Thank you, friends, for all your encouragement and advice as we walk the road of parenting a non-verbal child. I appreciate that so many of you e-mailed and commented, sharing your own experiences with me yesterday. I am still trying to get through responding to all the e-mails. Goodness, there are so many things that many of you shared which we have never considered. So much to think about.
Thank you for sharing your hearts with me.
We realize that Haven's situation is unique. I cannot tell you how many 'possibles' have been mentioned by professionals as to why Haven is so very delayed, and still non-verbal at nine years old. When we arrived home with her 14 months ago, most doctors and therapists felt positive that Haven would start speaking on her own within a year of being home. We heard things like, "the love of a family", and "the feeling that she belongs" over and over. We were told all these things would help Haven to start speaking. But that has not been the case. Here we are, well into our second year, and still there are no words. Still the development is painfully slow. Still the progress is at a snails pace.
Coming up with some kind of a 'diagnosis' for our sweet girl seems to have the professionals baffled. They just don't know. It could be PTSD. It could be apraxia. It could be intellectual disability. It could be selective mutism. It could be so many different things, or a combination thereof. One thing we are certain of is that horrific orphanage abuse has made whatever her 'condition' is so much worse.
We don't know, friends. One thing we do know is that the diagnosis she was given in China of autism is completely inaccurate. There is no autism is sight. That's a good thing. The other good thing is that we have learned to take all 'official diagnosis' for children living in orphanages with a grain of salt. They mean nothing. I'm sure many can relate. We adopt a child because God said they're the one, no matter what is 'wrong' with them. We adopt in obedience...and trust God with whatever we have to deal with. At least that's how we see things.
At home, Haven does fairly well. This is her safe place. She has definitely come a very long way in 14 months. For the most part, she gets going to the potty right. We still have accidents, which are very random, but she is doing better. She can change her clothes and put on her coat. Zippers and buttons are not her thing though. She can kind of brush her own teeth--we do need to help out to get a good job done. These are things she could not do a little more than a year ago. We rejoice when we see her progress. We are so thankful when we see her try to do things for herself.
Many of you have asked about sign language. Yes, we have tried. We have tried repeatedly to teach Haven a few basic signs. She will imitate us when we do it. However, she will not use sign language to communicate with us. She would rather pee in her pants than make the sign for 'potty'. She would rather go thirsty than make the sign for 'water'. Something in her will not acknowledge need. Something in her brain does not register that she can communicate with something other than words. Does that make sense?
In the midst of it all, we have absolute peace. God gave us this sweet child, and He enables us to raise her and parent her. There is no stress whatsoever in it for us. We have learned to take one day at a time and have no expectations. When we see Haven learning something new, there is much rejoicing. When it seems like she is not learning anything at all, and is so content to remain in her silent little world, that's okay with us too. We just don't worry about tomorrow, or what it holds for Haven--we know God has that under control.
One thing's for sure--she is the happiest, sweetest little girl. She may not speak, but she has a smile that can light up a room. She loves her family, and adores her little dog.
She belongs!
We don't get hung up on what Haven's future may, or may not, hold. It seems completely irrelevant in the bigger picture. Whether she goes on to become a self-supporting adult, or ends up living with us forever, is just a big whatever to us. We don't care. All that matters is that she is home, where she belongs. If we never hear her tell us that she loves us, that's okay--we know already. What are words anyway?
December 30, 2009
December 28, 2009
Huh?
Oh my goodness--the joys of having a child with special needs. Some days I feel like I am on top of my game and have everything sorted. Dang, the next day I am wondering how in the world anyone ever navigates 'the system' with special needs children.
For the last few months we have totally been given the run-around. Trying to get in-home services for a nine year old, who is non-verbal, and NOT in the public school system is like drawing water from a stone. Homeschoolers get a bad deal I tell ya. I figured that part out a long time ago. Put your kid in school, and you have access to all the therapy. Keep them home, and you have to fight like a girl to get anything at all for your children.
Anyway.
Haven needs intervention services. She needs speech therapy. But, she needs it at home. Safety is huge for her. Home is her safe place--it is where she does best. But oh my word--trying to get those services is just ridiculous.
In our state, it is a requirement that in order to even get on some sort of a wait list for in-home services, an IQ test is required. Non negotiable. We weren't too keen on having that done. We have never wanted to put Haven in any kind of box. And having an IQ test done just felt way to 'official', if you know what I mean.
To cut a long story short--it became clear that there really was no way around it. Want the in-home services? Got to have an IQ test. Praise God, we ended up not having to pay the $3000 we were quoted for a private IQ test, and the local public school psychologist agreed to help me. Whew.
(Yes, you read that right...that would be $3000 for an IQ test! My hubby is definitely in the wrong profession.)
So I told the psychologist Haven's story. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! I explained that she did not say a single solitary word. I explained it all to him. I even gave him every single test and diagnosis we have had done on Haven. He knew she was completely non-verbal.
A couple of days later, Haven and I arrived at this nice man's office to have the test done. I sat behind Haven, close enough for her to feel safe, knowing that mommy was there. The first part was fairly uncomplicated and easy. He was testing her way below her age, I believe the test was for a 2-3 year old. Then we get to the second half of the test.....
Oh man!
Mr Psychologist: "Okay Haven, now we are going to do something different. I want you to look at this picture and tell me what this is?" He points to a ball.
Silence.
Mr Psychologist: "Haven, tell me what it is now. You know what that is, right Haven? Just tell me what I'm pointing too."
Silence.
Me: (butting in) "Sir, there is no way Haven is going to answer you--remember she does not speak."
Helloooooo?
Mr Psychologist: "Yes, I know, but this is a standardized test and we have to run through the procedure the same for every child."
My mouth drops open. Seriously?
He ignores me and continues on with Haven...
Mr Psychologist: "Haven, can you repeat after me now...see the boy run."
Silence. Of course.
He tries again to get her to repeat. With every failed attempt he makes a little x on his paper.
I kid you not--this continued forever. Trying to get Haven to repeat what he was saying, or tell him what he was pointing to in the pictures.
I sat there dumbfounded. At a complete loss for words.
Haven is unable to speak! She cannot answer the darn questions.
We left his office and I was one seriously confused mama. What in the world went on in there? How can they possibly give me an accurate idea of what my daughter's IQ was when she has no ability to even answer the questions. She literally sat there staring at the dude. I know for a fact that she knows what a ball is...but she does not have the ability to vocalize it! That surely cannot be an accurate indication of her IQ?
He called me later in the day to tell me my daughter's IQ. Low? You bet. Accurate? There is no way. According to 'the system' she is labeled mentally disabled...by a test designed for a VERBAL CHILD...not a non-verbal child. It would truly be like giving the exact same test to a deaf child who is unable to answer with words.
Go figure.
You know which part of it totally breaks my heart? The fact that children are so quickly, and often inaccurately, labeled!
"Bring her back and we will retest Haven in three years," said the psychologist.
Yeah, like what-ever!
For the last few months we have totally been given the run-around. Trying to get in-home services for a nine year old, who is non-verbal, and NOT in the public school system is like drawing water from a stone. Homeschoolers get a bad deal I tell ya. I figured that part out a long time ago. Put your kid in school, and you have access to all the therapy. Keep them home, and you have to fight like a girl to get anything at all for your children.
Anyway.
Haven needs intervention services. She needs speech therapy. But, she needs it at home. Safety is huge for her. Home is her safe place--it is where she does best. But oh my word--trying to get those services is just ridiculous.
In our state, it is a requirement that in order to even get on some sort of a wait list for in-home services, an IQ test is required. Non negotiable. We weren't too keen on having that done. We have never wanted to put Haven in any kind of box. And having an IQ test done just felt way to 'official', if you know what I mean.
To cut a long story short--it became clear that there really was no way around it. Want the in-home services? Got to have an IQ test. Praise God, we ended up not having to pay the $3000 we were quoted for a private IQ test, and the local public school psychologist agreed to help me. Whew.
(Yes, you read that right...that would be $3000 for an IQ test! My hubby is definitely in the wrong profession.)
So I told the psychologist Haven's story. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! I explained that she did not say a single solitary word. I explained it all to him. I even gave him every single test and diagnosis we have had done on Haven. He knew she was completely non-verbal.
A couple of days later, Haven and I arrived at this nice man's office to have the test done. I sat behind Haven, close enough for her to feel safe, knowing that mommy was there. The first part was fairly uncomplicated and easy. He was testing her way below her age, I believe the test was for a 2-3 year old. Then we get to the second half of the test.....
Oh man!
Mr Psychologist: "Okay Haven, now we are going to do something different. I want you to look at this picture and tell me what this is?" He points to a ball.
Silence.
Mr Psychologist: "Haven, tell me what it is now. You know what that is, right Haven? Just tell me what I'm pointing too."
Silence.
Me: (butting in) "Sir, there is no way Haven is going to answer you--remember she does not speak."
Helloooooo?
Mr Psychologist: "Yes, I know, but this is a standardized test and we have to run through the procedure the same for every child."
My mouth drops open. Seriously?
He ignores me and continues on with Haven...
Mr Psychologist: "Haven, can you repeat after me now...see the boy run."
Silence. Of course.
He tries again to get her to repeat. With every failed attempt he makes a little x on his paper.
I kid you not--this continued forever. Trying to get Haven to repeat what he was saying, or tell him what he was pointing to in the pictures.
I sat there dumbfounded. At a complete loss for words.
Haven is unable to speak! She cannot answer the darn questions.
