Wednesday, February 16, 2011

so so good


today I received an email from my friend, who happens to live in Ian's country, and it read:


Gretchen, meet my friend Anna, Anna, meet Gretchen!

Gretchen: Anna would like to pay for your hotel stay when you go to meet Ian. Also, she has found a better hotel for you to stay at that is near the orphanage. You two stay in touch now.

Bye.

Love,
Anastasia



all I can say is, that is God and he rocks!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Atlanta Area Reece's Rainbow Families

There are currently 4 families committed to and in the process of adopting children listed on Reece's Rainbow, who all live within the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. This past weekend were were blessed to host them at our home. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such amazing, faithful, and peaceful people.

What is more, is that the one and biggest things we have in common is that we are all

rescuing orphans, and we all also feel like

they have rescued us.


i love it.

From L to R: Back row: Abe Koenig, Nancy Crews, David Al-Khazraji, and Craig Stewart
From L to R: Seated: Corrie, Annalee, Elliana, Amarissa & Ammadea Koenig; Aubrey, Cameron & Gavin Al-Khazraji; and Gretchen & Ari Stewart.


The Koenigs have two biological children with special needs (hearing loss, eye issues), they are bringing home VIKA with Cerebral Palsy.

Nancy & John (not pictured) Crews, together with their adult daughter Kate, who has Cerebral Palsy, are bring home HANNA, with Down Syndrome. I had had the great pleasure of getting to know the Crews family better over the last few months and I can tell you that are simply divine, wonderful, and humble. Kate is amazing!

Cameron & David Al-Kahzraji have one child with special need (PDD-NOS) and are bringing home TANNER, with multiple medical needs.

and then there's us, you know about us that Ari has Autism & Hypotonia, and we are bringing home sweet IAN.


the wonderfulness of the journey can never really be stated in words.
we are so gratefully and forever changed and thankful for it all.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The LOVEliest Valentines Day Ever

Today we were informed that on Monday, February 14th, of 2011, Ian's country will be officially informed of our intention, our desire, our fitness, our qualifications, our finances...



our hearts


being set upon



making this BEAUTIFUL, fearfully made little wonder boy
our son!