Heading Out

Tomorrow, I make a journey to Pennsylvania then Virginia thanks to incredibly important investments in my life.

1. Dustin's and Charisse's Wedding:  Dustin was a student leader at NMC, a SOAR intern, and a joy to invest in. He just took on his first Youth Pastor role in Virginia.  Charisse was a SOAR Intern as well.  Their wedding is Friday, and I have the privilege of pronouncing them husband and wife.  So excited to celebrate with them.
2. Daddy/Daughter Long Date:  Katylynn will be joining me on this journey.  We make our way to Hershey tomorrow.  Visit the chocolate factory then swing through DC on our way to stay at a Lake House before the wedding.  So excited to make some memories with my little girl.

Thank Yous

"It takes a village to raise a child."

-African Proverb

No, this is not a quote by Hilary Clinton.  It is an African proverb she wrote a book from.  The quote is actually quite profound and true.  In my role as a youth pastor, I've seen what can happen when an entire community (family, church, school officials, neighbors) can come around students and get hands on in their lives.

"It's takes a village to adopt a child."

-Derry & Janelle's Proverb

There have been so many people that have been key in making the journey to Moses Andrew Prenkert joining are family that I couldn't name them all.  But, we want to try anyway by highlighting a few by name or by group or category.

1. Our Parents and extended families:  Thank you for unashamedly welcoming this little guy as your grandson, nephew or cousin.  Thank you for standing with us through this whole process.  Specific thanks to Jeanette, my mom, for journeying with us and making the time here much more kid focused than dish, laundry and cleaning focused.
2. NMC Student Ministries Staff (Chris, Geoff, Kristy, Megan, Jessica, Anna, and the SOAR Interns):  Thanks for your continued flexibility through all the uncertain travel times. Thanks for picking up what I could not carry over this time.  Thank you that you have been more than simply co-workers in this process.  You have been co-laborers, feeling the pain and holding my arms up in prayer, laughter, and encouragement through it all.
3. Our closest friends:  Who allowed us to take the mask off at times and speak openly and honestly.  For your encouraging texts, your prayers, your excitement & anticipation over the whole process.  I would name you, but I think you know who you are, and I wouldn't want to leave any out.
4. NMC Student Ministries:  For taking up a challenge to address Kids In Need worldwide, and forcing Janelle and I to practice what we preach.
5. NMC Staff and Leaders:  For stirring our heart for the nations and for orphans.  For allowing me the flexibility to travel and be completely a part of this process.
6. NMC Family:  For your continued prayers, encouragement and support through the whole process.
7. HOLT International:  For all your help in getting us connected to Moses.  For making the process as smooth, legal and clear as possible.
8. AFC Uganda & the QE Care Center:  For finding Moses and caring for him until we could.  He will forever carry your investment forward!
9. HOLT Uganda Group:  Only you know exactly what we have been walking through.  You have been a source of insight, encouragement, a fantastic venting spot, and we look forward to seeing your kids grow in their forever family as ours does as well.
10. Lifesong for Orphans:  For your incredible matching grant.
11. Show Hope:  For your gracious grant.
12. Prayer Warriors:  To go through and name you all specifically would be very, very hard.  It will be very exciting to recount the ways your "gap standing" opened and closed doors, guided paperwork, and fought off the enemies schemes.
13. Anyone who bought a T-shirt, Cards, Wallet, or Auction Item:  Your funds were key for bringing him home.
14. Anyone who gave me a coke cap, 12 or 24 pack code:  Again, you help get the funds to bring Moses home.
15. Those who gave freely:  So many financial gifts we never sought, but God brought through you.  We don't name you because we would hate to take away from your heavenly reward that is coming!
16. Candy and Emily:  For allowing us to see the joy of adoption, and confirming in us that God has a different plan than normal for building our family.
17. Katylynn:  For being the voice of God more times than once in some of our darkest times.
18. Hands, Mouths, ears, and shoulders: Hands that wrote encouraging words.  Mouths that encouraged, prayed and challenged in appropriate times.  Ears that listened.  Shoulders that let us cry when needed.
19. Jesus Christ:  In him we live and move and have our being.  For calling us toward the least of these, and the promise that every time I look into my son's face, there's a little glimpse of You (Matthew 25:40; Matthew 18:5)

We say Thank you and God Bless to the "village" who has moved this family from 3 to 4, and we look forward to stewarding the precious soul that God has entrusted us with!

