What do YOU do?

So- what do you do when someone says something to intentionally hurt you? How about when someone says something to intentionally hurt your child? How do you react? Are you a 'mama bear' and stop at nothing to protect your child or do you allow him/her to endure the momentary pain of the moment and use it as a teaching tool?

I am experiencing this today, with one of our Liberian children. At the moment, I feel so helpless and I so want to be the 'momma bear' that swoops in and protects in the face of it all. I cannot- I would, but it isn't even possible. It feels so insignificant when I say, "You know those statements are not true, sweetheart, that person is lying and trying to hurt your heart." What do you say when your child is absolutely broken hearted? I couldn't say anything...I cried. I could only say, "I am so sorry you have to endure this- I am so sorry!" It was the first time I have shown any 'weakness' to our Liberian children, I think our son was taken by surprise.

I remind myself of all the promises God has made- and even at times like these, He is ultimately in control. I also remind myself there is a time and a season for all things. My human side surfaces and I say to God, "Haven't these children suffered enough? Give me their suffering- spare them!" I know there is a reason for everything and God has His plan for this situation... my flesh is so weak today and I struggle and weep at the thought of being without our Liberian children even one more day. My mother's heart aches...

Through all this, I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and this blessing of motherhood he has bestowed upon me. I am grateful that I have the heart for these children and that even though it is painful, I can feel their sorrows. These feelings help me to understand just a hint of what our children have endured over the last 10 years and helps me to pray even more fervently for them.

You are someone's miracle

Have you ever stopped to think you may be someone's miracle? If it was raining, would you give someone your umbrella? If you were behind someone in the check-out line and they were short $5, would you give it to them? Do you go out of your way to look for people to bless, every day?

God said to Abram (Genesis 12:2), "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." God promised to bless Abram and make him great, but there was one condition. Abram had to do what God wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from Abram's family. Abram obeyed, walking away from his home for God's promise of even greater blessings in the future. God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't let the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God's plan for you.

We all seem to be willing to receive, are we willing to give? To what extent? If we do something for someone who cannot pay us back, we are lending to the Lord. We are doing God a favor. Do you know that God will repay us? He will bless us more than what we gave in the first place! We have the opportunity every day to be someone's miracle. It doesn't have to be big things- maybe you don't have $$ to lend, but you do have your time. Spending time with someone and giving them the gift of your time can mean even more than your money.

What about good and positive gestures? Do you hold the door for people out in public? Have you ever considered taking someone's cart for them after they've loaded their car? Do you stop when you see a new mother with her newborn? What about bringing your neighbor a loaf of fresh bread or a home cooked meal? Have you ever considered adopting a widow or helping out a single mother by watching her children one night so she can have a break?

Life involves both risk and opportunity. Because life has no guarantees, we must be prepared. In Ecclesiastes 11:1 it says, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." This means that life has opportunities and we must seize them, not merely play it safe. We need a spirit of trust and adventure, facing life's risks and opportunities with God-directed enthusiasm and faith.

Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." Here God identifies with the poor as Jesus does in Matthew 25:31-46. As our Creator, God values all of us, whether we are poor or rich. When we help the poor, we honor both the Creator and his creation. God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to him.

You may be praying for a miracle today. The first step is to look for someone to bless, become someone's miracle and yours will surely be on its way. God has such wonderful plans for our lives, lets be a blessing to others and put a smile on His face! When we strive to bless others, the Lord will not only provide all of our needs but provide in abundance. You cannot out-give God!

Today I am thankful for:
~The miracle God worked in our lives this week through a business transaction that went through. We must have been someone's miracle because God sent us one on Friday! Thank you, Father- we praise your holy name!

It's the little things

Today I am grateful for:
~coffee
~cartoons to occupy the children while I wake up and start breakfast
~enough eggs to cook breakfast
~a washing machine that will clean the clothes for me
~a warm shower
~warm weather & sunshine
~the vacuum cleaner, to clean up after my 1 year old
~the camera, to capture what it is she did
~extra tools so Kaleb can work with daddy and do "man stuff"
~dish soap
~a riding lawn mower
~my yummy smelling lavender plants
~fresh bread
~wild flowers
~the ability to identify poison ivy!!
~library cards
~mail that is delivered to the end of our driveway
~running water to wash my tired but happy children
~toothbrushes
~kitty cats
~ceiling fans
~a comfy bed & warm blankets
~good dreams

Little Glimpses

Do you believe in coincidence? Do you believe in luck or fate? I used to believe that I was a very 'unlucky' person because I never won any prize, never seemed to win any $$ off the occasional scratch-off lottery ticket purchased, etc. I thought, "Man, I just can't catch a break!"

Then, I came to believe there is no such thing as coincidence or luck. My new saying became, "Coincidence...I think not!" I began to understand that God is working behind the scenes of my life- no matter if I see Him or not. I began to learn and understand what it means to have faith during those 'dry seasons' when I just don't see anything happening. I now understand that He is a God of purpose and THE God of the universe- thus aligning my life and yours for His purpose. In knowing this, why would I ever worry again?

We know with absolute certainty that God has brought these 4 Liberian children to us for His specific purpose. We feel like a broken record when people ask us about the paperwork and when we think they're coming home. Truthfully, we just don't have any idea. During this journey, the past year, we've come to learn even more that we are not in control of this situation. We seem to be learning this truth over and over again-at different levels. Just about the time we think we can determine how things will work out- something happens to throw our thinking to the wind.

Also during this time, God has given us little glimpses that He is in control. He has sent us people, words of encouragement during difficult times, specific scripture verses & many other little glimpses that He is working behind the scenes.

What does the word confirmation mean to you?

There can be many meanings...but when it pertains to our Lord, to me it means that God has sent me a glimpse that He is working and hasn't forgotten me. To me, it means that He sees my every tear, feels my every frustration and walks along side of me even when I think I am alone.

I've also come to learn that when I believe and have faith, I release His power. I don't want to tie His hands by my unbelief. I want Him to fully bring forth His plan & His blessings for my life. Therefore, I am learning every day how to gain a new level of faith.

Just last night I found confirmation in the very first Psalm, verses 2-3. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

Today I have gratitude for:
~a Lord who guides me and looks out for me, especially during the times I struggle to put one foot in front of the other
~the glimpses, no matter how small they seem, that lets me know He is still working
~the family & life He has given me, to enjoy every moment of every day

"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