Thursday, August 30, 2007
A Note About the Clothes
My mom and my sisters have made it their personal mission in life to keep our boys well dressed. I've seriously only bought a few outfits for them. My family has spent a fortune on clothes (yes, mostly on sale, but still...). Anyway, I say all that to remind you that my luggage didn't make it to Haiti until 15 minutes before I returned the boys to the orphanage. That is why they aren't looking as snazzily dressed as normal. Someone gave me two tank tops and another person gave me the outfits you see them wearing in most of the pictures. That was all I had in the way of clothing for them. We survived, but I hope I never experience that again!
Happier Things - Pictures!!
Samuel had a fever, so they wrapped a wet cloth around his head. I had to get a picture of it!
Samuel, caught off guard. So innocent! 
Noah posing for a picture, but forgetting to smile.
Samuel's now famous, "Whatchu talkin' bout Willis?" look.
There ya go, Noah! Pose and smile for the picture!
Okay, getting both kids in the same picture ANDlooking at the camera is a big deal. Too bad they didn't smile.
Noah striking a pose.
Okay, both boys in the same picture, looking at
Noah striking a pose.
Okay, both boys in the same picture, looking at the camera AND smiling. Way to go Mom!
Noah having some fun!
Samuel looking like he wants to say, "I know
Samuel sleeping.
The boys belly to belly. Do you see how big
Noah having some fun!
Samuel looking like he wants to say, "I know what you're up to."
Samuel sleeping.
The boys belly to belly. Do you see how big those bellies are?? That is not a good thing.
Their bellies did go down some while I had them.
Monday, August 27, 2007
No Recommendations
I'm under the impression that most people who read this blog know me. However, since I can't know for sure, I feel it necessary to post this.
I can make no recommendations for good orphanages in Haiti. Well, actually I would totally recommend God's Littlest Angels if you are okay with not being able to visit your children. Other than that, I have no experience with other orphanages other than the one my boys are in and I DO NOT recommend it.
I've really battled with whether I should post this or not, but if you have read my whole blog you have heard me sing praises about the orphanage my boys are in. Now I weep tears over it.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned the name of our orphanage on this blog, and I'm not willing to go back and search through the posts to find out. I've always tried to keep where the boys are kind of vague because I don't trust the intentions of all people on the worldwide web. If you are reading this and you are someone at the beginning stages of a Haitian adoption, I am more than willing to email privately with you and disclose the name of the orphanage. I will not post it publicly; although I'd like to.
For those of you who know me, I can't post details, but our adoption process and our boys could use some serious prayers. Chuck and I could use prayers for God's perfect leading and guidance.
Thanks everyone.
I can make no recommendations for good orphanages in Haiti. Well, actually I would totally recommend God's Littlest Angels if you are okay with not being able to visit your children. Other than that, I have no experience with other orphanages other than the one my boys are in and I DO NOT recommend it.
I've really battled with whether I should post this or not, but if you have read my whole blog you have heard me sing praises about the orphanage my boys are in. Now I weep tears over it.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned the name of our orphanage on this blog, and I'm not willing to go back and search through the posts to find out. I've always tried to keep where the boys are kind of vague because I don't trust the intentions of all people on the worldwide web. If you are reading this and you are someone at the beginning stages of a Haitian adoption, I am more than willing to email privately with you and disclose the name of the orphanage. I will not post it publicly; although I'd like to.
For those of you who know me, I can't post details, but our adoption process and our boys could use some serious prayers. Chuck and I could use prayers for God's perfect leading and guidance.
Thanks everyone.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
My Trip to Haiti
I was in Haiti last week, Monday through Friday. I went down with a group from our orphanage. It was a really quick trip. I didn't get into Haiti until late afternoon on Monday and left first thing Friday morning.
It was a challenging trip for me because I didn't get my luggage until Thursday afternoon. It just so happened that I had packed my clothing and four baby toys in my carry on bag. I had NOTHING for the boys. No diapers, no clothing, no meds, nothing. It was tough, but it was a huge lesson in how God provides. The people on my team really rallied around me and shared their resources. It was so completely humbling. I was given diapers, wipes, medicine, clothing, and even a sippy cup. God truly does provide. I have had dreams where I go to Haiti last minute and forget to pack, so the luggage thing was truly a nightmare come true. I'm an ultra-prepared person. I'm the one you come to for Motrin when you have a headache. Chuck makes fun of me because I usually leave the house with at least one bag in tow. But I survived and I'm alive to blog about it!
The boys are great. They were delivered to the hotel after dark on Monday night. They were a little dazed and confused when they arrived, probably because they had been asleep. They both had a nasty cough and runny noses. We had dinner and went to bed.
This first night was rough. My roommate, Courtney, and her two girls and me and the boys were in a really small room. We had a full size bed. We were able to get a twin mattress as well. So, me and the boys slept on the mattress on the floor and Courtney and her girls slept on the bed. We were totally cramped. I didn't sleep much because I was hearing every little noise.
Tuesday we spent the day at the orphanage. I spent a lot of time holding and playing with babies. After a late lunch we went back to the hotel. Courtney and the girls went swimming and the boys and I rested in the hotel room. Noah napped, but Samuel never went to sleep. He did lay quietly next to his brother and rest, but never fell asleep. We had dinner with the group that night - the boys and I shared Creole Chicken. We ended up sharing the same fork, which is probably why I've been sick. The boys coughed a lot that night. Luckily Courtney had medicine. It was not a very restful night for me.
Wednesday we were planning to stay at the hotel and just hang out with our kids. However, when I woke up I knew the boys needed medicine that we didn't have. At breakfast it was suggested that I go with the work team to the orphanage so that the boys could be looked at by the nurse. I went to the orphanage with 3 guys from our team and the boys got medicine. Much to our surprise, the boys' birth father was there at the orphanage. We were able to visit with him for quite some time with a translator. It was really nice. He held Samuel for most of the time. Noah won't let him hold him. He's been that way the last two times we saw their birth father. He cries if we try to hand him over. It must be so hard for the boys' birth father, but I'm glad he sees that Noah desires to be held by me. I hope that gives him peace about putting the boys up for adoption. After our visit I returned to the hotel and we hung out in our room the rest of the afternoon with Courtney and the girls. It was a nice, relaxing time. The boys took a good long nap. Courtney and I got to chat a lot. She's an amazing person. She has 7 kids and is adopting two more. And she's younger than me!! I was so blessed to have her as my roommate. She was such an encouragement to me. We had dinner that evening with the group and then headed back to our room. After our kids were asleep we took turns going to check email.
Thursday was an excursion day to Fort Jacques and the Baptist Mission. I wasn't planning to go, but at breakfast I was encouraged to go. Someone lent me a stroller and another person offered me a sling. I was so glad I went. I love to get out and see Haiti while I'm there. It was challenging getting around with the boys at Fort Jacques, but I had people helping me. We enjoyed having lunch at the Baptist Mission, but I didn't shop. There were just too many breakables and I wasn't comfortable walking around with the boys. We drove back to the hotel and learned that my luggage was finally available. Someone went to get it and I cheered when they rolled the bags to my room. I had just enough time to sort donations and gifts for peoples' kids before we headed back to the orphanage to return our children.
As we drove down the bumpy road to the orphanage I held the boys close and thought of the irony of the drive. When I get to Haiti I can't get to the orphanage fast enough. But when it's time to leave, the drive there couldn't be long enough. We got to the orphanage and had a little over an hour to spend with our kids. It was just Courtney and I, as the rest of the team was leaving the day after us. I delivered my donations to the office and gave gifts to some kids from their parents and got pictures. Then I spent time with my boys. Samuel was running a fever so they gave him some medicine and wrapped a wet cloth aroung his head. He looked so funny! I hung out with the boys on a couch and then fed them before it was time to go. I hadn't finished feeding them when it was time to go, so I brough their food to the nannies. They finished feeding Noah before I left, so I had to actually place him in a nannies arms. He screamed and cried for me. It was horrible. Samuel was eating, so he was distracted and didn't realize I was leaving. Oh, how I hate to leave them there. It is gut-wrenching. No mom should have to do that repeatedly. That's the fourth time I've had to say goodbye. It gets harder, not easier. Courtney and I cried and held each other on the way back to the hotel. We got to our room and quietly began packing. We knew it was time to go up to dinner, but we weren't ready to face the other families who still had their children. Finally they called us to tell us our dinner was getting cold and we went up to dinner. I couldn't eat. And if you know me, you know that's not usually a problem for me. Courtney and I shared our testimonies with the group. I shared about how hard it is to leave the boys and how it gets harder each time I do it. I told them that I suspect God is breaking my heart each time because it's out of that utter brokenness that we are better able to do His work. I guess I needed a lot of breaking. We stayed up late that night, talking with others and catching up on email. We took advantage of not having our kids with us. Finally, at about 11 I returned to the room to finish packing and go to bed.
Friday morning we woke up bright and early and headed to the aiport. We got checked in with no problems and our flight was thankfully on time. Courtney and I said goodbye in Ft. Lauderdale, as she lives not far from there. I flew home later that day and my luggage made it.
On Thursday night I began to lose my voice. Friday morning I felt horrible, but God sustained me through the long day of travel and through a BBQ the next afternoon. After that I crashed. I have been pretty sick all week long, and I'm not 100% yet. Nights are the worst because that's when the coughing begins. I saw a Dr. on Tuesday and learned that this is just a nasty upper respiratory infection. I've never been sick for this many days in a row before. I finally got out of the house today, and that was nice.
I took a lot of pictures, and hopefully I will add some to the blog soon. I do have a Snapfish Album that I can share if you're interested. Just shoot me an email at ittybitties@msn.com for the link.
It was a challenging trip for me because I didn't get my luggage until Thursday afternoon. It just so happened that I had packed my clothing and four baby toys in my carry on bag. I had NOTHING for the boys. No diapers, no clothing, no meds, nothing. It was tough, but it was a huge lesson in how God provides. The people on my team really rallied around me and shared their resources. It was so completely humbling. I was given diapers, wipes, medicine, clothing, and even a sippy cup. God truly does provide. I have had dreams where I go to Haiti last minute and forget to pack, so the luggage thing was truly a nightmare come true. I'm an ultra-prepared person. I'm the one you come to for Motrin when you have a headache. Chuck makes fun of me because I usually leave the house with at least one bag in tow. But I survived and I'm alive to blog about it!
