tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43622684735158369222024-02-07T10:11:11.283-05:00Over the RainbowYou are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 5:14-16]Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-87728724737964514372012-08-17T16:07:00.003-04:002012-08-17T16:07:39.422-04:00Bring Love InThe following post comes from our dear friends over at <a href="http://www.thisgracefilledlife.blogspot.com/">"This Grace Filled Life"</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hello Friends!<br />
We would love for you to take 5 minutes to click on the above link and
watch the video before you read the rest of this email. :)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/46569777" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/46569777">Bring Love In - Uniting widows and orphans to create new families in Ethiopia</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/bringloveinethiopia">Levi Benkert</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ok...So, thank you for taking the time to watch
the Benkerts share about the ministry Bring Love In, in Ethiopia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
We are really excited to tell you that Levi and Jesse Benkert will be here in
Lancaster on September 15th to tell you more
about this really amazing ministry. They are traveling around the country
to bring awareness about the needs of widows
and orphans in Ethiopia and the concept (now becoming reality) of placing
orphans into the care of Christian widows to
receive the love of family.
After being in Ethiopia, and seeing the great need for better solutions to
Ethiopia's orphan crisis, we were overjoyed when
we discovered this ministry. <br />
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If you are reading this, and are located close enough to Lancaster County, PA, we would really LOVE for you to attend
the Bring Love in event to hear more, see more and
be inspired and challenged more as to how God could use You to care for
orphans in Ethiopia. <br />
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Here are the details:<br />
When: Saturday, September 15 at 3:00 pm<br />
Where: <a href="http://www.lbc.edu/">Lancaster Bible College</a> Private Dining Room<br />
What: Enjoy samples of Ethiopian food, Ethiopian coffee (and American
dessert...:)<br />
See items and
pictures from the Ethiopian Culture<br />
And...hear amazing
stories of God's leading and redemption from the cofounders of Bring Love In,
Levi and Jesse Benkert<br />
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</span><strong><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You Must RSVP for this event.</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> You can email Rebekah at <a href="mailto:gregandrebekah@hotmail.com"><span style="color: blue;"><em>gregandrebekah at hotmail dot com</em></span></a><br />
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Here is the website for Bring Love In - See for yourself: <a href="http://bringlove.in/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></span></a> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-9602051269743014622012-08-03T09:28:00.002-04:002016-10-14T10:57:05.625-04:00New Mission<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/41583/nash" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIuPPSls2lF9NRwyl3Q8rm0NaLLzRp6eMfHpZAOUK9K7kZzwjPYVhYSzbPokO2ZACGaVlr8OPEdYxYHStBhUu2xu97WVlChVub_WMXvtM1ugn_wFvt89w9pCah57SgBeyTz5UqVs3CD0x/s400/Nash-saying-hello_2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hello! Please click on my picture"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yes, need to make time to update the blog...Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-65143403072723764582012-07-27T09:59:00.000-04:002012-08-04T00:11:26.275-04:00Yes, an Update is Long Overdue...... Stay tuned for a joyous update on the "next chapter" coming "soon"...<br />
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In the meantime..."greetings" from Mila and Yana...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUoHxsrqzoPLacVama7EfY7geEL9koxnvfp49kP0HZG9IWQ7LxbvSqmO5LyP1lq7t9wy4V352qwrWYHKGzTYKalHv1OasSQu4umUkTwuhix749RCNWvTlNUs2AOVeK0n_SzoB0Ly4Fimt/s1600/IMG_2550-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUoHxsrqzoPLacVama7EfY7geEL9koxnvfp49kP0HZG9IWQ7LxbvSqmO5LyP1lq7t9wy4V352qwrWYHKGzTYKalHv1OasSQu4umUkTwuhix749RCNWvTlNUs2AOVeK0n_SzoB0Ly4Fimt/s320/IMG_2550-email.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidE4mbx4lNEpnTRok9sllW-Rz-KqnRMCEq20zGDTxPUxZvLz7vVXXX7fkAKwqvaywz0fqO59RDhFyjSFv08XjMJU8V7Ci1y75D-H3TjEVKIbeYW4xgXnyHsnVF4KOKusqt2ArK6gBpaN6/s1600/IMG_2485-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidE4mbx4lNEpnTRok9sllW-Rz-KqnRMCEq20zGDTxPUxZvLz7vVXXX7fkAKwqvaywz0fqO59RDhFyjSFv08XjMJU8V7Ci1y75D-H3TjEVKIbeYW4xgXnyHsnVF4KOKusqt2ArK6gBpaN6/s320/IMG_2485-email.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-43460707833667800192012-03-22T10:47:00.000-04:002012-03-22T10:47:15.561-04:00"Make 5" and WatchPlease make 5 minutes of your time to <a href="http://bibleorphanministry.blogspot.com/2012/03/world-downs-syndrome-day-2012.html">click on this link</a> and watch the video posted by our sister in Christ Alla from the Bible Orphan Ministry team.<br />
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As you look at the faces of these children and young adults, consider that many of them are not available for adoption. Let us give praise to the Lord that they are able to receive His Truth that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the love and care brother Misha and the BOM team bring to these orphans. <br />
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<strong><em>Galatians 5:13-14</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span class="text Gal-5-13" id="en-ESV-29159"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></sup>For you were called to freedom, brothers. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29159Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29159Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> serve one another.</span> <span class="text Gal-5-14" id="en-ESV-29160"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></sup>For <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29160AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> the whole law is fulfilled in one word: <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29160AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”</span></em></strong>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-50062910990242089542012-03-08T08:12:00.000-05:002012-03-08T08:12:19.717-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 6 - HomePraise the Lord!<br />
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Stephanie and Yana arrived home Tuesday evening just before 7pm. <br />
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Last ECHO check showed no issues with heart function. She will go back to A.I. Dupont Hospital next week for a follow-up check with the surgeon.<br />
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It is a joy to have them home...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cPpP1rox-BV6g6GcgweEOQw_UXAahjRmMmGP_MvtNIQbQJL3skcFqdf5mKDb0RjU2c6WN-8_3-MjuWCbFp1v_kjOBWPMAFZV37NLC009VHwwlTIVbEg2W7x2JF8k63JTbQkSYlGNshM7/s1600/yana-home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cPpP1rox-BV6g6GcgweEOQw_UXAahjRmMmGP_MvtNIQbQJL3skcFqdf5mKDb0RjU2c6WN-8_3-MjuWCbFp1v_kjOBWPMAFZV37NLC009VHwwlTIVbEg2W7x2JF8k63JTbQkSYlGNshM7/s400/yana-home.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my bed-head</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Colossians 3:12-17<br />
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<em><span class="text Col-3-12" id="en-ESV-29513"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></strong></sup> <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> Put on then, as <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> compassionate hearts, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> kindness, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> humility, meekness, and patience,</span> <span class="text Col-3-13" id="en-ESV-29514"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></strong></sup> <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> bearing with one another and, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> if one has a complaint against another, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> forgiving each other; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup> as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.</span> <span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></strong></sup>And above all these put on <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> love, which <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> binds everything together in <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> perfect harmony.</span> <span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-ESV-29516"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></strong></sup>And let <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> in one body. And <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> be thankful.</span> <span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-ESV-29517"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></strong></sup>Let <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> with thankfulness in your hearts to God.</span> <span class="text Col-3-17" id="en-ESV-29518"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></strong></sup>And <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29518AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29518AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> giving thanks to God the Father through him.</span></em>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-26592429539030274802012-03-06T09:22:00.001-05:002012-03-07T09:21:25.036-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 5 - Homeward Bound?Praise the Lord!<br />
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In a previous post, I mentioned that the <u>earliest</u> Yana would be released would be Wednesday (tomorrow). Well, it look like God may have other plans...<br />
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Due to Yana's continued "smooth" recovery (Praise the Lord!), it is looking like she could be released today! She has been eating and drinking, and her heart function is looking great (Praise the Lord!)...<br />
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Here are a couple videos from yesterday showing our beautiful daughter who has been given a new "lease on life" by God's Grace!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIvczqI2OsX8O-yhDygJ970FpX-jPL7TWoPTqipMdorYNOqLOB3eV_ZPJFzatuOenGK3QawfK7nz_xA8xe1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6NVVPKHSX2TK5HhTmLzamRFoP9hX0RuxskCgt3LkfKvD7pfeUvDCEIYMXrDXiigrhSusDsI9abYPYfknQEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-54918028624393131762012-03-04T15:12:00.004-05:002012-03-04T16:55:50.223-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 4 - Almost "Out of the Woods"<span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Thank you to those who continue to pray!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, Yana got moved from ICU. to a “regular” room. All of her tubes, including the IV, have been removed. This is a praise considering the discomfort and confusion it gives to any 4 <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">year old…</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Here is a picture of her cage; uh, I mean crib…</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF45doKxaJzK3EzVAb6O96TXWAizmlRnFIf8itbyhqFFi1YlKKpU5OU2AhMC6m578lSO2af2Q2765HXMp_Q08rrUgalathgOXK8G67C7fwwDo2Yev8QVaLu8dD8GfUyOmRHXOBMT3RHLd/s1600/yana01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF45doKxaJzK3EzVAb6O96TXWAizmlRnFIf8itbyhqFFi1YlKKpU5OU2AhMC6m578lSO2af2Q2765HXMp_Q08rrUgalathgOXK8G67C7fwwDo2Yev8QVaLu8dD8GfUyOmRHXOBMT3RHLd/s400/yana01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Yana has, understandably, battled some irritability and was rejecting food an liquids a good part of yesterday. She had periods, some lasting hours, where all she did was cry. Steph eluded to this period being the toughest and most stressful. I reassured her that her presence there with Yana was doing more than she could maybe see right at that moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Well, today I received this update:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I dolled Yana up and took her for several strolls around the unit. She loved it. I love her! Then, she ate an entire package of cream of wheat. Also, had 4 oz. Juice. Yippee!”</span></i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0REwp9O1TvldSsKSBMsUxdp_veN7dPBIZq8HIfpOMKpcVQtw9qTfGuHFCnw3UKeC6SU7uRU_C1JI-WQ2D5QXO4V9p0y37PlB9TCAti8JjzbCoYSYQFs19_kB_xRFt9psJrMmOBf9zUqa/s1600/yana06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0REwp9O1TvldSsKSBMsUxdp_veN7dPBIZq8HIfpOMKpcVQtw9qTfGuHFCnw3UKeC6SU7uRU_C1JI-WQ2D5QXO4V9p0y37PlB9TCAti8JjzbCoYSYQFs19_kB_xRFt9psJrMmOBf9zUqa/s400/yana06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNY2IzYVMEFnrq8XPuEQbkri74h_SfK2r_wuaDBt2XCAbhZZ5gZBr7h7HTDDUv5RKilahftkq88poTnXLquI0hMCm8mm1o5DQwCZeSQQ_66IUEUpGn3krssdSnAKYI_78O2ZRGY-YJiKj/s1600/yana04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNY2IzYVMEFnrq8XPuEQbkri74h_SfK2r_wuaDBt2XCAbhZZ5gZBr7h7HTDDUv5RKilahftkq88poTnXLquI0hMCm8mm1o5DQwCZeSQQ_66IUEUpGn3krssdSnAKYI_78O2ZRGY-YJiKj/s400/yana04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We were able to have a video Skype session where the boys and I got to see Yana sitting in a chair playing with her pin wheel. Steph said she even let out a couple smiles…</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqkMCalDdX12mBAOWnqrzbZqxz-UH9mK8NOno8AEPO0uxQI2wAFWwZZh7BDg4vCcVlx_gu6jPHT9IBWkVwT1iGmEsBSL_PyyFRE7uhHg3KKuO25XXwPa4S7B6qicz2onl94jumupeeISw/s1600/yana03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqkMCalDdX12mBAOWnqrzbZqxz-UH9mK8NOno8AEPO0uxQI2wAFWwZZh7BDg4vCcVlx_gu6jPHT9IBWkVwT1iGmEsBSL_PyyFRE7uhHg3KKuO25XXwPa4S7B6qicz2onl94jumupeeISw/s400/yana03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Regarding Yana’s release, the medical team stated that the <u>earliest</u> would be Wednesday, but we are prepared for it to carry into next weekend. Her recovery so far is progressing well; yet, I still solicit your prayers as she continues to recover. Please consider these prayer items…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">May it be the Lord’s Will that:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">(1) Yana’s pain management allows her to sleep well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">(2)</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Yana continues to eat and drink, as this will keep her from having the IV put back in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">(3)</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Yana draws closer to her mother for comfort and companionship<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">(4)</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie is able to rest well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">(5)</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Yana is able to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">(6)</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Yana does not withdraw at her homecoming; that she continues to progress within her <u>family</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Blessings to you all!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">P.S. Meanwhile, Mila is enjoying the attention and interaction with her brothers; here is an example (taken on iPhone):</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRfaJ4dUHwuZPVbQMfocDDGwU3yGpGjrcu-It2mJnH98zHYB_5-21oaARVpjUsiiHUxSePbsafKEDVJ5tJKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-68342993737736323582012-03-02T10:27:00.001-05:002012-03-04T14:58:33.705-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 3 - God's Common GracePraise the Lord!<br />
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I am praising the Lord for His <a href="http://www.bibleteacher.org/berksum_6.htm#chapter18">Common Grace</a>; specific to Yana's surgery, I am thankful for His Grace as revealed in the gifts He bestows upon:<br />
<ul><li>Doctors</li>
<li>Nurses</li>
<li>Other Hospital staff</li>
<li>Engineers who design/build the medical equipment</li>
<li>The volunteers and staff involved at the Ronald McDonald House</li>
<li>My company which helps provide my family with health insurance</li>
<li>all of the prayer warriors out there (He knows who you are)</li>
