Okay, here is several bits of news that I am so excited to share.

There are 60 children who being gotten "referral-ready"with paperwork and investigations and such prior to them being given as referrals to adoptive parents. That is so very very exciting because these are the first kids who will be referrals under the new referral process in Liberia.

Also many families are now in the passport and visa stage, and many families have gone to pick up their children. The process is moving !!

As for our own personal adoption journey towards three lovely souls in need -

WE GOT OUR ADDENDUM !!!! We have been waiting for this from the home study agency. It allows us to consider any special needs children for the 3 kids ! Awesome isn't it. God is moving, and we are waiting for the breathe of the Holy Spirit to breath new life here.

Please pray and intercede on our behalf. We need it. The children need it. They live in the most horrible conditions and really need this.

Right now, would you please send up a short prayer for us, for the adoption !

God is a big God, abundant in His love, in His blessings, and in His power.

AMEN !!
Thank you for visiting with us !
Thank you for praying for us !

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Over 1000 Visitors !

Can you hardly believe it? Our blog has been visited over 1000 times. 1000 plus opportunities to make people aware of adoption and needy children.

Every child matters !

Blessings, Faith, Love,
Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Church

Mass today was so amazing. We had the bishop and all the pastors from the local diocese celebrating mass for the bishop's celebration of 50 years in the priesthood. Shawna learned the sign for be quiet, putting her finger in front of her lips and saying Shhh! It was so cute. She was telling everyone to Shhhh. I had the humbling lesson this year to see Christian church as broader than just our Catholic faith or our local Catholic church. I always thought of "church" as the "Catholic Church". I don't quite know why, but I am so glad that God is still growing me, molding me and transforming me. Good thing. The cantor had such a beautiful voice. I don't know if she is new or not, but we were not familiar with her. She was a joy to listen to.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Adoption Update

No new news on the adoption, although we are starting a letter campaign to individuals and companies as part of our fundraising for the adoption of our three little ones from Liberia, Africa. The idea of considering companies was from our good friend Laurie, and was such a good one that we took it up.

Gabriela's new fundraising efforts has been finding and collecting change. She is really good at it too. If you would like to donate your change, feel free to contact us.

God is good ! All the time !
All the time ! God is good !

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
richardsonstudios@charter.net

What The Kids Are Learning

Michael and Gabriela had the opportunity to work on a new computer program that incorporates spelling, reading skills, and phonics with cute videos, music and animation. Both kids are really enjoying the computer time.

Michael is reading Sherlock Holmes, while Gabriela is reading The Masterharper of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. Both receive help with the occasional hard word that they don't understand, but what amazes me is that they understand the stories. It delights me to no end to see them enjoying and actually understanding the stories. It is really fun to discuss the stories with them as they slowly move through these lengthy stories. I look forward to talking with them through the year, as I expect they will take a while to finish these books due to their length. They also like to pick up and read easier chapter books.

Both are also learning multiplication and division tables, and had the opportunity for on-going gymnastics class.

Shawna is learning to say her ABC's, and loves to dance to Sesame Street and Elmo.

Fun, fun. It is so wonderful watching them blossom.

Blessings, Faith and Love,

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Putting Words Together

Shawna is so cute. We finally figured out what "bong" means. "Bong" is a balloon. When you hit the balloon and it bounces and you hit it again to bounce again, you say "Bong, bong, bong". So the bong is the balloon. Yes, we did teach her the correct word. But bong is cute.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving Day

The turkey is cooking. I did it myself at home this year, and you can smell it throughout the house. Shawna is down for a nap. Michael, Gabriela and Dad are watching the Muppets Christmas Carol on TV. Last night we put up and decorated our Christmas tree to get in the holiday festive mood. I made homemade chocolate milkshakes for everyone. They were very very yummy. We had people over here for Thanksgiving and enjoying the day. Popcorn, carrot sticks, onion dip are here to snack on. We are thankful for all the Lord has brought us through this year.

Scott and I have been going through boxes to clean up the house.

Michael's ankle is still weak but seems to have mended well from his recent strain at school. He no longer needs the cane or the ankle support, and is doing his stretches.

Gabriela is doing very well. We changed her pierced earrings, and now she is wearing gold ball earrings with 14kt gold studs. They look very nice on her.

Shawna is now 21 months and learning to put words together in sentences. Grover is Rr-rr. I have not figured out what bong means. She says mine and no very clearly. Please is still peas. She absolutely loved all the decorations on the Christmas tree.

The dogs are healthy and lively. Apricot our poodle looks really good in her home haircut. Chip is just as spunky as ever.

I am enjoying my painting and getting ready for Christmas. I even had a chance to go through kids clothes as well as ours so we can sell all the ones that don't fit.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Jennifer Richardson
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

Recipes from Liberia

Recipes from Liberia
Liberia was founded as a country in the 19th century by freed American slaves returned to Africa to form a new nation.

While only 5% of the population are descendants of these settlers, certain American traditions continue and are apparent in the cuisine.

Recent civil war has meant that the country is struggling to recover as refugees return to their homes.

Common ingredients in Liberian cooking include cassavas, hot red peppers, sweet potatoes and yams, plantains, greens, okra, coconut, pumpkin, mangoes, ginger and eggplant.

Stewed Mangoes with Cloves (Liberia)
8 servings
If ripe mangoes are not available, you can use 2 24-ounce cans of apricots or yellow cling peaches in heavy syrup.
Make a sugar syrup by mixing: ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup water and boiling one minute
In a 1-quart saucepan, place: 4 large ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced (or peaches or apricots)

Add: syrup(you can use syrup from canned fruit) and 6 whole cloves
Simmer for 15 minutes or until mangoes are tender.
Cool and serve in compote dishes, garnishing with cloves.


Sweet Potato Pone (Liberia)
1 9-inch square pone
Preheat oven to 325F

In a 3 quart saucepan, combine:
3 cups grated raw sweet potatoes,
1 cup molasses or dark cane syrup
2 teaspoons ground ginger,
2 teaspoons baking powder,
1 teaspoon salta cup vegetable oil

* Simmer slowly, stirring constantly for 10 minutes.
* Remove from heat and pour into a well-greased 9-inch square pan
* Bake at 325EF for 30 minutes, stirring the pan every 5 minutes for the first 20 minutes in the oven.
After the last stirring, smooth the top and let it brown.
* Remove from the oven.
Cut into squares and serve hot or cold.
Eggplant stew with ham and fish (Liberia) serves 6 to 8 2 pounds eggplant, thinly sliced
*1 onion, chopped finely
4 to 6 tablespoons oil
½ pound cooked ham or bacon, chopped
1 pound white fish fillets, cut into pieces
2 ½ cups water
salt and pepper to taste

*Some people prefer the taste of eggplant, or find they like it better, if the pieces are soaked in salt water for 20 minutes and then drained, and then sauteed in a little oil for a few minutes before adding to the recipe.
* In a flat pan with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil and gently cook the fish fillets until they are golden brown.
Remove from pan and set aside.
* Adding more oil if necessary, cook the onion a few minutes and then add the bacon or ham.
* After this, replace the fish and add the water, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and then toss in the eggplant slices.
* Cover the pan and turn the heat to low, simmering for 20 to 30 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the flavors have blended.

Recipe from The New Internationalist Food Book by Troth Wells, Second Story Press, 1995, p. 67
Courtesy of "http://www.elca.org/countrypackets/liberia/recipes.html"http://www.elca.org/countrypackets/liberia/recipes.html


Liberian cuisine reflects the rich heritage of Liberians.

Certain American traditions are also reflected in Liberian recipes.
Liberian recipes contain an interesting melange of ingredients.

Often found in Liberian ingredients are cassava, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, palm oil and many tasteful vegetables.

Rice is one of the staple foods in Liberia.

You will often hear a Liberian exclaim that he/she hasn't eaten all day, if they haven't had a rice dish for the day.

Dumboy (boiled and then pounded cassava) and Fufu/foofoo (derivative of cassava) are also staple Liberian side dishes.

From the Cassava leaf sauce coated in chunks of beef and chicken to the lush and delicious rice bread, Liberian cooking keeps one's taste buds asking for more...
Check out some of the great Liberian recipes below and please
"mailto:recipe@liberianforum.com"send us some of your favourite Liberian recipes.

