Aftershocks???

"Our house in the middle of the street......."

The kids keep singing this song, because our house is literally in the middle of our street.  As is typical in colonial Guatemalan architect, our house is shaped like a C with a courtyard in the opening of the C.  All doors open to the courtyard and this gives a openness to the house.  Also, it helps with cooling when the temperature gets warmer.

Our first night in our new home was rather hair raising.  Since the doors all open to the open court yard we were a little nervous about the kids sleeping in their rooms.  Even though there is electrified razor wire around the place, security cameras everywhere, two security guards with big guns, and locked gates I was concerned.  Every noise in a new house causes alarm when you are already on edge.

We had been in bed about an hour when Toby and I heard a bumping noise coming from somewhere.  He jumped up and flew out the door to check on the kids.  They were sleeping peacefully all snug and cozy in their beds, so we laid back down.  A few minutes later we heard the same sound again, and again Toby was out the door in a flash.  The problem was that the noise always quit about the time he got out the door, so he decided to stand by the door a little while.  Sure enough there was the noise again, but Toby still could not find where it was coming from.  Coming back in he says, "Kayla, I think it must be aftershocks from the earthquake."  OK!  That was not what I wanted to hear, but at least it was not invaders. Plus, I hadn't felt any shaking or swaying. We heard it several more times during the night, but we stayed in bed confident that there was no harm coming to our kids.

The next morning, Toby asked the kids if they felt or heard the after shocks during the night.  None of them had heard anything.  Puzzled, Toby asked if they had heard the bumping during the night.  Kaitlyn said, "Yeah, every time I moved my head board made a loud bumping sound. One time I tried to see how many times I could make it bump the wall."  You should have seen the look on Toby's face.  We have heard Toby's "aftershocks" every night since, but Toby has slept through most of them.  

For some reason this whole scenario reminds me of my bear in TN that turned out to be Kaitlyn's cell phone on vibrate.  Lesson learned......if you are ever in a new place make sure any strange sounds in the middle of the night are not somehow tied to Kaitlyn.

Happy Thanksgiving

I think I have had writers block since arriving in Guatemala.  You would think the sights and sounds would energize my creativity and productivity, but it has been the opposite.  I honestly think I have been overwhelmed with sensory overload.

........Thankful that this does not occur all the time.

Our first trip to the store to purchase necessities was nothing but sensory overload.  We didn't go to one of the several Wal-marts that I have seen, we went to the local market/grocery store.  It was Friday evening and the place was bustling with locals getting what they needed.  Most people shop daily due to lack of refrigeration.  The smells, sights, and sounds were so different that half way through the trip I zoned out.  Someone with us asked if I was OK.  I honestly could not take anymore.

......Thankful that we made it through and we at least had enough sense to buy toilet paper.

Our first few days were spent with people coming and going, trying to get out house up and running.  The gardener comes on Monday's and Thursday's.  He came with the house...hired by the homeowner.

.......Thankful that I do not have to tend to the plants and that he was already hired.

The pure water delivery is on Wednesday's and Saturdays.  They deliver 15 gallons of pure water at a time that we use for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.  I have gained a huge appreciation for clean water at our disposal in the US that comes from the tap.

.......Thankful for clean water that I take for granted.

The internet was quite elusive for the first week.  Seems that here it takes several people over several days to fix a problem.  Each time a new internet technition showed up they were a little more qualified to deal with our problem.  Finally, after a week of being here they sent out the experts and they had us up and running in about an hour.  The cable from house to the street was bad.

........Thankful for wifi and the experts that finally got it turned on.

We have a maid/child care person I will refer to as E.  She cleaned the house from top to bottom everyday the first week, but after starting school today, I don't think that will be the case.  Kamryn keeps her VERY busy while I study the language.  She told us today that Kamryn is very smart.  I saw Missy Smarty make several runs for me today with a very determined, mischievious look on her face, with E. in hot pursuit.  I think Kamryn enjoyed the chase and really didn't mean to ever get to me.

