"The" Ivy & "The" Oak

Answers anyone? The mystery plant is poison ivy/oak. Just to warn you- the last few days have been a blur- thus today will be an update and I'll be back tomorrow morning with more thoroughly formed thoughts & gratitudes.

Thursday was my preparation day. I prepared the laundry, the food and the house for my 2 day absence (Fri & Sat) to attend the Homeschool Conference in Searcy, AR. It took me all day to prepare to leave and I didn't actually pack until about 11pm Thursday night. Friday morning came all too quickly at 5am and I was out the door by 5:45am. I put the bills in the mailbox, ran the paycheck into town to the night deposit box & was on my way to Searcy by 6am.

I arrived to Harding University (beautiful Christian campus, by the way!!) at the time of registration and was soon on my way to hear the first keynote speaker of the day. I spent all day Friday at the convention attending seminars & looking at curriculum/talking to vendors. I enjoyed a nice dinner with some fellow homeschool moms/friends and retired to my hotel room by 8pm.

I set out to complete a long night ahead of me. Organizing thoughts, praying about curriculum, thinking about what seminars to attend Saturday & attempting to start a new, yearly prayer list for our children. In between all of that I took a bubble bath too....

Long story short, after only sleeping about an hour, my cellphone rang. My lovely husband was on the other end but wasn't sounding all that lovely at the moment. The only words I remember are, "You need to come home right now, I'm having some kind of allergic reaction." Talk about panic mode!! I was up, packed and out of the hotel room in less than 5 minutes. Searcy is about a 2 1/2 hr. drive to home so I knew it would be a while before I got there.

I called hubby again and asked him to call his sister to come and sit with the kids while he drove himself to the ER. After that phone call, I knew he'd never make it driving by himself. I pondered for about 3 seconds and then picked up my cellphone and called 9-1-1. I sent an ambulance to the house and they arrived the same time as hubby's sister.

Longer story short...hubby had a severe reaction to poison ivy/oak. He was taken by ambulance from our home, given an I.V. with epinephrine, steroids & benedryl on the way to the E.R. By the time I got home at 2:30am, he was just about to be released. I came home, checked blood sugars & headed back in the car to get hubby from the E.R. I'm told he looked a lot better upon coming home than at the time of the ambulance ride...

So, today I'm home- sleepy from only getting 3-4 hours sleep, but home.
Today I am grateful for:
Telephones
Family that lives close by and will come when they're needed
A 9-1-1 system that we can rely on
An ambulance that will/can come in a moment's notice
A reliable vehicle to bring me home in the middle of the night
A hospital that treated my husband immediately and prevented him from going into anaphalactic shock
Children who 'slept through it all'
And last but not least... a God who guides and protects through it all!!

The price of education

In America, is there a price on education? My first thought would be to think of college- of course there is a PRICE- there's a very big price to attend college! But more simply than that, do we have restrictions on education? I'm sure there are more categories than I can think of at the moment, but how about that we are 'allowed' to homeschool our children? What about that we can pick up our bibles & 'religious' education materials and learn about God anytime we choose? We can virtually have & read any book, anytime, anywhere. If we don't have the resources to purchase the books, we have libraries full of them just waiting for us to walk through the doors and read them.

What about the freedom to educate ourselves on any subject we desire? There are no restrictions on what we learn and teach our children. We may encounter nay-sayers and deal with the occasional "you're crazy" comment, but we aren't prohibited by anyone or anything other than our consciences (or leading of the Holy Spirit).

Does education impart wisdom? How do we know what materials to read that will guide us in the 'right direction?' What materials actually help us and don't clutter our minds with useless information? What materials actually make you feel smarter? Are we good stewards of this privilege?
These are just a few of the resources we've been looking at and learning from this past year regarding the adoptions. Trying to strike a balance between what is required of us by different 'agencies' and what we feel led to learn- that's the tricky part. There is the green binder...the one that's been with me since the beginning...the one that holds every piece of paper pertaining to the adoptions. This binder holds records of donations (for personal and tax purposes), encouraging notes from friends & those we don't even know. It holds many, many important forms and documents relating to the legality of the process. The green binder also holds many examples of families that have gone before us, their stories of adjustment & the responses of their Liberian children.

The white binder holds all the 'love letters' that have been sent to us from the children. I've categorized them all by child and by date (including every single envelope). This is the binder I go to when I'm feeling lonely for them or overwhelmed by the length of the process. This binder alone sets things into perspective for me. The love and adoration I feel just feeling and seeing these pages is indescribable. These are my children- there is nothing I wouldn't do or endure for them.
The smaller, single binders with their names are for journaling. These binders I will record the big and little details that they go through during this next year. All the adjustments, all the joys as well as the sorrows. They will be the record of the past meeting the future...

This is the bible I have been using for the last 5 years- the most influential years of my life thus far. We probably have 5-6 different translations in this house, but this is the book I keep coming back to. This translation God has used to speak VOLUMES to me... For me, if I stay focused- this is THE book we need to base our entire lives on. The other books are fillers, but to discern the important things- this book is the dictionary!

Today I am grateful for the gift of education. Enough said.

The trimming of the trees

Today I am grateful for:
~a husband who (after 2 years of talking about it) tends to the manicuring of our beautiful yard
~the laughter and joy this invokes in me as he looks at me and says, "What have I gotten myself into?"
~that God has given me a 'rough & tumble' boy who loves being with his father, learning to do 'man stuff.'
~the heart of my son who picks one leaf from every brush pile and announces that these are special leaves, just for his 'brothers and sisters from Africa.'
~that God has given me 2 children with sky-blue eyes (even though mine are the dominant brown). Eyes to remind me of my husband and eyes that remind me of my grandparents.
~the privelege to stay home, love & educate our children.

I came across this checklist for 'homeschool' moms, whether we homeschool or not, I believe this is a comprehensive list to look at in terms of raising our children. I am adding this list to my prayer pages for our children!

