There are things which cause your mind to “flash back” to the past.  This story caused my mind to LEAP backwards to a time in our country that THIS was common thought.  A time when children who were born with a disability were cast aside and stuck in institutions.  Praise God that so many hearts of people in the US have changed (though we still have a LONG way to go).  Please pray for little Kirill.  He is in an orphanage in Russia and his parents are trying to adopt him, but the judge of that region said “no” because he “is better off in an institution because he has Down Syndrome”.  

Please take time to read this short but ever important story that will literally change history in Russia. This link explains the details of the story.  As I write this blog entry it is 9:30 eastern time.  It is 5:30 AM in Russia.  That means it is already Wednesday there, a day of GREAT IMPORTANTANCE in history of adoptions.

click here 

http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2011/03/will-you-join-us.html

Just like Esther, we can gather together to change the heart of the leader in the land.  Join our family—YES we are doing this as a whole family—all day Wednesday praying and fasting for Kirill and all the children to follow in his footsteps.

Thank you!

Initiative               Creativity                  Flexibility              Hospitality

Joyfulness            Availability                Orderliness           Dependability

For years now we have wanted to get to know other families in our homeschooling network, but how to you get started.  Do you just cold-call someone and invite them over for dinner.  Although our family is NOT shy, that might creep someone else out a little!  So we decided that other families might want the same thing, we just needed something to get the ball rolling.

So we chose a date, February 26th 20111, and sent out an email to all ATI families within the few surrounding states.  Then we prayed that God would open up everyone’s schedule and we would be able to gather as many as possible to join in fellowship, food and fun.

You could say the month prior was LOADED with things that could keep our family, as well as other families, from coming.  We were determined not to let that happen.  Step out and step forward!!!

We had everyone bring a side or dessert to share, and we provided the main dish and drinks.  We organized the time (thank you to our friends at FEW for some great ideas) and set the plan in motion.  There would be a time for fellowship at the beginning and the end, there would be organized games for everyone to participate in , a meal, some sharing about ALERT cadet, and a time for families to get together and pray for each other. 

You will see in the pictures below that it was nothing fancy- just fun.  You may also notice a few funny pictures of people during game time.  For our first game, we had pre-wrapped boxes in layers and layers of paper. You had to wear oven mitts to open it- each person had 30 seconds to try.  Inside the box was a prize for the person who got it open (candy) and a prize for the whole table (marshmallows).  Our second game was scripture memory.  We had each group memorize Proverbs 15:2 (it’s a tongue twister) “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness”.  Then we had then stuff their mouths with marshmallows and say it out loud!!!!  Talk about “pouring forth foolishness”!!!     Last, we introduced them to the ever-beloved game of Ga-Ga ( a church favorite).  Where everyone is in the “pit” with a ball, you hit the ball around with your hand- it must stay on the ground- if it touches your feet or legs—you’re out!  It’s fast and fun!!!

So, do you wish you knew people better?  Do you think it would be nice to know this family or that?  Well get started and take initiative- it’s totally worth it!!!  We were so surprised that everyone wanted what we wanted- to get to know other families! In the end, we had over 100 people!