</ul>Yana is over the first major hurdle - the surgery. In short, the surgical team was able to do the repair they sought out to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS3t7QbtaE0-kcanar9_r9KV6S77mF1FXfrAKZwl51xbgAiXTCMpYupWEA_Vh5w2qXMazBlolbCQu0p8ZBJIauBHyNCVuRBIpOY8WJNSZ9Zow_J2DjSsIvFLBn5Zo6z5RneEzAHRQPfy0/s1600/yana_pre-op3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS3t7QbtaE0-kcanar9_r9KV6S77mF1FXfrAKZwl51xbgAiXTCMpYupWEA_Vh5w2qXMazBlolbCQu0p8ZBJIauBHyNCVuRBIpOY8WJNSZ9Zow_J2DjSsIvFLBn5Zo6z5RneEzAHRQPfy0/s400/yana_pre-op3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool, calm, and collected right up until surgery time</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She isn’t “out of the woods” yet, but this is obviously a <strong>huge</strong> answer to prayer regarding the heart repair. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yana will be in ICU (pictured below) for the next few days, and will be fully sedated for at least a couple days…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9hkZaCN-oh-8NF7hyphenhyphen0sVPElJadpDl03XSuIC_4h8qaIT_zbCEDLh-kNMSry5PsPNjafoNyFmr9PMfy_Hqm7c2GbfKjK2cMWNX5cmqW5R65U2GgjVXpft5gsZb6QQgNTsTmUPm2ovHP4r/s1600/yana_post-op3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9hkZaCN-oh-8NF7hyphenhyphen0sVPElJadpDl03XSuIC_4h8qaIT_zbCEDLh-kNMSry5PsPNjafoNyFmr9PMfy_Hqm7c2GbfKjK2cMWNX5cmqW5R65U2GgjVXpft5gsZb6QQgNTsTmUPm2ovHP4r/s400/yana_post-op3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Stephanie has had many encouraging things to say about the hospital staff and the Ronald McDonald House. I am comforted to know they both are in good hands; especially His Good hands. Amen?</div></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-18475241160419413012012-03-01T10:12:00.000-05:002012-03-01T10:12:10.789-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 2 - Faith Like a ChildWell, the Lord's Will was done regarding Stephanie and Yana's safe arrival to the hospital. Yesterday's agenda included performing all of the pre-op items; e.g., <span dir="auto"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echocardiography">Echocardiography,</a> meeting with the anesthesiologist, and some other diagnostic checks to make sure Yana was healthy enough for surgery.</span><br />
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<span dir="auto">In summary, the main feedback I received from Stephanie yesterday was about how cheerful Yana was; how cooperative, giggly and happy she seemed (except for a brief period when she came out of sedation required to do the ECHO). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLDJBUzhXk4dWLOa8XpP2XUO-qOqWsmdM27vn1lPfMx3s_urkl8EU3b3ywJnrR7fwU85S-Mzy5QEGspTfKBFRXoSIAXMhGs_T240F8h72YR1ZSDRtOejqaA-oCyKyMmoIrXBMmYUmaDpD/s1600/yana01_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLDJBUzhXk4dWLOa8XpP2XUO-qOqWsmdM27vn1lPfMx3s_urkl8EU3b3ywJnrR7fwU85S-Mzy5QEGspTfKBFRXoSIAXMhGs_T240F8h72YR1ZSDRtOejqaA-oCyKyMmoIrXBMmYUmaDpD/s400/yana01_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwZzwJclRh4DYrSGvQGHJnMH8idqUJDI8fLlAolu-m6gMLC_VzQfG_ea5jvPbqXuocI0fUBDVyv2qNZq6gkiMxZpqI8zsEeZkNk6GTOlYx3Duqr3Ge1kgkz4hjXkzh5JFs1BGjqWzcpMX/s1600/yana03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwZzwJclRh4DYrSGvQGHJnMH8idqUJDI8fLlAolu-m6gMLC_VzQfG_ea5jvPbqXuocI0fUBDVyv2qNZq6gkiMxZpqI8zsEeZkNk6GTOlYx3Duqr3Ge1kgkz4hjXkzh5JFs1BGjqWzcpMX/s400/yana03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span dir="auto">Once all of the pre-op work was completed, they then went to check-in at the <a href="http://www.rmhde.org/">Ronald McDonal House,</a> where they enjoyed a nice volunteer-provided dinner and a private room to get some sleep and prepare for the Thursday 615am appointment to prep Yana for surgery.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaUo1ZXnpPxKcnWyNt5WsSAlLsjCchGZV9jz-5A5vyCI9jDi27nIaSEF8W0YVhABHC8Nk-13Obv1IsADidvuIo6zhQi3LApNlH5bGz_LqGYJzYg1Yd2XX5f3mqJwwQjQ8aLZ7LOw1Et2q/s1600/yana05_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaUo1ZXnpPxKcnWyNt5WsSAlLsjCchGZV9jz-5A5vyCI9jDi27nIaSEF8W0YVhABHC8Nk-13Obv1IsADidvuIo6zhQi3LApNlH5bGz_LqGYJzYg1Yd2XX5f3mqJwwQjQ8aLZ7LOw1Et2q/s400/yana05_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span dir="auto">As I write this, Yana is in surgery. May the Lord's Will be that the gifts He has blessed the surgical team with be used effectively to repair Yana's heart condition.</span><br />
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<span dir="auto">More to come; stay tuned...</span>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-60367964355382838222012-02-29T09:42:00.001-05:002012-02-29T10:16:20.961-05:00Yana's Surgery Update 1 - Prayer Requests<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you read </span><a href="http://missionforgod-kathleen.blogspot.com/2012/02/our-beautiful-daughter-yana-kathleen.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stephanie's post from February 25th</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, you will recall her mentioning Yana's upcoming surgery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, this morning, Yana and Stephanie left for Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, located in Wilmington, DE (</span><a href="http://www.nemours.org/about/location/nchaidhc.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">http://www.nemours.org/about/location/nchaidhc.html</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">). Yana will be having surgery tomorrow to repair a heart defect known as Atrioventricular Canal (AV Canal or AVC). You can read about this condition @ </span><a href="http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/cardiac/avc.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/cardiac/avc.html</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. The expected hospital stay is 7-10 days.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had known of Yana having a heart condition before the adoption; albeit we did not know the specific condition and its severity. We are praising God that He ordained us to become her parents, and that He has blessed us with the ability to have her condition treated properly. God is Good!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His timing is also perfect; as Yana’s condition would eventually have proven fatal, and the likelihood being small that she would have been given further treatment in her birth country.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Would you please consider lifting my household up in prayer? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have listed some specific prayer items; I am certain that many, many other items exist that I am not thinking of at the moment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">May it be the Lord’s Will that:<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(1) they safely arrive to the hospital. [<em>as I write this, Steh just called me to say they made it to the hospital!]</em></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(2) Yana survives the surgery, and that the doctors are able to fully repair Yana’s heart<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(3) Yana’s recovery has no complications<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(4) Yana realizes the presence of her mother and is comforted by Stephanie's presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(5) Stephanie is able to be comforted and encouraged through His Word, prayer, and being able to communicate with her entire family (church and us).<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(6) for the Fruit of the Spirit to be evident in my behavior as I play “Mr. Mom” during the time Stephanie and Yana are gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(6) this trial draw our household even closer to the Lord and each other.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soli Deo Gloria!</span></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-42142881020640401752012-02-25T23:38:00.002-05:002012-02-29T09:30:29.427-05:00Our Beautiful Daughter - Yana KathleenThe court decree naming Corey and me parents of Yana became official January 23. We took her out of the institution two days later, and she's been with us ever since.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is such a beautiful giggle box!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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The first day we met Yana we were told that she had open heart surgery at thirteen months of age, and might need future surgery. We were also informed that she took a daily heart medication. The day before we left her birth country we received a translated copy of a cardiology report dictated November 2011. After reading this report, I knew her initial surgery didn't correct her heart defect, and the surgery was for something different than what was told to us (or at least lost through translation).<br />
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Four days after arriving home, I took Yana for an evaluation with a pediatric cardiologist. An echo cardiogram was performed and it revealed her heart defect to be "AV Canal". This defect is a combination of several abnormalities in the heart, and is present at birth. Her initial surgery didn't correct this defect, but without it she currently would be inoperable if she were still alive. We praise God that she had this initial procedure performed.<br />
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On March 1, I will take our beautiful daughter to have this defect corrected. We are so thankful for her life, and thank God for taking us to her. She would have sat in the institution and died from this defect. We are grateful to have an outstanding team of doctors, nurses, etc. to care for her during this time. I will be with her during the entire hospital stay, and Corey will stay behind to care for precious little Mila (more about her in a future post) and our other children.<br />
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No words can describe the joy in watching her blossom. She is quickly coming out of her shell, and it feels like she's always been part of our family. Please pray for her and our family during the next couple of weeks. Pray that it is God's will for her to survive the surgery, and to have a speedy recovery. Also, please pray for little Mila as I will need to be away from her 7-10 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4tQ-LIqG9LPZsnJw7FDKlYLdSXo-kL61EXxncUotnnijmuk0hhCKoWOkZ7dqinbfvkGokoSOFjlBQPTe214StRWwD1en7QAh73TWn4nPAfrHP0u99jSRnt97KjUoZfug5rUi4urQElue/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4tQ-LIqG9LPZsnJw7FDKlYLdSXo-kL61EXxncUotnnijmuk0hhCKoWOkZ7dqinbfvkGokoSOFjlBQPTe214StRWwD1en7QAh73TWn4nPAfrHP0u99jSRnt97KjUoZfug5rUi4urQElue/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too Cute For Words!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uY421rYyut4JMthmyDcudc3DOOU-oE7U59TqtN0nQAcDX8tYx_RMnoHkwDBtmSbSF5Ki7Sf_TqGwlR7Rs7Mi25gAFLXABgasgWF2a82V1jb4Reup9f1RJ063BRm4gvtmatKrqqMf5IeS/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uY421rYyut4JMthmyDcudc3DOOU-oE7U59TqtN0nQAcDX8tYx_RMnoHkwDBtmSbSF5Ki7Sf_TqGwlR7Rs7Mi25gAFLXABgasgWF2a82V1jb4Reup9f1RJ063BRm4gvtmatKrqqMf5IeS/s400/IMG_1897.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><b>Praise God from Whom all blessings flow;</b></i><br />
<i><b>Praise Him, all creatures here below;</b></i><br />
<i><b>Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;</b></i><br />
<i><b>Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. </b></i>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-46564557404251266002012-02-20T10:49:00.000-05:002012-02-20T10:49:26.383-05:00How "Radical" is our Christian Sacrifice??<em>Hebrews 10: 32-36</em><br />
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<em><span class="text Heb-10-32" id="en-ESV-30149"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">32 </span></strong></sup>But recall the former days when, after <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30149AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> you were enlightened, you endured <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30149AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> a hard struggle with sufferings,</span> <span class="text Heb-10-33" id="en-ESV-30150"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">33 </span></strong></sup>sometimes being <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30150AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.</span> <span class="text Heb-10-34" id="en-ESV-30151"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">34 </span></strong></sup>For <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30151BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> you had compassion on those in prison, and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30151BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup> you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30151BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> a better possession and an abiding one.</span> <span class="text Heb-10-35" id="en-ESV-30152"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">35 </span></strong></sup>Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30152BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> a great reward.</span> <span class="text Heb-10-36" id="en-ESV-30153"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">36 </span></strong></sup>For <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30153BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> you have need of endurance, so that <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30153BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup> when you have done the will of God you may <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30153BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> receive what is promised.</span></em><br />
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If you have been following this blog, you may recall me mentioning the <a href="http://bibleorphanministry.blogspot.com/">Bible Orphan Ministry</a>. Stephanie and I were blessed with <a href="http://missionforgod-kathleen.blogspot.com/2011/12/ee-mission-day-3-very-special-visit.html">the opportunity to spend time with them during our mission to Ukraine.</a> This is a group of brothers and sisters that many of us, I am certain, can learn from regarding Christian service. They have faced many trials during their service; recently, they experienced a pretty large trial - you can read about it by <a href="http://bibleorphanministry.blogspot.com/2012/02/burned-house.html">going here</a>. <br />
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There is much more to this story, but I am not a liberty to share. What I can say is that their recent trials have made me consider the passage above and others related to the topic of what Kingdom service is and how obedient am I with regard to what my Father in Heaven commands. <br />
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Please visit their blog, and learn about how they serve the Lord.<br />
Pray for them...<br />
Donate to their Kingdom work...<br />
Contact them and encourage them...<br />
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So, ask yourself, "How radical is my Christian sacrifice?" Do not compare yourself to other Chrisitans; compare your service against what God commands. I commend the following message to you. Yes, it is 65 minutes long, but isn't being subjected to Truth worth every second? <br />
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I place the video below, but you can also <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9F5q6Bj3NY">go here to view it</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z9F5q6Bj3NY" width="533"></iframe><br />
<br />
<em>Hebrews 12:1-2</em><br />
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<em><strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></sup></strong>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> sin which clings so closely, and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> let us run <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> with endurance the race that is <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> set before us, <span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-ESV-30198"><sup class="versenum"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></strong></sup>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> the shame, and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.</span></em>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-66624474648730703492012-02-08T10:23:00.000-05:002012-02-08T10:23:49.230-05:00If You Were Mine Adoption WorkshopIf you are what you consider to be an acceptable driving distance from Lancaster County, PA, and you want to learn more about adoption, then this is for you:<br />