We left his office and I was one seriously confused mama. What in the world went on in there? How can they possibly give me an accurate idea of what my daughter's IQ was when she has no ability to even answer the questions. She literally sat there staring at the dude. I know for a fact that she knows what a ball is...but she does not have the ability to vocalize it! That surely cannot be an accurate indication of her IQ?
He called me later in the day to tell me my daughter's IQ. Low? You bet. Accurate? There is no way. According to 'the system' she is labeled mentally disabled...by a test designed for a VERBAL CHILD...not a non-verbal child. It would truly be like giving the exact same test to a deaf child who is unable to answer with words.
Go figure.
You know which part of it totally breaks my heart? The fact that children are so quickly, and often inaccurately, labeled!
"Bring her back and we will retest Haven in three years," said the psychologist.
Yeah, like what-ever!
December 27, 2009
his other love
I am convinced that my dear hubby has one of the toughest jobs around. As a hospice chaplain, he loves his patients well. With excellence, really. He pours his heart and soul into his job.
To the dying people Anthony serves, he is the hands and feet of Jesus. He shares the gospel openly and gets many of them saved, even as they breathe their final breath.
There is a fine line between caring for his patients, and falling in love with them. He tries so hard not to cross that line. If he loves them, it can only mean one thing--absolute heartbreak when he has to sit with them at their deathbed. It's like losing a family member...over and over again. The heartache is excruciating, something that never gets easier, no matter how many times he goes through it.
He tries so hard not to let it happen.
But sometimes...it just does.
A patient will creep into his heart--and Anthony loves them dearly, just like a member of his own family.
This weekend we visited one of the loves of my hubby's life. A precious dear who waits in anticipation for his visits. A sweet old lady in the final stages of Parkinson's.
Mary can no longer speak, but she has a smile that can light up a room. Sometimes, when Anthony gets right up to her mouth, he can faintly hear what she is trying to say. Other times, she uses a chart to communicate.
Oh how she loved seeing all our children. She didn't have to even try and say a word--we could just tell from her face that she was soaking up every minute of our time there. Such a precious time.
I left that nursing home with such mixed feelings. What a joy it was to spend time with Mary. But I felt such a deep sense of sadness at how many old people live there day in and day out with no one to visit. Just a few minutes with Mary made such a huge difference to her day. She felt loved and cared for, she felt special.
Life is short. Living my life to the fullest here on earth is so not about ME, ME, ME--but about finding ways to make OTHERS feel like they are needed and special. What an amazing lesson to teach my children. I pray that I can get it right.
How blessed I am to be married to a man who understands that the call of God is so much more important than chasing after the things of the world. He is right where God needs him to be--caring for the widows, loving the unlovely, and serving those who have very little time left on this earth.
To the dying people Anthony serves, he is the hands and feet of Jesus. He shares the gospel openly and gets many of them saved, even as they breathe their final breath.
There is a fine line between caring for his patients, and falling in love with them. He tries so hard not to cross that line. If he loves them, it can only mean one thing--absolute heartbreak when he has to sit with them at their deathbed. It's like losing a family member...over and over again. The heartache is excruciating, something that never gets easier, no matter how many times he goes through it.
He tries so hard not to let it happen.
But sometimes...it just does.
A patient will creep into his heart--and Anthony loves them dearly, just like a member of his own family.
This weekend we visited one of the loves of my hubby's life. A precious dear who waits in anticipation for his visits. A sweet old lady in the final stages of Parkinson's.
Mary can no longer speak, but she has a smile that can light up a room. Sometimes, when Anthony gets right up to her mouth, he can faintly hear what she is trying to say. Other times, she uses a chart to communicate.
Oh how she loved seeing all our children. She didn't have to even try and say a word--we could just tell from her face that she was soaking up every minute of our time there. Such a precious time.
I left that nursing home with such mixed feelings. What a joy it was to spend time with Mary. But I felt such a deep sense of sadness at how many old people live there day in and day out with no one to visit. Just a few minutes with Mary made such a huge difference to her day. She felt loved and cared for, she felt special.
Life is short. Living my life to the fullest here on earth is so not about ME, ME, ME--but about finding ways to make OTHERS feel like they are needed and special. What an amazing lesson to teach my children. I pray that I can get it right.
How blessed I am to be married to a man who understands that the call of God is so much more important than chasing after the things of the world. He is right where God needs him to be--caring for the widows, loving the unlovely, and serving those who have very little time left on this earth.
December 24, 2009
for unto us
Merry Christmas, dear friends and family.
From all of us...
To all of you.
Happy birthday to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We are so very thankful you came! Where would we be without you?
Such amazing love!
December 23, 2009
loss
Today my heart is broken for a family so very well known in the world of adoption. The Loux family have 11 children (10 on earth and 1 in heaven). Today they lost their precious daddy, Derek. A husband, a father, and a HUGE advocate for the fatherless children of the world. This year alone they have added 5 children to their family--three little boys through Reeces Rainbow. Amazing.
Derek and his wife Renee have been HUGE advocates for orphans. God had given them a vision to rescue and adopt 30 children! What a terrible loss here on earth of one of the Lord's warriors in the battle. But what rejoicing there must be in heaven tonight.
My heart cannot comprehend the loss his family must be feeling. As many of us here in blog world are doing, please pray for Renee and her children. Pray for that peace that passes all understanding.
Tonight a wife, seven beautiful girls, and three sweet little boys are without the man they love and cherish. Tonight a family's heart is aching as they try to make sense of what has happened.
There are some things we will never understand this side of heaven...like this. There simply are no words. But of one thing I am sure--our God is a GOOD God! Beauty will rise from these ashes.
You can read their amazing journey here.
Thank you for praying, friends.
Derek and his wife Renee have been HUGE advocates for orphans. God had given them a vision to rescue and adopt 30 children! What a terrible loss here on earth of one of the Lord's warriors in the battle. But what rejoicing there must be in heaven tonight.
My heart cannot comprehend the loss his family must be feeling. As many of us here in blog world are doing, please pray for Renee and her children. Pray for that peace that passes all understanding.
Tonight a wife, seven beautiful girls, and three sweet little boys are without the man they love and cherish. Tonight a family's heart is aching as they try to make sense of what has happened.
There are some things we will never understand this side of heaven...like this. There simply are no words. But of one thing I am sure--our God is a GOOD God! Beauty will rise from these ashes.
You can read their amazing journey here.
Thank you for praying, friends.
December 21, 2009
out of excuses
My heart is broken.
Do you want to know where Hailee will be sent if she cannot come home soon?
Really?
Ever wondered why ministries fight with everything they've got to find homes for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs before they turn 4?
My friend Sarah posted this video on her blog. I knew it would be hard to watch. But this is reality. This is real life. This is, very unfortunately, what happens to so many orphans. This is where my sweet little girl is destined to live for the rest of her life should we not be able to get to her.
I know--it is so terribly hard to watch. How the Father must weep over what He sees.
This is Serbia. But, sadly, the rest of the world is exactly the same. I know the country Hailee is in certainly is. Children and adults with special needs are considered the lowest of the low. They are outcasts in society--and are treated as such. They have no value. They are literally locked away and forgotten about. The only life they know is one where they are strapped to a crib all day long.
No life at all if you ask me.
Since watching this horrible video, and having my heart broken once again for the plight of orphans, something has really been stirring inside of me. Every time we adopt a child, or are out in public with our children, I would seriously be rich if I got a penny for each time we have heard, "We are just not called to do that." Or, "Our house is too small." Or, "My husband needs another job." Or, "Adoption is just not for us." Or, "God has given you the grace to do that." Or, "There is no way we can find $25 000.00 for an adoption." Yeah, like whatever!
What in the world is going on?
Oh my word, it hit me like a ton of bricks---God hardly ever calls us to do things for Him when everything in our lives is hunky dory! He never calls us to walk on the water when our circumstances are sweet. When I look in the Bible, I see people doing things for the Lord in the midst of impossible circumstances. Tougher than what my circumstances have ever been in my entire life. Yet, they did it. In obedience. The Lord commanded them--and they went. Was it hard? Heavens, yes! Harder than any little mission I have been given to date, that's for sure.
Why are we called to do things that seem almost ridiculous when our personal circumstances may not be perfect? Why does God call us to do the impossible when, to us, it seems like we don't have all our ducks in a row? Because God wants to show His GLORY! And it is when we step out and do the seemingly impossible tasks He gives us that He can show His glory. The glory belongs to Him, not us.
Here we are almost in 2010. Oh my, how times are different! We're a bunch of complainers I tell you. Whiners! We go the the Lord with all our petty, lame little excuses about why we should not, could not, would not, do something He has commanded us to do. We are so afraid to sacrifice--we don't want to be uncomfortable. "It's just too hard, Lord." I'm ashamed to even think about how many times I have said that to the Lord!
Obedience requires sacrifice! Just read about it over and over and over in the Bible.
Sadly, we're just not willing to sacrifice anymore. It's too darn uncomfortable.
Taking care of orphans is a command, friends. In no translation I have ever read has it said, "Now, if you feel like it, and when your home is big enough, and when you have enough money, THEN you should take care of the orphans. Nope--my Bible says to take care of the orphans! Period. No questions asked. No if. No but. No maybe.
DO IT!
I am so thankful we have the Lord's Word as our guide. I am so thankful we get to look at the lives of those who have gone before us...and learn. And I am so thankful that I live now, and not then. Times are so much easier than what they were in biblical times--we really have no excuses. If our forefathers could do the impossible things God told them to do--why the heck can't we do it now?
