Mighty to Save

Together Again!

2010-01-16T12:22:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to get up and going this morning because we were taking Asher to meet Judah for the first time since Judah had come home. We had tried to get the boys together several other times, but conflicts kept arising. Today was finally the day! We started off the morning with breakfast at McDonald's and then we headed to meet the Doyles at a cute indoor play area called Monkey's Treehouse.

Judah and Asher had been so excited to see each other (it had been four months since they had last been together at Amani), but when they saw each other for the first time, they were both rather shy. They ended up playing by themselves until they happened to bump into each other, and then it was like old times: they started laughing and having a grand ole time! It was so good for me to see Judah, too, and to see how well he was adjusting. He smiled and giggled and laughed the entire time! Honey for my soul! I loved watching Noah and Bella, in particular, interact with their new brother and take such good care of him. Lindsey and I also had fun planning all the future weddings between our children and the other sweet boys and girls coming home. Poor Ryan was just wishing Danny had not stayed home with Mac and Owen!

Here are our boys together again:

Asher and Bella playing in the dress-up area

Does the picture make anyone else want to sing, "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee"?

Asher was too busy to hang around for any more pictures.

Asher and Judah in the store area...

...and going shopping with the wheel barrow!

I have no idea what area this is, but they sure had fun burying toys and having others try and find them

I know this is hard to believe, but this was the best picture out of 10 of the whole group.

Saying their goodbyes...

Bye, Judah! We'll see you soon!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T14:45:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is going to church on Christmas Eve. This time of worship always helps me center my heart on the real reason for the Season...the birth of our Savior. Here are the kids as we are about to leave.

I always like to get at least one picture of the tree...

Look whom we ran into at church? Auntie Renee! She always makes Asher smile.

Asher woke up extra early to see what Santa had left for him...a bike! (Just like he promised at a Dickens of a Christmas!)

...and legos from Mema and Granddaddy...

...and a leapster from Mom and Dad! Asher loved playing with Judah's when we were in Uganda. This gift was money!

Here we are about to eat our traditional cinnamon rolls for breakfast...not really sure why we eat cinnamon rolls other than the fact that the kids love them.

The hit of the morning, however, was the wii from Mimi and Pepaw. The whole family loves it!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Visions of Sugarplums...

2009-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

...or at least gingerbread! A few days ago, Asher and Sylvie decorated some cookies. Take a look!

Can you see Sylvie's precious apron? It was a Christmas gift from her namesake, Sylvia Page. Sylvia always sends the most thoughtful and the cutest gifts!

We will decorate a few more cookies tomorrow...just in time for Santa!

Asher's Surgery

2009-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

Asher had minor surgery this morning to repair his umbilical hernia. I will confess, though, that it did not feel minor to this mommy! The doctor said that the hole in Asher's stomach was 2.5 centimeters wide! Does that sound minor?

We had planned all along for both Danny and me to take Asher to the hospital, but alas the stomach bug hit our house this week, and I had to stay home with some of our other sick children. Danny was a trooper and left the house at 5:30 in the morning all by his lonesome. He even remembered to take the camera. Check out these pictures of our little guy: he is amazing! We are so proud of him!

Asher arrives at Children's Hospital

A little pre-surgery playtime!

Asher doesn't look too sure about this surgery thing...

And he's off!

Check out the yellow socks...they even let Asher bring them home!

Look at that precious baby boy!

Welcome home, Asher! Hope you feel better soon!

Asher's Preschool Christmas Program

2009-12-17T13:30:00.001-08:00

Asher had his Christmas program yesterday. It was so fun to see him with his new friends. First, the class played "Silent Night" with the hand bells.

Then they sang several songs, including "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Asher and one of his friends Lilly...

Notice that Asher's teachers painted baby Jesus black...too funny!

Dickens of a Christmas

2009-12-14T15:14:00.001-08:00

We took Asher and the rest of the kids to a Dickens of a Christmas, a festival in downtown Franklin. We had fun eating chestnuts that had been roasted on an open fire as well as sugar plums and other various treats. We also had the opportunity to introduce Asher to some of Dickens' endearing characters. First, we met the man himself, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Next, we met Jacob Marley. Unfortunately, Asher was not a big fan of this character, and he refused to have his picture taken with him.

After being visited by Marley, we happened upon the Ghost of Christmas Past. Did you know he had a wife?

Next in the story and in our visit was the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Who knew that he too had a wife?

Asher was doing really well with the picture taking until we happened upon the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Once again, he did not want to have hispicture taken. Do you blame him?

Lo and behold, we ran into Santa Claus himself. Asher told him that he wanted a bike for Christmas. Santa assured Asher that he had been a good boy and could certainly expect a bike under the tree...priceless!

To end our day, we took a carriage ride around the town square.

We had fun enjoying Victorian England and the story of A Christmas Carol. In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us everyone!" And may the God of all grace and mercy bless you and yours this Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Road to Asher

2009-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

Danny and I shared our adoption story at church a few weeks ago, and we wanted to show a video that encapsulated all that God had taught us and all that we had experienced through this amazing journey. A friend of the family (thank you, Mikey!) put this video together for us. It will forever serve as a testimony to the fact that God is a Redeemer...He is not only redeeming Asher from a life of hopelessness, but He is redeeming all of us Kecks in exactly the same way! If there is one thing that we have learned through our journey, it is this: we are no different than the orphan or the widow...we just have more stuff. I am so thankful that God is redeeming me just as he is redeeming Asher: by the blood of Jesus. I hope you enjoy the video!

One Little, Two Little...

2009-11-24T15:44:00.001-08:00

My two little Indians, Sylvie and Asher!

Sylvie and Mrs. Craig at Indian Day

Mary Ellis, Sylvie, and Stevie Joy

Asher and Daddy at Asher's Thanksgiving Feast

Asher and Daddy surprise Mommy during school.

Asher sings "Ten Little Indians"

Welcome Home, Josie Love!

2009-11-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to meet Josie Love at the airport! She looked great! Josie had on the cutest monogrammed dress. When someone mentioned it to Mike, he responded, "She has a name...she has a name." I understand what he means: this precious girl, the "least of these," now has a forever home and family. She has a name! And she is beautiful!

Asher Goes To...

2009-11-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Asher has been busy since he's been home. Look at what he's been doing...

Asher Goes to the Dentist:

Asher Goes to Scarecrow Day:

Asher Goes Trick or Treating:

Asher Goes to Pumpkinfest:

And the biggest of all, Asher goes to school!

Asher is doing so well! He has gone to preschool two days this week, and Ms. Tamson and Ms. Sarah say he has adjusted quite well. According to his teachers, Asher loves playing on the computer the most! Asher has also been to the doctor and the dentist two times...each! Once again, he's been nothing short of a trooper! We are so proud of him and how well he is acclimating to life in America. In just two weeks, he has visited several restaurants, including McDonalds, Taco Bell, Sonic, Shoney's, and my personal favorite, Breugger's Bagels. What else needs to be said?! We love this little guy and are so glad to have him home!

Home, Sweet Home

2009-10-20T18:17:00.001-07:00

After an incredibly long trip home (29+ hours), we arrived at the Nashville airport to Danny and the kids waiting for us at the gate. This was an unexpected surprise as people usually have to wait at the security check. It also gave our immediate family a chance to hug and cry and still get ourselves together before we greeted the dear friends who came to meet Asher.

I cannot tell you how sweet it was to see those smiling faces and colorful banners and balloons waiting on us. It reminded me of child birth: after all the pain, you hear the sweetest sound, and you get to hold this precious child in your arms; that moment makes you forget all the suffering that you just endured. Walking out hand-in-hand with our entire family and seeing all the kind souls who came to meet us was just that moment for me: it redeemed all of the tears and anxiety that our family had been through.

Asher was quite shy at first, but he soon warmed up to the crowd and began laughing and giggling. The part that made my heart sing, however, was watching Mac, Owen, and Sylvie love on Asher and take care of him. It felt like there were five parents loving on Asher instead of just two. I was so proud of them and how they received their new brother. I know (having just been through the same thing in Uganda) that they are still in the "honeymoon" phase, but it was still nice to have that affirmation when we first arrived.

I cannot get over how much Mac, Owen, and Sylvie have grown in just two months. I think Mac is at least three inches taller than he was when I left. And Sylvie seems so grown up! I know that my being gone has been hard on them both physically and emotionally, but God has used this time for good in their lives. I am thankful that He has redeemed all of the moments that I have been away.

I think that is my takeaway for the entire journey: God is a Redeemer. He has redeemed me, He has redeemed the time our family has been separated, and He is redeeming Asher and giving him status as a child of the Covenant. While it has not been easy and I would not wish the process on anyone, God has shown me that He can make all things new and that He can use all things for good. It is never easy and usually painful, but God promises that He will redeem all things.

Saturday With Katie

2009-10-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

We spent out last Saturday afternoon at Katie's house. This was the first time that I really got to help because Asher was finally warming up to the dogs and the abundance of children. He even got in the mix and helped us bag food for the children to take home. It was a special time. I am so glad that I got to share it with Lindsey and Ryan as well. My whole day was made, however, when I walked into the gate and saw Josie; she squealed, "Auntie!" and started climbing over children to get to me. I guess eight trips to Kampala is enough to bond anybody for life! I am going to miss Josie, Katie, Mary Pat, Christine, and all of Katie's girls. I don't think I realized how much I had grown to love that family over the past six weeks. I pray God's blessings over them. Here are just a few of the pictures we took.

Before lunch, Raoul leads the children in worship and a Bible lesson

Kids waiting in line for food (that's better than the lunch line at CPA!)

The whole gang serving food

Ryan and Lindsey

Asher and I

Katie's kids enjoying a hot meal (notice the CPA shirt)

Food for the kids to take home

Helping serve today was truly a privilege. Thank you, Katie, for opening your home and for letting us be a part of what God is doing through you and your ministry. We love you, sister.

Another Hard Day

2009-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Asher and I left for Kampala at 6:00 a.m. this morning all by ourselves. Amy needed to be in court with the families at the same time I needed to be at Immigration, so I traveled by myself. I felt independent and scared to death at the same time. After waiting an hour, we were issued Asher's passport, and then we headed to the mall.

While eating lunch and filling out some more paper work, I received a call from Amy saying that the judge never showed this morning for the Doyles' (along with two other families') court date. The judge apparently had a conference to attend, but no one bothered to inform the families. If I hadn't been here five weeks, I might have been shocked.

The Doyles joined Asher and me as we headed to the U.S. Embassy for our exit interview. The Assistant Consular was wonderful: she was kind and helpful and made me feel at ease. Everything went very smoothly until I realized that they had never received Asher's medical papers, and they could not issue his visa without these forms. Apparently the papers had been delivered, but they were lost in transition. We rushed (a strong word for Africa!) to the Surgery, and the doctor was kind enough to complete another set of papers for Asher. Even though the Embassy had already closed, they let us drop off the papers. They also told us that Asher's visa would be ready tomorrow. Thank you, Jesus!

Today was another one of those days mixed with joy and sadness: joyful that it appears I could be going home on Sunday, but sad that the Doyles have to wait for another court date. I know how much Lindsey misses her children and Ryan needs to get back to seminary. They, however, were troopers and chose only to see the silver lining. I need to be more like them!

Tomorrow I go back to Kampala to (hopefully) pick up Asher's visa. This is the last step before the real journey begins...thanks again to all who have walked this trail with us.

You Know You're in Africa If...

2009-10-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

1. You see a camel at the Shell Station...and I am not joking!

2. You wait in line at the bank for an hour because the network is down, receive your receipt, and find out that it is only the receipt to get the real receipt. For the real receipt ( a necessary document), you must come back in 2 1/2 hours, at which time you find out the network is down again, so you wait another hour.

3. You break for a bull crossing the road in rush-hour traffic.

4. You see random goats and cows tied to trees lining the road.

5. Fast food is people rushing to your car window with fried chicken on a stick, grilled sweet bananas, and airtime minutes.

And all of this is from today only! For those of you who have been here, please feel free to add to the list...I bet you have some good ones too!

We are still waiting to hear about the passport. I will know something tomorrow morning. As soon as I hear, I will post. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Batting 500

2009-10-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Asher and I rode with Danny to the airport on Sunday and then spent the night in Entebbe to surprise Lindsey and Ryan when they arrived early Monday morning. While it was sad (really sad!) to see Danny leave, it was so sweet to see Ryan and Lindsey and help them get acclimated to Uganda!

The van dropped Asher and me off in Kampala for another full day. We had planned on getting the Otim letter in the morning and then heading to get Asher's passport in the afternoon, but as usual, things did not go according to plan. Mr. Otim's secretary said that he was in meetings all day and would not be in until tomorrow or the next day. She told us to leave and come back another time. Amy, the adoption coordinator, would not take "no" for an answer, though. We hung out in the hall of Mr. Otim's office for two hours, waiting for word from Mr. Otim. With no news, we headed to the local mall for lunch. Amy tried to call Mr. Otim every fifteen minutes, and praise be to God, Mr. Otim came in the office after lunch! We ran back to his building and waited another three hours for his secretary to type his letter of recommendation.