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<div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Greetings Everyone!</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Please give prayerful consideration in helping us support the following event. How can you help?</span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(1) PRAY that the Lord would use this workshop to raise up His Children to serve His Kingdom with regard to the orphan.</span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(2) Consider the following questions, and consider attending this workshop (for those local to our home area)!</span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Is adoption part of God's plan for your family?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Do you know what God's Word says about Him being the Author of Adoption?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What are God's expectations for His children (the Church) regarding care for the orphan/fatherless?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What questions should you ask in choosing an adoption agency?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What financing options are available?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What paperwork is involved with the process?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What can you expect once you bring your child(ren) home?</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">'If You Were Mine' is a DVD based workshop created by <a href="http://www.hopefororphans.org/Display.asp?Page=Home">Hope for Orphans</a> that explores the 8 basic steps of the adoption process.</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Come join us for this two-day workshop as we explore what God wants us to do in response to His call to care for orphans. Through this biblical and practical video workshop, we’ll learn the processes, challenges, and joys of adoption. It’s a workshop you’ll not want to miss.</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">When: </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Fri, 02/17/2012 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Sat, 02/18/2012 - 8:30am - 4:15pm</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Where: </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC)</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">419 Pierson Road</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Lititz, PA 17543</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Friday check-in begins at 6:30 pm</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal">Saturday check-in begins at 8:30 am (only necessary for families who did not check in on Friday evening)</div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For more information and to register, please go to:</span></b></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328707805250485"><a href="http://www.team127.com/if-you-were-mine-workshop-2012" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">http://www.team127.com/if-you-were-mine-workshop-2012</span></b></a></div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div><div class="yiv1217519966MsoNormal"> </div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-70819189439013032232012-02-04T22:36:00.000-05:002012-02-08T09:46:29.546-05:00EE MIssion Day 57 - HOME !!!!!!!!!Well, the plans were all set. We had the travel Visas for Mila and Yana, we had out flights booked, we had our pickup at the airport arranged. All was in place to arrive home Friday, 2/3. <br />
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That was not how it worked out. The Lord had ordained a different itinerary home. Let me just say that we got dropped off at the airport Friday morning at 330am (Thursday, 8pm US Eastern Time), and did not touch down at Philadelphia International Airport until 330pm US Eastern Time SATURDAY.<br />
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Here is a description of what happened:<br />
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(1) During the last 10 days of our stay, Ukraine was hit with severe cold temperatures; we're talking minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius. The day of our flight, it hit -33 C at the airport; it was -28 C when we arrived.<br />
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(2) Apparently, the type of de-icer that the Lufthansa Airbus fleet uses is rated to somewhere between -25C and -28C. Any colder, and it is not effective.<br />
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(3) During our drive to the airport, we already knew that the flight was delayed (due to the cold temperatures) until 730am. No sweat, right; our 5.5 hour layover in Frankfurt was now reduced to 3.5 hours. Still enough time...<br />
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<em>Once again, the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to spend time at the terminal with other American RR families. Admittedly, I sometimes take this for granted. I praise God for the opportunity to repent of this attitude. Being able to have support from other brothers and sisters is something we should NEVER take for granted. Amen?</em><br />
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(4) The "delayed until 0730" turned into the "delayed until 0930". Uh oh, our layover "time budget" is at a danger level.<br />
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(5) The "delayed until 0930" turned into the "delayed until 1030". Hmmm; maybe they can hold the plane to Philly???<br />
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(6) The "delayed until 1030" turned into the "delayed until 1130". Okay; we just lost the PHL flight. Okay; there is a flight to Dulles that leaves at 1700; maybe we can get booked on that one. Just get me out of Kiev, please<br />
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(7) Check in starts (Praise the Lord the flight was not cancelled); after the controlled chaos of getting through passport control and security, we get to terminal waiting area. <br />
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(8) We don't start boarding until closer to noon. We get in our seats, and start taxiing to runway. Part of the pre-takeoff check is to rev up the engines. During this check, a malfunction is detected in the right engine. We proceed back to tarmac parking spot for troubleshooting. Fortunately, we are told to stay on plane.<br />
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(9) Plane is checked out, re-fueled, and taxis back to runway for engine check. If it passes, we go; if, not, we head back to terminal. At this point, the people around me must have heard me praying out loud.<br />
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(10) Engine check PASSES (Praise the Lord!). It is now 3pm, but we finally take off. Looks like we are spending a night in Frankfurt.<br />
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<em>I must interject here that Lufthansa's flight attendant service was excellent. There was one woman in particular that kept talking with Stephanie, provided us with baby food and comforting words.</em><br />
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(11) Before landing, Lufthansa announced the flights that had been re-booked. Our flight to Philly was rebooked for Saturday (US Air 701 leaving 1245pm). They also announced that hotel vouchers were being provided.<br />
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One wrinkle here; Mila and Yana are not yet American citizens; they are Ukrainian citizens who do not have a travel Visa to Germany; only to USA. Technically, they cannot leave the terminal. This means spending the night in the transit area of the terminal. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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<em>Again, must interject a note about Lufthansa customer service. After getting to Frankfurt, we are directed to their service counter. The man helping us, after hearing our pleas about our daughters needs, explains to me that the Federal Polizei (Police) can offer 1 day visas for the girls, since we as their parents can leave the terminal. He walks over to the police station and brings one of the officers over to us to talk to us. PRAISE THE LORD, yet again.</em><br />
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(12) After about a 90 minute wait (getting our new ticket, filling our the forms for the girls' one day visa, and waiting for the visa to be processed), we leave the airport with hotel voucher in hand!<br />
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(13) We arrive at hotel about 8pm Frankfurt time (18 hours after leaving our apartment in Kyiv). My description of this hotel is it is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. We are able to get a good meal in, a good 7 to 8 hours sleep, a shower Saturday AM, and breakfast before heading back to Frankfurt airport. <br />
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<em>Part of my thoughts went to those that could not leave the terminal. It made me even more aware of the fact that we did not deserve to get to this hotel. This was yet again an act of Grace and Mercy from the Lord...</em><br />
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(14) We get to US Air check in counter about 1015am Saturday morning. Our boarding passes have the 4 of us kind of split up; 2 are next to each other, but the other 2 are separated. I explain to customer service rep that this will not work, for somewhat obvious reasons. She tells me to see cust service rep at gate check-in to have them changed.<br />
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(15) I arrive at gate check in and explain that we need seats changed. Agent tells me that flight is "full", but they have some blocked seats (then it is not really full, is it?) and they will do what they can. She tells me to wait where we are sitting and someone will come to us with an update.<br />
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(16) After about a 45 minute wait (about 15 minutes before flight is supposed to start boarding, a woman from US air comes over to us and hands me a new set of boarding passes. Row 13, the 4 seats in the middle. Just what I was hoping for; 4 seats in the middle...<br />
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<em>Once again, another act of Grace and Mercy from the Lord. What did I do to deserve to have these seats changed? Absolutely nothing...</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgtZ0GhRBRLAvddN0o9JbJ151S5gv0aXQwtaRP3yf4qCshKbpD8MY475O7Kn6PzaKssEjkKW368j5ENNeeYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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(17) Flight takes off on time. After about 8.5 hours in the air, we land at PHL airport. <br />
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(18) We proceed to US passport control. After waiting about 10-15 minutes, we hand over the passports and the special brown envelopes to USCIS agent. He walks us to secondary interview room, and tells us that he will put us at the front of the line to minimize our wait.<br />
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<em>Once again, another act of Grace and Mercy from the Lord. What did I do to deserve getting moved to the front of the line? Absolutely nothing...</em><br />
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(19) We wait only about 15 minutes; I am called up front to receive the girls passports that are now stamped. This means they are now US citizens and we are told we are free to go.<br />
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(20) We proceed, now with a new burst of energy, to baggage claim. I get luggage cart and wait only about 10 minutes to grab all 4 of our bags, which are intact.<br />
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(21) We proceed to custom officer who takes our pre-completed declaration form; he immediately tells us to move along.<br />
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(22) We now walk the 100 yards of so to the International Arrival Hall in search of our church family members who offered to pick us up. They snapped a few pics...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRSHBmvd7mEvgqLADo_qn2aY_xoqLlhoTETBuEuip9Xd1as0vnBwtBOsbUIyCKbKiwmTQAfKe-ZYbFG8SIyK353pjmq0VRtA56YPWb6d3tXfuSuqWmUGnfUIqMhu2fBBCsezMaTcrFK-H/s1600/DSCI5109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRSHBmvd7mEvgqLADo_qn2aY_xoqLlhoTETBuEuip9Xd1as0vnBwtBOsbUIyCKbKiwmTQAfKe-ZYbFG8SIyK353pjmq0VRtA56YPWb6d3tXfuSuqWmUGnfUIqMhu2fBBCsezMaTcrFK-H/s400/DSCI5109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few times Steph walked faster than me...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4jcKcrCeK80rPlUQkRYAV_qf3dRK5oDFdtVaJ_CDGo_NYPiwsy57bsySwgNdYfvgrjuF0ymKf_a3lZnOTtm7pneifImh-uNQWN9c8O96YueQQ-EdUxcBCopZYQ3rgQeIm4OCF2fMmgWe/s1600/DSCI5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4jcKcrCeK80rPlUQkRYAV_qf3dRK5oDFdtVaJ_CDGo_NYPiwsy57bsySwgNdYfvgrjuF0ymKf_a3lZnOTtm7pneifImh-uNQWN9c8O96YueQQ-EdUxcBCopZYQ3rgQeIm4OCF2fMmgWe/s400/DSCI5111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm; I wonder what is causing me to smile?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEBGgEe8ymZOKA5zOOKmXpO-DnVA270PerX0OjnHE8BvWsIYXBzBOR60UoUTYmGNg0axgjnYzS-QV_zfWmTcUzumEaqnI5ZHE_mtj0rMrCwECVaaDrW8vbG5esSk_gpObWecX2C9Wuz_/s1600/DSCI5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEBGgEe8ymZOKA5zOOKmXpO-DnVA270PerX0OjnHE8BvWsIYXBzBOR60UoUTYmGNg0axgjnYzS-QV_zfWmTcUzumEaqnI5ZHE_mtj0rMrCwECVaaDrW8vbG5esSk_gpObWecX2C9Wuz_/s400/DSCI5113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never realized how beautiful the American flag was until seeing it at PHL airport</td></tr>
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(23) One of the <u>many</u> lessons learned on this adoption mission was just how much I yearned to be "home". It makes me think, however; do I really yearn for my true home? Not the temporal place I call home in Pennsylvania; my REAL home. The place being prepared for me by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.<br />
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<h4><em>2 Corinthians 5:1-10 </em></h4><h4><em>Our Heavenly Dwelling</em></h4><em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28862"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></strong></sup> For we know that if <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28862A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>the tent that is <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28862B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28862C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28863"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></strong></sup> For in this tent <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28863D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>we groan, longing to <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28863E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>put on our heavenly dwelling, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28864"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> if indeed by putting it on<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28864a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup> we may not be found naked. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28865"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28865F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>may be swallowed up by life. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28866"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28866G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. </em><br />
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<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28867"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> So we are always of good courage. We know that <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28867H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28868"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> for <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28868I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>we walk by faith, not <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28868J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>by sight. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28869"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup> Yes, we are of good courage, and we <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28869K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28870"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup> So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28870L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>please him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-28871"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">10</span></strong></sup> For <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28871M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28871N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.</em>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-89724837696449630222012-02-01T10:38:00.001-05:002012-02-01T12:24:50.309-05:00EE Mission Day 54 - Jumping Ahead to the Blessed Part<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, we have much of the story to be told yet, but I wanted to post this now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We Are Now Free To Move Out of the Country... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">...N</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">o; that is not Southwest’s slogan, that is my new slogan for what these pictures represent:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazlflH4_BM5XbslUfYAWgoYZYZC95hzqDMq9mBS-8L7ofqGApNXMVDUamSe-7fUseYOXkqYYGKJBgCbVSfQ7NFh7ONcfxtbjWxvTxjyQuBzsrIpV1dP9FSzqpw85qVDeVB5CVBnE3g5hq/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazlflH4_BM5XbslUfYAWgoYZYZC95hzqDMq9mBS-8L7ofqGApNXMVDUamSe-7fUseYOXkqYYGKJBgCbVSfQ7NFh7ONcfxtbjWxvTxjyQuBzsrIpV1dP9FSzqpw85qVDeVB5CVBnE3g5hq/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0WtM6lZxfGZX_STkc5xKeo2BfSDGh1vWdF-Q40UW8sgTiKska7WOEVODt4UzBamDdcqWhm9W3F2lGUYStIZQmDYQA__e2QsrG9O7Iag1uF0Ua22m9TPaUbcSXR9fzg8YdNf5xxYZDsis/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0WtM6lZxfGZX_STkc5xKeo2BfSDGh1vWdF-Q40UW8sgTiKska7WOEVODt4UzBamDdcqWhm9W3F2lGUYStIZQmDYQA__e2QsrG9O7Iag1uF0Ua22m9TPaUbcSXR9fzg8YdNf5xxYZDsis/s200/photo+3.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These mean that we can honor our booked flights for Friday and “get outta Dodge!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">56 days….2 flights, 8 overnight train rides, 11 apartments, 4 different drivers, 2 weeks of Metro subway rides, dozens of orphanage visits….all this and more to bring our daughters home. Worth every second; worth every penny…</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju62VpqruidKpD7AUYjkMN_FixUSLNAwSAg_WOLUHR0Lkgt1eO1zg9zTQwgjT5cJX4IWaFEDGCSs3gipM8euvmMtoyjge7g-UIpYkxfmSQ57NJzSYy_NJidIatJIXi4OPUYntcl87dCx9Q/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju62VpqruidKpD7AUYjkMN_FixUSLNAwSAg_WOLUHR0Lkgt1eO1zg9zTQwgjT5cJX4IWaFEDGCSs3gipM8euvmMtoyjge7g-UIpYkxfmSQ57NJzSYy_NJidIatJIXi4OPUYntcl87dCx9Q/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DON 'T LET ANYONE BUT US IMMIGRATION OPEN THIS!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PRAISE THE LORD!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you all that have participated in His Kingdom work of ordaining these girls to become part of the Kimble Household. We will be spending many days of our remaining life here pondering all that occurred. There are many stories to tell, and more yet to be told with regard to how God may use us to be a Witness for Him in Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please continue to pray for strength, good health (for us and all of our children and caregiving families), good flying weather, safe aircraft, on-time flights, quick ride through immigration and customs, and a safe ride back to Lititz…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SOLI DEO GLORIA!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-17894810876844821132012-01-24T00:59:00.004-05:002012-02-15T10:27:00.982-05:00EE Mission Day 46 - Quick updateMany of you are probably wondering where we are at. We have had poor internet access since being back in Kathleen's region, and can only pick up a signal with Corey's computer. He is on his computer most of the time working.<br />