The boys are great. They were delivered to the hotel after dark on Monday night. They were a little dazed and confused when they arrived, probably because they had been asleep. They both had a nasty cough and runny noses. We had dinner and went to bed.
This first night was rough. My roommate, Courtney, and her two girls and me and the boys were in a really small room. We had a full size bed. We were able to get a twin mattress as well. So, me and the boys slept on the mattress on the floor and Courtney and her girls slept on the bed. We were totally cramped. I didn't sleep much because I was hearing every little noise.
Tuesday we spent the day at the orphanage. I spent a lot of time holding and playing with babies. After a late lunch we went back to the hotel. Courtney and the girls went swimming and the boys and I rested in the hotel room. Noah napped, but Samuel never went to sleep. He did lay quietly next to his brother and rest, but never fell asleep. We had dinner with the group that night - the boys and I shared Creole Chicken. We ended up sharing the same fork, which is probably why I've been sick. The boys coughed a lot that night. Luckily Courtney had medicine. It was not a very restful night for me.
Wednesday we were planning to stay at the hotel and just hang out with our kids. However, when I woke up I knew the boys needed medicine that we didn't have. At breakfast it was suggested that I go with the work team to the orphanage so that the boys could be looked at by the nurse. I went to the orphanage with 3 guys from our team and the boys got medicine. Much to our surprise, the boys' birth father was there at the orphanage. We were able to visit with him for quite some time with a translator. It was really nice. He held Samuel for most of the time. Noah won't let him hold him. He's been that way the last two times we saw their birth father. He cries if we try to hand him over. It must be so hard for the boys' birth father, but I'm glad he sees that Noah desires to be held by me. I hope that gives him peace about putting the boys up for adoption. After our visit I returned to the hotel and we hung out in our room the rest of the afternoon with Courtney and the girls. It was a nice, relaxing time. The boys took a good long nap. Courtney and I got to chat a lot. She's an amazing person. She has 7 kids and is adopting two more. And she's younger than me!! I was so blessed to have her as my roommate. She was such an encouragement to me. We had dinner that evening with the group and then headed back to our room. After our kids were asleep we took turns going to check email.
Thursday was an excursion day to Fort Jacques and the Baptist Mission. I wasn't planning to go, but at breakfast I was encouraged to go. Someone lent me a stroller and another person offered me a sling. I was so glad I went. I love to get out and see Haiti while I'm there. It was challenging getting around with the boys at Fort Jacques, but I had people helping me. We enjoyed having lunch at the Baptist Mission, but I didn't shop. There were just too many breakables and I wasn't comfortable walking around with the boys. We drove back to the hotel and learned that my luggage was finally available. Someone went to get it and I cheered when they rolled the bags to my room. I had just enough time to sort donations and gifts for peoples' kids before we headed back to the orphanage to return our children.
As we drove down the bumpy road to the orphanage I held the boys close and thought of the irony of the drive. When I get to Haiti I can't get to the orphanage fast enough. But when it's time to leave, the drive there couldn't be long enough. We got to the orphanage and had a little over an hour to spend with our kids. It was just Courtney and I, as the rest of the team was leaving the day after us. I delivered my donations to the office and gave gifts to some kids from their parents and got pictures. Then I spent time with my boys. Samuel was running a fever so they gave him some medicine and wrapped a wet cloth aroung his head. He looked so funny! I hung out with the boys on a couch and then fed them before it was time to go. I hadn't finished feeding them when it was time to go, so I brough their food to the nannies. They finished feeding Noah before I left, so I had to actually place him in a nannies arms. He screamed and cried for me. It was horrible. Samuel was eating, so he was distracted and didn't realize I was leaving. Oh, how I hate to leave them there. It is gut-wrenching. No mom should have to do that repeatedly. That's the fourth time I've had to say goodbye. It gets harder, not easier. Courtney and I cried and held each other on the way back to the hotel. We got to our room and quietly began packing. We knew it was time to go up to dinner, but we weren't ready to face the other families who still had their children. Finally they called us to tell us our dinner was getting cold and we went up to dinner. I couldn't eat. And if you know me, you know that's not usually a problem for me. Courtney and I shared our testimonies with the group. I shared about how hard it is to leave the boys and how it gets harder each time I do it. I told them that I suspect God is breaking my heart each time because it's out of that utter brokenness that we are better able to do His work. I guess I needed a lot of breaking. We stayed up late that night, talking with others and catching up on email. We took advantage of not having our kids with us. Finally, at about 11 I returned to the room to finish packing and go to bed.
Friday morning we woke up bright and early and headed to the aiport. We got checked in with no problems and our flight was thankfully on time. Courtney and I said goodbye in Ft. Lauderdale, as she lives not far from there. I flew home later that day and my luggage made it.
On Thursday night I began to lose my voice. Friday morning I felt horrible, but God sustained me through the long day of travel and through a BBQ the next afternoon. After that I crashed. I have been pretty sick all week long, and I'm not 100% yet. Nights are the worst because that's when the coughing begins. I saw a Dr. on Tuesday and learned that this is just a nasty upper respiratory infection. I've never been sick for this many days in a row before. I finally got out of the house today, and that was nice.
I took a lot of pictures, and hopefully I will add some to the blog soon. I do have a Snapfish Album that I can share if you're interested. Just shoot me an email at ittybitties@msn.com for the link.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sorry I'm So Quiet
Sorry I'm so quiet on here. I'm still really sick and I don't have much energy to do anything. I'll post again when I can.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Haiti Weather Update
I just heard that everyone is okay in Haiti! They really didn't get much rain or wind. That is incredible when you consider the size of the storm that passed just south of them. My mommy heart can rest now. Thank You, Lord, for sparing Haiti!
Jamaica is a different story...Hurricane Dean is passing a lot closer to that tiny island. Please keep Jamaica in your prayers.
Jamaica is a different story...Hurricane Dean is passing a lot closer to that tiny island. Please keep Jamaica in your prayers.
Haiti Hurricane News
This is some information I just found on the web. I still haven't heard from our orphanage, but more than likely power is out.
Haiti was spared the brunt of Dean's force with no major flooding or mudslides and only a few homes damaged by winds as the storm's eye stayed well south of Hispaniola -- the island that includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. (Posted 11:42 a.m.)
That is good news. I'll feel a whole lot better once I hear from our orphanage directly.
Thanks for your prayers.
Haiti was spared the brunt of Dean's force with no major flooding or mudslides and only a few homes damaged by winds as the storm's eye stayed well south of Hispaniola -- the island that includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. (Posted 11:42 a.m.)
That is good news. I'll feel a whole lot better once I hear from our orphanage directly.
Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Sick & Prayers for Haiti
Chuck and I are quite the pair this evening. We are pretty sick. I have an upper respiratory thing going on (I didn't know lungs could hurt...) and Chuck has the flu. Usually I just push myself when I'm sick, but I seriously can barely get out of bed.
In other news: Haiti is being hit by a strong hurricane right now. Please keep our boys and everyone we know and love in Haiti in prayer. I'll update the blog when I hear how the orphanage faired.
In other news: Haiti is being hit by a strong hurricane right now. Please keep our boys and everyone we know and love in Haiti in prayer. I'll update the blog when I hear how the orphanage faired.
Friday, August 17, 2007
What A Week!
Wow, what a week I've had! I'll post about it when I can. Please, no questions in the comments. I promise to share when I'm able to. I am home and can be reached through email or on the phone if you just can't wait. Love, Juli
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Stuck
I got some news about our adoption this morning. Yesterday I emailed our Director and Adoption Coordinator asking for an explanation of why our paperwork hasn't moved on to the next step. I wasn't doing so in an accusatory manner, rather I just needed to understand what was happening and why we weren't moving on.
I learned that our dossier (adoption paperwork) is stuck. We have all the proper approval, but for some reason it's stuck with other dossiers waiting for approval in the Parquet office. Our Director spoke with a Parquet attorney about our dossier and explained that we already have approval.
Please join us in praying that it will be released next week. We have some very expensive immigration paperwork that expires next month and we really don't want to have to refile it. Plus our boys just need to come home. It's been long enough. Too long.
I learned that our dossier (adoption paperwork) is stuck. We have all the proper approval, but for some reason it's stuck with other dossiers waiting for approval in the Parquet office. Our Director spoke with a Parquet attorney about our dossier and explained that we already have approval.
Please join us in praying that it will be released next week. We have some very expensive immigration paperwork that expires next month and we really don't want to have to refile it. Plus our boys just need to come home. It's been long enough. Too long.
Friday, August 10, 2007
No News
I've had a lot of questions about the showings on Wednesday, so I thought I'd give an update. We haven't heard anything. Our agent is out of town this week, but he is available by phone (he scheduled our Wednesday showings while out of town). I'm thinking he'd know it and call us if someone made an offer. But maybe I'm wrong. We know that the first showing happened because they got here 15 minutes early; just as we were walking out the door. The cool thing about them is that they had a baby with them. The boys' room is painted like a nursery and it breaks Chuck's heart that all the blood, sweat, and tears that he put into it might be wasted. He really wants a family with a baby to move in.
We have a few "maybe" houses that we may look at on Sunday. We were looking all over the "desired city," but now we've decided there are only a few areas we want to be in that city. It all has to do with major waterways. Traffic around here is awful, mainly because of all the draw bridges and tunnels (and the fact that this is an overpoplulated area). We've decided that we want to be on the other side of the major waterways than we currently are. That really limits where we can live in that city and we must be within that city. We've also altered our house criteria. We went from at least 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths to 3 bedrooms 1 bath IF AND ONLY IF the home is at least 1200 sq ft and has the potential to add at least a 1/2 bath (see, I'm not asking for a great big house). If I've learned anything living in our current house for the last 3 years it's that 2 toilets are far better than one. I've also learned that houses and appliances break and you better be prepared for that, but the two toilet thing is a big deal to me. We have friends who have 3.5 baths in their great big condo and I always get bathroom envy while I'm there. It's not the 3 stories or the great loft or the big screen tv that causes me to sin, it's the bathrooms that drive my envy.
