Dan, Hannah and Joseph are not making it home for Christmas. The American Embassy in Kampala just closed for Christmas and H & J's visas have not been issued. We'll try it again next week.

We're disappointed that we can't all be together but we're trying to make the most of it... after all, this is Hannah and Joseph's first Christmas ever spent with their Daddy!! They are no longer orphans -- at home in Atlanta they have a Mommy and a big sister and a big brother and a baby sister waiting on them. This Christmas there are two less orphans in the country of Uganda -- and that is great cause for celebration!

Dan's friend Scott is returning home tonight to be with his family for Christmas. Thank you so much Harty family for sacrificing for us this week! We could not have done it without you!! And get this... we have ANOTHER friend who is planning to head over on Saturday night to spend next week in Uganda with Dan and help him bring the children home (now scheduled for next Thursday afternoon). Talk about an amazing Christmas present... Dan and I have MUCH to be thankful for. Thank you Judd and Valerie!

I just keep thinking it would have so incredible... such a fairy tale ending on Christmas Eve of all days! Well, I'll still get my fairy tale ending -- just not this week. And here's the bottom line: it's not about me. It's all about Him. We can nag our children until we're blue in the face trying to drive home the message... "Listen kids, Christmas is not about presents. It's not about Santa Claus. It's not about candy in your stocking. It's about Isaiah 9:6... and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." But when the rubber meets the road, do we, the adults, really believe it? Guess I'll find out this year.


Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers. Please especially remember Dan this weekend -- he's awful far from home and I know he's missing us. Merry Christmas to all -- we'll post an update when we have one!