Merry Christmas! Krismasi Njema!

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Seasons like this are especially difficult without Mr. U.  Praying one day very soon I can tell him this in person but for the time being here is a little note for him to look back on some day....

Mr U.  - Mommy na daddy kupenda sanaa! Krismasi Njema!  Mommy and daddy love you so much! Merry Christmas!

The pics that didn't make this year's Christmas card

R took a lot of pictures before we got just the right two for our Christmas card.  Here are just a small sampling of those that didn't make the cut.

A's Thoughts on Thanksgiving

A's teachers asked her a bunch of questions a few days before Thanksgiving.  These are her answers.

Slow Motion Tubing

The most important interview of my life

I have been apart of thousands of interviews (thanks to my previous job as a recruiter) but no interview will stack up to the one that is set to take place this Sunday.  One of U's loved ones in DRC will be interviewed by the Congolese government.  There is so much that has to take place in order for this interview to actually happen and we pray that God's hand is over ever aspect of the process.  At the time that U was relinquished to the orphanage this part of the process did not exist so this interview will come as a shock to those involved.  I would imagine the emotions of being asked the questions will be heartbreaking and I'm physically drained knowing that this is about to take place.  Someone else's sorrow will be our joy.  That is not lost on me.  Not for this interview and not for the rest of U's life.

The date of this interview is also not lost on me.  It happens to be the one year anniversary of the death of another one of U's loved one.  One year ago this Sunday, this family was morning the loss of the person they love and cherish so deeply and now they are asked to revisit and share the details of that time in their life.  

This interview must take place in order for U to leave the country and so despite the painful timing of the interview our prayer is that it will still take place and that U's loved one will some how find great peace in the midst of the process.  

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30