Softball, Church camp, and fun

July 28 and school needs to start again!  But honestly, the kids have had a pretty good summer, but are getting bored and needing something to do besides tv, video games, chores, and goofing off.  They have had some good times though.  Jazmin and Judi's softball teams both won trophies in their divisions, so the season ended with a bang.

We also went to Florida for vacation....first time Ning has seen the ocean.  He never acts like anything impresses him, but we saw some smiles and he played in the sand and water...it was a really good time.

Right after vacation, Ning had a new experience....church camp!  Now, remember, Ning does not believe in Jesus....he was raised with no religion at all.  He goes to church and a Chinese Christian church, but has so far remained resistant to God's Word.  So it was a surprise when he asked to go "camping" with his best friend, Seth.  Actually, we already knew, but we always wait for Ning to ask if he really wants something or it doesn't happen.  So he asked.  NOT because he really wanted to go to church camp, and in fact, we didn't think he was quite ready for such an intense "God" time, but Seth's parents wanted him to go, and he wanted Ning and Ning being the good friend he is, suffered for his friend, lol.  Here are some pictures from that camp.  Both boys said they did not like it and didn't have a good time, but these pictures prove they just might have had a little bit of fun and maybe, just maybe, a little of God's love for them stole into their hearts.

Another change in the household is that after 8 years, a new job opportunity knocked on the door for Jr.  He decided to go for it, as it is a nice bump in pay, but the downside is he is away from us more and gone overnight 2 nights.  Because of the timing and the way the job came about, we felt it was an answer to some financial prayers and couldn't turn away.   My hours at the hospital have been reduced for several months due to budget concerns, so the new job was truly a blessing.  

Last but not least, our new adventure (we hope).  Jr and I have always wanted to host an exchange student and since it seems our adopting days may be finally done, it seems like a good time.  We were going to wait perhaps until it was just the girls at home, but as we realize Ning will probably be staying put until he feels able to tackle the big bad world, why put those dreams on hold until "just the right time"? There is no such thing!  After some glitches, we are praying for approval for a student from China who sounds like she'd be a wonderful addition to our family for 9 months and an asset to our school.  Please keep us in your prayers for approval!

Until next time.......