Mini Update on Our Journey to Jael...THANK YOU!!!

For all who are praying...HUMONGOUS THANK YOU!!!!! Last week was exhausting and so worth it. Though in retrospect I kinda wonder what I was thinking planning my physical, our adoption psyche interviews, and a home visit in the same week. I KNOW I was thinking we would just get it DONE, but....I'm also thinking I was a little insane.

It went WONDERFULLY though! Wednesday we met the BEST Psychologist and he did (officially as of yesterday) give us a good adoption recommendation.

Thursday I went to the doctor, had normal blood pressure by the time I left (always is high in the office), and had the doctor say, "I would be surprised to see anything negative coming back in the blood work."

Friday our home visit was just so comfortable and so nice. It was just a non-stressor. As I've stated before, our social worker has been here so many times that she probably knows how I fold my towels(or just throw them in the closet) and what drawer I hide everything in.

I felt your prayers last week...seriously friends. Thank you....

We are down to the wire and finishing our last bit of the home study. We have to read about 130 pages and answer questions and we are just about done. Maybe this week???

Our big prayer is for our tax stuff (extra papers they are requesting from us) to finally come in the mail. We received the initial letter, but the requirements seem to be varying per family. If you think about it, we'd love a prayer that it happens quickly. There's such a long list of papers to collect and things to do that we long to be able to turn in what is needed and just get past this step with the taxes. It's not huge or an emergency, but will eventually be a necessity.

Thanks again friends...I'm heading to bed. I can't seem to think straight and it's time to go comatose. Hugs and Love to all my bloggy friends!!!

Notice I Received Yesterday

March 28th, 2011
To Whom it May Concern,

Due to extreme demands on your body the last few weeks, tonight we are shutting down most systems from 6pm to 7am (keeping only minimal staffing on systems such as heart and lungs).

We understand this is short notice and may cause inconvenience to your family. We also realize that a 13 hour maintenance is greater than normal. If you have any complaints, you can address them to God.

Although, it may be necessary to remind you, that God does not make mistakes and is never wrong. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Sincerely,
Your Body

The Storm Chasers...Laugh or Cry?

*My husband's step-dad dying
*Anger over the past (by others) overflowing and greed taking hold from others
*Trying to handle the unkindness with God's love
*Funds that we planned to pay for the initial fees fell through (God provided another way)
*Funds that we planned for home study fell through (God provided another way)
*Tax return hiccup (still getting worked out and waiting for a letter telling us what we need)
*Things at work reaching a stress filled level for husband
*Illness
*Psychological interview required for home study
*State clearance mailed to wrong agency (still trying to get it in the mail)
*Nerve in leg sending shooting pains for three days as we prepared for home study.
*Husband's shoulder injured
*Husband dealing with greed as he tries to move his mother's things. None of us are used to this level of unkindness
*Vacuum cleaner broke before home study (has happened before EVERY home study...all FOUR)
*Seat belt in vehicle broke
*Son hits a wall (figuratively) in difficult class and got a wonderful tutor
*Respected person in leadership makes a comment that wasn't very kind or sensitive
*Friends and their families hurting
*Twins learn that they don't like the word "no" (smile)
*Illness
*Washing machine stopped working. Thank facebook friends for idea how we may fix it (very seriously). Flooded half of kitchen when fixing it...oops.
*Schedule disrupted constantly with weird and unusual things that will probably never happen again
*Child throws up in box of hats
*Find baby snake in house (cat was chasing it)
*Three tires ready to go in in car...replaced
*Dealing with adults treating each other badly...seemingly like children
*Cat falls in toilet that one of the kids forgot to flush
*Hose in sink gets sliced and to repair it you have to replace whole sink (comes ONLY in set). We remove hose and cap it.
*One baby figures out how to take off poopy diaper...no explanation necessary.
*Baby teething and only bites when teething

There are too many more things that have happened to even list...little things.

I wrote this list to vent, complain, cry in exhaustion, and WAAAAAAA!!!! That's why I wrote it, but I find I can't do those things. All I can do is laugh.

The day we realized Jael was our daughter and our hearts were committed to bringing her home is the day this started. ALL of this has happened within a very short time.

We aren't surprised. You've probably noticed what verse we've chosen for Jael's adoption.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

We felt the storms coming. Others felt it too and talked to us about it. Prayer warriors started praying on our behalf.

Again, we knew it was coming.

Yes, we are exhausted and weary and a little tired of the waves rocking, pounding at times, and of course occasionally pouring over our heads.

It's true that I sometimes want to pull the covers over my head and scream, "I'm not here!!!"

Yet, through the tiredness and occasional hurt, God is so faithful. He has given us such amazing gifts. Seven are starting to settle down to go to sleep and one is playing across the world. I have a husband who is my best friend. Wonderful friends who support us. God's word melting into my heart. Finally, I have a Heavenly Father who will NEVER leave me, whose grace I cannot earn, who loves me even as He disciplines (and believe me, I need a 2x4 upside the head occasionally).

