In the water. A lot.
Precious little feet just love being in the water. Such a change from only a few short weeks ago when bath time was a complete disaster. Hallelujah for major breakthroughs.
We're even going as far as dipping our heads in the water...very gently, of course.
And then deciding that this water stuff is quite all right, thank you very much.
Don't you just love Hailee's little belly? Oh my word...we love seeing chubbiness developing on these little bones.
We've been having the best time playing with friends.
And being absolutely adorable...because we just can't help it.
And loving our sister...because that's what sweet sisters do.
And showing little brothers the way...because that's what big brothers do.
And being old enough to explore on our own.
And learning and growing together.
And discovering many new creatures to catch.
And spending hours and hours just being children, doing the things that children love to do together.
Still counting my many, many blessings.
July 30, 2010
July 28, 2010
learning along the way
Oh my goodness, it's at times like this that I am once again reminded that I so do NOT have life all figured out and everything all together all the time. Nope. I absolutely do not. Right now God has us in a season that I truly do not do very well in. In fact...I'm convinced that I was last in line when God handed out this ability. I totally stink at it...
W.a.i.t.i.n.g.
I am not good at waiting. I don't like waiting for anything. If I see something, I want it now. If I want to do something, I want to do it like yesterday. I'm one of those people that just jumps right in and goes for it--and then later wonder why in the world I even did it. And then I regret.
Waiting is just not my thing.
You may be familiar with Psalm 37:7. It says, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." Oh my word--that be still and wait patiently thing? Surely that's for everyone else and not for me? Perhaps if I could just take the "patiently" word out of there it would be a little easier for me to work out. Patience and waiting are like oil and water with me. They don't go well together. Waiting patiently for the Lord to move? I fail miserably. I want Him to, need Him to, have to have Him act NOW.
But we all know thatsometimes most times God just does not do things the way we want Him to. I mean, He is God and He really can choose to do things however He pleases.
These days my prayer life is all about me coming to God with my ten thousand requests and questions...
"Um, God, you still there?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
"God, you see our situation, right? Don't you think you could like do something to help out a little here?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
"Helloooooo God, you still there?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
Aaahhh, yes, such is the season. One where God is silent, and our faith is being tested like never before. I have been thinking a lot about dear old Abraham recently. "Go Abraham! Pack up your family and everything you own and start walking. Go and I will show you where to stop." Heck! No road map, no GPS. No anything. Just "Go!"
I somehow don't think I would have passed the test.
Abraham had the one thing that God required of him...absolute faith in His Father in heaven. Abraham knew that he knew that God would not abandon him. He knew that God would meet him on the other side. He knew God had it all figured out, and that the journey was not his concern but the Almighty Fathers. Being obedient to follow God was Abraham's only concern. Obedience sure is not our ticket to the sweet life though. Nor does it mean that adversity will never come knocking at our door. The Lord told us in James 1:2 that we will face trials of many kinds. It's life.
I read Abraham's journey (and many others in the Bible) and it all seems so simple. Just have faith, that's all. Easy, huh? Faith in a God we cannot see. Faith in a God we cannot touch. Faith in a God who's voice we have to learn to hear. Sometimes it is so not easy. There are days when I wonder if I will ever arrive at that place where my faith is unshakable and I have the absolute assurance that my God IS more than able to work out all things on my behalf. I have such a long, long way to go.
These are days of great testing, and great learning for our family. In the midst of many challenges, we're digging deep in our faith. The Father is stripping us of things we once held onto--to get us to that place of needing ONLY Him. When provision runs dry, He is our source. When challenges come, He is able to make the path straight. When the storms of life rear their ugly head, He is the ONLY One who can calm the raging sea.
In the midst of this season of waiting, we see the beautiful hand of our Creator at work. We have been so amazingly blessed in our new neighborhood. God knew what He was doing when He planted us here. In all our years of moving and traveling around the world I can honestly say that we have never experienced such warmth and love from a community. They are the church in action--His hands and feet. They know how to be the Church. What a blessing this community has been to our family in this season.
And so I'm learning, friends. Learning what it truly means to be still and wait upon the Lord. Life can never be smooth sailing all the time. God allows us all to go through the deepest valleys...and to stand on the highest mountain tops. It is all for our good. It is all for the maturing of our walk with Him. And it is ultimately all for His glory. Every season in our lives is to be used as a testimony for His glory. The good times and the challenging times.
I'm learning that my God already knows every need, every care and every burden on my heart this day.
Learning to embrace every season He allows me to go through...even this one.
Learning to let my words be few, and my adoration be abundant.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Ecc. 5:3
Learning to wait patiently on the Lord.
And while I wait I'll choose to count my blessings daily...and name them one by one for they are many.
W.a.i.t.i.n.g.
I am not good at waiting. I don't like waiting for anything. If I see something, I want it now. If I want to do something, I want to do it like yesterday. I'm one of those people that just jumps right in and goes for it--and then later wonder why in the world I even did it. And then I regret.
Waiting is just not my thing.
You may be familiar with Psalm 37:7. It says, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." Oh my word--that be still and wait patiently thing? Surely that's for everyone else and not for me? Perhaps if I could just take the "patiently" word out of there it would be a little easier for me to work out. Patience and waiting are like oil and water with me. They don't go well together. Waiting patiently for the Lord to move? I fail miserably. I want Him to, need Him to, have to have Him act NOW.
But we all know that
These days my prayer life is all about me coming to God with my ten thousand requests and questions...
"Um, God, you still there?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
"God, you see our situation, right? Don't you think you could like do something to help out a little here?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
"Helloooooo God, you still there?"
Be still and know that I am God, my daughter.
Aaahhh, yes, such is the season. One where God is silent, and our faith is being tested like never before. I have been thinking a lot about dear old Abraham recently. "Go Abraham! Pack up your family and everything you own and start walking. Go and I will show you where to stop." Heck! No road map, no GPS. No anything. Just "Go!"
I somehow don't think I would have passed the test.
Abraham had the one thing that God required of him...absolute faith in His Father in heaven. Abraham knew that he knew that God would not abandon him. He knew that God would meet him on the other side. He knew God had it all figured out, and that the journey was not his concern but the Almighty Fathers. Being obedient to follow God was Abraham's only concern. Obedience sure is not our ticket to the sweet life though. Nor does it mean that adversity will never come knocking at our door. The Lord told us in James 1:2 that we will face trials of many kinds. It's life.
I read Abraham's journey (and many others in the Bible) and it all seems so simple. Just have faith, that's all. Easy, huh? Faith in a God we cannot see. Faith in a God we cannot touch. Faith in a God who's voice we have to learn to hear. Sometimes it is so not easy. There are days when I wonder if I will ever arrive at that place where my faith is unshakable and I have the absolute assurance that my God IS more than able to work out all things on my behalf. I have such a long, long way to go.
These are days of great testing, and great learning for our family. In the midst of many challenges, we're digging deep in our faith. The Father is stripping us of things we once held onto--to get us to that place of needing ONLY Him. When provision runs dry, He is our source. When challenges come, He is able to make the path straight. When the storms of life rear their ugly head, He is the ONLY One who can calm the raging sea.
In the midst of this season of waiting, we see the beautiful hand of our Creator at work. We have been so amazingly blessed in our new neighborhood. God knew what He was doing when He planted us here. In all our years of moving and traveling around the world I can honestly say that we have never experienced such warmth and love from a community. They are the church in action--His hands and feet. They know how to be the Church. What a blessing this community has been to our family in this season.
And so I'm learning, friends. Learning what it truly means to be still and wait upon the Lord. Life can never be smooth sailing all the time. God allows us all to go through the deepest valleys...and to stand on the highest mountain tops. It is all for our good. It is all for the maturing of our walk with Him. And it is ultimately all for His glory. Every season in our lives is to be used as a testimony for His glory. The good times and the challenging times.
I'm learning that my God already knows every need, every care and every burden on my heart this day.
Learning to embrace every season He allows me to go through...even this one.
Learning to let my words be few, and my adoration be abundant.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Ecc. 5:3
Learning to wait patiently on the Lord.
And while I wait I'll choose to count my blessings daily...and name them one by one for they are many.
July 25, 2010
the nest that's never empty
I HAVE to begin this post with some amazingly wonderful news...Monroe has a family! Is that just the best news? Oh how we are rejoicing in God's faithfulness to bring a family for this little boy. So fabulous.
I hope you've all had the best weekend. Ours has been good. It is like seriously HOT here in VA. Yesterday I was driving to the grocery store and my car told me it was 112 degrees. Man alive...that's insane! We have my friend Rachel's two boys staying with us this week. Nine kids couped up inside in a small house because it's just too darn hot to play outside is a little crazy. They needed out. So today we headed out into the Virginian heat and found a beautiful little beach to spend the day on. We had the best time, all eleven of us. The kids played in the water until late into the evening--these are the kinds of days I absolutely adore.
By the way, you just have to go and meet Rachel's little Lily pie. We saw her on Skype this morning and she is an absolute doll. I cannot wait to hug her in person. Another little heart has found a home. Joy!
