Our Rock-n-Roller

If I thought it would take him a few days to come out of his shell, I was wrong! This morning, Jon was gone to football early, so Matiss slept in. Once up, he and I had biscuits with strawberry jam, some strawberries and apples. He seemed pretty happy with that. He took a bath and seems to love the garden tub, sort of like his own little pool! Then, he and I had a light saber match, at which point Jon came home and I relinquished my saber to him so I could get ready! We hadn't gone into our newly almost-finshed basement yet with him, so we went down there to introduce the music room. He was in heaven! He loves everything muscial, so this is a good place to be since we have guitars, keyboards, microphones, etc. Jon handed him the electric guitar, which, with the amp cranked up is incredibly loud! After only 2 or 3 strums up and down, with the biggest grin he looked up and said, "rock and roll." We died laughing, it was so funny. He was just elated to strum that guitar like crazy. Later we went by church, and he caught sight of the drums! Oh my... what's the Latvian word for gentle? Whatever it is, he doesn't know it. This boy is serious about his music, he even makes faces to go along with his music. He was singing tonight, of all things, MC Hammer's "Can't touch this." My, my, what an interesting little one! Don't you think he fits right in here? I saw none of this "Mr. Personality" in Latvia. It just goes to show you what a child-centered environment can do, take a child from being 1 of 100 to 1 of 1 and they are free to express themselves, be creative, show off a little, etc. It's amazing to watch. Enjoy the pictures of our rock-n-roller!

Finally Home

We just got home at 7:30AM! The 6:50pm flight did not end up coming in until 6:00am because of storms and subsequent delays at JFK. Everyone is wiped out! Matiss drank a juice box on the way home, didn't eat anything, said he wasn't hungry. Once home, I asked if he wanted in the vanna, bathtub, he said yes. He had a nice warm bath, put on clean jammy's and got in the bed. I read to him, granted he couldn't understand, but I did anyway. He really likes the cat, she got up on his bed and he just pet her and pet her. He should be sound asleep by now, as is Jon. But, I knew you would want to see pictures. I told you, he is tiny, tiny, tiny. Sure, Jon is a big guy, but this cannot be a 13 year old! He seems like such a sweet boy, a real trooper. I hope he will come out of his shell with us as he gets more comfortable and realizes he is safe and loved. I can't type any further, my head is going to fall on the keyboard! More later, Good "Night..."

Delayed and Sleeping

Our kids are in the middle of a storm, literally. JFK has no flights leaving or landing... so they are terribly delayed. As of right now, it will be after midnight before we pick up, that's if the storm lifts. It's going to be a long night! However, the kids are asleep right now and that's a good thing seeing as they have been traveling over 24 hours as of 11pm EST. Poor things, they've been real troopers though. Le Ann, director of New Horizons, is there with the kids and just sent me this precious picture of our boy sleeping. Enjoy!

Less than 24 hours!

Right now, 4,000 miles away, 54 degrees and 4:30am. Matiss must already be sitting in the airport. He is only an hour and a half away from his first of three flights, beginning what may be the greatest adventure of his little life. And, here we are, literally staring at the threshold of life change. Not just us, but all who know us and love us. In 24 hours, God will usher one of his most treasured possessions, one He knows well, into our care.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

God gave me a specific word as I prayed about accepting the opportunity to travel with New Horizons to Russia and Latvia back in February, in order to meet orphaned children who could potentially come back to America in the summer.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16

I knew it was His affirmation for the trip. These children were to be given a chance, to be brought to Him through the 5 week influence of loving, Godly, Christian families and churches who would make it a priority to pray with them, take them to church and ultimately give all glory and credit to God, their maker, for ushering them to us.

Now, with all that said, it’s still a little scary, isn’t it? That's why we are all in this together. Some of you may interact with Matiss. I know it’s hard to know what to say and how to say it, but I want to encourage you with this scripture that brings me peace when God sends me on a “foreign” mission.

Then I said, Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth." But the LORD said to me, Do not say, I am a youth, because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD. Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant. Jeremiah 1:6-10

Our host families, their families and friends, have been appointed to nations. Praise and thank Him for just a moment for the wonderful things he has done for us. Now, one last verse, this one I actually got from Him during my trip to Latvia and Russia. Though I knew I had his direction to go on the trip, I needed more from God that this was indeed a ministry to present to our church. Again, I knew immediately upon receiving this scripture from the Lord, five days into my trip.

“Lift up your eyes round about, and see. They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms.” Isaiah 60:4

Father God, as you have spoken in your word before our presence was even imagined on this earth, you were familiar with each of us and prepared, dedicated and permitted us to stand at the threshold we stand at. As your spokespersons, descendants of Abraham serving other descendents of Abraham, we should have all confidence in you as the one who has brought us forth and stretched us to these outer boundaries. We have been appointed, for such a time as this, to establish your presence in the lives of “sons and daughters.” You have planted in us, so that we might now, plant in others. Thank you for the privilege and honor to join you in your work in the lives of Latvian and Russian orphans. May we, as your salt and light, dispel darkness and bring about a thirst and hunger for You. In the name of our Hope and Deliverer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Enjoy these pictures of Matiss's room, I just finished today! The curtains have football players on them, surprise, surprise. Jon wasn't allowed near the room until I finished, he didn't have a clue what I was doing. At the big reveal today, he was very happy and said I did a very good job making a "boy room!" I love the reading nook, I'm into cozy little spaces. We are so excited, check back in Thursday for pictures from the airport! He arrives in Atlanta, Wednesday night, 9:45 pm EST.