MESTAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - BACK AT SCHOOL

How cute are they?!We are in a co-op group with several other home school families that now meets every Friday. This is our second year using Tapestry of Grace curriculum and we are loving it. Ellie is in the 10th grade class with some of her friends that were in her preschool coop class. It is wonderful to have such good friends that are still making memories and studying together. The boys are in a Kindergarten class and the girls are in a nursery class. Fridays are extremely busy for us now.

I have been absolutely amazed at just how much the children have learned in this past year. With all of the adoption mania that has taken place over the last year I was afraid the boys were not getting enough time, attention and schooling. But yet again, the Lord has shown himself so faithful. They have learned so much in the little bits and pieces that I was squeezing in here and there. They know the alphabet, they are writing, they are beginning to spell and read already. Even Josiah is speaking English so much better and communicating so well.He knows all the colors, counting, alphabet, and just about everything the boys are doing. He is right on their level. They all have worked a lot on their drawing, coloring, cutting, pasting, painting, and overall artistic abilities all summer. They are all budding artists. Our house is plastered with art work in every room! We also did a lot of music and dancing this summer. We read lots of books and hunted for lightning bugs every night for the month of June. We rode bikes, played out in the rain, went to Myrtle & Wilmington Beach, and took a road trip to Tennessee. We had relatives from out of town stay with us and we had a wonderful time. This was our first summer with our new three additions and they loved swimming in the pool. Josiah is a fish!

We have had a wonderful summer of fun, laughter, some sorrow, some trials,lots of sweet fellowship and lots of Popsicles. It was too hot to be outside very much so we spent a lot of time in the AC and with each other. The three boys are inseparable and the girls are wanting to do everything they do as well. It's changing from a threesome to a fivesome! We are blessed more than we deserve!

Red Letters - Tom Davis Video

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Focus On The Family & Steven Curtis Chapman

Focus on the Family Interview to Air

Tune in and receive a blessing as Steven Shares their journey of faith through this tragedy.

(This post is from Jim Houser, Assistant to SCC)
I'm told by stellar producer Jacci at Focus on the Family that the interview with Steven and Dr. James Dobson is planned to air over three days this week, August 25 - 27, Monday - Wednesday. Here is the link to listen to the program.

This means that practically every word of the compelling conversation will air. And you will not want to miss it. Dr. Dobson isn't in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame because he doesn't know how to use a microphone : ) Dr. Dobson is a tremendous interviewer, and gave Steven the time he needed to expound on stories you may have heard portions of (on GMA, Larry King or in People Magazine) previously. He also allowed Steven time to tell some of the experiences you haven't yet heard yet. He's been a strong friend to the Chapmans through this difficult time.

Additionally, listen on August 22nd, tomorrow, for a re-air of a conversation the Chapmans had with Dr. Dobson a few years back on adoption and Shaohannah's Hope.

Larry King's Response to the Chapman's Interview

I have attached the "ABOUT LAST NIGHT" comment by Larry King after he interviewed Steven Curtis Chapman and his family a couple of weeks ago. It is so encouraging and testifies to the importance of us "SPEAKING OUT LOUD" and sharing our faith even in the midst of trails. Too often we are quiet out of fear of judgement, shame, or for believing lies from the evil one. The Lord has spoken to me about how HIS people have eyes to see, but they don't see me, they have ears to hear, but they don't hear me, and they lack faith to do my will. This is such a testimony to what the LORD can do when we trust him in the midst of a trial and choose to be humble & transparent yet speak out loud and testify to HIS work and HIS plan not ours!

I encourage you to watch the 90 second video which was recorded after the Chapman interview which can be accessed by clicking here.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Today's letter from Solomon and Another Update

Hello my dear mom,

Mom, How are you? I told Aschalew about you and I given to him your picture. He likes you very much. I told him everything you did for me. He said that " I can't wait to see your mom she is really good". yes you are really good mom. You are special gift for me from God. I don't want to lose you any more. That is my always prayer.

Mom, God met us for a reason so, I am sure I live with you one day but it takes a time.

I asked Habtamu if he would be interested to come there. His answer is yes. He is very happy about that to live with you. He finished his exam 2 weeks ago. So now he spent his time in the campus.

In Ethiopia this time it is winter so, it is very cold. I slept to my bed and thinks about you. I cry to God, you put me with her why don't you show me your miracle? I want to live with my mom. I know that God listen me also I know one day this comes to be true . Until then your picture and love with me. I will talk to you soon mom!!!!!


your son Solomon,
to my dear mom Eileen

UPDATE

Friday afternoon Melissa, baby Vaden and I drove to Asheville, NC to the Biltmore Estate to see Steven Curtis Chapman in Concert and to visit with Ellie and the girls who went to China with Shaohannah's Hope. While driving, Melissa received a phone call from a client for whom she is doing photography work. While she was talking to him, I heard the little voice say, "Take the phone and talk to him about Solomon, he may be able to help you." So, I did! Here is how the conversation went:

"Hello Justin, my name is Eileen and I understand you are in the business of networking different Christian organizations. Can you tell me what it is you do?" Justin proceeded to explain he is putting together a directory of various ministries in the Raleigh area and he also helps with fundraising for various ministries. He likes to help the prosperous find ways to help the poor.