The ingredients found in the recipes below are available in most ethnic food stores.
Select a Recipe Rice Bread Beef Soup Jollof Rice Stewed Mangoes Monrovian Collards Ginger Beer Sweet Potato Pineapple Nut Bread Plantain chips Cassava Cake Palm Butter Eggplant stew Kanyah Soup Liberian Cake Banana Cream of Wheat Bread Eggplant Fritters Peanut Soup Plantain Gingerbread Pumpkin Cake Cabbage Stew Dry Rice (one pot) Basic Cornbread Chicken Gravy Potato Greens Carrot Cake Cassava Leaf Soup


Liberian Rice Bread
Yield: 8 x 12-inch bread
This rice bread is the typical recipe used by the Liberian housewife.
It is not too sweet, can be used as a coffee cake or as a bread, and stays moist for a full week.
In a 4 quart bowl:
Combine:
2 cups CREAM OF RICE (cereal)
3 cups MASHED BANANAS
1/2 cup VEGETABLE OIL
4 Tbs. SUGAR
1/2 tsp. NUTMEG
1 tsp. SALT
1 cup WATER
1 tsp. BAKING SODA

Stir until thoroughly blended.
Bake in a well-greased 8 x 12-inch rectangular or 9-inch round cake pan at 400' for 30 minutes. Test with a toothpick (when it comes out dry, bread is done)



Beef Soup
Yield: 3 quarts soup
Check dried codfish for saltiness.

If very salty it may need to be soaked overnight, in which case eliminate salt from recipe. Liberian soups are unlike most soup dishes and are often a combination of meats, fish, and vegetables ultimately combined in one pot.
With less water they may be served as main dishes.
Other vegetables such as okra and string beans may be added.

In a 1 gallon pot:
Combine:
1 lb. STEW BEEF, cut in 1/2 inch dice
1/2 lb. TRIPE, cut in small pieces (optional)
1 6-oz. can TOMATO PASTE
1 Tbs. SALT
1 tsp. COARSE RED PEPPER
1 tsp. BLACK PEPPER
1/2 Ib. FRESH TOMATOES, cut in 1/2-inch squares
1 quart WATER.

Simmer for one hour or until meat is tender.

In another 1 gallon pot:
Combine:
1/2 Ib. ONIONS, thinly sliced
1/2 Ib. DRIED CODFISH, cut in small pieces, in 2 quarts WATER.

Simmer until fish is tender.
Combine fish and meat and simmer slowly for 20 minutes.
Debone 1 large SMOKED FISH (herring, mackerel, whitefish, etc.).
Add to soup and cook 10 minutes longer.
Correct the Seasonings to your taste.
Serve with rice or Foo-foo.


Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice is served with variations in many countries of West Africa.
In Liberia pigs' feet are used with salt pork and bacon as well as with chicken.
This dish may be made from scratch with fresh chicken pieces, alone or in combination, but it is also an excellent dish for leftover chicken, veal, turkey, tongue, ham, bacon, etc.

In a 10-inch skillet:
Saute:
2 Ibs. COOKED MEATS (such as chicken, bacon, shrimp, smoked pork) cut in 1-inch chunks in 1/2 cup VEGETABLE OIL until slightly brown.

In a 4-quart kettle:
Saute:
1/2 cup YELLOW ONIONS, finely chopped
1/2 cup GREEN PEPPERS, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. GROUND GINGER (optional), in 1/4 cup VEGETABLE OIL until onions are soft.
Add 1 16-oz. can WHOLE TOMATOES (2 cups).

Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add:
2 6-oz. cans TOMATO PASTE
2 quarts WATER
1 Tbs. SALT
1/2 tsp. BLACK PEPPER
1/2 tsp. THYME
1 tsp. CRUSHED RED PEPPER.

Add the cooked meat and simmer 20 minutes longer.

In a 2 quart saucepan:
Cook:
2 cups WHITE RICE in 5 cups CHICKEN STOCK or WATER until tender.

Correct the Seasonings with salt, pepper, etc.
Combine the sauce of the meat with the rice.
Pour the Jollof Rice in a deep bowl, arranging the meat in the center.



Stewed Mango with Cloves
A simple fruit dessert might be added to the dinner or served later in the evening.
You can make this with fresh or canned (yellow cling) peaches or apricots if mangos are not available.
Use two 24-oz. cans of peaches or apricots for eight servings.

In a 1-quart saucepan:
Place 4 large MANGOS peeled and cut in large pieces.
Add:
1 cup SYRUP from a can of peaches and 6 WHOLE CLOVES.

Simmer for 15 minutes or until mangos are tender.
Spear some of the pieces with a few cloves.
Cool and serve in compote dishes.



Collards and Cabbage
Yield: 8 portions
If collard greens are not available, use 2 Ibs. spinach instead, in which case cut cooking time to 10 minutes.
In a 4-quart saucepan:
Combine:
1 bunch COLLARD GREENS, washed and cut in small pieces
1/2 Ib. BACON, cut in 1- to 2-inches pieces*
1 large ONION, sliced
1 Tbs. SALT
1 Tbs. CRUSHED RED PEPPER
1 tsp. BLACK PEPPER and 1 quart WATER.

Simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Add:
2 Ibs. CABBAGE cut into 8 wedges and 1 oz. BUTTER or OIL.

Cook for 15 minutes or longer until vegetables are tender.
Correct the Seasoning to your taste.
Strain before serving if water has not been absorbed. Serve in a 2-quart bowl.
* Ham hocks previously cooked may be substituted for bacon, but save the water in which ham hocks were cooked to use as the Iiquid for the recipe.

Ginger Beer
Yield: more than 2 1/2 gallons
Ginger beer may be diluted with water or extra sugar, or ginger may be added to obtain desired taste.
Liberians make the ginger beer with the peelings of pineapple only.
Chop 1 Ib. FRESH GINGER finely, and then beat to a powder.
Add 2 FRESH PINEAPPLES unpeeled and cut in chunks.
Pour 2 gallons BOILING WATER over and allow to cool to lukewarm.
Add 2 tsp. YEAST dissolved in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
Allow to stand overnight covered.
Add 3 1/2 cups MOLASSES on the following day.
Chill and strain.
Bottle tightly and refrigerate.


Liberian Sweet Potato Pone
Yield: 9-inch square potato pone

In a 3-quart saucepan:
Combine:
3 cups GRATED RAW SWEET POTATOES
1 cup MOLASSES OR DARK CANE SYRUP
2 tsp. GROUND GINGER
2 tsp. BAKING POWDER
1 tsp. SALT
1/3 cup VEGETABLE OIL.

Simmer slowly, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes.
Pour into well-greased 9-inch baking pan.
Bake at 325' for 30 minutes, stirring up every 5 minutes for the first 20 minutes.
Smooth down the top and allow to brown.
Cut into squares and serve either hot or cold.



Liberian Pineapple Nut Bread

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup wheat bran
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.
Mix in the wheat bran.
Add the eggs, pineapple, and 1/4 cup of the nuts.
Mix together thoroughly.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick or tester inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean.
Sprinkle with the remaining chopped peanuts or walnuts.


Plantain chips

3 or 4 plantains
2cups of oil

Peel very green plantains and slice very thin.
Fry in deep oil until golden brown and crisp then drain on paper towel.
Sprinkle with salt.
Keep in sealed containers.


Cassava Cake
12 eggs
2 lbs. butter
3 cups of flour
16-tsb baking power
2 sm tins of canned milk
5 cups cassava
3 cups of sugar
1- tsp cloves
1-tsp allspice
1-tsp nutmeg
1-tsp cinnamon

Grate cassava.
Put cassava into a pillowcase.
Set out in the sun with a heavy stone on top for 3-4 hours.
Take cassava and sift.Cream butter, sugar and eggs.
Add flour, sifted cassava, baking power, milk and spices.
Pour in to greased pans and bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes


Cassava Leaf
2 cups of Palm oil
4 bunches of cassava leaf
2 chicken bouillon cubes

*Handful of bitter balls (county pepper) to taste
½ pound of fresh meat
1 large onion
1-tsp soda
½ cup or 1 dried fish
½ cup dry meat

Beat and grind cassava leaf with peppers and onion.
Put dry fish, and fresh meat in a pot of water and Season with salt to taste.
Let boil until water is completely dry, then, add palm oil and stir cassava leaf in for oil to go all the way through.
Let simmer for 10 minutes and serve.


Palm Butter

Wash palm nuts and boil until the skin becomes loose.
Drain water.
Place nuts in a mortar and beat until skin becomes separated from kernels.
Rove kernels and continue beating to form a pulp.
Transfer pulp to a pan and add water to cover.
Wash pulp thoroughly, then squeeze out fibers and kernels.
Pass liquid through a sieve to remove all fibers and kernels.
Palm butter is now ready to be cooked.
Palm butter maybe stored in a freezer until ready to cook
Processed palm nut sauce can be substituted for Palm nuts.

