As for me, I know of nothing else but miracles. - Walt Whitman

Friday, August 26, 2016

Life-Saving Surgery Needed!!!


For years, my friend Tom graciously served hundreds of orphans in Ethiopia. He was the guard and one of the “special fathers” at the transition home in Addis Ababa where my twin sons used to live, and his joy, love, gentleness, and humility were evident to everyone he met. Tom tirelessly sat by the side of sick children, was always ready to donate his blood when a child needed a transfusion, played football with the older kids, cuddled the babies, cut the boys’ hair, and protected every person who passed through the home’s gates. To know Tom is to love him, and my family is privileged to call him a dear friend.

Currently, Tom (29 years old) is fighting for his life. When Tom was a boy, he contracted a parasite from the unclean water to which he was exposed. Unfortunately, his condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed, and progressed to the point of being life-threatening. Several years ago, Tom traveled to Thailand for surgery to correct the problem; however, his health has deteriorated rapidly since then and the operation needs to be done again. Sadly, it cannot be performed safely in Ethiopia, and he must travel to Thailand soon once more as he is deathly ill. The surgeon estimates that the operation alone will cost around $28,000 to $30,000 USD. Travel costs for Tom and a companion, accommodations, testing, medicine, and recovery/follow-up appointments are extra, so our goal is to raise $42,000 for Tom. While at first glance this may seem unreachable, God loves doing the impossible and I am confident He will provide.

How can you help?

11.   Pray
-for peace and comfort for Tom as he walks through this valley once again
-that the Lord will sustain Tom’s health so he can travel to Thailand for this life-saving surgery
-that the monetary goal would be reached
-that every detail will fall into place

22.  Share
-share the need with everyone you know via FaceBook, Twitter, email, blogs, etc.

-Tom has impacted many adoptive families by selflessly caring for their children. In the USA, we are blessed to have the resources and medical care that we need. Will you consider sharing your blessings so that this dear man’s life can be saved?

“When saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:39-40

Thank you, and may God bless you!


Today...

This guy is 14 today! Happy birthday, Adrian! We hope you have a wonderful day...we love you SO much!

 Shana got her driver's permit today!

Jalen and Jordan were supposed to dress up as their favorite fairy tale characters for school today. They decided they wanted to be the Billy Goats Gruff!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

9 Months!

Mr. Q is 9 months old today! He is so adorable, and we love him more each day. My baby boy is truly a gift from God!

August 25, 2016
Quintin Bennett
17 lbs, 13 oz. 
28 1/4 inches long





Monday, August 22, 2016

August...

Sauder's Village with cousins and grandma and grandpa...








A little man that is starting to do all kinds of new things...



 A visit from cousin Kayden...


Cute little baby butts and snuggles...



Well-dressed gents...




 More cousin time...



Paper shoes handcrafted by Jalen...


Q loves to stick out his tongue because he knows that I find it stinkin' cute...


Boys who love their electronic time...

 Skye, one of our baby goats, was on the brink of death. No one thought she would make it, but these 2 animal lovers nursed her back to health. They feed her a bottle several times a day, and now she is strong and running around with the other goats once again. These guys are dedicated!

Kisses from Mr. Quin...

Adrian adores his baby bro...

A new school year, and new teachers for Jalen and Jordan. This is the first year they've been in different classes.



Thursday, August 18, 2016

There They Go Again!

Summer is over, and the kiddos are back to school! 

This year, Shana is in the 10th grade.

Adrian is an 8th grader.

Ashton is now in middle school...6th grade.

Malia is finishing up elementary school in the 5th grade.

Jalen is in 2nd grade.

Jordan is also a 2nd grader.

There they go! Have a great school year, everyone!