So, that's what's new in the house department. I won't blog again until I have news either on the house situation or the adoption.
We have a few "maybe" houses that we may look at on Sunday. We were looking all over the "desired city," but now we've decided there are only a few areas we want to be in that city. It all has to do with major waterways. Traffic around here is awful, mainly because of all the draw bridges and tunnels (and the fact that this is an overpoplulated area). We've decided that we want to be on the other side of the major waterways than we currently are. That really limits where we can live in that city and we must be within that city. We've also altered our house criteria. We went from at least 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths to 3 bedrooms 1 bath IF AND ONLY IF the home is at least 1200 sq ft and has the potential to add at least a 1/2 bath (see, I'm not asking for a great big house). If I've learned anything living in our current house for the last 3 years it's that 2 toilets are far better than one. I've also learned that houses and appliances break and you better be prepared for that, but the two toilet thing is a big deal to me. We have friends who have 3.5 baths in their great big condo and I always get bathroom envy while I'm there. It's not the 3 stories or the great loft or the big screen tv that causes me to sin, it's the bathrooms that drive my envy.
So, that's what's new in the house department. I won't blog again until I have news either on the house situation or the adoption.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
More Good News
We have another showing between 7 & 7:30. Yippee! We are working on dessert with friends later or at a restaurant. I guess God had other plans when I decided today isn't a good day for showings!
Bad News, Good News
The bad news is that last night Chuck noticed that the rug in front of the dishwasher was soaked. Not good. Luckily it wasn't the dishwasher. It was the refrigerator. Not good. On Friday we had the ice maker repaired. When I pushed the fridge back in place I had a thought about the water line and wondered if I could hurt it when pushing the fridge in. We learned last night that, yes, you can hurt the water line. I guess I put a very small hole in it. So, for 4 1/2 days there has been water leaking under the fridge and dishwasher. We don't know the extent of the damage because Chuck hasn't been under the house yet. We are praying it's not serious. Replacing the floor in that area isn't something we really want to have to do.
This morning I woke up thinking that today would not be a good day to show the house. The rug is all pulled up (it's an 8 x 10 rug) in front of the dishwasher so that it can dry out. We have company coming over at 7 for dessert, and it's going to be a killer hot day and our house doesn't stay super cool on killer hot days because the air conditioner is made for a slightly smaller house (we are 1080 sq ft and it's made for 1000).
The good news is that I had to laugh when our real estate agent called this morning to tell me that someone wants to look at the house this evening! The rug can dry out and be put back by then, dessert will be pushed back to accomodate the showing at 6:40, and I'm praying that the air conditioner keeps up. I shaded it with our patio table umbrella, which helps.
If you think of us between 6:30 and 7 tonight, please pray for God's will in the showing of our home. This is the first one, and the market has slowed around here, so it would be a total blessing if this is the person to buy it.
This morning I woke up thinking that today would not be a good day to show the house. The rug is all pulled up (it's an 8 x 10 rug) in front of the dishwasher so that it can dry out. We have company coming over at 7 for dessert, and it's going to be a killer hot day and our house doesn't stay super cool on killer hot days because the air conditioner is made for a slightly smaller house (we are 1080 sq ft and it's made for 1000).
The good news is that I had to laugh when our real estate agent called this morning to tell me that someone wants to look at the house this evening! The rug can dry out and be put back by then, dessert will be pushed back to accomodate the showing at 6:40, and I'm praying that the air conditioner keeps up. I shaded it with our patio table umbrella, which helps.
If you think of us between 6:30 and 7 tonight, please pray for God's will in the showing of our home. This is the first one, and the market has slowed around here, so it would be a total blessing if this is the person to buy it.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Adoption Update
Well, the update is...that there is no update. I used the title to lure you in so I can ask you to pray. I know; I have no pride. But it worked, didn't it?
We've been waiting over 5 weeks now for someone to finish "reviewing" our file before it can be submitted for 2nd Legalization. I'm having one of those days where I'm on the verge of tears. I'm pretty adoption weary today. My heart aches to hold my boys in my arms in this country. We have had to wait longer than projected in almost all the steps of our adoption. And the place that our file sits isn't even technically a step. I know, I'm whining and I'm sorry. I'm just having a hard time choking it down today. My prayer has been that our paperwork has been submitted to 2nd Legalization and that they just forgot to tell me.
If you have a few minutes, please pray for our adoption process.
Thanks.
We've been waiting over 5 weeks now for someone to finish "reviewing" our file before it can be submitted for 2nd Legalization. I'm having one of those days where I'm on the verge of tears. I'm pretty adoption weary today. My heart aches to hold my boys in my arms in this country. We have had to wait longer than projected in almost all the steps of our adoption. And the place that our file sits isn't even technically a step. I know, I'm whining and I'm sorry. I'm just having a hard time choking it down today. My prayer has been that our paperwork has been submitted to 2nd Legalization and that they just forgot to tell me.
If you have a few minutes, please pray for our adoption process.
Thanks.
Friday, August 03, 2007
It's Gone
The house, that is. Not ours, but the one we fell in love with. Wednesday morning I gave it to God and last night the owners confirmed that they accepted another contract. Bummer! My heart is a little broken over it. But, as Chuck reminded me, God has never let us down. I don't know how He's going to do it, but I believe He's got something better planned for us. I would just like to know what it is. Now. :)
Now on to other news. Tomorrow we are going to the outlet mall to hopefully get Chuck a pair of Vans. He's been out of the Coast Guard a few months and has pretty much exclusively worn sandals. His feet are killing him. We tossed around the idea of getting him some tennis shoes, but he looks weird in tennis shoes. It's really awkward to look at. We've tried. So, after much thought and prayer, Chuck has determined that Vans are the shoes for him. We are hoping for mad sales.
No one has looked at our house yet. That bums me out a bit. But, tomorrow is Saturday so maybe some people will look this weekend. We've been looking at houses online. We found one that we really like, but it's a condo and we aren't down with condo fees. There are about 6 houses we'd like to look at, but none of them are really screaming, "I'm the one!" Maybe the house God has for us isn't for sale yet.
Now on to other news. Tomorrow we are going to the outlet mall to hopefully get Chuck a pair of Vans. He's been out of the Coast Guard a few months and has pretty much exclusively worn sandals. His feet are killing him. We tossed around the idea of getting him some tennis shoes, but he looks weird in tennis shoes. It's really awkward to look at. We've tried. So, after much thought and prayer, Chuck has determined that Vans are the shoes for him. We are hoping for mad sales.
No one has looked at our house yet. That bums me out a bit. But, tomorrow is Saturday so maybe some people will look this weekend. We've been looking at houses online. We found one that we really like, but it's a condo and we aren't down with condo fees. There are about 6 houses we'd like to look at, but none of them are really screaming, "I'm the one!" Maybe the house God has for us isn't for sale yet.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
For Sale
Well, the house is officially for sale; the sign is in the yard. My house has never been more clean! I'm still working on getting the closets super organized and I have a list of other small things to do, but for the most part we are done!
I'm beginning to think that the house we are interested in is no longer available. I called the owner last night and emailed today and have had no response. I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed. But, I do have a good attitude about it for two reasons. 1) Maybe that house was the thing that got us moving. Well, it was. I would have never worked so hard to get our house ready to sell if I didn't have something dangling in front of my face. I am lazy at my core, so that house got me moving. I can liken this to our adoption. If you've ever read our super long adoption story (look at me hyperlinking like a pro!), you've read about Jabez. Jabez is the reason we began to pursue adoption. We had talked about adoption, but then I met Jabez, and then that talking turned into movement. Initially we were trying to adopt him. So, he led us to our boys. He was the thing that got us moving. 2) God always gives me so much better or more than what I want. Always. Take our adoption for example. We wanted a baby. God gave us two. This pattern has repeated itself over and over again in my life. God is just like that. My thinking tells me that I must have this one particular house, that it is perfect. But God has something better for us if this is not the one. And better than perfect would be awesome!
So now we wait and pray. In the words of a dear old lady who is very close to entering Heaven, "Thy will, not mine, be done. Amen."
I'm beginning to think that the house we are interested in is no longer available. I called the owner last night and emailed today and have had no response. I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed. But, I do have a good attitude about it for two reasons. 1) Maybe that house was the thing that got us moving. Well, it was. I would have never worked so hard to get our house ready to sell if I didn't have something dangling in front of my face. I am lazy at my core, so that house got me moving. I can liken this to our adoption. If you've ever read our super long adoption story (look at me hyperlinking like a pro!), you've read about Jabez. Jabez is the reason we began to pursue adoption. We had talked about adoption, but then I met Jabez, and then that talking turned into movement. Initially we were trying to adopt him. So, he led us to our boys. He was the thing that got us moving. 2) God always gives me so much better or more than what I want. Always. Take our adoption for example. We wanted a baby. God gave us two. This pattern has repeated itself over and over again in my life. God is just like that. My thinking tells me that I must have this one particular house, that it is perfect. But God has something better for us if this is not the one. And better than perfect would be awesome!
So now we wait and pray. In the words of a dear old lady who is very close to entering Heaven, "Thy will, not mine, be done. Amen."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Update
Well, I know you are just dying to know if we are finished painting. We are 97% done. All the trim is done. We have one closet door needing a final coat of paint. And the bathroom painting hasn't been completed, but that wasn't part of the current project anyway. Oh yeah, and one metal post on the porch needs another coat of paint. And touch ups. But if the house goes under contract before I touch up, I'm not going to do it. I'll leave the new peeps the paint and my touch up brush.
Yay! If I never paint again it will be too soon.
So, tomorrow morning we will put our house up for sale and we will write an offer on the house we like, which is still available. If you could pray that they take our offer, that would be helpful. We are offering a lot less than they are asking. Oh yeah, and we are waiting for the pre-qual letter from our lender. We want to submit that with our offer.
We'd really appreciate your prayers as we move forward. We want God's will, not our own.
Yay! If I never paint again it will be too soon.
So, tomorrow morning we will put our house up for sale and we will write an offer on the house we like, which is still available. If you could pray that they take our offer, that would be helpful. We are offering a lot less than they are asking. Oh yeah, and we are waiting for the pre-qual letter from our lender. We want to submit that with our offer.
