Memorial Box Monday-The Dorms

What is a Memorial Box? A Memorial Box is a way to remember what God has done for us. It's so easy to forget. Think about the Israelites.

You place a item on a shelf or set of shelves (your Memorial Box) dedicated to remembering these stories...to remembering what God has done. When the times get hard, you have a visual reminder that God is there, loving you, holding you, very active in your life.

A long time ago, in a place far far away....I was 18 and living in the dorms (told you it was a long time ago!).

I don't know if you remember (I barely do, it's a little foggy...smile), but everything at 18 was very dramatic, the very best thing to happen or the very worst seemed to happen daily. It can be a rough time for teens. Losing the current "love of your life" or getting a bad grade can feel disastrous.

One night, as I sat in my dorm room crying, I felt so alone. My college friends would ask how that could be, but it's very easy to feel alone in even a room full of people. I was physically and emotionally alone. I don't remember much, just the feeling of emptiness and brokenness.

*Side note-As I've gotten older I realize it is often in those times of brokenness that God is molding us through fire. He is getting rid of the excess to create His new creation.

After what seemed like forever, I heard a knock on the door. Quietly it creaked open. There stood a friend from down the hall. We didn't hang out a ton, but she was a sweet and funny friend. She said, "Kat, God told me I needed to come down here."

That's it, that's the story. I have no memory, except that God loved me and spoke through a amazing young woman to show me that. Her presence was a comfort, but even more was the knowledge that God cared. We all know that, but it amazes me how direct His caring is.

If your struggling and feeling alone, don't forget that you NEVER will be. God is always there. Feel His hand wrapped around your shoulder? You should...He will NEVER leave you.

And to Jen, my sweet University friend, thank you. Even at a young age you allowed God to work through you. You blessed my life and brought me to an even closer walk with my Creator...just by listening to Him.
_______________________________________

We could use some prayers now my friends. Though I am constantly reminded of God's faithfulness, I am just feeling remarkably human today. If you have a moment, please read my last blog.
"Prayerful Sighs...Needing My Friends

Prayerful Sighs...Needing My Friends

As many of you read, I am not doing quite as well as I hoped with our wait for an embassy date. I'm not going batty, or not any more than normal :). I'm just a mom waiting to hold her babies during a political time in Ethiopia.

You see, our agency has two embassy dates assigned each month. The embassy interview is the day that we HAVE to be there and they issue Visa's for our adopted children to come into the country. Our dates for this month are Monday, June 14th and Monday, June 28th.

Normally this would not be a cause for any kind of disruption or concern, but the results of the elections in Ethiopia are being released (the last I heard) on the 15th. We are not sure the embassy WILL be issuing dates that close to the results being read. Does that make sense?

In 2005 hundreds were killed in the civil unrest after the elections took place. This year, though tense, no one seems to want to have the same situation occur and it's been relatively peaceful.

Our agency has assigned embassy dates for their clients (the date is held), but the embassy has to assign the agencies specific clients to said date. June 28th is also a assigned date, but if any form of violence erupts, this date may not be assigned as well.

This is where we are at. We are living with a bunch of unknowns. We know that is part of life and especially of the adoption process. We've been through the roller coaster before :) and it is well worth it.

We are asking for prayers though. I need prayers my friends. Prayers for peaceful Ethiopian elections, prayers for a very quick embassy date, and many many prayers for peace in our hearts as we wait. Our other requests are equally (if not more so) important (I will post those below), but these three requests are like a bridge to our children. Please pray for God's favor in these.

Again, I am not going COMPLETELY insane (smile), but my heart is heavy for our children. Our lives are in the planning for a trip that we don't know WHEN will take place. We want safety, but know God can bring this peace and safety whenever we travel. God is so much bigger than any government (I know, deja vous) and bigger than any unrest.

We have seen God work throughout our adoption as His children prayed. Please pray friends.....

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS
In all these things we want God's will above all else.

Our Adoption Requests:
*That our little ones are picked up, loved, and healthy until we get there.
*That God prepares their hearts and minds for us and the transition is smooth.
*That we receive a quick embassy date and will be able to travel in June if God wills and that the embassy and our agency is willing to assign June dates.
*For our children's bio family....that they have peace and know Christ.
*That the funds finish coming in and that everything sells as we finish the tail end of fundraising to bring the little ones home.
*For peace as we wait...both for the babies and us and very much for the Ethiopian elections.
*Please also pray for complete protection and health on our trip (as families are coming home with parasites, viruses, etc.). satan (not capitalized on purpose) also tends to send barbs at you when you're following God. Please pray that he is rendered ineffective and God protects us from these barbs.
*Please, again, pray that the elections are peaceful and God's Hand of protection lays especially on our children (including those that are traveling with us to bring our children home).

