Oh, I know there are many new friends who are new to my blog. If you would like to read our testimony and Haven's story, look under the archives and go to June. Thank you for journeying with me :)
July 30, 2008
Born in our hearts!
This morning I woke up to find the most beautiful photos of our daughter in our e-mail (thank you so much, Angela). What did I do to deserve her, Lord???? I love her so much it takes my breathe away. Oh my goodness, she is just so sweet and absolutely beautiful. Just a few more weeks and she will be ours...forever! My heart can hardly wait. Very soon she will have the "safe and sheltered place" that God has promised her, the place where she will blossom and grow into the person that God has destined her to be. Very soon she will be in our arms...NEVER to be abandoned again. Very soon she will learn how it feels to have a mommy and daddy who love unconditionally, no matter what the future may hold. She was destined to be a Salem, before the foundation of the earth!
Oh, I know there are many new friends who are new to my blog. If you would like to read our testimony and Haven's story, look under the archives and go to June. Thank you for journeying with me :)
Oh, I know there are many new friends who are new to my blog. If you would like to read our testimony and Haven's story, look under the archives and go to June. Thank you for journeying with me :)
July 28, 2008
Longing!
Oh my heart...I am LONGING to see a photo of Haven...just one more before we travel in September. So, I e-mailed a contact that I have in China, a precious woman who knows Haven's story and has been praying for the last 2 years that another family would come for her. I asked her if she would please try and get a new photo for me. The orphanage director has been so kind and so gracious in the past, he has given me several photos during the wait. I wonder if he will do it just one more time???? Just for me to see her sweet little face and know that she is okay. I am praying.
August 11 will mark 3 years that Haven has been waiting for her mommy and daddy to come and get her. Oh my, that is SUCH a long time for a little girl to wait. A miracle really...China NEVER allows a child to be available for adoption for so long. He knew we would find her...in His perfect time.
August 11 will mark 3 years that Haven has been waiting for her mommy and daddy to come and get her. Oh my, that is SUCH a long time for a little girl to wait. A miracle really...China NEVER allows a child to be available for adoption for so long. He knew we would find her...in His perfect time.
A blessed weekend
This weekend we had our good friend, and Godfather to our children, fly in from LA and spend the weekend with us. My South African friends may remember Nick from all the times he spent with us there.
Yesterday I got to go to my first professional baseball game. I had no idea what was going on :) I kept comparing it to cricket in South Africa...but this was so different, I could not believe how fast the batsmen went out. Not at all like cricket where they can stay at the crease for hours. It was so much fun. The kids loved it, especially my big boys. Fun! Oh, and it was weird to me that the spectators got to keep ALL the balls that ended up in the bleachers....at least 50 of them!
We have had such a great time with Nick. He is so loved and treasured by our family. We laughed so hard our chests hurt :)
Yesterday I got to go to my first professional baseball game. I had no idea what was going on :) I kept comparing it to cricket in South Africa...but this was so different, I could not believe how fast the batsmen went out. Not at all like cricket where they can stay at the crease for hours. It was so much fun. The kids loved it, especially my big boys. Fun! Oh, and it was weird to me that the spectators got to keep ALL the balls that ended up in the bleachers....at least 50 of them!
We have had such a great time with Nick. He is so loved and treasured by our family. We laughed so hard our chests hurt :)
July 24, 2008
Yuk!
Uuuhhhhh....today our travel agent called. Bad news. Our flight to China on September 12 got cancelled! Apparently airlines are cancelling a lot of flights...they want to ensure that those that are available are full, due to the ridiculous gas prices. So, we can only leave the next day....that means one day longer to wait before I can hold my sweet girl. Nasty! Gotcha day will be September 15. What's one more day when we've waited 13 months, I guess. God's timing is perfect, I know that.
