YEA!!! We got a call last night from Mommommy and Poppy (Joel's parents) and they wanted to come for a surprise birthday visit for Jackson this weekend!! YEA!! We can't wait! The kids and I have been missing our extended families a lot the last few days(and that nice, mild Texas winter weather)lately, but we had no idea that a visit would be coming up so soon! We are very happy and looking forward to some time with Mommommy and Poppy!
Jackson's 9th birthday is this Saturday and he has been counting down for months. It just amazes me that he is going to turn 9!! Where or where does the time go?? He is such a joy to me and I look forward to celebrating his birthday this weekend!! He has 2 special friends that will be coming over for a sleepover on Friday night and then he has his birthday menu all planned out (for the last few years we have let them pick their favorite foods on their birthday- very fun!). So, Jackson has everything planned out and even put the special items on my grocery list today! HAHA!! He wants pancakes/bacon/sausage for breakfast, chicken nuggets and macaroni for lunch and pizza for dinner on Saturday. I really wish he wanted some veggies, too and I may have to add some 'bonus' side dishes in there because I just can't feed them all that unhealthy stuff without adding something green! :) The funniest part of his MENU is this... He has also requested a football cake with "REAL" vanilla ice cream. HAHA!! Now this request made me laugh because I didn't know they knew the difference between the healthier frozen yogurt that I normally buy and the yummy ("REAL") Blue Bell ice cream!! I guess they have finally figured out that I've been trying to trick them and they really do like the "REAL" ice cream more than my healthier version! HAHA! It is his birthday so I guess I"ll give in and get the "REAL" thing! Jackson is such a gift and blessing to us!! God is so good!
The kids have absolutely NO IDEA that their sweet grandparents are coming and they will be on cloud nine at about 5pm tomorrow! It's been a hard secret to keep from them because Joel and I are excited!! We are really looking forward to a fun, family-filled weekend full of birthday celebrations and time together! I'll let you know how Jackson's menu works out!! I hope your weekend is great also!
Blessings--
AMY
PS--- no adoption updates yet. Please pray for Emma and Joshua and specifically that we get their full information soon so we can start moving forward to bringing them home!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Exhausted
Wow--- as I just sat down to this computer I realize that I am really tired tonight. This was a 3 day weekend for us and it has been a full of fun activities: a family shopping trip, laundry, basketball games, laundry, grocery store,
2 consecutive date nights(not normal but it was fun!), Sunday School, church, laundry,a dinner party, a sleepover, and today was full of some major chores and catching up on things like going through dressers and closets, to pack away those clothes the kiddos have outgrown and yes-- I did finally fold all of that laundry! YEA!! I am caught up on my laundry....but only until tomorrow morning-- so don't feel jealous or anything!! HAHA! :)
Anyway--- we have been more busy the last few days than we normally are and we have also felt that during these busy days, we have really been under attack as a family. I am not only physically tired, but I am also emotionally tired. A good night of sleep will do me good!!!
As for adoption news.....nothing yet. We are just waiting for medicals and family history information. We did get a very brief email that stated it would probably be another week before we got our medical and family histories on these siblings. My immediate response was ANOTHER WEEK??? WHY??? Well---I really don't know but I am trying hard to be patient and trust that God's timing is better than mine. He KNOWS all of our Army/moving issues, He KNOWS Emma and Joshua's issues, He can move the mountains and He can take care of this adoption. He LOVES us all and has a plan for our lives. This wait is a part of God's plan and is not mine to control! I have been struggling to be patient and WAIT and TRUST--but I am clinging to God's truths and repeating them over and over in my mind.....
Habakkuk 2:13 "If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."
Psalm 94:19 "When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
1Corinthians 13:4 "Love is patient and kind."
Philippians 4:13 "For I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me."
Hebrews 11:1 "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen."
Hebrews 10:36 "Patient Endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
Hope your weekend was great and your night is restful.
Blessings-
AMY
2 consecutive date nights(not normal but it was fun!), Sunday School, church, laundry,a dinner party, a sleepover, and today was full of some major chores and catching up on things like going through dressers and closets, to pack away those clothes the kiddos have outgrown and yes-- I did finally fold all of that laundry! YEA!! I am caught up on my laundry....but only until tomorrow morning-- so don't feel jealous or anything!! HAHA! :)
Anyway--- we have been more busy the last few days than we normally are and we have also felt that during these busy days, we have really been under attack as a family. I am not only physically tired, but I am also emotionally tired. A good night of sleep will do me good!!!
