They are REALLY here!

I prayed for these children,

and the Lord has granted me

what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

Careless in the care of God

It occurred to me recently that I often post and/or request prayer with problems and needs. I've been working on that-being more thankful and aware of my blessings. I am blessed and I know it. Most of the time, I know it.

My friend Stephanie's post encouraged me and reminded me of my desire to be more thankful and encouraging in my daily life. Her post also served as a reminder for me to continue to do what I can for who I can....helping however, whenever.....because I just never know what small act of kindness, smile, card, word of encouragement may mean to someone.

So, I thought I would share a few praises with you.

1) We both get to travel to Haiti next month to visit with the boys. This is in part due to our scrimping and saving and in part due to a VERY GENEROUS gift from someone in our church family. In fact, we were getting ready to talk (fight) over which one of us was going to get to go, because we only had enough money for one of us to go. And then, the generous gift. Thank you God, for allowing this family to bless our family. Thank you for their faithfulness and obedience in the area of finances that allow them to bless others. Thank you also for the encouragement.

2) We had what I think had to be the world's largest garage sale this past weekend. Seriously, I have never seen so much stuff. It was overwhelming! We had friends make signs, put up signs, loan us tables, donate their stuff, work with us to organize, bring us donuts and coffee, help us find a home for the left overs and so much more. One friend even brought her kiddos and set up a lemonade stand for donations. And of course, some friends shopped. :-) The long days and hard work paid off with almost exactly what we need to pay the remainder of our program fee to the orphanage.

3) Awhile back (actually coming up on a year ago), I was blessed with a part time job opportunity that I can do and work around my practice. It started as a pool (sub) position, and has since morphed into a part time position with benefits. I was not actively seeking a job when this came about, in our current economic downturn, I believe it to be an answer to prayer over our finances and adoption expenses.

4) My husband's business has been up and down, (he's a contractor/remodel guy) and yet we have always had what we needed, when we needed it.

There are other blessings, but you get the idea. God is great. He cares about the details and He is providing for our family.

I am blessed and thankful.


Matthew 6:26-34 (The Message):

^{25 -26}"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

^{27 -29}"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

^{30 -33}"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Prayers & Praises

Praising God for what he's doing for the children of Haiti via the "hands and feet" of Christ. Check this out: Tara Livesay A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Today, we are T-minus 46 days from our planned arrival in Haiti with the Parkway Christian Church team. Not that I am counting or anything. Not that I am excited or anything. Tonight, we are have a BBQ at our house with the team members traveling (maybe 11 of us or so?) and their families. Can't wait to hang out and get some more details.
Can't wait to squeeze my boys again.
Pray for the details (funds, supplies, projects, good health etc.) to come together for this team. We need more supplies to take with us.

Got some new pics from a mom that was just in Haiti-Thanks Sarah. The pics do my heart a world of good, while I wait.

We are planning a garage sale next weekend. We have gotten a LOT of GREAT stuff donated to sell. It's amazing. I'm excited, and a little overwhelmed. Lots of work to do....but we are praising God for the opportunity to do some work and earn some money toward our adoption expenses. Pray for the work to go well, an organized sale and a GREAT turnout where people buy everything....I took a few pics of the garage, but haven't uploaded them yet. It's full. A 3 car garage, with only room for 1 car right now!!

Praising God for the funk that I was in lifting. I really felt your prayers, so thanks.

We serve a really BIG God and He is not surprised by any of this. Woohoo!
I am grateful for the reminder.

Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

How can I pray for you?

WE'RE IN! WE'RE IN! WE'RE IN!

Jean Baptiste here.

I am soooo excited, mama just got an email that says we are in IBESR!!!! I don't have any idea what that means, but I am very excited, because mama and papa are excited. I think it has something to do with us coming to live with mama and papa. Mama is thanking God and saying forward movement is good. So I guess it is good. :-)

Mama says it has been 193 days since she turned in all those papers, that is more than six months ago.... so it's about time! Me and my big brother, Steeve even have file numbers now. I don't know what that means either, but I think from all the excitement it must be a good thing.

Mama says that there are 4 big steps in the adoption process here in Haiti with lots of little steps in between. I guess that means that our papers have been in some of the little steps before this one, which is the first BIG step. She says you can read more about our family's timeline by clicking here.

Mama says to pray for God to move all that paperwork through that IBESR place as fast as possible, and to pray that all the papers are there and are complete. Please pray for me and Steeve, and mama and papa while we wait for the papers to move through the system. And be sure to thank God for this forward movement!

Thank you!

JB

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

Two more children. Home.

Two more children from the O have come home.

That makes 7 children in the last 2 weeks, to three families.

There are 4 more coming down the pike-probably within the next few weeks-maybe even as soon as this week.....

Pray for the children and their families. It is a big adjustment.

Pray for the children left behind, this is a lot of change in a short time. The O will go from 34 kids to 23 by the time the remaining 4 that are almost done come home. These kids live, play, sleep, go to school, eat together. They are family.

