362 days ago, Marty, Deken and I got on a plane to bring home our little Faithy.... Little did we know about the great deal of energy we were going to be bringing along with it. This little wiggle worm is like this just about all day long. And it's the exact amount of positive energy we all needed around here.. :) Sorry the quality is bad, I didn't have time to fumble for the camera, but I had to get this on film... She'll hate me when she's older, but she still loves me now! :)
Dec 27, 2011
Nov 7, 2011
Oopsy....
Hadn't realized that I haven't posted it here yet.. So for all my non-facebook friends (which you're welcome to join, come find me!) It's another boy for the Duffy's!!
Baby # 3 on his way home very soon we hope! Our newest little one is almost 18 months old, and is a bowl full of Jello! We've loved watching him grow (I mean GROW) in photos the last few months and can't wait to have him home with us for lot's of squeezes and love!!
Hoping to travel early next year (this year would be the miracle that we are praying for!) and love knowing that we will have another little man around here at the Duffy house, very soon! God is Good!!
Baby # 3 on his way home very soon we hope! Our newest little one is almost 18 months old, and is a bowl full of Jello! We've loved watching him grow (I mean GROW) in photos the last few months and can't wait to have him home with us for lot's of squeezes and love!!
Hoping to travel early next year (this year would be the miracle that we are praying for!) and love knowing that we will have another little man around here at the Duffy house, very soon! God is Good!!
~K
Oct 21, 2011
Oct 18, 2011
Dear Mr. President,
INVISIBLE CHILDREN supports your actions against the LRA!
Well, and so do the Duffy's. I kind of wanted to write something about what's been going on, in that wonderful place that has given Marty and I, THREE beautiful children..
DISCLAIMER: This may not be a post for the youngin's....
For those that might not be aware of the situation, I have a few links attached so that you can spend some time looking through the history of the conflict in Northern Uganda. I really encourage everyone that reads this to educate themselves on the TRUTH of the matter. So many things have swirled around in the last few days, since the President of the US announced that a group of 100 advisory forces are being deployed to Uganda, to support the Ugandan government with equipment and tactical advice.
Here is a link to the announcement from Invisible Children, an organization set up to help combat the crisis in eastern and central Africa, caused by the destruction of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army).
Many people have voiced some anger towards this recent announcement, some criticizing by saying things like "Where has the US government been in the past?" Or that "Obama is only doing this because an election is coming up... " Please, really, educate yourself. Below is some info on the history of the crisis, and details the things that the US HAS been doing in the last several years, to combat the issue.
The second thing I really want to bring light to is that there are many comments being posted, questioning the religious affiliation of the LRA. Some are blasting the US for it's new involvement, by saying that Obama is gladly sending troops out to kill Christians, because he is Muslim. It's so sad. If anyone is taking Rush Limbaugh's side on this one, I encourage you, again, please educate your self on the situation, instead of googling and taking the first piece of information you find on Wikipedia, to suffice your thoughts or opinion on the matter.
While we are uncertain of the religious implications of the LRA, no matter what their driving force, it's not for us to really decide if Joseph Kony and the LRA are killing in the name of God or plain psychotic. They're killing. Period. Jim Jones, Eddie Long, Fred Phelps, Emperor Theodosius, Adolph Hitler, Charlemagne, the FLDS, Clifford Peeples, the KKK. The list goes on and on. All of these people or groups, think that what they are doing, has been done to either honor, or in the name of God. No matter how distorted we may think their views are, and how atrocious their actions, we really shouldn't be judging if any, or all of them, are Christians. That's just not for us to decide.
We may yes, certainly, bring justice to the criminal actions they are committing. But let's leave the judging of their faith/Christianity to the chief Justice himself. Below is a link to some information about the LRA and what they are currently doing. Invisible Children is a great organization that thoroughly supports bringing justice to those that are imposing horrific crimes against humanity in Eastern and Central Africa. They said it best that this is NOT a political issue, but a human issue. This is about people. Innocent people. Men, Women and Children being slaughtered by the thousands. Please consider supporting Invisible Children and their efforts to raise awareness and seek Justice in Africa. They have many campaigns listed on their website that you can prayerfully support, and they are a wealth of information to be had.