With Love and Appreciation,

Derry and Janelle

I Know He's an On-time God, but This is Ridiculous!

We were supposed to get a call at 3.
At 3:10 we started calling around to everyone we needed.
At 3:30 we were in utter confusion.  At risk of no Visa and not going to be able to change our tickets.

I posted on Facebook and Twitter:

I cannot begin to describe the spiritual attack that is happening right now. Pray against confusion, chaos. Pray for a car. Pray for a call.

You all must have started praying!

At 3:45, a car and driver loaned to us by another person at the apartment.
At 4:00 p.m., a call from the Embassy while stuck in traffic... "Your Visa is printing now."
I hop on a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) and head to the Airline office to get Moses ticket printed.
Janelle stays in the car heading to the Embassy.
Janelle gets to the Embassy at 4:30 (15 minutes before close) and picks up Visa.
After a credit card rejection, a broken ticket printer, and an amazingly kind KLM and Kenya Airways agents assistance, I get Moses' airline tickets 5 minutes before office close.

WE ARE ALL HEADING TO THE AIRPORT IN ONE HOUR!

Thank you to all who are praying.  God hears and answers prayer.  He fights for us.


Pray for our travel home.  Some specifics:

• Immigration from Uganda.  Lot's of paperwork to be shown and cleared.
• Smooth flights and connections.
• Rest for the kids during the flights.
• Immigration & Customs in the U.S.  We've been asked to leave 2 hrs after arrival for an interview at immigration.

Lord willing, we land in Detroit at 12:50 and will be home in Nappanee Friday evening!

A Little Twist to the Day

Late last night, or early this morning Kristy Mikel and Amanda Yoder arrived on a bus ride from Kenya to spend a couple of days with us.  For those not in the know, Kristy is spending a year and Amanda 2 months in Kenya at the AGC Baby Center.  Amanda graduated from our youth group last year and Kristy, well the ties to our family are many:

1. She graduated from NMC.
2. She worked as my administrative assistant at NMC for 8 years.
3. She is one of Janelle's best friends.
4. She is also one of Katylynn's best friends.

Katylynn didn't know that she was going to get to see "Twisty" (as she calls her) until Sunday night.  As she woke up this morning, she ran out to the couch where Twist was sleeping and gave her a great big hug and a kiss.

As I posted in our Call to Prayer, Katylynn has been extremely homesick.  Emotional meltdowns have been a multiple-times-a-day occurance.  Today was night and day difference.  Both Kristy and Amanda have been able to play with her, read to her, hold her, and simply brighten up her day. 

They have also been a huge breath of fresh air to Janelle, Mom and I.  There's just something nice about having familiar faces around.

Our day consisted of...

• A beef and noodles and mashed potatos lunch extravaganza a specialty we packed from home just for the Kenya gals... but I must way we also enjoyed it thoroughly.
• Souvenir shopping at the national theater.  We got a lot of very cool things including a purple outfit and a purple bottle cap purse for Katylynn.

•  A visit to the KLM office by me.  We reserved a seat for Moses (on Janelle's lap).  I also walked through the various scenarios we may be running into if our Visa is delayed.  As the lady behind the counter pulled up the screen to see the current cost difference if we are to have to change tickets, she did some typing, then looked up at me and said, "I really hope that you don't have to change."  Let's just say the ticket costs have gone up significantly over the weekend!  All the more need for prayer.
• Lots and lots of laughs and cuddling from Moses.  The little guy is really getting comfortable with us.  He is calling us all by name... Mama for Janelle, dah-dee for me, Diddy for Katylynn, Gamaw for my mom.