For Other Families and Their Adoptions...
*Daniel in Liberia (with hydrocephaly) will be in his mommy's arms soon. Please pray for their travel and his health.
*Please pray as Olivia Mame (Ethiopia) will be in her mommy's arms soon as well. Please pray that God prepares her heart and for their trip.
(Yes, these are two children that governments had to move to enable them to come home...and God did just that, moved governments.)
*Please pray for Rolando and Julia (Guatemala) to be able to come home soon. Their adoption journey has now hit FIVE YEARS.
*Renae, as her court date in Bulgaria is like NOW. Please pray God's hand is on them.

Others...
*Please pray for four year old Chrissie's family. She just passed away after a long battle. Please pray for comfort and peace that only God can give.
*Please pray for little Abby (with Leukemia). She's having a hard time and can use prayers for complete healing and wisdom for the doctors and families. Also, for Tatum and Elke who are in the midst of the same battle.

Anybody but Us...

Often when I sink my body into bed after many hours, my mind is still going. I find it necessary to pretend...imagine life that is not reality. As my imagination drifts I often find myself in foreign lands, painting walls of orphanages, bringing children off the street, opening doors of children's homes that have been built with toil and sweat.

One place where my imagination travels is to that of an HIV positive mother who is planning to abandon her child at the gates. As she collapses, we are able to pull her inside and get her the much needed medical attention. We are able to provide her the drugs needed (and rarely given in a 3rd world countries) and a job at that very orphanage, enabling her to raise her own child. I love imagination....

Yet my imagination flourishes at that point. To create a home, even for just 6 to 7 widows and their families, training them, watching their children, giving them a place to live, food to eat, and hope through Christ. I often drift off feeling a fire inside...the fire of the power of imagination...the power of the desire to make a difference for God, people almost begging to help, and unlimited funds to make a difference.

Imagination is cool like that. We imagine a different world where there are no sleepwalkers, where our eyes are not veiled to the need out there. We imagine a world where there are not children huddling under sheets of plastic along the side of the road. We imagine a world where the hordes of fatherless don't clog the streets, but snuggle next to their mommy's sides. We imagine......

Then we wake up.
*We say that tomorrow we will have enough money.
*We say that we are comfortable in our oblivion, not knowing the reality outside our doors.
*We say that the toddler in foster care, abused, at least has a place to sleep and doesn't effect us.
*We say that a five year old resting on a dirt floor, the only parent to his 2 year old sister, will have someone notice (just not us).
*We say the 13 year old (the same age as our daughter) that is forced into prostitution just to eat (because there IS NO room in the orphanage)...well, she should just find another way.
*We say that "helping the orphan and widow" should be LIMITED to the contribution we make in Church.
*We say "new things" are better than "a new creation in Christ".
*We say, "God, anybody but us......"

Why does imagination have to be so beautiful and reality so ugly?

Anybody but us...

Why is it imagination steps up with the answers, but reality with the complacency?

Anybody but us.....

Why do the cries of orphans fall on plugged ears?

Anybody but us...

Why do the coughs and blood of the dying get put on a book shelve like the library book we forgot to return?

Anybody but us...

Can the time ever be right for us to believe away the lost and tormented, diseased and poverty stricken? Do we have faith that others will be proactive, doing the job we are all called to do?

We can never DO enough. We can never want to DO enough. We are saved by grace and cannot earn salvation, but because of the passion in our hearts for Christ, we must act. We must be proactive, trusting God will provide the funds, not waiting for the comfortable time to act. We must love the unlovable, adopt the sick and alone, hold the widow that lays ill, give to those whose hope rests on the last $10 in your pocket.

What must we do?

Not say, "Anybody but us.."

We must realize that "Anybody" IS me and you. We must realize "but" is not a word we can say to God. Finally, we must realize "us" can no longer exist because we gave our lives to our Heavenly Father.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8

Again, we must realize "but Lord..." are not a words we can say to God.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:37-40

The Cabbage Patch and Half Way There!

Reading this many life changing posts (from fellow bloggers) should be outlawed. It's dangerous to be this happy :).

As many know there are four families (seven older children) that God placed on my heart over a year ago. Jubilee has been home from China for quite a while now. Governments continued to have to move though. Most of these little lives were still transversing some very difficult pathways to bring them to family.

