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Category Archives: the Uganda story  Today is National Adoption Day. Last month, I got to spend the week with the precious family that adopted Ali Rose. Some of you might remember the day we welcomed Ali Rose into our home last year. I remember knowing deep within my heart that she was destined to be a Morrow and have never…  One year ago today we were still giddy over the newest baby in our home. She was so tiny and perfect and unexpected. She didn’t have a name yet, but we were in love. We spent the afternoon looking at her toes, running out fingers through her perfect hair and throwing out name possibilities. Of… 
LOVE THIS…and I so needed that last reminder as it looks like I am gearing up for a long year ahead.  On March 6th, one year ago today, unbeknownst to me, one of the most important people in my life was born. She was born just minutes from where I was peacefully sleeping, but her entrance to the world was anything but peaceful. Ali Rose’s mom, in giving life to her daughter, gave up her own…. Today I have the fun opportunity to share a recent post on a blog I’ve come to love over the last few years. We Are Grafted In Click on the image below to read my post and enjoy the beautiful collection of writing they have gathered there.  February 6th, 2011 was just an ordinary day. We took a donation of clothes to the child care center down the road and carefully fitted each little girl with a brightly-colored outfit of her own. They filed in one by one, kneeing in gratitude, and then dashed off giggling to show their friends. Near the… 
Sweet girl. Just as the soft rains fill the streams, pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans, so may the power of every moment of your goodness flow forth to awaken and heal all beings, Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come. 
I’ve been following these blogs for quite awhile and I’ve decided that transformation in people, because of LOVE from others and from our Father, brings more JOY into my heart than anything else I can think of. Lily’s transformation is clearly seen in her eyes. Thanks so much for sharing your journey and (their journeys) with us, Mandie.  In lieu of instaGRATITUDE this week, let’s take a look back. The task of summing up the past year in one blog post may be well near impossible, but for my own sake I think it’s worth a try. There is much to be grateful for. God has done more this year than I could…  Today I’m missing Ali Rose. So I thought maybe you were, too. Her mama has been really good at texting me little updates that she knows I wouldn’t want to miss. Baby girl learned to walk this week. “15 steps across the kitchen floor” is what her text said. It was followed by a picture… 
Oh Mandie Joy. Love your heart. Thank you for this. We pray every day for Mama Betty, the babies home worker who loved our little M. It really is a heart-rending thing to think of the years of love I wasn’t there to give – so thankful that He was THERE and that He provides others to love and give. 
Merry Christmas EVE!! What a wonderful message…you say it so well. I continue to pray for your heart as it heals. You are extraordinary and I am so glad you are part of my family. I love you and can’t wait to see you!!! 
The fact that you loved all of these children with abandon will bring a lifetime of gifts to you and them. Many blessings to you this Christmas. 
BEAUTIFUL BEYOND WORDS!!! I loved this post. It made me cry tears of pain and joy. Thank you!
Sweetness. 
Wow! Hey Mandie. Two nights ago I found your blog by way of Katie Davis’. I went back and read everything and with tears in my eyes, I told my husband “I have to talk to her!” I was planning to contact you after the holidays, but when I read this I couldn’t wait. You see, God has been doing something amazing in my heart for babies in Uganda. I have been fostering babies for 12 years now here in North Carolina, so I know firsthand the feelings you are describing. Lately, however, we have not been needed and I have prayed for God to please bring us babies that need our love. In my prayer time one morning He whispered to my heart “I’m not bringing them to you because I need you to go to them.” He has opened my eyes and my heart to the needs in Uganda and keeps bringing them to my attention. We are praying that He will make it clear what He wants us to do; whatever it is, we are saying yes. I was so captured by your story and how you were able to love and care for these babies and find their forever families. I really feel like this is what we’re being called to, I’m just not sure exactly how. Anyway, I would love to talk with you sometime about your experiences and learn more about how it all works there. 
Mandie, Oh how I miss Uganda. I have travelled there twice this year. I think I may have even met you. I love how we make plans and then God does what He wants to anyway. Like you, I thought I knew what my life was supposed to look like. Instead of getting married and having babies, He led me to a Russian orphanage when I was 29 years old to adopt my little one that is now a big 8 year old (and I still haven’t found Mr. Right, which is OK with me!). For now, my heart is in Uganda and I am in Texas. I am waiting with great anticipation for what God will do next. Thank you for sharing your story. I have enjoyed reading every word. With love, 
Susan, I’d love to connect and give you some places to start once you’re looking into maybe taking a trip to Uganda. Keep in touch! mj 
This is good. Thank you.
Katie, I love knowing this spoke to you from the perspective of a waiting mama. It brings me so much joy to know that all of the wonderful people (especially T) who have cared for your boy KNOW you and love you. That will make the transition so much easier for him and them (and probably you, too!). Keep me posted on what’s happening! Love to all the Leanders!
