AMAZING Attachment and Sensory DVDs ~Adoption

There are few books that we feel should be required reading for an adoptive parent. Yet, we have NEVER (since 2003) added a DVD to the list. We now have two that are going on "the list" (smile).

These two DVDs are powerful. They are a tad expensive (worth every penny), but will give you INVALUABLE tools to help your children and to recognize issues that may come up.

If you have the funds available, they are WELL worth it! If you don't, I would consider budgeting because they are THAT good.

Attachment and sensory issues go hand in hand and both of these DVDs tie into each other.

"A Sensory World Making Sense of Sensory Disorders"

"Empowering, Connecting & Correcting Principles"

You can find them at the following website.

"Institute of Child Development~DVD Sales"

The next one we're budgeting for is called "Trust Based Parenting". We'll let you know what we think once we've watched it!

Adoption~Clawing Through the Dirt

A sparkle in your heart as you slip into Church and pull aside your friend.

"I'm pregnant. I'm gonna have a baby!" you want to scream.

Your friend completely lights up, wraps you in a huge bear hug, and laughs (her eyes glistening with tears), "You are just such a good person for doing this. It's just so good of you guys!"

Truthfully, my first thought would be, "It's just one of the perks of marriage."

My next thought would be, "What..... Huh??"

Yet, we get this constantly concerning our future child through adoption. It's one of those things that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It doesn't make me angry and I really do believe it's coming from a good place. It just doesn't make sense.

You see, actual adoption is NOT a ministry. I don't know of one person who wouldn't claw straight through pavement and dirt, straight through the earth to bring their child home.

If that is what it'd took to bring our children by birth home...we'd see holes surrounding the hospitals.

That is what we, as adoptive parents, are doing....swimming the seas, clawing through the earth, whatever it takes to hold our child in our arms. A pregnancy of our heart is just as real. We are not doing it because we are good people. We are not doing it because it's good of us. We are doing it because our child is waiting for us.

They are the child of our flesh. They are the child of our blood. Just as two become ONE flesh in marriage. God weaves our hearts and bodies with our children in such a way that says, "This is OUR child. These are OUR children." Whether born through our womb or through the labor pains of a country whose muscles are contracting bringing forth OUR child.

We are not any better.

Well, maybe we are...we are better for knowing the child that is coming into our arms.

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Just a thought....

There is only One that can claim that it was good...that it was amazing of Him. He didn't claw through the earth though. He conquered death.

It's Not Over....

Something our preacher said in Church today really hit me.

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We started the day by subjecting our children to numerous pictures (we are cruel like that).

We ended today with friends and a BBQ at our house.

It was something said in Church midday that brought tears to my eyes though.

You see, often we tend to think of Jesus' resurrection as a completion of God's plan. His plan is not over though. It's not over....(joyous sigh).

“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." Mark 13:26-27

Immigration I800A Application~Sent!

For those who have been through this (or are going through this), the sending of your I800A or I600 is huge! It means your home study is done, you have the funds to apply to immigration (not cheap), and you can start one of the longest waits in the "dossier" gathering.

First you receive a receipt for your immigration application , then your receive a fingerprint appointment from immigration, then you get your fingerprints (often WEEKS later), and finally you receive your approval (which you often have to get state authenticated/apostilled, US Authenticated, and sometimes foreign country authenticated). FINALLY your dossier will be complete and you can send everything to your country...which of course for us is China.

We are now at the hurry up and wait phase. Yes, it is a huge relieved sigh that you just heard coming from your computer :).

Thanks for praying us to this point my friends!!!

"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
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PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to list them at the end of most blog posts. 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 let me know any updates or how God answers. God is just so AMAZINGLY cool and a privilege to watch answer!!!

OUR PERSONAL PRAYER REQUESTS
*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad and everything and everyone effected. It is April repercussions are still being felt.

*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.

*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 remainder of our tax return to come through. We have received partial, but are still waiting for the remainder.

*Please pray that we receive the grants we are applying for. These are much needed for us to be able to bring our sweet Jael home.

*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. We have had constant life "storms", thus the verse above.