Today and tomorrow TWO of these families will be in their respective countries (Liberia and Ethiopia) to bring THEIR CHILDREN HOME!!!!!! If you want to continue a giant, goofy, weird version of the cabbage patch (otherwise known as the happy dance) with me, you can find their blogs at....
"Smith Soup"
"Waiting for Olivia"

A big "thank you!!!" again to those that have donated (check side bar if you have no clue what I'm talking about :)...which is usually where I am). We are HALF WAY THERE!!! Half the funds have been raised to provide Soy Formula, disposable diapers (needed during the rainy season), a hands on project for an HIV positive orphanage, and some other cool things.

This is just unbelievable to me since this button has only been on our blog since Thursday!

Everything in our lives belongs to God. I don't know why I should be surprised at ANYTHING when He's given us the green light to do it. God truly sets me on my...well, rear end...just stunned (many many times). Thank you my friends!

We will leave the donate bar up until we leave for Ethiopia. This way we can collect as much as we can and bring with us as much as we can to help out in those ways that have been presented to us. Again, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let the happy dance continue!!!!

PRAYER REQUESTS
In all these things we want God's will above all else.

Our Adoption Requests:
*That our little ones are picked up, loved, and healthy until we get there.
*That God prepares their hearts and minds for us and the transition is smooth.
*That we receive a quick embassy date and will be able to travel in June if God wills.
*For our children's bio family....that they have peace and know Christ.
*That the funds finish coming in and that everything sells as we finish the tail end of fundraising to bring the little ones home.
*For peace as we wait...both for the babies and us.
*Please also pray for complete protection and health on our trip (as families are coming home with parasites, viruses, etc.). satan (not capitalized on purpose) also tends to send barbs at you when you're following God. Please pray that he is rendered ineffective and God protects us from these barbs.

For Other Families and Their Adoptions...
*Daniel in Liberia (with hydrocephaly) will be in his mommy's arms soon. Please pray for their travel and his health.
*Please pray as Olivia Mame (Ethiopia) will be in her mommy's arms soon as well. Please pray that God prepares her heart and for their trip.
(Yes, these are two children that governments had to move to enable them to come home...and God did just that, moved governments.)
*Please pray for Rolando and Julia (Guatemala) to be able to come home soon. Their adoption journey has now hit FIVE YEARS.
*Renae, as her court date in Bulgaria is like NOW. Please pray God's hand is on them.

Others...
*Please pray for four year old Chrissie's family. She just passed away after a long battle. Please pray for comfort and peace that only God can give.
*Please pray for little Abby (with Leukemia). She's having a hard time and can use prayers for complete healing and wisdom for the doctors and families. Also, for Tatum and Elke who are in the midst of the same battle.

Donations, Giveaway, Protein Bars, and Prayers

Last night my "alternate reality" returned (see last post) with much sleep deprivation. Our eight year old woke up with a fever (hoping I'm hallucinating). Still waiting for my life time supply of chocolate to arrive (perfect time of month for it too).

I wanted first to say "thank you" to those who have donated so far to help with the cool opportunities we've had placed in front of us! If you haven't read about it you can just glance to the right and you can see what we are doing! We've decided that if we exceed our goal, to start purchasing protein bars in bulk. Our sweet Bekah had a form of malnutrition that was protein based (a lack of). It looks like one of our sweet twins may have had that as well.

The last time we traveled to Ethiopia we brought bags of candy. As we handed these out I was reaming myself...what these children needed was food and clean drinking water. We hope to rectify that this time and maybe help in just a small way by handing out more of what they need. What do you think?

If you still wish to donate, there is a button to the side of this blog and ALL funds raised will go to those who face need in Ethiopia. Thank you all for making a child's day a little bit brighter (the art project for A HOPE...which, by the way, we found for a more reasonable price), helping some little ones stay dry (disposable diapers for Toukoul), and helping these little ones get what they need in way of nutrition (Soy formula and protein bars)!

Now to the giveaway...yep, I know I'm late with this one! Part of it was exhaustion. Getting ready for a trip to Ethiopia (that we don't know when will take place) has been a challenge (and a blast :)). Also, finances have been a tad tight while we get ready...thus finding something to give away was a little harder.

That was before I realized I pulled a MAJOR brain hiccup!!! About a month and a half ago I found three books that I love (and already own) on sale! I even remember thinking, "Wow, these would be great to give away on my blog". These are the adoption books I recommend to EVERYONE!

Seriously, in the ministry God has placed before us (Adoption Support), these are the first books we recommend to those asking!

