Hi, friends!
Our Fall-themed blog hop continues with a DIY Wheat Bundle by Lucy over at Craftberry Bush today:
It’s a fun and easy project, and adds such a soft and simple touch of Fall. Now if only she could teach me how to make that flower arrangement, too! 😀
(Photo by: Hello Baby)
I haven’t had much time for crafting this month, but while I was looking back at previous projects I shared, I came across that photo of Kevin and I from the Fall of 2010. We were just about to go to Peru and meet the little girl we sponsored through Compassion. I remember feeling *so* anxious during that season. About health issues I was having (turns out they were a result of the anxiousness!), about the flight (I hadn’t flown in 10 years at that point because of a really scary experience I had had at 20,000 feet), about the trip (I had never traveled Internationally before), and about meeting a little girl whose childhood was so different than mine. (In good and (mostly) not-so-good ways.)
The whole thing was waaay outside my comfort zone, but the trip went well, and it taught me a lot about love, and service, and trusting God as I step through the doors He opens.
A few years later, there was a lot of anxiousness throughout our journey to Steevenson too. More health issues, more flights, more trips, more babe’s whose childhood had unfolded a lot differently than mine.
(Summer 2013)
(Summer 2017)
There were a lot more doors to step through in that adventure, but, of course, that little boy was worth the effort & time it took to pass through every one. He is funny and magnetic and sweet. Extroverted to the max. He gets energized and recharges by hanging out *with* people. Completely the opposite of me and Kevin, who require alone time to re-boot after social interactions. He keeps us on our toes, and God has already used him in such mighty ways in his short little life.
The three of us have been chatting a lot (with each other and God) about if and how our family might expand in the future. (Or is it God whose “chatting” with/through us?) On a whim (or was it?), I texted my friend Joy to see when the next round of foster care classes might be starting (they only have them every few months here) and wouldn’t you know she replied, “tonight“.
So here’s to another open door…and the One who continues to shape the story that’s revealed on the other side.
To be continued…
Layla
How exciting! Thank you for the update Layla. May I ask if you and your husband plan any new T-Shirts in the near future? I own quiet a few and would love to keep adding. Many blessings, Iris
Thank you, Iris! Kevin literally *just* ordered a heat press YESTERDAY so that he could make more!!! 😀
All I say is “way to listen” for God’s voice! Isaiah 30:21
I love your story, thanks for sharing such personal glimpses into your lives!
Check out the modern mrs darcy blog. She’s just posted about families mixing introverts and extroverts (sort of, she explains it much better) and written a book that might interest you.
Well, EEK! That’s so exciting.
Exciting! I’ve loved watching your family evolve. Best wishes to you!
Also, your Instagram stories are the best. I mean…the coyote?! Hilarious!
Could there be even more joy possible?? God’s way is the perfect way for those who truly listen.
Yay! Exciting news and possibilities. Prayers for all that’s needed to foster and hopefully adopt, a rough but rewarding process. After your four year journey to Steevenson you are a veteran!
I have goosebumps after reading this! HE’S working!!
Oh my! I couldn’t be more excited for you three! I will start praying for continued open doors on this new exciting journey! What a blessing you thre will be for that special
Child/children!
❤️ Love your story and you and your family are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
“the One who continues to shape the story that’s revealed on the ther side.” That is beautiful Layla. Good luck tonight! xoxoxo
God is at work! I love reading your blog. I am a foster mama too! I would love to pray for your family in this. God knows what he’s doing! It’s been the greatest way we’ve seen God show us how he loves us as we foster and show his love to another! I know HE will lead your family! “ALL His ways are loving and are faithful.”
We started the foster classes *tonight!* too!
Happy journey to you!
I forgot how little Steevenson was when you first met him. And now he’s so big! No matter how many you have, they are each so unique and it’s fun to watch their personalities develop even more over time. Is it hard to recall what your life was like before Steevenson? I always forget.
That’s wonderful! All the best to your family!!