Pray for the nannies and staff of the O too, as they say goodbye to children they love.

And thanks for praying for Jefferson-the boy with some urgent medical needs awhile back-he's one of the kids in the States now-so he'll be able to get continuing/ongoing medical care as needed. Praise God.

I'm happy for all these families, and missing my boys right now. I know our day will come.

God is great.

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.

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!

Home sweet home!

These 3 precious children are at home!

The first of the next wave of children coming home to their forever families!

Pray for them as they transition home.

God is faithful.

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!

Miracles do happen.

Pictures from my most recent (and all previous) trips are up on my facebook page.

I want to tell you what happened on the day that I came home from Haiti.

To me, it is more evidence that God exists. That God cares. That God listens and answers prayers. That prayers matter. Those of you who have traveled to Haiti via Miami International will understand this more than those who have not. I know that many of my readers have a relationship with God, and this is not new information for you. Consider it a reminder then. :-) I also know that I have other readers who are skeptical or don't have a relationship with God. At any rate, I just felt I needed to share this story of not just "traveling mercy" as we so often ask for, but of several "traveling miracles".


So our team arrives at the airport in Haiti and as I'm checking in, the ticket agent tells me that our flight out is delayed by about 90 minutes. Okay, that's not unusual.

Then she says I won't make my connection in Miami. So she's looking in the computer, intently, trying to find another flight from Miami to Phoenix. She's looking. She's searching. She's looking. She's frowning. After what seems like an eternity, she informs me that there are no more flights from Miami to Phoenix until 24 hours AFTER the one I'm booked on.

Groan.

I ask her to check other routes, non-direct flights etc. She does, and says, even if I stop in Dallas, there is still nothing the same day.

Groan.

She excuses herself for a moment, ducks into the back room for some unknown reason. While she is gone, I quickly explain to one of my traveling buds-Kristina, what is going on, and say "Please pray!" which both Kristina and I do silently while the ticket agent is gone.

When she returns she says, "well, you might make it. So I will leave it alone, but also put a ticket on hold for this other flight tomorrow." So I figure that her supervisor told her to leave it alone, and let it be Miami's problem once I get there and miss the flight.

But whatever.

So off we go to "hurry up and wait" which is what traveling by air entails. Several hours later, we get on the plane and we're off, about 90 minutes later than scheduled.


This is where the miracles start (in my opinion):

in 59 minutes, exactly:


I make it off the plane, from the rear-almost the very back-row 31.
I get through the first desk for Customs & Immigration. (you know the place with the 20+ lines that usually resembles a mob scene after the long walk from the plane?)
I get to baggage claim.
I get both of my bags, with a little help from my friends.
I get through the 2nd desk/check point for Customs & Immigration.
I get to security screening check point and re-check my 2 bags.
I get upstairs from the baggage claim area and head to terminal D.
I get through security.
I make it all the way to the END of concourse D-to gate D49. Sometimes jogging, sometimes walking briskly. At least 2x stepping right out of my flip flops. And at every bathroom and sandwhich stand, debating if I have time to stop. Needing to stop, somewhat desperately.

Being unable to locate a clock or the current local time, anywhere, I decide it best to keep moving.

As I approach the gate, I hear my name being called over the loudspeaker-and the words "final call for boarding and immediate departure."

I make it to my seat and we leave.

WHEW.

All of this in 59 minutes, exactly.

and, get this.

When I arrive in Phoenix, I tell my hubby that we are most likely going to have to wait til all the bags are unloaded, so that I can file a claim with baggage services.

There is no way, in that mad dash that my 2 checked bags got on the plane.

No way.

But guess what?

They did.

Both of them.


And so, I am reminded that prayer is important and that God is still in the business of miracles.

I was so happy to be home and to reconnect with my hubby. Of course, I am sad and I miss the boys something fierce. And at the same time, it is good to be home. So good.

Thank you to my traveling buds and friends, for your help and prayers. Thank you God for knowing what I needed and allowing it to happen. Thanks also for the gift of being able to travel to spend time with the boys.

Thank you!

Ahhhhhh, My Family. Together.

Thank you God, for putting us together.

Thank you, Paige for this picture.

Thank you, Three Angels for taking care of the children.

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.

a quick update....

Thanks for your prayer support. Our garage sale was a big success....and we got to meet another adoptive family (over the phone) due our similar activity (selling stuff to raise money for adoption expenses) on craigslist. That is cool. The mom called me up to talk and introduce herself. She has 2 adopted children at home, one from China, one from Guatemala, and is in the process with Ethiopia. And she has homegrown children too. NEAT!

We added a few special items to our Bringing Our Boys Home blog-the online jewelry auction.
We've posted some stuff for sale on Craigslist. If you're in the Phoenix area, check out our local craigslist and search Our2boys to see what we've got for sale.

We've been busy, but it's all good!

