tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10615232169747497732024-02-24T00:49:18.753-06:00Hammons HouseI am a mom to two amazing boys from Ethiopia! I am also a mom to our 4 furry kids! I am a wife and a business owner! In other words I am really really busy all the time!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-35930745919162462352016-03-27T08:31:00.000-05:002016-03-27T08:31:00.182-05:00Dear Enat ~Dear Enat ~<br />
My mama heart knows you are thinking about him and wondering about this journey he is on.<br />
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He's 10 today! Can you believe that?!?!?!<br />
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He is getting ready to head onto 4th grade with the help and guidance of so many amazing people at his school and at our deaf church. He knows Jesus and LOVES him with all of his heart. He is getting more and more confident in his signing and communicating with the hearing world around him. His love of video games and movies would make you laugh. His favorite thing to do on the weekend is being able to sleep on the couch! His favorite color is still blue. He and his brother Tariku are truly the best of friends day in and day out. He loves to make people laugh and there is no one in the world that he loves more then his papa. He's doing amazing with sports and continues to play on a travel futbol club. He also enjoys basketball and golf. His papa taught him to ride a bike (something we were told he would never do!)<br />
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He has learned to be an big brother as we walk this journey of fostering and is always a go with the flow kind of kiddo!<br />
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He LOVES unconditionally and with all that he has and he is so incredibly LOVED. I know you would be so very proud of the young man he is becoming.<br />
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Happy Happy Birthday Tewdros Joshua - you are truly the love of our life and we are blessed to call you son!<br />
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<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-5759008764748231582016-03-23T07:55:00.000-05:002016-03-23T07:55:22.228-05:00Dear Enat ~Dear Enat ~<br />
Well its that time of year again. The time when you are on my mind constantly. The time of year that I wonder are you thinking about him, are you wondering what and how he is doing, the time I wonder if you miss him as much as I do when he's gone from me for simply a night or 2?<br />
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Today our boy turns 11!! It seems like it was only yesterday that we arrived in Ethiopia to meet a shy, quiet 5 year old and then in the blink of an eye he's 11 and getting ready for 5th grade!<br />
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I want you to know he is great - he is thriving at school, loves his brother and his family with all his heart, knows and loves Jesus. He still thinks yellow is the best color in the world. His sign language has come a long way as he grows with Tewdros. He spent this past year with trips to Wisconsin, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mexico. He continues to play futbol and basketball and his golf game is quite impressive!! He has become an amazing foster brother as he will tell you that it is our job to stand in the gap and love those when they need it most.<br />
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His heart and compassion for others lead him to extraordinary opportunities. But most of all he is LOVED and LOVES so many. So thank you - thank you for knowing the worth of his life when you made that decision all those years ago. And know that we talk about you often. <br />
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A few photos to recap his 10th year!<br />
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Happy Happy Birthday Tariku James - you are and always will be our greatest love<br />
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<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-29630175383590081952015-12-02T14:52:00.000-06:002015-12-02T14:52:06.704-06:00A baby @ the Hammons house??Greetings ~<br />
If you follow Kenneth or I on social media you know by now that there is the sweetest little peanut currently residing with us!! But you may not know why and you may be wondering about this journey. So I will do my best to answer the questions we get most often.<br />
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<b><i><u>Who is this little peanut</u></i></b> - Her name is Jayanna Stephanie and she will be 5 months old next week. We received her into our home the end of October.<br />
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<b><i><u>How long will she be with you</u></i></b> - That's a great question and is really one we wish we had an answer to! As of today her mom has extended our custody until Dec 20th 2015<br />
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<b><i><u>If she's a foster why can you share her photos when so many of my other foster friends cannot</u></i></b> - We are her host family - she is not a ward of the state instead her mom was in crisis and recognized she needed some assistance. That is where <a href="http://safe-families.org/about/how-safe-families-works/" target="_blank">Safe Families</a> comes in - Kenneth and I first learned about Safe Families over the summer from my friend Chrissy. We took the class, were finger printed (again), had our backgrounds checked (again), had a social worker create a homestudy (again) and became paper ready the end of Sept.<br />
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<b><i><u>Aren't you all busy enough</u></i></b> - Yes the Hammons house is often a rockin rollin movin shakin kind of place but the truth is not a day goes by that we don't think of the boys 1st families, their moms and their dads - the people who loved and continue to love them more then anything in this world. And now on this side of the adoption journey we truly understand the importance of 1st families - so if we can stand in the gap for a small window of time and that allows a family to stay together then by all means sign us up!!<br />
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<b><i><u>What do the boys think</u></i></b> - As you can imagine Tariku is in 7th heaven with a little little person in the house - he has loved picking out her clothes each day and feeds and plays with her. Tewdros well the baby really doesn't mean alot in his world - he cannot hear her and she is not old enough to get into his stuff so if you were to ask him he would tell you she is fine.<br />
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<b><i><u>Will you host more children</u></i></b> - Yes, for our family this was not a one time thing. We are open to kiddos that are under the age of 1 or over the age of 5.<br />
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<b><i><u>Could you adopt her</u></i></b> - No - she has a most precious mama who we have come to love dearly and she will soon be reunited with her<br />
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<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Does she visit her mama </u> - Yes we take her to see her mom once a week and we text photos daily to her<br />
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<b><i><u>Won't you be attached and not want to let her go</u></i></b> - We absolutely adore having her but know we want more then anything for her to be reunited with her mom and live the life God intended for her. A recent conversation with Tariku went like this -<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;">Me: will you be sad when Jayanna goes home?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;">Tariku: yes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;">Me: but you understand </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;">Tariku: yes - we loved her and her mama when they needed it most </span><br />
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So there you have it!! Our life with baby J in a nutshell!! We look forward to the day we can share her reunion with her mama with you all but until then keep praying for them both as they get one step closer to forever.<br />
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We also want to take a moment and from the top of the rooftops scream how grateful we are to all the friends and family that have stepped in and helped us with this journey. When Kenneth and I said yes to the social worker we had not a single thing in our house for a baby and within 72 hours we had all we needed to bring this baby into our world. From baby items, to diapers and formula to friends willing to keep her for bits of time - NONE of this would of been possible with you!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being our village.<br />
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Here are some photos from the last few weeks!! She has been a busy girl with trips to Memphis, Chicago and Milwaukee!! And countless hours on the soccer fields!<br />
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<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-40654055070523862402015-08-03T17:48:00.002-05:002015-08-03T17:48:52.541-05:00Summer Time Summer Time Summer Time And just like that summer is coming to a close! We had a great 10 weeks and here are a few photos to highlight our summer!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2soFWzbEjBwReVA2ZgqHX-Z-FXid6eu3HEn9Eii89Rts6mYo6WZdrLSkt2GoCi3z7TrFUuAqZHZMiCc-3jgQXfdm_JGNMng6lIhZjWgYnjzMm2leIZ7ODEHMoC2eVglDKK4S-8wwCY8/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2soFWzbEjBwReVA2ZgqHX-Z-FXid6eu3HEn9Eii89Rts6mYo6WZdrLSkt2GoCi3z7TrFUuAqZHZMiCc-3jgQXfdm_JGNMng6lIhZjWgYnjzMm2leIZ7ODEHMoC2eVglDKK4S-8wwCY8/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to watch the USA men's soccer team</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great evening of soccer at Nissan Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheering on the US men's team in true style</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July celebration with Brooklyn and Marilyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002q8ohjjD8bJXNPjUfidCByAB8J7wpi4He2esL9c0knKFezCxhPzeRf7J17uQayQnhNXpmlgtPEussmXlw7_6sDnZ5XZUQaPgM-ZWC7SSJtAJbBDvF7_sC-aXmQyiS4Xtp8AirK-hxA/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002q8ohjjD8bJXNPjUfidCByAB8J7wpi4He2esL9c0knKFezCxhPzeRf7J17uQayQnhNXpmlgtPEussmXlw7_6sDnZ5XZUQaPgM-ZWC7SSJtAJbBDvF7_sC-aXmQyiS4Xtp8AirK-hxA/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hours and hours of rain as we waited for fireworks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZPF_4MeAdqvrg_r58tEuZcKH9fDgVsw1TqYBMqpzcgcWl7Y2HdVqWYFY9kf3Q7Ybr7JaKWoZ-z3jAI8r8TiYzfjxU7zTx7P7L_8CINFxIddXoPhd1DszORQclq2idQ4ODIkUXIPV4ds/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZPF_4MeAdqvrg_r58tEuZcKH9fDgVsw1TqYBMqpzcgcWl7Y2HdVqWYFY9kf3Q7Ybr7JaKWoZ-z3jAI8r8TiYzfjxU7zTx7P7L_8CINFxIddXoPhd1DszORQclq2idQ4ODIkUXIPV4ds/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn and Tariku keeping it real</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg110hxRvI1ep4Q9_U5wHbDfiQeVXM7JSqxwYel9s0HYe7qrKBNaxIsePOc-jxKwgsz1_Z3web4I34QC4EMds715ei4c5Waz_xHuTla5F_jfc4xeTjGirXiCi9pBUdRvhRcf_eIC72x4PM/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg110hxRvI1ep4Q9_U5wHbDfiQeVXM7JSqxwYel9s0HYe7qrKBNaxIsePOc-jxKwgsz1_Z3web4I34QC4EMds715ei4c5Waz_xHuTla5F_jfc4xeTjGirXiCi9pBUdRvhRcf_eIC72x4PM/s320/IMG_0373.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy and Daddy just hanging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1CYCjEjmdATsv1yiCXGj9ZBoKBPcqDjUA2FD6JHyY9VCzWHX4OAApwFJ1ECYrUHl6KwBN7MUfZhBMEnYTloZqwUZt2l7qKr8IK2AZsJoCJXo2cDTH0qn9PLpJ91NbugyGMMWOiXACm0/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1CYCjEjmdATsv1yiCXGj9ZBoKBPcqDjUA2FD6JHyY9VCzWHX4OAApwFJ1ECYrUHl6KwBN7MUfZhBMEnYTloZqwUZt2l7qKr8IK2AZsJoCJXo2cDTH0qn9PLpJ91NbugyGMMWOiXACm0/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trips to sonic after camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTiH2TowrP28_OXNEErUYet4OxFc_j1PLvAqoNlbUlfUqP8F1q-IdFi4vfoZ1b0JFBFkj4utgfP8nkOfoqMdpA1LZhuLiJs-_SkVzhyphenhyphenGMlT_QRkW4gon5m-JL1Tc9yHC3rDbnPKS_upM/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTiH2TowrP28_OXNEErUYet4OxFc_j1PLvAqoNlbUlfUqP8F1q-IdFi4vfoZ1b0JFBFkj4utgfP8nkOfoqMdpA1LZhuLiJs-_SkVzhyphenhyphenGMlT_QRkW4gon5m-JL1Tc9yHC3rDbnPKS_upM/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnival day at camp! