Be Hope for Orphans and Adoption

The Story Continues..

2009-12-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

I am a terrible blogger. Here today maybe tomorrow, and then gone for weeks! I would go crazy if I followed my own blog! SO MY APOLOGIES!

All the wonderful and difficult times of the last 17 mos were stamped with Gods presence. From moving the financial barrier that causes us all to break out in a cold sweat, to the connections He had orchestrated. It is hard to type right now, an will continue to be, as all these sweet memories come flooding so fast.

I wanted to tell you about one sweet connection, that made it possible to breathe during the waiting for Mr. Javi. If you have adopted or given birth, or both you have experienced the time of longing and eagerly awaiting the face to face...nose to nose, breath to breath of this precious one. In pregnancy, you have the wiggles and kicks to keep you so connected and you just can not wait to see the face of this little ROCKETTE. In adoption you, usually (not always)have a face, a picture, but no wiggles and kicks. Where am I going with all of this? I love having all my ultrasounds, they are such fun and a huge relief seeing the little one grow. In adoption, especially international,you may receive a few pics every month... Which is great! Moms, you and I both know we want details, full albums! Make me feel like I am there!

Okay Okay I will get to the story.

I met Holly. Only by phone really, another connection had sent me her way since she had a little one born in Guatemala. Holly is and was the sweetest, most tender soul. She was so encouraging, and really went out of her way to show care and excitement. She was headed to Guatemala and offered to meet up with my little guy and take any small gift i would like to send! Ahhhhh! Of course! my only apprehension was whether my agency would agree to it. They would have to go out of their way to set this up. Praise the Lord they agreed and so it was settled. In January 2004, Holly would meet and snuggle Javi. How could I decide what to put in a shoe box for him. I tried to shove myself in there, but it looked like it was not going to work. ( I had lost weight in this time, but not quite enough for a small shoebox) I packed pictures, animals, a puppy, and a blankey....and of course some cameras! We loaded up the kiddies and mother n law and headed to Kentucky in the snow (and I DO NOT LIKE DRIVING IN THE SNOW!)

Holly was in Guatemala, and I of course, waited patiently and ....uh okay...that is not true.

(I wanted to sound prim and proper and that lasted about 2 seconds.)

Finally the moment, she called and said she had been with him! She said "Oh he is breath taking!" I thought I was already in love, but when Holly returned and sent me the package! OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH! This girl was/is an angel! She had not only taken my package to Javi, but
* purchased Guatemala items for our family

* taken ooooooooodles of pics of Javi, foster family, and orphanage

* this one....this one was so amazing. Holly had taken a build a bear recorder, and captured his sweet baby voice counting to in Spanish and saying Hello. Along with his Tita. (big siiiiigh!) It was such an amazing gift. From one mommy to another..knowing exactly the balm needed to soothe this longing heart.

Holly's generosity did not end there. When receive our call that we could come to Guatemala, Holly sent more gifts for our travel and a subscription to Adoptive Families. If I had not seen her with my own eyes, you would think she was an angel. She is mine anyway.

Fast forward to the glorious time leaving for Guatemala to finally meet face to face our little man. I probably could have flown there myself I was so excited, I think my professional packing of essentials for every situation (over packing) would have put a damper on my altitude. So I decided to opt for the airplane. I could not believe we were actually going, after 17 mos of waiting, could it be that tomorrow the boy had only know in pictures would be in my arms.

We drove up to the orpahange, and we immediately heard the voices of the little ones behind the doors. We walked inside and our greeting of many, many little ones jumping and gibbering to us. Our sweet, sweet memory of this little girl we call the "HOLA HOLA girl" she was about to climb in our skin! We were so overwhemed and the emotions ran high. We were so moved by this tiny little girl maybe 4 or 5... we would have gladly loved her. She was jumping around us in her pixie voice "Hola Hola Hola, Hola Hola Hola" Jim and I still think of her and how she moved our hearts almost 6 years ago. We walked through the building filled with little ones. I know they were making do with what they had, it was all they had known. The guide led us up some steps, and then Jim whispers and screams (at the same time, if that is possible ) "LOOK!" And I look to my right, and this little boy standing on the balcony. He doesn't see us...he is just waiting, and my heart and tummy end up bumping into each other my insides were such a mess! There he was. In real life...our little boy.

Part 3

2009-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

Now we had a face, and it changed everything. There is something about a face. You can talk about missions, talk about feeding children, and talk about how sad it makes you. But until....until you really look at the faces. Oh they get into your heart. They burn in your mind, and the tears flow for a face that you don't even know their name.
Our little guy was a so dreamy, but not so healthy. A doctor reviewed his info. and could really give us very little to go on concerning the diagnosis and prognosis. It was a wait and see. So then we had to decide whether we would continue to pursue this journey, and it was not even a question. He was NOT a maybe, he was our boy and we knew it. He was our boy even with all that could mean.
We were off and running, I of course did not have a homestudy and, oh yeah, no money. What we did have was a face and faith. we knew he was ours and HE was with us. We went about planning fundraisers, and sharing the little face that we had fallen for. Time and time again the journey affirmed.
I called the social worker we had been talking to after hours and let her know we would like her to send the paperwork to get started. I knew it would be a few days since I was calling her after hours and she would be sending it snail mail. The next morning to my surprise the info I had requested was delivered. HUH? How did that happen? I was a bit confused, when I talked to her and mentioned how fast she was. She said she had a feeling we would be wanting it, and had already sent it. OKAAAAY that was funny!
Stories like that continued all the way through. Most people thought we were nuts, and they were not far off.
Sometimes crazy if good.
The "craziness" must have been contagious because many rallied with us in fundraising. Our very first yard sale we had folks we did not know give us sooooo much furniture we needed a trailer. That particular yard sale was enough to cover our homestudy. I had not idea how the rest was going to come, if you have adopted you know the drill. God in His goodness moved the mountains we needed. Adoption/orphan ministries blessed us like www.showhope.org, founded by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. Our agency Holt International, who has such a tender heart for these little ones, reduced out fees significantly due to the health concerns our little man was thought to have.
They also blessed us with a grant towards our fees, all glory to God of course. Let us not forget friends and family that gave time, donations, and finances towards making the orphan numbers drop by one.