A CHECKLIST FOR HOMESCHOOL MOMS

1. Do I take the time to cultivate a reverent, fervent, joyful heart and home life?
2. Do I work hard to provide spiritual leadership through good example and teaching?
3. Do I require my children to show proper respect toward both parents?
4. Do I keep my children busy doing good things?
5. In my pursuit to teach my children independent living and learning, do I patiently exhort those who refuse to work, encourage those who lack confidence, and help those who truly need direct assistance?
6. Do I seek to be a peacemaker by encouraging kindness and prohibiting revenge?
7. Do I give thanks in all circumstances, knowing God will bring good from them?
8. Do I eliminate influences and activities which are not the best for my family?
9. Do I teach my children to discern good from evil and to seek God's will for their own lives?
10. When I see God's Spirit beginning to work in my child, do I avoid squelching this progress with my own impatience and perfectionism?
11. Do I pray earnestly and continually for my children?

Gratitude

Many years ago, I heard of the idea of a 'gratitude journal.' I've never actually started one, but it's stayed in the back of my mind all this time. After celebrating mother's day and reflecting on everything that has transpired since I've become a mother, I've vowed to start a gratitude journal. The biggest thing I think about when it comes down to writing in a gratitude journal is that there are so many things in my day that I should be grateful for- but end up not paying attention to or forgetting about. So, in between the adoption updates I'll be sharing a bit of my 'gratitude' entries here for you to see.

I'll begin by back-dating to yesterday, Mother's Day 2007.
I'm grateful for:
a husband who tells me "I'm so happy you're my wife- I love our life."
children who sleepily come to me- just crawling out of bed- to get their morning hugs& kisses
a home of our own that we can be comfortable in & extend hospitality to others
the ability to call half way around the world to hear my son say, "Happy Mother's Day, Mum!"
a heart that God uses & continues to grow an amazing love for my husband and ALL of our children
a spirit of contentment that I finally have after previous years of knowing and feeling "I'm missing something..."

Faith is not in understanding; Faith is yielding to God's will, Resting on His word of promise in assurance calm and still. Faith is looking unto Jesus, trusting where it cannot see, Faith is resting on His promise. Faith is glorious victory.

"One who trusts in the Lord is secure." Proverbs 29: 25

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Faith is nothing at all tangible. It is simply believing God!

This Bumpy Road

As we continue on this bumpy road, I am continually reminded to be encouraged. "Life" is not easy...would we really want it to be? Yea, it might be nice at times- but what really determines 'living?' To know that you're alive, to know you are following God's plan for your life, to know you (or your family) might feel like you're suffering- but to know it will be 'worth it' in the end is priceless....

"You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord who fought for you... Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left...You know with all your heart and soul that not one of these good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." Joshua 23: 3,6,14

"for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." Psalms 95: 7-8

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5: 7

"May the God of hope full you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 16-19

If You Say Go

I really hope things are taking a turn for the better....this has been another one of those rollercoaster days- weeks actually. Hubby and I are learning valuable truths as we walk this path with the Lord. We are really being refined during this journey and we learn more and more to trust the Lord for his provisions in EVERY area of our life. All I can say is, "Wow." Part of me wants this hard journey to be over, the other part of me desires to keep going because I know there is wonderful glory in the end.

Forgive me for not sharing details at this point, I feel like I'm being secretive for not sharing. Things are very 'touchy' right now with the adoptions and we can't risk saying anything that would jeopardize the kids or the adoption process. Please continue to pray for safety, the Lord's comforting hand & swiftness of the paperwork.

This is my song for the day:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water, and they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid are good and true
If You call us to the fire, You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You

If you say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water, and they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Kisses in the Wind

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams. You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems. I know you wonder where we are...what's taking us so long. But remember children, I love you all so and God will keep you strong. Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you. I promise you, my darlings, I'm doing all that I can do. Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend. But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight. And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

Despite all- we give thanks!

As many of you may know, our first born daughter has been a type 1 diabetic for almost 5 years-she was diagnosed at age 2. On Monday morning, our son, was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hubby and I saw some of the signs two days prior and realized what was happening. We checked his blood sugar late Sunday night and our suspicions were confirmed. I brought him to Children's Hospital Monday morning and we were blessed to be back home by Tuesday afternoon.

The one thing that has changed for Hubby and I-since Dear Daughter #1's diagnosis-is that we have extreme peace, even in spite of our son's diagnosis. We continue to give thanks that the Lord has blessed us with 3 beautiful & healthy biological children, as well as 4 beautiful and precious adopted children. We are also blessed that Dear Son #3 has a big sister to 'show him the ropes' and stand along side of him during the uncertain times (like finger pokes & insulin shots). He is doing amazingly well for being in 'day 3' and talks with sister about 'being special' & having a special job to do- given by God.

Yesterday, the two children played for about 2 hours, role-playing & playing doctor. I'd given them lots of diabetic supplies, band-aids, & extra insulin pump 'stuff.' They 'tended' to their stuffed animals with such love and compassion- sister really provided some comfort to her brother, without him even knowing it.

As I scanned the 'new & improved' diabetic supplies & aides that have come to the market since DD#3's diagnosis- God brought to me an amazing 'injection aide' that I've never heard of. This aide looks almost identical to sister's insulin pump infusion sets and will allow brother to have injections through that port, instead of giving shots through the skin. This aide will be changed in the same time frame as sister's pump sets & will prepare our son for the day when he gets his very own pump. All the while, sparing him the many insulin shots throughout the day. How awesome is God?!? I never would have found this if it wasn't for God directing my eyes and curiosity as I quickly scanned websites yesterday.

So, today I will call the Endocrinologist & request this wonderful 'set' for our son. We continue to give thanks.

So many scriptures & thoughts have come to mind in the last few days. I'd be here forever if I shared every single one. God is so good as He has come along side of Hubby and I to comfort us & bring us amazing peace. He has given our son an easy spirit as well as patience for us as we teach him from 'square one' as we did our daughter. We continue to give thanks.

A few scriptures for today:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14: 27

"...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Romans 5: 3-5

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Thank you

First, I would like to say thank you to all of you who continue to support us and pray for our family. This road tends to get bumpy at times but we continue to keep our eye on the Lord and continue to move forward and follow Him.

Today, I smile and laugh as I explain to you yet another example of just how wonderful our God is. Yesterday, in the middle of our day, the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID, didn't recognize the number- it looked like a calling card type number. So, I answered it thinking it may be 'grandma'. I said, "Hello?" Then I heard one of the sweetest voices on the planet, "Hi, Mum!"