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We are finishing up paper work today and tomorrow for Kathleen (Yana). I am feeling very much out of my comfort zone today. Corey is traveling to Yana's birth town today to obtain a new birth certificate, tax ID number, etc. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zZE1ZIaiTpXxOToQ44_USk-6pGn0I7FECBB6ekEzSZEAo2pO-xcqmO7SFTqau4_Hg_rIlvr5i3GNxixrgxkJH7VJFgoAKh6mfKkFWuuE7OY_C_-F_5ZnAq0-5kdR3h2K99UF0vRLl49_/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zZE1ZIaiTpXxOToQ44_USk-6pGn0I7FECBB6ekEzSZEAo2pO-xcqmO7SFTqau4_Hg_rIlvr5i3GNxixrgxkJH7VJFgoAKh6mfKkFWuuE7OY_C_-F_5ZnAq0-5kdR3h2K99UF0vRLl49_/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Government office for Birth Certificate Records</td></tr>
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Tomorrow, I will travel to the capital city of this region, with Yana (2 hours away), for her passport. We don't like being seperated in this manner, but feel it's in the best interest of Mila. <br />
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Mila started with a fever yesterday, and I am very concerned for her. Please continue to lift us up in prayer. We have been feeling down and weary this past week, and know that this gives no glory to our Father in heaven. We have been in country 6 1/2 weeks, and are hoping/praying to come home 2/1. We continue to praise God for bringing us to these beautiful girls. <br />
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Sorry this is so short. We have so much to share, but it's difficult to do at this time.Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-81765146602849215992012-01-23T09:32:00.000-05:002012-01-31T09:46:09.223-05:00EE Mission Days 41 thru 45 - Quick SummaryHere is a summary of days 41 through 45; during the last week spent in Yana's Kathleen's region:<br />
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01/19/2012 (Day 41) - We took our 7th train ride from Mila's region to Yana's region. Train left at 0730 and arrived at 1650. We were not able to get the same apartment that we had the first two trips here; <a href="http://carmichaeladoption.blogspot.com/">thanks to another RR family beating us there</a> ;-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx3wNr3SEq6zkHCUXQT01NY4YxOkWe-WNko9wQBycREgy8Crtodrl3YstKhZG6bkKBnZRXpeTvCRrn1sXN13NEUn6HoVOuO4GRuTg5Er-sy_Kp6Oi5cLuiJS4K-rinwxF3qzpoH65ZX5J/s1600/IMG_1710_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx3wNr3SEq6zkHCUXQT01NY4YxOkWe-WNko9wQBycREgy8Crtodrl3YstKhZG6bkKBnZRXpeTvCRrn1sXN13NEUn6HoVOuO4GRuTg5Er-sy_Kp6Oi5cLuiJS4K-rinwxF3qzpoH65ZX5J/s320/IMG_1710_crop.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila did very well for her first train ride</td></tr>
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01/20/2012 (Day 42) - Finally got back to see Yana (no more leaving this city without her). Since we had Mila, and did not want to take her to the orphanage, Stephanie and I took turns visiting Yana.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFULJyYfBk_PgSYEucAVkv8dFPpu5tgGcMkg_OB40HLBlacVz65OUhGQyKqAAWjscekkSAuMgKBne3ilQzERE0mbuwfKhfMz_Est3E_e84EVQ4htYSqpJXkV4OZsY27VVcQn0_Zyfe3sZq/s1600/IMG_1719_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFULJyYfBk_PgSYEucAVkv8dFPpu5tgGcMkg_OB40HLBlacVz65OUhGQyKqAAWjscekkSAuMgKBne3ilQzERE0mbuwfKhfMz_Est3E_e84EVQ4htYSqpJXkV4OZsY27VVcQn0_Zyfe3sZq/s320/IMG_1719_crop.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
Meanwhile, Mila was getting acquainted with yet another apartment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1b1xdeOEBK7EJGneQOXbxhfs4hPrwZfE4NTORFHNGYeDEh8y_Y4S6Yu1_4AN-__kDOHN-VtXdW2hyphenhyphenGC1BPEkxGkETHPHKEgMXt3Izl65b6pWjnIYCNkjBosm-FCy8x1CdwtZhg5jBg3P/s1600/IMG_1723_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1b1xdeOEBK7EJGneQOXbxhfs4hPrwZfE4NTORFHNGYeDEh8y_Y4S6Yu1_4AN-__kDOHN-VtXdW2hyphenhyphenGC1BPEkxGkETHPHKEgMXt3Izl65b6pWjnIYCNkjBosm-FCy8x1CdwtZhg5jBg3P/s320/IMG_1723_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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01/21/2012 (Day 43) thru 01/23/2012 (Day 45) - Continued our rotation of visits with Yana; with Mila hanging out waiting for the day her sister would arrive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMVsvGsTSfmWRoxL0c88a8Vr2PHhFhwCPx2QVZ71pYsdfLMMqNit8KGGABfZb56BOqKBjcHxJGT_Gq5GGt9LwiuT9Cb5pcQQwbdQj3HZKOsvXNYHG-8jBuRJMIdx26Fga5bsWLWBwW1N2/s1600/IMG_1736_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMVsvGsTSfmWRoxL0c88a8Vr2PHhFhwCPx2QVZ71pYsdfLMMqNit8KGGABfZb56BOqKBjcHxJGT_Gq5GGt9LwiuT9Cb5pcQQwbdQj3HZKOsvXNYHG-8jBuRJMIdx26Fga5bsWLWBwW1N2/s320/IMG_1736_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yana trying on her winter coat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEaoVWs-poi3fKoiUJAfRqlflmkb87UlRhAMsZcLQtj65g1Z7_EgkvrwqBQDY-CUtrXcKB_1SB71pStMRn3plEe1LdLhyphenhyphen45v923WZk-5gw8Rycm7gHPyS7PoYS3afLQ7idkQUDV7z1BSP/s1600/IMG_1739_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEaoVWs-poi3fKoiUJAfRqlflmkb87UlRhAMsZcLQtj65g1Z7_EgkvrwqBQDY-CUtrXcKB_1SB71pStMRn3plEe1LdLhyphenhyphen45v923WZk-5gw8Rycm7gHPyS7PoYS3afLQ7idkQUDV7z1BSP/s320/IMG_1739_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"What other toys you got in there?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhezOPdXvommI6jXYLPsZu_avzP6IVaFHQmsbNSM_hsxNvhjV9FwkPcm4DabWn1YnhetCiZ94RboCLJjQ9yx9PPCBVSfio2ToQ9ygWN8De7hC6j-UzS6FOnW67ZLvPcs_4ira4CPiCIIl/s1600/IMG_1724_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhezOPdXvommI6jXYLPsZu_avzP6IVaFHQmsbNSM_hsxNvhjV9FwkPcm4DabWn1YnhetCiZ94RboCLJjQ9yx9PPCBVSfio2ToQ9ygWN8De7hC6j-UzS6FOnW67ZLvPcs_4ira4CPiCIIl/s320/IMG_1724_crop.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila practicing interaction with a "pretend sister".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-61116250285840048682012-01-18T07:29:00.002-05:002012-01-29T09:00:37.562-05:00EE Mission Days 36 thru 40 - Quick SummarySo, where were we....<br />
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We apologize for the gap in posting. We have been focusing our time between getting acclimated to Mila Gayle, visiting Yana Kathleen and preparing for her "Gotcha Day", as well as communicating with family back home.<br />
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Here is a summary of days 36 through 40; the last spent in Mila Gayle's region:<br />
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01/14/2012 (Day 36) - Spent the day indoors getting acquainted with Mila, and letting her adjust to her new surroundings.<br />
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01/15/2012 (Day 37) - Enjoyed some fellowship with <a href="http://livingonhopeandprayers.blogspot.com/">the Eubanks</a>; they brought pizzas over to enjoy with us...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">01/16/2012 (Day 38) thru 01/18/2012 (Day 40) - We spent this time getting to know Mila; her likes and dislikes regarding food, toys, and interaction with us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, she is picky about eating certain foods. Yes, she dislikes her teeth being brushed. Yes, she fights naps. Yes, she throws a tantrum when she doesn't get her way about something. Sounds pretty typical to me for a toddler...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With that said, the evidences of Grace abound in her. She enjoys being held and gives nice squeeze hugs. She blesses us with her smiles and quiet giggles. She amuses us with what may be deemed "babbling"; but I think it is her attempt to vocalize and communicate. She has been a trooper during our car rides; where the motion seems to comfort her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over these days, her resistance to baths has diminished; she has started splashing and playing while in the tub having soothing warm water poured over her body. She moves around alot during sleep, but has started snuggling up against me when restless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I call this the beginning of her coming out of her "orphanage shell". She has received, and will continue to receive certain liberties in life that she would have never been given as an orphan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It makes me think about the liberties we have as Christians. We are constantly making decisions about whether to pursue Godliness or ungodliness. As Chrsitians, what a blessing to know we CAN make that choice; that is true liberty. And just like little Mila Gayle, we sometimes choose to resist and rebel against the love of our Father.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><h5 class="passage-header"><em>James 1: 19-27 - Hearing and Doing the Word </em></h5><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30269"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">19</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>be quick to hear, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>slow to speak, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>slow to anger; <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30270"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">20</span></strong></sup> for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30271"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">21</span></strong></sup> Therefore <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30271AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30271AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>meekness the implanted word, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30271AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>which is able to save your souls. </em></div><em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30272"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">22</span></strong></sup> But be <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30272AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup>doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30273"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">23</span></strong></sup> For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30274"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">24</span></strong></sup> For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30275"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">25</span></strong></sup> But the one who looks into the perfect law, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30275AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30275AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>he will be blessed in his doing. </em><br />
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30276"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">26</span></strong></sup> If anyone thinks he is religious <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30276AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30276AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>religion is worthless. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30277"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">27</span></strong></sup> Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>to visit <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>orphans and widows in their affliction, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup>to keep oneself <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup>unstained from the world.</em> <br />
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</div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-55284379966090683222012-01-13T07:24:00.000-05:002012-01-27T07:00:46.305-05:00EE Mission Day 35 - Meeting Mila's BirthparentsWhen we arrived back in Mila Gayle's region to finalize her adoption paperwork, our facilitator mentioned to us that Mila's birth parents desired to meet us. This was something that, although we had heard of and read about from other families, did not really expect to happen to us. With that said, we told her we were open to meeting them.<br />
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When we had our first meeting with Mila ("known as "Gayle" then) back on 12/14/2011, some of her life story was shared with us:<br />
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(1) She was the second child of her birth parents; has an older sister.<br />
(2) When her parents heard of her DS diagnosis, she was brought to the orphanage, but her parents continued to visit her for the first year.<br />
(3) After the first year, when instructed of what Gayle's care needs were going to be, her parents decided to leave her there. The visitations stopped.<br />
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Hearing this brief outline of a 3+ year story left us pondering some "why" questions:<br />
<ul><li>Why would they stop visiting her? Was this some kind of rule linked to them giving up parental rights?</li>
<li>Why would they now desire to see her and meet her adoptive parents?</li>
</ul>Simple questions; yet I am certain the answers are far more complex. It is easy to speculate answers, but the danger can include an ungodly judgement of people. So, as I reviewed our prayer journal, this line item stood out:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</em></span><br />
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Our facilitator confirmed that when we returned to the orphanage Friday, to sign some final documents and present the donation from Mila's bank account, that we would meet not only her parents, but her (maternal) grandparents...<br />
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So, Friday came; we drove over to the orphanage with Mila. Our facilitator said that she could have lunch there; so as we were walking up to her OLD groupa room, there they were - her birth parents and grandparents...<br />
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To make a long story short, the meeting with them was a bittersweet blessing. We could see the sadness in their faces as they provided us with gifts for her - some clothing, a baby doll, a snowsuit, and her gold Cross necklace from her Baptism. <br />
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I noticed the sadness and shame in her mother's face as she explained to us (through our facilitator who translated) about how, in her country, they just do not know how to properly care for children like her. Now, that is an easy comment to judge; yet, I am convinced that this is simply how this culture views "special needs" children. Also, I do not think the good ole USA has it all together, either; with respect to the role of family and how to best disciple a child (notice I said disciple, not just teach). You can agree or disagree with me on that comment...<br />
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Yet, we also experienced the comfort of knowing that they were very very happy that she had a new family that would be able to provide her the proper love and care. They wanted to take pictures with us. They asked if we would be willing to stay in touch with them, via Skype, regarding Mila's progress when she is home with us. Remember the prayer journal line item mentioned earlier:<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</span></em><br />
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We agreed to make contact once we get home and settled. I pray and hope that doing so will be used by God to draw this family closer to the Lord...<br />
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As we prepared to depart, I remember seeing something that will stick with me for a while. Mila's birth mother gave Mila one last hug and kiss, and then walked over to Stephanie and handed Mila to her, as if to say, "YOU are now her mother". They offered us God's blessings, and then left.<br />
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We waited a couple minutes before leaving. As we were entering the car with Mila, we could see her birth parents walking down the sidewalk together; not looking back. I can only imagine what must have been going through their mind and heart...<br />
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Time will tell how this particular chapter to our adoption mission ends, but I do know for certain that, one way or another, God will be glorified!<br />