I am zooming though this because the time and details could fill a book. So bear with me.
We watched Jav grow from 17 mos to 3 yrs. I know I must have driven my agency to the brink of madness with my calls and emails. When? When?
All was not smooth as we would all like it to be. The wait was dreadful, like the gestation of an elephant. (Although it was the first "pregnancy" I lost weight with). We had country issues, paperwork issues, sanity issues.....but
One day... one wonderful wonderful day we heard these beautiful words. Kind of like hearing "your pregnant" or "it is a girl"..we heard "You are out"
we had finally been approved by the Guatemala authorities! My heart stopped, I am sure I did not have to change my pants, but I did run outside squealing, jumping and yes, do a few cartwheels in our front lawn. Who cares what my neighbors thought. I wanted the world to know we were having a baby, a 18lb baby, but a baby..our baby.

Part 2 : Purpose and Passion

2009-11-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

So where was I? Oh yeah, I was home with 3 little miracles and now seriously, seriously feeling a new path roll out in front of me. After reading about the situation in many countries (including ours) I knew that we had to be a part of this. How could I know that a there were little ones lonely, vulnerable, and sick. Just waiting for hope, wondering if it existed.

Hubby and I then began the plan. Not a well thought out, organized plan, just a plan. (grin) I was personally leaning towards Ethiopia. I just felt like that would be the best for us, after looking at the legal fees that go along with adoption and then comparing the fees with our checking account (a-hem), let us say there was not much in common with the two. In my heart I continually felt the whisper of Guatemala. I tried to explain to the Lord, about fees and countries etc. Apparently, I was not convincing "Guatemala, Guatemala" is all I heard. How Lord? How can we possibly? And then I knew...it was not about "how could we?" It was all about "Would we? and knowing "HE could."

We were not in a position according to our bank account or according to friends and family to do this. But it was not about us or what anyone else thought could be done. In the following months we were witness to cattle on a thousand hills, and faith moving mountains, and storehouses overflowing. We felt the constant comfort and direction of our Shepherd. It was amazing, and He led us to this field. A field of loneliness. Where people don't want to believe that this exists. millions, millions millions of little ones not hearing of hope. In this field there are rarely kisses on the nose, food for a grumbly tummy and someone to scare away the spookies. They ache and ache with hunger, sickness, sadness, and fear. Waiting for hope. It is a field, a field of the Fatherless. Just writing that makes me want to cry.

I asked some folks that I knew had connections to friends and family that had adopted. We were pointed toward www.holtinternational.org . I had frequented ministries that had shared "waiting children" already, even Holt. Until one particular day. On this day, I continued to see sweet sweet little ones looking back from the screen with tiny needy faces. But this day, this day I saw face that instantly grabbed me, my heart, my head. I remember thinking he is the one. I even woke up our son, and said "Look at your new little brother". When hubby came home,I sent him to the computer to see the precious little one I was bringing home in my heart, to which hubby said " Where so we sign?" We knew that "he" was our boy. And then the fun began......

Purpose and Passion: The beginning of our journey

2009-11-06T20:43:00.000-05:00

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Part 1:

Where did all begin? We knew we wanted to have a big, huge, gigantic family, (OK I knew that.. Jim thought it wouldn't be quite as big as my numbers)
We were so richly blessed to be able to have a baby just in saying hello, even from a mile away. OK, not a mile, but you get the picture. We had talked about adoption, but had not moved in that direction yet. We had two sweet toddlers, and then the unthinkable. We experienced the loss of two sweet babies lost in miscarriage. I then began to get deeper into adoption. Never knowing where I was headed, but thankfully the Lord did.

Two years after the loss of the second sweetie, we were wonderfully blessed with a healthy baby girl. At this point, I was enjoying my newest bundle, and 2 little toddlers toddling around. I remember receiving a magazine/newsletter from ALL GOD'S CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL, within this newsletter was a story about a precious little one abandoned in Guatemala. My mind was shocked, heart was broken, and suddenly it was clear now I knew...and I could never be the same.

Confession

2009-10-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

I confess. I do . I can not hide it anymore. I know this will come to many of you as a terrible shock.
I....I think I am addicted to kids. Really.. *SIGH ***** Wow that feels really good to have that out in the open. How do I know? Here is the list of most common thoughts running through my head.
God of course is a continuous flow..then my children, more children, adoption, birth, orphans, pregnancy, mission trips to orphanages, baby names, Duggars, other large families I know, other smaller families I know, and then repeat, repeat repeat.
Yeah, that sounds pretty close.
Thanks for listening to my confession, I really needed to make sure you knew. I try not to wear it on my sleeve. Even if there are six (for now) sweeties following me around.
Shooooo, I feel better already!

