I will never....

Just thought I would show you my track record with saying "I will never..."

1.  I will never be a teacher.

     I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a pediatrician.  (Even though for a few moments when I was young I would tell people I wanted to be a child's pediatrician ...hmmmm......didn't know there was any other type of pediatrician. :)  After a year and a half of college and meeting Russ....I just did not have a peace about staying in pre-med.  I wanted it to be right so badly but it just wasn't.  I remember driving home from Oxford to tell my parents I was switching to education.  I taught for several years and now work at a girl's group home.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.....perhaps I will just always do different jobs....which is okay with me!!

2.  I will never enter the gates of Camp Lake Stephens again. 


      I went to Camp Lake Stephens in Oxford, MS for the first time as a third-grader.  I had a horrible time...which included a hill, a tornado, a paper-bag, and lots of screaming and crying.  I stated that I would NEVER be back.  Since that day I have now....attended camp there as an 18 year old, worked two summers as a camp counselor, met my husband through Camp Lake Stephens, was proposed to at the lake at camp, AND was married there.  How is that for a "I will never" statement???

3.  I will never adopt from Ethiopia.  


 That's right. We were given a pamphlet on Ethiopian adoption in 2008.  I threw it in the trash and stated that we would never do that.

4.  I will never live in New Albany (or Tupelo) when I grow up. 
    I loved where I grew up but I wanted out.  I wanted to move away from the area and even stated that I would never live in New Albany or Tupelo when I grew up.  I have now lived in Tupelo for almost 4 years :)

 I love when these happen....it just shows me how so not-in-control I am and how much God has worked on my heart.  I am so thankful that He knows best and that He knows my heart/desires/wishes more than I.  Be careful what you say I will never to.....you just never know :)

What are some of your "I will never's?"

Abba Changes Everything

My sweet boss recommended that I read an article in July's issue of Christianity Today.  The article had some great thoughts on adoption, evangelism, spiritual warfare, and orphans.  You can click HERE to read the full article.

"The gospel of adoption challenges us, first of all, to recognize ourselves as spiritual orphans.  The gospel compels us to see our fallen universe - and our own egocentric kingdoms therein - as not the way it's supposed to be."  - Russell D. Moore

And just as we are to do something about others not knowing our true Abba, Father....those spiritual orphans....we are also to do something about those without families.

"Not every Christian is called to adopt or foster a child. But every Christian is called to care for orphans." - Russell D. Moore

I am just going to be honest....and this is coming from a completely non-judgemental view.....but sometimes I want this quote to be different.  I want families to really think about adoption or fostering.  I do believe there are many ways to help the orphan situation.....other than adopting or fostering.   But, I truly believe there are many out there that think of adopting but just chalk it up to "but we could never do that."  But, the great thing is...you can!!!  We were so scared (and still are :) )  but with God's great grace and mercy... we are doing this!! and so can you.

I think sometimes adoption is a little more accepted in various places.  We do get "the look" sometimes.  You know...the look .....like you are a little strange and maybe a little crazy. Like...I know that adoption might be great for you but that is just not for me.  I know...some view adopting (especially when it is a choice) as crazy.  But to us....it is just the next step and this is how God is forming our family.  If you are reading this...please stop and consider adoption or fostering.  If you are the praying type...just ask God to show you His plan.  I pray for boldness because it can be very scary and overwhelming.  The night we decided to adopt from Ethiopia...I stayed awake all night thinking "what have we done?????" :)  

But, God can do amazing things...sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zones and allow Him to use us.  Ah, I am so not good at this.  But, I can tell you I feel more at peace about this adoption than anything else in my life.  God has amazing plans and doesn't necessarily need us...but, thankfully He chooses to use us.  I want to try and open myself up to be used by Him.  I have tasted what it is like to be 100% open to Him and I LOVE how free it feels.  Praying some hearts would be open to adoption tonight...especially in our area.

Thanks for reading my Saturday Night Ramblings.....Good Night!!!

Love this and am dreaming of the day we step off the plane with Lucy.  You can check out their blog at http://www.babeofmyheart.com or by clicking HERE.

Cookies for a Cause

Our fabulous friend Blair Curtis makes cookies that are o so cute and o so good!!!  She contacted me last week with this idea.  She wants to help get Lucy home by donating to us half of her cookie proceeds!!!  So, spread the word.....starting July 12th .....she will do this.  Here are some pics of a few of her cookies.

They are sooooo cute and tasty!! They are great for showers, birthdays, work functions, school functions, just to eat, etc.  Cookies are $1.50 each or $2.25 each (if they are wrapped in a bag with ribbon).  


You can contact Blair at blaircurtis14@comcast.net to place your cookie order (mention Lucy when you do).  She can do anything you need her to :)  Please share this with anyone you know as well :)  

Again, we are overwhelmed by the support Lucy has been given.  God is faithful!!!

I Dream of Lucy

I Dream of Lucy....originally posted in November 2009:

Adoption is hard.  I had heard that before but didn't realize how true it was until now.  My emotions are crazy.  Some days are totally fine and then others I cry for no reason. all. day. long.  Today is an emotional one.  I just looked at pictures of my friends with their babies for Halloween and for some reason it made me sad.  We have only been in the process for 3 months (almost) but she has been with us for over two years. 

I sometimes leave the specifics of "Lucy's Story" out because I don't want people to think we are weird.  But, I am realizing all of these details are significant to her story because it shows just how amazing and big God is. 

Tonight  I want to share the first time God showed us a part of His plan.