We'd really appreciate your prayers as we move forward. We want God's will, not our own.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
My Husband is Great
I don't say it enough. Chuck really is a great husband. He's loving, he's considerate, he loves kids, he cares about how people feel, he's great with people, he's good looking, he's tough, he's gentle, he is truly all that and a bag of chips.
If you've been reading the blog lately you know that my life has been consumed by painting. I painted myself sick on Wednesday. Yeah, I didn't know I needed to open the windows. Anyway, I've been dreading painting the office. Not because I don't want to paint it, but because it's a small room with way too much furniture. And also because I hate taping. Hate it. I'd rather get a migraine from paint fumes like I did on Wednesday than tape off a room.
This morning my wonderful husband woke me up to tell me that the office was taped off. That woke me up! I went to bed a little after 9 p.m. last night because parent bootcamp took a lot out of me. It took a lot out of Chuck, too, but he wanted to do something nice for me. So last night, after I went to bed, which is also about the time I asked him if there was anything he could do to stop coughing (yeah, I'm really sweet like that), he went in and moved all the furniture in the office and taped off all the baseboards and the closet framing. He was up until midnight doing it. Wait, it gets better. You see, we sat for about 11 hours yesterday in not-so-comfy chairs. Chuck's back doesn't agree with sitting for more than a few hours at a time. So his back hurt most of yesterday. Once his back is hurting the worst thing he can do is bend a bunch at the waist. It's kind of hard to tape off baseboards and not bend at the waist. In fact, I bet it's impossible. You try and let me know.
So now, I'm not dreading painting today. In fact, I'm kind of looking forward to it. Isn't Chuck great??!!
If you've been reading the blog lately you know that my life has been consumed by painting. I painted myself sick on Wednesday. Yeah, I didn't know I needed to open the windows. Anyway, I've been dreading painting the office. Not because I don't want to paint it, but because it's a small room with way too much furniture. And also because I hate taping. Hate it. I'd rather get a migraine from paint fumes like I did on Wednesday than tape off a room.
This morning my wonderful husband woke me up to tell me that the office was taped off. That woke me up! I went to bed a little after 9 p.m. last night because parent bootcamp took a lot out of me. It took a lot out of Chuck, too, but he wanted to do something nice for me. So last night, after I went to bed, which is also about the time I asked him if there was anything he could do to stop coughing (yeah, I'm really sweet like that), he went in and moved all the furniture in the office and taped off all the baseboards and the closet framing. He was up until midnight doing it. Wait, it gets better. You see, we sat for about 11 hours yesterday in not-so-comfy chairs. Chuck's back doesn't agree with sitting for more than a few hours at a time. So his back hurt most of yesterday. Once his back is hurting the worst thing he can do is bend a bunch at the waist. It's kind of hard to tape off baseboards and not bend at the waist. In fact, I bet it's impossible. You try and let me know.
So now, I'm not dreading painting today. In fact, I'm kind of looking forward to it. Isn't Chuck great??!!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Bootcamp
Well, tomorrow morning Chuck and I are off to two full days of parenting bootcamp. We are excited and nervous all at once. On day one we will deal with our own crap. On day two we will learn how to deal with the crap our kids may have. The people who put this on have a ton of experience in dealing with kids who've been through trauma. And adoption is considered traumatic. So, we are ready to be challenged. We'd love your prayers, especially tomorrow. We paid a lot of money to attend this camp and we want to get as much out of it as we can. I'm hoping to come home tomorrow night with a lot less crap. :)
It's Just Not a Party...
until someone shows up. I tried to party alone on Monday and Tuesday, but it was lonely. Yesterday was much better, though. My friend Martha came over and she painted until I ran out of places to paint. (Yes, that is odd because I'm not done yet, but things needed to dry and others needed to be taped off still.) So, Martha, I publicly thank you for coming over and being my only painting party participant. It was so nice to get to talk to you. I sure hope that I can help you out when you are in need in the future.
Are you jealous that Martha got her own personal shout-out on the blog? Well, that could be you too if you come over today and help me paint. Nothing like a little bribery to get the work done. :)
Painting Update: The kitchen and living room and our room are done. The tape is kicking my butt in the kitchen, but I will win. The hallway needs one more coat of paint. Easy enough. I need to paint the pull down for the attic. I don't want to, but I will. The front door needs another coat of primer and then I will finish it with regular paint. The boys room doesn't need any paint because Chuck did that last fall. The office needs to be taped off and primed and painted. I'm not looking forward to that because the office is a small space with way too much furniture, including two huge bookcases. The window in there is done, so that is good. And after all that I will do touch ups. Me and the tape haven't had the best of luck, so touch ups are necessary. Oh, and the bathroom wainscoting needs one more coat of paint, but that is from an older project. Since the paint is out for the trim work I will finish that up. Chuck is responsible for all doors. I'm not sure where he's at with all of them, but I know that he still needs to completely paint our closet doors, our bedroom door, and the bifold closet doors in the hallway. He also has one more metal post of the porch. That is a lot to do for a guy with a job and an online class, but he's Chuck the Amazing and I know he will get it done.
I'll be painting today until 5 p.m. if anyone wants to join me. If you can't join me please pray that I get it all done. When I woke up this morning my whole body ached and begged me not to paint again. I can't paint the next two days because Chuck and I will be at a parenting bootcamp, so I'd really like to finish it all today.
Thanks for reading a really boring post. :)
Are you jealous that Martha got her own personal shout-out on the blog? Well, that could be you too if you come over today and help me paint. Nothing like a little bribery to get the work done. :)
Painting Update: The kitchen and living room and our room are done. The tape is kicking my butt in the kitchen, but I will win. The hallway needs one more coat of paint. Easy enough. I need to paint the pull down for the attic. I don't want to, but I will. The front door needs another coat of primer and then I will finish it with regular paint. The boys room doesn't need any paint because Chuck did that last fall. The office needs to be taped off and primed and painted. I'm not looking forward to that because the office is a small space with way too much furniture, including two huge bookcases. The window in there is done, so that is good. And after all that I will do touch ups. Me and the tape haven't had the best of luck, so touch ups are necessary. Oh, and the bathroom wainscoting needs one more coat of paint, but that is from an older project. Since the paint is out for the trim work I will finish that up. Chuck is responsible for all doors. I'm not sure where he's at with all of them, but I know that he still needs to completely paint our closet doors, our bedroom door, and the bifold closet doors in the hallway. He also has one more metal post of the porch. That is a lot to do for a guy with a job and an online class, but he's Chuck the Amazing and I know he will get it done.
I'll be painting today until 5 p.m. if anyone wants to join me. If you can't join me please pray that I get it all done. When I woke up this morning my whole body ached and begged me not to paint again. I can't paint the next two days because Chuck and I will be at a parenting bootcamp, so I'd really like to finish it all today.
Thanks for reading a really boring post. :)
Monday, July 23, 2007
And the Party Continues...
There's still plenty of painting to be done, so if anyone wants to help, the party will resume at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). There will be pizza for dinner for anyone who comes over. Our house is not currently a super kid-friendly environment - you know, toxic paint, wet surfaces, paint smell, and even a little paint thinner.
And I'm sure I'll still be painting on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
And I'm sure I'll still be painting on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
You Are Invited...
...to a painting party! (Insert applause here.) I've come to learn that I am neither a fast painter or taper. So, I've decided to name Monday "Painting Party Day at the Cason's." So, if you like to paint trim or baseboards, or if you just like to hang out with me, come on over anytime after 9 a.m. I will feed you. I will hug you. And I will totally love you for your help.
If you would like to help me, please shoot me an email at ittybitties@msn.com.
Thanks!
If you would like to help me, please shoot me an email at ittybitties@msn.com.
Thanks!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Painting
Well, I'm painting trim today. I've never really painted before and I like it. I don't, however, think I'll still like it when I'm done painting all the trim in our house. We will also be painting all of our doors and baseboards. I'm a messy painter. I'm covered in white. I sure hope I can get it all off. My plan is to use nail polish remover. Any other suggestions??
Our agent looked at our house yesterday and doesn't think we need to do a whole lot to it. It was our idea to paint the doors, baseboards, and trim to give our 40 year old house a more updated look. He thought it would be a good idea. It was really nice to hear from a real estate agent that we've got a nice house. It is definitely small, but we've put a lot into it and it was nice to be validated. He thinks he can sell it for how much we were hoping to sell it for. Yippee. Now we will pray that we can get a full price offer on it. We should be listing it early next week.
Tomorrow evening we should be going to look at the house we like with our agent. The average time it's taking to sell a house in this market is 4-6 months. So, we realize that perhaps this house isn't the "one." But we sure hope it is. If we are supposed to be in it, God is going to work everything out with the sale of our home.
Okay, it's time to make dinner. Hopefully I won't get any paint flecks in it!
Our agent looked at our house yesterday and doesn't think we need to do a whole lot to it. It was our idea to paint the doors, baseboards, and trim to give our 40 year old house a more updated look. He thought it would be a good idea. It was really nice to hear from a real estate agent that we've got a nice house. It is definitely small, but we've put a lot into it and it was nice to be validated. He thinks he can sell it for how much we were hoping to sell it for. Yippee. Now we will pray that we can get a full price offer on it. We should be listing it early next week.
Tomorrow evening we should be going to look at the house we like with our agent. The average time it's taking to sell a house in this market is 4-6 months. So, we realize that perhaps this house isn't the "one." But we sure hope it is. If we are supposed to be in it, God is going to work everything out with the sale of our home.
Okay, it's time to make dinner. Hopefully I won't get any paint flecks in it!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Moving Forward...
Well, after lots of prayer and talking, we've decided to move forward with pursuing the house. Tomorrow afternoon we're planning to meet with our friend, Ed, who will also be our real estate agent. We're excited to move forward, but we're not looking forward to all the work we will need to do to our house to get it ready to sell. Please pray for us as we work on some projects around the house. We're sure that Ed will have some ideas on how to get the most for our house, so we should be staying busy these next few days.
I've realized a few other things about the house. It has a fireplace with a blower on it. The current owners said that they used it to heat the house last winter and didn't need to turn the heat on. They recently remodeled the bathroom...and they picked a lot of the same fixtures that we chose for our recent bathroom remodel. The living room is wired for surround sound. I hate surround sound, but Chuck loves it and he's excited that the wiring is already in place. And finally, we've been expecting to buy a two story condo. Chuck doesn't do well going up and down stairs because of his back. This house is one story, is a single family home, and still has the amount of space we desire.
