Happy Easter!!!

He is Risen....He is Risen Indeed. 

I can't think of a better reason to celebrate than the gift of eternal life.  Jesus paid it ALL!!

Our little ladies ready for church on Easter morning.

Miss Maggie looking so grown up.

A little mommy and Addie time.

Addie checking out the Easter bunny who came to visit the neighborhood this morning.

McCombs' girls and the Easter Bunny!

A lesson in Love...........

You know that you have taught your children a lesson about love when:

1.  Your 5 year old is playing barbies and all of a sudden all the barbies are adopted.

2.  Your 9 year old tells you that she wants to adopt someday.

3.  The 5 and 9 year olds don't mind sharing mommy and daddy with their new little sister.

Speaking of Love......Happy Easter, Everyone!!!!  This is a time of renewal and restoration!!!  We will be celebrating the HOPE that He has brought and continues to bring.  I encourage you all to take the time to reflect on what Easter means to you.  We would like to invite anyone who doesn't have a church home to LABC for Good Friday Services at 6pm on Friday evening and to Sonrise Services at 7:00 am on Easter Sunday.  If that is too early for you regular service starts at 10:30 am on Sunday.  Many Blessings to you all!!!!

Addie J learning to "gently" pet the bunny and not pull on his ears!!

Our beautiful little ladies all ready for church!!

Addie J trying to eat the egg that she found at Eggstravaganza!!

Big sister Gracie pushing Addie in her new swing for the first time!!

Summer Hosting Program for Orphans

Please read the below information from In His Hands Orphans Outreach closely with an open mind and an open heart.  This is a wonderful ministry from Rochester, IL who's mission is to help orphans all over the world. 

There are two sibling groups:  8, 9 & 10 year old sisters

                                                      13 yr old girl and her 9 yr old brother

These children are still needing a family to host them from July 25th - August 15th in order to come to the US.  Due to their ages and the fact that they are part of a sibling group, this could be their last chance to find a forever family.  Before making any decisions, I ask that you prayerfully consider your answer. 
                                              

There are over two million orphaned children in the Philippines alone. Once a child turns 16 years old, he/she

is no longer available for adoption. These children live the rest of their lives with no family to love and care for

them. Some children end up living on the streets, deprived of the basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter

and medical care. Proper intervention techniques will help these children find safe and loving families so they do not end up on the streets fighting to survive.

The purpose of our Summer Hosting Program is to find loving adoptive homes for all of the children. Applications must be submitted to determine eligibility. Priority will be given to those considering adoption. For people interested in hosting but not adopting, they must be strongly committed to finding an adoptive family for the child they host.

Once orphans turn 5, they only have a 5% chance of ever being adopted. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to at least help change the lives of 10 children who would likely never have a family if they didn’t get the chance to be part of the hosting program. Before the children come, all host parents will be provided with training, so that they will know what to expect. 

In August, 2010, we had eight children from the Philippines come stay with host families in the central IL area for three weeks. The program included several fun activities including picnics, water park, zoo, and boat ride. If you are interested in participating in future hosting programs, please look over our Hosting Brochure for eligibility requirements and Contact Us.

2011 5K Run/Walk for Orphans

Help Fight the Good Fight and come out to support orphans on Saturday, June 4th, 2011 from 8-11 am at the Rochester Park by participating in the 5K Run/Walk for Orphans.  The money will be used to help provide needs for orphaned children worldwide.  For more information  and to register visit http://www.inhishandsorphans.org/.  Hope to see you there!!!!

April 12th....a VERY special day!!

One year ago today, our precious Addison was found in a park.  She was hungry, cold and crying when she was found but she was not alone during this time....God was right there with her...giving her life and supplying her with her every need.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the decision that her birth mother made that day...I cannot pretend to know how she felt that day but I pray that she may find peace.  I sometimes look back and cannot believe the journey that we have been on and how God has been with us every step of the way...I know that sometimes we get glimpses but this past year has been so much more than glimpses.

Addison continues to amaze us every day and has come out of her shell so much in the last couple of days.  She is jabbering non-stop and always has a ready smile and sometimes a giggle for her two big sisters.  Maggie and Gracie just adore her.  I am so proud of the two big sisters and the way they have blossomed into their roles since we have been home.  I will leave you today with some pics of Addie because I know that's what you are all waiting for:)

A belated birthday celebration at home!!!

Playing in the cake with my sisters.

Opening some birthday presents.

Waiting on ice cream!!!!!

Children of God

God speaks volumes to me thru this very song.  I heard this for the first time yesterday, thanks to Mike.  How soon we forget that we too are the adopted sons and daughters of Christ, if we choose to have a relationship.

WE ARE HOME!!!

There is no place like home and Addie thinks so too!  We were greeted last Thursday at the airport by numerous family and friends!  It was amazing to see my girls all together for the first time.  I have to say after a rough 12 hour and 45 minute flight it was just what my heart needed. 

Life as a family of 5 has been much easier than expected.  The first couple of days after we arrived home were filled with adjusting to the new time and visitors.  Here it is Tuesday and I think we are finally straightened out:)  Addie slept 11 hours last night and is eating like a champ.  She looks at all of us with such love and simply adores her two big sisters!!  I have two little helpers...just like I knew that I would.  I already cannot imagine our lives without her....God places the lonely in families!!!!

                                                        Together for the first time!!!!!

Playing dolls with my sisters for the first time!