tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64866448742724667042024-03-14T09:15:12.586-05:00Casa VanzantKristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-23742600003079077362012-09-14T06:09:00.001-05:002012-09-14T06:09:16.952-05:00Conversations at Dawn<div style="text-align: center;">
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I've been awake since 4:00am, thinking about one thing... our little girl.</div>
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Wondering if she's ok. Is she warm & tucked into bed right now, like our kiddos here.</div>
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Is she safe? Happy? Did someone pray over her before she fell asleep?</div>
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This whole adoption thing has wrecked me.</div>
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How is it possible to love someone so deeply... someone you've never even met?!</div>
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But, I do...</div>
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And, He does...</div>
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Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-2265310379078467162012-09-05T13:43:00.001-05:002012-09-05T13:43:08.043-05:00Little By Little...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76pLgcdelNrQ-mHpqA724vxrMRhAriIl24bWZIfr1ZvAEIEi2EE-Up_OBaWrU40hts6Go87pOwztiebigYZVCJi5P2_XuaPTSkdflY_Kpook3Gdu7WoGR5aQ_zEGXZbFI32K3uDkfdgo/s1600/IMG_2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76pLgcdelNrQ-mHpqA724vxrMRhAriIl24bWZIfr1ZvAEIEi2EE-Up_OBaWrU40hts6Go87pOwztiebigYZVCJi5P2_XuaPTSkdflY_Kpook3Gdu7WoGR5aQ_zEGXZbFI32K3uDkfdgo/s320/IMG_2044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We got a new number yesterday!</div>
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<b>#73</b></div>
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I had a friend ask about the waiting list. Specifically, "how it all worked."</div>
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So, here's a quick rundown...</div>
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Once your dossier is approved in Honduras, you are logged in to a master waiting list.</div>
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The Honduran council meets once a month (most of the time!) to match a child with a family. </div>
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This process of matching is called, "receiving a referral." </div>
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Sometimes the council will refer 6 children a month... sometimes only 3.</div>
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Generally... a few weeks after new children are matched with families, the waiting list starts to move.</div>
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<i>Little by little...</i></div>
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Commit + Trust + Be Still + Wait</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 33px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><b style="font-style: italic;">Commit</b><i> your way to the LORD; </i><b style="font-style: italic;">trust</b><i> in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Be still before the LORD and wait <u>patiently</u> for him." </b>Ps. 37</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 33px;">Thanks for reading...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 33px;">Kristin</span></span></div>
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Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-36926687668724715492012-08-16T07:50:00.001-05:002012-08-16T07:50:29.638-05:00Finally!!!<br />
We finally heard that our dossier has been accepted in Honduras...<br />
& we received our first waiting list number!!!<br />
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We are officially #76!</div>
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When I read the email, I was completely overwhelmed! It finally felt "real" that we were adopting...<br />
I literally felt pregnant, <i>all over again.</i><br />
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Sadly, our kiddos were out of town & we had to wait a whole week to tell them. We wanted to do it in person & not over the phone. <br />
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So, I did what any normal pregnant lady would do... I got on <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinvanzant/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Pinterest.</span></a><br />
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I reviewed other adoption blogs, read more about Honduras, & searched the internet for photos of Honduran children. Wondering at each glance... "Will her hair be that long? Will her eyes be that beautiful? How old will she be? Will she have dimples...??" <br />
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So many questions & feelings....<br />
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For now though... we have a number.<br />
And that number represents <i>a life.</i><br />
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Thanks be to God.<br />
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Grateful,<br />
Kristin</div>
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Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-33257194730710165912012-08-07T12:45:00.001-05:002012-08-07T12:45:39.762-05:005th Grade + Forever<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span><br />
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I literally don’t have many memories <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">before him.</em> <br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />We’ve known each other since 5th grade.<br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />10 years old.<br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />The age that our daughter is now.<br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />We were kids… babies, really.</div>
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<br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" /><br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />Today we celebrate 13 years.<br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />And, in our 27 years <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">together</em>… <br class="p4br" style="clear: both;" />I’ve realized I could never live life <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">without him.</em></div>
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<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.75em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy Anniversary, my love.</em></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-87236917014573852442012-06-14T13:02:00.001-05:002012-06-14T13:08:40.131-05:00Keeping It Real<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The waiting is getting difficult... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll just go ahead & keep it real.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been disheartened this week to learn that when our dossier was presented to the IHNFA, they requested another letter from us. Another! Document!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And-- if that wasn't enough to bum me out, we just received word <i>yesterday</i> that the IHNFA is requesting a NEW medical form (for all 4 us!) that needs to be submitted with all dossiers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does all this really mean?? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More time to wait....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have to make separate appointments to generate all the needed documents. Take those to be notarized. Take them to be certified in their respective counties (different than a notary). Then, take all those back down to the State to be apostilled.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once all that is completed, we overnight them to our agency in DC... & then they send the package on to Honduras.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, when that happens... we pray that our dossier will be reviewed & accepted QUICKLY!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a gentle nudge from the Lord, I read this today:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-12405" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">22-23 </sup>But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading & for caring. I really hate being a Debbie Downer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Committed,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristin</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-35946075524051871092012-03-27T14:44:00.001-05:002012-03-27T19:57:05.785-05:00DTH<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick little update to say that we have an official DTH! </div>
