Parents with pending Haiti adoptions:

Haiti adopting parents register your adoption with this organization, if you haven't already. They are lobbying for our kids to get humanitarian parole status. They say that Haiti has already lifted all exit restrictions. Now it's up the USA, Hillary and Janet... Pray people, pray. God is bigger than ALL of this. ...He can do it. http://www.jcics.org/index.htm

IF you are in process of adopting from Haiti READ THIS NOW!!!

I rec'd this from a fellow adoptive parent in Indiana. PASS IT ON. PRAY. Lena



Below is a portion of the briefing our office received from the Department of State in Washington . I wanted to make you aware of the information right away. I will contact you once any new information when it becomes available.

Adoptions Info

U.S. citizens with pending adoption cases in Haiti are requested to contact the Department of State at AskCI@state.gov for information about their adoption case. In your inquiry, please include: full name and contact information of parents, full name(s) of child(ren), date(s) of birth of child(ren) [if known], and the name and contact information of orphanage. Your constituents can find additional information about adoptions in Haiti at http://adoption.state.gov/news/Haiti.html#.

Family Needed

Family Needed

REALLY?!?!?

Image via Wikipedia

So I've heard bits and pieces of a new step being added to the Haitian adoption process. Really?!?!

The rumors have been swirling for the past month or two....

The first version said that the adoptive dad had to go to court in Haiti and appear before a judge to state that he was aware of the adoption, and really wanted to adopt the child(ren). Really?!?!

The second-third and fourth versions said both adoptive parents had to appear in person and confirm their desire to adopt. Really?!?!

That does appear to be the case, at least at the moment. I am aware of several families that are in Haiti right now, due to this new requirement. I hope to learn more after they return to the States.

Because we are in the early stages of the Haiti side of things (it pains me to even type that because we are at over 14 months in the process already and we are in the early part of the Haiti side of things), we have time to prepare and plan (ie raise money). I will also be looking into if it is possible for us to complete this step early-before we get to that stage of the "process". That could save an added trip.

For us, each week long trip to Haiti costs us between $1400-$1800 per person. We could save a few bucks by staying a shorter time. But we sort of figure if we are going to dole out the money for the airfare, we might as well enjoy some time with our boys and help out at the Orphanage.... It seems silly to go that far for less than a week. But that is an option.

Some other families were in the later stages, and this new step has the potential to significantly delay their process. As if 2-4 years was not enough time to process an adoption. Really?!?!

What appears to be true is that this is a certain judge, in a certain court, in a certain city. And yes, that is where our stuff will go. So it is possible that this step will evaporate before we get there. Or more steps could be added. Really?!?!

It also appears to be true that this is a politically motivated change. And that the people who "decided" this step was necessary KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THE ADOPTION PROCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously-as creative and outside the box I tend to think I cannot come up with a way that I would be able to do this without my husband's willing participation. The money. The letters. The home-study. The BLOOD TESTS. The photos. The tax returns. The multiple sets of finger prints. The psychological evaluation. The medical exams. Did I mention the money? or the BLOOD TESTS?!?! Really?!?!

Honestly, it tells me that the "powers that be" have no idea of what the U.S. requires for parents to be approved to adopt (that is a legal/court process). But worse, it tells me that the "powers that be" have no idea WHAT THEIR OWN COUNTRY REQUIRES.

There are different theories as to why this new step. I am not going to get into the reasons why.

I don't care. I really don't care why.

This is not something I am going to be able to change.

So I've got to let it go, or I will go crazy.


I.
Will.
Go.
Crazy.


And not the fun, goofy, silly, funny kind of crazy that I love to be.

The lock-me-up-in-a-room-medicate-and-restrain-me-so-I-don't-hurt-myself-or-anyone-else-and-throw-away-the-key-kind of CRAZY.

SNAP. What's that you say?
That's my break from reality.
My psychotic break.
It could happen.

So I've got to let it go.

This is a battle, people.
We need prayer to get it done.
God is not surprised by this.
God is still in control.
We need to hit our knees in prayer.
There is no other option.
None.

Join us, and the other families caught in this "process" and the children growing up in orphanages when there are loving families that CAN and WANT to provide for them.

Love them.
Feed them.
Snuggle them.
Teach them.
Care for them.
Pray for them.