As Deken and I plan to head over to Uganda in the next few months, pray for our safety and travels. Uganda is like a second home to the Duffy family, and with new strides being taken to protect this home of ours, we are excited to hear more about the situation on the ground. Below are some more resources for your reading pleasure (or not). Mostly books about child soldiers and what it's really like for them. That's what it's like for the LRA.. Children being recruited and brainwashed to fight for such an absurd cause. It's so senseless, and it happens all over the world. Educate, Educate, Educate. Don't be afraid, and don't hide from it, because it's REAL. Not the Real Housewives of New Jersey. That's not really REAL. This is real. And scary. And now has HOPE.
Thank you for listening. Please don't use my opinions as proof to anything or reference. There is great solid fact and information on the INVISIBLE CHILDREN website that is available to you for free! Don't be afraid to peruse, educate yourself on the situation, and take action! And don't forget to see some of the links below. I've read some of the books, and as hard as they are to read, it's so important and encouraging to hear, those faced with such tragedy, can make their way through the darkness!
~Kathryn
Mar 28, 2011
In Times of Prayer
There's something about spring that is so motivating... People come out of their shells a bit (Or hibernation as a little girl at my sons school, matter-of-factly expressed). Windows are thrown open, even when it's still only 33 degrees in Chicago. Jackets are put in the closet, replaced with sweatshirts. And flip flops make their way out, even though we have to wear them with socks for a bit.
The air smells clean (if you can smell at all, for those of you with seasonal allergies like me) the sun is brighter than ever, and the car is even a bit warm when you climb in every morning.
We have busily been making some changes around the Duffy house. Moving furniture around, making rooms more accomodating, and giving the kids a little more space of their own (I have an independent bunch over here!)
But while I'm busy in my home, taking care of my family, and cleaning the winter out of the corners, some families out there are in a different place. In a hospital chair, at a loved ones bedside. In a foreign land, being told to leave without their child. About to become mommy's without anyone around to help.
It could be anything really. From far away you may think there is not much that can be done, but there IS! I've seen some strange things in the last few weeks. Friends and enemies banding together for a miraculous cause...
I've had my moments in life that have led me to uncomfortable places. Places where the unknown is present, new things and changes take over, challenges in front of me to be faced. In these times I always wonder what changes in me. How did I get there, and how did I make it through? I used to think that it was always God, putting me on a path, and showing me how to navigate it. While this is true, over the years, I've started hearing people around me talk about things they are praying for, people who needed lifting up, situations that needed resolution, even if they weren't apart of their own lives. It's something I've always done, always hoping God would answer my prayer for them. Some how I was a bit misconstrued on this concept though... I never thought about other people praying for ME, even when I didn't ask for it. And still never put two and two together, when something miraculously changed in my life...
Then I started to see what I'm calling the 'invisible prayer chain'. "How was I ever convinced to do THAT?" I'd say. Soon my answer became another question. "What if someone else prayed for me to do THAT?" How quickly a perspective changes. People that pray, that are faithful, that lift his name up. There's power in that! God orchestrates, because his believers call on him. God answers prayers because others believe. God wants for YOU, and others want for you too! Someone (or many someones) prayed, and a life was changed. Not adjusted, or modified from the original. CHANGED. Only God can do that, and only prayer can answer it. I guess it just took 28 and half years of life for me to realize that someone can pray for ME, and my life can be changed too!
It's powerful, and it's needed. If you can spare a few moments to read through some tough journeys that are going on right now, some families out there might be able to experience the life and joy that comes with the power of prayer.