•  We ate supper at the most Mzungu (African word for white people) place we can find, The Spur Steakhouse.
• Twisty reading to Katylynn for bedtime.

Tomorrow is the big day for the Visa Interview.  We are getting picked up from our apartment at 1 p.m. (6 a.m. Indiana) for our 2 p.m. appointment.  It's crazy to think we could be 48 hours from boarding an airplane to head home.  It's unnerving to think we really don't know what will happen.
We are anxious & uncertain, but also knowing we have an awesome God who has blessed us with an awesome family and some awesome support people back home.

Sick Before Better

Woke up this morning to our little guy tossing up his breakfast and then some.  Pretty helpless feeling.  Doctor told us to expect this over the 48 hours after seeing him.  It's actually a good thing.  He has to get a little worse before he gets better.  He's napping soundly right now. 

There is a good chance we will be able to go on our Safari tomorrow through Monday.  Aside from the very awesome opportunity, this would be a great chance to get out of the apartment and the city.  Our apartment is nice, but outside of a very small balcony, there is no outside area for the kids to roam around.  To get anywhere from our apartment, we have to take a taxi.  It can make you a little stir-crazy at times.

Please be praying for Moses' health.  Pray for Katylynn's too. She's had a little stomach trouble, but nothing that has slowed her down.

It Was Bound to Happen Sometime

Today was pretty low key, but encouraging.  Outside of some potty struggles, the fever was not present and he was very sweet and jovial.  We were also contacted twice, once from our main contact here and once from the Embassy, and both gave us optimistic reports concerning the potential for our interview going well on Wednesday.

We took a walk in the a.m. then after lunch headed over to the Country Club we have access to through our apartments.  There is a playground area there were Katylynn and Moses had a blast.  We also went swimming, and again both kids loved it.

It was while we were in the playground that it happened.  I knew it would happen sometime.  He was a 7 year old boy named Stallone (yup, that was his first name).  He was a sweet little guy who was quick to introduce himself to me and ask me my kids name.  After introducing Katylynn and Moses, he looked at Moses, then to me, then to Katylynn, back to Moses, then to me.

"Why is he brown and you are all white?"

I started to explain that we were adopting him, but he interrupted, "Is his mother brown?"
I started to explain again.  He interrupted again, "Did you change his color?"

I took a different slant.  I explained that his mom and dad who had him were not around anymore, and we were going to be his mom and dad now.  He seemed to understand. I looked at his mom and shrugged. She said, "Very good lesson for my boy.  Thank you, and God bless you for what you've done!"

Many have asked us if we have thought through the "race issue" as we adopt.  The answer is yes, we have thought about it a lot, and we don't know what lies ahead, but it's worth any insult or obstacle we may face.

Some have called us "color blind".  We are not color blind.  We are quite aware of the amazing colors God has created on this earth.  We just happen to love all those colors and would love to see them present in our family.

The fact is that the question, "Why is he brown and you all are white?" has likely been asked multiple times already, but just not to our faces.  I'm sure it will be asked again.  I doubt every time the response will be, "God bless you for what you've done!"

To say we don't care would be incorrect.  I think we care deeply.

I think the correct thing to say is that we refuse to let skin tone deter us from seeking to live out God's call to look after his children.

Another Story

In the midst of the chaos of today, Katylynn was such a trooper.  While we were sitting in the Doctor's Office, Katylynn said to Janelle, "Mama, I want to go back to the Unison States" (here name for the U.S... it's too cute right now for us to correct).

Janelle asked her if she wanted Moses to come back with us.  She said she did.  Janelle explained that if we want that to happen, we are going to have to stay some more days.  But she also asked Katylynn why she wanted to go back.  Her response (not word for word, but pretty close),

"Because I have so many more toys at home in the Unison States.  The boys and girls here don't have many toys.  You know Mama, I think we should go home to the Unison States and get some of our toys and bring them back here to the boys and girls who don't have many toys."