Antsy-ness and busy-ness
For the last 48 hours I have been feeling a little antsy (is that really a word? :) ). I am LONGING to get on a plane and go and get my daughter. It's a strange feeling. With Hannah-Claire's adoption we got travel approval and left 2 weeks later. Now with Haven we have to WAIT. Oh my.....I am soooooo NOT good at waiting! I am definitely one of those "see it and do it" kind of people. My husband will agree with that! But, now I must wait...for what feels like forever. God must be stretching me (again!). I cannot get to Haven as quickly as I would love to. Such bad timing with the Olympics next month. But nevertheless God's perfect timing.
On the other hand, I look around my house and am grateful that I have a bit of time. There seems to be so much that needs to be done before school starts next month (where has summer gone???), and Haven comes home. My poor husband...I have really been putting him to work around here. Bedrooms have been completely rearranged (twice!), walls have been painted, the garage is finally getting cleared out (my goodness....how does ALL that stuff end up in there???), carpets are being cleaned.....and I am trying to sort out the new school year. This will be my first year teaching 3 kids with Hannah-Claire doing Kindergarten.
Yes, I am longing to bring Haven home. But, life is busy enough to keep my mind off the wait. I cannot believe we are already preparing for a new school year. I cannot believe next week is August. Kellan and I were talking about Christmas yesterday, I told him it's just 5 months away, he said "but mom, we JUST had Christmas!". That's exactly how it feels.
I look around my home and count my blessings. We have recently been blessed with some wonderful furniture that friends no longer needed. Doesn't God know exactly what we need before we even ask Him?
On the other hand, I look around my house and am grateful that I have a bit of time. There seems to be so much that needs to be done before school starts next month (where has summer gone???), and Haven comes home. My poor husband...I have really been putting him to work around here. Bedrooms have been completely rearranged (twice!), walls have been painted, the garage is finally getting cleared out (my goodness....how does ALL that stuff end up in there???), carpets are being cleaned.....and I am trying to sort out the new school year. This will be my first year teaching 3 kids with Hannah-Claire doing Kindergarten.
Yes, I am longing to bring Haven home. But, life is busy enough to keep my mind off the wait. I cannot believe we are already preparing for a new school year. I cannot believe next week is August. Kellan and I were talking about Christmas yesterday, I told him it's just 5 months away, he said "but mom, we JUST had Christmas!". That's exactly how it feels.
I look around my home and count my blessings. We have recently been blessed with some wonderful furniture that friends no longer needed. Doesn't God know exactly what we need before we even ask Him?
July 21, 2008
Contentment!
A few of my bloggy friends have been blogging about contentment and the things that they are grateful for in their lives. Mmmmm...it got me thinking. This is a journey the Lord has been taking me personally on for the last two years. So, I thought I would share contentment through my eyes in the season I am in.
Many friends have gone around their homes and posted things that they are grateful for. So, I started taking a look around my house, wanting to do the same. There are just so many things in my house that I love and am so grateful for. BUT...my journey to find contentment has been different, so I abandoned the idea.
The last seven years of my life have been a JOURNEY...a journey to finding contentment, no matter what the circumstances. Growing up, I lived in just 4 houses. In the last 7 years...we have lived in 13!!!!! I have been stretched and challenged and God has taught me NOT to place my contentment in the things that I have and the house that I live in...it can change or be gone in an instant. My perspective on life and living has changed dramatically. Here are some of the things that I am soooooo grateful for....not in this order.
1.) The freedom I have to educate my own children
If anyone had told me 10 years ago that I would be homeschooling my kids, I probably would have laughed. I loved having "me time" and loved earning my "own" money. Then, 4 years ago, I thought I would give homeschooling a try...just for one year! I LOVED it so much. I love having my children with me all day. My days are full and crazy busy...but wonderful. I have the privilege of doing so much fun stuff with them. Yes....we do have to make HUGE sacrifices financially. It is HARD to survive on one income. We cannot eat out much or take the kids to every amusement park they want to go to. We cannot enroll them in every sport their hearts desire. BUT...the sacrifices are so worth it. We have learnt to be creative in finding fun family things to do that cost very little or nothing at all. Just being together is what is important. We really love being a homeschooling family. I am so grateful for this.
