The Koens

Our great friends Frikkie, Tina, Josh and Matthew

are right now about to arrive in South Africa for an exciting journey that most would not even dare think of, much less actually do. Jesus has called them to go helps kids have a new chance in life by teaching them life skills and encouraging them to follow Jesus. Bridge To Cross is an organization they started bring this dream to reality.

If you would like to follow them and keep up to speed, their blog is:

http://www.koenjourney.typepad.com/

We are so proud of you Frikkie and Tina and doing what God is calling you to do. We love you and we support you. And, we can't wait some day to come and visit you!

Crappie...

Passing it on to the next generation...

I keep asking the boys if they'll take me fishing when I am old. They say they will. I hope they are better at finding crappie than I am...

Strawberry

This sweet little girl's name is Strawberry:

Isn't she beautiful? She loves floating in the swimming pool or bath tub. She loves to play patty cake if you guide her hands.  She can't talk but she can jabber. She's lovely!

Strawberry has severe medical problems but she has a smile that lights up a room and a robust laugh.

Strawberry needs a family to love her.

My wife posed a question to me last night that really got me thinking... Her question was:

"What is Gods heart and plan for Strawberry?"

I've been thinking about that all day.

Read Charissa's post now:  Little Guy

Another One of My Beautiful Daughters

I'm so proud of Liesel. She was up early this morning feeding our new
baby calf.

Welcome To My Domain...

My good friend Kasey, emailed me some old pics. this is Jude on top of a very dangerous cliff near Valle de Bravo Mexico. What kind of parents would leave thier kid so close to the ledge? Isn't he a cute little guy?

Gotcha Day!

Many of you woke up to this Headline News story one year ago today....

We Have The Package

Well, we very much remember that day at the Urban household. She has come so far. Done so much. I couldn't help but be moved today in church when Ava looked in my eyes and said..  "Pa Pa!", while signing it TOO! 

Everyone turned around to look, but I didn't care. I'll just let them think I have an unruly child. They just have no idea.

Look at Ava's first photo again, as an Ava Alina Grace Urban... dashing away from the orphanage and turned the corner in the tiny Nissan Sentra Taxi cab, to her brand new life.

She's come a long way.

1 Year...

Its been 1 year.

1 year ago today I met my beautiful new daughter Ava. Not feeling well and barely able to grunt. Chicken pox all over her face. But, she was able to smile on the first day we met... 

She was able to reach her tiny hand out and stroke mine. 

She was able to capture my heart in ways no-one will ever know.

1 year ago today Charissa and I braved an action packed trip to Ukraine to meet her for the first time. 

1 year ago today, Ava started a brand new life. 

1 year ago today, Ava started her forever transformation.

1 year ago today, Ava NEVER had to worry about going to an institution ever again.

1 year ago today, Ava didn't have to wonder anymore where her dad was.

1 year ago today, Ava got to see pictures of her brothers and sisters.

1 year ago today, Ava got a mom, dad, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, grandparents, great grand mothers, great uncles, great aunts, semi-great uncles, semi-great aunts, 25+ cousins and tons of friends

1 year ago today, Ava got to start counting the hours until she goes HOME... forever.

Now, I just can't imagine what I ever did without her.  Why did I ever even question adopting a little girl like this? She has brought so much life to us. She is simply beautiful. Have you ever noticed her beautiful blue eyes. Her smile is contagious.

365 days later, she is still working miracles in my life. Stealing my heart and tiny little ways. Looking into my eyes and signing Pa Pa. So much life to give. So much life to live.

Now, she is pulling up, all by herself! Charissa is going to post the movie soon. Until then, just look at the "Amazing" video that Charissa did many months ago, then go to her blog and see what she is doing now:

I'm so proud of Ava. 

I'm so proud of my wife. 

I'm so proud of my kids. They are doing a wonderful job with, my newest daughter!