lives of all His children. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For in the end... seeing His work in people's lives is what makes me want <i>praise Him! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love Czech Republic. We love our new friends (our brothers and sisters). We love and adore our Heavenly Father who allowed us to have a small part in furthering His Kingdom! </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-47369729885116212062015-09-14T11:57:00.002-07:002015-09-14T12:02:56.366-07:00Humbled & Excited!<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you remember a time when the community surrounded you and any attempt to express your gratitude fell short? </div>
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Maybe it was a wedding or a baby shower where you just felt overwhelmed and undeserving of all that people had done for you! I've definitely been there before. </div>
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And this week, I find myself in that place again. </div>
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Humbled. Grateful. Excited. Overwhelmed by the undeserved love of the community surrounding our adoption. </div>
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As I read through the list of 18 people who have stepped up so far to do fundraisers for our adoption.... I am speechless. </div>
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Then I look at all the shirts that have already been ordered.</div>
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All the raffle tickets that have already been bought (before the fundraiser is officially announced).</div>
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All the people who are stepping in and saying "I want to "shop" your fundraisers!</div>
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Then</div>
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I am whatever is <u><i>beyond </i></u>speechless. </div>
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Only God.</div>
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Only God could move on the hearts of His people to love and support. </div>
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So thank you.</div>
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Thank you for your amazing response to Project 30 so far!! </div>
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We love each and every one of you guys! </div>
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A few people have asked for an "update" on the fundraisers, so here ya go! </div>
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The goal for Project 30 was 30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday in October! So far we have 18 (yay)! Some of the fundraisers have already started, some will start soon and some will last through the entire month of October. If you want to keep up with everything that's going on... please "LIKE" our Project 30 Facebook page! </div>
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Here is a list of all the fundraisers we have so far! Please consider supporting us by participating in some of these fundraisers!</div>
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<li><b>Megan Manuel </b>is having a bake sale! She is located in Clinton, so if you are in the area please consider buying some goodies!</li>
<li><b>Alicia Mattern</b> is selling our Project 30 T-shirts! They are 20$ each including shipping. These shirts look awesome! Don't miss out. More info is posted on our Project 30 Facebook Page.</li>
<li><b>Tracy Mattern</b> will be auctioning a handmade picture frame the week of October 11-17. We will do this online so please be on the lookout! </li>
<li><b>CJ & Danielle Stewart</b> will be auctioning a wooden piece from Old Camp Kickapoo. Stay tuned for details.</li>
<li><b>Diane Beddia</b> is having a yard sale all the way up in Boston, MA! </li>
<li><b>Erin & Adam Rees </b>will be hosting a Crossfit Clinton WOD open for anyone to come and workout! Details to be released soon! Please consider coming and working out to support us!! It will be a blast!</li>
<li><b>Morgan White</b> is hosting an online show selling her makeup from Younique! You don't want to miss it!</li>
<li><b>Karen Bedford </b>made the precious Ethiopian baby dolls that I posted on facebook the other day. They are so cute and will be auctioned online the week of October 11-17th!</li>
<li><b>Amy Sherman</b> is having a Yeti Cooler Raffle! Details will be released soon on how to purchase tickets! <b> </b></li>
<li><b>Hannah Wallace and</b></li>
<li><b>Amy Stackler </b>are hosting a Noonday Party in Clinton. Noonday is beautiful jewelry made by beautiful women across the world. It is an amazing ministry! This party is open to everyone, so if you want to come just let me know and we will get you the info! Think of it as more of a "LADIES NIGHT" because it is going to be a blast! We are trying to get as many ladies to come as possible! This will be on Tuesday night October 13th! </li>
<li><b>Brittany Wilson</b> is donating her proceeds from her shop (Fresh Picked) at the Antique Mall of the South in Ridgeland for the month of October! So go shop!! </li>
<li><b>Jennifer Crane</b> will be doing photography sessions during the month of October in Madison, Ridgeland and Reservoir areas. More info to follow! Great timing for Christmas card photos!</li>
<li><b>Lee Blackburn</b> is probably the most giddy person I have seen regarding Project 30! With the help of some great friends, Lee is having a Rifle Raffle just in time for hunting season. Apparently the gun is very awesome... (he's gonna kill me)... I just don't know anything about guns so I should probably refrain from attempting to say details! He will announce the details very soon!! </li>
<li><b>Alison Schmelzer</b> is graciously donating her proceeds from the children's consignment <b>NEW 2 U</b> on October 1-3!</li>
<li><b>Holly Leach</b></li>
<li><b>Jessica Followel</b></li>
<li><b>Ashley Richardson</b> are all 3 still working out the details of their fundraisers! Will keep you posted! </li>
</ol>
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Seriously... Doesn't reading all those just make you joyful? It brings tears to my eyes to see <i>The Village</i> coming together! The Village doesn't just consist of these 18 names, but it consists of the TONS of unnamed people who are MAKING THESE FUNDRAISERS POSSIBLE!! </div>
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So thank you, thank you, thank you!!</div>
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If we stopped now.. my heart would be more than content!</div>
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But if you feel prompted to help us reach the goal of 30 fundraisers... please let me know and I will help you brainstorm of fundraisers! It can be a teeny tiny fundraiser! Every dollar counts! </div>
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Something easy too is donating something to be auctioned can count as a fundraiser!</div>
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Love y'all much!! </div>
Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-5419833192130074342015-09-01T11:58:00.001-07:002015-09-01T19:46:31.393-07:003 years on the waiting list!<div>I would like to share a story with you. Please engage in the seemingly irrelevant details and try to resist the temptation to skip ahead. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><i>A mother and her two sons went to a store to buy balloons. The mother decided to purchase 3 solid color balloons and 2 "happy birthday" balloons. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>The boys gleefully watched the employee air each balloon up with helium. First the blue balloon, then the gold, then silver and finally the two birthday balloons. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>The cashier rang each balloon up individually and passed them to the mother. As the mother grabbed each balloon, she noticed that the solid balloons all had white strings attached to them. Then she noticed that one birthday balloon had a blue string and the other had a yellow. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>The family left the store with 5 balloons in hand. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>As the mother was closing the door of her van, she noticed one of the birthday balloons had gotten loose and was flying away. She ran after it. She tried her hardest to grab the blue string on the balloon. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful. She stood in the parking lot watching the balloon fly away. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>Exasperated, she sat down in the van and her oldest son said, "Mom! Now we only have one birthday balloon!" </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>"Oh well," replied the mother. "We really need to get home." </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>They drove home. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>When they arrived home, the mother opened the back of the van and was simply shocked to see all <b>5</b> balloons inside! </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>3 solid balloons</i></div><div><i>2 birthday balloons</i></div><div><br></div><div><i>"What in the world?" She said in astonishment. "There must be some mistake. This is impossible!" </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>Questioning her sanity, she said to her oldest son... "Please tell me that you saw the birthday balloon fly away in the parking lot!!" </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>He replied, "Yes I did." </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>She grabbed the balloons and examined the strings attached to them. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>They were just as they had been in the store. All the solid balloons had white strings. One birthday balloon had a yellow and one had a blue string.</i> </div><div><br></div><div><i>"There has got to be a mistake!" </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>So she rushed to find the receipt from the store. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>She thought to herself, "surely they sold me 6 balloons and I didn't notice. How else would I still have 5 if I lost one in the parking lot?" </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>She examined the receipt. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>Then she paused. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>There were only 5 balloons listed on the receipt. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Astonished... </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She checked and re-checked. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>Everything was just as it had been when they left the store. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>It was unexplainable. </i></div><div><br></div><div><i>Or was it? </i></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary for officially being on the waiting list for Malachi. DTE means that was the day our Dossier was sent TO ETHIOPIA. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7dNLlVexRChoGKu604AkCKFrSu0qLGl0HQ_f8FMAytwqdmbImfoYLHPnPnp6tgV-1k6UOq4eZPQJmmcTRjUpqoJgivSvdbmNojjeQBeKgj0GWCljT6X_-VTQx422AxSynTcg14x5ghI/s640/blogger-image-1375562049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7dNLlVexRChoGKu604AkCKFrSu0qLGl0HQ_f8FMAytwqdmbImfoYLHPnPnp6tgV-1k6UOq4eZPQJmmcTRjUpqoJgivSvdbmNojjeQBeKgj0GWCljT6X_-VTQx422AxSynTcg14x5ghI/s640/blogger-image-1375562049.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was a bitter sweet day. When we first began this journey, I never dreamed we would still be waiting to see Malachi's face after 3 years. I wish I knew when this roller coaster of a journey will end... But I don't. </div><div><br></div><div>So we wait.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday I did a lot of reflecting on our adoption journey. </div><div><br></div><div>The pain of the wait has been real. But the pain hasn't necessarily been soley a longing for my child. In the past 3 years I have learned that this adoption journey is actually more about my relationship with God than my son in Africa. </div><div><br></div><div>God placed me on this journey to draw me closer to Himself. </div><div><br></div><div>In His love, He has used the pressing circumstances of adoption to expose my unbelief. He has exposed my true thoughts about His character. </div><div><br></div><div>I have doubted the character of God. </div><div><br></div><div>Is He good? </div><div>Is He faithful? </div><div>Is He Just? </div><div>Is He able to do the impossible? </div><div><br></div><div>I didn't just ask these questions. I <i>wrestled</i> over them. My heart <i>ached</i> over them. Just ask my sweet friends who have drug me through the trenches these past 3 years. </div><div><br></div><div>I shared a blog post a long time ago about not being able to sing the lyrics "<i>nothing is impossible with you" </i>because I didn't truly believe it. I felt like adoption was impossible and that God wasn't able to complete it. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So what does the balloon story have to do with all of this? </div><div><br></div><div>I am the mother. </div><div><br></div><div>I am the one in the story. </div><div><br></div><div>And yesterday... As I tried my hardest to figure out what happened with those balloons... </div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I stopped. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And I realized that the real miracle wasn't the balloon (although I was pretty... Umm.. Freaked out)</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The real miracle was that I actually BELIEVED that God was able to do the impossible. My mind was tempted to settle with the idea that it was "unexplainable." </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">But for the first time, I stepped into belief that God was able to do a miracle. </font></div><div><br></div><div>Six months ago I would have been a huge skeptic and said that something "weird" just happened, or that I was surely wrong about the balloons. Rationalizing would have been easier than believing in a miracle. </div><div><br></div><div>I will never know for sure what happened yesterday with those balloons. And honestly, it doesn't matter. </div><div><br></div><div>What matters is that my faith grew the instant I believed God was able. </div><div><br></div><div>And as I reflect on these 3 years... It has been hard and dark at times, but to taste the goodness of The Lord makes it completely worth it! </div><div><br></div><div>I am so thankful He loves me too much to leave me as I am! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlhXx0cHHyOw1_wO8k7CEuH_NlhZrRiIvERU10XRJt5EumvmVlDXf8EzEAT4bj0Ujs8sZ1jP4xXvwY4r_x7-MqBF4UoZQ0CagcBUmH2MioO1co_qeJikBKqdmFoXSlZykQB41KOdcjAA/s640/blogger-image--1582542078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlhXx0cHHyOw1_wO8k7CEuH_NlhZrRiIvERU10XRJt5EumvmVlDXf8EzEAT4bj0Ujs8sZ1jP4xXvwY4r_x7-MqBF4UoZQ0CagcBUmH2MioO1co_qeJikBKqdmFoXSlZykQB41KOdcjAA/s640/blogger-image--1582542078.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXso3Qvf79MIr-wjQjG_cDOazairfWkVs2NlzEo38O_8W_Id5zYQjot1vdaKlsX4We5ziHj_AwdrjhyisLwgbz_Stvmc17C_JUTZ3Ns51WPCUuGJmiMYpGw92ZPJnW4flWbqbx_WPQf9M/s640/blogger-image--2143348793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXso3Qvf79MIr-wjQjG_cDOazairfWkVs2NlzEo38O_8W_Id5zYQjot1vdaKlsX4We5ziHj_AwdrjhyisLwgbz_Stvmc17C_JUTZ3Ns51WPCUuGJmiMYpGw92ZPJnW4flWbqbx_WPQf9M/s640/blogger-image--2143348793.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYFlagS_YnsU-J0qQ66HRwshwFkdaYTAOqyKRXW0kJ3Tg-_Cm1-ZtlPNzZiaNNZj2RuJm10HGJuzLayTXw5XBEdj630_BiG21k2ciZmeYY08ZnQgoK-QN10tZkkA_a9zoLUHrdVABLPs/s640/blogger-image-1641798002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYFlagS_YnsU-J0qQ66HRwshwFkdaYTAOqyKRXW0kJ3Tg-_Cm1-ZtlPNzZiaNNZj2RuJm10HGJuzLayTXw5XBEdj630_BiG21k2ciZmeYY08ZnQgoK-QN10tZkkA_a9zoLUHrdVABLPs/s640/blogger-image-1641798002.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-67513298665281568732015-08-25T09:04:00.001-07:002015-08-25T09:06:57.899-07:00We still need help with Project 30I just want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help with Project 30! So far we have about 10 different fundraisers! Yay!! <div><br></div><div>Fundraisers so far include a bake sale, T shirt sales (which will start soon), silent auction items, crafts for sale, Younique makeup party, Crossfit WOD, and a yeti cooler raffle!! </div><div><br></div><div>I am getting more and more excited about my birthday week! </div><div><br></div><div>We still need 20 people to join in our effort to make this the best birthday ever!! </div><div><br></div><div>Would you help us?? </div><div><br></div><div>For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about... The short version is that I turn 30 in October and am asking 30 people to help fundraise for our adoption! </div><div><br></div><div>30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday! </div><div><br></div><div>Here is the detailed blog link about Project 30...</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://leeandabby.blogspot.com/2015/08/project-30.html?m=1">http://leeandabby.blogspot.com/2015/08/project-30.html?m=1</a></div><div><br></div><div>Happy Tuesday! Hope to hear from you soon!! </div><div><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-82453126866138665442015-08-13T06:25:00.001-07:002015-08-13T15:48:18.383-07:00A still, small voice<div><br></div><div>She stopped running a year ago. She's walking now. It's not a brisk walk. It is a walk where each step is painfully slow. It's as if she is barely moving at all. Her body is weak. Her spirit is weary. Her hope is tiny. </div><div>The journey has drained every ounce of energy from her body. </div><div>She attempts to take another step... but as her foot touches the ground, her fragile body collapses underneath her. She is too weak to carry on. </div><div><br></div><div>She lays there. </div><div><br></div><div>Helpless. </div><div><br></div><div>Hopeless. </div><div><br></div><div>She is too weak and weary to continue the journey. Silence surrounds her. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Last week our agency sent us an email describing their financial difficulties keeping the Ethiopia program open. They have set a massive fundraising goal for the program and we are having a conference call later today. Ethiopia is becoming increasingly difficult (and almost impossible) to adopt from. The reasons behind this are too much to mention here. Our agency, and most all agencies, are struggling to keep programs alive. </div><div><br></div><div>Doubt has gripped me all week long. To say that I have been emotional would be an understatement (my husband says "Amen"). </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday was particularly heavy. </div><div><br></div><div>Heavy.</div><div><br></div><div>I was so tired. My prayers are not something I am necessarily proud of. I basically begged God to let us stop. I asked Him to let us change courses. The journey is becoming increasingly difficult to finish. </div><div><br></div><div>Here was my prayer journal from yesterday morning. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"<i>Let me find peace, joy and rest in you. I think my doubt stems from a few places - would You be so kind as to shed light in these areas? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>1) Did we hear you wrong about Ethiopia? It is hard to be confident about the call to adopt from ET when so many other people have felt confident in their call to adopt from there and the doors have been closed on them. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>How are we any different?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Are we any different? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>How can I pray with confidence for this journey to be completed? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>2) has the plan changed? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Was this a journey to open our eyes to many other things? I know we are different people because of this journey. I thank you for that. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>3) should we give up now? Are you changing our direction or should we continue on our way to Ethiopia? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My day went on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I spent some time talking with friends and Lee about the situation. Sweet Lee is just full of faith and I am simply not. God knew what He was doing when He partnered us together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our family loaded up to head to church last night. As we were pulling out of the driveway I told Lee to stop and check the mail. He pulled out a package that I wasn't expecting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I opened it up and a pair of my gym shorts fell out that my friend had borrowed a few weeks back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A check also fell out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Addressed to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Did she owe me money for something? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No. Especially not such a generous amount of money! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Did she send this for our project 30 fundraiser? Maybe? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No. The check was dated for July 28. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Weird.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I texted her asking what that check was for?? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Her reply was simple, but profound. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>"Bring our sweet boy home." </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Tears streamed from my eyes. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>She is still laying on the ground. She is too exhausted to move and too broken to even attempt. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wind begins to blow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is a light breeze that she barely even notices at first. </div><br></div><div>But as she tunes her ear to listen... She hears a whisper. </div><div><br></div><div>A still, small voice.</div><div><br></div><div>A voice that says, </div><div>"My girl... Don't you stop now. Keep going. Rise to your feet. Keep walking. It is just ahead. I hear you. I see you. I knew you would fall down today. In fact, I prepared for this fall on July 28." </div><div><br></div><div>Do not quit. </div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-18871000232362596772015-08-09T11:19:00.001-07:002015-08-09T11:22:46.390-07:00Project 30<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzoQe-2VNGqSA4t06odynW3NVi7lP8-Ba-zlXD1hGKvcyATK7nlOUhIfbeAagCCayjfXp2-7z-DaBjwEwxkqdz2sTqpZGTlMVG4S8pBTFi92GIw-DB5sAN5_xmaUqNzIyX3Xy1g3cVDk/s640/blogger-image--1538380475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzoQe-2VNGqSA4t06odynW3NVi7lP8-Ba-zlXD1hGKvcyATK7nlOUhIfbeAagCCayjfXp2-7z-DaBjwEwxkqdz2sTqpZGTlMVG4S8pBTFi92GIw-DB5sAN5_xmaUqNzIyX3Xy1g3cVDk/s640/blogger-image--1538380475.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>On October 16th I will turn 30!! Yes... The BIG. 3. 0. </div><div>I cannot believe it. I am like "grown" now. </div><div><br></div><div>Over the years I have seen many people do very cool things to celebrate their 30th birthday. One girl raised 30 thousand dollars to help with non-profit organizations. Someone else did 30 random acts of kindness. The list goes on. As I began thinking about my own 30th birthday, I contemplated how I could celebrate. I initially wanted to raise money to support efforts in Africa to provide clean water for those in need. But as I began the fundraiser planning, it was daunting to me to raise money for a cause while we still have financial needs with our own adoption. Our heart is to adopt without debt. </div><div><br></div><div>So I shifted gears. </div><div><br></div><div>I have come up with a fundraiser and I hope that you will decide to be part of it! </div><div><br></div><div>I am calling it "Project 30." </div><div>The theme comes from the African Proverb "it takes a village to raise a child." </div><div><br></div><div>It takes a village to raise all children, but it especially takes a village to raise children who have been adopted. We have seen our village rise up with fundraising efforts, prayer, encouragement and wisdom. We pray that we continue to see the village rise up once Malachi is home! We will need people to love and encourage our entire family. Y'all know I will need help with his hair and with navigating the waters of having a transracial family in today's society. </div><div><br></div><div>So I want to do a fundraiser to celebrate my 30th birthday! </div><div><br></div><div>I am asking 30 people to rise up and commit to doing an individual fundraiser for us. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes... That's 30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday!! </div><div><br></div><div>This will be impossible to achieve without you guys!! </div><div><br></div><div>Here is my plan. This plan may shift if needed, but this is the rough draft. </div><div><br></div><div>1) I need 30 people to volunteer to do a fundraiser. </div><div><br></div><div>2) I will give a T-Shirt to each person who volunteers. Please wear your T-Shirt during your fundraiser! The shirts are awesome (thanks Jenn Crane!) </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>3) I would love for all of the fundraisers to take place the week of my birthday - October 11-17. </div><div>This is flexible if needed. </div><div><br></div><div>That's it! I don't really have a "goal" for how much we will raise. I think my heart will just be so full to see the village at work for my son! We will be working too!! :-) </div><div>After 3 years it is hard to get motivated to fundraise, so having you guys alongside me will help tremendously! </div><div><br></div><div>Let's do a short Q & A to clear up some things! </div><div><br></div><div>1) What do I do with the money I raise? </div><div><br></div><div>This is the most important question of all! We are asking that no donations be made directly to us. Instead, we would like for you to donate to our Lifesong Account! This account was set up for us last November and is awesome! Your donation is tax deductible through them and it is guaranteed to be used for adoption purposes. Not that we wouldn't do that anyway!! We have been extremely diligent the past 3 years to use all funds for ONLY adoption purposes! We have a completely separate adoption banking account! But we can't offer a tax deduction if donated to us. </div><div><br></div><div>And still... We love the fact that a professional organization manages it for us! </div><div><br></div><div>We will chat in further detail personally about how to donate to this account! </div><div><br></div><div>2) How do I sign up? </div><div><br></div><div>Please contact me via Facebook (Abby Miller Blackburn), phone, or email abbymiller_22@hotmail.com and I will get you signed up. Please include your name, fundraising idea, and a potential fundraiser date/location/time. </div><div><br></div><div>Example:</div><div>John Smith</div><div>Garage Sale</div><div>Saturday, October 17 @ 6 am</div><div>Your address </div><div><br></div><div>Obviously we can chat in more detail but I will keep a list of all the fundraisers so we can get the word out!! </div><div><br></div><div>3) Does my fundraiser have to be something big like a garage sale? </div><div><br></div><div>No! Not at all! It can be as small as selling a piece of art or having your kids set up a lemonade stand! Please get creative!! </div><div><br></div><div>4) Is there a minimum amount of money that I have to raise? </div><div><br></div><div>Nope! Every dollar helps! </div><div><br></div><div>5) Can you give us some fundraiser ideas? </div><div><br></div><div>I sure can! But don't limit your creativity to this list!! </div><div><br></div><div>Garage sale</div><div><br></div><div>Lemonade stand</div><div><br></div><div>Selling crafts (all you Pinterest people out there!) </div><div><br></div><div>Using your business to raise money (ex: donate a portion of sales) </div><div><br></div><div>Bake sale </div><div><br></div><div>Pancake Breakfast</div><div><br></div><div>Tea Party (great for getting little girls involved) </div><div><br></div><div>Spaghetti Dinner (or any dinner) </div><div><br></div><div>Silent auction (can be online or in person, multiple or single items) </div><div><br></div><div>The list goes on and on.</div><div>Here is a good link! </div><div><br></div><div>http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/the-ultimate-list-of-adoption-fundraisers/</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>That's all folks! </div><div><br></div><div>We are excited and anxious to see who all will stand up and BE THE VILLAGE!! </div><div><br></div><div>In our weariness to finish the work God has called us to, we seriously need you. We don't necessarily need your finances (we serve a God who owns cattle on a thousand hills), but we need you to carry us with your prayers and encouragement! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Let's have a birthday party!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5AVSf-GN0QFjgL2q4_0tAJ2gpVajk2FmiefW81SYUt38pVFmbGZkmlcPmoz2m6NwSYFbJ29LlvGR1U2j_0an7Atso_fHJvtqb9BBOOwK00I4sKpCz7CKtqRTsAI8GDJni6qLE2THcQc/s640/blogger-image-1853067838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5AVSf-GN0QFjgL2q4_0tAJ2gpVajk2FmiefW81SYUt38pVFmbGZkmlcPmoz2m6NwSYFbJ29LlvGR1U2j_0an7Atso_fHJvtqb9BBOOwK00I4sKpCz7CKtqRTsAI8GDJni6qLE2THcQc/s640/blogger-image-1853067838.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-37194617790876984482015-07-20T14:16:00.001-07:002015-07-20T14:48:45.092-07:00Guest blog post!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-b4df0889-a97d-ba2b-89f9-f6fb26b6b4b9"><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Many of you know my sweet friend, Alicia Mattern. I have been journeying with Alicia for years now and have been so blessed by her friendship. Recently, Alicia and her husband, Will, along with their two girls, Ally and Mary Grayson moved from Flowood, MS to Madison, MS. This move seemed sudden and very surprising to those watching from the outside, however, it was anything BUT surprising or sudden for those of us involved in the details. It was a blessing to see God leading their family to a divine appointment. It is a story that began with HIM and will end with HIM. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">I invited Alicia to do a guest blog post to share her story. I hope you enjoy reading it! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></p><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UtetDKDcSYgAdIqnuc5wLTPfFccXbscqGoCSiBfiKOYsmo17HrHc2OhBxvQCn9wPi2S-lomJu4IuvVKQAyAHTVJl-Ypp7xwD6nQPz73fTXkgd9BFNWt2WtuV-mamNUl5BdlPcL_g10o/s640/blogger-image-1495572205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UtetDKDcSYgAdIqnuc5wLTPfFccXbscqGoCSiBfiKOYsmo17HrHc2OhBxvQCn9wPi2S-lomJu4IuvVKQAyAHTVJl-Ypp7xwD6nQPz73fTXkgd9BFNWt2WtuV-mamNUl5BdlPcL_g10o/s640/blogger-image-1495572205.jpg"></a></font><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I figured if Ellen Degeneres could have special guest so could Abby. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>What a journey! It seems so quick to the world and leaves many with questions. Believe me I have asked a few questions myself. My sweet friends/family and actually complete strangers have been so huge in this. They have listened to my heart process. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>In 2012, Will and I began a journey asking God where he desired for our children to go to school. Sweet Will was very patient with me as I wanted to tour every school in Rankin and Madison County. I even thought I wanted to tour the high schools. A shout out to Kelly Kuykendall for reminding me I did not have to decide on high school – I had to decide on kindergarten. It is one thing to pray for God’s will for my own life, but to pray it for my children was another pressure for me. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I recently found a journal that I wrote as I toured schools at that time - The journal was asking god a lot of questions and praying for wisdom. At that time Will felt like ultimately we would be in Madison but I did not feel like God was finished with us in Rankin county. David Horner taught me years ago that God often begins to a stir in us a passion for something long before it’s fruition.