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

April's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
*Please pray for our medical forms for China, that our tests results are wonderful. *Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray as we start to gather our dossier paperwork...that is without flaw and with God's perfect timing.

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 Carrington who just arrived in March from Eastern Europe. She is 11lbs and three years old. She is fighting for her life.

*Please pray for little Selah, Lorraine's daughter, who has hydrocephalus and issues cropping up regarding this.

*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 brother "S" to find a new job quickly. One that will glorify God and lead him down the path that God wants for him.

*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. There home study is ALMOST in their hands and now they are prayerfully considering a second sweet child as well. Please pray for blessing and discernment in this decision.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....(if you have heard news on this, please let me know! :))

*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 the Young family~That God would grow them to be the parents their son needs, that the remaining funds would be provided, that their adoption would proceed unhindered, and that their fears would be relieved.

Prayers for Family

Without giving too much info, my brother "S" was laid off this morning. He works at the same place as my husband.

My heart aches for him. This is so hard. He KNOWS God will work through this. He has confidence in God. Yet this did blindside him and his future plans. Can you please pray for his comfort and peace? Also, can you pray for him to find a job that will glorify God quickly?

I can see God's Hand already through this.

I'm going to hold onto this quote this morning, "Don't tell God how big your storms are, tell your storms how big your God is."

"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

Second Tax Letter...And We're Off!

Well, the second letter from the IRS about our adoption tax refund came today.

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This whole situation started with a "Oops, we need more info" (online).

Two weeks later we received the "official" letter that said, "Oops, we need more info!" (paraphrased).

Three and a half weeks after that we received a list of the info they were requesting.

We were ready though. Our H&R Block guy had already told us what they are requesting.

*Final adoption decree (if not sent, if already sent...send it again with more paperwork to just INSURE that they receive what's needed).
*Receipts for adoption expenses.
*A letter with an explanation of what's enclosed (recommended by our "guy").
*Your name and tax identification number on EVERYTHING (in case it gets separated).

Now I will say that they gave us this itty bitty envelope and asked for the info to be returned in it (when we really needed a monster one). We sent a monster one and are assuming that the IRS hit men won't show up :).

Seriously, I can somewhat feel for these guys...seriously. The MASSIVE amounts of paperwork they're handed (the thought gives me a headache). Almost no training ahead of time (the form needed only came out like a week before people started filing) and everyone frustrated with them.

Honestly, there IS an adoptive family I'm praying for (you know who you are!) that REALLY needs those funds now...it's providing for their family after a recent move. Many of the rest of us face this and it's not fun, even concerning....but as long as it comes it's doable for the short term.

This kind of refund for adoption hasn't happened before, so I'm really just trying to be thankful that it will happen (I'm holding onto that).

I am SERIOUSLY relieved to have received our second letter and mailed everything though. I was starting to wonder if I missed something...which occurs regularly in this house (smile).

"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

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

PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to list them at the end of most blog posts. 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 let me know any updates or how God answers. God is just so AMAZINGLY cool and a privilege to watch answer!!!

OUR PERSONAL PRAYER REQUESTS
*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad and everything and everyone effected. It is April repercussions are still being felt.

*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.

*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 remainder of our tax return to come through. We have received partial, but are still waiting for the remainder.

*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. We have had constant life "storms", thus the verse above.

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

April's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
*Please pray for our medical forms for China, that our tests results are wonderful. *Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray as we start to gather our dossier paperwork...that is without flaw and with God's perfect timing.

PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERSIf 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 Carrington who just arrived in March from Eastern Europe. She is 11lbs and three years old. She is fighting for her life.

*Please pray for little Selah, Lorraine's daughter, who has hydrocephalus and issues cropping up regarding this.

*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. There home study is ALMOST in their hands and now they are prayerfully considering a second sweet child as well. Please pray for blessing and discernment in this decision.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....(if you have heard news on this, please let me know! :))

*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 the Young family~That God would grow them to be the parents their son needs, that the remaining funds would be provided, that their adoption would proceed unhindered, and that their fears would be relieved.