So, I will look at this list and laugh. If following God means chasing the storms...so be it.

It's time for satan to get up outta here.

Dying on Our Doorsteps~Do We Hear? Do We See? Do We Speak?

(Please click on highlighted words to see the stories and the children I am referring to...to see how we can pray.)

Laying in the hospital right now is a sweet little three year old girl. Her name is Carrington and she has just, in the last couple of weeks, come home to her family from Eastern Europe. At three years old, Carrington is only 11 lbs. Her sweet skin seems to be stretched thin over a living skeleton. Her face is that of a sweet and precious cherub. She is a special needs blessing fighting for her life.

Some mornings my imagination takes hold. A hazy vision fills my head of opening up the door to find a child starving, skeletal, bleeding. I would scoop him up and do whatever it took to insure that he would have EVERY chance of living. You know many would pledge their time and funds to save this little guy. All because he is in our eyesight and our vicinity.

Yet, children are dying each day as they wait for families. They are deemed less worthy.

A family is fighting for their sweet Down Syndrome son in Russia this very minute. They were denied at court ONLY because their son had this special need and was deemed less than worthy. This family is fighting for their son. In a very poignant way, they are fighting for his life.

Just a couple of hours ago I sat and looked at a website, a website that honored the little ones who never made it to their forever family. They waited and now are in the Arms of Jesus...

Children are dying as we wait. Children are dying as we stick our fingers in our ears. Children are dying as we cover our eyes. Children are dying as our hands smother our mouths, not speaking about the need.

My heart breaks as I read about the little ones around the world. Carrington is blessed. She has a family of warriors to fight for her. She IS a message of hope and survival through a HORRIBLE situation.

I sometimes wonder what it will take for all of us to see the child curled up on our door step, a five year old naked except for a diaper, cold and hungry...left and deemed less worthy.

Whose words are we listening to?

MAN'S

"You can't save everyone. You have your hands full now. The economy is so insecure and the timing is bad. You need to get a bigger house first...etc. etc. etc."

or GOD'S

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress" James 1:27a

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To see how you can make a difference in the lives of a child, provide a home or help someone else do just that, you can go to one of the following sites.

Rainbow Kids~Membership is free and this is the site that God used to lead us to Jael. There are so many children waiting...
"Rainbow Kids"

Reece's Rainbow~ A site of sweet special needs little ones in need of families. You can also give to grants and help another family bring their child home.
"Reece's Rainbow"

Shaohannah's Hope~Grants set up to help those adopting.
"Shaohannah's Hope"

No Biting, Limited Screaming, No Invisible Friends...

No, I'm not cowering in the corner somewhere (smile). The home study went wonderfully.

I know some may not understand how we could've had a social worker (for adoption) over to our house now around 15 times and be concerned, but this time was different. This time our sweet 19 month old twins have only been home 9 months and we are adding our BEAUTIFUL special needs angel. We had a few more hoops to jump through than usual, so this home visit meant a TON.

We were told today that unless some red flag comes up in our adoption psych evaluation, we will have an APPROVED home study shortly!!!

We are now praying that our clearance for a specific state shows up soon. The state mistakenly mailed our child abuse clearance to another agency and another couples to our agency. The other agency said they mailed it directly to us, but we have yet to receive it...hmmmm. What do you say we pray for it to arrive in the next few days?

God's got this all...of course He reminded me of that this morning. Verse after verse about it being in God's Hands.

Well, my friends, I'm going to go crash. I need to go to bed.

Sorry this is so short, but I am EXHAUSTED! Our oldest daughter has a friend here tonight (she is awesome though), my husband is helping move his mom's stuff tomorrow, and we are having a replacement toilet installed tomorrow (yep, I know...too much information, but after eight months of only one functional bathroom for nine of us...this is time for celebration...lol).

Now to bed...sleep tight bloggy friends!!!

P.S. You guys are awesome for setting me straight on the pronunciation of Jael, but now we can only seem to think of her pronouncing it "JAY-EL"...smile.

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Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm. For GOD to show him where he can bring GOD the most glory.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed. Even with the above blessing, we still need the tax return to come through.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels GOD's presence, GOD's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that GOD protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow GOD, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that GOD be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". We have had the evaluation, but are still waiting for the results.
*Please pray for our state clearances to come in by home study time. We are waiting on child abuse clearances from two states we lived in during my husband's time in the military.
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to GOD in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for little Carrington, VERY recently adopted from Eastern Europe. She is three years old and only 11 lbs. She is in the hospital struggling to survive.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. GOD is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. GOD's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, GOD knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that GOD's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know CHRIST.

*Please pray for our friend whose daughter Kennedy is having seizures. Please pray that they cease and whatever is causing them never returns.

*Please pray for healing of little Selah (with hydrocephalus) and Lorraine's family as they navigate through this new journey.

Sanity, Sanity, Where for Art Thou Sanity?

Yep, we survived Wednesday's psychological interview. My friends laugh at that statement and ask if the psychologist survived. I did not talk to or about my invisible friend ;).