This seemed to fall into line with where the Lord has taken us, so I shared some of our testimony of adoption and Kolfe, and the recent call I believe the Lord has given us to help get these boys here as exchange students. He responded with, "I just got an email this morning from a man here in Raleigh who is bringing a young man from Ethiopia here as an exchange student and we just found a host family today!!" I immediately got goosebumps and tears in my eyes as I felt like the Lord was right there at work in the car with us!! So, he is now setting up a meeting this week for us to meet and talk about how to bring Solomon and Habtamu here. DO YOU SEE GOD???? Stay tuned as this journey continues!!! And PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!

Chapman Family Update


The concert with Steven Curtis Chapman was absolutely wonderful. It was a true worship service to the Lord. We were outside, on the lawn of the Biltmore Estate, mountains all around with a beautiful sunset with the sound of SCC praising and singing to the Lord. It was absolutely wonderful. We then had the privilege of visiting with Steven, Will, Caleb and David for about 45 minutes. The Chapman famiy is doing better every day. They are still grieving and asking many questions as to "WHY?" They are totally leaning on the LORD and not their own understanding.
Steven Will and Caleb Chapman


Press Release going to media shortly
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & FAMILY OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO AMERICA
Family to Appear on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, LARRY KING LIVE and in PEOPLE magazine

New Single “Yours” goes to radio and DSPs with Additional Verse

NASHVILLE, TN....AUGUST 4, 2008....GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth, and eldest children Emily, Caleb, and Will, will soon be opening their hearts to America about the loss of their daughter and sister Maria Chapman this past May 21st. GOOD MORNING AMERICA will air a special interview with Robin Roberts from The Chapman’s home in Franklin on August 6th, followed by a live interview from Los Angeles on LARRY KING LIVE on August 7th, and an extensive feature in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE magazine. The decision to speak publicly was not an easy one, and these will be the first interviews the family has participated in since Maria’s death.

“Initially Steven talked about never doing any concerts or media ever again,” comments Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager. “But quickly God began to show Steven that if he ever believed the songs he was writing, singing and recording before May 21st and Maria’s loss, that they must still be true now. It’s the family’s hope that these appearances with serve as a chance to proclaim to a watching world what they know and are deeply convinced of even in these difficult days, the Gospel is true and faith in Christ is our Hope.”

As a part of the family’s acknowledgement of the tragedy and God’s faithfulness to them through this difficult time, Chapman has also written a new verse to his song "Yours" from his current project, “THIS MOMENT”:

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

“Yours” is the follow-up single to his hit “Cinderella,” a song written about Maria and her sisters, for which Chapman is also now changing the poignant last line in life performance to “’Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight/But the truth is... The dance goes on.” “Yours” will be available for purchase via digital service providers including iTunes ®, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, etc. as of August 5th, with 100% of Chapman’s royalties from the sales of this single being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Producer Matt Bronlewee and co-writer on “Yours” Jonas Myrin have also joined the effort with 100% of their royalties from the single going to Shaohannah’s Hope, and additionally monies received by Sparrow records from the sales of this single, after deduction of expenses and royalties, will be donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Shaohannah’s Hope is a 501C(3) organization whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and as of July 2008 has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans in the United States and around the world. For more details on Maria’s Miracle Fund and Shaohannah’s Hope, please visit www.showhope.org. And Please keep the Chapmans in your prayers too!!!

Steven & David with my grandson Vaden and top photo with Ellie and the girls that went to China with her.

The beautiful Sunset at the Biltmore

Solomons Recent Letter & Update

Hello My Dear Mom,

Mom, I am so sorry what happend to your father. Don't worry he will be alright soon. God have his own plan when he did somethig. If you are walking by faith you will get whatever you need. I learnt this from you.

Mom, I don't forget the day that we met together. By nature I am shy but in that day I don't know where I got strength. I talked with you many things. When you kised me and told me everything was very special for me. because no one treated me like that. that is why I am amazed. I don't know if Ellie remember this or not but I told to her "Oh! your mom is a good mother". Yes, I was right. You are a good mom. I am proud by you mom and thanks God to gave me you. Mom when I think of you tears come to my eyes. You know why? because I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!.

I have winter break right now. So, I spend my time by studying what I learn the past year. I told to Ryan your message. He also say to you Hi and he will email for you soon.

Mom, I have only one year to say to Kolfe. I will graduate next year. Then I will leave from Kolfe. This time I am thinking how can I live outside with the society? What can I do? I am fear because it is new life for me. I don't know how you can help me but I need your help. I told you before no one beside me except you that why I raised this question for you. I need some clothes. Our campus have a shortage of budget to buy clothes because of higher inflation crisis. I have clothes that you sent for me but I need trousers and shoes.

Mom, I love you and pray for you. I miss you very much. I am very happy because of God brought you in my life. i hope for you Love, Peace and long life for you my dear mom.


FORM YOUR SON SOLOMON,
TO MY DEAR MOM EILEEN.