Today we are giving away a set of three books, "Parenting the Hurt Child", "Adopting the Hurt Child", and "Parenting Adopted Adolescents" by Keck and Kupecky. These are awesome books and we can't wait to share them with you!!! If you would like to enter, just leave your name and a way to get a hold of you! Sorry, we can only mail to the U..S.! We will pick a winner the DAY we get our Embassy date (the date we travel). It could be any day and it could be a couple of weeks (we're mean like that...smile).

This giveaway is a celebration though. It's a celebration of what God has done for us and of these wonderful blessings we call our children!

Lastly, we have some prayer requests....

This "alternate reality" mommy is tired and not doing as well with the wait as I would like. Actually, I'm okay with wait...it's just the not knowing how long we will have to wait lately. Does that make sense? Even if we do have to wait a month to pick up the twins in Ethiopia, at least I would know. This time I'm adding peace to our list (and a quick embassy date...smile). Anyway....Here's the gist if you have a moment to spend in prayer....

PRAYER REQUESTS
In all these things we want God's will above all else.

Our Adoption Requests:
*That our little ones are picked up, loved, and healthy until we get there.
*That God prepares their hearts and minds for us and the transition is smooth.
*That we receive a quick embassy date and will be able to travel in June if God wills.
*For our children's bio family....that they have peace and know Christ.
*That the funds finish coming in and that everything sells as we finish the tail end of fundraising to bring the little ones home.
*For peace as we wait...both for the babies and us.
*Please also pray for complete protection and health on our trip (as families are coming home with parasites, viruses, etc.). satan (not capitalized on purpose) also tends to send barbs at you when you're following God. Please pray that he is rendered ineffective and God protects us from these barbs.

For Other Families and Their Adoptions...
*Daniel in Liberia (with hydrocephaly) will be in his mommy's arms soon. Please pray for their travel and his health.
*Please pray as Olivia Mame (Ethiopia) will be in her mommy's arms soon as well. Please pray that God prepares her heart and for their trip.
(Yes, these are two children that governments had to move to enable them to come home...and God did just that, moved governments.)
*Please pray for Rolando and Julia (Guatemala) to be able to come home soon. Their adoption journey has now hit FIVE YEARS.
*Renae, as her court date in Bulgaria is like NOW. Please pray God's hand is on them.

Others...
*Please pray for four year old Chrissie's family. She just passed away after a long battle. Please pray for comfort and peace that only God can give.
*Please pray for little Abby (with Leukemia). She's having a hard time and can use prayers for complete healing and wisdom for the doctors and families. Also, for Tatum and Elke who are in the midst of the same battle.

I Ain't Skeered!!!

My house is clean and all the kids are quiet.

I'm skeered....

I must have entered an alternate universe.



I am now waiting for....
...the money tree to be ready for harvest.
...the sock pirate to return it's booty.
...the dishes that were calling me "mamma" to become self cleaning.
...the cat to fix itself (though my husband says you don't actually "fix" them, but you break them).
...my life time supply of chocolate to be delivered by Willy Wonka.

I'm waiting...

I'm waiting...

And there it is...a cat hairball. The alternate universe collapses...sigh.

I say we all meet there tomorrow and have a talk with the laundry fairy...she's been a little slow lately.

"Faith" Booster Shot- Part Three

"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:5-6
* The story of Enoch can be found in Genesis 5:18-24

I never thought a whole lot about Enoch, God did...enough to remember him in His word.

We don't know a whole lot about Enoch. We don't hear about his early life, like David. We don't read about his celebrations and stumbles. What we do know about Enoch I love though!

"Enoch walked with God..." Genesis 5:24

Can you imagine any more that needs to be added?

We struggle with day to day dilemmas...stepping out in ways that make us uncomfortable. Sometimes it just makes other people uncomfortable. Yet these men mentioned in Hebrews 11 all had something that was so important that it needed to be shared with us. It wasn't always comfortable for them or those around them.

What did we need to learn from Enoch?

"For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Enoch walked with God. He pleased God. He was seeking God and was rewarded.

How very cool is that?

Donate to the Children

The time is coming. Whether two weeks or four weeks, anytime we may receive THE email with our travel date. As we are gathering items for the twins, we are also gathering things for two very special reasons (or actually about 100). God has blessed us with opportunities that are really cool.

A HOPE ORPHANAGE FOR HIV POSITIVE CHILDREN
We have talked to A HOPE and plan on visiting the older kids orphanage and doing a hands on project with them. Though we plan on visiting "Little A HOPE" and bringing a little something, these little ones are loved on most often. It is an honor and privilege to go and get to interact with these awesome kids!