FALL FUN AND MISSING TEETH

2009-10-01T18:53:00.000-04:00

Homeschool Gym has begun again today! The kids did manage to get through their studies, but every 20 minutes you would hear the count down "4 hrs to GYM"
It was such fun, and the kid really love seeing their pals and running about. The funniest part was when Mr. Dave told all the kiddos that next week Mr. Jim (my hubby) would be here too! Of course my Jav pipes up, "Who is Mr. Jim?" To which Mr. Dave replies....."um your dad!" Ohh how funny! and Jav was a bit amused and embarrassed all rolled into one!

I am so not a cold weather gal, just ask my kids. if it gets under 79 degrees I am shivering, but I will muddle through for this part of the season! We have had such fun going to the apple orchard with a homeschool group! In fact we had so much fun (and have had so many apples) that we went again today! Our oldest has a bottomless pit he calls his stomach and eats at a steady pace, hence our diminishing stash of apples!
Isn't it funny how this time of year gets everyone in a certain "fuzzy" mood? Hay rides, carmel apples, and baking everything that is bakeable (is that a word?) The kids even asked today when we would be putting up the tree! Uhhh..not for a bit kiddies, not for a bit.
To top it all of today, while I was training for the Olympics...ok not really, I was exercising. My oldest son says "Uh Mom. I think we need you" (If you're a mom you know that this is probably a bad sign) He continues to explain they were having an innocent pillow fight and Moo has had her tooth knocked out, and is crying and jumping around. And he adds "I don't know if she is happy or sad, she is jumping around crying"
Everyone is gathered around the wounded one, (6 kiddos stuffed in a small bathroom)
ooohing and awwing over the blood and tears. Fast forward to the moment we find out the tears are happy tears, but the wrong tooth. we were hoping for a different one. Oh well, maybe a pillow fight could be scheduled tomorrow also! It has proven to be a fun and successful method for loose teeth removal in our home. We end the fun filled moment with searching for the tooth, that we were not sure if it could be found (I though she had swallowed it) Happily it was under the cushion and not in her uh-hem digestive tract :)
So it was a successful day!

No Words...SCC's new song

2009-09-10T09:34:00.001-04:00

Be Hope for Orphans and Adoption: Back At It

2009-09-10T09:29:00.000-04:00

Be Hope for Orphans and Adoption: Back At It

Back At It

2009-09-10T08:08:00.000-04:00

Well we have been back at soaking up all the vast knowledge for a week now. It has been so wonderful to have a new theme in our house surrounding our curriculum. Guess what I call it....Happiness! Joy! Fun! Not Painful! and the best part WE ARE REALLY LEARNING INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING! AAAAH sweet words, quite the melody every homeschoolin mama wants to hear!
I am so thankful to the gals that recommended Heart of Dakota....WHAT? You have not heard of it? Well girlies, if your curriculum has your kids in a funk...check it out!

Our days have not been better with homeschooling seriously! No it does not break the bank, and no it is not very difficult to follow! I am so so HAPPY

Missions on the Move

2009-07-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Recently my family and I had the opportunity and blessing to spend a week at the LAKE JAMES SCHOOL OF MISSIONS in Angola, Indiana. I was not sure exactly what to expect, but I did know that the focus was the Lord and the week was full of sharing missions. That is right up my alley, so I was all for it. As the time drew near I had a feeling that something was going to happen, that would really get my hubby and I.
Words can not describe the feeling of being there. It is not that we were in luxury suites...it was dorm rooms for campers. It was not fabulous weather in July by a Lake, it was kind of cool and very rainy. But it was so so wonderful. The missionary teams and those that love it we so in love with the Lord... and they were not afraid to show it. Their message was of urgency to share the good news, and the stories were amazing! It was the kind of moments that made you want to say, "I will grab my bags and meet you in Columbia!" It was living life that was given to you by HIM for HIM! What a great idea! It was about being a light, a light that wanted to shine, that wanted others to have the light. It was about following HIM where ever He says, listening to His direction and not our own. I could go on.

All of that to say this.... You know that deep desire you have, the one that says "Wow! I want to serve him in that way! I want to be a voice to the voiceless and share hope to the hopeless!"

Then what happens to that voice, that spirit to "Go forth into all nations....to be pure and faultless religion".... How do we lose that fervor? Do you think to yourself, I can't do that, or He can't use me? Well think again, He wants you to STAND UP, HE wants you to YES LORD YES LORD, to say here I am use me.

I am going to do a spotlight on ministries and missions...that say Yes Lord!. Or in this next case Wherever He May Lead...http://www.whereverhemaylead.blogspot.com/

I met Terry at the Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit in April of this year. What brought us together was the Lord, and matching t-shirts (that can be purchased to support another orphan crazy..I mean advocate @ http://oatsvallteam.blogspot.com/ ) When I returned home and was able to look at the ministry she has been led in, and talk to her, you too will be inspired to step out of familiar and take up your cross.

