Showers of Blessings!

Friday night the Kids 4 Truth Ladies and a few others celebrated the arrival of Erika Elizabeth Gillen to the Gillen home. What a fun and relaxing time to celebrate with these ladies. We enjoyed dinner, fellowship, and giving Julie and Erika gifts to celebrate her arrival.

The living room was full with the following ladies: Julie, Erika, Adele Roberts, Arlene Jones, Debbie Gillen, Grace Gillen, Addy Forrest, Leah Forrest, Jill Hawkins, Grace Hawkins, Susan Wilson, Glenda Howerton, Amy Campa, Arrena Ralph, and myself. My boys couldn't contain themselves and Peter and Andrew came in to join and watch several times! They were so excited to see Erika in person. We tried to include Joy via telephone, but alas, it didn't work...Joy...we missed you!

It is exciting to celebrate the adoption of Erika. As we reflect on God's Goodness to give Erika to the Gillens it causes us to reflect and remember His Goodness in adopting us as His Children and into the Family of God! Praise the Lord for His saving Grace.

In Mexico...

Timothy, Lynnae, and about 50 others from the youth department are in Mexico this week. They went on working missions trip with Oremundo Ministries the ministry that my brother Russell works with. We are excited about the opportunities God will give them this week to serve and glorify Him.

They plan to do some work projects for the churches in Monterea, Mexico and also some VBS work. Timothy packed along his animal balloons and other "kid magnet" toys to use with the children there. He was excited to go minister with these children.

Please pray that God will give protection to the group and work in the lives of these teens as well as to those they minister with and to.

Welcome Home Erika!

We are thrilled to welcome Erika Elizabeth Gillen home to the KC area! This is a day we have all prayed and longed for and now it has become reality. By the time I post this email the airplane will have landed at KCI and Erika will be greeted by Nana and Papa Gillen and Mr. Big Bob! I don't know if anyone else will be there, but I am sure there will be loads of smiles and cheers of welcome!

We enjoyed preparing the house for Erika's homecoming. We put balloons and streamers out front and a huge sign on the garage door. It is a windy night, so I hope it stays long enough for Rob and Julie to see it!

Welcome home, Erika! Welcome to our lives and hearts. We already love you and pray for you! May God richly bless you as your parents raise you to serve Him.