Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I am still choked up about this book and know I haven't been living the way I am supposed to. But I have been praying and praying to let God lead the way and have His way with me not just half but ALL the way. Since than, crazy things have happened. Danica was in an auto accident, she broke out in hives that has lasted for 4 days, and on and on. I am thankful for suffering. At least I have never thought because I am doing good things or I am a decent person who doesn't get in trouble I will go to heaven. Yes, honestly people think that and Francis sheds light on that too (there are many people at my work who think that, they just won't listen to me) Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love - Overwhelmed by a Relentless God describes in this book how many of us live as lukewarm Christians. It actually took me about 2 weeks to read this book only because I was following up on all the scripture he backs his book up. In fact I never read books that aren't backed up by scripture.

Here is what stood out to me:
The reality is that, whether we acknowledge our wealth or not, being rich is a serious disadvantage spiritually. As W. Wilberforce once said, "Prosperity hardens the heart". Of course I think he is talking about people like us too because most of us are well off, we really don't have any worries in our country. Even if we live close to poverty line we are still rich. We don't need to have a fat bank account to call ourselves rich. The country were our kids come from, that is what I consider poor, like the mommies of my children. They make a whopping $5.00 per month.

Also this one stood out:
Here he talks about lukewarm Christians, this is just one of them...They don't live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have their life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their fridges are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing God.

And here is the best part:
Hear me clearly in this, because it is vital-in fact, there is nothing more important or eternal: Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to him is more important than any other thing or person in your life? Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?

Here is what they say about the book:
Chan, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., offers a radical call for evangelicals to consider and emulate in this debut guide to living "crazy" for God. Chan's own life compels him to live with urgency, and with good reason. His mother died giving birth to him, his stepmother died when he was nine, and his dad when he was 12. As a pastor, Chan says that conducting weekly funerals for people younger than himself has likewise sobered him to life's unexpectedness and frailty. Chan writes with infectious exuberance, challenging Christians to take the Bible seriously. He describes at length the sorry state of "lukewarm" Christians who strive for a life characterized by control, safety and an absence of suffering. In stark contrast, the book offers real-life accounts of believers who have given all-time, money, health, even their lives-in obedience to Christ's call.Chan also recounts his own attempts to live "crazy" by significantly downsizing his home and giving away his resources to the poor.Earnest Christians will find valuable take-home lessons from Chan's excellent book. (May)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.


Reviewed by Patrick Turner (United States), June 24, 2009
Just finished the Book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I can't believe the power that God imparts in this book. People think they know what love is and how to love, and some just might. This book will not only describe it to you in detail, but will also show you and encourage you in what it really means to love. The primary focus of the book is of course Love, and giving God your best. Isn't that what we do when we truly love someone. You jump through hoops for them, are happy just being near that person, and desire a closer relationship with that person. When I first got the book I thought what a great idea a book that talks about what it means to truly love God. When I started reading it I thought I might not be ready for this kind of life changing love. To many times in my own life I have given God leftovers like a begrudging tithe, a quick impersonal prayer, maybe even sing a praise song. Was it my best? Was it even much of an effort at all? Sometimes. When I finished "Crazy Love" I felt it sharpen my focus and lead to a better understanding and perspective. Because that's what really happens to us we loose perspective. The perspective that God brings through Chan is sharp, decisive and powerful. I can't count how many times I had to stop reading to praise God and consider what was just said. I praise God for the revelation and know this book will bless you beyond measure. Enjoy!