A moment in time, when a mommy went from bringing home her son, to being broken and moved before the Lord. This moment in time leads her to Wherever He May Lead and Across All Borders (http://www.acrossallborders.org/). Be sure to check out her story and the story God is creating through her.

Do you know a mission or ministry that has moved you to your feet send us the scoop, so they can be featured, and we can all share in prayer, support and celebration!

HE MOVES

2009-05-20T08:33:00.001-04:00

We think we have all figured out! It is so funny just when we think we have the next move planned, God says "UMMMMM, It is my move, and this is where I am going". Why are we always shocked at that, He tells us up front that His ways are above our ways, His thoughts are above our thoughts.....He know the plans HE has for us. I have recently seen HIM do this in a big way.
A family walking around in life, knowing that they are missing something....just not sure of how, when, or where....but prettu sure of the WHAT!
God has been waiting and watching for the moment He had planned. Enter...two little ones, also missing something. And in His perfect, lovely timing He moves a man to a place where he suddenly feels the zap. The electrical feeling that you suddenly stumbled on the spot God wanted you to be on. The moment you know THIS IS IT! The missing piece! Then like dominoes the steps begin to fall right into place. Soon 2 little boys will feel that same ZING, (if they have not already) and will know that their missing is found. He sets the lonely in families...

2009-05-13T18:57:00.000-04:00

We are all orphans. Orphan care is so crucial. Adoption is a part of that. I think it is important not to say one is more important then the other. Just like serving the children internationally is not more Godly then serving the children in the U.S. No child deserves to die alone. No child deserves to be fatherless, helpless, hopeless, voiceless.I do not care if the child is in my state, county or hemisphere. All of them deserve someone to say IARE! I will stand up for you! I will care when you are hurt or sad! I will cheer you on! I do not want to explain to God how I just wanted to stick to my own kind, in my own backyard. The world is the backyard.
Many people do not see themselves as orphans, and that they have been adopted by God, but it is the essence of our faith. Because we were orphans, our hope was in the adoption by our Father. So the big thing is to helping create that thought process in our congregation. most be are longing to be involved in a deep way, and are searching for thier purpose. Getting them involved in little projects that they can touch feel smell.
Examples....1. next week I am going to be inviting folks to pray with me for the National Foster Care Prayer Vigil...
2. Creating bags for kids that are moving from their homes (Connection bags, Connecting to Hope bags etc...)
3. Backpacks for foster kids with school supplies
4. the Heart Gallery (pictures of waiting kids in our halls for a couple of weeks)...
5. Shoe In donating shoes for kids in an orphange across the border or here
6. have a "Cattle Drive" buying a cow for families/orphanges/missions in other countries.
This is just a few examples. All we would have to do is advertise a little, but no budget issues. The heart of all of this is getting the hearts of the people, they are the ones giving, we are the ones giving...not from a budget. from our hearts, from Gods prompting.
One thing is for certain this is all about God, His heart, His passion. He can do this without us, He is just letting us be a part of it..He expects us to be a part of it.

I know I was on my soapbox, I just really felt moved to speak on a few things.

Humbled

2009-03-29T18:37:00.000-04:00

Today was a Missions Meeting at church, which I look forward to so much! Today a little of everything was discussed, but mostly about the most recent mission trips taken. One went to Mexico and the other Brazil. The Brazil trip offered a slide show of pictures of the villages on the Amazon River. The group was part of an ongoing mission of the Haubner family who love the Lord like crazy. They organize teams and travel by boat to various villages along the Amazon, sharing with them God's love and affection through medical and dental care and medications. It is so amazing! The speaker commented that the villages that are always visited are so much brighter then the ones that the relationship has not yet been established. In other words, where God is it is brighter. It was cool. The pictures were amazing and humbling. I am a self proclaimed teary eyed giddy person, so of course I was fighting back the tears! Good gravy! I will post more info. about this ministry and how yo can get involved!

The next humble moment comes from 4 blogs that I frequent.

http://mycharmingskids.net
http://oatsvallteam.blogspot.com/
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
http://kerryhasenbalg.com

I have become quite attached to these blogs for various reasons.
On mycharmingkids, many months ago following and then it was witnessing the miracle of a baby who lived, when he it was said he would never be born alive. How this family has been so blessed to watch and share this miracle of Stellan. They are struggling now while Stellan is having some very serious issues, and I know would love your prayer.
The oatsvall team I would love to meet! She is so giddy and excited about family! She is crazy passionate about adoption,,,,,,I have a feeling we could talk for a long ....loooooong while.
AudreyCaroline blog, also know as Bring the Rain. A precious family who has experienced blessing, loss, and grace....and how Angie (the mommy) shares her faith and reaches out to heal others while she heals.
KerryHasenbalg...I have learned of her blog through Steven Curtis Chapman stuff and Shaohannahs Hope. She has also experienced a great deal of loss. She shares so deeply about this. She shares with passion her love for the Lord. She lays her self out there mistakes in all. Funny little quips from her kiddos and more.

