Happy Birthday, Lindsay and Luana!

Our oldest daughter, Lindsay, turned 15 on August 11th. Although we tried to limit the presents we bought her, I think she was overwhelmed by the gifts she received from us, our family and friends back home, the Gouges, and from CLM. Over a two week period, gifts and cards arrived from the U.S. for her as we made sure she knew how thankful we were for her birth! :) When I shared that I thanked God for her birth mother and father, I think she was taken back by my candidness that without them, we would not be blessed with such a beautiful and precious daughter. I praise God for this special moment with her and pray that the Holy Spirit helps her to grieve the losses she's had and look forward to the wonderful future that He has promised.

Luana turned 9 on August 16th. She has been at CLM for over two years and is one of the most precious little girls I've ever met. The judge recently told us that she will soon be released for adoption. Please join with us in praying for her forever family.

Time with the Gouges

What a blessing it has been to spend time with the Gouges! We knew that we were going to have fun with Steve, Tammy, Alyssa, and Stephanie but we didn't realize the impact they would have on our new family. As we have interacted with our dear friends that we've known for over 15 years, our children have seen a side of us they hadn't known. For those of you who have spent time in a foreign country, you will know what I mean. Speaking a different language affects how you interact with others...and Mike and I have been much more reserved here than we normally are! Our children have also been able to watch the Gouges interact and see the dynamics of a healthy family. I praise God for this precious time together and the powerful impact that adoption has had on our families and our friendship. Please pray for all of us as we continue to adjust.

Saying Goodbye to Andy

Last night, the Gouges met Donei's brother, Andy for the first time. He was adopted in September of 2008 and lives about 4 hours north of us. (Since Andy came to CLM years after Donei and had a different father, the judge separated them when someone showed interest in adopting Andy. Regina, Andy's new mom, has come back to visit several times to allow the boys to spend time together.) When Tammy and Steve asked Donei for a list of people that he wanted to see before they left for the states, Andy was the first name he mentioned. His family will stay at CLM today to give the boys more time together. Please pray for Donei and Andy, as well as both of their new families.

A Family For the Twins!

Our twins received wonderful news today...a couple from Guarapuava want to adopt them! Regis and Sandra have been coming to CLM to help with computer classes--but realized very quickly that God had bigger plans for them. They immediately fell in love with Caroline and Carolaine and have been patiently waiting for them to be released for adoption. They will have visits each weekend for the next two months until the adoption process is finalized. Please pray for these precious girls and their new parents.

Financial Blessing

Here in Brazil, taxpayers have the option of giving their income tax to a charitable organization. Several business owners here in our area chose CLM. The donations will be used for telephone and electric bills, as well as for lawnmowers, weedeaters, oil, and gasoline. We invited each of the donors to a special night to show our gratitude last Friday and the kids sang, danced, and played piano and flute for our guests. We praise God for providing all of our needs and ask a special blessing for each of these special people.

The Cousins

The Gouges have been here for two weeks now and we are loving every moment with them! It has been beautiful to see our two families meshing together. The kids refer to each other now as "cousins" and we can't keep them apart! Please pray for Steve, Tammy, Alyssa, Stephanie, and Donei as they bond as a family. Continue to pray for Lindsay, Jenna, Ben, Mike, and me as we wait for our permanent visa to make our adoption official.