Last year was a BIG year for our family! I think its safe to say it was our BIGGEST yet. It was full of BIG THINGS—both wonderful and difficult. And God has stretched our faith, our wallets, and our hearts because of it. Here are some highlights (chronologically):
Big Court Trials - Both in February & June, we were in two of the biggest cases in our small area, involving our boys & 5 other parties. The trials were hard, stressful, and a first for us. But good things came out of it and we have maintained healthy relationships with all sides, even now after our adoption.
Visitations & more visitations - With all this, came lots of visits from biological family. On Skype, in hotels and DSHS rooms –we did it all!
Xavier’s Big Tonsils & Adenoids– The surgery caused Xavi a little anxiety, a lot of relief, & soon after better speech!
Potty training & more potty training - We potty-trained two kids, one successfully, one is still "in transition". Causing much trauma for Chad and I. Seriously, we are on year two. We covet your prayers.
Craig’s Big Surgery - Star’s Dad had a major health scare in June. 2 surgeries, months in the hospital, and months in a wheel chair, he is now recovering. It was amazing to see how much he is loved though, and how much he loves the Lord. We were humbled to be a part of such a powerful thing. God is good!
Baptisms and more Baptisms - over 80 people were baptized last year at our church, including our own Zoe! Praise the Lord, what a wonderful thing!
Big House Issues - Between our rental and our house, a fridge, 2 ovens, a dishwasher, water heater, sewer line & foundation all failed on us since Fall. Ouch.
Abby’s Big Appendix - Just one week before Christmas, Abby went in for an emergency appendectomy. She was such a brave trooper!
Paperwork & more Paperwork - We navigated through a flurry of adoption forms, interviews & certifications, hoping to squeak in the boys’ adoption before the New Year!
Our BIG Adoption - On December 23rd we drove back to the courthouse and officially adopted our precious sons. What a great ending to a challenging year!
Whew! Like I said, BIG stuff. But over this last year, we have experienced Christ more deeply, risked more for Him, learned more from Him, and clung to Him tighter. We have had seasons that are hard-fought, praying on our knees. And that's OK, God tells us these seasons will come. But He also tells us they will go. And wonderful seasons of laughter and dancing soon follow.
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
…a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 ~
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