As many of you know, we have spent a lot of time this summer traveling, talking, praying and considering "what is next?" We have some ideas for the future, but there are some variables that are not yet all figured out. The conclusion is that for now, we are here in Ohio, Gabe is working in his business and the kids are I are starting our homeschool year.  Last August, we were  getting ready to head to Mexico. I have to be truthful, in August this year, looking at "normal life" back in Ohio just did not seem as exciting. 

Or so I thought.  

A few weeks ago, I was walking through the grocery store and received a text saying "Yasmine is coming back to the US tomorrow. Do you want to see her while she is here?"  I almost crashed my cart!!!  

For those of you who don't know the back story, Yasmine is from Burkina Faso, Africa and she stayed with us in 2013 for seven months while she had surgery on both legs.  She was 6 yrs old at the time, and truly, she is one of the sweetest, kindest, most amazing kids you will ever meet! Everyone who knew her last time loved her, as did we. After a child lives with you for that long, they are always a part of your family. It was a hard goodbye when she left, but we knew her family in Africa of course couldn't wait to get her back. Her legs were mostly straight when she left, and we were happy to see the pictures of her reunited with her family. 

Recovering from surgery two years ago.

Unfortunately, her legs did not stay straight, so the medical mission organization  decided to bring her back and try  additional treatment. (We were unaware of this development!) As our life has been a little unpredictable lately, the director wasn't sure we would want to host her again, but that day in the grocery store, I checked with Gabe and he said, "text her back RIGHT NOW and tell her Yasmine needs to live with us!"  (I love my husband :)

I called and we worked out the details. That was on a Friday, and we picked her up on Monday!  We rearranged our apartment, and some friends generously shared some clothes. Boom. We have easily gone from a family of 6 to 7 once more. God doesn't always give you a lot of notice, but we were ready and so happy to see her again!  

She was a little tired and overwhelmed that first night, as you can see, but she was happy to see us too.

We have been to see the pediatrician and the surgeon so far, and they are deciding how to treat her. Then we wait for the necessary approval from the hospital, as all of her care from us, to doctors, to hospitals, to therapies, etc. are donated.  Praying all is approved and that she can be straightened out and get back to her family in Africa.  

At her first doctor appointment.  

While we wait on the doctors, we are having fun with her. I call these two my twins and they have a blast together.  :) 

I am still looking forward to whenever we head back out  to serve internationally.  But I am so thankful we are here and able to serve in Ohio right now so that we can host Yasmine again.  It is an unexpected blessing and a reminder that as always, God is leading us a step at a time. With or without much advance notice, His leading is always best!