"Marijem...truly is our precious Jem (Gem). The word that best fits her is 'delightful'!" Here are just a few excerpts from the update we just received from Marijem's family in Australia.

We have written earlier about how Christian, who is in our home now, will grow up knowing Marijem. Vicki and Terri write: "We're so excited that Marijem and Christian will be able to share part of their childhood in Australia too. We've become friends with a family who've just come home with their 3 year old from the same orphanage as Ana. Ana thinks it's terrific to have a 'friend' from 'her orphanage' so it's lovely to think Marijem will have her 'special friend' too. It's lovely for Criza too at the moment to know that her new baby brother is at the same place that Marijem came from."

"Kadeesha's decided she's going to be Mari's dance teacher, so each morning before school they go off to Kadeesha's room to learn new steps. Marijem thinks she's so clever, and loves to show off her new 'moves.'"


"Analiza is like a 'little mother' with her and is often heard explaining why she should or shouldn't do something or other. They have a great time playing and laughing and having fun together."


"She is just the 'perfect fit' for our family. She is soooo loved by her big sisters, and Mummy and Daddy are completely charmed by her as well!" "We are so blessed to have our three beautiful girls!"

There was an Alternative Gift Market in Snohomish, Washington this weekend, raising money and creating awareness for missions around the world. Good friends of ours who used to live here in Manila collected Philippine items to represent our work here. A great, creative idea. And it was a tremendous success.

If what you wanted was proof that adoption is a miracle every time, here it is. We warned Joseph and Elaine to expect Sheila Mae to warm up to her new mommy before she'd even look at her new dad. That can be hard to accept, when you're bursting with unrequited love. But I don't know if it would have bothered Joe's quiet strength.


He's just attending to her, from whatever distance she will allow--and she is eating it up. She's had about three hours now to become daddy's girl, and they're well on their way to a life-long relationship of trust and mutual admiration.




Good job, mom and dad!

Welcome to Eliot Gray Gunderson, born at 2am, October 31st, 8lbs 12oz. Congrat-ulations Joel and Jena!