........Thankful for a nice lady that helps so I can learn the language.

Kamryn has been very sick since we got here.  She got the ROTO virus in Miami and the Monday before we flew out, we had to take her to the hospital.  She was dehydrated and I could not stop her vomiting.  They gave us medicine, and the next day she was better.  On Friday, we woke up with her vomiting again, so we took her to a Dr here.  He confirmed the ROTO virus and said that it was about over.  He was right and in a couple of days she was better.  Within 24 hours of her eating again, her allergy to soy started showing up.  For the next week, we battled having to figure out what contained soy and what didn't in a language that we can't understand.  Wal-mart is a mine field of products that contain hidden ingredients.  Well, hidden to those that do not read the language.  You can find some American products here and that helps.

........Thankful that I live in a country that things are labeled clearly and for a variety of products that make my life simpler.

Thanksgiving came and went this year without much fan fare.  We had the rest of the missionary team at our house for the Thanksgiving meal.  I made the cornbread dressing and it turned out wonderful considering the corn meal here is really corn flour.  We missed our family and traditions at home, but found that where ever you are Thanksgiving is in the heart.  We have so much to be thankful for that we should celebrate a spirit of thanksgiving daily.

Thanksgiving 2012

Happy Thanksgiving 

Lowry Park Zoo

Today we went to one of the coolest zoos that we have ever visited. The Lowry Park Zoo is rated #1 in the nation by Parents magazine.  It wasn't so big you couldn't see it all in a day, but there was so much to do at ever turn.  I love when each kid, no matter how young, can have a good time participating on some level.  There was so much for ALL of us to do.

We saw so many animals and one of the best animals to watch were the rhinos.  They chased each other around and around playing and terrorizing three zebras that were sharing their habitat.  One of the grossest and interesting things that they did was poop in the exact same spot one behind the other.  I am not sure what that was all about, but it was definitely INTERESTING.  My kids stood glued to the action, until the smell hit them.....it was time to move on.

One of the first things my youngest three spotted where the kiddie rides. Poor Kaitlyn, she gets stuck riding rides with Kamryn because she can get in places someone with longer legs can't.  She is such a good sport, but today I think we pushed her limits with a ride.  She was getting on the kiddie train and the roof of the car about took her head off.  Seems that we may have to retire her riding privileges.  Guess Nicholas will have to step in and be the designated rider.

  

The Bad, Bad, Kiddie Train and Kaitlyn enjoying their time together.

Look at the smile on my little girl's face.

I really wished I had gotten a picture of one of the kids petting this llama named Angie.  All of the them where somewhat scared of her.  Kaitlyn really didn't help the situation by announcing, "I think that thing is about to spit," as we were waiting to go in the petting zoo.  No one wanted to get near Angie and her spit.

Kamryn loved this goat, because it was just her size.  She kept petting and loving on him, until she decided to give him a big bear hug.  He was NOT impressed and butted her ever so slightly in the stomach.  It wasn't hard, but he got his point across.  Kamryn came flying to me, saying over and over, "He mean!"  She didn't hug any more goats after that.

Toby named this goat EARL and spent the entire visit to the petting zoo brushing him.  Not sure about this, but the goat loved it

.

We have two ways of thinking in our family, either "I HATE BIRDS" or "I LOVE BIRDS".  I am in the love them camp.  Kaitlyn, on the other hand, is the main HATER.  She has been known to leap on top of my head to get away from a bird, so today was a MIRACLE.

 LOVE BIRDS

Kaitlyn was VERY BRAVE and overcame her fears to hold and feed a bird.  The girl that worked in this exhibit was very patient with her and showed her how to hold them, blow the hulls from the seeds, and how to get them to come to her without scaring her to death.  I am so proud of my girl.  We MAY have another bird lover in the making.