Amira the Bully

Amira and Biruk are at summer camp this week. I figured it would be nice for them to have that fun time with kids' their ages and play with kids from different backgrounds. As I picked them up this afternoon, I had 3 notes written from 3 different counselors re: Amira. She was hitting 4 teenage and adult counselors, when told to be in time out she said "no, I am not in time out" and got up over and over and refused to sit in time out. She also told the teachers they need to say "please to her" if she has to do something, such as get off the swing or whatever. She pretty much told everyone today she wasn't listening and she was going to show out. Those are just a few things broiling up today, but I just found out today that stuff happened all week but the counselors said today hit the ceiling when she hit the teachers. I guess I am writing this because I am somewhat perplexed she hit the teachers, really I thought she was a teacher's pet... Not so. She has one more week of camp in another 3 weeks so I am curious to see how that week goes. I need to talk to the camp director because the one thing they do is as soon as I get there in the mornings, teenage girls are in line wanting to hold her and love on her like she is some exotic doll or something. I am gonna tell them they need to back off because Amira could be confused with the fact the everyone is spoiling her so why would she have to listen to anyone. Does that make sense? Those of you who know me can probably imagine that it was not fun for Amira and I to have a talk tonight, even though she is my princess. (Really I very much dislike when she is in trouble, and Biruk is just in heaven when she gets in trouble by me)

After I told Kevin what happened he told me that she hit him before too but I never knew. He just blew it off but there is really nothing to blow off I thing. He is very easy with the kids.

Nothing bad to report about Biruk, he just wants to please all the time except for me. He never gets in trouble outside the house. He wants everyone to think he is so perfect. Reminds me of me when I was young.

Anyway, nothing serious I just like to journal this so I can look back at it and see when it happened last.

Hm, does she look like she has some sass?

4th of July, Beach

I love taking pics of my new kiddos and the rest of my family. Can you tell? We had a great 3 day weekend which is almost coming to an end, unfortunately): Friday, we went to the ocean to visit Signe and her family but didn't stay long because I thought Anastasia was having a full blown seizure coming on. She was acting really strange and it scared me being 2 hours away from home. With the little time we had, the kids had a blast and where playing in the ocean water and with kites. I love how doting Signe's girls are with Amira. They just swoop her up and I don't have to worry about her. Biruk was hanging out with Nes and Soren. Too bad I didn't get one picture of Nes and Biruk together.

Yesterday we went to see the fireworks and although the kids were scared in the beginning they had a blast. They really, really enjoyed it once it got started. Although we explained to them how special the 4th is, they cannot even fathom yet what a special day this is but they enjoyed it so much. Also I loved having Danica join us at the ocean and the fireworks. Even though she is home most weekends she has been around our family so much since the kiddos came home. Even though she keeps saying she doesn't like little kids, she is just becoming so fond of the little ones. With her being in the 3rd year of college she didn't have to be with us but she wanted to join us anyway just to watch more of the little ones' firsts. They had neither seen the fireworks or the ocean yet. Soon all the firsts will be over. We are coming up on a half year already. We just had a really good time this weekend.

Biruk is just crazy about his daddy and they are like 2 peas in a pot. They are wearing matching shirts.

Being funny. This man is crazy about his FIRST son.
Watching the fireworks

I love this picture so much. Amira just cuddled up with Danica

Danica, Biruk and Amira. The fireworks are about to begin

AT THE OCEAN BELOW

Biruk and Soren. Biruk is pouting because it wasn't his turn to hold the string

Biruk in the mix with the girls

Love this picture below.

Danica, Soren, Amira. I think Soren likes us a lot. He is always near when we are around. I love hanging out with that little guy. Honestly, I just want to put him in my suitcase and steal him.

Scared (An absolute must read) by Tom Davis

I just got done reading this book. My friend Andrea talked about it on her blog. I knew it was coming out but thanks to her I was reminded to still buy it. I think I read the book in three days and I am a slow reader. I also don't read novels but I know its probably really not a novel but some made up stuff that Tom has seen by himself and also heard. I mean this book is just incredible and make sure you have a box of tissues at hand. It is the "real" stuff of what is happening in Africa from the HIV crisis, children raising children because their parents have died of Aids,to people starving, and living like we can't possibly imagine unless we have seen it. I have read his other two books, Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless, but these were not novels. I just looked up the site and it said that Tom is working on his 2nd novel.

