We are adding 1 to our family.

Ha! Got your attention didn't I?

I love to do that.

So....Last fall my sister-in-law & husbands brother invited into their home an exchange student.  I remember thinking WOW! They are brave & hospitable.  How did they know if they would get a good kid?  How would that dynamic change their family?  And then later how would it change our extended family get together.   

 But you know what?  This worrier by nature learned to know and love the exchange student.  My sil and bil taught me without knowing...How to give the gift of your family, how to open your home, and your heart.  Although at the time~ I wasn't thinking we would ever do anything like that, I just thought it was nice that they were.  :)

We've spent time with her over the months...and learned something outside of our little bubble.  And it's been fun.  And you know what? It did do something to our family get togethers....It enhanced them.  She brought fun & a sweet smile.

So when we got a call last week asking if we would be willing to host her for the remainder of the school year we were a little more open minded than we would've been even a year ago. 

 {Donovan's brother, wife, & family moved to another school district/town last week.} 

 We thought about it, prayed a lot, talked a lot.  And said YES.

I'm always pretty amazed how God stretches us.  Something we thought we'd never do....He opens the door and helps you to think beyond yourself. 

So tonight we welcomed another Isabela (she uses 1 "l" & our Isabella uses 2) to our home tonight.  She comes to us from Brazil and celebrated her 18th birthday last month.   

So that brings our count up to 3 girls & 2 boys....2 of them being "Isabella".  

{we're working on nicknames}  

Already loving how she captivates our kids.