First, a family is adopting a precious little boy that has down syndrome. However, the judge in this child's country decided after a 5 hour court hearing, that their child is better off staying in an institution, instead of being joined with his forever family. Please pray for this family and their fight to transform the minds of the judges, so they can be reunited with their son and bring him home! You can follow along with them here:
http://oureyesopened.blogspot.com/
Another family, that Marty and I had the pleasure of growing up with and had as classmates, is having a medical crisis. He's a sweet man named Godfrey. Please take a few minutes to read about him and his wife, Corinth, daughter Charissa, and baby #2 on the way. Pray for miraculous healing and strength! They are in desperate need for an opportunity for Godfrey to be transferred to Chicago for the care to make him well, and the insurance company has denied their funding.. Pray for their fight to transform the minds of those involved in the insurance decision, so Godfrey will get the care that he needs, and back with his family! You can follow their journey here, and join them in prayer in their guestbook!
http://www.godfreyjamescatanus.com/
Have a big mountain to be moved? Feel free to post a comment or message me about. Others will be praying! They always do :)
"Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see...." Hebrews 11:1
~Kathryn
The air smells clean (if you can smell at all, for those of you with seasonal allergies like me) the sun is brighter than ever, and the car is even a bit warm when you climb in every morning.
We have busily been making some changes around the Duffy house. Moving furniture around, making rooms more accomodating, and giving the kids a little more space of their own (I have an independent bunch over here!)
But while I'm busy in my home, taking care of my family, and cleaning the winter out of the corners, some families out there are in a different place. In a hospital chair, at a loved ones bedside. In a foreign land, being told to leave without their child. About to become mommy's without anyone around to help.
It could be anything really. From far away you may think there is not much that can be done, but there IS! I've seen some strange things in the last few weeks. Friends and enemies banding together for a miraculous cause...
I've had my moments in life that have led me to uncomfortable places. Places where the unknown is present, new things and changes take over, challenges in front of me to be faced. In these times I always wonder what changes in me. How did I get there, and how did I make it through? I used to think that it was always God, putting me on a path, and showing me how to navigate it. While this is true, over the years, I've started hearing people around me talk about things they are praying for, people who needed lifting up, situations that needed resolution, even if they weren't apart of their own lives. It's something I've always done, always hoping God would answer my prayer for them. Some how I was a bit misconstrued on this concept though... I never thought about other people praying for ME, even when I didn't ask for it. And still never put two and two together, when something miraculously changed in my life...
Then I started to see what I'm calling the 'invisible prayer chain'. "How was I ever convinced to do THAT?" I'd say. Soon my answer became another question. "What if someone else prayed for me to do THAT?" How quickly a perspective changes. People that pray, that are faithful, that lift his name up. There's power in that! God orchestrates, because his believers call on him. God answers prayers because others believe. God wants for YOU, and others want for you too! Someone (or many someones) prayed, and a life was changed. Not adjusted, or modified from the original. CHANGED. Only God can do that, and only prayer can answer it. I guess it just took 28 and half years of life for me to realize that someone can pray for ME, and my life can be changed too!
It's powerful, and it's needed. If you can spare a few moments to read through some tough journeys that are going on right now, some families out there might be able to experience the life and joy that comes with the power of prayer.
First, a family is adopting a precious little boy that has down syndrome. However, the judge in this child's country decided after a 5 hour court hearing, that their child is better off staying in an institution, instead of being joined with his forever family. Please pray for this family and their fight to transform the minds of the judges, so they can be reunited with their son and bring him home! You can follow along with them here:
http://oureyesopened.blogspot.com/
Another family, that Marty and I had the pleasure of growing up with and had as classmates, is having a medical crisis. He's a sweet man named Godfrey. Please take a few minutes to read about him and his wife, Corinth, daughter Charissa, and baby #2 on the way. Pray for miraculous healing and strength! They are in desperate need for an opportunity for Godfrey to be transferred to Chicago for the care to make him well, and the insurance company has denied their funding.. Pray for their fight to transform the minds of those involved in the insurance decision, so Godfrey will get the care that he needs, and back with his family! You can follow their journey here, and join them in prayer in their guestbook!
http://www.godfreyjamescatanus.com/
Have a big mountain to be moved? Feel free to post a comment or message me about. Others will be praying! They always do :)
"Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see...." Hebrews 11:1
~Kathryn
Feb 14, 2011
Good Friends Salman Rushdie and Harry Potter
I noticed this shelf on one of our bookcases today... I thought it was a good example of what my marriage looks like. The books on our shelves move around quite often, because we read them so much, but this one in particular struck me.