So grab some tissues and check them out!

whoops

2009-03-28T14:51:00.001-04:00

the link is www.mycharmingkids.net

Planes Tranes and Automobiles

2009-03-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

I am headed out to the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit! I am so excited a little giddy, and have serious potential to wet my pants....uh sorry. Too too much information there!
It has been a difficult decision on whether to go or not! I have felt kind of guilty about leaving the troops, and spending the money..Okay and I am a self proclaimed chicken. I did not want to go by myself (insert pity party)
I was whining ummmm....., talking in a very grown up fashion, to my hubby about my dilemma. So he says to me, "Maybe God is waiting for you to say, I will for you God no matter what, then He will give you someone to go with" So much for the him feeling sorry for me.
I do have a few folks who want to go it is a matter of the funds, but I am used to funds being in the way. god has always made a way! Thank you LORD!

On another note run over to this blog and if you are so lead, pray for little Stellan

Orphan Summit in Dallas

2009-03-20T18:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/summit/

Time is running out, but you can be there too!

Pray for Others Wednesday!

2009-02-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

Not Me Begins

2009-02-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So without further anticipation

I did not offer my child's coat sleeve to the "momma to be" at her baby shower when she started to sob! That would be so gross, and not a good example for my daughter watching! Nooooo I would not do that!

I really really would never have had 1 -4 extra brownies after my kids went to bed. Because I am watching what I eat, and I have been really good about teaching the kids to make healthy choices. Not only that but I would never admit to the 1 whole person reading my blog that I have a "thing" for chocolate. WHICH I DON"T...No it surely did not happen on my watch.

Grass..UH Not Always Greener

2009-02-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have 6 crazy little ones that run around calling me MAMA! I love it! I am addicted I confess. Being MOM is the best. You know moms, you hear me when I say sometimes you get a little coo coo! At that point you dream about going to the grocery store by yourself or just get out and let the wind blow through your pony tail. Sometimes moms, we think "I need a job" " I would be so happy not to have to wash clothes dishes and noses all day" ........................ Hey we all feel like that at least once.

Well my hubby and I have been doing the fabulous Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover. WE LOVE IT! So Dave says do what you have to do to get emergency fund up and debt gone. So I have increased my hours (that were very few before hand) to full time hours. (Quick reminder...we homeschool, we eat, we make messes..) It has not been a ton of fun.

About 2 weeks ago I worked a stretch of LONNNNNNG hours. The kids were grumpy and sad. Daddy was singing the blues. I was feeling the STRAIIIIIIIIN! So I finally had a lovely wonderful glorious stretch of fours days off! YUM! And here is what happened.............

I loved loved loved loved it. Not because I was not at work (ok partly) but mostly because I was home. In my favorite role. Mom and wife. I found laundry was fun and it almost made me cry. I washed dishes leisurely and it made me misty eyed. I thought,"I can not believe I am so emotional over this. I am actually missing laundry dishes and all the rest. I thought it was going to feel good to get out and make some dough. But the only dough it turns out I really wanted was the play doh stuck the table, or my girls wanting to bake (and eat) dough.

The grass was greener alright, like the slime on a lake. No promotion, no career, no title can compare to the sweet arms of your little ones wrapped around your neck and you hear the words I love you bigger than the sky, mama ........

i would gather children

2008-12-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

i would gather children: "“The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing. But in our culture we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture.” ~Doug Phillips"

Be Hope for Orphans and Adoption: Getting to know you .... 10.5 Things About Me#links

2008-12-11T23:33:00.000-05:00

Be Hope for Orphans and Adoption: Getting to know you .... 10.5 Things About Me#links

Getting to know you .... 10.5 Things About Me

2008-12-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

1. I love the Lord and He makes me weepy

2. I love my boyfriend (who is actually my hubby , but my three year old says "hims yers boyfriend" which makes me laugh until I cry

3. I love my babies and they make me weepy (and giggle)

4. I love chocolate and i need it when I am weepy....uh and happy

5. I tend to get a little excited about adoptions, orphans and babies in general...it creates a lot of emotion for me..let us call it weepi-giggles depending on the circumstances...

6. I love to listen to lots of music! Especially the kind that moves you! Here's to emotional chocolate loving crazies!

7. I love chic flicks (was that surprising) I am a big fan of old movies, and Bob Hope is a scream! (there I sort of switched emotions)

8. I love being a mom! It is not the same as saying "I love my kiddos". Everyone ..hopefully... says that, and means it. I really do love it! I am so thankful to be trusted with the best job! Okay not to sappy I am trying to recover from all my earlier crying.

9. I love my friends! They are a hoot! As a wise cumcumber once said... Larry the Cucumber once said to Bob the Tomato, "I laughed I cried, it
moved me Bob" My pals are priceless we love to talk chocolate and events that require toilet paper, because a box of tissues would not be enough.

10. I love my country, that I have freedom to worship my God, homeschool my wee ones, and have opportunity. Now that is tears and applause- all glory to God of course!

10.5 That I have a half finished house, that still meets all our needs and more.

So tell me about you, what are ten things about you. you know we sometimes have a hard time listening well in the fast paced world. We can miss out on fun lil tidbits in our dear ones lives, and miss opportunities to laugh and cry with one another. Gods says we should be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to anger. So.... Go ahead I am all ears ( no comments on my ears please wink wink)

Chele

I told the kids we are buying a pig!

2008-11-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

A pig! Yes, a pig. Holt International an adoption and humanitarian aide agency offers an opportunity to truly give for Christmas. The options are pigs, chickens, food, clothes food, and surgeries for families and children around the world. The link you say www.holtinternational.org
I love to hear about others ideas in sharing in caring for the "least of these"...So how does your family do it?
Other ideas I can give are www.lovethechild.org and www.shaohannahshope.org
These are both sites that will melt your butter and demand multiple tissues (or your sleeves...I know I can't believe I said that!)
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

November National Adoption Month Be prepared to God to move you..

