Recently...

 Malia completed her first vendor market selling her Prayer Buddies stuff! She did so well, and I am so proud of her! I enjoyed helping her, talking to people, and being able to tell them about Malia's little business and how 100% of the profits go to children in Ethiopia. 

Here was our cutest little customer:

We have been enjoying the fire and Christmas lights on cold nights.

Last week we had a traditional Ethiopian meal with injera, shiro, and beef tibs! Yum!

Happy Birthday! And Happy Thanksgiving!

 Today on Thanksgiving Day, Quintin turned 6! Happy birthday, buddy! We love you so much! XOXO

My mom and dad came over for the day, and we enjoyed lots of food and played games. 

Happy Thanksgiving! There is SO much to thank our Lord for! 

As of Late...

 We celebrated an early Thanksgiving with Chris's family.

Malia visited the Ark Encounter with the single group and got to meet Ken Ham.

Shana and Malia have been hard at work getting ready for some upcoming vendor markets. How did I get such amazing girls? They have both started their own businesses that give back to the people of Ethiopia. If you're shopping with a purpose for Christmas this year, consider https://arayaaloe.com/ and https://prayerschangelives.square.site/.

Beautiful fall colors are still hanging around...

On Saturday, I got to spend a few hours with my friend Suzi. She was "supposed" to be in Haiti, and I was "supposed" to be on a plane heading to Ethiopia, but God knew that we were supposed to get together. It was so good to catch up a bit and hear about her family's experience in the middle of Haiti's most recent earthquake. God miraculously spared their lives. 💝

The days have gotten colder and I decorated for Christmas!

A Decade!

One decade ago, on 11/11/11, we left for Ethiopia to bring home our twin sons. Over the last 10 years, God has changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have fathomed back then. We are so grateful for Jalen and Jordan and all the beautiful things they have added to our family. ❤️🇪🇹

Thank you!

 On Saturday, we held our 9th annual orphan care silent auction. Marisa from AGCI came to talk to us about the All God’s Children International and Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope. I so wish we could be leaving next week to visit the House of Hope in person, but we had to cancel our trip due to the current civil war in Ethiopia. Please keep praying for that amazing country and all the people we love there! Also, a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our silent auction. Altogether, over $20,000 was donated to help vulnerable children in Ethiopia!

Good Morning!

Today’s cotton candy sunrise is brought to you by the Master Artist. He is ALWAYS faithful! 

It's November Already!

 Last Friday, the kids didn't have school. We went to Sandusky on Thursday evening and spent the night at Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate Jalen, Jordan, and Quintin's birthdays.

The boys had fun with this wig that they found at grandma's house.

We got our shed floor polished! Now to paint the walls as soon as we get the heating system put in.

Shana, Darci and I are supposed to leave in 2 1/2 weeks for Ethiopia. However, yesterday Ethiopia declared a state of emergency as the TPLF (northern army) moves toward Addis Ababa to attack. it looks like we may have to cancel our trip, but we will see what the next couple of weeks brings. Please say a prayer for all of our friends and the people of Ethiopia!🙏🇪🇹

Quintin was very proud of this bridge he built in school. He worked hard on it!