There are 50 of these great kids and that means 50 art projects! We are juggling finances to bring our precious blessings home and an extra $150 isn't the easiest to do. That's $3 a child.

If funds allow it, we would like to decorate (with paint pens) totes/caps with these kids. Something they could keep and be just theirs. Oriental Trading Company is great (and the cheapest), but it still adds up with the hats/totes, paint pens, etc.

TOUKOUL ORPHANAGE
This is where our little ones are.

We had it shared with us that they need disposable diapers desperately. In the rainy season line drying can be extremely hard (I'm spoiled with a dryer).

Also, Soy formula for lactose intolerant babies can be very hard to come by.

My husband and I are currently hoping for $200-$250 to be able to buy supplies to bring with us. We are limited in what we can bring, but we thought we could pack a Rubbermaid bin or two with formula and diapers. As you know...formula can be expensive as well.

IF YOU WISH TO DONATE
We have temporarily placed a "Donate" button on the side of our blog. If you wish to donate to these awesome kids, all you have to do is click and donate button (through "Pay Pal"). We know God will provide, whether through this blog or another way. We are not worried, but thought we'd put this opportunity out there to our bloggy friends! :)

Every single cent donated will buy supplies and if there is ANY left over, we will use those excess funds to help those in need in Ethiopia.

Again, ALL funds we are gathering through this blog are for those in need as we travel to bring home our precious blessings.

"Faith" Booster Shot Two

As I talked about yesterday, I often skim through Hebrews 11 and don't look in detail at all the examples of faith we have. I decided, as many of us seek to follow God, that I needed to break it a part and focus on the reality of each individual act of faith.

"By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead." Hebrew 11:4

*You can find the story of Abel in Genesis 4.

I'm sure that Abel didn't give a better sacrifice planning to die. Though sometimes, as we step out in faith, the world living in sin retaliates.

Yet we know, through faith and love of God, Abel gave his best. We know that death is not the end and just as the verse says, "by faith he still speaks".

"Faith" Booster Shot One

There are many times where I've read Hebrews 11 and just skimmed over the list of people who lived by faith. God gave me a reminder today that each individual listed was a real person. A person who believed God and acted by faith. Over the next days I'm going to post sections of this chapter while I remember the faith of each individual.

It's a reminder to me right now (a booster shot), as we wait for our embassy date and my "mommy worry" comes to the forefront. God's got my back, front, and sides. He's got all of me.

Whether in fear or boldness, whether in joy or sadness, whether trembling under the covers, when we step out in faith God is there and the blessings are amazing. It doesn't mean it's going to be easy, but what it does mean (which I think is so cool) is it's going to be God's plan...not ours.

This first section is a wonderful reminder of what faith is. It also reminds us of one of the the very first steps of faith.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

It's time to step out in faith...to remember God's sovereignty and power.

Things You Should Already Know at 38....

I learned three lessons this week. They are very serious and take a lot of depth. It is obvious why they didn't occur to me before...they are that deep.

1. When painting a wall and using paint already in the house, do NOT assume the color that you are using is the left over ceiling paint. Temper your excitement at not having to tape the ceiling and color test.
2. When painting your toenails quickly before Church and the label states it dries in 60 seconds...do not believe it dries in less than 30 minutes. Do NOT put your socks on (because your cat was rubbing on your sandal, it now smells weird, and you have to switch to boots) and expect your socks to come off after Church without some tugging and ripping because they sealed to your toenails.
3. Always remember when you drop the END of your detail paint brush in the actual paint before sticking it in your mouth (since you use that as an extra hand). F.Y.I. Acrylic paint does not taste good.

These are important lessons in life and if you don't learn them there are dire consequences, the least of which is a blue mouth.

SCREAMING OUT PRAISES! DANIEL IS COMING HOME!!!!

Many of you know that around the time we started our own adoption, God impressed on our hearts several AMAZING children that needed governments to MOVE to come home to their forever families. Do you remember Daniel, a beautiful blessing from Liberia with hydrocephaly?!! Do you?!! Do you?!!

Wait for it....

THE JUDGE SIGNED THE FINAL DECREE AND TRAVEL PLANS ARE COMMENCING!!!

HAPPINESS, JOY, UNBRIDLED HAPPY DANCING IN THE KAT HOUSEHOLD!!!!

YOUR MOMMY'S COMING DANIEL!!!!