So while we were at the beach today Anthony and I took Hailee and Harper out of the water for a little break before they totally turned into raisins. We were lying in the shade giving them a snack. Haven was with us too. Anthony looked at the three kids and casually said, "So, these are the three who will more than likely stay with us forever." I nodded yes. Perhaps they will be with us until God takes us home.
The "empty nest" question is one that tends to come up frequently. People ask us how we feel about knowing that we may never be empty nesters. I know that it is something that every family considering adopting a child who may be unable to live alone as an adult needs to think about before committing to bring them home.
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For us, it is not something we think about, or talk about, very often these days. The topic obviously came up when we were considering bringing Haven home. We knew there would be a strong possibility that Haven would never be able to live alone, and we needed to seriously consider how we felt about that. And so we did.
These days things are different for us. The empty nest thing is not something we ever really think about. I don't know, maybe it's because our lives are so busy and crazy that we never have much time to sit and ponder what our future may or may not look like. Or perhaps it's because God has given us such peace that an empty home is something we may possibly never have.
How do we truly feel about the possibility of never being alone without kids in the house? Well, we're so perfectly fine with it. We believe that God calls us all differently. I will never become a lawyer or an orthodontist (heck, I really should though with the amount of money they charge to put a piece of wire in someones mouth), and I will absolutely make the worst accountant ever because even my sons fifth grade math confuses the dickens out of me. I don't even know if God will ever call me back to working full time outside of my home. Our calling is different to others. He calls us all individually--and when He does He equips us with everything we need to accomplish the mission, and gives us absolute peace on the journey. This is our mission. And with this mission comes a future where Anthony and I may never be alone. For us, it is just part of the journey to be faithful to fulfill what God has told us to do.
Raising the children God has asked us to bring home is a calling for us. It is what the Father has told us to do in this life. We know our future is in His hands. He has taken away any desire that was once there to be empty nesters. We just don't think about it anymore. We know that Hailee, Harper and Haven may live with us forever...and that's perfectly okay with us. When we're enjoying our golden years in the RV across America, we'll have three extra passengers, and that will make the journey even more fun.
Besides, we really believe in living each day the Lord has blessed us with to the fullest--whether we have seven kids at home, or three. Will it always be easy? Heavens no. There will probably be many times when Anthony and I will long for moments alone together. But I know my God--I know that when those times come, He will always provide a way to bless us with the desire of our hearts. He's just so good like that.
We feel so blessed. Not by earthly possessions and material wealth we have accumulated--but because the Almighty Father has chosen us to be the parents of these three precious children who will more than likely need us to be with them (or near them) forever. What a joy it is going to be to share the rest of our lives with them. The thing that brings me the greatest joy in all of this is knowing that they are here with us...not in some orphanage all alone. That's what really matters.
Who knows what our daughter's futures are going to look like? Not us. We have no idea how their lives are going to unfold. And so we continue to take one day at a time and allow the Lord to have His will and His way in their lives...and ours.
May our nest always be full to overflowing. I'll take it any day!
I hope you've all had the best weekend. Ours has been good. It is like seriously HOT here in VA. Yesterday I was driving to the grocery store and my car told me it was 112 degrees. Man alive...that's insane! We have my friend Rachel's two boys staying with us this week. Nine kids couped up inside in a small house because it's just too darn hot to play outside is a little crazy. They needed out. So today we headed out into the Virginian heat and found a beautiful little beach to spend the day on. We had the best time, all eleven of us. The kids played in the water until late into the evening--these are the kinds of days I absolutely adore.
By the way, you just have to go and meet Rachel's little Lily pie. We saw her on Skype this morning and she is an absolute doll. I cannot wait to hug her in person. Another little heart has found a home. Joy!
So while we were at the beach today Anthony and I took Hailee and Harper out of the water for a little break before they totally turned into raisins. We were lying in the shade giving them a snack. Haven was with us too. Anthony looked at the three kids and casually said, "So, these are the three who will more than likely stay with us forever." I nodded yes. Perhaps they will be with us until God takes us home.
The "empty nest" question is one that tends to come up frequently. People ask us how we feel about knowing that we may never be empty nesters. I know that it is something that every family considering adopting a child who may be unable to live alone as an adult needs to think about before committing to bring them home.
.jpg)
For us, it is not something we think about, or talk about, very often these days. The topic obviously came up when we were considering bringing Haven home. We knew there would be a strong possibility that Haven would never be able to live alone, and we needed to seriously consider how we felt about that. And so we did.
These days things are different for us. The empty nest thing is not something we ever really think about. I don't know, maybe it's because our lives are so busy and crazy that we never have much time to sit and ponder what our future may or may not look like. Or perhaps it's because God has given us such peace that an empty home is something we may possibly never have.
How do we truly feel about the possibility of never being alone without kids in the house? Well, we're so perfectly fine with it. We believe that God calls us all differently. I will never become a lawyer or an orthodontist (heck, I really should though with the amount of money they charge to put a piece of wire in someones mouth), and I will absolutely make the worst accountant ever because even my sons fifth grade math confuses the dickens out of me. I don't even know if God will ever call me back to working full time outside of my home. Our calling is different to others. He calls us all individually--and when He does He equips us with everything we need to accomplish the mission, and gives us absolute peace on the journey. This is our mission. And with this mission comes a future where Anthony and I may never be alone. For us, it is just part of the journey to be faithful to fulfill what God has told us to do.
Raising the children God has asked us to bring home is a calling for us. It is what the Father has told us to do in this life. We know our future is in His hands. He has taken away any desire that was once there to be empty nesters. We just don't think about it anymore. We know that Hailee, Harper and Haven may live with us forever...and that's perfectly okay with us. When we're enjoying our golden years in the RV across America, we'll have three extra passengers, and that will make the journey even more fun.
Besides, we really believe in living each day the Lord has blessed us with to the fullest--whether we have seven kids at home, or three. Will it always be easy? Heavens no. There will probably be many times when Anthony and I will long for moments alone together. But I know my God--I know that when those times come, He will always provide a way to bless us with the desire of our hearts. He's just so good like that.
We feel so blessed. Not by earthly possessions and material wealth we have accumulated--but because the Almighty Father has chosen us to be the parents of these three precious children who will more than likely need us to be with them (or near them) forever. What a joy it is going to be to share the rest of our lives with them. The thing that brings me the greatest joy in all of this is knowing that they are here with us...not in some orphanage all alone. That's what really matters.
Who knows what our daughter's futures are going to look like? Not us. We have no idea how their lives are going to unfold. And so we continue to take one day at a time and allow the Lord to have His will and His way in their lives...and ours.
May our nest always be full to overflowing. I'll take it any day!
July 24, 2010
getting to the bottom of things
Thanks, Amy, we think they're the sweetest little bottoms ever.
The difference in leg size totally makes me smile. Grow, Hailee, grow!
July 22, 2010
just another blessed day
How can I ever thank you all enough for posting about sweet Monroe on your FB's and blogs. The need for this angel boy to find a home quickly has certainly been passed around. I just know that his family will find him very soon. I'll keep you posted. Thank you for standing with me and trusting for the life of this precious little boy.
I cannot believe that we are fast approaching August. It's downhill to Christmas from here on. Where in the world does time go? The school year will be here in no time and I am so not organized. Have any of you ever used Switched On Schoolhouse? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
We have a lot going on in our family right now. I have to get Hailee and Harper to a gazillion doctors appointments in August. It is going to be a busy month. For every person who has written to ask me if Hailee definitely has Down syndrome--yes, she does. We just got the results back from chromosome tests and she absolutely does have that special extra chromosome. I got asked so many times whether we were positive the diagnosis in the Ukraine was correct that I was even beginning to wonder myself. Now we know. We're still trying to determine whether she has some CP too.
We've been busy. Life has been all about getting over the dreadful stomach flu, trips to play basketball with Daddy, preparing to have our friends two sons stay with us while they are in China adopting their newest blessing, finally getting around to testing for homeschool (better late than never, huh?), researching the best places to get therapy for Hailee, Harper and Haven, helping little girls stand on their legs as often as possible, enjoying the hot summer days, finally getting to a hairdresser, putting a new reward system in place for our children, painting a chalkboard in the kitchen, and taking pics of my gorgeous men...
How I adore these men of a Mighty God the Father has blessed me with.
Do you see my littlest boy in the background? Just quietly doing his own thing. Probably examining some kind of bug. Too cute.
I also wanted to tell you all about three bloggy friends having fundraisers to bring the precious children home. Please consider going and supporting them. Lori and her family are adopting an older teenage boy who is aging out of the system. They're giving away an IPAD so hop on over to her blog and check it out. My friend Holly is having an amazing online auction. She has some very cool stuff that you can bid on. Every bid counts when you're raising money. And then there is Janet and her family. They are almost on their way to China to bring their son home. He is blind and needs medical intervention as soon as possible. They have exhausted all their options for fund raising and are really trusting the Lord for the last of the finances they need.