Ingredients
10 cups prepared palm butter
20 crabs (optional)
2 med onions,
hot peppers if desiredcan be fresh or dry
2 pounds country chicken
6 Cray-fish or shrimp and salt and pepper them to taste

Cut up chicken, season with salt, pepper and chopped onions.
Place into a large saucepan put all ingredients and cook uncovered until sauce becomes thick.
Serve over white county rice.

Eggplant stew

2 pounds eggplant
1 onion, chopped finely
3 Fresh tomato balls
Tomato paste (3 tea sp)
4 to 6 table sp oil

Chicken/Meat/Fish as desired salt and pepper to taste
Peel and slice eggplant in chunks.
Saute eggplant in a oil until light brown.
Add onions, tomato balls, meat, and stir.
Add water, salt and pepper and bring to a boil, then add tomato paste.
Cover the pan and turn the heat to low, simmering for 20 to 30 minutes and stir often until the eggplant is tender and the flavors have blended.
Can be served with rice, or your favourite side dish.



Kanyah
Kanya (or Kanyah), is a sweet snack made from just three ingredients: rice, peanuts , and sugar.
Kanya can be made with store-bought rice flour, or you can make your own by crushing parched rice.one cup
Ingredients:* peanuts, shells and skins removed, roasted * one cup uncooked rice or rice flour * one-half cup sugar
Using a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or something similar, break and grind the peanuts into small pieces, taking care not to crush them into a powder or paste.
If using uncooked rice: parch the rice in a dry skillet, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly browned.
Break and grind the rice into pieces as was done with the peanuts.
If using rice flour: parch the rice flour in a dry skillet, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly browned.
Combine the crushed peanuts and rice (or rice flour).
Crush and grind them together until they form a powder, add the sugar and mix well.
Using your hands, form the mixture into cubes or pyramids, or press it into a pan and then cut it into squares.
May be served immediately, or stored in air-tight containers.

Liberian Cake Ingredients:5 oz. butter 6 oz. caster sugar 4 eggs 9 oz. plain flour 3/4 level teaspoon baking soda 1/2 level teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 level teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 level teaspoon ground mace 1/2 level teaspoon baking powder 1/8 level teaspoon powdered cloves 7 oz. golden syrup 1/4 pint milk 2 oz. citron [lemon] peel, cut very finely 3 oz. seedless raisins, chopped 2 oz. shredded coconutCream butter and sugar.
Add eggs one at a time.
Sift together dry ingredients and add to egg mixture alternately with mixture of milk and syrup.
(Start and end with dry ingredients.)
Stir just until smooth.
Fold in fruit and coconut.
Pour batter into two greased and floured loaf tins, 9 by 5 by 2 and 1/2 inches. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in a very moderate oven (350 degrees F).

CHICKEN PEANUT SOUPIngredients:A 2 & 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken, cut up 5 pints cold water 2 level tablespoons salt 3 level tablespoons peanut butter 2 level teaspoons tomato concentrate 1 sprig parsley, chopped 1/4 level teaspoon black pepper 1 small potato, diced
Place chicken in a saucepan with cold water and salt; cover and bring slowly to the boil; remove scum. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Mix peanut butter with 1/4 pint of the chicken stock and add to the boiling chicken.
Add remaining ingredients and cover.
Simmer very gently for about 1 hour, occasionally.
Serve hot.
Serves 8.

Eggplant Fritters1 large eggplant 3 eggs, beaten2 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup canned milk1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup flourPepper, to taste 2 cups cooking oil
Boil unpeeled eggplant until soft. Cut in half and scoop out pulp.
Mash pulp well.
Cool.
Stir in salt, pepper,and eggs. When cold, add milk and flour (adding more flour if necessary to make a thick batter).
Drop by spoonfuls into hot deep fat.
Drain. Serve hot.Makes 4 to 6 fritters.


Banana Cream of Wheat Bread2 cups Cream of Wheat 1+1/2 cups mashed bananas1+1/2 cups mashed bananas1 Tbs. sugar2 eggs1 tsp. nutmeg 1+1/2 cups water1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup unsaturated oil Mix dry ingredients together. Gradually add bananas, egg, water, and oil. Blend well.Bake in greased 8-inch by 12-inch pan for 45 minutes at 350 F. until knife stuck in center of cake comes clean.
Remove from pan and cool. Serves 4.

Peanut Soup * 2 & 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken or meat (cut as desired) * 5 pints cold water * 2 level tablespoons salt * 3 level tablespoons peanut butter or ground peanuts * 2 level teaspoons tomato paste * 2 meduim chopped onions * Peper (as desired)
Place chicken/meat in a saucepan with cold water, onions and salt.
Cover and bring slowly to a boil. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Mix peanut butter with 1/4 pint of the chicken/meat stock and add to the boiling chicken/meat.
Add remaining ingredients and cover.
Simmer very gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot.Plantain Gingerbread• 1/2 cup sugar• 1/2 cup water• 2 cups sliced half-ripe plantain• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda• 1 teaspoon ground ginger• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg• 1/3 cup butter or margarine• 1 cup molasses• 2/3 cup boiling water • Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Mix the sugar and water in a sauce pan over moderate heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring to a boil.
Peel plantain and add to the boiling sugar syrup.
Add the plantain and cook for about 5 minutes.
Remove the plantain and drain.
Butter a 9-inch square cake pan heavily.
Spread the plantain slices evenly over the bottom. Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Place the butter and molasses in a sauce pan over moderate heat and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat.
Combine this heated mixture and the boiling water and stir.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients, stirring, and then beat vigorously.
Pour the batter over the sliced plantain.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 50 minutes, or until the cake tests done.
Let the pan stand for 5 minutes on a rack, then loosen with a spatula and turn the cake upside down on a serving plate.
Cut into squares.
The cake is topped with shipped cream.
Serve warm or cooled.Yield: 6 to 8

Pumpkin Cake * 1/2 Cup Butter * 1 1/4 Cups Sugar * 2 Medium Eggs * 2 Cups Flour * 3 Teaspoons Baking Powder * 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon * 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger * 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg * 1/2 Teaspoon Salt * 1 Can Pumpkin * 3/4 Cup Milk * 1/2 Teaspoon Soda
Cream together sugar and butter.
Add eggs and mix.
Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl.Mix pumpkin, soda and milk.Add dry ingredients to pumpkin, soda and milk bowl and blend well.
Add blended mixure to sugar, butter and eggs mixure.Pour into greased baking pan 9 x 13".Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Cabbage Stew * 1 med. size cabbage * 1 sm. mixed pkg. chicken thighs, and drum sticks * 1/2 lb. ham cubes * 1 lb. beef stew meat * 3-4 tsp. Hunt's tomato paste * Water * 1/4 tsp. black pepper * 1 tsp. salt, if desired * 2 bouillons, chicken * 1 med. onion, chopped * Vegetable oil * Meat tenderizer
1. Cut off stem at cabbage head.
Cut cabbage in 4 quarters.
Chop up each into large hunks.2. Season chicken with extra salt.
Separately, season beef with meat tenderizer, salt, and pepper.
Set aside.3. Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan.
Fry chicken and meat together until golden brown or firm.
Put contents in a bowl.4. Reduce heat to low.
Pour oil in pot to cook cabbage.
Put in cabbage.
Fry cabbage until stiffness is limbo.
Raise temperature to moderate.
Stir constantly.5. Put in onions, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
Stir and simmer for about 4 minutes.
Stir at least once.6. Add chicken, beef stew meat, and ham cubes.
Stir and let it simmer for about 4 minutes. Again, stir at least once.7. Add water.
Water should be an inch above contents. Stir.8. Stir occasionally.
When contents begin to thicken, reduce heat.
Watch it carefully to prevent sticking at bottom.
When contents begin to stick, turn off heat.
It is ready to serve.


Dry Rice (one pot) * 1 cups parboiled rice * 1/2 lb. salted pork (or smoked fish) * 1medium chopped onion * 2 quarts boiling water (or more for softer rice) * 1/4 tsp. pepper, if desired * 1 tsp. salt, if desired * 1 bouillons, chicken (or maggi cubes) * 1 teaspoon oil/margarine/butter Wash rice with hot water.
Add water, rice and oil to pot. Bring rice to a rapid boil. Add pepper, onions, smoked fish (or salted pork), maggi cubes, and salt.
Reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender.Serve immediately

Basic CornbreadPreheat oven to 400 °F Grease an 9x9" baking pan. 3/4 cup cornmeal1 cup all purpose flour1/4 cup sugarPinch of salt2 tsp baking soda1 cup milk1/3 cup vegetable oil1 large eggMix the cornmeal and milk in a small bowl so the cornmeal can soak while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder and the sugar.
Mix the egg and oil together well and stir into the cornmeal.
Add the cornmeal to the flour and stir to moisten. Don't overmix!
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Bake only until golden brown. Makes 1 loaf or 16 squares.