Last week we were at Toby parent's house and Kamryn saw the horses running in the pasture.  She wanted to go ride one and was upset when we told her she could not.  She was so excited when she realized she could ride a pony.  She kept telling Kensli and Nicholas that she was, "FUST!"

Our EXCITED Pony Rider

 Beautiful Kensli Ready to Ride

Cowgirl Kensli

 Nicholas taking his ride.

Several weeks ago, when we were in the area, we went to Busch Gardens and fed the giraffe.  You had to be five years old to ride the safari truck to the feeding area.  I can understand their rules, because you had to ride standing up in the back of the truck.  Today when I realized she could feed a giraffe I was so excited for her.  As you can see, by the look on her face, she loved the experience.

 Look at the happy girl.

We have never been anywhere that you could ride a camel.  This was a nice treat for the kids.  Check Kaitlyn out, she is riding with Kamryn AGAIN!  Guess the camel didn't poop, kick, or do some other disgusting thing, because she has a smile on her face.

 Camel Riding....we just need Pyramids.  

Naturals and Smiling Kaitlyn

One of Kensli's favorite marine animals are the manatee.  She couldn't wait to go and see them.  Last year when we were at a zoo with a manatee exhibit, she had wanted to buy her a stuffed animal manatee.  Guess what she got today?  She finally got her wish, except little sisters have a way of getting in on your dream.  We ended up bringing two stuff animal manatees home with us.

Sisters

Fresh air, lovely weather, warm sunshine, and wonderful experiences made this a perfect day!

Randomness and an Earthquake

We have been on the road since Sunday morning, and I find it much harder to blog while on the road.  We are staying in Clearwater, FL for a couple of days and hope to visit a local zoo today.

I am thankful for many things right now, but especially for a delay and we have not made it to Guatemala yet.  Yesterday they had a 7.5 earthquake that did some minimal damage to the missionaries houses.  Thankfully the orphanage was not damaged.  If we had gone with out original plans, we would have been in country for only about 6 days and I am not sure I want that as part of our welcoming committee.  I am praying for the people and our churches in Guatemala.

Schedules are so messed up right now.  Homeschool things are packed and we have not been anywhere in the last few days long enough to justify pulling it all out.  I am praying that once in Guatemala we will settle into a routine and get a lot accomplished.  

After we get to Guatemala, we will have 9 days to figure out Thanksgiving.  Seems that, since we are the new kids on the block, we will be hosting Thanksgiving at our house.  This should prove very interesting, since I have NEVER shopped in Guatemala for anything, much less a Thanksgiving feast.


Patiently waiting, but READY TO GO!!!!!

1st Day of Thankfulness

We were supposed to leave today for Florida, but due to a slight delay we will leave Sunday.  We have leased our house for a year, and the paper work will be signed Saturday.  

Thankful for the delay.

Just a Glimpse into the "WHY?"

Disclaimer:  With the move and all the talk of missions work, quite a few questions have come from some about the reasons we are doing this.  I have several reasons I could share, and if time allows I will, not to get a thumbs up from people, but to clarify and explain our thoughts and reasons for doing what we are doing.  It is part of our process and I think it worth sharing.


Toby and I were talking the other day about that moment in time where we just knew we were called to missions.  We have heard so many people describe their "called moment" into ministry and usually they hear a voice, dream a dream, see angels descending, or some other great and marvelous moment in time.  We thought and thought and there just wasn't one.  I am not belittling anyone that has experienced anything like that, but it just didn't happen that way for us.  It really evolved over time.  God put us in places and opened doors until we are where we are today....at the door of launching into full time missions, living in another country, learning a language, and helping with an orphanage.  

