2020

Randy and I have entered the Home Study phase of the adoption! The first step in the Home Study process is a study of our hearts. We were asked to write a personal statement about our motivation for adoption. This was a powerful exercise, challenging us to look deep into our hearts and our histories, to uncover a story that God has been weaving all along. This is our story. OUR ADOPTION STORY My (Katie) mother was a kindergarten teacher for 25 years. During that time she often shared her concern for the children that she taught, and how her heart made her want to bring many of them home to experience the love and care that every child deserved. This planted a seed in my heart at an early age for the many children in the world whose biological parents can’t take care of them. When I became an adult myself, a few months shy of graduating from college (March 2002), I became pregnant. I always assumed I would have children of my own, and was thrilled at the prospect of becomin...

On Saturday, September 14, my husband Randy and dad Tom were finishing putting soffits under the eaves of the second story of our house. Dad was on his way down the ladder and Randy was up above him on a walkboard. The ladder where Dad was standing buckled, folding beneath him. He said it felt like the ladder was ripped right out from under him. That is the last thing he remembers. Randy also remembers feeling like the floor was pulled out from under him. He fell 20+ feet, landing squarely on top of my dad. This perfect landing saved Randy's life and spared him from major injuries. Dad, taking the brunt of both their falls, sustained 8 broken ribs and a punctured lung. We spent the next 15 hours at one hospital and then another. Dad had a chest tube for three days, draining the fluid from his lungs. He has been home since the 18th, but returns to Miami Valley Hospital today to see if his lungs and ribs are showing signs of healing. Please join us in praying that he...

Hello faithful readers! It's been a minute... but I couldn't pass up sharing on #GivingTuesday. Giving is something I feel fiercely passionate about! After we've spent 18 billion dollars on Cyber Monday and Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, it's time to give to those who can't. This year, for Lent, God called me to donate $40 to 40 different ministries for the 40 days of Lent. It was an act of faith. Randy and I were missionaries in Baja California at the time, relying on donations for our own livelihoods, so giving $1,600 was more than a widow's mite. I made 39 donations (and I have the thanks-for-giving-here's-your-free-address-labels to prove it!). After moving to Ohio this summer and settling into a new neighborhood, God brought #40 into my life. Number 40 is included in this list, and it is one that I have not only given my money but also my time to, each and every week for the past two months. Today on #GivingTuesday, I challenge you t...

Our last stop in Oregon was to see the Hell's Canyon overlook. We anticipated stunning views of the Snake River. However, the most exciting part of this detour was getting stuck in a cattle drive. We couldn't see anything from the overlook -- not a drop of water in sight. But since we'd had a recent attitude change, we didn't want to give up on Hell's Canyon. So we crossed the border into Idaho and decided to check out the Snake River from the other side. And we were not disappointed! We drove for miles along the water's edge to the dam, admiring the river and the canyon walls. We'd heard that one of the U.S. President's thought this canyon more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. Perhaps we would have agreed if we'd taken the time to hike or whitewater raft in the area. I certainly think that exploring a place deeper than from your car window helps in your appreciation of it. But we'll have to save that for another trip! The last time Ran...

While in Corpus Christi, Texas, last week (was that seriously just last week???), my sister-in-law introduced us to her friend Kristen. As we were all getting ready to go to the beach together, I shared briefly with Kristen that Randy and I had been working in Mexico at an orphanage for the past 18 months. She said it sounded a little like "Bokenkamp" where she had volunteered. Obviously intrigued, I asked her to tell me more. She said Bokenkamp was right there in Corpus Christi, and was providing shelter and meeting the needs of unaccompanied immigrant children from south and central america. She said she struggled there because she doesn't speak Spanish. Oh how I wish we hadn't learned about this the day before leaving Corpus Christi! How I would have loved to have gone and spent the day with a dozen beautiful little Spanish-speaking children like those who hold my heart in San Felipe. Time wasn't on our side on this leg of the journey, but now that I know ...

Randy and I (with the help of our granddaughter who is in town visiting and has been a godsend!) have been busy savoring each moment with the kids in our last week at Sonshine. We took the girls out to dinner Wednesday (which is a memory we will NEVER forget!) and we're taking the boys out shopping today. Followed by Randy's famous caramel popcorn and a movie ( The Star ). We've given lots of hugs and so far held back most of the tears. All of this focus on the kids this past week has made me want to seek out other organizations who are loving on all of God's children, to help support them to continue their work. These are two that I believe in. 40-40-40 ... Day 35: Right to Play I learned about Right to Play when it was advertised during the Winter Olympics this year. The mission behind Right to Play is: We use the power of play to educate and empower children to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease in disadvantaged communities. The website g...

Sonrise Christian Academy. This is the school being built by and right next to Sonshine Hacienda​, and is one of the reasons we moved here when we did. We've watched the foundation be leveled and the walls start to go up and obviously want to do what we can to support it. That starts with construction, but we hope to also help with scholarships and general expenses as the school opens. Why does San Felipe need a new school? Because here at Sonrise Christian Academy, teachers will be paid (which doesn't happen regularly in the public schools), curriculum will be top notch (they currently only go 4 hours a day and still get plenty of recess... how does this prepare them for college?), the kids will get the education and attention they deserve (rather than being expected to drop out by 6th grade)... we're already looking forward to coming back to Baja to see the finished product! ACTION STEPS FOLLOW Sonrise Christian Academy on Facebook . DONATE to the Sonrise G...

Yesterday I made my donation to Modern Day . Modern Day is for people like Randy and me who feel called to serve in missions but aren't affiliated with any particular organization. When you go on your own, like we did, you are responsible for all of your finances, communication, connections, and spiritual support. When an organization sends you, they help with all of these pieces of the puzzle. Modern Day provides the same support that those sending organizations do. In fact, some sending organizations have started using Modern Day to help them too! One of my favorite parts of this organization are the video resources they provide, that offer tips and support for common missionary struggles: marriage in missions, rest in missions, safety in missions, finances in missions, guilt in missions (this one is HUGE!). These videos are all free and are right there on their website, so if you know a missionary (whether they are already on the field or are preparing to go or are praying...

Time for another guest blog! Guest blogs have definitely been one of my favorite parts of this 40-40-40 journey. Being able to hear first hand from people who are on the ground, doing the heavy lifting, actively involved in ministry has opened my heart to all that God is doing in and through people. Today's blog is extra special because it has to do with orphans in Mexico. And not just any orphans. Newborn baby orphans. Here at Sonshine Hacienda we have an 8-month-old, Natalia, who has been with us since she was 5 hours old. She is an incredible blessing, but it hasn't been easy caring for a newborn when you have 20 other kids of various ages and needs to care for also. Not to mention babies are expensive! Diapers, formula, (most of her clothes have been donated thankfully), doctors visits, and a full-time staff person to care for her. Amber and Travis Owen (fun fact: Randy catered their wedding!) know this need all too well. This is their story. SOW MINISTRIES W...