Saturday, February 04, 2006

THANKS for everything!!

Well our container officially arrived on Thursday afternoon around 3 pm and we were seriously like kids at Christmas. We had some terrific people show up to help us unload, Katie and Jen got pizza for all of our tired bodies and hungry tummies afterwards, it ended up only taking us an hour to unload the container and there were things EVERYWHERE!!! Casa went from being completely empty pretty much to wondering where in the world we'd put it all.

So many people have done so much to contribute to this. As we've gone through the container the past couple of days I have been so completely touched by the servant hearts behind every packaged box, dollar spent, and gift given to these kiddo's. So many others have made significant contributions as well but I must share at this moment my gratitude to "my family" that I get the privilege of worshipping with when I am "home" in the States. Our home congregation at Belpre has just gone above and beyond in every way to make this happen. When we asked for money for construction they showed up and gave so generously. When we handed them a list of things we'd need and asked if they had any of these things they would be willing to give to some children who have nothing they overflowed a container and we are waiting for enough funds to send a second container because everything wouldn't fit on the first one. When we weren't going to be able to get a container shipped from Belpre they got in some trucks loaded up the stuff and drove for hours and hours and hours to deliver it to Nashville and drove back the next day. They just have been amazing and I need to just say THANK YOU!!!!!! Your notes on our boxes, your prayers, your cards since we've been here, your phone calls when you found out our number just to encourage our hearts, all of it has been so incredibly kind and we appreciate you all so much!!

I sat today in the middle of the babies room after we'd put together a couple cribs and two changing tables and I was overwhelmed with joy truly. I cried happy tears. I cried because it was as if God gave me this vision of rocking that first sweet baby in that chair and laying them down at night in that crib. I sat in that chair and prayed for every single child that would soon get to be touched not just by our arms, hearts, and love but by yours. Seeing it all come together and things be put into place, toys all over the kids play room, kids shower curtains hung in the bath room, clothes too numerous to mention, adorable shoes that will go on their previously bare feet (thanks Tammy and the Reynoldsburg crew we'll have the best dressed feet in Honduras) all of it, is a special sight to witness. I so wish you all could be here to see it with your own eyes but since that's not possible right now I will send these pictures to give you a glimpse of how far we've come and how far we have yet to go.

It won't be long until we're tucking one of God's chosen Casa children in at night. Please continue to keep us in your prayers please. We've already heard some heart wrenching stories about children who need a home and it will be difficult to decide which ones to take in initially. We need loads of wisdom and listening hearts tuned in to His Spirit.

Thank you for everything to each of you. God is smiling on your servant hearts, I am sure of it.

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