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dkkJf5XziWEz1uBYjdaJT_Yh7eEugjjsWcfY8aa9bMo-8OqIIa8cSSxJgAmlSwyWmciOUY_5lffG7_tzTw7n0uNR1dSv-bRX5KdTyDOsc5qEYNzxjC1YshqSlmTYAasknTpPzMvAHL4/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dkkJf5XziWEz1uBYjdaJT_Yh7eEugjjsWcfY8aa9bMo-8OqIIa8cSSxJgAmlSwyWmciOUY_5lffG7_tzTw7n0uNR1dSv-bRX5KdTyDOsc5qEYNzxjC1YshqSlmTYAasknTpPzMvAHL4/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two peas in a pod - every single day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHZYDlSRVs6tXe6jzDQ5xAUUXCbJdZ-8_udZ2ZQwhU3dMiXDM4ToTl3hMMjiKNcq6CneIg93k86QHFWUugbx6s_vf-JNYQK9LlJQMQaMefb9H6LaBtUyVF2UpvUUDkq-iB0bllNv8uB4/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHZYDlSRVs6tXe6jzDQ5xAUUXCbJdZ-8_udZ2ZQwhU3dMiXDM4ToTl3hMMjiKNcq6CneIg93k86QHFWUugbx6s_vf-JNYQK9LlJQMQaMefb9H6LaBtUyVF2UpvUUDkq-iB0bllNv8uB4/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobbi's Dairy Dip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7JsvBhdF6gqncDKnodk1NceUfkrqq5SqdIIokxiOY68fpQIVIYX0sY7U6tF5F6yCwWWjk8J83oLihVi7n7eBfTMbMgBk-0Oihf5HEdlnVdgc4ovG2MO-yRbUP0AvCLHZ0YflSqZJkCc/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7JsvBhdF6gqncDKnodk1NceUfkrqq5SqdIIokxiOY68fpQIVIYX0sY7U6tF5F6yCwWWjk8J83oLihVi7n7eBfTMbMgBk-0Oihf5HEdlnVdgc4ovG2MO-yRbUP0AvCLHZ0YflSqZJkCc/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating double digits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3QePf-MUvaK1UFW3-eEzavqxEn4yryEZEZF2TwpRzwCQAHphgVl3yO2fI5_0CJswqpvuVLrZlNVm9B2DoeKfpZ4S-4PSQeP7hbzO3R9j27OdhHH0ljXEJrICC_snK9iby7EEgerpKhM/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3QePf-MUvaK1UFW3-eEzavqxEn4yryEZEZF2TwpRzwCQAHphgVl3yO2fI5_0CJswqpvuVLrZlNVm9B2DoeKfpZ4S-4PSQeP7hbzO3R9j27OdhHH0ljXEJrICC_snK9iby7EEgerpKhM/s320/IMG_0506.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrepreneur in the making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNnjtKzmvsC3binSdZpXqqnb9DycEsTGzrmGMKgNolacBfiJF2XtAD5TSASRzq-qTqVgZZCkfcRKFmBa2TL8RQP0ceXGOcNPCotxTyquLsI_b5Sdga46q0w6J_TLJmq0fefdY7hJPqt8/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNnjtKzmvsC3binSdZpXqqnb9DycEsTGzrmGMKgNolacBfiJF2XtAD5TSASRzq-qTqVgZZCkfcRKFmBa2TL8RQP0ceXGOcNPCotxTyquLsI_b5Sdga46q0w6J_TLJmq0fefdY7hJPqt8/s320/IMG_0508.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleep overs and movies with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWSwOkzJ10CVzypDiCk_g6J1ES-UEr3ySRHd9ALRk3BNWB3quMR6O2_2TvE2si9Xwu_NDIdvNuUhUTUDJxnEDGqslmd9rKfuawwpcGHROobf951Vl-BgMIc-cs2JD354QKLdUCJKlxAw/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWSwOkzJ10CVzypDiCk_g6J1ES-UEr3ySRHd9ALRk3BNWB3quMR6O2_2TvE2si9Xwu_NDIdvNuUhUTUDJxnEDGqslmd9rKfuawwpcGHROobf951Vl-BgMIc-cs2JD354QKLdUCJKlxAw/s320/IMG_0520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0bVfPu-BF7AOfjDpDm_ndoTAk8b2ThQyBPyP9OhxWKz22YiLTDxq8zI_o1NezRnFE5yV2Q69mJcduZ2YZJ-Qplx5klkrkNaQB4Id0IzdddS6N8SExuVtRBM-euv5BYX0oL7MWZ0F1po/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0bVfPu-BF7AOfjDpDm_ndoTAk8b2ThQyBPyP9OhxWKz22YiLTDxq8zI_o1NezRnFE5yV2Q69mJcduZ2YZJ-Qplx5klkrkNaQB4Id0IzdddS6N8SExuVtRBM-euv5BYX0oL7MWZ0F1po/s320/IMG_0591.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking with daddy late at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRnMxgIz1ov_D-12e2_pklVWs4NqJzgbscxNIg9LueGhhBAXCivr-6mPPQ0xazqjd7P2-WsWbLGer5XuIM6JYJh2KxR9awQmf5uhXUPa5iY7WxRsxMcMNCkXI5uHvwPIS-GaJ5G_bMeM/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRnMxgIz1ov_D-12e2_pklVWs4NqJzgbscxNIg9LueGhhBAXCivr-6mPPQ0xazqjd7P2-WsWbLGer5XuIM6JYJh2KxR9awQmf5uhXUPa5iY7WxRsxMcMNCkXI5uHvwPIS-GaJ5G_bMeM/s320/IMG_0592.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for parent night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxssENu4051IQ8cayytO7fQykucHSLcan8dR5vTwz_hiMwMzhyphenhyphencCVgTVS4Ed2hbG0-NEkEcwI9dKL-qiBvU4ALcXykAZa4f0Tyq3Pk01pSqZMp-YThPr3V046PsCBRLNOBRKipbdbBXf0/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxssENu4051IQ8cayytO7fQykucHSLcan8dR5vTwz_hiMwMzhyphenhyphencCVgTVS4Ed2hbG0-NEkEcwI9dKL-qiBvU4ALcXykAZa4f0Tyq3Pk01pSqZMp-YThPr3V046PsCBRLNOBRKipbdbBXf0/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach dumplings they made</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9MODx-AwfOWcJVRx3Uw6o6VurE6lpL62xK9miMOQaXEmV86hN5958xDV0iysvEOmWdhWAqIFZucrnCa04TdWcgogl62JbkdOA77xpBdscANhwrO4iQluDjt-zPha_d4OkwBt09TpFK4/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9MODx-AwfOWcJVRx3Uw6o6VurE6lpL62xK9miMOQaXEmV86hN5958xDV0iysvEOmWdhWAqIFZucrnCa04TdWcgogl62JbkdOA77xpBdscANhwrO4iQluDjt-zPha_d4OkwBt09TpFK4/s320/IMG_0605.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating love and laughter that only summers bring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-MAdlw4CSPoYAMb1Tihx8DEuNYy-l3L5ISZHQKXWxRIe8wZlqIG_K49Ojp_ay5cGCrGJihr6wQ1FEUZ9k98AnwsuTadO0mj7Djr0wGLaSZRU4HQIfBNAl0Cg9sUAumZfgj9OLz53qX8/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-MAdlw4CSPoYAMb1Tihx8DEuNYy-l3L5ISZHQKXWxRIe8wZlqIG_K49Ojp_ay5cGCrGJihr6wQ1FEUZ9k98AnwsuTadO0mj7Djr0wGLaSZRU4HQIfBNAl0Cg9sUAumZfgj9OLz53qX8/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another camp comes to an end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyvgfdtKFudvpTzdvrDEmc2hlaacDN6YST9GSv-9au2BIX-Z-bkR-OBvSPq8mk5fA9FcZjv56zp5chc3T9WQQJ-YAWBUEKyBvuJPoGPznOqVuW6FGuzraBu-hoBloyNTnWmgGTWPnnyY/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyvgfdtKFudvpTzdvrDEmc2hlaacDN6YST9GSv-9au2BIX-Z-bkR-OBvSPq8mk5fA9FcZjv56zp5chc3T9WQQJ-YAWBUEKyBvuJPoGPznOqVuW6FGuzraBu-hoBloyNTnWmgGTWPnnyY/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends forever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7aC-VofFKvHL3qJ89y0GNSL05xeVwduR7rULNlf5HK9jX-wcghdlex34rd-WmXc2HIay1XGFGhBEipTufwJ6cYO6BrLO0oG-wbByTypj44Vc1UQn360lrSpjkX1xbvPnN5h57YOVR3M/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7aC-VofFKvHL3qJ89y0GNSL05xeVwduR7rULNlf5HK9jX-wcghdlex34rd-WmXc2HIay1XGFGhBEipTufwJ6cYO6BrLO0oG-wbByTypj44Vc1UQn360lrSpjkX1xbvPnN5h57YOVR3M/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time with their sweet Marilyn means another awesome summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-24764400686075716132015-05-18T09:15:00.000-05:002015-05-18T09:16:28.550-05:00Meet The Gowin Family<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="388" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124464930?title=0&byline=0&por
trait=0" width="690"></iframe><br />
Michael and Suzanne say they're just an ordinary family. They help out with
homework, share family dinners, and try to keep their schedule straight. While this
ordinary family started out with three children, God has been leading them on an
adventure...<br />
Through a study of Isaiah, God spoke to Suzanne through His Word, piercing her
heart to <em>"seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the
fatherless; plead the case of the widow."</em> (Isaiah 1:16-17) This was the start
of a four-year journey leading Suzanne and her husband, Michael, to Ethiopia 3
separate times to adopt 6 precious children.<br />
<em><strong>How in the world could they afford this? </strong></em><br />
<img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="240" hspace="10" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.1334" src="https://mlsvc01-
prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1a4519e8001/23a3074f-65f3-48f0-be99-
1d201b966ade.jpg" vspace="10" width="361" />Through the love, support,
and generosity of their local orphan ministry, they received matching grants
through Lifesong to help fundraise to meet the financial cost of each
adoption. <strong>The dollar-for-dollar matching grants acted as a catalyst,
encouraging others to give, while raising awareness of God's great love for orphaned
children.</strong> As He had before, God graciously provided:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<strong>"Through each expensive overseas adoption, the renovation to our
home, numerous medical issues to take care, and buying a 15 passenger van to fit us
all, <span style="color: #ff9900;">God has provided</span>, without fail, and we
have no debt from any of the adoptions." --Michael & Suzanne.</strong></blockquote>
What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness to those who trust and obey His
Word, showing that He, as only He can, can do extraordinary things in ordinary
families.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-63190531979134227792015-04-15T12:15:00.000-05:002015-04-15T12:15:26.551-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="15-4 MM email" class="noborder aligncenter" height="124" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/15-4-
MM-email.jpeg" width="600" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><br /></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>"Slowly [the boys] are beginning to realize they're getting the
best...and to also give the best out of their lives."</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>--John & Mwila, houseparents at Zambia's Student Life
Homes</strong></div>
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<em><strong>
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Since January, three Student Life Homes in Zambia are providing a safe environment
for 39 students in the freshman class. This move gives them a place where
they can thrive in a healthy, family environment away from the temptations and
negative influences found in the compound where they were raised. </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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As expected, it's been a bit of an adjustment for the 11 boys in John & Mwila's
home. Learning to function as a family with roles, rules, and certain expectations has
taken some time to get used to for a group of boys who are accustomed to living on
their own, answering only to themselves. </div>
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<br /></div>
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As you heard in their testimony, John & Mwila have not only met hardships
along the way, but have experienced great joy of slowly transformed lives of boys
like Bernard. Rejoice in God's goodness and work in this home as Zambia's future
leaders are being raised today...</div>
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<div align="center">
<strong><em>Will you join us in praying for John, Mwila, and the 11 boys in their
home? Pray for God's Spirit to be among them. Thank God for the growth they have
seen in the past few months. Ask God to give John & Mwila wisdom and
discernment to parent each of the boys for His glory.</em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><em><br /></em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/countries/zambia"><img alt="Learn
More" class="noborder" height="70" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Learn-
More-300x100.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div>
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-11848277568663914122015-03-19T13:54:00.003-05:002015-03-19T13:54:44.935-05:00New Hope Children's Home ~ Liberia<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"We have a new family and a new home and we are now back in
school!"</i></b></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>-Famatta, child from New Hope Children's Home </i></b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/New-Hope-Home-Liberia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Hope Home Liberia" class="aligncenter size-
large wp-image-222045" height="306" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/New-
Hope-Home-Liberia-1024x491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ebola</b>. The deadly virus that prowled West Africa last year, dominating the
news and our newsfeeds. In Liberia alone, taking the lives of over 4,000, and leaving
in it's wake sons and daughters to be orphaned and alone. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MM.jpeg" style="bottom: 1em; clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="MM" class=" wp-image-222044
alignright" height="270" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/03/MM.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meet three of those children: Famatta (14), Olbed (13) and Delight (8), son and
daughters of George and Oretha Kanwah, whose lives were taken by the Ebola
virus.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In response to this catastrophe, Lifesong staff in Liberia have established <b>New
Hope Children's Home</b>, a home to not only provide shelter for 10 children
orphaned by the Ebola virus, but also to give caregiver jobs to Ebola
survivors.</div>
<br />
Fametta graciously shares the devastation they have saw and felt, and of the hope
that is slowly shining through...<br />
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i>"My father got the virus when a lady in his church was sick and he took her to the
hospital. While at the hospital, the lady died and my father was sprayed with
antiseptic and sent home. The next day he started getting sick and when he got to
work, they told him not to come back. They also put us out of the company house
where we were staying. One week later, my father died in his car and the Ebola
burial team came and carried him to be burned in the
fire. </i> </div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i>Few days later, our mother got sick and she couldn't eat, but cried all day. She
was taken to the Ebola treatment center. Later, the center called our aunt and said
our mother has died. </i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i>My siblings and I were put into quarantine at the treatment center for 21 days.
We did not get the virus, so the health workers took us back to the community,
hoping someone will take us in. No one was willing. We were given a little food
supply and some protective Ebola materials.</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i>We were left alone in the community. Everyone is afraid of us. We were not
allowed to play with other children or go to other people's houses or buy food from
others with money from our hands. I am the oldest, so I tried to watch over my
brother and sister.</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<b><i>But now we are have been taken in by Lifesong's New Hope Children's Home.