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If you're illiterate to adoption lingo (like myself) let me fill you in... </div>
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Once your dossier arrives in country, you're given a special abbreviation (depending on which country you're actually adopting from). </div>
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Ours is called a DTH, which stands for Dossier To Honduras. </div>
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However, there is also the DTE (Ethiopia) and a DTC (China) & so on... </div>
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Why is this significant?? Because it's basically the "time-stamp" that begins logging your wait time.</div>
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So, with that little bit of education... our DTH is officially 3/16/2012.</div>
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Everything is now being translated to Español.</div>
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So, we wait...</div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-11480093485071813662012-03-02T11:08:00.003-06:002012-03-02T11:20:33.229-06:00One Giant Exhale<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We mailed off our dossier!!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over 500 pages of personal documents, tests, & evaluations are now traveling to our agency (AWAA) in D.C.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bless that FedEx driver! :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm breathing a little easier since yesterday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are some photos...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCYGPod2JY-EtMTqaVeDdBtkYbFuNNT6mnpcaOKaDlc-KndONyRtzCycclwHhcihg5O7In9oa0gb6ZjUX_yG_gC8YeA7e_28FjBSikJtFy73dz8_A3G4wjClPqbP6JLu5n9WdhbTEqUY/s1600/2012-03-02_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCYGPod2JY-EtMTqaVeDdBtkYbFuNNT6mnpcaOKaDlc-KndONyRtzCycclwHhcihg5O7In9oa0gb6ZjUX_yG_gC8YeA7e_28FjBSikJtFy73dz8_A3G4wjClPqbP6JLu5n9WdhbTEqUY/s640/2012-03-02_001.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Photo taken by a kind (& camera phobic) FedEx man. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5TyCq0TJiXPLZIdKkSL04mcA5bduPmyXTUtMX8ChuOrTsgwzAtIK_R6T3H5vzhRD4OQu6JZ7def9QS6iGC3JNFqhRNbOkjS1kk17txJIchuJ-6ofiPNfRdOVbYqtaYc1u25YnPeLInI/s1600/2012-03-02_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5TyCq0TJiXPLZIdKkSL04mcA5bduPmyXTUtMX8ChuOrTsgwzAtIK_R6T3H5vzhRD4OQu6JZ7def9QS6iGC3JNFqhRNbOkjS1kk17txJIchuJ-6ofiPNfRdOVbYqtaYc1u25YnPeLInI/s640/2012-03-02_002.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Future Timeline:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our dossier will be sent from our agency to our attorney in Honduras. It will then be translated into Spanish and authenticated by the Honduran government. After that, it will be presented and approved by INHFA. Once approved, we will be officially placed on the waiting list for our little girl. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Timeline for all of this: Absolutely No Clue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's what we will be doing next: Fundraising, applying for grants, & trying to wait <i>patiently.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-79771526298506628702012-02-24T12:23:00.000-06:002012-02-24T12:27:02.934-06:00Progress & PaperworkLots of great progress happening around here lately!<br />
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On February 9th (my own adopted father's birthday... I <b><i>love</i></b> that "coincidence") we had an appointment at Immigration Services (USCIS) to have our fingerprints taken. <br />
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One week later, I opened up our mailbox to a sweet surprise... Our I-600 APPROVAL!!! Yay! <br />
This document states that we have legal approval from the US government to adopt. <br />
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The day after that, February 16th, Darrell and I had our psychiatric evaluation and testing completed... looks like we are not too crazy, afterall.<br />
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And... over the past two days I have been running around like a mad woman getting forms notarized & re-notarized, typing letters, scanning, emailing, and organizing our mountain of paperwork!<br />
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Next on the agenda is to have everything apostilled (that little gold sticker the government sticks on legal papers)... it's basically a notary-to-the-notary. <br />
We do this at the Secretary of State office (thankfully we live in Nashville).<br />
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Then, we will travel to Atlanta to get the Honduran Consulate letter... (and, maybe a celebratory stop at Ikea while we're there).<br />
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I am hopeful that we will be able to mail our dossier next week... where it will then be reviewed, translated to Spanish, and sent off to Honduras.<br />
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Oh friends... what a <b><i>JOYFUL</i></b> day that will be!!! <br />
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I am definitely <b><i>ready</i></b> to have this part out.of.my.life. <br />
Paperwork is the pits!<br />
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And you know I <i>love</i> to take some photos... so, here you go. </div>
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My handsome husband's reflection in the USCIS office window.</div>
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Apparently, they are pretty serious about their rules. </div>
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Including photography.</div>
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Rats.</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
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Kristin</div>
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<br /></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-69041973445414082692012-01-10T11:11:00.000-06:002012-02-24T12:48:38.335-06:00A little adoption update...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you to all our sweet friends who have asked, encouraged, and prayed for our adoption.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a quick little adoption update to catch everyone up to speed:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I mailed our I-600 application last week! Yay!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically, this is a document that declares that an orphan that has been adopted (or <i>will be</i> adopted) by a US citizen is an immediate relative to that citizen. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we wait </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(an average of 75 days) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to get the approved document back from USCIS... before we can mail our dossier. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still have plenty of work to accomplish during the wait time... things like our psychiatric evaluations & additional references written.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The Honduras government is a hot mess right now. They recently opened investigations into IHNFA, workers went on strike and then a couple of top officials were fired. Now adoptions are on "hold."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, this feels all too familiar with Guatemala right next door.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, we are not switching countries... we are preparing our dossier, listening to the Lord and praying like crazy!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are praying for the country, for the government, and for the thousands of desperate children that are without families. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will continue update you as we know more...</span><br />