He was the COOLEST Psychologist, but since we have yet to get the results...we wait.

Passed my physical today with fly colors (verses flying...because I'm cool like that) and now we wait for blood work.

Tomorrow is the home visit. Seriously, she's been at our house so many times, but since I haven't had as much official cleaning time (with home school)....ummmm.

We had some awesome friends help us with the yard, but....I am now seriously looking for my sanity in all this clutter. Yes, I will probably melt down by the end of the day.

So, prayers please...wonderful home study, good results from psychologist and doctor, and PEACE...wonderful peace....

LOL...for now I laugh and sit here looking around thinking, "I really should get up and put that away."

Prayers for Tomorrow~ Adoption ~ First Request of the Week

Hey friends! This week is, ummm, well...full.

Picture a physical times ten...

Wednesday~ Psychological Evaluation for Home Study
Thursday~ Physical
Friday~ Home Visit

The invasion begins...hee hee. No, it's all good and necessary to bring our Jael home. That doesn't stop me from being nervous though...seriously.

Could you send a prayer up for tomorrow's Psych evaluation and pray for us tomorrow? We all know we're crazy, but it depends if he thinks we're a good crazy verses bad crazy.

Guess I won't talk to my invisible friend during the eval (wink).

POSSIBLE Good News Coming From Ethiopia

This news was agency specific (not an agency we've worked with, but that we've heard good things about), but I have seen it on reputable sites and several blogs. So much is hearsay and conjecture in any of this until we see exactly what comes out on the State Department site and such, but this mimics much of what I'm hearing elsewhere.

"Today we want to update you on the feedback we received yesterday from our foreign staff in Ethiopia, which was confirmed in a discussion with our adoption colleagues in a Joint Council caucus call later in the day.

At this time, all Foreign Staff on the ground in Ethiopia are reporting that MOWA has completed their staffing changes and are now currently working at full capacity to complete those adoption cases currently re-scheduled or assigned a court appointment through the courts of Addis Ababa. Our staff believe this to be around 800 cases they are working at full force to complete with no restrictions on the number of cases processed each day. This is great news! We are thrilled to hear these drastic changes do not seem to be going into full effect.

We are also pleased to report that for new cases moving forward; it appears the original changes proposed by MOWA will not be implemented to the degree of 5 cases a day. At this time it is unknown whether or not MOWA will issue a formal statement regarding how they will process cases in the future, but from all discussions it will not be a drastic decrease from before. Through the continued work, meetings, and advocacy of many Foreign Staff members in Ethiopia, it appears any future changes within the case processing for MOWA will avoid sweeping and disproportionate alterations to the number of cases processed each day. Rather, the hope is that MOWA, Joint Council, Adoption Service Providers, the US Department of State and other NGO organizations can come together to support the government of Ethiopia in strengthening the process for ethical adoptions to continue while also improving the general social structures to assist with family preservation in Ethiopia.

This plan was acknowledged in the recent posting by the US State Department this morning at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia.html. We understand the US Department of State cannot issue a formal statement without MOWA issuing a retraction. Based on the information we are receiving, MOWA is concentrating on processing the current adoptions and the new staff is not focused on numbers, but doing their jobs."

To all those adoptive families out there...you are in our prayers, along with the children and government of Ethiopia!

Bringing Jael Home!!!

Many of you have read about our little girl in China.

I'm linking up with the blog "A Place Called Simplicity" today, as she is doing what she always does...blessing those around her. God has used her so many time to bless His children. She has blessed our family personally by being there as we bring our surprise blessing home.

On Linny's blog today, brothers and sisters in Christ are linking up to share our needs as we bring our little ones into our arms. It's amazing to watch God work this way.

For those who are coming over here from Linny's blog, I'll give you a little history.

We have seven amazing blessings. Four came to us from across the oceans (Russia and Ethiopia).

Our family seemed so full and so very blessed. Max came home in 2003, Bekah in 2007, and the twins a short eight months ago in 2010.

Yet thankfully, God was not done with us. We saw a picture of a little girl that we could not get out of our heads. She has a smile that is precious and is considered special needs with "limb differences". We have been told that she WILL walk and run. She has a long road ahead of her though, she must undergo amputations and be fitted with prosthesis once home.

God pressed us...I was brought to my knees...that this is our daughter.

Jael is 2 1/2 years old and has been in the orphanage since birth. This is one amazing little girl!!!

As with many adoptions, we have financial needs that still remain. We've put a "Donate" button on the side of the blog for those that GOD leads to give. We are at least $10,000 short, but we stand knowing that GOD WILL provide!!!

Also, even more greatly than finances, we covet prayers. GOD has blessed us more than you can ever imagine during our adoptive journeys and every time we have been washed in prayers...literally drenched.

If you have a moment (or several) we would love prayers as we go through our process.

Here are our immediate prayer needs.