IT WAS DEAR SON #1! I just about screamed- that was a phone call I was NOT expecting... Immediately I began to cry. I asked him if he was ok, he said yes. He explained he was borrowing a phone and that I needed to call him back because there were no minutes left on the calling card he was using. I was excited but nervous as we tried to communicate the numbers back and forth. I thought, "I have one shot to get this right- don't mess up these numbers!"

I got the numbers correct and called him back immediately. We were blessed to have a 30 minute conversation. The reception was ok- sometimes I couldn't understand him, most of the time I could. He told me truths about what is going on in the orphanages right now and explained that he is doing ok. We laughed a lot as I kept saying, "STOP, slow down- I can't understand what you're saying." He'd laugh and say, "Ok, mum- I will slow down." At one point, I kept saying I was sorry and that I was trying so hard to get every word he was saying. He was so loving and said to me, "Mum, I will say it over and over again until you can hear me and understand me." What a sweet heart!

I think we were able to devise a plan to speak with the other 3 children every week on Saturdays. DS#1 said he goes there to play soccer on Saturdays and that he'd try to borrow that same phone so we can speak with everyone on a regular basis. The other 3 children are asking to talk with us and DS#1 told me that they can't wait to hear our voices. We have been sending messages to them through him for quite some time because we very rarely can get through to the orphanage.

DS#1 asked to speak with DD#3 and DS#3- how their faces lit up as they ran for the phone to talk with their big brother. It truly was a precious moment, right there in our living room! I assured DS#1 that the paperwork continues to move forward and that they will all be home soon. I told him that even if it takes months, we will all be patient because we know we will all have a lifetime together.

I also explained that 'Grandma' is praying about going to Liberia the same time Dad (hubby) goes. She hasn't been back in over 10 years and is wanting to see family,etc. DS#1 was so excited and said he would pray for Grandma to be able to come to Liberia.

What a wonderful God we have! He knew this is exactly what I needed to keep going and stay strong. Just the voice of our beautiful boy lifted my spirits- and the anticipation of being able to speak to our girls and our little man keeps me looking forward to the end of the week. Thank you, Father!


And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13

...Do not be afraid any longer, just believe... Luke 8:50

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8

Fundraiser pictures

Boy- did we have fun today! We are all exhausted, but it was well worth it. What a party we had... Here is Hubby and I trying our very first crawfish. Our response: when they say cajun, they mean it! haha

Hubby, the funny man!

Here is 'grandma', she was with us all day.

We had a live worship band playing for us today. Here is a picture of the children singing with the band, "This little light of mine."

Momma & the kiddos

The "fundraising table." We had cookbooks, beaded jewelry, 'fun-fur' flip flops, and a beautiful framed picture of the Liberian children (my friend brought it for us).


Finally, a picture of the cookbook...

We had such a fun day, thank you to those who came and volunteered your time to help us.
Have a blessed weekend!

Fundraiser tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big "crawfish dinner fundraiser." There have been lots of last minute preparations and lots of people helping us! We're told that the dinner is the 'buzz' around town (and in neighboring towns as well). We didn't have much luck selling tons of tickets, but we have heard many comments like: "We plan on coming, don't really care if we eat crawfish, we just want to meet the family and possibly give a donation." So, sounds like a party if nothing else...

BIG NEWS~~THE COOKBOOKS ARE IN!!!! I'll try to get a picture posted sometime next week of the cover so you can see it. Anyone interested in purchasing an Adoption Blessings & More cookbook, please email me and I'll get you a copy ASAP. We're asking $18 per book and $2 S/H. If you've contacted me in the past and were interested in a cookbook, look for an email in the next few days asking for confirmation. I want to be extra sure before sending out the books to you all. The cookbook has 3 'extra' sections including: baby food recipes, Liberian recipes & breakfasts.

No update this week on the paperwork. The woman we've been corresponding with is out of the office until Tuesday next week. We hope to call & speak with our eldest son Monday morning to check in with him. My in-laws will also be on their way down here on Monday. We hope to see them Tuesday or Wednesday! The kids here are super excited to see grandma & grandpa!

Have a great weekend. Please remember us in your prayers as tomorrow approaches. The dinner will be from 3-6pm (Central time). I'll fill you in on the details after it's all done.

We praise God for the blessings we will receive especially tomorrow and for the people we will speak with.

*Side note- 'grandma' has loaned me an authentic African lappa (skirt) and shirt. I'll be arriving at the dinner in style. I'll post pictures of that as well, next week.

Have a great weekend!

NEW PICTURE!

I just received this picture of our 4 precious children! This is, by far, is the best picture we've seen yet of all 4. I'll be oohing & aahing the rest of the day... enjoy!

Praise

Once again, lyrics from a song touch my heart today. We stay here waiting for our precious children, praying for them all day long. My mother's heart is longing for them. Longing to sing to them, longing to teach them & longing to love them. Part of my heart is half a world away...

With every breath, with every thought, from what is seen, to that deepest part. I offer up that I’ve come to be, to know your love, Father in me. Father, you’re all I need. My sole sufficiency, my strength when I am weak, the love that carries me. Your arms enfold me, I am a child of God.

With every step, on this journey’s walk, and wisdom’s songs that the soul has sought- I give myself unreservingly, to know your love- Father in me. Father, you’re all I need. My sole sufficiency, my strength when I am weak. The love that carries me. Your arms enfold me, I am a child of God.

Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. Jesus, be the center, be my hope, be my song, Jesus. Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live. Jesus, Jesus.

Jesus, be my vision, be my path, be my guide, Jesus. Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live- Jesus, Jesus.

Be the fire… be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live- Jesus, Jesus.

There’s no one like our God, no one at all- gave His son for us, Jesus the Lord. Who can love us like He does, no one at all. Oh, how we love you Lord!

You lift the needy from the ashes, and sit them high up with the princes. You give the barren woman healing, she’ll dance with joy like the mother of children.

There’s no one like our God, no one at all- gave His son for us, Jesus the Lord. Who can love us like He does, no one at all. Oh, how we love you Lord!

I have sung my songs of praise, thanksgiving on my lips, bowed low and worshipped you. But now I’m coming close, closer than before, for the veil is torn in two. Now that I am here with you, there’s no place I’d rather be! Now that I have felt your touch, make your home in me.