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Renee Williams (a sweet friend that God placed in my family’s life many years ago) spent the night with me in December 2012 and after many hours of catching up I told her about the prayer journey through schools. I felt like I didn’t even know what to pray anymore. I went to bed that night and asked God this question…. “Lord, teach me to pray?” God loves for us to ask for wisdom and he showed up so big. He didn’t only show up in regards to schools but in so many areas in our life. Within months we attended a two day conference known as College of Prayer at our church. That summer I went through the actual bible study by Kay Arthur “Lord teach me to pray.” God taught me so much in that question and prayer. I learned that a prayer journey was far more than just reaching the destination but finding joy in God’s presence in the journey. Chip helped me reframe my prayer life when he communicated... to seek God’s face and not just His hand. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>We toured every school without knowing an answer. Then one day we walked the halls of Hartfield – I registered Ally immediately. The atmosphere was precious. The administration was great. The teachers were so sweet. The classroom size was smaller. Scripture was on the wall. I left with confidence that this was the perfectly safe</i> <i>environment I was felt would be best for Ally that was naturally timid. So we began to walk that out. We took our house off the market and began to put one foot in front of the other for the plans that we were confident in that moment.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>A few months ago I was really wrestling with what God had for our family to look like. I wanted 2 more children. Will adamantly felt like the 2 children we have complete our family. I will never forget the place I was standing when Abby said, “Why don’t you and Will pray about it for 40 days to seek clarity?” I came home and enthusiastically told Will about the 40 day prayer journey I wanted to embark on. He enthusiastically did NOT feel the need to pray about growing our family but was willing. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>After much discussion, Will agreed. We desired to be on the same page about the future of our family. But more importantly, we desired for our family to be in the will of God. So we began our 40 day prayer journey. We were faithful to pray and consistently ask God the same question. My question to God was “What do you have for our family to look like? What do you have our home to look like?” The journey ended with a shift of my heart to maybe not ever having more biological children, but instead a home that I could open the doors and allow anyone to walk through that needed to be loved. My heart shifted to be a family to anyone that needed one. I learned to trust that Will would always be willing to say yes to whatever God asked us to do. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i><br></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Our prayer journey ended after 40 days, but what followed would rock our world. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i><br></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Within a week of the 40 days being over a </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">note was left on our door from someone that wanted to buy our house. (reminder there was no sign in the yard) A note that would change our life forever. </span></i></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Wills OCD personality rose to the surface and within a week we had looked on the internet for houses, walked through houses, met with bankers, met with a builder (shout out to Tim Neese) – he ran along side of Will every step of the way as we looked at property to buy. Every blade of grass was looked at in Rankin County. Will drove from every neighborhood to see the exact time it would take for us to do life. Unfortunately, Will and I were not seeing eye to eye. Will wanted land. I wanted to run into my neighbor when I walked out the door. There was not one option that we both felt great about. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>A friend called us about a house in a neighborhood in Madison. This was a neighborhood we had looked in before but was off our radar. I had only looked at Old Madison recently that would allow me to still do life in Flowood, the area that I had loved for 10 years. Instead, this was right in the middle of Madison and I knew the distance would not allow us to continue doing life routinely in Flowood. The house had a contract on it. I have no idea why we even went to look. We were both weary. Our children were beginning to think house hunting was our hobby. We walked in the house and within 3 minutes Will said, “I think this is our home.” WHAT?????? This was not my plan. This changed everything – schools, churches, friends… </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>That was a Tuesday.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Wednesday – I prayed and called in the troops for wisdom. My emotions were not lining up with the plan. I left messages with 2 women in my life that have walked me through many emotions.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>We went back to look at it Thursday and I prayed and fasted. I spent the day with my mom. What a blessing to have someone listen to your heart that has known your heart since you cried your first cry. She reminded me that closing a</i> <i>chapter that I loved would be hard. It involved people that I cherish. But that just because it was hard did not mean it wasn’t right. The 2 women each left separate messages – one had no idea what school district our girls would be in but talked about how much she</i> <i>loved Madison Station (we serve a God of details) – this is the school where the girls will be going. The other left a message of her heart for Madison and provided amazing encouragement in that God can change our territory and reminded me that God had called Will to lead our family. She also reminded me that God often brings insight to the leader sooner than he does the follower. By the time I walked back through the house that night God had met me. My heart had shifted. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I graciously had friends ask me hard questions, pray earnestly, encourage me and listen to my heart when I did not even know what my heart felt….</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I felt like I was walking through the stages of a job interview…You have a job that you love and another company calls you for an interview…There are many questions that have to be walked through…And then you learn the job requires you to move….The ONLY way you would take the job is if you felt like GOD had called you to take it. I was sitting on the beach when Amy Horner asked me the question “Is it a calling?” At the time she asked that I think Will would have said YES, but I was not there yet. My heart was hesitant – saying “yes” to God was saying “no” to a lot of things that I loved. </i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Our buyers buyer fell through…so he couldn’t buy our house…Yes the guy that left the note…Will met with Teresa</i> <i>Renkenberger…Will did not feel like the journey was over….Our house resold in 3 days…Formal contract on the new house was in writing and we found out at midnight on June 9</i></span><i><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> that it was formally ours….</span></i></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Papers were signed on June 25</span><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i> We were about to sell the house we have called home, raised children in, let people live with us that needed a place in transition, the bible has been studied in, laughter has been shared….</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">On the 26</span><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> we closed on the house that we will call home until God changes our territory . So our next chapter begins….</span></i></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I have processed more emotions in one month than I have in my entire life. Our routine has changed…New faces in the grocery store, new neighbors that I only know their name and not their life story, asking the question who is going to be my new <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">5 am</a> running friend (Amy Sherman – I miss you!!!), a new school, new church, …</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>God has met me in so many ways it makes me smile - both spiritually and practically.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I’ll never forget when I was in the youth group swinging by a lake at a church camp and my heart was sad because the seniors were graduating. Mary Margaret Holliman said “Your sadness in goodbyes comes because you have loved. The alternative is to not love and then goodbyes will not be sad.” So today I am sad because I have loved so many people that have crossed my path in the last 10 years. My heart will forever be changed for my time in the Reservoir area. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i><br></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I began to worship today at church and the song was sung “The maker of the heavens knows my name.” My heart sunk as I thought He knows my name but not many people in this room do. The sermon of the cross reminded me of the rest of the song.</i></span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>The make of the heavens knows my name...the author of the oceans gave me grace...My soul, my soul will ever sing your praise - Almighty God, almighty God...Your touch can set the weary captives free...Your love has changed the course of history...and with your arms wide open...you gave your life to save...The hands that formed creation were pierced for me that day…. </i></span></p><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I can not wait to see what God has next for us as he continues to unfold what he has for our family and our home to look like. If I had to answer that question today that Amy asked me on the beach “Is this a calling?” My answer would be YES. I can’t wait to wake up each morning and love God and love the new people God has put in my path. I can not wait to know the story of the faces that are in my routine.</i></span></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>The reality is that in this life it really doesn't matter how many people know my name. What really matters is that I am helping people learn the name of Jesus. Above all else I desire for His name to be glorified! <br></i></span><div><div></div></div><div><span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></span></div></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-20016728283340141052015-06-27T11:52:00.001-07:002015-06-27T13:03:13.987-07:004th of July ChallengeOne year ago we moved to Clinton to live at Down Range. If you haven't heard of Down Range then check out their website www.cjstewart.org. <div><br></div><div>We love the ministry at Down Range. Recently CJ has been running Manhood Academy for high school and middle school boys. We have heard so many stories from kids and parents about how their lives were impacted while at camp! </div><div><br></div><div>Since we have lived at Down Range, we have gained a whole new appreciation for our military. Men and women who serve in the US Military are admirable. They love their country... Deeply. They love each other even more deeply. They have a brotherhood that is indescribable. </div><div><br></div><div>And they love an American Flag! </div><div><br></div><div>Since the Fourth of July is coming up soon, I decided to have a small fundraiser to raise money for Down Range's next project.... A paintball course! </div><div>Construction will be underway very soon! </div><div><br></div><div><b>My goal: 500$ </b></div><div>(<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">obviously this won't build the whole course but ever little bit counts, right?!) </span></div><div><br></div><div><b>How I hope to reach the goal</b>: </div><div>Sell 10 wooden flags for 50$ each. Custom painted.