Truthfully, I am so tired of people telling us that we are doing such an amazing thing. It's not amazing! We are no different to any other couple. We're just your average Joe's--living in an average home, earning average money. We are nothing special. We're sinners saved by grace. The truth is that anyone can have our mission. Anyone. It amazes me how many Christians are looking for a fancy mission in life--a platform where they can have their 'ministry'. If only they would turn their hearts toward home and have a mission right under their own roofs. What a profound difference that would make to the orphan crisis.
There is no excuse for the 147 million orphans around the globe. No excuse! Where are the Christians to take care of them? There sure are enough of us to take care of the problem. If only we would get it.
Let's be honest--the time to bring home a child will never be perfect. There will always be some reason we can find to justify why we should not do it. We live in an imperfect world where there are always reasons to not live a life of crazy surrender. We are so blooming good at justifying things, aren't we?
And while we find our reasons and excuses--children die daily. Ninety five percent of children with Down Syndrome die. They die from sheer neglect--while we live the good old American Dream. You know, I would even go as far as to say that I don't believe God has to 'put the call to adopt in our hearts'. No--He's already commanded each and every Christian to "care for the orphans!" It's a done deal. There's no need to wait for that audible voice from heaven to ring out loud and clear. It's as clear as daylight in the only manual we will ever need in this life. How sad that so many Christians pick and choose which parts of the Bible they want to believe.
I am so out of excuses, my friends. As I sit here writing this, I cannot think of one good enough reason as to why we should not be doing what we do. Not one. I look at the faces of those children in the video, and every one of my lame excuses seems so downright pathetic.
No. More. Excuses. I'm done with them. I am dead to my fleshly desires and my earthly needs.
Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else is all that really matters in this life.
Do you want to know where Hailee will be sent if she cannot come home soon?
Really?
Ever wondered why ministries fight with everything they've got to find homes for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs before they turn 4?
My friend Sarah posted this video on her blog. I knew it would be hard to watch. But this is reality. This is real life. This is, very unfortunately, what happens to so many orphans. This is where my sweet little girl is destined to live for the rest of her life should we not be able to get to her.
I know--it is so terribly hard to watch. How the Father must weep over what He sees.
This is Serbia. But, sadly, the rest of the world is exactly the same. I know the country Hailee is in certainly is. Children and adults with special needs are considered the lowest of the low. They are outcasts in society--and are treated as such. They have no value. They are literally locked away and forgotten about. The only life they know is one where they are strapped to a crib all day long.
No life at all if you ask me.
Since watching this horrible video, and having my heart broken once again for the plight of orphans, something has really been stirring inside of me. Every time we adopt a child, or are out in public with our children, I would seriously be rich if I got a penny for each time we have heard, "We are just not called to do that." Or, "Our house is too small." Or, "My husband needs another job." Or, "Adoption is just not for us." Or, "God has given you the grace to do that." Or, "There is no way we can find $25 000.00 for an adoption." Yeah, like whatever!
What in the world is going on?
Oh my word, it hit me like a ton of bricks---God hardly ever calls us to do things for Him when everything in our lives is hunky dory! He never calls us to walk on the water when our circumstances are sweet. When I look in the Bible, I see people doing things for the Lord in the midst of impossible circumstances. Tougher than what my circumstances have ever been in my entire life. Yet, they did it. In obedience. The Lord commanded them--and they went. Was it hard? Heavens, yes! Harder than any little mission I have been given to date, that's for sure.
Why are we called to do things that seem almost ridiculous when our personal circumstances may not be perfect? Why does God call us to do the impossible when, to us, it seems like we don't have all our ducks in a row? Because God wants to show His GLORY! And it is when we step out and do the seemingly impossible tasks He gives us that He can show His glory. The glory belongs to Him, not us.
Here we are almost in 2010. Oh my, how times are different! We're a bunch of complainers I tell you. Whiners! We go the the Lord with all our petty, lame little excuses about why we should not, could not, would not, do something He has commanded us to do. We are so afraid to sacrifice--we don't want to be uncomfortable. "It's just too hard, Lord." I'm ashamed to even think about how many times I have said that to the Lord!
Obedience requires sacrifice! Just read about it over and over and over in the Bible.
Sadly, we're just not willing to sacrifice anymore. It's too darn uncomfortable.
Taking care of orphans is a command, friends. In no translation I have ever read has it said, "Now, if you feel like it, and when your home is big enough, and when you have enough money, THEN you should take care of the orphans. Nope--my Bible says to take care of the orphans! Period. No questions asked. No if. No but. No maybe.
DO IT!
I am so thankful we have the Lord's Word as our guide. I am so thankful we get to look at the lives of those who have gone before us...and learn. And I am so thankful that I live now, and not then. Times are so much easier than what they were in biblical times--we really have no excuses. If our forefathers could do the impossible things God told them to do--why the heck can't we do it now?
Truthfully, I am so tired of people telling us that we are doing such an amazing thing. It's not amazing! We are no different to any other couple. We're just your average Joe's--living in an average home, earning average money. We are nothing special. We're sinners saved by grace. The truth is that anyone can have our mission. Anyone. It amazes me how many Christians are looking for a fancy mission in life--a platform where they can have their 'ministry'. If only they would turn their hearts toward home and have a mission right under their own roofs. What a profound difference that would make to the orphan crisis.
There is no excuse for the 147 million orphans around the globe. No excuse! Where are the Christians to take care of them? There sure are enough of us to take care of the problem. If only we would get it.
Let's be honest--the time to bring home a child will never be perfect. There will always be some reason we can find to justify why we should not do it. We live in an imperfect world where there are always reasons to not live a life of crazy surrender. We are so blooming good at justifying things, aren't we?
And while we find our reasons and excuses--children die daily. Ninety five percent of children with Down Syndrome die. They die from sheer neglect--while we live the good old American Dream. You know, I would even go as far as to say that I don't believe God has to 'put the call to adopt in our hearts'. No--He's already commanded each and every Christian to "care for the orphans!" It's a done deal. There's no need to wait for that audible voice from heaven to ring out loud and clear. It's as clear as daylight in the only manual we will ever need in this life. How sad that so many Christians pick and choose which parts of the Bible they want to believe.
I am so out of excuses, my friends. As I sit here writing this, I cannot think of one good enough reason as to why we should not be doing what we do. Not one. I look at the faces of those children in the video, and every one of my lame excuses seems so downright pathetic.
No. More. Excuses. I'm done with them. I am dead to my fleshly desires and my earthly needs.
Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else is all that really matters in this life.
December 20, 2009
firsts
A weekends of firsts.
First time walking on a frozen lake.
Walking on frozen water is so NOT my thing I tell you. Just a wee bit freaky. The way it crackles as you walk--eek! I kept looking down, expecting the whole thing to crack any minute...taking all seven of us into the oh so freezing water. I know...I'm a total wimp!
First time being an angel. She really wasn't too sure about us dressing her up. But she did great!
First time being a shepherd...with a pirate-looking head covering. Oh well. That's what happens when mommy dearest has to come up with a costume.
First time reading lines in Church.
Is it really Christmas on Friday? Oh man, I am so far behind in everything. It really has crept up on me this year. Presents still need to be bought. Food needs to be planned. Thank goodness the kids and I have the week off school this week. I need a break from all things school.
Time to get organized.
Is it summer yet?
Oh dang, that's right....
First time walking on a frozen lake.
Walking on frozen water is so NOT my thing I tell you. Just a wee bit freaky. The way it crackles as you walk--eek! I kept looking down, expecting the whole thing to crack any minute...taking all seven of us into the oh so freezing water. I know...I'm a total wimp!
First time being an angel. She really wasn't too sure about us dressing her up. But she did great!
First time being a shepherd...with a pirate-looking head covering. Oh well. That's what happens when mommy dearest has to come up with a costume.
First time reading lines in Church.
~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for all the incredible support we have received as we journey to bring Hailee home. A few have e-mailed and asked if we are still planning on doing the on-line silent auction. Yes! We absolutely are. We still need to raise a few thousand dollars before we reach our goal. We're trusting the Lord for a fabulous silent auction. Thank you to all of you who are playing a part in it--we could not do it without you.
I have received some of the most amazing auction items in the mail already. Stunning things. Thank you for pouring out your hearts, friends. My family is deeply touched and so very thankful.
~~~~~~
Is it really Christmas on Friday? Oh man, I am so far behind in everything. It really has crept up on me this year. Presents still need to be bought. Food needs to be planned. Thank goodness the kids and I have the week off school this week. I need a break from all things school.
Time to get organized.
~~~~~~
Is it summer yet?
Oh dang, that's right....
It's only the first day of winter tomorrow!!!!
I will have a good attitude.
I will have a good attitude.
I will have a good attitude.
I will have a good attitude.
I will have a good attitude.
I will have a good attitude.
December 19, 2009
a tag to share christmas memories
So here goes....
Growing up in South Africa, Christmas is kinda different to the way it is celebrated in the USA. For one, there is no snow in sight in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer is in full swing and Christmas day can be very hot. There is no need to stay bundled up inside by the fire--so most people will get outdoors and spend the day beside the swimming pool. Lunch can be a hot meal, but most tend to have cold cuts and salads. Or sometimes we grill outdoors. In South Africa we don't grill--we braai! Meat is usually grilled on a wood burning fire. A spicy sausage called boerewors and sides like mielie pap are added. Yum! Boerewors is one of the things my hubby and kids miss the most about living in South Africa.
So, the food is a little different, the climate a lot different.
Growing up, most of my Christmases were spent with extended family. Lots and lots of family! That is probably one of my best memories. Being surrounded by family. I miss that terribly now that I do not have it.
