Well, it's nearly done, my fast that is.
Sunday night I ate in celebration of Chuck's birthday and Tuesday night I decided that homemade belgium waffles (just the waffle, no toppings) were "like bread, right?"
I have to say, I'll never fast for that long again and eat food while doing it. Not eating is much easier than eating. Tuesday night at dinner I almost quit. The sweet and sour shrimp was calling my name.
It made my heart smile today to hear that someone was pulled out of the rubble alive. Can you imagine 15 days buried beneath a fallen building... not knowing if you'll be found. Haitians are the strongest people I've ever met. I've read countless stories online... they are tough.
Tonight For His Glory Outreach has requested people to take tomorrow as a day of prayer and fasting for orphans in Haiti for today, January 28th. The letter from Kim Harmon (their president) is at the bottom of the page dated January 27th. The orphans in Haiti in particular need prayer. The Haitian government has decided not to allow any more orphans to go to their US families until they can come up with a new system to review their departures.
Haiti pre-earthquake was never quick about putting a system in place. I can't imagine this coming together quickly without God's intervention.
Since I've spent the last 8 days fasting, I will not be fasting from food tomorrow. Instead I will do an internet fast. Please join me in praying for the situation with orphans in Haiti. I have friends who are still waiting for their kids to come home. Can you even imagine waiting 15 days for your child to come home after being in a devastating earthquake?? Most of these families have visited their kids multiple times. I'm so thankful our boys are home. I don't think I could handle that.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Noah's New Do
Silly boy!
Back view
Top view
He's glad it's done!Between yesterday and today I spent about 8 hours twisting Noah's hair so that we can begin the process of locking his hair. We plan to do this with both boys. I plan to do Samue's hair this weekend.
We didn't think much about hair before the boys came home because, well, they're boys! We just figured we'd keep it short. It was kept very short the entire time they were in the orphanage. The problem with keeping it short is that 1) they HATE to have their hair cut and 2) they look so much older with short hair. I personally think Noah looks younger with his twists.
After reading the Party of Five blog for 3 or so years, I felt like we could lock the boys' hair ourselves. Heather talks about the importance in doing her boys' hair and I couldn't agree more. I have nothing against taking kids to have their hair done, but I do think it will really mean something to them one day when they realize their white mommy took the time to learn to do their hair. With that said, I'm not entirely sure I knew what I was doing, but I did research techniques and products and watched some videos and then gave it a shot. I honestly hope that I don't have to redo Noah's hair because it was a lot of time and energy and the poor guy has a really tender head. He hates to have his hair combed, so he is thrilled that we won't be coming it anymore. He was horrified to learn we have to retwist it, though. Poor thing.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Fast Update
This is an update on my fast for Haiti, and...
It's gonna be fast because the kids are eating lunch and I don't have much time.
I've done no-food fasts before and I honestly think they are easier than this bread, water, and coffee fast I'm doing. I'm hungry A LOT. The other night as I lay in bed I realized that what I was feeling is what most Haitians feel most of the time. That was humbling.
I went nearly 5 days before I broke the fast last night. I did so to celebrate Chuck's birthday. Me and our good friend Vince (who we live with currently) were both fasting and Chuck said it was a bummer to have his birthday dinner with us not eating. So, we decided to celebrate with Chuck and then return to the fast this morning. I had Chicken Enchiladas (Chuck's favorite) and German Chocolate Cake. Then we went to the movies to see "Book of Eli" and I had popcorn, soda, and cookie dough bites.
I'm back on the bread today and I've modified the drinks to anything to drink... I just don't think I'll make it until Thursday morning without more variety in the drink department.
One of the things I've been feverently praying for is for orphans in Haiti to join their US families. 82 kids from Noah and Samuel's orphanage were united with their families this weekend. It was quite an ordeal and I was thankful to be praying for them... especially Saturday night. I had a hard time sleeping because I drank coffee too late and then Tristan woke up and kept me up the remainder of the night. There was a great need for prayer that night as families waited for their kids to be released into their care, so I'm grateful for the lack of sleep and the extra prayers I got to say.
I continue to pray that we will hear good news about Noah and Samuel's birth family. We've heard nothing. And I continue to pray that people will give money and time (if they are medically specialized). As the news moves away from Haiti, I hope many people will continue to pray. There is so much work to be done and so many people injured badly who still need to be cared for.
If you'd rather donate to a ministry doing medical relief work, please email me at julicason@yahoo.com and I'll gladly share some links to good organizations on the ground in Haiti that need money.
Okay, kids are done with lunch!