With letter in hand, we rushed to the passport office, but to no avail. It was too late and the people we needed had already left for the day. Therefore, we will have to drive two hours to Kampala again tomorrow to begin the passport process. I am told it takes 4-5 days to get a passport, but I need it on Thursday in order to be able to leave on Sunday. Please pray that we can expedite this process, that God would move in that office just as he did today. None of these details are outside of God's sovereignty, and I know that He can move these mountains.

Danny should be arriving in Nashville in the next few minutes. I was so sad to see him go...we had such a sweet time together. In fact, I found myself constantly wanting to hold his hand or have his arm around me while he was here...I know it sounds silly, but I was storing up that comfort for this week. Anyway, I was sad to see him leave, but I am so thankful that he will be back with our other children. I know they have done remarkably well while I have been away (thanks to all of you!), but it is an awful lot to expect from them. I am ready for their daddy to come home and love on them until I can get there.

I want to thank you for praying for us. I really felt your prayers, today in particular. I had a peace and joy that I have not experienced since I left the States. I really believe that your prayers moved the Wind of Heaven today and allowed us to get the letter we needed. Please continue to pray for tomorrow. It all comes down to this day: if we can get Asher's passport processed by Thursday, I will be able to get his visa and come home on Sunday; if not, I won't. Please pray that God will boldly move tomorrow and that He will be glorified through these details.

Mac, Owen, and Sylvie, I love you so much and I am so proud of you! I am coming home soon! Hang in there!

Asher's Birthday Boat Ride on the Nile

2009-10-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

The rocks at the end are the "true" source of the Nile

Can you see the monitor lizard? It was about five feet long and creepy!

We had a nice snack at the Kingfisher Resort...we plan on taking
Asher and Judah swimming here next week

A picture of our boat

A Day in Africa

2009-10-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

What a fun day we had yesterday! After breakfast, we walked into town to look about. While we were eating at Ozzie's (a restaurant owned by Mama Jude, a retired missionary from Australia full of personality), all the preschoolers from Amani came by to get a snack. Asher enjoyed seeing his buddies out and about in town.

After lunch, we walked back to the room and had some "down" time watching The Incredibles. It was good for the three of us to just relax and cuddle in bed. I think Danny needed the rest more than Asher did! Afterwards, we walked down to Michelle and Adam's house so that Asher could play with Sterling and Danny could meet our new friends. I can't resist a little iced tea from the States! We had a sweet time of fellowship.

It was off to dinner and bathing after that. It may not sound like a very eventful day, but it was a wonderful time spent together bonding and enjoying each other.

Today is actually Asher's birthday. While we plan on celebrating when we get home, we have sung him "Happy Birthday" and opened a few presents. We are about to take a boat ride across Lake Victoria and to the source of the Nile. Danny, the history teacher, is all fired up about that. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to share soon.

Tomorrow Danny will fly home, and I will be here for one more week to get Asher's passport and visa. Right now, I plan on flying home next Sunday night (10/18) and arriving Monday night around 5:15. Please continue to pray that all the details will fall into place so that this will work. You all have been such faithful friends to us. I cannot wait to get home and hug all of your sweet necks!

Will post more pictures tonight!

Danny's First Day in Uganda

2009-10-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that my camera died, and I have no pictures of Danny's "Gotcha" moment? These pictures are from the next day when we arrived in Jinja. Asher loves having "boy" time with Danny after spending three weeks with me. We all know that Danny really is the "fun" one!

Asher eating mango from the tree and playing a little "football" with Daddy

Danny says Asher catches great and could be a good soccer player

Danny tries to teach Asher to head the ball

Mommy saves Asher from Daddy

Daddy helps Asher with his "boo boo"

Rough housing is good for the soul...

Asher playing the drums with Grace and Jane at Aunty Katie's house

Danny playing with Katie's girls (or are the girls playing with Danny?)

Danny and Written Order on Same Day!

2009-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

There is so much to say, but I am too tired! Just know that today was fabulous! I felt like I was on vacation with my hubby. We got to tour the forest, take a piki into town, play soccer and hide-and-seek with Asher, visit with Katie and her girls, and finish the day with a candle-light dinner overlooking Lake Victoria. I am still amazed at how just having Danny here has changed my whole perspective: what was hard and fearful before is exciting and adventurous with him. What a blessing to have Danny here!

Wouldn’t you know that my camera would die just when Danny arrived and met Asher? Therefore, I have no pictures of his “gotcha” moment. That’s okay, though. It was very late and Asher was rather shy. I did charge my battery, and I have some great pictures of Danny and Asher playing this morning. Since I am unable to post pictures on the blog for some reason, I will post on facebook.

Danny and Asher are bonding quite well. Danny has been full of energy and optimism, always handling Asher with love and patience. His presence has truly been a breath of fresh air for both Asher and me. If I ever doubted that darling husband of mine, I will never do it again. His giftedness is shining through!

Amy called and said that our written order and ruling are in…woo hoo! I later found out that the letters are still not “sealed” (not really sure what that means), but we are headed to Kampala in the morning in the hopes of getting them sealed, meeting with Mr. Otim, and then heading to the Ugandan embassy to work on Asher’s passport. After that, all we have to do is get Asher’s visa and we are good to travel. While it is out of the question to fly home with Danny on the 11th, I am going to try to fly home with Lindsey and Ryan on the following Sunday. Please pray that I can do that.

There is so much more to say, but alas I must get to bed. I am still giddy that Danny is here, and I don’t want to be away from him for too long. He truly is my helpmate for life. Right now, life is pretty good!

On my Own in Africa

2009-10-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I last posted, but it is rather hard to find time when it is just Asher and me…he likes to keep moving! Even at night, by the time I get him down, I am down for the count!

The last two days have been different for us because the rest of the gang has gone home. I must admit, I was nervous about entertaining Asher by myself all day in a hotel room. But the days have gone by relatively smoothly. Saturday was fun as we just hung out in the room, playing cards, listening to music, and enjoying some of Asher’s toys. We did go into town for lunch (thank goodness for Flavors!) and then spent the afternoon at Michelle and Adam’s house so that Asher could play with his friend Sterling. Dinner was at the hotel, and then we settled down to a bath and Barney.

Sunday was a very enjoyable day. As we were eating breakfast, I heard an older woman ask the staff if any of them knew where a local church was meeting. When the staff responded in the negative, I told her that Asher and I were on our way to church and we would love for them to join us. As it turned out, this couple is a missionary couple in a village outside of Kampala with the Rafiki (?) Project. Art and Nancy were very kind and invited the two of us to lunch. We went to a place called 2 Friends where they served pizza and had a very rude putt putt area with a swing set. When Danny gets here, we will definitely go back for a night on the town!

After lunch, we were able to go to Amani and play with Asher’s friends. I had a nice time talking to Mama Georgina and Mama Betty. They are sweet souls who love the children and the Lord. This was the first time that Asher really enjoyed going back without being fearful that I was leaving him. Perhaps this week we will be able to play with his friends at Amani even more.

I am getting so excited for Danny to arrive. However, my hear ACHES for my three children at home. When Danny was there, I missed them, but I never worried for them. All that is changing with Danny leaving. I pray God’s blessing over them for the week that we are both gone. A special thanks to all of you who are stepping in and loving them well, especially Sally and Tara.

I am eagerly waiting word on our written order and ruling. Prayerfully, Amy will call today with the news that we can move forward. As it was, we just sat for two weeks waiting for the verbal ruling, and we have been sitting for a week waiting on the written. It would be so much easier if we just had something to do! Danny leaves on the 11th, and we pray that we can leave with him. I know that God can move mountains…please pray with me that this will happen!

And They're Off

2009-10-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

We went into Kampala today with the hopes of receiving our written order so that we could meet with the Commissioner, a necessary step in procuring our passport. For the second day in a row, we went into Kampala with no success. The good news, however, is that Suzanne did get to tie up all loose ends and was able to get on the plane knowing that she had done all that she could to insure that Josie would be taken care of while she was back in the States. Our prayer is that Josie will be ready to come home soon. In the meantime, she is in excellent hands in Uganda. I know that when Suzanne and Mike see their little girl again, they will be shocked at how much she has changed. I know this to be true because of the change that I have already witnessed medicine and a mama’s love make in just two short weeks. It truly is a miracle.

Today when I saw Suzanne holding Josie for the last time before she headed to the airport, a picture from our first trip to the Surgery came flashing back. From the time we all arrived on Saturday to this particular moment on Monday, Josie would go only to her mama. To be honest, she would have very little to do with Mike. Therefore, he usually sat in the front of the car, talking with our driver Wilson. However, after they received the shocking news about Josie and headed back to the van, I witnessed Mike, with silent tears trickling down his face, cradling this precious girl in his arms. Without any explanation, instead of sitting in the front, Mike quietly sat next to Suzanne in the back of the van and would not let his little girl go. I am not Mike, so I have no idea what thoughts were running through his mind; I only know what I saw: a person who had gone from a man adopting an orphaned child to a Daddy holding and rocking HIS little girl. The transformation was remarkable…and brought about by sheer pain and suffering. There is a lesson for all of us in this picture: pain is hard and seldom welcomed, yet it is the catalyst that God uses for our growth and deeper capacity to love. This trip has been very painful on many levels, and yet God is using this pain to teach me many lessons and to draw me in deeper relationship with Him and others, in particular Asher.

On a different note, today was a turning point for me. With the news that Danny would be coming on Tuesday, my spirits immediately were lifted. I cannot explain it: his coming has not changed our wait, it has not changed the adjustments with Asher, it has not changed the burden I am feeling for all of my friends who are adopting and waiting, and yet my spirit has been lifted. Danny is truly a source of strength and encouragement to me. I know he will love playing and running around with Asher, he will welcome every new sight and smell, and he will love all the kind people of Uganda…it will be a joy to share it all with him. I want to thank our dear friends (you know who you are!) who even made it possible. You are family to us. Sometimes I feel as though you are the parents who continually pour into their children with no expectation of anything in return and we are the children who, as much as we appreciate you and love you, have very little to give in return. Please know how much we love you and how thankful we are to have you as friends who will walk with us through life. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus to us.

I am headed to bed now…I must confess that it is a little strange being in this wing of the hotel all by myself. Over the past week, we have had Mark and Carly, Mike and Suzanne, Mary Pat, and Renee all staying on this hall, laughing and crying at different times. Tonight it is rather quiet. The good news is that Asher went to bed without any real fuss, the first time in a few nights. Hopefully, he is settling into the routine. I plan on getting out these next few days and visiting some new friends. Thank you to Michelle and Lori and all those sweet souls who are reaching out to me and Asher. You too have been such a source of encouragement!

Thanks to Sally and all those friends back home who are minding the gap as Danny leaves to come to Uganda. You are so appreciated! If any of my students are still reading at this point, I miss you guys. Hope you are being good for Mrs. Wampler. I cannot wait to get home and get knee-deep in ANIMAL FARM and another essay! You just wait!

I’ll post again when Danny gets here. Love you all!

Keep Those Prayers Coming!

2009-09-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

I am so thankful to everyone for your prayers and petitions on behalf of our family as well as the Mayernicks. We are living the effects of those prayers every day. Even though there have been some dark moments, we have felt God's presence and power. Your prayers have helped sustain us!

There are two things for which we ask you to pray specifically. First, we are planning on going into Kampala in the hopes of meeting the Minister of Gender, a necessary step in procuring Asher's passport. However, in order to do this, we must first have our court order signed and registered. As of now (5:00 p.m. on Wednesday), this has not happened. Please pray that by the time we get there tomorrow, the order has been registered and we are able to meet with the Minister. Otherwise, we will just come home and try again another time. Either way, it is important for Suzanne to meet with the Minister before she comes home on Friday.

The other prayer request involves my sweet, sweet Danny. Because of several things that are going on here, we are beginning to consider whether or not Danny should fly to Uganda next week to help me with Asher. For those of you who have been through this process (and many of you have been such an encouragement to us!), you know how hard this time can be...especially in a hotel room! We are still trying to work out the logistics of children, work, and finances, and we are not sure that we can make it "work." Just the thought, though, has been a huge comfort to me today. Please pray for direction and that God will work out all the details.

Again, I am so encouraged by all of your emails and comments. God has chosen to meet the needs of His children through the work of His children, and this has been so evident in my case. You all have been a huge blessing to me. I am so thankful for you!

We Got Our Verbal Ruling!

2009-09-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

We spent fourteen hours on our trip to Kampala yesterday, but the good news is that we received a positive verbal ruling. Thank you, Jesus! Essentially, Asher is now our little boy. We have legal custody. However, we are still waiting on a written ruling before we can proceed further, and that can take several days to a few weeks--no one knows for sure. After we receive the written ruling, we must then wait on a letter from the Consular (I think that is his title?), Asher's passport, and lastly, Asher's visa. All of this can take two weeks to a month. While I am thankful for the positive ruling, I grow weary at the thought of staying several more weeks by myself. Lord, allow me to live in Your strength today...fill me with Your unconditional love...I cannot do it on my own.

