Two More for the Road

New Pictures of Asher

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!

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

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

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!

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

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