If you haven't had a chance to read the content here is what it says: Nonfiction author Davis (Fields of the Fatherless) makes his fiction debut with a story about two people worlds apart who help each other find redemption. An orphan girl in Swaziland endures her uncle's abuse through visions of "the illuminated man" who she believes will take her to her dead mother's side. When photographer Stuart Daniels discovers the girl near death, he enlists a pastor and a village chief to help her and her two siblings. Facing floods, confronting and aid agency's fraud, and absorbing a brutal attack by one of many desperate starving people may be the only path toward atonement for Stuart's past life. Davis shows insight into African cultures and his writing is vivid, but the novel is weakened by shifts in tense and point of view and lack of patience for character transformation. The novel is the first of three; the series could become popular if the quality of the writing can improve enough to do justice to the passion with which the author champions his cause. --Publishers Weekly

http://www.scaredthebook.com/

REACH picnic and other ramblings

Yesterday we got to go to our annual REACH picnic for the summer. It was at Magnolia Park in Seattle, such a beautiful location. We are blessed to have REACH located right here were we live so we get to do fun things with them throughout the year. I was trying to get better pics of the water view but it was all fenced in. We also get to go to the REACH summer camp this labor day weekend and it will be a blast this year to finally bring the kids. Last year we went without the kids. Each of them get their own counselor while Kevin and I just get to sit back and relax with our favorite adoption friends. Hopefully lots of them will be able to show up.

On other news, the kids finished their little pre-school program mid June and already did one week of summer camp which was a blast for them. Amira didn't eat the first day of camp and was very sad but she was okay the other four days. Biruk of course, my social butterfly didn't have any problems connecting. They get to go to camp 2 more weeks during this summer, that's all I could afford. I just want them to have the privilege of being around kids their age so they can learn more English and interact with kids their age. Hopefully by the time September rolls around they be ready for Kindergarten.

My Danica came home this Friday from her 2 week extended summer school at Blakeley Island to study the birds (she is earning 10 credits in 4 weeks, yeahh). So I finally have all my babies at home this summer. Danica has to leave and go back to Blakeley for another 2 weeks in July but than she will be done for the summer.

Amira just talking

Finally I got a little video of Amira. She usually gets so very nervous when I try to put her on video. Her doll story is kind of hilarious. She loves dolls but all of her dolls' names are Andrea with the nick names of Schatz and Baby in case if you wonder what she is trying to say.

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to wish my dad in Germany, my wonderful husband, and all the other daddies out there a happy Father's Day.

Although I had a pretty tough childhood growing up with my dad I have forgiven him since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. Bitterness is not a good thing to hang on to. Too bad that he still doesn't realize he did anything wrong raising all 5 of us and has never ask any of us children for forgiveness.

The sweetest thing that came out of this is that the Lord has blessed me with an incredible husband, a daddy for MY children that I have always dreamed of having. A daddy that would walk them down the isle when they get married. Nothing but fond memories for a little girl and growing up wanting a husband just like her daddy. That is the daddy my wonderful husband is to my children and the memories my children will have of him. Thank you Jesus for blessing me with Kevin.

I love you Kevin, with all my heart and soul. You are simply "irresistible":):)!!!

My daddy in Germany with my niece Charlize. He has suffered from Parkinson's Disease for the past 20 some years but refuses to take meds. He is doing incredible well for not using any meds.

An Incredible Weekend with Adoption Friends

We got home from visiting Signe and Lisa and had such an incredible time. I have met Lisa at camp last year and Signe and I know each other because our adopted boys were best friends at the orphanage. We spent Friday evening together and most of all Saturday. On Saturday it was Russ' Birthday. They both live in the same town and are about 6 hours away from us. The drive was so worth it. I have totally fallen in love with where they live and I just want to move there. I am serious. (Now I need to convince hubby). I miss them so much already. I haven't seen country living like that since I have left Germany. What I really liked is that everything you need is right there unless you are some person that so attached to the world and crave shopping malls. Everything is there within 5-10 min. of driving.