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Soli Deo Gloria!Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-26798137261622838092012-01-12T17:12:00.001-05:002012-01-16T17:25:48.986-05:00EE Mission Day 34 - Gotcha Day for MilaCorey and I traveled back to Mila's region on 1/11, and arrived around 11:00 at night. The following morning we were picked up by our facilitator and her husband to complete paperwork that would enable us to take Mila from the orphanage. Here's a list of what offices we had to go to and paperwork we still needed to complete/finalize.<br />
<ul><li>Go to court house to pick up court decree. It wasn't quite ready, so we went to the orphanage which wasn't to far away. </li>
<li>We were able to visit with Mila for a short time while our facilitator tended to some business, and went back for the court decree.</li>
<li>Records office - we went here to obtain a new birth certificate for Mila with her new name, etc. </li>
<li>Legalization - necessary for U.S embassy to obtain Visa</li>
<li>Notary office </li>
<li>Obtain tax ID number</li>
<li>Back to orphanage to get Mila</li>
<li>Passport application/Mila's picture taken</li>
<li>Go to our apartment, and done for the day.</li>
</ul>While we were driving to the orphanage to pick up Mila for her passport photo, I couldn't believe that we had finally made it to this day. We were going to walk into her orphanage, have her dressed in her new clothes, and take her with us for good. <br />
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When we arrived at the groupa, we gave the caregivers her new clothes. They dressed her, and I could hardly stand the anticipation of waiting for her to come out. She was so completely adorable. Next, they put on her snow pants and coat. She, of course, was swimming in the 2T coat I brought for her. Before leaving I asked the caregivers if I could take their picture with her, and they agreed. I took the picture and we left. Just like that, it was done. <br />
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When we first arrived at the passport office, I immediately felt overwhelmed. There were people standing everywhere. Our facilitator told us to wait, and before we knew it she returned and motioned for us to follow her. I think it took four tries to get Mila's picture. She did amazingly well. <br />
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Finally, we were done and driven back to our apartment; where we settled in for the remainder of the day.<br />
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Our next blog post will be about our meeting on Friday (1/13) with Mila's birth parents...Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-88718439898505230762012-01-10T15:30:00.000-05:002012-01-16T04:08:16.781-05:00EE Mission Day 32 - Court Hearing for KathleenSo, we <u>finally</u> had out court hearing for Kathleen on 01/10/2012 at 2pm... <br />
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Now, with Mila Gayle's court hearing, we experienced a rather quick (about 15 minutes) process. The hearing was held in the judge's chamber. The judge, prosecutor, and city representative, who were all very nice, did not really ask us any of the typical questions we had prepared for; some including:<br />
<ul><li>Why do you wish to adopt?</li>
<li>What guided you in your decision to adopt a special needs child?</li>
<li>Why did you decide to adopt from Ukraine?</li>
<li>How will you care for the child?</li>
<li>What role does your government play in helping care for the child?</li>
</ul><br />
For Kathleen's court hearing, the event was much different. First of all, our facilitator told us she would not be there, and that we would have another translator. She did assure us that this would not be a problem. Although a little nervous, our trust in the "RR team" here in country helped us overcome what little nervousness we had. Once we picked up our translator (Nadya), and made introductions, we felt totally comfortable.<br />
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We arrived at the court building and waited. During our wait, Nadya told us some encouraging background on this judge. This was very comforting...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDQ7TIyt4VAHPZBkBNcKa9yU00TgNB7va_LROJp_sifaWKuRQhb-OYcMyxyNXZ32q7-Aw3pTBZ6ReEw4UF7UQZzRWSiSR2_EhTmGAz9ltSwbLtgCgr6LY4z6vFgmQAQJM9CsUlDuKvMQv/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDQ7TIyt4VAHPZBkBNcKa9yU00TgNB7va_LROJp_sifaWKuRQhb-OYcMyxyNXZ32q7-Aw3pTBZ6ReEw4UF7UQZzRWSiSR2_EhTmGAz9ltSwbLtgCgr6LY4z6vFgmQAQJM9CsUlDuKvMQv/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to court building</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
We entered the court room and sat down as we waited for the judge. Right from the start, we sensed this would be a different experience than the quick session we had for Mila...<br />
<br />
The hearing started with the judge introducing the parties involved; the prosecutor, the city official, the orphanage representative, the 2 citizen witnesses, and the court recorder. The judge then reviews our rights. Then the questioning started...<br />
<br />
Well, fortunately, we were prepared for the questions that we expected with Mila's court hearing, because we received all of them, and then some. The blessing of the detailed questioning included the opportunity to explain that our Christian convictions led us to our decision to adopt.<br />
<br />
After about an hour long session, the judge called recess as she went to process her decision. After about a 10 minute wait, she returned with blessed news; ruling in favor of our petition to adopt Kathleen! <br />
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Then, after a few minutes, the judge returned to hold what she referred to as the "unofficial business". We were completely surprised as she proceeded to present us gifts in celebration of our adoption!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9bXsLvoP4uxWfzsNXTm8yH6jmNam1SrM0KjVJaNuTUmV4buJIbkQl5bhhm4teSrSKPExwcnnlF3FWozKJagZCAgzkF0rXlJ375NK68trlBLHrYgFhs3eMK8LYZvcurYZSYu4bAoojqpy/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9bXsLvoP4uxWfzsNXTm8yH6jmNam1SrM0KjVJaNuTUmV4buJIbkQl5bhhm4teSrSKPExwcnnlF3FWozKJagZCAgzkF0rXlJ375NK68trlBLHrYgFhs3eMK8LYZvcurYZSYu4bAoojqpy/s320/IMG_1653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: CD of Ukrainian Christmas Carols<br />
Bottom Left: Orthodox Christian Icon for Prayer<br />
Bottom Right: Artwork created by residents of Kathleen's orphanage</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCSRmJc4o5rB79DRXIEtRZeIS_Z1ckm3BoIAo3FPwdSZls1szuIZIbKl45daMn33SdtceYtPLY152iaAIOS7g0oguXVVYrXAR3HJAH-ey-q5wZM1g4RJwtta6f2hm9_wL5EgUWyF_GkfD/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCSRmJc4o5rB79DRXIEtRZeIS_Z1ckm3BoIAo3FPwdSZls1szuIZIbKl45daMn33SdtceYtPLY152iaAIOS7g0oguXVVYrXAR3HJAH-ey-q5wZM1g4RJwtta6f2hm9_wL5EgUWyF_GkfD/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidered towel that signifies a Ukrainian story of one's life journey (Kathleen's).<br />
The black color signifies sadness (for her leaving her home land)<br />
The red color signifies love she will receive during her journey. <br />
It was stressed that there is more red (love) than black (sadness) on the towel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv1E4wKP76hB3VaLJZ89NF-FDS3BI0ghMVFEAGGmx_wZUQHZzq8g4cQ3dwsWMPde88RiACg202Jms8Sk_Ll8HrsrqEv32lI5UkhyL8eJAebE5q4kg1D3zHB0zrF893wHzjmuEMDgCabUd/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv1E4wKP76hB3VaLJZ89NF-FDS3BI0ghMVFEAGGmx_wZUQHZzq8g4cQ3dwsWMPde88RiACg202Jms8Sk_Ll8HrsrqEv32lI5UkhyL8eJAebE5q4kg1D3zHB0zrF893wHzjmuEMDgCabUd/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doll wearing traditional Ukrainian clothing for Kathleen to have </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
She even asked for a picture to be taken of everyone involved...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xn7-77664r1VtDWhS719MK9cvHEOT2EP3jP3jGuU2If4ZrCiz2ZCWjycytEmZVdv7JH4Fz-2j_kt4H1yqi-7N8iHMlV-foNlQatZ0DyY4zbWbbUwF-SsSL4HfhO0zTFt_cIp2pPBGt-/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xn7-77664r1VtDWhS719MK9cvHEOT2EP3jP3jGuU2If4ZrCiz2ZCWjycytEmZVdv7JH4Fz-2j_kt4H1yqi-7N8iHMlV-foNlQatZ0DyY4zbWbbUwF-SsSL4HfhO0zTFt_cIp2pPBGt-/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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So, based on the court ruling, we are now parents of Yana Kathleen Kimble!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAS1fzu93Iz9zYr2BVEMpmlWQXuOeENHMH8yKyJSaLX4JABEq1hFBcIEBtItr9AcIjci6iwzzXl_rSiqt0ThjFRAKiyge0XlHMHfqjBJRiPBOZIQkOZxj-1K_rKXG1kcSFg80j1PfCDAg/s1600/photo4_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAS1fzu93Iz9zYr2BVEMpmlWQXuOeENHMH8yKyJSaLX4JABEq1hFBcIEBtItr9AcIjci6iwzzXl_rSiqt0ThjFRAKiyge0XlHMHfqjBJRiPBOZIQkOZxj-1K_rKXG1kcSFg80j1PfCDAg/s400/photo4_crop.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-18720169464957195012012-01-08T09:07:00.001-05:002012-01-08T13:33:42.190-05:00EE Mission Day 30 - Reuniting with KathleenWe had a nine and a half hour train ride into Kathleen's region yesterday, and arrived around five o'clock pm. Igor, our driver, greeted us and took us to our apartment. We can't really communicate too much with him, but he is super nice. <br />
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We were taken to the same apartment we stayed in last time. The owners were here when we arrived, and had a meal waiting for us. They soon left, and we ate the delicious Ukrainian food they had prepared for us. Our communication with them is limited as well, but I know they are very nice and hospitable. We praise God for this blessing!<br />
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Today, we were overjoyed to see Kathleen again. It's been two weeks since we've seen her, and we missed her so much. We were able to visit with her in the recreation room again. The time went by fast, and we can't wait to see her again tomorrow. In just two days, we will petition in front of a judge to become her parents. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VSVHSM-DdPUy5zA8BEF-zTL_JUb0gdxcScheUoosIRUVlX8leStgnCIFYem3IrVrRmZ_uY9cTTzhrFpd6F-V4vMA_Z3msjCO2xxjiQ0D60DChO1ZVJZeKk4bE7fVcQL-CR5L2P6ArRN/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VSVHSM-DdPUy5zA8BEF-zTL_JUb0gdxcScheUoosIRUVlX8leStgnCIFYem3IrVrRmZ_uY9cTTzhrFpd6F-V4vMA_Z3msjCO2xxjiQ0D60DChO1ZVJZeKk4bE7fVcQL-CR5L2P6ArRN/s400/IMG_1613.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's mama with the camera again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsPPwx7tI-wiYYnuGhOAAnfuMBaEX21umMxg-wMCKUx9oGlcy02aMV5NfeaU6Jkl6nLs_tRN0dLFBVVsXI3AaQ1jVRnfUu1FcXO6c8TJdbcM8x9pw-vCPZ8evTvWmNPcjNB8HlMlyMUZi/s1600/IMG_1622_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsPPwx7tI-wiYYnuGhOAAnfuMBaEX21umMxg-wMCKUx9oGlcy02aMV5NfeaU6Jkl6nLs_tRN0dLFBVVsXI3AaQ1jVRnfUu1FcXO6c8TJdbcM8x9pw-vCPZ8evTvWmNPcjNB8HlMlyMUZi/s400/IMG_1622_crop.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where have you been the last two weeks, mama and papa?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExaerIkriCsVDb-FcaIQApjSznmfcDSmf8YLQHolRA4sl31mbXkMWgTM2mQ1lBga95Wr6jaJ3dMS9GS989RWV8iECmoDc6NaS5aUIA-lkjJzbKDFh8GANDKcYWWxLAMcqjrwGa0k992X/s1600/IMG_1629_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExaerIkriCsVDb-FcaIQApjSznmfcDSmf8YLQHolRA4sl31mbXkMWgTM2mQ1lBga95Wr6jaJ3dMS9GS989RWV8iECmoDc6NaS5aUIA-lkjJzbKDFh8GANDKcYWWxLAMcqjrwGa0k992X/s400/IMG_1629_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm on a mission!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJDrx9PhgZOPCgBT88MFby4vmJ_9_nICrxqs5eKVibp5OYmgQ-bqn-XQOSCRyG17vvlcUgUavNoD4ni7sc2J0d8z8r_QhOYlUxbtrNoNU3YA-IkFLKixIPZhuFFGMh7j3kBDJVonv1UZi/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJDrx9PhgZOPCgBT88MFby4vmJ_9_nICrxqs5eKVibp5OYmgQ-bqn-XQOSCRyG17vvlcUgUavNoD4ni7sc2J0d8z8r_QhOYlUxbtrNoNU3YA-IkFLKixIPZhuFFGMh7j3kBDJVonv1UZi/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on, let me get in there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO2fzNQYzvKMNHjSEXLvJ_niEV1rDhoGPwNweZYSaeUtdVTEv1zEuMwR06C4cvjkJH-yX9ce0AzxcWwrM3aES1j2I9Loz7uXzWF7XW3usc8OQkaqnaATVRu-vHZJAvJp64vYtIXFNrAiA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO2fzNQYzvKMNHjSEXLvJ_niEV1rDhoGPwNweZYSaeUtdVTEv1zEuMwR06C4cvjkJH-yX9ce0AzxcWwrM3aES1j2I9Loz7uXzWF7XW3usc8OQkaqnaATVRu-vHZJAvJp64vYtIXFNrAiA/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in my new shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-65528770051540074122012-01-07T13:51:00.005-05:002012-08-03T09:54:48.910-04:00EE Mission Day 29 - "Trolls" or "Neighbors"<em><strong>1 Peter 1:3-9 - Born Again to a Living Hope</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30361"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30361G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30361H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>According to his great mercy, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30361I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>he has caused us to be born again to a living hope <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30361J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30362"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> to <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30362K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30362L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>unfading, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30362M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>kept in heaven for you, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30363"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> who by God's power are being guarded <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30363N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>through faith for a salvation <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30363O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>ready to be revealed in the last time. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30364"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30364P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>various trials, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30365"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> so that <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30365Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30365R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>though it is tested by <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30365S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>fire—may be found to result in <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30365T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30366"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30366U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>Though you have not seen him, you love him. <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30366V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30367"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup> obtaining <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30367W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During this adoption mission (preparation, travel, and soon to be homecoming, Lord willing), we have been and will continue to be blessed with trials. Relative to the trials other brothers and sisters face in this world, ours have been mild in comparison. Yet, we are thankful for these trials, as they are ordained in order to draw us closer to our Father in Heaven...<br />
<br />
One category of trial has to do with blogging. I knew that when we decided to share our story (thoughts, feelings, convictions, events), it could potentially spark some comments that would communicate disagreement. I am okay with that...<br />
<br />
With that said, there is a category of commentators, known in the blogosphere as "trolls", that only seem to offer comments that appear to arise from <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malice?show=0&t=1325960010">malice</a>; containing many <a href="http://www.logicalfallacies.info/">errors of reason (i.e., logical fallacies)</a>. So, why do I categorize these types of comments as a trial? Well, one reason is that comments like these create temptation to pull out the stops in conjuring up a logically solid, emotionally charged counter-attack.<br />
<br />
Well, you might say, what is wrong with that? Well...<br />
<br />
<br />
In Matthew 5, Jesus states the following:<br />
<h5 class="passage-header">
<em>Retaliation</em></h5>
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23273"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">38</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23273BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)"></sup>“You have heard that it was said, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23273BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)"></sup>‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23274"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">39</span></strong></sup> But I say to you, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23274BS" title="See cross-reference BS">BS</a>)"></sup>Do not resist the one who is evil. But <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23274BT" title="See cross-reference BT">BT</a>)"></sup>if anyone <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23274BU" title="See cross-reference BU">BU</a>)"></sup>slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23275"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">40</span></strong></sup> And <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23275BV" title="See cross-reference BV">BV</a>)"></sup>if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-23275h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]"></sup> let him have your cloak as well. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23276"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">41</span></strong></sup> And if anyone <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23276BW" title="See cross-reference BW">BW</a>)"></sup>forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23277"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">42</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23277BX" title="See cross-reference BX">BX</a>)"></sup>Give to the one who begs from you, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23277BY" title="See cross-reference BY">BY</a>)"></sup>do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. </em><br />
