Home and Family

Yesterday I stepped off a plane at the Birmingham Airport...home at last!! It's amazing to me how at home I feel here. After years of searching for something to fill the void of losing my biological family, I've always found peace here. I am adopted as many of you know, and that began such a time of healing in my life. To know that someone "wants" for you to be family in the midst of all the turmoil, in spite of all the pain you carry. It's crazy to have people who don't know much about me open their arms and welcome me in. It took many years for me to accept that they were not the same as my biological family...they wouldn't leave just because they could, but they have stayed through the worst and the best....we stick together and that is something to be grateful for.

So as we pulled into the driveway...I ran open armed into the arms of family that will always love me, that will always be there....and that....is my saving grace.

AHHHH!!

So this morning Mum Poitras came and taught my Sunday school class. We had so much fun!! First, we went outside to "have sunday school like we were in Africa" she taught a little on how it would be there. Then we went back and sang a song, complete with congo line!! We danced, some of the kids really got into it. Bro. Bachelor was dancing with his hankie and everything. It brought back some really awesome memories.

I had a lot of fun!! Well that's all for now...enjoy the pictures!!

Road Trip Pictures

me and aunt lyn outside the amish store

At the Museum

Too Funny!!

I see Amish People!!

Okay, today was absolutely amazing!! Aunt Lyn took me to an Amish town and we had a blast! I got a ton of pictures, and saw lots of things.

For those of you who don't know me very well, I am borderline obsessed with the Amish. I am not really sure what it is. Maybe it's the draw of a simplistic lifestyle, or maybe its just curiosity in general.

I bought so many things at the shops, including tons of homemade food. We went to an Amish Museum, and to the Raggedy Anne Museum too.

Aunt Lyn had kept the destination of our road trip a secret the entire time. It was so frustrating but well worth the wait in the long run. I nearly jumped out of my car when I saw the signs for the Amish things.......my aunt is awesome!!!

Pictures from our adventure coming soon!!

Bittersweet

So, last night I got to watch as Sister Poitras, Melinda and Candra walked down the terminal of the St. Louis Airport. Immediately, there were hugs all around, and you'd never know it had been a year since we'd seen each other. The evening was filled with talking and eating, and your random boy talk...more me than them. Sister Poitras brought me up to date on the happenings in Ghana since I've left, mostly good, but some bad.

I realized just how much I missed them. I was having the time of my life, but my heart was bleeding on the inside. I miss Africa, and the feeling of being right where I am supposed to be. Where I wasn't just Amberle, but I was useful. I was the intercessor, the teacher, the one all the kids wanted to sit on.

I miss my little African children. I miss the late nights in Tamale with the girls, up late talking and playing dutch blitz. I know Melinda is a little nervous, scared, for this new page in her life. I don't know what it would feel like to come to a place that technically is your home, but doesn't feel like it.

I realized how precious friends are. I also learned just how much last summer impacted my life.

Am I finally getting old?

Okay, here it is 1:06 pm my time. I am about to fall over. In two days I have probably gotten a days worth of sleep.

Friday night was the all night kids prayer meeting in Herrick, Il. It went quick!! We prayed for the homeless, our communities, Timo, Africa, many,many things. There was silly songs, worship, food, all the makings of an amazing prayer meeting.

Last night, some of our former Shekinah Kids came to Aunt Lyn's for a sleepover. Larissa, Tiffany, and Mikelle, needless to say, there was no sleep to be had...lol. Actually we all crashed about 7, then Aunt Lyn and I were wide awake and giggling at 930. Go figure...now I am ready to crash again, but it is nearly time to begin to take the girls home.

I am beginning to wonder if I am getting old.....