Christmas Cards

My niece, Lisa, is trying to raise money for a mission trip to Kyrgyzstan at the end of this year. She is selling these amazing Christmas Cards that were hand-made by men and women in Africa.


Each card has a unique nativity scene on the front and is blank on the inside. If you are interested in purchasing any, and helping my niece, please e-mail me at monadube@sbcglobal.net with your order. A pack of six cards is $10.00. Thanks.

Adopting Janissa

Anticipation
Frustration
Expectant
Annoyed
Waiting
Hopeful
Eager
Optimistic
Trusting
Confident
Uncertain
Joyful
Sad
Scared
Anxious
Desirous
Believing
Hesitant
Skeptical
Wanting
Incomplete
Yearning
Distracted
Panicked
Eager
Blessed
Pessimistic
Happy
Delighted
Fortunate
Gracious

And that is just what I feel the first hour of each day!

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To!

Well what do you know? When I woke today I had turned 50. I had hoped that I would at least have my referral before this monumental birthday, but it wasn't to be. To make matters a little worse, Ethiopia has recently decided to "limit" the number of adoptions to single women. One woman using another agency e-mailed me to say that her wait time is now 3 to 4 years! A friend told me she knows a single woman who had received a referral and it was actually taken away from her! I was devastated at this news. My agency (dear Radu) tells me "this is just rumors;" but I fear he may have been given false information. I'm panicking, even though he has told me that "everything is just as it was". I checked other agencies websites and they have removed single women requirements and only show couples married at least 2 years. I must place my trust in the Lord. If Radu is correct, I will have my referral around Christmastime and travel before March of 2009. Please pray.

On a positive note, many of my new friends at the agency have passed court and will be traveling over the next 2 weeks to pick up their bundles of joy. Congratulations to Tania, Leah, Joy, Jeanne, Alicia, Lisa and all the others! My prayers are with you for a safe and happy trip.

Happy Birthday to my friend, Shelley, who shares this day with me! Thank you to all my family and friends for the cards, phone calls and e-mails. You've all been great during the past nine months and I appreciate your love, support and encouragement.

A Beautiful Day in Los Angeles

Saturday was a beautiful day in Southern California. My friend Jim met me at my sister's house in Los Angeles in the morning and we went to both The Getty Center and Getty Villa museums. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather and the view from both museums was breathtaking.



I absolutely LOVE taking photos and went nuts that day. Here are a bunch of my favorites.


My attempt at abstract art.


Too bad we don't have more of this in SoCal!


Reflection.


Jim looking somewhat reflective.


The Garden.


Me and Jim.


We can see for miles and miles.


I hate to have my picture taken. He made me do it.


Jim posing for me. I didn't even have to beg.


The eyes are the window to the soul.


A pond.


A beautiful end to a beautiful day!

Thanks Jim!

Sebastian "Bud" Gallaro (Jan. 12, 1935 to Oct. 28, 2008)

I lost my Uncle Buddy last week. He had fought off cancer for 14 years. In the end, it was a blood clot that took his life. It was bittersweet - saying goodbye to him, but at the same time being around my extended family, some of whom I hadn't seen in awhile. The saddest part is that his younger daughter Cheryl, son-in-law Mark, and grandson Makana arrived a few hours after he passed away. He never got to meet his only grandson. My heart aches for his immediate family who were shocked at the suddenness of his death; and for my Mom, my Aunt and my Uncle who lost their brother. May his soul rest in peace. We miss you already.

On the adoption front, I'm still 'w a i t i n g' for my referral. It seems like forever.