I know that each of these amazing families will so appreciate our help. Thanks, friends.
I cannot believe that we are fast approaching August. It's downhill to Christmas from here on. Where in the world does time go? The school year will be here in no time and I am so not organized. Have any of you ever used Switched On Schoolhouse? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
We have a lot going on in our family right now. I have to get Hailee and Harper to a gazillion doctors appointments in August. It is going to be a busy month. For every person who has written to ask me if Hailee definitely has Down syndrome--yes, she does. We just got the results back from chromosome tests and she absolutely does have that special extra chromosome. I got asked so many times whether we were positive the diagnosis in the Ukraine was correct that I was even beginning to wonder myself. Now we know. We're still trying to determine whether she has some CP too.
We've been busy. Life has been all about getting over the dreadful stomach flu, trips to play basketball with Daddy, preparing to have our friends two sons stay with us while they are in China adopting their newest blessing, finally getting around to testing for homeschool (better late than never, huh?), researching the best places to get therapy for Hailee, Harper and Haven, helping little girls stand on their legs as often as possible, enjoying the hot summer days, finally getting to a hairdresser, putting a new reward system in place for our children, painting a chalkboard in the kitchen, and taking pics of my gorgeous men...
How I adore these men of a Mighty God the Father has blessed me with.
Do you see my littlest boy in the background? Just quietly doing his own thing. Probably examining some kind of bug. Too cute.
I also wanted to tell you all about three bloggy friends having fundraisers to bring the precious children home. Please consider going and supporting them. Lori and her family are adopting an older teenage boy who is aging out of the system. They're giving away an IPAD so hop on over to her blog and check it out. My friend Holly is having an amazing online auction. She has some very cool stuff that you can bid on. Every bid counts when you're raising money. And then there is Janet and her family. They are almost on their way to China to bring their son home. He is blind and needs medical intervention as soon as possible. They have exhausted all their options for fund raising and are really trusting the Lord for the last of the finances they need.
I know that each of these amazing families will so appreciate our help. Thanks, friends.
July 19, 2010
I'm pleading....
Friends, I come to you tonight begging for your prayers. My heart is so burdened for a sweet little boy who so urgently needs our intercession...and a family.
Monroe is five years old. He is so fortunate to still be in a baby house. For those of you unfamiliar with adoptions in our daughter's country of the Ukraine, around a child's fifth birthday they are transferred to an insane asylum. All children with special needs go there. For most, it is a death sentence. They simply cannot survive the heinous conditions.
Oh my goodness, he is just too sweet for words.
Monroe WILL be transferred in just six months. That's how long a family has to get to him. The institution he will be moved to is known to be one of the worst in the country. There is no way sweet Monroe can survive there. Absolutely no way.
This adorable little boy deserves the love of a family and the medical intervention he so desperately needs. The fact that Monroe has CP should just be a big whatever. Just like every other child, he deserves a mommy and a daddy to help him become ALL that God has created him to be. There is nothing 'wrong' with Monroe, but everything RIGHT with him. He is created in the image of an Almighty Father--fearfully and wonderfully made just the way he is.
A missionary visited him last month and shared this about him....
I met with the doctor in his Groupa House who brought me back to meet him. The Head Doctor wanted me to meet the children who needed equipment. While measuring him for a chair, she explained to me that what was more important was that he get a family. He will be tranferred in six months to the worst institution, restrained in a crib in a dark room. She broke into tears! Monroe has spastic cerebral palsy in all four limbs and is globally delayed. He is able to recognize the voices of his careworkers and understand simple directions. However, due to his spacitiy he is unable to do much of anything. No speech. With therapy he can improve but will always have limitations. His temperament was sweet and his eyes twinkled. He needs a family fast!
I look at this sweet boy in the picture and I am absolutely certain of something--this boy will blossom, grow and astound everyone with his rapid development once he is home. I know it. He just needs to be given a chance at life, an opportunity to learn and grow. Sadly, he will never reach any kind of milestone once he is in an asylum, he will wither away in a dark room and die alone. Fact!
Please will you pray with me? Please will you help me spread the word about Monroe?
All he needs is someone to say, "Here I am Lord, send me!" Everything else is already provided. Due to an incredibly generous benefactor, the adoption costs for Monroe are completely covered! Monroe has a $20 000.00 grant....
That is enormous. Never in my years involved in the adoption community have I ever heard of such an amazing grant for one child. Boy does this little guy need it.
Someone asked me if we would go and bring him home? Yes. In a heartbeat. It's a beautiful thing watching children like this change before your very eyes. It's breathtaking--a miracle! I cannot even describe what special needs adoption has done to us--it has changed us forever. But unfortunately in this season of our lives we don't qualify to adopt. And there is absolutely no way around it.
I know there is a family out there for this angelic little boy. They just have to find him. Will you help me spread the word, please? Together as the Body of Christ we can find Monroe's family.
Time is running out. Once he is transferred, it may be very difficult to get him out. Someone needs to go on a rescue mission--sent out by the Lord Himself.
I appreciate your prayers for Monroe more than you can know. I know the Lord hears every single plea on behalf of this angel--I know He will act!
I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
Standing and trusting for the life of this child!
If anyone would like more information about Monroe, please contact Andrea Roberts from Reeces Rainbow at [email protected].
Monroe is five years old. He is so fortunate to still be in a baby house. For those of you unfamiliar with adoptions in our daughter's country of the Ukraine, around a child's fifth birthday they are transferred to an insane asylum. All children with special needs go there. For most, it is a death sentence. They simply cannot survive the heinous conditions.
Oh my goodness, he is just too sweet for words.
Monroe WILL be transferred in just six months. That's how long a family has to get to him. The institution he will be moved to is known to be one of the worst in the country. There is no way sweet Monroe can survive there. Absolutely no way.
This adorable little boy deserves the love of a family and the medical intervention he so desperately needs. The fact that Monroe has CP should just be a big whatever. Just like every other child, he deserves a mommy and a daddy to help him become ALL that God has created him to be. There is nothing 'wrong' with Monroe, but everything RIGHT with him. He is created in the image of an Almighty Father--fearfully and wonderfully made just the way he is.
A missionary visited him last month and shared this about him....
I met with the doctor in his Groupa House who brought me back to meet him. The Head Doctor wanted me to meet the children who needed equipment. While measuring him for a chair, she explained to me that what was more important was that he get a family. He will be tranferred in six months to the worst institution, restrained in a crib in a dark room. She broke into tears! Monroe has spastic cerebral palsy in all four limbs and is globally delayed. He is able to recognize the voices of his careworkers and understand simple directions. However, due to his spacitiy he is unable to do much of anything. No speech. With therapy he can improve but will always have limitations. His temperament was sweet and his eyes twinkled. He needs a family fast!
I look at this sweet boy in the picture and I am absolutely certain of something--this boy will blossom, grow and astound everyone with his rapid development once he is home. I know it. He just needs to be given a chance at life, an opportunity to learn and grow. Sadly, he will never reach any kind of milestone once he is in an asylum, he will wither away in a dark room and die alone. Fact!
Please will you pray with me? Please will you help me spread the word about Monroe?
All he needs is someone to say, "Here I am Lord, send me!" Everything else is already provided. Due to an incredibly generous benefactor, the adoption costs for Monroe are completely covered! Monroe has a $20 000.00 grant....
$20 000.00!
That is enormous. Never in my years involved in the adoption community have I ever heard of such an amazing grant for one child. Boy does this little guy need it.
Someone asked me if we would go and bring him home? Yes. In a heartbeat. It's a beautiful thing watching children like this change before your very eyes. It's breathtaking--a miracle! I cannot even describe what special needs adoption has done to us--it has changed us forever. But unfortunately in this season of our lives we don't qualify to adopt. And there is absolutely no way around it.
I know there is a family out there for this angelic little boy. They just have to find him. Will you help me spread the word, please? Together as the Body of Christ we can find Monroe's family.
Time is running out. Once he is transferred, it may be very difficult to get him out. Someone needs to go on a rescue mission--sent out by the Lord Himself.
I appreciate your prayers for Monroe more than you can know. I know the Lord hears every single plea on behalf of this angel--I know He will act!
I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
Standing and trusting for the life of this child!
If anyone would like more information about Monroe, please contact Andrea Roberts from Reeces Rainbow at [email protected].
July 18, 2010
loving my busy days
My days have been busy. I painted my basement kitchen--the entire thing, including the trim. Hated it with a passion. I'm still trying to figure out what even possessed me to choose blue. Not me at all. So I painted it all over again this weekend. Now it's orange and so much better. As my friend's hubby says...happy wife, happy life.
I am finally starting to feel like my house is becoming a home. We put some pictures on the walls, the downstairs is all painted, and 99% of the boxes are gone. It's a good feeling to be settled.