We have a new family and a new home and we are now back in
school."</i></b><em id="__mceDel" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><b><i> </i></b></em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em style="line-height: 1.5em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></em></div>
Please join us in praying for Famatta, Olbed, Delight and the other grieving children
in our new home. Pray God would heal and soften their hearts to His Gospel of hope
and redemption!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001IjhgYJegYLVQfRAhMAsZJ2xwZ64aFBBGUlF6puJm81C5vt8IBc3zy5HT6lIin46XyLqkAzIhMmYYraiWH8GW7xF8lKAJebzmML0EzHHTJ7_fJOTXR6GFEpK7sJrv0FX3wDz8GEZzoXw="><b>Learn more about our project
in Liberia</b></a></span></div>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-10560650790603273062015-03-06T15:38:00.000-06:002015-03-06T15:38:04.873-06:00They Don't Tell You About Pajama's ~Growing up pajama's were nothing special. Something you put on at night to go to bed, kept on longer for Saturday morning cartoons and stayed in when you were sick. They had your favorite superhero or princess on them and really that was it - they were just your pajama's.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward 30 some years and I realize something no one ever tells you about pajama's. Pajama's are safety and security. They are knowledge that you are loved and taken care of. They allow you to be if just for a minute a child with dreams.</div>
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<div>
You see in my last 5 years I have watched 2 boys who didn't understand pajama's - who from the moment they got up until the moment their heads hit their pillows were perfectly dressed with a bed tightly made. They needed to be "ready" at all times and at all costs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I write this today we are in our 7th 8th or 9th snow day and at 3:27pm my boys are still in their pajama's - playing soccer in the living room while spongebob plays in the background.</div>
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I won't take pajama's for granted going forward - for they tell us alot about the world we are in. At least for this mama they tell me that we are becoming a family more and more everyday.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So next time the kiddos ask to stay in those jammies just a bit longer - know that it is a sign of affection - a little peek into the trust they have in their hearts.</div>
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Here are a few of our favorite pajama moments from the last few snow days!</div>
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-34565329473558097882015-01-22T16:39:00.003-06:002015-01-22T16:39:58.913-06:00Meet Roman ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Roma.-New-smile_Chernigov.jpeg"><img alt="Roma. New smile_Chernigov" class="aligncenter wp-image-195617" height="447" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Roma.-New-smile_Chernigov.jpeg" width="700" /></a></div>
This past Christmas season was extra special for a young man in Ukraine. A 19-year-old young man named Roman. <br />
Unfortunately, at a very young age, Roman lost both of his parents. He was sent to an orphanage and later met local Christians who minister to children and young adults within the orphanage walls and after they age out. <br />
Roman is a very curious kid by nature. He has asked many questions about life, about people, and about God. Another characteristic about Roman anyone would quickly notice is that he would rarely smile, displaying a tight-lipped frown on a somewhat gloomy face. Knowing the hardships of life he had faced, it didn't come as too much of a surprise. <br />
This past September, as he entered a tech school to become a builder, he was invited to attend a Bible Study at a Lifesong Transition Home. He gladly accepted and started to attend. Although, he wasn't quite as quick to accept the invitations that were offered to attend church.The Lifesong staff started to pray for his repentance, as they sensed he was seeking the Lord.<br />
As the staff continued to get to know Roman better, they discovered that his lack of smile had a reason behind it. Roman didn't have any front teeth! Our staff connected him to a charitable dentist who helped Roman at a minimal charge to bring his smile back. And guess what? Roman decided it was time to start smiling again. Shortly after, right around Christmas, he began to walk in fellowship with God, believing in Jesus as his Savior! And now, as you can see in the picture above, he hasn't stopped smiling!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Thanks be to God for drawing this young man to Himself! Please pray for Roman as he starts his walk with Christ, that He would be filled with the Spirit and walk in His Truth!</strong></em></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Learn more about the lives changing in Ukraine at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/countries/ukraine" target="_blank">www.lifesongfororphans.org/countries/ukraine</a>.</h4>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-27797019253097121002015-01-10T11:19:00.000-06:002015-01-10T11:19:17.899-06:00ONEGreetings ~<br />
It's been a big week here in Nashville - my dear friends Gwen Oatsvall and Suzanne Mayernick released their book!! I mean not only are they wives, mothers to 13 kiddos between the 2 of them, run a successful non profit they know can add authors to their story. How cool is that!! Anyways a few weeks back I had the privilege to read this inspiring book. And today I want to share the book with you. So leave me a comment on why you want to read the book and tomorrow evening I will select a winner from all the comments!<br />
<br />
Want to take a peek inside the book or learn more about what Gwen and Suzanne are doing? Simply click on the photo<br />
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<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-31491251985113520102015-01-07T13:43:00.002-06:002015-01-07T13:43:29.473-06:00What is Gena and why do we celebrate it?<br />BRRRRR - it's a weee bit chilly here in Nashville today and while the boys are at school I thought I would stop by for a second and fill you in on what we are up to today. If you have friends who have adopted from Ethiopia you may have seen some posts last night and today saying Melkam Gena. Today is in fact Christmas in Ethiopia as well as places such as Bethlehem, Athens, Moscow and others that follow the Julian calendar.<br /><br />So what is Gena? If you ask Tariku he will tell you it's the day he gets to eat all of his favorite Ethiopian dishes in one sitting. If you ask me I will tell you it's Ethiopian Christmas - Jan 6th and 7th are known as the "Old Christmas Day" since that is the original designation of the birth of Jesus by the 1st christian roman emperor Constantine, in 325A.D. But in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII changed the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and in doing so the Catholic church moved the celebration to Dec 25th. Since the Eastern church did not have the same beliefs in the pope they did not change their day.<div>
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<div>
I have been fortunate to be in Ethiopia for Christmas and I can tell you it is greatly different than ours. Church services would begin at 4am or so - everyone dressed in white - candles given out - there was not Christmas splashed in every store or restaurant. No sign of Santa Claus - no in Ethiopia Christmas is far more spiritual - far more simply about the birth of Jesus. And then once church is finished it is time to spend with family and friends. </div>
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So tonight our Ethiopian American family will celebrate we will dine on the boys favorite Ethiopian dishes, we will talk about the boys birth country it's past it's present and it's future and at the very end we will give our gifts to one another. So from the Hammons house to yours we say </div>
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-33163165173864436472014-12-31T16:47:00.001-06:002014-12-31T18:40:47.788-06:00Good bye 2014 - Hello 2015Goodness gracious - another year is wrapping up for people all over the world. In just a few short hours from now we will celebrate the beginning of a new year. And so I thought I would end 2014 with a few photos from our world to yours.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy is now playing club soccer - different team from Tariku but same Club</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soccer - it's apparently ALL we do in the Spring and Fall </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dbt7xzpyrrEiphGnk1eJdTpHLLIpH3xl0oxhTaLVJaF77ByhKU0DxnKt7pjWRnwBJs-8x2QSfDgTur-lm_Uq7HhRrbY0fApwc2a_H6KN8rp_bz7c-c_RQwWYU0XQjbuVWkiNpYrG9IU/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dbt7xzpyrrEiphGnk1eJdTpHLLIpH3xl0oxhTaLVJaF77ByhKU0DxnKt7pjWRnwBJs-8x2QSfDgTur-lm_Uq7HhRrbY0fApwc2a_H6KN8rp_bz7c-c_RQwWYU0XQjbuVWkiNpYrG9IU/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing business opportunities</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8QSU6kteFkG0A8DtVOiBQsrfRAUIuXE1VJ4CFDlnMYYF5de5aNMR6T6Oeb0oAsiwd2qgywEufh3MPGUzCGMlGdKomsoFjrrGn41fDjZPWxFFM7Ir0chiRuXqxZ78I35j01jSOqDCtCw/s1600/Santa+2014C+111514-1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8QSU6kteFkG0A8DtVOiBQsrfRAUIuXE1VJ4CFDlnMYYF5de5aNMR6T6Oeb0oAsiwd2qgywEufh3MPGUzCGMlGdKomsoFjrrGn41fDjZPWxFFM7Ir0chiRuXqxZ78I35j01jSOqDCtCw/s320/Santa+2014C+111514-1077.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos with Santa - photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.karenhalbertphotography.com/" target="_blank">Karen Halbert Photography</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKhx0hArgbk3WOvOgffw2dYdHsXZVS54NYkiOKbxeEZohZSot5ZGL7GHnCYQu4ZQdb4YV2FaUliHHkzSz86NU_eVenmrv3A0YTAp7ptKo_Etsbn7U205k20T-64W_aymx3RwVb5BOYdM/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKhx0hArgbk3WOvOgffw2dYdHsXZVS54NYkiOKbxeEZohZSot5ZGL7GHnCYQu4ZQdb4YV2FaUliHHkzSz86NU_eVenmrv3A0YTAp7ptKo_Etsbn7U205k20T-64W_aymx3RwVb5BOYdM/s320/IMG_4918.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time with Papa is always time well spent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriDdfw90feZEgCy3-GxPV7_Bw9DTa5QMx1AaE85Xol0sIaMVB8_A6W33flCBw2H9RC2qJzuxgMOaYZMMuYinmWjlqlx0tVUuXQlbZANrKKR2A5LSoZsGhGh3ex47q4X_wnTbzkyHueXU/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriDdfw90feZEgCy3-GxPV7_Bw9DTa5QMx1AaE85Xol0sIaMVB8_A6W33flCBw2H9RC2qJzuxgMOaYZMMuYinmWjlqlx0tVUuXQlbZANrKKR2A5LSoZsGhGh3ex47q4X_wnTbzkyHueXU/s320/IMG_3243.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney with Papa Blue</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36JVmJt5XfQUh7DiEOJHtFlKD-qEpyw7uEwZm-QRcXDobMHovzvHtrok1-VH9iixMrhQnF1ckG_YhSPqJn5gr33z7Z_KuKcGFmVueUTw8BnmJWFVP2k8OP3W6qDFmR7DU83C0dSqTmHI/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36JVmJt5XfQUh7DiEOJHtFlKD-qEpyw7uEwZm-QRcXDobMHovzvHtrok1-VH9iixMrhQnF1ckG_YhSPqJn5gr33z7Z_KuKcGFmVueUTw8BnmJWFVP2k8OP3W6qDFmR7DU83C0dSqTmHI/s320/IMG_3317.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe this should of been our Christmas card this year? Oh wait I never got the card out!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxnjreXrF8-7K8uNuU4YuXXAkT9bSC9NhnOPkiNbxhKZsAA_I5KjLHkqLMTLlhyphenhyphent4Vd8agnbPDy-FS4Pl9cFkiURIXTu6krBBGCWA4L18_4w93V7lsJHom_j82dq0gv8uG6MCyMq1-PI/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxnjreXrF8-7K8uNuU4YuXXAkT9bSC9NhnOPkiNbxhKZsAA_I5KjLHkqLMTLlhyphenhyphent4Vd8agnbPDy-FS4Pl9cFkiURIXTu6krBBGCWA4L18_4w93V7lsJHom_j82dq0gv8uG6MCyMq1-PI/s320/IMG_3326.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy and his papa blue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuFtHFrxLf8xqQqEpeMKhhao_Q_QLDemK26IxE9NnqzMl5MdXieAjQm6PkeCAPnFdQ1RYdmFKuyRxAfOnCNiCjpFRwXZPGqRHurfwe3ATtMCYjVQnwvhLN09wcNOKOJcSTCNTVx7H1cw/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuFtHFrxLf8xqQqEpeMKhhao_Q_QLDemK26IxE9NnqzMl5MdXieAjQm6PkeCAPnFdQ1RYdmFKuyRxAfOnCNiCjpFRwXZPGqRHurfwe3ATtMCYjVQnwvhLN09wcNOKOJcSTCNTVx7H1cw/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tariku being interviewed for NPR</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs81o7xYBGdVnFSoXjizmuGP0xQCXPSKH2NAZ35A2N6LM5yT4njB4IiIuhwsPC05pHgAXeNgrxVvDokol6MLHWN3exMl1Q_LconrMiaro2gua90njkJDNJsQz28XT2FZpFVFifRidL87E/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs81o7xYBGdVnFSoXjizmuGP0xQCXPSKH2NAZ35A2N6LM5yT4njB4IiIuhwsPC05pHgAXeNgrxVvDokol6MLHWN3exMl1Q_LconrMiaro2gua90njkJDNJsQz28XT2FZpFVFifRidL87E/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IF conference in Austin with Jillian and Jess - a true blessing of an opportunity</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMd3UnkWgRPkadPbi6jS2E9nCPck4fSXPvxux6u5C1UZtC6rYgY1tHpLAPs8ZfyK8aiRLEFyMKuVQKhUVnKVTo2VKc_KzSPqbNTuvwr1CzCpJ0IMkaBKiypcz5L0zsP_EE1FpCeTIEYM/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMd3UnkWgRPkadPbi6jS2E9nCPck4fSXPvxux6u5C1UZtC6rYgY1tHpLAPs8ZfyK8aiRLEFyMKuVQKhUVnKVTo2VKc_KzSPqbNTuvwr1CzCpJ0IMkaBKiypcz5L0zsP_EE1FpCeTIEYM/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And when not playing soccer we are on the basketball courts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_1zl3ScX_3y62KIMD_DB1i-CHgpcmh2Q6e_vMMnwVCwBhWK2YttW57SBOypLIlkZJlJtUJdmoY2x3Bngnz6JMMC9vNvs4l_6nvFC55Cp5ezkFdvwFegjq_rEuzUEq04b-3_4yNkAUy4/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_1zl3ScX_3y62KIMD_DB1i-CHgpcmh2Q6e_vMMnwVCwBhWK2YttW57SBOypLIlkZJlJtUJdmoY2x3Bngnz6JMMC9vNvs4l_6nvFC55Cp5ezkFdvwFegjq_rEuzUEq04b-3_4yNkAUy4/s320/IMG_3730.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd grade means Leprechaun traps</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFE5SGeBfE1qKC2_WrPW0-Q7cqiV_VjwrEmYr0_w2kXM9iIgkZSa2xs2BiiD_0kXZcVRtTNCLug-FBnO2wUGmr2GlWCE1JEpFcnYc8VkABVOBE4SjpPZiD3KgpZXkRvOyqf0ZupIF1s4/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFE5SGeBfE1qKC2_WrPW0-Q7cqiV_VjwrEmYr0_w2kXM9iIgkZSa2xs2BiiD_0kXZcVRtTNCLug-FBnO2wUGmr2GlWCE1JEpFcnYc8VkABVOBE4SjpPZiD3KgpZXkRvOyqf0ZupIF1s4/s320/IMG_3758.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud to be in black for Aris FC</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini4V4YR1b0rJ9vfvLcIqSw7mwFRnEZSCjKKCI91umxRRWcoT87pDko7Pi_2Zplf3KglkY-XcPVm5xxLxXl5oTyBW4QLb7gonqBHOaHASVj2lqWKUmdlFjAN9iQyO57byPTzIHroNUdhE/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini4V4YR1b0rJ9vfvLcIqSw7mwFRnEZSCjKKCI91umxRRWcoT87pDko7Pi_2Zplf3KglkY-XcPVm5xxLxXl5oTyBW4QLb7gonqBHOaHASVj2lqWKUmdlFjAN9iQyO57byPTzIHroNUdhE/s320/IMG_3813.