CHICKEN GRAVY 1-3 lbs. chicken 1/3 cup cooking oil2 onions 2 bullion cubes3 teaspoons tomato paste Season to taste with salt, pepper, as desired. Cut up chicken in chunks.
Keep at room temperature for 20 minutes. Heat oil and stir fry chicken until golden brown. Combine pepper, sliced onions and one teaspoon salt and mix. Using oil in which chicken was fried, brown flour, and then add pepper mixture, cubes and tomato paste.
Stir constantly for 6 minutes.
Add pieces of chicken add a little water and simmer until most of the water has dried.
Serve with hot rice or favourite side dish.

POTATO GREENS (Fried) 3 “BUNCHES” of potato greens 4 bonnies (dried)2 medium size onions 1 medium dry fish1 ½ lb beef and/or fried fish 1 pigfoot (boiled till tender)2 pods hot pepper, salt, black pepper, 2 bullion cubesRemove stems and wash greens two to three times.
Cut into fine shreds.
Boil pigfoot until tender and salt free.
Also, boil beef until tender.
Save beef stock.
Combine greens, onions, hot pepper and fry for about 10 minutes; stirring constantly.
Remove bones from dry fish and bonnies and wash.
Add beef dried fish, bonnies and tender pigfoot.
Add the water in which beef was boiled and season to taste.
Cook until all water is removed.
Serve with hot rice or your favourite side dish.

CARROT CAKE 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour3 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon1 teaspoon soda 1/3 cup vegetable oil4 eggs (beaten) 2 cups finely grated carrotsSift flour, salt, soda and cinnamon.
Add sugar and oil.
Mix well.
Add beaten eggs and carrots.
Mix well and bake at 350◦F for about 30 minutes.


Cassava Leaf soup * 2 & 1/2 to 3 lb chicken or meat (cut as desired) * 1 pack cassava leaf (or more if desired) * Salt & Pepper to taste * 1/3 red palm oil (or more if desired) * 2 level teaspoons tomato paste * 2 meduim chopped onion Wash leaves and chop meat/chicken, blend pepper and onions until paste is formed. Add oil to pot and heat and add blended pepper and onion mixture.
Saute for 5 minutes then add tomato paste.
Saute mixture for 5 more minutes then add beef/chicken and stir for about 5 minutes.Add water and cassava leaf.
Boil for about 15 minutes, then simmer until done.Serve with rice or favorite side dish.
There are several variations of the recipe for cassava leaf. Find another version below:2 cups of Palm oil4 bunches of cassava leaf2 chicken bouillon cubesHandful of bitter balls ( pepper) to taste½ pound of fresh meat1 large onion1-tsp soda ½ cup or 1 dried fish½ cup dry meatBeat and grind cassava leaf with peppers and onion. Put dry fish, and fresh meat in a pot of water and Season with salt to taste. Let boil until water is completely dry, then, add palm oil and stir cassava leaf in for oil to go all the way through. Let simmer for 10 minutes and serve. Courtesy of "http://www.liberianforum.com/recipe.htm"http://www.liberianforum.com/recipe.htmYou can also SEND your Liberian recipes to this site at HYPERLINK "mailto:recipe@liberianforum.com"recipe@liberianforum.com
How a Dinner is Served in LiberiaA feeling of good fellowship and relaxation is reflected at a Liberian table.
When you are a guest in a Liberian home, you are overwhelmed by the number of dishes spread before you. You will find Dumboy and Foo-foo made from cassava and served with Palm Butter, Palava Sauce, a meat stew made with a spinach-like leaves (this sauce and other soups, sauces, and stews all have a similar consistency corresponding to our stews).
Then there might be Liberia's "Country Chop," probably their best-known dish, consisting of meats, fish, and greens fried in palm oil.
There will also be dishes like fish cooked in coconut cream, fried plantains, Jollof Rice, Beef Internal Soup, all set on the table at the same time.
Liberian rice bread and sweet-potato pone might also grace the table, with pitchers of ginger beer. The hostess, dressed in a long, strikingly colorful skirt, a handsome blouse, and a huge bandanna, spends a great deal of time preparing this dinner.
Then she sets all of the bowls on the table and sits down. She remains seated until the dinner is completely finished. Food is eaten with the fingers by many Africans, but the American influence in Liberia is very strong, and most hostesses set the tables with plates and glasses, both turned over with the napkin resting on the inverted plate. Fruits may be served later in the evening. In Monrovia we had sumptuous mangos with cloves, a perfect ending to a hearty meal.

How You Can Present a Liberian DinnerFor your Liberian dinner, use a plain white or striped tablecloth with matching napkins.
No centerpiece is necessary, but arrange colorful bowls and platters in a long row in the center of the table if it is an oblong one.
In this case no one sits at each end of the table, because there will be a lot of passing of dishes. When setting the table, turn the plates upside down so as to allow each guest to turn up his plate himself.
Place the napkins on the tops of the overturned plates.
Also, turn down the beer glasses.
Everything will be eaten from one dinner plate.
Place the soup in a tureen and place small soup bowls in front of it.
Guests are asked to help themselves. It's fun to be a hostess for a Liberian dinner.
Everything goes on the table at once.
There may be more preparation time required, to be sure, but once finished, appetizer, soup, entrees, vegetables, desserts, and beverages are all served in bowls and platters and the hostess can then sit with her guests and enjoy herself.
No dishes are removed until the dinner is over. The ginger beer, ice cold in a glass pitcher, is served right along with the dinner. Coffee is not generally served except at state functions; a pity as the Liberian home grown coffee is so delicious. The ginger beer is well worth the effort it takes to make it.
If you serve it, be warned- it has quite a kick.
Menu from Liberia
"http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#BEEF INTERNAL SOUP#BEEF INTERNAL SOUP"BEEF INTERNAL SOUP "http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#JOLLOF RICE#JOLLOF RICE"JOLLOF RICE "http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#MONROVIAN COLLARDS AND CABBAGE#MONROVIAN COLLARDS AND CABBAGE"MONROVIAN COLLARDS AND CABBAGE "http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#SWEET POTATO PONE#SWEET POTATO PONE"SWEET POTATO PONE "http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#GINGER BEER#GINGER BEER"GINGER BEER

Shopping List for EightMeat, Fish, Poultry 1 Ib. beef for stew 1 3-lb. chicken (Jollof Rice) 1/2 Ib. tripe (optional) 1/2 Ib. dried cod 1 Ib. smoked fish 1/2 Ib. bacon Dairy 1 Ib. butter Fruits and Vegetables 2 Ibs. fresh tomatoes 5 Ibs. yellow onions 1 bunch collard greens 2 Ibs. cabbage 3 Ibs. sweet potatoes 1 Ib. green peppers 1 fresh coconut 2 pineapples 1 Ib. fresh ginger Groceries 3 6 oz. cans tomato paste 1 package yeast 1 quart vegetable oil 2 Ibs. white rice 1 package instant mashed potatoes 1 16-oz. can whole tomatoes 1 jar tiny hot peppers 1 quart molasses


BEEF INTERNAL SOUPYield: 3 quarts soupCheck dried codfish for saltiness. If very salty it may need to be soaked overnight, in which case eliminate salt from recipe. Liberian soups are unlike most soup dishes and are often a combination of meats, fish, and vegetables ultimately combined in one pot. With less water they may be served as main dishes. Other vegetables such as okra and string beans may be added. In a 1 gallon pot: Combine: 1 Ib. STEW BEEF, cut in 1/2 inch dice 1/2 lb. TRIPE, cut in small pieces (optional) 1 6-oz. can TOMATO PASTE 1 Tbs. SALT 1 tsp. COARSE RED PEPPER 1 tsp. BLACK PEPPER 1/2 Ib. FRESH TOMATOES, cut in 1/2-inch squares 1 quart WATER. Simmer for one hour or until meat is tender. In another 1 gallon pot: Combine: 1/2 Ib. ONIONS, thinly sliced 1/2 Ib. DRIED CODFISH, cut in small pieces, in 2 quarts WATER. Simmer until fish is tender. Combine fish and meat and simmer slowly for 20 minutes. Debone 1 large SMOKED FISH (herring, mackerel, whitefish, etc.). Add to soup and cook 10 minutes longer. Correct the Seasonings to your taste. Serve with rice or Foo-foo.