I feel so safe with you, acceptance in your voice. You whisper tenderly. You are my beloved, chosen one my friend, you’re so precious to me! Now that I am here with you, there’s no place I’d rather be. Now that I have felt your touch, make your home in me.

New day

Today is a new day!
I thought I would bring forward the organization that we trust the most that adopts children out of Liberia.

If you feel led to donate to someone for the Liberian orphans, we personally recommend this particular agency: Acres of Hope. Please pray as to where the Lord is guiding you to direct your generosity & love. All orphans in the world are in need of compassion and a helping hand- if you're not specifically directed to Liberia, please search out other places/countries where you feel led to help.

http://www.acresofhope.org/aboutacres.htm


This entire process of adoption has been full of ups and downs- moments of worry and moments of pure joy. I don't doubt this is the story of every adoptive parent. Hubby and I see this as a wonderful blessing and even in the tough times- we thank God for this journey. I heard a wonderful quote today on my favorite christian radio station. It is: "I don't mind the 'valley' times that much- it makes the mountain tops that much sweeter."

How true is that?

We thank you all for the prayers. Once again, I found strength in the form of a song this morning. I thank God for placing me in a country where I can simply listen to the radio and hear christian songs. I praise God that I can open my bible anywhere I please, and read His inspired words. I'll leave you today with the wonderful words that brought my heart renewed hope & strength.

"But the voice of truth tells me a different story- the voice of truth says, 'DO NOT BE AFRAID.' And the voice of truth says, 'This is for my glory.' Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth. Listen to the sound of Jesus...."

Reality check

My reality check is this: Before we began these adoptions, I went through my daily life NEVER thinking about orphans or those suffering in ANY 3rd world country. I never thought of them and I never prayed for them. I felt bad when I saw commercials on t.v. about starving children- but I never did anything about it. The most important thing we can ever do is- PRAY! I never, ever prayed for these people. I'm having a huge reality check that this IS happening in 2007 and it is true that a large percentage of the world is living on less than $1 per day.

I know that the Lord is almighty and 100% in control here. He has a master plan and I know that I need to fully understand that and feel it in my heart. It is very easy for a helpless feeling to creep up on me and send me into a tailspin but that brings God no glory.

So- today I resolve to give God 100% of the glory even in spite of what is happening "in the world." I praise God for the blessings He gives and the life lessons He teaches. Please join with me and pray for all the orphans in the world who are suffering. Please join me in praying for those who live on so little and who have not a fraction of the 'things' we have.

Not only should we be praying for those who live in poverty- but let's broaden our prayers for those who are non-Christian. Those who live in poverty and don't know the love of Christ. There is a 'section' in our world called the 10/40 window. Look here for more information and please pray for these people. Liberia falls in this 'section' of the world.

Have you all seen the movie "Facing the Giants?" Hubby and I are 'preparing the field' as we have firm confidence that the Lord will bring forth His blessings. The big crawfish-dinner fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 31st from 3-6pm. Depending on whether or not we sell the cookbooks and last 5 boxes of chocolates, I will be outside of Walmart on the 1st of April selling those.

No answer at the orhanage yet. Other parents are having the same problem getting through and haven't been able to talk with their children.

I have 23 yarn dolls done- almost half way to my goal!

Yarn Doll Ministry

I think the "theme" for my life should include the word MULTI-TASKING! I'm beginning to think that I get more done when I have a lot going on- I think this started with nursing school. I planned our wedding during the first year of school and then I was pregnant with our first child the second year. I'm beginning to constantly think about the phrase "when you want something done- ask a busy person." Except, I'm doing this to myself.... :)

We received an American Girl Craft Idea Book for Christmas. In that book was how to make an "old fashioned" yarn doll. Dear daughter #3 wanted to make a yarn doll for her friend's birthday present- so, this morning we ventured to make our very first yarn doll. How cute! It turned out great and it is so cute!

To make a long story short, I was drying my hair after my morning shower and an idea hit me like a ton of bricks. I have just a mountain of yarn sitting in a rubbermaid bin. *Of course, I have great intentions to knit something or to finish crocheting that blanket I started about 8 years ago. It took me about 15 minutes to make the body of the yarn doll, and another 5-8 minutes to make the hair and glue on the eyes/nose/mouth (buttons). I think it would be so great to do a "yarn doll ministry" for the Liberian orphans. Hubby and I usually sit down every night after the kids are in bed and watch atleast an hour of tv (we're huge American Idol & Survivor fans). I could make 4-6 dolls a night while we watch our favorite shows- MULTI-TASKING AT ITS FINEST!

My goal is to make atleast 50 yarn dolls with the materials I have on hand. Literally the only thing I need to purchase are little styrofoam balls (for the head of the doll). I think I bought a 6 pack for about $1. I'd really like to send the dolls with hubby to Liberia when he goes to bring the kids home. I'm remembering the post on our adoption loop about the small stuffed teddy bears were brought to the boys at one of the orphanages. They were so blessed to be given a teddy bear and just loved on them and cuddled them. That may have been the first and only gift they'd ever received.

If I can make 50 yarn dolls for the children- how many more smiles will those little dolls bring forward? I just know they will feel so blessed to receive them. So, this is my goal... 50 yarn dolls by the time hubby leaves for Liberia. If you would like to join in on this ministry, please do so! You can make the dolls as plain or as fancy as you'd like. Our dolls will be fairly plain, with button eyes/nose and a red yarn mouth. We'll make long hair for the girl dolls and tie in some ribbon.

I would like to keep this going even after the kids come home. You can send us the yarn dolls and we will get them to Liberia and into the children's hands. Please email me for our mailing address at: gusnbec@hughes.net

I'll keep you updated as I make the dolls- and how many I have completed. This is a great way for you to keep me held accountable as I follow through on this project. Below you will find some links on how you can make your own yarn doll(s). I would also be happy to copy our directions and mail them to you, just drop me an email. Have a blessed weekend!

http://www.makingfriends.com/yarn_doll.htm

http://www.aokcorral.com/how2mar2000.htm

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/do/yarndoll.html

Truths

Someone asked me yesterday what kind of reactions we've received about the adoptions. After our son had a "melt-down" in Walmart last night, I thought I'd post a few comments from other adoptive families about the truths within a family regarding adopted or biological children.

