Rattins living Coram Deo

We had beautiful weather for the wedding in the mountains of New Hampshire - we were so blessed to all four be in the wedding of our dear friends! The girls were so good when it mattered most and cooperated nicely. Ana walked down the aisle with me; she got to carry a very special ring bearer pillow (no rings involved). Gracie was pushed down the aisle in her wheelchair by Auntie Amy; I decorated her wheelchair - I think it looks so cute! Josh and I provided some music. It ended up being very hot standing in the sun so long... Gracie does NOT handle such extreme weather changes well - we're planning on a slow start to our lives in Uganda to get us all used to the heat! More photos on facebook, so if you want to see more - go to my facebook! (oh yeah, the hair was a pain - even this simple little hair-do resulted in lots of tears!) Snuggling with Auntie Amy during the rehearsal. Ana modeled the dress, socks, and shoes for us as the most cooperative of the four flower girls. Also...

Some of you may be interested in this article on adoption. I didn't see the whole thing but it seems to me that they missed the point of Christian adoption. The point of Christian adoption is not to find the right child for my family - a child who won't stress me out or require too much attention or a child who is really cute, etc. No, the point of Christian adoption is that God adopted us, out of the muck and mire, unworthy, worthless to Him, always disobeying Him. Not only did He adopt those of us who are Christians, but He made us "full heirs with Christ!" (one of several references is Romans 8:14-17) We are to God equals with Jesus Christ, the very Son of God! THIS is what adoption of children is about. Demonstrating this truth to the world, showing the world the Grace that God has given us - this is the point of Christian adoption. Adoption may not be easy, especially adoption of older children, but it is irrelevant whether it is easy or difficult. It is a...

For whatever reason, my attention has once again turned to how I'm going to diaper my then newborn son and my then 7 year old special needs daughter in Uganda. Fortunately, Ana is doing great with potty training, so she's hopefully out of the equation when I ponder diapering! One missionary friend recommended Fuzzi Bunz as they held up great in Kenya so I'm focusing my attention on Fuzzi Bunz brand (which makes extra large diapers special orders and are supposed to be good for special needs). I've also read that Happy Heiny holds up well overseas. In the heat and humidity, elastic rots away very quickly and rough hand washing techniques ruin velcro quickly. Hemp diapers may last longer? But I'm still not satisfied with the solutions for growing Gracie. She DOES use the potty, but (unlike last year) I have not been successful at keeping her dry during the day since she doesn't communicate when she has to go. My hope is that Ana can improve my timing and I...

Gracie got botox/phenol again today - about 7 months after her last. She had a great effect last time with relaxation of of her most spastic muscles, letting her weaker muscles get stronger. We will not be doing serial casting like last time (that's a relief!) because she is still at 90 degrees in her ankles (last fall she couldn't plant her foot flat on the ground). She work up from anesthesia in record time and we were out of the hospital by 10:45am! Praise God!

What a celebration today as Josh graduated from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY with his Masters in Divinity! Josh receiving his diploma from President Al Mohler. Josh with Al Mohler at Dr. Mohler's house during a reception. Gracie tried on Daddy's cap - not thrilled! ;-P Ana likes Daddy's cap - especially the tassle! Ana examines Daddy's diploma for accuracy. It passed approval! Family portrait time. Handsome Josh ready to graduate!