As for adoption news.....nothing yet. We are just waiting for medicals and family history information. We did get a very brief email that stated it would probably be another week before we got our medical and family histories on these siblings. My immediate response was ANOTHER WEEK??? WHY??? Well---I really don't know but I am trying hard to be patient and trust that God's timing is better than mine. He KNOWS all of our Army/moving issues, He KNOWS Emma and Joshua's issues, He can move the mountains and He can take care of this adoption. He LOVES us all and has a plan for our lives. This wait is a part of God's plan and is not mine to control! I have been struggling to be patient and WAIT and TRUST--but I am clinging to God's truths and repeating them over and over in my mind.....
Habakkuk 2:13 "If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."
Psalm 94:19 "When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
1Corinthians 13:4 "Love is patient and kind."
Philippians 4:13 "For I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me."
Hebrews 11:1 "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen."
Hebrews 10:36 "Patient Endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
Hope your weekend was great and your night is restful.
Blessings-
AMY
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thawing Out
Last night Joel and I went on a Valentine's date with 10 other couples from his small group at CGSC. We ate at Stix and had a YUMMY and FUN Hibachi grill experience. It was a really great dinner out.
Now, if you go back to the beginning our our blog to read the whole story-- you'll know that Joel was NOT onboard to adopt just 6 months ago. He was praying about it with me, but he was a little resentful towards me because he didn't think we could handle more craziness in our house!! ANYWAY-- the LORD has changed his heart in an amazing way and he is so excited now, that "did we get any adoption news today?" is the first question he asks me when he gets home from work every evening. He also has shared photos and our adoption adventure stories with those military folks he is in class with every day. To make a long story short--- he's been talking about the adoption-- LOTS!!
Well, to be very honest with you-- even though I am totally pro-adoption and feel led by God to pursue this adoption---there is a part of ME that hesitates to tell people we are adopting. I know lots of folks will think we are crazy and insane to WANT 6 children and I don't feel particularly comfortable going through the whole story and be in the center of a conversation, etc. etc. etc..
Well- I am sure that you know what God is doing to me, right?
You got it..... He is making me get out of my comfort zone. He is growing and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way! AAAGHGHHGH!!! I was asked MANY MANY questions last night during our Valentine's date about our adoption and I was also asked to speak to a women's group in a few weeks on the subject of the orphan crisis in the world and how we as Christians can make a difference for these children. Can you imagine? I am NOT a public speaker. I am NOT funny or eloquent. I am NOT qualified to speak on adoption. Really---I just filled out a bunch of forms on a checklist. I am so overwhelmed that God is opening these doors of conversation about adoption but I am also excited.
I am super excited because I can see God working during these discussions. I know in my weakness, HE is strong. I am excited because I KNOW that God is planting seeds and opening doors and windows and converstations that will lead other Christians to DO SOMETHING to help these helpless children. God holds the orphan close to his heart and in the Bible, He calls us to care for them but most of us are frozen as Americans. We KNOW there is a crisis out there in the world, but we are just FROZEN because we don't know what we can do to change and impact the crisis. So we just pretend it's really not there and we just pass by on the other side of the road. Why do we do this??? I think we are overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the problem. The orphan crisis is so huge and we are so small. There 4.5 million orphans in Ethiopia and it may not seem like much, my friends-- but our family is THAWING OUT and we are going to change the world for 2 of those 4.5 million children. God is at work in our lives and I am so humbled to share our story.
Pray about what YOU can do, also. Maybe you can't adopt children into your home right now....but you CAN send $30.00 a month to Africa to feed, clothe, medicate, and educate an orphan. You CAN pray. You CAN support a Gogo(local Ethiopian foster mom) through a Christian nonprofit organization. You CAN start a orphan ministry in your church. You CAN support and encourage those families you know who are adopting.
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING.
You can do something to care for one orphan in our world, and for that child--
you WILL change the world.
Check out the tabs on my blog for several Christian organizations that we've researched and are supporting. These people are sharing God's love to orphans around the world. Please join us on this journey!
WITH LOVE on Valentine's Day,
Amy
Now, if you go back to the beginning our our blog to read the whole story-- you'll know that Joel was NOT onboard to adopt just 6 months ago. He was praying about it with me, but he was a little resentful towards me because he didn't think we could handle more craziness in our house!! ANYWAY-- the LORD has changed his heart in an amazing way and he is so excited now, that "did we get any adoption news today?" is the first question he asks me when he gets home from work every evening. He also has shared photos and our adoption adventure stories with those military folks he is in class with every day. To make a long story short--- he's been talking about the adoption-- LOTS!!