Fellowship of the Ring

2009-09-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it has begun…the Fellowship of the Ring is breaking. First, Mike flew home to take care of his children in Nashville; now Mark and Carly are headed to Nairobi to visit some friends who are missionaries there; Suzanne has moved to Katie’s house to take of Josie; and Renee and I are still at the Gately. On Wednesday Suzanne and Renee will fly home as well, leaving me here to tie up loose ends. When I think on these events, I wonder, “Where is my Samwise Gamgee?” And then I hear Him gently and lovingly remind me, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I love The Lord of the Rings.

Another Funny (Sad?) Story

2009-09-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Asher and I spent the day in town with Mark, Suzanne, and Renee. We trekked through the back streets looking for a shop with soccer jerseys and finally found it. Andrew, you will love it! We then headed to Ozzie's for lunch. Asher had his first grilled ham and cheese. While he really enjoyed it, he says his favorite is still pizza. That's very good for him because we eat quite a bit of Roma's and Nashville Pizza Company at home!

After our little outing, we decided to settle down and watch Monsters, Inc. in the hotel room. When it was time for Asher to go back to Amani, I told him to finish up what he was doing and that we would leave when he completed the puzzle. Of course, it was taking him a very long time to finish, so I jumped in to help, only to find the letter A missing. I told Asher not to worry about, that I would find it later, and off we went. When I was getting ready for bed that night, I found the puzzle piece hidden in my shoe. Asher had put it there hoping that he would not have to go back if we didn't finish the puzzle. Like so much of this trip, part of me wanted to laugh while the other part wanted to cry.

We go to court on Monday at 2:00 p.m., 6:00 a.m. for you Nashville folks. Please pray for this court date to go well and for a verbal and written ruling, the cry of our hearts, but first and foremost that God's will be done.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and/or loved on my family. Hugs and kissses!

Comedy of Errors

2009-09-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

This trip so far has been comprised of two actions: laughing and crying! Today I am focusing on the laughing.

Asher is very inquisitive as he is seeing and doing so many things for the first time. He loves to go through my luggage and bags and just look at all the goodies. He is particularly interested in my makeup bag. Yesterday Asher said he needed to go to bathroom, and he was gone for quite a while, so I went to check on him. I found him “playing” with my razor. Needless to say, he cut his finger and had no idea how. We were able to make it all better, though, with a camouflage band aid (or “plaster” in Uganda). He was very proud of his new look!

When it was time to leave, I couldn’t find the key to my room. Knowing that Asher likes to pick up, I asked him if he knew where it was. He immediately went to the suitcase, opened it up, unzipped an inside pocket, unwrapped some tissue, and pulled out the key. This kid is good!

Another running joke is my total lack of preparation. I think I may be the only person who has ever traveled to Africa without bug spray or sunscreen, and I am constantly borrowing these items from my traveling companions. (Really…you wonder how Danny even lets me out of the house!) I joke that I may have forgotten some of the essentials, but I sure did bring a fancy backpack! For those of you who know me, you know this is true. It’s all in the look!

Asher and I are still in the bonding process. I taught him how to play Go Fish and Old Maid. He enjoys the quality one-on-one time, but quickly tires from the concentration and starts running around. He has already learned many “American” terms and is trying so hard to please. He loves Aunty Renee, Aunty Suzanne, and Aunty Carly. I am trying to get Renee to quit spoiling him with suckers and gum, but she is relentless! As you can imagine, going next door to Aunty Renee’s room is one of his favorite activities. I’m trying hard not to get my feelings hurt!

I am still so thankful for Renee and Suzanne and their words of encouragement. The whole process is more difficult than I imagined, mainly because I miss Danny and need him here with me. It just feels a little incomplete without him. For those families coming after me, I highly recommend that both parents come for at least part of the time. I know, however, that God is providing in the presence of Renee, Mike, Suzanne, and Mark, and He is faithful to meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus.

I am off to the Market this morning and then to pick up Asher for lunch. Blessings to all of you who are reading this post. May God reveal Himself to you as He is revealing Himself to those of us who are in Uganda. Love you and miss you!

Hi, Daddy!

2009-09-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Difference a Week Can Make

2009-09-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

Last night Mark and Carly Button flew into Jinja for a week and joined Mike, Suzanne, Renee, and me for dinner. As we sat around a table clothed in white with music quietly playing in the background, I thought to myself what a difference a week can make. It was one week ago that we arrived in Jinja filled with hope and anticipation. It was four days ago that the world as we knew it was rocked to the core. And yet, here we were, with dear friends feeling the presence and encouragement of the Lord and ready to face for what lay ahead of us. What a difference a week can make.

I thought you all might enjoy some more pictures taken one week after we arrived (still can't upload them...please check facebook). These pictures were taken Saturday morning here (around 2:00 a.m. in Nashville.) As I look at these pictures, an amazing truth hits me. The only difference between me and these orphans, "the least of these," is this: God saw fit to have me be born in America to parents who would love me and raise me in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and He ordained these to be born here. It could just as easily have been the other way around. I could be the little boy with wet pants running around the grounds at Amani. I could be the little girl reaching up with both of her hands and saying, "Hold me." Neither of us did anything to earn or deserve where we born: it is the sovereignty of God and nothing else. And then I have to ask myself: Why then did God allow me to be born where I was? And what I am going to do about it?

This week has forced me to look at the world and my responsibility differently. Part of me can't wait to get home to some "normalcy." However, I now what a selfish desire that is. The need here (and around the world) is so real. These children do not go away when I go home. God is calling His people, His church, His bride, to love them and serve them. I am amazed when I look at Katie Davis who, at twenty one years old, chooses to live here...in the poverty...in the brokenness. She would rather be here than going to college or being in a sorority, and I have to confess that I am not there. After a while, I want to look away. God, please forgive me for my selfish heart.

Still, it was another good day with Asher. After breakfast (fresh fruit, banana pancakes, and coffee...yummy!) the whole gang walked across the street to Amani and played with the kids. When it was time for their lunch, the rest of the group headed to Katie's to help feed the children of Amazima while I decided to stay back so that I could spend more time with Asher when he got up from his rest. This break gave me several hours to catch up on email, facebook, etc. It was a wonderful time of refreshment: I sat on one of the porches with a Diet Coke (I love this new hotel!) and used the wireless internet for at least an hour. I even had time to take a little nap. When it was time for Asher to get up, I walked across the street and brought Asher back to the hotel with me. We sat outside and colored and played with stickers. For a little extra treat, I got him an ice cream sundae. He loved it! When it was time for him to go back for dinner, I walked him back across the street, and he ran straight in and started playing with his friends. Our routine is certainly getting easier!

The joy of spending time with Asher is always mixed with great mourning for the Mayernicks. I am still amazed at how they have honored God through this whole process. I am glad that Mark is here so that he can now pour into Mike just as Mike has poured into us ladies. Again, it is another testimony of God's provision. Part of that provision is you all back home who have been so encouraging. It helps me feel connected and now isolated. I am so thankful for you!

Another Good Day

2009-09-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

We picked up Asher after breakfast this morning and headed into town. Renee stopped at a small coffee shop called Flavors to try and catch up on correspondence while Asher and I walked around the main street. Every time we stopped at a store front, Asher asked if we could buy Mac, Owen, or Sylvie a gift: “I want to buy Mac that toothbrush” or “I want to take that dress to Sylvie.” It was so cute! (Don’t worry, kids…we did get each of you a little something!)

After our outing, Asher and I headed back to the room. We colored for a little while, worked on a puzzle, and basically just spent quality time together. After a while, we curled up on the bed, stacked all the pillows, and began to watch Aladdin on the computer. I was so tired that I dozed off and on. It was a fun and relaxing time.

Let me tell you, Asher is a piece of work! He loves to organize and straighten, a fact that thrills me! There have been several times that I have been looking for a particular cord only to find it stuffed in a shoe or in my make-up bag. One time I knew that I had packed him a granola bar, but I couldn’t find it. Asher told me he had put it in the puzzle box so it would not get lost. Hilarious! Another thing…he is obsessed with being clean! Every time we come into the room, he asks to brush his teeth or take a bath. I love it! Today he told me he was going to the bathroom, and he came out with wet shoes where he had washed them in the sink. He’s going to fit right in at the Keck house!

There are also several American “customs” that I am trying to teach Asher, and he has been quick to pick up on them. He loves to show off how he can hold a fork the “American” way or how he is learning to put a napkin in his lap. I am trying to teach him the concept of germs, but this might be a harder lesson! He loves to touch and interact with everything, thus my missing telephone cord and power bar. This “Don’t touch that; it can have gems” is a hard lesson for him to learn and one that Renee thinks I should just give up trying to teach at this time. We’ll see how he does over the next few weeks. The major learning curve, though, is Asher’s desire to run off. At Amani the kids are free to walk around and play because the grounds are secure; therefore, Asher is free to go to the bathroom or to go outside and play. As a result, there have many times that he just wanders off without making a sound. This is definitely something I am going to have to work on!

All in all, we are adjusting to our new life quite well. I am so thankful for Auntie Renee, Auntie Suzanne, and Uncle Mike. None of us anticipated all that this trip was going to unfold, but prayerfully God is using it all to refine us. I have seen Jesus in Mike and Suzanne as they have humbly followed where God has led them. Please continue to pray for little Josie’s healing, for God to continue to anoint Mike and Suzanne with discernment, strength, and peace, and for our court date on Sept. 28. It would be wonderful to get our verbal ruling then and nothing short of a miracle to get the written ruling as well. Your prayers are felt, appreciated, and very much needed. Through all of this, we just want to see Jesus lifted up for His glory and our greater good.

Court Day

2009-09-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you read the Mayernicks’ blog, you understand just what those details that I mentioned in the last blog are all about. If not, let me share with you the heartbreaking two days that we have had.

When we were in Kampala for our court date, we asked if we could go ahead and have a TB test done on Josie and Asher since there is a new U.S. law requiring this test. While we were there, the nurse decided to take blood to test for aids as well. Much to our shock, Josie tested positive. It was one of those rare moments when one’s entire world changes in the blink of an eye. I know that the Mayernicks’ world will never be the same. My heart is breaking for this dear family of God as they struggle with the decisions that they have in front of them.

As we were mourning and weeping, Asher could not help but know that something was not the same. He began to withdraw a little, and it took some time (and a “sweetie,” or sucker) for him to come “back” to me. By the time we got home and got ready for bed, however, he was back to his giggly and roly-poly self. (Side note: Asher loves to brush his teeth and organize his belongings…he will be great for Owen!)

Today we went in to town and looked around. We visited with Auntie Katie and even hooked back up with Mike and Suzanne at the Source Café for a little while. When we went to visit Amani, we decided it was best that Asher stay at Amani until we “passed” court. Leaving him there was one of the hardest things I have ever done. He would not look at me, he pulled his shirt over his face to hide the tears, and began rocking. Compare that mental picture with the pictures I posted on facebook. I know that if there is a chance that this process will take longer than expected and I have to go home without him, it is the best thing for him to stay at Amani. However, it doesn’t make it any easier. It hurts to the deepest parts of my heart.

I could never have foreseen how painful this process could be, nor could I have foreseen how much I could love a little boy in so short a time. Mac, Owen, and Sylvie are going to enjoy him so much. He already knows their names, and we talk about them all the time. He will say things like “I want to color with Mac” or “Where is Owen?” or “I want Sylvie to come and play with me.”

There are several prayer requests, as you can imagine. First, I ask that you continue to pray for the Mayernicks and for God to anoint them with His peace, strength, discernment, and perseverance. Pray over sweet Josie and that God would protect this little girl, “the least of these.” Pray for our TB tests to come back negative. And lastly, pray that when we go to court on September 28 that we receive our verbal and written ruling. To quote dear Barbie Doyle, pray that the Wind of God would blow through that courtroom in a mighty and powerful way like only God, the Author and Finisher of all things, can do.

I know I have not been able to respond to emails, facebook, and the blog as much I would like, but it is hard to find a place with Internet and when I do, it is not always working. Please know that your comments are precious to me. Keep them coming!

We Will Overcome

2009-09-17T00:13:00.001-07:00

I am sorry that it has been so long since I blogged, but the last two days have been so busy that I have not had time. We woke up Sunday and a whole group of us went to church:—Katie and her kids, Suzanne and Mike with Josie, Renee, the Amani volunteers, and Asher and I. The service was amazing: white people and black people, Ugandans and Americans and Australians, young and old are worshipping together. I thought to myself that this is what Heaven will look like one day. As we sang a song titled “We Shall Overcome,” I looked at Asher standing beside me who would not take off his backpack because it was the first thing he had ever owned and then I looked at Josie who was crying incessantly because she was not feeling well. Tears came to my eyes as we sang, “We shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” It is so true: these children WILL overcome! These precious children who have suffered more than I can even fathom will overcome because of God’s love for them. We have such a long way to go, but we will overcome!