It's gonna be fast because the kids are eating lunch and I don't have much time.
I've done no-food fasts before and I honestly think they are easier than this bread, water, and coffee fast I'm doing. I'm hungry A LOT. The other night as I lay in bed I realized that what I was feeling is what most Haitians feel most of the time. That was humbling.
I went nearly 5 days before I broke the fast last night. I did so to celebrate Chuck's birthday. Me and our good friend Vince (who we live with currently) were both fasting and Chuck said it was a bummer to have his birthday dinner with us not eating. So, we decided to celebrate with Chuck and then return to the fast this morning. I had Chicken Enchiladas (Chuck's favorite) and German Chocolate Cake. Then we went to the movies to see "Book of Eli" and I had popcorn, soda, and cookie dough bites.
I'm back on the bread today and I've modified the drinks to anything to drink... I just don't think I'll make it until Thursday morning without more variety in the drink department.
One of the things I've been feverently praying for is for orphans in Haiti to join their US families. 82 kids from Noah and Samuel's orphanage were united with their families this weekend. It was quite an ordeal and I was thankful to be praying for them... especially Saturday night. I had a hard time sleeping because I drank coffee too late and then Tristan woke up and kept me up the remainder of the night. There was a great need for prayer that night as families waited for their kids to be released into their care, so I'm grateful for the lack of sleep and the extra prayers I got to say.
I continue to pray that we will hear good news about Noah and Samuel's birth family. We've heard nothing. And I continue to pray that people will give money and time (if they are medically specialized). As the news moves away from Haiti, I hope many people will continue to pray. There is so much work to be done and so many people injured badly who still need to be cared for.
If you'd rather donate to a ministry doing medical relief work, please email me at julicason@yahoo.com and I'll gladly share some links to good organizations on the ground in Haiti that need money.
Okay, kids are done with lunch!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Living in Las Vegas
Obviously, Haiti has been on my mind a lot lately. While there is much to talk about with that, and even more to pray for, this post is about Las Vegas and what it's been like so far.
Me and the boys arrived in Las Vegas on December 16th and Chuck arrived on the 17th. We unpacked our belongings into storage and then left for California on the 19th to spend time Christmas with Chuck's family. We got back to Las Vegas on the 26th, so I count our time in Las Vegas from the 26th.
So, with that explanation, we've been here for 4 weeks now.
The beginning was rough for me. I don't do change well. That's exacerbated by the fact that we are in transition here because we've been staying with friends (while waiting for our VA house to be rented). I wanted nothing more than to be in bed with the covers over my head for the first week or so. I didn't know what to do with myself or with the kids. Tristan was having a hey-day exploring the new environment and getting into everything. We've childproofed as best we can, but the floor plan here just leaves lots of area to roam. Everything just seemed so hard in the beginning. I'm slowly adjusting to this new place and getting us into a routine.
Enough about me. Now about Las Vegas. It's pretty here, when you look into the distance. We are surrounded by mountains and after all the rain this week (which was snow at high elevations) they are covered in snow. Absolutely beautiful! Up close, though, is not so pretty. There's almost no grass here, just dirt fields. I love the stucco homes and tile roofs.
Driving is just crazy here. The traffic is not nearly as bad as Hampton Roads, but the drivers are worse. It's just kind of lawless on the highways. For instance, there are express lanes near the Strip and there's a portion of it where you can't get in or get off... but people do all the time. People are not likely to let you into a lane, etc. Just kind of unfriendly. Now, if you know me well, you know I'm a horrible driver. Here I'm in good company.
There are a lot of rocks. Lots of people have completely rock yards. Weird, but I guess it makes sense. The highways have gravel on the sides instead of grass. It just looks so different than what I've seen my whole life.
I've seen some seriously gorgeous sunsets here. The sky turns all sorts of colors as the sun sets. Just beautiful.
Now about the Strip. I'll precede this by saying that I'm not a sheltered person. I've been around the block... but I'm shocked every.single.time I go down there. And honestly, I hope I never stop being shocked. I've been to lots of party cities that have a strip of some sort. In most places there are rules... like no open beverages, for instance. Here anything goes. It is shocking. This place makes 'liberal' college town look conservative. Seriously. Taking the kids down there is nearly impossible. There are some family-friendlier areas, but overall it is just crazy. It's also heartbreaking.
It's also very diverse here. I've seen lots of interracial families. And I love that. People don't stare when I take the kids out. Most people seem to immediately understand that they are mine, that I'm not babysitting them. And they are very accepting of our family.