Christmas Eve began with the tradition of leaving a cookie and a beer for Santa. Yes, a beer. Poor guy. Our Christmas days were spent playing silly games, swimming in the pool all day long, and getting very sunburned. I have such fond memories of days spent at a family beach cottage on the rugged coast of Southern Africa.
For me, Christmas just seemed so much simpler back then. There was no crazy consumerism happening. The stress that most people seem to feel at this time of year was non-existent. The days seemed lazier and more carefree. I miss that.
I am supposed to tag 5 other bloggers to pass the sharing of Christmas memories around. If you visited my blog today and would also like to share a Christmas memories post, please do. It would would be so much fun to stop by your blog and read it. So, please come back and let me know you have posted your favorite Christmas memories, and I will come over to share in your treasured memories. Or, if you just want to share your favorite memory here in the comments, that would be fun too.
Here are the rules:
~~~ write a Christmas memories blog.
~~~ include the link to my post somewhere in your blog.
~~~ tag five other bloggers.
~~~ then return to this blogs comments and paste the link to your Christmas memories blog.
One of my dear kids randomly picked the following friends to tag:
Michelle
Shonni
Kelly
Angie
Lisa
Post your favorite Christmas memories with us, friends.
December 17, 2009
miraculous provision
Why should I be surprised when God opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out provision? For some reason every time He rains down abundant provision from heaven, it leaves me speechless.
I shouldn't be surprised. I know that. After all--He's GOD! The Almighty Father. The creator of heaven and earth.
But here I am...speechless once again.
I'll be honest. The last few months have been rough. We have faced financial obstacle after financial obstacle. I know many can relate. Times are just tough. The cherry on the top came when my hubby's hours got reduced by 20% recently. We seriously did not see that coming our way.
But it did...and that's okay. We accept the things that God allows to happen. We know He will never withdraw His hand from our lives. Ever!
In the midst of it all...peace! A deep sense of knowing that our God will take care of our needs. It's a strange feeling when the things you see in the natural certainly don't match up with the peace in your heart. During these crazy times we have chosen to hold onto His Word, onto the promises that are rightfully ours. We have chosen to walk by faith, and not by sight.
It really has been a ridiculous time in our lives to trust God for an adoption--on top of everything else.
But I am constantly reminded that we serve a God of the ridiculous! He wants us to trust Him for the things that make absolutely no sense to the world.
When we felt the Father calling us to adopt Hailee, I'll admit my first reaction was, "Sure Lord, we'll go...BUT (of course there always has to be a but in there) how in the world are we going to raise $25 000.00?" We knew we could not apply for adoption grants with this adoption. We felt sure that God did not want us to go into debt to bring home a child. How could it ever work out in a bad economy?
My dearest friends...I am overcome with emotion even as I write this. My heart simply cannot comprehend the love that God has for orphans. My human mind cannot grasp the magnitude of His faithfulness. For He is PROVIDING! He's providing for Hailee in miraculous ways. Ways we never dreamed of, or imagined. The most amazing thing is that He is providing through people we have never even met! That just blows my mind.
I am deeply touched by the hearts of God's people. Strangers! I am moved to tears when ponder the fact that God has chosen people who live on different continents to help us bring Hailee home. People we have never even laid eyes on have been moved by the Spirit to play a part in Hailee's story. Surprising? I know it shouldn't be...we do indeed serve a God of miracles in 2009! Right?
There are no words to express our gratitude. We are overwhelmed. I've said it before--God CAN and WILL provide for an adoption. All He requires are obedient hearts--those who will step out of the boat and walk on water. All He needs are those who will trust Him to provide. That's when He gathers His glorious army of soldiers in the battle, and instructs them to pour out financial blessing. It's truly a beautiful thing. How blessed they are for their obedience.
We're getting closer and closer, my friends. We're seeing a miracle unfold before our eyes. We still have a way to go--but the view is looking simply glorious from where we are.
What a God of wonders we serve!
"See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10
I shouldn't be surprised. I know that. After all--He's GOD! The Almighty Father. The creator of heaven and earth.
But here I am...speechless once again.
I'll be honest. The last few months have been rough. We have faced financial obstacle after financial obstacle. I know many can relate. Times are just tough. The cherry on the top came when my hubby's hours got reduced by 20% recently. We seriously did not see that coming our way.
But it did...and that's okay. We accept the things that God allows to happen. We know He will never withdraw His hand from our lives. Ever!
In the midst of it all...peace! A deep sense of knowing that our God will take care of our needs. It's a strange feeling when the things you see in the natural certainly don't match up with the peace in your heart. During these crazy times we have chosen to hold onto His Word, onto the promises that are rightfully ours. We have chosen to walk by faith, and not by sight.
It really has been a ridiculous time in our lives to trust God for an adoption--on top of everything else.
But I am constantly reminded that we serve a God of the ridiculous! He wants us to trust Him for the things that make absolutely no sense to the world.
When we felt the Father calling us to adopt Hailee, I'll admit my first reaction was, "Sure Lord, we'll go...BUT (of course there always has to be a but in there) how in the world are we going to raise $25 000.00?" We knew we could not apply for adoption grants with this adoption. We felt sure that God did not want us to go into debt to bring home a child. How could it ever work out in a bad economy?
My dearest friends...I am overcome with emotion even as I write this. My heart simply cannot comprehend the love that God has for orphans. My human mind cannot grasp the magnitude of His faithfulness. For He is PROVIDING! He's providing for Hailee in miraculous ways. Ways we never dreamed of, or imagined. The most amazing thing is that He is providing through people we have never even met! That just blows my mind.
I am deeply touched by the hearts of God's people. Strangers! I am moved to tears when ponder the fact that God has chosen people who live on different continents to help us bring Hailee home. People we have never even laid eyes on have been moved by the Spirit to play a part in Hailee's story. Surprising? I know it shouldn't be...we do indeed serve a God of miracles in 2009! Right?
There are no words to express our gratitude. We are overwhelmed. I've said it before--God CAN and WILL provide for an adoption. All He requires are obedient hearts--those who will step out of the boat and walk on water. All He needs are those who will trust Him to provide. That's when He gathers His glorious army of soldiers in the battle, and instructs them to pour out financial blessing. It's truly a beautiful thing. How blessed they are for their obedience.
We're getting closer and closer, my friends. We're seeing a miracle unfold before our eyes. We still have a way to go--but the view is looking simply glorious from where we are.
What a God of wonders we serve!
"See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10
December 16, 2009
December 14, 2009
when it hurts to notice
There are times in my journey as a mommy when I just don't have the answers. Try as I may, I am clueless as to how to handle certain situations as they arise.
The Father has blessed us. And I mean blessed us! We have two of the most adorable little girls on the planet. Well, at least we think so.
These two are so different. Like chalk and cheese really. The one is SO verbal. The other completely non-verbal (at nine years of age). In spite of their differences, they are so very close. That's another blessing.
Little sister is so unbelievably more advanced than big sister. It's crazy to even look at them and imagine that the taller, bigger sister is actually two years younger.
Recently this precious little sister, who is growing up so quickly, has become a lot more aware of things around her. She's more in tune to things that get said, and ways that people behave. Not a bad thing--except that she has begun to notice.
She notices that people pay way more attention to her non-verbal sister.
She notices that people care deeply about her sister and how she is coming along.
She notices that most will hug her sister before they even consider hugging her.
She notices when people comment on how beautiful her sister is.
She notices when people will only ask her sister to sit on their laps--and never her.
Boy does she notice now. Just all of a sudden she just grew up a little. And the fact that she notices just breaks my heart.
I know all this is probably so normal and just part of growing up. We make such an effort in our home to make sure that each child gets the same amount of attention. But it's a different story out in public. Innocently, people just don't think! They feel like they have to shower love and hugs on the neediest child--while the others stand aside and watch. I understand it is a natural reaction. But to the onlooking kids, it hurts.
I never thought much about it, until recently. Until my sweet, sweet little girl started feeling so left out. Until the day she started commenting on how, "Everyone loves Haven." And until the day she started voicing it.
Oh my goodness gracious, some days it is hard being a parent. It does not matter whether we have two children or ten, the issues we face are all the same. I remember so clearly only having two children, and dealing with hurt feelings and broken little hearts. Children have feelings, and those feelings get hurt...often. There is nothing that we can do to shelter them from the world or from the way that people sometimes are. But there are days that my mommy-heart just breaks in two when I see them dealing with stuff. I know you all feel the same as you raise your own children.
Tonight my heart is aching for my youngest daughter. I wish I could make it all better for her. I wish I could ask every single person who knows us to be a little more sensitive when it comes to our children--making them all feel loved and cherished. But I can't. That's not my place.
All I can do is pray and ask my Father in heaven to give us a huge amount of wisdom daily. He says to ask for it, right? And then I'll ask Him to wrap His arms around my sweet youngest daughter and hug her tight...reminding her heart that she will always be His princess.
If you are new to my blog, and you don't know Haven's story, you can read it here.
The Father has blessed us. And I mean blessed us! We have two of the most adorable little girls on the planet. Well, at least we think so.
These two are so different. Like chalk and cheese really. The one is SO verbal. The other completely non-verbal (at nine years of age). In spite of their differences, they are so very close. That's another blessing.
Little sister is so unbelievably more advanced than big sister. It's crazy to even look at them and imagine that the taller, bigger sister is actually two years younger.
Recently this precious little sister, who is growing up so quickly, has become a lot more aware of things around her. She's more in tune to things that get said, and ways that people behave. Not a bad thing--except that she has begun to notice.
