Redman Family Life

Online Auction

2011-07-26T21:52:00.002-05:00

Please take a moment and check out our online auction to benefit a boy from Liberia. Thank you!

Global Orphan Outreach

Father's Day

2011-06-23T00:48:00.000-05:00

The kids got their dad a grill for Father's Day. It is a beautiful grill with 6 burners, and so large that we don't have to grill in shifts anymore. We appreciate the grill, but as I look at this picture I realize how blessed we have been over the years. Seven beautiful kids with 7 different personalities. Each special and unique. Each enriching our lives more than anything else ever could. One precious grandbaby who has us all wrapped around her itty, bitty finger. This is a good season of life! We're gonna miss this!

The new grill

The first meal off the new grill.

YUM!

2011-05-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

One of these days I will catch up with posting on a regular basis. Recently, our school kids displayed their artwork at an end of year show. Here is something that Kayla did. It's one of her friends. Great job, Kayla!

My Son's First School

2011-02-23T23:38:00.000-06:00

I have been getting ready to start planning the Walkathon for this summer now, and truthfully I am alittle bit nervous about it. Last year we raised enough money for 26 kids to be put into school. What if we can't raise enough money to send them all back?? What if I have to tell some of them that they won't be able to go? What if? I want to see each child back in school to continue their education. I guess I am going to have to change my thinking (worrying) about it and just keep on keeping on and pressing toward that goal. Still......Anyway, as I was thinking of all this walk stuff, I look back and remember another little boy who was once in school in Liberia just like these children. What if he was the one right now waiting on me? He is home now but there is still so much more we can do for the kids still in Liberia. What about you? Will you join me this year in helping these children stay in school? We could use your help! If you haven't checked out our walk blog click here and come see what we have been up to. And then click back here and see where my son spent his first year of school.
Name of School: Catherine Reese Preparatory School
Location of School: Du-Port Rd., Paynesville Community
Year of Establishment: 1997
Principal: Gbalee Nyogbe

While Catherine Reese Preparatory School is not a school we are currently working with, it is an important school to our family. This school is my son's first school. This is a part of him and a time in his life that we did not share with him. These are the pictures we will put in his Lifebook.

This is where my son used to walk to school every day. It is the building and the people that gave him his first glimpse of the world around him.

This is the group of children that attend this school. Some of these children went to school with my son. He played with them and I am sure fought with them and learned alongside of them.

His day would start with lining up like this for morning devotions,

and the pledge to their flag. Probably a song or two (or three, knowing the culture of Liberia).

He would have played a game of soccer (or football in Liberia) for sure with these guys. His competitive little 5 or 6 year old self would have hated to quit the game in order to go back to study.

I can picture his cute little face sitting in the room learning his ABC's and how to spell Teddy.

And another break for Phy-Ed class. Oh this would have been at the top of his list too!

Students heading back to class with Principal Nyogbe close behind.

I don't know if these are all the same teachers that were there when Teddy was there but most likely some of them taught my son. And although we will never know all of Teddy's history, we know that the people that invested into his life when he was in Liberia have shaped who he is today. I am thankful.

Teddy with his teacher now. She is an awesome teacher and Teddy loves her class!

Snow + Boys = Fun

2011-02-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

It's Been Cold!

2011-02-06T01:35:00.002-06:00

So when the weather outside is nothing but cold, cold, COLD, I guess you just have to get out there and try to enjoy it. That's what Teddy and I (and the other kids in 3rd grade) tried to do on Friday. And, we actually had a really good time! What did you do, you ask? We went snowshoeing! Here's me with my ultra cool snowshoes.

And this would be our small group of rambunctious (ok, ok, mine was the only rambunctious one!) kids who were going to show us old folks how snowshoeing is really done!

So mine, (yeah that spunky little one there) raced down the hill and ended up like this....hehehe,and then the humble, "can you help me back up?" came.

So, off we go again, this time NOT needing to be the leader of the pack!

As we were strolling along at a pretty good pace, we discovered........

These! Real or not real? That is the question.

Stopping for a break (solely for the kids of course!) Me causing a little bit of trouble. But he was asking for it! That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

The snowball stayed up there, but it's hard to see.

Off we go again, this time over the water. Errr, should I say we were heading toward the water.

This happy little group at the end of adventure........

ended up looking like this! Mine totally fell asleep when he got home. Me? No nap for the old lady! I guess you are only as old as you feel....WAIT.....

So, now that I ventured out in the below zero temps and had my fun, I am ready for spring to sprung! You know what I mean! :)

Albert is growing!

2011-01-30T16:50:00.001-06:00

What a handsome little guy!

2011-01-03T22:17:00.003-06:00

An important part of our Christmas decorating every year is to put up our Liberian nativity set. I love setting it up. It is one of my favorite carvings brought back from Liberia. As I was getting ready to wrap it up and put it away for another year I got to thinking...I also have this one..

This particular set was shipped from Liberia and the staff was broken when it arrived. We glued it back together with wood glue and tucked all the pieces away and left it in a box. So, I thought instead of storing it longer maybe I should offer it here. So here's my offer..if you make a donation for a child to go to school (25.00 would cover the cost of one child to attend Lightstream Academy) then I will send you this nativity set. If there is anyone out there who might like this as a keepsake from Liberia, leave me a comment and donation and I will send it to you! Thanks!

Back to Blogging

2010-12-22T20:57:00.000-06:00

I will be back to blogging.......soon, I hope. I have had my main computer crash completely, switched to another one which got tripped over and broke the screen beyond repair. Now I have this one. Hopefully, I will have things all switched over in the coming week or two.....What did we ever do before all this technology?

Back to School

2010-09-03T11:10:00.001-05:00

Once again summer has flown right by. Another school year has come. We have packed our backpacks and taken the "First Day of School" pictures by the bus and sitting at their desks with their teachers by their side. The kids are excited. The first day of school one of them came home and said, "We have the best teachers in the whole world!" Indeed, they do. Kids that attend school in America are truly blessed.

In another small country just across the ocean, school is starting for them as well. There is excitement buzzing around for our new students. They truly appreciate the opportunity given them this year! This year we launch our school scholarship program. We started by raising funds from our walkathon. With the help from generous supporters we were able to get our program up and running. I am excited each time I receive an application with a picture of our children attached. I am praying for each student according to their needs. I know that God has a plan for each of them and it is my joy to be a part of their lives! I hope to update you with new pictures of them in their desks too!

I wanted to update you with a couple of praises:
1. We are enrolling more students than previously thought,
2. We found a school to work with who is working alongside the Ministry of Education and also accredited with them for 50USD per school year! The kids will have uniforms, shoes and tuition! Did you know that most schools will cost 100+USD per year in Liberia?
3. This week our local Girl Scout Troops donated enough school supplies for 15 students! It looks like our students are prepared......ALMOST.

HOW YOU CAN STILL HELP:
We would love to be able to give each student a backpack for their supplies. They were blessed with crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, rulers, glue, etc. We currently don't have backpacks to enable them to carry their things. Our students do ALOT of walking to and from school. I know of one child who walks 4 miles! With school supplies being clearanced now, it is a great time to purchase one for a very reasonable price. If you would be willing to send one (or 3 or 4), we would sure appreciate it. They are needed this month so that we can meet the trip deadline in the beginning of October. We would take gift cards or cash donations to buy them here ourselves if you prefer.
*Note: We will take used ones IF they are clean and not ripped.

Please send your donation to:
Julie Redman
611 South Ridge Drive
Stratford, Wisconsin
54484

any questions? call 715-687-4474 or 651-491-0158

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

2010-07-14T22:43:00.007-05:00

Remember Mark? Yeah, this guy below who helped me learn so much about Liberia and took every step of our adoption journey with us? Well.......

He now has a son of his own!!

And what an adorable little guy is he!

And baby with mom, Albertina

His name is Albert, after mom. Albert means Noble and Famous. I can't wait to meet little Albert! He is so precious!! I wonder what life in Liberia will look like for him during the next years of his life. It is going to be awesome to watch him grow!

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.....

2010-07-13T23:20:00.008-05:00

JUSTIN: "Just and Upright"

KIRSTEN: "Christian"
GRACIE: "Grace"

KAYLA: "Pure"

JOSEPH: "He Shall Add"

KARISSA: "Beloved"

TEDDY: "God's Gift"

JEFFREY: "God's Peace"

We did it!

2010-06-26T21:45:00.019-05:00

Well, we DID IT! We managed to walk 5 miles (and burn ourselves in the process) for Liberia. We had a nice group show up for our very first walk. The goal of this walk was to bring awareness to the needs of school children in Liberia. The other goal, of course was to raise a little cash to actually SEND some of those kids to school. We did raise some...$1,000.00!!! Not bad for starting this just WEEKS before the actual walk! Next year I will start much earlier! This is a picture of all of us before the walk started.

Not long into our walk (say a block!) we had some that needed a potty break. So, just a picture of all of us standing around waiting.

Donna's girl, Gracie. Gorgeous as always!

Letting the teens lead us?? Hmm, I jumped in front. Seriously, we had a nice group of teens show up and how cool that we see young people caring about others!

Some walkers taking a break after the long 5 miles. We did not hear ONE complaint all the way there. Awesome.

A few of the teens relaxing after the walk.

Bryan and Ben Kangar probably glad they are done.

Ben is from Liberia. He now lives in the states but knows well what it is like to be educated in Liberia. He spoke for us and did an amazing job! He is currently pastoring a Calvary Chapel church and the church body there is looking forward to what the future holds for supporting Liberia. Ben has been wonderful in helping people "catch the vision". Thanks Ben, for joining us and making the walk successful! Side note* Do you see any resemblance to Bill Cosby here??

Just had to add this picture of Teddy here. Curious George is what I was thinking as I took this picture. He loves his big brother Joe!

Here we are soaking in all that Ben had to say. I can't speak for everybody but I was brought to a new reality of how blessed we were to have an American education. One of the punishments he talked of was that if you showed up late to school you were to put your fingers all together and then the teacher would slap you with something on the tops of them. He also talked about the corruption of having to "buy a grade" or "buy another test". There are so many ways in which Liberia is different than our school systems. One of the great things about theirs is that they have to teach Bible there. I love the fact the children are learning about God's love for them. They are blessed with that freedom still.

Our local public school system donated the school bus to drive everyone back into town. Another great point that Ben brought mention to was that in Liberia the kids don't take a bus, they walk. Thus, the reason for all of us to walk.

another bus shot...

After the walk we opened our home (and firepit) to anyone who just wanted to hang out for awhile. So glad we did as the fellowship among us was a great time.

I am really glad we took this opportunity to reach out in our community and draw attention to Liberia. We know first hand what the children in Liberia (and so many other countries) are enduring because we have been there. I want others to know that if we band together we can and will make a difference for the kids. Even if only on a small scale. If we can touch a handful, how many will that handful touch? I hope one day to take a trip with a person from our community. It could, should and would be life-changing for them.

Through this walk we have 10 children that can attend school for a year!!! That is such great news! I want to thank you all for helping us to reach this goal. Without your help none of these kids could attend. Most have never, ever attended school. It was alot of fun putting this together but the most fun I will have is to see their faces and take their pictures when they get enrolled this year. And to add to that our local Girl Scout club is taking on a school supply fund-raiser so these kids will be ready to go!

If you want to contribute, send a child to school or send supplies for school it is not too late. Please contact me or leave a comment. Can't wait for August!

Pictures From Around My Yard

2010-06-25T08:56:00.007-05:00

Our Little Camelotian

2010-06-04T09:14:00.007-05:00

Recently the Missoula Children's Theatre came to Stratford and held try-outs for the play, King Arthur. Teddy jumped at the chance to participate.

Thumbs up for a job well done by all of our kids!

Joe is Getting a Puppy....

2010-05-30T22:57:00.009-05:00

Not that we didn't have enough to do around here.......

Saturday Joe and his dad are going to get a new puppy, Boomer to be exact. Joe was expecting a girl puppy and he was going to name her Remi but there were some changes and Joe is getting a male now. He's pretty excited and that is all he can talk about now. A guy in our area is going to teach him how to train Boomer in field trials and hunting.

So, here's the new addition:

Enertia

2010-03-13T00:59:00.004-06:00

"Enertia? What's enertia?" asks little girl. "You know what inertia is", says a little older boy. "It's the force that works with gravity." "So, let's say Julie hits the brakes on the bus..you would fly backwards if the bus is moving forwards. You would fly forwards if the bus moved quickly backwards." Little girl says, "I hope that happens to our bus cause it sounds like alot of fun!"

2010-03-13T00:23:00.003-06:00

Don't you just hate the ER? I mean, just the way it smells and the way the doctors shoes and nurses voices echo in the rooms and hallway, not to mention how long it takes to see a doctor. It all reminds me of the times (too many) I have had to be up there wondering if someone I know and love is okay. And too many times it turned out not ok..