One of these "called moments" for us happened in Vietnam.  We were there adopting our oldest daughter and our experience there had been blissfully happy until this particular night.  We were taken to an wonderful Vietnamese restaurant for dinner in Ho Chi Mien City.  It was a lovely evening and the heat of the day was slowly fading.  Night life was in full swing, so we decided to walk a few doors down to check a little clothing store that specialized in handmade items for babies.  The items were beautiful and I was drawn to the handmade quilts in the back of the store.  As we stood talking to the store owner, we heard a banging on the glass front of the store.  Looking up we saw a lady holding a dirty, practically naked, little boy up for us to see.  She was frantically pointing at us and pointing at the little boy.  Puzzled, we went back to our conversation.  The banging started again, only this time louder and more frantic.  Once again we turned to see the same lady and in greater flurry of frantic pointing and waving.  Toby asked the shop owner what was going on and his reply was that she was poor and probably could not provide for the child, so she thought she would give him to us.  The look on our faces must have been one of grief, because the owner sent a worker to shoo the lady away.  We finished our purchases and exited the store.  Two steps down the sidewalk and there she was standing before us.  She asked in broken English, "You American? You American?"  Nodding, we tried to side step her, but her pleas became even more frantic.  Finally, she tried to put the little boy in Toby's arms.  Not wanting to draw attention to us and make a scene, we told her no and tried to get way from her.   She chased behind us until we were almost running.  I guess we finally reached an area that she wasn't as comfortable or something, because we realized she was no longer there.  Slowing, I turned to see her standing clutching the child.  My heart broke.  What would drive a mother to try to give her child to perfect strangers?  What could be so terrible?   This was not a case of neglect.  It was not a case of I don't want this child.  There was a desperation in her face I have never seen before or since, and her face still haunts my dreams at times.  

No, we didn't see angels, we didn't hear voices, we haven't had dreams, yet we have had all three of these.  

Our angels were not so angelic....they were dirty, hungry, and poor.  

Our voices were frantic and desperate.  

Our dreams, they have been haunted.  

We have been asked, "Why GO?" Why leave the life we have?  Why drag our kids to another country and culture?   How could we not?  There are many that are just as desperate as that woman was in this world.  They are hungry, dirty, and spiritual poor.  My heart aches.  It is not an option.  God has called, we MUST answer.

Just a Little Day Dreaming

I woke up this morning to cloudy skies.  

The forecast for the weekend is cool and windy.  

Can't help myself....day dreaming.

Bring the Dress or Wear Your Running Shoes

During this whole month we have been traveling around our lovely state preaching to gain supports for the orphanage and our funds.  Traveling with a 2 year old with food allergies is interesting to say the least.  Especially a two year old that will throw up at the drop of a hat.

A few weeks ago, as we pulled in to a church, she decided to bless us by throwing up all over the nice dress she was wearing.   I wised up, put the ratty thing on and dress her in the parking lot before entering the church.  Great plan if you don't forget her nice clothes.  

Last night we were preaching in a town a little over an hour from here.  As we pull in the parking lot of the church, I asked one of the kids to hand me Kamryn's clothes.  I was met with blank stares.  Oh, dear Lord, we had left her clothes at home and the spaghetti strap, sun dress was not going to work.  

I told Toby to take everybody but Kaitlyn and Kamryn with him, and I would find Walmart.  I have been to this town several times and I thought I knew where it was.  Walmart was not where it was supposed to be.  Turns out they had built a new one, but after a quick call back to the church we were back on track.

I am sure the people in Walmart wondered about us, because we were like sprinters.  Rushed in, found an outfit, and got back to church only 35 minutes late.  Hey, I think that was pretty good time.  

Moral of the story:  If you are going to forget the dress, wear running shoes.

Enjoying the Process

Have you ever been caught in the trap of always looking and planning for the future?  The kind of planning that says "Yes, I may be doing this today, but in a few years...."  A place of never being quite content with where you are in God's plan for your life because of rushing toward the future.

ME...ME...hand high in the air waving it all around!

I am guilty!

Through every adoption I have been guilty of saying, "After this baby comes home, then....."

Every phase of life has always been a rush to get to the next level, take the next step, plan the next big thing.

