Recommended Reading

I just finished reading an excellent book: Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. The subtitle is "What if God intended marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" It's an excellent reminder of what life is really about. Whether married or single our main purpose in life is to know God and grow closer to him. If you're married, hoping to become married, or know anyone who's married, I highly recommend this book! =)

Camp Moosefeather Falls

We have survived! This was the first year that we participated in our church's Day Camp (VBS). I worked in the craft station. That was an adventure. Since I was working there, Jesse got to be a part of the preschool class, known as the "Rainbow Fish." It was exhausting for him, but he seemed to enjoy it. Ethan was old enough to be in the REAL camp, and he was part of the "Purple Possums" group. Usually he complains about having to go to group activities, but he absolutely loved this. Every night he couldn't wait to go again, and he was disappointed when he realized it was only one week long. He wanted it to go on the whole summer! The kids learned something about God's character each day, and came home tired, but happy.

I'm glad we could do this, but I could use about a week to recover. It's amazing how this can be so exhausting, when it's only a few hours each morning. But somehow, it just about did me in! All 3 of us took a really long nap yesterday, but Monday, the relaxation is over . . . we're off on a 20-hour drive to Nebraska for Carrie's wedding!!

News!

Today we got a phone call from our agency with new information about Tabitha! It turns out that the reason she was moved to Beijing was for medical care. She's currently in an orphanage/foster home with a very good reputation (I don't think I'm allowed to name it here). She'll most likely remain there until just before we come to get her. At that point, she'll be taken back to Shaanxi (where she's from) because the adoption has to be processed there. Our agency said that everything is going smoothly with the adoption process, and the orphanage workers are hoping the adoption proceeds quickly! (Whether they have any ability to make anything happen quickly, we don't know.) We're still hoping for LOA in July and travel in September. We'll keep you posted!

Today's Deep Thought

It dawned on me recently that I have a set a lifetime achievement record. This is a momentous occasion, and I am very proud to make this announcement. It may seem small to some of you, but in Stuenzi-family history this is a big deal. Are you ready? (drum roll, please) . . .

I have successfully lived in a single state for almost 9 years! My previous record was 8 years in Oregon, and Maryland has just surpassed it! Mom and Dad, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it may also be a record for living in one house--5 and 1/2 years!

Please, no applause or congratulatory gifts will be necessary. Just the satisfaction of a job well done is enough.

=)

Happy Birthday, Heath!

Thursday was Heath's birthday. The boys made him oatmeal cookies, and we took them to him at work. Then we had a special dinner and his birthday cheesecake. For his gift we got him a Nintendo DS--to help him survive the plane ride to China! =)

I'm so glad for Heath's 31 years of life--11 of which I've been privileged to share. I'm also glad that he can no longer call me "old" like he has been able to do for the past month.

Happy birthday, sweetheart. I love you! =)

Visit to GREAT Grandmom & Grandpop

Today the boys and I drove up to Lancaster, PA, to visit my mom's parents. We had a really fun time visiting and having lunch with them. And we even got sent home with some very yummy treats! I'm so thankful to still have all 4 of my grandparents, and I think it's so neat that my children can know their great grandparents. What a blessing! We love you, Grandmom & Grandpop!

She's Well!

We just found out today that Tabitha's been released from the hospital! We are so thankful for all the prayer and support we received, and for God's quick answer to our prayer.

Interestingly, we also found out that she's in foster care now instead of at the orphanage. We're not sure why she was moved, and we have no details about it at all, but our agency is looking into it.

We also received 9 new pictures of her today! These are just a couple favorites. It looks like she's quite the friendly little girl. I mean, how many two year olds share anything, let alone their birthday cake?!!! Yes, we can already tell--our daughter is an angel. =)