Passports

We applied for the children's passports yesterday but our passport adventure actually began several weeks ago as I searched every box and bin in our home for every piece of adoption paperwork we have. Because two of our children were born in Haiti, we were told we would need to submit everything relating to the adoptions. Needless to say, I made quite a mess and began to worry I would be missing a document or two and our applications would be denied. After gathering what I could, the kids and I headed to town, picked Rob up from work and made our way to the Whatcom County Courthouse. When we parked we were blessed to find that someone had filled the parking meter! What a treat!
The treasurer's office is on the first floor so we did not need to pass through the metal detector - Jubilee and Jem were a tad disappointed. We put all of the applications on the counter with birth certificates and photos - and that was it. We were not asked for any other documentation. What a relief. God took my worry and once again let us know He is a big God - He is in control of all things - even passport applications.
While at the courthouse we were told that the price of a U.S. passport will be increasing next month. So, if you need one go get it now and save $35.

Out of the Box

You would think by now I would know. I mean, I do know and I shouldn't be surprised. However, this week I was reminded that God does not fit in a box. He is amazing and awesome and so much bigger than any box we have for Him. His ways are not ours - and we know that. Yet, there are times like this past week that His power and mercy, His might and majesty are so evident the boxes we didn't even know we were making to hold Him are chucked into the recycle bin.
This past week a friend of ours shared exciting news - his ninety year old father accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour. Think about that for a minute. Think about all the time our friend waited and all of the prayers he prayed.
A box cannot hold God's ability, God's timing or God's goodness.
We should never say something can't be done and we should never give up. God is big. This week as we take our boxes out to the recycle bin, let us all remember God is bigger than our boxes - He can do anything and His will cannot be contained. And please join us in celebration as we thank God for giving us a new brother in Christ.

Food for Thought

Although having so many food restrictions that need to be followed is a pain, I still enjoy eating. Food is a fantastic way to fellowship with others. Many friendships can trace their beginning back to a meal. And we can't forget the fact that food is, simply put, yummy. Well, most of it.
Not many of you know this, but I have never been able to eat cornbread. It's not that I don't want to but that I physically can't swallow it. I'm not sure if it is the taste or texture but it doesn't matter who bakes it. I just can't get it down.
This little tid bit about my life becomes more relevant when you understand that going to Zambia - as with going anywhere - will require me to eat whatever is cooked for me - and to eat it graciously and thankfully. For example, when we were in Haiti a woman cooked a meal for us that Rob nicknamed hot dog surprise. It was something (we never asked what) with the texture of hot dogs put into a blender and then plopped into a bowl. It would have been a sign of disrespect not to eat it. And the same holds true anywhere we go. How can we show Christ's love while not eating the food that is so lovingly prepared for us?
So here comes my apprehension. The staple food in Zambia is nsima which is a cornmeal mush - but nsima is not usually eaten alone. It is served with, well, anything. I read that is can be served with caterpillars, chicken feet, cow intestines, field rat or small fish with eyes, bones and insides still in place. And those accompaniments are just for starters.
If I can't eat cornbread, a favorite of many Americans, how am I going to be able to eat cornmeal mush with intestines or fish guts? It is only by the power of God and so I ask you to begin praying that God would prepare my stomach, no, not just my stomach but the stomach of every team member so that we will be able to willingly and cheerfully eat whatever is prepared for us. And if you're lucky, we will bring a recipe or two home for you. How would you like that?

Excitement - or fear - Building

Although the trip is still six months away I am starting to get excited. The first meeting, getting our questionnaire packets and investigating practical travel tips have all led to this excitement. However, the investigating part reminded me of the pain involved. Physical pain due to getting shots. Augh. It is advised that anyone traveling to Zambia gets vaccinations including but not limited to: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies. OUCH! That is a lot of shots! Not to mention malaria medication and getting checked for parasites upon our return.
Ok, now, I am the mother of four - I toyed with the idea of being a coroner at one time in my life - I enjoyed the book Stiff about the lives of medical cadavers. However, I don't know if I can handle this one. I distinctly remember having to scape my son's dirty diapers into a container which I than took to the doctor - twice a week for a few months - when he came home from Haiti. And that grossed me out. SO the thought of possibly having to do that - minus the diapers - for myself, my husband and children is just, well, quite freaky!
Now tell me, is this feeling rising from the pit of my stomach excitement? or fear?

First Team Meeting

At our first official meeting Rob wowed us with a great power point presentation highlighting the expectations and the opportunities that are ahead of us. I was excited to meet another family who is praying about going together. There were youth, adults, couples and singles getting information on the trip.

Rob reminded us that this is not an upcoming vacation - but instead an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in Zambia. He also explained the three stages - or C's - of the trip - Called, Challenged, Changed - and showed his desire to make this a seven month journey (before, during and after)together and not just a show-up-and-go effort.

We were posed with a dilemma - ok, maybe not a dilemma, maybe just a decision that needs made. Because we will be working with AWANA, we were invited to attend the national AWANA conference which will take place at the end of our stay. However, because we will be working with AWANA we will not be able to fully experience Africa until the end of our stay - leaving time for only one thing - conference or experience. At our meeting the group was asked to give input and we are checking out all of our options. More on this later.