Ian~A Way You Can Help

Russia has a very special place in our hearts. When we added our first adopted blessing to our family in 2003, we added Russian to our heritage.

Russian adoptions are some of the most expensive. Ransoming a child often is (see "Ransoming Our Children/Fundraising for Adoption"). In our first adoption of Max, we were young and didn't have a lot of knowledge of how expensive the process was compared to other countries. We just followed God and to this day, I have NO clue how we paid for the entire adoption.

Yes I do, God.

God is allowing us to act today. In honor of Chrissie and in honor of Ian, a little boy with Down Syndrome and a heart issue (that requires surgery in the States NOW).

Wait....I need to back up just a little bit.

Chrissie was admitted to the hospital for extensive heart surgery one year ago today. She was with us here on earth only a month after this surgery, but her life and inspiration lives on today. You can read about Chrissie below.

"Mission Boss Your Heart Memorial Blitz"

In honor of this last month on earth, the Patterson family is highlighting a different family in need each week. Ian is that need. Ian's family has turned down surgery in Russia.

Sweet friends, please understand why, though we love Russia...it's history and beauty...medically they don't have available what we do here. Ian NEEDS to have the surgery in the states. We've seen this ourselves and it needs to be HERE.

Their dossier is ready to go. They have immigration approval. Yet they don't have the money. Now is the time we can come together and aid our brother and sister in Christ. Now is the time we can step up and make a difference in the life of an orphan....a child of God. The cost of an average Russian adoption is over $40,000. They are $18,000 short. Is sounds like a lot, but it's not for God.

Though you can read the story on The Patterson's site above, here are the direct link to how you can help.

"Bringing Hope Home"

Above all, let's marinate Ian and his forever family in prayer.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9b-10

Video Announcing Jael to Our Littles!!!

Here is the video I promised a LONG time ago. We took this when we told our younger children about God's next blessing to our family...Jael.

It's short and not great quality, but we love the kids reactions!

*Anna had tears of joy for an entire day!
*Max could NOT believe it!
*We had to explain later to our sweet (then) four year old Bekah. She didn't completely understand what was going on. She danced when she figured it out :). Didn't think of turning on the camera then...oh well, I'm just amazed we remembered to catch this! (BIG SMILE)

Enjoy!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

P.S. They have the pictures that were in the envelopes taped to the walls beside their beds.

"LORD my God, I will praise you forever." Psalm 30:12b

Bekah's Fifth Birthday (Two Months Ago)

A couple months back our sweet Bekah turned five. I didn't want to post until I had pictures, because yes...she IS that cute! It's taken me this long to download our pictures. Yep, I'm slow...

Bekah blessed our family in 2007...she is our Ethiopian Princess.

Seeing her grow into a tender and sweet little girl has been an honor and privilege. She was only 15 months old when we first saw her big brown eyes and tentative smile in person. She has always been a joy and blessing.



All Bekah wanted to do on her birthday was go to IHOP. For six months she asked to go to IHOP for her birthday.



Of course she was a little surprised when they gave her the check.



Bekah has come far this year. She's in K-4 home school, memorizing scripture, learning to read, dancing and singing (always), and such a little servant at such a young age.

Bekah, always know you really are a princess...God's daughter. We love you. You are a joy, blessing, and our baby girl (always). May God's hand rest on you this year as you grow and glorify Him.

The Art of Complaining (for Parents)

Complaining, complaining go away
Don't come again some other day.

I don't want to know that you can't work on school
Because your assignment was dropped in the pool.

I don't want to know that life is blick
Because Jim can't come over since your sister is sick.

I don't want to know you can't dig up clean clothes
How they landed on the floor, nobody knows.

I know it's so awful, you feel there is no food
Could it be that you are in a terrible mood?

I understand that your angry; babies got into your work
If you remove it from the floor, you won't go berserk.

Your brother touched you, it makes you so mad
He rubbed on your head; he's such a cad

Yes, it is true, electronics are banned.
It's all our fault; we have such high demands.

I know that dessert, your ice cream is gone
It doesn't matter that your grounded; I'm still in the wrong.