Lots of neighborhoods are gated and I just don't like it. It seems so limiting and unfriendly. The friends we are staying with live in a gated community and it's my hope that we don't end up in one.
I joined a gym here and have been taking the boys nearly every morning. They have childcare and I'm enjoying some time to myself. Of course the news has been focused on Haiti, so I've spent many mornings at the gym on the treadmill holding back tears. It's interesting to people watch at the gym. Las Vegas seems to be very high maintenance, even at the gym. There's just an overall level of bling here that I'm not used to. As a low maintenance girl, I feel very out of place sometimes.
I'm sure there's more I could say about Las Vegas so far... but that's all for now.
Me and the boys arrived in Las Vegas on December 16th and Chuck arrived on the 17th. We unpacked our belongings into storage and then left for California on the 19th to spend time Christmas with Chuck's family. We got back to Las Vegas on the 26th, so I count our time in Las Vegas from the 26th.
So, with that explanation, we've been here for 4 weeks now.
The beginning was rough for me. I don't do change well. That's exacerbated by the fact that we are in transition here because we've been staying with friends (while waiting for our VA house to be rented). I wanted nothing more than to be in bed with the covers over my head for the first week or so. I didn't know what to do with myself or with the kids. Tristan was having a hey-day exploring the new environment and getting into everything. We've childproofed as best we can, but the floor plan here just leaves lots of area to roam. Everything just seemed so hard in the beginning. I'm slowly adjusting to this new place and getting us into a routine.
Enough about me. Now about Las Vegas. It's pretty here, when you look into the distance. We are surrounded by mountains and after all the rain this week (which was snow at high elevations) they are covered in snow. Absolutely beautiful! Up close, though, is not so pretty. There's almost no grass here, just dirt fields. I love the stucco homes and tile roofs.
Driving is just crazy here. The traffic is not nearly as bad as Hampton Roads, but the drivers are worse. It's just kind of lawless on the highways. For instance, there are express lanes near the Strip and there's a portion of it where you can't get in or get off... but people do all the time. People are not likely to let you into a lane, etc. Just kind of unfriendly. Now, if you know me well, you know I'm a horrible driver. Here I'm in good company.
There are a lot of rocks. Lots of people have completely rock yards. Weird, but I guess it makes sense. The highways have gravel on the sides instead of grass. It just looks so different than what I've seen my whole life.
I've seen some seriously gorgeous sunsets here. The sky turns all sorts of colors as the sun sets. Just beautiful.
Now about the Strip. I'll precede this by saying that I'm not a sheltered person. I've been around the block... but I'm shocked every.single.time I go down there. And honestly, I hope I never stop being shocked. I've been to lots of party cities that have a strip of some sort. In most places there are rules... like no open beverages, for instance. Here anything goes. It is shocking. This place makes 'liberal' college town look conservative. Seriously. Taking the kids down there is nearly impossible. There are some family-friendlier areas, but overall it is just crazy. It's also heartbreaking.
It's also very diverse here. I've seen lots of interracial families. And I love that. People don't stare when I take the kids out. Most people seem to immediately understand that they are mine, that I'm not babysitting them. And they are very accepting of our family.
Lots of neighborhoods are gated and I just don't like it. It seems so limiting and unfriendly. The friends we are staying with live in a gated community and it's my hope that we don't end up in one.
I joined a gym here and have been taking the boys nearly every morning. They have childcare and I'm enjoying some time to myself. Of course the news has been focused on Haiti, so I've spent many mornings at the gym on the treadmill holding back tears. It's interesting to people watch at the gym. Las Vegas seems to be very high maintenance, even at the gym. There's just an overall level of bling here that I'm not used to. As a low maintenance girl, I feel very out of place sometimes.
I'm sure there's more I could say about Las Vegas so far... but that's all for now.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Our Old House
I got good news today... our house in Virginia has been rented!
We had hoped to sell it, but with the dwindling economy and the fact that we've only owned it for 2 years, that wasn't likely. We listed it for rent in mid-December and after lowering the rent we were able to get some tenants.
There are two unfortunate things about this... 1) The monthly rent payment is less than what we pay for our mortgage and 2) Our tenants won't be moving in until mid-February. It will be rented at a $240 deficit monthly, but at least the majority of the mortgage is covered. I'm so thankful for that.
It's an older house so hopefully nothing big breaks down (you know, like heat or AC).
I'm just very thankful that we were able to get it rented.
And now we can begin to look for something to rent here in Las Vegas. If you know of anything in South or Southwest Las Vegas, let me know!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Going Hungry for Haiti - Please Give
This is a photo of us with the boys' birthfater. We still don't know if he and his older children are okay.