Pray for us.
Pray for me.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world

and against the spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

One year ago.....

Image by hoyasmeg via Flickr

I took a step of faith, obeying God and following Him way, way, WAY out of my comfort zone. I don't know if I can convey just how far out of my comfort zone this was....you'll just have to trust me on this one. (One example, I used to get nervous driving to CANADA. seriously. I used to be so fear-based, it blows my mind, looking back.)

I went on my first short term mission trip ever last year at this time.

When our church started planning the mission trips for that year, there were 3 or 4 separate trips planned, to different countries. In the early planning stages, the meetings were held jointly for all the different trips. The various leaders would present information on the country and the projects that the team would be doing while in country. Then we would split up into smaller groups based on the country/team/trip we were most interested in.

I went to the meetings, because I have always been interested in missions.

But I never had the __________________ (time, money, ability, group to go with, faith, etc., you fill in the blank with any excuse you can think of, and I had it) to go.

I would listen to the plans and discussions and think, that'd be neat, but I never did anything about it.

Eventually it came time to commit (*uh-oh, I have commitment issues also) to one trip, one country.

Haiti just "floated to the top" of my interest list. It wasn't like there was a big flashing neon sign or an audible word from God, but more like it just felt right. Haiti got "under my skin" and "into my heart" from the begining.

And so, I went about making plans.

Passport. Check.
Shots. Check.
Time off work. Check.
Fundraising. Check.
Gathering supplies. Check.
Reading all I could about Haiti and Three Angels Children's Relief. Check.
Packing. Check.

I remember the anxiety mixed with excitement.

I remember the full blown fear that tried to turn to panic at times.

I remember thinking of all the good I was going to do. (this one is funny in hindsight)

I remember wondering if I was doing the right thing, for the right reasons.

I remember getting negativity and objections and an overall lack of support from some people. Some of which I expected. Others were a shock.

I remember raising exactly the amount I needed to pay for this trip, down to the dollar, by the deadline/due date.

Even on the day of departure, there were things that came up that in the past, would have made me change my mind and stay home. But somehow, this day, this time was different. When the "things" came up, I became more determined-I viewed the obstacles as confirmation that I was indeed on the right path.

And so, I took a leap of faith.

And I will be forever grateful that I did.

For it is on that first trip that I met the children that God had chosen for our family from the beginning of time.

And I began what I have come to call our "adoption adventure". And what an adventure it has been and will continue to be.

I still don't know when the boys will come home, but God does.

I still can't see how I am going to pay all of the adoption fees, but God has a plan.

I don't know what sort of emotional or behavioral issues the boys are going to have or not have. But God does, and He will equip us to deal with whatever it is that we will need to deal with, in the right time, His perfect timing.


What I CAN see is this:

I now have now is a deeper and closer relationship with God. It is mind-blowing at times.

I am starting to get and really understand what words like: surrender, acceptance, trust, love and faith look and feel like.

I have a stronger and more intense prayer life.

I have a building confidence in God as my provider.

I have many many more opportunities to share with all sorts of people what God has done in my life, how He has adopted me, into His family. How I am not who I was.

I have friends all over the world who share the same passion for people less fortunate than we are. I have friends, oh, do I have a whole new network of friends: for prayer, for support, for venting, for encouraging, for learning, for understanding, for listening, for crying together.

And I have a family. A mother's love. A connection to two children that I did not give birth to.

And even if these children never come home to live with us, I will have gained much. No matter what happens in this world, I have gained much from this "adoption adventure" that started with a simple step of faithful obedience.

And for that, I am grateful.

Moved.
To.
Tears.
Grateful.

On.
My.
Knees.
In.
Humble.
Prayer.
Grateful.


Readers, if God is telling you to do something, please do not delay and miss out on the blessings He wants for you. Obedience is the key. Stepping outside of our comfortable lives is the key. I implore you not to put off obeying God.

God is good.

He loves you.

He's not mad at you.

He wants you back.

No matter what.

I get it now. I finally get it, God.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Mathew 6:34

Items added to online auction site

Including some handmade in Haiti jewelry, other Haitian souvenirs and even a kids DVD. Plus there are still a bunch of other items available-either because of no bids or because winning bidders did not pay.

To "meet" the Haitian woman who made the newest jewelery to be posted, click here for a quick introduction.

