IT'S A BOY

Perry and I have accepted a referral of a boy from Guatemala. He was born in June. We have not yet decided on a name but we are getting close. We thank all of you who have prayed for us and we ask that you continue to pray for us. We still must work through the proper channels to complete the adoption and this will take time. Perry and I are thrilled and trying to stay calm and patient at the same time. Dad will soon be grandpop again.

Quilting Attempt

This is before completion but this was for Anthony. David and Kim wanted a quilt that reminded them of Pennsylvania and the family here. I hope that I got close. I used iron-ons that I created on the computer. I also quilted the outline of Bedford County and used bottons to mark major cities in Pennsylvania. This was my first attempt with such a thing and I would do it again. It isn't in the picture but my Mom embroidered Anthony's name and Pennsylvania for me.

We're Home

Perry and I made it home very early Wednesday morning (4:30AM). Perry had to work the next morning at 7AM. We were both tired but we are recovering. We owe a big thank you to my parents who picked us up at the airport in Pittsburgh and drove us home. We were able to get some sleep as a result.

The trip brought many challenges and rewards. Once I get the pictures downloaded I will give you more details. But at the very least I want to say thank you for your prayers.

Guyana where's that...

Friends and family Perry and I are headed out in a medical mission trip to Guyana. Guyana is in the northern part of South America by the way. We will be flying in to the capital Georgetown early tomorrow morning. We will spend the next week and half traveling up river and doing medical missions along the way. We are working with local Seventh Day Baptist Churches in the area.

We would appreciate your prayers. Especially in these areas: that all our medicine arrives safely and we clear customs, along with the people of course, for opportunities to witness, that our medicine will make a temporary difference in the people, that we will come back better equipped to serve the Lord and that the local churches will benefit from us being there not be hindered and everyone involved will be flexible.

He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Adoption update

Slow forward progress is being made in the adoption front. We received a paper from US immigration that will make the adoption process in Guatemala flow easier.

Things we know:
We are adopting from Guatemala.
We are adopting at least one child/infant
We are excited and trusting the Lord

Things we don't know:
Who our child/children is
How old they will be(most likely will be an infant and no older than 4 years old)
Their gender
If they are born yet

Uncle Perry & Aunt Amanda

We are a little slow with information but Perry and I became Uncles and Aunts July 16, 2007. Anthony Javier Graffius was born to my brother David and his wife Kim at 4:00AM. He was 5 pounds 8 ounces and 19.5 inches long. He has been gaining weight well since he was born and the new Mom and Dad seem to be doing well. I was able to go down for a short visit. Anthony is by the way my parents first grandchild and the second great grandchild on both sides.