Merry Christmas

I hope the joy of Christ fills your heart this Christmas. As I was singing an old familiar carol O Little Town of Bethlehem at Christmas Eve service today, the third verse really struck me.

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming,

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him still,

The dear Christ enters in.

For the gift of a Savior is still as real today as it was then, if you will only open up your heart to receive Him.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7

He desires to govern your heart and life and then you will know peace and joy beyond what the world can offer. Hope whatever you do this holiday, is fun and filled with family. God's Blessings!

A quick adoption update: I did not get a hold of the consulate on Friday. The US Consulates voice mail box was full and other attempts to other numbers at the US Embassy switchboard went unanswered. Kim and I have sent 3 e-mails in an attempt to reach her as well. I set my alarm and got up at 2am this morning and called Liberia because it was our understanding the consulate was open from 8-12 today. And they are now 6 hours ahead of us since daylight savings. Still didn't reach the Consular, but was able to leave a voice mail on her answering maching. I also called the switchboard number and did talk to a native Liberian that asked that I call back after Christmas (on Wednesday) to try to reach her. We were encouraged by another family who found theirselves in our same position, to write our Congressman, so I e-mailed 8th District US Representative Steve Kagen today explaining our situation, and asked him to try to aid us in scheduling our birth family interview and Visa appt with the US Embassy. AoH is going to help us in whatever way possible. But I am extremely confident that God will work out the details, and that I will be sure to give him the glory when He does. Until then I will pray and ask you to join us.

Please pray for AoH. It was been an emotion packed week, ever since I posted the a letter on December 17th from another couple's experience. It has stirred up a hornets nest of emotion and verbal attacks. Some of which hasn't been glorifying to God. Some of it I feel is a spiritual attack and so please pray for the leadership and staff of AoH, and all of us involved, for our precious children, and whatever else the Lord leads. We do appreciate it.

Once again - Merry Christmas!