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designing their own golf hole</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAiii3kiLFJz-q3PUv3E5jpp3kG2BWhczV0bX4856qmWBAt5m0SgZtx6yV44RxvlOUguMDFZRgf9jO3lIJwrhHl3NcD-qNbw6xf7HZb5R9vwOqlwA_Xo7xOfqHl9icvRgJ7rklDL0bmA/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAiii3kiLFJz-q3PUv3E5jpp3kG2BWhczV0bX4856qmWBAt5m0SgZtx6yV44RxvlOUguMDFZRgf9jO3lIJwrhHl3NcD-qNbw6xf7HZb5R9vwOqlwA_Xo7xOfqHl9icvRgJ7rklDL0bmA/s320/IMG_3822.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to believe he is about to begin his 3rd season with this club</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjuGR0yMpP1QgPthRIOW4yTy9CJq2foBSsC4NZtUlUbnW-uRlLj6S6DmnE0yy9uC174gnd2lKuvou9T5-Y_B5mpaDlqo_35z4_2bXwscP1DzyLpvyDAXCTq94iMV6jx4AkxEWyHSFAuc/s1600/IMG_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjuGR0yMpP1QgPthRIOW4yTy9CJq2foBSsC4NZtUlUbnW-uRlLj6S6DmnE0yy9uC174gnd2lKuvou9T5-Y_B5mpaDlqo_35z4_2bXwscP1DzyLpvyDAXCTq94iMV6jx4AkxEWyHSFAuc/s320/IMG_3943.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Clark and Mr. Jim - they made the school world a wee bit easier to navigate</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWnkAAScn3fzhophXQCy8ZJIWFsH0s_cugCctdZQTbxGeE3x1L3UuUL32Pq33B3aLUBZr3nMn_Gf_rCTuewmK_p1JsMq9ThsUJkQnWGsmuFLRB-T3AhNpdMXxTvCnnj-26NuI7NELang/s1600/IMG_3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWnkAAScn3fzhophXQCy8ZJIWFsH0s_cugCctdZQTbxGeE3x1L3UuUL32Pq33B3aLUBZr3nMn_Gf_rCTuewmK_p1JsMq9ThsUJkQnWGsmuFLRB-T3AhNpdMXxTvCnnj-26NuI7NELang/s320/IMG_3944.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tariku and Ms. Gatlin (2nd grade)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-0DjE8FLDbPrRv9w2nBiX1Ee1p_74dJo5_-vKhg1ra6SZvNGzn4cQsXovcE4ouWDICVyKVHoANOVm-CYlwg6jlxftJQDffIljpRMhY6K8YxtiWZBE1dInA0VSc_dosiARTYc3Mx9zzs/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-0DjE8FLDbPrRv9w2nBiX1Ee1p_74dJo5_-vKhg1ra6SZvNGzn4cQsXovcE4ouWDICVyKVHoANOVm-CYlwg6jlxftJQDffIljpRMhY6K8YxtiWZBE1dInA0VSc_dosiARTYc3Mx9zzs/s320/IMG_3957.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a party when Will is in town and mama is in Ethiopia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7o6NzjsIwVASg0SVFCAvSsvO5TpeuiHh6SXYEjvKBq49zDyLF8fRXSCwjRmKn7PmfsVOyt8IP0tdLL9XXJKe68FoN4gtSxQa_JvQQIkprEykgABQKljm1iGPuG3_kk5higmTd7TkQW0/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7o6NzjsIwVASg0SVFCAvSsvO5TpeuiHh6SXYEjvKBq49zDyLF8fRXSCwjRmKn7PmfsVOyt8IP0tdLL9XXJKe68FoN4gtSxQa_JvQQIkprEykgABQKljm1iGPuG3_kk5higmTd7TkQW0/s320/IMG_4247.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> an amazing evening to benefit 147 million orphans and a private screening of Legends of the Knight #wearebatman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynxBfjDtGPoA73_hAsfPDF-V9GMlzHB7R62cjWngKrcT5QxYWQG8Z3t27y4IBYbQfzZ99D9aGQxkBKZjEh1c5k2vBtVNDZm1Z0LhbXiVxmLAwCQrvoqjXwBGL0dW9mbDKTPBi-KCP-4Q/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynxBfjDtGPoA73_hAsfPDF-V9GMlzHB7R62cjWngKrcT5QxYWQG8Z3t27y4IBYbQfzZ99D9aGQxkBKZjEh1c5k2vBtVNDZm1Z0LhbXiVxmLAwCQrvoqjXwBGL0dW9mbDKTPBi-KCP-4Q/s320/IMG_4299.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEQaTn-AkztJeH7bGOQe0lXR-2w2nH3unhljt5UIAx09epXc0GyEQB3K1Zvo-HJzItL06GH8QfWulLvEJ7WwZGlzDQyILpnLIinHKPewNcYHEdkXQPDjwiker5Fq4jbmMz1dtaQooY4/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEQaTn-AkztJeH7bGOQe0lXR-2w2nH3unhljt5UIAx09epXc0GyEQB3K1Zvo-HJzItL06GH8QfWulLvEJ7WwZGlzDQyILpnLIinHKPewNcYHEdkXQPDjwiker5Fq4jbmMz1dtaQooY4/s320/IMG_4328.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep a totaled car in the Spring of 2014 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcZd8f1AC9f9Yo4CuDtn-hYP4S3Mcu9V9ssVvJUqfdbDCcZlDQve4PEZjLx-I-YRhZtzbVgR2As68-agwwbDpZzfI4T3iec0LbYa1zd6dkzE9mA8T5MT52HqC3CHUdFQ_DvJzqfPqeKE/s1600/IMG_4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcZd8f1AC9f9Yo4CuDtn-hYP4S3Mcu9V9ssVvJUqfdbDCcZlDQve4PEZjLx-I-YRhZtzbVgR2As68-agwwbDpZzfI4T3iec0LbYa1zd6dkzE9mA8T5MT52HqC3CHUdFQ_DvJzqfPqeKE/s320/IMG_4348.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who cares the water is FREEZING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NbJ-4LqH1udBuSkTWTiQgKTZnrW6_mVyaQTo_J8EIJBha4uahQXIba0pWkBcBCSJ4wp1ZRQCR1TP1Cd8TFTOZ69rIjpq01F6argqz9V05tvxN1ZARfb-J-fZV8-1Yiic0tJ1pHARqFM/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NbJ-4LqH1udBuSkTWTiQgKTZnrW6_mVyaQTo_J8EIJBha4uahQXIba0pWkBcBCSJ4wp1ZRQCR1TP1Cd8TFTOZ69rIjpq01F6argqz9V05tvxN1ZARfb-J-fZV8-1Yiic0tJ1pHARqFM/s320/IMG_4367.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always ready for the next adventure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr9N2ngkOAAsp3JCSUhZTWC3YMHQlfzA_T7fdCoZ6s532ttyNlVbCNizdawQvOmjNCT0rd-7S64WXO18qFOyM5HVSEQ5qKJH63VPve0A6ZKT1FRZxY9zQTRmGXuAQKnTM16GC4XwNNuA/s1600/IMG_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr9N2ngkOAAsp3JCSUhZTWC3YMHQlfzA_T7fdCoZ6s532ttyNlVbCNizdawQvOmjNCT0rd-7S64WXO18qFOyM5HVSEQ5qKJH63VPve0A6ZKT1FRZxY9zQTRmGXuAQKnTM16GC4XwNNuA/s320/IMG_4375.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to Uncle Jason's we go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1Z7xUdA4HlZS6Y1GU5cn75xJElQRpGPNbq45WAgNLGhp2tgfdtYwljOJ4Y9cUhljspapzMEUb48YISyGSDlq_OzYyw8y2FqYFTE_nn2dpGWK0KMU1QrTD7os_X8UJI1OmdX3HgC5i8M/s1600/IMG_4404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1Z7xUdA4HlZS6Y1GU5cn75xJElQRpGPNbq45WAgNLGhp2tgfdtYwljOJ4Y9cUhljspapzMEUb48YISyGSDlq_OzYyw8y2FqYFTE_nn2dpGWK0KMU1QrTD7os_X8UJI1OmdX3HgC5i8M/s320/IMG_4404.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing tic tac toe with great-grandma Taeko </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurvVjA9PKXqYRzDD3_XM7UuzkJTbqT0XnjwsSzMuyYNKFTfClajaqo1xzyZEdd5vXcqx73Sz78a4lyqeKiNH_YSEBdZb9H4BRtamsPxrguM_oNJSaIhZ8onG9HB_dohiqciJX8kWFLwg/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurvVjA9PKXqYRzDD3_XM7UuzkJTbqT0XnjwsSzMuyYNKFTfClajaqo1xzyZEdd5vXcqx73Sz78a4lyqeKiNH_YSEBdZb9H4BRtamsPxrguM_oNJSaIhZ8onG9HB_dohiqciJX8kWFLwg/s320/IMG_4461.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama why do Americans think this is fun? This is just life in Africa! - Tariku</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-AF4tl1t-DT5-nyWp19EQRFPiDp-_vb5SsyNyZi-qWi05pDEo-dAKulFVULShoyVWct126BIPgkpc6UGkjIOJSdteVs15UR7FhekfbY5Z6lDMmsYXGf17kSbFIc9cCtHdNReKr45d8g/s1600/IMG_4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-AF4tl1t-DT5-nyWp19EQRFPiDp-_vb5SsyNyZi-qWi05pDEo-dAKulFVULShoyVWct126BIPgkpc6UGkjIOJSdteVs15UR7FhekfbY5Z6lDMmsYXGf17kSbFIc9cCtHdNReKr45d8g/s320/IMG_4476.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brothers </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP5xVXAVP1_dRBYSk_uhBpNwnumaCtNHHpyV1st3qwavvVjSD2zigcQMt5D86vAovY-nuoJZWg8rQpBDGVnvpcY88COnd-4Pw6hixPtk0E58AjnSCoYOxVLnrXMrPa__t0fws9pcMkZw/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP5xVXAVP1_dRBYSk_uhBpNwnumaCtNHHpyV1st3qwavvVjSD2zigcQMt5D86vAovY-nuoJZWg8rQpBDGVnvpcY88COnd-4Pw6hixPtk0E58AjnSCoYOxVLnrXMrPa__t0fws9pcMkZw/s320/IMG_4492.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awards won and parties planned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRLoSaghpHb6fZsjQ7QFO99y7qVih3D3m4npN-cFiEtgvngjckI20oktX0TdEFIwdPu7zWin-9capGQq7rAObjNgOG1cwGednoQCrMmwZPx1OqBhX6svPHb1KbhfiqHSn0z8G7t5YKr0/s1600/IMG_4594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRLoSaghpHb6fZsjQ7QFO99y7qVih3D3m4npN-cFiEtgvngjckI20oktX0TdEFIwdPu7zWin-9capGQq7rAObjNgOG1cwGednoQCrMmwZPx1OqBhX6svPHb1KbhfiqHSn0z8G7t5YKr0/s320/IMG_4594.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See a theme? This boy and his tic tac toe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV8EpnlR-g8aaY7-rJi-HnfeV7OEPDYfXB2snwkHcU7CMAlH7SA_SANOyr5opu4tniMmLrrCgoDSZbyBajLR8Ztzrd0C1EhDzRsGnrSCfGCoYhGUHTNT-iuZjPHm7r7cRN86NF0DOF9Y/s1600/IMG_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV8EpnlR-g8aaY7-rJi-HnfeV7OEPDYfXB2snwkHcU7CMAlH7SA_SANOyr5opu4tniMmLrrCgoDSZbyBajLR8Ztzrd0C1EhDzRsGnrSCfGCoYhGUHTNT-iuZjPHm7r7cRN86NF0DOF9Y/s320/IMG_4629.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the soccer field before 7am - calls for one thing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi177XaVidnWnKIK_Z1jGoUbOzc5yvelY4727fex3HK3mfWpabVcLfo1qLVcI73M-t-bNgE4k7I1cGNrdpcu_IyPEVrnxR4Te78NEe69pfn9_vUWV8S5vlJMLAwm6h-zJa1xPId_vX0dW0/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi177XaVidnWnKIK_Z1jGoUbOzc5yvelY4727fex3HK3mfWpabVcLfo1qLVcI73M-t-bNgE4k7I1cGNrdpcu_IyPEVrnxR4Te78NEe69pfn9_vUWV8S5vlJMLAwm6h-zJa1xPId_vX0dW0/s320/IMG_4720.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to see their Amber get married</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlfVFbGyhg7KFshA_X2VCx8-HXjacgOyCuBm0R0moreQJetspbSUFzDybOayH1mW6kYJ-hsf3DR4169yuY7xjYiz-yCSu7A3n3EnCfa9ZHOeb1Sm-UBNFEZkgdMh9SC8eVT2kRxRV_-E/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlfVFbGyhg7KFshA_X2VCx8-HXjacgOyCuBm0R0moreQJetspbSUFzDybOayH1mW6kYJ-hsf3DR4169yuY7xjYiz-yCSu7A3n3EnCfa9ZHOeb1Sm-UBNFEZkgdMh9SC8eVT2kRxRV_-E/s320/IMG_5008.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer spent with Kylee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHCJM3W2-c9ub5A4cqKqYaTFDpTLZB9NfnkYF-nCdx1Lvv3NDGhvgv9hysj5HFrJkvE92Q-sVt6mhJPxgl9g-iR_UClzBulRK2vNGI4H4Ez7iMSyYwLKDDFdnzZO68zmy5T9TWwtFea4/s1600/IMG_5011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHCJM3W2-c9ub5A4cqKqYaTFDpTLZB9NfnkYF-nCdx1Lvv3NDGhvgv9hysj5HFrJkvE92Q-sVt6mhJPxgl9g-iR_UClzBulRK2vNGI4H4Ez7iMSyYwLKDDFdnzZO68zmy5T9TWwtFea4/s320/IMG_5011.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christmas gift from Uncle Josh that lives on and on and on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Khm_P83yq83Cfjlj0AJ1qSLpnEp3OVdOIPqA8vQls_ge5yZ78Kv12TSdsNcy5JkwA2o-NsIhZrWwYckE9KwODJSzXBchB2ObPFUnO074Ggv4u15190imKz4UEpf5LXBf_VD91KipKv4/s1600/IMG_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Khm_P83yq83Cfjlj0AJ1qSLpnEp3OVdOIPqA8vQls_ge5yZ78Kv12TSdsNcy5JkwA2o-NsIhZrWwYckE9KwODJSzXBchB2ObPFUnO074Ggv4u15190imKz4UEpf5LXBf_VD91KipKv4/s320/IMG_5051.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giggles and all girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5VzdaWc3HQaS6BNw4vZ0ZDBsS03QefASvC_SkdpJqY-bC1xPx5vbEksG7BsxBF0o5bLmVBx5XHLqT5XCqeIPRbzP0IuKMGZVnduVnyxFOw7ZO7CYs5B2_HpAWC5SpjUcmzLNwtAlSg/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5VzdaWc3HQaS6BNw4vZ0ZDBsS03QefASvC_SkdpJqY-bC1xPx5vbEksG7BsxBF0o5bLmVBx5XHLqT5XCqeIPRbzP0IuKMGZVnduVnyxFOw7ZO7CYs5B2_HpAWC5SpjUcmzLNwtAlSg/s320/IMG_5105.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventure and Road Trips!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzsiYuHsX01e52RInYPDwMfOobxkXqLNSteSoY4d0N-UYavaALV102W_gOfdvBbgFnhwfjjtIcl6FEY0_VkINyVPP70lG36K75W3ntFvXi8zaBfykcfZ9U1mgZSAb4PDNR6Ehm3JizJI/s1600/IMG_5112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzsiYuHsX01e52RInYPDwMfOobxkXqLNSteSoY4d0N-UYavaALV102W_gOfdvBbgFnhwfjjtIcl6FEY0_VkINyVPP70lG36K75W3ntFvXi8zaBfykcfZ9U1mgZSAb4PDNR6Ehm3JizJI/s320/IMG_5112.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlanta GA - Six Flags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc_-6htiJCLCz6l-YfZvTbBiOCdbY2SDIHvSfqlC1Dy1EKV2xNpVSHYJAgI0JpqDld3KIqxADt6p54EfEDfLLrsbsnVT7akGl2fUW0ift0UojAY_8VmK8L3t7vbnGkZ39GY2cKjSevDk/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc_-6htiJCLCz6l-YfZvTbBiOCdbY2SDIHvSfqlC1Dy1EKV2xNpVSHYJAgI0JpqDld3KIqxADt6p54EfEDfLLrsbsnVT7akGl2fUW0ift0UojAY_8VmK8L3t7vbnGkZ39GY2cKjSevDk/s320/IMG_5129.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look into the future and look who's driving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmvQHK8O3LEngobL2ns3AWYAzbZOlWdhzsndYIThB5f_Qg5nF958lV6pTWr3KhmQB_W7D8RUnGkrMY7PRG_gVLa3NxsveqVakXbcxzxGMZVgPtyPkLK3oxeL9quUaiVDeoq4-2jQAZZ4/s1600/IMG_5130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmvQHK8O3LEngobL2ns3AWYAzbZOlWdhzsndYIThB5f_Qg5nF958lV6pTWr3KhmQB_W7D8RUnGkrMY7PRG_gVLa3NxsveqVakXbcxzxGMZVgPtyPkLK3oxeL9quUaiVDeoq4-2jQAZZ4/s320/IMG_5130.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylee behind the wheel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO0_-jFwud49j_-NjZi87yecgUFSJbzTT8ZjEMOphgyB27wgYhgp5ozxynOIPdLAaqY1jGj5CejAted6dUSW5h38avDt4tPX47aQwwHGy3gUti5EzWOXE7rr0YLS_YqpLlK7o4LjQ-KM/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO0_-jFwud49j_-NjZi87yecgUFSJbzTT8ZjEMOphgyB27wgYhgp5ozxynOIPdLAaqY1jGj5CejAted6dUSW5h38avDt4tPX47aQwwHGy3gUti5EzWOXE7rr0YLS_YqpLlK7o4LjQ-KM/s320/IMG_5182.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins and the bestest of friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26OpvpyXwWmcwet_9bs9HTqh3dvshA4DZ-f9my9c0JrI_7Xn-y-ohQEedCd1cN6mGjC0m_VTkopwuEblVfEOo0u-I79uFKiaxGrz0V80s-lgg8YfuGZfP_n2jAtXh2ZW0rgsXaN7NLDE/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26OpvpyXwWmcwet_9bs9HTqh3dvshA4DZ-f9my9c0JrI_7Xn-y-ohQEedCd1cN6mGjC0m_VTkopwuEblVfEOo0u-I79uFKiaxGrz0V80s-lgg8YfuGZfP_n2jAtXh2ZW0rgsXaN7NLDE/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One would think they were related by blood - but alas they are not</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAuLjmOLJtCuflcGkbzSWmbTm11wlaKUY-VKQuzofcj5GD1UF-WUm4SbRD0MYVRpLNwwqG4dueU1boZTqiRHkayw8cFFoyYAiYEiJ_179lrpnlmfusc4SVq4sOtcZ0w05qrkQgLj1_gE/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAuLjmOLJtCuflcGkbzSWmbTm11wlaKUY-VKQuzofcj5GD1UF-WUm4SbRD0MYVRpLNwwqG4dueU1boZTqiRHkayw8cFFoyYAiYEiJ_179lrpnlmfusc4SVq4sOtcZ0w05qrkQgLj1_gE/s320/IMG_5293.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer - welcomed a pool into our yard!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-mj6SMt1wyeqXwIWwhX3ZnpDO8BHdyz6RyIJZFmblKutazSt7MjnCJ9QMKgDY-k9yZ4Ji6JCXVxa-VpszutT_k0u9TwLnsycAG8NQvS8N5xk9yhfapGMMO1l4gYfh0TRkhyGXb5-v0s/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-mj6SMt1wyeqXwIWwhX3ZnpDO8BHdyz6RyIJZFmblKutazSt7MjnCJ9QMKgDY-k9yZ4Ji6JCXVxa-VpszutT_k0u9TwLnsycAG8NQvS8N5xk9yhfapGMMO1l4gYfh0TRkhyGXb5-v0s/s320/IMG_5430.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ont98FxYduAp89FlmoIZcuGxQDSVD-IZwx41_tFESwS3UcC2pk2yuQ5QqkYjVUfDgbW46V_sBD_iIC3SuwYwHZ52XUlV7CnXIOWoh_K89XqysI6J5-8ZYZ6_nTxZpTJHxOUYcd8syzc/s1600/IMG_5571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ont98FxYduAp89FlmoIZcuGxQDSVD-IZwx41_tFESwS3UcC2pk2yuQ5QqkYjVUfDgbW46V_sBD_iIC3SuwYwHZ52XUlV7CnXIOWoh_K89XqysI6J5-8ZYZ6_nTxZpTJHxOUYcd8syzc/s320/IMG_5571.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on their radio voices</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPQSF8apHKnTzu3YDngpoXSiFJDNcd_xrpPyuZTc_pZrQ9_oPT7Mhtr270PB-RaJAf1dyIBoIDQtNwe-3srmRDHJUch5MUzVArysqw-Eo9PZ1HuFakxJjNmKAoWD754LJfBWHbLZmBGw/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPQSF8apHKnTzu3YDngpoXSiFJDNcd_xrpPyuZTc_pZrQ9_oPT7Mhtr270PB-RaJAf1dyIBoIDQtNwe-3srmRDHJUch5MUzVArysqw-Eo9PZ1HuFakxJjNmKAoWD754LJfBWHbLZmBGw/s320/IMG_5572.