Well, to be very honest with you-- even though I am totally pro-adoption and feel led by God to pursue this adoption---there is a part of ME that hesitates to tell people we are adopting. I know lots of folks will think we are crazy and insane to WANT 6 children and I don't feel particularly comfortable going through the whole story and be in the center of a conversation, etc. etc. etc..
Well- I am sure that you know what God is doing to me, right?
You got it..... He is making me get out of my comfort zone. He is growing and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way! AAAGHGHHGH!!! I was asked MANY MANY questions last night during our Valentine's date about our adoption and I was also asked to speak to a women's group in a few weeks on the subject of the orphan crisis in the world and how we as Christians can make a difference for these children. Can you imagine? I am NOT a public speaker. I am NOT funny or eloquent. I am NOT qualified to speak on adoption. Really---I just filled out a bunch of forms on a checklist. I am so overwhelmed that God is opening these doors of conversation about adoption but I am also excited.
I am super excited because I can see God working during these discussions. I know in my weakness, HE is strong. I am excited because I KNOW that God is planting seeds and opening doors and windows and converstations that will lead other Christians to DO SOMETHING to help these helpless children. God holds the orphan close to his heart and in the Bible, He calls us to care for them but most of us are frozen as Americans. We KNOW there is a crisis out there in the world, but we are just FROZEN because we don't know what we can do to change and impact the crisis. So we just pretend it's really not there and we just pass by on the other side of the road. Why do we do this??? I think we are overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the problem. The orphan crisis is so huge and we are so small. There 4.5 million orphans in Ethiopia and it may not seem like much, my friends-- but our family is THAWING OUT and we are going to change the world for 2 of those 4.5 million children. God is at work in our lives and I am so humbled to share our story.
Pray about what YOU can do, also. Maybe you can't adopt children into your home right now....but you CAN send $30.00 a month to Africa to feed, clothe, medicate, and educate an orphan. You CAN pray. You CAN support a Gogo(local Ethiopian foster mom) through a Christian nonprofit organization. You CAN start a orphan ministry in your church. You CAN support and encourage those families you know who are adopting.
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING.
You can do something to care for one orphan in our world, and for that child--
you WILL change the world.
Check out the tabs on my blog for several Christian organizations that we've researched and are supporting. These people are sharing God's love to orphans around the world. Please join us on this journey!
WITH LOVE on Valentine's Day,
Amy
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Lessons
So this week was full of lessons for me. I wish I had taken the time to stop and write about each one as they happened but I didn't, and now I'm pretty overwhelmed at the thought of typing about these moments because they've all been so profound. God's goodness has been evident to me all week, even though we've faced many challenges and bumps along the path. I'll share two of the most striking issues we've faced this week and what God has shown me through them.
Lesson #1...... I need to be thankful, even for the things I may not think I want or want to be thankful for.
This week "Uncle Sam" sent us an email informing us that our next Army assignment was going to be changed. We were assigned to move to Ft. Bliss in November and while I haven't been particularly EXCITED about moving to El Paso TX, we were OK with it. I groaned and whined under my breath (El Paso is not a garden spot) but it was ok. The job was going to be good for Joel and the dwell time was going to be approximately 12-18 months so that was ideal for us since we are pursuing the adoption at this point. Well, the NEW assignment was going to be with a unit deploying in May/June and my dear hubby would be immediately deployed for 12 months after graduating from this course. Reminder--- we are in the MIDDLE of adopting siblings from Ethiopia and we will probably travel in May/June. So-- the prospect of travelling to a foreign country alone, bringing home 2 scared and confused kids (along with a language barrier)while next moving to another state, and a starting a one year deployment........well, short story- these ideas sent me into panic mode. Those are many life changing events all in a very short period of time!! We began praying for wisdom for Joel when he spoke with "Uncle Sam" and we also prayed for God's will to be done in this situation and that He would have us go where we needed to be to accomplish His will in our lives. After 3 long days of waiting.....we got the reply email back last night and "Uncle Sam" is going to let us move to Ft. Bliss as planned since we are in the middle of our adoption. They even wished us well with the adoption process. OH, THANK YOU LORD!!! I am now REALLY thankful and REALLY excited about moving to EL PASO. I know it's NOT a garden spot, but I know it is where God wants us and that's exactly where I want to be! Looking back over these last few days of uncertainty, and the hard questions that have come up......I can honestly say that it has been amazing to see God at work on our behalf. To realize that He restored HIS plan for us, despite the "needs of the Army". I am comforted that He knows the needs of our family at this very moment, and he protected HIS plan for us!! Isn't that cool???