After church Asher and I went back to Amani and hung out for the rest of the day. I was able to take some pictures of most of the kids coming back to Nashville and just see life as Asher has lived it. When it was time for me to go back to the guesthouse, Asher began to cry because he wanted to go with me. I was nervous about bringing home with me after one day, but I couldn’t bear to leave him there while he was crying for his new mommy, so I followed the advice of one of the volunteers and brought him to the guesthouse with me. It was an amazing time. We bathed him, brushed his teeth, and put on his new pajamas. He was a new boy! He laughed and giggled and cuddled me for hours. Even today in the middle of the afternoon, Asher asked if we could go home and go to bed; that is how much fun we had!

Today (Monday here) was our court date. There is much I want to share, but suffice it all to say that our court date was postponed for two weeks. I still am not sure if that means we start the whole process over in two weeks or if we should have our ruling in two weeks. What that does mean is that I am here for a longer time than originally hoped for. Please pray for me as well as my family back home as we try to manage the logistics.

Again, there is more to share, but I will save it for another post. We need your prayers. We are all so thankful for you.

Gotcha Day!

2009-09-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we all made it to Uganda, but not without a few bumps in the road. And while I want to share with everyone what the Mayernicks, Renee, Curry, and I have experienced since we landed, I just don’t think I can put it into words. The emotions are just too big. Therefore, I think I will simply recount the events. It will take much longer for me to actually process the whole journey. I can say this, though, with certainty: my God is a very big God!

First of all, we could not drive to Jinja when we landed because of some rioting that was taking place in Kampala, the capital city through we had to travel to get to our destination. Therefore, we stayed at a hotel in Entebbe. While I know it is a small thing, I found a gecko, frog, and roach in the shower as I entered the room. It was at this point that I knew that we weren’t in Kansas any longer.

We arrived at Amani early the next morning. Asher had not been told that I was coming, so my walking in was quite a shock to him. Still, he came up and immediately hugged me and wouldn’t let me let him go. Without even making eye contact, Asher said, “I want to go home now.” My first response was “With me?” and he said, “Yes.” Again…there are no words.

From that moment on, Asher would not leave me and we began the bonding process. We played at Amani for a little bit (tried to break out some crayons and paper, but it became a little chaotic!). We then made a quick drive into the town of Jinja where we exchanged some money. On the way back, Asher and I got to take a boda (motorcycle) ride where he sat in front and I sat side-saddled in a skirt. I must say, it was quite a sight.

After our short trip to town, we all went to Katie’s to help her feed the children of Amazima. Let me first confess that I was in no way ready for what lay in front of me. I have traveled to Europe several times and I even spent a summer in Hong Kong as a missionary, so I thought that I was ready to make this trip without Danny and all on my own. I thought of myself as a rather resilient person with fortitude and strength of mind. I was wrong.

I now know what fortitude looks like, though. It looks like a young boy—perhaps seven or eight—walking by himself to town at 5:00 in the morning to get enough water to last his family through the day. It looks like a boy desperate for food but infected with small pox begging to come in and being told “no.” It looks like 300 children standing patiently in line for the only meal they will receive that day, then bowing and saying, “Thank you, Auntie.” I thought fortitude was staying up late to finish your homework or finishing a hard football practice. I never knew…

I am overwhelmed by everything that I have seen and experienced in a 24-hour period. I am broken by the poverty and great need, yet I am overjoyed with meeting Asher and how quickly he has taken to me. My emotions have run the gamut today, but I am so thankful for God and His presence and protection. Thank you for your prayers. Keep ‘em coming!
I love you all!

Halfway There!

2009-09-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I am sitting in the Amsterdam airport (I love tulips!) waiting for my connection to Entebbe, Uganda. We have just received news that there has been some rioting in Kampala (where we are headed), and so we have been advised to spend the night in Entebbe to avoid traveling at night. Normally, I would be worried about this, but instead, I am just so excited to get to Asher! Nothing is robbing me of my joy today (or tonight...who knows?). I know that God has been before these events, that He is in the midst of these events, and that He is my Fortress. I will rest in that today.

Yesterday was a different story, though. As Danny dropped me off at the airport, I wept like a little child. I am not even sure why, but I think it had to do with experiencing this journey without him. It made me realize that I depend upon him a lot more than I thought I did. Today is Danny's birthday as well. If you read this and you see Danny, give him a kiss (he'll love it!) and tell him Happy Birthday for me. I miss him terribly.

All that aside, I am one day away from running to Asher and picking him up in my arms and saying, "I love you, son!" Nothing can rob me of that joy...it will be a little glimpse of heaven on earth...and it's one day away!

Love to all!

Team Asher

2009-09-08T18:32:00.001-07:00

Posted on our refrigerator is a family schedule noting where all my children should be at any given time while I am gone. I have jokingly titled it "Schedule for Team Asher." However, the reality of this journey is that it has been a team effort. As I look back on all that has taken place, I recognize that this journey has been more of a relay where the baton has been handed off to the next person as he/she fulfills God's role in this crazy, but amazing, process.

The whole journey/race began with Katie Davis and her testimony of how God is working in and through her to serve His children in Uganda. Katie quickly handed the baton to a dear saint named Erin Littleton who lovingly showed both Danny and me as well as the Doyles how to navigate this whole adoption process. Through her the baton was then handed to Mary at Amani who has patiently walked the rest of the way with us. If it were not for these ladies, I can honestly say that the Doyles and the Kecks would not be bringing home their boys. God has used these women in a mighty and powerful way.

However, the journey/race would never have been completed without our amazing friends at home. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. It's as though adopting a child from Uganda is as normal as going to work in the morning. I do not think that this would be the case everywhere...but it is in our community, and I am so thankful for that!

The baton has continued to be passed from small group members to teacher friends to students and their parents. Even as I type, parents are willing to carry the baton to help with meals and with taking care of my children (and even the dog!). Most important of all, however, are the prayers that are being lifted up for safe travel, protection from sickness, and our bonding with Asher.

So when I look at the fridge and see the agenda titled "Schedule for Team Asher," I am reminded that God has surrounded us with amazing friends and family who have not only supported us, but who have also carried us. I may be the one who gets to bring Asher across the "finish line," but I will never forget the team who made it all possible. Thank you, dear friends!

Soaps and Shirts

2009-09-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

We recently received two more sweet gifts for Asher. First, our dear friend Tara gave us a bag of soaps to give as gifts when we are in Uganda. Each soap says, "We love your heart for orphans." Tara has her own business and makes all different kinds of soaps. If you are interested, click here. I am so thankful for Tara and for her friendship.

The second gift we received was the most precious t-shirt from Rebekah. She and her husband are also in the process of adopting, and we have followed each other's journey through blogs and emails. She also has her own business. To view her etsy shop and help support her adoption, click here. Again, I am so thankful for Rebekah and the encouragement she has been to me through this whole journey.

As the time for me to leave draws near, I am so thankful for these friends and so many other dear sisters in Christ who have given their love, support, and encouragement. As I leave my family for a month, I realize that I could not do it without them. My heart is so humbled, and I praise God for His provision both at home and in Uganda. I know I have said this before, but my heart is just so full! Many, many thanks to you all!

Counting Down

2009-08-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update...we have gotten our flights and are good to go. I fly out on the tenth with Suzanne and Mike (who are adopting little Josie Love) and our friend Renee. Renee knows of Katie Davis's ministry and has wanted to help support her and all that she is doing. Because of that and the fact that she is just a sweet, sweet person with a heart for the Lord, she has agreed to go with us and help us document this most special occassion. She will be my "roomie" while we are there. I thank God for His provision once again!

We are still working out the details of taking care of three children, a dog, five classes of eighth graders, and a husband while I am away for potentially an entire month. I cannot tell you how blown away I am by everyone's concern and willingness to help. We have gotten a great interim teacher to take my place (and then Danny's while he stays with Asher) while I am gone. Wonderful neighbors and church friends are taking care of Belle, the beagle. Countless people are helping out with kids after school to make sure they get everywhere they need to be while Danny is coaching football. If any of you saints are reading this, please know how THANKFUL we are for you. May God richly bless you as you have blessed our family. It's because of you all that I can even go.

Besides making preparations, I have been an emotional roller-coaster. If any of you have adopted before, please let me know if this is normal. I vascillate between overwhelming joy and excitement to sadness for no reason at all. I cry at the drop of a hat. I think it's because I am acutely aware that life as we have all known it is about to change forever. When I leave in ten days, it will be the last time that we will ever be a family of five. That is an overwhelming feeling. On the other hand, we are bringing home our son! And the cycle begins again!

As we prepare to leave, please pray for traveling mercies, for no sickness, for bonding between me and Asher, and for all details to be taken care of. We specifically pray that no detail will delay our coming home in a timely manner. God is sovereign, and He has been before, in, and through this whole process. May He safely bring us all home!

We Got It!

2009-08-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have been going ninety-to-nothing today, but I wanted to make a quick post...we got our court date! We go to court on September 14 and travel on September 10.

As usual, I had trouble sleeping last night because I was waiting to get "the call." With Jinja being eight hours ahead, I knew that their business day was winding down as ours was winding up. When the alarm rang and I hadn't gotten a call, I knew another opportunity had come and gone, and off to work I went.

I was beginning my first class when Suzanne (another mom adopting from Amani) rushed in the room and said that we had both gotten court dates...on the same day! My kids were so sweet and all celebrated with me. I have to admit I ran door to door, telling the good news. I was blessed by everyone's reaction of excitement and joy. It was a moment I will never forget!

However, in the midst of my celebrating, my heart is heavy for my dear friend Lindsey. She is still waiting on her court date. She celebrates with us, but I know we had always planned on traveling together. Will you please join me as I pray, pray, pray for her to get her court date SOON?! God can certainly bless both of our families in this way, and this is our heart's cry. Either way, we both want God's will to be done...His timing is perfect as is His love for us.

We're going, though! We're really going! Asher, here I come!

Asher Calls Me "Mommy"!

2009-08-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Dee Anne and Dan Proctor posted some video footage of their visit with Asher and Judah. It is so exciting to hear our little guy's voice...he has the cutest accent (I hope he doesn't lose it when he arrives in the South!). If you hang in there for the whole video, you will hear Asher call us "Mommy" and "Daddy." I cannot begin to explain just how these words make me feel. My heart is mush right now! I am so just thankful for Amani, for our friends who have visited and shared their stories, for our church and school family who have loved us so well and supported this whole journey, and for my teacher friends who have put up with me every day while I tell them one more Asher story. My heart is just full to bursting as I type. The Lord has blessed us so mightily, and we are thankful! Enjoy the video! (Be sure to turn off the playlist at the bottom of the page.)

Thank you, Proctors!

2009-08-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, I wrote a post about the Proctors who were going to Jinja, Uganda, and who were taking presents for the boys for the Doyles and us. Well, while I was checking my email at school, I received this video from them. Not really knowing what it was, I opened it up on my prep period. When the bell rang, this amazing video was still playing. As the students entered my room, I was weeping...quite a sight to see, I'm sure!

Just like Connie's quilt, this video is a testimony of how well our faith family has loved us and Asher. Dee Anne and Dan, thank you for putting this video together. Before long, Asher will be home and we will sit down and watch it as a family...thank you for that blessing! (To hear the video only, scroll down to my playlist at the bottom of the page and turn off the music.)

Gift from Connie

2009-08-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today I received the most precious gift in the mail. Our dear friends, Connie and Mark Stowers, recently moved to Texas, but Connie has faithfully followed our blog and offered words of encouragement for our journey. Well, if any of you know Connie, you know she is also a quilter extraordinaire. I knew she had been working on a gift for Asher, but I really didn't know what it was, especially when she said she needed a picture. I couldn't imagine what she would need his picture for; however, I knew that if Connie had anything to do with it, it would be special. And indeed it is! Check out this fabulous quilt made by my dear friend Connie (double click on the picture to see larger image):

The quilt is made of the cutest fabric with jungle animals at the beach. Here are some of the squares up close (again, double click for larger image):

On the back of the quilt is this precious note from Connie (please double click picture if you can't read it):

I think this note is my favorite part of the whole quilt. First, I love the inclusion of our life verse for Asher: "The Lord your God is mighty to save." Second, I love the phrase "Child of the Covenant." Asher is now a member of the Keck family, but more importantly, he is now a member of God's covenant family. The significance of this phrase for his life and for my life brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Jesus!

And thank you, Connie, for such a special gift. We will treasure this quilt for the rest of our lives. It is a testimony to God's goodness to us all for bringing our full family together. Hugs and kisses to you!

Truckin' Along

2009-08-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

We still don't have a court date, but we are hopeful to get one next week. In the meantime, a dear friend found these pics of Asher playing with a truck...

I smiled from ear to ear when I saw these because I had just come home from the store with this purchase...
And so we all keep truckin' along until we can be together. The good news is that it shouldn't be too much longer!

From Teddy Bears to Picture Books

2009-08-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted a picture that someone found of Asher receiving his teddy bear. Today Emily sent some more pictures of Asher and Judah with their picture books that we sent many weeks ago. I cannot tell you how EXCITED all these pictures are making me! I am ready to go and pick up our boy and bring him home and love him well!

Asher Gets His Bear!

2009-08-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't even know this picture was out there in "blogland," but sweet Grace told me about it (thanks, Sandy, for posting it!). So, here is Asher with his teddy bear. I sure hope he likes it!