2.) The blessing of many children
When Anthony and I got married we said 2 kids!!!! That was it. Well....then we asked God what HE wanted :) As we prepare to bring our fifth home we just could not feel more blessed. The Lord has done amazing things in our hearts regarding adoption...specifically those who are hard to place in families. Our home is always ALIVE, full of laughter and joy. We are completely surrendered to the Father regarding children, adoption and His prefect will for our family. Our hearts have changed so much regarding children...from telling the Lord how many children WE want (and can cope with!)...to surrendering our hearts to how many children HE would have us have! I am so grateful for this.
3.) Anthony!
Yes....I have been blessed. I married a man who seeks the Lord with all His heart. A man who is willing to do crazy things for the Lord. A man who loves his family more than anything in the world (besides God!). A man who works so hard to be a great provider for his family. A man who thinks that I am beautiful....even when I look like I just stepped out of the laundry hamper :). He always makes me feel beautiful! A man who would go to the end of the earth to see ME fulfill the dreams and desires that I have. I am so grateful for this man.
4.) A home
I LOVE to decorate. It is one of the things I just love to do. Things never stay the same around here for very long :) If it can be moved...it WILL! I LOVE paint! A few years ago I placed such value on my house. Now, I have realized that "home" can be anywhere. It is so temporary, it can change anytime. I have come to realize that my house needs to be a haven for my family...but it also needs to be a place that I am willing to give up if (and when) the Lord tells me too. I have learnt that home can be anywhere...as long as my family are in it :) While we are living in it I will make it look as nice as I can for the enjoyment of my family and friends...but I will let it all go in a heartbeat should the Lord move us on. I am so grateful for a place here on earth we can call home!
5.) Friends and family
An obvious one! But still, one the Lord has taught me so much about over the last few years. As we have moved around the world, the Lord has taught me the value of REAL friendships. Those that last a lifetime. Most of my special friends are spread out around the world...I do not get to see them every day, or even every year, but they are sooooo faithful. I know they are just a phone call or an e-mail away. No matter where the Lord takes us, I KNOW they will be there for me. I am so grateful for faithful friends.
These are the things that I am so grateful for. The Lord is STILL teaching me. I have so many days when I take my eyes off the Father...I NEED more, I WANT more...but NONE of these things matter. I LONG to be like Mary....just being content to sit at the feet of Jesus and find everything that I need in this life right there!!! I am still learning what true contentment really is...I have such a long way to go :)
Many friends have gone around their homes and posted things that they are grateful for. So, I started taking a look around my house, wanting to do the same. There are just so many things in my house that I love and am so grateful for. BUT...my journey to find contentment has been different, so I abandoned the idea.
The last seven years of my life have been a JOURNEY...a journey to finding contentment, no matter what the circumstances. Growing up, I lived in just 4 houses. In the last 7 years...we have lived in 13!!!!! I have been stretched and challenged and God has taught me NOT to place my contentment in the things that I have and the house that I live in...it can change or be gone in an instant. My perspective on life and living has changed dramatically. Here are some of the things that I am soooooo grateful for....not in this order.
1.) The freedom I have to educate my own children
If anyone had told me 10 years ago that I would be homeschooling my kids, I probably would have laughed. I loved having "me time" and loved earning my "own" money. Then, 4 years ago, I thought I would give homeschooling a try...just for one year! I LOVED it so much. I love having my children with me all day. My days are full and crazy busy...but wonderful. I have the privilege of doing so much fun stuff with them. Yes....we do have to make HUGE sacrifices financially. It is HARD to survive on one income. We cannot eat out much or take the kids to every amusement park they want to go to. We cannot enroll them in every sport their hearts desire. BUT...the sacrifices are so worth it. We have learnt to be creative in finding fun family things to do that cost very little or nothing at all. Just being together is what is important. We really love being a homeschooling family. I am so grateful for this.
2.) The blessing of many children
When Anthony and I got married we said 2 kids!!!! That was it. Well....then we asked God what HE wanted :) As we prepare to bring our fifth home we just could not feel more blessed. The Lord has done amazing things in our hearts regarding adoption...specifically those who are hard to place in families. Our home is always ALIVE, full of laughter and joy. We are completely surrendered to the Father regarding children, adoption and His prefect will for our family. Our hearts have changed so much regarding children...from telling the Lord how many children WE want (and can cope with!)...to surrendering our hearts to how many children HE would have us have! I am so grateful for this.