We are researching and I am praying with everything in me to bring Solomon here as an exchange student. We are in the infant stages of research and I have sent emails and put the fleece out. Last night I was up till 3:a.m. working on this and during my quiet time today I surrendered to Lord saying "LORD you have to do this because we can't. We can't afford to pay for his expenses and college tuition as well. WE need a miracle Lord and only you can make this happen. Then today out of the clear blue someone sent this email.




Eileen,

I was wondering if you could tell me what you know about why Solomon cannot come to the US. My husband is a college professor and is trying to put together some type of program to educate the older orphans of Ethiopia. The college he teaches at has offered a scholarship for 4 or 5 boys to come and take courses. We would like to know if it's possible to bring these boys here.
Of course, the other alternative is to set up some sort of education system specifically for them in Ethiopia.
We just want to explore all of the possibilities.



WOW WOW WOW!!! This is from someone that I have not emailed!!! Please Please Please join us in prayer and ask GOD for a MIRACLE to bring Solomon and possibly Habtamu as well as exchange students. This is all new territory for me, I don't know anything about this but I am going to do everything in my power to ask God for this opportunity for Solomon and Habtamu.

TWO WEEKS ALONE WITH 5 CHILDREN UNDER 5 YRS!!!

While I was preparing for the first time to be all alone with our five Little's for two weeks, I was planning to call and schedule some friends to come and help. There have been so many great friends who have told me to just call on them when we need help. So, I have a little list. Jerry kept asking me who I was going to schedule while he and Jonathan were in Colorado and Ellie was in China. But, every time I tried to plan it I just had no peace about calling anyone. I thought I was just too busy and would eventually get it scheduled but, every time I tried, I just had no peace about it. As I was praying one night, it was as if the Lord said He wanted me to do this alone, just with HIM, that HE had something HE wanted to teach me in this! I felt like I was to just take one day at a time, pray for everything I needed and to stay home and enjoy these precious children. I have to admit I was very scared!! I haven't been all alone with 5 children under five for two weeks in my entire life. Not only taking care of the kids, but doing all the chores, cooking, shopping and even taking out the huge heavy trash cans every week...we make a lot of trash and they are very heavy!! So, I prayed for strength, patience, good health, rest and most of all to be a blessing to these kids and not a screaming, stressed out nightmare. I had a fear that I was going to be so stressed out and exhausted that I would loose it. But as usual, I was wrong and worried for no reason. Why don't I trust in HIM more??? He always proves himself to be faithful!!

I am amazed at how well the two weeks went. I felt strangely calm and peaceful and I intentionally made time to sit and play with them, talk with them, listen to them and really enjoy them. When everyone is home, there is a lot more noise, stress and business. It is difficult to just focus on them because I have so many other people needing something from me, or just having many other interruptions. I was very relaxed and we really had a lot of fun. We worked on the alphabet, writing, art projects, play-doh, music time, dancing, singing, ate out under the tent on our back deck, played in the rain, watched movies, read and walked and rode bikes. Every night when I put them all down, I was exhausted, but I was sincerely shocked that the day when so well and I THANKED GOD! Each day I was so surprised because I fully expected the following day couldn't go so well again.

One morning I woke up to the boys shaking me saying; "MAMA, come on, we have a surprise for you, come quick." I opened my eyes to see that the three little men were already dressed in their matching outfits. The twinettes were still asleep. They held my hand and walked me down the hallway to show off that their beds were already made and their room was spotless. Then it was downstairs to the kitchen where they had worked as a team, to make breakfast!! They had the table set with bowls full of cereal and milk already in it, napkins, cups, spoons and even a can of peaches. Jeremiah said; "Look Mama, I even put out the peaches cause we have to feed our bodies good stuff too, right". I stood there in shock! They have never done anything like this before. The twins have seen Jerry and the older kids do breakfast and surprise me on special occasions but, never have they done anything like this on their own and without adult supervision. The three of them, James & Jeremiah 5 yrs old now, and Josiah only 3 yrs. old, stood there looking at me so proud and happy waiting for me to sit down and eat with them. As I did, my eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with love and joy as it seemed like I heard a whisper from the Lord saying "SEE I DIDN'T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE!!" I sat with the boys eating soggy cheerios and choking on my tears. I THANKED MY GOD" for radically changing my world when HE told me to step out in faith and rescue these orphans. HE clearly told us to pursue adoption and when I think back at how we struggled with fear of the unknown on this journey I am so ashamed. HE knew all along that HE had these blessings in store for me and I am so grateful. In the words of Kay Warren, I have been "GLORIOUSLY RUINED" for the plight of the orphan and I shudder to think of what my life would be like if I didn't have these precious children. I no longer have fear or anxiety about being alone with my 5 Littles. They are absolutely amazing children!! I have yet again entered into a deeper level of understanding, peace, love and faith as a result of this wonderful experience.

PSALM 61-1&2

"HEAR MY CRY, O GOD; ATTEND UNTO MY PRAYER. FROM THE END OF THE EARTH WILL I CRY UNTO THEE, WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED; LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I. FOR THOU HAST BEEN A SHELTER FOR ME, AND A STRONG TOWER FROM THE ENEMY."