OUR GOD!!! THANK YOU FOR OPENING UP CLOSED GOVERNMENTS, PRESERVING HIS SWEET LIFE, AND MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR DANIEL!!!! PRAISE BE YOUR NAME FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER!!!

Read there blog here...
"Smith Soup"

Chrissie Has Gone to be with Jesus

My heart is breaking. Little Chrissie, just born into her adoptive family 6 months ago, passed away after a long and painful battle. My heart is so heavy for her family and loved ones, for my own mourning, yet...she is not in pain or hurting. She will NEVER hurt again. Her life will be such joy with no loneliness or sorrow. Let's pray for this family as they mourn the loss of their little girl. The time she spent in pain or loneliness on this earth is brief, just a blip, compared to the eternity of joy.

I'm going to go set down and have a good cry now.

God Keeps His Promises....

When God leads, we know. There is an absolute assurance of God's leading, even if just for a short period of time.

Often as hours, days, months pass...we start doubting and wondering if we really heard what we thought we heard. It's human nature.

God reminded me to trust Him this morning. Yesterday He gave me a dream and today He reminded me to trust Him. You see, God is not like a mere human, He does not lead and say, "Oh, I forgot where I'm going."

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

Stumbled across this quote yesterday...LOVE IT!!!

"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present."

Third Person Cleaning

Kat is feeling very third person today after perusing facebook.

Kat is sorting through boxes of her kids' old baby clothes seeing what will fit the little ones (and won't embarrass us...think around '94...scary stuff). She thinks Rachel will be mostly taken care of, but Gabe will enable his mommy to do some shopping (oh, the pain). Kat does wish she had more matching stuff. She has to do the twin thing for the brief few months they let her.

Kat feels weird talking about herself in third person, but also finds it oddly fun.

Kat is now going to go and find out why her kids are so quiet and does have a small wish that the title of this blog was true and did have a third person cleaning.

What's the Haps....

Thought I'd drop everyone a line and let you know "What's the haps...". That's about the extent of the cool effort I can employ as a late 30's mom of seven :).

We're tying up the end of our school year and cramming in effort to get everything ready to travel to Ethiopia when the travel news arrives. It's amazing the level of planning for such a short trip! We haven't heard anything yet, but anytime in the next four weeks we should. We're praying we hear in the next two.

It's hard to know what to expect or what to plan. Though not usually overwhelmed, I am a tad at this point. There are every day expenses, compounded by extra unusual ones (like the one cat that's not fixed deciding now would be the time to mark his territory, thus making it mandatory to fix him). Sometimes little things can become big things as you try to juggle needs vs. wants. International travel during the peak month of June made me set down a time or two and say, "I think I can flap my arms and get there a little cheaper". I'm sure there must be a reduced price if they think I'm "not quite right".

Also, I find it amazing that we have seven kids and I gave away everything (except for some girl clothes) after the first five. WHAT??!!! YOU WHAT??!!! Yep, pure brilliance! Seriously, with five amazing kids, who'd have thought God would bless us AGAIN!!! Seriously cool and all that! So, we have started from scratch, gathering supplies we need. Trying to remember what we need (old age and all :)).

Did I tell you we only have one working bathroom and the car won't start this mornining? (Had to throw that in there somewhere)

Well, as I think of all the things we need to do and funds we need to raise in the next four weeks, I'm reminded that others are in greater need. Others face greater obstacles than a few dollars. There are three I can think of offhand.

In the adoption world, a bloggy friend of mine is struggling to bring in the absolute minimum needed to bring her son, Jeremiah, home from Taiwan. This gorgeous little one has Cerebral Palsy and needs his family so badly. They are only a little over two weeks from traveling and still need another $1,500. God will provide, but I know this stress and it's not easy.
"Till God Brings Them Home"

Also, there are some children that could use some prayers for their health. The most immanent is a little girl adopted from Serbia just a short time ago, Chrissie. She has a clot near her heart that the doctors will be dealing with tomorrow. She's been through a lot....major heart surgery, heart and lung bypass, infection in her lungs, and so much more. She has died twice and needs prayers desperately.
"All Are Precious In His Sight"

Last, before I post our prayer request list, please pray for little Abby with Leukemia. She's on the tail end of a year and a half of chemo. It has been a giant and very hard/painful roller coaster for little Abby. On a side note, they are raising funds for adoption as well. Also, little Tatum and Elke (from different families) could use prayers for the same painful disease...their fight with leukemia.
"...Where Laughter Lives: The Riggs Family Blog"

Praises!!!
*We passed court!!!
*God is providing!!!
*Daniel (Liberia) just got a form that will move his adoption forward!!!
*Olivia Mame passed court and has an embassy date for early June!!!
*Rolando and Julia had their Empathy Study!!!
These are just a few of MANY!!!