Labor Pains

2009-08-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

We just found out that one of the families who is adopting at the same time as we are just got their court date...August 25! Can you believe it! That's in two weeks! While we did not think we would hear anything until after the judges come back from break, it appears that we could get a court date before that time. Soooo, stay tuned! A court date should be coming soon! Metaphorically speaking, the labor pains are beginning!

Great Pics of Amani!

2009-07-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of the pictures that Melissa took during her trip to Uganda. I usually focus on just Asher, but this time I wanted to share some pictures of Amani as well. Amani means "peace," and Amani Baby Cottage is definitely a place of peace for these precious children. Take a look...

Entrance to Amani Baby Cottage

Great murals with Bible themes

Pictures of the children line the walls

Notice the pictures of the forever families!

I had to get a picture of Asher in there somewhere!

I know...I'm shameless! Another picture of Asher with Melissa

That's our boy!

We are so thankful to God for the work that is being done at Amani!

More Presents for Asher!

2009-07-30T06:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the kids and I met Lindsay and her kids at McDonald's so that they could play a little while and we could hand off some "lovies" for the boys. Dee Anne and her husband Dan are going back to Jinja next week, and they offered to go by the orphanage for us. They have been so kind and gracious to us. We are thankful for them and for what God is doing in their lives as well.

Here is a teddy bear we sent Asher with a card and some pictures
in it. How do you like Sylvie's drawing? (I love the heels!) In the
card we explain to Asher that Mac gave this bear to Owen, Owen
gave this bear to Sylvie, and now Sylvie is giving it to her little brother.

Judah's elephant blanket and pictures

Sylvie and the girls hand off the presents to Dee Anne...

All the kids with Dee Anne...

And at last...the whole gang! Dee Anne certainly was a trooper
to take all those pictures! She must love kids!

The Proctors leave on Monday. Please pray for safe travel as they go. I will post more pictures of Amani and Asher tomorrow.

New Picture of Asher

2009-07-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Melissa, a new friend via facebook/blogland, just got back from Uganda. (Isn't it strange how I had never even heard of Uganda in any real personal sense until January, and now it seems like I know of someone coming or going every other week? It's crazy!) She sent me a picture of Asher and a quick update: "Asher was awesome. He is so handsome; pictures do not do him justice. He was very outgoing, friendly and curious. He really liked my husband Rich and his camera; he even took a picture of Rich." Melissa promised to send more pictures as soon as her husband got them uploaded, but she did send one from her camera. So, here it is...the latest picture of our little guy. I think Melissa is right: Asher sure is handsome!

I will hopefully be posting some more pictures from Melissa as well as some pictures of the Doyle and the Keck kids handing off more gifts for Judah and Asher. Stay tuned! I would also like to thank you all for following our journey and for your words of encouragement. They have brought us so much comfort. Keep 'em coming!

News from Auntie Emily

2009-07-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

For the past few days I have been "changing gears." Danny and I had been expending so much energy into getting ready to leave that there was little room for anything else. We were getting shots, making arrangements for the kids, figuring out what we needed to pack, making copies, mailing papers, etc. We were caught up in the "What if?" and the "How about?" phase of traveling and bringing home our little guy. But, all of that planning was for naught, at least for the next six weeks.

Therefore, I am changing gears! With all of that planning behind me, I have had more time to actually miss our Asher. I have found myself looking at pictures and reading notes that volunteers have sent us in an effort to feel close to him. And then today I received this sweet word from Auntie Emily. Her timing is perfect! Here it is:

Asher is in LOVE with his picture book... like completely obsessed! Every day he says, "Auntie Emily, I want to show you my book!" And if it is during preschool, he will wait patiently until free time and then run to the office to get it! He has shown all the aunties, and the mommas, and pretty much everyone he comes in contact with! He knows all his brothers' and sister's names, and the other day he drew a dog in pre-school and said it was Belle. He is so excited to go to America and can't wait to meet you!

These words were music to my soul! He knows our names! He is longing to come home as much as we are longing to have him home! Thank you, Jesus, for preparing ALL of our hearts. Your timing truly is perfect!

God is Good, All the Time...

2009-07-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

...All the time, God is good!

As many of you know, we have been praying fervently for our affidavits to get to Uganda in time so that we could get a court date before the judges went on session break. When we mailed our papers, we were guaranteed that they would arrive by 6:00 p.m. on Monday night. Since that time, our whole family has been on pins and needles waiting to hear if we got the court date.

Well, I tracked the affidavits as soon as I got back in town from visiting Danny's family and was stunned to see that the package was never delivered. Every party involved has an explanation as to what happened, but the end result is the same: no affidavits, no court date. This means that we have to wait another month until the judges come back to work before we can get a court date or make plans to travel. While my flesh is crying out over these turn of events, my spirit is resting in the truth that God is always good, His plans are always good, and He works all things for the good of those who love Him. It does not matter who is at fault because just as in the case of Joseph, "God intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done" (Gen. 50:20). I may not be able to see what good is coming from these circumstances, but that is okay because my God is good all the time, and I choose to put my trust in Him.

So, today I want to praise God for answering our prayers about the court date; I want to praise God for loving us and for never leaving us; I want to praise God for giving us His Spirit; I want to praise God for giving us Asher; I want to praise God for the work that is being done at Amani; I want to praise God for giving us such a special faith family; I want to praise God for His mercies that are new each morning; the list could go on and on! God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for
those who fear you.
Psalm 31:19

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6

Taste and See That the Lord is Good!

2009-07-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, as soon as I said that we couldn't get our affidavits in time to get a court date before the judges go on break, God stepped in and proved me wrong! Mary called this morning to say that the affidavits had been emailed to me and that if I could get them to Uganda by the first of the week, there was still a chance that we could be assigned a date before the session break. I high-tailed it down to the Fed-Ex store, and the papers are guaranteed to arrive by Monday at 6:00 p.m. That gives us ONE WHOLE DAY for the judge to assign us a court date... a long shot, but a shot nonetheless!

This is our prayer: that the "Wind of God" (a phrase from my dear friend with whom I prayed yesterday) would blow through the courthouse and that God Himself would cause the judge to give us a court date before he leaves. We boldly go before the Father with this petition, knowing that our final plea is that His will be done for His glory alone. I am resting in the assurance that God is enough and that He is the Author and Finisher of our journey to Asher.

Right now I am just tasting and seeing that the Lord is good! Praise Him for His love, grace, and faithfulness to His children!

It is Enough

2009-07-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Other than a few pictures, I have not posted in a while. There has been so much stirring in my spirit and so many hopes welling in my heart that I just could not put it all into words. It appears that God in His sovereignty has not given us a court date before the break. Even if we get papers tomorrow, we will not be able to get them back to Uganda before the court dismisses for a month. This news makes me feel a little like Elijah who saw God rain down fire from heaven and then ran and hid in fear of Jezebel. We often wonder how Elijah could so quickly forget where his strength and refuge really came from. Well, now I know...I guess you could say that I too had forgotten who was orchestrating this whole story.

But today changed all of that. I was able to meet with two dear ladies to pray for Asher and the other children coming home from Uganda. It was during this time that one of the ladies reminded me that the Wind of God could move through the courthouse and law offices and with a blink of an eye have the papers done. She reminded me that God in His sovereignty could change the hearts and minds of men at His pleasure. He is, after all, the God of Moses and David and Elijah! She continued to pray that I would sacrifice these desires of my flesh and yield them to God in an act of worship and praise. With boldness she prayed that the Wind of God would move in Uganda, but that ultimately God would do whatever would glorify Himself the most.

By the end of our prayer time, God had regenerated my spirit so much that I was able to stand up to my "Jezebels" and to walk boldly in the sovereignty of God. Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers!

So, while we still do not have the affidavits from the lawyer nor a court date, we have confidence that we are walking in God's will and that He is totally in control of all that is happening both in Uganda and at home. And that is enough.

Happy Birthday, America!

2009-07-05T11:36:00.001-07:00

Notes on Sweet Asher

2009-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

I received this email from a former Amani volunteer named Rachel. She and her best friend Arielle worked there in November 2007, just after Asher came to the orphanage. Here are her words on Asher:

Asher was not in preschool when Arielle and I first began teaching at Amani. He was still one of the younger ones and spent the mornings playing with his nannies, blocks, books, etc. When Arielle and I began teaching, we decided to pull Asher up into school since he seemed ready. He was SO PROUD to be going to school each morning. He was a really good listener and was so eager to please us. He especially enjoyed playing color and shape BINGO and delighted in winning a sticker when he won. He loved to put the sticker on his forehead. He always said, “Auntie, you see?” and pointed to his sticker. While many of the children had potty accidents during school, Asher was really good at telling us when he had to go! Asher loved doing crafts and liked when we did a craft with glue. I remember a specific day when Asher smeared glue all over his papers. He liked the texture! Sometimes we would read books to the kids and then ask them questions about the story. I remember reading one story about a puppy and asking the children what they would name a new puppy. Someone said Blue and when we asked Asher, he must have liked that idea because he said “Blue” also.

Asher LOVED to play with people's cameras and thought it was so cool to see himself on the digital screen. He liked to have his picture taken, but would often come up with funny pictures because he insisted on saying “cheeeeeeeeeeese.” When he saw himself on the camera he would point and say his name, “Asherife.” He has one of those little boy kind of deep voices- soft spoken and gentle, but can also be loud and excited.

Like I said, he’s really athletic. He’s thin but has a muscular body. He is a good runner and runs all afternoon, effortlessly. He pushed his friends in the little cars that were donated to Amani and also loved to be pushed by an auntie or uncle. He, like many of the other little boys, called the wagons, “loggins.” He and one of the other little boys, Francis (his very good friend) were really good at running while pushing a tire (much like you would picture African children to do). Asher liked to ride the little “boda-bodas” down the hill with his friends in the yard and was fearless. He would also peddle the trikes so fast in the grass and was excited to master the skill of peddling. In the afternoons he also liked to make “food” out of dirt and grass. He would use a Frisbee as a plate and put all sorts of things he found in the yard on it, and would then come and present it: “Auntie, here is your chapatti.”

He was a good eater. He loved treats, like all of the children. In Uganda, they’re called “sweeties,” and Asher pronounced it “tweeties.” The most common sweetie for him to eat was usually a sucker or a hard candy (those are common in Uganda). He also liked popcorn, or as the children called it, “pon-con.” Most of the older kids' favorite food was beans and chapatti. This wasn’t a super common meal made by mama cook, but the kids seemed to always talk about it. I would ask them what they thought lunch would be that day and they’d say, “Chapatti and beans.” Asher can eat a ton of food. For Christmas, the volunteers all baked special brunch-cake treats and I remember Asher eating a ton of them!

During my second Christmas in Uganda, Arielle and I got to plan a fun afternoon for the toddlers. We went to the big market in Jinja and bought a big piece of plastic. We then covered it in dish soap and put a hose on it. It was a huge slip-n-slide. Asher was one of the last kids on it. Like I said, he doesn’t get tired easily! To get ready for Christmas, Arielle and I had the kids create Christmas cookies for Santa out of construction paper. There is a mama at Amani named Mama Santa, so the kids were soooo confused. They thought we were going to present them to her. We decided to change it to Christmas cookies for Jesus. The kids were much happier with that idea, but then expected Jesus to come pick them up!

Arielle and I also started an Amani Bible study with a really cute children’s Bible we found in Kampala. Asher loved Bible study and just like preschool, he was a great listener. We learned about Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, all the classics. During the Joshua lesson, the children got to march around the play house and the walls “plastic blocks” came tumbling down. Like you saw, Asher got to make his own dream coat out of an old market t-shirt and strips of African fabric. He thought he was so smart (in Uganda this means handsome, cute, dressed up, etc.)! He felt really smart in his shoes too; he used to wear velcro shoes with Clifford on them. He loved having a “doughG” on his shoes.

While he is a busy boy, Asher can also be very much a lap kid. He loves attention and is eager for affection. He gives hugs and kisses and likes to hold hands while you’re walking. He would say he wanted to give auntie a “Ug and Kees.” He loved taking trips to town for soda and a “tweetie.” When it wasn’t his turn he would sometimes get sad and try really hard to stay brave. Sometimes, though, he would be so disappointed that he didn’t get to go on an outing that day and he’d cry a little. He was always okay after we would assure him it would be his turn again soon.

He is gentle, sweet and caring. He loved his friends and his mamas and his aunties and uncles. Basically, he was a happy little boy with lots of smiles and was just nothing but sweet. He will THRIVE with his own family’s love. My heart is so full right now, having just thought about my memories of Asher--I miss him! I’m so thankful you have found him and it is truly an answer to my (and many other people who love him!) prayers.

Rachel is one of the many people for whom we are so thankful. Can't you just tell how loved these children are? I just got an email from Dee Anne Proctor that said as much: she wrote that Dan found the orphanage to be the "most organized, clean, full of love place he has ever seen when it comes to the care and well being of small children and babies." Danny and I are just so THANKFUL for the love these precious children have been given. And we are so THANKFUL to be able to be a part of what God is doing there. I cannot wait to go and see for myself what the Lord is doing! Soon...very soon!