</div><div><br></div><div><b>How you can help</b>:</div><div>Buy a flag!! </div><div>Or you could just donate to the CJ Stewart foundation if you don't want a flag! </div><div><br></div><div><b>Why is this blog titled "4th of July Challenge?"</b></div><div>I am glad you asked! </div><div>Instead of buying a flag for yourself, I challenge you to purchase a flag for someone you know in the US Military! </div><div>If you do this, your purchase is a double blessing: Down Range plus directly saying thank you to someone you know personally that serves our country. </div><div><br></div><div>Now for the photos! </div><div><br></div><div>These are solid wood. </div><div>Sizes range from 11x14 to 11x18. </div><div>They are able to stand on their own. </div><div>You probably don't want to have to have these shipped :-) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9wdOGgz2Z0zXhz2AvEGbNEsrp-XErMw2QlbR7Y5slUS57Qyogd1fCbLrtTo_nOAAXAzdxfbpFY0COr7i1YUPQEL9HTj6EAmtS9WmgzxLTLmewt5qm1IVIlmDHhQei8L2tMPkAcQrnCU/s640/blogger-image--1341819026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9wdOGgz2Z0zXhz2AvEGbNEsrp-XErMw2QlbR7Y5slUS57Qyogd1fCbLrtTo_nOAAXAzdxfbpFY0COr7i1YUPQEL9HTj6EAmtS9WmgzxLTLmewt5qm1IVIlmDHhQei8L2tMPkAcQrnCU/s640/blogger-image--1341819026.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrgP5I432uy7rWVjFJJIb3g0unITtCuMqbom7gF95Ibv4Q1HeKwf-AYV3kQpSD37GMF_im3oogepaespqXXJWpnjZbhkzyCuLqk5lHbGIqAGYp26zmWURaVxXyiDg8pae5_mQ3BgRGX4/s640/blogger-image-1383497341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrgP5I432uy7rWVjFJJIb3g0unITtCuMqbom7gF95Ibv4Q1HeKwf-AYV3kQpSD37GMF_im3oogepaespqXXJWpnjZbhkzyCuLqk5lHbGIqAGYp26zmWURaVxXyiDg8pae5_mQ3BgRGX4/s640/blogger-image-1383497341.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySX8JFrdTxe6q7ySvmjQ2illKWBYoHItyS1EShhwU0WZXI48uk3i83-3n_cfSTidbn-_wHUcJCXQ3R1QNFNxzwKAnam3j59RsrprgbMmy4vmaJ5kTL7UBiJWr9gRXbZnMjcF00VMvYzs/s640/blogger-image--145638169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySX8JFrdTxe6q7ySvmjQ2illKWBYoHItyS1EShhwU0WZXI48uk3i83-3n_cfSTidbn-_wHUcJCXQ3R1QNFNxzwKAnam3j59RsrprgbMmy4vmaJ5kTL7UBiJWr9gRXbZnMjcF00VMvYzs/s640/blogger-image--145638169.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Close up of the texture on the flag! This flag is a deeper red than the following flag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3pKUr8q8xfYOnQe6xUDHvdczRXzP3EZsYgRykp9YDAQCRqnmfNjWDJYK2AcXC0IyNzX6m1UoCxohsnYXzyFfpViosRqaGjyHqeESx7sHDMToENh52l-UHtPS41JQjUD9miIAQANh4xI/s640/blogger-image--467400620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3pKUr8q8xfYOnQe6xUDHvdczRXzP3EZsYgRykp9YDAQCRqnmfNjWDJYK2AcXC0IyNzX6m1UoCxohsnYXzyFfpViosRqaGjyHqeESx7sHDMToENh52l-UHtPS41JQjUD9miIAQANh4xI/s640/blogger-image--467400620.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcCEBKVnTapdW3FraVvccId7jIKNbOq5TEtRet1xBMO7-7gt0LGOPV066kZOWzrs78RcWpy9KdW0ZZwLwZg8N1UWle1VryRoGAqAQV_SGKmyCzBjpPM1sZvrp2uiNc5l86Tyfx_ImXvM/s640/blogger-image--1386926176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcCEBKVnTapdW3FraVvccId7jIKNbOq5TEtRet1xBMO7-7gt0LGOPV066kZOWzrs78RcWpy9KdW0ZZwLwZg8N1UWle1VryRoGAqAQV_SGKmyCzBjpPM1sZvrp2uiNc5l86Tyfx_ImXvM/s640/blogger-image--1386926176.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>This flag is a true bright red. The wood on this one is completely covered with caulk and painted.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSyXk_rm9Ak4BW0V0c0xUwxSEMKXkAtRBRLKfPkZ-E-LUnHynP9N1Gvqf-ZbyxFrnJHBeFxu3hvi5bqc7vZ56YkrsxkJHEnzCWbBXQkfNHGsXHLGOaP1tJwr86LwPtTNvDXwENN7UFL0/s640/blogger-image--941788760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSyXk_rm9Ak4BW0V0c0xUwxSEMKXkAtRBRLKfPkZ-E-LUnHynP9N1Gvqf-ZbyxFrnJHBeFxu3hvi5bqc7vZ56YkrsxkJHEnzCWbBXQkfNHGsXHLGOaP1tJwr86LwPtTNvDXwENN7UFL0/s640/blogger-image--941788760.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Baby boy flag! Would be very cute in a nursery. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSO0jtqfxYrNhTYul1sYpVBZs4d-Ztc88AoDIO3UuZQRMbDjnSJA4MWX99qPD7toOJlJPpiXtA3k0hRNWhFTIBBlgGrj1CVqc4FH48Pq3aSFcUqCP7zQZ4H1J0xFpCJ0czjvcpZMjDQY/s640/blogger-image--1391476852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSO0jtqfxYrNhTYul1sYpVBZs4d-Ztc88AoDIO3UuZQRMbDjnSJA4MWX99qPD7toOJlJPpiXtA3k0hRNWhFTIBBlgGrj1CVqc4FH48Pq3aSFcUqCP7zQZ4H1J0xFpCJ0czjvcpZMjDQY/s640/blogger-image--1391476852.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjT98Ab0K_N5Fbmm2Aft5jcGUHzW_2plQQe2ClORdV1KxADRejp7HyheZZv4ufdJCcm3WYsXq-_CPuzGsDUMhdHibVc0yf3Bit3Al7E50kJtNMoArdpMxOwrmo9alo7O0PtPzmUj7DKE/s640/blogger-image-1926135061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjT98Ab0K_N5Fbmm2Aft5jcGUHzW_2plQQe2ClORdV1KxADRejp7HyheZZv4ufdJCcm3WYsXq-_CPuzGsDUMhdHibVc0yf3Bit3Al7E50kJtNMoArdpMxOwrmo9alo7O0PtPzmUj7DKE/s640/blogger-image-1926135061.jpg"></a></div> Baby girl flag. Would be precious in a nursery. The blue is a little more tuquoise in person. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT-rH7L-IGS_loimVtsO3gD9vVXducaw_UQ-d_t88FVMJX0FP04NJJ6Rd8JeQNT9WGkRosmfPmFH8kAO8LE-u0y50n-HAGApSPwQG59LBqUXje2KdIRg4i-2KjHMgV8uZ3wxQ5xEoDfc/s640/blogger-image-1921840507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT-rH7L-IGS_loimVtsO3gD9vVXducaw_UQ-d_t88FVMJX0FP04NJJ6Rd8JeQNT9WGkRosmfPmFH8kAO8LE-u0y50n-HAGApSPwQG59LBqUXje2KdIRg4i-2KjHMgV8uZ3wxQ5xEoDfc/s640/blogger-image-1921840507.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ReAdy. Set. Happy 4th!! </div><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-24411452387860647782015-06-07T11:35:00.001-07:002015-06-07T12:03:28.887-07:00Our Sunday Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqgoUPMQNMdiZFJdJTMLBV8l2E8hmPzbT673MjyWwJo6qLLySUJjLdQhRf9WVpBWAXbxJ3SbNuAkd_O6RYjyoftWAN25hsmzm3BAehzXC54LtOg9xhkKLY-coL4o-eFg15O-2-ZBnch8/s640/blogger-image--274301403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqgoUPMQNMdiZFJdJTMLBV8l2E8hmPzbT673MjyWwJo6qLLySUJjLdQhRf9WVpBWAXbxJ3SbNuAkd_O6RYjyoftWAN25hsmzm3BAehzXC54LtOg9xhkKLY-coL4o-eFg15O-2-ZBnch8/s640/blogger-image--274301403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lee has been out of town for the past several days so this morning I was getting the boys ready for church... Alone :-) I think parents everywhere can agree that Sunday mornings have a natural chaos about them. For whatever reason, it is just hard to get yourself, your spouse and those wild kiddos out the door and to church on time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This morning my boys were playing with the money in their cash register. I was rushing around trying to get everything we needed when Miller walked up to me with a hand full of money and said, "Mama, I wanna take dis money to da church and I think I might cuuuld buy somfin there." I looked down at him and my initial thought was, "what in the world? We don't have time for that! And there is nothing to buy at the church!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">BUT... Luckily I refrained from speaking any of those thoughts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instead I just said "Okay Miller. You can take 2 pieces of money with you. But I don't think you are going to be able to buy anything at church." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We resumed with getting into the car and heading to church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the way to church I honestly forgot about the money. I had zero expectations as my primary goal was to get everyone to church on time and safely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived. I unbuckled the boys and when Miller jumped out of the van I noticed that he was clinging tightly to those two very large, fake pieces of money. I smiled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a bustling morning at church. (They literally had to ask people to scoot over because it was so crowded in the service). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we walked through the front doors of the church, we just happened to see our campus pastor. I told him hello and when he began to greet Miller I said, "he brought that money with him because he thought he just might be able to buy something." </div><br><div>Our pastor responded by saying, "Sure! We can find him something to buy!" </div><div>About that time, the Preschool Minister walked up to all of us. The pastor looked at her and said (as if Miller's mission to buy something was his main concern) "he is looking for something to buy with that money he has. Do you think we could find something?" She responded, "Yeah! We can find him something to buy. What about a pen?" So she led us over to the front desk and told the workers at the desk what Miller was wanting to do. So they "sold" him a pen. </div><div><br></div><div>Miller just grinned a sheepish grin. He was so proud. </div><div><br></div><div>As I sat down in church I was replaying the whole scenario. I was overcome with gratitude to be in this community and at Pinelake Clinton (our church). Two of the church's busiest people this morning took time to help a 3 year old purchase something with his fake money. </div><div><br></div><div>I was reminded of the African Proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." </div><div><br></div><div>There is such truth in that! I desire to raise boys who become confident men. I want Miller to be creative in his thinking and dream big. I want him to be able to make a decision about something and walk it out confidently. </div><div><br></div><div>This morning a 3 year old boy independently decided to take some money along and buy something. There were so many things that could have crushed his plan and his confidence. However, a village of people came around my child. Miller will never remember that pen. </div><div><br></div><div>But</div><div><br></div><div>Today a seed of confidence was planted in him. One day that tiny boy will be a man. Lee and I are fully aware that we need a village to help us raise him well. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for BEING THE VILLAGE! </div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-26619477818134923992015-05-30T10:04:00.001-07:002015-05-30T10:04:49.897-07:00TShirts & 33 months!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05vH4nvfUmra5cEZhkXJy6mSX1S281I2gIrzcUTjoETr0PvUJb-0Edz_NKcel_2theb2qcx4EzslmoNQcxj29-V7lIg5d4YTPW2LLf5AWQSuG2naWEhhuKaHjRoTpa0TEi-Tl71Q4Y3U/s640/blogger-image-1545306674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05vH4nvfUmra5cEZhkXJy6mSX1S281I2gIrzcUTjoETr0PvUJb-0Edz_NKcel_2theb2qcx4EzslmoNQcxj29-V7lIg5d4YTPW2LLf5AWQSuG2naWEhhuKaHjRoTpa0TEi-Tl71Q4Y3U/s640/blogger-image-1545306674.