We lift our eyes up; our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.--Psalm 121: Has it really been 6 months?

I am convinced Satan does not want me updating the blog....I continue to have problems logging into it from home. So, I am determined to update from my email, and hope it works!

I really wanted to post pics from JingJing's birthday, but can't at this point...unless I can think of a way to get around the 'cookie' problem I am having.

The picture that appears was saved onto my flash drive..and it was the day we got home from China....Oct. 2, 2010

DanNi's expression is priceles...I so wish I knew what she was thinking at the time. We still don't know what she is thinking most of the time; but progress has been made, so we are thankful for that.

JingJing's Birthday:

We had her party at Mel's Sweet Treats and invited a few friends. I think they had a great time! Meredith and DanNi enjoyed it, as well. However, of all the cookies we brought home, I think I was the only one who ate a few. They are not too big on leftovers!

My parents drove down from Missouri, and brought two of our nephews, Jackson and Josiah. Josiah is 5 and Jackson is 2.5. They are precious! Matthew's parents also joined us for the party, so we had a full house...between grandparents, all the kiddos, and parents of the guests. It was fun! I was so exhausted....still feeling pretty yucky from walking pneumonia.

Six months ago: September 16, 2010--our 'Forever Family' day with Emma DanNi. Then, Sept. 17th, a day I would really like to forget...because of the intensity of those moments at the CCAA in Guangzhou when we truly thought we'd be returning to the US early, without DanNi.

However, God is faithful and has sustained us through some really, really, really tough days. Looking back, it is hard for me to contemplate all those thoughts and feelings we had. Occasionally I'll ask DanNi if she remembers certain events, people, from right after we got home, and she doesn't. Not surprising, b/c her life was completely turned upside down.

A couple of nights ago, we were reading the devotion and the question was: If you could have any one thing in the world, what would it be?

DanNi--to see her friends in China

me--I hesitated, not wanting her to feel 'picked on'..but stated, "For DanNi to give her heart to Jesus. I know she will one day."....and she actually smiled!

New Job for me: The last time I was really sick was in May 2000, right before Matthew graduated from Seminary. I was teaching 4th grade in TX and had to miss the last 3 weeks of school because I had a severe case of mono...to the tune of the doctor saying.."If you do too much, your spleen will rupture and you will die."

Fast forward almost 11 years, 2 states and 3 kids later--March 2011--my last week at Decatur High...I got walking pneumonia. I HATED missing my last day with those students...I had a great 'pep talk/speech' I was going to give them before they took the Math Grad Exam..and I didn't get to share it.

In the midst of that, God was opening another door for me....a job at Calhoun Community College. I think I've applied for at least15 jobs there over the last 3.5 years....and was recently offered a part-time position. I am really thankful and am excited I will finally have an office! I've never had an office. I will be the Tutor Coordinator for the Upward Bound program.

Thanks for your continued prayers for our family. They have made all the difference in the world..."The powerful, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.."--James 5:16.

Stephanie Bass