"Even in the same family, individual personalities make all the difference. There is no way to know what your situation will be like. Some kids find life in America is not what they thought it would be and have a really hard time adjusting to parental authority. Some have thankful hearts and are just glad to be in a family.

In looking back, I can clearly see that God's call to this ministry was not only about the children, but what He would do in the rest of our hearts as we all learn to love unconditionally as He loves us....as we learn to sacrifice as He sacrificed for us. If we never come around to being "one big happy family", we have been challenged to walk a lot of Biblical teaching that used to be just talk. Our faith has grown bigger and more firm. It's worth all the struggles.

Just be obedient and leave the rest to God. Remember....there ain't no testimony without a trial! There isn't anything you can say that will make a person understand the 'foolish things that only the Lord can make confound the wise".

Where the Lord's work is, there WILL be tribulation and trials. Where the Lord's work is there will be wonderful moments and down right hard ones. It's what produces the growth He wants in you, and it will be what defines you as HIS child. Your life will not be like any others, your children will not be just like any others. You can only stand firm on the promises He makes, and whether or not He has called you to this. By obedience and faith we step forward, one day at a time.

We just pray each time we get pregnant that the Lord strengthen us for whatever the needs of our new little life are. The same held true for our adopted children. There will be needs, and God can and will give you the wisdom to handle them.

I do see how God has been glorified in each step we take, and how the people watching can only say "By God's grace and mercy can this family do what they are doing.

Every child is different. Some struggle with behavior, attachment problems, etc and others blend into the family as if they have always been there. It is impossible to really know until the child is in your home. You have to be educated and prepared for the worst while hoping and praying for the best. It is important to realize that there probably will be at least some issues with any child. Being adopted, brought to a new culture and country, etc are all very big changes and few children will not struggle at least a little bit with the experience. Does that mean you shouldn't adopt? Absolutely not! If God is calling you to adopt then He will give you the strength, wisdom, discernment and energy to parent the children that He gives you. That doesn't mean that it will be easy, but it means you can do it and that you can bring glory to God through it.

We have encountered some of the same types of comments and concerns from friends/family. You won't be able to convince all of the nay-sayers, but you also don't have to. Often God calls us to things that don't make sense to other people. There is a verse in 2nd Corinthians that comes to mind ( Chapter 5:13-14). Here it is in the New Living Translation: "If it seems that we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us". Some people will think you are crazy - even people you love and respect like your family, your pastor, other church members, etc. But,
if God is calling you to adopt then this is part of His plan for your life and He will bless you for it."

These are just some of the truths that we know exist within any family. Overall, the reactions we have received have been positive. Although, we have also received negative comments and reactions- some from friends and even from family members. Hubby and I keep our eyes on the Lord and his plan for our family. We try to keep in mind the "big picture" and don't let the "nay-sayers" weaken us... even if the hurtful comments come from family members.

We continue to try and stay humble, making sure we are learning the absolute truths about family life and stay conscious of the "rose-colored glasses syndrom."

As for our son's meltdown in Walmart, at times like those I just have to smile and think- "I'm a momma and this comes with the job!"

I've shared many lyrics of songs here, they sure ring true in my heart. Here's a song that is "ringing true" today as I talk about truths:

My times are in your hands, I know I’ll never understand but I’ll trust in you. Sometimes my heart grows cold, I’m sorry when I take control- how I’m needing you. Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost- you take my hand. I will hold on, I will hold on, I will hold on- yes, I will trust in you.

My life is in your hands, you hold the key to who I am. And I’ll trust in you. Sometimes my heart is stone, I’m sorry when I walk alone- how I’m needing you! Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost, you take my hand!

I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on, yes I will trust in you. And I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on…

Even when I fall, you help me stand. Even when I’m lost, you take my hand! I will hold on- I will hold on- I will hold on…

Human Rights Celebration Benefit

It's been one week since we attended the Human Rights Celebration benefit, in which we were honored. The night started with a lovely potluck dinner & we all ate well! Some good friends of ours also came to support us, we had a nice time talking and eating with them. The service started and it brought attention to many issues throughout the world dealing with Human Rights. There were also prayers and a few songs. The Local/State President told our story, mostly what was published in the paper, and then asked us to step forward.

We were presented with a framed certificate that reads: Church Women United, Inc.- United Nations Office presents its Human Rights Award for your leadership service as a mentor and social activist on human rights and human development, an advocate for peace with justice with no boundaries of political system, country, cultural background or religion. The certificate was then signed by The Local/State President and The National President of Church Women United.

They also gave our children a CD set of Children's Bible songs & stories. There was also a "love offering" taken and we were handed the overflowing offering plate. The people there were so generous and we are so thankful for their donations towards the adoption expenses. The women there offered to have a "clothes" shower for us before the children arrive home. That will also be a tremendous blessing as clothing 4 more children has been weighing on my mind (where does one start?).

We are so thankful and so humbled by this experience. It took hubby & I about 3 days to fully sort through all our emotions. It's during times like these that saying "thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough. We wish we could do more to show our appreciation, but thank you is all we have. We thank God that He has brought all these generous & loving people into our lives to support us and stand beside us!

Letters from Dear Son #2

This is the only other picture we received of ds#2 from the disposable cameras. The second picture of him is with the other 3 children (on ds#1 post). Dear son #2 is the boy in the front wearing the Scooby Doo shirt. During the Christmas Eve phone conversation with him, we were able to hear a little more of his voice. He said, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, mom and dad. I love you." That was more than last time! :) He has a voice like an angel, I can't wait to scoop him up in my arms!

This is a little of what he had to say in his current letters:
Dearest Sweet mom,
I send a special and kind greeting in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you so much, but you know that God loves you the best. Thank you for the wonderful letter and things you sent to me in the last package. I pray that we can come home soon.
Love, peace and joy from your son


Dearest Dad,
Special greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you so much but God loves you the best. Dad, I cannot wait to see you here in Liberia some day. I pray that the almighty God will be with you and keep you safe and sound. Bless your work and everything you do.
Love always from your sweet son
*There are drawings of little stick people all over the bottom of the page of the whole family, all 9 of us! There is also a little saying that says, "We all love you dad, mom, sisters & brother!"