In an already emotional day, tears filled my eyes.  Tears of pride, for a little gal that God is building compassion inside.

A Tough Day

Today started with promise and anticipation. It has ended quite differently. 

Our Visa Appointment at the Embassy was set for 2:00 p.m. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we arrived at the Embassy was 2:30. It looked very much like weren’t going to see us because of our tardiness, but with some major apologies and the look of shock on Janelle’s face, the assistant we were working with asked us to wait and see what she could do.
So we waited. Moses was super fussy and seemed pretty overheated while we waited. After about 20 minutes, we were called back in.

It was not good news.

• There were two important pieces of paperwork that had not arrived yet for our interview to take place.
• There would be no way we could do our interview today.
• Visa interviews only happen on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• July 4, Monday is a holiday.
• The earliest we can come in again for the interview is next Wednesday.
• If all goes well then, it will take up to 48 hours for our Visa to be issued.
• Our Flight is set to leave next Thursday Night.
• The math doesn’t add up.
• Oh, and as a little added bonus… one of those pieces of paperwork has a chance to not be ready even next week.

As we explained to this amazing assistant (seriously, she was so helpful and gracious) our situation with the timing, she took some steps to see if she could potentially speed up the process to make it more likely the Visa would be issued by next Thursday. No promises, though.

We walked out of the Embassy deflated and defeated. We drove over to the location where one of the missing pieces of paperwork was coming from. We were profusely apologized to and assured it would be sent expeditiously.

As we drove back to the Apartment to break the news to mom and Katylynn, our host here affirmed us to not be discouraged. The Visa can be turned around. We were struggling, but holding on to hope.

Moses had slept in my arms for much of the drive back to the apartment. He was burning up in my arms. We got into the apartment and I broke the news to Mom & Katylynn while Janelle took Moses’ temperature.

102.1

We called our host back, and he was showing enough other symptoms that she decided it be best to take him to a Doctor. After 3 hours of tests, examination, and tears (man that kid can cry) we were informed of multiple issues that were coming into play that needed addressing. For the next 48 hours, that little guy is going to not be feeling well as he takes the necessary medicine.

We were planning on going on a 3 day safari to Queen Elizabeth Park tomorrow. The Doctor said we should not do this with how Moses is feeling. This was our big surprise for Katylynn (fortunately we hadn’t told her about it).

And Strike Three. We’re out.

As we sat in the Doctor’s Office, I stared at Janelle and she back at me completely dumfounded. What just happened? I had mentioned in a previous post that everything was going so smoothly that I could see the Enemy throwing a wrench into things, but this was an entire Stanley Tool Shop.

To be completely honest, I haven’t had a more heart-breaking, frustrating, emotional roller coaster of a day since the day my dad died.

So, what now? Well, as some who I've already been in contact with have reminded me...

1 Thesalonians 5:24
The one who calls you is faithful, and HE will do it.


2 Corinthians 4:15-17
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


Ephesians 6:12-13
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

We're going to continue to stand.  We are grateful for those who have been standing with us.  Right now we need you to continue to stand.

Pray:

• That both reports will make it to the Embassy asap.
• That Moses' will sleep well and that his little body will heal up quickly.
• That something miraculous might happen over the next couple of days, and we may see unexpected progress before the weekend.
• That Katylynn will stay healthy.  She has been a feeding post for mosquitos.  They are not bothering her, but when she gets bitten they turn into massive bumps.  Also pray for her emotionally.  She's having to adjust to having a little brother enter as a toddler as well as deal with Culture Shock.  She's doing so well.
• That we will keep our eyes on Jesus above all else.

Today started with promise and anticipation. It has ended quite differently.  
It has ended with uncertainty.  

It also ends with 
FAITH in the One who has brought us to this point. 
HOPE that the miraculous may take place, and 
LOVE for a little boy who is, at the end of the day, still our son! 