Lesson #2.... Compassion. Yesterday, we got an email about our adoption. We did NOT get our medical reports yet, but we did find out WHY we haven't gotten them. Apparently, when our children were examined last week by the agency pediatrician, the DR found that our little boy has "deformed legs". They are waiting for the x-rays reports to be gotten back and added to the medical files. This was a jaw-dropping moment for me. WHAT??? A LEG DEFORMITY?? What does that mean? Can he walk? Will he be able to walk/run/play with other children? Will he require a wheelchair for the rest of his life? Oh my goodness.....what does this mean for our adoption? Will we still accept this referral???
I immediately began looking closely at the photos that were sent to me of the children.....According to the photos, this little guy has 2 formed legs, 2 formed feet, and 10 toes. His legs look normal. He is sitting correctly with the exception that one foot is turned slightly inwards! OHHHHH--- maybe he's just pigeon toed. Or bow legged. Maybe it's a correctable problem with medical treatment. But what if it's worse? Can I handle a major orthopedic issue in my life right now? Are these the siblings for us???? What are we going to do now???
I began to pray for his sweet legs- for healing. I began praying for clarity in the medical reports so that I could understand the extent of the problem when we get this information and I started to pray for our correct response to this news when the Lord stopped my rambling and spoke to me. These were the words God spoke to me...."THIS BOY IS MADE IN MY IMAGE. He may be lame or deformed by your standards, but what gives you the right to determine his value or worth to me, based on your idea of physical perfection? I desire compassion from you and mercy. Love as I first loved you. Remember my words, Whatever you do to the least of these, you do also to me."
WHOA.
I was so wrong. I am ashamed to admit to you, but I had started making judgements on this poor child's ability to be a part of our family based on his physical imperfection, before I even realized what I was thinking. I had to ask for God's forgiveness. At that very moment, God showed me that while I might not have a physical deformity, I am worldly, sinful, and have a very lame heart. I need to have the compassion of Christ for others, namely--for this little boy. I needed to recognize that at this very moment, I am a part of the plan of GOD! God may have planned for THIS to be the child that is plucked out of that orphanage because he has a need greater than the others. He and his sister! We can provide medical care and treatment for a leg problem! God showed me that my compassion needs to grow. After praying and discussing our little boys' medical needs, this is the email note we sent back regarding his leg deformity.....
"Thank you Agitu for the update on the medical reports. We appreciate that your pediatrician did a thorough exam and will be praying that the X-ray report gets to you quickly. We have been/are praying for these two children and have faith that this sweet boy’s “leg deformity” is one that we can help him to overcome with good medical care here in the US. We really look forward to finding out more about these children and we still anticipate moving forward with their adoption despite this little boys’ possible medical issue."
My desire is to be honest here and share both my joys and my struggles. My pride makes it difficult to journal about my shortcomings but my prayer is that God will use my testimony to bring Him glory and honor. He carries me when I am weak. He forgives me when I mess up. He is compassionate and kind, even with me! He loves me even though I don't deserve it.
Please pray for Joshua and Emma. Please pray for our family. Please pray for me. These are only 2 of the pretty emotional events that have caused me stress this week-there have been many others that I won't mention because of time. I feel that we are under attack at this very moment and satan is trying so hard to shake our Faith in Christ, and undermine the Work of Christ in our family. Pray that we are strengthened and steadfast in fulfilling God's plan!
Many Blessings---
Amy
Lesson #1...... I need to be thankful, even for the things I may not think I want or want to be thankful for.
This week "Uncle Sam" sent us an email informing us that our next Army assignment was going to be changed. We were assigned to move to Ft. Bliss in November and while I haven't been particularly EXCITED about moving to El Paso TX, we were OK with it. I groaned and whined under my breath (El Paso is not a garden spot) but it was ok. The job was going to be good for Joel and the dwell time was going to be approximately 12-18 months so that was ideal for us since we are pursuing the adoption at this point. Well, the NEW assignment was going to be with a unit deploying in May/June and my dear hubby would be immediately deployed for 12 months after graduating from this course. Reminder--- we are in the MIDDLE of adopting siblings from Ethiopia and we will probably travel in May/June. So-- the prospect of travelling to a foreign country alone, bringing home 2 scared and confused kids (along with a language barrier)while next moving to another state, and a starting a one year deployment........well, short story- these ideas sent me into panic mode. Those are many life changing events all in a very short period of time!! We began praying for wisdom for Joel when he spoke with "Uncle Sam" and we also prayed for God's will to be done in this situation and that He would have us go where we needed to be to accomplish His will in our lives. After 3 long days of waiting.....we got the reply email back last night and "Uncle Sam" is going to let us move to Ft. Bliss as planned since we are in the middle of our adoption. They even wished us well with the adoption process. OH, THANK YOU LORD!!! I am now REALLY thankful and REALLY excited about moving to EL PASO. I know it's NOT a garden spot, but I know it is where God wants us and that's exactly where I want to be! Looking back over these last few days of uncertainty, and the hard questions that have come up......I can honestly say that it has been amazing to see God at work on our behalf. To realize that He restored HIS plan for us, despite the "needs of the Army". I am comforted that He knows the needs of our family at this very moment, and he protected HIS plan for us!! Isn't that cool???