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Tomorrow we will have officially been waiting 33 months! <div>As of now, our "target" waiting time frame remains 36-40 months. We are praying that we receive a referral within that time frame! For those of you in this process also, I received that time frame from my family coordinator. </div><div><br></div><div>I don't have much to update on the adoption process other than that time mark. </div><div><br></div><div>We do, however, need to sell these t-shirts!! They have been in our closet since the 5K in November. </div><div>It. Is. Time. </div><div><br></div><div>So.. First come. First serve. </div><div><br></div><div>We will sell them for 10$ each. Please add 3$ shipping per shirt. Sorry guys, shipping just isn't cheap. </div><div><br></div><div>About these shirts. </div><div>They run BIG! Like really big. Like extra really big. </div><div>I wear a medium and it is long on me. </div><div><br></div><div>BUT they are so so so comfy!! I love my shirt! </div><div><br></div><div>We only have sizes M, L and XL</div><div><br></div><div>Here's a picture of them! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8viJV4Klx-ExJu-RGtua10UtBK538XfkOJH4S69M80oVQzaddDFt7PBiW5M_C4O7Zhh0LNduIbfRqwK2ElHCPuu9x82xJCGJdR5N4Xmhtn5_GdDJkpW8zvKEaxgEr4s9J_71bD8-JUFg/s640/blogger-image--1920796892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8viJV4Klx-ExJu-RGtua10UtBK538XfkOJH4S69M80oVQzaddDFt7PBiW5M_C4O7Zhh0LNduIbfRqwK2ElHCPuu9x82xJCGJdR5N4Xmhtn5_GdDJkpW8zvKEaxgEr4s9J_71bD8-JUFg/s640/blogger-image--1920796892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ready. Set. Buy! </div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-30401485225571376352015-03-31T19:44:00.001-07:002015-03-31T19:59:37.638-07:0031 months waiting!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjA7XV1j0gWDjdo5cHfGRuUMExek4VhWnzuG4t5n5qre_akNI2zoXraDeBEHVOhtrIEnHKNoc3ugz2039Ji1ihTzCgTYgtuI0j45nFaSnIYQDus1m41_b2bXkEzSdYwPo0kktgUyHj7Q/s640/blogger-image--1062288685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjA7XV1j0gWDjdo5cHfGRuUMExek4VhWnzuG4t5n5qre_akNI2zoXraDeBEHVOhtrIEnHKNoc3ugz2039Ji1ihTzCgTYgtuI0j45nFaSnIYQDus1m41_b2bXkEzSdYwPo0kktgUyHj7Q/s640/blogger-image--1062288685.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div>Today, March 31, 2015 marks 31 months that we have officially been on the waiting list for Malachi! <div><br></div><div>THIRTY-ONE MONTHS</div><div><br></div><div>Thirty-one months ago our agency mailed our Dossier to Ethiopia. It still sits in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to this day. We still sit here... Waiting. </div><div><br></div><div>So today I emailed our family coordinator at our adoption agency. This is what my email said:</div><div><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>Hey,<br>I've been talking with my husband and we've been looking at the "unofficial DTE list" which I know isn't entirely accurate, but I was wondering... Am I being unrealistic to hope for a referral within the next year? I know y'all can't really give a straight answer on that, but I have just been driving myself crazy and I think that a word from you might help me! <br><br>Thanks,<br></b></i></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>Abby </b></i><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And this was her response... Which I found to be encouraging!! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Excuse the adoption jargon. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>Hi Abby, <br></i></b><br><b><i>We are currently matching families once they've waited 36-48 months, families open to boys are being matched around 36-40 months right now so its been a bit quicker for male requests lately. <br><br>If wait times continue to stay the same you can anticipate a referral anywhere between August 2015-August 2016 (you will have been waiting 36 months in August). I would not anticipate you receiving a referral before August but I cant guarantee that wait times wont again increase during your wait.<br><br>The biggest thing that could affect your wait time besides how many babies we refer (making it on the shorter end or even longer than 48 months) will be how many families who have waited longer than you do concurrent family building, either going on hold or coming off of hold over the next year or so. At any point in time there are a lot of families who are on hold for various reasons in our program (either they let their I171H expire, are concurrent family building or other reasons). When many families are on hold or go on hold above you it makes it likely that you could be matched sooner and I have seen that affect a lot of families. I have also seen it affect families in the other way where all of a sudden many of</i></b> <b><i>our on hold families become eligible again and we then are going back up the list and matching those families. This is one of many reasons why its so hard for me to say with confidence what it will look like for you over the next year. <br><br>Let me know if you have questions or if I can help you think through anything else. <br><br>Blessings, </i></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Basically it is all still a toss up, but the fact that we are on the cusp of baby boy referrals makes me very happy. We are 31 months waiting and boys have been referred to families waiting 36-40 months. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That's any time between August and December of this year!! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But I also understand that though it could be as quick as this year or early 2016, that we also may have to wait longer than that because adoption is so unpredictable. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Regardless, we cannot wait until the day we finally see our son's face! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Speaking of faces! Yesterday we celebrated ONE YEAR of sponsorship with Yeabkal through Compassion International. One year ago we fell in love with the little boy in this photo. </span></div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M9lU20vlI1mi-YKDJe0-PEE_RoXl3F12Rhh37Wakjt8a_Cu-p7x3vODADTP34fk0-1N6sZyjbgWQ_5u6NtEYXJTPxy_oyA2_VuNNHbz8dchKIll_5L5V9Z9DSxi8711TF_0Pezcx_HA/s640/blogger-image-259311110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M9lU20vlI1mi-YKDJe0-PEE_RoXl3F12Rhh37Wakjt8a_Cu-p7x3vODADTP34fk0-1N6sZyjbgWQ_5u6NtEYXJTPxy_oyA2_VuNNHbz8dchKIll_5L5V9Z9DSxi8711TF_0Pezcx_HA/s640/blogger-image-259311110.jpg"></a></font></div><div><br></div><div>Now look how much he has grown... </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOfYm_fQni44wjqa3DB83-y0-6XSyYV3ELX32v9iXxN2oW6PX2MsfPZe9L9TFKOxOd3d4qCQmYuA_0bFD5kqGr_geNvEyTzS4ekeVetGSNAceQ6Rd3V9XdkWYQ-dhXkFGZ43NDctzTWw/s640/blogger-image--2017988239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOfYm_fQni44wjqa3DB83-y0-6XSyYV3ELX32v9iXxN2oW6PX2MsfPZe9L9TFKOxOd3d4qCQmYuA_0bFD5kqGr_geNvEyTzS4ekeVetGSNAceQ6Rd3V9XdkWYQ-dhXkFGZ43NDctzTWw/s640/blogger-image--2017988239.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a difference a year makes! I know those pictures are blurry... Excuse that please. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are also hopeful that while we are in Ethiopia that we will get to meet this little fella! My goal is to get a picture with him smiling 😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And if you can spare 38$ a month, child sponsorship is well worth it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today was a good, hopeful day in this journey! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-9997631013850361242015-02-03T17:31:00.001-08:002015-02-03T18:22:41.254-08:0029 months of waitingJanuary 31 marked 29 months that we have "officially" been on the waiting list! <div><br></div><div>29 MONTHS!! </div><div><br></div><div>It still amazes me that this process has taken so long. However, Malachi is WORTH THE WAIT!! </div><div><br></div><div>I know that most of you are thinking "well how much longer until you get him??"</div><div><br></div><div>That's a great question!! I ask God that same question on a DAILY basis! Although we don't know exactly when will will get him, we do know a few "statistics" within our agency. These are merely statistics and give us a rough estimate of time. </div><div><br></div><div>Before I talk about "wait times," I feel like I need to clarify that we have NOT been matched with a child yet. We are waiting to be matched. Once we finally are matched and we see his face... You will know about it... TRUST ME. </div><div><br></div><div>Please attempt to follow my adoption jargon for a minute!</div><div><br></div><div>There are 2 main ways we are tracking approximately "how much longer we have." </div><div><br></div><div>Here they are:</div><div><br></div><div><b>The first tracking method:</b></div><div><br></div><div>We have been waiting 29 months. </div><div>Our DTE (Dossier To Ethiopia) day was August 31, 2012. On that day, we were officially paperwork ready to receive a referral (match) therefore we were placed on our agency's waiting list. </div><div><br></div><div>Okay... So... </div><div>Our DTE was August 31, 2012</div><div><br></div><div>Our agency currently estimates a wait time of 36-48 months from DTE date to referral (being matched). </div><div><br></div><div>We are 29 months from Our DTE date. </div><div><br></div><div>Based on those estimates... We could receive a referral anywhere from 7 to 19 months from now. Ha! Talk about a large gap of time! Plus those times are subject to change! When we first entered the program, the estimated wait times were 12-18 months! </div><div>Obviously that has changed drastically! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>The second tracking method:</b></div><div><br></div><div>This is our "number" on the waiting list. </div><div><br></div><div>I need to clarify. Our agency does <b><i>NOT</i></b> give us an official waiting list number every month. So any "number" that I say we are is a <i>unofficial </i>number. </div><div><br></div><div>So where does the list of numbers come from? </div><div><br></div><div>It's been around within our agency long before we were adopting. Basically, when you enter the Ethiopia program with America World, the agency encourages you to get in two main groups for support and encouragement. One group is a Yahoo Group, the other is a closed Facebook Group. Once you are in those groups you can be "added" to the unofficial list. Basically, you tell the "keeper of the list" (which is just another mom in the program volunteering to keep up with the list) when your DTE date was and what your parameters are. </div><div><br></div><div>For example:</div><div>Blackburn Family</div><div>DTE 8/31/12</div><div>Requesting a boy age 0-24 months </div><div><br></div><div>Once you communicate that to the groups, they add you to the list. </div><div><br></div><div>The "majority" of families volunteer this information and are added to the unofficial list. Some families, however, choose to remain anonymous. </div><div><br></div><div>Since not EVERY SINGLE family is on the list, it is not <i>entirely</i> accurate. However, it does give you a very good idea of where you fall in line! I would estimate that approx 85-90% of families in our agency are on this list because it has been very accurate. </div><div><br></div><div>Whew. Now that that is explained... What number are we?!?!