My kids had even gotten in a habit of playing the how old will I be in 10 years?  20 years?  How old will mom be in 5 years?  That wasn't the part of the game that I liked.

I know planning is good and needed, because without it we would never accomplish anything.  I do wonder, many times, if I am so busy waiting, wanting, and planning that I forget to enjoy the process.  Living each moment, savoring it, and never giving it back kind of enjoyment.

When we began this new adventure in our lives, I found myself saying when this is done, then......

This morning I felt the Lord gently speaking into my spirit, "Enjoy today, enjoy this season, enjoy this process.....step back and let me plan for a little while."

Could there be JOY in the day to day, while we wait for the future to unfold?

Several months ago I was faced with a very scary health situation.  It looked like we might not get to do any of the things that God has for us to do.  Broken hearted I went to Him in prayer and He reminded me that He orders our steps, He is in control, and to enjoy the process.

After prayer and going to Houston, TX, for a second opinion, I was told all was well.  Just some old scars left saying I used to have a muscle disease that I was healed from. (That is another post for another time.)

I think it was His way of telling me He has us in the palm of His hand.  Each moment in this journey is meant to be examined, held, and savored, because we will never be here at this point in our adventure again.  I can sit back and let Him say what is next.  I want to enjoy this process.

21 DAYS UNTIL.......

Each day is a blur.  My mind races.  There is so much to do to move this family of 7.

The house is packed except for the furniture.  We are having to rent two storage units to house all this stuff.  I did not have this much when I moved in here.  Thankfully, we sold the living room furniture and a few other pieces to a friend.

We had a small hiccup on Monday.  Our Suburban started acting up and had to be put in the shop.  It was still under warranty and they will have it ready Thursday.

Last night we traveled down to Lafayette to visit with family before we leave.  I think of all the things we are experiencing right now, leaving family is the hard part.  We helped celebrate a 15th birthday while we were there and enjoyed an awesome time of wonderful food and great conversation.

I am trying to keep school limping along as long as possible.  Have dropped all but the core subjects for the time being.  We may have to do some major review once we get settled in and start school back up in Guatemala.  The kids are so excited that it is hard to concentrate at times.

Praying daily for wisdom in what to take with us.

Kensli had to have two teeth pulled yesterday.  She has had so much trouble with her teeth breaking and decaying even with proper care.  When he was trying to pull them they broke into small pieces.  The dentist checked her jaw because he was a little concerned due to her teeth being so brittle.  All was well!  Praying that her adult teeth are super strong and healthy.

Count Down is On.....23 Days

I can't believe we leave Alexandria next week. The last couple of months has flown by and I wish I could have had time and Internet connection enough to post all the things we have done. Guess I will have to do some catch up posts in Guatemala.  

We leave on November 1, for Napels, Florida, to do a leadership training seminar for a pastor friend. The kids should love that! The beach will be visited several times I am sure.  Hopefully, I will get some time to sit, think, and drink in the beauty of the scenery.

November 14, we board the plane out of Miami for Antigua, Guatemala. I honestly can't believe we are this close. The kids keep saying, "I wish we were leaving tomorrow." 

The house has to be completely packed up before we leave. That has been a very large task to live in a house and pack it up, too, while trying to keep it clean for showing.  Ready for this phase to be over.  

I know that we are in the palm of His hand and thank Him daily for allowing us to be called. He gives us strength!

You Can Help

This is the orphanage project that we will be helping with in Guatemala while learning the language.

 Also, we are raising funds to allow us to go and be apart of this work.  If you would like to support us you can email us at tobybrazzel@bellsouth.net

Please be in prayer for this project, for everyone that is working to make this project a reality for the orphans of Guatemala, and for our family.

Thank you

Traveling Tales-- An Active Imagination

I will admit I like nature, but in a controlled environment.  Toby loves it!  I think he could disappear into the woods and only be seen once a month or so for provisions.  The kids are not exactly how they feel.  This next week would prove how much they love being "one with nature."

