We're Still Here!

Since there are no adoption updates while we are away, I though sharing about our vacation would be fun, at least for me.

One of the things that I love about this place is the cool weather -- although, I understand it's cool at home too. I checked the weather online today, for this beautiful place, and it's supposed to go down to 36 tonight!! Now, that's cold for August.

One of the other neat aspects of this vacation is the expense or lack thereof. First Baptist Church of Indian Lake owns the house in which we are staying and they provide it free of charge to people that are in full-time ministry. It's "rented" on a first come, first served basis, but we usally don't have much trouble getting the dates we want. This is the place where we are staying.



Even when the weather has been warm, this house stays quite cool -- it's completely shaded all day long. We love the swing on the front porch. That seems to be Johannah's favorite place to sit and read.

We prefer to come after Labor Day when most vactioners are home and being homeschoolers, that has always been possible. But with Edward starting college before Labor Day this year, we had to come earlier.

Earlier today we went to the Barton garnet mine, on Gore Mountain, for a tour. It's an interesting place to see especially Henry Hudson Barton V was one of Ralph's college roommates. Johannah bought a beautiful sterling silver garnet necklace that goes with the ring that she got last year. Tomorrow's agenda calls for a visit to the Adirondack Museum.

Although, this is vacation, it doesn't always seem like it to me because I still have to cook. However, the men cooked dinner this evening and cleaned up. The proof is in the picture below:



and what a good dinner it was, too. Actually, I think that Ralph is a better cook than I am and Edward has become familiar with the kitchen having worked the last three summers in the kitchen at Pinebrook Bible Conference.

Our other favorite past time while here is reading. Vito, Edward's friend that is along for the week, took advantage of the down time before dinner to read.



Tomorrow is the museum, so hopefully I'll have more to share then.

In the Adirondacks

We made it up here yesterday by 10:30 pm. We picked Edward and Johannah up at Pinebrook, along with Ed's friend, Vito (who has come up with us the past 2 years). I really didn't think that we would have internet access, but we actually are able to "borrow" someone's wireless network. Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures later today.

Last night it got so cold -- it got down to the upper 40's, I'm sure. But the weather is beautiful -- nice clear, blue sky and sunny. I'm sure the week will be wonderul, it always is.

Ralph and I will be going shopping later this morning so that we have some food in the house; it's always nice to be able to eat.

Oh well, the pictures will be coming later. In the meantime, I'm going to get some reading done. Toodles!

When It Rains, It Pours (in a good way)

I had no sooner posted about the 2 new fundraisers and we got an offer of an additional one. This is for all you scrapbookers out there. My Creative Memories friend, Debi Paratore, has offered to do an ongoing fundraiser. Just go to her website (see the blurb on the right side of the blog) and place your order. Be sure to mention that your order is to benefit the Ritter Adoption Fund. I'll be sending out a general email when we return from vacation.

Speaking of vacation, we are leaving Sunday after church. We'll be picking up our two children at Pinebrook along with one of Edward's friends, and heading to Indian Lake, NY in the beautiful Adirondack Mts. This is the 5th summer that we have gone there and it is the most peaceful, quiet, relaxing vacation that we could have. So, I won't be around to be posting any updates, especially since there won't be any! :-)

Have a blessed week. I'm sure that there will be lots to tell when we return (I may even post some pictures!).

Our Week is Over

Our week of vacation/service has ended. It was a great week -- we got to see old friends, talk, and relax. We had many opportunities to talk about our adoption. So many were interested in what we are doing. They can't believe that we are crazy enough to even want to start another family. We aren't crazy at all!! When God calls you to do something, you have to do it. We really don't have a choice, but it's something that we are really looking forward to.

Even though today is our last day here, we get to hang around for a while. Tonight is parent's night for the summer staff. Since our kids are on staff again this year, we are here for that event. We'll leave later this evening when everything is over. We're not sure when that will be, but we're here for as long as possible.

It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Edward only has two weeks of his summer service left, a week of vacation and then college!! Johannah is here until Labor Day minus our week of vacation. In so many ways this summer has flown by and in many other ways it's been a looooooong summmer. I'm just so excited to get to Africa and bring our child(ren) home. The Lord knows the desires of my heart and it will happen in His time!

Pinebrook . . . in the beautiful Pocono Mts.

Our annual week at Pinebrook Bible Conference started yesterday. It's great to see our kids again and spend some time with them. This year is a little different for us, though. We've decided to spend the week serving as line monitors during the meals. This means that our week is free and the $$ that would have been spent to spend the week here can be put toward the adoption. What a blessing that is!! Our church usually pays for most of our week here, but this year it will be to bring our children home. I am thrilled!! :-) Since we know almost everyone here this week, it's been a great way to get to see everyone.

One of my friends that I met 12 years ago here at Pinebrook has decided that she will be going to Zambia with us if that's where we ultimately end up. Our stay there could be any where from 3-6 weeks. Ralph will only have to stay until we meet our children and then he can head home. Carol will be with me to keep me company and help with the children. It will be great to have a companion after Ralph leaves. And then Ralph will be able to get all of the necessary "stuff" that we will need -- carseats, stroller, winter clothes, etc. We'll hold off getting any of that until we know the ages and sex of our children. More excitement if building. I can't wait to get my children home!