Letters from Dear Daughter #1

These are the two best photos of Dear Daughter #1 from the disposable cameras we sent last trip. The first photo shows her in her room, striking the same pose as dd #2 in her picture. They seem to have swapped the stuffed bear and hat for each picture... The picture below is of Dear Daughter #1 wearing the bandana I sent for dd #2's birthday (they share everything!). I purchased a blue bandana and then embroidered her name on the edge. Dd#2's two favorite colors are blue & red.

Dear daughter #1 didn't send home her camera or any letters in the last batch. We were very concerned about her, thinking she may have become ill again and had to leave the orphanage. When we called the orphanage on Christmas Eve, we were able to speak with dear daughter #1 and she apologized for not sending a letter. We didn't mind- we were just so thankful she was ok! She sounded great (as did the the children) and we used her again as our "interpreter." It's more difficult to understand dd#2 over the phone so if we cannot understand, dd #1 gets back on the line and explains to us what sister is trying to say. The phone connection always seems to be in and out and the children are very quiet (with a lot of background noise). Here are some of the things dd #1 had to say in her last batch of letters.

"To my baby sister,
How are you? I hope you are fine- as the Lord blesses you. How wonderful to know that you are my baby sister. My name is ****, my new name is ****. I love you very much and I will teach you how to dance and dress like a princess and act like a princess. You look wonderful in your picture. I love you.
Your sister

To my sweet brother
How are you? I hope you are fine as the Lord may bless you and the family. I am ****, your new sister. When I come over, I will teach you a lot of games and brother will teach you how to play football (soccer) and baseball. I can not wait to see you and I pray for you. I love you so much. Bye to my sweet brother---
Your sister

My wonderful sister (dd#3),
How are you? I hope you are fine as the Lord may bless you all. I am your new sister, *** and when I come over, I will teach you a lot of new games. I will also show you some African dance. I cannot wait to see you, I love you and I pray for you.
You are my wonderful sister.
From your sister

Dear my mom and dad,
I greet you with all my love and care. How is everyone doing? I am fine, in the Lord Jesus. It is a blessing to know you people better, because I was not thinking about going to the U.S. because I gave up in everything to be adopted. I gave up hope but all the while, God was keeping my family aside for me and my brother (ds #1). We have been a long time on this mission, people come and go and meet us. Everyone leaves to go to the states, we thought that God had forgotten about us. But, I thank God we have a family who cares and loves us much.
Mom and dad, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am **** and I lived on this mission with my brother and other children. I came here in 1996-1997. See how long I've been here? Some of my friends that came with me have gone but I always know that there is a God who never fails, he says in Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the Lord while he may be found, Call upon him while he is near." He says that all things are possible and that He will not leave me as an orphan. My prayer is that God will work everything out for us and that the paperwork will be soon completed and we will be together.
I like the new name you gave me, I am so happy because I have my new grandmother's name for a middle name. I will teach you all African games and cook African food for you. That day will be a wonderful day in my life! Mom, I don't know how to express my love for you but when I come home, you will see it.
I send you extra love and hugs (XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO), may God richly bless you!
Your lovely daughter

Letters from Dear Daughter #2

These are two of best quality pictures we received from dd #2's disposable camera. I don't know if the sunlight was a problem, the quality of the camera or the inexperience of the photographers...In the first picture, she is standing beside a friend who has also received a package from America. The second picture seems to be of her in her room, holding a stuffed bear. They seem to have a table in there stocked with supplies (toothpaste, etc). Below you will find some of what she had to say in her letters. Through the letters we've received, she looks to be the creative, artistic one. She always has pictures and many colors of marker around the pages. She likes to write in many different colors of ink and has also taken on the task of writing letters to us from dear son #2. I don't know if he actually knows she's doing this, but she's made sure there's letters to us from herself and him. It also seems she had taken possession of dear son #2's disposable camera. There is one photo of ds#2 and his friends but the rest seem to be of the girls. Dd#2 likes to take pictures of herself, close-ups! It's fun to see some personality from these kids- I wonder if they will be anything like this when they come home??

"To my beloved Mom,
I want you to please send some of our pictures that we we took so that we can share with our friends when we are leaving Liberia. We love you and we cannot wait to see you soon. We all just have to be patient, and wait for God- His time is the best.
From your daughter

These are all my friend's name:
Patience, Yamin, Princess, Olivia, Martha, Lydia, Pauline
Mom, they all say hi to you and the others. Mom if you are writing to us, I want you to please write each of them a letter so that they will know you. They also said that if I leave Liberia they will miss me a lot. Mom, I love you and I cannot wait to see you soon.
Love always,
Your daughter

Dearest Dad,
I thank you so much for the lovely letter you were able to send me and I was very happy to receive it. I was so excited to receive it and I enjoyed reading it over and over. Dad, if ******* is coming to Liberia, we would like you to send us some little money for the seasons that are coming so we can buy something. We pray for you every day and night that God will bring us together soon. May God bless you and keep our family safe. Dad, I want you to please give my little brother and sisters hugs and kisses on their lovely faces. May the Almighty God bless you and keep you safe and sound.
Love always your daughter

*This letter has yellow, orange, green and purple marker EVERYWHERE!! :)

Dearest sweet mom,
Special greetings come to you in the name of Christ. My reason for writing you this letter is to tell you that I love you but God loves you the best. Mom, I was sooooooooooooo happy to receive the sweet and kind letter from you again. For each day of the week, the teacher works out the weekly theme in scripture in subjects for praise, thanksgiving and petition and a brief reflection. Mom, I want you to know that I am very excited to be part of your family. Mom, I want to tell you something that happened to me and my family. I was very little when I came to this mission and I have stayed here 10 years. Today, God has answered my prayers to be part of a family. I have not seen you, my parents, yet but I am so grateful to God for answering my prayers. I pray the paperwork will go quickly. Mom, my brothers (ds#1 and ds#2) and my sister (dd#1) all say hi to you all.
Love always from your sweet daughter

*This letter has black, orange, yellow, green, brown and purple symbols written around the entire border of the page. The symbol seems to be that on the side of the buildings at the orphanage.

