A Glimpse of Hope...

It's exactly one week before Christmas and life is busy, as always. The tree is up. Wreaths are hanging on the doors. Secrets are held close with smiles, mystery and laughter. Last minute trips to the store are planned with "just one more thing" to add to the list. Christmas music fills the air and our family enjoys each moment of being together...again...finally.

We are enjoying the Season...the celebration of our Lord's birth. We are enjoying the Hope that His Presence brings into our lives. We are once more reminded that because God loved, He gave...and a precious Baby Boy traveled here from Heaven to bring eternal Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

We are thrilled. Our Rachel is moving back to our town soon to begin her new job at the local hospital. As we make moving arrangements, apartment arrangements & packing arrangements...we are so glad that she will no longer be over 120 miles away...but around six miles instead. There's just something about having family closeby to share life with in good times and not so good times. There's truly no place like home.

We are thankful. Micah's long and challenging semester at UK has come to a close and he feels a sense of accomplishment and relief. He is now home for three weeks and we love having him closeby. He brings so much joy to our lives and we cherish each moment he is with us. As I watched him put up the Christmas tree recently to surprise his Dad, I thanked God for our precious children who are amazing gifts from God.

We are encouraged. Our adoption agency believes that China MAY extend our travel time another three months since we are going through so many schedule conflicts presently. Hopefully...we can bring yet another precious daughter home from China sometime in early spring. We continue to seek God's direction, provision and protection as we face more "faith-building" challenges with documents, health, expenses, etc.. But we know we are never alone because God still holds us...and all these challenges...in HIS hands.

We are blessed. Although our 2011 has been full of challenges and unexpected situations, we are truly blessed to have amazing family, friends and faith that carry us through each moment. We believe that Hope changes everything...and we choose to focus on Hope through Him no matter what lies ahead.

May you find hope, joy, peace and love in this season and in each moment of your journey. We appreciate you...and your continued prayers so very much. Know that you are always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, as well.
Cherishing the blessing of Hope in Him,
Terri & Family