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</span>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-52013532114281239562011-11-24T00:18:00.000-06:002012-02-24T12:03:48.570-06:00Giving Thanks & A "Little" Surprise!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">It’s a GIRL!!!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are officially announcing our journey to adopt a little GIRL from the country of Honduras. We are overjoyed to share the news... and very excited to add to our family!</div>
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For most of you, our decision to adopt is no surprise. We’ve shared our heart for the fatherless… <o:p></o:p>and we have prayed continually for God to show us the right time to adopt a child (or 2) of our own.</div>
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Why Honduras? <o:p></o:p></div>
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It looks like Guatemala adoptions are on hold indefinitely. So, we are looking to the neighboring country of Honduras to add to our family. The two countries share a similar story and culture, as well as being close in geographic proximity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Right now, we are finishing up the home study process and the mountain(!) of paperwork that will become our dossier. We are hoping to submit the dossier by early 2012 and then be placed on the waiting list soon after. <o:p></o:p>All in all, the process is estimated to take about 2 years and cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000. If you look over to the right, you can see the results of our fundraising efforts to date. Would you support us and help bring our daughter home? We would love for you to be a part of our adoption story.</div>
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Please pray for us as we continue traveling down a very long road...</div>
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Feel free to follow along here, our family blog, as we document the journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Grateful,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Darrell & Kristin<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-57897924543696600342010-01-23T10:40:00.000-06:002011-11-16T12:39:27.198-06:00Change of Seasons<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just as sure as the seasons were made for change...<br />
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I went from a balmy 75 degree day in Guatemala, blue skies, beautiful weather and an AMAZING time with my family. Serving and loving others, <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/12/ortiz-house-day-1.html">building a home</a> for the <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/07/baker.html">Ortiz</a>, and a sweet time with the kiddos at <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/06/joy-full-ones.html">Los Gozosos</a> that we've come to adore... It was by far the best New Year that I've ever experienced.<br />
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Contrast that with touching down in Houston, on our way back home to Nashville, and getting a voicemail from the plane that my beloved Granny Sara was in critical care at UT Medical Center. <br />
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We flew back home and were welcomed with bitter cold weather, gloomy skies, and a change of seasons that I was very unprepared for... </div><div>my heart felt very unprepared...</div><div><br />
I tend to think in metaphors... and, I cannot seem to shake this one. </div><div>I mean, it's no coincidence that this blog <strike>is</strike> <i>was</i> titled "Blossom-ing"...<br />
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For every Spring there is a Winter.<br />
I'm not a fan of Winter.<br />
If I could, I would live in that Spring-like weather all of the time.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429986284961463010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc4yBbYLbKT-wE3KraZNQFUPiqH5b6DyXznWFicLuJR_DPvwaFYYj73ii8zzEL6UetzvoOUt5CDVNGQcZBfwPZinOiLtunBC59yqS_yFNwmy5KtJJ63gHPYcL3_CQ5wtF02AfDOadwTA/s400/Granny+%26+Baby+K.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /><br />
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Update: My beloved Granny Sara went to heaven on January 26th, 2010. I was in the room with my Mama, Aunt Carol, & Aunt Kim when she died. It was peaceful... beautiful... & sad. We prayed over her body, we cried & we laughed...<br />
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...then, I looked out the hospital room window as snow started falling from the sky...<br />
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I miss her so much, it hurts.<br />
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</div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-46954032305139742052010-01-01T16:48:00.000-06:002010-01-01T18:36:20.557-06:00Han Solo, Carrot Cake, and JesusThis is Tony Crabtree signing on for the Blossom-ing blog. Have you ever experienced a moment so powerful that it almost leaves you scared to try to put into words, just for the shear fact that you know your words will fall short? Well, I've been blessed with the gift yet daunting task of trying to accurately portray what happened with our family yesterday. Forgive me if I'm long winded, however, yesterday was an interaction that will leave me undoubtably changed forever.<div><br /></div><div>My nephew Mac, Kristin and Darrell's son, is a huge Star Wars fan right now, having recently graduated from the days of Thomas the Tank Engine. Whenever I saw those movies I was hit with the picture of Light v Dark. Good v Evil. Hope v Despair. Just the mention that there exists a Force that can't be seen, but yet is somehow making everything move in the galaxy is an idea I can't help but consider without thinking of the Holy Spirit. My friend Matt once asked me who I thought the "HERO" of the movie was. I thought, well...it's got to be Luke Skywalker. He's the golden boy. Or maybe you could even argue that it's Darth Vader who in the very end turns to the light side and destroys evil just before his death. Matt told me those are obvious choices, however, he's always thought of Han Solo as the real hero. He's a guy who came in and sacrificed everything he had, for a mission he had no business being apart of. He came out of nowhere, and without him, Darkness would have undoubtably prevailed. Something to chew on for sure... and yesterday, I couldn't stop thinking about that. Let me take you through our day.</div><div><br /></div><div>We first set off to see the new Ortiz home that we had put two days work into. We saw the progress (They're almost ready to move in! Only a few more trucks of dirt to fill in the floor!), and we said our goodbye's to the workers and kids. Later that afternoon, the Ortiz family invited us to their current home for an authentic Guatemalan meal. </div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived at their street, which by the way is a LONG few mile bike ride uphill into the town where they work and go to school. Next, we made the steep uphill hike into their home. Veronica, the mother, put out her best for us. The nice plates, silverware, and tablecloth. And a steak dinner to feed 15. I was blown away at how they served the very BEST of all they had to offer. </div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PFEqP84VqsLpgaAVa4Dh_GiD-vNCHamSbNRX10BXBaEU72NCtVhbc2khvSOgrpltN4RbhSu7zzU9xqqc7XbbUKwgIZDbhlPtxrAWlvSnZDbivUzXXRBmE9aGgsBSLk5ytipi4JIGmes/s1600-h/IMG_9228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PFEqP84VqsLpgaAVa4Dh_GiD-vNCHamSbNRX10BXBaEU72NCtVhbc2khvSOgrpltN4RbhSu7zzU9xqqc7XbbUKwgIZDbhlPtxrAWlvSnZDbivUzXXRBmE9aGgsBSLk5ytipi4JIGmes/s400/IMG_9228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421918129328751234" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqk6KW6-Tw2xtfLD7GRIvsv1sGnk48kdFSQFVqpQefBKL67yX9QyPOVRYARj6fPPc8jJmLovUrXXr1GCnKqn1ogcAmZgOE6WniOvh13AKfiAdB6WkKqJS90m_U3v0aJW6SceQBbrloGw/s1600-h/IMG_9254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqk6KW6-Tw2xtfLD7GRIvsv1sGnk48kdFSQFVqpQefBKL67yX9QyPOVRYARj6fPPc8jJmLovUrXXr1GCnKqn1ogcAmZgOE6WniOvh13AKfiAdB6WkKqJS90m_U3v0aJW6SceQBbrloGw/s400/IMG_9254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421918134702247170" /></a><br /></div><div>Above is a picture of a journal with song lyrics. After we enjoyed the meal, Veronica surprised us in the beautiful way she unveiled her heart. She had written us a song, which was sung with deeper passion than I've might have ever witnessed. I am sure the video will make it to this blog eventually. She was singing to God, a song of gratitude for the way He provides hope. When our friend Victor translated the lyrics for us, their were several of us in tears. When he read, "I thank you for your servants who listen to you..." I almost lost it. After all, all of this started with an unexplained voice calling my sister to listen. </div><div><br /></div><div>ESPERANZA</div><div><br /></div><div>Next we heard from Estuardo, Veronica's husband. He shared his story to us. With tears he explained how his dad had told him from the beginning that he would amount to only a thief... a vulnerability that Mayra told us she had never experienced from him. The thing about Estuardo is that he loves to bake. Cakes are his specialty, and he prepared for us the best carrot cake I've ever had. And I don't like carrot cake. It was good. Real good. He also showed us his gift with the whipped cream decorating. A gift he eagerly and earnestly wants to use to reveal God's glory. