Going to Liberia, Africa, with my daughter-in-law Steph, to bring home the little girl they had adopted was an experience this Gramma will never forget. I felt honored to be asked, but the fact that I've always wanted to go to Africa helped face the preparation. I never dreamed, though, that I'd be going to pick up a grandchild! Life can present the awesome unexpected.

Most people ask, "Why Liberia?" The answer isn't simple, but our kids had decided they wanted to 'make a difference' in someone's life in some way. They also wanted to add another child to their family and rather than risk their daughter having four big brothers, they decided to adopt a girl.

Liberia is on the west coast of Africa with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. Thirty years ago the country was prosperous and thriving, but civil war has destroyed so much and so many that recovery continues slowly and painfully. The country is making a slow comeback, but has yet to rise to the status of even a third world country. Tiny shops and vendors are plentiful in the marketplace, which indicates the effort of the people.

Thanks to the prayers of many, we stayed healthy and safe throughout the trip. Our guesthouse accomodations were comfortable except for heat and humidity, cold showers, power outages, and the early morning rooster alarm clock. Sleeping under a mosquito net is a story in itself.

We were fed mostly American food, but did eat sweet potato vines and stems as greens in a rice dish. New experience. Bananas and plantains are staples and their bananas are much smaller and greener than ours-no rushed ripening.

Liberians are friendly and beautiful people. They are working hard to restore their country. My new granddaughter is quick to laugh and smile. She skipped along like a little trooper on the long 36 hour journey to America. She would stop in the airport and stare at the TV, no matter that it was CNN. Looking out the window of the plane was fascinating rather than scary.

Frankly, I am surprised she has adjusted so well to all the newness. While we don't know what's going on in her little head, I think she is happy to be with us. Her British-Kpelli-sounding English takes some getting used to, but her siblings are catching on quickly. All of us are finding that love knows no color.

I wish you enough.
Jude

Here's my review of Tammy Alexander's book, REMEMBERED.

I was as taken with Tammy's hero, Jack Brennan, as with Atticus Finch. He's memorable.

I really enjoyed REMEMBERED, not just because I have a passion for stories about the old west, but because it's so nicely done.

Jack's counterpart, Frenchwoman Veronique Girard, is also a fully developed character with endearing traits as well. Together, Jack and Veronique keep you turning the pages.

This is the third book in the Fountain Creek Series. Veronique fulfills her mother's dying request when she comes to America-to the wild Colorado Territory no less-to search for the husband and father who had never returned as promised.

Jack, who's had deep personal loss, is newly retired from his job as trail guide, when Veronique enters his life and he finds himself unwillingly escorting her in her search for her father as he, in his new job, delivers supplies to mining towns. Her beautiful presence and perky personality create chaos from every angle in the brawling, dangerous mining outposts.

Ms. Alexander artfully spins her tale while the reader becomes immersed in the characters and lessons of the story.

You won't be disappointed with REMEMBERED. Let's hope for a fourth book!

I wish you enough-of all that you need. Jude

PS-Later, I'll be blogging about my recent trip to Liberia, Africa with my daughter-in-law. We picked up our new family member. A precious little girl.

Hello!

Several of us writers are participating in the blog tour of Mary DeMuth's new book- Authentic Parenting in a Post Modern World.

Mary's book offers parents suggestions and ideas on how to engage with their children and prepare them for the world outside their door.

Be sure to check out Mary's web site and the opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of her book at http.//www.maryedemuth.com/.

Have a healthy and happy week. I'll be back later with a review of Tammy Alexander's Remembered. Meanwhile, I wish you enough.

Jude

It's a pleasure to recommend Mary DeMuth's new book, Authentic Parenting in a Post Modern Culture. I know Mary as a talented writer, engaging speaker and mother with a heart for God. With His grace, Mary has crafted a book sure to stir any of us who are parents. I'm a grandparent now, but still feel that I need all the help that's out there! Mary's newest release offers numerous examples and ideas to help parents become that important 'soul-nurturer' of their children. DeMuth suggests that society is waffling between the knowns of modernism and the to-be-determined knowns of post modernism and feels skeptical how biblical either may be. No matter our parental view, our children will meet this shifting world view. She says parents must 'mine' the best of these shifting views to relate effectively with their children. Post Modern parents are not infallable she says, but can let children know they embrace the world with a God-heart and complete devotion to Jesus. She talks of engaging in this world, but with purity. Christian parents can pitch their tent between communion with God and engagement in the world. This book offers much and I plan to buy it for my children! Your autographed copy can be purchased from Mary's website which is listed below.

http://www.maryedemuth.com/

 

Meanwhile, I Wish You Enough! Jude Urbanski  

HI! I'm back. Summer sure has been fun and it's hard to believe it's late July. The big sunflowers and glorious glads right outside my window make me happy.

Reading fellow Christian author's books also makes me happy. Let me tell you about ones I've read this summer.

RUTH AXTELL MORREN is resplendent with her latest historical romance, THE HEALING SEASON. Her hero and heroine are from different worlds. Eleanor Neville belongs to the glittering acting world and Dr. Ian Russell ministers to the poverty stricken of London. Just when it seems the stakes can't get any higher, Ruth's very credible characters show their metal, but the question is whether true love and faith will shine through. The book promises to deliver. Pick it up!

I've just started award winning Tammy Alexander's third book in her Fountain Creek Chronicles, REMEMBERED. More about that later.

Linda Fulkerson generously allows download of her THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER, which is a poignant true story of a young woman finding her authentic self and God after straying far away. Go to Linda's web site for the down load-- www.lindafulkerson.com.

My August blog with be about author Mary DeMuth and her new book, AUTHENTIC PARENTING IN A POSTMODERN WORLD. Tune in!

Enjoy the rest of your summer and 'I wish you enough.'

Jude