Well, today was another one of those days. Teddy happened to be riding or should I say racing on his scooter with his brother Jeffrey. Next thing you know, wham, Teddy is down and hit his head. Not a bruise, bump or scratch. I thought everything was fine until about 2 hours later. Out of the blue Teddy drops to the floor and says his head hurts. Teddy gets migraines or bad headaches so I gave him Tylenol and sent him off to bed. About 15 minutes later, he is in pretty bad shape. He is holding his head, crying out in pain. We let this go on for an hour and then after statements like, "Mom, I need a doctor" and "Don't leave me" were coming from his room I decided to call the nurse. Right then Teddy starts praying, "Lord, please be here with me, I don't feel good."

After waiting about 10 minutes for a nurse to answer the hold she says to bring him in immediately. He had all the signs of a concusion...couldn't walk, slurred talking, severe headache, throwing up, etc.

To make a long story short, he has an IV with meds for stopping the throwing up and a strong pain reliever for the headache. Then, they take him for a CT scan. In the end, it all turned out ok. Teddy had a clear CT. No concusion. They assume he was having another migraine and mixed with the fall caused all the latter. He is sleeping peacefully now in his bed.

This time it turned out ok. And the more I think about it, I don't actually hate ER's or the hospital. I hate that the rest of the world does not have this kind of medical care. I wonder how they do it without the ER and my mind goes back once again to a man being toted in a wheelbarrow who was deathly sick.....

2010-03-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

Teddy threw a fit. Not the kind of fit that says, "I'm mad and I just need some time." kind of fit. No, that would be too easy. He threw the kind of fit that challenges you to do something about it, the kind that cries so loud you are sure the neighbors are going to knock at the door, the kind that says, "don't touch me, hug me or talk to me, the kind that shuts down and shuts you out. Yes, the kind of fit that can take hours to overcome. These have been few and far between (thank goodness!) but none-the-less we see them once in a great while. They are exhausting, frustrating.....and I am glad to be a part of his fit.

one more time to give thanks for having Teddy home with us. We waited a year and a half just to hear one of his fits.

one more time to show unconditional love to him.

one more time to be there for him no matter what.

one more chance to be the one to wipe his tears.

one more time to be mom.

Flat Stanley in Monrovia

2010-03-03T21:40:00.008-06:00

Flat Stanley in Liberia

2010-02-23T12:26:00.003-06:00

I checked my inbox this morning and there were these two pictures of Teddy's family with the Flat Stanley that we sent to Liberia. This project has been fun to follow and Teddy loves the idea of Stanley in Liberia. We will post the rest of Stanley's adventure when we receive all the pics. For now, we will leave you with these.

Teddy Talk

2010-02-15T23:06:00.003-06:00

"Mom, want to know why I like it here? I will give you 8 reasons."

1. I don't have to poop outside anymore. (sorry, his exact words here)

2. I have a nice family.

3. You are the best mom to me. (AWWWWWWWWWWW)

4. When you turn on the faucet you have cold AND hot water at the same time.

5. I like school.

6. I can play football and soccer.

7. I have a nice bed.

8. When I am hungry I can eat lots and when I am hungry an hour later I can eat
again.

9. We have a stove to cook on. (He said 8 but he must have lost count)

10. Because you do homework with me and tuck me in bed every night and I know you
love me and you tell me you love me.

________________________________________________________________________________

After being without snowpants and boots for about two weeks, I had taken a trip to town to replace his that wore out. After school I told him that he had new boots and snowpants at home. His reaction? "YES!! I am baaaaccckkk in business!" I am thinking that meant recess would be more fun?

2010-02-10T22:10:00.005-06:00

Wow! It's been forever since I have blogged. I am still trying to decide if I should just hit the delete button on this blog or keep posting.......hmmmm. Decisions.

Ok, for now I will start posting again......

Have you heard of the Flat Stanley books? Maybe the Flat Stanley Project? If not, here is a synopsis of Flat Stanley taken from Wikipedia:

Stanley Lambchop and his younger brother Arthur are given a big bulletin board by their Dad for putting pictures and posters on. He hangs it on the wall over Stanley's bed, but during the night the board falls from the wall, flattening Stanley in his sleep. He survives and makes the best of his altered state, and soon he is entering locked rooms by sliding under the door, and playing with his younger brother by being used as a kite. Stanley even helps catch some art museum sneak thieves by posing as a painting on the wall. But one special advantage is that Flat Stanley can now visit his friends by being mailed in an envelope. Eventually Arthur, who tires of all the attention Stanley has been getting, reverts Stanley to his proper shape through an air pump used for footballs.

Teddy's teacher is doing the Flat Stanley project this year. Basically, Flat Stanley is read, he is then colored by students and he is mailed wherever the students want to send him and then he is sent back to the school. Guess where our Flat Stanley is right now? Yep, if you guessed Liberia than you guessed correctly.

The idea is to collect information and pictures from each stop and then mail it back to the school so the students can see how far Flat Stanley has traveled. The winner at the end of the year goes to the person who's Stanley went the farthest.

Teddy has been very excited about his project and we got word that Stanley is on his way to see his "Africa mom". (This is how Teddy refers to her.) He will be getting pictures soon of Stanley in Liberia with her and we are checking our email every day to see if he has arrived. More to come..........

To blog or not to blog

2010-02-08T21:52:00.002-06:00

that is the question!

Another Modeling Session

2009-10-22T22:28:00.007-05:00

SNOW

2009-10-12T21:35:00.003-05:00

Woke up early this morning only to find this fluffy white stuff covering my yard. It was a beautiful snow though because it was falling ever so gently and the day was rather warm. It snowed for the entire day! Enough that we even made snowballs! I poked my camera out the window this morning and took a picture of our bush that covers our deck.

Gracie's Cool Look...

2009-10-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

Number 25

2009-10-06T09:22:00.009-05:00

FOOTBALL...what Joe waits for every summer! It can't come fast enough and then before you know it, it is over. This is one of Joe's last games. It was cold, very windy and rainy so pics are blurry.

One of Joe's tackles (next 4 pics)

A big smile after the game!

Fall is Here Again!

2009-10-01T17:24:00.016-05:00

Fall is such a beautiful time of year. I hate to see the weather turn cold because I love summer and hate to see it end. It seems shorter every year. However, I love all the color changes and food that the end of summer brings. Here are some pics of what I see on my route every day when the weather starts to change. It won't be here for long so I am enjoying it while I can.

And some older barns around here...they remind of how we would like to find a hobby farm with 10 acres. Yeah, one can dream, can't they?

The field work is getting done.....

The pumpkins are turning orange.....

And the apples are falling.....

Yes, Old Man Winter is on his way!

Justin's Graphic Design

2009-09-30T20:32:00.005-05:00

Justin is almost finished with his 4 year college degree at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Bible. He has worked in the design dept. for the college all 4 years. We are proud of him and excited to see where his future will take him. Here is an add that he did for Relevant Magazine to advertise Northwestern. A little side note: Justin is in the add. He is the guy sitting furthest to the left in the tan shirt....

They also had a show for the public. Each student designed their own artwork. This one is Justin's piece...Can you tell what message he is sending to the viewer? (This is done on a mirror.)

Design students being goofy at show. (Justin in white shirt in back)

Public showing:

Justin standing out front of Northwestern by the flag banners he designed for the roads coming into college:

Gracie's Newest Look

2009-09-30T12:35:00.005-05:00

She's still cute when all you can see is her eyes!

New Blog!

2009-09-21T12:22:00.005-05:00

I am changing this blog. The only change is that I will no longer be posting Liberia things here. It is pretty unorganized and I want this to focus on our family and the new one to focus on Liberia....thus the name. Focus on Liberia. If you are curious as to what it is starting to look like, HERE is where you can find it. It is just brand new so not much there. Hope to be adding more as time allows!

Gracie changed her hair again...

2009-08-07T22:38:00.002-05:00

Global Orphan Outreach Blog

2009-07-27T21:45:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share with you that Donna Barber and Christina Hoffman are in Liberia! It is a long overdue trip that was needed for many reasons. The two of them together will accomplish so many things in their short trip. I wanted to remind you to keep checking out the Global Orphan Outreach blog for their updates. Christina is a nurse and an adoptive mom (who is now working at home) and she is taking her skills to Liberia to show other nurses how to care for special needs children. She will guide them through techniques and therapies so the children in our care will be able to thrive. There is always much to accomplish in a short time AND in a country where "hurry" is not a common thing. Please pray for:
. safe travel
. that people there would see Christ in our lives and work
. for productive meetings
. for special needs children in Liberia. There are so many with needs. It is heartbreaking to see suffering without the medical attention they need.
. of course in this time of uncertain economy, financial needs are always there.

I have been working on a project for Global that will be on the website soon. I am finishing up details and will let you know more later as we get closer to that finish line. It is an exciting project that even our kids have gotten in on.
______________________________________________________________________

While Donna is in Liberia we are watching Isaiah. He has been a fun little guy to have around. Today in the car a conversation got started (by Teddy) that "Jesus is not like me and you, Isaiah". He is like my mom, he is white. I asked Teddy how he came to that conclusion and he said that everything he sees on tv or in a book it shows Jesus as being white. Interesting. I explained to the boys that Jesus was not from America and that his skin was probably not dark black or white. Teddy seemed to come to the conclusion then that Jesus must have the same skin as Gracie...half of each.
Speaking of Gracie, Isaiah is loving to hold and feed Gracie. Here are some pics from yesterday of the boys hanging out with Gracie.

Isaiah and Gracie

Isaiah, Teddy and Gracie

Joseph, Isaiah, Teddy and Gracie

Another funny comment from Isaiah. "Julie, do you know how to cook well enough to make some egg salad? I would really like that for supper." So, guess what we had for dinner!?

Kids in the Kitchen

2009-07-05T14:27:00.005-05:00

Joe's favorite 4th of July dessert. He makes it annually for our friend's party.

Karissa joined in the baking fun this year and made her own "haystacks".

For the recipes, check out the link on the side.

Gracie Turns One Month Old

2009-07-04T02:13:00.004-05:00

Babies grow and change everyday it seems during the first year, but THIS much?

Yep, the teasing starts early in our house.

Soccer!

2009-07-04T00:43:00.013-05:00

Well, I've been a football mom, basketball mom, track mom, volleyball mom, xcountry mom, baseball mom and now I can say I am officially a soccer mom. We finished up with our first try at soccer. Teddy's coach has nicknamed him sweet feet because of his ability to dribble around the other player's feet with the ball. We had a great season. Who knew soccer was so much fun? Here's a few pics we took.

He's going to sneak this right around his opponent...

OR...going through the middle of the legs works too....

a couple more shots from the game

A photographer was at the last game to take team pics for the families. Here is my version of the team photo.....

And this is my version of the individual photos they take for wallets...(the photographer was so nice to let us shoot pics when he was done)

See the rain on the window? We were sitting in the van (pre-game) waiting until it was time to play. Teddy says, "Mom, why are we sitting in the car?" Mom says, "Because it is rainy and cold." Teddy says (with this smile on his face), "Mom, I'm from LIBERIA! (rains endlessly there) I play my best game in the rain!" Can't argue that so I smile and just reply, "You're right! Let's go get wet!"

Elma Shaw in Wisconsin

2009-07-02T19:43:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about the book "Redemption Road"? If not, you really should pick up a copy and read it. Here is the review from Amazon:

Set in Monrovia during the administration of Liberia's former president, Charles Taylor, this riveting debut is a story of recovery, atonement, and the continuing quest for peace and justice in a nation plagued by conflict and inequalities since its founding by free blacks and former American slaves. Life in war-torn Liberia is not easy, and it is especially challenging for Bendu Lewis, a young woman who counsels traumatized survivors of Liberia's civil war while struggling silently with memories of her own war-time experiences. When the warlord who once held her in captivity suddenly appears in town, she decides that for her own healing, and for the voiceless victims of the war, she must bring him to justice for his past atrocities. In her pursuit of Commander Cobra, Bendu finds much more than she bargained for, including the courage to finally confront and make amends for her own painful war-time secret. Written with compassion, honesty and clarity, Elma Shaw's Redemption Road helps us to finally begin to make sense of what has often been termed a 'senseless' war. Hers is a new but mature voice that shows remarkable insight into both the causes of Liberia's civil war, and the cure for healing the wounds and averting further conflict.

Another great thing is that Elma will be speaking July 7th at St. Peter the Evangelist Church in Eagle River at 6:30pm! I would encourage anyone interested in Liberia to come to this! If anyone would like to go and rideshare with me just email me @ redman611@verizon.net.

It's Been a Year!