Some Shout-outs

2009-06-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, two of my favorite radio show hosts--Rick and Bubba--hosted the Dove Awards. Knowing how much I liked these guys, one of my students (thanks, Quinn!) met them and talked them into giving me a "shout out" on the radio. Needless to say, it made my whole day! Now, this isn't nearly as exciting as that, but I do have a couple of "shout outs" of my own to give:

1. Dan and Dee Anne Proctor

Dan went to Uganda this week and offered to take a present to Asher. I showed you pictures of our getting the present ready. Here are pictures of the package en route to Uganda.

Danny handed off the presents (one for Asher and one for Judah) to Dee Anne...

...who in turn handed them off to Dan and his friend Doug. Here
they are in the airport at 4:00 in the morning!

2. Ladies of the Premier Design Party

Dana wanted to host a Premier Design Jewelry Party as a benefit for Asher, and Leslie agreed to have the party at her house. We had a fun time!

3. Sydney and Keaton

One of Owen's best buddies and his sister set up a shaved ice stand in their front yard to raise money for Asher's adoption. It was awesome!

Sydney and Keaton are ready for customers!

Here they come!

We even dropped by for some yummy shaved ice!

Thanks to everyone for being part of our story! We appreciate you!

We are still praying for an early court date, although I must confess it looks slim. Please join us as we pray for our affidavits to get here in time for us to sign them and return them before the judges go on session break. Pray that we will be patient as we wait for God's perfect timing.

We're All in This Together

2009-06-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

I just found this trailer for Hillsong's new full-length documentary We're All in This Together on a friend's facebook page (thanks Michelle). I am thankful for the reminder...and humbled. (You may want to scroll down and turn off the sound on my play list so that you can enjoy the video.)

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Special Delivery for Asher

2009-06-21T18:11:00.001-07:00

We were so excited to find out that someone from our church was going to Jinja this week, and he offered to take a present to Asher. I mean, how often does someone from your church just happen to be going to Jinja, Uganda? The kids and I got busy picking out a present for Asher. It was Danny who finally came up with the idea of a soccer ball. And so we packed a box with a little soccer ball and tons of gum and dum dums to be shared with all. Everyone threw in a note for Asher, and then we wrapped it up. I know its flowers on the paper, but I'm hoping that Asher is so excited that he won't really notice!

We're Getting Ready!

2009-06-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well, in a few weeks Asher will be home, and it hit me: we need to get busy! Sooo...we went out and got our little guy some clothes. Danny told me to take it slowly: buy socks one month, buy underwear the next, etc. I tried to explain to him the flaw in his thinking, but he's still not convinced! I was, however, able to get a few things. Aren't they cute? It's been a long time since I bought boy clothes this size!

Next, we added a few things to Owen's room to make it ready for his brother. We added some shelving for Asher's books as well as a new dresser. Here it is:

I realize these things may seem silly, but it's exciting to think that Asher will have his very own clothes and his very own bed with his very own books in his very own house with his very own family. Now I just have go and get those socks and underwear!

We still haven't heard about a court date. Mary said it would take a "miracle." I'm up for a miracle, how about you? Please continue to pray that God would move mountains to get our boy home before school starts! And thank you for walking this journey with us. We're almost there!

We Have a Son!

2009-06-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

I just the got call from Mary at Amani, and we now have custody of Asher! It's official! Danny and I are parents of four! Yippee! Once again, this news is testament to God's faithfulness. Let me explain.

Our custody papers had been in Uganda for over eight weeks with no news, and I was beginning to get discouraged. And yet, I knew that God was a sovereign God Who heard our prayers and responded. So, I made a commitment Monday night to pray every hour that the hearts of the people involved in Uganda would be turned and that they would sign the papers immediately. And then I began to pray...all day. Lindsey Doyle joined me in St. Louis. (I now understand what James meant when he said "pray without ceasing"!) Well, I began praying on Monday night and all day Tuesday...every hour. This morning I woke up to a call from Mary that our papers had been signed and that I was now Asher's "mummy." Praise be to God!

It's not that the papers would not have gotten signed. I know that they would have. It's the joy and excitement of praying for God's work to be done and then seeing it done. It is being part of God's Kingdom work. Instead of going through life thinking that I determine my path, I see how God is working in the circumstances and events of all of our lives. And He is faithful to His people.

We now wait for the affadavits to be drawn up and a court date to be given. Would you please join me in "praying without ceasing" for these events to happen quickly? I have been informed that the judges will have a six-week break in July/August. If we do not get a court date before then, we will not travel until after the school year begins, a hard time for two teachers and a football coach! We also want to have as much time home with Asher as possible. Therefore, we pray! We pray for God's perfect timing and no delays. We pray that we can get a court date BEFORE the break, God willing.

Either way, Asher is our son! Mac, Owen, and Sylvie have a brother! Finally, Asher has a forever family! Thanks be to God!

The Doyles Are Coming Home!

2009-06-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

My heart is so full, it is singing! We just got back from church where Ryan Doyle was announced as our youth pastor. That means that Ryan and Lindsey and their family are moving back to Franklin! That means that Asher and Judah will all be growing up together. I can hardly even fathom this truth. Who would have foreseen this turn of events? I tell you who...God! I think that is at the heart of why I am so joyful: today has given testament to the truth that God has a plan and that He really does direct the courses of men.

I remember this time last year when we were at a going-away party for Ryan and Adam. I sat in a circle of people who worked with these two godly men, and I wept as I had to tell them and their families goodbye. Danny and I even told Ryan that if he moved to Scotland to plant a church, we were going with him. And we meant it! Fast forward several months to the Women's Conference at our church where I literally bumped into Lindsey. After I told her that Danny and I were adopting, she cried and said that she and Ryan were feeling led to do the same thing. A week later, she and Ryan had applied to Amani, and they were well on their way to getting Judah, one of Asher's friends, as a member of their forever family.

None of us saw the Doyles moving back home so that Ryan could be the youth pastor of our church. None of us saw Judah and Asher growing up together. None of us saw Ryan speaking into the hearts of my personal children. Yet, God saw. He had a plan all along. He knew before we were born that our lives would be knit together. He knew...He knew!

And so my heart sings today! I am not making this plan up as I go along. I walk in the shadow of a God who loves me and who cares for me. I walk in the shadow of a God who can make beauty from ashes. I walk in the shadow of a God who promises to work all things for good for those people who love him and who are called according to His purpose. Wow!

And so, I am excited to say that the Doyles are moving home! We love this family so dearly. Welcome home, friends! Welcome home!

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Prov 19:21

Happy Campers!

2009-06-13T12:44:00.001-07:00

Because we are waiting on the word from Uganda, we couldn't really plan any vacations this summer. Besides that, we're saving every penny we can! So, our kids' summer consists of local camps. This past week, everyone was in a camp: the boys were in football, and Sylvie was in cheerleading. Here's a sneak peek into our fall...

Happy Anniversary!

2009-06-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Danny and I celebrated our 15th anniversary this May. It's hard to believe that we have been married that long. It seems like only yesterday we were running around being camp counselors! (As George Bernard Shaw says, youth is wasted on the young!) In honor of our anniversary, I perused old pictures and walked down Memory Lane. Here is just a glimpse of the road Danny and I have traveled.

Danny and I first met while working a Christian sports camp called Crosspoint. Can you find us in the group picture?

The following summer we got married!

Fifteen years later!

In Paris!

Danny, I love you and am so thankful for you! Happy Anniversary!

Thank you, Mets!

2009-06-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

As you may remember, our family took on the concession stand for the 7-8 year-old field at our local ballpark as a way to help raise money for the adoption. Click here if you would like to read the original post. Well, today at church, Mrs. Roach (one of the moms on one of the teams) gave us a present from the Mets. She explained that instead of giving the coach an end-of-the-year present, the team decided to make a donation to our adoption. Can you believe it? We don't have a son playing on this team. We just showed up and sold candy and drinks! And here they are contributing to our adoption.

To the players and coaches and families of the Mets, THANK YOU for your generosity. We will keep the card and picture and tell Asher all about your kindness. He is going to love learning about his new home through the CD's. And the check will certainly help us get him home. We have almost met our goal, but we couldn't do it without you! God has used you all in a mighty way. Thank you again for supporting us and Asher.

We Love Uganda!

2009-06-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

At the Nashville World Cup, Christ Presbyterian Academy

Asher is Going to Town! Part II

2009-06-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Auntie Emily just sent me this update on Asher's trip to town:

On Saturday we took the kids out to town, and I totally called dibs on Asher! We got a cake and milkshake for him, and he devoured the cake and then gave over half of his milkshake to George. Asher is the best at sharing! Then I got him a fanta because he barely had anything to drink, and he once again gave the rest of it to George! Then we walked into town a little to look at the craft stores, and this man in one of the stores takes two necklaces and gives them to George and Asher. This is VERY rare in Uganda, and I insisted on paying him and he responded with "Excuse me, I am a Christian, and these are my sons." I nearly started crying right then and there! Also the past few days Asher has been telling everyone, "Auntie, tomorrow I leave for America to be with my family." And every time I say, "Do you love your family?" and he responds with a "yes," and I say, "Good, because they love YOU very much!" And he just giggles and smiles.

This sweet story makes ME giggle and smile! Thank you, Emily, for these words of hope! (Look at the post below to see pictures of Asher's trip to town.)

Asher is Going to Town!

2009-06-03T08:32:00.001-07:00

Auntie Emily took Asher for an outing in Kampala. Take a look...

After all that excitement, he's going to be pretty bored with the minivan!

Check Out This Video

2009-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Renee Bach is going to Uganda to serve the children of a small village. Check out her video...

Renee is one of the girls who has sent us priceless pictures and given us precious stories of Asher. I cannot wait to meet this sweet sister in Christ when I go to Uganda and to thank her for her work in the Lord's name.

Walking in the Truth

2009-05-25T12:45:00.001-07:00

Danny and I took part in two graduations this past week: our eighth grade Crossover celebration and our high school graduation. Both were blessings! At Crossover, each of the teachers had an opportunity to say a blessing over several students. This year I even got teary-eyed as I had to say goodbye to a student who was moving away and whom we all loved dearly. Take a look at some of the pictures below:

Aside from Crossover, Danny and I participated in several graduation parties. The Fleet boys, Carter and Taylor, graduated this year, and Lynne and Bill threw a catfish party for them. We have watched as these two grew from middle school boys into young men graduating from high school. Celebrating their accomplishments was a special night indeed:

Carter and Taylor, Class of 2009

Suzanne getting ready to serve up some catfish!

The kids playing some croquet

Bill as he is about to say the blessing

Small Group men hanging out together

And the Small Group women

Our whole family...

Our graduation celebrations culminated with the graduation service itself. Every year our headmaster, Mr. Anderson, asks the faculty how we can tell if we have done what we were supposed to do; in other words, how do we know if our students are prepared? Is it by their SAT and ACT scores? Is it by the colleges into which they get accepted? Or is it their earning potential? No, he answers. We will know if we have done our jobs when, twenty (or two) years down the road, we can say this of our students: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 4). I have to admit, there is no greater joy than to see these young people grow in their knowledge of and love for the Lord. It is the reason that we teach.

This week has been a special one at CPA. Danny and I are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. We are proud of our graduates, both middle school and high school. And we are thankful for the opportunity to do what we do for such a time as this. Soli Deo Gloria!

The Latest from Auntie Isabelle

2009-05-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Isabelle lives in Uganda while she is waiting to get her son Nathaniel home. Nathaniel and Asher have been buddies for a long time. These words are from Isabelle:

Asher ran up to me yesterday shouting, "Auntie Isabelle, Auntie Isabelle, my Mummy and Daddy are coming from Amewica!

That's right, Asher! We're coming! We love you!

Pictures from Africa

2009-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

A sweet friend, though I have never met her face to face, has gone back to Uganda for the summer to volunteer at Amani Baby Cottage. Emily Worrall knows Asher (and all his other buddies that are coming home to their forever families) and has already sent us pictures of him. These pictures were taken at the beginning of the week. He looks so happy! I know he is excited to see his friend Emily again. The first thing Emily said to Asher was, "Hey, I heard you have a family!" She said that he just grinned. I am grinning just thinking about it!

Our boy praying...just precious!

Danny's excited about Asher's vertical...

What a happy fella!

Isaiah 65:24

2009-05-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

I found this story on Renee's blog. Renee is moving to Uganda and starting a ministry of her own there. When I read her latest post, I thought it worth sharing. Please read this story of God's loving kindness and faithfulness toward His children. God answers prayer! Keep praying!

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

2009-05-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Danny and I found out from the USCIS in Memphis that we are the first couple in Tennessee to file an advance petition to adopt a child from Uganda. I must confess that these unchartered waters are a little scary. We had to go back and revise our home study as well as change some of the answers on our I600A, but we finally got approved! That's one hoop we've been able to successfully jump through!