Some of the books are mine, some are Marty's. I've read some of his, he's read some of mine. We just like to read. I've gone through ups and downs of reading in the past. Then I got on a genre kick and read alot of the same types of books for many years.
Enter Marty. Since we're not a gift-on-Valentines Day kind of family, I thought this picture was gift enough. The growth, openness, truth and fiction that this picture portrays to me is a gift. The little bit of this and little bit of that that my life became almost 5 years ago when Marty and I started dated. The fun, the serious, and the not so great. I just love what this little bookshelf says to me.
Now off to take all the doors off the kitchen cabinets.. Hopefully I'll get it done before hubby reads this, lol :)
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY SWEET PEA! love you!
Feb 3, 2011
There was an old woman.... That sat above the toilet.
Faith finally discovered the 'creepy woman' today. We've been home 2 weeks today, and I'm surprised it took her this long to find her.
We got the woman statue as a hand-me-down, and couldn't figure out where to put her.. We were young and just married and as a joke, I thought it would be funny to put her up on the cabinet above the toilet, as if she were 'peeking' on everyone... It was just a joke, but here we are, 4 years later, and she's still there. I think for several of those years, I've completely forgotten about her. She's never been dusted, or cleaned, or cared for. I only seem to remember she's there when some comes out of the bathroom saying "What's with the creepy woman above the toilet?"
Faith's been pretty good at following Deken's lead. Since both my kids came home potty-trained, for Faith, it was just a matter of learning the whole 'bathroom routine' (turn on light, go potty, wipe, flush, wash hands, turn off light, etc) Plus the investment of a taller stool for shortstuff over here.
I know, I know, she is kind of creepy. But I seriously had forgotten about her up there, for years! Deken's never noticed her either. After bringing her down off the shelf and dusting her off, Faith let out a wail and yet again ran out of the bathroom, down the hall with her pants down. I ever so cautiously hoaxed her back and picked her up in my lap. I tried to explain to her that the woman wasn't real. She stopped crying but still wasn't buying it... I tried knocking on the woman's head, saying "not real". Somehow that was going over either. I had to settle for explaining that the woman was a Nice Woman, and it's ok. I showed Faith her pretty necklace and after a little more hoaxing got her to run her hand around the creepy woman's fake pearls... She then gave the woman a kiss and smiled, followed by a "Mommy, ganda!" as she pointed back to the top of the shelf...
So, up the woman went, back to her dusty shelf (maybe I'll get to that one of these days...) and Faith smiled and continued on her way. She made a very deliberate point of telling me all about the woman and her necklace the next time we went to the bathroom, but she seemed content.. Hopefully she will soon forget she's there.. just like I did....
Now to go work on some storytime. As I type this, Deken is sitting on the couch reading Stuart Little, as Faith sits next to him reading my sewing machine manual... There's never a dull moment over here!
We got the woman statue as a hand-me-down, and couldn't figure out where to put her.. We were young and just married and as a joke, I thought it would be funny to put her up on the cabinet above the toilet, as if she were 'peeking' on everyone... It was just a joke, but here we are, 4 years later, and she's still there. I think for several of those years, I've completely forgotten about her. She's never been dusted, or cleaned, or cared for. I only seem to remember she's there when some comes out of the bathroom saying "What's with the creepy woman above the toilet?"