She notices that people pay way more attention to her non-verbal sister.
She notices that people care deeply about her sister and how she is coming along.
She notices that most will hug her sister before they even consider hugging her.
She notices when people comment on how beautiful her sister is.
She notices when people will only ask her sister to sit on their laps--and never her.
Boy does she notice now. Just all of a sudden she just grew up a little. And the fact that she notices just breaks my heart.
I know all this is probably so normal and just part of growing up. We make such an effort in our home to make sure that each child gets the same amount of attention. But it's a different story out in public. Innocently, people just don't think! They feel like they have to shower love and hugs on the neediest child--while the others stand aside and watch. I understand it is a natural reaction. But to the onlooking kids, it hurts.
I never thought much about it, until recently. Until my sweet, sweet little girl started feeling so left out. Until the day she started commenting on how, "Everyone loves Haven." And until the day she started voicing it.
Oh my goodness gracious, some days it is hard being a parent. It does not matter whether we have two children or ten, the issues we face are all the same. I remember so clearly only having two children, and dealing with hurt feelings and broken little hearts. Children have feelings, and those feelings get hurt...often. There is nothing that we can do to shelter them from the world or from the way that people sometimes are. But there are days that my mommy-heart just breaks in two when I see them dealing with stuff. I know you all feel the same as you raise your own children.
Tonight my heart is aching for my youngest daughter. I wish I could make it all better for her. I wish I could ask every single person who knows us to be a little more sensitive when it comes to our children--making them all feel loved and cherished. But I can't. That's not my place.
All I can do is pray and ask my Father in heaven to give us a huge amount of wisdom daily. He says to ask for it, right? And then I'll ask Him to wrap His arms around my sweet youngest daughter and hug her tight...reminding her heart that she will always be His princess.
If you are new to my blog, and you don't know Haven's story, you can read it here.
December 12, 2009
making memories
Looking for a fun little craft to do with your kiddos this Christmastime?
We found the perfect activity--that makes a fabulous keepsake too. Or, a sweet homemade gift your kids can make for family and friends. It is so easy (and cheap--I LOVE cheap). Even little kids will have fun.
You'll need:
~ 1/2 cup salt
~ 1 cup flour
~ 1/2 cup water
~ cookie cutters
~ rolling pin
~ paints
~ glitter glue
~ ribbon
(we doubled the measurements because we have a few kids)
How to prepare:
~ Preheat oven to 250 degrees (F)
~ Mix together salt, flour and water until a dough is formed.
~ Knead dough until it is elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
*** You don't want the dough too dry--it will crack when baked.
~ Roll out on a flat surface--about 1/4 " thick.
~ Use cookie cutters and let your kids have fun cutting out different shapes.
~ Make sure you punch a small hole in the top for the ribbon.
~ Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about two hours.
~ Allow to cool completely.
~ Paint.
~ When paint is dry, use glitter glue to add a sparkly glitter coat. We also added some sequins for some extra sparkliness (surely that must be a word?).
Your kids will LOVE their homemade ornaments. We dated ours at the back so that we can keep them forever.
An easy way to make some wonderful family memories with your angels this season.
We found the perfect activity--that makes a fabulous keepsake too. Or, a sweet homemade gift your kids can make for family and friends. It is so easy (and cheap--I LOVE cheap). Even little kids will have fun.
You'll need:
~ 1/2 cup salt
~ 1 cup flour
~ 1/2 cup water
~ cookie cutters
~ rolling pin
~ paints
~ glitter glue
~ ribbon
(we doubled the measurements because we have a few kids)
How to prepare:
~ Preheat oven to 250 degrees (F)
~ Mix together salt, flour and water until a dough is formed.
~ Knead dough until it is elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
*** You don't want the dough too dry--it will crack when baked.
~ Roll out on a flat surface--about 1/4 " thick.
~ Use cookie cutters and let your kids have fun cutting out different shapes.
~ Make sure you punch a small hole in the top for the ribbon.
~ Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about two hours.
~ Allow to cool completely.
~ Paint.
~ When paint is dry, use glitter glue to add a sparkly glitter coat. We also added some sequins for some extra sparkliness (surely that must be a word?).
Your kids will LOVE their homemade ornaments. We dated ours at the back so that we can keep them forever.
An easy way to make some wonderful family memories with your angels this season.
December 10, 2009
little blue book miracle
I got it today...
In less than four months from beginning to end I have my citizenship and my passport. Whoever said that the God of the Bible was not in the business of miracles today?
I got my passport in the mail today and was overcome with emotion. It's just a silly old passport, and I already have two others to my name, so it's really not a big deal at all. But the little blue book in my hands really did not just represent another citizenship or the ability to travel as an American.
Nope. It represents God's incredible LOVE for a little orphan girl on the other side of the world. I felt like I was holding a miracle in my hands today. A miracle that gives us a way to rescue one of His beloved fatherless.
Along the way, many have questioned the great lengths we have gone to to adopt Hailee. The extra expense of citizenship, the huge amount of extra paperwork, an extra step in the already crazy adoption process...will it all be worth it? Why not just trust God to send someone else to adopt her?
Why? Because He told US to go. Not someone else.
There are times when the mountains we have faced in this adoption journey have felt so impossible to climb.
But there is one thing we promised the Lord a very long time ago...when He calls us to do the impossible, the difficult, the tiring, the things that make no sense--when He calls us to climb the mountain...we WILL do it! No questions asked. We know that when we finally reach the top of this long climb, the view is something far more glorious than anything we could ever dream of, or imagine. It's on the mountain top that we can look back and see all that He has done to get us there.
But we have to keep climbing, and climbing, and climbing in order to get to the top.
Is it easy? Never. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
And so we'll keep climbing, trusting Him to move any obstacles in our way...until that day when we reach the summit and can finally hold our daughter in our arms. Then it will all be so absolutely worth it.
FAITHFUL AND TRUE--that's His name. Name above all names.
Hang in there, tiny one, your mommy and daddy just got another step closer to you today. You are so worth it!
Thank you, Lord Jesus!
In less than four months from beginning to end I have my citizenship and my passport. Whoever said that the God of the Bible was not in the business of miracles today?
I got my passport in the mail today and was overcome with emotion. It's just a silly old passport, and I already have two others to my name, so it's really not a big deal at all. But the little blue book in my hands really did not just represent another citizenship or the ability to travel as an American.
Nope. It represents God's incredible LOVE for a little orphan girl on the other side of the world. I felt like I was holding a miracle in my hands today. A miracle that gives us a way to rescue one of His beloved fatherless.
Along the way, many have questioned the great lengths we have gone to to adopt Hailee. The extra expense of citizenship, the huge amount of extra paperwork, an extra step in the already crazy adoption process...will it all be worth it? Why not just trust God to send someone else to adopt her?
Why? Because He told US to go. Not someone else.
There are times when the mountains we have faced in this adoption journey have felt so impossible to climb.
But there is one thing we promised the Lord a very long time ago...when He calls us to do the impossible, the difficult, the tiring, the things that make no sense--when He calls us to climb the mountain...we WILL do it! No questions asked. We know that when we finally reach the top of this long climb, the view is something far more glorious than anything we could ever dream of, or imagine. It's on the mountain top that we can look back and see all that He has done to get us there.
But we have to keep climbing, and climbing, and climbing in order to get to the top.
Is it easy? Never. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
And so we'll keep climbing, trusting Him to move any obstacles in our way...until that day when we reach the summit and can finally hold our daughter in our arms. Then it will all be so absolutely worth it.
FAITHFUL AND TRUE--that's His name. Name above all names.
Hang in there, tiny one, your mommy and daddy just got another step closer to you today. You are so worth it!
Thank you, Lord Jesus!
~~~~~~~
Congrats Barbra--you're the winner of the distressed sign. Get in touch with me so that I can get it to you, friend.
December 9, 2009
an unexpected blessing
I just love the Lord so much. I love how, when we least expect it, He sends a little blessing our way. Last night was one of those times for us.
My dear hubby left home at some ungodly hour yesterday morning to get a decent place in line to have a book signed by Sarah Palin. While I am definitely not into politics (most of the time I just don't get it at all), I do have a huge amount of respect for this woman. Since the first time we saw her on TV, and heard her many interviews, we have loved what she stands for. Pro-life in the true sense of the word, a believer in family, and a woman after God's own heart.
We loaded up the kids in ridiculously cold weather and drove about an hour away to where Mrs Palin would be signing books. While standing in line with hundreds and hundreds of others (we were able to get pretty near the front thanks to the wristband thingy Anthony got early in the morning), we got chatting to a security person who told us that "Mrs Palin signs the books really fast, so you'll be lucky if you get a hello out of her."
Okay then.
When we got inside the bookstore, the line moved quickly. We soon made it into the room where she was signing her book. The line continued to moved at a steady pace. We observed Mrs Palin--she greeted everyone with a smile, shook their hands and graciously answered a quick question here and there. A warm smile never left her face.
Finally we made it. It was our turn. All seven of us crowded around her table. She literally stopped everything, put her pen down, and asked each one of our children their names, their grades, and a little about themselves. When we told her that Haven did not speak, she asked why and wanted to know her story. The line had come to a sudden halt! She genuinely cared and just shook her head in disbelief as we briefly shared Haven's sad story.
What followed next was so sweet. We mentioned to her that we were bringing home another little girl...one with down syndrome. Her face literally lit up.
Mrs Palin: "Really? You're adopting a child with down syndrome next?"
She seemed genuinely touched. The concept of people adopting these children was obviously so foreign to her...as it may be to many, I guess. I forget about that time in my life when I was so unaware of special needs adoption.
