Just the Two of Us

This is how we started, just the two of us. Yes, we have thirteen children. We have six grandchildren. We've been blessed beyond belief with our family. Who will be there when the children are gone?

Us. Just the two of us.

 

Legoland!

We went to LEGOLAND with our homeschool group this past week. It's the only way we can afford to go to such places.

 

We were able to take five of our girls, our daughter-in-law Arianne, and two grandsons. We had so much fun together. I enjoyed holding Stephen while his mom went on rides with Scott or the girls. I went on one ride, the little rollercoaster and thought I would die. I have no idea why since I love rollercoasters.

 

This is Addis. Aren't those Lego alligators something else?

 

                                                                       Abi and Amy

             
                                                                     Adah and Addis

                                                               Anna, Scott and me

                                    Steve made the two oldest go down the slide together.

                                                       Our granddaughter Makenna

 

 

                  On our way out. Thank you LEGOLAND!

Turkey Noodle Soup

This is a tradition the day after Thanksgiving or anytime we have turkey throughout the year. You can freeze the turkey carcass and make the soup whenever you like. I've even made it while we've camped. Yum.

1 leftover turkey carcass
7 quarts of water (28 cups)
2/3 cup of Better than Bouillon or 8 chicken bouillon cubes
2 large onions, peeled and halved
8 whole peppercorns (or more)
4 bay leaves
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups chopped celery
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups uncooked egg noodles

Place the first nine ingredients in a soup kettle or Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for one hour. Strain brother; discarding the carcass and any bones, halved onions, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Remove any turkey from the bones; set aside. Add bonedturkey, carrots, celery, potatoes, chopped onion and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for twenty minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add noodles and return to a boil for ten minutes or until noodles are tender.
Yields: 7 quarts=24-28 servings.

Our visit with Eyob

We had heard Eyob of Kingdom Vision International was close as in an hour and a half away instead of continents away. Through a friend we were able to get in touch with one another, and we were able to meet for dinner with just a few hours notice. I picked the girls up from school and rushed them home to get ready. They had no idea so they were pretty surprised. I was able to take them, two of my boys, and Steve met us there.

 

We decided to meet for Mexican since we are in Southern California after all. He had Steve order for him and carne asada tacos were delivered shortly.

 

Eyob with five of the kids. (two had left to go to youth group)

 

Eyob with Meskerem-They are from the same area in Ethiopia. Can you see the similarities?

We adopted through CWA in 2007 with these two. He escorted us to the American Embassy and helped us with our interview and gathering their passports and visas.  They were only eleven and fifteen months old when he last saw them. He kept telling me how spoiled Adah was. well....she is the baby.....

 

 Addis first met Eyob in April 2008 when we visited KVI in Addis. We brought donations to the orphanage and he gave us a little tour of the facilities. He told us he has moved many times since then because the rent keeps going up and up.

John and Eyob. One time John was told by an Ethiopian female friend that he would be a missionary to Ethiopia. Maybe!

 

Back in 2007 it was Eyob's dream to visit the United States and visit the children he has helped into families. While I was there I remember him being so discouraged because once again they denied him permission to enter the United States. His fortitude and persistence paid off. We were so happy to see him!

 

Another reason for him visiting the USA is to raise funds for the ministry of KVI-Kingdom Vision International. His rent in one facility is $2400 a month. A previous donor has had to drop their funding of $10,000 a month leaving the ministry in a crisis situation. Many nannies and other workers have had to be laid off. Food is being stretched. If you are able to help with a monthly, annually, or even one time donation any amount is appreciated. As always he covets your prayers. 

www.kingdomvisioninternational.net