<h5 class="passage-header">
<em>Love Your Enemies</em></h5>
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23278"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">43</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23278BZ" title="See cross-reference BZ">BZ</a>)"></sup>“You have heard that it was said, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23278CA" title="See cross-reference CA">CA</a>)"></sup>‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23279"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">44</span></strong></sup> But I say to you, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23279CB" title="See cross-reference CB">CB</a>)"></sup>Love your enemies and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23279CC" title="See cross-reference CC">CC</a>)"></sup>pray for those who persecute you, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23280"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">45</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23280CD" title="See cross-reference CD">CD</a>)"></sup>so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23280CE" title="See cross-reference CE">CE</a>)"></sup>sends rain on the just and on the unjust. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23281"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">46</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23281CF" title="See cross-reference CF">CF</a>)"></sup>For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23282"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">47</span></strong></sup> And if you greet only your brothers,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-23282i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]"></sup> what more are you doing than others? Do not even <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23282CG" title="See cross-reference CG">CG</a>)"></sup>the Gentiles do the same? <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23283"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">48</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23283CH" title="See cross-reference CH">CH</a>)"></sup>You therefore must be <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23283CI" title="See cross-reference CI">CI</a>)"></sup>perfect, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23283CJ" title="See cross-reference CJ">CJ</a>)"></sup>as your heavenly Father is perfect.</em> <br />
<div class="footnotes" style="display: none;">
<strong>Footnotes:</strong><br />
<ol type="a">
<li id="fen-ESV-23244a"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23244" title="Go to Matthew 5:9"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:9</span></a> Greek <i>huioi</i>; see Preface</li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23251b"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23251" title="Go to Matthew 5:16"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:16</span></a> Or <i>house. <versenum id="16"> Let your light so shine before others that</versenum></i></li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23257c"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> Some manuscripts insert <i>without cause</i></li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23257d"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> Greek <i>says Raca to</i> (a term of abuse)</li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23257e"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> Greek <i>Gehenna</i>; also verses 29, 30</li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23261f"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23261" title="Go to Matthew 5:26"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:26</span></a> Greek <i>kodrantes</i>, Roman copper coin (Latin <i>quadrans</i>) worth about 1/64 of a <i>denarius</i> (which was a day's wage for a laborer)</li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23272g"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23272" title="Go to Matthew 5:37"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:37</span></a> Or <i>the evil one</i></li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23275h"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23275" title="Go to Matthew 5:40"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:40</span></a> Greek <i>chiton</i>, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin</li>
<li id="fen-ESV-23282i"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23282" title="Go to Matthew 5:47"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:47</span></a> Or <i>brothers and sisters</i>. The plural Greek word <i>adelphoi</i> (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, <i>adelphoi</i> may refer either to <i>brothers</i> or to <i>brothers and sisters</i></li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="crossrefs" style="display: none;">
<strong>Cross references:</strong><br />
<ol type="A">
<li id="cen-ESV-23236A"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23236" title="Go to Matthew 5:1"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:1</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.15:29&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 15:29</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23236B"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23236" title="Go to Matthew 5:1"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:1</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke4:20&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 4:20</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23237C"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23237" title="Go to Matthew 5:2"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:2</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.78:2&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 78:2</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23238D"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23238" title="Go to Matthew 5:3"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:3</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Forver.3-12,[Luke6:20-23]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">For ver. 3-12, [Luke 6:20-23]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23238E"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23238" title="Go to Matthew 5:3"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:3</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Isa.61:1;66:2]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Isa. 61:1; 66:2]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23238F"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23238" title="Go to Matthew 5:3"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:3</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Luke12:32]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Luke 12:32]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23239G"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23239" title="Go to Matthew 5:4"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:4</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.61:2,3;John16:20;2Cor.1:7;7:10;Rev.21:4;[James4:9,10]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Isa. 61:2, 3; John 16:20; 2 Cor. 1:7; 7:10; Rev. 21:4; [James 4:9, 10]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23240H"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23240" title="Go to Matthew 5:5"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:5</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.37:11&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 37:11</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23240I"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23240" title="Go to Matthew 5:5"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:5</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.37:11&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 37:11</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23241J"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23241" title="Go to Matthew 5:6"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:6</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.42:2;Isa.55:1,2;John7:37&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 42:2; Isa. 55:1, 2; John 7:37</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23241K"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23241" title="Go to Matthew 5:6"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:6</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Tim.2:22;[ch.6:33]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">2 Tim. 2:22; [ch. 6:33]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23242L"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23242" title="Go to Matthew 5:7"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:7</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.18:33;25:34-36;Prov.19:17;Luke6:36;2Tim.1:16;Heb.6:10&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 18:33; 25:34-36; Prov. 19:17; Luke 6:36; 2 Tim. 1:16; Heb. 6:10</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23243M"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23243" title="Go to Matthew 5:8"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:8</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.24:4;2Tim.2:22;[1Pet.1:22]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 24:4; 2 Tim. 2:22; [1 Pet. 1:22]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23243N"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23243" title="Go to Matthew 5:8"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:8</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.12:14;1John3:2,3;Rev.22:4;[1Cor.13:12]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:2, 3; Rev. 22:4; [1 Cor. 13:12]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23244O"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23244" title="Go to Matthew 5:9"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:9</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James3:18&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">James 3:18</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23244P"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23244" title="Go to Matthew 5:9"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:9</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John3:1&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">1 John 3:1</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23244Q"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23244" title="Go to Matthew 5:9"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:9</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.8:14&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Rom. 8:14</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23245R"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23245" title="Go to Matthew 5:10"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:10</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Tim.2:12;James5:11;1Pet.3:14&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">2 Tim. 2:12; James 5:11; 1 Pet. 3:14</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23245S"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23245" title="Go to Matthew 5:10"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:10</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.3above];[Luke12:32]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 3 above]; [Luke 12:32]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23246T"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23246" title="Go to Matthew 5:11"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:11</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.11:26;1Pet.4:14&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Heb. 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:14</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23246U"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23246" title="Go to Matthew 5:11"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:11</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John15:21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">John 15:21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23247V"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23247" title="Go to Matthew 5:12"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:12</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts5:41;Rom.5:3;2Cor.12:10;Col.1:11,24;Heb.10:34;James1:2;1Pet.4:13&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Acts 5:41; Rom. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:10; Col. 1:11, 24; Heb. 10:34; James 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:13</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23247W"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23247" title="Go to Matthew 5:12"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:12</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Seech.21:35&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">See ch. 21:35</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23248X"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23248" title="Go to Matthew 5:13"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:13</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark9:50;Luke14:34&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23249Y"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23249" title="Go to Matthew 5:14"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:14</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.5:8;Phil.2:15;[John8:12]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Eph. 5:8; Phil. 2:15; [John 8:12]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23250Z"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23250" title="Go to Matthew 5:15"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:15</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark4:21;Luke8:16;11:33&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23251AA"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23251" title="Go to Matthew 5:16"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:16</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philem.6;1Pet.2:12&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Philem. 6; 1 Pet. 2:12</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23251AB"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23251" title="Go to Matthew 5:16"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:16</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John15:8;2Cor.9:13;Phil.1:11;[ch.9:8]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">John 15:8; 2 Cor. 9:13; Phil. 1:11; [ch. 9:8]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23252AC"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23252" title="Go to Matthew 5:17"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:17</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.3:31&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Rom. 3:31</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23252AD"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23252" title="Go to Matthew 5:17"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:17</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.7:12&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 7:12</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23252AE"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23252" title="Go to Matthew 5:17"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:17</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Rom.10:4;13:8;Gal.3:24]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Rom. 10:4; 13:8; Gal. 3:24]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23253AF"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23253" title="Go to Matthew 5:18"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:18</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke16:17;[ch.24:35]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 16:17; [ch. 24:35]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23254AG"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23254" title="Go to Matthew 5:19"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:19</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[1Cor.3:12-15]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[1 Cor. 3:12-15]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23254AH"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23254" title="Go to Matthew 5:19"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:19</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Gal.3:10;James2:10]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Gal. 3:10; James 2:10]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23254AI"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23254" title="Go to Matthew 5:19"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:19</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.11:11;18:1-4&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 11:11; 18:1-4</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23254AJ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23254" title="Go to Matthew 5:19"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:19</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.11:11;18:1-4&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 11:11; 18:1-4</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23255AK"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23255" title="Go to Matthew 5:20"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:20</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Rom.10:3;Phil.3:9]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Rom. 10:3; Phil. 3:9]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23255AL"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23255" title="Go to Matthew 5:20"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:20</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John3:5&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">John 3:5</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23256AM"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23256" title="Go to Matthew 5:21"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:21</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ver.33;[ver.27,31,38,43]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ver. 33; [ver. 27, 31, 38, 43]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23256AN"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23256" title="Go to Matthew 5:21"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:21</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=CitedfromEx.20:13;Deut.5:17;[ch.19:18;Mark10:19;Luke18:20;Rom.13:9;James2:11]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Cited from Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17; [ch. 