2009-06-23T00:14:00.009-05:00

Teddy or Teddy Bear as I call him, has been home for a year now. I really can't believe that the time has flown by so fast! I find myself reflecting on his first year and how much he has changed and at the same time stayed the same. I remember my first trip to Liberia and wondering what this little boy is going to think when I come into the orphanage and tell him that I was his momma. I was nervous and happy all at the same time. Then I wondered how he must feel. I decided at that point that we did not have to plan out a certain "meeting", we could just let it be and let it happen. The orphanage director picked Teddy out from the crowd and sat him into my lap. He was stiff and quiet. They sang the songs and danced the dances that were usually done every time a parent came to pick up their children. Once the kids were done they gave us a tour of the orphanage and that is when we had our first alone time. I talked with Teddy and gave him a blanket, some toy cars, pictures that our kids at home sent for him and of course, the trick every mom knows....CANDY! My time with Teddy was short and he never said a word that week...that was until I told him it was time for me to fly back home. His very first words to me then were, "take me with you momma!" Oh, how badly I wanted to but knew that I was there only for a visit. I promised him I would be back.

THIS IS OUR FIRST MEETING. YOU CAN SEE TEDDY IS STILL STIFF WHEN I HOLD HIM.

I did come back about 7 months later. Little did I know I would be spending the next month in Liberia, West Africa with him. We were to finish up his adoption at this point and bring him home. Well, we hit some snags or I guess you could say we had it all unravel. Our whole adoption had to be redone, birthparents had to be found. DNA testing had to prove what we knew. So, for the next month Teddy and I spent every day learning about each other and really bonding. I was sent an orphan report before travel that told me all about our son. I expected this quiet, shy boy who liked to start fights...he was quite the opposite! He was outgoing, funny, very vocal yet the most loving and gentle hearted boy. We spent our days going to the beach, meeting all the new families coming for their children, eating in cookshops, going to Mark's Kru church and meeting all the people that I had corresponded with before traveling. We shopped and made trips to the Embassy. We toured Monrovia. It was just fun. We bonded during those times I am sure. We also had a month of screaming when I said no and total grieving of letting go of those he loved. We made trips to birthmoms house to visit and say those goodbyes. Those days were tough. Those were the days I felt we were connecting.

OUR DRIVER AND FRIEND ALFRED, TEDDY AND MARK AT THE COOKSHOP

They say that older child adoption is hard, harder than if you adopt a baby. I suppose that is probably true with attachment issues, etc. I would think that every age has its difficulties. With Teddy, he and I hit it off right in the beginning. Our personalities matched. I guess we just "clicked" right from the beginning. This made it very, very hard when my month was up and our adoption was not done. I had to tell Teddy that I was once again leaving him behind and that I promise I would come back again. I will never forget that. It was the single most depressing thing I have had to do. I tried to explain to Teddy that just as I had promised a return trip the first time, I would return again.

TEDDY IN APRIL AT THE ORPHANAGE. I LEFT AT THE END OF MARCH.

Three months later I did return. Still some hurdles to overcome but I am overjoyed to tell you that we made it! Without writing a book it is hard to explain what a God-thing this journey has been. We have our son and he is a special joy in our family. Tonight as I was tucking him into bed he asked me if I knew what he sometimes thinks about at night while he tries to go to sleep. He went on to say that he thinks about how much he loves me. And how happy he is to be here. What a great way to celebrate the ending of our first year!

THIS IS TEDDY NOW. HE HAS GROWN SO TALL THIS YEAR. AROUND 4 INCHES

More of Gracie

2009-06-22T22:49:00.008-05:00

Gracie

2009-06-11T00:47:00.003-05:00

My first grandbaby has arrived! She is just the most amazing little creation! I had the opportunity to be with Kirsten in the delivery room. She did great. She had 14 hours of labor and not much of an epidural. (She had one, they just turned it off during labor.) This is the second time I had been in the delivery room but alittle more nerve-wracking because she is my daughter. I was able to be active with all aspects of her coming into this crazy world. It is nothing short of a miracle. The waiting room was full of people just waiting to welcome her. I did not really know how it would feel to become "grandma" and kept asking my mom if it was different than having your own children. It is different, but in the best kind of way. Teddy asked me if we could put her in the "Cutest Baby in the World" contest. I told him I am not sure they had one of those and he said, "Well if they did, she would win!" Jeffrey told his Kindergarten class that he is an uncle and he is only 6. I guess he is pretty proud of that. I listen to the kids conversations and they are saying, "I can't wait till she can do this or that". I just smile. I can wait and enjoy every stage because it all goes so fast! We are so blessed.

A GREAT WAY TO HELP GLOBAL ORPHAN OUTREACH

2009-05-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

Global Orphan Outreach Needs Your Help!

As you know, I'm a supporter of Global Orphan Outreach and as you can imagine nonprofits are facing a fundraising crisis this year.

The good news is that more than 900 of the top Internet retailers and travel sites including Amazon, eBay, Target, Apple, Expedia and more have joined forces with GoodShop.com to donate part of every purchase to your favorite charity or school at no additional cost to you (more than 72,000 nonprofits are now on-board)!

It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com, select your charity, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual.

Also, Yahoo has teamed up with GoodShop's sister site, GoodSearch.com, to donate about a penny to your cause every time you search the web. This is totally free as the money comes from advertisers.

Please tell your friends about GoodShop and GoodSearch today! Every penny adds up!

9 Months and Still Smiling

2009-05-25T23:39:00.002-05:00

Looking Out My Front Window

2009-05-25T22:53:00.005-05:00

We have been seeing alot of rain here but also some really pretty rainbows!

Finally we can enjoy being outside. It has been pretty cold here for this time of year. We are happy to be able to work out in the yard again! We managed to get the vegetable garden planted this weekend. Revamping some of the old flower beds and changing the look a little bit. Freezing our strawberries and making jam is only a couple weeks away.

Lightning Ahlers Speech at the Orphan Summit

2009-05-10T21:38:00.002-05:00

The Ahlers family is a wonderful family. Alicia was one of the first people to walk me through all my questions about Liberia, older child adoption and sponsorship, etc. The young man we sponsor in Liberia was in the same orphanage as Lightning and her other children and they knew each other well. Recently, Lightning spoke in Texas at the Ophan Summit about how older child adoption has affected his life. What a testimony he has. I personally loved his question to us at the end of his speech. Please watch.

Lightning Ahlers - My Adoption Story from The Ahlers Family on Vimeo.

Updates on our family....

2009-05-04T00:24:00.003-05:00

"Nothing is certain in life except change." (A quote my dad always says) Change seems to be our new word this year. We have ventured into new areas and things keep changing. For starters, I have taken on some new challenges. I am now working with a great non-profit called Global Orphan Outreach. My passion to work with orphans and continue to work in Liberia has found an outreach that shares the same goals and passions that I do. I am really excited to be doing this and can't wait to share more as we get some of our projects underway. If you click on the left side of my blog you can read more about us there.

Another change is that I have checked into the possibility of going back to school..yes, I know, I am not your "typical" college student. I am older than most but learning is something I never really grow tired of. I am thinking of the medical field, another "stretcher" for me as I am not so good when it comes to suffering or blood. Something probably more short term as I don't want to be retirement age before starting my first year! ha! I have looked into surgical technologist and the qualities needed to do this seem to be a good fit for me. There is a waiting list for this but classes can be taken while waiting for the program to open up. I am thinking this waiting period will be nice because of the following 2 changes for next year: 1) My first granddaughter will be coming in just a few short weeks. (Oh, another change is that our oldest daughter has moved back home) and 2) my 10 year old would love to be homeschooled. It is an option that we have always explored and our first two were homeschooled up until the 6th and 8th grades. All you homeschoolers know what kind of committment that can be.

Our son, Justin, will be graduating shortly from Northwestern College in Minnesota. Not sure where he is going after that but if he moves farther away we will sure miss him. I guess the biggest change there is we possibly won't see him as much. It is exciting to see him change and grow. He is quite the young man!

Our daughter Kayla has recently gotten her temps. Yep, she can drive. I don't think it ever gets easier when our "littles" get behind that wheel...She is our third and it still makes me nervous! She plays basketball and has found a new job to keep her busy. I guess her babysitting duties will drop down one child and fall more to Joseph...

We have also been slowly painting, adding new floors, etc to the house. It has needed an overhaul for some time now. Living in a small space with high traffic leaves us with needing good organization skills. Right now I have a twin bed, dresser and baby crib in my living room as we have our daughters room tore apart.

And last but not least we have all had the joy of all the changes a new baby/child brings. Teddy has been home now for almost a year. Our kids had the adjustments of new birth order, getting to know each other, etc. Adoption is hard. The waiting. The financial burden. The travel and the not knowing if they will ever be here, but adoption is a miracle. A character builder. A trust builder. Adoption will definitely change you.

There you have it, just a couple of new things that we are up to!

Baby Shower for Kirsten and Gracie

2009-04-27T14:07:00.016-05:00

Kirsten is due at the end of May. I can't believe how fast the time went by and how soon I will be Grandma! We recently had a baby shower and it was really nice. Here are some fun pics of our day.

She is blessed to have so many people who care about her. We definitely had a houseful. Here my sister is giving a devotion for Gracie. She took each letter of Gracie and matched a character quality to it.

My niece, Abby, read the verses that went along with Jody's devotion.

Each of the girls did a part in the shower. Karissa made all the invitations and decorated the house (along with alittle help from dad). Kayla picked out the games we would play. In one of the games she melted different candy bars and spread them in diapers. Everyone had to guess which candy bar it was. It was pretty funny watching the looks on people's faces as they peered into the diaper. Leave it to a teenager to gross us out. lol

guessing how big Kirsten is...for 8 months she sure is tiny!

Great Grandma Kathy is the winner for wearing the most pink. Everything was pink...from her pink hair rollers down to her shoes!

We want to thank everyone who has given Kirsten these thoughtful gifts. She has been encouraged by all of you and it is awesome to see what God is doing in her life. She has been blessed with a crib, stroller, diapers, clothes, pack'n'play, carseats, blankets and so much more. Kirsten has asked that you would keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Interview with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

2009-04-26T02:43:00.001-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

M - Th 11p / 10c

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Economic Crisis

Political Humor

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Visits Minneapolis

2009-04-20T10:15:00.013-05:00

Recently I had the opportunity to hear the President of Liberia speak. I was happy to hear she would only be a few hours from me. I took Teddy along and also met my oldest son Justin. There were some other adoptive families there that we knew so that was fun. I had been chatting with a Liberian lady for a while that I met through another Liberian friend of ours and wouldn't you know, she was sitting right behind me in that huge auditorium. We were able to sit pretty close so we did get a pretty good view of what was happening. Before the president spoke they sang the Liberian National Anthem. It was beautiful! You can here a sample of the anthem here, although this is just the music, not what we actually heard in the auditorium. Here are the words:

The Liberian National Anthem

Lyrics: Daniel Bashiel Warner, 1847
Music: Olmstead Luca (1826-1869)

Words to the Song

All hail, Liberia, hail!

(repeat)

This glorious land of liberty
Shall long be ours.
Though new her name,
Green be her fame,
And mighty be her powers,

(repeat)

In joy and gladness
With our hearts united,
We'll shout the freedom
Of a race benighted,
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!

(repeat last two sentences)

All hail, Liberia, hail!

(repeat)

In union strong success is sure
We cannot fail!
With God above
Our rights to prove
We will o'er all prevail,

(repeat)

With heart and hand
Our country's cause defending
We'll meet the foe
With valour unpretending.
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!

(repeat last two sentences)

This is her speech:

Challenges of National Transformation:

The Liberian Case Carlson Lecture by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

President of the Republic of Liberia

at

Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN10th April 2009

My Friend, Dean Brian Atwood; Students, Faculty, and Staff of this great Institute; Ladies and Gentlemen: .

I am immensely pleased to be back here in Minnesota – and at this Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. I am also delighted by the opportunity afforded me to see old friends again.

I would like to thank my friend and colleague of many years, Dean Brian Atwood, for the invaluable work he does to foster and advance public discourse on democracy, civil liberties, and social justice here at this Institute and across the United States of America, in Africa, and in other regions of the world. I thank him also for his many years of support for Liberia through the National Democratic Institute.

This Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs stands as a towering testament to a great American statesman and social justice advocate, former Vice President Hubert Horatio Humphrey, an accomplished Legislator of this state and a national leader of the United States of America. Vice President Humphrey was a central figure in President Lyndon Johnson's administration which presided over one of the greatest periods of social and economic transformation and opportunity in the United States and across the world.

This Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs therefore truly embodies the essence of the life of the late Vice President Hubert Humphrey: It is among the premiere professional schools of public affairs in the United States. It distinguishes itself in shaping public policy in this state, throughout the United States of America – and in the wider international community. It provides leadership and management expertise to public and non-profit organizations – and as a result of the work this Institute does, it gives meaning and reach to the democratic principles and values – and seeks to find answers to common global problems. These were the hallmarks of the life of Hubert H. Humphrey.

I therefore feel honored to be here to participate in this interactive forum which is consistent with the Humphrey tradition of public engagement and dialogue.

Four years ago during a pre-campaign visit to this hospitable Twin-City area, I had the opportunity to visit this Institute. Although at that time I was an undeclared candidate for the Presidency of Liberia, I was encouraged – and indeed strengthened in my resolve by the demonstration of support for my candidacy. Today, I come here as the first democratically elected female President of Liberia and the Continent of Africa to say, as we say in Liberia, "Thank you" to my fellow Liberians in this state and throughout the United States of America – and to you, our American friends, for standing by us.

After a long and complicated history of freedom and repression, success and failure, Liberia started the transition to democracy, with elections in 2005. We had very little to build on but the will of a very resilient people to survive and the desire of a hopeful people to live a normal life. The period of transition must also be transformation through a socio-economic and political reordering; indeed, a national renewal – one that would signal a fundamental break with the past and bold and decisive steps to address the problems that for decades had stunted our progress, undermined national unity, and kept old and new cleavages in ferment. To achieve this transformation, we will face challenges – both internal and external.

Our internal challenge is two-fold – first, to reconstruct our broken nation – its infrastructure and institutions; to restore basic services to our citizens, to reform our military and para-military institutions which for nearly a quarter century, especially during our 14 years of civil war, were transformed because warring factional forces owed their allegiance not to the state but to specific groups and interests. Second, to reduce pervasive poverty by providing employment opportunities to our people to restore their dignity; to renew and restore the spirit of hope; and to build the values of individual self confidence and integrity.

The external challenge is similarly two-fold. First, to restore our country's bilateral image; to move from the characterization of a failed state to that of a potential post conflict success story; to rebuild lost partnerships with nations and institutions; to provide the required peace through economic cooperation and integration. Second, to regain our country's creditworthiness and regional competitiveness; to demonstrate an influential leadership role on global development issues.

We have come a long way in meeting these challenges. Our formulated vision as stated in our Poverty Reduction Strategy or "Lift Liberia" is clear – to build a new nation that is peaceful, secure and prosperous with democratic and accountable governance based on the rule of law, with equal opportunities and equity for all citizens. Our development agenda in pursuit of that vision, embodies four pillars – Peace and Security, Economic Revitalization, Governance and the Rule of Law and Infrastructure and Basic Services.

A new 2000-person army undergoing training with support from the United States is expected to be professional and well equipped to protect our geographic integrity, to contribute to development through its engineering contingent, to respond, when called to national emergencies with due respect for the rights for citizens and the rule of law. Other para-military bodies are undergoing similar training in preparation for the eventual drawdown of the U.S. Peacekeeping Force which still has primary responsibility for the security of the state. An omnibus security sector reform bill, to be submitted to the Legislature, will rationalize the sector removing duplications and setting mandates that are clear and enforceable. Where applicable, civilian oversight of security units will be included.

We are proud of our progress on the economic front. United Nations sanctions on our forestry and diamond operations have been lifted in response to new laws and policy measures that ensure proper management and use of these resources. In response to a revised Investment and Revenue Codes, direct private investment in the country's vast mining and agriculture sectors are on the rise. Growth of 9.5 percent in 2007 gave assurance of reaching double digit targets albeit now reduced to 7 percent due to a scaling back of investment on account of the global financial crisis.

Diversity in exports by identifying commodities that qualify to take advantage of the eligibility for AGOA will counter this downturn as will the right balance among conservation, commercialization and community benefits in forestry operations.

A $4.7 billion external debt is now reduced by $2 billion and will be all gone when we reach the Completion Point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program sometime next year.

Government revenues at a paltry $80 million when we took office in 2006 is now close to $300 million providing the basis to increase the lowest monthly civil servants salary from $15 to $70 and to tackle the payment of some 15 years arrears to demobilized soldiers, civil servants, foreign missions, regional institutions and international organizations.

We continue to strive for progress in good governance and the rule of law; our effort recognized by the achievement of Threshold status under the Millennium Challenge Account. Efficiency in public service requires capacity that comes from a critical mass of qualified persons operating in a merit system. We are well advanced in moving in that direction, with support from partners under special programs that facilitate the reparation of our citizens like many of you in this room.

Inherited systemic corruption embedded in the society for decades is under attack through exposure, audits and investigations. We became the first African country to complete the annual report under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and so was recognized by Transparency International at its Doha conference two months ago. A weak judicial system to exert punishment through the rule of law is under reform. Strict adherence to the new Public Procurement law through training and punishment for violation, and passage of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, by the Legislature, will reinforce efforts to address corruption and improve good governance.

Fighting corruption as pervasive and deep rooted in deprivation will require much more than that. It will require well paid and well placed qualified civil servants, widely installed financial management systems, a political audit system and a judicial system with the integrity and will to pursue offenders as required by law.

Good governance and the rule of law also require as a central objective, an informal civil society participation in the processes of governance. To the point of a fault, we have upheld democratic values such as free speech, freedom of association and an unprecedented freedom of the Press. We continue to respect the separation of powers doctrine of our constitution and are promoting the building of democratic institutions including political parties.

The restoration of infrastructure and basic services is well on course. Electricity and pipe borne water have been restored to certain areas of the capital city for the first time in fourteen years. Roads, clinics, hospitals, schools and other public buildings are being renovated or built in all fifteen counties. Next year, the University of Liberia will move into a $22 million facility at the destroyed Fendall campus. Three regional community colleges to be built and made operational within the next two years will enable youths to obtain quality higher education without the hardships of relocation to the Capital City. Children in certain remote rural areas will for the first time go to school in a government facility and young girls whose parents cannot afford tuition, benefit from scholarships to attend public and private schools.

This is made possible through the Liberian Education Trust (LET), a fund which I established in 2006 with contributions from individuals and institutions here in the United States who help us to achieve our 50/500/5000 goals – the renovation or construction of 50 schools, training of 500 teachers and scholarships to 5000 girls over a three year period. To date, we have raised $2.5 million and well on the way to achieving the goals with 26 schools built or renovated, 200 teachers trained and 5000 scholarships granted to girls in the majority of the 15 counties.

A similar private initiative, the Sirleaf Market Women Fund has raised over $3 million to support the building and renovation and modernization of markets throughout the country. A literacy program for market women supported by LET is far gaining momentum throughout the country.

You may have heard that, in celebration of International Women's Day, I co-convened with President Halonen of Finland, a women's colloquium in Monrovia. About 500 women from all over the world joined a similar number at home to celebrate Liberia's progress.

Dear Compatriots and Dear Friends, perhaps the best progress we have achieved is the restoration of HOPE. One can see this in the eyes of children as they walk to school. One can see in the gait of farmers who slowly move back to their communities on roads that get them there in good time. One can see this in the eyes of market women who can now work under better conditions. One can see this in the eyes of the youth who know that they have a stake in the future, that they will have the opportunity to be anything they want to be. We need only, collective as Liberians, to agree that the future is ours to reclaim.

Thank you.
__________________________________________________________________

Afterwards, we took Teddy (along with Donna and her 2 liberian daughters) to a Liberian restaurant in Brooklyn Park. Teddy was very happy to have some fufu and soup again. I think he is starting to forget how HOT Liberian food actually is. We had alot of fun in the restaurant as we engaged in conversation with the staff and talked "Liberia".

Teddy and his fufu and soup.

* The president has written a memoir about her life called, "This Child Will Be Great." It is a great book if you are interested in Liberia.

(sorry, Donna, I used your picture. :0)

Parent - Job Description

2009-03-22T13:24:00.001-05:00

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include ev enings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment i s due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

** AND A FOOTNOTE 'THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **

Spring??

2009-03-12T00:25:00.004-05:00

This is what OUR icicles look like here in Wisconsin....

I don't know about Joe, but I am ready for SPRING!!

Our favorite recipes

2009-03-11T23:25:00.002-05:00

On the left of my blog you will find a link to another blog that I started so I could add our favorite recipes here. I had a hard time finding some recipes today so it got me thinking that if I compiled them all in one spot I could just go here and find them anytime I want. It would also be nice throwing away some paper recipes that end up floating around the house. Feel free to try any that look good to you and let me know how you like them.

I may also add canning and freezing and gardening, etc. later as the season starts to roll around.

Hope you find something that your family enjoys too!

Cardboard Testimonies

2009-03-06T18:35:00.004-06:00

Alot of you have probably seen these cardboard testimonies already but I posted this one because some of you personally know two of the people involved in this one. Our daughter Kirsten is doing hers and the Solt family, who adopted Marcus, is also doing his. Hope you enjoy!

Mr. Smith

2009-03-05T18:49:00.006-06:00

This is Smith. He is the "new guy" in the house. We rescued him from a shelter close to us. Karissa wanted a red kitten so we scouted out some kittens around some different shelters and this one was almost full grown but he caught our attention. The kitten was supposed to be a Christmas present for her but the catch was......he had ringworm!! Yuck! It is really hard to get rid of it if the kids catch it from him so we waited until he was checked by a vet and cleared to go.
So now he's home and happy as a jaybird...uh maybe jaycat? Karissa has been very diligent with taking care of him. She just loves him and they have become best of friends. Isn't he cute?

Dark Chocolate

2009-01-30T21:48:00.004-06:00

With Valentines Day on the way, this should be an interesting fact for all of us to take note:

Dark Chocolate
September 17, 2008

Lovely, sweet, delicious chocolate! If you're like me, you'll take it any way you can get it - white, dark, milk, crunchy - on fruit, pretzels and nuts. Just about anything tastes better with chocolate.

But you may not know the dark side of chocolate. Did you know that most of the world's cocoa comes from Africa? A staggering 70 percent comes from West Africa. A large percentage of that, roughly 40 percent, comes from the Ivory Coast alone! The chocolate trade brings millions of dollars into the African continent every year.

However, much of the cocoa crop is harvested, sorted and packed by child laborers, many reportedly under the age of 10. Despite numerous international campaigns to end illegal slavery and child labor on cocoa plantations, it still continues to be a problem that just won't go away.

There's a great Fortune Magazine article that goes in-depth into these problems, both from an economic and human rights perspective. If you get the chance, read the article by clicking here.

Some go so far as to label chocolate as either "slave chocolate" or "free chocolate." For those of us who are consuming vast amounts of the sugary treat, it is advisable to know the difference between the two. And know more about what the money you paid for your dollar candy bar is supporting. Read what the Anti-slavery Society has to say about these differences between the two chocolates.

Chocolate is definitely still one of my favorite comfort foods. But now that I've read up on the horrors of the cocoa fields and can choose to eat "safe" chocolate, I can enjoy my treat in peace. Hope you will be able to do the same!

2009-01-30T11:05:00.004-06:00

I tiptoed into your room one night.
I watched you sleeping there.
Your tiny body looked so snug
Wrapped in peaceful slumber's care.

I thought of how you came to be
The child we'd longed to know.
I wondered at the sight of you:
"How could she let you go?"

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I
Felt the pain she must have known.
For I will have to let you go
Some day when you are grown.

A mother I did once meet
Had given me her son.
Yet, surely as you've filled my heart,
A piece of hers you'd won.

"How could she let you go?"
The question kept returning.
And in the depths of my own heart.
A question kept on burning.

"How can I ever let you go
When years have come and gone?"
I stood there by your bed until
The nighttime turned to dawn.

And as the sun peeked through the shades,
The voice of God broke through.
"I trusted her to give him life
And now I'm trusting him to you.

"To show him what is right and wrong,
to love him and to be
The one who teaches him the way
To come back home to Me.

"He wasn't hers to give, you know.
And he's not yours to own.
I've placed him in your life to love
But he is Mine … on loan."

mmmm........cookies!

2009-01-29T12:26:00.007-06:00

COOKIES FOR THE KIDS....

Oatmeal Creme Cookies

1-1/2 cups shortening
2-2/3 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups old-fashioned oats
FILLING:
3/4 cup shortening
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 jar (7oz.)marshmallow creme
1 to 3 tablespoons milk

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Conbine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minuutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For filling, in a mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar and marshmallow creme. Add enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Spread filling on the bottom of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies.

Yield: about 4-1/2 dozen.

*These taste similar to the oatmeal creme cookies made by Little Debbie. (and probably just as unhealthy!) See if your kids like them.

I'm a GRANDMA!

2009-01-27T10:46:00.005-06:00

Our Kirsten is expecting her first baby at the end of May. We had the ultrasound this week and found out that she is having a baby girl. It is truly amazing to see the miracle of life on that screen.

