Walk for Life 2009

The experience of adopting Lucy had profoundly grown my and Darin's hearts to find ways to care for women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. Lucy's birthmother has a wonderful family and set of friends who gave her the support and encouragement she needed to be healthy and well-provided for during and after her pregnancy. Seeing how much support she had, made me sad to think of how many women in this situation do NOT have the support they need. Now that I am experiencing pregnancy myself, I've often pondered how frightening it would be if I didn't have Darin, my family and the financial stability that I am blessed with at this time.

In the past year I have had the privilege to get involved as a volunteer with Ruth Harbor, a local ministry (right in my own neighborhood!) that provides housing and other support for women in this situation. Women who live in the Ruth Harbor house during their pregnancy, live in a beautiful Christ-centered environment with a house-mother and father. They receive education and support on parenting or placing for adoption, as well as counseling, assistance with finding employment and spiritual guidance. They recieve all of this at no cost.

As I have been involved with Ruth Harbor as a volunteer for several months now, I can't tell you how much I believe in what this ministry is doing. Ruth Harbor doesn't receive government funding to ensure that there will not be any limits on their opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their residents. On Saturday, May 9th, Lucy and I will be participating in Ruth Harbor's 2009 Walk for Life- a 2-mile walk in Des Moines that is one of their largest annual fundraisers.

Would you be willing to sponsor me as a participant in the walk with a one-time donation to Ruth Harbor? It is just a flat donation (not per mile) that we are looking for. Unfortunately, Ruth Harbor is not able to receive donations by credit card through their website, but you can make a pledge by e-mailing me the amount you wish to give and your home address and Ruth Harbor will contact you by mail to collect your donation. Or you may send your dontation directly to me and I will get it into the right hands.

To set up your donation or pledge, please e-mail me at erikajoyfuljourney@yahoo.com and I will personally work the details out with you.

Also, to learn more about the walk and this valuable ministry, click on the Ruth Harbor logo located on the right column of the screen!

Overdue

Again, there has been a long absence between this and my last post. There are a few reasons for this:

• During the day most of the time lately, Darin is needing the computer to concentrate on his job search efforts. The job hunt is seeming just a little more important than the need to keep my blog updated! : ) I'm so proud of my hubby and all the hardwork he is putting into the search. He's been making contacts with lots of local colleagues and today he even had phone interview with a great company for postion that we are quite interested in.
  
• Lucy seems to have "blossomed" in the last few weeks and has become a mobile, inquisitve little explorer of all nooks and crannies in our house. It just isn't that feasable to sit down in front of the computer for even small chunks of time, as my active girl needs her mamma's watchful eye and arms to keep her from electrical outlets, doggie food and stairways. It is so fun to observe her learning and discovering her little corner of the world!
  
• My pregnancy is continuing to be healthy and smooth, however I am just entering my third trimester, and my energy is becoming more limited. I'm feeling the need to "take advantage" of Lucy's naptimes lately by getting some housework done, taking the time to sit and work on a knitting or sewing project for Baby Boy, or allowing myself the luxury of a nap of my own.
  

So please pardon the absence! I thought I'd catch you up today with a few pictures. Enjoy!

Here are a few of Lucy's new favorite hobbies:

Helping Mommy sort through newborn clothes in preparation for her baby brother's arrival:

Crawling over to various drawers, pulling herself up and dropping pacifiers and toys into them:

Giggling with and talking to her reflection in the oven door:

Helping Mommy do the dishes:

She continues to be such a cheerful little girl and Darin and I just enjoy her more and more all the time. What a sweet blessing she is!

Here are a few pictures from Easter:

Looking pretty in her Easter dress:

A special moment with Daddy:

A giggle with cousin Savannah:

The four of us:

Lucy's first "Easter Egg Hunt":