Now comes that hard part...waiting! Our custody papers have been with the probation officer in Jinja for about six weeks. We continue to wait for a clear moment on the docket. Once a lawyer signs and stamps these custody papers, we can file our affadavit and get a court date. After that, we travel to Uganda to bring home our son! That's where you come in. James tells us in his letter that "the prayer of a righteous [person] is powerful and effective" (5:16). Therefore, we need your prayers! Please pray for a clear moment on the docket. Please pray that there will be no delays in the filing of the paperwork. And, lastly, please pray for an early court date. I believe that God will honor our prayers, and I thank Him in advance for His faithfulness. Still, it is true what they say: the waiting is the hardest part!

Here's another picture of Asher. I like to look at these pictures as often as I can to make the waiting easier. It really does help!

Asher Knows!

2009-05-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

I am so excited I can hardly contain it! Instead of telling you the story, I will let you read it for yourselves. Here is an email I received from Mary, the U.S. Foster Coordinator for Amani:

This weekend, Asher told the nurse, Siouxanne, that his family was in America. Siouxanne just assumed that he had been told about his family. So, she said "Yes, you do. Would you like to see their picture?" So, she showed him the book. Then, later, he was talking to Danyne's little girl, Diana.

Asher: "I have a family. They are in a book."

Diana: "What? In a book?"

Asher: "Yes, I have a family. They are in a book in the office."

Just had to share this story that I just heard from Danyne. He sounds so "clever," which means smart to us. "Smart" in Uganda means you are dressed nicely. Anyway, he has now seen your pics. Siouxanne thought someone had told him, but no one had. He just said his family is in America......that boy is READY! So sweet.

Blessings,

Mary

I cannot tell you how comforting this is to know. I can't really explain it, but somehow it feels "official" now that Asher knows. He knows! He really knows! He is no longer alone...he has his family! Praise the Lord!

"I will not leave you...I will come for you." John 14:18

I Love to Tell the Story

2009-05-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today was Grandparents' Day at our school, and the theme of the program was storytelling. It was just a blessed day all around! Mema and Granddaddy were able to tour the kids' classrooms, meet their teachers, and see all their work. Then we were all blessed to watch the elementary students sing old hymns and tell their own stories about the impact their grandparents have had on their lives. My favorite part of the program was when the kindergarten students recited the ABC Bible verses, one verse for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet. These precious children truly are our legacy, and I am reminded of the importance of raising them in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." Above all else, we want to teach them the truths of the Bible so that they can store them in their hearts and one day be able to tell the old old story of Jesus and His love.

Mema and Granddaddy visit Owen's class.

The Three Musketeers: Owen, Michael, and Keaton

Mema and Granddaddy finally make it to Sylvie's room...

...and they love the picture of Sylvie dressed in "grown up" clothes!

Sylvie and her class singing "I Love to Tell the Story"

On the way to a special lunch with the grandparents!

Here Comes the Sun

2009-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the sun never showed up for our fund raising events, but the Son did! We saw Jesus in Lynne Fleet as she helped organize the garage sale and recruit friends to bring their items. We saw Jesus in Bill Fleet who showed up at 6:30 (Danny was barely even up yet!) to set up and who stayed into the afternoon, keeping us company and driving hard bargains. We saw Jesus in all the couples from our small group and friends from school who donated really nice things to help the cause. We saw Jesus in the Fullers and the Arndts who bought the most expensive glasses of lemonade ever made! And we saw Jesus in the wave of people who came to the garage sale in the rain. If it hadn't been for the weather, I am convinced that I would have thought the whole day a success because of my amazing planning and forethought. However, once again I am humbled by the fact that God, and God alone, is the bringer of all good gifts. It is He who, by His grace, allowed our garage sale to be successful in the midst of a torrential downpour (slight embellishment!). By that afternoon, we had made $800! Jesus showed up in a mighty way!

But the day was not over yet! As soon as we finished cleaning up the garage sale, we headed off to Kids Movie Night at the church. Not knowing what to expect, we were amazed to have around 60 kids come to play games and watch a movie. We saw Jesus in the Stubblefields who gave up their night to help us entertain 60 young people. We saw Jesus in Addie, Merrell, Mallory C., Mackenzie, Morgan, Grace, and Mallory M. who also volunteered to help. We saw Jesus once again in all the families who brought their children and who gave so generously. When this event was over, we had raised another $2700!

For all you who participated yesterday and who donated so generously to help bring Asher home, we thank you with all that we have. We are humbled to be surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses. And we have seen Jesus through you. And we can't wait for Asher to see Jesus too. Because of your generosity, one day he will! I promise that we will tell him that because of your love for Jesus, you helped bring him home. He will know...

Danny and Bill hanging out on the sofa donated by the Clarks

Thank you, Lynne and Bill, for coming up with the idea!

Owen, Sylvie, Mary Ellis, and Annie manning the lemonade stand

Kids at Movie Night

Last night brought our fund raising escapades to a close. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Asher has been blessed by everyone's donations. But I must say that Danny and I have also been blessed to experience once again the sacrificial giving and love of God's people. It has changed our hearts and taught us what it means to love others well. Once again, we are humbled. Words cannot express this side of heaven just what everyone has meant to us, but please know that you have made a difference in the lives of ALL the Kecks. With much love,

Raining Cats and Dogs

2009-05-02T04:03:00.001-07:00

Well...the weather is yucky, but God is still good! I am off to get balloons for the garage sale signs. We have had to move all the items in the garage...quite a feat with a sofa, chair, coffee table, ficus tree, three sets of speakers, two guitars, paint ball and air soft supplies, a basketball goal, three baby seats, eight boxes of books, a bread maker, a tea set, racks of clothes, three tables of baby toys...you get the idea!

If you read this, please continue to pray for the weather and that God will bring people to our house anyway. Then, tonight Danny and I along with some friends are hosting Kids' Movie Night at the church. Pray for a good turnout there as well.

We are working hard and are tired, but ALL of it is worth it to bring our sweet boy home. I think of all of the things that Asher must have gone through in his short life, and I am ashamed to even be tired. In that sense, I am so thankful for the opportunity to work hard and to be tired and to feel "at odds." It gives me a glimpse into Asher's life as well as the lives of his little buddies. Thank you, God, for these opportunities to grow in you. Give me your grace today!

And bring the sun!

Two More for the Road

2009-04-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

New Pictures of Asher

2009-04-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

One of our students just got back from Uganda where she was able to meet Asher. Even though she didn't get to spend a lot of time with him, she was able to get a picture. Doesn't he look older than in any of the other pictures?

We also received an email from the U.S. foster coordinator for Amani who gave us a specific prayer request. I'm not sure I understand all the legal jargon, but I certainly appreciate any prayers that you all might lift on our and Asher's behalf, so here it is: please pray for the probation officer and a "clear moment on the docket to get [the custody papers] signed." We had received these papers early in the month and mailed them back to Uganda immediately. I have to confess that I thought the result would be quick and that we would have a court date in Uganda within the month. I am beginning to realize how ignorant I am of how the whole process runs and how the adoption may take longer than I originally thought. I can't tell you how much this hurts my soul. I really wanted to have Asher home at the beginning of the summer so that we could all get acclimated before school/work started back in the fall. It looks like it might take longer than that. Please pray for God's timing, no delays, and as Mary said, a "clear moment on the docket." I know that with God all things are possible and that nothing is too small. May He be glorified through the working out of these details! Your prayers and words of encouragement are so appreciated...and needed!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2009-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our family spent the entire weekend at the ball park...not playing, but working! Shelly and Bruce Francis, another couple from our school and church who are adopting, coordinate the local ball park's concession stand. They offered to let us work one of the stands as a fund raising opportunity, and we jumped at the chance! The kids love hanging out at the park, seeing their friends, and eating snickers! Thank you to Bruce and Shelly for thinking of us!

We have two other fund raisers coming up the weekend of May 2. Our small group from church came up with the idea of a garage sale, and they--along with other friends--have donated some great furniture, appliances, and accessories. Sylvie is planning on adding a lemonade/cookie stand to go with it! That same night (May 2) we are hosting a Parents' Night Out at the church for kids in K-5th grade. These are the last major fundraisers that we have planned, and we pray that God will multiply our efforts. So many people have helped us on this journey to bring Asher home. We stand in awe of what the Lord is doing! If you get the chance, come on over to the garage sale or the Parents' Night Out. We'd love to see you!

Things That Last

2009-04-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." I was thinking tonight about the only things that will not be "lost": the Word of God and the souls of men. May God give me the grace and strength to invest in these two things, above all others, with reckless abandonment.

Asher's Picture Book

2009-04-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

We know a young girl, Curry James (www.trustingalways.blogspot.com), who just left for Uganda to help Katie Davis at Amazima Ministries. While she is in Uganda, she will visit Asher's orphanage. Soooo...we put together a picture book for Curry to take to Asher while she is there. On the inside cover was this inscription:

This book belongs to
Samuel Asher Keck
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Inside the book was a group of pictures of each of us, our house, our dog, and Asher's room. While I wasn't able to get pictures of the book itself, I thought I would include a few of the pictures and the notes that each of us wrote to go inside.

Dear Asher,
I know I haven't met you yet, but I love you already! And I pray for you every night! We can't wait for you to come home. We have your room all ready for you!
Love, Mommy

Dear Asher,
We have been praying for you for a long time. I can't wait to play with you!
Love,
Daddy

Hey, Asher!
I am your oldest brother. I have been praying for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Love,
Mac

Hey, Asher!
I am excited to meet you! I hope you like your new room! I can't wait to have lots of fun with you.
Love your brother,
Owen

Asher,
I cannot wait until I meet you.
I love you,
Sylvie

As soon as Asher finds out that he has a forever family, they will give him his book. I cannot tell you how excited we are for him to find out. While we have been going through this adoption process, this thought has come to mind several times: I wonder if this is how God feels about us. He longs for us to know Him, and yet we go through our day sometimes barely aware of His presence, let alone spending quality time with Him. And I know how much I want to shower Asher with love and affection. It's humbling to think that my Heavenly Father feels that same way about me. And while I can't possibly understand it all this side of Heaven, I am beginning to feel His longing for a child that doesn't know Him. This whole adoption process has helped me understand my own orphaned state before God drew me to Himself. And as much as I want Asher to meet his forever mommy and daddy, I can't wait to introduce him to his Heavenly Father!

Games and Parties and Hunts, Oh My!

2009-04-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day for the Keck family! We had two soccer games, one birthday party, and an Easter egg hunt extraordinaire! While I didn't get any pictures of the soccer games (sorry, Owen!), I did get a few shots of the rest of the activities!

First stop: Andrea's house to pick up some Pampered Chef goodies. Sweet Andrea had a goody bag all ready for Sylvie!

Second stop: Sarah's birthday party...the theme? Bunnies, of course!

Third stop: Myers' Easter Egg Hunt! There was something for every "bunny"!

Food and friends...

Basketball for the big kids...

Dying eggs for the little kids...

Even bunnies...

And they're off!

We had a blast!

And now we're off to get ready for bed in anticipation of the greatest day of our Christian faith. Christ is risen indeed! Happy Resurrection Day!

Post From Owen

2009-04-10T18:17:00.001-07:00

This morning Philip invited me to his house. When he came to pick me up, he had a surprise for our family. His mom explained that an incident happened to Philip’s dad and they got some spare money, and Philip chose to give it to us to help bring Asher home. When I saw the envelope, I felt shocked and excited that he would take the money that he could spend on anything and choose to support Asher with it instead. I am glad that my friends care about Asher.

Owen

A Picture of God's Provision

2009-04-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to pick up the check from our Chick-Fil-A night with the Francises, and the manager said that it was the highest-grossing Spirit Night they have ever had...and did I mention that we spent the entire evening under a tornado warning? Friends who braved the storm to come by Chick-Fil-A told us of two 18-wheelers that were overturned on the interstate just down the road. Now that is some serious support going on! Thank you again to ALL of you who came by. There is NO family like the CPA/CPC family. We could not have done it without you!

Many of you have asked how much money we raised that night. If we add up the receipts from eating, the donating bucket, and general donations that were made by friends and family, Danny and I raised 3,160! Can you believe it? This was just enough money to pay our next fee to the orphanage as well as to finish paying for our I600A. I am reminded that God promises to meet our DAILY needs, not our weekly or monthly, and I am learning what it means to rely on Him on a day-to-day basis. We do not know what the future holds for us on this journey, but we are learning to wait on the Lord. Not only that, but we are EXCITED to see what the Lord has in store for us and for Asher. He has already changed our hearts so much; He has already brought a "great cloud of witnesses" to walk with us and support us.

Asher is truly blessed to be coming home to this group of people. His homecoming is everyone's homecoming. I envision sitting in church that first Sunday home with Asher and looking around at all the people who helped bring him home, and I think that this is what Heaven is going to be like when we get there: a cloud of witnesses standing on the road and cheering us on! It's a beautiful picture, isn't it?