Click here to check it out and bid on what you like. Remember all funds raised are used to help us with adoption expenses. If you want a tax receipt for a donation contact me first as there are different steps to take to keep everything legit.

Please help spread the word. Our online auction will be this week's featured item/link on this blog. You could email your friends-from the individual item listing, you could post a link on your blog, facebook, myspace or twitter accounts. Any thing would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Quick Update-I have been speechless for a few days.

This is a bit of a bipolar post. Full of ups and downs. My life is sort of like that these days. Friends and family moving away. Job changes. Financial stuff. Decisions. Big decisions. Small decisions. I don't think I am losing it. Maybe I am. But if I was, I don't think I would be aware of it, do you? Hmmmm. I'm pretty aware that my emotions are all over the place right now. I think that I just have to laugh or cry. Sometimes, both at the same time. So read on, at your own risk. LOL


Last week, I got an email from USCIS that says they have made a "favorable determination" regarding our AOF application. What this means is that USCIS has reviewed documents submitted and at least initially found that the boys meet the legal definition of orphan, as is required for immigration to the United States. That is good news. It's one small step in a process full of big and small steps. I don't really think it means we are any closer or anything like that-it just means that one thing has been accomplished. The letter tells me to pursue the adoption abroad, and then submit those documents to USCIS for a final approval. And it gives a deadline of September 2009. THAT made me laugh out loud.

In reviewing the letter, I also saw something else, that was not good news.

It's strange, because it is not something that I did not know.

I mean, I did already know this, but there was something about seeing it in black and white that just sort of took my breath away. Part of the documents reviewed include the forms/paperwork that the birth family filled out when they relinquished the boys to the orphanage.

Now I KNEW how long my boys have lived there. I have seen the pictures and talked to people involved with the orphanage long before me. This was not new information to me, but seeing the date in black and white really did a number on me. It took my breath away. It broke my heart. It forced me to my knees and to cry out to God. I have cried for the last several days, off and on. Fine one moment, not fine the next. Better when I don't think about it. But it's pretty hard not to think about it.

They have been there too long. That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a good place. They are happy. They are loved. They are fed. They are cared for. They are learning. It is a good place and I'm HAPPY they are there, for the alternative could be so much worse. And yet, it saddens me deeply because children belong in families, not in orphanages. Period. end of story.

I pray for the children-these two boys especially, but for all the children living in group settings or worse, on the streets. Who will care for them? Who will do something?

I read a verse recently that said (my paraphrase) not to steal from orphans BECAUSE GOD IS THEIR DEFENDER..........and defend He will. I can't recall where the verse was exactly, I think it was in Proverbs. God is the defender of orphans. That's pretty powerful. I like the image.

I pray that God protects these children's hearts. I pray that He helps me deal with it-and I pray that people will step up and DO SOMETHING for these precious children.

Like Tara L.

See the side bar (back on the upper left hand side of this blog page) for this week's feature and read about what she is doing. Click on the before/after picture of the little boy and read about what Tara is doing. She's an American living in Haiti. Has been there for four+ years. Has bio and adopted children. Teaching women skills. Making a difference, and running a marathon to save the lives of Haiti's malnourished children-you can help, right there from the comfort of your own computer screen. Click on the link, read the stories and give if you feel led to give.

I pray that God's people will DO SOMETHING.

Homesick for Haiti

Here are two wonderfully written posts- I couldn't have said it any better. I have no news, nothing has changed in our adoption. So it's not a bad news day. It's just another no news day, of which there will be many many many more.

I'm feeling Haiti homesick at the moment. To feel better, I pray. And I look at pictures and videos. That helps, some.

I'm really missing the boys today. Wish I could hop on a plane.....

at any rate, here's what I wanted to share with you today.

Adoption Delays

and

What's Wrong With Us?

Life. Death. Adoption. Attachment.

Our last Christmas together.

Today is the fourth anniversary of my mom's transition from this life to eternal life.

Four years.

48 months.

208 weeks.

1460 days.

Wow.

That is hard to fathom.

On one hand, it feels like yesterday.

On the other hand, it seems like an eternity ago.

Four years.

Throughout my life, I have lost many things.

Dreams.

Plans.

Hopes.

Relationships.

Pets.

Money.

The "ideal."

Jobs/Careers.

Innocence.