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with friends at the radio station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLvmO03ZMzWnGLDs30dj5IyACpu69L8dVJGmz9rnmSIVnF2edQZhx8-0XHsSx9gOoH8-OH5DJShh6kxiX4aOH4vDWzizFOwuITK8UGGrx0coBWLrIDEMvT0BQeJvRBlZ50RXffPTtE_M/s1600/IMG_5582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLvmO03ZMzWnGLDs30dj5IyACpu69L8dVJGmz9rnmSIVnF2edQZhx8-0XHsSx9gOoH8-OH5DJShh6kxiX4aOH4vDWzizFOwuITK8UGGrx0coBWLrIDEMvT0BQeJvRBlZ50RXffPTtE_M/s320/IMG_5582.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening as they remix the Tariku message</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y69SyCoCJj3Q40x3W3cQLJq6OGIeR8bnsa8E4nNrYF-3aXnkv15cWMG2TLa-PQXiGaw2dKOFdZngpcjA7nTRh-VacPFxG106HH_McAfnujzphriYoajSG5VbNUHzXL6X_iPtTsZ_RN8/s1600/IMG_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y69SyCoCJj3Q40x3W3cQLJq6OGIeR8bnsa8E4nNrYF-3aXnkv15cWMG2TLa-PQXiGaw2dKOFdZngpcjA7nTRh-VacPFxG106HH_McAfnujzphriYoajSG5VbNUHzXL6X_iPtTsZ_RN8/s320/IMG_5589.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing his lines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5H1XvcanreJUkABjGsY77PfJHsOByHhFY7A8bBsyE1itbhLGwSSaB4NfLMaHU_W5g1Bp8ddAoWcM4Y20ahSpxC_GwpNt36_CamBgXCecdes9yDChlRB0Ahnh8udaXWHjUykwwN-h8SU/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5H1XvcanreJUkABjGsY77PfJHsOByHhFY7A8bBsyE1itbhLGwSSaB4NfLMaHU_W5g1Bp8ddAoWcM4Y20ahSpxC_GwpNt36_CamBgXCecdes9yDChlRB0Ahnh8udaXWHjUykwwN-h8SU/s320/IMG_5608.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go wish America a very happy birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EoWqL2YZ90Wmvs-oiO7DuSQrOfQ6Q5BtQTsrJgp_EXPRgXaCLXaoMv2aT13Q7I9MR7DS7sbXrVIJ58REEpXyM18ew1CCIpiF9e3FB8g1TcCtPmpg5VSQXDSrIMbcY4f9eMHGuKwBWfE/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EoWqL2YZ90Wmvs-oiO7DuSQrOfQ6Q5BtQTsrJgp_EXPRgXaCLXaoMv2aT13Q7I9MR7DS7sbXrVIJ58REEpXyM18ew1CCIpiF9e3FB8g1TcCtPmpg5VSQXDSrIMbcY4f9eMHGuKwBWfE/s320/IMG_5747.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney day @ Camp Summer Sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IKuHzFKkUrld_NKr7G6IUajSSSgQ4OYAcQCdvkUk4zBo3UZ46z61d4UY0fdhHJK3ljDpvr2Jb29qpQA8DkPj0nTHv3J8GR2-zSD15fmYrSjPxjtxBb5wzjWAN922utKtFidJp0nMzyg/s1600/IMG_5784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IKuHzFKkUrld_NKr7G6IUajSSSgQ4OYAcQCdvkUk4zBo3UZ46z61d4UY0fdhHJK3ljDpvr2Jb29qpQA8DkPj0nTHv3J8GR2-zSD15fmYrSjPxjtxBb5wzjWAN922utKtFidJp0nMzyg/s320/IMG_5784.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just over 5 months in this thing </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS6D7-Ix2qwnjRZttJ7KVF_PDMIDIHdjjIbuXs9d429v0_sFR6_fQdardA_V1xoBXhn-2o54xNbWERGq5Sy4-6KAL_-MRtrg6bLWry22GfBdrjZat27DrpjvYKbfy7RFJ8lAbGczV1WI/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS6D7-Ix2qwnjRZttJ7KVF_PDMIDIHdjjIbuXs9d429v0_sFR6_fQdardA_V1xoBXhn-2o54xNbWERGq5Sy4-6KAL_-MRtrg6bLWry22GfBdrjZat27DrpjvYKbfy7RFJ8lAbGczV1WI/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSygtOY3lrbD5HC1VV73ZWjr6A1OYYqC-s077LVwY6Aqst5RQ_QKAcfTKm9xd4FYLJvdVXgfbUkZzspffkfR77QUobeIm1zSlvQI9wLYuTXJo9HmQQF84HWpfcycf-fQSWLkrZSAybvbE/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSygtOY3lrbD5HC1VV73ZWjr6A1OYYqC-s077LVwY6Aqst5RQ_QKAcfTKm9xd4FYLJvdVXgfbUkZzspffkfR77QUobeIm1zSlvQI9wLYuTXJo9HmQQF84HWpfcycf-fQSWLkrZSAybvbE/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The launch of a non - profit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fNUSObDvQusxApkmH3KghmU4u8Cblbo144aTZdTrMCVA6CNewgJbzxwhbKk8bLGS92Fka0j-j6Pfnk741kzOK_-ea3Tu5H-sWYFa5MJvcTQVJ6XYgavxWBinJ2Jj1Jjpj2a1yvsdqOs/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fNUSObDvQusxApkmH3KghmU4u8Cblbo144aTZdTrMCVA6CNewgJbzxwhbKk8bLGS92Fka0j-j6Pfnk741kzOK_-ea3Tu5H-sWYFa5MJvcTQVJ6XYgavxWBinJ2Jj1Jjpj2a1yvsdqOs/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding help in Santa Fe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnqegd3qCZsqn-afjGBQR7WmWyOcAE5qRDdvxA7B3PjDpfIXFuc6l8yeFum6XTRM_AaL53_ks4TIUVK8Jfm6qJhVp066k1qLfOeosP34MDll88Gu_s35JI-2vuhiZx9u1yt-jwfvarRg/s1600/IMG_7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnqegd3qCZsqn-afjGBQR7WmWyOcAE5qRDdvxA7B3PjDpfIXFuc6l8yeFum6XTRM_AaL53_ks4TIUVK8Jfm6qJhVp066k1qLfOeosP34MDll88Gu_s35JI-2vuhiZx9u1yt-jwfvarRg/s1600/IMG_7521.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Dwelling in Santa Fe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little orange boy<br />
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So there you have it!! A look back at 2014 - we are blessed beyond measure and look forward to all that comes in 2015. From the Hammons House to yours we wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEARCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-74081250776561146902014-10-07T10:18:00.001-05:002014-10-07T10:18:32.523-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Orphan Sunday isn't about charity;</i><b><i> it's about the mission of Christ</i></b><i>. I pray that every Gospel-transformed congregation will observe Orphan Sunday, calling all Christians to our mandate to image Christ by caring for his little brothers and sisters, the fatherless of the world."</i> -- Dr. Russell Moore, author<i> Adopted for Life</i></div>
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On November 2nd, Christians around the globe will stand together with one goal: to rouse believers with God's call to care for the orphan and what our role is in response.<br />
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Does your family, small group or church have plans for Orphan Sunday? There are so many ways that we can honor orphans collectively as the Body of Christ on Orphan Sunday. If you don't have plans or haven't heard of an event near you, here are 4 ways you can engage in this year's Orphan Sunday:<br />
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<li><b></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj2kmF9vUAOu7_PEc9yr7R3O3OZS3wSK5ZZru0Ucy6-LRT4IRzvdEKWF"><b>Advent for Orphans Calendar</b></a> -- see explanation below.</li>
<li><b></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj3uJPIq3ETD66KFtHeQF2175GweNujBqI_s_k04tLBYl5duG0u-p8NDfym7RQypE_I="><b>Orphan's Table</b></a> -- share a meal eaten by orphans around the world. Gather with family, small group or church for the meal, discussion and prayer.</li>
<li><b></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj3uJPIq3ETD66KFtHeQF217j6Mcyc4jGR6JxIlTSx91v2J80kwn_Tlh"><b>Plan an Orphan Sunday event with a Partnership Package</b></a> -- easy-to-follow Orphan Sunday event plan, enabling you to partner with an organization to create a simple event!</li>
<li>Contact your <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj3uJPIq3ETD66KFtHeQF2170JdGC9VCAoy2REQO6VrXFw=="><b>Regional Orphan Sunday Coordinator</b></a> with questions, to seek ideas as you plan, or to let them know that you will be holding an event.</li>
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Be sure to also check out their <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj3uJPIq3ETD66KFtHeQF217j6Mcyc4jGR6JxIlTSx91v2J80kwn_Tlh"><b>other resources</b></a> which include videos, prayer guides, sermon notes, t-shirts & more! Together, let's stand for the orphan!<br />
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<b><i>To learn more about Orphan Sunday or find an event near you visit </i></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P67-aaXDm6XQUmBK0T7eNSaoKFuZXT1cHru8RBMrrgkiRtyPkwqKGnQUxuuWv5z0vh7bF8XZdj3uJPIq3ETD66KFtHeQF217X0BJCu995F8="><b><i>OrphanSunday.org</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/advent" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Advent Calendar 2014" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-140708" height="300" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Advent-Calendar-2014-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Get your FREE Advent Calendar & celebrate with purpose! </h3>
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See how your family, small group or church can celebrate the anticipate the birth of our Savior in a special way that also shows love to orphans.</div>
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Limited supply of Advent for Orphans calendars available! Learn more & order your calendar today at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/advent" target="_blank">www.lifesongfororphans.org/advent</a>.</div>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-77880180021630954552014-09-23T17:33:00.001-05:002014-09-23T17:33:04.142-05:00Advocate Opportunities w/ Lifesong<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/get-involved/advocate-opportunities/host-a-coffee-conversation/" title="Host a Coffee Conversation"><img alt="Coffee Conversation" class="aligncenter wp-image-136870" height="400" src="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Coffee-Conversation-300x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you having trouble communicating why you have chosen to walk the adoption journey? Or maybe you have tried time and time again to get your church to start an adoption or orphan care ministry, and it just hasn't clicked yet. How do you start and kindly facilitate a conversation that shows God's heart for the orphan and our response as the church?</div>
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<em><strong>Host a Coffee Conversation.</strong></em></div>
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Coffee shops tend to create an environment where people connect through conversations over a warm cup of joe or a refreshing iced latte. Recreate this atmosphere by hosting an intentional <strong>Coffee Conversation</strong> with your church, Sunday school class or small group. Maybe it's a one-on-one meeting with your pastor at a local coffee shop or maybe it's an event with small group. </div>
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Use this kit to help you share about the needs and opportunities to care for orphans with provided discussion questions and scripture references.<a href="http://www.gobena.org/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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How it works:</h3>
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<li><span style="line-height: 16px;">Visit <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/host-a-coffee-conversation">www.lifesongfororphans.org/host-a-coffee-conversation</a> and fill out the form to recieve the <strong>Coffee Conversation Toolkit</strong> with step-by-step instructions on how to host an event, along with video links, discussion questions and promotional materials.</span></li>
<li>Purchase Gobena Coffee for your event. <em><a href="http://www.gobena.org/store.html" target="_blank">Visit Gobena Store</a></em></li>
<li>Use provided materials to promote event.</li>
<li>Host event using some or all of the resources provided in toolkit.</li>
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Looking for more Advocate Opportunities? <br />Visit <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/get-involved/advocate-opportunities/" title="Advocate Opportunities">www.lifesongfororphans.org/advocate-opportunities</a> to see more unqiue, tangible ways you can care for orphans!</h3>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-68071113060462302132014-08-26T15:28:00.000-05:002014-08-26T15:28:54.843-05:00My orange boyGreetings ~<br />
Last week I introduced you to Yuri if you didn't read that post here it is for your (<a href="http://hammonshouseunplugged.blogspot.com/2014/08/dont-forget-me.html" target="_blank">Yuri</a>) and I also told you I had so many stories and feelings but I promised I was gonna get them up here to share. So today I want to share with you about the boy I lovingly refer to as my sweet orange boy.<br />
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On our 1st full day in Rwanda we headed outside of Kigali to a city called Bugasera. We were going to love on a group of school children and also do some home visits with the pastor from the local church. As the bus pulled up the kids and their parents awaited our descent off the stairs. Little brown hands grabbed for big white hands all the while saying mazunga mazunga mazunga (white person) as we scattered across the grass with coloring sheets, crayons, stickers and sharpies for nail polish I saw a sweet little boy in orange. Now you may know that for the past 4 months my left foot has been in a boot from a car accident. That boot was going to make it a wee bit tricky to sit on the grass and color so I did the next best thing - I took Emily's camera and started shooting. <br />
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Mama of the sweet boy in orange made sure at least a dozen times that her son got in front of my lens. And while I knew he was not a school age child I obliged and shot photo after photo after photo. When I put the camera down all the sweet orange boy wanted was for me to hold him and again I obliged. He loves to laugh and to kiss and he sure LOVES to be snuggled.<br />
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As our time was coming to a close and as we gathered with all the children and parents to sing and rejoice in all HIS glory - that is when a much bigger than me part of the story came to life.<br />
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You see my sweet orange boy is <b><i><u>Deaf </u></i></b>- yes the boy I had snuggled on and kissed, and giggled with - who also loved to lick the inside of your nose if you were not quick enough was in so many ways just like Teddy. Now when his mama brought him to me and placed him before the camera she had no way of knowing I understood her journey. You see I had no idea why God had called me to Rwanda this summer and yet within 24hrs on the ground I sat with and laughed with talked with a mama who in some ways shared a common story. This mama and my sweet orange boy with stay in my heart for the rest of my life. <br />