So, that's the scoop. We're excited to see what God has in store.
I've realized a few other things about the house. It has a fireplace with a blower on it. The current owners said that they used it to heat the house last winter and didn't need to turn the heat on. They recently remodeled the bathroom...and they picked a lot of the same fixtures that we chose for our recent bathroom remodel. The living room is wired for surround sound. I hate surround sound, but Chuck loves it and he's excited that the wiring is already in place. And finally, we've been expecting to buy a two story condo. Chuck doesn't do well going up and down stairs because of his back. This house is one story, is a single family home, and still has the amount of space we desire.
So, that's the scoop. We're excited to see what God has in store.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Still Praying...
We are still praying about the house. The real estate agent we'd like to use is out of town until tomorrow evening, so we are able to continue praying without pushing forward in our own will. We still don't sense God saying no. In fact, the more closely we look at things, the more sense it makes to move there. Today I learned that the house is less than 5 miles and 15 minutes from where our church will meet this fall. We'd eventually like to move the church to another area, and that is less than 8 miles and 15 minutes from the house. Chuck's office would only be 3 miles closer, but the commute time would be far less because he would no longer have to travel through a congested tunnel. We were concerned that perhaps Chuck doesn't make enough money for us to buy this house, but our loan officer says we qualify for more than enough. Our monthly budget also says that we can afford it.
When I think about the house, there are a few things that really stand out in my mind. First of all, there's a great big den that's been added on. It would make the perfect room for our Gel Group (small group) to meet in. It would also be a wonderful room for the boys to play in as well as an overflow area for toys. It would also make a nice area for out of town guests to stay in as it's at the back of the house and has a bathroom off of it. We'd still have a living room at the front of the house, too. There's also a great big screened in porch off the back of the house. It would be great for entertaining on and it would also be a nice place for a lot of the boys' outside toys to stay (we already have a TON of toys). The yard is smaller than what we have, but that is good because a big yard is a lot of work for Chuck's bad back. The back yard already has a privacy fence in place and at the very back of the yard instead of privacy fencing there are hedges that are about 10 feet high. The windows are up really high, which makes Chuck happy because it's unlikely that anyone would break in through a window because of how high up they are. Two out of the three bedrooms have new, light colored berber carpeting. The room that we'd put the boys in, though, has a darker carpet. I wouldn't want them on light carpeting.
And finally, one more good thing is that because Chuck just left the military he's entitled to a military move for up to one year after he got out. So, our move would be professionally done. That might not be big to some people, but for Chuck and his bad back, it is precious.
So now I'll list the bad side of moving. We'd have a bigger mortgage payment as well as utility payments. We'd have to go through the stress of moving while planting a church and waiting for an international adoption to finalize. All of that is major big life change, not to mention that Chuck changed careers 2.5 months ago. That is a whole lot of stress and we know it.
So, we keep on praying. We want God's will in this, not our own. He knows what's best for us in this situation. He has a perfect plan, and we want to follow that plan, not our own.
When I think about the house, there are a few things that really stand out in my mind. First of all, there's a great big den that's been added on. It would make the perfect room for our Gel Group (small group) to meet in. It would also be a wonderful room for the boys to play in as well as an overflow area for toys. It would also make a nice area for out of town guests to stay in as it's at the back of the house and has a bathroom off of it. We'd still have a living room at the front of the house, too. There's also a great big screened in porch off the back of the house. It would be great for entertaining on and it would also be a nice place for a lot of the boys' outside toys to stay (we already have a TON of toys). The yard is smaller than what we have, but that is good because a big yard is a lot of work for Chuck's bad back. The back yard already has a privacy fence in place and at the very back of the yard instead of privacy fencing there are hedges that are about 10 feet high. The windows are up really high, which makes Chuck happy because it's unlikely that anyone would break in through a window because of how high up they are. Two out of the three bedrooms have new, light colored berber carpeting. The room that we'd put the boys in, though, has a darker carpet. I wouldn't want them on light carpeting.
And finally, one more good thing is that because Chuck just left the military he's entitled to a military move for up to one year after he got out. So, our move would be professionally done. That might not be big to some people, but for Chuck and his bad back, it is precious.
So now I'll list the bad side of moving. We'd have a bigger mortgage payment as well as utility payments. We'd have to go through the stress of moving while planting a church and waiting for an international adoption to finalize. All of that is major big life change, not to mention that Chuck changed careers 2.5 months ago. That is a whole lot of stress and we know it.
So, we keep on praying. We want God's will in this, not our own. He knows what's best for us in this situation. He has a perfect plan, and we want to follow that plan, not our own.
Monday, July 16, 2007
One Way to Stay Busy
Chuck and I have been praying about moving to a nearby town for a number of months. The church campus that we are starting this fall is in that town, and we've just always felt that we'd better be able to minister to a community if we actually lived in it. Of course, we want to do what God wants us to do, so we've been waiting and praying.
We currently live in the least desirable city in our region. And we're okay with that. We like it here. The problem is that it isn't close to the areas that are important to us. The real estate market here is CRAZY, so buying a house is close to impossible when you are a single income family like ourselves. That is, of course, unless you are willing to live in the undesirable areas. So, we do just fine on Chuck's income living where we live. To move to the town where the church campus will meet is nearly impossible.
Last week, I realized that there is an undesirable part of that town. In fact, the city calls it by the name of another city; almost as though it's ashamed of it. It's kind of funny. I wish I could just name the cities, but since this blog is open to the public and I don't want to be stalked, I have to keep this kind of vague. Sorry! Anyway, I told Chuck about it on Saturday and we decided that we'd drive around that area after church. We were completely bummed as we drove around and found out that even the houses in the not-so-nice neighborhoods were going for a lot more than we want to pay.
I have a friend who works in the area and we stopped in to see her. She gave us some strict parameters of what neighborhoods are safe and which one's are not. So, we refined our search and just began driving up and down the roads. We didn't get too far before we found a house for sale by owner. We called on it to see what they were asking, and it was reasonable. So, we looked at it. And we REALLY like it. So now we are in the "Please, God, show us Your will in this" phase. So far He isn't saying no. Will you join us in prayer about this? The area is so stategically located to our region in general. It would put us A LOT closer to the new campus as well as the office Chuck works at.
This sure is one way to keep busy! Please, Lord, show us Your will!
We currently live in the least desirable city in our region. And we're okay with that. We like it here. The problem is that it isn't close to the areas that are important to us. The real estate market here is CRAZY, so buying a house is close to impossible when you are a single income family like ourselves. That is, of course, unless you are willing to live in the undesirable areas. So, we do just fine on Chuck's income living where we live. To move to the town where the church campus will meet is nearly impossible.
Last week, I realized that there is an undesirable part of that town. In fact, the city calls it by the name of another city; almost as though it's ashamed of it. It's kind of funny. I wish I could just name the cities, but since this blog is open to the public and I don't want to be stalked, I have to keep this kind of vague. Sorry! Anyway, I told Chuck about it on Saturday and we decided that we'd drive around that area after church. We were completely bummed as we drove around and found out that even the houses in the not-so-nice neighborhoods were going for a lot more than we want to pay.
I have a friend who works in the area and we stopped in to see her. She gave us some strict parameters of what neighborhoods are safe and which one's are not. So, we refined our search and just began driving up and down the roads. We didn't get too far before we found a house for sale by owner. We called on it to see what they were asking, and it was reasonable. So, we looked at it. And we REALLY like it. So now we are in the "Please, God, show us Your will in this" phase. So far He isn't saying no. Will you join us in prayer about this? The area is so stategically located to our region in general. It would put us A LOT closer to the new campus as well as the office Chuck works at.
This sure is one way to keep busy! Please, Lord, show us Your will!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
"'If you can'?"
For the last week I've been having a struggle with my faith about our adoption. I'm not worried it won't happen, but I haven't been believing that God would bring our boys home any sooner than my expected timeframe (which is based off of my knowledge).
For the last few days the story about the healing of a boy with an evil spirit has been coming to mind, specifically the part where boy's father says, "If you can do anything..." I had progressed to a point where I would say things like, "If the boys come home in August." The protective wall was still in place to some extent. Yesterday morning as I read the whole story (Mark 9:14-29) I felt as though God was saying that I needed faith like a child to believe like I want to believe. So my question was, "How do I get that kind of faith?" And then I realized that I know too much. I know how long each step should take and I know how fast or slowly others are making it through the steps. I know all of this because I was subscribed to a number of online forums and I had a number of blogs that I checked daily, or even more often. God gave me a choice yesterday morning. I could go on with all my knowledge or I could keep my eyes on only Him. So, yesterday morning I unsubscribed from all the groups but my orphanage specific group (which, by the way, is set up to not share information about where we are all at in the process) and I deleted all the blogs out of my list of favorites except for the families that I know from our orphanage. I don't want to be in the know anymore. I want to keep my eyes on Jesus, knowing that He can do anything. I want faith like a child. I want Jesus to help me overcome my unbelief.
I know that I'm not the only person adopting from Haiti who has gone gotten so wrapped up in knowledge. I feel like there is someone who reads this blog who checks the forums and the blogs and does google searches. Please join me in trusting God and having faith that He can do anything despite what all the information out there says. I feel so much freedom now that I've decided to trust God and not rely on knowledge. I have more hope and a lot more time now that I'm not tied to the computer. And it's only been 23 hours!
Last night we went to a BBQ at the home of some friends who moved away last year. Away is only 35 minutes, but we don't see them nearly enough. They are wonderful people and I just tear up when I think about them because they are such a blessing to us. Well, they had some friends over from their new church and we got to sit and talk with them. It was such an uplifting night. They felt that the Lord was telling them things to tell us, so they told us. Chuck and I were so encouraged and blessed. I have to wonder if that could have happened if I hadn't been obedient to God yesterday morning. And I want to say that I don't think God would have said, "Oh, nevermind, she wasn't obedient so she doesn't get to have this experience." I think it would have been more like I wouldn't have let the experience happen or God couldn't let the experience happen.