JOLLOF RICEYield: 8 portionsJollof Rice is served with variations in many countries of West Africa. In Liberia pigs' feet are used with salt pork and bacon as well as with chicken. This dish may be made from scratch with fresh chicken pieces, alone or in combination, but it is also an excellent dish for leftover chicken, veal, turkey, tongue, ham, bacon, etc. In a 10-inch skillet: Saute: 2 Ibs. COOKED MEATS (such as chicken, bacon, shrimp, smoked pork) cut in 1-inch chunks in 1/2 cup VEGETABLE OIL until slightly brown. In a 4-quart kettle: Saute: 1/2 cup YELLOW ONIONS, finely chopped 1/2 cup GREEN PEPPERS, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. GROUND GINGER (optional), in 1/4 cup VEGETABLE OIL until onions are soft. Add 1 16-oz. can WHOLE TOMATOES (2 cups). Simmer for 5 minutes. Add: 2 6-oz. cans TOMATO PASTE 2 quarts WATER 1 Tbs. SALT 1/2 tsp. BLACK PEPPER 1/2 tsp. THYME 1 tsp. CRUSHED RED PEPPER. Add the cooked meat and simmer 20 minutes longer. In a 2 quart saucepan: Cook: 2 cups WHITE RICE in 5 cups CHICKEN STOCK or WATER until tender. Correct the Seasonings with salt, pepper, etc. Combine the sauce of the meat with the rice. Pour the Jollof Rice in a deep bowl, arranging the meat in the center.

MONROVIAN COLLARDS AND CABBAGEYield: 8 portionsIf collard greens are not available, use 2 Ibs. spinach instead, in which case cut cooking time to 10 minutes. In a 4-quart saucepan: Combine: 1 bunch COLLARD GREENS, washed and cut in small pieces 1/2 Ib. BACON, cut in 1- to 2-inches pieces* 1 large ONION, sliced 1 Tbs. SALT 1 Tbs. CRUSHED RED PEPPER 1 tsp. BLACK PEPPER and 1 quart WATER. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. Add: 2 Ibs. CABBAGE cut into 8 wedges and 1 oz. BUTTER or OIL. Cook for 15 minutes or longer until vegetables are tender. Correct the Seasoning to your taste. Strain before serving if water has not been absorbed. Serve in a 2-quart bowl. * Ham hocks previously cooked may be substituted for bacon, but save the water in which ham hocks were cooked to use as the Iiquid for the recipe.


LIBERIAN SWEET POTATO PONE
Yield: 9-inch square potato pone

In a 3-quart saucepan:
Combine:
3 cups GRATED RAW SWEET POTATOES
1 cup MOLASSES OR DARK CANE SYRUP 2 tsp. GROUND GINGER 2 tsp.
BAKING POWDER 1 tsp. SALT 1/3 cup VEGETABLE OIL.
Simmer slowly, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes.
Pour into well-greased 9-inch baking pan.
Bake at 325' for 30 minutes, stirring up every 5 minutes for the first 20 minutes.
Smooth down the top and allow to brown.
Cut into squares and serve either hot or cold.

GINGER BEER
Yield: more than 2 1/2 gallons
Ginger beer may be diluted with water or extra sugar, or ginger may be added to obtain desired taste.
Liberians make the ginger beer with the peelings of pineapple only.
Chop 1 Ib. FRESH GINGER finely, and then beat to a powder.
Add 2 FRESH PINEAPPLES unpeeled and cut in chunks.
Pour 2 gallons BOILING WATER over and allow to cool to lukewarm.
Add 2 tsp. YEAST dissolved in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
Allow to stand overnight covered.
Add 3 1/2 cups MOLASSES on the following day.
Chill and strain. Bottle tightly and refrigerate.

FRIED PLANTAINS
These will make a very authentic addition to your dinner, and will add to the presentation.
Cut four plantains in half lengthwise and then crosswise into six uniform pieces.
Saute them quickly in a quarter of an inch of hot oil in a saute pan.
Use green bananas if plantains are not available.


Coconut Pie is quite a favorite in Liberia.
You might want to serve it later in the evening.

MONROVIAN COCONUT PIE
(Liberia)
Yield: one 9-inch pie
This Monrovian pie is not a custard pie-it is made primarily of coconut, which absorbs the milk and eggs.
Use fresh coconut if possible and grate it into long shreds.
You haven't really tasted coconut pie until you've tried this one!
Line a 9-inch pie pan with PIE CRUST.
(Follow directions for packaged pie crust.)
Bake the pie shell for 5 minutes or until partially brown.

In a 3 quart bowl:
Cream: 6 oz. BUTTER (use 11/2 4-oz. sticks) with
1/2 cup SUGAR until smooth.
Add 2 LARGE EGGS well beaten, and blend together.
Add: 2 cups GRATED COCONUT (if packaged, use moist)
1 cup MILK
1 tsp. VANILLA
1/4 tsp. BAKING SODA.
Pour into partially baked pie shell.

Cover the top with strips of crust in two directions.
Flute the edges.
Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until golden brown.


STEWED MANGOS WITH CLOVES
A simple fruit dessert might be added to the dinner or served later in the evening.
You can make this with fresh or canned (yellow cling) peaches or apricots if mangos are not available.
Use two 24-oz. cans of peaches or apricots for eight servings.

In a 1-quart saucepan:
Place 4 large MANGOS peeled and cut in large pieces.
Add: 1 cup SYRUP from a can of peaches and 6 WHOLE CLOVES.
Simmer for 15 minutes or until mangos are tender.
Spear some of the pieces with a few cloves. Cool and serve in compote dishes.

Courtesy of http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Cookbook/Liberia.html#How%20a%20Dinner%20is%20Served%20in%20Liberia


"In Liberia, everything was cooked with red palm oil, Maggi chicken bullion cubes, and an incredible amount of hot red pepper.
It wasn't just hot, it made tears well up in your eyes and stream down your cheeks until you acquired a taste for it.
I loved it immediately . . . well, half of it.
The two main foods prepared in Liberia were cassava and rice.
There are so many ways to prepare cassava.
It can be boiled, grilled, baked, grated into a cereal, fried, pounded, and even eaten raw.
I didn't like any of them and it didn't take long to vow I'd never allow it to enter my kitchen door.
Fortunately, I loved what Liberians did with rice.
A wide variety of soups were prepared to serve on top of mountains of rice.
The recipes I include here are some of my favorites that my friends made for me whenever I invited them to my house.
That was the deal; they had a good meal, but they had to show me how to prepare it. "

“http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_cassava.htm"Cassava Leaves Soup,
"http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_beans.htm"Beans Gravy Soup,
"http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_pumpkin.htm"Pumpkin Soup, and
"http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_jollof.htm"Jollof Rice,

"I was able to find all the needed ingredients in Ohio at a Korean Grocery.
If I can manage that, so can you.
Preparation for a meal was no small task.
There were no microwaves or fast food restaurants.
It took three hours to prepare a meal.
The rice had to be pounded in a mortar (as seen in the above cartoon) and then a fanner basket was used to separate the grain from the chaff.
Meals were cooked over a coal pot, sort of like a hibachi, with charcoal.
Frequently I was ready to leave the home of a friend when he insisted I stay for dinner.
It was a test of patience when I realized none of the preparations had yet begun.
However, I had parents who insisted on manners and the food was always good -- if it wasn't cassava. "

Cassava Leaves
Phebe Cook Book, Cuttington, Liberia

1/2 cup palm oil
salt to taste
1 bunch cassava leaves
hot pepper to taste
1 large onion
2 chicken bullion cubes
1 small can tomato paste
1 pound meat if desired
Boil palm oil.

Add ground cassava leaves, onion, tomato paste, salt, hot pepper, chicken bullion cubes, and meat.
Cover with water and then boil it to death.
When the water is gone, it is ready.
Serve over rice.


Beans Gravya
Liberian dish from Albert Quayee
Zwedru, Liberia

1 1/2 cups beans
salt to taste
1 gin bottle full of palm oil
hot pepper to taste
1 large onion
2 chicken bullion cubes
1 small can tomato paste
1 pound meat if desired

Soak a cup and a half of beans overnight.
What ever kind of beans they sell at the market that day will do.
Boil the living daylights out of them until they are easily mashable.
Mash half of the beans to smithereens.
In a deep pot pour in a gin bottle full of oil (half cup) or about a cup if you want it really Liberian.
If you want it more American, only put in enough to sauté one onion.
Brown the onions and dump in a container of tomato paste.
Add salt and pepper to taste, one teaspoon of red peppers, and a couple chicken bullion cubes.
Pour in the mashed and unmashed beans into the pot and bury it all in water -- about a cup or two.
Then boil it all away.
When the soup is thick, it's done.
Serve over rice.