August 25, 2012

Pigeon Forge, TN  

We arrived at our lovely cabin up on a mountain late in the afternoon after a very winding drive through the Smokey Mountains.  The cabin was perfect... three bedrooms and very rustic with beautiful mountain views and modern conveniences.   The only problem was the three bedrooms were on three different levels.  Not the best set up with kids, but they had no worries and loved their time away from mom and dad.  

That evening while the kids were enjoying their new home for the next several days, I picked up the packet we had been given at check-in.  It contained all the do's and don'ts for staying on their properties.  For example, do not leave trash outside in the garbage can at night and do not panic if you find insects in the cabin.  While I was leafing through all the info. I spotted a sheet of paper with instructions on how to survive a bear encounter.  What?  Survive?  Bear?  I was not real sure this was exactly what I had had in mind.  After telling me that bears roamed freely in the neighborhood they were making sure I understood what to do should I find on on the porch of our cabin.  Really?  I already knew what I would do and thankfully most of it was in the instruction guide.  

That evening I walked in the boy's bathroom and there was a scorpion on the floor.  Thankfully it was dead, but that was enough to keep me checking my shoes, suitcases, and anything else that I picked up for the rest of the week.  

That night I did not sleep well.  I was awakened several times by what sounded like something walking on the porch outside our bedroom.  Once, I woke up to the sound of howling coyotes.  I started praying because I figured that, if they got any closer, we would have had a bed full of kids.  Finally around 6a.m. the next morning I heard the sound of something grunting outside.  My bear had arrived.  I was up in a flash peering out every window making sure I could see it but that it could not see me.  I went upstairs and down looking and checking and there was no bear anywhere to be found.  I was a little disappointed that I didn't have anything to tell.  

After awhile the kids began to get up and I asked how they had slept.  I told them what I had heard during the night and about what I thought I heard that morning.  They listened intently and then Kaitlyn asked, "Mom, what time did you hear the bear?"  I said around 6 this morning and she started laughing.  I asked her what was so funny and she said, "That is when my cell phone ringing on vibrate.  I wondered why you came in my room peering out the window after that."  

Seriously? 

Moral of the Story:   Do NOT read instructions on how to survive a bear encounter before going to bed if you have a very active imagination.

Traveling Tales--Beach Day

August 23, 2012
Panama City Beach, FL 

There is nothing like the ocean!  It only takes me a few minutes sitting, watching the waves, feeling the breeze off the water, and the stress slowly begins to melt away.  

When we left Alexandria our plans were to head to south Florida for a few weeks.  We spent the second night in Panama City Beach.  The check out time the next day was at 1 pm, so we got up early and headed to the beach.  None of us wanted to leave.

While on the beach, Toby and I realized hurricane Isaac was headed straight toward our condo.  After several phone calls, we made the decision to head north first.  

We are on an adventure....expect the unexpected.  

Traveling Tales-- Climbing All Over History

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.--Marcus Garvey


August 22, 2012
USS ALABAMA in Mobile Bay

We got up early on Wednesday morning and toured the USS Alabama.  

You can find their website at http://www.ussalabama.com/

We had never been and it is an awesome piece of history to explore.  Even Kaitlyn, who hates all things history, had a great time.  

The kids were like monkeys climbing all over the battleship.   I made the mistake of wearing flip flops and the next day woke up extremely sore.  Only thing I can think of is I was trying to be so careful climbing ladders with flip flops on that I walked differently that I usually do.  I am not that bad out of shape....at least I hope not.  I was sore in the strangest of places.  Guess I used muscles I do not normally use.  

N and K2 checking out the big guns.

I love this picture of R, but there is something about that it that looks a little to real.

I pray that I never have to see him on a battleship.

Due to my flip flops and K3's size we found a large room on the ship with air conditioning and cooled off.  

After touring the ship we exited through the gift shop where we met a man that had been a POW in WWII.  He had written a book about his experiences and we bought one.  Toby really enjoyed talking to him about his experiences.