Raising your voice as you complain
(Just a hint) insures you won't get your way.

Parents are mean, too tough, and cruel
You should know that by now we don't try to be cool.

It's amazing though, what you'll find out
When you have a child, just give me a shout

I'll have to chuckle when your toilet is flushed
And your son's little car is surrounded in mush.

I promise not to laugh too very hard
When you see that life now is just not so marred

Until then I'll pray, and pray that much more
That when grandchildren do come, they'll even the score.

Attachment Thoughts and A Post You Need to Read

Many of you know that I've written on attachment before, not as an expert (far from it) but thoughts as an adoptive mom.

"The Story of Attachment"

I've been delving into my thoughts on attachment as I finish reading "The Connected Child". There are so many levels to attachment and sensory issues. My thoughts and understanding have gained more depth in the last year, but I have so far to go.

Throughout this year we are trying to prepare ourselves and our family (and friends for that matter) for issues that MAY come up when our sweet soon to be three year old comes home. We want to educate ourselves to a greater degree, talk to those that have been through it, and prepare our children for what may be ahead.

We pray, and ask others to pray, for Jael's heart to be prepared. We ask for prayers that her transition is smoothed. God can do this. Yet we know that we may have lessons we need to learn from her little hurt heart.

As time passes and I can organize my thoughts, I will write more posts...in depth posts, on attachment and sensory issues. Not as an expert, but to share as we prepare.

This morning a read a beautiful and heartbreaking blog post. Sometimes the reality of the hurt our children go through is overlooked. I LOVE the honesty...beauty...reality of this post. I had our two oldest girls (who will travel with me to China) read it. The rest of our children will be read it tonight. Yes, it's that important....

If you are preparing your children, this post would be a great way to open up the lines of communication and teach them that the long awaited day...the day they meet their sister and brother...well, it may not be easy.

I can't wait to read the future journey of this family. It's a hard post, but it leaves you with so much hope.

"A Broken Hearted Beauty"

My Day Yesterday (Still Laughing)

At 3:30am we woke up our husband (my multiple personality Inga and I....hey, it was 3:30 in the morning) so he could go down to our Home School Co-op and sign up on a list. This would insure that we would be one of the first names called when registration started at 9:00am.

Couldn't go back to sleep...

Got the kids up at 6am and promised them McDonald's. We don't eat out very often and they were so excited. I needed to leave by 7:30am.

No one can find socks and I find myself threatening them with no McDonald's if they cannot find them (since I had told them the night before). I mean really! What happens if they got in an accident in dirty socks!

7:40am we step out the door and a teen decides it's chilly (though I told everyone it was chilly and to get a jacket on before we left). My teen runs back in, takes 10 minutes, and comes back out with jacket, wallet, and cell phone...but did look cool (big smile)

8:20am Bekah says (from the back of the car), "I don't feel so good mommy!" and proceeds to throw up.

At 8:30am we arrive at Co-op, registration filled out, forgot to write down a class.
*BTW our number on the list was seven. I love seven. I'm telling you that for absolutely no reason.

11:00am has us waiting for Anna to get out of her one Co-op class and I'm outside letting the twins run around...both teething...both running different directions. When they wouldn't listen I was a mean mommy and put them back in the stroller. They did not like that and tears poured down. That is after Gabe said, "No no no no no".

11:30am we left co-op and headed for the local Abeka teaching display. I love the 10% discount and free shipping (when I can't get used curriculum). The twins squealed the whole time playing. Anna was a wonderful helper. One of our sweet middle ones decided to play wrestle with a little girl we didn't know (this is a child that I hardly EVER have to reprimand). It was for the ONE second I wasn't watching (of course) and another mother was watching and came and told me, "You know, your little one is wrestling in back of you." Of course I sit my child down beside me. That's where our blessing was going to have to stay until I finished (since good choices were not made). Five minutes later, I look beside me and all I see is feet crawling away. Ummmmm....

