BIG changes coming soon...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Shopping for presents
On Friday we spent the morning shopping for Papa's birthday present. In between singing happy birthday in the car I asked John Harvey what we should get for Papa. He deliberated quite a while before saying...."BINKY!"
How sweet of him to want to give something that he knows is fabulous! Of course, he is only able to enjoy their fabulous-ness in the crib now.
On the adoption front-no news. But, our homestudy should be done soon and then we should have a completed dossier! It looks like "T" will be staying with us a bit longer. I have prayed quite a bit this year that my life would be a living sacrifice. I think this is a taste of what that would mean for us. I mean, at times this is so trying...but in the midst of all we are doing the Gospel is being preached constantly (...God's good perfect and pleasing will).
Our faith has been coming up in conversation with our neighbor for months. When I ran into him in the grocery store (with a screaming "T") he was full of questions. When I explained the program he said "wow, you guys really are different"
When our Pastor spoke about the current lies out there (The Secret, a new earth) I knew no one who believed that way. Just Thursday I had a 2 hour conversation about the truth v. the lies with a very important, completely lost, person in "T"s life -not her parents.
Speaking of "T"'s parents-her dad is now a believer. He is a precious man with an amazing story. T will have a sweet upbringing.
Who are we that God has allowed us to experience such sweetness the last few weeks. The truth is...we want to keep T longer. We don't want to miss out on all the ways God is using her in so many people's lives.
How sweet of him to want to give something that he knows is fabulous! Of course, he is only able to enjoy their fabulous-ness in the crib now.
On the adoption front-no news. But, our homestudy should be done soon and then we should have a completed dossier! It looks like "T" will be staying with us a bit longer. I have prayed quite a bit this year that my life would be a living sacrifice. I think this is a taste of what that would mean for us. I mean, at times this is so trying...but in the midst of all we are doing the Gospel is being preached constantly (...God's good perfect and pleasing will).
Our faith has been coming up in conversation with our neighbor for months. When I ran into him in the grocery store (with a screaming "T") he was full of questions. When I explained the program he said "wow, you guys really are different"
When our Pastor spoke about the current lies out there (The Secret, a new earth) I knew no one who believed that way. Just Thursday I had a 2 hour conversation about the truth v. the lies with a very important, completely lost, person in "T"s life -not her parents.
Speaking of "T"'s parents-her dad is now a believer. He is a precious man with an amazing story. T will have a sweet upbringing.
Who are we that God has allowed us to experience such sweetness the last few weeks. The truth is...we want to keep T longer. We don't want to miss out on all the ways God is using her in so many people's lives.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Dinner Time!
John Harvey had tacos for the first time and loved them...not as much as he loves his spinach/carrot brownies!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Walk to Beautiful
Ben and I watched this movie on PBS tonight. I encourage you all to take the time. I think it is on for the whole week at various times depending on where you live.
http://www.walktobeautiful.com/
This movie documents 5 women and their quest to have a second chance at life through the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fistula hospital. Many have read the book, “Hospital by the River” which documents the story of this hospital, started by the Hamlins. Oprah has also had stories on it as well. Amazing book – and an amazing film as well.
http://www.walktobeautiful.com/
This movie documents 5 women and their quest to have a second chance at life through the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fistula hospital. Many have read the book, “Hospital by the River” which documents the story of this hospital, started by the Hamlins. Oprah has also had stories on it as well. Amazing book – and an amazing film as well.
A real update
Okay, I know I haven't talked much about the adoption lately. Mostly because I don't know what I am talking about :)
But, today I got some firm answers to what is going on. First, praise God He has answered our prayers and FOP (our agency) has found 3 different placing agencies to work with. Second, don't know for sure who or how many we are adopting (surprised?)
As you know, Ben and I have really struggled with what age to adopt and we actually happen to be with an agency that has a heart for older children. The reason we love our agency is because she also has a heart for waiting children and ethical placements. We had thought (been told?) that with all the orphanages we would be able to adopt younger. With all the changes, it is just not possible for us to adopt a waiting child now.
So, it looks like within the next two weeks ( I know, you have heard that before) FOP will make a recommendation to us on which agency to use and we will send them our dossier (packet of completed paperwork including homestudy, medical forms, financial forms, references, etc...) FOP will still be the one primarily working with us, but we need the placing agency license and contacts.
At that point we will be put on that agency waiting list and be matched with an infant and possibly younger child as our referral. This is the common method of adoptions. The average wait usually is 12-18 months. Pam said something today about 2-3 months, but we are not going to be anxious about this. Once Pam tells us what agency to go with we can ask them the specific wait times, etc. Ben and I are still going to file all the UCIS paperwork to begin the immigration papers and be ready for anything. We of course trust in God's perfect timing. And honestly, we are really happy with things. God has been so faithful to give us wisdom in what age to adopt right now and we are grateful there is an avenue for that through FOP.
I know all of this sounds so confusing. It is a bit overwhelming to us too. We have a bit of a hard time getting on a list when we know there are millions of children who need homes right now. That being said...we completely respect MOWA of Ethiopia who has to individually go through each dossier application to approve one of "their" children to leave the country
But, today I got some firm answers to what is going on. First, praise God He has answered our prayers and FOP (our agency) has found 3 different placing agencies to work with. Second, don't know for sure who or how many we are adopting (surprised?)
As you know, Ben and I have really struggled with what age to adopt and we actually happen to be with an agency that has a heart for older children. The reason we love our agency is because she also has a heart for waiting children and ethical placements. We had thought (been told?) that with all the orphanages we would be able to adopt younger. With all the changes, it is just not possible for us to adopt a waiting child now.