*For Jael, that someone is whispering about JESUS' love into her ear. That her heart is prepared for family and that a hedge of protection surrounds her.
*That GOD's Hand is on every aspect of our adoption...blessing it.
*That ALL paperwork for the home study (we are in process of an update) comes in quickly.
*That the physicals needed for the adoption goes wonderfully and that the interview (psychologist~agency required) goes great as well.
*That finances come together smoothly and that our tax return also comes in quicker than expected (we saw a notice yesterday that we needed to submit more paperwork).
*That we are protected against satan's attacks...they have been small, but constant.

Thank you all for covering us in prayer and thank you, if GOD leads you to give, for that blessing on our family as well.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Tax Return...Ugg!

Okay, I'm writing this because I know that many of you have adopted recently and tax "issues" seem to be happening to quite a few.

When I checked online to see the status of our refund this morning, this is the message I received.

"We have received your tax return and it is being reviewed. You will receive a notice from us requesting additional information from you. When you receive the notice, please provide the requested information within 30 days. You may not receive all or a part of your refund until we receive and review the information we requested from you. If you need more information after you receive our notice, call the number on the notice."

From what I understand the IRS is just asking for more documentation (we did send paperwork) regarding the adoption (we believe). It doesn't seem to be country specific, but general (as this is a new tax REFUND vs. an Adoption Tax Credit). They're being careful with their funds.

I can't say we aren't a little stressed about this news (picture heads spinning...lol), but it doesn't seem to be all that unusual either.

If you want to see what the government website says about filing taxes when you finalized your adoption in 2010 (even in a foreign country), you can find the information here.

"IRS-Adoption"

We're going to call our "tax guy" and see if maybe he can find out some more specifics. For now, we just are confident in God...that's enough.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Our Personal Prayer Requests


*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm. For GOD to show him where he can bring GOD the most glory.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed. Even with the above blessing, we still need the tax return to come through.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels GOD's presence, GOD's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that GOD protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow GOD, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that GOD be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* Please pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to GOD in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. GOD is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. GOD's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, GOD knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that GOD's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know CHRIST.

*Please pray for our friend whose daughter Kennedy is having seizures. Please pray that they cease and whatever is causing them never returns.

New Adoption Music Video~Best Point EVER!!

I've been seeing this on blogs and just sat down and watched it yesterday.

Watch it and tell me if you shared my initial thoughts. The initial "Adopted" t-shirts felt not quite right to me, until....

What a point! Just awesome my friends...just awesome!

Mini Update/Thoughts from JCICS~Ethiopia

There is a new update from JCICS. It seems to be just encouraging everyone to wait and see (that much is not in writing at this point) about Ethiopian Adoption and their new policies. Thought you might like to read it if you haven't yet!

"JCICS Blog~Update Ethiopia"

Blooper Into Something Cool~Wayfarer: Ethiopian Adoption Resource Blog

Okay, so I pulled one yesterday. Don't you hate when you do that? I have some sort of stomach bug and was just wanting to crawl under the covers and stay there (the flavor of rotten eggs comes to mind). I know, too much information.

Anyway, I wanted to post about the Attachment DVD's and went to Google Pictures to find a pic to post. If you've used it before, you can type in your search criteria (mine was, "Attachment + Blogspot"). This brought up a ton of pictures. You can save it without ever going to the site (it's faded in the background). It will show you the link, but as sick as I was I didn't even look. I thought, "Okay, that is pretty, I can just use that as a pic". Then proceeded to stop everything because I got so nauseous.

I used that picture not knowing it was one created by a fellow blogger/follower (seriously impressive, btw, when this blog is about as creative as I have the ability to get).

As you suspect, I didn't think much about anything (drug induced nausea med fog). Thankfully she let me know (kindly..smile) and didn't hit me over the head (though blacking out may not have been a bad thing at that point).

This is where my blooper (guilt, guilt, guilt) turned into a good thing. She has a wonderful Ethiopian Resource Blog. She recommends many of the books I LOVE! She is sharing her knowledge to aid others going through the journey to bring home their children from Ethiopia. SUCH a cool thing....

I had gone back to my post and made sure I linked to her blog, but after spending some more time on it, I wanted to share it in it's own post. For those thinking about adoption, it's way worth the time. Check out the link below!

"The Wayfarer:Ethiopian Adoption Resource Blog"

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Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm. For GOD to show him where he can bring GOD the most glory.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed. Even with the above blessing, we still need the tax return to come through.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels GOD's presence, GOD's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that GOD protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow GOD, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that GOD be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* Please pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray for our state clearances to come in by home study time. We are waiting on child abuse clearances from two states we lived in during my husband's time in the military.
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to GOD in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. GOD is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. GOD's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, GOD knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that GOD's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know CHRIST.

*Please pray for our friend whose daughter Kennedy is having seizures. Please pray that they cease and whatever is causing them never returns.

*Please pray for healing of little Selah (with hydrocephalus) and Lorraine's family as they navigate through this new journey.

Prayers for Two Beautiful Children

Tomorrow there are some sweet little girls that will be in surgeon's hands. Let's pray for GOD's Hands to rest on them, healing their little bodies.