I am loving living in the inner city. Never thought I would. But here I am feeling very content to be where the Lord has planted us to bloom. He's speaking many things to our hearts and igniting passions in us that we had put on the back burner. We're in a season of waiting, waiting, waiting on Him to show us His perfect will for us here. We don't want to run ahead of the Lord, but neither do we want to sit back and do nothing when we feel the stirring in our hearts. It's a balance we're still learning.
I love weekends. Most days include at least one trip to the park. It has been so hot here. Like one hundred on most days. Still our kids cannot stay indoors. They absolutely love being outside.
So we take many walks around the corner to our neighborhood park.
Where big boys skateboard.
And shoot hoops with Daddy.
And girls hang out together...just being beautiful girly girls.
Smile Haven, come on Honey, you can do it. Just one little smile for mommy? I guess not.
And little boys...well, they hang out in the park with their pants undone. Please oh please can someone assure me that my son is NOT going to become one those teenagers who wear their pants around their knees. Lord have mercy.
And baby girls do what they love best--swing, swing, swing.
Harper is coming so close to walking. She is almost standing on her own. She stands, falls down, gets back up and tries again. It is the cutest thing. She is very determined to get it right. Because of her very low muscle tone I have no idea how her little ankles are going to hold her up. Her legs are so squishy and she has no arches in her feet. She's our little jellyfish. But she sure is doing it. I figured that every time she gets into a standing position and cruises around the coffee table she's building muscle.
She is growing in leaps and bounds, and has us all wrapped around her chubby little finger. Harper has got to be the most content children I have ever known. She hardly ever cries--when she does, we know something is bothering her.
Hailee has officially gained four pounds since coming home. She is finally starting to feel heavier. Our five year old has hit twenty pounds! We can see that her little face is filling out and her cheeks are definitely getting chubbier.
She is also standing on her legs a lot more. She hasn't tried to do it alone yet, but she is pulling herself up onto furniture. This is HUGE for Hailee. The little girl I met three months ago could not even sit up for extended periods before falling over. She was like a floppy doll. It truly blows my mind to witness what God is doing to restore ALL that was stolen from her. I feel like I am witnessing a miracle every single day.
Hailee is one tough chick! She may be tiny for her age, but I tell you, this girl LOVES a bit of wild play. The higher in the air she is thrown, the harder she laughs. The harder we bounce her around, the more she loves it. Harper is so dainty and delicate--Hailee is the complete opposite. Life is becoming a whole lot more interesting in the last few days since Hailee has decided that crawling onto her sister's back and pulling her down is actually a whole lot of fun. Having her sister on her back is not Harper's idea of a fun game at all. They're too sweet together. I can tell that they are going to keep us on our toes.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much joy these two little girls have brought into our home. They make us smile all day long. We cannot get enough of their absolute sweetness. They are such a gift to our family.
Thank you for rejoicing with me that Yuri and Wade will soon experience this same miracle of redemption. I am not sure if their parents will be blogging their journey. I'll let you know.
So thankful tonight that there is no one else like our God! May your week be blessed, sweet friends.
I am finally starting to feel like my house is becoming a home. We put some pictures on the walls, the downstairs is all painted, and 99% of the boxes are gone. It's a good feeling to be settled.
I am loving living in the inner city. Never thought I would. But here I am feeling very content to be where the Lord has planted us to bloom. He's speaking many things to our hearts and igniting passions in us that we had put on the back burner. We're in a season of waiting, waiting, waiting on Him to show us His perfect will for us here. We don't want to run ahead of the Lord, but neither do we want to sit back and do nothing when we feel the stirring in our hearts. It's a balance we're still learning.
I love weekends. Most days include at least one trip to the park. It has been so hot here. Like one hundred on most days. Still our kids cannot stay indoors. They absolutely love being outside.
So we take many walks around the corner to our neighborhood park.
Where big boys skateboard.
And shoot hoops with Daddy.
And girls hang out together...just being beautiful girly girls.
Smile Haven, come on Honey, you can do it. Just one little smile for mommy? I guess not.
And little boys...well, they hang out in the park with their pants undone. Please oh please can someone assure me that my son is NOT going to become one those teenagers who wear their pants around their knees. Lord have mercy.
And baby girls do what they love best--swing, swing, swing.
Harper is coming so close to walking. She is almost standing on her own. She stands, falls down, gets back up and tries again. It is the cutest thing. She is very determined to get it right. Because of her very low muscle tone I have no idea how her little ankles are going to hold her up. Her legs are so squishy and she has no arches in her feet. She's our little jellyfish. But she sure is doing it. I figured that every time she gets into a standing position and cruises around the coffee table she's building muscle.
She is growing in leaps and bounds, and has us all wrapped around her chubby little finger. Harper has got to be the most content children I have ever known. She hardly ever cries--when she does, we know something is bothering her.
Hailee has officially gained four pounds since coming home. She is finally starting to feel heavier. Our five year old has hit twenty pounds! We can see that her little face is filling out and her cheeks are definitely getting chubbier.
She is also standing on her legs a lot more. She hasn't tried to do it alone yet, but she is pulling herself up onto furniture. This is HUGE for Hailee. The little girl I met three months ago could not even sit up for extended periods before falling over. She was like a floppy doll. It truly blows my mind to witness what God is doing to restore ALL that was stolen from her. I feel like I am witnessing a miracle every single day.
Hailee is one tough chick! She may be tiny for her age, but I tell you, this girl LOVES a bit of wild play. The higher in the air she is thrown, the harder she laughs. The harder we bounce her around, the more she loves it. Harper is so dainty and delicate--Hailee is the complete opposite. Life is becoming a whole lot more interesting in the last few days since Hailee has decided that crawling onto her sister's back and pulling her down is actually a whole lot of fun. Having her sister on her back is not Harper's idea of a fun game at all. They're too sweet together. I can tell that they are going to keep us on our toes.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much joy these two little girls have brought into our home. They make us smile all day long. We cannot get enough of their absolute sweetness. They are such a gift to our family.
Thank you for rejoicing with me that Yuri and Wade will soon experience this same miracle of redemption. I am not sure if their parents will be blogging their journey. I'll let you know.
So thankful tonight that there is no one else like our God! May your week be blessed, sweet friends.
July 16, 2010
amazing news
Oh my heart is rejoicing in the Lord today.
Do you remember the sweet kids I posted about here. The precious ones I left behind from Hailee's room in the orphanage? The ones my heart ached to see come home?
Remember sweet Yuri?
And adorable Wade?
Well, I am beyond thrilled to tell you that BOTH boys are coming home! To the same family. How awesome is that? One family saw them and knew that they were their boys. They don't care about what their needs are or how difficult the road ahead may be...they're going because God said so. They fell in love and are working hard to get their paperwork completed as soon as possible. I have spoken to their mom and she is so excited to be adding these two angels to their family. They already have one little boy with Down syndrome and are so anxious to give little Wade the medical attention he so deserves. Oh my goodness, these boys are going to thrive once home.
God has led the perfect family to Wade and Yuri. Their lives are about to change forever. Hallelujah!
Thank you to every single one of you who emailed me and said that you were praying for these two little boys. I know many even got their Bible studies and small groups interceding on their behalf.
Look what God has done. Two more treasures are about to be taken out of darkness and brought into His glorious light.
I cannot even begin to tell you what it does in my heart to know that three of the six children in Hailee's heinous room have been rescued!
There's another little girl waiting in the same room--a sweet angel who is in desperate need of being rescued...and I mean DESPERATE. I know my Father in heaven can do it for her too. Her family just needs to find her...before it's too late. I'll share her needs soon.
Thank you, Body of Christ for standing with me and trusting that Yuri and Wade would come home. The ONE who is able to move all mountains has heard the prayers of His people.
Great things He has done!
Do you remember the sweet kids I posted about here. The precious ones I left behind from Hailee's room in the orphanage? The ones my heart ached to see come home?
Remember sweet Yuri?
And adorable Wade?
Well, I am beyond thrilled to tell you that BOTH boys are coming home! To the same family. How awesome is that? One family saw them and knew that they were their boys. They don't care about what their needs are or how difficult the road ahead may be...they're going because God said so. They fell in love and are working hard to get their paperwork completed as soon as possible. I have spoken to their mom and she is so excited to be adding these two angels to their family. They already have one little boy with Down syndrome and are so anxious to give little Wade the medical attention he so deserves. Oh my goodness, these boys are going to thrive once home.
God has led the perfect family to Wade and Yuri. Their lives are about to change forever. Hallelujah!
Thank you to every single one of you who emailed me and said that you were praying for these two little boys. I know many even got their Bible studies and small groups interceding on their behalf.
Look what God has done. Two more treasures are about to be taken out of darkness and brought into His glorious light.
I cannot even begin to tell you what it does in my heart to know that three of the six children in Hailee's heinous room have been rescued!
There's another little girl waiting in the same room--a sweet angel who is in desperate need of being rescued...and I mean DESPERATE. I know my Father in heaven can do it for her too. Her family just needs to find her...before it's too late. I'll share her needs soon.