Letters from Dear Son #1

These photos are from the disposable camera we sent to Liberia for ds #1. He took many pictures of himself and his friends- the quality is so-so, but in these two photos you can see him pointing to the state of Arkansas and a picture of all 4 children together. We were able to speak with him on Christmas Day. We'd been trying to reach his orphanage for 3 days and finally were able to connect and speak with him. It was very nice to hear his voice, although we could hear a bit of sadness from him. We believe he just wants to be home so badly that this waiting is wearing on him. We are sending letters/packages out to some friends today. They will be traveling to Liberia Jan. 4th. Please pray for their safety and that they will accomplish all their goals while in Liberia. Below you will find some of what ds#1 had to say in his latest letters. Have a wonderful week and a Happy New Year!

"Dear Mom,
I greet you with love from God our Heavenly Father. Mom, I am very much happy to write you this letter because of the love you have for us. Mom, thank you so much for the camera that you sent for us. I used the camera to take many pictures. I can not wait to be home very soon to see you and my brothers and sisters. Do you think you will win at the Bible game (*I've been playing a "bible game" with him ever since we started writing letters. I write him a verse and then have him tell me what he thinks it means. Then he writes me a verse back and I tell him what I think it means...and so on...), I am studying to win this game! Mom, I am so happy that you and dad are adopting me. Some times when I look at your picture, joy can fill my head and my heart. I love you so much and I can not wait to see you soon. I believe that God can do everything before January 30th that we can be home. I believe my God can do it. Because, with faith God can work.
From your dear son


Dear Mom & Dad,
Thank you for the new name you have given me. I can not wait to come home soon to see all our family and meet my special uncle ****. I am very happy to receive his name, I love this special name so much, when I think of it- joy fills my heart. All praises go to God, the most High, in everything we give God thanks for his good and faithful work to us His children. Please tell my precious sisters and brother I love them and I can not wait to see everyone of them very soon. I want for the adoption paperwork to go very quickly, you can ask *****, she will explain much to you. I can not wait to see you very soon.
Love your son

Project Red/Keep A Child Alive

I happened to turn on Oprah today and saw Bono telling about his new "project"- project RED. Here's a little bit about what he's doing to help the continent of Africa:

RED™ is a revolutionary program designed to eliminate AIDS in Africa. "Lots of people here in the United States have been trying to deal with the problems of Africa in a very serious way," Bono says. "But not everybody has the time to be an activist or put on their marching boots. So we said, 'How are we going to get the shopping malls involved? How are we going to get to where people live and shop…?'"

Bono teamed up with old friend Bobby Shriver to create (RED)™. Bono says (RED) focuses on AIDS because we can make a difference.

"In some countries over a third of the people are HIV positive. Can you imagine that? A third of this audience is sitting there and they know they're going to die," Bono says. "We have these drugs. And they're not that expensive. We think it's a very American thing, it's a very European thing, to say, 'Look, these people are going to die; they don't need to die.' Two Twin Towers a day. A tsunami a month. One hundred fifty thousand Africans die of a preventable, treatable disease every month. They don't have to. And we think the Oprah kind of people will just not have it—they'll do the right thing, they'll do the (RED) thing."

Help women and children suffering from AIDS in Africa by visiting the following (RED)™ websites (or stores).

JoinRed.com
(RED)™ was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to empower consumers to shop and do good at the same time. A portion of profits from the sale of (RED)™ branded products goes to The Global Fund to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, providing access to education, nutrition, counseling, medical services, and the two pills a day they need to help them stay alive.

The Global Fund
The Global Fund is the world's leading funder of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, which kill over 6 million people per year.

Gap
Gap is introducing Gap (PRODUCT) RED™—a new, limited collection of clothing and accessories for men and women designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. As part of Gap's global partnership with (PRODUCT) RED™, half of the profits from sales of the Gap (PRODUCT) RED™Collection will go to The Global Fund to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Armani
Emporio Armani is a proud partner of (PRODUCT) RED™.This pioneering initiative will raise money and awareness for The Global Fund through the sales of a RED-branded capsule collection designed by Giorgio Armani. Over the next five years, 40 percent of the gross profits from (Emporio Armani) RED will go directly to eradicate AIDS in Africa.

Converse
It's just a little, red eyelet, but it's the mark of a big idea. That single red eyelet at the top of each pair of Converse (PRODUCT) RED™ sneakers signifies participation in (RED)™, a program designed to help fight AIDS in Africa.

Motorola
Introducing the new red MOTORAZR V3m. The red MOTORAZR V3m was designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Apple
The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™Special Edition holds up to 1,000 songs, 25,000 photos, and a little hope because $10 from every iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™sold goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.



Alicia Keys was also on the show telling about her organization, Keep A Child Alive.

Alicia Keys is a singer, songwriter and a nine-time Grammy® winner who has taken the continent of Africa into her heart in a very big way. Through her involvement with the organization Keep A Child Alive, Alicia learned that in some cases an African child who has HIV can be helped with as little as $1 a day. With the proper medication and treatment, AIDS-infected adults can also live longer, fuller lives.

After celebrating with patients who have been helped by Keep A Child Alive donations, Alicia visited a family who lives in the slums of Mombasa. Alicia says she was overwhelmed when she met Sudi, a young man who was born with HIV and didn't receive proper medication until he was 14 years old. At 17, Sudi stood less than four feet tall. "Nothing really prepared me for seeing Sudi and seeing his family," she says.

About a week after Alicia left Kenya, Sudi passed away. "If we knew him when he was 3 and were able to start [treatment], he would still be alive today," Alicia says. "You can totally turn a person's life around by providing this medicine. … It's the simplest thing to save a life. Every one, single person can be a hero for a dollar a day."


For the first time on the same stage, Alicia and Bono perform their duet, "Don't Give Up (Africa)."

Bono and Alicia Keys's duet can be downloaded at www.keepachildalive.org. The song costs $1.49, and all proceeds go to the Keep A Child Alive organization.


Just one purchase or donation helps make a difference in the life/lives of a person who doesn't have the resources to stay healthy or stay alive. If you can, please help a mother/father protect themselves and/or their children from this disease that is devouring the continent of Africa. Buy RED.