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCDvJe2yMeN_0jhSVNG95alnezVYyMNE6s_MT472svPwaAzAzc8JErB-ytNofyHUbwp4vJVOuU3LH-GlgvtXw8MnFUT8v91MfUJoHaFXUBcvMUj3_s3UGzJguZS2JbyjInhyphenhyphen1CxTz7c0/s1600-h/IMG_9291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCDvJe2yMeN_0jhSVNG95alnezVYyMNE6s_MT472svPwaAzAzc8JErB-ytNofyHUbwp4vJVOuU3LH-GlgvtXw8MnFUT8v91MfUJoHaFXUBcvMUj3_s3UGzJguZS2JbyjInhyphenhyphen1CxTz7c0/s400/IMG_9291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421921949173603922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JvsG4yYi0pKm_kXQtneCoHW6WNmlLX5XCsMvfW7-Xf3Fgb2zSeprwuAXC5lzCk2re9pc-JGq6TPfl59N-K2xApb-utmRHosZDu2UF4uRvYM86eerXb1D5_fP3yxKGOXjc-Uaf30iQrQ/s1600-h/IMG_9330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JvsG4yYi0pKm_kXQtneCoHW6WNmlLX5XCsMvfW7-Xf3Fgb2zSeprwuAXC5lzCk2re9pc-JGq6TPfl59N-K2xApb-utmRHosZDu2UF4uRvYM86eerXb1D5_fP3yxKGOXjc-Uaf30iQrQ/s400/IMG_9330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421921942843093426" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><br />You see, Estuardo has lived a tough life. He has without a doubt not helped his cause either. He's a guy in desperate need of a second chance. I feel so blessed to have a God of Second Chances. He's a God of ESPERANZA. It being New Year's Eve, our deepest hope is that the new home we helped provide would be, along with other things, a catalyst for hope for this family's life. I believe that Estuardo never really believed he was worth all of this. You could tell. Veronica too. Yet we have a God who craves the opportunity to lavish us with how much we matter to Him. Darrell hit the nail on the head too when he told Estuardo that his family is his ultimate pastry. They are a gift from God to decorate and treasure and present. I felt lucky to talk to him as well and share that he is in desperate need for men to encourage him in his faith. PLEASE pray that God would provide these men in Estuardo's life. <br /><br />It mattered that we were there. I mean how often do ten people sacrifice and leave behind life to chase after the one lost sheep out of the 99. I thought of Han Solo and how we really appeared to have come from nowhere...<br /><br />However, it was Christ that came from out of nowhere. He placed us there. And I'm thankful for Him being the Han Solo of my life as well. I was a mess, living in a square room, and he came from across the universe to find me. I think of this lovely woman Mayra, a Han Solo to the children and families of this town. My sister... who listened to something crazy that God told her when everyone asked, <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2008/03/why-guatemala.html">"Why Guatemala?"</a>... My mom. My dad. My wife. A 63 year old man named Renaldo. A 12 year old boy who loves his mother enough to stand up to his dad. My whole family really. <br /><br />I'm thankful that Christ is my Han Solo, who would stop at nothing to restore the Galaxy from the powers of the Dark Side. <br /><br />ESPERANZA<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ6FiqSFGVYWBz9arxI9FuWieyBxVdNv9oxZ_iAFCyowJ7_Jc2dYFZB9dTWqN2y4kTQ2BfRpy0mpeSLz2K8Xr9Q6Pozulm9RSthGFAxHu2suhTN0GJGpuwNBFBjEqPE1U12p0R0Klg9M/s1600-h/IMG_9413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ6FiqSFGVYWBz9arxI9FuWieyBxVdNv9oxZ_iAFCyowJ7_Jc2dYFZB9dTWqN2y4kTQ2BfRpy0mpeSLz2K8Xr9Q6Pozulm9RSthGFAxHu2suhTN0GJGpuwNBFBjEqPE1U12p0R0Klg9M/s400/IMG_9413.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421925790953357394" /></a>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-62867659440761948782010-01-01T07:44:00.000-06:002010-01-01T16:18:40.998-06:00Esperanza for the New Year<div>A new house...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEtEr7Mi4_MpOySahyrh9NdH7yJXbi6FzFjCXynKjwwfJZeYKrQBbwTaKHGGo3LvrgjjZLWiKZbc8ZwG4CIlc78kSF9epyow0fcbkR9BQUsscjujkXJhs_AIgykU6FkTbM7esIijtyZQ/s1600-h/IMG_9126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEtEr7Mi4_MpOySahyrh9NdH7yJXbi6FzFjCXynKjwwfJZeYKrQBbwTaKHGGo3LvrgjjZLWiKZbc8ZwG4CIlc78kSF9epyow0fcbkR9BQUsscjujkXJhs_AIgykU6FkTbM7esIijtyZQ/s400/IMG_9126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421770467438521202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9szGWOnXk_pHkc8yLu3s4_PsfvDRCPdZMgENhGJfL7uoOlPkTSKkptVV-U31zI8HkMf0YgdebO2mUYFbwv255wl2RAoO7kdiTaLFLIstvsgHt3-rSiurB9tG0ssn3OpmGWmcqiAjM0_o/s1600-h/IMG_9270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9szGWOnXk_pHkc8yLu3s4_PsfvDRCPdZMgENhGJfL7uoOlPkTSKkptVV-U31zI8HkMf0YgdebO2mUYFbwv255wl2RAoO7kdiTaLFLIstvsgHt3-rSiurB9tG0ssn3OpmGWmcqiAjM0_o/s400/IMG_9270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421770457893086578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRjd3FXi6K4Il2bAQsj-p-4UIYjM3UgtPL4x5i_AvoWruzIm0L6ZetHbqdkSIGT2k5EHstJPgxhEUpgnO8PjNSF-uD9SXJZSOiMJwqOPrPaFzUGBWuTWcteWV52daRTpzBeD__7xC70A/s1600-h/IMG_9430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRjd3FXi6K4Il2bAQsj-p-4UIYjM3UgtPL4x5i_AvoWruzIm0L6ZetHbqdkSIGT2k5EHstJPgxhEUpgnO8PjNSF-uD9SXJZSOiMJwqOPrPaFzUGBWuTWcteWV52daRTpzBeD__7xC70A/s400/IMG_9430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421769072111222194" /></a><br /><div>... is so much more than just a house. It's a new start. A new beginning. A new life.</div><div><br /></div><div>All of this, just in time for the New Year is no coincidence.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ortiz have Esperanza.</div><div>Esperanza=Hope</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope for the New Year, Hope for a new beginning, and Hope for a new Life.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Feliz Ano Nuevo mi amigos...</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope Full,</div><div>K</div><div><br /></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-20824239500106539472009-12-29T21:20:00.000-06:002009-12-29T22:26:55.009-06:00Shh!....Don't tell Dave Ramsey.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's what spending half of our emergency fund looks like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYkZdcxA4d8tPvP_ZY-YNFv9XDUuYFJTAyjR2eYta5FN8p1ePbtQ8D2IuWin_AJuWhqmdaqHDnV5NSW5ekBGVlXoN3EVp0GsenDOVIBADfeJJuT5RCU8qJmvfWeXRNXQXg00f4CL9RsM/s400/IMG_8797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420872113935422850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">My daughter building a friend and her family a house.</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QYThsENcUk3_j-4ZfOCZ0_0zMxTxrbm90pfZ6YMw4NmnRXAtzEzoMPWR-weTv_KRO4I_FFCaxCDoLr1WTC8Jxs86Uq5BYs5Vd-JF3JWluEwoC0XUUVo7u6dMAGQXYDkYfOkIG8zXSGM/s1600-h/IMG_8812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QYThsENcUk3_j-4ZfOCZ0_0zMxTxrbm90pfZ6YMw4NmnRXAtzEzoMPWR-weTv_KRO4I_FFCaxCDoLr1WTC8Jxs86Uq5BYs5Vd-JF3JWluEwoC0XUUVo7u6dMAGQXYDkYfOkIG8zXSGM/s400/IMG_8812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420875259069224850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A mother loving another through service.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHfmh-J_xpWXAWSYFFSbWW5QDYpws4KzNYwRZ8GZVi0HVhtTB-HjvsEbt7q0A8oJsiQDslKDF9qNcwfPAnHYpbC7GlFeC0D9dXfBOETM0-0qUnoZ3ku3LY8xnyRiH0HXzeU95twU4Alk/s400/IMG_8816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420875266308930098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">A fan club for my son's blonde hair.