Eden (a sweet little one that has only recently come home from Ethiopia) has been diagnosed with a rare and terminal disorder, so rare that they are unsure of what it actually is. Let's pray this gene mutation goes completely away. She is receiving a mic-key button tomorrow and will be under general anesthesia. You can read more about her on the link below.

"Life With My Angel"

Selah, is one of Lorraine's family's newest blessings. She has hydrocephalus and will be facing brain surgery tomorrow. Can we pray that the doctors completely stop the brain bleed...their steady and GOD guided hands, and also for Lorraine's family. They have been such an example to us all in the life and passing of their (though we feel like she belonged a little to each of us) sweet Serbian Sensation, Chrissie. Please pray that GOD gives them peace that passes understanding and also a direct message to their hearts. You can read more of what is going on in the link below.

"All Are Precious in His Sight"

Attachment and Sensory DVD's~Adoption

I have been searching for DVD's and Audio CD's about attachment and adoption. There are times I might not have the time to sit down and read, but can listen while folding clothes and driving around, or watch while rocking my babes.

I also tend to devour books and go through them WAY too quickly. I have overflowing bookshelves right now.

I haven't ordered these yet, but there are some DVD's from TCU that I will be ordering. Many are the work of Karyn Purvis (The Connected Child).

It is so important we are knowledgeable about attachment and sensory issues (as adoptive parents). This is a cool way to do it! I plan to keep looking and post my finds here.

"TCU~Adoption Related DVD's"

I swiped this really cool button/pic from a awesome site of Ethiopian Adoption Resources. She was gracious enough to not ream me for swiping it :)Seriously impressed that she's designed this. Check it out if you get a chance!

"The Wayfarer:Ethiopian Adoption Resource Blog"

Ethiopia-State Department Conference Call with MOWA

Apparently the conference call with the State Department did happen today. The following post makes me think at least pieces of what I was hearing is true...we do not know everything (I'm pretty convinced of that on a regular basis...lol). The head of MOWA was said to be released (in this post).

"State Department~Conference Call"

PRAYING!!!

Let's Not Hug the Beam~Living Outside the Box

Though I do home school and feel that's definitely NOT hugging the beam (smile), this is an awesome video that helps us remember what we need to be doing. Inside the box isn't all that fun anyway (smile). Though the waves rock, we need to pirouette across that beam with arms open wide!

Thanks Cherrie for sharing this!



"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Seriously God?!!! The Story

Seriously God?!!! Why do we deserve this? We don't actually. We don't deserve to be treated like this.

We don't deserve your care or ever loving kindness. I guess that's what mercy and grace is...loving us even though we don't deserve it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm 39 years old (yes, the great debate around here is that I feel I DESERVE 40) and I still don't get it. I have been through three adoption processes (four adoptions) and you would think I would understand that when GOD leads, HE provides.

With Max, we started out with ten thousand of the thirty five thousand dollars we needed. I remember trusting GOD, but there was still that fear based in humanness.

GOD provided...every bit. Bekah is so obviously home, but there was still some fear in the process.

With the twins we started with nothing, not even the ability to get a loan. Even with our good credit rating, we had too much outstanding debt with student loans, etc. We needed around thirty five thousand dollars to bring Gabe and Rachel home from Ethiopia. We came home from Ethiopia with no money in our pocket, two beautiful babies, and no debt...no loans or credit cards...none. GOD provided every penny. When I look at the numbers, they still don't make sense, but Gabe's cookie spattered face looks up at me daily and Rachel's sticky hands pat my face.

At 39 you would think that I would stop having anxiety as financial storms hit. After all, I KNOW first hand that GOD provides.

Yet the storms have been pounding. Demands on our finances increased temporarily and weird and out of the ordinary storms have been pounding us daily.

Seriously...I have faith and know so much logically, but I have been feeling weary and not sure how to voice it.

Yesterday, knowing we probably wouldn't qualify, we decided to apply for a small loan until the tax return came in April. We didn't qualify. Yesterday I realized how little we have to survive on until next week. Yesterday multiple things came up and battered the hull of my weak little ship. Yesterday I commented on my amazing bloggy friend's post. She posts and many place their prayer requests as comments. We all pray and many fast. This is what I said...

"I just read the post following this and could really use some prayers right now. We are having constant mini waves, they started the minute we committed to bringing home our daughter from China. satan doesn't like adoption. The waves are like water dripping...constant. Right now I am just weary. Can you please pray for protection against these attacks and healing for the ones that have already happened? Also that GOD's Hand is on our sweet Jael, granting her peace and bring us together quickly. Thank you...."

Things have been happening so regularly, that somewhere in the back of my mind, I was expecting some little wave to try to rock me. I wasn't to be disappointed. Today, when logging in online to see if the status of our tax return changed, I found that they had put a later date that we will be receiving our tax return on. Due to processing delays....

$5000 of that tax return we really needed by the end of the month. We needed it for the adoption, so that we can progress and stay within our six month window to log our dossier into China so we can bring Jael home. She has been in her orphanage long enough...for two and a half years since birth.

