Stuff

We just got home from a day spent going through stuff. Basically this stuff goes into one of two piles. Restorable and non-restorable. Pretty simple, really.

The guys decide if something can be cleaned and *if* I want it cleaned, they tag it, photograph it and put it on a truck or in a box and take it away. This stuff is all covered in soot, sort of like touching a piece of charcoal over and over. It turns your hands black. I'm having a little bit of a hard time with my books. For those of you who know me you know I love a good book, especially if it's about a missionary who has overcome amazing obstacles and done great things for God. If I love a book I dog ear the 'good pages' so that most of my books are pretty dog eared. How can I re-dog ear them unless I re-read them?? So I must decide if it's worth cleaning them. New ones are NOT the same. Hmmmm....

As I was looking at my books, one of the guys said, "I've read that book." It was Bruchko, a missionary to the Motilone Indians of South America. Then he saw a lot of other books that he's read. I asked him where he went to church? Yep, he goes to B. Baptist, where we go. Crazy! He actually remembers when the Sunday 3 years ago when Blaine and I got up and shared how God led us to adopt M and M. He and his wife actually talked about adopting. Coincidence? I think not. He even remembered the name Addis Ababa!

So far, we have the living room done completely. I mean cataloging all the "stuff." I brought my mother in laws camera and layed out all the non-restorable stuff and photographed it. At least then I can look at my computer in the warmth and comfort of a home and write down each item. After that, I must price shop for these items or items close to them and write them down with a description of each item. Katie just went to her room and bagged up all her clothes. She filled 4 big garbage bags full. She just finished going through them and is getting rid of over half. I'm sure I am guilty of this, too. It's the, "well, I might wear that again" thing. And then you never do. Seriously people, get rid of your "stuff." Take it from me, if you have a fire you will just have to count it and it's not really fun. Give it away now so someone else can enjoy it!

Thanks to all of you who have offered to take the boys and to those who have already taken them. They have had so much fun with all of you and it is a huge relief to me during the day not to have to worry about them and know they're having fun. Thank you!!

Many blessings,
Laura