3.) Anthony!
Yes....I have been blessed. I married a man who seeks the Lord with all His heart. A man who is willing to do crazy things for the Lord. A man who loves his family more than anything in the world (besides God!). A man who works so hard to be a great provider for his family. A man who thinks that I am beautiful....even when I look like I just stepped out of the laundry hamper :). He always makes me feel beautiful! A man who would go to the end of the earth to see ME fulfill the dreams and desires that I have. I am so grateful for this man.
4.) A home
I LOVE to decorate. It is one of the things I just love to do. Things never stay the same around here for very long :) If it can be moved...it WILL! I LOVE paint! A few years ago I placed such value on my house. Now, I have realized that "home" can be anywhere. It is so temporary, it can change anytime. I have come to realize that my house needs to be a haven for my family...but it also needs to be a place that I am willing to give up if (and when) the Lord tells me too. I have learnt that home can be anywhere...as long as my family are in it :) While we are living in it I will make it look as nice as I can for the enjoyment of my family and friends...but I will let it all go in a heartbeat should the Lord move us on. I am so grateful for a place here on earth we can call home!
5.) Friends and family
An obvious one! But still, one the Lord has taught me so much about over the last few years. As we have moved around the world, the Lord has taught me the value of REAL friendships. Those that last a lifetime. Most of my special friends are spread out around the world...I do not get to see them every day, or even every year, but they are sooooo faithful. I know they are just a phone call or an e-mail away. No matter where the Lord takes us, I KNOW they will be there for me. I am so grateful for faithful friends.
These are the things that I am so grateful for. The Lord is STILL teaching me. I have so many days when I take my eyes off the Father...I NEED more, I WANT more...but NONE of these things matter. I LONG to be like Mary....just being content to sit at the feet of Jesus and find everything that I need in this life right there!!! I am still learning what true contentment really is...I have such a long way to go :)
July 19, 2008
Fun at Elitch Gardens
Yesterday we had a FUN day! Our precious friends, The Pack's, treated our family to a day at the amusement park in Denver. Needless to say...the kids had a BLAST! I think we were one of the last families to leave the park when it closed. It was sooooooo much fun. Thanks C and E...you really blessed us :)
Here are some pics of the FUN....
Here are some pics of the FUN....
July 16, 2008
We have travel confirmation!
So exciting.....yesterday we got our consulate appointment in China! We will leave on September 12. Sweet Haven will be OURS on September 14 :) Wow...we're getting closer. Now I can start counting down the days. That means she will be ours just one month before her 8th birthday.
God continues to open the floodgates of heaven and provide for ALL our financial needs to adopt Haven. There are no words! Our prayers have been answered and Anthony will be travelling with me to China. Praise Jesus. My heart is full.....Haven will have her daddy there. She will know how it feels to be wrapped in his strong arms and feel the safety there.
Please can I ask my prayer warrior friends to start praying with us. PRAY for September 14...that Haven's heart would be at peace. That even now our Father would begin to prepare her little heart for the transition into our family. That September 14 would be an AMAZING day for her...NOT one filled with fear and confusion!!! That she would know that she is SAFE and that she would begin to bond with us immediately. We appreciate your prayers soooooooo much. We are grateful.
God continues to open the floodgates of heaven and provide for ALL our financial needs to adopt Haven. There are no words! Our prayers have been answered and Anthony will be travelling with me to China. Praise Jesus. My heart is full.....Haven will have her daddy there. She will know how it feels to be wrapped in his strong arms and feel the safety there.
Please can I ask my prayer warrior friends to start praying with us. PRAY for September 14...that Haven's heart would be at peace. That even now our Father would begin to prepare her little heart for the transition into our family. That September 14 would be an AMAZING day for her...NOT one filled with fear and confusion!!! That she would know that she is SAFE and that she would begin to bond with us immediately. We appreciate your prayers soooooooo much. We are grateful.
