Lots of Links

Do you like books?  Looking for a unique gift for one of your loved ones?  Wondering what to buy the person who had everything?  I have some links and recommendations for you!! I promise you won't be disappointed.

My sweet friend, Marci, wrote a family devotional, Advent: A Family Guide to Savoring Christ in Christmas
I've been looking for a good one for our family for years, so I'm really excited about trying this out this year. And it's not too late to start, especially since it comes in a downloadable version that you can have instantly.  Plus, here is the bonus... all of the profits go to help fund the two adoptions they completed this year.  I got to meet both of their children in Uganda.  It was a privlege to play a very small part in their adoptions and it warms my heart to see their family all together.



Marci and her family on  her recent homecoming with her baby girl. 
Don't mind the blurs... it's hard to get a pic of that many all being still and looking at the camera. ;)

My friend, Jodi, and her daughter, Agnes, just wrote a book about the ins and outs of older child adoption, Fasten Your Sweet Belt.  It's a great resource for those at any stage in the process.  Jodi and her husband adopted three children from Uganda last year.  Jodi has been a huge encouragement to me all through out our process and she is a huge advocate for adoption.  She is even the chairperson for "Orphan Sunday" sponsored by Christian Alliance for Orphans.  I count it a privelege to call her my friend.  Now go buy her book!

I love the idea of shopping with a purpose.  I love supporting small businesses, good causes, fair trade, and also picking up very cute and unique gifts.  I thought of doing a whole list of my favorite sites, but several of my friends beat me to it.  So, I thought I would instead just post links to their posts.  Plus they all have great stories and blogs that you should check out anyway.

First up is a list from Love.  She has lots of beautiful items on here that I would love to have.  Anyway, her blog must be cool, c'mon, her name is Love.

LoraLynn, though on bedrest, homeschooling, and caring for her 6 children, found the time to once again do her list of gifts that also help fund adoptions.  Check it out here: Home For Christmas 2011

I loved reading about how my friend, Kim, and her family challenged each other to give gifts with purpose. She's compiled a fun list with all different kinds of items and places where you can make a donation. If you are in the process of adopting, I also think you should check out some of her recent posts on their adoption.  Her writing is beautiful, her honesty is refreshing, and her love story with her son is a joy to watch.

My friend, Rachel, came up with her own list.  Actually two lists... here is the 2nd list..  Lots of great things on here to help people all over the world.  Rachel is a huge advocate for fair trade, so she really knows her stuff.

And Kristen at Rage Against the Minivan also wrote a great list.  I love some of the things on this list.

Do you have your own list or item for sale? Leave a comment with a link.  I challenge each of you this year to buy at least one gift with a purpose.  It's one simple way to add more meaning to your Christmas season this year.

Future

Once upon a time I was a blogger....

For the past two years, our lives have revolved around adopting Mercy.  As you all know, it's been a major roller coaster and very time consuming.  Thankfully, we are moving into a new phase of our lives.  I'm still trying to figure out what all of than entails, but I know God has some big plans for our family.  We started this blog as a way to communicate information about our adoption to friends and families.  It's turned into a lot more than that and I have really enjoyed writing and sharing our lives with all of you. 

My Halloween cuties... Minnie Mouse, 80's Rocker, and Double Rainbow.

On the adoption front... Mercy's adoption is officially as complete as it can get. Her name is now legally Mercy Renee (my middle name too!) Busby and her readoption is done. She even has an official Kansas birth certificate. I don't think I let myself really believe that it was all over until we got that birth certificate in the mail. I am finally breathing a true sigh of relief.

Mercy finally meets P-Pa!

Mercy loving on Grandma!

Many of you have asked me if I will continue to blog. The past few months I've set blogging aside so I could focus on my family. After sharing so many details and feelings with everyone for so long, it was nice to take a break for a bit, but I do want to continue to blog. I don't know if anyone will still read it, but I want to share more about my thoughts on life with Christ, parenting, adoption, Africa, and my crazy family. I plan to soon change to a new blog address that can encompass all of these areas. I would LOVE any suggestions from you for a name for that blog. I have a few I am considering, but I'm always open to more.

Our attempt at another family photo while my parents were visiting.

I also will soon be launching a blog/website for "Mercy for Mamas".  I really have a heart for this ministry and I hope that some of you will too.  For me, it's one tangible way that I can help prevent more children from becoming orphans.  More kits are needed.  The crisis pregnancy centers that received them are running out.  Harriett has women asking for more.  My friend, Kathryn, has been passing them out in Arua.  They are making a difference.  She mentions them in a few of her recent blog posts, here, here, and here.  I would love to see more community and church groups get involved.  If you have a group that would like more information please let me know.  I also would love to come speak at a meeting or event to help spread the word about how a simple kit can help save lives.  It's crazy to think that $7 can truly change a woman's life.

One of the women using a Mama Kit that Kathryn gave her. 
She is sitting outside the hospital while in labor.

Some of you have asked about Oasis of Life Orphanage.  The money you donated has continued to help.  Recently some people from "The Hope Venture" visited Oasis and were able to spend the remainder of the money to provide more food, another term of school fees, and clear some medical bills.  The needs are still great, but we need a good solid plan on a long-term solution before moving forward.  We are praying and seeking wisdom on how to proceed with things from here on out.  But their faces will forever be etched in my mind. 

I wish I knew what the future holds for my family.  I've never been good with surprises, but they are part of the beauty of walking with God.  He knows it all.  He molds and shapes us for each adventure and crisis.  People so often say that "God won't give you more than you can handle."  I say that is a bunch of baloney.  There are very few things I can handle on my own.  My body grows weary, my mind loses focus, my patience is non-existent, and my wisdom is too often focused on my selfish desires.  But God is the ultimate power and authority and only through Him can I accomplish anything.   The most important thing I've learned in the past two years is that I can control nothing, but I know who can. 

From the words of Jesus Calling and Philippians 4, "Put more energy into trusting Me and enjoying My presence.  Don't let your well-being depend on your circumstances.  Instead, connect your joy to my precious promises.  'I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.  I will meet all your needs according to My glorious riches.  Nothing in all creation will be able to separate you from my Love.' "  I am clinging to His promises, resting in His timing and will, and excited to see what lies ahead in this next chapter of our lives.