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May you take a moment today and pray for this warrior mama as she continues to advocate and give her son the best possible life. May you also pray for my sweet orange boy that he continues to know he is loved and cherished.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPX3vvEuhebL82LHRD5iJmSJe0hQyQaVkeWsUtyNnbbTVU-GLB3dU3H0YOBoGZyXYjmGMzUe9qeEYy5Jq_LPd53bnGzjhUAa5VJD0MLgWRGoLbsYvMxbeZbX-WUJxWXG2cVTvVJ6gGgY/s1600/1959340_10152603087481397_4597268299039619285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPX3vvEuhebL82LHRD5iJmSJe0hQyQaVkeWsUtyNnbbTVU-GLB3dU3H0YOBoGZyXYjmGMzUe9qeEYy5Jq_LPd53bnGzjhUAa5VJD0MLgWRGoLbsYvMxbeZbX-WUJxWXG2cVTvVJ6gGgY/s1600/1959340_10152603087481397_4597268299039619285_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes my sweet sweet boy you are LOVED</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72bU6Kp7uAGGVS3K45bugZLsznDMX8kxupVJi2R5Hqqs5slSeGnHtBqq7ov6u2MezR-VDvvZEV9DJbi-WDXjMIegSIeuEfRn7g6wgIQw7dwxRlWwr6eQUyF_Ru4_gkfFimiEghYf0-K8/s1600/10551100_10152603086826397_1311834923183248174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72bU6Kp7uAGGVS3K45bugZLsznDMX8kxupVJi2R5Hqqs5slSeGnHtBqq7ov6u2MezR-VDvvZEV9DJbi-WDXjMIegSIeuEfRn7g6wgIQw7dwxRlWwr6eQUyF_Ru4_gkfFimiEghYf0-K8/s1600/10551100_10152603086826397_1311834923183248174_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet orange boy - may you always know you are HIS chosen son</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxazx67zsDJXJCtTVi88bG97JYCz-EQqJbJU-CrhE2nbMl2zcT8D-gqwaC3_WAB3XB__IoXQyBxFkqQdgL9pAsxU8w4ZwDxhmHA86wm5kA0Utnp7B31RW29q_NgapyT1efuVsWRDQysw/s1600/10377161_10152603087016397_9143851599339920721_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxazx67zsDJXJCtTVi88bG97JYCz-EQqJbJU-CrhE2nbMl2zcT8D-gqwaC3_WAB3XB__IoXQyBxFkqQdgL9pAsxU8w4ZwDxhmHA86wm5kA0Utnp7B31RW29q_NgapyT1efuVsWRDQysw/s1600/10377161_10152603087016397_9143851599339920721_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Brooklyn got in on the love and nose licking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfEB5bSJcQKbv0mG_wObdxdTuo-mA1Qw6HFQzKptaJpKFc_B7hBjOLL7HzJ0C2LKz5G-kY8xCdK7YldS9KNCX0e1eXrwDDPnz7jlVpC1Gwsjl5Xh1QqnZ7uNmBswMRx-HI0wwmspzUOo/s1600/10479051_10152603073376397_7293661630326117283_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfEB5bSJcQKbv0mG_wObdxdTuo-mA1Qw6HFQzKptaJpKFc_B7hBjOLL7HzJ0C2LKz5G-kY8xCdK7YldS9KNCX0e1eXrwDDPnz7jlVpC1Gwsjl5Xh1QqnZ7uNmBswMRx-HI0wwmspzUOo/s1600/10479051_10152603073376397_7293661630326117283_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious precious mama you are a warrior</td></tr>
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-54721193343665964492014-08-22T13:13:00.001-05:002014-08-22T13:13:32.282-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><em>This post is part of the Adoption Journey Series. See previous posts, <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/blog/2014/06/adoption-3-ways-to-prepare-for-the-journey/" target="_blank">“Adoption: 3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey”</a> & <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/blog/2014/06/adoption-5-funding-ideas-that-work/" target="_blank">"Adoption: 5 Funding Ideas that Work!"</a>.</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/artz163.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="artz16" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-105413" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/artz163-1024x682.jpeg" height="459" width="690" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><em>You made it.</em> After all the paperwork, emails, phone calls, times of waiting and waiting and waiting, your child is finally forever home. </span></span><em id="__mceDel" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now what??</span></em><br />
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Being home together as a family may be all that you envisioned and expected, but most likely, there may be some challenges and adjustments to work through. Whether that be with your child you just brought into your home or your bio kids. Change can be tough, especially when your new forever child has come from a hard place and may have many emotional walls and culture barriers to break down. The good news? You're not in this alone.<br />
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Here are a few resources and ideas for families post-adoption...<br />
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4 Ways to Thrive Once They're Home</h3>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Find a Support Group.</strong> During the transition, you will need godly friends and family surrounding and encouraging you, telling you, <em>"I get what you're going through...We are praying."</em> If your church does not have an adoption support group, talk to other adoptive families and start your own. Also, check with your adoption agency to see if they can connect you with someone in your area.</span></li>
<li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Attend an <a href="http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/" target="_blank">Empowered to Connect Conference</a>. </span></strong>Yep, it's that good that we're mentioning it twice. If you can't make a conference before your adoption, find the time to attend after your child is in your home. The insight and wisdom you will receive will encourage you as you parent a child from a hard places.</li>
<li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Read <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/handbook-thriving-adoptive-solutions-common-challenges/david-sanford/9781589973381/pd/973381?p=1143702" target="_blank">Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family</a>. </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Packed with practical advice and ideas for families with an adopted child, this parenting handbook is unique in that it provides real-life solutions to common challenges. Bible-based and comprehensive, this </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><em>Focus on the Family</em> resource addresses the special challenges of adopted children and their parents from birth through adulthood.</span></li>
<li><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">Call <a href="http://icareaboutorphans.org/whatwedo/postplacementresources/livefocussupport/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw_tOdBRDv9tuvl7eAtNEBEiQA9Qm5IvfMNW63DFc3EwJ6gW68RX4CqAJ-H1gcw3IvTA7QOxcaAoK98P8HAQ" target="_blank">iCareAboutOrphans.org</a>'s Post Adoption Phone line. </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This m</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">inistry of Focus on the Family offers this</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> service FREE for adoptive families! The phone number is 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) and is staffed Mon – Fri from 8am – 10pm EST by counselors who have been trained by Dr. Karyn Purvis.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>What are some other ways that helped your family THRIVE once your child(ren) were forever home? Please join the conversation by commenting below.</em></span></span></h3>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-59933468866947388582014-08-19T15:33:00.001-05:002014-08-19T15:33:19.944-05:00Don't Forget Me ~Greetings ~<br />
Yes yes yes I know I have a TON to catch you up on and I promise I really am gonna get you all caught up on life here at the Hammons House BUT not today!! Sorry!! Today is the 20th day I have been home from Ethiopia and Rwanda almost and entire 3 weeks back in the good ole USA and there are so many stories to tell and so many emotions I still cannot wrap my head around (but I am working on it!!) But today my heart is heavy for a boy I only met but for a brief time in Kigali and his last words to me are what woke me up at 3:30am this morning. <i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Please don't forget to pray for me"</span></i><br />
I want you to meet Yuri<br />
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Yuri is a street boy|child in Kigali, Rwanda and I wanted to give you the best possible definition of what a street kid is in a 3rd world country so I reached out to my dear friend Tiffany Darling with <a href="http://mercybranch.com/" target="_blank">Mercy Branch</a> and here is here explaination <i><span style="color: #999999;">"<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.066667556762695px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A child who, because of various circumstances, has been forced to make the street his or her home and/or source of survival. Many times, but not always, these children also suffer from being abandoned or orphaned and are therefore living independently of any adult protection or provision."</span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></i>- I only spent a morning with these boys - boys with no parents | no family - boys who are left to tend to themselves - boys with no direction as to their purpose - in other words the often forgotten about group. And yet these boys will grow to be the next generation and they need our love, our guidance, our patience, they need to know the love of the Father and they are precious in his eyes. So today 21 days after I have landed back in my sweet little town I want Yuri to know I have NOT forgotten him. I have NOT stopped praying for him. I have NOT stopped praying for the wonderful mama Daphne who works with these boys on a daily basis showing them love and another way of life. And while I do not know if I will ever see Yuri face to face again I do know that I will NOT forget him. <br />
My question to you is will you NOT forget him either? Will you pray for him and the hundreds of thousands of street kids around the world? <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">“Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.” Proverbs 24:12</span>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-84790110209426636632014-07-14T11:04:00.001-05:002014-07-14T11:15:19.138-05:00Sweet Summer with my Kylee Bean ~Kylee Bean ~
Oh sweet sweet girl what a blessing and a treasure you have been to us this summer. 10 years ago when your mom told me she was pregnant for the 1st time I dreamed that one day you would come and spend the summer with us and with your cousins making memories to last a lifetime. And what an amazing dream come true this summer has been!<br />
Your love and patience with Teddy as you learned to communicate with him using ASL was beyond words for this mama heart to watch. You stepped into his life and loved him right where he was. You protected him, and laughed with him. You taught him games like UNO and Chutes and Ladders all while the 2 of you giggled and giggled the nights away.<br />
You and Tariku are cut from the same cloth - fiercely 1st borns - and yet you each found your way. You did countless hours of drawing and writing together. You went on more walks and adventures than I can remember and you swam like fish almost everyday.<br />
My sweet Kylee Bean I am soooo proud of you - you came to TN and jumped right into life with the Hammons House - camp summer sign everyday, soccer practices for the boys, Kylee and Auntie Courtney dates to lunch and the mall. You helped Uncle Kenneth build a swimming pool, you conquered roller coasters and waterfalls.<br />
My my what a summer it was. And now my sweet sweet girl it is wrapping up and I want you to know how much these last 8 weeks have meant to all of us. We couldn't imagine the joy that you would bring to our summer.<br />
So Bean I want you to ALWAYS remember the door is ALWAYS open for you to come and hang at the Hammons House! We love you and cannot wait for our next adventure together!<br />
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-25445558985271679912014-07-08T15:37:00.002-05:002014-07-08T15:37:47.099-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>This post is part of Lifesong's Adoption Journey Series. See previous post, "Adoption: 3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey" <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/blog/2014/06/adoption-3-ways-to-prepare-for-the-journey/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unknown-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Unknown-2" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-102843" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unknown-2-1024x682.jpeg" height="459" width="690" /></a></div>
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While nearly two in five practicing Christians have considered adoption, only 5% have actually done it.* What keeps people from growing their families through adoption?<br />
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One of the biggest barriers to adoption is the cost. Depending on the circumstances, adoption can cost up to $50,000! It makes sense why many families who have a heart for vulnerable children, look at adoption as something they desire, but is just too hard to grasp because of the high costs.</div>
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There are families who have seen God perform miracles as they have stepped out in faithfulness to follow His call for their family...if it's His will, it's His bill. He will make a way to show Himself as THE Provider of all things. Don't let money stand in the way, when He has provided many avenues for families to bridge that financial gap.</div>
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Here are few tips and resources for funding an adoption...</div>
<ol>
<li><strong>Save & sacrifice. </strong>It's never too early to start saving for adoption. Try to cut back your budget to set a portion of money aside each month to pay for some of the initial adoption costs, like home study and application fees. Make sacrifices as God moves you, maybe that's postponing a big purchase or selling some of your possessions.</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16px;"><strong>Learn from others.</strong> In her must-read book, <a href="http://www.juliegumm.com/adopt-without-debt/" target="_blank">Adopting Without Debt</a>, Julie Gumm shares how to find extra money in your household budget, apply for grants, and fundraise in order to build your family without saddling it with debt. </span></li>
<li><strong>Apply for Adoption Grants & Loans.</strong> Research and apply for national, state, and local adoption grants. A few favorites we direct families to are our friends at <a href="http://www.showhope.com/" target="_blank">Show Hope</a> & <a href="http://www.abbafund.org/" target="_blank">Abba Fund</a>. See <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lifesongScholarships1.pdf" target="_blank">Resource Report</a> for more grants & loans available and don't forget to check out our <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-funding/adoption-grants/" target="_blank">adoption grant & loan page</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Think outside the box.</strong> The fundraising creativity of adoptive families continues to grow. Check out organizations like <a href="http://www.bothhands.org/" target="_blank">Both Hands</a>, who help families fundraise for adoption while doing a service project for a widow. Other groups like <a href="http://www.147millionorphans.com/" target="_blank">147 Million Orphans</a> & <a href="http://www.mudlove.com/" target="_blank">MudLOVE</a> provide jewelry, t-shirts, and other products you can use towards fundraising. </li>
