NOVEMBER 2008

Today we will trust, we will stop straining to know what we don’t know. To see what we can’t see, to understand what we don’t yet understand. We will trust that being is sufficient, and we will let go of our need to figure things out. God has a purpose and plan for everything, and we take peace in knowing this. This is Jen’s mantra that she has been saying over and over in her head! It seems to be working! We would like to thank you for all the thoughts and words of encouragement. We honestly feel like you all have been filling up our tanks, and have given us the strength and patience to get through the 33 months of waiting. We are eagerly awaiting the next batch of referrals, we hope that we are lucky enough to be included! Hopefully we will soon see our long awaited gift from God.

Just a quick update…

Jen continues to teach at the Elementary School in Tracy. She enjoys working with all of her students. After school she hustles down to the dance studio to teach dance. At Jen’s last Mayo appointment she received some amazing news. For the first time in 6 years she has “clean” blood! I really think that faith and a lot of prayers allowed this to happen!

I’m now teaching in the local district along with Jen. Now, I only have a three-mile commute to work instead of 27. This was a difficult transition for me at first, but now I’m settling into my new job. It was hard to leave the MCC district, the students, and all of my co-workers! I was a member of a great group when it came to education. The local football team that I help coach has had two fabulous (that’s Jen’s word!) seasons. It’s been an honor to work with such a wonderful group of athletes and coaches!

Cooper is a big brother! We adopted Henry this past spring. Henry has brought a lot of life into our home. I think we forgot what the puppy stage was all about! At first Cooper didn’t know what to think about Henry, and would “smile” at him. It was more like a growl, but Jen likes to think that he was smiling. Henry gets to go to the farm everyday with Cooper for doggie daycare. Great Grandma Doris has become his pal. I have enjoyed a successful hunting season with the two boys.

Jen and I have started to finish off our basement while waiting for Addison. This has been a long process, but we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We have had a lot of help from family and friends. Jen and I have also started to refinish her grandparent’s antique pool table that came from the once famous Walnut Grove Pool Hall. Jen had so many fun memories playing with her cousins on this pool table, she wanted Addison to have the same. Hopefully she doesn’t eat Schwan’s ice cream sandwiches on it, and ruin the pool table felt!