1:00pm we headed out to our adoption agency to drop off our tax forms for the final part of our home study (so it can be emailed to our agency). I missed the exit (I've been there a MILLION times) and ended up on a different freeway. Finally I got turned around and was able to drop off the forms.

I threw my stroller in the back of the car as we left. A few blocks away I remembered I forgot to get my cell out of a compartment in the stroller. I asked Max to reach back and get it.
"Mommy, the compartment is open and it's not in there."
We stopped and searched the back, then turned around and went back to the spot on the street in which we parked. There was my cell upside down in a puddle along the roadside (fell out of my stroller when I was picking it up).

At 3:00pm we arrived back at co-op to pick up my teens. Thankfully a friend offered to be the "responsible adult" on campus for our teens. That they think I'm a "responsible adult" is a little funny.

4:00pm we made it to the grocery store. Gabe decided that he is going to grab everything I put in the cart. All the kids are usually AWESOME in the grocery store and I love going with them. This time though, Gabe starts acting up so much (with the tiredness and teething) that he swiped the donation box to the floor at the cash register.

We ended the day with Rachel laying on the floor, Gabe plopping down on her head, and bouncing...then pinching her ear.

I do NOT want to know what would have happened if God had not been with me yesterday.

I can't stop shaking my head and laughing. God is so good to love me through this awesome and crazy insanity!

"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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to list them at the end of most blog posts. 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 let me know any updates or how God answers. God is just so AMAZINGLY cool and a privilege to watch answer!!!

OUR PERSONAL PRAYER REQUESTS
*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad and everything and everyone effected. It is April repercussions are still being felt.

*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.

*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 remainder of our tax return to come through. We have recieved partial, but are still waiting to find out what we need to send in for extra documentation and have yet to recieve the letter.

*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. We have had constant life "storms", thus the verse above.

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

April's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
*Please pray for our medical forms for China, that our tests results are wonderful. *Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray as we start to gather our dossier paperwork...that is without flaw and with God's perfect timing.

PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERSIf 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 Carrington who just arrived in March from Eastern Europe. She is 11lbs and three years old. She is fighting for her life.

*Please pray for little Selah, Lorraine's daughter, who has hydrocephalus and issues cropping up regarding this.

*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....(if you have heard news on this, please let me know! :))

*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 the Young family~That God would grow them to be the parents their son needs, that the remaining funds would be provided, that their adoption would proceed unhindered, and that their fears would be relieved.

"Her Sweetness"

Drama (Tornadoes and Earthquakes), Prayer Requests, and Storms

The forecast is cloudy, with a chance of storms. Tired of the tempests in the "safe" areas of our lives, but we will survive (singing the Rocky theme song right now...smile).

We have a couple of things going on in our lives, again...unusual things, but they would very much be classified under the previous weather system.

The first is a situation that does not involve immediate family, but is a tough situation involving extended family. Emotional pain is going to happen and there is no way to avoid it...sigh. I can't get into it beyond this, but the winds are blowing and some thunder is on the horizon. Prayers would be appreciated, prayers for wisdom and love in speech, kindness in actions, and a resolution that brings peace all around.

Next, my husband is having to deal with unkindness...behind his back. This is just such an exceptionally painful thing for someone who attempts to face things and resolve them...for a wonderful man who tries to handle issues head on. It is in the professional area of his life. He could use prayers for peace and guidance in this area as well.

We've realized that every previously "safe" area, most in a minor way, are having storms blow through and waves rock. We're starting to see a pattern. What's cool is that God is using these situations.

He is using these situations, tornadoes and earthquakes that are taking place daily, to bring us a greater security in Him.

The world is unpredictable and life can throw out some zingers, but God is not. God is security and safe harbor. He is the only one with 100% accuracy that won't fail us.

We're learning, slowly (smile).

Now here is a mini prayer request...very mini. It doesn't matter hugely, but would simplify some things we need to do. We have misfiled, misplaced, or lost our 2009 tax return and W-2....both of which we need for the LAST item in our home study. Can you please pray we find our 2009 tax return and W-2 today? We are hitting the "search" button and hoping that we can have it in our hands to deliver on Monday. If we can't find it, we will need to go to our tax preparer and also my husband's work. It will take longer and may not be quick. We need to file our I800A with Immigration now in order to get our dossier completed within our 6 month deadline.