My grandbaby, Gracie Mae. In this picture you can see her side profile and her hand in the back...so sweet!

This is her holding her hand open. I said, "say hi to grandma" and so she waved to me. Isn't she smart? She could possibly be the smartest baby in the entire universe!

The Family Picture.....

2008-12-14T02:17:00.004-06:00

Anyone that has kids can relate to how hard it can be to get a nice family picture. Usually someone is making a face or closing their eyes or most common, crying. This was probably the only family picture we have since Teddy came home. I am trying to choose which one to use for cards as it is alittle late to take a different picture.....look at the two youngest, you can tell they were being goofy that day!

BLANKETS FOR CHINA

2008-12-08T08:40:00.004-06:00

As you know, a major earthquake hit the Sichuan Province in China in May. This earthquake killed over 50,000 people and left many more homeless. Save the Children says that 3 million infants, children and teens have been among the worst affected". This was a disaster of immense proportions. School buildings, orphanages and small village towns were completely destroyed along with hospitals and office buildings.
As you can imagine, recovering from a disaster that destroys EVERYTHING you own is not easy. However, if you are living at or below the poverty level. . .it becomes nearly impossible. Today, many children and families remain homeless. Many others are left without basic necessities. And. . .it's getting colder by the day. Winter is fast approaching with overnight temps already at freezing. Children remain without blankets.

Would you like to help?

Kids Lake along with Global Orphan Outreach is partnering to donate Blankets to China. For only $10.00; you can provide a warm blanket for a child that needs it.

So far there has been 370 blankets collected to give out in this village. Brandi's (Kids Lake)contact has shared that the leaders will not allow them to give out ANY until every family can get ONE blanket. This means 1200 people living in tents, homes made of bundles of straw, and earthquake-damaged homes (some with tarp roofs) as well as some who live in completed but very sparce homes. Many have no electricity and none have any heating. It is more like going back 100 years when we go to this simple village. This is Africa type poverty. . but with winter coming! These families will go without blankets until we can raise enough to get 222 more blankets so they can give out one blanket per family!

We are asking for your help! This is a big project. Help us get the word out. Email your friends and family and ask for blankets for Christmas. Write about this on your blog and ask anyone else you know to do the same. Spread the Word.

Contact either Brandi at Kids Lake (www.kidslake.org) or I at Global Orphan Outreach. (www.globalorphanoutreach.com)

Give the warmth of Christmas this year to a village in China.

BOTH OF THE GROUPS FUNDRAISING FOR BLANKETS FOR CHINA ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO. PLEASE GIVE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE!

Liberia..2nd Poorest Country

2008-12-07T09:51:00.023-06:00

The 10 Poorest Countries Of The World; Ethiopia 10th place
December 7th, 2008 | Categories: Africa, Congo, Ethiopia

The level of economy in countries around the globe is not even. It is somewhere very high and somewhere very low. GDP, literacy rate and employment rate are several parameters of a country to determine the level of its economy. According to a report of the United Nations, hunger causes the death of about 25,000 people everyday. Unfortunately, the number of children is greater than that of adults. Consider several facts of income disparity between rich and poor nations to measure the cleavage between the haves and the haves not. The combined income of the world’s richest individuals leaves far behind that of the poorest 416 million. 982 million out of 4.8 billion people in the developing world live on $1 a day. Another 2.5 billion live on below $2 a day. 40% of the poorest population made up 5% of world income while 20% of the richest population made up 75% of global income in 2005.

A country with a GDP per capita of $765 dollars or less is defined as a low-income or poor country. You may wonder why poor countries remain poor. Some interrelated factors like geography, industrialization, colonialism, education, resources, infrastructure, overpopulation, investment, government and debt make poor countries remain the heavy foot of poverty.

Look into the fragile features of the ten poorest countries of the world.

10. Ethiopia (GDP - per capita: $700)

“The Sadomo region of the Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee second to Harar….Make Trade Fair!” - mcandrea

Ethiopia ranks 170 out of 177 the poorest countries on the Human Development Index (UNDP HDI 2006). Half of its GDP depends on agricultural activity. The agricultural sector suffers lowdown because of poor cultivation techniques and frequent drought. 50% of its population 74.7 million bears the burden of poverty and 80% lives on bread line. 47% of males and 31% of females are literate. Some parts of Ethiopia run a high risk of hepatitis A, hepatitis E, typhoid fever, malaria, rabies, meningococcal meningitis and schistosomiasis.

09. Niger (GDP - per capita: $700)

Niger with a population of 12.5 million is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Drought is a common natural calamity in Niger. It often undergoes a phase of severe food crisis. 63% of its total population lives on below $1 a day. Adult literacy rate is as low as 15%. Life expectancy spans up to 46 years. A number of people die of hepatitis A, diarrhea, malaria, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid fever.

“Escaping from poverty”

08. Central African Republic (GDP - per capita: $700)

“Rebel in northern Central African Republic”

The Central African Republic ranks 171 as a poor country. Agriculture is the backbone of its unstable economy. Life expectancy of its meager population 4.3 ranges from 43.46 to 43.62 years. 13.5% of its population is at risk of AIDS.

“Boy in front of destroyed homes in Ngaoundaye, Central African Republic. Since early 2007, the troubled region has been caught up in fighting between APRD rebels and government troops.” - hdptcar

07. Guinea-Bissau (GDP - per capita: $600)

“Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Bijene, January 2005. Mbemba Djaló, 13 years young, earns some extra cash after school, running his little shop at the veranda of an abandoned colonial house. Photography by Ernst Schade” - ernst schade

The rank of Guinea Bissau as a poor country is 172. Farming and fishing are the only pillars of its economy. The level of income is not even in all parts of the country. About 10% of its adult population is at risk of HIV.

06. Union of the Comoros (GDP - per capita: $600)

Population growth and unemployment at a high rate are responsible for the poor economy of Union of the Comoros. Population density at a rate of 1000 per square km in agriculture zones may result in an environmental crisis. Agricultural contribution to its GDP is 40%. The low level of education has raised the level of labor force. Economy mainly depends on foreign grants.

05. Republic of Somalia (GDP - per capita: $600)

“Sixteen million people in eastern Africa are in need of emergency food aid and the threat of starvation is severe, according to FAO’s latest report on the Food Supply Situation and Crop Prospects in sub-Saharan Africa.” - ☠ ● qυєєη σƒ яσ¢к ● ☠

Agriculture is the base of the economy of Republic of Somalia in the Horn of Africa. Nomads and semi-nomads comprise a major part of the population. Rearing livestock is the primary source of livelihood for them. The small agricultural industry contributes 10% to its GDP.

“Mogadishu. October 2004. View of Mogadishu north. Mogadishu is the place where effects of the conflict are more striking. There are arround 400.000 internally displaced persons. Access to health structures is quite impossible for the danger to circulate in the streets where combats are on-going and all type infrastructures have disapeared: water, sanitation, schools… The absence of state during more than 13 years has made impossible any investment in public structures. It is estimated that around 72% of Somalia’s population lacks access to basic healthcare services and the healthcare system is in ruins.” - abdisalla

04. The Solomon Islands (GDP - per capita: $600)

“Solomon Islands Tsunami — Minister whose church was washed away”

The Solomon Islands is a country in Melanesia. Fishing holds its domestic economy. Above 75% of the labor class, is involved in fishing. Timber was the main product for export until 1998. Palm oil and copra are important cash crops for export. The Solomon Islands are rich in mineral resources like zinc, lead, gold and nickel.

03. Republic of Zimbabwe (GDP - per capita: $500)

“The expression on these guys faces says a million things, weak from hunger and too poor to own shoes or have a shirt to wear. This is all because of the tyrant they call a president.
A beautiful country ruined because of one mans greed. ” - Mr Sean

Republic of Zimbabwe is located between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers in the south of Africa. Its economy suffers a slowdown due to supply shortage, soaring inflation and foreign exchange shortage. Zimbabwe’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo left its economy fragile. The worst consequence of the knelt-down economy is unemployment that is as high as 80%.

“March, 5, 2008. The Zimbabwean currency tumbled to a record 25 million dollars for a single US dollar”

02. Republic of Liberia (GDP - per capita: $500)

“MONROVIA, LIBERIA - NOVEMBER 12, 2006 : Young Liberian boy standing on Randal street in Monrovia looks through a hole in a garbage filled car that has been turned on its side and salvaged fro spare parts. ( Photo by: Christopher Herwig )” - herwigphoto.com

Republic of Liberia on the west coast of Africa is one of the ten poorest economies across the globe. A decline in the export of commodities, the flight of many investors from the country, the unjust exploitation of the country’s diamond resource, looting and war profiteering during the civil war in 1990 brought the economy of the country to its knees. External debt of the country is more than its GDP.

“Liberia: Government child soldiers,Ganta; on the back of their truck is an anti-aircraft gun. © Teun Voeten, 2003.
Liberia’s decade-long civil war was fuelled by weapons imported in to the country in violation of a UN arms embargo. Shipments over three months in 2002 from a Serbian security company, for example, brought in enough bullets to kill the entire population of Liberia.” - controlarms

01. Republic of the Congo (GDP - per capita: $300)

“This picture shows what Kinshasa is: full of contradictions. The beauty of the sunlight, nature, happy people contrasts with the filth on the streets, disorganisation, poverty… These two persons seem to stand there, in the middle of all that. Can they push the country forward… Are they part of a generation that will one day live in a modern Democratic Republic of Congo, freed of all suffering and pain?” - fredogaza

Republic of the Congo in Central Africa is the last at the bottom of the economic heaps. Depreciation of Franc Zone currencies, incredibly high levels of inflation in 1994, eruption of the civil war, and continuation of armed conflict and slumping oil price in 1998 broke down the economy of the country.

“A group of ‘kotelengana’, or former child soldiers, in DRC” - War Child UK

GDP - per capita (PPP) 2008 Country Ranks

SOURCE: CIA World Factbook 2008

Thanksgiving at School

2008-12-03T20:05:00.017-06:00

I went down to school just to hang out with the kids and take part in their day. It is so much fun for me to see them play, doing schoolwork, interacting. I went from class to class just hanging out. Here are some of our pics.

Teddy at the snack table.

Teddy saying his Thanksgiving part.

Teddy doing the "turkey dance" with his teacher and classmates.

Art class. This was alot of fun. We traced the kids' hands and then cut them out and glued them onto a triangle in the shape of a Christmas tree. Then the kids curled the ends of their fingers on the tree and glued glitter and decorations on them. So cute.

These are always my favorite. I love when they write down their thoughts.

Jeffrey working hard on his schoolwork.

Jeffrey and I shared lunch together. Can't say that school lunch has improved that much since I was in school. :0(

some fun at gym class.....

Jeffrey's teacher read the book Stone Soup and all the kids brought in something they could mix to represent the ingredients in the book. Here he is mixing in his marshmallows.

Karissa in her 4th grade classroom. Sitting here with her and listening to the teacher brought back a wave of memories of me being in school and some of the friends I had that I have not thought about for so long. I really liked school alot and I see alittle of me in her.

One of Karissa's pictures that was hanging out in the hallway.

Karissa with her art project after class.

A new Liberian Blog

2008-11-12T20:52:00.004-06:00

This is my friend Stephen. He just started up a new blog and already has alot of stuff on it. I wanted to post the link here for anyone interested in reading more about Liberia. Maybe he will even post a few pictures of his visit to our house with Chris from AoH....(hint, hint, Stephen.)

You can find Stephen's blog here.

Friendships along the Way......

2008-11-06T09:45:00.005-06:00

Looking back through our adoption journey, I realize how God has brought many new friends into our lives that would not have been had we not gone down this road. Some American, some Liberian. We have been blessed to have some really good friends in the past and are making some great new friends in the present. Because all of you had a hand in our journey, we say thanks! I am going to post some people from our journey that have touched our lives and we are thankful to know. I think you may enjoy hearing about them too.

Brandi is a fellow adoptive mama. She has 3 beautiful children...Brayden, Davis and Gracie. She also has to keep track of a dog named Dumptruck and her husband the "Glogger". Although we are probably a generation apart, we share a love for God, Africa, orphans and people in general. She is very giving of her time, talents and resources. She is humble and sweet. I remember one phone call when I was struggling with bringing Teddy home and she just started praying right then. That is a true friend. She was heavily involved with helping us to raise the needed funds at the end of our adoption so we could actually get Teddy home.

This girl has also been tirelessly working on projects in and for Africa. She recently went on a trip to Uganda...helping an organization find sponsorships for orphanages. She has raised money for digging wells and providing kids with mosquito nets among many other projects. She is also very involved with her church. She is into mentoring and developing good friendships there as well.

