Welcome to the Wells Family Blog! We want to continue to share with you the amazing journey that God has called us to as we try to live ON PURPOSE and ON MISSION in a world that says to do otherwise.

If it seems that the blog is changing and "under construction" at times then it is just a reflection of our family life... We are working hard to find our "new normal", so please hang in there and keep checking back!

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10







Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Love God, Love People, Serve the World!

Ty and I are privileged to be a part of an exciting, growing, and inspiring body of believers at Mosaic Church.  www.mosaicfl.org  I think something that speaks louder than anything I could say about it is the fact that each of my four children beg to go to all three services every single Sunday - attending and/or serving in each one.

The core values of Mosaic are expressed in a phrase that I believe every person on the planet is called to by our Creator... Love God, Love People, Serve the World!  Although this simple little phrase can unite every human being with the same purpose, it will look as unique and particular for each of us as our individual fingerprints.


We are all given an exclusive sequence of circumstances in our lives, with individual experiences and relationships that not only shape us but also wait to be changed by our responses.

One way that Ty and I believe God has called us to Serve the World is in advocating for the rights of the orphan.  Scripture calls each of us to take care of the orphan.  Although I would accept that not everyone is called to adopt (-- however more are called than realize) we are all called to help the orphan in some way.  "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."  James 1:27.

OK so I am not here to preach a sermon... you probably all know where I stand.  I just want to present two opportunities that are available if you are interested in stepping into the life of an orphan... and changing their world.

Homes of Hope International (HOH) is the organization that allowed us to host Katya and Mariana for 5 wonderful weeks this summer.  



But that is only one small part of their story.  Thanks to HOH and the generosity of families across the US, many, many children were given the chance this summer to experience first hand what it means to be in a loving, Christian home.  

This Christmas HOH will be doing another hosting program with the desire to place 200 Ukraine orphans in homes for 4 weeks over the holidays... giving them an experience that we in America take for granted.  Please check out this link to a promo video (our girls are in this :)  www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBWAnbLSkYA&feature=youtu.be

If you have questions or want to see pictures of the 200 children needing to be hosted this Christmas than please just send me an email or FB me and I will send you the link and password.


One of the most challenging and unsettling aspects of international adoption is it is extremely expensive.  I realize that this is what causes many families to never even consider it.  Especially at a time where economic challenges are everywhere it is hard to get our brains around how we could possibly make a difference where the need is so incredibly huge.  But the reality is that God just requires us to respond in faith to His leading.   
Ty and I have done that... even though it made no earthly sense at all.  

We have never wanted to use this blog to ask for money or to display an amount that we need to reach.  So this will be the only time you see this...

However the reality is that in order to get our girls home we need to have a "ransom"... so we continue to trust in God's faithfulness.   If you feel that God has called you to be a part of this story then we would love for you to come alongside us financially.  Once again feel free to email me or FB me or simply send your gift to ICCF... the info. is on the left side of this blog.  Thanks for following our story!






Thursday, September 15, 2011

Moving Forward!

Well it has been much time since I have visited this blog... sorry to those of you who have been patiently (or not) waiting for an update.  I follow several blogs myself and know how frustrating it is when updates are so far and few between.   I'll spare you all the excuses and just get to the updates...

 We are moving forward with the adoption!  We are currently working through putting together our dossier (which is all the paperwork that will go to the Ukraine).  We hope to be invited to go to Ukraine by November and be back before Christmas... although we realize that the timing is not really up to us.

 This is Ty walking one of the city blocks in Ukraine over 5 years ago, during our adoption of Nic.

Yesterday we got to skype with the girls and seeing them just made us all realize how much we miss them... having them back here with us permanently cannot come quick enough.

Thank you to so many of you who have expressed your support, encouragement and prayers through emails, phone calls, texts etc.  They have been appreciated and needed.
And thank you to those who have contributed financially.  We knew when we embarked on this journey that God was going to have to impress upon the hearts of His people to participate in this with us financially in order for it to be accomplished.  We continue to trust in His provision and know by faith that everything that is needed will be provided.

All is well on the home front... just moving super fast!
Shortly before school started Makenzie had the privilege to fly to Illinois with her best friend Christiana.  They spent an amazing week seeing the sights and spending time with Christiana's wonderful Oma and Opa.  Here are a few pics from her trip ...




At the end of August we celebrated Nic's 7th birthday.  My baby boy is getting so big!


AND at the beginning of September my dear parents celebrated 44 years of marriage!  Thanks Mom and Dad for the heritage you have passed on to us.


Remember to count your blessings!  We all have them. 
Times may be challenging and overwhelming but God is ALWAYS good and ALWAYS in control of this crazy world. 
Trust in His Sovereignty!