I will go off on a tangent for a minute because I have an understanding of God that I want to share. I'm not a parent yet (some will argue that, but the boys don't live here yet) but I know that a lot of times parents will want to do something really nice for their kids. So, for example, say that you tell your kids that you will go and get icecream, but they are going to have to behave while at the park. At the park your kids behave terribly and they know they are behaving terribly, yet continue to do so. Now, the right thing to do is to not get the icecream. And I know some of you are saying, "Juli, sometimes you get them the icecream." And I'm saying, "No, you don't." Consequences are a real part of life and as parents it is our duty to teach that. Not in a mean, spiteful way, but in love. (I believe that it's important to teach kids about grace, too, but I believe there are better scenarios in which to do so.) There may even be times where you don't tell them about the icecream ahead of time, but you plan to take them for icecream after the park. Then, they misbehave and you decide against the icecream. They never even knew it was a possibility. So, they made choices that kept them from receiving a blessing from you. In that same way, I think that we make choices in life that put God into a position where He has to withhold blessings. And I think it breaks His heart. He loves us more than we can begin to fathom. The love that we have for our kids is just a fragment of the love that He feels for us. And He wants to bless us. But, being the perfect parent that He is, there are times when He knows it is best not to bless us because of the choices we make. And I repeat, it breaks His heart.
I'm not expecting blessings because I did the right thing yesterday morning. But, I do think that I've put myself in a better place to receive them. I also think that my faith will grow as a result of my obedience yesterday.
I'll end this post with the July pictures of the boys:
Smiley Samuel
Noah posing for his picture, but forgetting to smile.
Noah, looking like he'd like to get his hands on the camera.
For the last few days the story about the healing of a boy with an evil spirit has been coming to mind, specifically the part where boy's father says, "If you can do anything..." I had progressed to a point where I would say things like, "If the boys come home in August." The protective wall was still in place to some extent. Yesterday morning as I read the whole story (Mark 9:14-29) I felt as though God was saying that I needed faith like a child to believe like I want to believe. So my question was, "How do I get that kind of faith?" And then I realized that I know too much. I know how long each step should take and I know how fast or slowly others are making it through the steps. I know all of this because I was subscribed to a number of online forums and I had a number of blogs that I checked daily, or even more often. God gave me a choice yesterday morning. I could go on with all my knowledge or I could keep my eyes on only Him. So, yesterday morning I unsubscribed from all the groups but my orphanage specific group (which, by the way, is set up to not share information about where we are all at in the process) and I deleted all the blogs out of my list of favorites except for the families that I know from our orphanage. I don't want to be in the know anymore. I want to keep my eyes on Jesus, knowing that He can do anything. I want faith like a child. I want Jesus to help me overcome my unbelief.
I know that I'm not the only person adopting from Haiti who has gone gotten so wrapped up in knowledge. I feel like there is someone who reads this blog who checks the forums and the blogs and does google searches. Please join me in trusting God and having faith that He can do anything despite what all the information out there says. I feel so much freedom now that I've decided to trust God and not rely on knowledge. I have more hope and a lot more time now that I'm not tied to the computer. And it's only been 23 hours!
Last night we went to a BBQ at the home of some friends who moved away last year. Away is only 35 minutes, but we don't see them nearly enough. They are wonderful people and I just tear up when I think about them because they are such a blessing to us. Well, they had some friends over from their new church and we got to sit and talk with them. It was such an uplifting night. They felt that the Lord was telling them things to tell us, so they told us. Chuck and I were so encouraged and blessed. I have to wonder if that could have happened if I hadn't been obedient to God yesterday morning. And I want to say that I don't think God would have said, "Oh, nevermind, she wasn't obedient so she doesn't get to have this experience." I think it would have been more like I wouldn't have let the experience happen or God couldn't let the experience happen.
I will go off on a tangent for a minute because I have an understanding of God that I want to share. I'm not a parent yet (some will argue that, but the boys don't live here yet) but I know that a lot of times parents will want to do something really nice for their kids. So, for example, say that you tell your kids that you will go and get icecream, but they are going to have to behave while at the park. At the park your kids behave terribly and they know they are behaving terribly, yet continue to do so. Now, the right thing to do is to not get the icecream. And I know some of you are saying, "Juli, sometimes you get them the icecream." And I'm saying, "No, you don't." Consequences are a real part of life and as parents it is our duty to teach that. Not in a mean, spiteful way, but in love. (I believe that it's important to teach kids about grace, too, but I believe there are better scenarios in which to do so.) There may even be times where you don't tell them about the icecream ahead of time, but you plan to take them for icecream after the park. Then, they misbehave and you decide against the icecream. They never even knew it was a possibility. So, they made choices that kept them from receiving a blessing from you. In that same way, I think that we make choices in life that put God into a position where He has to withhold blessings. And I think it breaks His heart. He loves us more than we can begin to fathom. The love that we have for our kids is just a fragment of the love that He feels for us. And He wants to bless us. But, being the perfect parent that He is, there are times when He knows it is best not to bless us because of the choices we make. And I repeat, it breaks His heart.
I'm not expecting blessings because I did the right thing yesterday morning. But, I do think that I've put myself in a better place to receive them. I also think that my faith will grow as a result of my obedience yesterday.
I'll end this post with the July pictures of the boys:
Smiley Samuel
Samuel with his, "Whatchu talking about Willis" look.
Noah posing for his picture, but forgetting to smile.
Noah, looking like he'd like to get his hands on the camera.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Another Dream
I woke up this morning from another wonderful adoption dream, only this time it was our turn! In this dream I was in Haiti. The boys were there and they were so much bigger and were not so much like babies. I was walking with them, one on each hip, and I was explaining to them that I was their mommy and that very soon they would be coming to live in our home. As I was walking and talking with them Linda, the Director of our Orphanage, came up with some wonderful news - that we had moved on to the next step in the process (which is called 2nd Legalization). I was thrilled! So once again, I'm starting my day with a sense of joy and hope about our adoption. Thanks God!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Harder Than I Thought
Well, this new faith thing has been harder than I thought it would be. I'm still neurotic about checking my email for adoption process updates. My thinking is all jumbled whenever I think about our adoption, I think, because I'm afraid I'll slip back into practicality.
I did have a faith "win" this morning. My mom called to tell me that Target has 90% off on their 4th of July stuff, which includes some clothing. She was wanting to know if she could buy a bunch of clothes to donate to the orphanage. Usually I'd say yes because when we go to pick up the boys we won't be staying in Haiti (we will probably fly in and out on the same day) so we can take a ton of donations into Haiti and just leave it all there. Well, this morning I said, "If the boys come home in August we won't be able to take as many donations in because I have to pack a lot of stuff for the trip." Then we talked about how it would all work out - like if I would fly home with the boys by myself since Chuck won't be on the trip with me. The answer, in case you are wondering, is no way. Chuck would have to fly to Haiti and then fly home with us. He wouldn't miss that for the world!
I seem to do best when I'm kept REALLY busy. So hopefully I can stay really busy until I go to Haiti.
I did have a faith "win" this morning. My mom called to tell me that Target has 90% off on their 4th of July stuff, which includes some clothing. She was wanting to know if she could buy a bunch of clothes to donate to the orphanage. Usually I'd say yes because when we go to pick up the boys we won't be staying in Haiti (we will probably fly in and out on the same day) so we can take a ton of donations into Haiti and just leave it all there. Well, this morning I said, "If the boys come home in August we won't be able to take as many donations in because I have to pack a lot of stuff for the trip." Then we talked about how it would all work out - like if I would fly home with the boys by myself since Chuck won't be on the trip with me. The answer, in case you are wondering, is no way. Chuck would have to fly to Haiti and then fly home with us. He wouldn't miss that for the world!
I seem to do best when I'm kept REALLY busy. So hopefully I can stay really busy until I go to Haiti.
Monday, July 09, 2007
A Dream and New Faith
I had a wonderful dream on Saturday night. I must start off by saying that I almost never dream about our boys or our adoption process. Actually, I hardly ever dream.
In my dream I was in this great big room in Haiti, probably as big as a large gymnasium. There were tons of people - white and black, adults and kids. In this room appointments were happening that were making it possible for kids to go home to their forever families. It was loud and chaotic, but everyone was happily waiting to be called. There was happiness in the room because all the Haitian kids were very close to going home. Their American families were there with them. I watched as one family got called. They were adopting two Haitian kids. I began to cry so hard when they got called because I knew that meant they were very close to going home. Pictures of the Haitian kids were taken for their passports so that the passports could be made. Then they waited to get their passports.
In my dream I knew that it wasn't our turn. In fact, Chuck and the boys weren't there. It was like I was getting to watch it all happen. I wasn't upset at all that it wasn't our turn. I was just so thrilled to see that these kids were finally getting to go home.
I woke up with so much hope. If you know me well, you know that I wake up cranky. Not yesterday morning. I woke up very peaceful and thankful. God doesn't use dreams as an avenue to speak to me, so I'm not counting on my dream to predict anything. But, I believe that it was God's peace I woke up feeling yesterday.
My mom says that she's believing that our boys are coming home in August. From an adoption process perspective, that is absurd. But, I totally appreciate her faith. She has decided to fast from coffee until her grandson's are home and she's trusting God to honor that fast.
I've built this wall of protection around my heart because I really believed our boys would be home months ago. Because of that wall of protection I no longer pray for a specific month or hope that they'll be here for certain occasions. In fact, when people say, "When do you think they'll come home?" I won't even give a general timeframe answer anymore because it hurts too much when the proposed month passes. So, I guess my faith in all of this has given way to practicality and I don't believe our God is a practical God. I say that because of all the added bonuses He's included in life.
I sat outside last night and watched the fireflies (or lightning bugs) in my sister's backyard. God created a bug that lights up for a second or so as it flies around. Now is that practical? No, it's one of God's added bonuses. It's something special He made just for us. Can God bring our boys home next month? Absolutely! He could get them here today if He wanted to. So why do I doubt that He could get them here next month? The answer is easy: Because if that's not His will and I hope that it is I will be hurt. Again.
And this is the question that I come to this morning: Is faith in God's awesome ability to do whatever the heck He wants worth a little pain on my part? I have to answer yes. How could I not? Now I just need to put it into practice and luckily I have His strength within me to do just that. So as of today I will begin asking God to bring our boys home next month. I will kick down the wall around my heart and ask God for the unpractical, believing with all my heart that He can do it.
