HOPE

God takes the brokenness of our lives, the parts that we try to hide and either we or others think is useless and makes something beautiful. In the picture of Jesus with the children, you can see me leaning into Him.........or wait a minute is that you?

SHATTERED OR RESTORED? YOU TELL ME!

While praying this morning God reminded me of some of my past as a little girl growing up without a father. To my biological father I feel I was just excess baggage waiting to be discarded. Kind of like pieces of broken glass. For a long time I tried to either put these back together myself or fill the void with so many other things not worthy or an adequate fit for this huge crater of a hole left in the very depth of my soul. IT HURT and IT WAS A GNAWING REMINDER of my brokenness and my inadequacy. But you see the Lord was always there. He tells us that He will take ALL of this brokenness and use it for His purpose, in His time, and make something Beautiful out of ALL my/our brokenness.
You see, this lack of a loving earthly father left me shattered to my very core, but it also caused me to long for the love of a father. In this search, I FOUND JESUS. This post is not long enough for me to describe how My Heavenly Father has bound my wounds and filled that huge crater of emptiness inside of me. Now, this did not happen over night. He could have chosen to do this but instead he has let me learn from what He is doing and given me all the time I needed to learn to trust Him; place my total faith in Him; be disciplined by Him; nurtured by Him; lean into Him and at certain time to see a little glimpse of what He is doing. What an amazing Father!
You see if I had been rushed I would have missed out on so much. God's timing is perfect. We don't have to rush, worry, help Him out (not that I ever tried this); we simply need each day to say....Father? Are you there? Will you help me this day. This moment? And the answer is always the same. I am here, give me all your worries, your hurt/brokenness and I will love you no matter what. I won't leave you; forget about you; turn my back on you.......no Jesus will walk with us Always. Yes we may get disciplined.......but He will never leave us. Thank you Jesus for letting me learn to trust you in this.
Along the way God has always given me a heart for the broken hearted; the discarded; the least of these. This day is no different! You see God uses all my and my families brokenness to give us an opportunity to show others that Our God is still the God of miracles. This day and for several months we have been seeking His will alone in a second international adoption.
We are called to follow Christ example. Right? He adopted each of us as His dearly loved children. Right? Then what does this mean for each of us? It may not mean that you personally called to adopt literally, but does mean that you are to come alongside ____ in the way that He calls you to. Pray God's will be done. He will not leave you hanging. He will answer in His time. We must only seek and obey. Much love, Dawn

We're Back

Wow, so much has happened since I was last here. Tella made it back from her 10 day turned into 3 month mission trip to Addis Ababa Ethiopia, got engaged, Married, moved with her husband Justin Craft to Morgantown, started a couple new jobs and changed her educational focus to a degree that she plans to use for further missions.
Casey will graduated from High School in a little over a month, she is working part time at Long Johns, is dating Shayne Harman and is sorting through what God has in store for her next. College, missions are on regular topics of discussion.
Dubale continues to grow and show off his muscles. He is doing so well in school and has learned so much. In order to give him the best foundation we have decided to have him repeat Kindergarten next year. He loves school and continues to be very social. Bonding has taken some time between he and I, but the Lord has been gracious and everpresent in this journey. He is so very faithful. I am so very thankful.
Tim had a long winter break and now is working in Grove City doing concrete restoration on bridges. He is a fabulous father and husband.
I continue to work at Ruby Hospital on Cardiac Stepdown floor. Get kinda antsy sometimes about what I am to do.....God has kept me there thus far and I don't think He is done with me there yet.
The Lord continues to provide, protect and guide our family. Trust me there is rarely a dull moment. We are truly blessed!