Prayer Requests
Our Adoption:
*Please pray for the twins and their health. Please pray that God heals any infirmity. Please pray that they are loved on until we get there and that God prepares their hearts for us.
*Please pray for a quick Embassy date.
*Please pray for the twins biological family, that they know Christ and have peace through Him. Our blessing is through their pain and suffering.
*Please pray that God continue to bless us financially as we gather the final funds.
*satan (yep,didn't capitalize on purpose) tends to throw barbs at us when we're trying to glorify God. Please pray protection for our family, babies, and those involved during this time.

Others
*Prayers that God prepare Olivia Mame's heart as she's been waiting for her mommy for years now and her mommy is COMING!!!! (little "woo hoo!" there)
*Prayers for Rolando and Julia (Guatemala)to come home after FIVE years!!!
* For Daniel (Liberia) and his health. That the rest of his adoption FLIES and he can come home and that the country opens up to adoptions so that Junior and Diamoh can come home quickly as well.
*Renae awaiting court for their daughter in Bulgaria. Got a difficult judge, but that God uses that in an extraordinary blessing of a way!

"Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Sick in Africa

A blog friend of mine's husband is in Africa and VERY sick. It doesn't sound like the normal illness. Please pray....and click here to find out more. This family has a heart for the orphans and even more importantly...for God.

If You Give a Mom a Muffin!!! Laughter Rocks!

If you give a mom a muffin, she'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.

She'll pour herself some.

Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.

She'll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find dirty socks.

She'll remember she has to do laundry.

When she puts the laundry in the washer, she'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.

Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.

She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With A Pound Of Hamburger.)

The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.

She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.

She will look for her checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.

She'll smell something funny.

She'll change the two-year-old.

While she is changing the two-year-old the phone will ring.

Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.

She'll remember that she wants to phone a friend to come for coffee.

Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.

She will pour herself some. And chances are, if she has a cup of coffee, her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

by Kathy Fictorie (Not me, but I wish it was! :))ot me, but I wish it was! :))
based on "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff

Something You Did Not Know About Kat.....

I dream of having the super powers of Sleep Cleaning and Shooting Lysol Out of My Wrists. There, that's off my chest and my day can continue.

Fly Lady Anyone?!

Well, I joined Fly Lady (again) today.

For those of you that don't know what it is, it's a site that's supposed to help you to get on top of your clutter. It does help, I've done it before, but fell off the wagon. Okay, I took a giant leap off the wagon into a big ol' giant canyon. It's time to claw my way back up to the top. Of course, in my brilliance, I'm starting only about a month before the babies come home. Yep, any bets on how long I will stick with it (smile)?

The above picture is my not terribly attractive couch. Notice the pile of clean, yet unfolded, laundry and the carpet cleaner standing in front. It's to combat the odd smell in the carpet (orange juice, animal, and....hmmm...maybe lollipop?). The laundry basket is just magic upside down (think someone may have been trying to capture the laundry fairy with it).

Anyway...Fly Lady anyone?
Fly Lady Website

For anyone that knows me...can't do the shoes! Sorry Fly Lady!

FREE Audio Book

Okay, for those that know me, you know I LOVE this book...A Hole in the Gospel. It's NOT talking about an actual hole, but things we refuse to see. This book hurt, helped me to stretch and to grow, and was intense. Don't let this stop you...let it grow you.

It's the free book of the month on Christian Audio! I do prefer the written word, but this is worth it. It has 27 parts and takes about 10 minutes to get it all downloaded, BUT IT'S FREE!!!! Had to share!!!! Go to the following link and get your own free audio copy!
"Christian Audio"

PICTURES ARE HERE!

The doctor report came with pictures! They were taken on Saturday. They brought such comfort to my mommy heart! Also, through another source, I found that there are 3 embassy dates scheduled for June. They are in the beginning, mid, and end. Though the last two are the most likely, we are now in the "AHHHHH!!! We have so much to do!!!" mode!!!!

Anyway...here's our precious blessings and I think a great place to remind the world of what God has done!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Rachel

Gabriel "Gabe"

DS-0230, I-864, I-600 = Brain Leaking Out My Ears

Adoption paperwork is worth it, but asdljfsadlkfjasdlkfjasdlkf (sorry, lack of brain).