Thank you, Body of Christ for standing with me and trusting that Yuri and Wade would come home. The ONE who is able to move all mountains has heard the prayers of His people.
Great things He has done!
July 15, 2010
looking beyond the prejudice
A few days ago I got one of those emails that you get when you sign up with an organization to receive their updates. I'll admit that most times I just delete them. I don't often find time to sit and read through a bunch of newsletters. The email came from a ministry that works hard to advocate for children who are waiting for families.
For some reason on that particular day I felt led to click on the little waiting-children icon at the top of the page. I don't do that very often--it just about rips my heart out to see the little faces that stare back at me. That day was no different. I sat there with tears streaming down my face as I looked at 1077 children who were longing for someone to come and get them.
My heart ached. I once again realized just how many children there are waiting for homes who have the same special need as two of our daughters. I once again wondered why. Why are they so hard to place in homes? Why are people afraid of it?
I figured this was a good time to dive into a question I get asked repeatedly. A few of you asked me here...what is it like raising a child who has Hepatitis B?
I remember how we felt more than five years ago when we were given our first adopted daughter's referral. Like us, people just don't know that Hepatitis is a very doable thing. Once the label "infectious disease" gets stamped next to a child's name, it naturally makes many want to put on their running shoes and run in the opposite direction. I know it did for me. Heck, I was terrified.
I will never forget the day we got Hannah-Claire's information from our agency. I was absolutely clueless what Hep B even was. I knew my kids got a shot for it somewhere along the line, but that was all I knew. That day I happened to be out in my front yard and a neighbor came by. In my great excitement I cheerfully announced to her that we had just gotten a referral for a child, and were prayerfully considering whether she was our daughter or not. I told her about the Hep B. My well-meaning neighbor, who just happened to be a nurse, was horrified. She asked me if I knew what that was? Did I know what we were considering getting ourselves into? Did I know what this could do to our other kids?
Um, actually, no, I had not looked into a single solitary thing yet. I did not know anything about it. But she sure did get my attention that day. I quickly started researching. Good grief, my online research made me feel no better. I read testimonies of other parents who had adopted Hep B kids and how they struggled for years to keep their children's "condition" a secret. I came away from my hours and hours of sitting in front of my computer that day certain that I had found the one golden rule about adopting children with "infectious diseases"--Don't tell anyone. Ever!
I think back to those first days and months with Hannah-Claire and I think about how things were back then. Trying to keep a secret was probably one of the most annoying things I have ever done. I felt like I was living a lie. I mean, it was just crazy. Even when we went to the doctor or the dentist, I would feel the need to lean over the reception desk and whisper in the receptionist's ear that "my daughter is Hep B positive"--in my softest voice just so that no one else in the waiting area would hear and my secret would be out.
Ridiculous!
We carried on that way for a while...until we just could not take it any longer. We hated living that life. It was such a nuisance. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells. It seemed so contrary to the life of freedom in Christ that we are called to live. I felt like we were bringing more shame upon Hannah-Claire by teaching her that she had to keep a secret and not tell anyone than by living in the light. It just felt all wrong.
Just a few months later we took on what is known to some as the Salem's "whatever attitude." We came to a place of, Whatever, God. We just could not live that way anymore. We were choosing a different path--one to live in the light, as He is in the light. We were choosing to be open and honest about Hannah-Claire's need, and if anyone didn't like it...whatever.
God was so funny. No sooner had we made the decision to not keep our daughter's Hep B status a secret that He led us on another journey, to another little girl with Hep B.
Many people write to me and ask me about our choice to be public about our daughters' special needs (ugh, I hate that expression). Many want to know what it is like raising children who have an "infectious disease." I can honestly tell you that it has been easy--an absolute joy. As I looked over some of the little kids on that waiting child site, my heart broke for them. Truthfully, it has got to be one of the easiest, most manageable special needs out there. I actually have to remind myself to get my children's blood work done regularly. They are so healthy that I forget about it. They are by far our healthiest children.
What do we have to do for our girls?
Not much at all, actually. We get a blood test done regularly to ensure that their liver enzymes are where they should be. But that's it. That's all we do.
What about our other kids?
Hep B can only be transmitted sexually and through the blood.
Would I advise everyone to share their children's Hep B status?
Well, I can't answer that because everyone is different. Each to their own. It was definitely the right thing for us to do. We have used our choice to be open as a way to educate and inform people, and even encourage them to help these orphans.
Do people treat our daughters differently once they know?
No, absolutely not. We have maybe had one or two instances over the years where someone has reacted negatively. For the most part people are so amazing with it. It is just a non-issue.
Are parents required to disclose to schools and daycares about their child's Hep B status?
No, I don't think so, but things may have changed since I last looked into it. As far as I know it is your right as a parent to not disclose if you choose. I remember every state being different on that requirement too.
Are we afraid about what people will think?
Nope. We gave up being concerned about what others think a very long ago. As far as we're concerned, if someone is not happy about it, that's their loss. If someone is going to judge my daughters and choose to not be friends with us...well, then that's their issue. It sure is a great way to separate those who love us unconditionally with those who don't. We really don't need or want those kinds of "friends" in our lives anyway.
Like HIV, the disease is not spread by human contact and every day life. It is not spread by sharing spoons and drinking from the same cup. Just like everyone else, we teach our kids not to share toothbrushes and not to touch each other's blood. Very uncomplicated stuff.
It really is as easy as that. I understand the fear that goes with bringing any child labeled "infectious" into a home. I know because we have been there, done that. We had no idea what to expect. We were so ignorant. But I am here to tell anyone considering one of these special children that it is such an easy special need. With a healthy diet, fabulous medical technology and the love of a family, these kids (like all children) flourish once home.
Does that answer all the questions on Hep B? Let me know if I missed anything...or if you were curious about anything else regarding raising these amazing children. I'd be happy to add anything.
Like every other child who is waiting for a family, these children deserve an opportunity to be loved too.
For some reason on that particular day I felt led to click on the little waiting-children icon at the top of the page. I don't do that very often--it just about rips my heart out to see the little faces that stare back at me. That day was no different. I sat there with tears streaming down my face as I looked at 1077 children who were longing for someone to come and get them.
My heart ached. I once again realized just how many children there are waiting for homes who have the same special need as two of our daughters. I once again wondered why. Why are they so hard to place in homes? Why are people afraid of it?
I figured this was a good time to dive into a question I get asked repeatedly. A few of you asked me here...what is it like raising a child who has Hepatitis B?
I remember how we felt more than five years ago when we were given our first adopted daughter's referral. Like us, people just don't know that Hepatitis is a very doable thing. Once the label "infectious disease" gets stamped next to a child's name, it naturally makes many want to put on their running shoes and run in the opposite direction. I know it did for me. Heck, I was terrified.
I will never forget the day we got Hannah-Claire's information from our agency. I was absolutely clueless what Hep B even was. I knew my kids got a shot for it somewhere along the line, but that was all I knew. That day I happened to be out in my front yard and a neighbor came by. In my great excitement I cheerfully announced to her that we had just gotten a referral for a child, and were prayerfully considering whether she was our daughter or not. I told her about the Hep B. My well-meaning neighbor, who just happened to be a nurse, was horrified. She asked me if I knew what that was? Did I know what we were considering getting ourselves into? Did I know what this could do to our other kids?
Um, actually, no, I had not looked into a single solitary thing yet. I did not know anything about it. But she sure did get my attention that day. I quickly started researching. Good grief, my online research made me feel no better. I read testimonies of other parents who had adopted Hep B kids and how they struggled for years to keep their children's "condition" a secret. I came away from my hours and hours of sitting in front of my computer that day certain that I had found the one golden rule about adopting children with "infectious diseases"--Don't tell anyone. Ever!
I think back to those first days and months with Hannah-Claire and I think about how things were back then. Trying to keep a secret was probably one of the most annoying things I have ever done. I felt like I was living a lie. I mean, it was just crazy. Even when we went to the doctor or the dentist, I would feel the need to lean over the reception desk and whisper in the receptionist's ear that "my daughter is Hep B positive"--in my softest voice just so that no one else in the waiting area would hear and my secret would be out.
Ridiculous!
We carried on that way for a while...until we just could not take it any longer. We hated living that life. It was such a nuisance. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells. It seemed so contrary to the life of freedom in Christ that we are called to live. I felt like we were bringing more shame upon Hannah-Claire by teaching her that she had to keep a secret and not tell anyone than by living in the light. It just felt all wrong.
Just a few months later we took on what is known to some as the Salem's "whatever attitude." We came to a place of, Whatever, God. We just could not live that way anymore. We were choosing a different path--one to live in the light, as He is in the light. We were choosing to be open and honest about Hannah-Claire's need, and if anyone didn't like it...whatever.
God was so funny. No sooner had we made the decision to not keep our daughter's Hep B status a secret that He led us on another journey, to another little girl with Hep B.
