A time to embrace JOY.

JOY. An emotion that is priceless. It has been indescribable being back for the Holidays with our families. Christmas was simply great. May you enjoy some of our Christmas moments with our beautiful family... camera died right before we got to my parents house for dinner... (I'm sure my mom got great pics)! Spending the last year in Burundi was nice as we shared it with our Chinese, German and Burundian friends; (a Christmas we will never forget as we shared on the book of Luke and saw Gin's eyes light up!) Although this year, it was filled with many many emotions.

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We have the greatest joy in the world knowing we were in the midst of our family in this precious time, at the same time trying to cherish every moment knowing just a week later we are returning back home to Burundi. (That contains a joy all in itself, as we are about to take in precious orphaned children who are so broken)... We always find ourselves divided. Isai continually reminds me "Let your heart be where you are". He explains, when your in America let your heart follow you and not remain in Burundi that we can give our all to those we love. And visa versa of course...

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On a side note, Malaki got dedicated today at our home church "Orlando House of Prayer". We look forward to all the Lord has in store for him. Malaki meaning God's messenger; Daniel meaning God is my judge. A powerful name, for a powerful child of God born with purpose and a calling to help usher in the coming of the Lord.

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Off to Maryland to share and visit with one of our partner churches on Thursday and early next week... we begin our 2 day trip back to Burundi via Ethiopia! We have to sleep in Ethiopia due to our layover; can't wait for Isai and Malaki to see the beauty of this land! All our love...

Hip Dislocation... I think not!

Yes! We took Malaki to a pediatric orthopedic doctor yesterday to get his hip dysplasia checked out... After a few xrays the doctor explained some eye opening things with some future advice on the side; and declared that Malaki's hips are just perfect. He had been previously diagnosed with partial hip dislocation and now everything is aligned and good. Glory be to God.

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It was funny, after months of research and googling things concerning health, Isai and I felt like we knew quite a bit... When talking with the doctor we were explaining how alot of people in Burundi have a limp to their walk and we thought it had to be because of hip dislocation... The interesting thing is, its generally because of tuberculosis. We got Malaki checked out in the first place because of his continual "hip clicking" that we heard ALL THE TIME. The reality is, when there is hip dysplasia, there will be a hip clunk, not click; those very specific words are vital to diagnosing at a young age! Good to know, huh?!?

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In the end, I wonder if we were really connected with that doctor because of Malaki's hip, or because the Lord intends for him to train doctors and medical workers in Burundi one day. Only time will tell, as he continued to ask about the work in Burundi and the needs for medical doctors like himself; you could see a passion in his eyes and a burden in his heart. End of story, Malaki is healthy, happy with 2 front teeth, and strong. This my friends, brings peace and joy to our hearts. All our love...

Malaki Daniel.

Handsome and amazing he is. Often goes by Mal, Kai, Malakiah, Malakiki and the list goes on. Papi's humor and personality, mami's sensitivity and strong will (I think he picks that up from both sides!)... Today I stand grateful for him as I look deep into those brown eyes of his. A joy he has brought to our hearts.

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As we prepare to leave for Burundi our nieces and nephews are asking "will you bring baby Isai with you"; meaning his ashes. They have asked this every time we come back to visit, but this time, yes. We will bring his ashes with us to spread on our land. A place where orphaned children will be restored and given a hope for the future. Amazing pictures of our little one, Trey... a big thanks to you. All our love...