Our Sabbath: I Lost It

We were all a little slow getting up this morning.  Our taxi was here at 9:15 to take us to church.  Watoto Church is fairly famous worldwide.  Chris Tomlin featured their Children's Choir on the Hello Love Album.  A few things that struck me about this church:

• We got there 30 minutes early for the 10 a.m. service (they have Saturday night, then 8, 10, 12, and 2 on Sunday).  There were a swarm of people lining up outside waiting to get in.  Those in the current service exit to one side, then those heading into the next service file from the other side.
• They are a church with eight sites in Uganda and one in Capetown, South Africa.
• The service was very African, but in English (Kampala speaks mainly English).  They have also been clearly influenced by the Passion and Hillsong Worship Movement.
• It was very Connection-esque (our Video venue at NMC) in it's worship style.
• We were sitting in the 3rd row.  As I looked behind me, every seat was filled.

There was a Children's Ministry available, but because we didn't want to freak Katylynn out, and we're working on the bonding deal with Moses, the kids joined us.  They did great (we only had to take each one out once).  Katylynn loved the music.  So did I.

Janelle handed Moses over to me after her arm was falling asleep.  We started singing the song "Mighty to Save."  As I began to process the lyrics and think through all that was happening in that moment, I lost it.


I serve a Savior who is the hope of Nations.  As I stood in a church that was started in 1983, at the time when the country was war torn and many would be running, I realized how true the statement is.  As I worshiped alongside my Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ, many with needs very different than mine, I was reminded at the heart of it all, our greatest need is for a Savior.  He is all our hope.

My Savior Can Move Mountains:  There have been a lot of mountains in this process.  Whether financial, emotional, political, or mental... there have been no hurdles to big for my God to overcome.  It was at this point the tears really started to well up.

My God is Mighty to Save:  I always look at this line through the salvation experienced by death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross. Although the song clearly seems to point toward what you may call "spiritual" salvation, our God is not limited to simply that.  My God saved my little boy from dying when he was abandoned.  He saved him from a life on the streets as an orphan.  He saved him from a life spent in an institution.  He saved him so they he could become a part of our family.  At this point, I was gone.

Fortunately, I was sweating a lot, so I could simply wipe my forehead and then make a sweep of the eyes so as to not let too many know what a wreck I had become.  Yet, every tear was filled with deep appreciation for the reality that MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!

The rest of the day included lunch, some grocery shopping (this kid likes to eat), a couple of good naps, and Moses' first exposure to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Katylynn loved explaining each character to Moses.  Moses sang along to the songs and had a huge smile on his face!

Katylynn has been amazing!  She has been key in helping warm Moses up.  He clearly loves her, and she loves her baby brother back.  They have laughed together a lot, and already had a couple of good disagreements!

Some key ways to be praying:

• Janelle/Moses fun bonding.  Janelle was the first of us that he found comfort in, and we're thinking that he gets somber when he is in her arms or near her.  I think we all know Janelle is not a very somber mommy, so just pray for lots of giggles and fun times together.
• Visa Interview.  It doesn't happen till Wednesday, but it's key that it works on Wednesday.  One little misprint, a missing document, or some missed step could cause for delay.  Everything seems to be in perfect order, but the adoption law and process in Uganda is an ever-evolving deal.
• Key Visits tomorrow.  Tomorrow we visit the place where Moses was found as well as the home of a lady who took him into foster care for a few months during a time where he was not developing well.  These are huge parts of his story that we want to capture and understand so we can share with him years from now.

Some Pics from Today

 The Probation Officer who worked our case.

 Katylynn thought it was really important that Moses get a Mickey doll since she had a Minnie doll.  She gave it to him this morning.  He loves it.

At lunch.  We went to the Food Court where we ate with Moses the last time we were here.  He clearly remembered our previous time together.  The minute he sat down, he started tapping his hand on the table and looking at Janelle and I.  When we were there the time before, we played for a long time a mimicking game where I'd tap the table and then he would as well.

 Our little guy.