<li><strong>Don't be afraid to ask. </strong>Maybe the word "fundraise" and the thought of asking people for money makes you nervous. WATCH the video below to see how God moved in this couple's heart to show them adoption was so much bigger than their family.</li>
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<em>I want to hear from you? What ways did your family raise money for adoption?</em></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">*from<em> Becoming Home </em>by Frames Barna Group & Jedd Medefind</span></span></span>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-6575088123460928552014-06-13T12:50:00.000-05:002014-06-13T12:50:04.412-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/journey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="journey" class="size-large wp-image-96509 alignleft" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/journey-1024x262.jpg" height="176" width="690" /></a></div>
<em>Adoption is a journey. </em><br />
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Like any journey, it's appropriate to think ahead, to plan and to prepare for what is come. Along the way we'll realize that it isn't <em>all</em> what we may have thought or expected. There are unplanned events and struggles, along with unexpected joys and surprises.<br />
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Join us as we walk down a few different paths of the adoption journey and discuss some key resources as you look ahead in preparation of bringing a child into your forever family.<br />
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Many of you may have already walked this journey. Some of seen friends or close family struggle through the path. Maybe you are just starting to "pack your bag" for your first adoption. No matter the traveler or the progress, here are a few helpful tidbits for anyone who is considering adoption (for the first, second or third time!).<br />
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3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey...<br />
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<li><strong>Pray. Fast. Read.</strong> Most importantly, seek God's direction and plan for your family. Spend significant time praying, fasting and reading His Word together for guidance, wisdom and peace. God does not call everyone to adopt, but He may be calling your family to be involved in caring for the orphan in some way. Sit and listen to the Father, He will prepare your feet for the path He has for you (Psalm 18:33).</li>
<li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Educate Yourself (With Trusted Materials).</span></strong><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">With some of the best Christian material on adoption, </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/" target="_blank">Empowered to Connect</a> provides books, videos, trainings and other resources to help foster and adoptive families parent children from hard places. Prepare and receive realistic expectations ahead of time by reading books like <em>The Connected Child</em> or attending an Empowered to Connect Conference. <em><a href="http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/" target="_blank">See resources & upcoming Empowered to Connect Conferences >></a></em></span></li>
<li><b>Take a Pre-Adoption </b><span style="font-weight: 600;">Assessment</span><b>. </b>Striving to make the adoption process less complicated and overwhelming, our friends at <a href="http://www.loving-shepherd.org/" target="_blank">Loving Shepherd Ministries</a> have helped guide over 6,000 couples in their early stages of adoption. Through their Adoption Assessment Form, their staff gives your family adoption options you are eligible to pursue, along with lists of agencies, home study providers in your area and more! Best yet, they offer this as a <em>free</em> service to prospective adoptive families. <em><a href="https://www.loving-shepherd.org/adoption-services/adoption-resources.html" target="_blank">Learn more & fill out their Adoption Assessment Form today >></a></em></li>
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There is wisdom in preparation, but don't forget to keep in mind that we have a Father who knows the <em>beginning</em> and the <em>end</em>. An Almighty God who is writing and arranging your family's story behind the scenes. When things don't make sense, wait on Him. His way is always best!
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-77793207196788263022014-05-20T13:48:00.000-05:002014-05-20T13:48:04.102-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/14-05-MM-email.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="14-05 MM email" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-83567" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/14-05-MM-email.jpeg" height="124" width="600" /></a></div>
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<i>"If our effort to love only affects ONE person...it is worth it!" </i>-Ivan Zhykhariev, Ukraine Graduate</div>
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<b>Child Sponsorship. </b>It's easy to underestimate the impact sponsorship has on a child. Not only are basic needs (such as food, clothing, shelter) met, but also a sense of belonging is given that money can't buy. Sponsorship speaks <b><i>"YOU MATTER TO ME."</i></b> to a child who is longing for love from a family, security and hope for a future.<br />
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Giving FAMILY to Evelyn {HONDURAS}</h2>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/89103720" width="600"></iframe></center>
Testimonies like <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uv2IFx6aFoYXRkqiVbVR0dCzy8lq9DVfPXvBiymEaieCvD8sWgKH1xFZQvjBp10PKCBSQHpP-CaZc2mol--n2oYhQO5K5aL7DTJASdz7-Lj2wFe9apOV6wvyt_Uk4g1vj4O5gF77Bm9-mpPUhJYfSLJP4Gjd9RwPjZ2tsh5beihYgqCXIjyzRTH2gKYgrLGJRZyom3xokZV5M32c5DFPfDn-1JShqVtxPBqdCKzlyiOnFqr1PMb7rCxne1VHZJ1EoGR7uTWxFntiOXooM6duAA=="><b>Evelyn's</b></a> reminds us of the work God is doing to change lives in Honduras. Children who lose their earthly father, learn about their heavenly Father. Children who lose their family can say they have a new family. Children with little hope are taught that they can change their nation!<br />
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Currently, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uv2IFx6aFoYXRkqiVbVR0dCzy8lq9DVfPXvBiymEaieCvD8sWgKH1xFZQvjBp10PKCBSQHpP-CaZc2mol--n2oYhQO5K5aL7DTJASdz7-Lj2wFe9apOV6wvyt_Uk4g1vj4O5gF77Bm9-mpPUhJYfSLJP4Gjd9RwPjZ2tsh5beihYgqCXIjyzRTH2gKYgrLGJRZyom3xokZV5M32c5DFPfDn-1JShqVtxPBqdCKzlyiOnFqr1PMb7rCxne1VHZJ1EoGR7uTWxFntiOXooM6duAA=="><b>Evelyn</b></a> has not been chosen by a sponsor to help support her Christian education and hopeful future. By sponsoring a child like <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uv2IFx6aFoYXRkqiVbVR0dCzy8lq9DVfPXvBiymEaieCvD8sWgKH1xFZQvjBp10PKCBSQHpP-CaZc2mol--n2oYhQO5K5aL7DTJASdz7-Lj2wFe9apOV6wvyt_Uk4g1vj4O5gF77Bm9-mpPUhJYfSLJP4Gjd9RwPjZ2tsh5beihYgqCXIjyzRTH2gKYgrLGJRZyom3xokZV5M32c5DFPfDn-1JShqVtxPBqdCKzlyiOnFqr1PMb7rCxne1VHZJ1EoGR7uTWxFntiOXooM6duAA=="><b>Evelyn</b></a>, you can be a part of changing a life, letting a child know they matter by bringing joy and purpose to their lives.<br />
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Will you help us find Evelyn a sponsor?<br />
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<a href="http://www.lifesongchildsponsorship.org/sponsor/child/H1291/"><img alt="Screen Shot 2014-05-08 at 9.07.05 AM" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-79855" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-08-at-9.07.05-AM.png" height="396" width="551" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Learn more about Child Sponsorship at </i></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uv2IFx6aFoYXRkqiVbVR0dCzy8lq9DVfPXvBiymEaieCvD8sWgKH1xFZQvjBp10PKCBSQHpP-CYSHYPLpEOXExPOUtoBctrdUdLYOXjoJzUmGbZoxpRHyA=="><b><i>www.lifesongchildsponsorship.org</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></div>
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Testimony: More than Money {LIBERIA}</h2>
Listen in as Carla Cornell, <a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/sponsor-a-child/?sponsorship_choice=2" target="_blank">Liberia Child Sponsor</a> shares on sponsorship...<br />
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Cornell-Sponsorship.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cornell Sponsorship" class="alignright wp-image-83569" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Cornell-Sponsorship-1024x1024.jpeg" height="290" width="290" /></a><em>"Meeting Thomas, Sharine and Prince was something we had been picturing for months and to finally feel those arms around us was a priceless, God-given moment. It was then we realized that sponsoring a child can be so much more than just sending money.</em></div>
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<em>It can be an opportunity to open our hearts and share the love we so often take for granted with a child who needs it desperately. A child who may never have the same blessings and opportunities that most of us enjoy but with our help, they can have hope and they can know Jesus loves them and has not forgotten them. And we can be blessed beyond measure to be a tiny part of God's plan for them."</em></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/blog/2014/01/so-much-more-than-money-lifesong-liberia/" target="_blank">Read her full testimony>></a></div>
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#31kids31days</h2>
<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/31-in-31-badge.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="31 in 31 badge" class="alignleft wp-image-83575" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/31-in-31-badge-300x247.png" height="89" width="108" /></a>This month, Help us find 31 sponsors in 31 days! Each day, we feature a child that does not yet have a sponsor. Will you join us in advocating on their behalf?<br />
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Meet a few of our kids waiting for sponsorship....<br />
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<a href="https://www.zatproject.com/sponsor/?child_id=Z-390" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen Shot 2014-05-15 at 2.21.23 PM" class=" wp-image-84793 " src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-15-at-2.21.23-PM.png" height="283" width="281" /></a> <a href="https://www.zatproject.com/sponsor/?child_id=Z-390" target="_blank">Yididiya, 11 years old, Ethiopia</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/sponsor-a-child/?sponsorship_choice=2&Gender=Boy&question=Momo%20-%20If%20Momo%20has%20already%20been%20sponsored%20today,%20please%20assign%20another%20child%20to%20my%20sponsorship%20(31%20kids%20in%2031%20days)" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen Shot 2014-05-13 at 2.22.17 PM" class=" wp-image-84792 " src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-13-at-2.22.17-PM-297x300.png" height="283" width="281" /></a> <a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/sponsor-a-child/?sponsorship_choice=2&Gender=Boy&question=Momo%20-%20If%20Momo%20has%20already%20been%20sponsored%20today,%20please%20assign%20another%20child%20to%20my%20sponsorship%20(31%20kids%20in%2031%20days)" target="_blank">Momo, 8 years old, Liberia</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongchildsponsorship.org/sponsor/child/Z143" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen Shot 2014-05-13 at 2.22.09 PM" class=" wp-image-84791" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-13-at-2.22.09-PM.png" height="283" width="281" /></a> <a href="http://www.lifesongchildsponsorship.org/sponsor/child/Z143" target="_blank">Samuel, 12 years old, Zambia</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/sponsor-a-child/?sponsorship_choice=3&Gender=Girl&question=Atonina%20-%20UC119%20If%20Atonina%20has%20already%20been%20sponsored%20today%20please%20assign%20another%20child%20to%20my%20sponsorship%20(31%20kids%20in%2031%20days)" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen Shot 2014-05-13 at 2.22.02 PM" class=" wp-image-84790 " src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-13-at-2.22.02-PM-294x300.png" height="283" width="281" /></a> <a href="https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/sponsor-a-child/?sponsorship_choice=3&Gender=Girl&question=Atonina%20-%20UC119%20If%20Atonina%20has%20already%20been%20sponsored%20today%20please%20assign%20another%20child%20to%20my%20sponsorship%20(31%20kids%20in%2031%20days)" target="_blank">Antonina, 12 years old, Ukraine</a></div>
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<b><i>See all featured kids for the </i></b><b><i>#31kids31days Campaign at </i></b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uv2IFx6aFoYXRkqiVbVR0dCzy8lq9DVfPXvBiymEaieCvD8sWgKH1xFZQvjBp10PKCBSQHpP-CaZc2mol--n2oYhQO5K5aL7DTJASdz7-LhOHrW0ZsApE5udYCi1WWyTyTniZJhPyKk="><b><i>lifesongfororphans.org/31kids31days</i></b></a><b><i> </i></b></div>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-5325039100035697332014-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-17T08:00:01.134-05:00What is Courtney up to this summer?Greetings Family and Friends,<br />
I am overjoyed to let you know that The Lord has called me to return to Africa this summer to learn from whom I consider a dear dear friend the job that is short term mission work. You see I am in the process of moving forward on some dreams that are so close to my heart and so personal to my family (I promise more information on that soon) that I need to understand 1st hand the work that is short term missions and I truly thought there was no one better to guide me on this course than my dear friend Gina.<br />
To that end, my trip in July of this year will be to serve alongside the pastors of a local church in Kigali Rwanda. During our visit we will be delivering care packages to families who need to know The Lord, visiting and praying over the sick in the community the church serves, and assisting with worship, children's programs, and whatever else the church members can find use for us to do! It is my hearts desire to serve The Lord and I believe the best way to do that for the hurting people of Rwanda is to connect them to the local body of Christ that can minister to them long after I've returned to my home.<br />