I have also lost other people. Acquaintances. Friends. Children of friends. Relatives. This was not my first experience with death. I attended funerals. I cried for those other people and their families. I was sad. Down. Blue. Grieving. Or so I thought. I guess in my own limited capacity, I was indeed grieving.

When my mom died it was an experience (pain) like no other. Now that I am on this Adoption Adventure and learning more about "attachment" I look back on that time, and can really see exactly what "attachment" is. The only problem is that you can't really see "attachment." It's not something you can hold in your hand and measure. The pain and grief that I experienced when my mom died was different than those earlier losses.

More intense.

More excruciating.

More painful.

And that, my friends, is evidence of "attachment." As complicated as my relationship with my mother was at times, there is absolutely no question that we shared "attachment."

As I watch my friends and relatives and their children interact, I do see glimpses of "attachment." I see the infants cry when their mom puts them down or leaves the room. I see the preschoolers come running to their moms when they fall down or when the other kids aren't being nice and their feelings are hurt. I see kids whisper to their mom because they are too shy to talk in front of me or the group of adults that is gathered around someones kitchen island. I even see "attachment" in the way a big (teenage) brother looks out for one of his younger siblings.

It seems to me that "attachment" is something that is learned. Over time. Parents who give birth to their kids and/or adopt them as an infant have a leg up on fostering "attachment" over those of us adopting older children. This is part a function of time, and part a function of infancy. A new born baby requires a lot of time and attention. And a newborn baby is so small, so precious, so cute, that we (adults) feel warm and fuzzy toward that baby, automatically (in most instances).

If baby cries and a parent meets the need-comforts the child, the child feels warm and fuzzy and "attachment" is created. And then reinforced over and over by the positive interactions and care giving of the parent to the child. This happens millions of times during infancy, and the child learns to trust that his/her needs will be met. As opposed to the child living in a neglectful or abusive situation, on the streets, or in an orphanage setting. In those situations, often, the child cries/has a need and there is not an adult available to meet the need. Or worse, the expressed need is met by abuse or harm. So the child learns that he/she must meet their own needs, and eventually shuts down the feeling of need, because it is just too painful to express a need and have it go unmet. This is a useful survival skill, but it will be a problem in future relationships. It will be a block to true intimacy and connection.

Now for those of us adopting older children, the good news is that this "attachment" can be learned (in my opinion). You can meet the needs of your older adopted child by treating them as you would an infant.

For a season.

Responding to their needs. Promptly.

Figuring out what their different cries mean.

Comforting them.

Feeding them.

Rocking them.

Snuggling/cuddling them.

Paying attention to them.

Being fully present with them.

Trying to figure out what their (mis)behavior is telling you.

Spending time with them.

Helping them build a vocabulary to ask for what they need.

Remember, that even though your child is older, chronologically, they are in a different place (younger) developmentally. Even that child that acts more mature and all grown up. Perhaps, especially that child.

So, when my older kids come home, and you see me "babying" them, don't judge. When we request some time alone, just our immediate family and the new arrivals, don't be upset.

Just know that I am trying to teach them that I am the one they can come to when they need something. Know that I am trying to help them unlearn some stuff they've learned along the way and re-learn what it means to be a child, to be loved, nurtured and taken care of and kept safe.

Eventually, they will get it. At least that is my prayer. Once they "attach" to me, they will be able to "attach" to others and to God. After all, that is the "attachment" that matters most. If they can't do it with me, their mama, how on earth can we expect them to develop healthy relationships with other people and a healthy spiritual condition? That is my job, to point them toward their heavenly Father-who is the only one who can meet all our needs. If I can do that, I have done my job.

I "get" what attachment is now, because I have experienced the loss of it. Or more accurately, the loss of someone to whom I was very attached. It's one of those concepts that you have to experience to "get." And, I have survived the loss. Learned a lot. Grown closer to God, mostly out of necessity. I had no choice but to crawl up into my "Papa's" lap and be comforted. And comforted I was. Amazingly. Indescribably. Beyond words. And my "attachment" to God has grown because I was Held (Natalie Grant song) There's the blessing in disguise-the silver lining in the cloud.

I started to "feel like my self again" around the 3 year mark of my mother's death. The pain stopped being so sharp and, well, painful that I thought I would die. Literally, there were days (months and years, actually) that I thought the pain would kill me.