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AbCUTbmrGO2BDNMpnkzITgFfTczD4S_MRbxcwLXZksM37HDozkakpl8lfv_dWKzdFhgYHfpafx8vfXYFT6cUXvwtSJ5XAudM-f45nHaokF7E-QdsdihXU7IZjQss3i0UqY-nWonzu38/s400/IMG_8841.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420876013312996626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blistered hands and sore backs for my brothers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpY8EvJSb462ORfMDgzMQPXGaJy4pizDUCYjRlAQ5L6yg_VqsKI99iEdxBuYiSAD0GE68bWa3ocWXTvq02HqG8foBG3WtG6LcOHeE8Nd3eISTPIU1FRIF7OC-TL1XGAtZv_NZmmIX0JQ/s400/IMG_8849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420877247484876914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching the Ortiz's oldest son (hooded sweatshirt) move the earth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p0RUYxlhYAUn3TqsqbqR8a4JUzqwxeq8PpjnGfV4jJb75aL6a7OY5sMGL0vb__gaPuHL7jG4QzkXmqjk7q-wrKPT9lXxhCJCrfn3u2djOk2yP3HewVxPd5Mj6GSu7LrL3mYOjRsq8bU/s400/IMG_8854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420878927229776578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A new kitchen and the opportunity to watch a father pursue his dream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ETReXuT2-u4HAZoN68atWB9BTFFBidENZjDUo4F1ZPpP4S73YFo7wud6DKfN8ImHHWriSaUq4AUxTaXqxhqVD6RxDkYwna-5WPaanNKNxvfapOKuOgyVav6HCfiRKT0SgJ8xuniiqS0/s400/IMG_8844.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420877238217313170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs for my sisters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRp7sYBd2NGV3ZEZBEdgnBoW4PoV8ihEDzwJ7RQAxdXVu-gIaIlMrQ-T3j7xXZaVeZxU835qK5VbZeOUejbRJEwyd-pCA9npT8XzR8nw1XbylvuV9KB8u93QiurhMJIwEKQo4QZsfcFU/s400/IMG_8802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420874421018831682" /><div style="text-align: center;">An endless sea of precious smiles and laughter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qlIm-y__taX3YK2F0pAfeezVw_FOmmzIUqD4srCUeWXM0UCHxnJu-38fJVpb5lXlkmQ-ZV-z_NCm-hRTM56XNwISEHAYt_TZIqeSoBT_qqrjNZjfb5ydQK_AeL2CZoYpCpjU3qWrCs8/s400/IMG_8878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420873172191334402" /><div style="text-align: center;">A barefoot grandfather working tirelessly so that his family can have a new life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Today we lived like no one else, so that tomorrow we might live like no one else."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a life well lived.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-Darrell</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-60896597003440949922009-12-29T06:04:00.000-06:002009-12-29T06:30:51.720-06:00Ortiz House, Day 1<div style="text-align: center;">It's early on Tuesday morning and we are getting ready to leave for another day of building. But, I wanted to post some quick pics for those following along.<div><br /></div><div>First, let me just say....</div><div><br /></div><div>I am SO proud of my family.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6Ug5_JI5djl9uroEiXXkCASo2MqKDLfZTFCwOyrgqtL2xoOpR3ZMQycPr_CxPAQ_eNY-aVGjj9li-zd3O0AOCW93Rr1TLRuDDdkKGB9zqsaXIX4Vw43lcinrRkc266b5_cFhzLzaYD4/s400/IMG_8718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420630724162347314" /><div style="text-align: center;">Before we began...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLQWxqcqUIsNh6xXvfHXvy1uuEeIt9_uJK5RsP-8oWsTr_r_1_j1jCqj8s03_4nbz_o4ABh3TccEEuDnkYbnFdgMYAIlMnOqKE4XOb6RflcPZk4JhdDEWUClwFP2VrD6UuBZIK-9U_4s/s400/IMG_8694.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420630734417793698" /><div style="text-align: center;">Working hard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcLBsxyjUZhsj-TTuAi3te4uFBjqV9uFIiPj_RAVz6Cvm0Fu2r-fRq00UcK1So9mqGA019qLALjwLS1deiGEJ5_kkT7eJoas9P6Tax0A2DlHT1YfMyYEpOWQI9HeFbzOGNc0pMN9YHeg/s400/IMG_8724.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420630736158698338" /><div style="text-align: center;">The sweet neighborhood kiddos that wanted to play all day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDl1XiA8O37TE2sUa9G8G_3sy7KS0jBJ2wckSXbtacm7I9lu1yIjTKjuR4B5-2-wGeQPrWNftWO4kB9siiL0SPrSgnQFApySmknGdietOB-oPrNCtBiJaegxajlAWlJTXlAhcqHsOvo0/s400/IMG_8768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420630744181067778" /><div style="text-align: center;">Then, we headed back to Guatemala City in the afternoon so that everyone could see and "experience" the dump. I didn't take any pictures this time. But, I'm hoping to post some in the future from someone else that did.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We ended the night eating dinner with our dear friends, the Greene family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're off again...</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-66094484484769846562009-12-27T22:01:00.000-06:002009-12-27T22:06:08.793-06:00It's great to be back!We are all here... and exhausted from a long day of travel, grocery shopping and dinner.<div><br /></div><div>We also have a 5:30 am wake up call in the morning to begin the project. </div><div>Sooooo, on that note... I'm jumping off of here and into my bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's so great to be back... words fail me.</div><div>I adore this place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can't wait to see friends tomorrow... </div><div><br /></div><div>Noches amigos,</div><div>K</div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-42298316920193555212009-12-26T23:05:00.000-06:002009-12-27T00:01:03.499-06:00With an Open Hand<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“She can feel the wind right now wash away her tracks and plans saying:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you really want to live this life, Gotta hold it with an OPEN HAND.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>-David Wilcox</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes">At the end of the Christmas Eve service of the church we are attending, we lit candles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It started with one candle up-front and the flame made it’s way all the way to the balcony where we were sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It spread quickly….only took two verses of Silent Night to reach us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The end of the song signaled the end of the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point, the worship leader so gently told of a tradition from his church back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The tradition of keeping the candle lit as long as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said they would see who could make it home with a lit candle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And when he told this little story, everyone in the chapel laughed out loud like he had just delivered a great punch line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mean, imagine passing a line of mini-vans with small flames burning brightly inside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But he was persistent in saying that they really tried to do that when he was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For me, the idea that made worship leader’s story funny (and a little bit unrealistic) also invited me into the metaphor of my spiritual candle, the one that is not to be hidden under a bush, Oh no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The one referred to in the old Christian radio gem, “Go Light Your World”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I was struck with the profound idea that it will really take courage, passion, desire, want, hope, wish, dreaming to make this flame stay alive until I get it home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To make sense out of the non-sense, I would have to fight so that the flame would not be put out and I would need to take great care not to burn everything to ashes between there and home (kids included).