Weary is the word when I read that. I knew GOD would provide, but...sigh...really? I called my husband and published the following in an earlier post TODAY.

"As many of you know, we have only six months from the time we received our pre-approval from China to submit our dossier. We just checked our tax return refund status online and they have moved the expected date (for us) to farther away. We can't do this. Right now (with student loans, etc.) we can't take out a loan (even with our good credit score) due to how much we are still paying back. We will need close to $5000 around the first of the month. We don't have it. We will when our tax return comes in (the estimated date keeps on getting later). Could you please pray the way to the funds becomes obvious. We are at a loss and need to get our Immigration started quickly to insure we don't exceed the six months.

God will provide, but we are just weary from the waves rocking us daily (man, I could tell you stories...smile). Thank you for your prayers."

Can you hear the emotional exhaustion?

We had SO much peace financially when adopting the twins. We asked for prayers...but there was just so much peace. We prayed, fund raised, and asked for donations. It was hard though physically. To tell you the truth, one of the most daunting things in starting this journey, was the thought of starting it all over again finacially.

We should have remembered though.

Then there is GOD.

Today (not expected that it would even be addressed today) my husband was given his yearly bonus. It's the second highest one he's ever received. The highest was last year when we were bringing the twins home.

Guess how much it was for? JUST GUESS??? It was for almost exactly the amount we needed.

Seriously GOD?!!!

The storms will not overtake us. GOD is in control. Thank you my friends for praying and fasting (many from "A Place Called Simplicity").

GOD is so much bigger than any obstacle, any government, and ANYTHING!!!!

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm. For GOD to show him where he can bring GOD the most glory.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed. Even with the above blessing, we still need the tax return to come through.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels GOD's presence, GOD's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that GOD protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow GOD, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that GOD be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* Please pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to GOD in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. GOD is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. GOD's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, GOD knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that GOD's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know CHRIST.

*Please pray for our friend whose daughter Kennedy is having seizures. Please pray that they cease and whatever is causing them never returns.

Seriously God?!!!

Okay friends, I canNOT wait to share with you how God has already worked in a way (of course) that we did NOT expect!!! Tonight my friends!!!

Need Prayers....Financial....Seriously

As many of you know, we have only six months from the time we received our pre-approval from China to submit our dossier. We just checked our tax return refund status online and they have moved the expected date (for us) to farther away. We can't do this. Right now (with student loans, etc.) we can't take out a loan (even with our good credit score) due to how much we are still paying back. We will need close to $5000 around the first of the month. We don't have it. We will when our tax return comes in (the estimated date keeps on getting later). Could you please pray the way to the funds becomes obvious. We are at a loss and need to get our Immigration started quickly to insure we don't exceed the six months.

God will provide, but we are just weary from the waves rocking us daily (man, I could tell you stories...smile). Thank you for your prayers.

To find information about our daughter and this blessed journey, we have placed a link to our adoption announcement on the top right hand of our blog.

We may be stressed, but we are very blessed.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Continuing Thoughts~Ethiopian Adoption Slow Down~Information

I have so many more thoughts on what is going on in Ethiopia right now and some news that has been passed on.

You know how I feel about the issue itself, now I think I'm going to share some of my emotions behind it. Also, the thought that (long term) this change may not be as extreme (said prayerfully). There is hope...always hope.

Why We Must Hope...

When we traveled to Ethiopia this last time, we saw so much more of life and it's reality than we had our previous (wonderful, yet highly planned) trip. The number of street orphans was overwhelming. I don't know that my heart had completely ever shattered until I saw older street children mugging and picking on younger ones. I don't know that it had completely shattered until I saw young teens selling and offering to sell their bodies. Had it really shattered before I saw children starving, but the number so great our help would just be a drop in the bucket? Had it before we were told that some of these young orphans are given a choice to stay on the street, because there just isn't enough room in orphanages?

This slow down (flat out) could stop the care of the most vulnerable. When there is now a shortage in space for these children, where will they be when children very rarely leave the orphanages and children's homes for forever families? Would the street of Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas be flooded with children, starving and sick, picked on and taken advantage of by child traffickers? What will become of the orphans that have yet to make it to a care center? This is why my heart has been so heavy and this is why I will hold on to hope.

Because in the big picture, this doesn't make sense. There has to be more to it than we know.

Even on a more minute aspect, the economy will be widely affected. Though the adoption fees to Ethiopia are minimal by comparison (we are so thankful to Ethiopia for their rational in this), thousands of foreigners spend their money there each year. What happens to those businesses that rely on on this? Will businesses close? Will the economy, which needs more jobs as it is, falter?

Though my heart is heavy, AGAIN we can't give up hope. Here is the information and details that I have seen. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but just passing on how things MAY not always be as they seem.

*The MOWA employees that are involved with international adoption have been moved and replaced. The statement is that "they were not effectively performing their roles."

*They have ONLY devised a plan for the next 8 days and not beyond that.

*Forty letters will be issued in the next 8 days (five a day).