Now that the busiest week of my life is over, I can start to focus on the next trip. It'll be here before I know it. But I am really taking one day at a time right now. If I look too far ahead, I get overwhelmed and anxious and cranky. Oh and a little negative. So one day at a time it is. :-)

Plus-good news on one hand, bad on another-the guy I'm covering for at the hospital will be back soon, so that will free up my schedule some, to focus on my practice and all this other stuff that is my life. But it will hurt the checking account! It is what it is, and we'll make the best of it. I could use a little less work time, emotionally, right now. So I look forward to his return. I'll figure out the checking account later! LOL

Speaking of work, gotta go hit the sack. Gotta be up early.

Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support. Thanks to all the donors and helpers and people who kept me company during the sale! I have been blessed with some of the best friends and family in the world. I'm so grateful.

Good night!

Prayer requests/praise report

Our online hand crafted jewelry auction is going well. Click here to check it out. Please help to spread the word about this auction.

The jewelry has also been a big hit, when I've showed the other stuff off in person. God's provision is amazing-we always have what we need when we need it. Pray that I will remember that in times of stress!

As you can see, from the "Fundraising News" on the side bar, we are making progress! It's fun to update the total raised.

Thanks so much to Aunt Darlene for donating her lovely creations to help fund our Adoption Adventure.

This weekend, we are having a garage sale and are excited about it. Please pray for the people attending and for it to go well and be successful. Many people/families donated some good stuff and we have a few "big ticket" items we are hopeful about. We also love to share (ie talk talk talk) about what God's doing in our life through this Adoption Adventure.

I am preparing to return to Haiti soon-praise God that we did finally get our DHS appointment and the "missing" paperwork has been located. Pray for this to go well, for us, for the birth parents and let's get this process going in Haiti!

Pray for our finances, stamina and protection from illness, and good solid sleep while I am traveling. Pray for my hubby as he is quite sad and disappointed that he cannot go on this trip. Pray that I get to this appointment and things go smoothly/get accomplished this time.

Thank you for your prayer support. It means the world to us.

God is great.

The trip.....

People have been asking me about the trip, and for details....

I haven't written about it much, because I don't really know what to say.....


The trip was:

awesome
fun
amazing
God filled
full of family time
full of laughter
exhausting
frustrating
exciting
an adventure
a time of bonding
full of love
frustrating
inspiring (getting to see Noah & Michelle reunite) Check out Michelle's blog for more info on their story.
a time of growth-I'm so amazed at all that God does in my life-I can hardly believe that there is more that He wants to show me, to grow me. Wowsers! My faith has grown so much recently...and I sense that it's just getting started. Exciting and scary at the same time!



To quote Papa B "It's like these boys have ALWAYS been our kids. I feel like I have always known them."

I agree 100%. That is how it has been since the beginning, for me.

I'm so grateful it is that way for Papa too. We had some discussions with other adoptive/foster parents who had "warned" us that it make take the boys some time to warm up to Papa or that he might not feel that instant love for them, until he got to know them. So I guess we were somewhat prepared for this possibility. Every Adoption Story/Adventure is different.

We needn't have worried.
God is so cool, and He's totally put this thing together.
It was instant.
I can't explain it.
There are no words.
There were some tears.
Happy tears.

I also can't explain how it felt to have my whole family together for an entire week. What a blissful, happy, peaceful, RIGHT feeling that was. Not that there is really much peace with 2 active young boys running around, but PEACE is what there was.

The sweetest sound is one of those cute little boy voices (complete with Haitian accent) calling "Mama, look!" or "Mama Lena".

And a close second is the voices of the other children-on the first floor (the older kids) yelling "Mama Steeve" and meaning/referring to me and trying to get my attention when I walked through the room. Ahhhh. sweet sounds. (sigh) What a feeling.

God is great.

All the time.

No matter what.


So there you have, it, the best I can do with words at the moment. :-)

My focus for today....

This is the day that the Lord has made

I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24 NKJV

and

Tree 63

Blessed Be Your Name

From the album The Answer To The Question

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name when I’m found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise

And when the darkness closes in Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me

When the world’s “all as it should be”

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering

Though there’s pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say Lord,

blessed be Your name

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

Faith is not a feeling.

Seriously, how much faith is required if everything goes according to my plans? If everything in my life is peachy and just the way I want it? Not much-that would turn to comfort which could then lead to pride-even arrogance "Look at what I've done. Look what I've got. I've got it under control." That is a sinful attitude that I am all too prone toward.

I may not feel like praising or rejoicing.

However, I have faith.

And I believe God is great.

All the time.

No matter what.

I will choose to exercise my faith by choosing to rejoice.

By choosing to praise.

Even when I cannot see a reason.

Even when things don't make any sense.

Even when things don't go the way I want them to.

Even when I don't get what I want.

That is what faith is.

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

Thank you God for the gift of another day from (You) whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.

Thank you for caring enough to grow and stretch me-to grow my faith in You. I'm awed and humbled by the fact that you would even care or notice how I respond and that you want to grow me and increase my faith in You. I thank You for all You have done, are doing and will do in my life through this Adoption Adventure and beyond. Please protect those little boys and keep them safe and let them really feel your love. They need you, Father. I need you. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.