The Krippel Family: 2010

Monday, July 5, 2010

The summer is flying by. We had a great vacation touring the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY. You must go there if you haven't already. Then onto the Smokey Mountains. Beautiful!!! We loved our stay in the Smokey Mountains. There were majestic mountains that looked like they were smokey, babbling brooks, waterfalls and a beautiful display of fireflies each night like none we've ever seen before. It was wonderful to experience God's creation and then reflect on the thought that if the creation is so beautiful and magnificient how much more is the Creator, our Creator!!

The kids did well traveling in the van for 5 hour stretches. We sang Bingo, 1,2 buckle my shoe and other songs to entertain Natti but he slept quite a bit too. The others were glued to Kassy's portable DVD watching The Lord of the Rings. Traveling home we stopped in Nashville for a break, It was very hot and we were all a bit cranky. Kevin thought it would be good to walk around the mall in front of the capital building in Nashville. It began to sprinkle and within a few minutes broke out into a downpour. Kassy and Aaron immediately began "singin' in the rain" (I love that movie) Beza wasn't quite so sure but succumbed and took a shower too. Kevin, Natti and I hovered under a tree till Kevin ran for the van. We all had a good laugh and the crankiness faded away. It was memorable, much-needed break away.

Since we returned the days have been filled with swimming, playing, friends and a little bit of school when we can fit it in. I was hoping to do an Astronomy unit with the kids but we are not getting very far. Although, we had a phenomenal introduction at the planetarium at the Creation Museum.

We continue to grow closer to one another and love each other more each day by God's grace.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

One Year Ago..

Spring!!!!! Spring is coming! We are so excited. Wow, as I always say, time flies by so quickly. Beza and Natti have been home for a year now since this past February. They have adjusted so well. It brings back so many memories of when they first came home. It was so weird at first, many times I would think to myself "Who are these kids wandering around in my house?" It was such a strange feeling, hard to express, but now I find myself looking at them and praise God that they are part of our family. Sometimes its hard having two extra children to care for but more so they are a great joy to all of us.

Our Adoption Journey

In November 2006, God piqued our interest in adoption. We received an email from Focus on the Family and Family Life Today telling about the the need for families to adopt the approximate 143 million children orphaned around the world. 143 MILLION!! I still cannot believe that number. Not hundreds nor thousands but millions. This was so overwhelming. I remember praying can we really make a difference Lord? Then I came across the story of the Starfish (read below). I must admit I was pretty content with the two beautiful children we already had. Was God really calling us to this? As Kevin and I talked about it and prayed, it became very clear. YES! God's word is so clear on this matter. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 We began to go to seminars, research and of course prayed a lot. Kevin was very confident and steadfast. I wish I could say the same but my emotions were all over the place. I knew in my mind this was the right thing to do but was very anxious at times. Who were these children? Would I be able to love them as my own? Travel to Ethiopia? Each time something "went wrong" Kevin would say, "It's just God guiding us. Everything will be okay." As most adoptions, ours had many twists and turns that finally led us to our adorable sibling pair from Ethiopia. God was so faithful and answered our prayers for peace, finances and that the children would weave into our family well. I think the greatest gift through this adoption is to see the gospel in a whole new way since adoption is such a mirror of it. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5. Each one in our family has been stretched and have had to make many sacrifices. Although, it has been difficult at times it is so worth it! Through it all, we have grown closer to each and most importantly to the Lord. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me (Jesus) will save it. Luke 9:24. "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40.

Please do not let anything stand in your way to adopt a child in need of a home. Trust in the Lord and watch Him work through you.

The Story of the Starfish

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got closer, he relized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked, "What are you doing?" The youth replied, "Throwing a starfish into the ocean. Soon the sun will be up and the tide is going out. If I dont throw them all back, they will die." "Son," the man said, "Don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You cant possibly make a difference!" After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. Then smiling at the man, he said,"I made a difference for that one." - Many people believe that there are too many children in the world that need to be adopted. How could we possibly help them all? There are literally millions!!!! With this thinking, no children would be helped. None adopted. Just by adopting one child you have saved them. If we all just took in one child imagine the difference that this would make!

Kassy

Kassy is my oldest daughter and a great help to our family. Her brothers and sister love any attention she can give to them. She is very organized, responsible and industrious. I can't believe she is in 9th grade this year. We started homeschooling last year and joined a group called Classical Conversations. It was quite challenging for her but she worked very hard and learned quite a bit. I know she surprised herself. She has been playing the piano for 9 years now and enjoys it very much. Gardening, scrapbooking, shopping, and hanging out with friends are some of her favorite things to do.

Beza

Beza is one of our newest additions to the family. She is 8 years old, and happy, playful and full of life. She is a very bright, responsible girl who loves to ride her bike and swim. She's a little fish!! It's surprising to see how much Kassy and Beza have in common. Even though they have lived in such different parts of the world, they act as if they have been sisters forever. They share many of the same character traits both being first born girls. Aaron and Beza have become very good friends and playmates. They have a wonderful time using their imaginations as they play together. Of course, she loves little Natti and still "mothers" him a bit occasionally. We thank God for how He has created these special realationships. Painting, drawing and learning to read and play piano occupy her days.

Natti

At 22 months old, Natti is quickly approaching 2 years old. He is the baby of the family and we all love him dearly. He was recently adopted along with his sister Beza this past February from Ethiopia. He is sooo cute, smiling most of the time. Helping Aaron with chores, touching everything he can get his hands on and babbling all day long, he brings much activity to our home. His favorite book is " My Big Machine Book.", a book about trucks, cars and planes. He is very friendly and lovable. Hugs and kisses are given willingly to many. Squeals of laughter and frustration, come from this little guy. Even though he doesn't speak yet, he communicates well with nods for "yes" and "no" and many other sounds. His comprehension amazes all of us. I'm sure words are just around the corner.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Thursday, March 4, 2010

One Year Ago..

Monday, January 25, 2010

First Christmas Together

About Us

Hannah's Hope Ethiopia

Our Adoption Journey

The Story of the Starfish

Meet the Kids!!!

Kassy

Beza

Aaron

Natti

Blog Archive

Followers

Woven Together By God

USA National Anthem

Beza and Natti

The Ethiopian Anthem