Waiting is hard for adults and for kids. In an effort to wrap their brains around how long 6 months is, the kids worked hard today on paper chains to count down the days until we receive a referral. Those that know us well won't be surprised that we found a way to make a competition out of it. We made chains for everyday for the next 6 months. (We have been told to estimate a 1-6 month wait for a referral)

Each child wrote their name on one of the chains and the one that is closest was going to win a prize! Hill thought we should open it up to anyone that wants to participate:) So, if you are in for a little friendly competition (and $20 cash)-- write a date between September 1st and February 29th in the comments section (you could be mean and pick a later date- we won't like it, but it could happen). For those unfamiliar with posting a comment- click on the word comments at the end of this post and write your guess. You will need to either sign in with a google account or you can sign in as anonymous-- be sure to include your name in your post if you do this so we know whose name to write down!!!

The person whose name is closest to our referral date will win the cash and the coveted title "Alexander Referral Contest Winner"!! The kids are really excited about reading the comments and then writing down names--so please join the fun.

I love how creative kids can be if given a few boxes and hours of time! The plan was to make a fort, and then sleep in it with the dogs. Issy ended up in our bed-- and so did two of the dogs:) Memories are being made! I think we will need a few more boxes and a larger fort to fit two more kids in there:)

My sweet friend Kristin just got back from several weeks in Zambia. She is the friend that the Lord used greatly to open the floodgate on our hearts and draw us towards adoption. It was watching the video from Family Legacy Missions (organization she went with to Africa) that Issy started asking if we could bring all of the orphans home. We told the kids to start praying, and pray they did.......they were ready immediately, then the Lord confirmed it in my heart, and finally dad got on board. We are all 100% convinced that this is a gift from God, and for that we are incredibly grateful.

Last night Kristin had a fellowship to share with her friends about her time in Africa. This trip changed her in powerful ways and it was a blessing to hear all about her two weeks in Zambia. Family Legacy Missions operate week long camps for orphans in Zambia (counselors are given a group of about 10 kids each session) and really have the opportunity to pour into their kids and share the love, hope and truth of the gospel. Many of these kids have never had anyone hug them or tell them that they love them. Many embrace the hope that is offered to them in Christ and for the first time feel valuable, worthy and loved. To see the tears in Kristin's eyes as she talked about her precious girls and her deep, deep love and affection for them was amazing. She hated to leave them, and prays she will have the opportunity to return.

A really great project that they have started this year is a sponsorship and child development program for all of the kids that attend camp. For $36 a month you can provide food assistance, education, health and medical services and regular spiritual discipleship training. How cool is that?? They are hiring and training Zambians to mentor the kids that get sponsored. The kids will be trained in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and prayerfully turn around and do the same. Think how this can help change this nation!! I love how Family Legacy Missions is committed to the long-term impact on these precious children's lives. I do ask you to pray for the girls that our children picked out last night to sponsor. Faidess is 12 and Aliness is 11. They both accepted Christ at camp and I'm so excited that they will be followed up with as they have very daunting circumstances in Zambia. Pray for Kristin too as her heart aches for Zambia and the girls she grew to love.

As I watched that video months ago, one particular boy tugged at my heart. His name is Kelvin and he was 13 years old. He sang this song about loving and serving the Lord with a steady stream of tears falling down his face. I was so convicted of his sincere love for Jesus, and his ability to love and praise him without the distractions of the world. He literally had nothing except his hope in Christ. I told Kristin to please find out about Kelvin, and I prayed that he had been adopted or was doing well still in Zambia. Below is a picture of Kelvin! Kristin found him and he is doing awesome. He is actually what they call a deacon at camp. The deacons help out at camp and love on the kids. The video was over 4 years old so he is probably 18 now. Can you believe how cute he is-- the light of Jesus radiates through him.

Kristin has put an amazing video together, and I will be getting several dvd's to share with others about this incredible opportunity to serve. I challenge you to consider going to Zambia sometime to minister to these kids at Camp Life or to sponsor a child through their new program. Kristin still has several of her girls available to sponsor, if you are interested email me.

I'm encouraged by Kristin's faithfulness to serve, and for the opportunity to walk through this journey with her. She is a professional photographer and it shows in how she captured these kids. Click here to see her website.