Praying Andrew

The best way to witness is not necessarily to say anything, but to show the love of Jesus. That is what Mark and I have been doing with Andrew. Just being an example...showing forgiveness instead of anger, loving each other no matter what and praying together.

 

The last couple of days Andrew has been coming to us and asking if he can pray with us. Mark prays with the kids at night and I pray with them in the morning. Instead of waiting for us to pray with him, he will come into our room and ask to pray. He starts off the prayer while Mark or I finish the prayer.

His prayer usually goes like this, "Dear God, thank you for my family, my brothers, sisters, mom and dad.  Thank you for my home and good life. Please forgive me for doing bad things now and in Ukraine."

In his prayers he is always thanking God for what he has and asking for forgiveness. His heart is starting to melt for the things of God.

 

We watched the Blindside last night as a family. Afterward Andrew asked if he could talk to Mark and I.  The movie really touched his heart. He connected with Michael Oher....coming from poverty, having a drug and alcohol addicted mother to a family who loves you at all times.  He said it was a GREAT movie...best one he has ever seen.

 

Watching him grow and blossom is truly rewarding!  Keep going Andrew!

Six Months Today

Andrew has been home six months today. I can't believe how fast the time has gone, and yet it seems as if he's been here longer.




Family is what's important to him. He loves his brothers and sisters.




He enjoys being homeschooled and loves to ride his skateboard!




He enjoys drawing, riding his bike, paying the wii and helping around the house.




He's had some therapy and knows that he needs to talk about how he feels, not cover it up. So he has been doing better with that. He asks to talk with me and then let's me know why he is angry, sad or upset. Afterwards he will let me know how much better he feels.




He's working through a lot of emotions and past hurts. It's a slow process, but he has started. Now the healing will begin.

Blessings,
Hansina

Andrew's 17th Birthday!

When I asked Andrew what he would like to do for his birthday, without hesitation, he said, "Chuck E. Cheese!"

He told me his past birthdays were cigarettes and alcohol. This birthday was family, pizza, cake, wheels for his skateboard, new shirt, a watch and devotional. So different from his past birthdays.

He kept saying over and over again it was a very, very, very good day!




















































We are all looking forward to what the Lord has planned this New Year. Blessings to all of you and your families!

More to come on how Andrew has been doing. He will be home six months on the 8th!

Blessings,
Hansina