GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!

I know that God answers prayers, but when something happens that is so clearly an answer to prayer, it is SO exciting! Here's the story....

About a year and a half ago, Shaun and I made the decision to trust God with a major part of our finances. We decided to no longer save toward a vehicle that we knew we would be needing in the future, but to instead, trust that the Lord would provide a vehicle at no cost to us. This decision enabled us to give more each month to a couple of organizations that further the cause of Christ around the world.

So, we've continued to pray that when the time came that we needed a different vehicle (I was still driving the car that my parents gave me in college, a 2000 Kia Spectra) one would be given to us. We had no idea how this would happen, but we've heard too many stories from other people of God providing in big ways to not have faith that He could do it this time.

Now that we have decided to become foster parents, and we have a dog, we realized the time was coming to get a bigger vehicle, preferrably a mini-van because we take long trips and a mini-van seemed like the most practical vehicle for our needs. We started to share our need with family and friends as opportunities presented themselves.

On December 23rd we were having dinner with some friends in Illinois, and I decided it wouldn't hurt to bring up our vehicle need to them, just in case they knew of someone who had a mini-van available. Next thing we knew, our friend Jim was on the phone with his sister asking her about 2 vans she has that she was thinking of selling soon. After he got off the phone he told us that his sister might consider trading our Kia for one of her Dodge Caravan mini-vans! We felt as though this could be the way that God was answering our prayers, so we told him go ahead and see if his sister would seriously consider trading. He said he'd call her back and he'd get back to us in the next couple of days. We were leaving for Colorado on December 26th, so if this was going to happen it would have to happen quick!

Christmas morning we received a call from Jim saying that his sister would be willing to trade us for one of her vans. That night we drove to her house to check out the vans and next thing you know we were driving away in a mini-van! I have affectionately named our "new" van THE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER because it's a maroonish-purple color.

It is exciting to see God answer prayers is such clear ways. We are getting more and more excited to welcome a child into our home and drive him/her around in a spacious van :-) I know most people don't think mini-vans are cool, but we consider it a great blessing to receive this gift.

Here's to the Holidays

Shaun and I really enjoy the holidays because it is a time to see our family. We don't live nearby any of our family, so it really is a special treat when we get to see our parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

Thanksgiving in Texas with my brother and sister-in-law was great fun. I have an active family so we spent our time taking walks, playing disc golf, and riding bikes.....when we weren't filling our bellies of course!

Here is a family picture from Thanksgiving Day.

Tomorrow we leave for a 2 1/2 week trip back to IL. We are stopping in KS for a couple of days to visit my sister's family and to speak at a church that supports us. Then on to IL for a friend's wedding, family time, and of course Christmas! On Dec. 13th we are hosting an open house for anyone who wants to come. Here is the invitation we sent out to those of you who may not have received it. If you don't live near Elmhurst, it could be difficult to make it, but know that we greatly appreciate all of your prayers and support over the past year!  Merry Christmas!