Pray for Diogo

Diogo was bitten on his foot by a snake today while putting on a rollerblade. Fortunately, Mike was nearby to quickly put him in the car, while Doni, our farmer, killed the snake, put it in a plastic bag, and threw it inside the car with them. Ben jumped in the car and at Mike's request took off his shoestring to make a temporary tourniquet. They arrived at the hospital within minutes and the doctor confirmed that the snake was poisonous ("jararaca") and immediately ordered an anti-venom medicine from Guarapuava. He will be staying overnight in the hospital for observation. Please pray for Diogo's quick return home.

Youth Retreat

Our kids were invited to a youth retreat in the city this weekend and we were so blessed by our experience as a family. Parents were invited to participate on Saturday evening for a "Noite Brega"...best explained by looking at our crazy attire in the picture! :) It was a great culmination for the weekend theme of "not conforming to this world." The youth pastor shared about making a difference in the world and allowing God to write your story. We picked up the kids this afternoon...and were quickly reminded of how exhausted everyone is after a retreat! Pray that the seeds that were planted in their hearts take root and the Holy Spirit shows them the marvelous future He has for them!

Mother's Day at CLM

This year, we had a "Mother's Olympics" during our morning children's service to recognize the women. After Mike shared, he chose two women at a time to compete in the following events: diaper changing, sorting socks, folding and sorting clothes, and tying shoes. It was a fun way to remind the children of just a few ways that the CLM moms care for them. We ended with a huge group hug, "cinnamon roll style" with the moms squished in the middle! After lunch, all the women were brought up front and a child was chosen to pray and give flowers to each one. Please continue to join us in praying for forever moms and dads for each of our precious children.

Our First Mother's Day Together

Donei

If you have heard us talk about our kids at CLM, you've heard about Donei! Our close friends, Steve and Tammy Gouge always joke with me that I have little cartoon hearts popping out of my eyes when I share stories about him. :) Last year, after visiting us, they shared that God had laid on their hearts to adopt Donei. I couldn't have been happier! My love for that boy has brought me to tears more times than I can count as I have prayed for a forever family for him. After almost a year of waiting, Steve and Tammy believe they will soon be receiving their invitation to come...SO we were finally allowed to share the news with him this past week! We watched a dvd of Steve, Tammy and their two daughters, Alyssa and Stephanie, inviting Donei into their family (more tears!), showed pictures of his new room, and told him story after story of what God had been doing behind the scenes during this past year. Knowing that he will now be in our life forever made this time together even sweeter!

As he is preparing for his new life in the U.S., God has blessed Donei with a wonderful opportunity. While waiting on Steve and Tammy's arrival, he has moved to Guarapuava to live with Alex and Rosana (former CLM missionaries). He is attending a new school that allows him to work in the morning and have English classes in the evening. He is also taking a keyboarding course that covers basic computer skills. We praise God for this time of transition, as God prepares Donei's heart for his new family. Our God is SO good!

Ministering Together

On Saturday, we had our first ministry experience together as a family. We packed up the car with games, cookies, and prizes and headed to Turvo. Luis and Aninha had taken most of the older kids to a retreat, leaving Fabio, Edit, and Natalia with the younger ones. We spent the afternoon playing games with the kids and encouraging the adults. It was fun to see Ben, Jenna, and Lindsay helping out. They are already planning our next outing! Thank you for praying for us as we continue to grow together as a family.