So, it looks like within the next two weeks ( I know, you have heard that before) FOP will make a recommendation to us on which agency to use and we will send them our dossier (packet of completed paperwork including homestudy, medical forms, financial forms, references, etc...) FOP will still be the one primarily working with us, but we need the placing agency license and contacts.
At that point we will be put on that agency waiting list and be matched with an infant and possibly younger child as our referral. This is the common method of adoptions. The average wait usually is 12-18 months. Pam said something today about 2-3 months, but we are not going to be anxious about this. Once Pam tells us what agency to go with we can ask them the specific wait times, etc. Ben and I are still going to file all the UCIS paperwork to begin the immigration papers and be ready for anything. We of course trust in God's perfect timing. And honestly, we are really happy with things. God has been so faithful to give us wisdom in what age to adopt right now and we are grateful there is an avenue for that through FOP.
I know all of this sounds so confusing. It is a bit overwhelming to us too. We have a bit of a hard time getting on a list when we know there are millions of children who need homes right now. That being said...we completely respect MOWA of Ethiopia who has to individually go through each dossier application to approve one of "their" children to leave the country
Monday, May 12, 2008
Loving my journey?
All of you know that Ben and I are a safe family. We have a strong desire to keep families together and try to be a support system to those who have none...
so "T" came about two weeks ago. These have been two very tough weeks making me question how much I love this journey. Praise God for His provision and the encouragement Ben and I have recently had with this family. We are constantly praying Rom 12:1-2 that we will be living sacrifices for the Kingdom.
Anyway, to be honest-these experiences with "T" have really made me and Ben wonder about a lot of our decisions lately. Mostly the adoption. But, just this weekend it has clicked. It may not be all that easy in the beginning, but once you care for a child they are yours. Yes, "T" has a great mom and dad and I pray and want that they will come together for her soon. But, today, with my prayers and my love I chose to make her mine. And I love her in all of her messiness and sometimes she is hard to love, but by God's grace-I make the choice.
How much more then, when Ben and I chose to make two children we have never before met, ours. We will love them. I am sure it will be hard. But this experience has not made us want to quit, it has made us want to adopt all the more. God is equipping us through each struggle.
so "T" came about two weeks ago. These have been two very tough weeks making me question how much I love this journey. Praise God for His provision and the encouragement Ben and I have recently had with this family. We are constantly praying Rom 12:1-2 that we will be living sacrifices for the Kingdom.
Anyway, to be honest-these experiences with "T" have really made me and Ben wonder about a lot of our decisions lately. Mostly the adoption. But, just this weekend it has clicked. It may not be all that easy in the beginning, but once you care for a child they are yours. Yes, "T" has a great mom and dad and I pray and want that they will come together for her soon. But, today, with my prayers and my love I chose to make her mine. And I love her in all of her messiness and sometimes she is hard to love, but by God's grace-I make the choice.
How much more then, when Ben and I chose to make two children we have never before met, ours. We will love them. I am sure it will be hard. But this experience has not made us want to quit, it has made us want to adopt all the more. God is equipping us through each struggle.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy mothers day to our moms!
Because it is mother's day I want to talk about my sweet boy who used the potty for the first time today! Yay John Harvey.
So last night as we were praying John Harvey said he was thankful for Papa (everynight really) and then I said-is there anything else you want to thank God for and he said "GUM!" John Harvey did I hear you right? "YES, GUM!"
Actually, can't believe I didn't think of that myself. Now that we use John Harvey's bubble gum toothpaste brushing a couple of times a day is a joy and a breeze. Thank you, God, for bubble gum flavors!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Celebrating with Friends
Sweet Julie, Lark, and Naomi came to sing me and JH happy birhtday. So Fun! Just like mr. Singer
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Happy Birthday
JH loved it when we sang him happy birthday and this is the face of joy I will never forget until I leave this world. JH had a fabo little party tonight and loved all the presents. Thank you so much. I promise to post more tom. I am just too tired...
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
My Son, The lover
This is what John Harvey does every time he gets the chance. I am so glad he is such a cuddle bug.
Friday, May 2, 2008
our life
"T" is doing really well. She is a sweet little thing. Born very premature so at 6.5 months about the size of a 1 month old. JH LOVES her and I have to pull him off her everytime I turn around. Last night when we prayed I asked him what he wanted to thank God for...He said "Tati" (What he calls sweet little T). This is precious to me bc earlier in the day we had prayed together for the whole safe family. I pray God will give John Harvey a heart for Him and His word.
Did I ever tell you JH got into His aunt Laura's bday gift early? When He came out of the room carrying pink dotted paper I knew he was up to no good. When he started saying shirt, two, shirt...I was positive he was up to no good. Anyway all that worked in my favor when MY bday gift from Ben came in the mail and JH opened it. Thanks for the gorgeous earrings, Ben!!!!!
We are just so excited about the adoption. What a sweet opportunity for me to have two kids in the house and see what life is like. I like it. I have to be much more intentional about things. I can do this. I am ready to graduate to three!
Did I ever tell you JH got into His aunt Laura's bday gift early? When He came out of the room carrying pink dotted paper I knew he was up to no good. When he started saying shirt, two, shirt...I was positive he was up to no good. Anyway all that worked in my favor when MY bday gift from Ben came in the mail and JH opened it. Thanks for the gorgeous earrings, Ben!!!!!
We are just so excited about the adoption. What a sweet opportunity for me to have two kids in the house and see what life is like. I like it. I have to be much more intentional about things. I can do this. I am ready to graduate to three!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Thanks for the prayers
Praise God for peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:6-7)
Ben and I requested a sibling group in the 0-4 range. Either 2 inthe 0-18 month range or 1 0-18 month and 1 3-4 yo
Ben and I requested a sibling group in the 0-4 range. Either 2 inthe 0-18 month range or 1 0-18 month and 1 3-4 yo
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