2008-11-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=143%2C000%2C000+&search_type=&aq=f

Watch this video. Warning tissues and chocolate will be needed.
You can not see this.... you can not say...... I did not know. You can not say I can not help. God chose us, He did not have to think and wonder. He did not way the pros and cons, or consult everyone. He moved, He moves, and He is moving.
You, me, the pizza guy we can BE HOPE to orphans.

2008-10-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

Patti I love ya, and it was so great to talk to you!
See I am blogging(grin)

Sorry folks had to send out a message for my buddy ol' pal

Exciting Exciting!!

2008-10-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

Do you know that giddy feeling you have when you are starting something new, and you are already so passionate about it. It is almost like you were supposed to be doing this all along, and it makes so much sense you fell like a knuckle head for not doing sooner. Well, welcome to my world. Recently, at church a fabulous class has been offered, THE TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey! Hubby and I have been talking about being debt free and kinda sorta working towards that for a little bit. However, this book and study has revved us up and we are so excited. It is absolutely amazing the sadness, drowning feeling so many people have with their finances if they are honest about it. If you have not read this book it is money well spent, so that you can have money well spent (and saved) Just think of what you can do when you are financially free. Free from someone saying "PAY ME NOW" or "WORK NOW" and even more exciting is you can share with others so that they can see the light. You can be free, SET FREE, and able to serve the Lord in the capacity HE has planned for you! So what are you waiting for check out Dave Ramsey and his book FAST!

Cross In the Closet

2008-10-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

How many songs can you think of about the cross? How many verses of the bible directing you to the cross? Take up your cross....at the cross at the cross when I first saw the light..... the old rugged cross, we could go on and on.
The other day i was cleaning (I think) the pantry, and in the midst of our construction going on in the house some decorations had been stashed in the pantry. As I was walking away from the pantry I noticed a cross that i hang on the walls. It was sitting in my pantry.... the thought occurred to me (and knocked me upside the head) The cross in the closet, that is a blog post. Do I keep my cross in the closet? Or do I pick t up daily for the my Jesus? Please don't tell me I only take it out for people to see occasionally or admire "my cross". Is my cross kept in secret, or hanging on my face, on my words, on my back that the world would know Him by our love. Whooa! What a painful cleaning experience! I feel like my heart, mind and priorities were the objects for dusting, or should I say a DEEP cleaning....
You know it is God when a pantry cleaning experience turns into a revival. Thank you Lord for meeting me in my closet, and where ever we will open our eyes and ears to your message.

Saving Levi

2008-08-26T06:54:00.000-04:00

Do you like to read? If reading is a big no-no for you and ranks up there with going to the dentist, be prepared to be gripped in an amazing book Saving Levi, I have the link to amazon.com at the bottom of my page so you can get your copy and see for yourself. Adoption is an amazing journey. Most people come that direction by few roads and they all lead to the Lord of course, but in Saving Levi, God shows up in some WHOA MOMENT ways.
I was in front of the firestation waiting for my hubby, and I was listening to Focus on the Family. Either that say or the day before I had asked God to direct our choise of name for our newest wee one from Guatemala. There were 3 names I had been tossing around, Luke, Rio, And Levi. I knew that somehow I would hear and know the right one. So while I am waiting, Dr. Dobson says, so tell us more about the mission in China" (which was an instant ear perk for me, I love babies, adoption and missions) and then he said, "Tell us about Saving Levi." Levi Levi there I heard it, that is the name. Very cool moment. I purchased the book as well, of course, and I read it in no time, I could not put it down. Those that I have loaned out my copy have read it in a day or 2 also. One gal had it laying out and her husband picked it up and wouldn't give it back until he had read it. Side note.... they are now adopting!!!! LOVE IT!

Sunday Outing

2008-08-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

We rarely get to go somewhere as a family, especially something that we have made plans in advance and will be fun (and cost money) We decided to start out and we would read and sing in the car, it is a strange feeling missing church service! We were driving and there was a huge, lovely and wonderful field of sunflowers! It was som wonderful. Savannah said, "Isn' t that neat how they are all facing the same way!?" Daddy said, " When the sun moves they follow the sun in the direction it goes." And BAM in my mind and out of my mouth came, "That is what God wants us to do turn and face whichever direction the SON goes." (or something along those lines) Daddy just looked at me and said< You didn't say that, He told you to. There is our bible study." It was so soooooooo lovely.