Katylynn was such a great gal today, we gave her a little playground time at the play place.

Praying for Our Adoption: The Layout

We still have two weeks till we arrive back home, and there is a lot that needs to happen. Things look to be in decent order, but we have several key appointments and steps that need to take place between now and heading home.

• Embassy Appointment – Tomorrow we go to the Embassy to talk through our process to this point, get a key document for the Visa Medical appointment (read below) and set up our visa interview time.
• Visa Medical – We hope to go to the Doctor on Monday to run a physical and necessary tests to get him permission to travel to the U.S. One test is a TB test which can’t be read for 72 hours.
• Various Key Contact/ Landmark Visits – This does not have to happen in order for us to get home, but we plan to meet with several people who factor into the story of Moses, and visit the area where he was found and taken into the care of those at the Care Center.
• Embassy Interview – This is the biggie… the final step to gaining permission to travel home.

If all goes totally smooth, the entire process could be done by next Friday. We are praying for that, but we also know that things rarely go “totally smooth.” As you can see, the Embassy Appointment, Visa Medical and Embassy Interview all build off each other.  If a wrench gets thrown in early on, it makes for delays on all fronts.  Fortunately we have a few extra days built in to account for that, BUT we also have some very exciting plans if all goes smoothly.

Join us in praying as we seek to bond as a family and do our due diligence to finish up this process.  Pray through that bullet list above.  We'll let you know how to pray as time goes along as well.

A Little Rundown of our Day

It’ 9:10 p.m. here as I type this. It’s 2:10 p.m. back home. My daughter is sleeping in the room she is sharing with her Grandma. My son is sleeping in the room that he is sharing with Janelle and I.

Yup, that last sentence really just happened. Our son, Moses Andrew Prenkert is in our custody.

For traveling with a 3 year old, our flights went really well getting here. Katylynn slept for at least half of 2 out of the 3 flights. On our second leg (Amsterdam to Nairobi) the KLM staff loved her. We got in to Uganda at 11:00 p.m. last night and somehow fit all our luggage into the car.

Our main coordinator here, Dorah, then informed us that our first two choices for housing had no availability, and our third choice was going to be $50 more per night than originally planned. She had arranged another option and we decided to go for that. It’s a nice little 2 bedroom apartment with open main room. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a pool like the others did. Fortunately, we get free passes to a country club that has a fantastic pool, play area, workout machines, hot tubs and saunas.

We crashed then had to get going very early to breakfast (about a 5 minute walk from our apartment). We were then picked up by Dorah and headed to the Action For Children Headquarters for Orientation and laying out the agenda for our remaining 2 weeks (hopefully) here. It was there we were informed that the plan was for Moses to come and be with us today! From there, we hopped in the vehicle and made the trek to Moses’ home for the past year and 10 months.

Katylynn and mom were both a hit at the Care Center. The kids were incredibly intrigued by Katylynn’s pale skin and light hair. They also found about everything she said to be absolutely hilarious. Mom was a hit, I think, because those her age are a rarity in Uganda… and I’m not saying my mom is ancient. A Civil War, AIDS epidemic, and Malaria will do that to a country.

We had a great time with the staff and kids at the Care Center. When we got a quiet time together, I let Katylynn know that all the boys and girls we were playing with didn’t have Mommies or Daddies. She struggled to understand this, but when I told her that was why people like us are coming to be mommies and daddies to the kids, I think something clicked (actually I know it clicked, evidenced by the fact she prayed for all the boys and girls that we met, that they would all get mommies and daddies). We have the most precious picture of Katylynn walking hand in hand with a little guy who is actually named Junior.

Grandma and Katylynn kept a decent distance from Moses while at the Care Center, just to make sure he could get reconnected to us and to not freak him out. He cried right when we arrived, but calmed down quickly and was good to go the rest of the time.

It came time for us to leave the Care Center. Tears were not at a shortage, on either parties ends. The staff at the Care Center cried mixed tears of joy and sorrow.