It.

Was.

Physical.

Like my heart would explode.

It became less and less-and one day it was like a veil was lifted-the fog cleared a little and I felt....different. Not like "my old self" as that person is gone, different, changed now. But I felt different.....I don't really know how else to describe it. Peaceful? Accepting? Accepted? Comforted? Confident that I am loved?

Now, at the four year mark, the acute, sharp physical pain is gone. And in it's place is more of a dull ache. I just plain miss her. I wish she was here to share all this Adoption Adventure stuff with. And to share what God's been doing in my life. Oh, do I wish she were here and oh, do I miss her. But that is selfish. She's hanging out with God and is HEALED. And "at least a thousand times, I've rejoiced for" her (from the song Homesick by Mercy Me). But I no longer feel like I am going to die. And I have a deeper appreciation of the concept of "attachment" and my "attachment" to God has grown. So, that's progress.

May is a bittersweet month for me. The entire month is an up and down roller coaster of emotion. There's lots of highs and lows. Happy and sad things to celebrate/remember during this month. Add to that the things (milestones) going on with our Adoption Adventure (read about Steeve here and Jean Baptiste here)

I have learned to just "go with the flow" most of the time, and not fight it. Fighting it is my natural inclination. I practice a lot of radical acceptance "it is how it is" sort of stuff. I talk to God a lot. When I am able to listen, I receive even more comfort and "peace in the midst of chaos" as the (Sanctus Real) song goes. And my "attachment" to God is strengthened.

God wants YOU to know that He's not mad at you. He wants YOU back. He's waiting with open arms for you to crawl up in His lap and receive comfort and love. No matter where YOU've been or what YOU've done or gone through, God IS NOT MAD AT YOU. And He wants you back. Take it from me. I've experienced it. It's true.

In memory of my mom, this week has 2 featured links up in the side bar-on the left side of the screen. One will take you to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio's page "Myths about Hospice" Go there and learn something. Share it with a friend or family member. Those Hospice folks were a God-send-a true blessing. I wish we had involved them sooner.

The other is a how to guide to breast self exam. Click on the pic that says "feel your boobies" to go to the guide, then do it. Share it with a friend.

God Bless.

A reminder for me....

I love Ephesians 3:20.

It stuck in my head one time, a looong time ago.

I was attending a church with one of those suit wearing, leather Bible carrying pastors from the South. You know the pastor that gets a little fired up when he's preaching? Always moving around on the stage/in the pulpit. Looking right at ya. Sometimes hollerin'. Usually getting red in the face-he's so on fire with what he is saying-the kind that makes you wanna yell "PREACH IT BROTHER!!" even though you wouldn't dare? (or at least I wouldn't dare) LOL.


I loved that man's preachin'. He could get me fired up. And this is one of those times when he did just that. The passage is from Ephesians chapter 3, and it's verse 20 that is forever ingrained in my head and my heart.

Here it is in several different versions.

New King James:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,


New Living Translation:

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.


New International Version:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,


English Standard Version:

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,


New American Standard Bible:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

**********************************************************

I think that I like this verse so much because it is a good reminder. It helps me to get God out of the box I have a tendency to (sometimes) put Him in.

And, because I have a pretty vivid imagination. I'm one of those people who prefers to read a book rather than see the movie because it is always, somehow, better in the book (and therefore in my head/imagination) than the movie. I picture the way the people in the book look. I can smell the smells, feel the feelings-imagine the entire thing-a movie of my own making, with help from the author. If I've read the book, you can pretty much put money on the fact that I will be disappointed in the movie.


And this verse reminds me that although I can imagine some pretty great stuff. Our God is able to do much much more than I can imagine, think or ask.

Exceedingly more.

Abundantly more.

Immeasureably more.

Infinitely more.

Wow.


I.

Can.

Imagine.

Some.

Pretty.

Great.

Awesome.

Wonderful.

Terrific.

Stuff.

Really.

I.

Can.

In fact, I have even been a part of some really great, awesome, wonderful, terrific things in life.

Moments when the world seems as it should be-all is right with the world.

My family is all together.