July 14, 2008
I am speechless!
How do you ever put into words the amazing-ness of God?????? About 2 weeks ago I posted about how we were turned down for a grant that we applied for for Haven's adoption. Steven Curtis Chapman's ministry, Shaohannah's Hope, had given us a generous grant for Hannah-Claire. We applied again, but were unsuccessful. At first we were heartbroken about it, but God soon turned it into a faith-building exercise for us. Could He STILL not provide every dollar we required? Of course He could. And He did...through our yard sale and the generosity of many, He slowly began to add to our adoption fund. Faithful!
THEN, this morning Anthony got a call from Shoahannah's Hope...they had prayerfully reconsidered our application. The result......a $3000 grant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohoooooo!!!!!!
How absolutely incredible is our Living God? Does He not know every need that we have BEFORE we even ask? Does He not go before us in ALL THINGS. Does He not open the flood gates of heaven when we are OBEDIENT???????????? Wow. I am so continually amazed at the love God has for Haven. Oh how His heart must have broken when she was left in China after having her family for just 5 days. BUT....He is about to turn her brokenness into healing. He is about to restore EVERYTHING to her that was stolen. My heart can hardly contain it all. God is still in the business of miracles. My heart cannot comprehend how much He LOVES orphans and desires to see them in families.
We are so grateful to Shaohannah's Hope, they have blessed us so abundantly for both of our adoptions.
SAVIOUR, HE CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN!!!!
THEN, this morning Anthony got a call from Shoahannah's Hope...they had prayerfully reconsidered our application. The result......a $3000 grant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohoooooo!!!!!!
How absolutely incredible is our Living God? Does He not know every need that we have BEFORE we even ask? Does He not go before us in ALL THINGS. Does He not open the flood gates of heaven when we are OBEDIENT???????????? Wow. I am so continually amazed at the love God has for Haven. Oh how His heart must have broken when she was left in China after having her family for just 5 days. BUT....He is about to turn her brokenness into healing. He is about to restore EVERYTHING to her that was stolen. My heart can hardly contain it all. God is still in the business of miracles. My heart cannot comprehend how much He LOVES orphans and desires to see them in families.
We are so grateful to Shaohannah's Hope, they have blessed us so abundantly for both of our adoptions.
SAVIOUR, HE CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN!!!!
A new season
Today my precious hubby begins a new job. I am SOOOOOO proud of my man. I am soooooo blessed that God gave him to me :) He is the most amazing Dad and the best husband. I am so blessed that he trusts me completely when God speaks to MY heart...he never questions nor doubts. I am so blessed that as we journey in this life together, he will NEVER be satisfied with "normal". I am so blessed that life outside the boat is where he HAS to be. I am so blessed that he has opened his heart to having a family that is larger than the norm. I am so blessed that he is willing to take in the orphans that are forgotten. When things get tough, his attitude is ALWAYS...MY GOD WILL PROVIDE! I am so blessed that he always strives to be the best provider that he can be...and leaves the rest to God. What a blessing to be married to this man. I am blessed :)
He was made for this!!!!!
He was made for this!!!!!
July 11, 2008
Confusion BE GONE!
Yesterday was challenging! I received an e-mail from someone telling me how TOUGH it was to raise a child with Autism, how difficult is it going to be for my family, how it is going to drain our finances, how tiring it is going to be for me, how negatively it can affect our other children...on and on!
Oh my goodness, I can honestly say that in a moment of weakness, it was the FIRST time since our decision to adopt Haven that I have thought "oh my, can I do this?". In the last 10 months of this journey I have never once wavered in my faith, trusting God that He was more than able to take care of every need Haven (and our family)had. Until yesterday. I questioned the Lord, considered everything that could possibly go wrong and completely took my eyes off the Father.