Tears of joy to see “One Less”.
Tears of sorrow to have to say goodbye to one they had loved, cared for, and parented for the past 20+ months.

Our tears were mainly joy. Yet, there is a level of empathy an deep appreciation you have to have for those who have stood in the gap to allow today to happen.

Both kids slept the whole ride back to our apartment. When we arrived, Moses was awake and good to go, but Katylynn had another 1 ½ of sleep. Mom and Janelle took off to do some grocery shopping while I got a little one on one time with my boy. When Katylynn woke up, the two had their first play time together… rolling the ball and coloring. Moses was extremely comfortable with her and really livened up through the afternoon. We started talking back and forth (he in Lugandan and I in English).

Janelle and Mom arrived back after a 45 min. drive to the grocery store and a 5 min. drive back (traffic, T.I.A.). We ate our first supper as a family (Spaghetti) and then the kids zonked out. We’re trying to actually get a little more settled in now.


So, to summarize... in the past 24 hours, Katylynn has spent her first moments in another country, mom met her grandson for the first time, Katylynn met her brother for the first time, we saw Moses for the first time in two months, and at the end of the day, the Prenkert family became in the flesh what we have been emotionally and spiritually for quite some time... a family of 4!

Brother Sister/ First Play Date

It was too cute not to post immediately!

A Great Thursday

Decorating Easter eggs. Good times.

The Finished Project

Hard at Work

 We are working on "Project Mommy." Hoping to finish it up before she gets here.

60 Days of Beauty Project: Day 8 - I had to Point it out Sometime

When it comes to finding moments and things of beauty, my is quick to jump to three categories:

• Weather ("It was a beautiful day today")
• Nature ("Such a beautiful beach/mountain/landscape")
• Art/Photography ("It was a beautiful picture/piece")

So, since a part of this journey for me is to work on my definition of beautiful, I decided to stay away from these three categories for the first week.  As I walked outside yesterday morning, I could no longer avoid it.

The snow can get cold and old after a month or two, but it's still a beautiful thing.  Walking out yesterday morning the landscape was untouched on my cultivated except for a couple vague tire tracks.  It was a great snow covering to... light and fluffy.

To add to the beauty, as I pulled in last night, my headlights scanned across my front yard to reveal the damage that only be accomplished by a 3 year old hopped up on the adrenaline of her first romp in the snow for this year.  Janelle snapped a few pics of her fun.

So, one day after the first week of this, journey, I experienced the beauty trifecta of those categories I sought to avoid early.

A beautiful Snow.
A beautiful scene of nature on account of that snow.
Some beautiful pictures.

As I seek to work on my definition of beautiful, I guess I can't avoid that which I already know is beautiful!

60 Days of Beauty Project: Day 5 - Two Outings

Yesterday my beautiful wife (more on that another day) had an outing planned for her Small Group of Sophomore girls.   They all brought in money, and went shopping for Christmas gifts for RETA (pregnancy help center) in their earn while you learn program.  They then took those gifts to RETA, and volunteered for several hours.  The girls also got a tour of the facilities and learned more about how RETA is bringing life to the unborn and those who are seeking counsel in their pregnancies.  This whole event has a lot of beautiful aspects to it.

• Senior High Small Groups at NMC are a thing of beauty to see in action.  We have too many students for any 1-4 paid staff members shepherd all.  Small Groups are the key where we match 5-8 (we try but they keep them at that size but they keep stinking growing with new kids) with an adult who loves Jesus and the students.  This adult volunteer, for all practical purposes, serves as those students' pastor.
• My wife as a Small Group Leader is a thing of beauty.  I may be biased, but I don't believe they get much better.  Her empathy, compassion, creativity, discernment, mentoring and support has been pretty amazing through the years, and has yielded some significant spiritual fruit.
• RETA and what they are doing is absolutely beautiful.  Counseling those with unwanted pregnancies toward choosing life, the follow up, and abortion recovery can be one messy world to dive into.  They're approach is filled with love, grace and the power of the Holy Spirit's work to make beauty from ashes.
• The actual outing was a thing of beauty.  A group of really sweet,  very popular, and for the most part innocent Sophomore gals were able to see the value of being together as the body of Christ and doing something to serve others as the body of Christ.