Russ and I were friends for almost two years before we dated.  During that time we would stay up late talking about everything imaginable (because we were just friends, right? ).  I remember us talking about how we both felt like we would adopt one day.  It was after this conversation that I am sure he went and watched sportscenter and I went home to plan the wedding because I just knew he HAD to be the one....

We were married in 2005.  When kids were discussed, we talked of adoption.  We fooled ourselves some days into thinking we would adopt later in life but most of the time we knew God had called us to adopt our first child.  Russ says most of his life he knew he would adopt his first child and that it would be a girl. 

One night, in October 2006, I woke up from a dream.  In the dream I was holding a baby girl, wrapped in a white blanket.  I was gazing at her but could not see her face or what she looked like.  When I awoke I just knew that I was pregnant or that we should begin trying. 

The next night I woke from the exact same dream...except this time I thought maybe we should adopt.  I woke Russ and told him the news. He agreed. 

The third night, I woke up from the same dream and can still remember exactly how I felt.  I KNEW.  I have never longed for/missed something so much in my life.  My heart ached for her.  I woke up Russ and told him that I missed her.  The amazing thing was that he understood. He didn't ask questions like "but you haven't met her yet?"...he just got it.

It was that night that we realized God had a baby girl for us and that His plan was bigger than we could imagine.  I love that I couldn't see what she looked like....and to be honest, it didn't matter....I just knew she was mine.

Sitting in the belly of a whale

You know those days....those days where you just need some good news.  Well, this verse came to me at just the right time :)  Hope it encourages you today.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9

I easily give up.. but God is teaching me endurance right now.  When everything inside of me wants to give up...God ever-so-gently whispers...DO NOT GIVE UP.

I have been reading Jonah and am experiencing it in a new way.

Jonah 1:3
"But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD."  ........I have so been here...running from the Lord.

But God again whispers DO NOT GIVE UP. 

You see Jonah went on to do what the Lord asked and the Lord was faithful to him and the people of Nineveh. 

Praise God for His faithfulness even when I doubt and worry.

CELEBRATING:

Bill (Anna's Dad), Terry (Russ' Dad)

These are two amazing men.  Both Russ and I have fathers that provided and loved for us growing up....and still do!!!  These men would do anything for us.....and I know that they will do the same for LUCY.  She will be one SPOILED little girl with these two around.  

Russ, Happy Father's Day to you.  While Lucy is not with us yet....she is already a part of us.  You will be an amazing Dad.  You love me so well so it will only be natural for you to love her well.  I cannot wait to see the two of you together.  I have dreamed of that image a million times...and I am getting closer to actually seeing it :) Thank you for making life more fun.

REMEMBERING:

Tom Cornelius "Pop" (Anna's grandfather)

Tom Burchfield "Granddaddy" (Anna's Grandfather)

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother..." 

- Theodore Hesburgh

These two did that well.  They loved my grandmother's well.  I miss them both so much.  It still hurts to see my grandmother's missing them but am so thankful for their example. Both of their marriages taught me so much about what I wanted in a marriage.  They exhibited friendship, love, and servanthood...which Russ and I strive to keep in the forefront of our marriage.

Happy Father's Day.

5 months

I cannot believe we have been on the waiting list for 5 months!!  Time has flown by but...it has started to slow down.  We are so ready to get Lucy home.  We are really trying to not rush this time..to completely trust in God's timing.  Which we do.  BUT, some days are harder than others.  Part of our family is across the world.  We wonder what is going on in her life, we pray for her first mom and family, we pray for God's presence in their lives.

I have not emailed or contacted our social worker in 5 months....which I was so proud of myself.  But, yesterday, I thought I had earned the right to check in with her and see if she knew anything on our case.  She did not.  But, the good news is that referrals have not slowed down and the current wait time is 6 - 8 1/2 months.  She even used the phrase "in the homestretch" to refer to our status.  Thanks for supporting us...she is already one loved little girl!!!

The night Russ and I decided to adopt from Ethiopia ....I was up late searching blogs...pretty much freaking out.  We knew it would be a girl and we would name her Lucy.  That night was the night I came across Lucy Lane's blog.  God used her video to confirm that we had made the right choice. 

I had the amazing opportunity to meet Lucy Lane (and Kristy) and am so thankful for the insight she gave.

Well, now Lucy Lane has been home for 1 year and they have the cutest video to celebrate her first year.  Check out the end of the video where they have pictures of all the families that decided to adopt because of her video and story.  We are honored to be one of those families!!!! 

Lucy Lane Gotcha Day - One Year Later from kristi johnson on Vimeo.

I cannot wait to have our video of our Lucy's first year home!!! 

Whew.

The past two weeks have been amazing....but very full!  I got the great experience of going to Nicaragua to visit my new friends Rick and Mary Ervin.  I will post more about that trip later.  I was in town for a couple of days ....in which I got to celebrate my birthday.  Russ decorated the back porch with beautiful white lights....so sweet!  Lastly, I went to the beach with my mom's family (plus my mother-in-law).  What a great time...experiencing God's creation...with people that I love.  Here are my last two weeks in pictures:

Active Volcano in Nicaragua

Market in Granada (the oldest city in Nicaragua)

Our back porch for my birthday :)

Gulf Shores, AL 

My mom and my Granny (Sure wish my granddaddy was in this picture)

My sweet Mother-in-law Birdie

Me telling Russ to point to the place where Lucy will hopefully be sitting next year....you can tell from his expression what a GREAT idea he thought that was:)  Oh, I wish she were here with us already!