Noah and Samuel were 18 months old in this picture.
Since I learned of the earthquake in Haiti, I’ve wanted to do something. The question is "what?" I don’t have much money to give and I’m not a medical professional, which is who they need to come and help.
The obvious answer to what I can do is that I can pray. And I have. But, quite honestly, I’ve disappointed myself with my lack of prayer. A few hours will go by and I’ll realize that I haven’t thought of Haiti.
A friend of my sister, who really has no connection to Haiti, has decided to fast for a week, drinking water and eating bread, with the hope of raising $1000 for Haiti. I was so inspired by his idea that I’ve decided that I, too, will fast for Haiti.
Today marks a special day for our family. Four years ago today we received the referral for Noah and Samuel. They were just 10 weeks old at that time. Today they are lively 4 year olds and are such a blessing to us daily.
Beginning tomorrow, I’ve decided to fast for 8 days, drinking water and coffee and eating only bread. I decided to fast one day for each year of the boys’ lives (times 2, of course!). And, ironically, I’ve visited Haiti 8 times.
My goal as I fast is first and foremost to draw close to God in prayer for the people of Haiti. We still don’t know the fate of Noah and Samuel’s birthfather and siblings. The people who are there helping also need a tremendous amount of prayer as they help the hurting. I will also be praying that the countless orphans will be evacuated to thier waiting families. This will not be an easy fast for me. I like to eat! Plus, I feed my kids their meals and I cook dinner every night. As I struggle to not eat, I know that I will be thinking of Haiti more often and I’ll be able to pray for those there.
In addition, it’s my hope to raise money for the orphanage that Noah and Samuel lived in, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, which works stateside with For His Glory Outreach. They have over 120 children that they care for and as we move forward from this tragedy, countless new orphaned children will come through their doors. In addition to caring for orphans, For His Glory is an outreach ministry to the birth families, employees of the orphanage, and the general public surrounding the orphanage. They will have quite an opportunity to reach out to hurting Haitian people.
Finally, I also hope that through my fast, God will move in the hearts of doctors and nurses to volunteer their time on the ground in Haiti. Medical professionals are desperately needed on the ground in Haiti. People are dying senselessly because they can’t get medical care. I just watched a report by Anderson Cooper about preventable deaths – simple infections that are killing people because they just can’t get the medical care that they need.
I ask that if you give or if you or someone you know makes the decision to go and help in Haiti, please let me know. It would be such an encouragement to me as I fast. I of course ask that you pray for Haiti, for the Haitians and for the people there helping. And I ask that you send up a brief prayer for me… that I’ll be able to fast and pray for Haiti as I desire.
The obvious answer to what I can do is that I can pray. And I have. But, quite honestly, I’ve disappointed myself with my lack of prayer. A few hours will go by and I’ll realize that I haven’t thought of Haiti.
A friend of my sister, who really has no connection to Haiti, has decided to fast for a week, drinking water and eating bread, with the hope of raising $1000 for Haiti. I was so inspired by his idea that I’ve decided that I, too, will fast for Haiti.
Today marks a special day for our family. Four years ago today we received the referral for Noah and Samuel. They were just 10 weeks old at that time. Today they are lively 4 year olds and are such a blessing to us daily.
Beginning tomorrow, I’ve decided to fast for 8 days, drinking water and coffee and eating only bread. I decided to fast one day for each year of the boys’ lives (times 2, of course!). And, ironically, I’ve visited Haiti 8 times.
My goal as I fast is first and foremost to draw close to God in prayer for the people of Haiti. We still don’t know the fate of Noah and Samuel’s birthfather and siblings. The people who are there helping also need a tremendous amount of prayer as they help the hurting. I will also be praying that the countless orphans will be evacuated to thier waiting families. This will not be an easy fast for me. I like to eat! Plus, I feed my kids their meals and I cook dinner every night. As I struggle to not eat, I know that I will be thinking of Haiti more often and I’ll be able to pray for those there.
In addition, it’s my hope to raise money for the orphanage that Noah and Samuel lived in, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, which works stateside with For His Glory Outreach. They have over 120 children that they care for and as we move forward from this tragedy, countless new orphaned children will come through their doors. In addition to caring for orphans, For His Glory is an outreach ministry to the birth families, employees of the orphanage, and the general public surrounding the orphanage. They will have quite an opportunity to reach out to hurting Haitian people.
