Monday, January 27, 2014

Torn

My heart is all over the place today...  I dropped Justin off at the airport for him to fly to the other side of the globe and pick up our son in Ethiopia. I want to be with him so, so bad. To sit next to him on the plane, to watch his face as he see Mathias again, to see the bond begin to form between he and Mathias. To experience frustrating 3rd world issues with him... My momma heart wants to hold Mathias so badly, to have time to bond before we get home to Texas. Yet it is torn to also be here with Micah preparing him for whats to come. To cherish these last 5 days alone with him.
Im just torn. So excited, yet torn.

Please pray for Justin as he travels. Thank you....

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Homecoming Details & T-Shirt Picture Request

Justin will be leaving Monday the 27th for Ethiopia, please pray for him as he is traveling alone. He will have his embassy appointments and have some bonding time with Mathias while he is there. He and Mathias will return to the San Antonio Airport on the evening of Saturday, February 1st. 

My dream was always to have everyone in their ADOPT t-shirts for a welcome home party but almost everyone who has a t-shirt is in Dallas! But we know y'all will be with us in spirit, you all played a huge part in bringing him home.
We love and appreciate our Dallas family and friends so much. 

I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU COULD TAKE A PICTURE IN YOUR ADOPT T-SHIRT OR OF YOUR FAMILY IN 
THEIR T-SHIRTS AND EMAIL IT TO ME AT JUSTIN.CANDACE@GMAIL.COM

I WANT TO MAKE BANNER WITH EVERYONES PICTURES ON IT FOR THE AIRPORT AND THEN TO KEEP FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS =)

If you are local and would like to come to the San Antonio Airport to welcome home Justin and Mathias just get in contact with me and I will keep you updated on flight times =) 

Please be praying for Justin as he is in Africa with Mathias that it is a special time for them and for me as I prepare Micah's heart to welcome his little brother home. The time following his arrival we will be on a sort of "lock down/ family bonding time" for a few weeks or however long Mathias needs! Thank you for your understanding =)

I get teary thinking about how many people are invested in our family and our adoption journey! I will never forget, and neither will Mathias. 

-Candace-








Tuesday, January 21, 2014

He's coming home...

We cleared Embassy this morning!!! Mathias is coming home!!! We are awaiting our embassy date that will be sometime next week.

The Lord answers prayers. Thank you to everyone who joined with us.

Our son is coming home.

Please pray over our transition time, this will be the saddest and hardest on Mathias leaving the world he knows and we understand that.

DETAILS coming soon!!!!

Its a good good day.

referral photo

our sweet son

Monday, January 20, 2014

We can do something.

I joined Noonday Collection a little over 3 months ago because I wanted to be a part of what they were doing. It took an investment on my end, but Justin and I felt it was worth it to join up with such a cause. Noonday uses fashion and design to create economic opportunity for the vulnerable all over the globe. As a stay at home mom I have a lot of impact on my son, and as a pastors wife we have impact on our church family and community, but I crave more than that. Any of us can drive to the airport and be anywhere in the world by tomorrow. So why are we acting like the starving children in Africa and the impoverished in Peru are out of reach? We have full bellies and warm homes and yet still we desire more and are never satisfied. When I let me mind settle on how much "stuff" I feel like I need... it sickens me. 

Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them,‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Guys... this rocks me. This is our hands and feet moment. The chance to be Jesus to the world. There are so many awesome organizations out there that are truly doing this. Noonday is one of them. 
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I had the privilege to join with 150 Noonday ambassadors this weekend in Marble Falls. I've never felt sisterhood as strong as I did this weekend. We wept over global statistics, were challenged to keep fighting the good fight, and looked pretty dang cute while doing it all. The talent of our artisans always impresses me and the new spring line launching at the end of February was just beautiful, it is truly works of art. If you are interested in opening your home for the artisans. I would love to partner with you and throw a Trunk Show with you and your friends! 

One of the most fun parts of the weekend was making virtual friends, real friends!
Jessica Honneger - Founder of Noonday

Wynne Elder - Check out her blog The Elder Adventures
She had huge impact into our decision to adopt and
to become a Noonday Ambassaor

More lovely ladies - Ashley, Krista, Debra, and McCall