Many people write to me and ask me about our choice to be public about our daughters' special needs (ugh, I hate that expression). Many want to know what it is like raising children who have an "infectious disease." I can honestly tell you that it has been easy--an absolute joy. As I looked over some of the little kids on that waiting child site, my heart broke for them. Truthfully, it has got to be one of the easiest, most manageable special needs out there. I actually have to remind myself to get my children's blood work done regularly. They are so healthy that I forget about it. They are by far our healthiest children.
What do we have to do for our girls?
Not much at all, actually. We get a blood test done regularly to ensure that their liver enzymes are where they should be. But that's it. That's all we do.
What about our other kids?
Hep B can only be transmitted sexually and through the blood.
Would I advise everyone to share their children's Hep B status?
Well, I can't answer that because everyone is different. Each to their own. It was definitely the right thing for us to do. We have used our choice to be open as a way to educate and inform people, and even encourage them to help these orphans.
Do people treat our daughters differently once they know?
No, absolutely not. We have maybe had one or two instances over the years where someone has reacted negatively. For the most part people are so amazing with it. It is just a non-issue.
Are parents required to disclose to schools and daycares about their child's Hep B status?
No, I don't think so, but things may have changed since I last looked into it. As far as I know it is your right as a parent to not disclose if you choose. I remember every state being different on that requirement too.
Are we afraid about what people will think?
Nope. We gave up being concerned about what others think a very long ago. As far as we're concerned, if someone is not happy about it, that's their loss. If someone is going to judge my daughters and choose to not be friends with us...well, then that's their issue. It sure is a great way to separate those who love us unconditionally with those who don't. We really don't need or want those kinds of "friends" in our lives anyway.
Like HIV, the disease is not spread by human contact and every day life. It is not spread by sharing spoons and drinking from the same cup. Just like everyone else, we teach our kids not to share toothbrushes and not to touch each other's blood. Very uncomplicated stuff.
It really is as easy as that. I understand the fear that goes with bringing any child labeled "infectious" into a home. I know because we have been there, done that. We had no idea what to expect. We were so ignorant. But I am here to tell anyone considering one of these special children that it is such an easy special need. With a healthy diet, fabulous medical technology and the love of a family, these kids (like all children) flourish once home.
Does that answer all the questions on Hep B? Let me know if I missed anything...or if you were curious about anything else regarding raising these amazing children. I'd be happy to add anything.
Like every other child who is waiting for a family, these children deserve an opportunity to be loved too.
July 13, 2010
becoming young men
As our new babies are changing and transforming daily--so are the hearts of our young men.
These two mighty warriors are growing up before our eyes. Not just in size, but I see their hearts expanding for the things of God, the things that matter...like their new sisters. I see the seed of adoption planted in their hearts, and I can only but wonder what God will do with it in their future.
My heart overflows when I see them loving on Hailee and Harper. They love these two little girls with a passion.
There is not much sweeter for this mommy.
(Notice how Hailee's hair is finally starting to grow? So wonderful. Can't wait for the pony tails.)
I marvel at how the Father takes care of the hearts of the other children in a family when new blessings are added through adoption. It's a beautiful thing.
What a blessing from the Lord these boys are to us.
These two mighty warriors are growing up before our eyes. Not just in size, but I see their hearts expanding for the things of God, the things that matter...like their new sisters. I see the seed of adoption planted in their hearts, and I can only but wonder what God will do with it in their future.
My heart overflows when I see them loving on Hailee and Harper. They love these two little girls with a passion.
There is not much sweeter for this mommy.
(Notice how Hailee's hair is finally starting to grow? So wonderful. Can't wait for the pony tails.)
I marvel at how the Father takes care of the hearts of the other children in a family when new blessings are added through adoption. It's a beautiful thing.
What a blessing from the Lord these boys are to us.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
all your sons gather and come to you.
As surely as I live," declares the LORD,
"you will wear them all as ornaments;
you will put them on, like a bride."
Isaiah 49:18
July 11, 2010
is it worth it?
I woke up this morning to wee. A whole lot of wee from my kids. Okay, so one accident was entirely my fault...I forgot to put a clean diaper on a certain little angel before bed last night (getting back into the baby stage takes a bit of time, don't you know). The other accident was due to another treasure having a drink just a little too late last night.
A fabulous way to start the day.
I cleaned up the pee, washed little bodies, and so my day began. Bedrooms looked like a tornado had made it's way through them, so I cleaned. The kitchen also needed a good scrubbing, so I scrubbed. A little girl desperately needed a hair trim, so I put on my hairdresser hat and snipped away. I kissed a few boo-boos and lovingly applied more than one band aid to more than one bleeding body part. I reminded the kids one thousand and twenty times to clean up after themselves, and wiped the wee that missed the toilet bowl off the toilet seat many times. I fed seven children breakfast and made a dozen sandwiches for lunch. Three of the seven children decided that it was not a good day to have a sandwich for lunch and that something else would so much more delicious--to which I responded, "you don't live in a restaurant, so please eat what you're given," in my most loving mommy voice, of course. Five piles of laundry got sorted, folded and put away today. Eighteen cloth diapers got washed twice and hung out to dry in the sun. I tidied up the family room, picked up the toys for the thirtieth time, and straightened the cushions on the couch (I lost count how many times I did that). I told each kid I loved them over and over again and gave plenty of cuddles. I played on the floor, watched my big kids show me their new tricks and braided my two little girls hair. I provided healthy snacks too many times to remember and reminded the children over and over again that water was a far better choice than juice. I made a quick run to the grocery store, and responded to two e-mails as quickly as possible. Mopped the floors and vacuumed the carpets. When evening came I made another healthy meal. Played with the kids before bedtime and answered about two hundred "why" questions throughout the day.
And then I fell into bed--asleep before my head even hit the pillow. A new day begins way too soon. Before I know it, all the above begins all over again. Just like yesterday. And the day before that.
Sometimes I have days like today. Days when I ask myself, "is this even worth it?" Days when I wonder if I should consider going back to school so that I can go out into the world and get a real job. Days when finances feel so tight, and I feel such an urgency to just do something--anything more than I am doing now. Days when I look at my life and wonder if I should be doing more, being more. Days when I feel so darn inadequate. Days when I long to pack up my family and go back out onto the mission field--to somewhere I think I can truly make a difference in this life.
Ah, yes, I have days like this. When mothering feels so mundane and homemaking feels like such a chore. Days when I feel like I will scream if I have to clean one more dang toilet. Days when I wonder---is this all worth it?
Is having a larger than normal family worth it? I could have stopped at one child.
Is staying home to homeschool my children worth it? I could go out and get a job doing something.
Is adopting children who have special needs worth it? I could have turned my back and said, "no way!"
Is the busyness of the life I lead worth it? I could have had a much easier life.
Are the financial sacrifices worth it? We could have had so much more money with a smaller family.
Is it all worth everything I do on a daily basis?
Then God reminds me of something that I often forget. This IS my mission field. I'm living it, right here in my home. I don't need to go anywhere, or do anything, other than this--the thing that He has placed in my hands to do. Living on the mission field is not easy--no matter where in the world it happens to be, even right here in my own home.
If anyone had told me ten years ago that this is what my life would look like now, I would have totally laughed. I never saw this life that God chose for us coming our way. Never dreamed we would be raising seven children. But I also never knew the blessing that all these things would be in my life. I never knew the joy of hearing a child who is unable to speak learn to make new sounds. I never knew the joy of seeing my 16 pound daughter gain over three pounds super quickly just from being home where she belongs. I never knew the blessing of teaching them new things. I never knew the satisfaction of seeing my daughter learning to eat solid foods at five years of age. I never knew how my heart would overflow every time I heard giggles and laughter from children who were locked away and forgotten about.
I never knew the absolute joy.
Is this journey easy? No way! Every parent will agree that it is NOT easy! There are days when I count the minutes for everyone to just be in bed so that I can have an hour of quiet time. I have times when I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of my daughter's special needs. And then there are the moments when I have to cling to my Father God with all my might, trusting Him to work out situations as they arise. It is not easy.
But as difficult as it may be on some days, I would not change a single thing.
Going back to school...it can wait.
Earning a salary again...it can wait.
Having more me time...it can wait.
On days like today I need God to bring me back to my reality, which is not the same as everyone elses. God calls us all differently. Some of us work, others stay home. We follow the leading of the Lord in our own lives. We're all unique. We all have our own mission to accomplish in life. How desperately God needs us all to function in our giftings and abilities. I cannot look at someone's elses life and long for what they have, or what they do. I'm not them and they're not me.
And so I'm content to just be mommy. This is my mission. This is what the Lord has called me to do. Nothing could ever give me greater satisfaction than raising the next generation of mighty warriors for the Lord. May every toilet I scrub tomorrow, every boo boo I bandage up, every pee-stained sheet I wash, every "why" question I answer for the hundredth time, every room I tidy and every toy I pack away...may I learn to do it all as unto the Lord, without grumbling and complaining AND with a cheerful heart.
Goodness, I have such a long way to go in becoming more like Jesus. I don't think we ever get it right this side of heaven. But I'm loving my mission field, right here in my little home in the inner city. Right here where the Lord has planted me to bloom.