Or enjoying the breathtaking beauty of God's Creation

whether that be a newborn baby

or the vastness of the ocean

or the quiet coolness of a mountain breeze

or the gift of an awesome meal

or watching a reunion between a mom and her adopted child

or watching children I've grown to love come home to their forever families

or a moment of tender loving care

or a piece of dark chocolate ;-)

or a moment of Peace

or a moment of helping someone see and understand and feel the depth of God's love for them

or a teachable moment where I see a child GET something-really GET it, understand it and learn it.

Or __________________ you fill in the blank.

I could go on and on.


Little bits of heaven on earth.


And God can do MORE than that.


WAAAAY more than that.

Wow.

Lord, thank you for reminding me WHO YOU ARE.

Please forgive me for sometimes putting you in a box.

Please help me to see what you see-give me your eyes as the (Brandon Heath) song goes.

Help me to do your will, to play my part in your plan-whatever that may be.

Thank you for adopting me into your family.

Thank you for allowing us to take part in this Adoption Adventure.

Help me to keep my eyes on You and not on my problems or perceived obstacles, while we journey together so that I may be an encouragement to others and bring GLORY TO YOU.

Help me to stay surrendered to Your will and to submit this entire Adoption Adventure to You. After all, those children belong to You, not to me.

Thank you for the abundant blessings you have already given me, I am grateful.

Humbled.

and.

Awed.

Another bittersweet moment....

Got an email today that my baby, little Jean Ba has been moved downstairs at the Orphanage. What this means is that he's a big kid now. He's not in the nursery with the babies any more. Boo hoo.

Of course, I knew this was coming-the last time I was there, I put the lil stinker in his crib and stepped away to watch him swiftly climb right out. And there was no teetering, no struggling, he just climbed out. easily. I remember thinking, no wonder he didn't fuss when I put him down. He was quite aware of this (new to me) skill he had developed. So there was no need to fuss. Just wait, and then get out. :-)

So I'm sad that he's growing so fast. But I'm happy too. And I'm sad that I missed the transition-I didn't get the chance to take down his crib and get him his first big boy bed. I'm happy that now he's closer to his big brother. And I'm happy that he's downstairs with the bigger kids, it will be good for him.

Bittersweet.

Thank you, Lord.

These two precious babies are home with their forever family in the states. Woohoo!

Children really do come home from orphanages in Haiti.

Please pray for these boys and their forever family as they make this big transition. Pray for it to go well, attachment to develop, cement, and for their emotional and physical needs.

This makes 5, FIVE-count 'em 5 children to come home from the O in the past week. There are at least 4 more close behind.....wow!

On my heart today, are a few additional prayer requests-for the birth families in Haiti-as their children transition home, pray for comfort and peace for the families that made an adoption plan for their children because they thought it was the best thing for them. Also, pray for the nannies and staff at the orphanage. They provide the day to day care of these children, and love them as their own. Pray for them as this wave of children comes home. And also, pray for the children still at the orphanage. They may be sad and missing their friends. And wondering why their forever families don't come to get them and take them home.

Oh, and a few of you have inquired about Jefferson-I don't have any new news-I'm going with the no news is good news theory. Please continue to pray for his health though, and for God's hand to be on the whole situation and to really work a miracle. I'll post news when/if I hear more.

Your prayers matter. Thanks!

And another Haitian child moves closer to home....

I was contacted by another mom, who I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting in the real world, and she let me know that her daughter is almost home too-at the very end of the process...and they are praying she gets home before her birthday, which is in June.

Click here to read Abbie's blog.

That makes 9 NINE 9 children close to going home at Three Angels. (at least that I am aware of. I am not keeping an official list, this is just from moms/dads I have traveled with or met via blogland or facebook).

Wowsers.

So exciting!

God is great.

and another family is almost home....

This post would account for 2 more of the 8 kids I think are almost home/through the Haitian adoption maze. That brings the total to 7. I don't think the 8th family blogs.....but I know there is one more child that is almost ready to go home.

Lara


Yippee! Lord bring these precious children home to the families you chose for them. Please do it soon! Thank you!

My heart is going to burst....good news in Haitian Adoptions

My heart is going to burst with joy, and in a good way......

:-)

Click on the names to read the good news.

Cara

Kathy

I'm so happy for these families. And I'm aware of a few others that have had movement in their files this week. I think the last time I did a quick count, there are about 8 children in the end stages....almost home to their forever families at the orphanage where the boys are........The two families above account for 5 children.

Praise God.

I'm so excited.