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Rom. 13:9; James 2:11]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23256AO"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23256" title="Go to Matthew 5:21"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:21</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Deut.16:18]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Deut. 16:18]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23257AP"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John3:15&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">1 John 3:15</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23257AQ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.21above];[Deut.16:18]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 21 above]; [Deut. 16:18]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23257AR"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23257" title="Go to Matthew 5:22"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:22</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.18:9;Mark9:43;James3:6;[ver.29]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 18:9; Mark 9:43; James 3:6; [ver. 29]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23258AS"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23258" title="Go to Matthew 5:23"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:23</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[ch.6:15;Mark11:25]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[ch. 6:15; Mark 11:25]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23258AT"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23258" title="Go to Matthew 5:23"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:23</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.8:4;23:18&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 8:4; 23:18</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23260AU"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23260" title="Go to Matthew 5:25"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:25</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke12:58,59&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 12:58, 59</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23261AV"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23261" title="Go to Matthew 5:26"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:26</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[ch.18:34,35]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[ch. 18:34, 35]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23262AW"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23262" title="Go to Matthew 5:27"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:27</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Seever.21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">See ver. 21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23262AX"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23262" title="Go to Matthew 5:27"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:27</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=CitedfromEx.20:14;Deut.5:18&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Cited from Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23263AY"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23263" title="Go to Matthew 5:28"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:28</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job31:1;Prov.6:25;[2Sam.11:2]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Job 31:1; Prov. 6:25; [2 Sam. 11:2]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23264AZ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23264" title="Go to Matthew 5:29"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:29</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.18:8,9;Mark9:43-48&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23264BA"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23264" title="Go to Matthew 5:29"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:29</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[ch.13:41;Luke17:1]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[ch. 13:41; Luke 17:1]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23264BB"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23264" title="Go to Matthew 5:29"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:29</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.10:28;23:15,33;Luke12:5;[ver.22]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 10:28; 23:15, 33; Luke 12:5; [ver. 22]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23265BC"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23265" title="Go to Matthew 5:30"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:30</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.29above];ch.18:8,9;Mark9:43-48&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 29 above]; ch. 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23265BD"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23265" title="Go to Matthew 5:30"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:30</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.29above];[ch.13:41;Luke17:1]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 29 above]; [ch. 13:41; Luke 17:1]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23265BE"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23265" title="Go to Matthew 5:30"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:30</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.29above];ch.10:28;23:15,33;Luke12:5;[ver.22]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 29 above]; ch. 10:28; 23:15, 33; Luke 12:5; [ver. 22]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23266BF"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23266" title="Go to Matthew 5:31"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:31</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.27above];Seever.21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23266BG"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23266" title="Go to Matthew 5:31"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:31</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.19:7;Jer.3:1;CitedfromDeut.24:1&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 19:7; Jer. 3:1; Cited from Deut. 24:1</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23267BH"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23267" title="Go to Matthew 5:32"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:32</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.19:9;Mark10:11,12;Luke16:18;[1Cor.7:10,11]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 19:9; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; [1 Cor. 7:10, 11]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23267BI"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23267" title="Go to Matthew 5:32"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:32</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.7:3&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Rom. 7:3</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23268BJ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23268" title="Go to Matthew 5:33"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:33</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.27above];Seever.21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23268BK"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23268" title="Go to Matthew 5:33"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:33</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev.19:12;1Tim.1:10&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Lev. 19:12; 1 Tim. 1:10</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23268BL"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23268" title="Go to Matthew 5:33"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:33</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Num.30:2;Deut.23:21;Eccles.5:4&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21; Eccles. 5:4</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23269BM"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23269" title="Go to Matthew 5:34"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:34</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James5:12&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">James 5:12</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23269BN"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23269" title="Go to Matthew 5:34"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:34</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.23:22;Isa.66:1;Acts7:49;SeeRev.4:2&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 23:22; Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:49; See Rev. 4:2</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23270BO"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23270" title="Go to Matthew 5:35"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:35</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.48:2&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 48:2</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23272BP"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23272" title="Go to Matthew 5:37"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:37</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Prov.10:19]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Prov. 10:19]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23273BQ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23273" title="Go to Matthew 5:38"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:38</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.27above];Seever.21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23273BR"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23273" title="Go to Matthew 5:38"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:38</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=CitedfromEx.21:24;Lev.24:20;Deut.19:21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Cited from Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23274BS"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23274" title="Go to Matthew 5:39"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:39</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Pet.2:23&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">1 Pet. 2:23</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23274BT"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23274" title="Go to Matthew 5:39"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:39</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Forver.39-42,seeLuke6:29,30;[Rom.12:17]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">For ver. 39-42, see Luke 6:29, 30; [Rom. 12:17]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23274BU"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23274" title="Go to Matthew 5:39"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:39</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.26:67;Isa.50:6;Lam.3:30&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 26:67; Isa. 50:6; Lam. 3:30</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23275BV"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23275" title="Go to Matthew 5:40"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:40</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Seever.39above];1Pet.2:23&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[See ver. 39 above]; 1 Pet. 2:23</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23276BW"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23276" title="Go to Matthew 5:41"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:41</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.27:32&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 27:32</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23277BX"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23277" title="Go to Matthew 5:42"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:42</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.37:21;Prov.21:26&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Ps. 37:21; Prov. 21:26</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23277BY"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23277" title="Go to Matthew 5:42"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:42</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut.15:8;Ps.37:26;112:5;Luke6:34,35&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Deut. 15:8; Ps. 37:26; 112:5; Luke 6:34, 35</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23278BZ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23278" title="Go to Matthew 5:43"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:43</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Seever.21&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">See ver. 21</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23278CA"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23278" title="Go to Matthew 5:43"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:43</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=CitedfromLev.19:18;Seech.19:19&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Cited from Lev. 19:18; See ch. 19:19</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23279CB"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23279" title="Go to Matthew 5:44"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:44</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke6:27,28;Rom.12:20;[Ex.23:4;Job31:29,30;Ps.7:4]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 6:27, 28; Rom. 12:20; [Ex. 23:4; Job 31:29, 30; Ps. 7:4]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23279CC"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23279" title="Go to Matthew 5:44"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:44</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke23:34;Acts7:60;2Tim.4:16;1Pet.3:9&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim. 4:16; 1 Pet. 3:9</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23280CD"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23280" title="Go to Matthew 5:45"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:45</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke6:35;[Eph.5:1;Phil.2:15]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 6:35; [Eph. 5:1; Phil. 2:15]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23280CE"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23280" title="Go to Matthew 5:45"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:45</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts14:17&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Acts 14:17</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23281CF"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23281" title="Go to Matthew 5:46"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:46</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke6:32&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">Luke 6:32</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23282CG"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23282" title="Go to Matthew 5:47"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:47</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.6:7,32&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 6:7, 32</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23283CH"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23283" title="Go to Matthew 5:48"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:48</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Luke6:36]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Luke 6:36]</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23283CI"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23283" title="Go to Matthew 5:48"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:48</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ch.19:21;1Cor.2:6(Gk.);Phil.3:15(Gk.);Col.1:28;4:12(Gk.);James1:4;3:2;SeeGen.17:1&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">ch. 19:21; 1 Cor. 2:6 (Gk.); Phil. 3:15 (Gk.); Col. 1:28; 4:12 (Gk.); James 1:4; 3:2; See Gen. 17:1</span></a></li>