As an additional moment of beauty, Janelle's outing allowed for a different kind of outing. Katylynn and I went out on a Saturday daddy/daughter date.  Our time together included shopping for a Christmas gift for Mommy and lunch at Jimmy John's.  At Jimmy John's, Katylynn sat across from me and we had a significant conversation covering:

• When you should/shouldn't wear your boots.
• The difference between getting a gift for someone that we might like and getting a gift that person would actually like.
• Where Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy are at.
• Why the sandwich didn't have cheese.
• How to eat a cookie over the table.

It was not the most deep conversation, but it was pretty significant conversation for a 3 year old. The beauty was that she was locked in to our time together.  I had a little fast forward to about 11-14 years from now when I saw what I believe God wants to have happen... me at a restaurant with my teenage daughter on a Daddy/Daughter date.  

60 Days of Beauty Project: Day 3 - Building Together

Katylynn and I played a game with her blocks yesterday.  We each took turns, taking and placing one block at a time.  

We talked together. 

She told me what letters and numbers were on certain blocks.

She let me know the shapes of certain blocks.

I had to explain to her how a block could not stand on the point of a triangle block.

When we started building the blocks up, she informed me it was going to be a "birdie house".
 

The finished product was, in my opinion, beautiful, but most beautiful was the building process we were able to share together.

60 Days of Beauty Project: Day 1 - Light It Up

I'm not particularly a huge fan of Christmas  lights.  I'm not a hater, but not a huge fan.  I do have some strong feelings against those who go overboard though (read my rules on Christmas lights here, if interested.).  Last night I made a run to the Redbox with Katylynn.  As we drove, Katylynn began to point out every house that had Christmas lights. The interaction basically went like this:

Katylnn: Oh, there's another one Daddy.  We almost drove past it.

Daddy:  Ya, I see it honey.  We're JUST driving past it.

(brief commentary, we're working on choosing the right adverbs).

KL: "I like it.  I think it's Boootiful!"

This little action was honestly repeated 8-10 times in our 1 mile drive to the Martin's Red Box.

One of the houses we passed had went a little overboard.  Blue was the color of choice, but there was plenty of yellow, red, purple, orange, and green mixed in.  I'm guessing this house will, at the very least, double their electric bill.  As we were coming up to it, Katylynn's excitement stepped up a notch.  Here's how our interaction went for the super-gawdy house.

KL:  Oh, Daddy.  Look at that one!  It's very, very boootiful!

Daddy:  (in a sarcastic tone) You know kid, I think we're going to need to work on your definition of beautiful...

You ever say something only to realize you shouldn't have said it, but in saying it you realize you are speaking God's words to you?  (that statement is a little confusing, so read it again if you have to)

How dare I try to quench my daughter's joy in that moment?  Why did I feel the need to quench her enjoyment of those Christmas lights.  Secondly, who's to say I've got the corner on the definition of beautiful?

It was a fairly ugly moment for me, to be honest.  But it was also a beautiful moment of the Lord setting a tone for me on why I think he wants me to take this 60 day journey to discover something beautiful every day.  I think he's looking down on me and saying,

"You know kid, I think we're going to need to work on your definition of beautiful."

God, teach me to find beauty.  Teach me through others.  Teach me through your creation.  Teach me to embrace beauty, share beauty, and take part in restoring beauty where it needs to be restored.

As a final note, the rest of my ride to and back from the Red Box changed drastically.  We both engaged in looking for the Christmas lights... pointing out colors, unique spots people have placed their lights, and simply admiring them.  At each house, our conversation would end the same way.

Daddy: What do you think of that one, honey? 
Katylynn: I like it Daddy.  It's bootiful.

I agree. It was beautiful.