Faith's been pretty good at following Deken's lead. Since both my kids came home potty-trained, for Faith, it was just a matter of learning the whole 'bathroom routine' (turn on light, go potty, wipe, flush, wash hands, turn off light, etc) Plus the investment of a taller stool for shortstuff over here.
(notice there are three stools... fun, huh? The new tall one for Faith, is too tall for Deken, so I had to keep his stool there too. And Faith needs one for the toilet, but couldn't move the big one, so she has a little one that she keeps next to the toilet and moves back and forth, every time she has to go... It's a whole big fiasco, but it works for us, for now, until the peanut grows a bit, lol.. moving on....)
Since about the 3rd day we had been home, she's been able to go to the bathroom all on her own, without my help (yeah for a 2nd quick learner!). Only every once and a while does she call for help when she can't get the soap to come out... But today! Oh boy... was I laughing big time...
After asking to go to the bathroom, she went on her way down the hall, and all was quiet for about 3 minutes. Then the whimpering came. Then it started getting louder, and I wondered what she could have gotten in to now..... As I made my way down the hall, she came running out, pants down, screaming! Even at that sight, I started laughing, which I know is mean, but I couldn't fathom what the heck was causing my half naked child to run in fret!
I walked her back to the bathroom and peered in asking what was wrong. She sheepishly hid behind me, looked around my leg into the bathroom, and with her little finger pointing up said, " Mommy, Jjaja!" and then quickly buried her face in my leg.
HAHA! I couldn't stop laughing. I looked down at her and saw such a mass of confusion in her eyes, I knew I was stuck figuring out a way to explain this one to her.... oh boy!
I climbed up the stool and reached for, none other than, the famous 'creepy woman'.
So, up the woman went, back to her dusty shelf (maybe I'll get to that one of these days...) and Faith smiled and continued on her way. She made a very deliberate point of telling me all about the woman and her necklace the next time we went to the bathroom, but she seemed content.. Hopefully she will soon forget she's there.. just like I did....
Now to go work on some storytime. As I type this, Deken is sitting on the couch reading Stuart Little, as Faith sits next to him reading my sewing machine manual... There's never a dull moment over here!
Jan 10, 2011
There's 4 of us now....
I'd post a picture, but the internet is giving me a hard time.... But, there's 4 of us now. We couldn't be happier.
I know it's only been 10 days, but I'm already having trouble remembering what it was like as just 3 of us.
Oh yah, I forgot, I can just picture home and I remember. But soon my memories disappear and I can start to see the 4 of us at home, even though we haven't been there yet.
I wonder if Deken pictures home and thinks that when we go back he will still have it all to himself. He's different now. He's taller, and slender. He looks 3 years older than I remember. He's still learning the "help your sister" aspect, but he really gets the "go play with your sister part". Sometimes much better than I had imagined. They seem to be in tandem, the two of them, one right after the other, just switching off who the leader is, 24/7.
I don't think I ever had a better understanding of the whole "following God's Plan" thing, until I saw my TWO children together on the first day, for the first time. It was as if they knew each other all along. Within minutes they were calling each other by name, and playing together with their toys. 10 days later, it's still the same. They play together, sit together, share food, and teach each other new things, all day everyday.
Even when they wake up before mom and dad, they play quietly in their bed together, whispering and giggling, as if it were Christmas morning, and they knew what was soon to come. We've never asked them to be quiet in the morning. We never told them to whisper when they wake up. We never told them they have to stay in their bed. They just do it. They appreciate the little moments together in the morning, just them. They love it. And so do I.
I'm sure there is more to come. The failure to share. The yelling at each other. The pushing, the shoving. The typical sibling rivalry. But so far, I'm enjoying the peace. The relaxation. The fact that we can give them something to do, and an hour later they are still entertained amazes me. Best practices start from the beginning, and we've had a pretty awesome one of those.
Still figuring out a few things to come home. We should know more sometime this week. I hope it's sooner, rather than later, before the peace of being brother and sister ends!!
:)
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