Mrs Palin: "Thank you! Thank you so much for doing that."
We know it is anything but amazing. But sitting in front of us was not only a celebrity politician...but a mother who chose to give life to her baby diagnosed with down syndrome in the womb. A mother parenting a child with special needs. A mother who understands.
Next thing we knew, she was calling her hubby over and telling him our little story and about Hailee. Mr Palin came and sat down and chatted a while. A very nice man. But that was not enough for Sarah Palin. "Oh, you just have to meet my son Trig, he's here in the store with my parents", she beamed. She signalled to her precious parents on the other side of the room and tells them to bring Trig over. She is clearly SO proud of her boy--chosen by the hand of the Father to be their son.
I'm sure onlookers must have been wondering what in the world was going on. Just a proud mama wanting to show off her precious angel, that's all.
Oh my gosh--what a sweet little boy. My heart melted. He is completely adorable.
Anthony: "We pray for you all the time, Mrs Palin." "We pray that you would be filled with the Spirit daily."
Mrs Palin: Looking straight at us she said, "Yes! Yes and amen! I appreciate your prayers so very much. We are so thankful for them."
She is so very gracious and warm.
We thanked her for her time, with which she was more than generous, and for allowing us to meet her family. She told us how grateful she was for people praying for her. We could see on her face that she meant every word she said. She so clearly loves the same God that we serve...with all her heart.
Mrs Palin thanked us for being "out there doing it, making a difference". If only she knew what an honor and a privilege it truly is to bring home these precious children the Father entrusts to us. We would have life no other way.
Last night I got to see that Sarah Palin is the real deal. She loves God so much. The love of Jesus radiates from her. The love for her family is so very obvious. And her heart is genuinely broken for children with special needs. She truly is an amazing woman. We got a glimpse into her heart last night--her heart for special children who have needs. And it was a beautiful thing.
We moved out of the line to give others an opportunity to have their books signed. We headed over to Mrs Palin's parents and were so blessed to be able to spend some time with them, and little Trig. They were so friendly and down to earth. Mrs Palin's Dad shared with Connor about loving being a fifth grade teacher his entire life, while her mother showed such a genuine interest in our children, and our adoptions. One year old Trig sure kept grandma on her toes--he only wanted to be down on the ground running around. My heart melted at the thought of soon having our very own blessing with down syndrome. I can hardly wait.
We had such a blessed time.
If the Lord exalts Sarah Palin, I know, with all my heart, that families with special needs children WILL have a friend in the White House.
And for the first time since becoming an American citizen recently, I was so thankful that I now have the privilege of being able to vote!
Oh, and we got a book signed for our silent auction. So fabulous.
My dear hubby left home at some ungodly hour yesterday morning to get a decent place in line to have a book signed by Sarah Palin. While I am definitely not into politics (most of the time I just don't get it at all), I do have a huge amount of respect for this woman. Since the first time we saw her on TV, and heard her many interviews, we have loved what she stands for. Pro-life in the true sense of the word, a believer in family, and a woman after God's own heart.
We loaded up the kids in ridiculously cold weather and drove about an hour away to where Mrs Palin would be signing books. While standing in line with hundreds and hundreds of others (we were able to get pretty near the front thanks to the wristband thingy Anthony got early in the morning), we got chatting to a security person who told us that "Mrs Palin signs the books really fast, so you'll be lucky if you get a hello out of her."
Okay then.
When we got inside the bookstore, the line moved quickly. We soon made it into the room where she was signing her book. The line continued to moved at a steady pace. We observed Mrs Palin--she greeted everyone with a smile, shook their hands and graciously answered a quick question here and there. A warm smile never left her face.
Finally we made it. It was our turn. All seven of us crowded around her table. She literally stopped everything, put her pen down, and asked each one of our children their names, their grades, and a little about themselves. When we told her that Haven did not speak, she asked why and wanted to know her story. The line had come to a sudden halt! She genuinely cared and just shook her head in disbelief as we briefly shared Haven's sad story.
What followed next was so sweet. We mentioned to her that we were bringing home another little girl...one with down syndrome. Her face literally lit up.
Mrs Palin: "Really? You're adopting a child with down syndrome next?"
She seemed genuinely touched. The concept of people adopting these children was obviously so foreign to her...as it may be to many, I guess. I forget about that time in my life when I was so unaware of special needs adoption.
Mrs Palin: "Thank you! Thank you so much for doing that."
We know it is anything but amazing. But sitting in front of us was not only a celebrity politician...but a mother who chose to give life to her baby diagnosed with down syndrome in the womb. A mother parenting a child with special needs. A mother who understands.
Next thing we knew, she was calling her hubby over and telling him our little story and about Hailee. Mr Palin came and sat down and chatted a while. A very nice man. But that was not enough for Sarah Palin. "Oh, you just have to meet my son Trig, he's here in the store with my parents", she beamed. She signalled to her precious parents on the other side of the room and tells them to bring Trig over. She is clearly SO proud of her boy--chosen by the hand of the Father to be their son.
I'm sure onlookers must have been wondering what in the world was going on. Just a proud mama wanting to show off her precious angel, that's all.
Oh my gosh--what a sweet little boy. My heart melted. He is completely adorable.
Anthony: "We pray for you all the time, Mrs Palin." "We pray that you would be filled with the Spirit daily."
Mrs Palin: Looking straight at us she said, "Yes! Yes and amen! I appreciate your prayers so very much. We are so thankful for them."
She is so very gracious and warm.
We thanked her for her time, with which she was more than generous, and for allowing us to meet her family. She told us how grateful she was for people praying for her. We could see on her face that she meant every word she said. She so clearly loves the same God that we serve...with all her heart.
Mrs Palin thanked us for being "out there doing it, making a difference". If only she knew what an honor and a privilege it truly is to bring home these precious children the Father entrusts to us. We would have life no other way.
Last night I got to see that Sarah Palin is the real deal. She loves God so much. The love of Jesus radiates from her. The love for her family is so very obvious. And her heart is genuinely broken for children with special needs. She truly is an amazing woman. We got a glimpse into her heart last night--her heart for special children who have needs. And it was a beautiful thing.
We moved out of the line to give others an opportunity to have their books signed. We headed over to Mrs Palin's parents and were so blessed to be able to spend some time with them, and little Trig. They were so friendly and down to earth. Mrs Palin's Dad shared with Connor about loving being a fifth grade teacher his entire life, while her mother showed such a genuine interest in our children, and our adoptions. One year old Trig sure kept grandma on her toes--he only wanted to be down on the ground running around. My heart melted at the thought of soon having our very own blessing with down syndrome. I can hardly wait.
We had such a blessed time.
If the Lord exalts Sarah Palin, I know, with all my heart, that families with special needs children WILL have a friend in the White House.
And for the first time since becoming an American citizen recently, I was so thankful that I now have the privilege of being able to vote!
Oh, and we got a book signed for our silent auction. So fabulous.
December 7, 2009
facing fear
Fear!
Ugh. I seriously hate that word. It makes my stomach churn and gives me a very not-so-good feeling. I despise fear. It is not of God. He commands us to not fear for a reason.
But my reality, right now, is that I am afraid. Fear has, once again, gripped my heart, friends. I am so human and so darn frail sometimes. I allow fear to creep into those places in my heart where I feel so vulnerable. Like now.
Recently I have been journeying with a friend. We met through blog world and have become special friends. I love that about blogging, by the way. This friend has walked a hard road--one that my heart cannot imagine or even try to comprehend. A road so painful it must almost feel like your heart is being ripped in two. It's a road you never see coming your way, nor one you ever choose to take. The road called *adoption disruption.
* An unsuccessful adoption
My heart is aching for my dear friend. A friend I love dearly. Their hopes and dreams have come crashing down around them. A part of their hearts will always remain with the daughter they so desperately wanted to be theirs, I'm sure. But it was not to be.
We are certainly not new to disruption in adoptions. We adopted our own precious Haven after a disrupted adoption in China. Disruption happens. It's a reality of adoption. Especially those done internationally. Getting on a plane and flying across the world to meet your child, and instantly having them be yours is not for the faint-hearted. There is no time to 'check this out and see if it works for you'. There is no time to 'bond' with your child. There are no precious months to carry that child in the womb and have your heart be connected with theirs. Nope. They're your child. Instantly. Just like that. And sometimes things just do not go as we had so desperately hoped and dreamed.
It's the craziest thing, international adoption. It's something that should never, ever be entered into lightly, or without ginormous amounts of prayer. Still, there are times when, even after the heart of God has been sought, things go horribly wrong. It's just life. It happens. So many times in this life things just do not go the way we hope or anticipate. I can testify to that so many times in my life.
In light of recent events with my dear friend, I have opened my heart to the 'what ifs' again. What if I look at Hailee and am overcome with fear? What if I feel I cannot meet her needs? What if I cannot bond with her? What if I am afraid for my other children? What if the very sight of her, and her neediness, makes me too afraid to carry on? What if down syndrome scares the living dickens out of me when I see it face-to face?
On and on and on I have gone for the last 48 hours. Torturing myself with the 'what ifs".
Then I sat listening to my beloved pastor teach on Mary and Elizabeth yesterday morning and all of a sudden something happened in my heart. It suddenly came to me. Not a new revelation, or anything like that. Just a quiet reminder from my Father in heaven. A gentle whispering to my heart the very thing I needed to hear....
The things God calls us to do are never (well, most of the time) easy! The journeys He calls us to take are, for the most part, stretching, challenging and difficult. They cause us to press into God with everything that is within us. Ultimately it's for our good.
