New Hope in Haiti

My heart has been heavy the last several days.  I cannot even begin to fathom what it must be like in Haiti right now.  There are reports that 100,000- 200,000 people have lost their lives.    I think of all the mothers that have lost children, one story in particular of a mother who lost five.  The grief must be overwhelming.  And then to have to mourn such loses in unimaginable surroundings.

Our church, New Hope Baptist, supports an orphanage in Haiti, the Maison d’enfants miraculously sustained no damage!  It is only 5 miles from the epicenter and yet is still intact.  Thank you God!!  Unfortunately, one of the children did not survive.  The school building that he was in during the earthquake collapsed and he died.  But the wonderful news is that he was a believer and he is now with our Savior!

Hudson and I have been "sponsoring" one of the children in the orphanage for the past year.  Nadege is a sweet child who sends us the most beautiful lettters, pictures and drawings.  We were so relieved to hear that she is okay.  On the way home from church today, Hudson mentioned how he wished we (our entire church family) could bring all of the children from the orphanage to Fayetteville to live until Haiti is in better condition.  I couldn't agree more!  While that more than likely won't happen, I know that our God is bigger than all of this!  He's bigger than the destruction and we continue to pray that He will bring peace to His children and that those who do not know Him, will turn to Him.

I'm so thankful to be a part of a church that has such a tender heart for missions!  Take a look at this news story from Atlanta's 11Alive News concerning a New Hope member and her journey to get back to the U.S.



God is so good and He is providing!  New Hope is sending resources to the orphanage but the logistics of getting it from the airport in Port au Prince to the children has been difficult.  Please pray that God will open the doors to continue to provide food and water.  Pray that the children will feel peace and security among all of the destruction.  Also, please pray for my sweet friend, Rhodena.  She is orchestrating all of the relief and logistics of helping our children at the orphanage.  She has her hands full and is doing an amazing job!  New Hope has a Haiti blog with updates on the children.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Lego-maniac

One of Maxwell's favorite Christmas presents was this lego set my mom gave him. It's really neat and makes either a helicopter, jeep or firetruck.

The day after we got back from Arkansas, Maxwell got busy, two hours later......

He said he'd keep it together like this til February and then take it apart to make the firetruck.  :)

A "cool" time in Hot Springs

The Wednesday after Christmas we headed up to Hot Springs for a quick visit to Nana and Papoo's condo. The kids were happy to go but it took a couple of explanations to Maxwell to satisfy his desire to get on the boat and cruise around the lake. It was chilly! But not too cold to keep us from visiting Garvan Gardens, the kids love lights and were not disappointed!

Ready to go!

 

Abigail catching a ride on Papoo's shoulders.

 

Olivia and Maxwell checking out one of the gingerbread houses.

Warming up with some hot chocolate.

 

 

Watching the toy train

Happy New Year!

Christmas in Arkansas, Part 2

We had a great time visiting with family and friends while in Arkansas. It was fun catching up with everyone and the kids had a wonderful time. Everyday they wore themselves out playing from the moment they woke up, to the minute they went to sleep. I believe I took over 400 pictures, but I won't bore you with them all, here are some highlights.  ;)

The grandkids and their families (with the exception of bro-in-law Faber) with Memaw and Deda.

Maxwell loved sharing his DSi with Uncle Adam and Abbott :)

Anna Kate having fun with some gloves.

Abigail enjoying being outside with her new babydoll.

What a happy boy, Garrett enjoying some apples.

Grace smiling sweetly.

Abbott having some fun with Nana.

Abigail looking at one of her new books.

Allie and Olivia

Mary enjoying her new "jumping house".

Maxwell also enjoying the jumping house.

Christmas in Arkansas, Part 1

Every year, Hudson reads the story of Christ's birth to the kids on Christmas Eve.  It's so important for all of us to remember the reason we celebrate this special day!

Olivia was so excited about her DSi

Christmas would not be complete for a six year old boy without a lightsaber!

Sweet Abbott with her presents from Santa Claus.

Thanks Emmy and Adam!

Abigail wasn't sure where to start.

 

 

This photo makes me smile.

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Luke 2: 8-14

Someone is 18 months old!

It's hard to believe our sweet girl is 18 months old!

Given the FREEZING weather, I thought this picture was appropriate.  Abigail was all bundled up for our visit to Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs, AR on New Year's Eve.

So what is Abigail up to at 18 months old?

She weighs 23lbs and is 29 1/2 inches tall.

She loves looking at books and watching Barney.

She gets so excited about going upstairs to play in the toy room with her brother and sister.

Her favorite song is "If You're Happy and You Know It".

Her favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese.

She loves her crib and sleeps 11-12 hrs a night.

Abigail is very social, as long as you keep your distance, she has smiles to go 'round for everyone.

We love you Abigail!!

Christmas in Georgia

We celebrated Christmas a couple of days early with my family in Georgia. The kids had a lot of fun and we all enjoyed visiting with each other. After a meal of lasagna, we dug into the presents.

I have no idea what Olivia is doing in the back, maybe she's anticipating a game of "Where's Waldo?".

 His favorite.