Adoption Update...First Home Study Interview

We're so excited about beginning the adoption process! We've chosen an agency, America World Adoption, and are beginning our home study with them now. We had our first interview on August 27...it was a joint interview with Corey and me. The boys were there too, but were not interviewed during this one. We're actually going to be keeping a time line of our adoption process on the right column of our blog...you can check there to see where we are in the process! We've also added a "Donate" button if you'd like to be part of our journey in that way. We are hoping to be very open during our process...we know that many of our friends and family may have questions and we want to answer as many of those as possible, so feel free to ask!

Caleb's First Season of Football

This year, Caleb decided that he would rather play football instead of soccer. A little apprehensive, we decided to let him make that choice himself...he was so excited! He is playing Upward Flag Football, which teaches Biblical principles along with the sport of football...we're looking forward to a wonderful first season! Corey is the assistant coach for Caleb's team...Coach Corey is a busy man this season with two boys playing sports!

Bennett...Soccer Star!

• Well, after watching his big brother play for two seasons, Bennett was ready and very excited to start playing soccer! He was so glad to know that his dad was his coach...Here are a few pics of his first practice."Are we ready for a great season?!" "Yeah!"

Maplewood's Community Open House

We've been in our new building since Easter Sunday, however we scheduled our Community Open House for August 22 from 2-4...as an opportunity for us to share with those around us all that the Lord has done and to tell of His faithfulness! It also allowed those who attend other churches and would not be able to come for worship to celebrate with us. We still have a few projects we're finishing up. One of those we wanted completed before the open house was our church library. Our ladies who work in the library do such a wonderful job...it truly is a great resource for families! So here are a few pics of the library move-in day and the open house!

Evansville, Indiana Triathlon

Corey set fitness goals for himself over a year ago that included an Olympic distance triathlon (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile-10k run) this year along with a full marathon (coming in December). He and Fred chose this particular triathlon in Evansville because it is one of the few within driving distance that happen on Saturday instead of Sunday, which is kind of important in their line of work, hehe! It was a great accomplishment, but a very frustrating day for them. They were very disappointed to learn right before the race began that the distance for the run was being cut short (3.1 mile-5k distance) due to the extreme heat. It added to the frustration when Corey got a flat tire on his bike at mile 17...he finished the last eight miles on a flat tire! He was at a personal best record pace on his time before it happened, too. I'm so proud that he continued and finished the race although he was exhausted from the added strain of the flat.It's so much like life...sometimes things don't meet up to our expectations, there are unexpected trials and challenges along the way. However, God commands us to finish the race...to be dedicated and committed to our goal: to live a life that glorifies our Father. Have you given up on the race due to the frustrations you have encountered? Remember, we aren't called to come in first...just to finish faithfully...so if you've stopped, get running!

The boys also got to compete in a kids' fun run...they were super proud of their medals!And I received a wonderful gift from the Lord at the race! As you can see in the pictures, I wore my Honduras jersey. This led to a conversation with this young lady who shared with me that she was adopted from Honduras as a baby! I've never met anyone adopted from Honduras because it is very uncommon...we had just determined for sure that we were going to definitely pursue international adoption and specifically Honduras a few days before. It is a country where adoption is rare (only 10 to American families last year), so I truly believe that God allowed me to meet this precious young lady, who encouraged me so much in our decision to adopt, in order to ease my worries and strengthen our resolve to pursue His will for our family. He knew what I needed. Isn't He just amazing like that?! He blows my mind :)

A Busy, Wonderful Week of Ministry

The first full week of school was also the week of the Henry County Fair this year. Our church has two community ministries we have planned the past several years. One of those is the Back to School Prayer Breakfast. We host this at the Western District Association office and invite those from churches around our community. We pray for each teacher, administrator and board member in our city and county schools by name on the first Monday of school. It is such a neat way to start the school year! The ladies in our church bring all types of breakfast foods, and then after the breakfast, we take food to all the school and school boards to let them know we're praying for them...Loving God, Loving Others, For His Glory!The next day we set up for our Henry County Fair booth where our church members hand out bottles of water on Wednesday through Saturday night. It is just a way of showing the love of God to those in our community. This year, it was such a hot week, and I think people were especially appreciative. The boys helped us purchase the 1,000+ bottles of water and even worked together to push a full cart themselves...loved the picture! It was such a busy start to the school year, but what better way to begin than by serving others!

Happy Birthday, Clayton!!!

After leaving Martin, we headed back to Paris for a fun birthday party for our buddy, Clayton! Our boys have been so blessed to have such wonderful friends in the Shackelford boys. Here are a few pics of the festivities at McDonalds...one of their very favorite places!

Time with Family

We've been trying to find a time to go see my aunt, uncle and cousins in Martin...it finally happened, and Jeremy and his precious fiance, Melissa, were there as well! We had a short but sweet time together...family is truly a blessing from the Lord! Even though we don't get to see them often, I always enjoy the times when we do!

Back to School!

Caleb started first grade...hard to believe! We did our traditional back-to-school shopping to get his school supplies and new shoes. Then we got to meet his sweet teacher, Mrs. Christy. We're looking forward to another wonderful year!