Sorry for rambling. I guess I needed to type all of that to get to this new place of faith.
In my dream I was in this great big room in Haiti, probably as big as a large gymnasium. There were tons of people - white and black, adults and kids. In this room appointments were happening that were making it possible for kids to go home to their forever families. It was loud and chaotic, but everyone was happily waiting to be called. There was happiness in the room because all the Haitian kids were very close to going home. Their American families were there with them. I watched as one family got called. They were adopting two Haitian kids. I began to cry so hard when they got called because I knew that meant they were very close to going home. Pictures of the Haitian kids were taken for their passports so that the passports could be made. Then they waited to get their passports.
In my dream I knew that it wasn't our turn. In fact, Chuck and the boys weren't there. It was like I was getting to watch it all happen. I wasn't upset at all that it wasn't our turn. I was just so thrilled to see that these kids were finally getting to go home.
I woke up with so much hope. If you know me well, you know that I wake up cranky. Not yesterday morning. I woke up very peaceful and thankful. God doesn't use dreams as an avenue to speak to me, so I'm not counting on my dream to predict anything. But, I believe that it was God's peace I woke up feeling yesterday.
My mom says that she's believing that our boys are coming home in August. From an adoption process perspective, that is absurd. But, I totally appreciate her faith. She has decided to fast from coffee until her grandson's are home and she's trusting God to honor that fast.
I've built this wall of protection around my heart because I really believed our boys would be home months ago. Because of that wall of protection I no longer pray for a specific month or hope that they'll be here for certain occasions. In fact, when people say, "When do you think they'll come home?" I won't even give a general timeframe answer anymore because it hurts too much when the proposed month passes. So, I guess my faith in all of this has given way to practicality and I don't believe our God is a practical God. I say that because of all the added bonuses He's included in life.
I sat outside last night and watched the fireflies (or lightning bugs) in my sister's backyard. God created a bug that lights up for a second or so as it flies around. Now is that practical? No, it's one of God's added bonuses. It's something special He made just for us. Can God bring our boys home next month? Absolutely! He could get them here today if He wanted to. So why do I doubt that He could get them here next month? The answer is easy: Because if that's not His will and I hope that it is I will be hurt. Again.
And this is the question that I come to this morning: Is faith in God's awesome ability to do whatever the heck He wants worth a little pain on my part? I have to answer yes. How could I not? Now I just need to put it into practice and luckily I have His strength within me to do just that. So as of today I will begin asking God to bring our boys home next month. I will kick down the wall around my heart and ask God for the unpractical, believing with all my heart that He can do it.
Sorry for rambling. I guess I needed to type all of that to get to this new place of faith.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Great News, But...
This morning we received the email that we've been waiting nearly 8 weeks for. We have received Judgment, which means that our boys now carry our last name! They are ours in the eyes of Haiti! The "but" part of this is that our dossier (adoption paperwork) wasn't released. It is being held "for review" by the office that had it for the 15 weeks prior to the last 8 weeks. Hello, didn't they have 15 WEEKS to review it??
Chuck and I are cautious to celebrate this step because our paperwork is still stuck. I truly believe this is a spiritual battle. And we're ready to fight with prayers to our Father in Heaven. And we'd like to ask you to join us. Chuck and I plan to fast on Thursday over this situation. If you feel led to, we'd love for you to join us in this fast. We know that God honors fasting. If you want to fast, but can't not eat, I'd suggest fasting from something you really enjoy for the day - like sodas or music or TV. Please join us in crying out to our Father for our boys in Haiti. Please pray that our paperwork can be released from this step so that we can move on to the next steps. Please pray that we'd experience shorter timeframes in the remaining steps. Once we are released, the absolute shortest timeframe we have to bring our boys home is 4 months. If we were released tomorrow, that would have them coming home at the beginning of November. They turn two on November 9th and we want them home for their birthday. Bringing them home after that gets really expensive because we will have to purchase them airline seats once they are two.
Thanks in advance for your prayers. They are what makes the difference!
Chuck and I are cautious to celebrate this step because our paperwork is still stuck. I truly believe this is a spiritual battle. And we're ready to fight with prayers to our Father in Heaven. And we'd like to ask you to join us. Chuck and I plan to fast on Thursday over this situation. If you feel led to, we'd love for you to join us in this fast. We know that God honors fasting. If you want to fast, but can't not eat, I'd suggest fasting from something you really enjoy for the day - like sodas or music or TV. Please join us in crying out to our Father for our boys in Haiti. Please pray that our paperwork can be released from this step so that we can move on to the next steps. Please pray that we'd experience shorter timeframes in the remaining steps. Once we are released, the absolute shortest timeframe we have to bring our boys home is 4 months. If we were released tomorrow, that would have them coming home at the beginning of November. They turn two on November 9th and we want them home for their birthday. Bringing them home after that gets really expensive because we will have to purchase them airline seats once they are two.
Thanks in advance for your prayers. They are what makes the difference!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Unexpected Trip
Thanks to Spirit Airlines and their wonderful "Penny Flights" I will be traveling to Haiti in August for just 5 days to see the boys! I cannot wait! Earlier this week our orphanage released dates for upcoming mission trips. My heart ached to go. I know that going to see the boys shouldn't come down to money, but it came down to money. I couldn't see spending all that money again. But, God is good and with some flight vouchers and my penny flight I'll probably fly for $100. The hotel we stay at is offering a super reduced rate for staying in their conference room. Those are the two BIG expenses and they will be quite minimal. Now I 'll only need to pay my mission trip fee and meals and tips! God is so good!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
June Pictures!
Samuel Eli
Noah EliseHere are the pictures we got this week of our handsome boys. I'm so excited that they are both smiling! I've included their middle names for two reasons. First, they are answering to the exact opposite names that they were being called in July of last year. Samuel was always Elise to us, but he answers to Eli. And Noah was Eli, but he answers to Elise. Also, we learned of the correct spelling of their names. We were wrongly adding an "e" to each name. So, now that we got it all straightened out we thought we'd share it with you.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Be Still, My Soul
Be still, my soul. Those are the words God gave me yesterday when I got quiet. I've gone back to checking my email constantly in hopes of adoption news. It's quite neurotic. When I wake up in the morning, if I don't think to check my email immediately I'm surprised at myself. As I prayed for our dossier to move yesterday morning those words came to me, and they are such a comfort from God.
I'm babysitting for a friend this week. I'll have her 2 year old son for 4 days and 4 nights. Since I have cribs, I went ahead and really organized the boys' room today so that I can put Sawyer into one of the cribs. This meant putting lots of things away as well as sorting through the clothes that are now too small for the boys. I hate that. Giving away clothes they never got to wear. Clothes that I looked at months ago and imagined my boys in. I never actually cried as I was in there cleaning, but I sure felt like it. At one point I stopped so that I could get a CD player and some worship music to lift my spirits. It did help. Thanks, Matthew West!
Oh, be still, my soul. As I wait I will repeat these words. They help me to know Who is in charge. It's been a bummer of a day, but God is still in charge. And tomorrow I will be far too busy with a two year old to dwell on the fact that my boys are still in Haiti.
I'm babysitting for a friend this week. I'll have her 2 year old son for 4 days and 4 nights. Since I have cribs, I went ahead and really organized the boys' room today so that I can put Sawyer into one of the cribs. This meant putting lots of things away as well as sorting through the clothes that are now too small for the boys. I hate that. Giving away clothes they never got to wear. Clothes that I looked at months ago and imagined my boys in. I never actually cried as I was in there cleaning, but I sure felt like it. At one point I stopped so that I could get a CD player and some worship music to lift my spirits. It did help. Thanks, Matthew West!
Oh, be still, my soul. As I wait I will repeat these words. They help me to know Who is in charge. It's been a bummer of a day, but God is still in charge. And tomorrow I will be far too busy with a two year old to dwell on the fact that my boys are still in Haiti.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Twin Girls Update
I've posted about these twin girls in Haiti a few times. They were incredibly malnourished just a few months ago and they are getting bigger. Here are some comments from the missionaries providing formula for them:The twins came for a weigh-in today. They are up over 7lbs now and starting to
have cheeks. We could not be more pleased with their progress and are so
thankful to God for protecting them during those scary first few weeks, when you
think about what sort of treatment a 3 or 4 lb baby would get in the USA and
what these twins ended up getting, you're even MORE aware of God's Hand and the
miracles that happen all the time here. Keep praying for growth and good health
for these lovely little ladies.
Thank you to those of you who prayed for these girls. They are still only the size of newborns, but they are gaining weight and getting good care.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thoughts as I Wait
I believe in the power of prayer. I don't think God needs us to pray. But He wants us to pray. He knows all about what's going on before I ask. And He can act on things without me ever asking and sometimes, actually a lot of times, He does. But I really think at least a part of why He wants us to bring everything to Him in prayer is because He wants to be involved in every single part of our lives. And He is, but if we aren't asking Him to be a part of every single thing, we slip into forgetting that He's there. At least I do.
God knows all about our adoption. He knows more than anyone else. He knows that we spent an obscene amount of time in the Prosecutor's office and He allowed it. He considered it and He allowed it. He knows we are waiting to hear that we have Judgement and that the boys now have our last name. He knows we've been waiting 6 weeks to hear that. He also knows that I know that this is supposedly a 2-4 week step. God is in control of ALL things. Even when it doesn't seem like anyone is in control. God is in control. And sometimes He allows things that seem unfair to happen. But God deeply considers these things before He allows them. And He decided that the GOOD that He can do through and because of them is worth the grief of them. I believe that with all my heart. Our God is in control and is so completely good.
Do you know what else God knows? He knows the exact moment we will get Judgement. He also knows and looks forward to the moment that I'll open the email that says we have Judgment and have moved on to the next step. God can't wait to see my face as I open that email.
He also knows the exact day the boys will come home. I can wish and hope and pray, but God knows. And He's considered the wait. He considered it and came to the conclusion that He could do more good than Satan can do bad with our wait. Our God is an amazing God.