Butter cheese and growing in the Lord

A strange title for a post...... right? I don't know about you but my learning style has been for most of my life hands on. I can not tell you the trouble/situations that I have gotten into because of this when I really could have listened and learned, but no I had to experience it for myself. An funny example of this happened a couple of years ago when our ladies prayer group/friends went on a day trip to Amish country. In this delicious cheese factory you were able to sample any cheese you wanted prior to purchasing, so we were going around sampling away. A friend came upon butter cheese........she immediately said "yuck that looks gross" and what did I do.....of course I had to sample it. And yes it tasted just as gross as it looked. I thought then and since then why did I have to actually taste this cheese. Why?
Yes, I think part of it is my learning style, but lately God is revealing that part of it is my trying to be in control and not trusting!!!!!!!! WHAT?????????
Well since that time and (almost) no truly daily these days God is giving me an opportunity to learn to trust in Him. He has also been teaching me some very valuable lessons on trusting and believing him, getting snug down to Him and staying there. Not being distracted by XYZ, but to truly keep my focus on Him. I highly recommend reading about Peter doing just that in Matthew 14:28-32. I imagine myself in this situation. My raging waters are not wet, but they are distacting and fearful and they most certainly do threaten to swallow me up to drown out my faith which puts me in a tail spin. Exactly Satans plan!
If I am looking at XYZ then I am taking my eyes from God therefore I am not able to see clearly, my focus is off, I am disoriented, fears grips me and I sink like a rock.
All of our XYZ's are different, but one thing for sure if that God is bigger than any of that, He wants to be in it with us, He has gone ahead of us and is all around us, He has a plan for us, and He wants us to trust Him, listen to Him, Obey Him, bring all our cares, worries and anxieties to Him. Why? Because He cares for us. We are Gods treasured possessions.
I would love for you to lift us up in prayer for:
1. Tim's job/travel and possibility of him being able to work close home.
2. Our family as we seek to serve God daily and obediently.
3. Tella serving in African orphanage. Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Safety for her.
4. Our continued transition as a family.
We would love to pray for you if you would leave a response.
Praying that God draws you closer one minute at a time. Love Dawn

Justin Bieber - Pray

turn the music off at the bottom of the page, listen to this song.

Tella is 21 year old today

It seems unbelievable that 21 years ago today our first child was born. Today, she celebrated her 21st birthday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on a mission trip "Visiting Orphans" She is simply amazing. For over 7 years now she has been dreaming and praying about Africa; saying that when she grew up she was going to go to Africa and be a missionary.....oh and ride elephants. lol

It is amazing to me that she knew what God wanted her to do at such a young age. Tella is such a huge influence on our entire family and many people she comes into contact with. Spurred on by her sister, Casey, Tella participated in "A day without shoes" which is to bring awareness to children who don't even have shoes to wear. She went through her day at college without shoes which opened up opportunies to talk orphans and those less fortunate than most of us and how we can help. One college professor brought many pairs of tennis shoes for her to take this trip. She messaged me the other day that she had passed out every single pair to children who live on the streets of Addis Ababa Ethiopia. (I also need to mention that Casey attempted to join in A Day without Shoes and encouraged 30 high school students to go to school without shoes; she was sent home in first period, but at least she attempted. Even at this she did have opportunity to witness about these children's needs.) I am so blessed to have these two strong young women as daughters. They are doing and will continue to do the work the Lord has laid on their hearts. Proud Momma of

Tella Dawn Greathouse, 21; Casey Lynn Greathouse, 17; Dubale Wade Greathouse, 4

Dawn Lynn Wade Greathouse

15 days left !!

15 day's til it's summmerrr!!! and I'm a senior!!!

this year has gone by so fast. but I'm glad because this has been a rough year for me. Today was my best friend (11 years) Tara's last day of school. she is graduating this year! i never really thought this day would come..but it's here and I DO NOT LIKE IT!! you see Tara and I have grown up together! she live exactly 28 steps from my front door to hers! yep we are that close!! Her birthday is March 21 mine is March 22!! we have always known each other! tomorrow is gonna be a sad bad, becsuse its gonna be the first day of the rest of my high school careeree with out my best friend!!

short story about Tara and I;

we were about 11 and 12 when we got this Bright idea that we were gonna go camping. (in my drive way) so for four days straight we stayed in my camper. ate played and slept outside! we went in to use the bathroom that was it! well one night we got marsh mellow in our hair.so my sisters boyfriend Justin told us to put PB in our hear SO what did we do..we listened to him!!hahah about the time we gout both of our heads COVERED in PB my mom comes out and freaked out! because we had a whole jar of Jiff peanut butter on our heads. we quickly told her Justin told us too..she wasn't happy. our camping trip was complete with getting our hair washed outside with the water hoes. hahah

Spring Happenings

Dubale continues to grow and learn at what seems like warp speed.

Today he offered to make lunch for us. See picture. He says he used to make and eat these in Africa!

Easter. Well it was quite possibly one of our best. Our family is growing so much. While reading to Dubale about the Resurrection last night he through his hands in the air and announced......HE'S ALIVE!!! What a huge blessing.

Last week after Sunday School he retold me the story of the 4 friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus, lowering him through the roof for Jesus to heal. WOW!