Lesson #2.... Compassion. Yesterday, we got an email about our adoption. We did NOT get our medical reports yet, but we did find out WHY we haven't gotten them. Apparently, when our children were examined last week by the agency pediatrician, the DR found that our little boy has "deformed legs". They are waiting for the x-rays reports to be gotten back and added to the medical files. This was a jaw-dropping moment for me. WHAT??? A LEG DEFORMITY?? What does that mean? Can he walk? Will he be able to walk/run/play with other children? Will he require a wheelchair for the rest of his life? Oh my goodness.....what does this mean for our adoption? Will we still accept this referral???
I immediately began looking closely at the photos that were sent to me of the children.....According to the photos, this little guy has 2 formed legs, 2 formed feet, and 10 toes. His legs look normal. He is sitting correctly with the exception that one foot is turned slightly inwards! OHHHHH--- maybe he's just pigeon toed. Or bow legged. Maybe it's a correctable problem with medical treatment. But what if it's worse? Can I handle a major orthopedic issue in my life right now? Are these the siblings for us???? What are we going to do now???
I began to pray for his sweet legs- for healing. I began praying for clarity in the medical reports so that I could understand the extent of the problem when we get this information and I started to pray for our correct response to this news when the Lord stopped my rambling and spoke to me. These were the words God spoke to me...."THIS BOY IS MADE IN MY IMAGE. He may be lame or deformed by your standards, but what gives you the right to determine his value or worth to me, based on your idea of physical perfection? I desire compassion from you and mercy. Love as I first loved you. Remember my words, Whatever you do to the least of these, you do also to me."
WHOA.
I was so wrong. I am ashamed to admit to you, but I had started making judgements on this poor child's ability to be a part of our family based on his physical imperfection, before I even realized what I was thinking. I had to ask for God's forgiveness. At that very moment, God showed me that while I might not have a physical deformity, I am worldly, sinful, and have a very lame heart. I need to have the compassion of Christ for others, namely--for this little boy. I needed to recognize that at this very moment, I am a part of the plan of GOD! God may have planned for THIS to be the child that is plucked out of that orphanage because he has a need greater than the others. He and his sister! We can provide medical care and treatment for a leg problem! God showed me that my compassion needs to grow. After praying and discussing our little boys' medical needs, this is the email note we sent back regarding his leg deformity.....
"Thank you Agitu for the update on the medical reports. We appreciate that your pediatrician did a thorough exam and will be praying that the X-ray report gets to you quickly. We have been/are praying for these two children and have faith that this sweet boy’s “leg deformity” is one that we can help him to overcome with good medical care here in the US. We really look forward to finding out more about these children and we still anticipate moving forward with their adoption despite this little boys’ possible medical issue."
My desire is to be honest here and share both my joys and my struggles. My pride makes it difficult to journal about my shortcomings but my prayer is that God will use my testimony to bring Him glory and honor. He carries me when I am weak. He forgives me when I mess up. He is compassionate and kind, even with me! He loves me even though I don't deserve it.
Please pray for Joshua and Emma. Please pray for our family. Please pray for me. These are only 2 of the pretty emotional events that have caused me stress this week-there have been many others that I won't mention because of time. I feel that we are under attack at this very moment and satan is trying so hard to shake our Faith in Christ, and undermine the Work of Christ in our family. Pray that we are strengthened and steadfast in fulfilling God's plan!
Many Blessings---
Amy
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sweet Letters to Ethiopia
For Madilyn's journal entry this morning, she asked if she could write a letter to "Emma and Joshua". Of course, I said yes and so I wanted to share her final draft with you because it touched my heart. It is precious to see the love of Christ in our children. It teaches me so much about the truly important things in life and motivates me to re-examine my priorities and focus on truly loving others the way Christ loves us. What a joy this morning was for me. I hope you enjoy this, also.