'Nuff said....

Mother's Day...

I was moseying around my fellow blogger's tromping grounds and came across one of my favorites called "A Place Called Simplicity". Today she wrote a blog called , "Ten Reasons Why I Love Mother's Day". I thought it was so very true and just had to steal this idea!

Seven Reasons I Love Mother's Day....

Tom

Sarah

Anna

Max

Bekah

Rachel

Gabriel "Gabe"

I woke up this morning and thought, "Mother's Day isn't about me, it's about the honor God has given me to raise these precious children."

MEDICALS CAME IN!!!

For those who have been waiting...

The medicals came in today!!! We had medicals done by an outside source once we passed court. This doctor is wonderful and a blessing. Don't hesitate to ask me her name if you are considering it when adopting from Ethiopia. It is WAY worth it.

Rachel is obviously thriving, happy, and giggly. She (like many little ones without homes) is slightly developmentally delayed, though not much. Gabe (who we were the most worried about) is very developmentally delayed and suffers from neglect. We don't think this is purposeful, but this is a very large orphanage and there are many babies and many needs. Most likely Rachel is just a favorite. This hurts, but we are glad will be able to just love on him hopefully by next month and that he has reached some developmental milestones.

Mostly we're thankful we'll be holding them both soon and be able to have them NEVER suffer neglect again. I doubt their feet will ever touch the ground....okay, that may hinder walking (smile).

I will be posting new pics as soon as Gabe's arrive in. Uploading them in Ethiopia takes a TON of time from what I've heard!

THANK YOU OUR LORD FOR THE BLESSING OF RACHEL AND GABE!!!!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

Who Won? (and Wondering Why I'm Singing it to "Where is My Hairbrush?" by Veggie Tales?)

Today is the day. Today we are drawing the names for the pretty "Enat" necklace as well as the the "A HOPE" bag! You can see the original giveaway here. It's a busy day today and so I don't get to torture you guys and draw it out as I normally enjoy (evil laugh). Okay, I know no ones dying, but I like to imagine that everyone's pining in anticipation (smile).

The winner of the "Enat" necklace is......

Jones Ethiopia at "Always and Forever !!!"

The winner of the cool "A HOPE" bag is...


Jen at "A Bevy of Boys!!!"

Thank you all for celebrating with us a we passed court! God has blessed us so much!!! Check back for another giveaway at the end of the month! We are still waiting for a couple of other giveaway prizes to come in the mail, so those who haven't received them...they'll be there soon!!!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."Psalm 37:4

PRAISES AND PRAYER REQUESTS
Praises!!!
*We passed court!!!
*God is providing!!!
*Daniel (Liberia) just got a form that will move his adoption forward!!!
*Olivia Mame passed court!!!
*Rolando and Julia had their Empathy Study!!!
These are just a few of MANY!!!

Prayer Requests
Our Adoption:
*Please pray for the twins and their health. Please pray that God heals any infirmity. Please pray that they are loved on until we get there and that God prepares their hearts for us.
*Please pray for a quick Embassy date.
*Please pray for the twins biological family, that they know Christ and have peace through Him. Our blessing is through their pain and suffering.
*Please pray that God continue to bless us financially as we gather the final funds.
*satan (yep,didn't capitalize on purpose) tends to throw barbs at us when we're trying to glorify God. Please pray protection for our family, babies, and those involved during this time.

Others:
*Prayers for Olivia Mame...a quick Embassy date (she passed court after TWO YEARS of waiting!)
*Prayers for Rolando and Julia (Guatemala)to come home after FIVE years!!!
* For Daniel (Liberia) and his health. That the rest of his adoption FLIES and he can come home and that the country opens up to adoptions so that Junior and Diamoh can come home quickly as well.
*Ranea awaiting court for their daughter in Bulgaria. Got a difficult judge, but that God uses that in an extraordinary blessing of a way!

Please pray for Abby, a little girl with Leukemia. Please pray for healing and peace for her family. Please also pray for Tatum and Elke who are also struggling with Leukemia.

Please also pray for Chrissie, a little girl that had heart surgery and died twice in the last week and a half. She is doing much better and off the heart and lung bypass, but still needs a ventilator. Please pray for complete healing of her lungs and heart. If there is any disease present in her lungs, please pray it is completely gone. Please pray for NO infection, her heart to function WONDERFULLY and just the way it needs to. Please also pray for movement on both sides of her body (the doctors fear a stroke) and for body to be completely healed. Seriously, this little girl is a miracle. You can read about her here....