Just a few names for Jesus

Jesus- Mt 1:25
Almighty- Rev 1:8
Alpha Omega- Rev 1:8
Beginning & End- Rev 1:8
First & Last- Rev 1:11
Amen- Rev 3:14
Anointed One- Ps 2:2
Beloved- Eph 1:6
Bread of Life- Jn 6:48
Cornerstone- Eph 2:20
Deliverer- Ro 11:26
Everlasting Father- Isa 9:6
Faithful & True- Rev 19:11
Good Shepherd- Jn 10:11
High Priest- Heb 4:14
Holy One- Ps 16:10
I Am- Jn 8:58
Immanuel- Mt 1:23
King of Kings, Lord of Lords- Rev 19:16
The Light- Jn 8:12
Lamb of God- Jn 1:29
Living Stone- 1Pe 2:4
Lord Jesus Christ- Ro 1:7
Messiah- Jn 1:41
Mighty God- Isa 9:6
Prince of peace- Isa 9:6
Redeemer- Isa 59:20
Resurrection & the life- Jn 11:25
Savior- Lk 2:11
Son of the most high- Lk 1:32
The Rock- 1 Co 10:4
The Way, truth & life- Jn 14:6
Wonderful counselor- Isa 9:6
Word of Life- 1Jn 1:1

The Refiner

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about Malachi 3:3, the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "how do you know when the silver is fully Refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy- when I can see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Footprints

Today is a day of encouragement for me. As I prepare our home for our new children, I can't help but feel lonely for them. Even though we haven't met them yet, they are in our hearts as our other 3 children are. We celebrated Dear daughter #3's 6th birthday on Sunday and as we looked around at all the children eating cake and having fun, we couldn't help but think there were 3 missing. We've just begun this process and have many months to go! We also can't help but think of our Liberian children and how they must long for a family. Being that they don't even know about us yet, they are still praying for someone/anyone to bring them into a home and love them.

I watch the video of them twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. I love to hear their voices and see their smiles and facial expressions. I beam with joy when I see them, just like a mother would look upon her child at a first ballet recital or first soccer game. They are all so precious to me. So, I needed encouragement today to hold strong and be patient during this wait. The poem "Footprints in the Sand" came to mind with the very last verse ringing true in my mind and heart. "God replied, 'My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you during your times of trials and suffering. When you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I was carrying you.' "

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108: 1-5

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

When love takes you in

I know you've heard the stories, but they all sound too good to be true. You've heard about a place called home, but there doesn't seem to be one for you. So one more night you cry yourself to sleep and drift off to a distant dream where love takes you in and everything changes. A miracle starts with the beat of a heart, when love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins, when love takes you in. And somewhere while you're sleeping, someone else is dreaming too, counting the days until they hold you close and say I love you. And like the rain that falls into the sea, in a moment what has been is lost in what will be. When love takes you in, everything changes, a miracle starts with the beat of a heart. And this love will never let you go, there is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold. When love takes you in, everything changes. A miracle starts with the beat of a heart, when love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins, when love takes you in it takes you in for good-when love takes you in.

-from Steven Curtis Chapman's "When love takes you in"

Thankful hearts

I just read this on my particular e-group for people adopting from Liberia. I thought it was very appropriate to share.

"You aren't just adopting because of 'us' or 'the children in Liberia.' You are doing this because of God. He is the One who lays this on our hearts, He is the One we are obeying when we answer the call. They are His children, He is their Father. We do this for Him. Praying that we will bring glory to Him above all. Let's be thankful to Him for all things. And as we rejoice or grieve over each step that is accomplished or not accomplished, let's remember that NOTHING compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. Let's show mercy and grace to each other. Grieve with those who grieve and rejoice with those who rejoice, but above all, Glorify Him!"

Mural completed

The mural is now completed. My sister did an amazing job! She left yesterday evening to return home to her family, we miss her and my niece already. It was a fun-filled crazy week, but did we have fun! We made many beaded key chains and I've sold some already for donations. If you'd like to purchase any, please contact me for pictures. The price is $5 per keychain and all the money goes towards adoption expenses.
Sunday night Hubby went before the board at a friend's church. He told them our situation and that we were trying to raise money to bring our 4 precious children home. They were so kind and gracious to him. Our friend called after the board meeting was over and they decided to give a very generous donation. We have also received additional donations through the mail and from friends here in town. We also continue to receive donations for clothes and other daily care items.

Thank you, Father God, for touching the hearts of others that they would give so freely to us.

Thank you again to those of you who have given donations! We couldn't do this without you!

Also, thank you for all the support and prayers. We are so enjoying this process and look forward to standing firm to the end until this journey is completed. We so look forward to the day our children are home and we can start "daily life."

He tends his flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11

Mural in progress

Ok...so I knew she was talented-but WOW! My sister has been working late into the night and during the days to get this mural done before she flies home on Monday. As you can see, the elephant and the lion have yet to be painted but everything else is done. The continent of Africa is painted with chalkboard paint so we can write the children's names and mark where Liberia is located.

We hope to get the home study done soon. I'm simultaneously working on the things for the dossier. Once the homestudy is completed we can start filing paperwork and hopefully get the dossier completed to send in by September.

I'll post more pictures when the mural is completed. Have a great weekend!

Fellowship

My sister arrived from Minnesota yesterday, what fun we've been having! It's been just about a year since we've seen each other-we've decided we're starting to look old. I guess sisters can say that to each other! :)

We've been busy with children during the days and having fun with "sister-talk" during the nights. Tomorrow we start the big "African mural" project. Our spare room will now become the toy/activity room for all the kids and I had the great idea of painting a mural for our Liberian children. Of course, there was one problem-I don't draw...or paint murals! But guess who does?? Sissy to the rescue...

My sister and her husband came up with the great idea to paint the continent of Africa in black (to look like a silhouette) and then the sunset behind. Along the borders of the continent will be a courageous lion, cute looking zebra and a huge elephant. The black paint will be chalkboard paint so we can write on "Africa." We'll mark Liberia and then write the children's names also within the mural. Sound ambitious? Probably, with 4 children running around the house while we attempt to do this. We'll have fun though-even if we are sleep deprived! :)

We want to start the home study process soon. I have a few more phone calls to make.

I've also purchased some beads to make key chains, necklaces, etc. for fundraising purposes. Sister and I have started putting together some key chains (see picture above) during our nightly sister-chatty-time. If you'd be interested in purchasing any of these items for a donation, please contact me: gusnbec@hughes.net

I received my first order of Red Palm Oil. Today we made the smoothy recipe-YUMMY! Tomorrow I hope to make rice with dinner so we will try it on the rice. I'll let you know the results. For now, I must bid farewell. Sweet baby is calling me...