Pumpkin Soup
A Liberian Dish from Albert Quayee
Zwedru, Liberia
1 large onion
2 chicken bullion cubes
1 cup palm oil
salt to taste
1 medium squash
hot pepper to taste
1 small can tomato paste
1 pound of meat if desired

Bring oil to a boil and the fry one large onion.
Toss in pumpkin or squash and cook until soft.
Add one small can of tomato paste, any meat if desired, a few chicken bullion cubes, salt, and one teaspoon of hot pepper.Cover with water and boil it to death.
The soup is finished when is reaches a desired thickness
Serve over rice


Jollof Rice
Phebe Cook Book, Cuttington, Liberia
1 pound chicken
1 can mixed vegetables
salt / pepper to taste
1 can tomato paste
1 large onion
3 chicken bullion cubes
1/2 lb. cubed salt pork,
3 cups rice ham or beef
hot pepper

Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Let it stand about five minutes.
Brown the chicken in a frying pan with one half cup hot oil.
Then, put the chicken in a large pot.
In the same frying pan add onion, one half pound cubed salt pork, ham, or beef.
Fry these lightly and add to the chicken.
Combine one small can mixed vegetables (drained), one small can of tomato paste, three chicken bullion cubes, salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer ten minutes.
Add three cups of rice, stir well, and cook slowly 35 - 45 minutes.Variations could include shrimp or spare ribs.
Variations of vegetables could include string beans and stewed tomatoes.
Three types of meat are often used.


Jollof Rice – Americanized Version
1/2 lb. shrimp, shelled
1 large package rice
1/2 cup cooking oil
2 pound package
3 cups hot water
3 onions sliced
1/2 head of cabbage
2 cans whole tomatoes
1/4 lb. string beans
2 cans tomato paste
1 frying chicken
salt, pepper, allspice
1/2 lb. spareribs
1/2 smoked ham

Cut up chicken, spareribs, and ham, add shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
Put oil in large pot over medium heat.
When hot, add chicken, spareribs, ham, shrimp, and onions.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, allspice, and sauté until light brown.
Meanwhile drain juice from whole tomatoes in a separate bowl.
Add to sautéed meat, the whole tomatoes, tomato paste, cabbage, and string beans.
Cover and steam for about 15 minutes.
Then, add water lightly salted, for 10 minutes.
Drain in colander; add rice to chicken sauce, simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Serve on platter garnished with lettuce leaves, hard boiled eggs, and pepper rings.
Courtesy of "http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_intro.htm"http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_recipes_intro.htm


Liberian Pineapple Nut Bread
Yield: 1 loaf
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup wheat bran
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts

Preheat oven to 360 F.
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.
Mix in the wheat bran.
Add the eggs, pineapple, and 1/4 cup of the nuts.
Mix together thoroughly.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick or tester inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped peanuts or walnuts.

Source:
"http://www.bakingshop.com/store/index-item_id-0788168037-search_type-AsinSearch-l-us.htm"
A Kwanzaa Celebration, by Angela Shelf Medearis

Books:
"http://www.bakingshop.com/store/index-mode-books-input_string-Kwanzaa-l-us.htm"
Kwanzaa

Courtesy of
"http://www.our-daily-bread.com/recipes/liberian.htm"http://www.our-daily-bread.com/recipes/liberian.htm

Liberian Pineapple Nut Bread
Yield: 1 loaf
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup wheat bran
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.Mix in the wheat bran.
Add the eggs, pineapple, and 1/4 cup of the nuts.
Mix together thoroughly.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick or tester inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped peanuts or walnuts.

Courtesy of
http://www.mail-archive.com/bread-recipe@yahoogroups.com/msg01165.html

I hope all of these wonderful recipes bless your family.
It was fun looking for them.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

God works in mysterious ways.

Love you,
Scott, Jennifer, Michael, Gabriela, and Shawna Richardson
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

Poem: Silent Cries and Hidden Tears

Tonight a child cries
But no tears come
They cry
Of a heartfelt pain
In deep longing
And of physical pain
Pain from
Lack of food
Lack of love
Lack of shelter
Lack of medicine
Lack of education
These are the
Silent Cries
Cries of a child who
Needs food to nourish them
Needs a home to shelter and cherish them
Needs to feel loved unconditionally
Needs opportunities to grow, heal and learn
But most of all
Needs parents to belong to
And a mom and dad to love them.
These are the Hidden Tears
Tears of a child who
Wants to belong and to be wanted by someone.
These are the Silent Cries and Hidden Tears
Of a Child waiting
Waiting for you to make a difference.

Everytime you donate, you save a life and make a difference forever.

Written by Jennifer Richardson

Please consider making a donation of any amount to help bring these children home.
Please visit us again.

The Richardson Family - Jennifer, Scott, Michael, Gabriela, and Shawna www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Naptime

Those afternoon naptimes with Daddy are so special. Aren't they so cute? Shawna is 21 months old today !!! And, of all the days to say new words - today was the day ! Shawna said Da-ddy, when she usually says Da-Da. She also said Mo-mmy, when she usually says Mama. Growth is a wonderful thing.

Michael's Leg Is Healing

Michael has definitely been getting better about doing his stretches, especially since he got his cast off on Tuesday 11-13-07. On Friday 11-16-07, we were very disappointed to find out that Michael got pushed around at school. His weak leg and ankle just couldn’t take it, and his ankle was injured. Newly out of a cast, he is pretty sore. He has an ankle support and a cane temporarily. Michael says he is glad that he at least does not have to use his walker. His ankle is slowly on the mend, and he is hoping to not need the cane in just a few days.

Haircuts By Mom

Today was haircutting day. I started with Shawna. Her bangs had grown so long, that they were covering her eyes, and we trimmed them back just slightly. She looks so cute. Michael got a little trim everywhere just to clean it up a bit. Handsome as always. Gabriela's hair was trimmed a little all over, and then curled under. She looks very nice. I, of course, was thrilled to save the money usually spent on haircuts; all the kids look great. I even gave our poodle Apricot a haircut. She was so very patient, and I was amazed. She looks great if I do say so myself.

Homemade Christmas Cards

On Thursday, we also were busily making homemade Christmas cards. It was a lot of fun, and everyone got into it. Even Shawna decided to decorate herself.

A Prayer For Our Little Ones in Africa

I pray for our little ones in Africa, wherever they lay their heads tonight.
I pray for their peace and health and that we will soon hold them in our arms.
I pray that each of them know the depth of love waiting to embrace them.
The Lord is holding each of our children in His arms, and taking special care of our little ones in Africa.
Please join us in offering up an Our Father and personal prayer for each of them this night.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Adoption Update - Encouraging News

This week has been uplifting with lots of encouraging news. Families getting those long awaited travel dates. Children getting their visas finally. Passports being issued. Referrals starting to flow again. There has been a lot of progress in Liberia over the past couple months. We heard that the State Department promises to send more help to the Embassy in Liberia. They had slimmed down quite a bit on agency appointments causing a slow down from visas all the way down the line through passports and finalizations to referrals (the step we are waiting in again). The Consular's office apparently did not have enough resources to process more cases. The entire Acres of Hope staff have been working very hard to make the process better and more efficient in order to help bring everyone's babies home. The staff in Liberia have been putting long hours in for the children. Despite all the difficulties, 12 children came home in the last 6 weeks, and others will be coming home, almost 20 kids in all. The new way of doing things at the Embassy with the investigations done before referrals is expected to actually speed the process up now. Yippee!! The news about coming new referrals was extra exciting, since we are waiting for a new referral after losing our referral over the summer. The new system of referrals with the paper chase and investigations being done before the referral is being embraced by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. We are anticipating with all these changes the time from referral to travel will shorten to what it was last year - 4 to 6 months. That is the most exciting news yet, because we had been expecting wait times of a year or more from time of referral. PRAISE GOD !!! Our God is SOOOOO good ! Our God loves these orphans more than anyone could possibly understand. HE will MAKE a way. Our job is to stand firm through all these storms. Even if the worst is over, all the storms are not over yet.

As our dedicated adoption coordinator Rachel said "God reveals himself through [the storms] ... as the glorious victor and those of us who stand with [H)im…well, we get the front-row seats!"

Then Yesterday, we heard the most awesome news about many many families in the adoption process: a total of NINE passports and FOURTEEN finalizations happened !! Amazing !!! Now we have to pray them all through their visa’s.