I wished I had worn better shoes and K3 had been a little older.  We are going to put this on a must finish part of our trip.  

Chosen

There are days my heart hurts...days when I wish we were already there!  Days when I know that with 370,000 orphans in Guatemala alone, how can anyone really be effective.  I woke up this morning heavy with the cry of let us be Your hands and feet.

When I was 14, I knew that I had been called to work with children, especially orphans.  I had read the story of George Mueller and I could feel God speaking into my life at the time.  I marveled at George Mueller's faith and compassion.  I wanted this kind of faith, compassion, and heart.  I didn't hear an audible voice saying, "GO!"  I  didn't have an angel appear.  No one spoke to me in the Spirit.  I can't explain the deep moving that I felt in my life and the dreams that I have had since.  I CAN say that God placed a desire, a calling, and a burden to walk in the realm of orphan care.

I began by majoring in education in college.  I wanted to be where I could help children.  Through my first teaching position, I met a little girl named Annie.  Annie was something to behold.  She came to school with her head shaved, skinny, and dirty.  I would talk to her everyday and my heart hurt for her.  Annie loved to talk and she loved stickers.  If she got a sticker in school she would wear it for days.  Everyday it would get yuckier and yuckier, but she would proudly display her prize.  I asked another teacher about her hair and she explained the lice problem in the home.  She was the first abused and neglected child that I had ever seen that hadn't already been removed from the situation.  About half way through the school year they removed Annie and her siblings from the home.  My heart hurt, but I was relieved that somehow she was getting the care she needed and deserved.

That summer we begin feeling the urge to become foster parents.  They were social orphan's and that was exactly what my hearts desire was.  By faith we signed up not knowing if we would even be excepted because I was battling a muscle disease that made them question my abilities due to stress.  They excepted us and we began our journey in foster care.

In the spring of 1996, I got a call about a brother and sister that needed a new placement in foster care.  Their situation was not working out in their best interest, could we take them.  It was Annie and her brother they were placing in our home.  I could not believe it.  We fostered them for 4 months before they went home.  I feel this was God's way of showing me He would use us in ways I hadn't even imagined.

Through foster care we fostered five kids and Ricky was one of them.  He became legally ours in January 1998, and we began to feel our burden for foster care lift.  We decided to not accept any more children and give our selves time to seek His direction.  During this time, Toby preached at a church and there was a lady there that had just gotten back from China with a little girl.  Wow, a new concept began to be birthed in our hearts.

In the next few years, we brought home four more children through the miracle of adoption from around the world.  I have had people ask how did we know where to go and how many we would adopt?  We never began the adoption process with out prayer and fasting.  I would feel the burden of adoption began before we ever applied.  It usually began with me through dreams.  I have dreamed about each child we have adopted before they every came into our lives.  Our last child came into our home in August of 2010 and immediately we began to feel the adoption burden begin to lift, but my burden for orphan care did not.

In Jan. of 2012, we began to feel a call to learn the Spanish language.  I started having dreams and in my dreams I was speaking fluent Spanish.  We felt an urgency to get this done and the fastest way was to attended a language school.  We started praying and decided that Guatemala was a good fit for us.  After contacting the missionary and getting approval, he began to tell us about the orphanage they were starting to build.  An orphanage?  Music to my soul!  I became so excited in my spirit knowing that we would be able to help in some way in this endeavor.

Now I completely understand what God was doing when I was 14.  The call is still as fresh as ever. I look back on life and see His hand guiding me.  I understand that through every class I taught, ever child we fostered, every adoption we completed He was teaching, leading, guiding, and preparing us for this time in our lives.

Thankful He chose us!!!!!

Traveling Tales--The Adventure Begins

Tomorrow will mark two weeks we have been on our traveling adventure.  I have wanted to post before now but we spent 7 days in a cabin in the mountains surrounding Pigeon Forge, TN that did not have any form of Internet.  Sure makes it hard to update the blog, but really easy to connect with nature.  

