My Sweet Ellie Marie--Cute As Can Be!

As I am wrapping up another busy day, I am missing my Ellie. She went to spend the night with her friend Anna Beth tonight and to attend a concert at Duke University, where Anna Beth was performing. I just wanted to take a minute to brag on my Sweet Ellie. She is like the wind beneath my wings in my home. She is always full of joy, laughter, compassion and love! She is my right hand lady. Because we home school, we spend a lot of time together...practically 24/7. She is so smart, musically gifted, athletic, funny and a real joy to be with. She is like a second mama to our baby boys. She has such a heart for children and especially the orphan. She has played a major role in Jerry & me pursuing this adoption journey. We originally started with China a few years ago, because she really wanted a Chinese baby sister. We were rejected from the program in January, 2007 due to our ages. When this happened I really thought we were done having children. It was due to Ellie's persistence that I finally went to the Lord and asked him to clarify that we were done so that my Sweet Ellie would not keep her hopes up. It was a total shock when HE spoke through Job 42 and told me to go rescue Keziah & Keren. So, my Ellie has played a vital role in this journey which is why she will come with us to Ethiopia.

Since our journey began, she started a drive to collect clothes and items needed for the orphanage. She has been communicating with Mary T. and asking what the needs are there. She put a giant box a our local home school store and has been telling people about the needs there. A friend of mine works at the local charter school in the charity fundraising department and she offered to help Ellie by having a fundraiser at her school. Ellie did some research and talked with Mary T. at Gladney and decided to raise money for the library they want to build at the older boys orphanage. Well, they just finished their drive and Franklin Academy delivered $1000 to Ellie for the Gladney Center. I AM SO PROUD OF HER!!

We also have a lot of clothing, diapers, etc. to take to Gladney and now the dilemma is how to get it all on the plane without costing us a bundle for overweight luggage fees. We have three of us traveling there, but we also need to bring everything for our three babies for the entire stay there. (Clothes, diapers, formula, toys, etc.)Ryan and Abby are going to have to bring a truck to pick us up at the airport :)

She has also become a pro at this blogging stuff. She has taught herself how to design, make videos, slide shows, etc. She has just gotten so passionate about all of this and we are all amazed at her expertise. Jerry & I are now calling her to help us with our blog and posts on a regular basis. Besides all of these wonderful attributes, the most important thing about Ellie is that she loves the Lord Jesus Christ and claims Him as her savior. What more could a mother possibly ask for?? I thank God with all my heart for giving me the gift of Ellie Marie. (As well as Melissa, Randy, Jonathan, Jeremiah, James, Josiah Abel, Keziah Selam, Keren Fikir and my dear husband Jerry!) I am truly Blessed!