Sometimes you have friends that become family b/c you have shared so much together. Mel and Justin are some of those friends. Mel and I have been friends since our first year of college, we played basketball at Simpson, were roomies for a few years and did ministry together. Justin came on staff at Redding Christian Fellowship as the Jr. High Pastor and shared an office w/ Jeff and playing ping pong during their lunch break was just the beginning. Justin and Melissa said they were "just friends" for awhile, then realized they were best of friends and didn't want to walk this journey of life without each other! Jeff and I stood up w/ them in their wedding and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have been apart of.
We did life together, ministry together, bought houses together, tried to get pregnant together...well, not together, at the same time...you know what I mean! After a year, Jeff and I got pregnant w/ Caleb. They rejoiced w/ us. Then 7 months after Caleb was born, we got pregnant again w/ Samaria. They rejoiced w/ us, despite the reminder our 2nd pregnancy was that they still did not have a child of their own.
Countless nights Jeff and I pleaded w/ God on their behalf, knowing they would be AMAZING parents and they would love and provide only the most and best they possibly could for their children.
God answered their prayers, our prayers, and countless others prayers!!! Hank and Jack were placed in their home this Feb! You can read their account of the
journey to expand their family. Its an amazing one that only God could have called them to, giving them exactly what they needed when they needed it.
All this to say, we got to meet the boys!!! We made a trip up shortly after Hank was placed i
n their home just me and the kids. Then later in early March Jeff was able to come so we could all meet Jack! I can't tell you the tears of joy cried when seeing Mel and Justin love these boys for the first time. Gods faithfulnees lived out in these two little boys...boys that have been prayed for and desired for years, longed for, before they were even born.
My little sister, Jean Louise is living out at 5 Rock Ranch and she is loving it! I can't believe how much she has grown and matured in her time out there. She is responsible for a number of things from cleaning bunk houses, cooking, part of the team pulling pull off events, in a Bible study w/ other young women her age and living in community w/ other people that are pursuing God. We went to visit her in March and had a great time! The kids love seeing Tia at 5 Rock!
God answered their prayers, our prayers, and countless others prayers!!! Hank and Jack were placed in their home this Feb! You can read their account of the journey to expand their family. Its an amazing one that only God could have called them to, giving them exactly what they needed when they needed it.
n their home just me and the kids. Then later in early March Jeff was able to come so we could all meet Jack! I can't tell you the tears of joy cried when seeing Mel and Justin love these boys for the first time. Gods faithfulnees lived out in these two little boys...boys that have been prayed for and desired for years, longed for, before they were even born.
This month started out w/ a visit from some of my favorite girls in all the land. The Miller girls came up to visit us from Redding, CA. Caleb and Samaria love them dearly (they believe Mattie and Ches are their cousins) but then it gets awkward when Caleb talks about not knowing which one of the girls to marry. Everything from pillow fights to the Gilbert House...we had a blast!
So, its been awhile since I last did a blog post. I have decided to look back at this year and bring you all up to speed on the happenings in the Brown journey month by month w/ a few pics and some highlights.
w Jeff at the Oregon Coast. (Courtsey of Ryan and Mandee Wilmot) We had the honor of doing their premarital counseling, Jeff married them, dj'd their wedding and I coordinated, in return they stayed w/ our kids and provided a place for us to get away at Neskowin in this adorable apartment w/ a Murphy bed! (the cool kind that folds out of the wall!) I LOVE BARTERING!!! The kids had a blast, we did too, and I think it will be awhile before Ryan and Mandee have kids!
My Dad and his wife, Karen came up for Christmas Eve service. The kids were excited for time w/ Grandpa & Grandma Santos.
Caleb and Samaria made graham cracker houses...they had a BLAST!
Caleb was thrilled to show Hudson Hornet and McQueen to Santa, he didn't even ask for presents, he just told Santa about his Cars...lol
Samaria was freaked out by Santa, so I went w/ her...she still kept her distance!
Buddy trying to give sisi kisses...she was not very receptive :)
Santa Claus brought our entire family tie dye undies...or maybe Aelix (girl in my discipleship group) helped me tie dye undies and socks too!
Buddy trying to trace his body on the easel w/ chalk...
Samaria baking cookies in her new kitchen from Santa...ok, maybe Daddy made it for her and Santa took the credit. Great job husband!!!