Here are some links for you to check out this amazing young lady. Here, Here, Here, and Here. To read her blog click Here.

I am supposed to be sitting in Florida with her today as I am typing this, but because of some other circumstances I am still home where it is cold and rainy. Anyway, thanks Brandi for everything! Love ya "plenty"!

Let's Hear it for the Boys

2008-10-31T14:01:00.002-05:00

My dad(far left) and my oldest boy Justin (on right). Just having some fun!

Happy Candy Hunting!

2008-10-31T08:08:00.005-05:00

Both the boys wanted to be Spiderman this year for halloween. They were so excited to wear their costumes which is pretty funny because neither Jeffrey or Teddy want to go trick-or-treating. Halloween is pretty much scaring them to death....we went out to eat with the kids and the restaurant had scary things hanging and both of them wanted to leave. But, running around the house playing Spiderman is very appealing to them.

What they want to do most is hang upside down and act like they are the "true webslingers".

My Heroes! I have been saved from the bad guys probably 50 times this week. lol!

C'mon! Everybody loves Spiderman!

Who says boys don't dance?

2008-10-23T12:52:00.002-05:00

Jeffrey and Teddy dancing recently at a wedding. Jeffrey is in green and Teddy is in yellow. Funny!

Riss turns 10!

2008-10-23T10:05:00.006-05:00

Ten years ago we were blessed with a little red-head who is so sweet we just can't imagine life without her. She is growing up so fast, I wish I could just slow it down sometimes. So, just want to wish her a Happy Birthday! We all love you, Miss Riss!

>

Miss Riss with her daddy

Not too old yet for childsplay

sister love........Kayla, Kirsten and Karissa.....my beautiful girls.

dancing with big brother Justin

A list of "must-do's" before traveling to Liberia

2008-10-16T09:57:00.004-05:00

1. Sit in the a/c for 8 hours, having it blow right into your face. All the while have your shower running full blast with only hot water, door closed. At the end of 8 hours, run directly to your bathroom, close the door behind you and turn the hair dryer on full blast/full heat and aim directly at you face. That's what it feels like walking off the plane.

2. Rent the video game Frogger. You'll need the skill if you hope to cross any street.

3. Let raw meat and onions fester in a garbage bag for a month. Open bag and breath deeply w/o throwing up. Repeat often to build up tolerance.

4. Go to a hotel, practice asking the "neighbors" to borrow their showers cause yours doesn't work. And shower without getting any water in your mouth or eyes.

5. Shower with your legs 3 feet apart. Pretending that there is a hole in the middle of the shower's floor that is draining all your water into the room below. (oh, wait - was that one true??)

6. Replace your shower head with your kitchen sprayer.

7. Take a shower, once your hair is fully lathered, have someone turn off your electricity for the rest of the night. Good luck getting the shampoo out without water.

8. Ever time you need water to wash your hands, look for a random person to bring it to you.

9. Go on an eating extravaganza for a month. Eat every meal til you puke. Then eat nothing for a week. At the hottest time of the day, on the 8th day, make a meal of rice, the hottest peppers you've ever tasted and mix in some small bones for flavor...enjoy. At first you will convince yourself that it tastes really good. By day 5, you'll be lucky to get it down. By day 9, you'll be lucky if it stays down.

10. Start organizing your lunches by color: green, red or brown. All is spicy, all has bones.

11. The next time your kids have the "runny tummy" shut off your water, remove all disinfectants and have fun cleaning it up!

12. Take your clothes (even the under ones) to the nearest muddy creek. Drop clothes into water, beat them off a jagged rock and rinse in same water. Really stretch them out. Hang to dry in a very public place.

13. Take yours and your 3 closest neighbors clothes and redistribute them between the three of you, make a game out of who's clothes belong to whom.

14. Go to a tiny sauna, and crank up the steam. When someone comes in, sit right next to them - so you're sitting right on top of them. Enjoy sharing each other's sweat.

15. Get 15 of your closest friends, no make that total strangers you met on the bus today, pile them all into an old station wagon that runs on diesel. Then take the exhaust from the diesel pipe and run it directly into the car. Now go sit in rush hour traffic in NYC. It only truly works if you have small children who then have to pee.

16. Shove cotton balls in your ears and have conversations with people. It will give you the feel of know that people are speaking the same language as you, but having absolutely no clue what they are saying! This also humbles you to have to ask people to repeat themselves again and again...until the inevitable, "I said....."

17. Go to the inner city, randomly pick a health clinic from the phone book. Find it by only asking people where it is (remember #16). Once you finally find the clinic, get blood drawn by the guy w/o gloves.

18. Pretend to be a ghost. Because you are white, that's what people think you are. Get used to screaming babies...they'll be terrified of you!

19. Drink a gallon of water and hold it. Condition your bladder to hold an amazing amount of water for a long time. OR your other option is to practice relieving yourself in very public places...your choice.

20. Tape an index card on your head that reads, "answer all my questions with the phrase, 'soon.'" Then go around asking people really serious questions, enjoy their response. It's the only one you'll get over there.

21. While in the inner city, walk down a street of the city where no one else looks like you...try to blend in and not look conspicuous. And if you are really brave, take 2 others that look like you with a child that looks like everyone else - practice blending!

22. Practice sleeping in the heat of the summer with a/c off and windows closed with the covers on to shield you from the bugs.

23. Gather mosquitoes and other biting bus, put them in a bag, tie it around your food. Now start praying for protection, because it is only God that can save you from all the "things" that can kill you!

24. Just in case you get malaria and need treatment, go to the local livestock suppliers and buy a needle that they use to inject medicines into animals. Use these to administer medication to yourself. You'll need the practice so that you don't bleed all over the place when the size of these needles are driven into your body to save your life.

25. Shut off all electricity. Set your alarm to go off at 7pm. When this goes off, turn on the electricity and start the countdown to an unspecified time. RUN back to your room...plug in your phone, computer, and iPod to charge. Jump into the shower of choice - bathe, bathe the kids, and jump out (who really even needs hot water). Who knows how long the electricity will stay on this time!

26. Every time you get an unusual bump, ask the person beside you, "is this scabies?" Get used to the sheer terror of their response. Then start comparing bumps.

27. Find creative ways to prepare random animal parts. That way you're not so grossed out when they are served for dinner.

28. Ask your neighbor to not change their sheets for 3 weeks, after the 3 weeks, neatly put them on your bed as if they were freshly washed.

29. Find a pasture that is full of cow patties. Close your eyes and spin in a circle 10 times. Open your eyes and start walking. Avoid stepping in anything squishy. This will prepare you to walk on the streets and on the beach.

30. Wearing flip-flops walk through a land fill.

31. Practice squatting inconspicuously, just in case of emergencies - never know where you'll be when the gurgling begins and you might be thanking yourself that you built up those muscles before hand.

32. Dunk 1/2 of each roll of TP in brown water. When using it to wipe, avoid using anything brown. Go on a "square by square basis."

33. Don't use TP anywhere but at home. Instead, work on shaking or becoming really good at digging in a backpack while on your back while squatting for a tissue of some sort.

34. Half way through every meal, go to the bathroom with a child with a "runny tummy." You might want that bag from #3 so you can have the full smell effect too. Repeating all the while, "they must've swallowed the rice whole." (I won't further explain why you should do that one) Then resume your meal as if nothing happened.

I saw this on a blog or two and since I could relate to more than one of these, I thought it would be fun to share with you. Number 7 happened to me one night. No water or electric with my hair full of shampoo. I tried dumping what I had left of my bottled water over my head to rinse but it just lathered more. I just wrapped my head, soap and all, in my towel and went to bed. Thank God for generators that helped me out the next day!

Can You Imagine......

2008-10-14T09:13:00.005-05:00

if this was your home? There is no way this home can keep the heavy rains out that Liberia gets every year, no way to keep the mosquitos that carry malaria out, no electric, water, bathroom, kitchen. Not even a floor, just a dirt ground.

and this is your "kitchen" so to speak. Where you can cook in your 2 pots the one meal per day you might get.

and this is the place where your entire family sleeps. An old foam mattress on the ground is your bed.

and this is your water source...................

When I brought these pictures home and showed them to our children they had a whole bunch of questions. Where do you cook? How do you cook? Where do you go to the bathroom when you get sick? Wouldn't that water be unsafe to drink? What do you do when the house is leaking from the rain? Good questions. And Teddy don't have to try to imagine what this would be like......this is his actual home prior to coming to the U.S. One of his comments to the kids was, "you don't want to live in Liberia because you will suffer, suffer, suffer." He has so many stories of life in Liberia. He could write a book.:0) He actually fell down this well and had to be pulled out. He has gone through alot already at his young age, probably more than I will go through in my lifetime. But, he is the most amazing kid. We are so blessed to have him home with us.

2008-10-07T14:40:00.002-05:00

I met a wonderful family in Liberia back in August 2007. It was during my adoption of Teddy and sponsorship of Mark that I had the opportunity to meet Munty and Stephanie Teahn. They have since moved to the U.S. and we have kept in contact ever since. Munty has been putting together a blog that he will write his personal stories about Liberia, the war, and the future of Liberia. I have read his first postings and they are very interesting. I wanted to pass his link along to others who want to learn/know more about Liberia. He has an amazing story to tell, you might want to bookmark him to your favorites.

You can find his new blog here. Enjoy reading his posts and how God is working in his heart and life.

Baby Boy Johnson is here.....finally!!!!!!!!

2008-09-22T20:09:00.005-05:00

I know I have not posted in forever (right Kirsten?). I am really trying to get back in the swing of things now that Teddy is home and doing GREAT. School is in full swing now and I am busier than ever. Our good friends Stephen and Rebecca Johnson had their baby this week! I am so excited for them. They emailed me some pictures of this sweet little guy. By the way, they are from the camera that some of you helped to purchase the last time I went over. They were very happy and appreciative and say thank you to all who gave money and baby items for them. I am soooo glad they have the camera to cherish these first baby days. I mean, look at this pic. Isn't he the cutest little guy? We all love him already.

Had this little guy been a girl she would have been Monconjay Joy Julie Johnson. They have not decided on a boy's name as of yet. Hey Stephen and Rebecca....How about Mark? haha

This is my favorite picture of Stephen and Rebecca. (Joy took this picture of them before she left Liberia.) She was still pregnant here. I saw a picture of her after the birth and she still looks this good! :0) So, that is my exciting news for today. Congratulations Stephen and Rebecca!!!!!!!

The Shores of Monrovia

2008-08-07T11:13:00.016-05:00

For Isaac

2008-08-05T23:24:00.003-05:00

Jocelyn, a friend I first met through the blog world and later traveled to Liberia at the same time with, adopted a son Isaac. He is a super cool little man who had a surgery to correct some things in his spine. He is unable to walk right now....although he just walked today for a short while with a walker! Yeah, Isaac! Anyway, Jocelyn saw this video and told Isaac that he was dancing for him....that is until Isaac can dance again. So, word is getting around and people all over the globe are posting little dances so Isaac can see we are supporting him until he can dance again. This dance here is similar to the one I posted not too long ago, only this one is for Isaac!

This is Teddy with his color book I gave him at the orphanage and Isaac looking over his shoulder. Teddy has been concerned for Isaac through this whole hospital thing and sent him some pics of himself. He wants Isaac to be able to walk again. We ALL do!

One Month Ago

2008-07-22T10:50:00.002-05:00

We have been home a month already! I can hardly believe it. Teddy has been such a joy. We have had some struggles but many changes are happening right before our eyes and it is so much fun to see him grow and change as he feels comfortable with us. I ran across this video when going through my pics on the computer and this is when I just got to Liberia and we were hanging out at the Great Wall Hotel. When we went to the market I bought a music dvd alot like this one so he could watch it at home. He loves it and has been watching it and singing to it constantly. This is also the second day that I had him with me in Liberia....the first day he was very quiet. Not too many smiles. So, this is a great memory for me to see his smile return again. I love the way Liberians worship with their dance and if you listen close to the words in the beginning she sings something like, "This is how we worship in Africa!" Fun stuff.....

One of a Kind

2008-07-21T23:32:00.006-05:00

A long while ago, actually before we started this whole adoption process my husband said, "I am going to make you something that you will really like to celebrate what Liberia and what our adoption means to you." I thought maybe it was just one of those passing thoughts one has, but he put his idea into action. He thought that maybe "I would really like it," but I REALLY LOVE IT! I thought I would show you all what he came up with................

Round TWO

2008-07-19T10:51:00.003-05:00

It hardly seems like it has been 6 months since we last applied for Mark's visa. The time has rolled around once again and he will be trying again this Wednesday in the morning. If things go well, he will be joining us in a few weeks. I will update more later and let you know what the decision by the embassy was/is. Keep praying!