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Dear friends & family, tonight we are packing….tomorrow we depart for Guatemala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will be there for 7 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Kristin’s Dad, Mom, brother & wife, sister & husband have decided to join us on our Quest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are going to be with a beautiful family that we got to know this past summer during our stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are the Ortiz Family, a family of 5….Dad, Mom, two boys and one girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our “reason” for going is so that our family can build them a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In reality, our hope is to continue building relationships with each one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You see, we have unofficially adopted them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They need a new start in their life and this build is our hope at inviting them to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just like the candle story, I am struck with the profound idea that this Quest will require the same actions and attributes of keeping the candle flame alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There will be moments of fight, movements of passion, and the giving of great care so that the flame might be taken so gently and quickly from our hearts to theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">We will be updating this blog during our time in Guatemala, so please check back as often as you wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-outline-level:1"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-outline-level:1">Feliz Navidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Darrell and family</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-outline-level:1"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-outline-level:1">P.S. You can read more about the Ortiz family <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/07/baker.html">here</a> and watch some video <a href="http://www.athentikos.com/wordpress/2009/08/12/athenti-kast-episode-iv/">here</a> (sometimes referred to as "the baker") and their big dreams.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-57981590780418246672009-09-29T10:33:00.000-05:002009-10-01T12:15:26.223-05:00Happy and Full<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello internet land...</div><div><br /><div>Yes, it has been a long, long time. Too long actually.</div><div>However, the lack of blogging is definitely not an indicator that we have nothing going on here in the Vanzant house. Quite the opposite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Over the past month we have started school, <a href="http://KristinVanzant.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">started a business</span></a>, my sweet sister got hitched, and we all 4 got some pukey virus. Throw in 4 wedding showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, 9 meetings about Guatemala, doctor visits, photo shoots, Young Life, 4 birthday parties, school functions and traveling and... whew!!! </div><div>It makes my head spin just thinking about it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We are still here, I promise. Though most of August and September felt more like "survival"... this past week has been AMAZING! The routine of school, healthy kiddos and cooler, beautiful Fall weather has definitely lifted my spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My heart is happy and and my life is full.</div><div>And, I love it this way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And... because every post is better with a picture... here are some of our last two months.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX528aTSwu3fF58Jwsuu8Wy6jg0qjlbFsBasnYd_9JhB6cWpuSswrT9mxQ0dyFSYi6RosmEc93RN9ARkL3fJ1mB85eYXobKsqCECmNqphe8NMr4D1jbzIyeqDkljEbZGjcm4oPhLXGjg/s400/IMG_1547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387670557001551234" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">First day of school. I love how the word "booty" in the morning makes my kids laugh hysterically!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLlaDe3bS4ozB0KbpD52bJn9TqK6J3gzr3HwSHKD6dRaTm93b7SzukhoiW_vqH5LaUjuxnn-1IS9g59kcSffDSfiv_fY0DewHeBN65MZ9ZOwgyU0hDZu9DNFijf-Ry550O-FNtzwbDjY/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387670548727962114" /><div style="text-align: center;">The Mommy Tackle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmDDwC9fI9uA2hM6G1i67iYBkqTAe0mD-u6WgyK4mVDfVUF3VdPXBVhJQd_HX1GI4b-Jx369nDG9dNQWwzV0bhgWy6FbLamh5VUB-PDPA5d__e49C7N0dOPyL_gxBZu0ib0Uj4q_KSxU/s400/IMG_1623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387672906931186418" /><div style="text-align: center;">Short but sweet visit from the <a href="http://goodfellowfamily.blogspot.com">Goodfellow's</a>. Riley and Emma, BFF.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And... Riley has started a REALLY cool project that you should check out <a href="http://rileyproject.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Amazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RT49aqc0YecE9nXwbhaoJeuEnaAgM4imlqle8n6w01aVc1oTwhdeV3_vIiEkaUnDosnc7ZO55PQL0rTxySYgyC0TV10weOYmlDgABAgcJ2C3YcXDZXtFEz7k5g852E4ALrmWuLYSfQ0/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387672930138503474" /><div style="text-align: center;">Lingerie Shower pics for my sis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Benefit of being Maid of Honor = Embarrassing the Bride.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Due to the nature of the party, I can only show you a very few... </div><div style="text-align: center;">haha...</div><div style="text-align: center;">but, I adore the next series of photos.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoL4WIvPmMCRYurOmuEMS_w892rU03CZ4o1A57XiQGfSBDRz6HNMS29LksNAfYsjt97HgtDYCtcNAjwvxgb-gyyXipCe2H06XZrd7qhXAUD19mHoXdjKTPXog-nUiU4SDYvCfAA5dYOA/s400/IMG_2053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387672909061440082" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY88JW1CoS-TuhQolVDBssTl5JAhglkU6vKvIRnmvCS7f9Mosf2NeL9OkZjcBnKqdc6kJm6k-kdRSs-5Ic8kEWKkSSFTMeW9pFL9LbxOmdj2G7HWd5VqmzjeCob_ttNMs4TLdlcptxnoE/s400/IMG_2052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387675153732654322" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Priceless!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And... poor Mac. This picture just makes me laugh. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It embodies the last couple of months for us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFBHPgTMCTu6bOemSO4R1jVWmWzBmmWwn9wppNuKbBPIz9uqq4jZGuX_BlpEbVpYDoDr9GmiM2IhS0ugI0uSImVb2KeCL3WD0QnS17GT4-JT6XYWZFFNaeIENc4VN8zjYEb4XjAXB79s/s400/IMG_2225.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387675159981916258" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay... I have MANY more pics to come. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But, this is enough for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy and Full,</div><div style="text-align: left;">K</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-14414303723943697752009-08-07T07:43:00.000-05:002009-08-07T20:34:29.281-05:00The Bus.Excitement filled the air, as hyped up kids clinging to pillows began saying their goodbyes to parents. We were finally boarding the buses for the annual 5th Grade Safety Patrol Trip to Washington D.C. <div>It was a right of passage. An honor to be chosen. And a nightmare for me.<div><br /></div><div>I was a nervous wreck. Full-on-hot-mess, in the bathroom, crying, and begging my mom not to make me go. It was my first trip away from her, away from home, and I was scared to death. Lucky for me, she decided to push me on that bus... for my fate was waiting for me there.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of hours into the trip, I noticed this little blonde boy in the back of the bus making all the girls laugh. It was someone who I'd never really met before, probably because we were never in the same class. And I'm not quite sure if it was his easy going personality or the way he knew every word to The Jets or Janet Jackson... but, I was instantly smitten.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the Story would unfold, a friendship began on that bus way back in the 5th grade... and, by the 6th grade we were best friends. We never "went together" or even held hands but in 6th grade I knew I would marry this boy one day. Sounds corny, I know. But, it's the truth... </div><div><br /></div><div>I just knew. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many twists and turns on the road of life... and years later we reconnected at the end of tenth grade. Still just best friends, we shared laughs, love, and scars from previous relationships. Wounds still fresh from other people's attacks... we confided, wept, and hurt for one another. Two kids trying to figure out life together. It was then that we began to dream and hope for the other one... and it was that same hope that eventually led us to our own faith and trust in God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our anger and passion for each other would lead us to much healing in the years ahead... and slowly (but surely), in God's perfect timing, we would begin a dating relationship that would blossom into a Union of two souls. </div><div><br /></div><div>August 7, 1999.</div><div><br /></div><div>A best friend like no other... a relationship... a deep soul connection love that would last for eternity... that started on a bus.</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been best friends now for 24 years and married today for 10.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's real.</div><div>Deep.</div><div>Forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Anniversary Baby... It just keeps getting better...</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you,</div><div>K</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-63777464362036746262009-08-04T08:46:00.000-05:002009-08-04T11:23:17.355-05:00Athentikos: Watch & PrayMy friends arrived in Guatemala to finish filming for <a href="http://www.athentikos.com/wordpress/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Athentikos</span></a>. <div><br /><div>Here are some behind the scenes. </div><div>Watch the short videos and then pray for Scott.</div><div><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9CtqAW7YSrx_X7TUZ0AbIy53KIeSQ5gw-48vt07U_1Lw6d2qUykDW76J-Qbjk_OxNFcN7C_mqMuxMSYgj_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoUX_AV9N3llUgmUNo2cpMG4XmsPO4zkf6Qqgtz1moJGGlTdV8u5AnjN1hQ38uB0fuYe1D4uhl2F-AQ5BvcQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Thanks,</div><div>K</div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-24396385434146748502009-07-28T23:43:00.000-05:002009-07-29T00:04:26.813-05:00Friends In Guatemala<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tomorrow, a team of 4 will be returning to Guatemala to finish filming footage for the Athentikos documentary.<div><br /></div><div>Please keep them in your prayers... and, follow along on our <a href="http://www.athentikos.com/wordpress/">Athentikos Blog</a>. The guys will be updating from in country.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here they are... Bobby, Bengy, J.Mac, and Scott.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUBxvM5HseIONBmkFp_d0MQlr4CooNrQ-66_Kp2rz98V-CJ6Sw-_5HNLc7SMfMnJ7MaAyKS11F5hBemBrbJ9J4VTm62YKaiKIfpigOcsF_w6D_-PtqA0ZTFhDIbwINn_2SgFuc-EJsYo/s400/safe_image.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363741112360182306" /><div><br /></div><div>On another Guatemala note: We have neighbors and friends that are there NOW on mission trip. The Lutes family is a sweet, sweet bunch with BIG hearts for Guat. You can read about their trip <a href="http://lutesguatemalamissiontrip.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love that we have so many friends there now... It's a beautiful thing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Guate Lovin,</div><div>K</div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-27668953544875769032009-07-25T22:46:00.000-05:002009-07-25T22:59:15.221-05:00Best Friends<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_h5k-4OJE3FVDqQK938xoui0lXbNOvse3_3o8cSTwAVoHukJkI-an9P-b2dFzL_t6NZRVVwk5pKI27aSi_v7GwRzBjvjyrPC-ymdMF4tTrc3gn-dhhNJpWjiWz-q7L26rX8rAVFOA2M/s400/IMG_9646_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362613014176131890" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTesU4Yzw1TcBvtW0PQat7h4y_Awi-P85Hdrtnjh2rKY1d7v4qCr2WOHm1TWPIAmnitHzokKqrhUCuSPjnp0MBDDKn0Iz_Zv-T-DBM0U7aM4kBqMLTQZFBphPtVQVs9Pyv-ZrLErRovY/s1600-h/IMG_9643_2.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTesU4Yzw1TcBvtW0PQat7h4y_Awi-P85Hdrtnjh2rKY1d7v4qCr2WOHm1TWPIAmnitHzokKqrhUCuSPjnp0MBDDKn0Iz_Zv-T-DBM0U7aM4kBqMLTQZFBphPtVQVs9Pyv-ZrLErRovY/s400/IMG_9643_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362613019612072338" /></a>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-13762591170446315532009-07-24T22:41:00.000-05:002009-07-24T23:21:46.136-05:00Friday Fun<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Let's get a little bit rowdy, </div><div style="text-align: center;">R-O-W </div><div style="text-align: center;">a </div><div style="text-align: center;">D-Y"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emma had cheer camp all week and today was her big "show".</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty. Darn. Cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRf6om36BzfNmFMTN8h8QJu4WSkWHrsJzxjnLWeTlnqy6jQd39RjYHvdLnuid-Wnp1Zz5ABns1NG08q5pUVeuq5mN2WfXj-yjfQnqsQMSJ83A4rfPI7LdnjqYgD_CU4xHPbqyiCwVjPM/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362239784046853138" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvM4_e4k0DgvXk5H_YLC-uS3JGWGgExRT1E7g93yzbXTxXnUyiiR3nMlTgOfr5JqloBVTnmg_U_JLHaLTb6pO-np7c03Gie_IZW21V1UtgYdyYdJ6VpBNC5p3okMhOdoTElDeoV9oKfk/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362239793847163890" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, Mac played "Mac in the Box" this afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this kid.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoea8RjdIB4NbJ0uAE1MY0LuO7i6TAALtE-oAwsW8DPXhcHgeq7tIvT8rGCgZp2hCuAtFDFmq7NFxZKhVr8QQWOusHXz5e6ixrSuMlsWO28BMAUP-i0N6-IXqp7xCYJyn5oNbBG65nnkY/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362239798080056434" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA89o4KKswAlSWqJxRyPkO4afh-AO5s-YtXzeKJK63e7sPRM7I4VlWPHqOWQXTa-52hXXtegm_paUuuuO5i5zDKhXSk4lThn5BFF35khi73SI6DHyxbr2ZpQ0nh0F6BRJLCuVZXT26C2M/s1600-h/IMG_1937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA89o4KKswAlSWqJxRyPkO4afh-AO5s-YtXzeKJK63e7sPRM7I4VlWPHqOWQXTa-52hXXtegm_paUuuuO5i5zDKhXSk4lThn5BFF35khi73SI6DHyxbr2ZpQ0nh0F6BRJLCuVZXT26C2M/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362239802923650018" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Listen to what my little guy said to me today... I'll never forget it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(After picking him up from gymnastics)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Me: "Mac, do you <i>love</i> gymnastics?!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mac: "No."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me: "You <i>don't</i>???" (very surprised because he really does).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mac: "No."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me: "Well, what <i>do you love</i> then?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mac: "You."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think my heart melted right there on the spot. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Friday,</div><div style="text-align: left;">K</div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-73195031419798568672009-07-23T12:31:00.000-05:002009-07-23T16:54:17.128-05:00Kickin' Butt<div style="text-align: center;">In the words of my great friend, <a href="http://sddancy.blogspot.com/">Scottie Dancy</a>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">"I've been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest!"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, that's no joke!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some pics to catch you (and me) up to speed, since our return from Guat:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 4th of July Bike Parade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYii-yn-n_9K_9C3zLPWn7nZvvJqV_yEdbudBLjq11UyOQVfwvhsVr4Psa6pJzui2mJtdIyVAPUl3HaaMjbdMYR30GR0YRBeQ-3UYd9m5aJ9qLYDIrcKAYxDRf3oh_dzZpaUZTsxaRF_E/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361713384653025586" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My kids look like Daisy and Bo Duke in this picture. Now all we need is the rebel flag flying from the monster truck.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's the East Tennessee coming out.... it's in our blood. Ha! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some sweet friends from the 'hood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tvl2cI4onY_xVfboap_G95eGZoyJ7cZtJ3lOrUvNhyphenhyphen6ujRTCzovxYP2SSa9m5k61yxGel5EV_qq29pzj0TXMY7rkFxlemZEwSk1qmZ1WAnoQ0oXEs1yX1i1hrC0Dy5MznHc4N3mePaU/s400/IMG_0329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361713398882992946" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, we had Mac's Birthday "Extravaganza"... okay, so more like pizza and cake for all the little "Backyardagins".