Katie, I love knowing this spoke to you from the perspective of a waiting mama. It brings me so much joy to know that all of the wonderful people (especially T) who have cared for your boy KNOW you and love you. That will make the transition so much easier for him and them (and probably you, too!). Keep me posted on what’s happening! Love to all the Leanders!
Mandie, your life, testimony, andall you do make me so happy…such inspiring encouragement to me so many days Thank you , Kim Boyer.
Kim, I think the same things about you! So grateful for your example of love and faithfulness over the years. Give Taylor a hug from me!  “There is no event so common place but that God is present within it, always hidden, always leaving you room to recognize Him or not to recognize Him.” ______________________ Coming home after so long away has given me a more precious appreciation for the little things that I so often took for granted before. So…
Looking forward to hearing about your new job : )  “There is no event so common place but that God is present within it, always hidden, always leaving you room to recognize Him or not to recognize Him.” ___________________________________ This week I bring you the insta-gratitude version…aka Gratitude: Captured by the (very) grateful new owner of an iPhone. this week, I’m grateful for: 201. Target…
Have a great time with the I-phone : ) 
Great pic of your mom and dad! And I would LOVE to do Thanksgiving again — am making turkey soup today. Thanks for the reminders of all that we have to be thankful for. I’m reading Bonhoeffer, and am thankful for the opportunity to love Jesus under pressure — not as bad as Nazi Germany, but there are similarities. Jesus never changes. His Word flourishes in the dry valley if His people seek only Him. Bless you during this Advent season, Mandie! Hey, send me some good music from Nashville! Love you, Suzy 
I have loved following your beautiful journey…..are you coming back to the USA for awhile? Thank you for sharing your ministry so beautifully through amazing words and photos. Much love, Betsy
Thank you, Betsy! Yes, I’m back in the US for at least the next 6 months. I’ll post an update here soon. SO excited to hear that Noe is going to University of the Nations. I’m moving to the YWAM Kona base sometime this year.
You can get Turkey in Honduras, Suzy? How did I never know that? Also, people keep mentioning Bonhoeffer to me…I need to get my hands on one of his books. Which do you recommend?
Thanks, Cindy! I’m in love with it. 
stopping by from Ann’s…wonderful pictures…such precious little ones…I have that same necklace with my soon to be first grandbaby’s initials on it…love it…welcome to Nashville… 
Found your blog through Ann’s – enjoyed my visit here! Looking forward to reading more of your story. Loved your list of gifts. 
Welcome Home and Congratulations! We were stationed in Turkey for two years. My husband missed American food and I missed Target. We are to be stationed in Alaska next. Where we will be living does not have a Target. I was very sad when I found out! Merry Christmas and Happy 2012! 
YES!!! I really heart target myself, & my kids love eating dinner there, lol! I blog at ConfidentOfThis.com and SummitStreetJoy.com, live in VA, am wife to a youth pastor, mommy to 3…. and share your passion for adoption & Africa, although I’ve never been! We have felt called to adopt and are relying on God’s perfect timing in it all… Blessings to you!
Thank you for reading, Lauren! You have some CUTE kiddos. blessings,  “There is no event so common place but that God is present within it, always hidden, always leaving you room to recognize Him or not to recognize Him.” ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 191. a reunion I’ve been waiting for since July (more pictures to follow next week) 192. a reminder to look up 193. the fact that Ali… 
So thankful you’re home, Mandie, and look forward to a time we can catch up with you. We have thoroughly enjoyed your blog on your time in Africa – beautiful writing, beautiful pictures, beautiful story of God’s grace.
I cannot wait to see the Young family, too! Although I’m a little nervous about seeing Micah and realizing that he’s not a baby anymore. Why do they get big so fast?
First French Fry. Love it! |
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Did you bring Eden to the King Fisher one night to pick up some things that her mommy sent for her with a couple of girls from Nashville that were on a Visiting Orphans trip? I was with that group. That was in June. Then I went back in October. I can’t wait to get back there. It’s looking like it will be July.
I am struggling right now with feeling guilty for being the one on this end, waiting to take him into our home, knowing that many have loved him and will miss him. It feels so unfair, and confusing. I’m thankful too that God is big enough to let me be in this confusing place because He knows what He’s doing. But still.
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Kaleigh Anderson - Still reading and re-reading your blog
Ali Rose has gotten so cute! I love the Christmas photo shoots- I hope you are able to offer it again next year so I can gift my family with a session! 
Kaleigh Anderson - Or I meant to say Ali Rose is STILL so cute, she was always adorable!
Rachael - This is absolutely beautiful. We said goodbye to our seventh foster-baby just before this Christmas. I miss her so much, but it’s so good to be used by God in this way and be the part of His forming a brand new family. We have moved on to adoption now, but foster care is so dear to us and we have made a lot of lifelong friends!