Spring News...

My heart is full.

Over the last month, I've really grown in areas that sure needed some growth! God has been patient with me and His kindness has led me to repentance. Do you ever get tired of striving? I last blogged about "resting" and have found great comfort in accepting God's invitation to rest in Him.

I've been reminiscing about our time in Colombia alot lately as the bond between me and Abi is growing. I honestly didn't feel that it would take so long to bond but it has and that's okay. Once I gave myself permission to breathe and rest in the fact that the bonding would come, much of the pressure was removed. My expectations were unrealistic.

I wrote Vicky today, our interpreter in Medellin, Colombia and said:

I miss the greenery.

I miss feeling close to Abi's birth mother and my own.

I miss Torres 42 (our hotel) and the lovely people that served us there.

I miss Doris.

I miss the beautiful flowers.

I miss the mountains.

I miss the beautiful Colombian people.

I miss someone cooking for me...haha!

I miss Carulla!!!!! Oh, that delicious chicken!

But mostly, I MISS YOU...my precious Vicky!

I'm often moved when I allow myself to remember back to our time in Colombia. It seems a lifetime ago. We've had Abi in our care for almost 9 months. It seems as though she's been with us forever. She's such a intricate part of our family. Bruce preached last Sunday on "The Rescue" at our church. He used the example of our need to trust in God at a desperate time. We needed Him to rescue us the day before our flight was scheduled to leave as we had no passports for travel. He spoke of how God rescued us in one of our greatest times of need. He told of his love for Abi and her need to be rescued. If we had not made the trip, our time to adopt would have been delayed and she would have spent yet another month or two without her forever family (us). He bragged on the goodness of God and how He is never too late. He truly is faithful. I sat on the third row with Josh and Bella and as tears streamed down my face, sat in awe of our God. The three of us listened to Bruce (our covering) talk with authority and respect for the Lord. Many were ministered to that morning as they, too, need to be rescued. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, I'll not soon forget.

I'm involved in a Bible study at our church called, Captivating by Stasi Eldridge. About 10 women meet each Wednesday night. We watch the video and then discuss what God has done in our lives that week. It's been wonderful to see the growth in my friends and also myself. This past week we took a deep look at how God created women to be "mothers." Whether we have biological children, adopted children or no children, we were all created to nurture, to encourage, to have belief in others. We have a great role in the Kingdom and I'm, especially, enjoying this role in my life. I think after 8 months, I'm getting the hang of having a baby, an 8 year old and a teenager. Whew!

Last night was a prime example of how God has blessed our family. Bruce came home from work early (because he goes in at 6am on Thursdays). He picked up Bella and Josh from school while Abi and I played. We were all together in the backyard while I grilled burgers. We came in together, we talked and laughed together while eating, we cleaned the kitchen together after dinner and we spent the evening watching American Idol before bedtime. Folks, that's life in Lubbock, Texas! (Did I just say "folks?" Ha!) Bruce and I are RICH because we have each other, we have wonderful kids (including our promised child), a nice home (praying for a bigger one this year) and great friends! I love that our lives are simple and our focus is on Him and the relationships He's given us..

No, not every night is this peaceful...who are you kidding? Obviously, there are nights full of drama...there are 3 girls in the house! But mostly, we remain in Him and each other. Even our CRAZY, BUSY nights are few and far between. :)

Our Abi is finally growing. She will be two in June (13th) and she's now wearing 18-24 month clothes. She's very petite and has the cutest and chubbiest, short legs. Her hair continues to grow and she loves to have bows, earrings and even a necklace on each day. This morning, Bruce made her oatmeal for breakfast. He put it in front of her with a spoon and walked away. When I came in, she was staring at the oatmeal that she had splat on her jammies. I offered to help and she gladly received me. I gave her a bite and then said, "Wow, this is a big spoon for a baby girl." She immediately said, "Daddy's poon!" It was so cute! She's talking more and more and I LOVE it!!! I love a child that speaks...greatness!

Bella and Josh are moving along in school. It's hard to believe they only have 7 weeks left of school! My goodness this has been the fastest school year yet. Josh is still moving forward in swimming. He's a born swimmer. Tomorrow, Saturday, he has a very long swim-meet. He would much rather play with his friends but we stay committed. He's at least 2 inches taller than me and I can wear his tshirts and jackets. He's not fond of sharing his wardrobe with me but that's life with a petite Momma.

Bella recently took it upon herself to make a video of herself on Bruce's phone. She held the camera while making the video so it's VERY close up. :) She talks for quite a while about how much she loves Jesus...how He is a rock star (solid rock, I'd say)...how we need Him in our life and if you have a need, He is the answer! Her heart towards Jesus is just precious...so pure and lovely. For the first time that I can remember, she happily goes to kids church on Sunday mornings. She wants to memorize the scripture and takes her Bible on Sunday's. She's becoming more and more open about her love for Him. Bruce and I are sure she's asked Jesus in her heart. Although she says she HAS (in her private time, I suppose), she doesn't want to get baptized. Josh did the same thing and was baptized years after having received Jesus in his heart. Bella doesn't like to talk much about her salvation but would rather live her life to show off Jesus (or so it seems to me). Someday she will be ready to discuss it and when she's ready I'll be all ears! The fruit of her salvation is evident and beautiful.

In 2.5 months we will head to Newbreed youth camp as we do every year. Bruce is on staff for Newbreed and has participated in leading worship for Newbreed camps for the past 19 or 20 years...before I came around. This will be Joshua's FIRST time to attend camp as a "camper"...a teenager with the youth group. It will also be his last Newbreed camp as this is the last one for the Newbreed staff. I'm sad it will be Josh's first and last but God's timing is perfect. It's been a great ride and we have so much love for the Newbreed staff, who we call "family"...Mark & Sandy Jobe, Richard & Sandra Hinojosa and Alan and Amy Hickman. What a delight to have served alongside such powerful men and women of God! I guess, we will have to make vacation plans with these families each summer!

I had the best birthday celebration in March (23rd). It was amazing!!! Bruce and the kids gave me a vintage pearl ring from James Avery. I love it! I received many sweet notes and some fun gifts. I'm really blessed!

I'll end with one other part of our Bible study....FRIENDSHIP. I lost a precious friend two years ago. She was very dear to me and our paths took a different direction. As my heart was deeply wounded by what felt like rejection, God, in His mercy, has shown me many great things in this journey. With the loss of that friendship, the gain of our adopted daughter and the truth He's revealed to me, I'm a different person. Do you ever look back and notice the ugliness of your own soul and actions? Bleh! I'm sad that I became blinded to the truth that I could live in freedom...that I could live with contentment...that I could love myself and others the way He intended. I suppose, we all get in that place at some point in our lives but to finally see the growth in myself has been rewarding. I certainly wouldn't be where I am today, without Jesus. I love Him.

"The gift of friendship among women is a treasure not to be taken lightly. Women friends become the face of God to one another ~ the face of grace, of delight, of mercy." (S. Eldridge)

Much love to you, my friends from God,

Ruth

PS. Remember the lovely paragraph above about our precious and loving family? Well, I wanted to bop someone tonight as I was trying to get my little darlings bathed and in bed. Why is this difficult? Why so much drama? Ahhh!! I need Bruce to come home. I'm not cut out for single parenting...sorry, had to vent!!!