2008-07-16T01:28:00.003-05:00

I found this video on a couple other blogs that I love reading. I wanted to share it here also with you.

Have you considered ONE?

Make a Joyful Noise

2008-07-16T00:17:00.004-05:00

Lately, our house has been filled with the sound of drums. Teddy loves to play his drums and just recently Jeffrey has taken an interest in playing along. This is what our house frequently sounds like during the day............

Teddy's First Week Home

2008-07-05T15:35:00.028-05:00

When Dale ,a friend that was in Liberia at the same time as I was, returned home, I emailed him a couple times and said, "Where is your new blog update?" Well, I guess now I see the busy ness that comes along with that. Now it is me who cannot find time to update my blog. Alot has happened in one short week home. The first couple days we had grandparents and friends/relatives stop by to meet Teddy. We also had relatives up for their yearly family visit and had a great picnic with them on Sunday. Teddy met all his cousins (minus three from the other side of the family). We also met up with Donna at McDonalds, where Teddy met other kids from Liberia and had his first McDonald's food. French fries went down but nothing else did! We have had a summer school picnic and we watched Karissa in her musical called "Go Fish." We have played at the park, had our annual 4th of July party at our friends house, had haircuts at Grandma Kathy's salon and tried out Dairy Queen. Alot of firsts for this little guy but he is having a blast. We have enjoyed our first week with Teddy and we are so glad he is actually home where he should be!

Scott's mom meeting Teddy for the first time

The cousins all together

Hanging out with brother

McDonald's happy meal with brother Jeffrey

With the Barber kids

Karissa's musical

The talent show at school: Karissa's friend made her a pillow and skirt and this is the outcome.

Karissa's fish she made for her musical

Before haircuts......

Teddy having "mustang convertible fun" with G. Joe during haircuts...........

After haircuts!

ICE CREAM!!!!

MORE ICE CREAM!!! Oh, why did I let them eat in the van?!?

All of us(well, minus the college kids)on the 4th

Best buds.

Time for hayrides....

Hubby on tractor....

Teddy on hayride. Hmmmmmm ya gotta love those lips!

Fireworks! Happy 4th of July!

This is alot of pics but only a fraction of our busy week! We hope you all had a great 4th!

Happy Birthday Mark!

2008-06-27T08:57:00.006-05:00

I want to get back into posting about my trip to Liberia again, but first just wanted to mention that it is Mark's birthday today. He has been such a blessing to our family. He has helped us out with our adoption as well as helping Teddy understand what all was going on. We are happy to have Mark as part of our family. Happy Birthday Mark and THANK YOU!

They are HOME!!!!

2008-06-24T21:38:00.003-05:00

I talked to Julie a while ago. They made it to the US safely. . I can't say home yet, b/c they actually went straight to Pat Joyce's house (a fellow adoptive mama)! There was a full on welcome party at the airport with Pat, Diane, Christina and the Basten family along with the entire Redman clan! Julie said that she was still having a hard time believing it was all over. She didn't breathe her sign of relief until they landed in MN. At that point, Teddy reached over and CLUNG to her. He said, "I'm so Happy" over and over again. He also said, "God brought me here!". Boy, did HE ever!!! Thank you Jesus!

Julie will post more when she's home and settled. . If I hear any great stories, I'll just hack in again and post them for her since I know the password now!

Brandi

Heading to the Airport

2008-06-23T12:59:00.002-05:00

I just got off the phone with Julie.

She got word at 5:30 pm that they DID get her case history signed! whohoo!

That means all her paperwork is in order. She shouldn't have problems at the airport, but they are having someone escort her through security anyways.

The big stuff is done, but please pray for her to get through the airport without anyone making waves. Her flight leaves at 8 pm Liberian time. She will arrive home in the US at 5 pm cst tomorrow! Then, we will all breathe a sigh of relief that it's finally over! Then, the real fun can begin!!!

Brandi

Update. . .and someone steps up to tthe plate!

2008-06-21T08:50:00.004-05:00

I just got off the phone with Julie! The conversation was great, but it ended too soon!

She said that Teddy is doing well. He lives a bit fearful that this time won't end well either. . pray for his little heart to be calm!

Julie is doing much better. She met with Alma (the US Consular) yesterday re: clearance letters. Apparently, there is no such thing.

Eric, the country director of AoHL, had told Julie to expect trouble leaving the country. . he had some suggestions on how to get out, but I won't list it here. We thought it was because of the stability of adoptions there or lack of clearance letter.

Come to find out. . it is because the case history that states that Teddy's mom is dead and his aunt is relinquishing him is still in play (if you are new. . Julie flew to Liberia in the fall to straighten his entire case out on her own and found the bmom alive!). Because of this inaccurate case history, the airport could be a problem. This is REALLY bad b/c not only does a new case history have to be written, but it needs to be signed by a Liberian official.

Praise the Lord that someone has stepped up to the plate. Another adoption agency has been contacted and is helping FOR FREE! They redid the case history with the bmom today and will get it signed on Monday. They have also offerred to have her stay at their guest compound and walk her through security at the airport. All for FREE!! They are truly lifesavers who care about the children of Liberia. . all without out thought to cost! Thank you, Lord for providing this care for Julie!!

Please continue to be in prayer. . Pray for the Liberian official to be available for signing Monday morning as Julie and Teddy are scheduled to leave on Monday night! Pray also that there is NO trouble at the airport from anyone.

PS: I've tried to relay the facts here, as they have been stated to me. . .without my opinion inserted. . .I am worried for my friend and upset that any trouble has come to her AGAIN. Please join us in prayer for her!

PSS: One praise. . JULIE GOT HER LUGGAGE!!!! She can now change clothes.

Pictures!

2008-06-21T07:14:00.003-05:00

Julie and her boy! He's so ready to come home. . just wants to be on that plane so he knows he doesn't ever have to go back to the orphanage again!
Mark. . the famous one! Oh Mark, what a joy you have been to the Redman family! If you are just joining Julie's journey, Mark is a young man that their family "sponsors" so he can go to school. They basically mentor him across the ocean! He is a part of their family now and has been SO helpful while Julie is there. . her knight in shining armour when she had to leave her original knight at home to take care of the "homestead"!!

I have an update too. . but, I'm calling Julie in a minute to see just how much she wants posted. There is still a hangup about leaving the country, apparently because the adoption agency failed to correct the mistakes in the case history (once again). Others are stepping up to the plate to help out and I'll give you more when I can!

Brandi

Latest from Liberia - The rest of Thursday

2008-06-20T06:29:00.004-05:00

Julie couldn't get on email Thursday night, so we just go the latest update this morning!

As far as Teddy's surprise goes. . not sure how that went down. Instead of Julie picking Teddy up after her appt., Chris (AoHL staffer) brought Teddy with him. So, it seems that the surprise was somewhere back at the orphanage. At the embassy, he told Julie that if Alma didn't give him his visa then that he'd take Teddy back to the orphanage until one was issued (this is what Acres said would happen if she didn't stay at their guesthouse). Alma quickly shot that one down and told them "Teddy is your son, he is with you NOW."

Teddy update in Julie's Words: "Teddy just too cute. He took about a 1/2 hour shower and used 1/2 thing of soap but at least he looks clean. Mark and I both commented on how we
thought he looked sad and like he lost weight. I asked him if he was mad that I left last time and he said yeah. He is opening up a lot more now and he has been having his rice and playing games and he watches soccer all the time on the tv in the hotel. I will take some pics of him and I this morning to send you guys today. "

Julie is going back to see Alma today. Pray for favor. She is discussing Mark (who wants to come to the US for school) and Charity's case (getting E-man's dad and brother) and clearances.

There has been information posted about needing clearances to leave the country. This is now unclear. Eric has told Julie to expect trouble leaving the country. Please be in prayer for this. We are praying especially that Alma will give her real wisdom regarding this and Eric has said he'll help in any way. Monday may be a day of prayer and fasting.

I'll let you know more as I do!

Brandi (for Julie!)

Gotcha Day. . AGAIN!

2008-06-19T07:22:00.004-05:00

Yep, you read that right! Julie is IN LIBERIA!!!! WHOOHOOO!!! Can you hear me screaming? I hope you are rejoicing right along with the entire Redman family! God is so good and this crazy roller coaster is about to be over so they can get on with the ride of life!! This is Brandi, posting for Julie as her connection isn't that great at the hotel!

Let me paraphrase her latest emails to me. . .

Her journey to leave. . I'll leave that to her when she gets home. She had been waiting for final words that things were actually done and done right this time. Finally, it was time to book travel! God graciously provided for all of her needs and she was able to book travel and leave on Tuesday morning to arrive in Brussels on Wednesday at 4:50 Liberian Time.

Julie's Flights: AGH!
"Well, I finally made it! It has already been quite the trip. I was having tons of trouble connecting and somehow it just starting sending me my emails! So, I went to the airport and got whisked away while my son went to park. At least we visited in the car! Then I was on standby for tickets when I heard the ticket man say the flight is too full…….everyone on standbye will have to reschedule flights. I gave them my ticket anyway and my seat was there!

I made all connecting flights wonderfully……..a great girl( 30 yr old) gave me a sleeping pill that knocked me out for my first ½ of the flight. I was SICK the rest of the way..what Is up with that? I think I need motion sickness pills or something. Mark met me at the airport but guess what? NONE of my luggage made it here. They said maybe Friday it will be in.

I am at great wall, now I need a different type of power adapter so I can do my hair! This has been quite the interesting trip. Oh yeah, shoes are in my bags. . .Out of the 3 trips this one has been the worst! The lady at the airport said “I am sorry about your luggage” and I just said to her Oh, this is nothing, try adoption. Haheheehe

Pray that I will be feeling better. I was sick for MOST of the whole flight……..don’t really know why…………

I have a major headache and feel nautious."

TODAY:

She hasn't said how she feels, but wrote me at 11 Liberian Time saying Chris (from the adoption agency) was on his way over with papers. She'd write more later. . . .I was dying thinking we wouldn't get word of any kind until tonight. . .OH NO. . SHE JUST WROTE BACK!!! It is 2:30 there and here is what she wrote:

"I went to see alma and she cleared everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teddy is with me now. We have to head out but I have an appt at 4:00 to go see alma and get his visa."

That's Julie. . she's not super verbose! We'll have to wait to get all the wonderful details of Teddy's Surprise (he didn't know she was coming, because she didn't want to have to disappoint him again!) and how amazingly happy she is! Right now, though, we can just imagine the sigh of relief felt all the way across the ocean!

Yeah!! God Is Good!!!
1 Chronicles 16:31:

³¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"

More to come as I get it! Brandi

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS............

2008-06-13T19:44:00.003-05:00

Hey guys,

Our new KidsLake project for June is in a country most of us hold a little dear to our hearts! LIBERIA!!!

We're working with Orphan Relief and Rescue, to provide mosquito nets for kids in some of the most run down orphanages in Liberia! Each mosquito net is only $7 and can cover 2-4 children (with 2 kids per bunk in a bunk bed!). With Malaria being one of the leading killers of children throughout Liberia, this is a literal life saver!

Help spread the word too!! Go to http://www.kidslake.org/ for more info and to donate online!

This is such a great cause and so easy for kids to make $7.00! Please help kids now!

This is Teddy sleeping in Liberia under a mosquito net. Just imagine how many kids we could keep from getting sick with just a couple mosquito nets. This is something our family will definitely participate in! This can be Teddy's first experience with giving back to his country!

School is Out.........

2008-06-13T19:04:00.008-05:00

Pre-K is finished and boy did it go fast!

And it is graduation time................

I've got my diploma!

I am going to miss my teacher....................

And my friends!

MOM: "Jeffrey, what does it mean now that you are graduated?" JEFFREY: "I get to eat CAKE, and I don't have to take any more naps!"

Well, he got the cake part right.

But he still prefers his naps..............Alittle attached to the rest mat, Jeffy? WAY TO GO! Only 13 years left before the "real thing."

Fun With Marbles

2008-05-26T20:15:00.008-05:00

Karissa brought home a string and a marble from school this week. Her assignment was to make up a game using both of the pieces. We wanted to start from the beginning but I was not home to get all the pictures. So, we started in the middle.........of course we got the game done right before bedtime the night before it was due.

Karissa designing and coloring her game board that her dad helped her with earlier. Dad cut and nailed the boards, Karissa painted and colored the game.

Brother and sister working together to add the nails that the marble will roll through.

Nailing is done!

Dad adding the string (starting line) as the last step.

For Mom

2008-05-24T21:09:00.002-05:00

A MOTHER...
When you're a child she walks before you, To set an example.
When you're a teenager she walks behind you, To be there should you need her.
When you're an adult she walks beside you, So that as two friends you can enjoy life together..

