Hope.....A New Home......

On Monday morning a week ago today, bright and early we packed all that we could into the van; leaving only enough room for the five of us to sit. As we closed the garage and starred at our house one last time in the dark we all swelled with tears. We were sad and happy all at the same time. Oh the memories that had been made there the last 7 1/2 years. We were so thankful for a dear friend that helped us out of the driveway that day with God's words of encouragement written on little notes to read along the way. As we traveled we thought back on on all the friends and family that we were leaving behind. Yet, we look forward to those we will meet and stories that we will be able to share with new and old friends. Crossing over state lines brought us closer and closer to our new home. Once we arrived in Florida we couldn't wait to get to Hope and meet all the kids. We would come home unpack and rest for the night to start a new day in our new home for nine months. Our first day here will be a day that I will never forget and neither will our family. As we ate lunch with the kids and chatted with them we were filled with joy. They took us in as if we had always been around. Giving out hugs, smiling when they passed by and shouting out "hi" and even begging to sit next to us where-ever we sat. I looked at Mark and said; "WOW!, their parents just have no idea what they are missing out on"! These boys and girls are so precious and truly are a gift from God and they only want a family that loves them. That is what Hope is for them. Hope gives them HOPE that they can have a future; a future in Heaven by teaching them of Christ's love and sacrifice and a future here on earth, that despite their past they can persevere and do anything. God cares for everyone even if they think that no-one cares for them. In Lamentations 3:21-23 it says; "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." God has a plan and purpose for all. We just have to be willing to walk the path he has set before us and even if we fail on that path he is merciful and with forgiveness he starts HIS mercy new every day. Thank you Lord for the path you have laid before us, may we bring you Glory and Honor in the days to come.