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fun night with great friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gtySer9zZ6_VUT2NCNDQxcXactwtZfgxmDpHAIBI6Ns3Cx2oPcCH9URW3xjkzdf3IdDnQteTPR9NbZVr0CSXnyYftCT-X3CXFB4s2XWw49vbjyIALAEdUi6R-NLsBaFrgXyVnp8gnGQ/s400/IMG_0364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361720978361136402" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMHL7pSdykLeIHIWWq6_-T01xpEJ5gNkY8nWPauF30lZmfAmkDDNoBeT3zeQNzHzb95U2-lFqHe2XF0JLs8nEK0XuDLUbHM7Zr1RsMzxT9boTLFZYjIcaRZtwex-L7cEas-8dUPSi0NY/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361720988504619202" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo8JD8W9nAcV1PSLrEg4y8YfvLFCdmf3m6rhLQD696QBkl_ORN3Kf8gb_BEfWtlWXkxd3j2UF2sVBRcNu-ev8gp0qkOOrConSVlek_qzqssnssBUFO3ILU6VkB9y6v8zCBdy3AHkx16w/s400/IMG_0422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361720995001466626" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Next, we took a little unexpected beach trip.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Good for my soul... and, great family time.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwX5fKd_jshxSHVMdC8RaEWG2CehRoYQKSPUBvKwnKx4NOmmrmjkFTeYkWd-EDQ9-sD_B2mBGYSp8_wOjRUV81fkJjK1I3_lpGrCeYBk0z6JOL9a2H8tXqdF9CEtzBtOP3dfAPbw_ZjA/s400/IMG_0599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361724713136538754" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ikCzvdFlcIIAUBP4vADnlYkl-TweDUNv0m0dmL-EmU4yDAoijukWSsBQvc2h66pKGBKFijp4fdVmpuwe6WFQdXFWcoFu6smQdGCIRhZEv9YasSUk3pKMqVNvOOLTjuzDT3m4nwunBqI/s400/IMG_0602.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361724721155469714" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As soon as we returned from the beach, I went to a bridal shower for my sister. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes, BRIDAL!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can tell, I was a little excited! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cali is the most BEAUTIFUL thing... truly, inside and out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBXu43fqwz4vfXHl7SA5wAUiGJR4AJR9FmigmGwTmk2iUOEDz5J2YqDFSEG1_ZJjrwJgk_LnPX0jS4GQiBVtMsbwJ9xkedKe1dfNSmIujo59_kqD_X60s63ZLdIU1EYrdABcjV6bIb4U/s400/IMG_0878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361730273678422674" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am thrilled that she and Will are getting married... I cannot wait!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will and Darrell are already "practicing" for the BIG DAY. They even dress alike.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5hy45qbPSi3bhIA5gpPE4EJALdTKLfwQwSqt3QGwPiUFwQoKOsClSikzk5ugKCMhiaUPIbuvQWe1trhm4pALcCSoZxuEScTNAfeB1XG1MdKruTeHhLjvEWVarfQhPw0FBF2ryLdr1vE/s400/IMG_0945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361730270042833394" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Cali's sweet friend, Amy, came ALL the way from Australia to help celebrate!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love. Her. "Heaps."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L-jIHufC9xaexs4MKEYX_55Iv_JzH6zFtBu6XSIk-7NQpD8or-obdSEEBaW90FMC7FSxsAgNaEESZEh0b4BsOWNx8NA89WDj2EL75etn3INgeUeOBPbXeaeIpGAqX_kMbdj9leqvMTQ/s400/IMG_0934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361768242733257410" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This past week, I shot Cali's bridal portraits... and, I'm <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">SO EXCITED</span> to post them!!! They turned out so well... and, why wouldn't they? She's gorgeous!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I can't let you see the portraits before the wedding, here's a sneak peak of a few engagement photos. Go <a href="http://williamandcallann.com/">HERE</a> and show them some "comment love."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05nLyoMWYD-sZjZS0Nu6XJMrYwhH_byMn_Q9j8gHKceJL2AcYl7EyVYkOXkXGFzVlagMl7RwamdM8tkZJsSYemLrXE4JZTZ9UpqIHPBpWJW2X65Eg9jfVD79rkV9RPhycwBOaIjr1f28/s400/IMG_3504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361765655429907426" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNWfRfhT2VW4BinVMeev3ZPszXKEwOtvxbiWnHe_bgEUUtdtEDeTRWgH_QHvwkY3QixYYC6m1FygWG6NdaGcRPc4Vz0qXhbfQYDWoAekZHcVmGUylBnNQVOxSdS_PGma-Wa4tq6h9tGg/s400/IMG_3672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361765656989749810" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HJY8hUZQCgY9ViF0cLj3_aDp4EsKA9uO-UTxU2ZaeNKeWBfIvxjSa3l64bgIky9_218heIkm8V2f9KOkdLW23YOiEs4XPA8PIklVTUlUMs8vnF2C2EmCc9Zwvp1DATgoe0X9jMspcss/s400/IMG_3791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361765665441839186" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hmmm... what else??? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh yes, in my spare time Darrell and I have been working on <a href="http://athentikos.com/">Athentikos</a> and planning mas ("more" in Espanol) vision trips to Guatemala!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Woo Hoo!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kickin' It,</div><div style="text-align: left;">K</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486644874272466704.post-32009150347318206512009-07-11T21:56:00.000-05:002009-07-13T09:12:34.305-05:00Favorite Moments, Week 5Haha.<div>Yes, so this blog is about 2 weeks late... sorry.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Our last week in Guatemala, we definitely packed it all in!</div><div>We stayed SO busy... probably in order to keep ourselves from feeling the sadness of leaving.</div><div><br /></div><div>It didn't work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of my most memorable moments from Week 5.<br /><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/06/hermano-pedro.html">Hermano Pedro</a>... over and over.</li><li>Getting to hold Gloria, one more time.</li><li>Hearing Henry and Elmer yell out, "Emma!" in their excitement to see her.</li><li>New friendships with the HP nurses, Estella and Mary Louisa.</li><li>Cafe Barista's latte</li><li><a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/06/one-heck-of-party.html">Los Gozosos</a>... saying "hasta luego" with a SpongeBob Pinata Party.</li><li>Sacred time with the <a href="http://www.blossom-ing.com/2009/07/baker.html">Ortiz family</a>.</li><li>The afternoon with our friend Cesar.</li><li>Visiting <a href="http://www.hogardeninos.net/">Hogar de Ninos</a> (Children's Home) and meeting Sean and Glendi.</li><li>Meeting with Pastor Mike and catching a vision.</li><li>Dreaming with <a href="http://seekingtheforgotten-melissa.blogspot.com/">Melissa and Scott</a> over Pollo Campero. I. love. them!</li><li>2 (yes, 2!) birthday cakes for Mac... long story.</li><li>1 adorable little birthday boy.</li><li>Victor's last visit to our casa.</li><li>Walking the cobblestone streets and saying "goodbye" to Antigua.</li><li>1980's minivan with 8 people crammed in + ALL of our luggage + no air conditioning for a 2 hour road trip.</li><li>Meeting the <a href="http://babygirlreyher.blogspot.com/">Reyher family</a> in the Guatemala City hotel and talking adoption.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Ahhhh... I love this country. Love the kids. Love the people. Love the cities. Love the culture. </div><div>Love.Love.Love.</div><div><br /></div><div>As much as I love the country of Guatemala, I love MORE of what its done to me and my own heart. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's changed me. Forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>The poverty, injustice, and hopelessness has given me a path to engage my own brokeness and need.</div><div><br /></div><div>I desperately need a Rescuer.</div><div>The Rescuer.</div><div><br /></div><div>So do the people of Guatemala.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-K</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>***If you are interested in traveling to Guatemala, Darrell and I will be leading some "Come and See" trips this Fall and next Spring, Summer 2010. These would be great for families, groups or individuals. </div><div>Shoot me an email or comment if you want more info.</div></div></div></div>Kristin Vanzanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650278782020449983noreply@blogger.com3