Please pray for us too ! We have almost what we need to pay for the next step of the adoption.

Blessings, Faith, Love, and Much Thanksgiving to each one of you -
Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Thank You For Sharing Our Journey !

For EVERY one of you who has ever visited our blog, we thank each of you personally. We are honored to have shared our journey through all the ups and downs with you. We hope and pray we have in some small way inspired and encouraged you in your own journey. Please come and visit us again.

The Richardson Family - Scott, Jennifer, Michael, Gabriela, and Shawna
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Poem: Adoption Is A Gift

Adoption is a gift
Of life
Of love
Of faith
Of hope
Of trust,
Of prayer,
And
In the end,
The gift is
Life in the flesh
Love given
Faith received
Hope carried
Trust had
Prayers Answered
in the form of a child.

I hope you return to continue sharing our journey of adoption over the upcoming months.
As we wait to celebrate the coming of Christ our Savior on Christmas day, we wait to celebrate the coming of three children into our lives.

Written By: Jennifer Richardson

www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

A Letter From Carey

Jennifer,
...Have faith that God is leading you. I really don't know how to word it but our sinful nature and the devil don't want us to help another. God leads us in these positive things.

Your comment about Peter brought to mind the story that helped me through alot of our process. It's a story I've heard all my life but it hit me just when I needed it. It's the story of Jesus and his disciples in the boat during the storm. The disciples were worried about the storm and finally woke Jesus.....it end[s when] ...Jesus calmed the storm and they got to the other side. I'm not sure of the chapter and [verse] ... (Matthew ?) But they got to the "other side" as did we with the adoption journey God lead us on. Trust him.

Carey

Used by Permission 11-14-2007

You can do something, or you can do nothing. It's your choice !

We are adopting 3 children from Africa.
Right now,
Children are literally starving,
For food, for love, for homes.
We need your help !
Some will be saved and make it just in time,
Some will die before they reach the arms of their adoptive parents,
How can we turn them away?
We have so much.
We need your help !
Remember the story of the starfish,
We can help this one.
To this one it matters.
We need your help !
They are waiting,
Hoping to Come Home.

You can do something, or you can do nothing.
It's your choice, but please choose to help.
Please choose to donate.
One dollar today - you won't miss it tomorrow !

Please share our blog, spread the word.
Adoption saves lives.
We can't do it without you !

Please, choose to do something.

You

Africa Poor - You Tube Video

Check this You Tube video out - it will make you stop and think !

" There is no such thing as doing Great Things in this World. We can only do small things with Great Love."Mother Teresa

Adoption Update

Nothing new to report. Still waiting in line with all the other families at our stage of the process.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Uh-oh, I got caught. Mommy, I found the cookies, and they are so yummy! - Shawna

I had just made a fresh batch of warm right from the oven sugar cookies. I was in the cooking mood on Saturday, especially as the holidays are approaching. Shawna (21 months on Saturday) found the warm cookies right out of the oven on the counter, and decided to help herself. She thought the whole container would be just the right helping. I couldn't help but smile at her and then tell her to take only one !

Santa At Eleven

Michael, our 11 year old, is so excited this year about Christmas. He has taken to playing Santa Claus for Shawna, who will soon be 21 months. It was the cutest thing ever. He used a his red ski cap as his hat, a white diaper as his beard, his sister's red coat at Santa's coat with a pillow stuffed in the belly and his black belt tied around his waist. Then he took the Santa sack he received from when he was in the hospital and stuffed all their toys in it. Michael started ho ho ho - ing around the house. He even took the time to explain to Shawna who Santa is. He walked up to Shawna, says ho ho ho, picked her up and set her on his lap. Michael says 'so Shawna, what do you want for Christmas this year?' Then, he reached into his bag and pulled out one of her toys. Oh my goodness, it was so cute. Now Shawna follows Michael around saying ho ho ho. He was a very convincing Santa Claus too. It is easy to imagine what Saint Nick looked like when he was eleven.

Blessings to Each of You During these Christmas holidays,

Jennifer Richardson

http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

African History

During the “Scramble for Africa” era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ethiopia and Liberia were the only countries (out of 54 total African countries) that were not colonized. This helped my country maintain their pride in being who they were, as well as their extensive cultural heritage - like being the only African country with their own alphabet and calendar, and the second oldest Christian country in the world (they officially accepted Christianity in 4th century AD).

Many Have Asked Us Why

Many people tell us that we have 3 beautiful children and that is enough.

Many people tell us that we can't save them all.

Many people tell us that adopting is too hard or that they could never do that.

Many people tell us that the cost is too high, too much.

To all those, we say read the story of the Starfish:

Two friends were walking along the beach shortly after the tide had receded. The beach was littered with thousands of starfish that were drying in the afternoon sun. As the two strolled along, one of them bent down and picked up a starfish and carefully tossed it back into the ocean. He did this continuously as the two conversed. The stretch of beach was long. They could hardly walk without the man bending down, every other step, and rescuing a poor starfish. As they continued, the one observing this finally asked “Why are you throwing these starfish back into the water? You can’t really hope to save them all?” The other friend smiled and bent down to gather another starfish into his hand. He looked at his close friend and held up the little starfish and replied (as he tossed it back into the ocean)………..“It matters to this one.”

While I sit comfortably in my warm house, with comfortable clothes, a full belly, I cannot help to think of those who have none of these.

The higher cost is a life unsaved, unadopted, unchanged and even death.
The higher cost is to do nothing.
Even if I can only do what I can do, I will have done more than nothing.
I will do something.

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety­nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" Luke 15:4

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17

Consider Adoption From Africa

It is estimated that by 2010, Africa will have 42 million orphans.

Liberia has the highest death rate of babies in the entire world !

Please see Facts about Liberia at the bottom of the page. The need is great !

Ethiopia is another country in need; Ethiopia has the highest percentage of orphans in Africa !

Poverty, disease and war have left a large number of children without parents.

With a population of approximately 77 million, more than half of Ethiopians are living below the poverty line.

The famine that ravages the country is one of the most serious crises facing Africa today, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

Millions face chronic food and water shortages.

Much of the population lacks access to clean water, health care and education.

Ethiopia is roughly twice the size of Texas, with an estimated 5 million orphans!

Over half of these children have been orphaned by AIDS.

Malnutrition is responsible for more than half of all deaths among children under age five.

Educational opportunities are very limited.

Only 31% of children between the ages of 6 and 15 attend school.

Despite extreme hardship the children of Ethiopia remain beautiful and resilient --- and in need of safe, loving homes.

Ethiopia is located at the eastern part of Africa (usually known as Horn of Africa).

Ethiopia is the oldest independent nation in the world.

It is the only African country that has never been colonized by external forces with the exception of the five years Italian invasion.

The country's history dates back to 3,000 years B.C.

It is known as the land of Queen Sheba, origin of the Nile and the cradle of mankind.

The country has three seasons (small and big rainy season, and dry season) and sunshine throughout the year.Ethiopia has over 80 tribes and ethnic groups live in the country.

Ethiopia has more than 80 languages and 200 dialects.

Oromo, Amharic and Tigrigna are the most widely spoken languages.

While Amharic is the official language with its own unique alphabet (33 alphabets with seven different vowels each) being practiced in the country, at present the Oromos are using Latin alphabet in the Oromo inhabited regions.

The total population estimate is 70 million.

Have You Given Your Life To Christ?

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5: 11-13

Are you Thankful?

Are You Thankful?

Are you still complaining?

Observe around you and be thankful for all that you have in this Transitory Lifetime...We are fortunate, we have much more than we need to be content.

Let's try not to feed this endless cycle of consumerism and Immorality in which this "modern and advanced" society forgets and ignores the other 2/3rds of our brothers and sisters.

LET US COMPLAIN LESS AND GIVE MORE!!

Donna, who is such a blessing to us and many families, sent us this email called ...Are you Thankful?. "My son Austin sent me an email that was so touching and helps to putin perspective life. ...I had to put it on my blog.... It is touching...feel free to pass it along to others during this holiday season. Donna" http://outnumberedby12.blogspot.com/.

When we asked her if we could publish this on our blog, she said

"Absolutely! It is why we stay involved in adoptions and in humanitarian work long after our children are home. Donna"

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION - IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE !

IT COULD LITERALLY SAVE A LIFE !

Jennifer Richardson

http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

Used by permission.

Reflecting On Our Choice To Adopt From Liberia

Reflecting:

All of this happened yesterday 11-07-2007 - all in the same day, the 7th, a perfect number !