August 21, 2012
The Adventure Begins

"I can't believe this is really happening.....to be finally at this point.  It is something we have dreamed of, prayed about, and worked toward for quite a long time."-- from my journal

We are so excited.  Never before have we walked in such a realm of the unknown the way we are now. It feels exciting and scary all wrapped up in one.  Truly walking by faith!!!  I know that God is with us and that He is holding our hand.  Never before have I felt this so strongly.  In the last few weeks I have seen His miracle working hand in every aspect of our lives.

We are headed to Florida for some much needed get away time with just the family.  It has been a long time since we were together without any agenda or influences.  We have taken a lot of trips, but most were with Allstate Insurance.  I am grateful for the opportunities that it afforded us, but there was always a part of Toby that was still involved with work.  Talking to other agents, banquets, parties, etc. were part of the trips.  This will just be us!  I am so thankful!

There are to many of us and to much luggage to fit what we need for over a month in the back of the suburban.  The Lord blessed us with a cargo trailer.  I am thankful!!!

We spent the first night in Mobile, AL.  You do not get far traveling with 7 and one of them 2 years old.  Lots of stopping!!!

We are MOVING!

There have been so many changes in the last few months that I am really not even sure where to begin. Guess I will just start at the beginning.........

Our family has been a missions minded family for quite some time.  Honestly, I have been around missionaries so long that it was hard not to think of us as a missionary family.  In January of this year, the Lord began to dealing with us concerning learning the Spanish language.  Knowing that was going to be virtually impossible without immersing ourselves in the language we started to look at suitable options to do just that.  Thus began our journey to Guatemala.

Toby put his business up for sale and it sold on August 1.  That was truly a God thing.  We prayed about who to sell it to and the price to ask.  Toby approached the person God laid on our hearts and he wanted it.  He was approved by Allstate Ins. in record time and is now the proud owner of a growing, thriving business.

We resigned the Spanish church where Toby had been the pastor.  I think this was probably the hardest part of the whole move.  We love this group of people and they are our family.  God has sent them a very capable man to lead them into the next level with God and for that we are thankful.

Our house is on the market and with God's help will move quickly.

We have had to give our fur babies away to a very close friend.  Thankful that this family, that they already know, was willing to love them the way we have.  

August 19th will be our last Sunday at the POA.  We moved here when Kaitlyn was 11 months old.  Leaving our church family is not easy, but it is because of the leadership of this church we are who we are.  They have helped us grow and dream big for God in the last 12 years.

Toby will be traveling to Antigua, Guatemala next week to secure housing and enrollment in language school.  Wishing we were all ready to go now, but hopefully by the November 1 we will be winging our way there.

We will be taking a two to three week vacation to just unwind and be still before we begin our fund raising.  Ideally, we will be heading to Florida and just sit on the beach doing nothing.    Realistically, we will be working on getting our fund raising letter created, lining up services, etc.

I changed our blog address to thebrazzelfamily.blogspot.com   Hoping this will be easier for people to find and follow our adventures.  I thought about just creating a whole new blog, but I think the name of this blog just kind of sums it all up for us.  We really are living the good life.

We are super excited that God is allowing us to be part of the work in Guatemala.  Our missionaries there are in the process of getting an orphanage up and running.  Can't wait for our family to volunteer in anyway possible.

Stay tuned as we walk with God on this great adventure!

Mother's Day 2012

Hard to believe it has been six months since I last posted.  Where has time gone?  It was not my intention to go so long between posts.  I will not promise better, but hoping I will post more often in the next six months.

Mother's Day 2012:

 My Mom and Granny

 Ricky and Kamryn

 Nicholas

 Toby and his Mom

 Kensli

 Bubble Blowing Nicholas

 Fresh Plums

Kaitlyn

We spent the day visiting our moms.  So blessed to have such sweet, beautiful ladies in our lives.