Finally, I also hope that through my fast, God will move in the hearts of doctors and nurses to volunteer their time on the ground in Haiti. Medical professionals are desperately needed on the ground in Haiti. People are dying senselessly because they can’t get medical care. I just watched a report by Anderson Cooper about preventable deaths – simple infections that are killing people because they just can’t get the medical care that they need.
I ask that if you give or if you or someone you know makes the decision to go and help in Haiti, please let me know. It would be such an encouragement to me as I fast. I of course ask that you pray for Haiti, for the Haitians and for the people there helping. And I ask that you send up a brief prayer for me… that I’ll be able to fast and pray for Haiti as I desire.
*Please feel free to link this post on your blog. We serve a mighty God and I'm hoping people will be inspired to give as I fast.*
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Plea for Prayer
It's hard to fathom the reality of what's going on in Haiti. In fact, when I initially heard the news, I was concerned but had no idea how grave it was.
Then the news started trickling in. Haiti has been front page news every day this week in Las Vegas. I went to the gym twice this week and watched CNN for long stretches. I began reading blogs of missionaries in Haiti who are on the ground there experiencing the horror. And it became more and more real.
But tonight I was broken by it all. Tonight I saw pictures taken from the orphanage Noah and Samuel lived at for 31 months of their lives. And I honestly feel like I can't quite breathe.
The wall surrounding the orphanage is down... which means that thieves and such have easy access to the supplies of the orphanage and the children. I've also read that the main prison had 4600 inmates escape. 3 years ago kidnappings were a daily occurence and many of those thugs were locked up. None of them are locked up anymore.
Reality has sunk in deep tonight. My heart is completely broken. I've not prayed without ceasing since I learned of the earthquake, but I believe I will now. Seeing pictures of kids I know with stuff under their noses to mask the smell of death... how do I reconcile that? Knowing that they are quickly running out of supplies... water, coal for cooking, medicine, food, iv fluids for a sick child. Lord, please help them!
I know I'm preaching to the choir. Most people who read this love Haiti as much as I do. But, I ask that you please, please, please pray for Haiti. And if you can give, do so generously. I'll be happy to recommend some reputable ministries in Haiti where your money will 100% go to helping those in need. Just leave me a comment or email me for info.
The number one request I've heard from people on the ground in Haiti is that we pray. And really, it's the least we can do.
Link to pictures: http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/earthquake_relief
Then the news started trickling in. Haiti has been front page news every day this week in Las Vegas. I went to the gym twice this week and watched CNN for long stretches. I began reading blogs of missionaries in Haiti who are on the ground there experiencing the horror. And it became more and more real.
But tonight I was broken by it all. Tonight I saw pictures taken from the orphanage Noah and Samuel lived at for 31 months of their lives. And I honestly feel like I can't quite breathe.
The wall surrounding the orphanage is down... which means that thieves and such have easy access to the supplies of the orphanage and the children. I've also read that the main prison had 4600 inmates escape. 3 years ago kidnappings were a daily occurence and many of those thugs were locked up. None of them are locked up anymore.
Reality has sunk in deep tonight. My heart is completely broken. I've not prayed without ceasing since I learned of the earthquake, but I believe I will now. Seeing pictures of kids I know with stuff under their noses to mask the smell of death... how do I reconcile that? Knowing that they are quickly running out of supplies... water, coal for cooking, medicine, food, iv fluids for a sick child. Lord, please help them!
I know I'm preaching to the choir. Most people who read this love Haiti as much as I do. But, I ask that you please, please, please pray for Haiti. And if you can give, do so generously. I'll be happy to recommend some reputable ministries in Haiti where your money will 100% go to helping those in need. Just leave me a comment or email me for info.
The number one request I've heard from people on the ground in Haiti is that we pray. And really, it's the least we can do.
Link to pictures: http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/earthquake_relief
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Heartbroken for Haiti
Yesterday's severe earthquake just outside of Port au Prince has left me feeling heartbroken and helpless for Haiti yet again.
I can't imagine the devastation there or how the people are feeling and surviving through this. The shock, the grief, the disbelief, and the reality.
I think of adoptive families in process and weep, knowing that their adoptions have hit yet another unplanned hurdle.
Life in Haiti is hard enough without another catastrophic national disaster.
Lord, please help them.
I can't imagine the devastation there or how the people are feeling and surviving through this. The shock, the grief, the disbelief, and the reality.
I think of adoptive families in process and weep, knowing that their adoptions have hit yet another unplanned hurdle.
Life in Haiti is hard enough without another catastrophic national disaster.
Lord, please help them.
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