THEN, this morning I opened my e-mail to see the most generous donation for Haven's adoption. From someone we do not know :). A precious family who God used to encourage me (and bless us exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever imagine). He showed me clearly that He was STILL in it...working on our behalf. Yes, He has been in Haven's adoption since before we even agreed to adopt her. As a friend of mine said to me yesterday...even though she was adopted before, she has ALWAYS been my child. Who am I to doubt what may lie ahead? Who am I to question whether or not I can raise a child with Autism (or some other brain disorder)? Who am I to tell the Lord that I cannot do this...when He has already told me I CAN!
There are no words to describe how much we have been blessed on the journey to adopting our little girl. I am so overwhelmed at how people (even strangers) have opened their hearts and their wallets to Haven. Thank you to each one of you who have contributed, it has ALL added up to the point where we are almost at our goal. Hallelujah!
All my fears from yesterday are GONE! Praise Jesus. I am standing on God's promises that He will NEVER put me or my family in a situation that we cannot handle. I believe with all my heart that God's plans and purposes for Haven are GOOD, actually excellent :) I believe Haven is going to blossom and grow into the beautiful girl that God has created her to be. Yes, it may be a journey to get her to that point, but there is going to be JOY in the journey. Absolute JOY!!!!!!
Special friends, I am counting the days....I cannot wait to hold this little one and in some way (through the language barrier) let her know that everything is going to be okay. That she will NEVER spend another day of her life back in an orphanage. I long for her to know that Jesus loves her more than words can say. I long to see how her life is going to unfold....to see the beautiful plans and purposes that God has for this child. What a privilege. As with everything in life, I know that the road we are about to walk may have it ups and downs, I know that we will weather some storms....but I also know that I can never live a life where it is comfortable...inside the boat. I HAVE to be on the outside of the boat, at the place where I am stretched and challenged.
Here are some pics of Haven which I have not posted yet. My heart can hardly wait!!!!!
Oh my goodness, I can honestly say that in a moment of weakness, it was the FIRST time since our decision to adopt Haven that I have thought "oh my, can I do this?". In the last 10 months of this journey I have never once wavered in my faith, trusting God that He was more than able to take care of every need Haven (and our family)had. Until yesterday. I questioned the Lord, considered everything that could possibly go wrong and completely took my eyes off the Father.
THEN, this morning I opened my e-mail to see the most generous donation for Haven's adoption. From someone we do not know :). A precious family who God used to encourage me (and bless us exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever imagine). He showed me clearly that He was STILL in it...working on our behalf. Yes, He has been in Haven's adoption since before we even agreed to adopt her. As a friend of mine said to me yesterday...even though she was adopted before, she has ALWAYS been my child. Who am I to doubt what may lie ahead? Who am I to question whether or not I can raise a child with Autism (or some other brain disorder)? Who am I to tell the Lord that I cannot do this...when He has already told me I CAN!
There are no words to describe how much we have been blessed on the journey to adopting our little girl. I am so overwhelmed at how people (even strangers) have opened their hearts and their wallets to Haven. Thank you to each one of you who have contributed, it has ALL added up to the point where we are almost at our goal. Hallelujah!
All my fears from yesterday are GONE! Praise Jesus. I am standing on God's promises that He will NEVER put me or my family in a situation that we cannot handle. I believe with all my heart that God's plans and purposes for Haven are GOOD, actually excellent :) I believe Haven is going to blossom and grow into the beautiful girl that God has created her to be. Yes, it may be a journey to get her to that point, but there is going to be JOY in the journey. Absolute JOY!!!!!!
Special friends, I am counting the days....I cannot wait to hold this little one and in some way (through the language barrier) let her know that everything is going to be okay. That she will NEVER spend another day of her life back in an orphanage. I long for her to know that Jesus loves her more than words can say. I long to see how her life is going to unfold....to see the beautiful plans and purposes that God has for this child. What a privilege. As with everything in life, I know that the road we are about to walk may have it ups and downs, I know that we will weather some storms....but I also know that I can never live a life where it is comfortable...inside the boat. I HAVE to be on the outside of the boat, at the place where I am stretched and challenged.
Here are some pics of Haven which I have not posted yet. My heart can hardly wait!!!!!