Dubale now weighs 46.8# and is 43.5"tall Dubale. On 8/24/11 37" and 37.6#.

Tella and Casey continue to do well. They love their little brother. Tella is getting ready to leave on Visiting Orphans Mission trip on May 6-18 to Uganda and Ethiopia. Then in June she will be joining the staff at Camp Cowen for the summer. Please pray for me as my first born is getting ready to fly the coup. Momma's and pappa's hearts are being stretched in all directions. Casey is busy with school, working part time at Peking as a waitress and preparing for her first Prom. Time is flying by and we are enjoying this point in our lives. It is amazing to see our older daughters following God's direction. Thank you for all who are praying. Dawn

Coming unglued~

I had planned and wanted to post on Dubales's 6th month home, but you know things happen. He is now nearing the 7th month. I didn't post because I had it in my mind that I wanted to post "Happy" and I just couldn't do it. I wanted to post that everything is "great" and "perfect" and it is not! Truth is, it has never been. BUT that is ok! God didn't ask me or any of us to be "perfect". Hello!!!! That we are not is why we celebrate The Cross.

I really don't know why any of us try to put on such a farce. Yes our struggles may all look different, but we all have them and we all need God.

I really do believe that our transition of adding another child to our family has been relatively easy. Relatively I say. We have struggled with some issues though; like "Ole my goodness I can't sleep whenever I want anymore or I can't just pick up and go? Our girls are soon to be 17 and 21. We were by "American Standards" almost home free. Now, there are bedtimes, consistency of schedules (and for those of you who know me know to take that with a grain of salt), What I have to work my stuff around another person again...............you know; being of the fallen race, we all struggle with selfishness.

Then there is a matter of rejection or the fear of! The fear of coming unglued from those important to me. Until the 6Th month home, Dubale was not able to willing sit on my lap. My love language is physical touch. As a momma, I am "supposed to" cuddle, rock, snuggle with my children. Tim and God have been so gracious with this one. Tim has gently encouraged Dubale to grow closer to me. When Dubale would "reject" me entering the room where he and papa were or didn't want me to sit on the couch with him, Tim would say "Dubale momma is important, Dubale we love momma, we want momma to sit with us, etc teaching Dubale how to accept me as a momma. God has been so incredibly graceful in teaching me to "love Dubale" "accept Dubale" when my feelings just were not there or I was feeling rejected.
Then there is the matter of being at such different points with each of my kids. That is a challenge in and of itself. This is so powerful. They may seem trivial, but I believe that whatever it is that causes you to turn from the path that God has placed you on is so significant. I could have escaped from this bonding in a variety of different ways out of my own fear of rejection, but God is teaching me through this. In the past two weeks, I have had the awesome opportunity to rock my baby boy to sleep two times and just rock and hold him also. God is so Very Good. He knows me and you. Psstt He is the one who places those desires in us. He knows our strength and our weakness. He knows when we are going to stumble. He knows we need Him.

It's really about being obedient to God's call in our lives. Can we really make a difference in the millions of children orphaned in the world. Really? We can't change anything. We are simply called to be obedient. In order to do this we have to stay close to God. We have to search for Him. We have to be quiet, position ourselves, and listen. In doing this, God, who is the maker of all things can and will make the changes according to His will.

Would I do this all over again? You better believe it! I want to be closer to being like my Jesus every day and that takes work, laying down what is not mine to pick up in the first place, and staying closer to Him.

In your Eyes

i found this video and it was really a good reminder, with things that are going on in my life. You know things could be way worse..I could be like these children and not have a home, a family, food, a mommy and daddy. But God gave my a home a family a school to go to and a HUGE heart for these kids!!
I'm go to share a dream with you, I don't know who you are but this is my dream. When i graduate high school I want to go back to Ethiopia and live, really getting to know the people in Africa. I want to know their stories everything little thing i want to know!! then i want to come back to WV and write a book, I don't know maybe ill go to the mountains and live in a cabin while writing this book, blasting the KLOVE radio in the back ground! the second part to my dream is to go to the place my Little brother is from, and teach them about God, I have a fire burning inside my body to help MY family in Ethiopia know God!

I feel as if people look at Ethiopia or any other place in the world with this much pain and suffering and they say "IF I COULD I WOULD, BUT I CANT" well ya know what that isn't working for me and it really isn't helping these poor little kids get to know God before they pass away. why not say "I LOVE GOD HE LOVES ME NOW I'M GOING TO LOVE THESE KIDS AND GO!" why not go. if you don't like it you can always come home to your nice life here . but i promise you will fall in love with at least one kid and that will start the fire in your heart to help make a change for the others!

thinking of you; Casey

Blessings!!