Dear Emma & Joshua,
My name is Madilyn Marie Newsom!!! I am nearly 11 years old. In just a few months we are going to come get you and bring you and your brother home to live with us !!! I am so excited to meet you and your little brother !!! I just can’t wait to meet you!! You have the prettiest smile I have ever seen !!!!! We bought you and your little brother some clothes and a toy to send to you !!! I think about you every single day!!! I am sorry you don’t have a family right now but we want you to come and be part of our family. Every day is a day closer till I get to meet you and your little brother !!!!
LOVE YOU SO MUCH,
MADILYN MARIE
P.S what is your favorite color?
Isn't that just pure sweetness on paper? I love when I get a sweet glimpse into the hearts of my children. I am so thankful the Lord is working in their hearts to grow love and compassion for the 2 special children on the other side of the world that God is knitting into our family.
Matthew 18:3-4 "Then He said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."
My day has been blessed, hope yours is also--
Amy
PS-- we are still waiting on medical and family histories. Please pray we get these soon!
Dear Emma & Joshua,
My name is Madilyn Marie Newsom!!! I am nearly 11 years old. In just a few months we are going to come get you and bring you and your brother home to live with us !!! I am so excited to meet you and your little brother !!! I just can’t wait to meet you!! You have the prettiest smile I have ever seen !!!!! We bought you and your little brother some clothes and a toy to send to you !!! I think about you every single day!!! I am sorry you don’t have a family right now but we want you to come and be part of our family. Every day is a day closer till I get to meet you and your little brother !!!!
LOVE YOU SO MUCH,
MADILYN MARIE
P.S what is your favorite color?
Isn't that just pure sweetness on paper? I love when I get a sweet glimpse into the hearts of my children. I am so thankful the Lord is working in their hearts to grow love and compassion for the 2 special children on the other side of the world that God is knitting into our family.
Matthew 18:3-4 "Then He said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."
My day has been blessed, hope yours is also--
Amy
PS-- we are still waiting on medical and family histories. Please pray we get these soon!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Fun Fridays
Since we've been living here in Kansas we've been celebrating Fun Fridays. It's a great time. We home school 4 hard days every week and although we do some household chores on Fridays, we also try to do something very fun (and educational) on Fridays, like field trips or special family outings. It's one of my favorite days of the week (Sunday is my absolute favorite day of the week :) I like Fridays because after we do all those chores, the house is all clean (Aaahhhh.....) and I also love doing fun stuff with my kids. :) They also look forward to Fridays every week!!
Today we happened upon "Kansas Day" at the local elementary school. The school did a great job putting this day together to celebrate the "birthday" of Kansas and we went over and participated in the school event!
It was complete with volunteers in olden day prairie costumes, arts, crafts, family life activities of prairie days including gun displays, leather punching, candle making, corn husk doll making, rope making, hair braiding, an apple cider press, marble games, etc. etc. etc. EVERYTHING was hands on and the kids came home with tons of special "Kansas" projects! 
We had a great time and I was so blessed to find out about the activity from a dear neighbor. What fun this was!! Hope you enjoy these photos!
We haven't heard anything this week from BFAS about "EMMA and JOSHUA". I'm not sure I ever wrote the post that I intended to this past week (it's been a good but busy week) letting you all know that we DID finally decide on these American names for our children from Ethiopia. We *may* still use their Ethiopian names, but we just don't know what they are yet-- so we had to give them some names so we could discuss and pray for them specifically as a family!
Emma means, " One whom heals"
Joshua means "One whom God has saved."
Perfect names for our little ones!! Anyway-- We are really ready to get their medical and family history information, as well as their names. I expect we'll get this information any moment now. I'm trying hard to be patient. It'll be nice to know some more about them and sign all of the official documents so we can officially start waiting for a court date which will HOPEFULLY be sometime in April.
By the way-- Joel and I just finished reading "There's No Me Without You" by Melissa Fay Greene.....very good book. It really impacted my perspective of international adoptions from Ethiopia. I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in orphan care, and everyone adopting from Ethiopia. I just received "Red Letters" by Tom Davis in the mail today---- I'll keep you posted about this book. I'm excited about reading it to see how God is using this man....I've already heard so much about his mission and heart for the lonely!!!