So, that's what's going on here. Storms, with guaranteed sunny skies ahead. Walking with God can make the heart sunny, even if situations in our lives don't.

By the way, did I mention we found two baby snakes in our yard this morning, some shingles that blew off our roof in a literal storm...and termites?

"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

Modesty~What Do Guys Think?

Thank you Lorraine for sharing this video!!!


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad and everything and everyone effected. It is April repercussions are still being felt.

*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.

*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. We have recieved partial, but are still waiting to find out what we need to send in for extra documentation.

*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. We have had constant life "storms", thus the verse above.

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

April's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
*Please pray for our medical forms for China, that our tests results are wonderful. *Please pray as we apply to Immigration. We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Please pray as we start to gather our dossier paperwork...that is without flaw.

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 Carrington who just arrived in March from Eastern Europe. She is 11lbs and three years old. She is fighting for her life.

*Please pray for little Selah, Lorraine's daughter, who has hydrocephalus and issues cropping up regarding this.

*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....(if you have heard news on this, please let me know! :))

*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 the Young family~That God would grow them to be the parents their son needs, that the remaining funds would be provided, that their adoption would proceed unhindered, and that their fears would be relieved.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

"Official" Home Study Approval, "I HOPE Those Are All Your Children", and Lice

Friday my husband's work computer crashed. The bath, shower, and toilet all refused to drain in our master bath (time for the "snake"). Finally, we had a fire in our oven from something we spilled and didn't know it...smoke filled the house. The last actually happened while we had a ton of friends over. My hair even smelled like smoke.

Saturday was filled with my husband driving a hour and a half to help with a move, little blessings (wonderful children), drama (not ours...as I stomp my foot), and time at a awesome friend's house. Got to admit, we love brave friends that invite all nine of us over.

Sunday, my husband had a pinched nerve that had us all surrounding him (such pain..much better now).

The "storms" are really getting funny, seriously. There are definitely good things going on for the "storms" to be happening this frequently.

Often I think the "storms" come because satan wants us distracted from the great things God is doing. The funny thing is, God uses those "storms" to grow us and bring us closer to Him. How cool is that?! God wins, satan loses.

Today we were told that we were "officially" approved to bring home our sweet Jael (home study wise). We knew we were, but got the "official" word today. WOO HOO!!!! How did we celebrate? Chocolate of course, one of my downfall foods, but that is another story...lol.

Then today we received a call...we have been "exposed" to lice by one of the blessings that was here. I admit it that, when my husband told me, I just laughed (and scratched my head).

I cannot fathom how it will be fighting lice if it has spread in this house. We've pulled off the pillows, blankets, and such that this little one played on. Now we wash and wait...

I'm thinking that if the little bugs show up, we just might name them and keep them as pets. After all, I couldn't think of a cheaper pet and my daughter LOVESSSS bugs (smile).

God is TOTALLY sustaining me and giving me SO many smiles. This stuff just doesn't matter in the big picture.

Oh, I could have gotten mad and frustrated today when we received the following lovely comment from a store clerk.

We have many who think we're nuts, but love the kids and us anyway (smile). They may not understand, but they are totally okay with that. And then there are others...

I have been preparing for comments like this. I knew they would come. Many don't even mean them as ugly, but just aren't thinking.

Today the store clerk looked at me (with all children standing around chatting) and said, "I HOPE these are all the kids you have. What is it, seven?!" It wasn't said in a particularly nice way. I just gave her a huge smile and said, "Nope, we have a daughter in China too."

Life is fun when you just realize the craziness it entails and celebrate it!

Crazy, crazy, crazy....

Dear "Storms",
We wanted to send you a letter of thanks. You have given us so much laughter that we may not have had otherwise. You may even be sending "pets" our way. How could we not thank you for that?!

I do want to mention that sunny days are near and sometimes one can overstay their welcome...just a thought.

Overcoming with God,
Kat

"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