How can one little boy bring so much joy?

I wonder sometimes if it is God's reward to us for our obedience.......even in the face of doubt, pride, selfishness, and all of our humanly faults...............Whatever it is WE ARE THANKFUL!

I have to share some of the cuteness Dubale, Casey and Tella have brought to our home.

Casey and Dylan were going for a drive the other night and they asked Dubale if he wanted anynything while they were out. He asked for ice cream, but said wait, wait....while he was searching his pockets for his money. Casey tried telling him that she would get it, but he insisted on buying his own ice cream. All 4 cents worth. Priceless.

Dubale and I were grocery shopping yesterday and as I was about to pay, he said....wait, wait....while he was searching his pockets. He was so proud of himself........buying our groceries for 2 cents.

He always fusses at me when I say "let's read a book", but once I start I had better have a glass of water because he will have the couch filled with books before we are done. Some of his favorites are Dr. Seuss.

You should see him play the drums and guitar. He loves to sing and dance; sometimes improvising with his Lego microphone.

During one of his Story Hours at the library he learned about making snow angels and has been practicing this skill.

He has learned red, blue, yellow, white and black. Can write A and B and loves to count money.

Pretty much whatever we are doing he is up for it and ready to help.

One of his friends showed him how to stand on his head which he has been practicing also.

Thank you Jesus for our children. They all bring us so much Joy!!!

A FATHERS LOVE

As I look at our family, I can't imagine my life without any of them in it. I can't believe God has blessed me with such a wonderful husband. One who at ALL times is looking out for me and for his children. He would and has gone without so we could have. He has carried sleepy children to bed, woke in the middle of the night to sooth their cries, while he has also been stern in his discipline so they know right from wrong and have respect for others while also respecting themselves. Proverbs 3:12 says, "but the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
He does things that take him way outside his comfort zone if he thinks his kids or I need him to. He prays for us each day. I remember when Tella and Casey were little, it wouldn't be unusual to see them walking together while Tim had a baby doll dangling from his hip pocket. He was actually the first of us to change and diaper. Once when Tella was 2 years old we had her at the fair and she wanted to ride the motorcycles. With a little hesitancy, Tim decided to let her, but said he would walk alongside of her so she wouldn't fall. Little did he realize just how fast those things move and how long a time they run. I think the carney was having a good time! I was standing by myself along the rail and was literally hanging onto the rail laughing with tears running down my face. People must have thought I was crazy....a little crazy I guess. Tella was safe and sound when the ride ended. Tim enjoys taking the kids hunting. He and Casey got a deer last year. What dad do you know would take his 16 year old daughter hunting. They both came back so happy. Now with Dubale it is like a whole new world. Don't get me wrong, this man loves all his kids, but having a son has truly been a whole new world. He is so funny doing "boy things" with him. While all the time teaching him how to treat momma and siters with kindness and plenty of hug and kisses. He works with him in the wood shop, watches and plays cowboys, wrestles of course and most recently went swimming. For those of you who know Tim, he has always said "I don't swim!" Oh yeah he also said "I will never go to Africa". We made two trips there last summer.....Thank you Jesus for giving my children such a wonderful father!

2 MONTHS HOME AS FAMILY OF FIVE

WOW I really can't believe that we have been home for 2 months. In some respects it feels like just yesterday and in others it seems we have been together for ever!!!!!

God has been so good to our family. We are so Blessed by Him. He has strengthened our family and given us 3 beautiful, healthy and happy kids.

I have gone back to work after being at home for 2 months. Dubale has adjusted well to this so far, but we would appreciate your prayers for him in this new transition. He and I have been going to story hour at the library each Monday and he is really enjoying that. We read a book, do a little craft and eat a little snack.

Dubale and I have also been going for lots of walks. He loves to be outdoors as he is very energetic.

Tella is doing well in college. She just recently was hired at a middle school which is close to her college for an after school program. She is home on the weekends. We had a wonderful time this weekend shopping, sorting out and organinzing at home. It was good to have this time!

Casey has been busy with school, Band competitions, Friday night football games, Youth Life, ABY, Homecoming Dance......She is one busy young lady. Oh she is also helping to watch Dubale while I work. These stories are very entertaining:)

Tim has been working about 3 hours away from home, so he is gone from Monday morning to Thursday afternoon. He is loving being a new pappa.