July 9, 2008
I LOVE this
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh no, she's awake."
July 8, 2008
S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g our faith!
We're stepping out of the boat...trusting God for continued PROVISION! For the last few months we have been talking about the possibility of me travelling alone to China. That is totally fine and I do not mind travelling alone. But, we feel the Lord calling us to press into Him and TRUST Him for the funds that would allow Anthony to travel with me. So, we have started a Chip-In as a last attempt to bring in the extra money we would need to allow us BOTH to travel to bring Haven home.
We have no idea why we have suddenly felt this in our hearts...but God does! Maybe Haven is going to NEED her Daddy there? :) We will do ANYTHING to make the first few days of her transition into our family as easy as possible for this precious little girl.
Thank you so much for journeying with us as we get closer each day. Thank you for the love, support and prayers from so many who love us and love Haven already. We are so grateful!
We have no idea why we have suddenly felt this in our hearts...but God does! Maybe Haven is going to NEED her Daddy there? :) We will do ANYTHING to make the first few days of her transition into our family as easy as possible for this precious little girl.
Thank you so much for journeying with us as we get closer each day. Thank you for the love, support and prayers from so many who love us and love Haven already. We are so grateful!
Adoption....God's heart
My special friend, Anne, sent me this today. Oh my goodness.....I LONG to see the church rise up and take care of God's orphans. Watch this short clip....it is encouraging and inspiring.
https://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/382078.aspx
https://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/382078.aspx
July 6, 2008
Showers of Blessing!
Wow....we are overwhelmed, amazed and totally humbled! This morning we thought we would try another yard sale, we still had some things left and thought we would just give it a try. Well......the Lord blessed us with another $746.00!!!!!!!! That takes us to a total of $3775.00 for the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whhoooooooo....thank you Faithful God!
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the sky.
Psalm 57:9-10
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the sky.
Psalm 57:9-10
July 5, 2008
An outpouring of LOVE!
Today has been one of those days I will probably remember for the rest of my life. We had a yard sale to raise funds for Haven. Last week our community newspaper ran a story on Haven's adoption (I will post it later). My friend and fellow homeschooling mom, Shauna, wrote the story and did an amazing job. Haven's story touched the hearts of our community. Our phone rang with complete strangers wanting to donate goods and their time. People came by our house with the most incredible things to sell...not just the "usual" yard sale items....expensive things that they could have made money on for themselves!!! But no....they wanted to give to it us, for Haven :) They wanted to be a part of bringing her home. Oh my goodness, we have been touched...touched by the hearts and generosity of people, most who we do not even know.
This morning people arrived at our house in droves. They had read the paper, they had seen the signs around town advertising a "special" yard sale. They came to be a blessing. Some did not even buy a thing, they just came to give a donation. One older couple came...into Anthony's hand they gave a check for $500!!!!!!! We have no idea who they are...they just wanted to be a blessing! Our friends the Pack's (including precious Suella) and the Richard's practically cleared out their homes to help us :), they gave and gave and gave. A couple who we do not know made 3 TRIPS from town 30 minutes away with full carloads...just to GIVE.
We are humbled....amazed at the kindness and generosity of people. When an appeal was made through a newspaper article...God moved on the hearts of MANY. Those who do not know our Father probably are so unaware that they were USED by the Almighty God to help bring a child into her forever family. Wow!
The result........$2100!!!!!!! In one morning we raised that HUGE amount. And...we still have a few amazing things that we will sell. And the news gets even better...some precious and amazing friends of ours in Australia BLESSED us with $900 today!!!!!!! Oh my goodness...how Great is our God????? $3000 in ONE DAY!
Sweet friends....we are so close, we only need about $3500 more! That's it. When you end up paying around $30 000 for an adoption....$3500 feels like we are almost there. We have such grateful hearts tonight. We are so deeply touched. After being turned down for a financial grant we applied for...God showed us today that He is MORE than able to provide every dollar we still need. Haven is HIS child before she is ours :).
Thank you to EVERYONE who was part of our amazing blessing today! Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithfulness.