It is all so very worth it!
Praying you're all loving the mission God has called YOU to.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Col 3:23
A fabulous way to start the day.
I cleaned up the pee, washed little bodies, and so my day began. Bedrooms looked like a tornado had made it's way through them, so I cleaned. The kitchen also needed a good scrubbing, so I scrubbed. A little girl desperately needed a hair trim, so I put on my hairdresser hat and snipped away. I kissed a few boo-boos and lovingly applied more than one band aid to more than one bleeding body part. I reminded the kids one thousand and twenty times to clean up after themselves, and wiped the wee that missed the toilet bowl off the toilet seat many times. I fed seven children breakfast and made a dozen sandwiches for lunch. Three of the seven children decided that it was not a good day to have a sandwich for lunch and that something else would so much more delicious--to which I responded, "you don't live in a restaurant, so please eat what you're given," in my most loving mommy voice, of course. Five piles of laundry got sorted, folded and put away today. Eighteen cloth diapers got washed twice and hung out to dry in the sun. I tidied up the family room, picked up the toys for the thirtieth time, and straightened the cushions on the couch (I lost count how many times I did that). I told each kid I loved them over and over again and gave plenty of cuddles. I played on the floor, watched my big kids show me their new tricks and braided my two little girls hair. I provided healthy snacks too many times to remember and reminded the children over and over again that water was a far better choice than juice. I made a quick run to the grocery store, and responded to two e-mails as quickly as possible. Mopped the floors and vacuumed the carpets. When evening came I made another healthy meal. Played with the kids before bedtime and answered about two hundred "why" questions throughout the day.
And then I fell into bed--asleep before my head even hit the pillow. A new day begins way too soon. Before I know it, all the above begins all over again. Just like yesterday. And the day before that.
Sometimes I have days like today. Days when I ask myself, "is this even worth it?" Days when I wonder if I should consider going back to school so that I can go out into the world and get a real job. Days when finances feel so tight, and I feel such an urgency to just do something--anything more than I am doing now. Days when I look at my life and wonder if I should be doing more, being more. Days when I feel so darn inadequate. Days when I long to pack up my family and go back out onto the mission field--to somewhere I think I can truly make a difference in this life.
Ah, yes, I have days like this. When mothering feels so mundane and homemaking feels like such a chore. Days when I feel like I will scream if I have to clean one more dang toilet. Days when I wonder---is this all worth it?
Is having a larger than normal family worth it? I could have stopped at one child.
Is staying home to homeschool my children worth it? I could go out and get a job doing something.
Is adopting children who have special needs worth it? I could have turned my back and said, "no way!"
Is the busyness of the life I lead worth it? I could have had a much easier life.
Are the financial sacrifices worth it? We could have had so much more money with a smaller family.
Is it all worth everything I do on a daily basis?
Then God reminds me of something that I often forget. This IS my mission field. I'm living it, right here in my home. I don't need to go anywhere, or do anything, other than this--the thing that He has placed in my hands to do. Living on the mission field is not easy--no matter where in the world it happens to be, even right here in my own home.
If anyone had told me ten years ago that this is what my life would look like now, I would have totally laughed. I never saw this life that God chose for us coming our way. Never dreamed we would be raising seven children. But I also never knew the blessing that all these things would be in my life. I never knew the joy of hearing a child who is unable to speak learn to make new sounds. I never knew the joy of seeing my 16 pound daughter gain over three pounds super quickly just from being home where she belongs. I never knew the blessing of teaching them new things. I never knew the satisfaction of seeing my daughter learning to eat solid foods at five years of age. I never knew how my heart would overflow every time I heard giggles and laughter from children who were locked away and forgotten about.
I never knew the absolute joy.
Is this journey easy? No way! Every parent will agree that it is NOT easy! There are days when I count the minutes for everyone to just be in bed so that I can have an hour of quiet time. I have times when I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of my daughter's special needs. And then there are the moments when I have to cling to my Father God with all my might, trusting Him to work out situations as they arise. It is not easy.
But as difficult as it may be on some days, I would not change a single thing.
Going back to school...it can wait.
Earning a salary again...it can wait.
Having more me time...it can wait.
On days like today I need God to bring me back to my reality, which is not the same as everyone elses. God calls us all differently. Some of us work, others stay home. We follow the leading of the Lord in our own lives. We're all unique. We all have our own mission to accomplish in life. How desperately God needs us all to function in our giftings and abilities. I cannot look at someone's elses life and long for what they have, or what they do. I'm not them and they're not me.
And so I'm content to just be mommy. This is my mission. This is what the Lord has called me to do. Nothing could ever give me greater satisfaction than raising the next generation of mighty warriors for the Lord. May every toilet I scrub tomorrow, every boo boo I bandage up, every pee-stained sheet I wash, every "why" question I answer for the hundredth time, every room I tidy and every toy I pack away...may I learn to do it all as unto the Lord, without grumbling and complaining AND with a cheerful heart.
Goodness, I have such a long way to go in becoming more like Jesus. I don't think we ever get it right this side of heaven. But I'm loving my mission field, right here in my little home in the inner city. Right here where the Lord has planted me to bloom.
It is all so very worth it!
Praying you're all loving the mission God has called YOU to.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Col 3:23
July 9, 2010
this and that
We had so much fun hanging out with dear friends yesterday. Lisa, Kristin and I met halfway between where we all live and braved the hot weather together for a few hours. Even for a summer lovin' girl like me, it was HOT!
How cute are these girls? Totally edible and seriously not interested in having their picture taken.
Do you know what this is?
This sweet little angelic face that surely could never do anything mischievous? Right?
Think again.
After making the kids sandwiches on the yummiest white bread which we were blessed with (my family almost fell over backwards when they saw that I was actually using white bread), I headed out of the room for just a minute.
I returned to discover that my littlest angel had pulled herself up into a standing position at the coffee table and there she discovered her daddy's uneaten sandwich.
Note to mother: The mullet has got to go!
So she totally pulled it apart and stuffed it in her mouth as fast as possible...
Just in case Daddy came before she had eaten the whole thing, you know.
"Well, you did say that I need to get bigger and grow, right?"
Go ahead, honey, eat as much as you want.
Priceless!
Both Hailee and Harper are doing fabulously. I so appreciate everyone who has written to ask about their health. We're still waiting on a lot of test results, but what we do know is that both girls have heart defects. God has been good though, because things could be a whole lot worse. Hailee has a hole in her heart, but the doctor is happy to leave it for the time being and give it some time to close on it's own. Her recent growth and the fact that she is doing so amazingly well led him to believe that there is a possibility that her heart may just heal on it's own. We're so thankful for that. It gives us an opportunity to trust God for complete healing in Hailee.
Harper has a different problem with her little heart (and I won't go into all the medical stuff). She has a valve that should have closed off during infancy, but did not. As a result clean blood is mixing with dirty blood which puts her at a high risk of infection. Sweet little baby will have to have surgery to repair it. I'll keep you posted on when we do it.
The Lord has been good to us. Since moving to a low altitude Hailee's oxygen levels are so much better. I just love how He gently leads and guides us. Moving from Colorado has not been an easy thing. It has taken time, a whole lot of effort, and money--but I cannot tell you how thankful I am that we listened to the voice of the Father telling us to go. Being here has made the world of difference for Hailee. There is nothing in this life that we will not do to give our children every opportunity to flourish. Goodness, and to think that our Father God loves us, His children, so much more than we even love our own children. That blows my mind.
Our doctors are so encouraged that Hailee and Harper are both doing so well and thriving. Hailee's weight gain alone is astounding. Our next appointment will be with an opthamologist. Hailee's eyesight seems to be poor. She cannot focus on anything, and tracking things is hard for her. There is a possibility she may have strabismus, but we're not sure.
Have a happy Friday, sweet friends. The Lord Jesus Christ is alive and well and more than able to take care of every burden on your hearts this day.
How cute are these girls? Totally edible and seriously not interested in having their picture taken.
Do you know what this is?
This sweet little angelic face that surely could never do anything mischievous? Right?
Think again.
After making the kids sandwiches on the yummiest white bread which we were blessed with (my family almost fell over backwards when they saw that I was actually using white bread), I headed out of the room for just a minute.
I returned to discover that my littlest angel had pulled herself up into a standing position at the coffee table and there she discovered her daddy's uneaten sandwich.
Note to mother: The mullet has got to go!
So she totally pulled it apart and stuffed it in her mouth as fast as possible...
Just in case Daddy came before she had eaten the whole thing, you know.
"Well, you did say that I need to get bigger and grow, right?"
Go ahead, honey, eat as much as you want.
Priceless!
Both Hailee and Harper are doing fabulously. I so appreciate everyone who has written to ask about their health. We're still waiting on a lot of test results, but what we do know is that both girls have heart defects. God has been good though, because things could be a whole lot worse. Hailee has a hole in her heart, but the doctor is happy to leave it for the time being and give it some time to close on it's own. Her recent growth and the fact that she is doing so amazingly well led him to believe that there is a possibility that her heart may just heal on it's own. We're so thankful for that. It gives us an opportunity to trust God for complete healing in Hailee.