God is faithful.

God is great.

Movement in the Haitian adoption process.

WOOHOO!

God Moments.....part two

click here to read God Moments part one


I've had a super busy week, weekend and I'm at the start of another busy week. It's funny how life is like that, sometimes. I have actually had something to do every single night for the past 8 or 9 days. In addition to work at my job and my practice. Oh, and chores at home, shopping, bills, other commitments. You know, this grown up, adult life I am supposed to be living. (when did I become a grown up? is there some where I can file a grievance? lol)

I'm doing okay, but I am tired.

I think I will survive though. :-)

We had a busy and productive weekend, and on Sunday, I was able to stay close to home, in fact, I didn't venture out at all. It was nice for my introverted self to have a day at home. I did a lot of things, but I was at home, one of my favorite places in the world.

Then we're on to the start of the week. Mondays, I normally only see a few clients in my private practice office. Yesterday was different though, I had been asked to fill in at the hospital for a co-worker. So it was an especially busy day, because I was doing both things in the same day, and I have a study that I do on Monday evenings. So I knew starting out it was going to be a long day. And right now, Tuesdays are a little like that too. Not as tough as this Monday, but still a long day.

I was feeling a little weary, but not excessively. I wasn't even grouchy, at this point in my Monday. I'm working so hard now, so we can reach some goals, both for the adoption and ourselves. Raising kids is expensive and hard work, so we are using this time to prepare. So I have a goal, and that helps me to push through the tiredness and keep moving. And the person that I'm covering for most of the time at the hospital is returning next week, so that will alter my schedule and my pay check significantly. As I mentioned before, I could use the break.


And then, the God moment happened.

You know how sometimes, things seem to converge all at once....the music playing, the sights, the sounds, the smells, the thoughts? I don't know, maybe this only happens to me......but at any rate, it does happen to me sometimes.

I was driving to work and I got stopped at a red light. No big deal. I'm not late, it's all good.

This is a bad habit that I have developed recently-I picked up my phone to look at it and see if I had any new message. I wish I wouldn't do that while I was driving. But this time, it turned out to be a good (God) thing. And I was stopped at a red light.

So, I'm in the car. Stopped at a red light. I look at my phone and see an email notification that I have received a payment from someone via ChipIn & PayPal. It takes me a second to realize....that this blessing, this gift is from a stranger. And it is a generous gift. At first, I'm confused, I don't know why I'm getting money from Paypal. I don't have any current listings on ebay. Then I remember the ChipIn link on my blog.

At the same instant that I'm processing all of this, the radio suddenly comes into my awareness.

A man's voice is singing

"There's a light at the end of this tunnel.
There's a light at the end of this tunnel.
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you."

Just like that. A warm, sweet, simple God moment. I felt God's love and encouragement. He will provide. He IS providing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, for me. A bit of encouragement at just the right time. A reminder that God is in control and I don't need to worry or stress out so much. I can get through this week. And guess what? Next week I'll be on my way to Haiti, another one of my favorite places in the world.

:-)

That song played in my head all day long.

Never underestimate the power of giving.....whether it be money, food, an encouraging word, a friendly smile.......You never know how God plans to use it to bless someone else who really needs it. At just the right time. At just the right moment. In just the right way.

God is great.

God moments....part one

When I sat down to write this post, I had a different result in mind. However, this is how it came out, and so perhaps some body out there needs to read it. I will continue with part two-which is what I wanted to tell you about at first....but here is God Moments, part one.....

I have experienced instances of what I have come to call "God moments." I have these moments, when it's as if all of my senses are heightened-and I can see/hear/feel/sense God in that moment. Sometimes, it's a moment of clarity that hits like a bolt of lightning. Sometimes it's a gentle reminder of something I need to hear. Often, it happens in times of pain-grief or sadness over some situation or relationship or loss. Often, it is right smack in the middle of a seemingly normal moment in a busy day. This post is about the first kind. Part two is about the second kind.

Some of the most recent God moments were during a dark time in my life. I have identified 3 seasons in my life that are what you could call "dark nights of the soul". Painful, excruciating seasons that when they were happening, I wasn't sure I would survive. Tough times, but tougher than most. Times when I thought the pain would surely kill me. The first two dark times, I did not turn to God. I tried to do things my way. To deal with the pain and the problems in my own way, on my own timing. What a joke! All I did was succeed in making things worse. Hurt myself and other people along the way.