All of the kids played so well together. We probably had close to 20 kids playing? Of course I am probably now counting teenagers also. We all had so much catching up to do and it was so good talking about so much stuff and being with all of these amazing kids all at once.

I was also looking forward to meeting Marissa and her family but she couldn't make it. Hopefully next time.

I love this picture below. Look at Kevin, knocked out sleeping between all the kids. And his best buddy Soso sitting on him. For Kevin to say he doesn't think he want anymore kids that an understatement because kids are drawn to him. Hm, that okay, we will work on that.

Kevin has made a new friend. I think the feeling was mutual. They really like each other, really I wanted to put Soso in my suitcase and take him home.

Summer has Arrived

I love the summer so much. Well I love the summer in WA state because its just perfect for me. I think I'd rather take the rain most of the year and perfect temperatures between 70 and 80. It has been such a joy to watch the kids discover all these news foods. They didn't know strawberries, raspberries, mangoes, pretty much the only fruit they know is banana. I think their favorite fruit is strawberry. Also they just got introduced to ice cream for the first time (see picture below). The only thing that makes me sad is that I hardly see the kids because I am at work all day. I have so much guilt about that especially during the summer when they are out of school. We have planned a little ocean vacation in the month of August so this will be another first for the kids.

My girlies, from youngest to oldest

A Slap in the Face once Again from our Government

I just LOVE Ginger, she is one of the most outspoken ladies out there when it comes to politics (I know its a sore subject) and everything she believes in is truly what I believe. Every time she blogs on certain issues, I just sit there and be like wow, I wished I could have written that or found that somewhere. Voddie Baucham has become one of my favorite teachers/preachers ever since my friend Joy has introduced him to me. I have watched many of his sermons and read some of his books. At least he doesn't twist the bible like so many pastor and makes things look okay just to get thousands of people into their church. Don't even get me started on Joel Oesteen.. I stand like Voddie behind biblical truth and he backs it up 100% when he writes about something. Our government is going down fast. I know soon God will be taken out of everything and craziness will rule our country. Here is Voddie's, from the heart spoken article, with nothing but TRUTH behind this article. Ha, and one more thing, he is black too. That really does put the icing on the cake. Also I am a retired military wife and this "Don't ask, don't tell" policy and changing it??? .... Someone is gonna get their ass whopped. Excuse my improperness.

Singing Itsy Bitsy Spider, Ring Around the Rosy

Since the kids have been in preschool 3 times a week they have learned many songs and little of the alphabet and numbers. I guess I have to be thankful since it is free. They seem to enjoy these 2 songs a lot. Notice how Biruk gets irritated by Amira saying its wrong so he goes really fast.

I am getting a little worried because they don't seem to know this much for Kindergarten. Plus now that I found out Amira's birthday is in October, really she shouldn't start Kindergarten this year. We will see. Kevin and I have been practicing the ABC, number, colors and shapes with them relentlessly so hopefully it pays off comes September. They just have crazy expectations to start Kindergarten. Also I don't want them to go the an ESL class. I don't think its necessary but they might try.

What is Biruk talking about???

Okay maybe Nesradine, Zene, or Eden will understand because I don't. This video is to his friends from Kidane. My little man is quiet the entertainer. Oh and watch out, I just figured out how to do video....

We are having such a blast today in the sun. Just me and the two little ones.

Great Story about Biruk's English

Wow, I am amazed how Biruk has been picking up his English. So today my babysitter put the kids on the school bus. They get picked up by bus. They are enrolled in a pre-school that is free, mainly for disadvantaged children. Mind you most of the kids are foster children.

My babysitter inquires about the other boy that hasn't been on the bus lately. Bus driver says "well he was in foster care but now he moved back with his dad. He continues "He was in foster care just like Amira and Biruk are in foster care. Biruk looks at him and says: Those are his words verbatim: I not foster care. I live here with my mommy and daddy. Amira lives here too. I from Ethiopia and my mommy picked me up from ET.