His Mercies Are New Every Morning

2008-08-02T10:03:00.000-04:00

Isn't it a relief to know that His mercies are new every morning. Somedays I feel like I need to go to sleep and wake again to renew the mercy mid morning. EEEK!
I was thinking about the month of July for my family had a few snags. I felt pretty deflated and was looking forward to August 1 just to move further away from July.... okay not exactly scientific thinking there but come on you all know you have had one of those days, months yeeeears? Anyway, I thought " Oooooh, His mercies are new every month too!" As went on (cleaning my kitchen up this morning) I thought about all of those friends and families who truly need those mercies renewed every morning, week and month to month when they have went through the loss of a precious one. I often think of how the Chapmans ( and sweet Maria) and the Pollucks and their father/dad and brother/son. Those who need that mercy to open their eyes for the morning and put one foot in front of the other for the day. Every new week every new month marks the time that their loved one has been gone.
Then my wandering thoughts move to the fatherless.... Every morning there is hope that someone would say "I choose you". His mercy carries them through that day and each day that goes by, renewing the possibility, the dream. Where would we be with if His mercies were not new every morning. What if they expired like our coupons, that we sought the arms of the Comforter and heard non redeemable... mercy coupon has expired.
Thank you Thank you God that your mercy is here and real. Forgive us that we take it for granted many days, pretending like we don't notice the safety net below us, and all of our day has been blessed buy our own efforts and expertise. Thank you that even when we try to be our own, You are steadfast. Please take a moment to thank Him who gives us hope and mercy, and lift up those that are walking and even be carried by Him now as they travel roads of suffering and sorrow.

How do you know?

2008-06-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

How do you know when to go a different direction? How do you know the move is right and it is time to make the change? I know friends have been in different careers and God plants on their hearts His plan. And they listen to that new song playing in their heart and mind, the new whisper pointing down a new path. They hear it, and then they DO it. So what happens? Do they just say I am closing my eyes and jumping!

Attention

2008-06-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

I am trying to figure out if I can go back and edit the post about the Rainey/Mutz family.
The update part is from another blog full of boys. I thought the link would show, but it did not but I want to CLARIFY that the update about Molly Mutz was from those sites and not mine.
Sorry about my mess.

Silly stuff!!

2008-06-21T16:17:00.000-04:00

I am so excited that i figured out how to put the playlist on my blog! Sorry I am excited about the lil things!!! SOOOOO yippee I did it!
Okay I am done..

my soapbox

2008-06-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

Today is Jav's birthday!!! Cumpleanos Feliz!!! He is 7 years old!!! He was three years old when we (when God) brought him home to us in 2004! I know a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day to the Lord, but it seems like a year is like a minute anymore! Does that mean I am getting old?
I am think about Jav, he is out playing with Daddy today at the ballfield. Going to be heading to get an ice cream... having Daddy all to himself!!! That is a rare event, competing with 5 other monkeys and a mama!
My point in this? Every child deserves this. A mom and dad to say "Today is your day!" "I love you" and "You are home" all of these wonderful words that every childs heart needs to hear.
Did you know there 143 million children waiting for a family, orphaned and no where to belong. To be tucked in, to get kisses on boo boos, and to have the moment when they are scanning the crowd after camp looking for you...and boom there eyes meet yours and suddenly everything is okay. Safe, secure, faith hope love.....

Sometimes people say. "You can't save them all"
Oh Yeah, why can't I go down trying?? WHY NOT? If God is for us who can be against, in Him all things are possible! Thats real!
What if Jesus had said he wouldn't go to the cross if it was not a guarantee that all would choose him! Praise God he did not!
God so, Go! he said Love! he said Care for the widows and orphans!
But we still wait....
What is holding us back? What keeps us from being who He wants us to be and do the things He wants us to do? Are we tied to the world, storing up our treasures on earth and afraid to let go? We don't need an email from Him we have a whole book! To borrow songs from Steven Curtis Chapman, we need to be "Diving in, Great Adventure, Love Love Love Love".

For more information on this sweet lil one and her family

2008-06-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the family and the heavy hearts that want to stop time right here, and savor the moments of her.

http://fullofboys.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/molly-mutz-update/

fly to Jesus Pray for the Rainey/Mutz family

2008-06-20T13:38:00.000-04:00

Life is so fragile. It is but a vapor.....
The following is about Dennis and Barbara Rainey's new lil grandaughter Molly...she was here with them for 7 days.