</div><div><br></div><div>Well, December and January were amazing months in reference to referrals and movement! </div><div>8 baby boys referrals have gone out!! </div><div><br></div><div>So in the last 2 months we have moved up 8 spots!! </div><div><br></div><div>We are #44 for an infant and #26 for a toddler!! </div><div><br></div><div>I have been so encouraged because there is a possibility that we are even lower numbers than those! </div><div><br></div><div>We stayed in the 60s for what seemed like a year. Now we have flown through the 50s and 40s. </div><div><br></div><div>I cannot wait to get to the 30s!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So... How much longer until we get Malachi?? </div><div><br></div><div>I have NO idea. </div><div><br></div><div>But I drive myself nearly psycho tracking the details of when we might be close!! </div><div><br></div><div>And I can feel it in my bones :-) </div><div>We are getting closer!! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzSD0nZOw4dC6cAeK8oOs_f56wFyJ0Dbi-43yQWTfT0UMKH2jIdU1yjOAXjXVPY82wmhBzwga5HBp7FCtpnhM7WZP_DQFwrygEDyvfGtj_bsUaOsyMChk5YGofpufkrxouI7nWKGuoew/s640/blogger-image--492646576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzSD0nZOw4dC6cAeK8oOs_f56wFyJ0Dbi-43yQWTfT0UMKH2jIdU1yjOAXjXVPY82wmhBzwga5HBp7FCtpnhM7WZP_DQFwrygEDyvfGtj_bsUaOsyMChk5YGofpufkrxouI7nWKGuoew/s640/blogger-image--492646576.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is us at the Federal Building in Jackson last week. We got our fingerprints done <b><i>AGAIN! </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been working hard to update all of our paperwork so that if baby Malachi gets ready... We are ready too!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We lack ONE piece of paper before we are completely up to date on paperwork! </div><br></div><div>Sidenote: </div><div>Chip had a double ear infection so he was with us. </div><div><br></div><div>Y'all, please keep praying for us! Pray for Malachi! Keep asking about adoption. We ask that you suffer long with us!! We know that God will bless you for continuing to lift us up to Him. We bless you! We thank you! We cannot wait to be on the other side of this journey and to get to share life with Malachi. </div><div><br></div><div>Have a great week!! </div><div><br></div><div>Abby </div>Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-7976194478133212002015-01-06T18:54:00.003-08:002015-01-06T18:54:38.511-08:00Goodbye 2014... Hello 2015!<div style="text-align: center;">
My collage collection for 2014 proved to be more difficult than 2013, but I got it done!! </div>
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I am fairly confident that the difference was the addition of our second child and the move out to Down Range. </div>
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Here are the collages from 2014!</div>
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The collages take time and effort, but it is always so rewarding to be able to take a quick glance at our lives over the course of a year! These kids grow so fast! </div>
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Praying that Malachi's face will be in some of the collages next year!</div>
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As of right now, I am planning on trying the collages for a third year in a row! </div>
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I think I like the way this year's collages turned out better than last year. </div>
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<a href="http://leeandabby.blogspot.com/2013/12/1-year-of-collages-complete.html">Click Here</a> to see my collages from last year. </div>
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HAPPY 2015 EVERYONE!! </div>
Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-43159556331334856062014-12-18T19:48:00.000-08:002014-12-18T19:48:55.020-08:00Though it linger... wait for it.<div style="text-align: center;">
Who am I that the Lord of all creation might choose to speak to me?</div>
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Who am I that the God of Heaven and of Earth might hear my cry and answer me?</div>
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Lately, I have struggled to keep walking forward in this adoption.</div>
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I am more than weary...</div>
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Literally... physically... emotionally... mentally... </div>
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I have been struggling.</div>
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My closest friends surround me, support me and pray for me.</div>
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I seriously could not do this without the love and support of others!</div>
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I have been wrestling with God.</div>
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I have been crying out to Him.</div>
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WHEN will this adoption EVER happen?!? </div>
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WHY do you stand silently by and allow governments and corruption to keep innocent children from forever families?</div>
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Where are you? </div>
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Then this morning... It was as if He looked down at the earth and chose to speak to me.</div>
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I sat down for my morning Bible Study. I didn't really have anything in particular I wanted to read so I decided to read the L3 (our church's reading plan). </div>
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The first option in the L3 is Revelation... ehh.. I will just skip that today. I'm not feeling it.</div>
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Option number 2 is Habakkuk. </div>
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Sure. Why not? </div>
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Habakkuk 1 begins with Habakkuk praying to the Lord a prayer that is very familiar to me.</div>
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"How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?"</div>
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Habakkuk thinks that the LORD is merely standing by, passively, and allowing wickedness to prevail.</div>
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God's response:</div>
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"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. </div>
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For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."</div>
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I was intrigued.</div>
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Habakkuk thought God was silently standing by.</div>
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But He wasn't.</div>
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Instead, He was working "behind the scenes" to create something amazing.</div>
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Most days I feel like Habakkuk. I feel like God is silent in our adoption journey. </div>
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Instead, could it be that He is actively crafting together something that I would not believe even if I was told? </div>
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(of course the answer to this is YES, but that is so hard to see in the day to day struggle)</div>
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God proceeds to give Habakkuk a revelation of His plan.</div>
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Habakkuk responds with a few more questions.</div>
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Then the next few verses jumped off the page at me.</div>
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"Then the LORD replied:</div>
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Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.</div>
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For the revelation awaits an appointed time;</div>
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it speaks of the end</div>
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and will not prove false.</div>
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<b>Though it linger, wait for it;</b></div>
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<b>it will certainly come and will not delay.</b></div>
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What will certainly come and not delay?</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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The revelation that God had given to Habakkuk.</div>
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God gave Lee and I a revelation about adoption in November 2010.</div>
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That is what we wait on.</div>
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Of course we wait for a child, but our heart of hearts waits to see the fulfillment of what the Lord spoke into our lives. </div>
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So much of my most recent struggle in this adoption journey is focused on God and not Malachi.</div>
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Sure I love Malachi and cannot wait to see him.</div>
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However, more importantly than receiving a child... I long to taste the faithfulness of the Lord. I long to see the fulfillment of His promise</div>
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The words "though it linger, wait for it" were both encouraging and discouraging.</div>
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I am encouraged because it is Truth spoken directly to me. I renews my Spirit and reminds me that ONE DAY He will fulfill His promise.</div>
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It discourages me because... it lingers... and I must continue to wait.</div>
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He didn't tell me that it would happen swiftly like I wish He would have. </div>
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A sweet friend of mine who is also in the adoption process made a comment the other day that really stuck in my head. This particular friend is just as (or probably more) weary as me.</div>
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With tears in her eyes she said, "If I had to choose the short route or the long route in His presence... I would never want to choose the short route."</div>