Since we got our referral, my heart has ached for Emma and Joshua. Since I saw them, I have been so concerned for their broken hearts. I am sure they are lonely and confused, scared and sad. I can't imagine what they have been through in losing their parents. We are on the other side of the world and we can't help them. I can't show them love yet. How does God know just what truths I need to hear every time I go to him in prayer and open my Bible for study??? Amazing. I can't be with these children to comfort, love, protect and be there for them yet but God can and He is with them. Thank you Lord.
These are the Scriptures that I touched me today and spoke to my grieving heart..........
Psalm 10:17 "Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them."
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
Matthew 11:28 " Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Please pray for Emma and Joshua.
Blessings and hope your Friday was Fun, too--- AMY
Today we happened upon "Kansas Day" at the local elementary school. The school did a great job putting this day together to celebrate the "birthday" of Kansas and we went over and participated in the school event!
It was complete with volunteers in olden day prairie costumes, arts, crafts, family life activities of prairie days including gun displays, leather punching, candle making, corn husk doll making, rope making, hair braiding, an apple cider press, marble games, etc. etc. etc. EVERYTHING was hands on and the kids came home with tons of special "Kansas" projects! 
We had a great time and I was so blessed to find out about the activity from a dear neighbor. What fun this was!! Hope you enjoy these photos!We haven't heard anything this week from BFAS about "EMMA and JOSHUA". I'm not sure I ever wrote the post that I intended to this past week (it's been a good but busy week) letting you all know that we DID finally decide on these American names for our children from Ethiopia. We *may* still use their Ethiopian names, but we just don't know what they are yet-- so we had to give them some names so we could discuss and pray for them specifically as a family!
Emma means, " One whom heals"
Joshua means "One whom God has saved."
Perfect names for our little ones!! Anyway-- We are really ready to get their medical and family history information, as well as their names. I expect we'll get this information any moment now. I'm trying hard to be patient. It'll be nice to know some more about them and sign all of the official documents so we can officially start waiting for a court date which will HOPEFULLY be sometime in April.
By the way-- Joel and I just finished reading "There's No Me Without You" by Melissa Fay Greene.....very good book. It really impacted my perspective of international adoptions from Ethiopia. I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in orphan care, and everyone adopting from Ethiopia. I just received "Red Letters" by Tom Davis in the mail today---- I'll keep you posted about this book. I'm excited about reading it to see how God is using this man....I've already heard so much about his mission and heart for the lonely!!!
Since we got our referral, my heart has ached for Emma and Joshua. Since I saw them, I have been so concerned for their broken hearts. I am sure they are lonely and confused, scared and sad. I can't imagine what they have been through in losing their parents. We are on the other side of the world and we can't help them. I can't show them love yet. How does God know just what truths I need to hear every time I go to him in prayer and open my Bible for study??? Amazing. I can't be with these children to comfort, love, protect and be there for them yet but God can and He is with them. Thank you Lord.
These are the Scriptures that I touched me today and spoke to my grieving heart..........
Psalm 10:17 "Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them."
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
Matthew 11:28 " Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Please pray for Emma and Joshua.
Blessings and hope your Friday was Fun, too--- AMY
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Next Step..... more waiting!
So this is just a little note to give you an update of what is next in our adoption process. Since this is the question I've been answering the most the last few days, I thought you blog stalkers might like to know also!!! :)
First, we will receive the medical and family history information on these two siblings. (We are praying this happens in the next few days.) Then, if everything looks ok with their information, we will officially accept the referral by signing and notarizing some official forms from our agency. Then, we'll WAIT.
Our "dossier" (the packet that we compiled with tons of required documents for the adoption) is in Ethiopia and is being translated into AMHARIC, the national language of Ethiopia. I think I understood that our translated dossier will be picked up tomorrow by our agency staff. Our translated dossier and the paperwork for the children will then be submitted to the court system in Ethiopia (our agency director made it sound like this would happen this next week in her referral email to us but we understand that we are dealing with the bureacracy of a third world country and there are lots of complicated, unexplainable things in all beaurocratic systems!!! So, you can guarantee we'll be praying for that one too!!) Then, we'll WAIT.
While we are waiting, the Ethiopian courts will verify all of the documents and then give us a court date. They will notify us of the court date. It is probably safe to say our court date won't happen BEFORE March 31 but it will probably be in April sometime. Then, we'll WAIT.
After the court date, IF we pass first try( ok-- we will be praying about this date too!!) we will be the legal parents of these two precious babies and we will WAIT to travel to pick them up between 2-4 weeks after the court date. Hopefully, they will be home with us by late spring. We are optimistic and we believe in the power of prayer!!