Harper has a different problem with her little heart (and I won't go into all the medical stuff). She has a valve that should have closed off during infancy, but did not. As a result clean blood is mixing with dirty blood which puts her at a high risk of infection. Sweet little baby will have to have surgery to repair it. I'll keep you posted on when we do it.
The Lord has been good to us. Since moving to a low altitude Hailee's oxygen levels are so much better. I just love how He gently leads and guides us. Moving from Colorado has not been an easy thing. It has taken time, a whole lot of effort, and money--but I cannot tell you how thankful I am that we listened to the voice of the Father telling us to go. Being here has made the world of difference for Hailee. There is nothing in this life that we will not do to give our children every opportunity to flourish. Goodness, and to think that our Father God loves us, His children, so much more than we even love our own children. That blows my mind.
Our doctors are so encouraged that Hailee and Harper are both doing so well and thriving. Hailee's weight gain alone is astounding. Our next appointment will be with an opthamologist. Hailee's eyesight seems to be poor. She cannot focus on anything, and tracking things is hard for her. There is a possibility she may have strabismus, but we're not sure.
Have a happy Friday, sweet friends. The Lord Jesus Christ is alive and well and more than able to take care of every burden on your hearts this day.
July 6, 2010
have you ever?
Tried to get seven kids to all look at the camera at the same time?
Oh my word!
There is always one. Or maybe three...or four...
Who just don't look that the right time...
Or forget to smile...
Or yawn at the wrong moment...
Or decide to pull their sister's hair and mom has to intervene...
But they still insist on pulling their sister's hair...
And mommy just gives up trying...
Yep--I have come to the conclusion that getting a perfect picture of me and my lovies is going to be almost impossible for the nextthree ten years.
{Sigh}
I think they're all perfect anyway.
Oh my word!
There is always one. Or maybe three...or four...
Who just don't look that the right time...
Or forget to smile...
Or yawn at the wrong moment...
Or decide to pull their sister's hair and mom has to intervene...
But they still insist on pulling their sister's hair...
And mommy just gives up trying...
Yep--I have come to the conclusion that getting a perfect picture of me and my lovies is going to be almost impossible for the next
{Sigh}
I think they're all perfect anyway.
July 5, 2010
my friends need help
Happy 4th y'all!
I just had to write that. It sounds absolutely atrocious when I even attempt to say "y'all". Seriously. It does NOT work with my South African accent. Bad, bad...so totally bad!
Anyway.
Okay friends, I'm here to beg and plead for your help in the next few days. I have two friends that need our help.
As you know, we have been blessed. With the Lord's help, we have raised a crazy amount of money to adopt our four daughters. There is no way we could have done it without the Body of Christ. No way. God totally mobilized His mighty army during our time of need and provided every penny we needed to bring our four hunnies home. I will absolutely share about that in a post of it's own.
But today is not about us. It's about two friends trusting the Lord with all their hearts to raise the money they need to bring their daughter's with special needs home.
One friend is my dear friend in real life, Rachel. This is Chris and Rachel's second special needs adoption. They are hoping to travel and bring Lily home this month, but are still short some of the money they require. Lilly has a very severe heart condition. Their adoption has been expedited in order to bring her home quicker. The Yeatts family thought their family was complete after they adopted Mia, but God had other plans (and I'm so glad He did). Rachel is giving away an iPod touch on her blog. Please go here to read about it. Every $10 donation is seed that God will multiply.
My other friend is Holly. We met through blogging and Holly has become a dear friend. Holly has one of the biggest hearts for orphans I have ever known. She works so hard to bring an awareness of those who wait and is passionate about helping other families in the process. Holly and Tony are also rescuing an angel in China, she has some pretty serious needs too. Our friend, Sarah, is hosting an amazing fundraiser for Holly in her Etsy store. It will only last tomorrow. Please consider going here and buying one (or ten) pendants. They are stunning and there are so many to choose from.
I love both these ladies so very much, and am so thankful to have them in my life. I know that they will both be so very grateful for any small amount contributed. We know so well that it ALL adds up. Every contribution is seed that God multiplies.
Thank you, glorious Body of Christ. I appreciate your help so much.
Have a stunning Monday.
I just had to write that. It sounds absolutely atrocious when I even attempt to say "y'all". Seriously. It does NOT work with my South African accent. Bad, bad...so totally bad!
Anyway.
Okay friends, I'm here to beg and plead for your help in the next few days. I have two friends that need our help.
As you know, we have been blessed. With the Lord's help, we have raised a crazy amount of money to adopt our four daughters. There is no way we could have done it without the Body of Christ. No way. God totally mobilized His mighty army during our time of need and provided every penny we needed to bring our four hunnies home. I will absolutely share about that in a post of it's own.
But today is not about us. It's about two friends trusting the Lord with all their hearts to raise the money they need to bring their daughter's with special needs home.
One friend is my dear friend in real life, Rachel. This is Chris and Rachel's second special needs adoption. They are hoping to travel and bring Lily home this month, but are still short some of the money they require. Lilly has a very severe heart condition. Their adoption has been expedited in order to bring her home quicker. The Yeatts family thought their family was complete after they adopted Mia, but God had other plans (and I'm so glad He did). Rachel is giving away an iPod touch on her blog. Please go here to read about it. Every $10 donation is seed that God will multiply.
My other friend is Holly. We met through blogging and Holly has become a dear friend. Holly has one of the biggest hearts for orphans I have ever known. She works so hard to bring an awareness of those who wait and is passionate about helping other families in the process. Holly and Tony are also rescuing an angel in China, she has some pretty serious needs too. Our friend, Sarah, is hosting an amazing fundraiser for Holly in her Etsy store. It will only last tomorrow. Please consider going here and buying one (or ten) pendants. They are stunning and there are so many to choose from.
I love both these ladies so very much, and am so thankful to have them in my life. I know that they will both be so very grateful for any small amount contributed. We know so well that it ALL adds up. Every contribution is seed that God multiplies.
Thank you, glorious Body of Christ. I appreciate your help so much.
Have a stunning Monday.
July 3, 2010
we're lovin' it
We're loving summer in our family.
Recently we've been...
Pondering life at the park. We have a sweet little park just around the corner from our home. We love going there--even when it's one hundred degrees outside.
Doing what great big brothers do--swing their baby sister (over and over and over and over).
Exploring things from new heights. It has finally hit me--my baby boy is no longer my baby. He's doing things big kids do now. Last summer he was tied to my apron strings...this year he's adventurous and independent. How in the world did it happen so quickly?
Falling asleep on the floor after a hard days work at the park.
Putting our feet up and enjoying the ride on a hot summers day. This is definitely the life!
Enjoying precious time with dear friends.
Three years away from them feels like a distant memory now that we're home.
Enjoying every moment of just being kids.
Loving God's creation.
Loving the great outdoors with those we love.
Loving our Asian beauties.
And love, love, loving filthy bare feet at the end of a long walk. We just don't do shoes very well around here. They're always either off...or lost!
Soaking in every cuddle, every kiss, every embrace, every love, and every moment together this summer.
(Oops, hubby just pointed out that I have two of the same pic in that collage. Oh well. Too lazy to go and change it.)
Summer has always been my favorite season of the year. I enjoy the slower days. Heat is just my thing. I love that the days are longer, and the kids get to go to bed later than usual. And I absolutely adore getting out and making precious memories with my family.
We're having so much fun...just being together. Hoping you're loving your summer too.
Recently we've been...
Pondering life at the park. We have a sweet little park just around the corner from our home. We love going there--even when it's one hundred degrees outside.
Doing what great big brothers do--swing their baby sister (over and over and over and over).
Exploring things from new heights. It has finally hit me--my baby boy is no longer my baby. He's doing things big kids do now. Last summer he was tied to my apron strings...this year he's adventurous and independent. How in the world did it happen so quickly?
Falling asleep on the floor after a hard days work at the park.
Putting our feet up and enjoying the ride on a hot summers day. This is definitely the life!
Enjoying precious time with dear friends.
Three years away from them feels like a distant memory now that we're home.
Enjoying every moment of just being kids.
Loving God's creation.
Loving the great outdoors with those we love.
Loving our Asian beauties.
And love, love, loving filthy bare feet at the end of a long walk. We just don't do shoes very well around here. They're always either off...or lost!
Soaking in every cuddle, every kiss, every embrace, every love, and every moment together this summer.
(Oops, hubby just pointed out that I have two of the same pic in that collage. Oh well. Too lazy to go and change it.)
Summer has always been my favorite season of the year. I enjoy the slower days. Heat is just my thing. I love that the days are longer, and the kids get to go to bed later than usual. And I absolutely adore getting out and making precious memories with my family.
We're having so much fun...just being together. Hoping you're loving your summer too.
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