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In essence, she was saying that she would never want to choose the shortest route of a journey and miss out on the presence of the Lord. She would rather journey the harder, longer route just to be in the presence of the Lord for longer.</div>
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That is NOT an easy comment to make. </div>
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So I have chewed on it for a few weeks. I am praying that in my weariness that I don't miss out on His presence. I don't want to become bitter. I want to become more like Him.</div>
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A lady asked me a question the other day (innocently and sweetly). She said, "I don't mean this to sound weird but I simply have to ask you... Do you think you will be able to love your adopted child like you do your biological children?"</div>
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I proceeded to explain that in my heart there seriously is no difference in how I feel about Malachi, Miller or Chip. I explained that you fall in love with your children while you are pregnant with them... and I have been "paper pregnant" with Malachi for... umm... 3 years!" She understood and appreciated my explanation.</div>
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I looked away from her for a moment. We both paused in the silence.</div>
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I slowly looked back up at her and said, "I honestly don't think that I will ever be able to look at Malachi and not think about the Lord."</div>
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I pictured my brown son standing in the room next to us.</div>
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And when I saw him... I thought about Jesus. </div>
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Exciting news on the adoption front!</div>
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In the last 2 weeks there have been at least 3 baby boy referrals go out so we have moved up a few spots!! </div>
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We are thankful to have seen so much movement in the past 2 months. We pray that referrals continue to go out, and we also pray that children can get the necessary paperwork to COME HOME!! </div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-26928461851554395462014-12-09T09:40:00.003-08:002014-12-09T09:40:45.289-08:005.5K for the 5K!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Your support through our 5K fundraiser has literally left us speechless.</div>
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The 5K just sort of "fell into our laps" as a fundraiser and we didn't really know what to expect. </div>
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You responded to God's nudge to give and we are eternally grateful! </div>
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THANK YOU!</div>
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So far we have received approximately </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">$5,500</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and counting... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">That DOES NOT include the $3,000 match that Colonial Heights is giving us! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So with the match, we have raised approximately </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">$8,500</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I seriously cannot believe that I just typed that number! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and counting...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I keep saying "and counting" because we have had several people come forward in the last few days asking if they could still give.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">YES! The answer is YES! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">8,500 is a lot of money, but we still have a good bit of money to raise!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpMP1rXnx8iqoUcpz6NlZ6CwOgMgEo8QGcFPp3m-CN89RuGFP-jxpHEMJwyLQg2s0mkxnni8EapvtOgAi0TT6RI67eVoe20nrklBR6n-IeBD5ZjiqCXveURUKMkNDn8WIGK9kuLoobmI/s640/blogger-image--556618852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpMP1rXnx8iqoUcpz6NlZ6CwOgMgEo8QGcFPp3m-CN89RuGFP-jxpHEMJwyLQg2s0mkxnni8EapvtOgAi0TT6RI67eVoe20nrklBR6n-IeBD5ZjiqCXveURUKMkNDn8WIGK9kuLoobmI/s640/blogger-image--556618852.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of the most amazing blessings of the 5K was an answer to a specific prayer that I prayed. </div>
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I remember praying..</div>
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"God, I know You will provide financially, but I ask even more that you would show Lee and I that we are not alone in this journey. Adoption can be a lonely and weary journey, so could you just bring forth people to come around and support us?"</div>
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I remember thinking, "if we could get 30 people to stand up and sponsor us... That would encourage me so much." </div>
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I sit here typing this today as I am writing over <span style="font-size: x-large;">87</span> thank you notes!!! </div>
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Yes.... At least <span style="font-size: x-large;">87</span> people sponsored us... </div>
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That is not counting the family members of the sponsors! That is simply counting how many donations we received!! </div>
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So if we are counting "people" we could easily <span style="font-size: large;">double</span> or <span style="font-size: large;">triple</span> that number! </div>
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Our hearts are full. Our words of gratitude fall short. </div>
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Thank you.</div>
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Here are some photos from the race! </div>
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It was a cold, brisk, beautiful morning. </div>
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Colonial Heights Baptist Church did an AMAZING job on the race! It was almost surreal to be surrounded by so many people coming together for orphans... Which is always on the forefront of mine and Lee's heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sP3VesbSOl49e6b_3fz8wFvH8rz_xdBoqzcjIvepHmlwIYTNxWNaxhBW-6phOGpd1lfy1gr4ZhNrHfoC6bY2wzBzOr46BEGr4Z86wKFu05k8_XdTlGlK5okE4NT1kVRGX6CPeEfmsCc/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sP3VesbSOl49e6b_3fz8wFvH8rz_xdBoqzcjIvepHmlwIYTNxWNaxhBW-6phOGpd1lfy1gr4ZhNrHfoC6bY2wzBzOr46BEGr4Z86wKFu05k8_XdTlGlK5okE4NT1kVRGX6CPeEfmsCc/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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warming up</div>
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The Blackburn Family before the race. The boys were freezing!</div>
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Our handprints</div>
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Sweet team of runners! A few runners weren't pictured in this photo. </div>
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Thank you Megan Stewart, Nicole Hand, Danielle Stewart, Stephanie Kitchens, Ben Kitchens, Chasity Bounds, Will & Alicia Mattern, Courtney Anders and Jennifer Crane for raising money for us and for volunteering to run!! </div>
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My sweetest friend, Megan Manuel. We have been journeying together for years! Immensely thankful for her friendship! </div>
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Lee and Will did a great job of pushing the 4 kiddos the majority of the race... or I mean... pretty much the ENTIRE race.</div>
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"Team Blackburn" after the race! Such a sweet day!<br />
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Lee and I said "we know we have some sweet, sweet friends when they will get up early on a Saturday morning to run in below freezing weather to support us!<br />
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This sweet boy is READY for his brother to come home! </div>
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!! </div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657708672627902476.post-49863920863523082012014-11-17T20:40:00.002-08:002014-11-17T20:40:47.954-08:004 years ago... <div align="center">
November 17, 2010 is a day that Lee and I will never forget. It was the day that the Lord confirmed to both of us that He had indeed called us to adopt. We took this picture that night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvUshhq54h1t2DAWd5KRjbq5CjlsIEQ9ddg2pfuPyegtbWsu_js4Dubu-aba-JNx9OifoyuDCjzTjVuvnNhXmqnLyU_T28Iwe2cPpJCyJAwD5tcWUWfWEj_EW-tG8Z_2teODNw9i3a78/s1600/november+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvUshhq54h1t2DAWd5KRjbq5CjlsIEQ9ddg2pfuPyegtbWsu_js4Dubu-aba-JNx9OifoyuDCjzTjVuvnNhXmqnLyU_T28Iwe2cPpJCyJAwD5tcWUWfWEj_EW-tG8Z_2teODNw9i3a78/s1600/november+17.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am so thankful for this photo. It is such a tangible reminder of God's calling on our lives. </div>
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But y'all.... that was FOUR years ago! </div>
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Four years and we are STILL on this journey!! </div>
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We have learned a lot and grown a lot since that night, but our desire for our son only increases by the day! Our passion for orphans has not faded. </div>
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Today was a hard day. </div>
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My heart is so heavy over our adoption. I desperately long to see Malachi's face. I long to have these days of waiting behind us. This mother's heart aches for a child that she has not yet seen, felt or heard. </div>
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Still we wait. </div>
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God's timing is perfect. His will is perfect. He knows our past, present and future. </div>
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I trust that He is working all things together for His purposes.</div>
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It's still hard.</div>
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I am not sure when Malachi will come home, but I know two amazing brothers that are waiting on him! </div>
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Please continue to pray for us and that God would bring our boy home quickly!! </div>
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Abby Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274952570835564625noreply@blogger.com1