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By Dave ©, December 14, 2008 12:25 am

Over the past several years, I’ve dabbled with video and have often thought it would be fun to learn more about it and start making some videos myself. So, for the past few months, I’ve been working pretty hard to save up money for a new computer (Our computer is about six years old. It’s fine for everyday tasks like emailing and paying bills but doesn’t quite have the horse power for video-editing, etc.).

I did my research and had my eye on a new computer and software. The day came when I had enough money. I waited about a week to let everything sink in and see if God was going to change my heart/direction (Although He often does that to me — and I am grateful for it — deep down, I was really hoping that He wouldn’t do it this time. I really wanted a new computer! In any event, He either didn’t say anything to turn me around or I wasn’t listening.).

I ordered the computer. Last Friday, it arrived. After a lengthy discussion with Lana about where it was going to go, I set it up in the kitchen/dining room (we like having our computer in the main living area even though it’s not the most attractive decor).

Thursday morning, Lana called me at work:
Lana: Did you do something to the computer?
Me: Which one?
Lana: The old one.
Me: No. Why?
Lana: It won’t turn on.
(After a series of questions/answers/instructions)
Me: I’ll have to look at it when I get home from work.

That night I looked it over and talked about it with my brother, who knows far more about computers than I do. It looks like it’s shot.

I am now left wondering…was this either God’s perfect timing or was it His way of saying, “You don’t need two computers”?

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By Lana, December 11, 2008 1:53 pm

Carmen update: Carmen spiked a 102.8 fever last night. She had a rough night with fevers and high heart rate (130s-160s). She is congested and just looks miserable. 

Lauren also had a fever over 102 last night so my guess is they are fighting the same bug. 

When Lauren gets sick, I give her Tylenol, lots of fluids and try to have her rest. When Carmen gets sick, I think, “Will she make it through this sickness?” 

It has been so long since Carmen has been sick. At least it seems like a long time. Maybe it has only been a few months.

Dave isn’t feeling well either. He has been coughing for weeks and is going to the doctor today. His sickness is most likely a combination of allergies and asthma.

We could sure use prayers here!

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By Lana, December 9, 2008 9:40 pm

I picked up Reckless Faith by Beth Guckenberger at the bookstore this past weekend. The cover caught my eye- a picture of a young Hispanic girl. The back cover sealed the deal. “Time and again I’ve been led to trust God, with my little mustard seed of faith, to see how he not only shows up in our circumstances- but he shows off! It’s not because he needs to prove himself; rather, he is demonstrating to society- the orphans that I serve- that he will be their Father and Protector and Provider.”

For the past two days I haven’t gotten much done as I have read the amazing stories from the Guckenberger’s orphan ministry in Monterrey, Mexico. This is the kind of book that makes me very uncomfortable but in a good way.

Dave and I have both started feeling restless and uncomfortable with life. We have felt for awhile that God is preparing us for something. We talk a lot about how we don’t want to go back to “normal” after Carmen dies. Not that our previous normal life was bad but Carmen has given us a glimpse of a far more fulfilling life. A life where we are giving of ourselves.

We want to live for something more than accumulation and our own happiness. Even if it means giving up comfortable lives, we want to let go and be led. But, gosh, that is SCARY! I’m scared of the possibilities and the sacrifices we might have to make. I imagine myself kicking, screaming, and holding on for dear life to all that is easy and convenient. But I am more scared of not doing anything and letting opportunities pass us by. I do hope that God doesn’t ask me to go somewhere with no air conditioning. I truly detest being hot!!!!!!!!!

We have no idea what the future holds. Right now we have two little girls to care for and love. We are confident that God has plans for us. Just like He had a plan for a little girl in Guatemala.

Thank you God for showing up and showing off in Carmen’s life!

Carmen and me

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By Lana, December 8, 2008 10:45 pm

Carmen update: Carmen has some new problems. She is very swollen, particularly her hands, which are freezing cold all the time. She continues to have diarrhea. I am going to take another stool sample to the lab tomorrow.

For Lauren’s 5th birthday, we had planned a princess party at our house. Lauren invited a few friends and we spent last week frosting and decorating cupcakes.

A couple of days before the party, I got a little worried that two of the moms might be more susceptible to C-diff based on some current medical issues. So rather than everyone coming to our house, I called the moms and asked if Chick-fil-A would be OK instead. I thought that having the party at a different location might reduce any potential exposure to C-diff. The moms all agreed and once I convinced Lauren that she could still have a princess party, she was OK with Chick-fil-A too!

We packed up the cupcakes and princess decorations. Lauren wore her blue princess dress. We would have dressed Carmen in a princess dress but she is too chubby to fit into any of Lauren’s princess dresses! I guess I should have bought a bigger size just for Carmen!

Four little princesses plus one very handsome prince (the brother of one of Lauren’s friends) ran around Chick-fil-A in their princess dresses. Let me rephrase that…the four little princesses ran around in their princess dresses. The brother wore camouflage!

I have to say that Chick-fil-A was AWESOME! We hadn’t made reservations but they set up tables for us, gave Lauren balloons and gave us a coupon, “Buy one nugget tray, get one free”.

Dave’s parents and aunt drove about 7 hours to come to the party. We did not tell Lauren that they were coming so she was very surprised! I wish I had videotaped the moment Lauren saw her NY grandma and grandpa!

After the party, Lauren said it was her BEST birthday party ever! Sometimes the most haphazard, last minute plans turn out the best.

Thanks to everyone who made Lauren’s birthday extra special this year!

Here are a couple of pictures.

Lauren and her birthday cupcake

Me and Princess Lauren

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By Dave ©, December 7, 2008 10:43 pm

I found this here and think it is absolutely brilliant. Someday, I hope to be able to create stuff like this.

Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

As you move through the hustle and bustle this holiday season, I challenge you to take a moment to explore a simple story about a young Jewish boy named Jesus. Even if you’ve examined this story a hundred times, it’s worth taking another look.

God came and lived among us. And He is still among us today.