Our family

In addition to our feline baby, Harley, we have added to our family by means of adoption! Our two kiddos are Denise in Rwanda and Jayaraju in India. If we were able, we would literally adopt them Angelina Jolie-style and welcome them into our home. Instead, we provide for them and exchange letters with Denise. We recently adopted Jayaraju and look forward to writing him, also. We found Denise through Compassion and Jayaraju through Peace Gospel Ministries. In fact, Jayaraju lives in Peace City's Hadassah Orphanage.

We have pictures of both adorable children; both kids are Christians so they are truly a part of our Family. Our friend Kirby is President of Peace Gospel Ministries and Johnny and I have already told him we plan to visit Peace City, Lord willing! I would be able to wear a pretty sari and hug Jayaraju's neck. Johnny could take his tabla and drum while the kids danced. Our dream is to visit Denise in Rwanda, too. We will tell our future little Simmons all about their siblings in faraway lands that God created. I love the verses that say, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' " (Revelation 7:9-10, NKJV) Thank God for worthy organizations such as Compassion and Peace Gospel that not only feed and clothe orphans and widows but also share the Gospel that they may join the great multitude 'round the throne of Jesus; that image fills my heart with the greatest joy.

P.S. ~ I was listening to Daniel Lanois' CD Shine in my car while driving home from Church tonight. The duet he sings with Bono is one of my favorites - Falling at Your Feet. Lanois is a sonic as well as lyric genius. Johnny is currently digging his Acadie CD. We both LOVE the song, Maker (Emmylou's version on Spyboy is damn good, also - I adore that album). Since mine and Johnny's musical tastes differ at times I am thankful for coinciding moments when we both drool over the likes of Lanois.