The Unexpected Gift

Scott and I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded with such amazing people here in NWA. We have a great network of friends, who love us and support us in so many ways. Furthermore, we are blessed with a community of friends who are like minded in raising our children. First, our desire is to raise them in a manner that will cultivate a love for God. Second, we want them to not only love others as much as themselves, but also view others in that manner. I have several other "Mommies" in my life that I feel privileged to glean wisdom from when needed (which is quite often). It is encouraging to know that they are praying for my children, as well as playing "another mother" role in their life. I wanted to take some time to share the heart behind one of these families, both parents and children. My oldest daughter, Kenzie, was invited to a birthday party for her friend Mary Katherine. (Everyone calls her MK) MK was turning 13 and wanted to have a pizza party with games, fun, and friends. This was not a typical birthday party, however. Most 13 year old girls would be concerned with ipods, cell phones, gift cards, clothes, and money. Not MK! In fact, she was thinking of someone else; she was thinking of Kenzie's little brother in Africa. You see, at the bottom of the fun, festive invitation it read: "NO GIFTS PLEASE. IN LIEU OF A GIFT, MARY KATHERINE WOULD LIKE TO BLESS MACKENZIE PAGE'S FAMILY, TO HELP BRING HER BABY BROTHER HOME FROM ETHIOPIA." Tears, right! How amazing is that! She not only sacrificed her desires for the good of someone else, but allowed her friends to be involved. What a beautiful gift from a beautiful girl! Our hearts are forever changed by such unselfish love. We can't wait to share this story with our son. He is already loved by so many!

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Our sweet little "Rosebud" is turning two today. It brings happy and sad tears to think how my baby has grown! What a blessing she has been to our family. My prayer for you, sweet girl, is that you would "love the Lord with all your heart and seek His face always!" I can't wait to see how God uses this little girl for His glory.

5 Months!

Yesterday was the official marker of five months of waiting. Kenzie made all of us, bracelets in honor of "our little man." Each bracelet was woven with colors that represent the Ethiopian Flag. Until then....we are five hands praying, hoping, and ready to love!

Junk Posse!

Throughout our adoption process, God has brought along people that have been a source of encouragement to our family. Tracy at "Junk Posse" is one of those sweet individuals. From the first moment we spoke, I was overwhelmed with her heart for the orphan. Furthermore, I can't say enough about her beautiful works of art; each piece is unique and personal in every way. This is a woman who is truly using her gifts for God's glory! Recently, I had Tracy design a necklace for me. One that I can wear daily, close to my heart, a reminder of our son in Africa. It has the Amharic word for "love" stamped with a sweet charm of Africa dangling in front. I had the word "agape" inscribed on the back as a reminder of God's gracious love. This is such a treasure!

Tracy has extended an extremely generous offer to our family. She will be donating 30% of her sales to our adoption! Amazing, right? We are humbled and honored that she chose us. So here's how it works. You can buy any piece from Tracy (except the already designated pieces that she has up for non-profits or another specific family) as long as you include "Page Adoption" or "Page Family" in the notes when ordering. Beautiful jewelry for a beautiful cause! Click on the "Junk Posse" picture on the side bar to head over to Tracy's store so you can check out the rest of her amazing work. Don't see anything you want? Consider doing a custom piece! A bracelet, a ring, a key chain, etc. Sky is the limit!! Tracy is so talented; you will not be disappointed.

Here are a few of my favorites to inspire you!

Tracy discovered that Ethiopia looked similar to an angel wing. Only a true artist would recognize that! So creative!

Love the simplicity of this piece!

Beautiful!

This one is precious. Everyone wants to show off their kiddos, right? Especially the Grandparents!

Purchase with a purpose; love it! Check out "Junk Posse." You will not be disappointed.

# 4

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Four months on the wait list are now down. It is hard to imagine that much time has passed, we are so excited to think about the thought of him being home with us. We are also anxious about the months ahead; however, we will find our strength in the Lord. We are so thankful for the community of people God has surrounded us with during this journey.

"The Mamas and the Daughters"

This past weekend was extra special for the Page girls. My girls and I were able to spend some quality time with dear friends on an overnight get-a-way. Kenzie has been planning a trip to the "Family Farm" with friends since my parents purchased the property well over a year ago. Well, her dream finally came true. (Meme was able to join the fun and bring a special friend, as well. ) It all started with a scavenger hunt in Eureka Springs. (We didn't let the 90 degree weather stop us!) Dinner out and ice cream sundaes at the farm. Laughs, crafts, and more laughs. Night games and exploring. Pampering and stories. More food. Staying up late talking. Tye Dyeing. Picnic, swimming, and lots of fun in between. The Mommies had a sweet time of prayer for our girls, as they are starting another school year soon. This was so refreshing and a reminder that God wants to carry our burdens for us all! I am so blessed to have such amazing ladies in my life that love me and my daughters. May these girls live out Romans 12 :9-18..... that they will grow up loving the Lord with all their heart and serving Him always! May they love each other and others more than themselves. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with those in need and make every effort to live in peace. May God get the glory.

"Art for Africa" and "Bows for Brother"

Do you ever have those moments in life where your children amaze you? We are all proud of our kids, and we think they are the best at what ever they are doing...school, sports, or the arts...but this time my girls have gotten perspective. They have learned a lesson, that I wasn't even thinking about when I was the between the ages of 9 and 12...their perspective of giving and sharing has gone to a whole new level.This past spring our oldest daughter MacKenzie along with her friend Sophie took art lessons. Well, one Friday night our family was having our traditional cook-out and MacKenzie announced she wanted to give art lessons to younger children in the neighborhood to raise awareness and money to help bring her brother home from Africa. Floored at the vision and heart of my 12 year old, we began talking about what it could look like and when we could have the art lessons. This past week MacKenzie and Sophie began the art lessons. It has been amazing to see the community and awareness that has been built around the life of our little guy.

Once MacKenzie birthed the thought of her art lessons, Mary Ellen decided she wanted to do something, as well. She has recently learned how to make hair bows and thought that making and selling bows would be a great way to contribute. Well, needless to say every little girl in our neighborhood is wearing a "Bow for Brother." Thanks to facebook...she has gotten some "big orders." More importantly than the money, is the fact that these two sisters are getting the opportunity to tell the story of their brother, who lives in Africa and how we are doing our best to bring him home.

It is amazing how this little guy, in one of the poorest countries in the world, is impacting our life and the people around us.

Scott