Warthog

This, my friends, is a warthog. For my mother's viewing pleasure. There is a story that goes along with this picture, but you'll just have to be content with this until tomorrow when I post it!

Dance for Jesus

This song on my heart this week...

Love

Thoughts from a Hospital Room... or Six Months.

As I write I'm sitting in a government hospital with a 7 month old on my lap who refuses to eat. Jess and I are on the night shift and are taking turns sleeping and trying to make him eat. Although the situation seems a bit dire, I know we're both hopeful his appetite will kick in and he'll begin to actually absorb the things we're trying to feed him.

We're praying, and hoping, and giving him lots of kisses, and not sleeping.

But all this wakefulness is giving me a lot of time for thinking... and thinking is something I'm doing a lot of.

I've been dwelling a lot on being thankful. Thankful that God brought me here. Thankful for the immense homesickness and pain I experienced my first few months. Thankful for all He taught me through that time. Thankful that He continues to teach me even though it's not so hard anymore. Thankful that He still breaks my heart every day. Thankful for my children. Thankful for the itty bitty blessings He bestows on me all. the. time. Thankful for the friends he's given me who *get* me, and who *get* my hurt, my struggles, my heart.

Thankful that this has become home.

Being here, living here, loving here. It's still almost unreal. This huge and painful blessing God's given me for this season of life. I truly just sit back in wonder at our wonderful, merciful Savior. Who called me out - who still calls me out - told me to GO, and who gave me the strength to obey, and who provided me with the tools to obey, and who still gives me the energy to obey each and every day. He's orchestrated everything perfectly so all the glory goes directly back to Him. I can't claim any of this amazing life I'm living for myself. It's all Him.

And I love it.

I have now lived here for over six months. six. months. When I first arrived that time period seemed insurmountable. I wasn't sure I would be able to survive it. God knew better. I can just imagine Him shaking His head at my foolish mortal thoughts and gently whispering "Don't you know that I've brought you hear for My purpose, dear one? Don't you know this pain, this hurt you're experiencing is all for My glory? Don't you know that I am your All-In-All? Don't you know that I WILL sustain you, uplift you, keep you close in my arms all the time?"

And He did. And He DOES. Amazing...

Six months doesn't seem insurmountable now. Sitting here with this tiny bundle of life, six months feels like what it really is - a drop in the ocean, a short chapter in this incredible life I'm living. And not enough.

Good thing I'm here for three more.

The Hat.

Pius and the gnome hat that's been floating around our home.

This Boy...

Makes my heart go yoli-yoli...

Whaaaaaaat?

I bin sick! Not malaria, but a nasty virus that moonlights as such. Not too much fun.

What happens when you're sick and bored.

I'm pretty artistic.

A well-meaning child brought me this lovely picture of Joseph being seduced by Potiphar's wife. That pretty much made me better on the spot!

I'm definitely on the mend now - thank you for all your prayers!

Love,

Mommy Pippin

Meet Kevin!

Our newest arrival!

Like Nathan, Kevin is very malnourished and has severe TB. But we look forward to seeing him heal as well!

Kevin and Nathan meeting for the first time.

Don't be fooled. They love each other.

Really!

Uncle Derek and his baby!

This is Kevin's face when he's not being held. It's funny.

Please pray for Kevin as he begins to heal!

Love,

Mommy Pippin

What's Up?

What have we been up to lately?

Hospital visits.

Shading.

Breaking our arms. Poor Cathy!

Watching movies.

Taking bathing seriously.

Living.

Playing pretend.

More shading.

Loving.

Playing house.

Aren't they creative?

Being cute.

What have you been up to?

Love,

Mommy Pippin

Remember?

Do you remember these boys? Well, here's what love, food, meds, and Jesus can do in three and a half months! Check out these giggly, smiley little men!

Baby Nathan - 10 months. He still can't sit up on his own, but we're getting there!

Isma - 5. My snuggle bug.

He's pretty much the biggest ham EVAR.

God amazes me SO MUCH everyday. When Isma came, his feet were SO swollen with edema that he couldn't even walk for the pain. Now he RUNS!

Praise Jesus!

These two cuties are absolutely doted upon in our little abode.

We are blessed.

Love,

Mommy Pippin

Babies in Panties

Our baby (toddler, you say? NEVER! Babies always) boys recently got some new "panties" in the mail.

Isma, Moses, Elijah, Josh.

Just a bit of sqeeeeee for your day.

Love,

Mommy Pippin