Recap!

Thought I'd "recap" on a few things since I haven't posted a lot lately!

First off it has been almost ONE year since I've been in Ethiopia. Since I saw the things I saw or met the people I met or hugged my sponsor child. It seems LIKE FOReVER ago since I was there but then I feel like I just got home. Weird I know.

Second off- Missing my 14 kiddos. I usually hit this point each summer. After about a month I'm ready to go back with my kiddos. Missin' them lately!

Third off----------------My nephew from Ethiopia is HOME and so cute. He is doing great and is just so sweet!

Fourth off- My sisters fam is home for a week and that means that all the cousins are together again!:)
Here are my 7 cute kiddos!!!!!!!!!!

Lastly, those that read this and live in the Peoria, Morton, or Bloomington area...come on out to Morton,this Saturday to support a sweet family adopting a little girl from D.R. of Congo

"take your story to the world"

It's been awhile since I've been on here! End of the school year is always crazy it seems!;)


Was thinking of this song today, so thought I'd post it for some of you that will read this! ha!
"Take your story to the world".....love that phrase....its so true. Coming back from a mission trip is life changing and you want to TELL EVERYONE TO GO so they can also see for themselves BUT also that you can "take someones story to the world". 

Anyways, so close your eyes and listen to the words....



song is by Meredith Andrews- "What It Means To Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7P0SHoTpE

video

Here is the newest OH video! Love it!
I'm sure most of you have seen it but for those that haven't...HERE IT IS!:)
So very touching! So thankful for OH!


http://youtu.be/aFCtG40RdTE

Flip flops with a purpose!:)

Words from my older sister, Sara!

"Little is much when God is in it." A simple yet complex, declarative sentence. A truth I am "banking" on as my daughter, Ava, and I embark on a little adventure. Do I have your attention? As most of you know my brother and sister-in-law are in the process of adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. Excitement continues to build as their travel date is quickly approaching! Their desire to follow God in obedience to "care for the fatherless" is soon to be realized. I have no doubt God's faithfulness will continue to guide them as they become his forever family. As I have followed their journey I have been praying about how our family could play a part in getting our nephew home. As most of you can relate I desire to teach my children to look outside of themselves and their desires and care for the hurting. This is where "little is much when God is in it" comes in. :) It is a small project but nonetheless it is something Ava can be a part of. I realize there are some of you who do not have children or do not have girls. BUT I'm sure many of you have friends or family who may want to participate. It's all about word. of. mouth! :)

Details and Disclaimers: *The items pictured below are for "sale" from April 1-May 1, 2012 for donation only. I would, however, ask for a minimum donation of $5. Anything that you donate above and beyond that will then be given to Steve and Em for their adoption. *If you would like to order something please let me know the size needed and your address. *Please remember we are amateurs... but beyond the flip-flops you are investing in eternity...and that, my friend, is not amateur. Any questions? let me know. :) I'm new at this..." Sara

Here is Sara's e-mail address----- sarawatts76@ymail.com

Want to help bring my nephew, "A" home?:)

help spread the word...

I was reading this sad blog post...and thought I would help spread the word of some needs! Maybe you could help spread the word??? :)

http://cryoftheforgotten.blogspot.com/


"What we do with what we have is more important than what we have." S.H.

"We cannot take our money to heaven, but we can invest it for eternity." E.H.

This Saturday!

If you live in the Bloomington/Morton/Peoria area you need to be at this conference! :)

http://www.connectingheartsconference.org/

The conference has such great resources for families(and singles:) wanting to foster, adopt, or if you just what to learn more about how to support families that are stepping out in faith! Here is the link for you to learn more about this great conference that the Bloomington area churches put on each year. If you're going Saturday make sure you stop by the Ordinary Hero table to support OH!:)

I just opened the OH box..............and let me tell you.....Kelly sent some awesome/fun stuff!

(Coffee mugs, the silicone bracelets, kid jackets, the new hoodies, the zip up jackets, hats, and TONS of t-shirts!

Let me know if you'd like something. (email, text, facebook me...)

Oh, and remember you don't have to pay shipping!:):):)

Hope to see you there!!!:)

Convicting!!

Wow! Just read this blog post and I'm speechless....literally!

http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2012/02/if-not-usthen-who.html

makes you think....

Just thought I'd share this! Somone posted it and thought I would to!
Its very sad but just makes me realize how I truly need to pray more for people around the world! It also makes me realize how thankful I am for our free country!

http://www.itsagirlmovie.com/#.TzF4F9K6PXA.facebook
Here's the link. You'll have to copy and paste it because I'm forgetting how to link up stuff! :)

Preschool quotes:)

Last week was Children Around the World unit at school which is always great! It was such a fun day talking about Africa(Ethiopia and Malawi) with my students! They were a little confused when I welcomed them and told them to hurry the plane was leaving soon for Africa!:) One of my students said, "but Miss Hauter I think my mom will miss me!" Sooo cute!

Later on while I was reading a book on African animals one of my students that was from Ethiopia said, "I didn't see that in my backyard over there!" :) Oh kids are cute!

Thinking about Ethiopia and talking about my best friend being over in Malawi sure makes me miss both!

Anyways, just thought I'd tell you a few cute quotes by some preschoolers!:)