By the time the 3rd dark season came along, my relationship with God had really started to blossom and grow. I found a Bible teaching church that was about Relationship, not religion. I had some honest to goodness, sincere, growing Christian friends. People who understood a lot more about God's real character than I ever learned in my "religion". And this season was the darkest of my life so far. The hardest thing I've had to live through so far. And I could see it coming. My mom had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She was dying.

On some level I had gained enough understanding to know that my ways were not working and that I was not going to be able to get through this season on my own. So I made a choice. I remember it clearly-I said to God, "okay, I'm going to do it Your way. Instead of trying to avoid the pain and run away, I'm going face it. But You will have to get me through it, because I can NOT do this. I believe You when You say that You will be with me, and I believe that Your ways are better than mine."

And that has made all the difference.

• I turned TO God instead of myself/my own ideas/ways for coping (ie avoiding).
• I turned to a select few trusted friends.
• I turned to prayer, my own (when I could) and asked others to pray for me when I could not.
• I turned to the pain, instead of trying to pretend "I'm okay."

The day of my mother's funeral has been the hardest day of my life, so far. I got through it by the grace of God, helped by the prayers of many Christ following friends. I literally experienced it like this story out of the book of Exodus (17:12-13):

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

I felt people holding me up in prayer. As if good friends were hugging me, supporting me and helping me walk through that day. Holding my arms and my head up, because I could not do it myself. People were there, with me-what a gift that is. People who couldn't be there, physically, were there in spirit-in prayer. And I felt it. I felt people holding my hands up because I couldn't do it.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF YOUR PRAYERS.

And you know what I am learning on this journey we call following Christ?

God is good.

How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!
Psalms 116:5

God is kind.

Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin? Romans 2:4

God is loving.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

God is close to the broken-hearted.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, Isaiah 61:1

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

God is faithful and can be trusted.

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Chronicles 1:9



These are not just words on a page. They are God's Word. They are love letters from God to me. And to you. I have not just read these words, I have experienced them. I have lived them.

Bottom line:

God's ways are better than mine.

God loves and accepts me, even when I screw up. The same is true for you. Honestly, it is true for you too.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you have questions about it? A strong reaction one way or the other? Click "additional thoughts" Let's talk about it.

Click here to read God Moments part two (what I originally sat down to tell you about)

Thanks for praying...

Hi all,

Thanks for your prayer support.

We appreciate it a great deal.

We did not end up having our appointment while we were in Haiti.

Talk about frustrating.

However, I am coming to terms with it by remembering this:

And we know that God causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God

and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 NLT

We love God, and we KNOW that He put this (our family) together, so we trust Him to work it out.

Also it means we get to go back and visit the boys again, sooner, rather than later.

We're trusting God to work that out too.

We don't know when or how, we can't see a way.

But we have faith that God will provide the way and the timing.

So we are frustrated but determined.

God is great.

All the time.

No matter what.

Got it!

I got the I71h approval letter this morning!!

I made copies of it.

WOOHOO!!

Thanks for your prayers and support. Please keep them coming. Pray that we have the appointment that we need to have while we are there, and that it goes without a hitch...no delays....and all paperwork is in order.

Thanks.

God is great!

quick update

I think I might just get this done......

I made 237 copies yesterday, and that was only about half of what I needed-this is the part I did at the copy/office store. I did some in my own office, but my machine is super duper slow. So I'd say that the 237 is about half.

I got the other last minute things I was waiting on-back from the translator.....

And tomorrow (Weds.) morning, I am to meet Officer "Lovely" and pick up the much needed I71h approval letter. WOOHOO!

Prayer meeting at our house on Friday to cover the entire dossier with prayers before we take it down and submit it.

If you can't come, please pray with us on Friday. That each piece of paper would be exactly what is needed. That there is no more/no less info than required. That God would keep His hand on these documents as they move through the process. That they would MOVE through the process-fly through. That's not humanly possible, but with God, all things are possible. That this part of the process would go as quickly as possible-all the while, we trust God's wisdom and perfect timing and praise Him for what He has already done, and for what He will do. That we will have our DHS appointment during the week we are scheduled to be in Haiti and that there would be no delay in getting things moving.


God is great!