I have been thinking....

There has been a lot of changes in our family recently. Everything seems to be a bit upside down and I think we are all run down a bit. Last week Nate had scarlet fever and this week I have the flu and a touch of bronchitis. I can honestly say that this month has been tough and yet we still feel "Home". That is a huge blessing. I am glad that wherever we are as a family physically, we can get comfortable whether in Africa or in the states.

I am pretty drained and I am going to take some cough medicine with codeine that the doctor prescribed today. But before I do, I wanted to mention some of the thoughts running through my mind today. I have been feeling really awful with body aches and a cough that keeps me from getting a full breath. I thought about what it would feel like to not have a bed to rest in when I feel so sick. I tried to get on the floor tonight so that I could better imagine it. My body hurt so much just touching the cold wood that I stopped going any further than my knees.

I am grateful for every ounce of my comforts today. But I am also reminded how a simple blanket can make a huge difference in the life of a sick person. If you are interested in helping someone who is poor and sick by providing them some of the comforts you have every day, visit our shopping mall of hope at www.globalfamilyrescue.org

A big move

The House in Romeoville : For Sale

Well... I am hearing that everyone is looking for an update. It has been a while since I blogged and you wouldn't believe all of the changes that have taken place!

Ben and I were given an opportunity to downsize our home. We have been looking for an opportunity to do just that when a friend of ours offered to rent us a town home in Naperville. We were worried about the kids, but it seems that they are adjusting to new schools, new friends and a whole new environment. So Ben and I are also fixing up our house in Romeoville and we plan on putting it on the market in February. It is a great place and we will miss it. But it seems that with all the time we spend overseas it is probably best not to have to own something that we have to keep up with. It is really amazing that we don't even have to shovel the driveway... WOW! What a blessing.

Have I mentioned how difficult it is to work full time, have 4 kids, celebrate Christmas and then MOVE on New Years Day??? Sheesh... someone needs to remind me to breathe again!

Fluffy 2004 - 2008

In addition to the busy move, we had a difficult loss. Our 10 year old daughters dog, who was only 4 years old, became very sick. Fluffy was diagnosed with a serious liver disease and we had to say "Goodbye" on January 3rd. It was tough for all of us, but especially Hope. She made us promise to give her another dog and we did. His name is "Jojo". He is a chihuahua and only 2 1/2 pounds. He is keeping us a bit preoccupied, but even today Hope broke down in tears at her new school while she was writing in her journal. She told me with pain in her voice, "Mom, I wrote that Fluffy was always there for me. I miss her so much." I can't believe how hard it is for us to bid farewell to a dog. How much worse would it be to loose a sibling or parent? I am getting a small glimpse of grieving and I don't like it one bit.

On another note, you will be glad to hear that GFR had a very successful Christmas season. There were so many wonderful gifts given to the poor in Uganda.

Here is just a part of what was given:

5 New Homes
10 Cows
25 chickens
62 Goats

And so much more! Blankets, mattresses and mosquito nets were also in demand this year.

Ben and I would personally like to thank you for your generous hearts this year! We can't wait to start seeing the results!

We are also putting together the trips for the summer. Lots of people are signing up. It is an experience of a lifetime. If you are interested, email us at trips@globalfamilyrescue.org