As I sat there pondering the lives of Mary and Elizabeth I realized that they had tough assignments from the Lord. How would I feel being pregnant at a ripe old age? Or how about having to announce to my family that I, a virgin, was pregnant. Oh, and that the child in my womb just happened to be the Son of God--that must surely have been the clincher. I'm sure they both suffered immense criticism, possibly even hatred from those around them. I'm sure most thought that both these woman were completely insane. Was it easy? Heck no. Still, they were on a mission from the Almighty Father. And that really was all that mattered. To know that you know that the Lord has directed your steps.
Missions are never easy. Missions do not mean we have to leave our homes and travel across land and sea to fulfill them. Though we have done that for years, and it is an amazing thing to do, God has us on a different mission now. He has turned our hearts toward home and given us a mission right here in our own house. Rescuing orphans.
I do love this new mission. I am content and totally fulfilled in what God has called us to do in this life. But, it sure does not come without fear rising up in my heart every now and then. There are days when I would love to add my little two cents worth and ask the Lord if He would possibly mind just tweaking that calling a wee bit. "How about sending me on a mission to adopt a non special needs child, Lord?" Yep, that sure sounds so much easier. But deep in my heart I know this is it. I know we're right in the center of His will for our lives--rescuing those who have little chance of being adopted. Rescuing the hard to place children.
Is it easy? No way. I have days when I look at my precious Haven and wonder what in the world we're doing. I have days when I feel like I am failing horribly. Then I have days when I look at her and wonder what life was ever like without her. Yep, I am so darn human.
I am still learning, friends. Learning to trust my Father in this journey. Learning to cast all my cares and concerns upon Him. Learning that the only thing He requires from me is my obedience. He'll take care of the rest. I'm learning daily what it means to be a servant.
On days like these, when fear grabs a hold of my heart, I cling to this....
"I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
So DO NOT FEAR, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:9-10
He sure is able to strengthen me and help me on this journey. That I am positive of. When He sends us on a mission...He equips us with everything we need to do the mission well.
I know that there are never any guarantees in life. Things can, and do, go terribly wrong. Dreams come crashing down and hopes are shattered. But I have to live in the here and now--putting one foot in front of the other, trusting my God to lead us, and praying that He will meet us on the other side of the world on the day that they place our little girl into our arms.
And when I forget that, or my heart grows weary, I have a strong husband beside me who said, "Honey, I will be with you for the first part of the trip in Eastern Europe, and I will NOT let us leave without our daughter!"
Whew!
We're on a mission. I'm afraid and sometimes even terrified at the thought of this mission. But this is one of those times in my life that I know that I know that the Father has spoken. And He said, "Go!"
And so forward we go--with my fears and my anxiety, with my hopes and dreams for my family, with my cares and my concerns...and with my GOD!
Ugh. I seriously hate that word. It makes my stomach churn and gives me a very not-so-good feeling. I despise fear. It is not of God. He commands us to not fear for a reason.
But my reality, right now, is that I am afraid. Fear has, once again, gripped my heart, friends. I am so human and so darn frail sometimes. I allow fear to creep into those places in my heart where I feel so vulnerable. Like now.
Recently I have been journeying with a friend. We met through blog world and have become special friends. I love that about blogging, by the way. This friend has walked a hard road--one that my heart cannot imagine or even try to comprehend. A road so painful it must almost feel like your heart is being ripped in two. It's a road you never see coming your way, nor one you ever choose to take. The road called *adoption disruption.
* An unsuccessful adoption
My heart is aching for my dear friend. A friend I love dearly. Their hopes and dreams have come crashing down around them. A part of their hearts will always remain with the daughter they so desperately wanted to be theirs, I'm sure. But it was not to be.
We are certainly not new to disruption in adoptions. We adopted our own precious Haven after a disrupted adoption in China. Disruption happens. It's a reality of adoption. Especially those done internationally. Getting on a plane and flying across the world to meet your child, and instantly having them be yours is not for the faint-hearted. There is no time to 'check this out and see if it works for you'. There is no time to 'bond' with your child. There are no precious months to carry that child in the womb and have your heart be connected with theirs. Nope. They're your child. Instantly. Just like that. And sometimes things just do not go as we had so desperately hoped and dreamed.
It's the craziest thing, international adoption. It's something that should never, ever be entered into lightly, or without ginormous amounts of prayer. Still, there are times when, even after the heart of God has been sought, things go horribly wrong. It's just life. It happens. So many times in this life things just do not go the way we hope or anticipate. I can testify to that so many times in my life.
In light of recent events with my dear friend, I have opened my heart to the 'what ifs' again. What if I look at Hailee and am overcome with fear? What if I feel I cannot meet her needs? What if I cannot bond with her? What if I am afraid for my other children? What if the very sight of her, and her neediness, makes me too afraid to carry on? What if down syndrome scares the living dickens out of me when I see it face-to face?
On and on and on I have gone for the last 48 hours. Torturing myself with the 'what ifs".
Then I sat listening to my beloved pastor teach on Mary and Elizabeth yesterday morning and all of a sudden something happened in my heart. It suddenly came to me. Not a new revelation, or anything like that. Just a quiet reminder from my Father in heaven. A gentle whispering to my heart the very thing I needed to hear....
The things God calls us to do are never (well, most of the time) easy! The journeys He calls us to take are, for the most part, stretching, challenging and difficult. They cause us to press into God with everything that is within us. Ultimately it's for our good.
As I sat there pondering the lives of Mary and Elizabeth I realized that they had tough assignments from the Lord. How would I feel being pregnant at a ripe old age? Or how about having to announce to my family that I, a virgin, was pregnant. Oh, and that the child in my womb just happened to be the Son of God--that must surely have been the clincher. I'm sure they both suffered immense criticism, possibly even hatred from those around them. I'm sure most thought that both these woman were completely insane. Was it easy? Heck no. Still, they were on a mission from the Almighty Father. And that really was all that mattered. To know that you know that the Lord has directed your steps.
Missions are never easy. Missions do not mean we have to leave our homes and travel across land and sea to fulfill them. Though we have done that for years, and it is an amazing thing to do, God has us on a different mission now. He has turned our hearts toward home and given us a mission right here in our own house. Rescuing orphans.
I do love this new mission. I am content and totally fulfilled in what God has called us to do in this life. But, it sure does not come without fear rising up in my heart every now and then. There are days when I would love to add my little two cents worth and ask the Lord if He would possibly mind just tweaking that calling a wee bit. "How about sending me on a mission to adopt a non special needs child, Lord?" Yep, that sure sounds so much easier. But deep in my heart I know this is it. I know we're right in the center of His will for our lives--rescuing those who have little chance of being adopted. Rescuing the hard to place children.
Is it easy? No way. I have days when I look at my precious Haven and wonder what in the world we're doing. I have days when I feel like I am failing horribly. Then I have days when I look at her and wonder what life was ever like without her. Yep, I am so darn human.
I am still learning, friends. Learning to trust my Father in this journey. Learning to cast all my cares and concerns upon Him. Learning that the only thing He requires from me is my obedience. He'll take care of the rest. I'm learning daily what it means to be a servant.
On days like these, when fear grabs a hold of my heart, I cling to this....
"I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
So DO NOT FEAR, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:9-10
He sure is able to strengthen me and help me on this journey. That I am positive of. When He sends us on a mission...He equips us with everything we need to do the mission well.
I know that there are never any guarantees in life. Things can, and do, go terribly wrong. Dreams come crashing down and hopes are shattered. But I have to live in the here and now--putting one foot in front of the other, trusting my God to lead us, and praying that He will meet us on the other side of the world on the day that they place our little girl into our arms.
And when I forget that, or my heart grows weary, I have a strong husband beside me who said, "Honey, I will be with you for the first part of the trip in Eastern Europe, and I will NOT let us leave without our daughter!"
Whew!
We're on a mission. I'm afraid and sometimes even terrified at the thought of this mission. But this is one of those times in my life that I know that I know that the Father has spoken. And He said, "Go!"
And so forward we go--with my fears and my anxiety, with my hopes and dreams for my family, with my cares and my concerns...and with my GOD!
December 6, 2009
fun days
Five in a row--making holiday cookies with Daddy.
Taking turns to roll the dough.
And seeing who could NOT eat all the dough. So tempting. There is nothing quite like eating all the cookie dough before it's even baked.
Biggest brother shows them how.
Come on, Haven, you can try it too.
Licking the frosting off the knife--yummy.
Check out my muscles!
The end result--SUGAR. Copious amounts of SUGAR!
I love making precious memories with my family--even if it means dealing with a major sugar high after the event.
All part of the joy of having kids, hey? Love it.
Are you making fun memories with your kids this year too?
Oh my goodness, thank you so very much to all of you who have so kindly offered to help me out with our upcoming silent auction. I am still trying to make my way through all the e-mails I have received. If you have not heard from me yet--I'm getting there. I'll be in touch soon.
We are overwhelmed by your love, your kindness, your generosity...and your love for Hailee. I am so blessed by all your support as we journey this road. I have so much to share about Hailee--and me in the process of adopting her. Perhaps tomorrow.
Taking turns to roll the dough.
And seeing who could NOT eat all the dough. So tempting. There is nothing quite like eating all the cookie dough before it's even baked.
Biggest brother shows them how.
Come on, Haven, you can try it too.
Licking the frosting off the knife--yummy.
Check out my muscles!
The end result--SUGAR. Copious amounts of SUGAR!
I love making precious memories with my family--even if it means dealing with a major sugar high after the event.
