Wednesday, March 2, 2011

It Feels Like Christmas

Reid's been bouncing around the house saying, "IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS!"  He's on the computer constantly planning the upcoming trip - confirming, then reconfirming.  I've seen my husband come ALIVE!

Weston came upstairs tonight with his suitcase and backpack completely packed!  I love how he plans ahead!  (I did take out all of the long sleeve shirts knowing the temp is in the 90s right now in Ghana.)  Weston has already started a mental list for all the things I could forget!

Mason and Franklin are frantically working to complete their school work for the next week.  They want to come back free to love on Overcomer!  Mason is practicing his guitar constantly.  Franklin has already cleaned out his school backpack in order to pack it.

Braden now thinks the trip will be fun because he is taking his own camera - thanks to a precious, generous friend.  (Thank you so much Tarrer!  The boys are so excited!)   Braden has already learned how to take very unattractive pictures of his mother!  Earlier this week my sister asked Braden what he was going to do in Ghana.  Evidently, we have not communicated effectively because Braden quipped, "Buy lots of souvenirs!" Then, she and a group of boys prayed over Weston and Braden.  When they finished, Braden sighed loudly, "Finally!"

Me?  Well, today I've been cleaning our house with the gift of help from my sweet Mom!  Thanks, MOM!  The boys all worked very hard to make Overcomer's homecoming sparkling as well!   

Tonight I've been glued to Facebook looking at pictures some friends of ours have posted.  Three close friends - Righ, Drais, and Teg are all in Ghana this week loving on orphans around the country.  Check out Feeding the Orphans to learn more and see a few photos too!  Oh, these children need Daddies to love them everyday! 

The past several weeks, I've been purchasing items for travel, packing supplies, and praying constantly.  All the time, my heart is preparing to fully embrace Overcomer!  In so many ways, the journey is just beginning.  The pictures tonight on FB showed Overcomer with the same sad eyes.  I long to see his smile again!   We are coming, dear one.  We are coming soon!

Overcomer is finally coming HOME!

We want to thank you for all of the donations you have given.  Literally, we are taking 600 pounds of supplies with us!  Amazing!  Your gifts will bless so many with so little!  Thank you all for giving to others:
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.    - 2 Cor. 9:12

Along with the excitement of our family finally being united, all seven of us will be ministering in Ghana for 2 weeks.

  Yes, all seven of us.  Yes, fourteen days in country!  

Our family is very excited to see all that the Lord will do.  God has provided many opportunities for sharing His love in Ghana.  We will be with many orphans and children.  We plan to feed children on the street through Feeding the Orphans.  We will meet some children we have sponsored while taking gifts form other sponsors.  We will be able to take pictures for adopting families so they can see their children as I have done tonight.   We may possibly visit a children's home in a neighboring country.  We will join Ghanaian missionaries in the work God is doing through them.  We hope to bring encouragement to weary ones.  We expect to be traveling to a very remote region in Ghana.  We look forward to visiting several destitute schools delivering needed supplies and HOPE.  And the list goes on and on...  Our ambition is to reflect Christ in everything!

If you are willing, would you please pray for our family in the following ways:
1.) For Overcomer to bond/attach quickly.  For him to feel safe and secure once when we are with him.
2.) For our boys to embrace one another fully loving each other as brothers.
3.)  For a huge hedge of protection from the enemy.  Safe travels, no illness/injury, anxiety, etc...
4.) For ministry efforts in country to completely offer the love of Christ to all.
5.) For God to speak to us clearly on this trip - as a family, and as individuals.
6.) For our boys to come home with an appropriate perspective on the world.
7.)  For the light of Jesus to shine through each of us no matter where we are or what we are doing.
8.)  For the children/orphans in Ghana to know the depth of God's love for them and that they are fully accepted by Him.
9.)  For us to live our family quote, "Love is sacrifice.  Each member of this family will choose to GIVE UP, GIVE IN, and GIVE OVER for the sake of the rest."  And, for us to live our family motto to, "Be a BLESSING!"
10.)  Most importantly, FOR GOD TO BE GLORIFIED!

We, GO as His witnesses.

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”    -Acts 1:8-9

Please e-mail me if you would like to receive specific prayer requests during our trip.  We hope to send a few e-mails with prayer needs while we are in Ghana.  Please pray for our friends in Ghana now.

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