Happy Emma Rain Day!

Today Emma turned 2 years old and it was a powerful day for us. We pray with her every night before she goes to sleep and it hit me because it was about this time 2 years ago that Emma was left at the orphanage canteen (where the workers eat). It is hard to believe that she has been with us since May 25th because honestly I feel like I have known her forever. To watch her play and laugh and roll around in pure joy everyday is seriously one of the best things I get to see in my life. We have had so many celebrations because we have family all over the country and Saturday we are having another celebration for her birthday and Chinese New Year. 

Jeana has really helped me think more deeply about the roots of Emma's life. What is her mother doing today wondering if her daughter is ok? What is her father thinking about his daughter that he will never see again? Does she have brothers or sisters that miss her? 

I am going to be intense about raising Emma to see herself as part of a world full of needs that we can meet as followers of Christ. One of the things that she will need when she gets older is more exposure to her culture and heritage and hopefully we can give that to her in real practical ways. We are so thankful to God and to all of our family and friends who helped us through the adoption, both emotionally and financially. 

Today is a celebration for you because you are connected to our Emma Rain as well. So enjoy today for it is Emma Rain Day!

Matt

King for a day

So the latest show we have become hooked on is The Tudors. It chronicles the story of Henry VIII and his marriage with Katherine of Aragon and the famous Anne Boleyn. We have watched Season 1 and 2 this week and are eager to see Season 3 later this year. It is amazing to watch what 16th Century England was like and the daily power struggle between the church and the kingdoms of Europe. They do an amazing job of showing people as they probably were including those that killed and did damage in the name of God. The Reformer Martin Luther has already come up and I am sure in Season 3 we will see more of him and the struggle he has with the church. I created this on their website for fun. Enjoy!

Taught by a Toddler

Last night we sat down to eat dinner as a family. Jeana made an incredible meal of noodles, cashew chicken with veggies and egg rolls. We began to eat and about 5 minutes into the meal my daughter Emma (who will turn 2 this month) reached out both of her cashew chicken covered hands and said "pray."  We had forgotten to pray and thank God for the meal. 

I was so humbled. 

We grabbed her hands and I began to pray and thank God for my little girl and her reminding us to be thankful for everything we have. I got the beginning of tears in my eyes when she looked at me and lowered her head to pray and then when we were done she said "amen."

It is incredible what we can learn when we see the world like a little child. Sometimes we "grown ups" can get so consumed by a busy life or a stressful day and forget to thank God for the simple things - food, shelter, warmth, a great family. 

May you stop today with your kids or by yourself and thank God for everything because it all comes from his hand. 

Matt