Hang On...

 TRIVIA FIRST...

About the birds - We had a choice with our birds - either we lived here or they lived here!   Our house was just not big enough to include both our family and three very loud birds.  So we called a local Pet Store and they agreed to take the birds.  In return we brought home a sweet, quiet little parakeet.  The birds were in fine condition when they left our house.  They were not abused, misused, left out on the porch or mistreated.   They were healthy and will make the Pet Store owner a good bit of money (70.00 per bird).  Though we got the 'poor' end of that trade, we are most certainly NOT COMPLAINING because we no longer have to yell at each other to be heard!    Happy Days!

About Aaron's spoon - A lot of people wanted to know where we got Aaron's spoon.  From our utensil drawer.  The spoon is actually a measuring spoon.  It is not ideal and we have since replaced it.  Designing a good eating utensil for Aaron is still a work in progress.

Gavin's thermometer is going up!!  Praise the Lord!  Lots of things happening in the 'raising funds for Gavin' department.  More on that in another post.  God is good!

Aaron's FAVORITE PASTIME... Note - the traintrack is on the floor in this picture.  Today it is back on the table.  He likes to change things up.  When it is on the floor, he can do it with his feet.  When it is on the table, he uses his hands.  Elijah is the number one track designer in the family.  I confess - I like designing them too!

AND NOW FOR THE HANG ON PART OF THIS POST...

     God is moving.  This morning I had chills going up and down my spine.  God is moving. In more than one direction at the same.  Our Lost Boys have hope. 

     You need to ramp up the prayers.  HARD.   This CONCERTO is one you don't want to miss.

Prayer One - We have been in contact with a number of different organizations and ministries about our Lost Boys and we have been contacted by several.  The interest is high.  Praise God!  Pray that the doors would be flung wide open!

Prayer Two - I can't share much and I have to be discreet so read between my lines....

     In the same village as our Lost Boys, there is an internat for older children.  For those who don't understand the Eastern European system - Children are in baby house orphanages until they reach the age of 4, 5 or 6.  Then they are transferred.  The 'normal' children are transferred to boarding school type orphanages (internats) where they receive an education.  The special needs children are transferred to special needs institutes.

      The special needs institutes are the places of no return.  Those kids stay in the system until they die.  Unless they are adopted - they live the rest of their lives locked away forever.

      But, lest you think that the 'normal' children have it easy, think again.  The children in the internats are just as needy.  The boarding school internats tend to be underfunded (most of the money that is donated is poured into the baby house orphanages) and often neglected.  It is a harsh world for those kids.  Many of our HIV Reece's Rainbow children are in these places.  When the children at these internats turn anywhere from 15-18, they age out.  Though they have been given an education, they have little prospects.  They are sent out into the world too young and without support.  Sadly, many of these children shipwreck, ending up in jail or in prostitution rings.  There have been efforts made to change the system and in some areas this is changing but the reality is, much more needs to be done.  The need is huge.  It is why we are praying that the door does NOT close on both the special needs adoptions AND the older children adoptions. 

     So here is where prayer matters.  There is an internat in Aaron's former village.  It is filled with needy children.  Only a few have ever been adopted from that internat.  Just a few.  Those boys and girls are about as Lost as our Lost Boys.  We have no idea if anyone ministers to those children.  Our contact with them went only as far as being shown the drab looking building where they lived.  Each time we passed that building I would whisper prayers for those lonely kids inside.  Other than that we were cut off.  Until this morning.


     This morning I sit in awe of the God I serve.  He sees the bigger picture.  He has a grander plan in place that goes beyond our wildest dreams.   Pray Church.  We serve a living God who hears and answers the cries of our hearts.