Blessed

2009-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sitting in church this morning and listening to the choir sing "Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord," I watched as our children's choir processed in waving palm branches. Members of the congregation were craning to get a glimpse of these precious children walking by, and their parents were beaming with pride. I even saw one of the grown-up helpers squatting as he processed in so that he would be the same height as the little ones. I have always loved watching the children sing and worship in church, but this Sunday in particular, I just wept. I could feel and see how much our church family loved these children; the love filled the room. And my mind went to Asher and his friends at the orphanage. They have no forever family to shower them with love this morning. They do not know what it feels like to have a community pledge to help raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Oh, how I wanted to have Asher with me and to hug him close. Oh, how I long for him to have his forever family!

If you are reading this, will you please pray with me for the children at Amani this morning? Will you please pray that just as God used His power to raise Jesus from the dead, He will use His spirit to comfort and build up these children? That He will put a hedge of protection around them? That He will give the workers at Amani a double portion of His blessing today? My heart aches for these children who are alone, but not as much their Father's heart.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)

What a Night!

2009-04-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a night! Danny and I were worried with the tornado warnings that we would be the only ones eating "mor chikin," but boy, were we wrong! Thank you, friends and family, for coming out tonight in the terrible weather and helping us bring Asher home. You all were amazing! Chick-Fil-A said it was the largest Spirit Night that they can remember. I don't know about that; I just know that I have never felt so much love and support in my life. Danny and I are humbled and taken aback by all those who came by. Our words just cannot thank you enough! We still don't know the total yet, but we know the bottom line: we are lucky to live in this community with this group of friends for such a time as this. We cannot wait to share with Asher how all of you loved and supported him. We are thankful beyond words. Here's just a glimpse of the love we felt tonight:

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." (Psalm 145:3)

This One's My Favorite!

2009-04-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

I think I've mentioned this, but every day I get more and more pictures of Asher from sweet people who have volunteered at Amani in the past. This is the latest picture...and my personal favorite!

P.S. Let me also mention that teaching middle schoolers on April Fools Day can be quite entertaining...my husband's room was turned into a sculpture of desks that had been saran wrapped and duck taped together...I found my stapler in a mold of congealed jello (yep! Just like The Office!)...Let me tell you, 8th graders know how to play a practical joke! And we love them! (the 8th graders, not the jokes)

Projects and Toys

2009-03-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

I know I said that I wouldn't post until Thursday when I had pictures from our first fundraiser, but I got so excited today that I had to post early. It is really rather silly, but I made a run to the Parent Teacher Store to pick up some supplies for a project for Sylvie, and I found so many fun things for Asher! They had several new games/toys that had won all kinds of awards...elephant stacking blocks (you'll just have to trust me on this one...very original!) and a miniature thematic sand box (with construction, zoo, or dinosaur pieces) about the size of a monopoly box that comes with its own sand. I have to admit, I felt like I did when I was pregnant and would swoon over baby clothes...and I got so excited! We haven't even begun buying clothes or accessories for our little guy yet, but when we do, I'm going back to the Parent Teacher Store and picking up some of these fun new toys! I can't wait to share all these experiences with our little guy! Hurry home, Asher!

Eat Mor Chikin!

2009-03-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, folks, we are having our first fundraiser this Thursday night, April 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Chick-Fil-A in Brentwood. We are so thankful that the adoption process is moving so quickly, but because of that, we need to raise the money even more quickly! Soooo...if you eat at Chick-Fil-A in Brentwood this Thursday night, the manager will donate a percentage of the sales to help fund our adoption as well as the adoption of our good friends, the Francises. Our whole family will be there, and you might even catch Danny in an apron and serving food! We would love to see you all and give you a big hug! Hope to see you there! Remember...Eat Mor Chickin! We'll be sure and post pictures from that night as soon as we can.

We just filed our I600 A over the weekend (that was a big one!). We are still waiting on custody papers from Uganda. If things continue to move along, we are looking at mid-summer to bring Asher home! Please pray that the process will go as smoothly as possible, that paper work will flow quickly, and that we can bring Asher home in early summer. We continue to get emails from some dear people who have volunteered at Amani. They have blessed us with stories and pictures of Asher from the time he first came to the orphanage...priceless stories and pictures that we will cherish forever. We haven't even met the little guy, but we feel like we already know him. I think some of that is from the stories, and some of that is from God Himself. Like I said earlier, it's hard to explain, but there is now this empty place in our family that Asher is meant to fill. I think it's just God's way of preparing our family for this new arrival.

I'll post again on Thursday with pictures from our Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser. If you're from this area, we'd love to see you!

Blessings,

Our Spring Break Trip to France

2009-03-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Over Spring Break, Danny and I took a group from our school to France. Not only did we see all the breathtaking and romantic tourist attractions, but we also visited many World War I and World War II sights. It was quite an education for me! Here are just a few of the pictures:

It's All Yours

2009-03-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope, like the sun, is fading
And they're waiting for a cure no one can find
And I hear children's voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I am reminded that every child in Africa is yours
And It's all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours...
You're the Maker and Keeper and Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours...

I love these lyrics by Stephen Curtis Chapman! Every time I look at the picture below, I think of this song about the dirt roads of Uganda, and I thank God that each one of these beautiful children belongs to Him. I pray for healing and restoration for these orphans who, even though they may not have an earthly father, still have a Heavenly Father Who loves them beyond measure.

(God is restoring! All four of these boys have forever families now! Asher is on the far left and Judah is second from the right!)

Here he is!

2009-03-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

With the help of a sweet friend, we have some pictures of Asher!

(Asher in his coat of many colors!)

(Asher is on the right in an orange shirt.)

I cannot tell you the excitement that Danny, the kids, and I are feeling! We have pictures to go with a name! Not only that, but we just heard that one of Owen's friends, Michael, got to play soccer with Asher while he was in Uganda over Spring Break. Michael described Asher as "outgoing" and "joyful"... joyful! Can you believe it? One of our friends went to Uganda for Spring Break and just happened to meet our son! God is so big! When we first started on this journey, Danny and I had no idea that God was bringing together so many different families; we just knew He had called us. Now we see three, perhaps more, families being drawn to adopt from this same orphanage on the other side of the world. We see dozens of families giving their time, gifts, and money to help these children. I cannot wait to see all that God has planned for our little neck of the woods in His Kingdom work.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

We Have Our Referral!

2009-03-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

We just got in town last night from our Spring Break trip to France where we had an amazing time with the families who went with us (Look for pictures soon!). When I got home, I happened to reread my last blog and was blown away by God's faithfulness. Let me explain...

As soon as we reached the U.S. and got our phone to work, I called sweet Mary with Amani. That's when I heard the good news...we had a referral! She told me the little boy's name is Asherife (sometimes spelled Asheraff) and described him as a "precious" and "sweet" child. She told me that a few days ago, Asherife came up to the director of Amani with a big smile on his face and told her that he was getting on an airplane and going on a trip! She said this was rather amazing as he doesn't even know he has a forever family yet. While I laughed and giggled when I heard this, I don't think I realized the significance of Asherife's words until I got home and read the last line of my last blog written the night before the left: "And, God, please let our son know we will be there soon." Wow! We prayed that he would know we were coming, and the next week he tells the ladies at the orphanage he's going home. Thank you, God, for answering prayers!

Danny and I have decided to keep Asherife's name since he was old enough to remember it when he came to the orphanage. Therefore, we are going to call him Samuel Asher Keck: Samuel, after Hannah's son whose name means "Heard of God"; and Asher, short for Asherife and the name of one of the twelve tribes of Judah. Just as He did with Hannah, God has truly heard our hearts and answered our prayers!

We don't know anything else right now, but we are supposed to get more info soon. Tears come to my eyes as I am overwhelmed by God's faithfulness. We can't wait for you to meet our new son, Samuel Asher Keck!

Wealth Beyond Measure

2009-03-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

We leave for Spring Break tomorrow, and we still do not have our referral. In an effort to be "close" to our son, I find myself searching Amani's website and looking for pictures of these beautiful children, and I am struck by something extraordinary: though living with very little material possessions and comforts of this world, these children are singing, laughing, and smiling those amazing smiles! They are filled with joy! These pictures remind me of a passage I just read from Tozer's The Pursuit of God:

When the Lord divided Canaan among the tribes of Israel, Levi received no share of the land. God said to him simply, “I am thy part and thine inheritance,” and by those words made him richer than all his brethren, richer than all the kings and rajas who have ever lived in the world. And there is a spiritual principle here, a principle still valid for every priest of the Most High God.
The man who has God for his treasure has all things....Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go,...he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight.

I am reminded that I too have been an orphan and that I have now been given a rich inheritance! Whether in Africa or America, our riches are not in the things of this world. God, thank you for your love, grace, and mercy! Please give the children at Amani a double portion of Your great wealth today! Let them know they are dearly loved. And let our son know we will be there soon...

Toilet Paper, Police, and Doughnuts

2009-03-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

At one o’clock in the morning, our doorbell rang. It was the police. Behind them we saw our yard covered in toilet paper…and I mean our entire yard! The police wanted to know if we were going to press charges. We just laughed. This is the sort of thing that happens when you teach middle schoolers! We woke the next morning at 7:00 a.m. to this sight:

And this...

Have I told you that we absolutely LOVE our jobs?! We love these kids and their precious families! And we love the doughnuts they brought us for breakfast! It was a fun morning! I cannot wait for our forever son to join this crazy bunch!

Sam and Esther

2009-03-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

I first saw this video on someone else’s facebook page (thank you, Suzanne and Karen!), and it was another one of those moments that God used to break my heart and turn it toward Uganda. I must admit, though, it is VERY difficult to watch. Yet, I can honestly say that, after watching it, I am forever changed. I pray that I will never forget Sam and Esther and the millions of children in their same situation. It is hard for me to fathom that we live in a country where food goes wasted in my pantry, where my children fight over what dessert to eat, where I stop for Starbucks whenever I want, and yet there are children literally starving in the dusty roads of Africa. Before I watched this video, I felt that Danny and I could not financially support another child, that it wouldn’t be “responsible” for us to take on more than we could afford. Now, I look at what we can and cannot afford differently: we cannot afford to sit in our house and store up treasures for ourselves while God’s children are dying; we cannot afford to say we will pray for the hungry and the homeless without being willing to help. God tells us that whatever we do for the least of His children, we do for Him. His children are calling…

Good News From Amani

2009-03-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

We received some great news last night. Danny and I had originally been told that we would have to make two to three trips to Uganda—and one of those for four weeks—before we could bring our son home. Not only was this going to be expensive, it was going to be hard to orchestrate with school and children. Well, last night we got an email from Mary, the U.S. foster coordinator for Amani, and she said that now we only have to make ONE trip, and that will be when we have our court date. This is truly a blessing for our family! Hopefully, the timing will be such that we can go during the summer.

On another note, we have some good friends (check out “Joining the Journey”) who are going to Kampala, Uganda, over Spring Break to work with Katie at Amazima Ministries. I would LOVE to be matched before that time so that we could send a care package with goodies and pictures. I can’t believe that Suzanne and the gang will actually get to meet our son in less than one week! They promise to bring back lots of pictures. Join me as I pray for their trip and the orphans whom they will serve while they are there. And pray that we have our match by then!

I will end with the words that close every email from Mary: It is with praise and thankful hearts that we stand in awe of what the Lord has done!

How God Moved This Mountain

2009-03-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

For me, it began at Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb” concert when Bebo Norman shared about Compassion International. Then, in January, Katie Davis came to speak to our school about her ministry called Amazima and how God was moving in Uganda. I can tell you that God met me there in that sanctuary and before we left, the seeds for adopting from this beautiful country had been planted.

I don’t think I was completely aware, though, of how God had also been working in Danny’s heart. Danny spent a week last summer at an orphanage in Honduras, and since that time, he too was opening up to the idea of adoption. So, when I came home and told him that I felt God calling us to adopt, he was right there with me.

However, I really saw God’s hand in the whole event when I attended a women’s retreat at our church two weeks later. I was able to catch up with a dear friend of mine, Lindsay Doyle, who had just moved to St. Louis so her husband could finish seminary. When I told her that Danny and I were thinking about adopting from Uganda, she began to cry. She and Ryan had been wrestling with the same decision! I told her about Erin Littleton, a sister in Christ who first told us about Amani Baby Cottage, and Lindsay promised to check into it. It has only been one month since that conference, but we have both been approved to adopt from Amani! Not only that, but we should have our referrals within a few weeks, and we should have our children home by this summer!

God truly can move mountains! His timing is perfect! And He is mighty to save!

2009-03-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Although it has only been a few weeks since I heard Katie Davis (check out Amazima Ministries) share her testimony with our high school students, it seems like a lifetime ago. In just that short amount of time, God has turned our hearts--and our family!--upside down. Did you know that there are 147 million orphans in the world? That a child dies of malaria every 30 seconds? And it is preventable? God has used so many people and events to turn our eyes toward His children in Uganda that we cannot look away. Instead, we are going...we are going to bring back our son! I know how crazy this must sound to those of you who have not walked this journey with us, but our eyes have been opened to a need that we feel compelled to meet. It's amazing how once God puts a burden on your heart, He changes your heart to make room for the change! A family that felt complete just two months ago is now longing for another son/brother to make it whole again. We cannot wait!

"...once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Prov. 24:12