1. We discovered Psalm 127

2. We found out our homestudy agency is not licensed to do any domestic adoptions. So, adopting domestically at least right now is not an option. A pretty clear answer to me that we are being directed away from domestic adoptions – at least for now.

3. Finding out that Liberia has the highest death rate of BABIES in the entire world ! – a pretty clear direction to stay put. We really did not know that in hearing the Lord all those months ago about the idea of adopting from Liberia. We knew it was a third world country, and very very poor. But, we did not know that.

4. Reflecting on all the options - changing to another country. Sure we could. There is always Ethiopia. But there is no clear obvious reason that going there is more important than staying put. Again, pointing to stay put in Liberia, in the original call we heard.

Very interesting !!

Keeping our ears, eyes, and hearts, open to the Lord's wisdom alone with a teachable reachable spirit.

Weighing all things - family, the practical stuff, etc.

And praying !

And at least for now, we are staying put !

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

CALLED TO BE SET APART

We are called to be aliens in this world, set apart, and it is not always easy.
Take heart that you answer to the KING and no other!!!'

Read Psalm 127: children are a gift from God, and HAPPY is the man who has a quiver FULL of them! Children are Our reward!

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

LIBERIA HAS THE HIGHEST DEATH RATE OF BABIES IN THE ENTIRE WORLD !

LIBERIA HAS THE HIGHEST DEATH RATE OF BABIES IN THE ENTIRE WORLD !



Jennifer Richardson
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

Psalm 146

Psalm 146:

“The LORD
watches
over the alien
and
sustains
the fatherless and
the widow.”



Be Strong and Courageous,
Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

CHILDREN ARE GOD'S BEST GIFT

Psalm 127:3 (Whole Chapter)

"D o n ' t y o u s e e
t h a t c h i l d r e n a r e G o d 's b e s t g i f t ?
T h e f r u i t o f t h e w o m b
h i s g e n e r o u s l e g a c y ?
L i k e a w a r r i o r ' s f i s t f u l o f a r r o w s
a r e t h e c h i l d r e n o f a v i g o r o u s y o u t h .
O h , h o w b l e s s e d a r e y o u p a r e n t s ,
w i t h y o u r q u i v e r s f u l l o f c h i l d r e n !
Y o u r e n e m i e s d o n ' t
s t a n d a c h a n c e a g a i n s t y o u ;
y o u ' l l s w e e p t h e m
r i g h t o f f y o u r d o o r s t e p . "


Our quiver is definitely not yet full ! I just love this scripture.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Adoption was God's Original Idea

Romans Ch 8 says "If God be for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Isn't it grand that God had the original idea to adopt?
So who is against us?

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Reflecting

Liberia is still open to international adoption.
The US Consulate in Monrovia is still processing adoptions for Acres of Hope.
Adoptions are further being limited at the US Embassy in appointments regardless of the type needed which creates further obstacles and challenges.
This cuts in half what Acres of Hope was able to do and is completely out of their control.
Fewer appointments means fewer visas, fewer passports, and down the line.
Until room is freed up in the orphanages for the children who are adopted and waiting to come home, no more children can come into the orphanage.
It creates a backlog essentially.
We lift up in prayer all the families in the different stages of adoption.
Acres of Hope will continue to advocate for change in this policy.
We are extremely disappointed in the Consulate's decision.
Mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers are desperate to provide a better life for their children. Thousands of children in Liberia still need loving and permanent homes, aside from those Acres of Hope is able to care for in their programs.
Acres of Hope-Liberia exists to serve God through serving the children who truly are the "least of these" in the world.
We must continue to battle in prayer "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12b)
Spiritual growth thrives on challenges.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for personal growth.
In the face of this challenge, we have been asked along with every other family adopting from Liberia to reflect on our original desire to invest our lives in Liberia.
Please pray for Acres of Hope, for the US Consulate, for Liberia as a nation, for President Sirleaf as she leads and guides her people, for the children especially, and for us during this time of prayer and reflection.

Scott and Jennifer Richardson
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

The Armor of God

Nehemiah 4:14 "Do not be afraid of them. Put your minds to the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes. "

Ephesians tells us to be prepared and that we are up against far more than we can handle on our own. We should take all the help we can get, every weapon God has issued. When it's all over, then you will be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. We must apply them. God's word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Keep praying.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand... For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ...authorities... ... and spiritual forces... Put on the full armor of God... so you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith... Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. " Ephesians 6:10-18

The Richardson Family
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Why Adopt

We wanted to grow our family, to make a difference, to change the future for another child. Some ask why we don't just stop. Three is enough they say. Every child matters, and every child has a purpose.

What if God sent the cure for aids to an orphaned child in Africa, who would otherwise die if no one intervened?
What if that orphaned child in Africa would never have the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential if not adopted into a family?
What if God sent the cure for diabetes or the understanding to regenerate the cells that cause it to an orphan child and then never had a chance to share that knowledge with a world desperate for it?
What if key knowledge to preventing Alzheimer's or ADHD or Autism or Bipolar Disorder was given to an orphan child, and no one ever adopted that orphan child? And then what if that child died?

A reporter once asked Mother Theresa why didn't God send the cure for aids. Mother Theresa turned to the reporter and said He Did, she was aborted.

We may only be one family, but at the end of our lives when we die and meet the Our Savior Jesus in heaven, it won't matter what car we drive, what plants we had in our front yard, or whether we had Ps2 or Xbox. What will matter is what we did to the least of these. Did we make a difference in the life of a child.

My life is not yet over, therefore I am not done yet.

As long as there are orphans, there is more to do.

Statistics On Adoption and Orphans

Domestic Orphans:

· At the end of 2004, there were 517,000 children in foster care
· Of those, approximately 114,000 are currently available for adoption
· Average age of a child in foster care is 10 years old
· The number of adoptions per year for the last 20 years ranges between 118,000 and 127,000
· Each year, approximately 20,000 children age out of foster care.
· Of those: 54 percent earned a high school diploma,
--2 percent earned a bachelor’s degree or higher,
--51 percent were unemployed,
--30 percent had no health insurance,
--25 percent had been homeless,
--30 percent were receiving public assistance,
--60 percent of young women had children 2.5 to 4 years after leaving foster care.

International Orphans:

· Sub-Sahara Africa has the highest proportion of orphans
– 43.4 million !

· The proportion of orphaned children generally increases with age:
--12 percent are 0-5 years old,
equating to 17.5 million orphans
--33 percent are 6-11 years old,
equating to 47 million orphans
--55 percent 12-17 years old,
equating to 79 million orphans

· In Central and Eastern Europe, almost 1.5 million children live in public care
· By 2010, the number of children orphaned by AIDS is expected to exceed 25 million
· 20 percent of households with children in southern Africa are caring for one or more orphans

Adoption:
· There are approximately 1.5 million adopted children in the US
· 39 percent of the US population said they had very or somewhat seriously considered adopting a child at one point in their lives
· No more than 2 percent actually have adopted
· 48 percent of those seriously considering adoption indicated they would first look to their house of worship for more information

To One Child, You ARE The Difference !
Please helps us bring three children home.
Please Make a donation !

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Hosea 4:6

"Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children." Hosea 4:6

Is our lack of understanding or our lack of knowledge preventing us from acting or intervening?

1 Peter 1:6

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

AMEN !

Doing Good To All

Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6: 9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people

Never stop loving
Never stop forgiving
Never stop giving.

Listening and Doing

James 1:25 …not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:27 (Whole Chapter) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

YOU REALLY DO MATTER

How many children in Africa have gone to bed hungry tonight? How many children around the world? How many have no mother, no father, no one to care for them, and no place to call home? No shoes to walk in. No blanket to warm them. No parent to comfort them. I don't know if these 3 children have eaten or are hungry at this very moment, or have been hugged today or are afraid. I don't know if they are warm or cold. I do know they are in need. Many children die before they ever reach their forever families for lack of simple medical care. Please don't just read about our ministry to help the orphans. Join us in it. Give generously. For three children who need a family, who need a mom and a dad and a home, your help really does matter. Your help really does make a difference with you. Please spread the word.

The Richardson Family
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/

The Whole Reason

Over the summer we were blessed to attend a christian bible study for a period of time and made some friends. We found a generosity of believers there, and people who really cared where we were at. The worship was awesome led by Johnny B, and we felt God bringing us closer to His own heart. Recently they started a series about making a committment to the church. This past year and summer in particular have been a dry desert. It has been a place where the Lord has tested me, strengthened my own personal faith, and even where God is leading us as a couple. I encourage each of you in your own faith journey to continue seeking Christ Jesus - He is the Whole Reason !

Blessings, Love, and Faith
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/