*The new employees will devise a plan at the end of the eight days and also when their roles are completely understood.

As you can see, there is a good possibility that we are not hearing everything. I don't know what will be the end result, but as Renae said in her comment on my last post, the JCICS is alluding to positive things.

There is always hope...

God is good.

Praying for the children, government, and situation...also for my wonderful bloggy friends effected by this.

It's Happened~Ethiopian Adoption~ Prayer Warriors

My heart is heavy...

Announcement from the U.S. Government regarding Ethiopian Adoptions...

" Ethiopian Adoption Alert"

We need to be uniting in prayer for the greatest of those effected...the children who remain and are legitimate orphans waiting for their mommies and daddies.

Please also remember those aching for their little ones who remain in limbo at this time.

To find out my views on this, read "this post".

The Slow Down of Ethiopian Adoptions

Recently I have heard a lot and wondered to myself where the direction of Ethiopian Adoption was going. Each year the adoptions multiply and, as with anywhere, that (at times) can lead to corruption.

As a mom of three Ethiopian children this does concern me. I just read an article that is rather alarming, but then I have read those before. Articles written to draw readership, with (often) no concern for the actual 100% accuracy of items they list as facts.

The requirement of two court dates DID happen. There are things happening in Ethiopia. I wish, though, I had made a list during both of our adoptions of things stated as facts, that were rumors OR only being considered. There were MANY. They scared me and worried me.

Do I think something is happening in Ethiopia? Yes, but it may not play out exactly the way everyone thinks it will. We just can't know.

The current change (from what I understand) that is being proposed, is the decrease in the number of letters that MOWA writes recommending the adoption to the courts each day. This is necessary for adoptions to become legal in Ethiopia. From what I am reading (and hearing) is that the letters they want to write will go from 50 to 5 a day. That's a BIG decrease. This would increase the time (dramatically) a child would wait for their parents to be able to bring them home. This would, most likely, decrease Ethiopian adoptions all together...and there are just so many children...legitimate orphans.

I've heard this is being considered because they are overwhelmed. I've heard this is being considered because they are understaffed with so many children. I have also heard that it is being considered to insure that adoptions are legitimate and that they can take more time with each file. I have heard all these from different sources. All of these were stated with utmost conviction.

My opinion comes out somewhere right down the middle.

The thought of parents be enticed to give away their children or fraudulently requested to sign something they don't understand...this makes me sad AND MAD! The thought of programs to help keep families together and to help with health services to keep families healthy and intact...WONDERFUL! We know that doesn't always happen though. It just doesn't.

I was one of those that felt blessed to not have to take the two adoption related trips to Ethiopia (finance wise), but feel that the reason behind it is valid. This is to insure that children aren't abandoned in country after court. What was stated was that some parents, not prepared for the trauma their child faced or the lack of immediate attachment, left their children in limbo in Ethiopia. They were legally adopted and therefore not able to be adopted again, yet still with no family. The rational of two trips was right. Each child would be met by their parents before court and then legally adopted. I would be very interested to see if the abandonment decreased.

In this case, the extra time for scrutiny of each case seems a good thing. Yet, though I 100% agree that is good, I don't agree with the logic behind it. I LOVE the Ethiopian government's striving to increase the legitimacy of adoptions. I adore that they are trying to safeguard children and their bio families from corruption! I just don't necessarily agree with this particular way to do it.

My thought is that it might be better to increase staffing drastically. This would allow for the scrutiny, yet children that are legitimate orphans would not have to wait. Though I don't like the thought of an increase in costs, even a slight one would allow for more staff to be hired and trained. There might be a delay while training occurs, but this would be a temporary delay vs. a permanent one. The letters going out might have to decrease a little, but most likely not to the same extreme.

I remember seeing the twins for the first time. I remember realizing that Rachel could hardly roll over at 10 months. These children need homes and my heart aches to think of parents turning away from Ethiopia because months of wait becoming years. Who suffers? The sweet children. The amazing children that the government of Ethiopia is entrusting us with.

When I say that "God just leads us to our children and we just bring them home." I meant it. Months or years, our children would still have been there. My heart just feels near breaking though...at the thought of a child waiting and waiting (which occurs all over our world each day).

God leads and we follow...no government can stop that.

Yet, The thought of Jael not coming home from China for years makes me want to throw up.

I'm writing this because,not only do we all need to be standing in this gap petitioning...praying, but we need to be holding our children tightly and remembering what a gift they are. We also need to give the families waiting a hug, a listening ear, and we ALL need to remind each other that we follow God and not man. God is bigger than all this...WAYYYYYY bigger.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that God protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow God, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that God be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* Please pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray that we receive taxes so that we can pay the program fee and get started on our dossier. We had to mail in our taxes, so it will most likely take longer. That is a concern, but God is bigger that this.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to God in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. God is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, God knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

What Would You Put in It?

I read a post last week. My bloggy friend Kathie has such a gift with words. This post made me think beyond my boundaries, to the truth (and laugh, which is always good).