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Additionally, I am over the moon excited to be visiting a local school for the deaf. Several of our team members are fluent in American Sign Language, and the nation of Rwanda is in the early stages of creating a unified Rwandan Sign language which is very similar in dialect to ASL. You have no idea how much this means to me and our dear Marilyn who will be traveling with me!! I am excited that The Lord has called me to partner with him in reaching people in the communities around Kigali. If you feel led to serve The Lord by contributing financially to my mission trip I would be thrilled. I will be collecting help for my expenses as well as for donations to purchase goods while in country.<br />
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I'll be leaving American soil on July 13th and will return to the states Aug 1st. It is truly a blessing and an honor to take this trip this summer alongside our sweet Marilyn! Donations can be made to me via paypal - courtney@amagicalaffair.com or via check to Courtney Hammons<br />
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As always prayers appreciated as I prepare my heart and mind for this journey.<br />
<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-58601298237438958402014-04-16T09:45:00.001-05:002014-04-16T09:45:29.868-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Lifesong Farms. </b>We are thankful, with the help and expertise of our friends at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8wk4BXye1nYmZa8ZHQHjieulsRriJIEF0hRqnMtXOInA="><b>Plant Sciences, Inc.</b></a>, to have active strawberry farms in Ukraine and Zambia. Our hope is to not only create jobs & self-worth for orphan caregivers, but also provide future employment opportunities as orphans grow into adults. Eventually, we aim to establish sustainability to help fund on-going orphan care. Hear the stories behind the farms...<br />
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Bearing Fruit in Sergey {UKRAINE}</h2>
Like each and every child our Ukraine team reaches out to through Constant Christian Presence, Sergey was full of potential. Coming from a life of hurt, God breathed hope into his heart and life.<br />
Through the team's support, mentorship and love, Sergey came to know Christ while developing relationships and life skills that is leading him towards a fruitful future.<br />
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Now, he and another orphan graduate are involved in helping manage a nursery, as well as play an important role in Lifesong Farms-Ukraine.<br />
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Listen in to his story...<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8wk4BXye1nYlC2zk_XS60pUnj43LozXX8X7Eyzl9TWlDEerfBZX_6EoXE7HOa7dZFzHq6nMKrtlgOahce6UuIRYksMcWEPgJiLUyCyAP3HzQCbA2H1WNHTw==">Learn more about Lifesong Farms-Ukraine>></a></i></b></div>
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Strawberries Help Send Kids to School {ZAMBIA}</h2>
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Last month, Lifesong Farms-Zambia team were pleased to present the first check to the Lifesong School at a special ceremony. As the farm continues to grow and show profits, we hope to have many more check ceremonies in the future as we grow towards sustainability!</div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/zambia-farms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="zambia farms" class=" wp-image-67920" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/zambia-farms.jpg" height="384" width="576" /></a></div>
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<i> Farm team presenting $5,000 check to Lifesong Zambia School</i></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8wk4BXye1nYlC2zk_XS60pUnj43LozXX8X7Eyzl9TWlDEerfBZX_6EoXE7HOa7dZFzHq6nMKrtlgOahce6UuIRYksMcWEPgJi8q_lu0k8yS2Qg9sKaYuDag==">Learn more about Lifesong Farms-Zambia>></a></i></b></div>
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Read More...</h2>
<b>Story of Lifesong Farms - </b>Learn how Lifesong Farms got started in Lifesong Zambia. <b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8JBoJ7ciHCKgFWy6CqIT5ex_77F0RdsPyCsfNXkq9eys=">Watch Video</a></b><br />
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<b>Impact on Farm Workers - </b>Listen in to our Quality Manager, Pilijah, as she shares how her job has impacted her and her family. <b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8JBoJ7ciHCKgFWy6CqIT5e6uaD4oeXwzZiKtHcVSn82I=">Watch Video</a><br /></b><br />
<b>Christian Alliance for Orphans CAFO2014 {May 1-2; CHICAGO} - </b>CAFO2014 inspires and equips Christians to care for orphans with wisdom-guided love. Register today! <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014_L_FPgXHYkm5URThZcV9pbCgVjmtXyHVRjvO2T-Jq64_YsivdDID8LLmCuq4bJ8wk4BXye1nYmm190r2v1HEIGhLSYUOxuFsflqVIb6FGoYQer5s9yX-riYIWSGGVENm_6N62Qpyu6UPeZNIyxUEg=="><b>Learn More & Register</b></a><br />
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Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-86179182805073358742014-03-20T12:18:00.000-05:002014-03-20T12:18:25.843-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."</i> <i> Isaiah 58:10</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/">The Forgotten Initiative</a>, Lifesong's foster care ministry, exists to bring joy and purpose to local foster care communities through mentorship, service projects and family support organized by local TFI Advocates. With a holistic approach they reach out not only to foster children, but also agency workers, foster parents and vulnerable adults. Read along to learn more...<br />
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JOURNEY BAGS {For Children Entering Care}</h2>
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The Forgotten Initiative (TFI) has many different ways to get involved. One is creating "Journey Bags" for local foster care agency to ultimately reach foster kids in your community.<br />
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What exactly is a Journey Bag? Children often come into foster care with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Journey Bags are backpacks filled with personal items for kids to have when they are abruptly taken out of their homes.<br />
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Listen in to the impact of Journey Bags...<br />
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<i>"Last night at midnight, three precious little beauties showed up on my doorstep. They each had with them a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a book bag, their Journey Bags. I kept waiting for more, anything more, but nothing came. The investigator told me this was all they had. </i></blockquote>
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<i>Our 5-year-old came with shoes so worn, they had to be thrown away. One of our two-year-olds had no shoes, the other had two left shoes. When I asked about getting anything out of the home, the investigator said it wasn't possible. The kids had nothing. There worldly possessions consisted of Journey Bags. As I stared at those bags, I began to cry. What if no one took the time to fill those bags and deliver them? What would our children have then? Absolutely nothing. Nothing to claim as their own, nothing to protect or cherish. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for my kiddos Journey Bags." </i></blockquote>
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--Heather, foster mom</blockquote>
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<em><a href="http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/our-initiatives/service-projects/" target="_blank">Learn more about tangible ways you can serve your foster care community>></a></em></div>
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PROJECT RENOVATE {Supporting Local Foster Families}</h2>
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<em><strong>Go on a local "mission trip" with Project Renovate!</strong></em></div>
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Often foster care families feel alone and overwhelmed. Spend a day reaching out to families in need while at the same time raising support for The Forgotten Initiative with projects like deep cleaning a home, landscaping or giving a room a makeover!<br />
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Check out this new promo video & see how you can get involved at <a href="http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/projectrenovate">www.theforgotteninitiative.org/projectrenovate</a>.<br />
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Join us this year for a Project Renovate in Central Illinois:</div>
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<em>J</em><em>une 7th -- Clinton, IL</em></div>
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<em>July 12th -- Creve Coeur, IL</em></div>
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<em><a href="http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/projectrenovate" target="_blank">Learn more about who YOU can be involved in this year's Project Renovate>> </a></em></div>
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Read More...</h2>
<b>Journey Bag Testimonial - </b>Listen in as foster mom shares the impact the TFI Journey Bags had on her and her foster children. <b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hzJH6eWwxBO_Y6yppjEoIHo2DMLGWip1Lqs7gBEg2gS1FBGq1VErfeOS0ngiVaYZ87OncyOYPQWc9HuZfEtRnbvKKoXuc6jJILQ9RUrf72s=">Watch Video</a></b><br />
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<b>Showing Jesus to the Forgotten - </b>Learn what it means to become a TFI Advocate for your local foster care community! <b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hzJH6eWwxBO_Y6yppjEoIHo2DMLGWip1Lqs7gBEg2gS1FBGq1VErfeOS0ngiVaYZXAyECq9qFdx7SnwQqkjypHEt9woawAYyPMINdfsBEqC_QIO_sFE_GmcPAX25A3Un4DxpUjARgePyzaJw6OqXXRLeLvpvkQDDShoxwvv3OcDZqc1SzSMBXrukZ4d1EosMe-aMVfNJS8Eju8smQJs06H6zkKDm8OAW">Read More</a></b><br />
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<b>ReMoved - </b>Originally created for the 168 Film Festival, ReMoved follows the emotional story through the eyes of a young girl taken from her home and placed into foster care. <b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hzJH6eWwxBO_Y6yppjEoIHo2DMLGWip1Lqs7gBEg2gS1FBGq1VErfeOS0ngiVaYZ87OncyOYPQWc9HuZfEtRnbvKKoXuc6jJA4ZUXwiaiWI=">Watch Video</a></b><br />
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Coming This Spring...</h2>
<a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/choir-kids-website.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Zambia Choir Kids" class="alignleft wp-image-35072" src="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/choir-kids-website-300x173.jpg" height="110" width="192" /></a><b>Celebrate Life Tour - </b>Featuring Cheri Keaggy & Zambian Children's Choir! This concert will be an excellent opportunity for the whole family to hear how they can help care for orphans and vulnerable children! <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hzJH6eWwxBO_Y6yppjEoIHo2DMLGWip1Lqs7gBEg2gS1FBGq1VErfeOS0ngiVaYZ87OncyOYPQWnm8bbVkmfJPxpVM7nd9AIAM85dcq_KSBLknbW8N_Jn0VezDlBHqdYbCdUGcncGQCLm6TFY2PkZA=="><b><i>Learn more about dates, locations & where to buy your tickets>></i></b></a><br />
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<b>Christian Alliance for Orphans CAFO2014 {May 1-2; CHICAGO} - </b>CAFO2014 inspires and equips Christians to care for orphans with wisdom-guided love. Register today! <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hzJH6eWwxBO_Y6yppjEoIHo2DMLGWip1Lqs7gBEg2gS1FBGq1VErfeOS0ngiVaYZXAyECq9qFdxVawkilqlfOqLxz7e565fJgiQ2cv4O69a2zsOlWlkbAT7W16BBxRdjmBD1bmRaBNMth-IGJ_isVw=="><b>Learn More & Register</b></a>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061523216974749773.post-80541204169826403162014-03-15T07:00:00.000-05:002014-03-15T07:00:03.149-05:00Camp Nurture is Coming ~Greetings ~<br />
I wanted to make sure I passed along some valuable information about a camp coming to middle tn this summer!<br />
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July 14-18 2014 9-3pm</div>
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Brentwood Baptist Children’s Home</div>
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Brentwood, TN</div>
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Pre-Camp Parent Training Dates: June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th & July 12th</div>
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Post-Camp Parent Support Dates: August 2nd, 16th & Sept. 6th</div>
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Camp Nurture is a therapeutic day camp for adopted children, age 5-9, with trauma and attachment challenges. This 5-day pilot program will offer a structured combination of playfully engaging, sensory, and therapeutic activities to nurture the children’s ability to self-regulate and connect with others. Children will attend Nurture groups designed to build capacity to seek and receive care, Life-Skills groups to facilitate children’s ability to process change and loss, as well as identify and express emotions, Movement groups for learning self-regulation strategies, and Art Groups. Each child will be matched with a Camp Buddy who will support the child’s exploration and provide safety and nurturing engagement. Parents will be expected to attend all (5) pre-camp parent training sessions as well as parent sessions during the camp.</div>
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Camp Director: Paris Goodyear-Brown LCSW-RPT-S</div>
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Senior Staff: Melody Aguayo Ph. D., Emily Anderson LPC-MHSP, Arlin Troyer MMFT</div>
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<span class="s1">For applications contact Kim Warner-Hudy LAPSW <a href="mailto:Kimwh@miriamspromise.org"><span class="s2">Kimwh@miriamspromise.org</span></a><<a href="mailto:Kimwh@miriamspromise.org"><span class="s2">mailto:Kimwh@miriamspromise.org</span></a>></span></div>
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All Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2014</div>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04681709488965888193noreply@blogger.com0