Some thoughts...

Hello!

If you haven't figured it out yet... Lois has done all the postings up to this point. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to say, but she said it for me. I have been thinking of a few things and wanted to share some of my thoughts with you.

ADOPTION...
There is tons of paperwork and as difficult as the paperwork was to complete the first time - the second time was much easier! We had our problems, but nothing was as difficult as looking at those books and trying to pick your children. I don't know if you could ever feel the same thing Lois and I felt... you would have to live it yourself. Then the trip to see the boys... it still brings a lump into my throat and a tear to my eye! Maybe the most difficult thing I've ever had to do?

You know as Christians the Bible says we are adopted into God's family... we are grafted in! We are not a part of the chosen people, but we are now! I don't feel adopted - that's because my Father has done such a good job! You know I want my kids never to feel like they are adopted... they will be my kids and I hope they know the love I feel for them is genuine.

FAMILY...
You know I've always thought as Lois and I as a couple - not a family. The truth is once you become a Christian you enter the family of God. The church is much bigger than just the church we belong - Second Church of Christ. People here in Kiev are praying for us... we had people in Nepal praying for us and we have people in the States praying for us... we are fortunate to have so many people love us! I can tell you that I have felt your love and I am thankful for being a part of your family. I pray that one day Lois and I will have children and we can teach them what FAMILY is all about!

SERVING...
I have been spending a fair amount of time reading a Rob Bell book called, "Velvet Elvis." If you haven't read it - I highly recommend it! Rob Bell is the pastor of Mars Hill church in Grand Rapids, MI and it is one of the fastest growing churches in American history... he was 28 years old when he started it and had over 1000 people at the first service. BTW, there was NO advertising the first service - there wasn't even a sign out front of the building. Two years later his church has over 10,000 members! He is doing something right! I tell you this not to impress you - just to let you know that he has been effective... or should I say, God has been effective through him!

I have been moved by his writing and completed his book just yesterday. I'd like to share a few quotes with you... "The church is at its best when it gives itself away." Wow! Can I tell you that is a powerful statement? Well, it is!!! I have felt the love of the church since I have been here and I can tell you it makes me proud to be a believer! People praying for us and crying with us... you are giving and we have received! This idea continues with another quote, " The church doesn't exist for itself; it exists to serve the world. It is not ultimately about the church; it's about all the people God wants to bless through the church. When the church loses sight of this, it loses it heart. This is especially true in the world we live in where so many people are hostile to the church, many for a good reason. We reclaim the church as a blessing machine not only because that is what Jesus intended from the beginning but also because serving people is the only way their perceptions of the church are ever going to change. This is why it is so toxic for the gospel when Christians picket and boycott and complain about how bad the world is. This behavior doesn't help. It makes it worse. It isn't the kind of voice Jesus wants his followers to have in the world. Why blame the dark for being dark? It is far more helpful to ask why the light isn't as bright as it could be."

You are shining bright!

We love you and could not do this on our own! We have a family who loves us and we love you! Keep shining and we will, too!

Love,

Tom (and Lois)