Essentials

Ok - I can't get this suitcase load reduced!  I have a few essentials like the Hello Kitty Backpack and sparkly furry purse..(all girls MUST have a purse)  I did leave the silver sparkly tennis shoes at Old Navy - but wouldn't they have been cute with that purse?

Pink Fleece and a Journal for Jenny so she can write about her trip in Chinese...

The backpack was $3 - don't give me a hard time about the colors, lol!  Jeans and sweaters are HEAVY - not to mention gloves, scarves, boots, and different sizes- yikes!  Then add chocolate for officials, foster moms, converters, my favorite sweatpants...I'm just praying for porters.  Summer was so much easier!!!

I'm so excited - and hubby can't wait to get these suitcases out of our room, lol!  Next time you hear from me, I'll be on the other side of the world eating fried noodles - yum!

Blessings, Kim

Love in the Mail

I never forget the mail, but yesterday was my travel meeting and I was busy running around doing last minute errands.  So this morning, I found these treasures in my mailbox - made with love by an 11 year old girl:

But this is no ordinary girl - this young woman was adopted from Taiwan and knows what it's like to move to a new family and culture, and not know the language.  She put together helpful phrases and words in small "communication books" for each of our girls.  These are the things she remembered as most helpful to her when she first arrived.  She wrote the words in Mandarin and English, and made small pictures to accompany them.  She also wrote a personal note to each of our daughters, telling them what it is like to live in America and other reassuring words.  

I don't know how I'll keep from tearing up when I give them to the girls - I wept with gratitude this morning when I received them.  Not because they'll be so helpful, it will ease their transition, or it might allay their fears - but because in this small gesture, this child has demonstrated the love of Christ in a real and tangible way - to both our new daughters and to our me personally.  Thank you Jyun Yuan and Tracey - may God bless you both the way you've blessed us.  

Love,

Kim

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  John 13:35

What I'll be missing...

I can only imagine what the guys will eat while we're gone

and maybe a little dessert

and something to drink

But at least in a few weeks I'll no longer be a

My garage will get cleaned out, bushes pruned, and yard finished.  I'll be able to sit quietly on weekends without three games going simultaneously at 150 decibels +.  And my new girls will come home to a peaceful house - without someone being in the depths of despair about their team losing in the playoffs.   God's timing is perfect. 

Blessings,

Kim

Sick and Lovin' it!!

I came down with a head cold and I've never been so thankful!  After a super healthy year, I was worried about getting sick before the flight with so much going around.  In perfect timing, it looks like I caught it and will be rid of it before we leave.  Perfect! :)  God relieves even our smallest fears - like having to use sandpaper tissues vs. my beloved "Puffs," lol!  (if you had a nose the size of mine, you'd understand!)  

I've also had time to read, "Kisses from Katie," a terrific book about an 18 year old girl who took off for Uganda with a desire to help the hurting. 

Now 22 years old, she is the adoptive mother of 13 girls, and has wisdom beyond her years.  It's the amazing story of what can happen when someone takes Jesus's words literally vs. just making Bible studies of them.  It is pitiful that at nearly 50, this young woman is teaching ME, but better late than never.  BUY THE BOOK TODAY and watch her testimony here.

Blessings, Kim

Recital Time!

The girls are having a great time dancing all weekend!

They did a great job and looked beautiful in their costumes - what fun!
Blessings, Kim

Packing: Can I fit the kitchen sink in there?

So....what can I not live without for 3 weeks of travel?  Coffee and Bible.  What do I need to bring to avoid huge laundry bills ($100+), freezing weather up North, and boring hours in hotels:  LOTS!  And how to get it in today's small suitcases is even more of a challenge.  I would appreciate any tips anyone would like to offer!!  By the way, I did find this interesting carry on:

So here I sit wondering how to fit it all in....

Only I'm older and not so cute.  This girl could wear a bag and look good.
 
Trying to remember what Jesus said:  "Don't worry about what you'll wear and eat - I've got it all covered."  At least that's a paraphrase of the verse. :)  So thankful and excited that we're at this stage.  

Blessings, Kim

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hallelujah!!!!