Dear Phillip!

Hey Phil,
     Is it okay if I call you Phil? Hmmm, well I guess we can work that out when you get here. Maybe Philly...or Lippy. Naaah, those are no good. Maybe we'd better let you pick the nickname.
     Well, it seems weird to be thinking about such a little thing when you're not even here yet, but all of us have been thinking through the joyous, little details of making you part of our family. We scheme ways to get you in and out of the car, we talk about rearranging dishes so you can reach them all, we wonder how it will be having you right at the dog's face level. We think about everything, and we think all the time. That's not because we're worried or obsessed. It's not because we're detail freaks (although that is sometimes true). It's because GOD has laid this on our hearts and He keeps it there day and night. You don't even know it, but there are at least 4 people that love you right now more than you've ever been loved. And if God is willing, you WILL know that soon. Hang in there, big man. We're coming as quick as we can.
     Love,
        Your Big Bro :)

Summer Phun!

Dad and I can't wait for camping trips with Phillip!

 Hey, he wanted to get buried and I wanted a good picture. It worked out PERFECT! Dawson's gonna be an awesome neighbor for Phillip.

 Our AMAZING friends the Blews in their natural habitat: the LAKE! It was so fun hanging out on the water with you all!

 Mrs. Blew and Syd are geniuses! Look at all the hard work they put into spelling my bro's name!

God's Plan, Power, Peace, and Praise!

We're relieved to be able to tell you that our homestudy should be done TODAY!  That means that the international adoption specialist can proceed with the next portion of our paperwork called the "dossier."  We're so grateful for your prayers!  We're seeing God's hand daily with joyful expectation!  (Lamentations 3:25)

Adopting Phillip has been a leap of faith for our family.  Most days find us excitedly talking about bringing him home and loving on him.  We talk about how we want to see Him grow in his faith.  We debate about the best ways to teach him to read and to improve his English.  We practice our Mandarin Chinese.  We joke about me possibly having to drive a mini van again.  (Okay, still working on accepting that one...:)  We use chopsticks.  We make Asian dishes and experiment with making them really hot and spicy the way Phillip loves them.  We spend hours researching cool wheelchairs and space-age home vacuum elevators.  We stock up on sale clothes in Phillip's size.   But....there are times when we have to walk through some harsh realities.  On those days, we desperately pray for God to equip us and to empower us to overcome in Him.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in Phillip's body and spirit.

One time our family watched people with parachutes jumping off the cliffs at Wallowa Lake.  They got themselves into position and seemed to go through a safety checklist.  They faced the cliff and then jumped backwards into the canyon below.  I'll never forget their expressions.  There was a moment of absolute terror as they started to free fall followed by absolute joy and shouting when their parachutes took over.  That's how following God's will is for me.  I make sure that everything is in order:  Prayer?  Check.  In line with His word?  Check.  Sought wisdom of godly family and friends?  Check.  Booyahahaha.........!

 When I truly seek to discern  and obey His will, He is the loving arms that catch me when I leap and  then throw me into the air again!

I'll never forget a story that a friend told me about a reoccuring nightmare.  He kept having this dream that he was falling and he would wake up scared and anxious.  Someone told him that if he ever hit the ground in his dream, the trauma would literally kill him.  My friend devised this plan to fan his t-shirt and to let it fill with air like a parachute and to lightly touch down when he had the dream again.  He did it.  Not only did he touch down lightly, he stopped having the dream altogether.  When we see roadblocks and challenges and experience stress, often God is calling us to see things through His eyes and to see that He is able.  He is able to meet our needs in creative ways that are greater than we could ever think of or imagine.  Where we end, He begins!  We're counting on that as we hop, skip, jump and LEAP towards bringing Phillip home.

Joni

Your Mommy and Daddy LOVE You!

Dear Phillip,

Do you know how much your mom and dad love you? Even though you are not here, yet? Even though Daddy hasn't even met you, yet? What a picture of GOD'S LOVE that is! They love you so much. Mom has pictures of you all over the house already-every one that we could get a hold of. She has even printed tons of extra pictures to give to friends so they remember to pray for you. Mom shares about you as often as she can. Daddy gets teary each time he talks about you. That is one of  my favorite things to see. He is getting ready to start working on your room and bathroom. Both are so eager to finish up the paperwork so we can get you home ASAP! They just want you to be here where they can get to know you, make sure you are getting the best care, encourage you, and love on you. 

See you soon...

Brit

Results of our Phantastic Phamily Phundraiser

Kyle and Lucy enjoyed coloring together in air-conditioned comfort.

Dinner with our family after the yard sale tasted especially yummy.

This is Brit, Lucy, and Gracie.  I think someone ate their profits cuz I see chocolate chip cookies on those li'l girls' faces.



Thx so much for blessing us!



Enjoy your toys, Josh!  We're so glad that you guys stopped by!

Autumn, you ROCK!  Is Yeager enjoying the moose toy?

Thanks for helping us out, Lori!  Someone is really enjoying your mixer right now!

The Segallas and Taylors were some of our BEST customers!

Pholks, you totally blessed our socks off!  Thanks so much for braving the heat and for checking out our yard sale.  You were the highlight of our weekend!  We are so grateful for the many donations and hope that you all enjoy your purchases! Thanks to our phamily for helping out as well.  Enjoy the pictures!

Would you be willing to pray about our paperwork?  We are looking for God to move in that area and for his timing.

KKPB&J

Phun in Leavenworth!

Don't you love crayons and butcher paper?

 According to this keychain, anyone named Phillip should be active, joyful, and a lover of horses. 2 outta 3?

 Aren't they great together?

 What a find!

 Whoa! Big air!

 Brittany posing with her lovely sand creation

We can't wait to go with Phillip soon!