UPDATE: Just got a text that says: ‘Little Molly is starting to fade a bit. She is ready to go home.’ They have not removed the life support yet. From an email from Rebekah’s brother, Molly had a hard night last night as her body is starting to give out. Please continue to pray for this family as they say goodbye to their little girl today.
The latest and possibly last post about Molly Mutz. This is an email from Dennis Rainey, Molly Grandfather. Please lift them in prayer today. As my friend Christy shared, she is holding her daughter a little tighter today. I think I will be loving my boys a bit more closely today too! Our children are precious gifts. Jacob and Rebecca are going through the unthinkable and making decisions parents should not have to make. Yet, they are doing so with the knowledge that God is God. They have been remarkable in their faith. Grief and tears have flowed and will continue yet they truly know that God is with them. It is humbling to have been able to witness from afar their faith.
As the sun is coming out here in Colorado, and The Son will soon be welcoming home Rebecca and Jakes daughter, Molly. A gift, entrusted to them for 7 days, to be ushered home, undoubtedly by a band of the gentlest and mighty angels dispatched from the throne of God to carry her into the presence of The Savior.
What has been tough, is about to get much tougher. Pray for Rebecca and Jake and forward this email to anyone you know who will pray for them.
Our days here have been so full of the presence of God. Honoring Him for Molly Ann.
Friday morning she was born… she didn’t cry for nearly 4’ because she was suffering from congestive heart failure. Her mom held her only for seconds before she was whisked away to be placed on life support. We think her problem is a heart murmur. Oh how I wish that was all she had. She is rushed by ambulance to The Children’s Hospital here in Aurora. We arrive that evening to hear Jake say she is going to need brain surgery. I am thinking…I wish it was a heart murmur.
Saturday was a day of testing, in more ways than one. She has x-rays, ultra-sound, and MRIs around 11. The radiologist makes a copy for Jake and me from her text book about the Vein of Galen. I go on line and find out that Molly is up against a serious abnormality in the middle of her brain that it is VERY rare and VERY destructive. Around 4 we are seated in a private room with a neurologist, cardiologist, neonatologist, and nurse giving us the news that over 50% of Molly’s brain is permanently damaged and that the damage affects both halves of the brain. 10-15-20 dangerous surgeries, she MIGHT be able to have A FEW functions as a human being. (Later I talk to a friend who has been a neurologist for 30 years and he puts it in perspective—“In cases like Molly where there is so much brain damage, I have never seen a good outcome through surgery.” Never is a strong word. Yet we hope and pray for a miracle…even today) It is as though this young couple have been hit by a truck, news beyond comprehension. Joy turns to mourning.
In other words, it would take a miracle for Molly to live.
Sunday Jake’s parents, Bill and Pam Mutz, arrive along with some of their family. Laura flies in from DC, Samuel and Stephanie and their three children fly in from Seattle, Ashley flies in from Memphis where she was on vacation with her husband and 5 sons and Ben and Marsha Kay come to the hospital. Rebecca and Jake want to introduce their new daughter to each family member. Many come and kneel at Rebecca’s feet and just sob. When a family is being a family it is powerful. Worshipful. God honoring.
Jake and Rebecca spend a good bit of Sunday and Monday praying, talking, seeking second opinions trying to decide what is God’s will for Molly…what is the loving thing to do?
Monday we surround Molly and have a baby dedication, read Scripture, pray and sing a couple of songs. More than a dozen of us weep our way through the familiar hymn:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Again many of us kneel at Rebecca’s feet as she hold’s little Molly in her arms teethered to life support tubes.
Monday night Bill and Pam Mutz and Barbara and I witness the unimaginable…we sit in a hospital room as Jake hold’s Molly…listening for over 2 hours as Jake and Rebecca process their choices. God is God, but it’s impossible to NOT feel, this just shouldn’t be. What a choice for a young couple to have to make. They decide to not pursue the several very dangerous and complex brain surgeries and remove life support later in the week.
Tuesday, honestly, I don’t know what happened to Tuesday. But I do know that if love could heal, Molly would be well. Instead, we can all see Molly’s little chest pounding, her heart beating faster and faster, trying to keep up with what she needs to live. 60-80% of her blood is going to her brain when it should be 10-15%.
I do know that Wednesday was an incredible day. Videoing, picture taking, making a mold of Molly’s hands, Rebecca and Jake holding Molly still teethered by life support tubes. Rebecca and the mom’s giving Molly her first, and only bath, washing her hair. Stroking her little naked body. This is not what this young mother expected. Doing footprints and hand prints. Ask me to show you my bible and I’ll show you her footprints all over Psalm 127 and 128…and her handprint on my life verse, Psalm 112:1-2…Her life may have been short in terms of days, but her life has been mighty. Mighty Molly Mutz.
Wednesday closed out with this email at midnight from Jake, on the close of the last full day that Molly will likely live:
I just got done holding Molly chest-to-chest for the last 3.5 hours! Heavenly!I could feel her beating heart on my bare chest! 2569 kisses later I relinquished her to Mom.
She is an Angel!!!!
Now Rebecca is experiencing this delight! I just looked over at Bec & she nodded, as if to say - I WILL be sleeping here with my Sweet Pea for the next 12 hours!
We love you guys!Jake & Rebecca
And now today. Molly’s coronation day. Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-4. This morning we will all say goodby one by one and then leave Rebecca and Jake to spend the afternoon with her. She is expected to live only a few minutes after being taken off all life support machines later on this afternoon.
Pray for Jake and Rebecca today.
And for the Mutz family and ours.
Our hearts are breaking.
You are loved and appreciated,
Molly’s Papa
Ps 112:1-2

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Dennis & Barbara

The passion for adoption

2008-05-30T15:40:00.000-04:00

It is so amazing how adoption brings people together in so many ways. It brought us together with our God. It brings families together, a precious union of a family's love and the child. It brings friends together, many a tight bond has been born out of the passion for adoption, the love for the orphan. Strangers become friends over the thread that draws them together. It strengthens families and churches, as they gather together to serve in this purpose and experience the miracle. The miracle of adoption, just like birth it can not be perfectly described. You have to experience the miracle. To fall in love with this lil one you have never met in person, but know tenderly in your heart and dreams. To see the steps of your Father orchestrating this precious union of family. To see this lil one and that moment when they are first in your arms and you think I will never let go. You can kiss all the fingers and toes, smell their sweet smell (even if it is not so sweet at the moment).
As my dear friend once said of her lil sweetie from China, "I could just inhale her" So sweet the picture of her love. How much more beautiful the picture of His love.

Remembering Maria Sue Chapman

2008-05-28T09:21:00.000-04:00

Lil Miss Maria Sue has been with her heavenly Father for a week today. It is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Please continue to pray for the Chapman family as they travel through the valley of the shadow of death. I am so glad to see her precious moments with her family. A beautiful 5 years.

Rember the family and for more info on adoption