Thank you for being my example, encourager and friend. Love you! ..........Julie

Some Days You Just Feel Like Dirt

2008-05-22T13:06:00.005-05:00

This is Joe. We call him Joe the Schmoe. And here's why...........

Next stop..........garden hose!

Just Hanging Out

2008-05-08T23:48:00.006-05:00

Meet Hamilton

2008-05-07T22:12:00.016-05:00

We had the joy of hosting a man from Liberia this weekend. His name is Hamilton and we all had a wonderful time with him. Just for a little background on how we know him: Hamilton is a friend of Mark (also from Liberia). (Mark has been involved with our family for over a year now. ) They grew up together as boys. They lived in different villages but close enough to see each other often. They are both Kru. It was alot of fun hearing some of their stories growing up. At least up until the war.....those stories are really hard to hear. Hamilton won the dv lottery in Liberia a little over a year ago and has been living out east. I met Hamilton for the first time while I was in Liberia a month ago. He was visiting his wife and daughters because even though he is able to live here, they are not. Obtaining a visa for his family members is a hard thing to do, so in the meantime he tries to visit them. This is Mark and Hamilton in Liberia in March. I had so much fun meeting all these people who are connected there in Liberia. Friends there become so much like extended family. I never thought when we were going to adopt one little boy that so many more would come into our family too.....It is great. Smiling for a picture.....Hamilton played the drum for us, gave his testimony in church and sang a Kru song in church on Sunday. We had potluck after church and so he had a chance to meet many more people.

The kids enjoyed Hamilton alot. They came home from school and wanted to know when he was going to visit again. They also want to know if he can live with us. :0)

Here they are having a little basketball competition.

A full house again. With Justin and Kirsten being away at college our table is not always this full anymore. Dinner time with a "full" table just seems right. I love it. And Kirsten was home for a visit, so that was an extra special treat.

On Sunday Dale and Kim (they started the adoption process about the same time as us and this is how we came to know them.) came over to visit too. Here their son Josiah is playing the drum for us. He was really good too. They are a wonderful family. They have 6 beautiful children. Dale was in Liberia also while I was there doing the final adoption of their daughter.

My daughter, Kayla, gave Josiah the camera and I just have to post these here. Are these cute or what?

He loved taking pictures. These are just too cute.

And we also went to Bryan and Stephanie's (another adoptive family) house with Dale, Kim, and Hamilton. We started having quite the crew. They were so gracious to open their home to us. Hamilton cooked us all some pepper soup. They eat this alot in Liberia. I have had it several different ways now and it is very good. He went gentle on the peppers for us so we could swallow! I have video of cooking this at Stephanie's I can try to post later. This picture is Bryan and Marcus. Another handsome little boy from Liberia. They also were picking Marcus up while I was in Liberia. The neat thing about alot of the people I met live close enough to us that we can visit frequently.

On Monday we visited my sister and had a meal with their family. We played checkers after dinner and Hamilton beat everyone that played against him. It seemed to me he had this ability to see the opponents moves before they did them. Hmmm.....

Here is Hamilton with the kids on the trampoline. I wonder who had more fun? The kids or Hamilton?
Here is my nephew, David, doing a back flip on the trampoline. This kid is so athletic he could do it just standing on the ground.

Just For Fun Tag

2008-05-04T00:51:00.003-05:00

Well, my good friend Brandi thought I did not have enough things to do this weekend so she gave me one more thing to do. That is, to make this list for all of you. So, here goes........gotta go get my food out of the oven for tomorrow. Oh yeah, Hamilton arrived today. Will post on that tomorrow too.

I am: very tired. It is almost 1:00 a.m. and I am preparing food for tomorrow.

I think: about getting Teddy home everyday. I also think about ways to help Africa.

I know: that I should be cleaning for the Basten's visit tomorrow but I am blogging.

I want: to sleep uninterrupted for a whole day.

I hate: the word hate.

I miss: Teddy.

I fear: singing a solo in church!

I feel: happy to have Hamilton here today. Being able to share friendship, Liberian stories and just having fun.

I hear: my 5 year old snoring on the couch.

I smell: my oatmeal breakfast cake cooking.....along with sausage i cooked for my breakfast casserole........hmmmm .

I crave: chocolate when I am stressed, more quiet time when the house is in an uproar, a bubble bath when my agency refuses to let our child come home because of money.....alone time with God when my attitude goes south.

I search: bookstores for African literature.

I regret: I am going to regret not going to sleep sooner.

I love: knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me?

I ache: right now? ALL OVER!

I care: do you?

I always: stay up late.

I am not: getting anything done, Brandi! :0) .

I believe: Greg can fly.

I sing: terribly off key........you don't even want to hear it.

I cry: when people suffer.

I fight: for the truth. ask my adoption friends.

I write: to-do lists, grocery lists and kids activities lists daily and keep them in my sight. I need them. I could very well be attention deficit and this helps me stay on track??? I also write this post because Brandi tagged me.

I win: when I armwrestle my mom or sister. yes sometimes we do.

I lose: my patience if somebody lies to me.

I never: well hardly never, yell.

I listen: to mostly any style of music.

I can usually be found: close to my kids. Like field trips, sporting activities, etc. or doing laundry at mount neverrest. If all else fails look for me by my computer.

I am scared: that something could happen to a loved one far away and I could not be there with them.

I need: to write a book when my adoption is finished.

I am happy about: bringing Teddy home soon, visiting with Dale and Kim tomorrow, hearing Hamilton's testimony in church tomorrow. I am usually happy about life in general.

I hope: if given the choice to sit it out or dance.......you dance.......wow, that should be a song!

I tag: Laurie Lorenzen, Katie Borchert, Kami Johnson. And anyone else living in Fort collins.

A Field Trip for Jocelyn....

2008-04-29T13:02:00.004-05:00

This is the time of year that the school kids take lots of field trips. AND, since I am a bus driver my week is filled with 4 field trips. The fun part about this is that my kids are always either on my bus or I meet up with them at the place we are driving to. This has also been a good week to have lots to do because we are waiting for the results of Teddy's and his bmom DNA. (BTW, results are tomorrow @ 2:00). When I found out what field trip this was I had to laugh because on one of our adoption groups some of us were kidding around about living in the country versus the city.....so this post is for my friend, Jocelyn. The 6th graders had a trip to one of our Midwest Wisconsin farms. Jocelyn is not close to farming and our "way of living" here. So here are some pics of what life is like around my town, Jocelyn. This is a huge structure where the cows can be fed quickly and easily. It is much bigger than it looks here.

Inside the barn..........peeeeuuuuuuuu!

This cute little calf (who eventually will be milk or meat),

currently is living here in one of these calf hutches.....

Inside a milking parlor........

The milkers........I think the lady said about 150 cows can go through this parlor in an hour. That is alot of milk!

We also went to a John Deere tractor place and a short visit to our veterinary clinic. When we arrived back at school some of the FFA kids were at tables with things set up for the kids. My daughter Kayla (the tall red-head on the left)(did I tell you we grow them tall here in the Midwest, could be the Miracle grow in our garden, which is another Midwest thing!) and her friends made homemade peanut butter....
the final product shown here. Jocelyn, I know you are thinking, "Man I wish I could've been there!" That's why I got all these great shots for you today. Tomorrow we are going to the zoo.....something city and country folk have in common! :0) so stay tuned.........

And Baby Makes Three

2008-04-24T21:08:00.016-05:00

I love Liberia. I am sure you all can sense that! :0) One of the things I enjoyed the most was being able to connect up with some great people and make new frienships there. This post is about 2 sweet, sweet people that I met sometime ago. Probably about a year ago now. We love keeping in contact with them. Stephen is currently working with Equip and he wife is expecting a baby in June. We can't wait to see the new baby! He/she is bound to be very cute. :0) Anyway, so here are some pics of our visit last month:

These are pictures of pictures I took out of their photo album. Aren't they nice?

This is the front of Stephen and Rebecca's house. They have not lived here too long. They used to live in another part of Liberia but decided to move here.

This is the back of their house. The window to the right hand side is the kitchen that is shared by two families. The right hand side of this house is rented by another family and the left, of course is Stephen's. Can you see the small generator on the ground to the left? That is what supplies the electric to their side. I think it held about a gallon of gas.....costing more than $4.oo US dollars to fill. That is a pretty big expense in Liberia.

This is behind that window (on the outside of the house). A kitchen shared by both families. Rebecca is in pink and her sister in blue. They made us a wonderful pepper soup. You can see it cooking on the stove here.

This is a small bowl that they mix and crush spices in for the food. Pretty cool.

Pepper soup and rice is cooking! Yummmm!

Come and get some!

A closer up shot of pepper soup. I think they made it much less peppery than they usually eat it because us american folks aren't use to it so hot.......

The hallway between the two sides.

The only reason I posted this picture is so you could see how cute Rebecca is pregnant. I seriously looked really bad and felt bad too. I love the joy in her smile....

Me, baby MoMo, (Stephen and Rebecca's nephew) and Teddy in the living room....
Alfred and Mark (looking at photo album). We had a really nice day with them. We actually took along one of the adoptive families but because I did not have permission to post pics from them I did not include them here. If they are reading and don't mind, I would love to post a pic here later on!..........................................................Most of you know that for Liberian people it is very hard for them to get buy with the small incomes they make to just feed their families for the month, much less buy anything extra. So, I was thinking that if anyone would be interested in sending a box of infant cereal, a baby toy/books or some baby clothes I would love to take them some things for their new addition. I also remember how much fun it was to take a gazillion pictures of our babies when they arrived. It would be so great if they could take pictures of their little one. If I could get 15 people to donate $10.00 we could make that a possibility for them!!!!!! Anyone interested can email me at redman611@verizon.net. Please consider blessing them with their firstborn child. Imagine if you lost all of your photos in a fire. It would seem like such a loss. Now, imagine never having any photos to be able to remember these special times in the first place......thank you so much. Julie

Slumber Party number 2.......

2008-04-21T20:26:00.005-05:00

This weekend was another one of our "girls night out" slumber parties. At the last one, some of us were waiting for kids to come home. I am happy to say Pat has her children home now and she brought pictures for all of us to see. It is so awesome to see pictures of them in Liberia and them adjusting well at home. Congratulations Pat! We missed Jennifer, but also gained a new adoptive friend Jennifer. We hope your journey is a good one! We are all so happy for you!

How many miles will I have to run to drop the 40,000 chocolate calories I consumed Saturday night? I don't think I can eat chocolate now for the rest of the year!

Ok, so I am definitely not a dog lover........but, just look at this dog. How cute is she? She was the most gentle, well behaved dog I have seen in a long time. I would take this one! By the way her name is Prada!
Left to Right: Donna, (notice that she positioned her wine glass far to the right of her) Pat, Diane, Christina and Megan. We were missing Jennifer Killen and Stephanie Martin. Also, our new friend, the other Jennifer, is not shown because she came later. Entertainment for the night included blog stalking and internet agency listings.....Donna has a few admirers out there.... wine drinking, (for the record, I had bottled water, but I was a glutten on the chocolate so what's the difference?) passing around pictures of their beautiful children, we ate a ton of pizza and ice cream and told a million hilarious stories...Thank you, Megan for opening your home to us "crazy chics!" We are trying to have a camping trip next and we would love for some more of you to join us.

Update on Teddy

2008-04-21T20:10:00.002-05:00

Today we finally heard some good news. Teddy's mom finally got her birth certificate today. (She previously was thought dead and had a death certificate.) They also had a dna taken from her today and they will be giving us a tracking number shortly. You can believe I will be tracking it for sure!!!
So this is my last picture I took of Teddy before heading back home. He fell asleep in my bed and THEN I packed up. I guess it just felt easier that way. I can't wait to go get him.....pray that it will go fast! We miss him a ton!

While You Were Away.........

2008-04-21T19:41:00.005-05:00

I got a phone call in Africa with the voice on the other end telling me that they had a surprise for me when I get back home. They redecorated the room I had been using as an office and made the room another bedroom. I am saying on my end, "What do you mean surprise me?? What color is it?? What kind of floor is it"?? Now, my husband has good taste for a guy so I should just let it be at that but I had to interrogate everything. So, every time he called me I would ask the questions all over again. He just said, "If you don't like it, I will repaint it for you." So, here are the pics. What do you guys think? I decided the African painting I brought home looks nice in there so it can stay this way for awhile.

Picture number 1....

Picture number 2...........
This is my picture I brought home from Liberia. It is about 4 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. I love it! If you want some really nice African paintings or carvings, etc. go to this guy. Directions: coming out of the Embassy walk up the road until you get to the last shop on the right. He has some really nice things and will give you a pretty good price. Tell him Julie sent you...just kidding! He has no idea who I am. :0)