Adjusting well to our new life as a family of five! I just want to encourage you, whatever God is saying to you.....telling you to do........I know that sometimes what God tells us to do can be very scary, seem impossible, plain not be in our plans............BUT He knows the plans He has for you and for your family. You can rely on Him. You can give all of your worries, anxieties, etc to Him. He is a Big God! He knows Best! He is always with you! He will guide you! He will protect and strengthen you! I Encouage you not to run from God's plans for you......because if you do you will miss out on some pretty awesome Blessings! Dawn

Mommy Goes Back to Work..

As you could tell my mom went back to work tonight..If you didn't know she is a nurse at Ruby (WVU) Hospital , in Morgantown WV two hours away from home. So That mean I got my first taste of being the big sister totally in charge for the night! holy cow!! I don't know how she does it! He almost drove me crazy. We went for a walk, talked to random people as we walked down Main Street, Played soccer, Rode bikes, Talked to Daddy on the phone, watched a movie, read a book,took crazy pictures, laughed so hard we cried, cleaned the kitchen, and went to bed! Oh and did i mention my mom didn't leave til five and I put him in bed at eight! yeah we were busy!! All I have to say is my mom is an amazing mom for being able to deal with all the change that has happened. I love you mom!! I don't know how you do it, You put up with a sixteen year old a four year old annnnd on weekend a twenty year old! You are awesome! I love you mom
Casey.

Sometimes LAUGHTER is the best conversation a brother and sister can have.

One Month Home as a Family of Five

WOW!


It's hard to believe that we have been home for one month already. Dubale is adjusting beautifully. Besides sleeping and eating well, he also cleans up his toys and plate after each meal. God has been so gracious in allowing us to bond. Initially Dubale only wanted Tim when he was home. Understandable since Tim works/stays away Monday to Thursday, but Dubale has adjusted well. He no longer yells/screams when I come near him if Pappa is home. Tim has been so good to reinforce Dubale's bonding to me. For this I am so thankful. He loves his sisters so much. Each day when Casey comes home from school he runs to her and snuggles with her for at least an hour. They wrestle like crazy. He is so strong! Towards the end of the week after Tella has been gone for college, Dubale starts looking in her room to see if she is home yet. He has mastered riding his bicycle with training wheels. He is bonding well to each of us and each in a different way. He is socialable, but doesn't go to stranges indiscrimately. Good! The only thing he does that we will work on is each time he says "By" he also says "I love you" regardless of who he is talking to.


Vocabulary is increasing also. Additional words Dubale can say and understand are:


Night, Good morning, Dylan, Hana, Hope, Pastor Don, Miss Cindy, truck, trash, open, hot/cold, outside, Buttons, Hannah, Puppy, Hannah outside, up please. Sentences: "Mommy I not full" at lunchtime. I asked him what he wanted. "Beans" He LOVES baked beans. His ball rolled over the hill and he ran and got it once. Rolled over again he said, "Mommy get it" and laughed.





It has been work in adjusting. Parenting looks a lot different for us then it did 16 and 20 years ago. The biggest change is our relationship with the Lord. Through this He has strengthened us. You have to remember Tim and I also have a 16 and 20 year old. We would not change our decision for the world. It's not always easy. It has taken sacrifice from each of us, but it so totally worth it. I have had so many people say, "God will Bless Your Family for what you have done." I say, "He already has!" Thank you Lord for each of our children. Help us to raise them to look to you Jesus. Help Tim and I to be a strong example of this. We Love You more each day Lord. Dawn

WORDS DUBALE CAN SAY AND UNDERSTAND:
Pappa
Momma
Auntie
Casey
Tella
Grandma
I love you
I love you so much!
"Watch"
Bicycle
Yes
Thank you
Please
You're Welcome

Horse

Elephant

Cat-meow

Dog-ruff

Counts to 10....usually in English

Says ABC's

Rides tricycle

Trying to learn to ride Bicycle with training wheels

RUNS

Eats anything, but milk and cheese

Dubale insists on saying his prayers himself. He always starts with Dubale, Pappa, Casey, Tella

Momma and Grandma.

On 8/24/10

39" and 37.6 lbs

On 9/9/10

38#

Thank you Busy Bee Quilters

This is Dubale making use of his new quilt given to him by the Busy Bee Quilters at our church. Thank you so much!

MORE FAMILY PICTURES

Family Pictures

What do Greathouse's do on their first weekend home as a family?