So--- that's what is in store for us along this journey. We will WAIT while our paperwork is being juggled around in Ethiopia. The hardest part of this is that we are on the other side of the world and we can't see or know what is going on in Ethiopia every day to help move the process along for our adoption, and WAITing is so hard when you don't know what's being done to bring these babies home. I am going to really pray for peace and I'm going to keep reminding myself that just because we don't HEAR any news or updates, this does not mean that the process is not taking place--- it's just that we can't see the progress and we lose faith.
This reminds me of the story in the Bible when Jesus was walking across the water and Peter asked if he could walk across the water towards Jesus? Jesus said, go ahead. So, Peter, gets out of the boat and starts walking across the water. But the
minute the water gets a little rocky and Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus, he starts to sink. Jesus catches him and says, "oh, ye of little faith."
I don't want to sink. I know Jesus also told me to "GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND COME TO HIM" in pursuing this adoption. He told me to get out of my comfort zone, have faith, be obedient in caring for orphans. He spoke to me and told me to WALK with HIM and LOVE as Jesus loved. He told me to GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND COME TO HIM!! This is His plan, His will-- I don't want to take my eyes off of Jesus because I don't want to sink and I know that HE will carry me through this and safely carry me to the other side!!
Please continue to pray for us, pray for Emma and Joshua (these are most likely, going to be the American first names for our Ethiopian children) and please also pray for the other families in various stages of adopting with BFAS. There are 5 court dates among our friends this week--- I will be lifting each one up in prayer so these little Ethiopian babies can come home to loving families and homes, soon-- please join me in lifting them up!!
Many Blessings---
Amy
First, we will receive the medical and family history information on these two siblings. (We are praying this happens in the next few days.) Then, if everything looks ok with their information, we will officially accept the referral by signing and notarizing some official forms from our agency. Then, we'll WAIT.
Our "dossier" (the packet that we compiled with tons of required documents for the adoption) is in Ethiopia and is being translated into AMHARIC, the national language of Ethiopia. I think I understood that our translated dossier will be picked up tomorrow by our agency staff. Our translated dossier and the paperwork for the children will then be submitted to the court system in Ethiopia (our agency director made it sound like this would happen this next week in her referral email to us but we understand that we are dealing with the bureacracy of a third world country and there are lots of complicated, unexplainable things in all beaurocratic systems!!! So, you can guarantee we'll be praying for that one too!!) Then, we'll WAIT.
While we are waiting, the Ethiopian courts will verify all of the documents and then give us a court date. They will notify us of the court date. It is probably safe to say our court date won't happen BEFORE March 31 but it will probably be in April sometime. Then, we'll WAIT.
After the court date, IF we pass first try( ok-- we will be praying about this date too!!) we will be the legal parents of these two precious babies and we will WAIT to travel to pick them up between 2-4 weeks after the court date. Hopefully, they will be home with us by late spring. We are optimistic and we believe in the power of prayer!!
So--- that's what is in store for us along this journey. We will WAIT while our paperwork is being juggled around in Ethiopia. The hardest part of this is that we are on the other side of the world and we can't see or know what is going on in Ethiopia every day to help move the process along for our adoption, and WAITing is so hard when you don't know what's being done to bring these babies home. I am going to really pray for peace and I'm going to keep reminding myself that just because we don't HEAR any news or updates, this does not mean that the process is not taking place--- it's just that we can't see the progress and we lose faith.
This reminds me of the story in the Bible when Jesus was walking across the water and Peter asked if he could walk across the water towards Jesus? Jesus said, go ahead. So, Peter, gets out of the boat and starts walking across the water. But the
minute the water gets a little rocky and Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus, he starts to sink. Jesus catches him and says, "oh, ye of little faith."
I don't want to sink. I know Jesus also told me to "GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND COME TO HIM" in pursuing this adoption. He told me to get out of my comfort zone, have faith, be obedient in caring for orphans. He spoke to me and told me to WALK with HIM and LOVE as Jesus loved. He told me to GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND COME TO HIM!! This is His plan, His will-- I don't want to take my eyes off of Jesus because I don't want to sink and I know that HE will carry me through this and safely carry me to the other side!!
Please continue to pray for us, pray for Emma and Joshua (these are most likely, going to be the American first names for our Ethiopian children) and please also pray for the other families in various stages of adopting with BFAS. There are 5 court dates among our friends this week--- I will be lifting each one up in prayer so these little Ethiopian babies can come home to loving families and homes, soon-- please join me in lifting them up!!
Many Blessings---
Amy
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