She dealt with the thought, "What if our children had to choose from our files?" What would be written about our "special needs"?

She does it in such a humorous way, but it's a thought provoker. Seriously, I think that would be an awesome requirement for every adoptive parent.

Write your own file, just for you. Write the truth about your "special needs" and your personality. Write about your downfalls, not just as you may do for a home study, but with no sugar coating, with quirks, grumpiness, and waking up on the wrong side of the kitty litter box. I think we would all start thinking a little differently.

If you want to check out this post, I highly recommend it.

"Confessions of a Special Needs Mom".

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that God protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow God, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that God be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* FPlease pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray that we receive taxes so that we can pay the program fee and get started on our dossier. We had to mail in our taxes, so it will most likely take longer. That is a concern, but God is bigger that this.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to God in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. God is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, God knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

This Week, Heart Aches, Blessings, and Raising Funds

I vacuumed yesterday morning, which is a monumental thing itself (wink). I also did dishes (shock and awe is appropriate here).

Last night no one would have believed it though. Talk about a weird night.

I went to turn on the vacuum cleaner...nothing. The brush wasn't turning. I, such a mechanical person, took the vacuum cleaner apart. I thought that maybe a gremlin was stuck in it (see, I know all the technical terms). Nothing...no spinning thingy (you can quote me on that).

Okay, I admit it...I gave up. I went to finish the dishes. Turn on the faucet...nothing...not a drop of water. Seriously? Did someone shove Play-do up there? Nothing.

Nothing but a sliced sprayer hose. If that's not what duct tape is for, I don't know what is.

Sigh, I thought I better warn my husband of the impending doom and called him at work.

What is that breathless screeching I hear? Anna (10) and Max (8) had started screaming, "Gabe! Gabe!"

I was scared to turn around and look in the port-a-crib that I had turned my back on for a second. I should've been scared, very scared. Rachel (sigh) had felt the need to be free...of her dirty diaper. Gabe had felt the need to...well...ummm...how to put this...explore his archaeological tendencies. There my son and daughter were...knee deep in it (at least that's what it seemed).

I, one by one, held them as far away from my body as possible and deposited them in an empty bath tub. I then, very literally, closed my eyes and scrubbed.

That, in a nutshell, was how our week went. Not a whole lot of fun, but laughing by the end of it. When the domino's fall, I EVENTUALLY just have to laugh and whisper (as quietly as possible), "Is that all you got?!"

Yes, I'm hoping no one heard me.

It seems that the huge drowning waves I was afraid would hit, so far are little pounding, wear you down, want to pull the covers over your head, waves. They aren't big ones, but like listening to the repeated droning of Barney a faucet dripping.

Yes, I'm tired, but I am also very aware of those that are hurting and struggling at a much higher level. Little Eden , fighting for her life daily. Rolando and Julia , trapped in Guatemala for five years now as their family wages the fight of their lives to bring them home. A family from Holland, missionaries in Kenya...husband murdered, wife sexually assaulted while their two children were home. A friend's daughter, sweet Kennedy, has seizures of unknown origin. There are more and more...almost too many to mention.

My heart is heavy for these families.

In all this, my heart is also aching for our sweet Jael. Does someone answer her cries at night? Do her caregivers look at her and her sweet legs with love, or neglect? My mommy heart is aching to hold her, but logically knowing it will probably be a year.

We are so thankful God has shown us our daughter, but how I long to have her in my arms. It's amazing how a child I didn't know just a few months ago has become such a intricate part of our lives.

Do you think God must feel this way about us? I do. How He must ache for us to come to Him. What a privilege we have to worship Him.

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Recently, as in the last day or so, I have felt that I need to put a "Donate" button on our blog. Have you ever had that feeling that you were just supposed to do something? I know God has put others on my heart and I know that God has and may put our family on other's hearts.

I feel a lot of peace about our adoption financially, but we will still be at least $10,000 (or more) short after our tax return...for now (smile). Currently we wait for our tax return to come in. When it arrives we will be able to start (on a higher level) this journey to our blessing, Jael.

We had to mail our return in with our proof of finalization of adoption in Ethiopia. While we wait we will work on our home study, but cannot start working on the pile of dossier paperwork until we have our program fee in...$2,600. It's just the beginning and we know God's timing will be just right.

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God's blessing abound, even with the mini waves pounding, because He allows these things (not CAUSES, but allows). We need the pounding to iron out the dings, flaws, and to stretch our spiritual lives...shaping them into vessels that can make this journey with sea worthiness and sturdiness.

Thank you all for joining us through the waves, to the shore we all long to see...with Jesus stretching out His arms waiting to engulf us.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that God protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow God, satan always attacks.

*Most importantly, that God be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* FPlease pray for our home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Please pray for our medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Please pray for our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray that we receive taxes so that we can pay the program fee and get started on our dossier. We had to mail in our taxes, so it will most likely take longer. That is a concern, but God is bigger that this.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to God in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. God is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, God knows)... foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life. Also, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.