<li id="cen-ESV-23283CJ"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV#en-ESV-23283" title="Go to Matthew 5:48"><span style="color: #651300;">Matthew 5:48</span></a> : <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=[Lev.19:2;1Pet.1:15]&version=ESV"><span style="color: #651300;">[Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:15]</span></a></li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
I praise the Lord for His Grace and Mercy in letting me ponder a little on just who these authors are. I mean, they are human beings created in His image, that have a story to tell from their experiences. If given a chance to interview these people, some of the questions I would ask would include, but not be limited to:<br />
<br />
(1) Why do we exist?<br />
<br />
(2) What is wrong with the world?<br />
<br />
(3) How is what's wrong with the world made right?<br />
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(4) Do you believe in a god? If so, tell me about your god.<br />
<br />
(5) Do you profess to be a Christian? If so, share your testimony. If not, tell me what you understand about Christianity and why you reject it.<br />
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(6) Tell me about the experiences in your life (both the joyous and the painful) that have helped shape your view of the world. For example, if you are against adoption, tell me what helped shape that position.<br />
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(7) What do you think you know about me that suggests you can apply what you think or know about one family to my household?<br />
<br />
(8) How may I pray for you?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<em>Colossians 4:2-6 - Further Instructions</em></h4>
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29528"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29528A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29528B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>with thanksgiving. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29529"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> At the same time, pray also for us, that God may <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29529C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>open to us a door for the word, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29529D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>to declare the mystery of Christ, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29529E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>on account of which I am in prison— <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29530"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. </em><br />
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<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29531"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29531F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>Walk in wisdom toward <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29531G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>outsiders, making the best use of the time. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29532"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> Let your speech always <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29532H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>be gracious, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29532I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>seasoned with salt, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29532J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
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I am hopeful that this kind of dialog could exist. I am not looking for compromise; I am looking to love my neighbor, in the name of Christ. I know why I am <u><strong>in</strong></u> this world; yet understand why I am not to be <strong><u>of</u></strong> this world.<br />
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I am not looking for everyone to agree with or support what is stated on this blog. I am not looking to bring glory to myself or anyone else. I answer to Truth; which is found in His Word.<br />
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<br />
<h4>
<em>John 1 - The Word Became Flesh</em></h4>
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26035"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26035A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>In the beginning was <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26035B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the Word, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26035C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the Word was with God, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26035D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>the Word was God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26036"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></strong></sup> He was in the beginning with God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26037"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26037E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26038"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26038F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>In him was life,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26038a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup> and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26038G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>the life was the light of men. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26039"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26039H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. </em><br />
<br />
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26040"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> There was a man <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26040I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>sent from God, whose name was <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26040J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>John. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26041"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> He came as a <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26041K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>witness, to bear witness about the light, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26041L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>that all might believe through him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26042"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26042M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. </em><br />
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<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26043"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26043N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26044"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">10</span></strong></sup> He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26044O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>the world did not know him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26045"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">11</span></strong></sup> He came to <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26045P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>his own,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26045b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup> and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26045Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>his own people<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26045c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26045R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>did not receive him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26046"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></strong></sup> But to all who did receive him, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26046S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>who believed in his name, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26046T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>he gave the right <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26046U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>to become <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26046V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>children of God, <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26047"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></strong></sup> who <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26047W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>were born, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26047X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>not of blood <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26047Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. </em><br />
<br />
<em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26048"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></strong></sup> And <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>the Word <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>became flesh and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup>dwelt among us, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup>grace and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26048AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>truth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26049"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">15</span></strong></sup> (<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26049AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup>John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26049AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26050"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></strong></sup> For from <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26050AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>his fullness we have all received, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26050AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>grace upon grace.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26050d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]"></sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26051"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></strong></sup> For <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26051AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>the law was given through Moses; <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26051AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26052"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">18</span></strong></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26052AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>No one has ever seen God; <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26052AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>the only God,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26052e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]"></sup> who is at the Father's side,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-26052f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]"></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26052AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup>he has made him known.</em>Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259913122460372254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-81160254944601477262012-01-06T17:08:00.001-05:002012-01-08T07:58:29.281-05:00EE Mission Day 28 - Counting down the daysToday was our last regular visit with Mila Gayle before "gotcha day". Our daily commute to her orphanage includes about twenty-five minutes of walking and twenty-five minutes on the Metro, one way. We enjoy our brisk walk and metro ride each day, but we are more than ready to have her with us full-time. The picture below is our walking path leading up to the orphanage gate. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e_qInxpu8ZHS4xV6LLsMfQG2UZFYkpMBX5VEKnZrZx2FJflVPf4VEvy30R8idz_MhmwtHEpJ93RGO2LNHdXeoKCQ91ZaWC-CiWsDPy81HfYJiPhL5155bUfEpQuuYut0Hg5FdHwPRv2y/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e_qInxpu8ZHS4xV6LLsMfQG2UZFYkpMBX5VEKnZrZx2FJflVPf4VEvy30R8idz_MhmwtHEpJ93RGO2LNHdXeoKCQ91ZaWC-CiWsDPy81HfYJiPhL5155bUfEpQuuYut0Hg5FdHwPRv2y/s400/IMG_1579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This mama and papa are counting the days until we can spend more than two hours a day with this precious little gift. We can't wait for our children at home to meet her, and it won't take long for her to wrap them around her cute little finger. She is so tiny. I brought 24 mo. clothing for her, and the pants are too long.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t3fITAoDMWKRSpxOa7sTcKCiHB-x0P-QzKyGOSqrOp960DG0O08_hLlSy-F6n2I5xnXITZhuUcPGNWJ24761SSzvKj8Nr6KN6O-p2FFwpD9QJRjwHwuCDtA6odMn0kY8C9Ob-4IqXhX/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t3fITAoDMWKRSpxOa7sTcKCiHB-x0P-QzKyGOSqrOp960DG0O08_hLlSy-F6n2I5xnXITZhuUcPGNWJ24761SSzvKj8Nr6KN6O-p2FFwpD9QJRjwHwuCDtA6odMn0kY8C9Ob-4IqXhX/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t3fITAoDMWKRSpxOa7sTcKCiHB-x0P-QzKyGOSqrOp960DG0O08_hLlSy-F6n2I5xnXITZhuUcPGNWJ24761SSzvKj8Nr6KN6O-p2FFwpD9QJRjwHwuCDtA6odMn0kY8C9Ob-4IqXhX/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t3fITAoDMWKRSpxOa7sTcKCiHB-x0P-QzKyGOSqrOp960DG0O08_hLlSy-F6n2I5xnXITZhuUcPGNWJ24761SSzvKj8Nr6KN6O-p2FFwpD9QJRjwHwuCDtA6odMn0kY8C9Ob-4IqXhX/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"></div></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxn-rtjA1VVdbEbj-1WPytaeXAf-LixflSRviJrJejgFCyE2wOpsxIqF5GGPL0-IuCTNcWEt7D_bjmBOHADs1uGNxJWKGsjZWiBy-GNQP77hp_qPqf7h6O7bDLEsSnzu_ZxwIbE_y76yG/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxn-rtjA1VVdbEbj-1WPytaeXAf-LixflSRviJrJejgFCyE2wOpsxIqF5GGPL0-IuCTNcWEt7D_bjmBOHADs1uGNxJWKGsjZWiBy-GNQP77hp_qPqf7h6O7bDLEsSnzu_ZxwIbE_y76yG/s400/IMG_1593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Her personality is already blossoming, and her different looks just crack me up. It'll be such a blessing to watch her explore her new world. Please pray for her transition out of the orphanage. Of course, this is the only "home" she's ever known. All of the new sights and sounds are likely to be overwhelming and scary. </div><br />
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</div>Now, it's time to shift our focus onto Kathleen. We leave tomorrow for her region, and will be reunited with her Sunday. We have court Tuesday afternoon. This evening I was packing up my clothes and discovered that my court outfit is missing in action. After arriving back in Gayle's region, we moved two times within the first week. I guess in the rush of it all, I left it hanging in the closet of our previous apartment. Oh well! Hopefully the judge won't make her ruling based on my attire. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will continue to update as long as we have Internet access. Thank you to all who continue to pray for our journey. We're almost in the home stretch. </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362268473515836922.post-1272140450771462492012-01-04T17:02:00.001-05:002012-01-08T07:58:10.373-05:00EE Mission Day 26 - About Half-Way DoneThe days are ticking by quickly, and we are getting closer to our first "gotcha day". As I'm sitting here typing, I can't believe this adoption journey began a little more than eight months ago. We should pick up our court decree for Mila on 1/12, and will take her from the orphanage on either 1/12 or 1/13. We are down to only eight or nine days, and she will finally be with us. No words can express our excitement. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter each day.<br />
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On 1/7, we plan to leave by train to Kathleen's region (four train rides to go). We had hoped to go sooner, but due to an upcoming holiday (Orthodox Christmas) weekend we couldn't get train tickets. We will visit with her Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday morning. We then have court Tuesday afternoon. We will visit her again Wednesday morning, and then return back to Mila's region on Wednesday to finish up necessary paperwork. <br />
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Shortly after Mila's "gotcha day" we will all travel back to Kathleen's region to wait out the remainder of the ten day waiting period. There is a great possibility that we could return home the weekend of 1/28. We continue to praise God for this journey. Please continue to cover us in prayer as we finish this mission our Father in heaven has called us to.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815438888907989510noreply@blogger.com2