All part of the joy of having kids, hey? Love it.
Are you making fun memories with your kids this year too?
~~~~~~~~
Oh my goodness, thank you so very much to all of you who have so kindly offered to help me out with our upcoming silent auction. I am still trying to make my way through all the e-mails I have received. If you have not heard from me yet--I'm getting there. I'll be in touch soon.
We are overwhelmed by your love, your kindness, your generosity...and your love for Hailee. I am so blessed by all your support as we journey this road. I have so much to share about Hailee--and me in the process of adopting her. Perhaps tomorrow.
December 4, 2009
I miss her
It has been three years since I lost my mom. Three years is quite a long time. Yet, in many respects, it feels like only yesterday that I made that long trip from the USA to South Africa alone with my four very little kids. An urgent phone call from my dearest brother told me to, "Get here quickly." And so we did.
The Lord was so good to me. He blessed me with six amazing days with my mom before she died. I was able to love her and just be with her. He gave me a precious gift. Before I knew it--mom was gone.
I never imagined that I would be in my thirties, and without a mother. It's something you just never see coming your way. There is so much truth in the expression that life is short. So very short.
Today my heart is aching. Today I remember my mom. We had such an up and down relationship. But this day, on the anniversary of her death, I choose to remember only the good. The amazing. The laughs. The love. The good times. The sharing of hearts.
I have learned so much through loosing my mother. Yes, I have learned how fragile life truly is. It really can be a case of here one day, gone the next. But more than anything I have learned that family and true friends are priceless...a gift from the Almighty. They are treasures and should be treated as such.
Isn't hindsight such a wonderful thing? Looking back, there are so many things I wish I could change. Not about my mom...but about me. I wish I had looked at my own imperfections more, and hers less. I wish I had been more understanding, more accepting of her flaws. If I had only known that her days on this earth would be so limited...would I have been different? Undoubtedly so. These days I choose to make every day and every relationship count.
An aching heart is what I feel today. I long, with all my heart, for a mother. It just does not feel right that I don't have one. I miss her. I miss having a mom so much it hurts. It feels all wrong to me. Especially on days like these.
Perhaps this sounds a little silly, but I often pray that God would give my mom a window in heaven. Just a little peak into my life every now and then. I know she never for one second imagined that I would ever be the mother to six children. But here I am doing just that. I wonder what she would say? Does God allow her to see my life? Does she get a glimpse of her grandbabies growing up? I have no idea. It sure does make me feel better to imagine that she does.
If you have a mother--treasure her like there is no tomorrow. Don't harbor resentment in your heart. Focus on her good, not her imperfections. Savor the good times and forget the not-so-good. And really, don't sweat the small stuff (like I did)...let it go. It just is so not worth it. Hug her more often, and a little tighter. Appreciate the things she does do, and forget about the things she doesn't. They're not important. Appreciate every day God gives you with the mother He has CHOSEN to be yours.
How I miss mine today.
The Lord was so good to me. He blessed me with six amazing days with my mom before she died. I was able to love her and just be with her. He gave me a precious gift. Before I knew it--mom was gone.
I never imagined that I would be in my thirties, and without a mother. It's something you just never see coming your way. There is so much truth in the expression that life is short. So very short.
Today my heart is aching. Today I remember my mom. We had such an up and down relationship. But this day, on the anniversary of her death, I choose to remember only the good. The amazing. The laughs. The love. The good times. The sharing of hearts.
I have learned so much through loosing my mother. Yes, I have learned how fragile life truly is. It really can be a case of here one day, gone the next. But more than anything I have learned that family and true friends are priceless...a gift from the Almighty. They are treasures and should be treated as such.
Isn't hindsight such a wonderful thing? Looking back, there are so many things I wish I could change. Not about my mom...but about me. I wish I had looked at my own imperfections more, and hers less. I wish I had been more understanding, more accepting of her flaws. If I had only known that her days on this earth would be so limited...would I have been different? Undoubtedly so. These days I choose to make every day and every relationship count.
An aching heart is what I feel today. I long, with all my heart, for a mother. It just does not feel right that I don't have one. I miss her. I miss having a mom so much it hurts. It feels all wrong to me. Especially on days like these.
Perhaps this sounds a little silly, but I often pray that God would give my mom a window in heaven. Just a little peak into my life every now and then. I know she never for one second imagined that I would ever be the mother to six children. But here I am doing just that. I wonder what she would say? Does God allow her to see my life? Does she get a glimpse of her grandbabies growing up? I have no idea. It sure does make me feel better to imagine that she does.
If you have a mother--treasure her like there is no tomorrow. Don't harbor resentment in your heart. Focus on her good, not her imperfections. Savor the good times and forget the not-so-good. And really, don't sweat the small stuff (like I did)...let it go. It just is so not worth it. Hug her more often, and a little tighter. Appreciate the things she does do, and forget about the things she doesn't. They're not important. Appreciate every day God gives you with the mother He has CHOSEN to be yours.
How I miss mine today.
December 2, 2009
way out of my comfort zone
Goodness gracious--time is flying. It's time for us to get back into fundraising mode to bring our sweet Hailee home. I am guessing that if all goes well, we will travel next April. That is only four months away. Yikes. We still need to raise $13 000.00. A lot of money in a short period of time.
Am I panicked? Nope. I do see it as a great opportunity to trust my God who is MORE than able to open the floodgates of heaven and provide every dollar we still need. But I also know it's not about to fall into my lap (would be lovely, but not likely). I know we have to do our part. And that means getting off our rears and aggressively taking steps to raise the money. God honors that. Just as He honors a man who works hard to support his family. He's just like that. Do our part and He meets us there. Know what I mean?
Yard sales are completely out of the question at this time. Completely! Our high today was 8--according to my computer. Yep--that would be 8 degrees. Anyone want to come up and join me in my icebox?
I thought not.
We read your fabulous fundraising ideas here and decided an on-line fundraiser is a terrific next step forward for us. We have started gathering items to sell on a silent auction, but we could really do with a whole lot more.
But here's the deal.
If there is one thing (well, actually, there are many) in this life I am horrible at, and I mean horrible, it is asking for anything. I hate it. The very thought of it makes my heart rate increase radically and my palms get all sweaty. Seriously. It's the same way I react if I have to sell something. Lord forbid.
But I know that sometimes we have to just suck it up, humble ourselves, put our pride in our pockets, take a chill pill, or a tranquilizer...and just do it.
And so here I am...asking for your help.
I thought a good place to start would be with you all. My sweet bloggy friends. By the way, I was going type ya'll there but it just sounds so absolutely, positivelynot right awful when I even say it in my mind...let alone out loud. I completely butcher it. Make all you Southerners cringe. Perhaps once I have officially been an American for many (many, many, many) more years, I can actually get it right. Until then, it's "you all."
Ahem.
I know. I'm procrastinating.
Here goes.
I need help! There, I said it. I don't need advice or counsel or wisdom--those things are easy for me to ask for. I need things. Stuff. I need goods to sell on our on-line silent auction.
Do any of you know of anyone who would be willing to donate items to help us bring Hailee home? Perhaps someone who has an etsy store who would be willing to help out? Anything big, or small, would be such a huge blessing. We need anything that is sell-able.
If you, or someone you know, can help...please e-mail me at [email protected]. I would appreciate that so very much. Really.
Any other great fundraising ideas would also be such a blessing. We're in a race against time now to try and bring in all the funds we need.
Watch and see what God will do. He's amazing in this (and every other) way.
Whew....be still my beating heart.
Am I panicked? Nope. I do see it as a great opportunity to trust my God who is MORE than able to open the floodgates of heaven and provide every dollar we still need. But I also know it's not about to fall into my lap (would be lovely, but not likely). I know we have to do our part. And that means getting off our rears and aggressively taking steps to raise the money. God honors that. Just as He honors a man who works hard to support his family. He's just like that. Do our part and He meets us there. Know what I mean?
Yard sales are completely out of the question at this time. Completely! Our high today was 8--according to my computer. Yep--that would be 8 degrees. Anyone want to come up and join me in my icebox?
I thought not.
We read your fabulous fundraising ideas here and decided an on-line fundraiser is a terrific next step forward for us. We have started gathering items to sell on a silent auction, but we could really do with a whole lot more.
But here's the deal.
If there is one thing (well, actually, there are many) in this life I am horrible at, and I mean horrible, it is asking for anything. I hate it. The very thought of it makes my heart rate increase radically and my palms get all sweaty. Seriously. It's the same way I react if I have to sell something. Lord forbid.
But I know that sometimes we have to just suck it up, humble ourselves, put our pride in our pockets, take a chill pill, or a tranquilizer...and just do it.
And so here I am...asking for your help.
I thought a good place to start would be with you all. My sweet bloggy friends. By the way, I was going type ya'll there but it just sounds so absolutely, positively
Ahem.
I know. I'm procrastinating.
Here goes.
I need help! There, I said it. I don't need advice or counsel or wisdom--those things are easy for me to ask for. I need things. Stuff. I need goods to sell on our on-line silent auction.
Do any of you know of anyone who would be willing to donate items to help us bring Hailee home? Perhaps someone who has an etsy store who would be willing to help out? Anything big, or small, would be such a huge blessing. We need anything that is sell-able.
If you, or someone you know, can help...please e-mail me at [email protected]. I would appreciate that so very much. Really.
Any other great fundraising ideas would also be such a blessing. We're in a race against time now to try and bring in all the funds we need.
Watch and see what God will do. He's amazing in this (and every other) way.
Whew....be still my beating heart.
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