Wow, go Biruk, I was so proud of him when Kari told me the story. Gosh, I "hate" when people assume. I loves how my son sticks up for himself and his sister. On the downfall, Amira had an accident on the bus. Once again, Biruk told the bus driver "Amira needs to go to bathroom" busdriver said, she has to wait till she is home. The bus ride is an hour and Amira goes to the bathroom like a pregnant woman. Poor princess, she was so humiliated.

Visitors and another scary experience with Amira

On Thursday Lisa, her son Noah, and Eden came to visit us again. I love when my friends are in this area and stop by. Its sad enough how fast the kids forget their roots at the orphanage so that's why we try to keep up with some of their beloved friends. Eden and Biruk were at the orphanage a long time. Its so nice to see them together. Biruk just loves Eden and I think Eden loves him. Amira is usually off on her own most of the time but she mingles sometimes. It was good hanging out with Lisa and talk about daily stuff.

After we all got done eating dinner and the kids were off playing, suddenly Amira came to me and told me she was freezing. Her body started to shake. She acted really weird. At first Lisa thought Amira was trying to get attention and I started to think the same but it didn't stop. We started to call the hospital and they said to call 911. Lisa looked into her eyes and they really didn't follow the flashlight she was using. Her eyes were doing weird stuff. Also Amira didn't recognize me anymore. I kept asking her who am I, and she didn't know. In the mean time I also called her pediatric Dr. after I called 911. So the ambulance got here, but Lisa had already done her check up and I think she was pretty worried too. So they got here and her heartbeat was fine. As they were here, she suddenly went from being freezing cold and shaking to stiff and spiking a 103 fever. It was so scary. They were here for about 15 min. checking and talking to us and we finally decided not to take her to the hospital. She finally became responsive and when I asked Amira what my name was she said "Andrea". Throughout the evening she was very weak but okay. We still don't know what happened but she was still on her antibiotics and and had 3 immunizations in her leg that day so maybe a side affect? My Dr. thought she might had a febral seizure. It was so scary and I was so happy Lisa was with me to keep me calm. Goodness, can Amira ever get a break? Kevin and I decided that she will be our first medical problem child.

oopsi, she is trying to get him
here she goes, she did it, go Eden..

Eden wanted to sit with Biruk to eat dinner

Below is a picture that was taken at the orphanage about last August. It just blows me away how much the kids have changed.

Below, about 9 months later, oh and Lisa you are doing such an amazing job with Eden's hair. I am so proud of you.

Biruk turns 5

Yesterday we celebrated Biruk's 5th birthday. His given birthday was on April 25, but due to all the craziness we had going on over here we wanted to wait a little bit. Anyways, we all had lots of fun and it was extremely low key. I didn't want Biruk to get overwhelmed nor spoiled because he had a birthday. We just had Kari and her family over and Danica's best friend. Biruk really hasn't made any friends yet outside the family because he hasn't started school. He was just so happy, joyful, grateful and kept telling me before he went to bed over and over "Gooood Birthday".

At last, we were able to get a family picture. Anastasia "hates" taking pics. That is why she wasn't in the Easter pics. No, we haven't put her up in a group home (we never will) but that is why she mostly is never in the pics. Actually Kari bribed her to be in this picture.

Kari, her two daughters' Robbyn and Deanna, and her mom Linda. Kari has been such a blessing to our family. She has been with our only family for almost 5 years taking care of Anastasia. During this time she has also become one of my best friends and often times a confidant. Also we have the same values and expections and I think that makes us such a great team. I am so thankful to have Kari, but even more so for Ana because Ana is just crazy in love with Kari. Linda, Kari's mom, has adopted Ana as her own granddaughter.

Robbyn, Deanna and the kiddos

Danica and Jesika (her best friend) with the kiddos