This morning people arrived at our house in droves. They had read the paper, they had seen the signs around town advertising a "special" yard sale. They came to be a blessing. Some did not even buy a thing, they just came to give a donation. One older couple came...into Anthony's hand they gave a check for $500!!!!!!! We have no idea who they are...they just wanted to be a blessing! Our friends the Pack's (including precious Suella) and the Richard's practically cleared out their homes to help us :), they gave and gave and gave. A couple who we do not know made 3 TRIPS from town 30 minutes away with full carloads...just to GIVE.
We are humbled....amazed at the kindness and generosity of people. When an appeal was made through a newspaper article...God moved on the hearts of MANY. Those who do not know our Father probably are so unaware that they were USED by the Almighty God to help bring a child into her forever family. Wow!
The result........$2100!!!!!!! In one morning we raised that HUGE amount. And...we still have a few amazing things that we will sell. And the news gets even better...some precious and amazing friends of ours in Australia BLESSED us with $900 today!!!!!!! Oh my goodness...how Great is our God????? $3000 in ONE DAY!
Sweet friends....we are so close, we only need about $3500 more! That's it. When you end up paying around $30 000 for an adoption....$3500 feels like we are almost there. We have such grateful hearts tonight. We are so deeply touched. After being turned down for a financial grant we applied for...God showed us today that He is MORE than able to provide every dollar we still need. Haven is HIS child before she is ours :).
Thank you to EVERYONE who was part of our amazing blessing today! Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithfulness.
July 1, 2008
We're coming soon sweet girl!
Yayyeeeeee...we got the call!!!! Today we got the FINAL piece of paperwork we need for Haven....TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!! Praise God.
Unfortunately it could not have come at a crazier time. The cost of airfares to China in July are absolutely ridiculous due to the Olympics. Not to mention what hotels and travel in China will cost. We have had to try and use wisdom in deciding what to do. So....I will leave on September 5th to fetch our newest angel. We have also decided that I will travel alone. Our youngest is 3 years old, and is VERY attached to Mommy and Daddy. We just do not have peace about leaving him here for 2 weeks while Anthony and I travel together. And, taking him with us means an extra airfare. The other snag we have is that I am not a USA citizen. I can do the entire adoption process on my own EXCEPT the US Consulate (which happens on the last day of the trip). So, the plan right now is for me to go alone, and then Anthony will fly to China on the last day of the trip...just to go the US Consulate and get us back into the country. In and out :). By doing it this way we do not have to pay for Cade to come with us, he can stay home with Daddy. He will be fine without us for 2 days. These are just tentative plans right now....obviously if the Lord blesses us with more money, Ant and I will go together, and we'll take Cade with us. We'll see what happens. What a blessing that God has already gone before us in all these decisions.
PLEASE PRAY....we are having a HUGE yard sale this coming Saturday. Our local newspaper is doing a little story about Haven's adoption for some extra publicity. We have been so blessed with things to sell...especially from our special friends, Chris and Elizabeth and E's Mom, Suella. Wow...they have gone above and beyond what we ever could have asked for. We are so very grateful :)
Also, we got word that our application for a grant was turned down. At first I was so upset, they gave us such a generous grant for Hannah-Claire's adoption. But the Lord reminded me that this did not come as a surprise for HIM...He is more than able to bring in the $6500 we still need. I know it's true. He is FAITHFUL!
So, there's an update and our good news. We are so excited that we getting a little closer to our sweetheart. Hang in there sweet love...Mommy and Daddy will be there soooooooon!!!!!! Thank you Jesus for the blessing of this precious child.
Fishing with Mommy
Today the kids and I went fishing. There is a gorgeous lake near where we live. It really is stunning. The boys had the best time...and they caught 4 trout. They are always nervous when Mom takes them fishing....I want to throw them all back into the water! But, I am learning to let boys be boys...they have to eat their catch. As long as I don't have to cut the things up, we are all happy :) Good thing is I don't have to cook dinner tonight...that's Dad's job. Here are some pics of the lake and the scenery. Thank you Lord Jesus for your beautiful creation.
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