We were at the home of some old friends yesterday and our friend asked his 4 year old son what Jesus does. Colin quickly said, "He turns the bad guys into good guys." Yes, our God turns the bad guys into good guys. Our finite minds would have our super hero God overcome the bad guys. But no, our amazing God turns the bad guys into good guys. One bad guy at a time. He rejoiced the day he turned this bad guy (or gal) into a good guy. He rejoices for each bad guy turned good. And the angels in Heaven have a party on our behalf. Yes, our God is indeed amazing.
I have a choice as I wait for our boys to come home. I can wallow in self pity as I wait or I can get angry or I can decide God forgot about our adoption. Or I can praise the God who created those boys. The God who considers deeply the things that happen to us. The God who turns the bad guys into good guys. I don't always choose right, but today I choose to sing love songs to my Father in Heaven and thank Him and trust in Him and His perfect will for my life.
God knows all about our adoption. He knows more than anyone else. He knows that we spent an obscene amount of time in the Prosecutor's office and He allowed it. He considered it and He allowed it. He knows we are waiting to hear that we have Judgement and that the boys now have our last name. He knows we've been waiting 6 weeks to hear that. He also knows that I know that this is supposedly a 2-4 week step. God is in control of ALL things. Even when it doesn't seem like anyone is in control. God is in control. And sometimes He allows things that seem unfair to happen. But God deeply considers these things before He allows them. And He decided that the GOOD that He can do through and because of them is worth the grief of them. I believe that with all my heart. Our God is in control and is so completely good.
Do you know what else God knows? He knows the exact moment we will get Judgement. He also knows and looks forward to the moment that I'll open the email that says we have Judgment and have moved on to the next step. God can't wait to see my face as I open that email.
He also knows the exact day the boys will come home. I can wish and hope and pray, but God knows. And He's considered the wait. He considered it and came to the conclusion that He could do more good than Satan can do bad with our wait. Our God is an amazing God.
We were at the home of some old friends yesterday and our friend asked his 4 year old son what Jesus does. Colin quickly said, "He turns the bad guys into good guys." Yes, our God turns the bad guys into good guys. Our finite minds would have our super hero God overcome the bad guys. But no, our amazing God turns the bad guys into good guys. One bad guy at a time. He rejoiced the day he turned this bad guy (or gal) into a good guy. He rejoices for each bad guy turned good. And the angels in Heaven have a party on our behalf. Yes, our God is indeed amazing.
I have a choice as I wait for our boys to come home. I can wallow in self pity as I wait or I can get angry or I can decide God forgot about our adoption. Or I can praise the God who created those boys. The God who considers deeply the things that happen to us. The God who turns the bad guys into good guys. I don't always choose right, but today I choose to sing love songs to my Father in Heaven and thank Him and trust in Him and His perfect will for my life.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
More Pictures
Happy Samuel
Noah looking at our pictures.We've left books with the boys to remind them of who we are.
Sweet Noah.
Mommy and Samuel on the first day we got there.
Daddy and Samuel. The truck behind them is what we all cruised around in.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sorry for the Delay...Pictures!
Our last night together
Noah
Samuel
Samuel with a swimmy on his head. I put it there.
Samuel with my dirty underwear on his head. He put them there.
I love this picture of Noah! He looks like such a flirt.
This is an awesome picture of Samuel smiling.
The boys LOVED tv. Chuck introduced them to it.They would both beat their hands on the tv when it was off.
Samuel just couldn't hang. 
At the kiddee pool.
Samuel in his pj's.
Samuel just couldn't hang. He slept like this all through dinner.
Noah was wide eyed and loving all the attention he got.
At the kiddee pool.
Samuel in his pj's. Friday, June 08, 2007
We are Home
We are home after traveling for over 24 hours. Somehow we missed our flight home last night even though we were right in the waiting area. So, we flew to Dallas, slept on the floor for 5 hours and got home today at 10:40 a.m. I will be contacting American Airlines to see if they would like to make things up to us. If not, we will be flying Spirit Airlines into Haiti from now on.
I've done nearly all our laundry and I have almost everything put away. Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to go through the pictures and get more posted.
Saying goodbye is so hard. We opted this time for the drop and run method. The last two times we've taken pictures and cried. Not this time. We handed them to the nannies and left the room to sob.
Thank you for all your prayers. It was quite an eventful trip and we are very thankful to be home.
I've done nearly all our laundry and I have almost everything put away. Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to go through the pictures and get more posted.
Saying goodbye is so hard. We opted this time for the drop and run method. The last two times we've taken pictures and cried. Not this time. We handed them to the nannies and left the room to sob.
Thank you for all your prayers. It was quite an eventful trip and we are very thankful to be home.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Hello from Miami
This is just a quick post to share that we are in Miami. We will get into Norfolk at 11 p.m. tonight. Thanks for all your prayers while we were in Haiti!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Trying to Post Pictures...
Our internet connection is not so good right now, so if I don't post pictures tonight, it's because I couldn't.
Paperwork is Filed and Answered Prayer
I've posted a few times asking for prayer for a man named Pierre. He is the manager at the orphanage as well as a pastor and is just a wonderful man of God. He loves all the kids as if they are his own. Last Tuesday he was arrested because of a problem with the security company that the orphanage uses. He was jailed because the owner of the company wouldn't present himself to the police. We've been praying and praying and praying for things to get worked out for Pierre. The jails are atrocious here and he was there for a crime that wasn't his own. Well, today we saw a party like no other when Pierre was released and came to the orphanage. We sang and danced and thanked God for His goodness. Thank you for the prayers you said on behalf of Pierre. He had a very rough week, but God saw him through it all. A friend of mine just shared with me that while Pierre was in jail he led 27 people to the Lord. I guess God had good reason to allow him to stay there for 6 long days.
Thank you all for your prayers for our paperwork. We were able to file our I-600 today in Port-au-Prince. It is such a relief to have that filed in Haiti rather than doing it in the US. Our trip went flawlessly and we didn't even have to wait the expected long wait time. We have been so blessed on this trip with safe transportation.
And thank you to those of you leaving comments. We look forward to reading them. It's beginning to feel like we've been gone a long time, so reading comments from friends and family makes it seem like we aren't so far away.
Tomorrow is an excursion day, so we don't have the boys tonight. It was hard to not bring them back here tonight, but we will get to enjoy some grown up time and we won't wake up in the middle of the night to crying or poop, so that will be nice! We're looking forward to being outside the confines of our hotel or the orphanage for the day. We love to see as much of the country as we can while we are here.
Since we don't have the boys tonight there's a good chance that we can post some pictures tonight. I'll try to get those up after dinner (in case you're wondering what time zone we are in, we are in Central because Haiti doesn't do daylight savings). We eat dinner usually between 6:30 and 8, so it might be late before I get those pictures up.
Thanks again for praying us through a safe day! Love, Chuck and Juli
Thank you all for your prayers for our paperwork. We were able to file our I-600 today in Port-au-Prince. It is such a relief to have that filed in Haiti rather than doing it in the US. Our trip went flawlessly and we didn't even have to wait the expected long wait time. We have been so blessed on this trip with safe transportation.
And thank you to those of you leaving comments. We look forward to reading them. It's beginning to feel like we've been gone a long time, so reading comments from friends and family makes it seem like we aren't so far away.
Tomorrow is an excursion day, so we don't have the boys tonight. It was hard to not bring them back here tonight, but we will get to enjoy some grown up time and we won't wake up in the middle of the night to crying or poop, so that will be nice! We're looking forward to being outside the confines of our hotel or the orphanage for the day. We love to see as much of the country as we can while we are here.
Since we don't have the boys tonight there's a good chance that we can post some pictures tonight. I'll try to get those up after dinner (in case you're wondering what time zone we are in, we are in Central because Haiti doesn't do daylight savings). We eat dinner usually between 6:30 and 8, so it might be late before I get those pictures up.
Thanks again for praying us through a safe day! Love, Chuck and Juli
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Hi From Haiti
Wow, time flies when you have twins! I'm sorry it's been 3 days since my last post. First, I want to thank everyone leaving comments. I don't have the time to answer them individually, but I have enjoyed reading them and I thank you all for your prayers.
Friday we worked at the orphanage and then brought the boys back to the hotel with us. Chuck has been placed in a leadership position with our team (are you surprised? I'm not!) that has pulled him away in many directions over the course of the last week. I ended up crying my eyes out Friday night about it because I felt like he wasn't getting time with the boys and I was overloaded with trying to lug two BIG boys up stairs for meals when Chuck was out doing team stuff. Plus, they wanted nothing to do with him if I was nearby. So, Saturday we stayed back at the hotel all day and hung out as a family. It was wonderful and Chuck got lots of good bonding time with the boys. We rested and played and just had fun. Today we went back to work at the orphanage. Chuck got the wonderful idea that he wanted to minister to the nannies and staff by washing their feet. So that's what he did today. It was incredible to watch. I'm just so proud of him. His back is sore, so please pray that he wakes up tomorrow rested. Speaking of tomorrow - we are again going to try to get to the Embassy to file some paperwork. A lot has to come together tomorrow for us to get there, so please pray that we can file that paperwork if it's God's will. Time on this trip is starting to run out and we really want to file this paperwork here in Haiti rather than in the US.
Finally, please continue to pray for Pierre. God knows his situation and tomorrow is supposed to be a good day for him. Please pray that it is.
We continue to be safe on this trip. God has been good to us. There is a lot of police and UN presence. We also have a number of ex military people with us who remain on guard.
I'm sorry I don't have pictures to post tonight. I forgot the camera in our room. It may not be until we're home that I'm able to post more pictures.
Thanks for all your love and prayers. I don't know how we are going to leave this country on Thursday without our boys. I just can't picture life without them.
We'll post again as soon as we can. Love, Chuck and Juli
Friday we worked at the orphanage and then brought the boys back to the hotel with us. Chuck has been placed in a leadership position with our team (are you surprised? I'm not!) that has pulled him away in many directions over the course of the last week. I ended up crying my eyes out Friday night about it because I felt like he wasn't getting time with the boys and I was overloaded with trying to lug two BIG boys up stairs for meals when Chuck was out doing team stuff. Plus, they wanted nothing to do with him if I was nearby. So, Saturday we stayed back at the hotel all day and hung out as a family. It was wonderful and Chuck got lots of good bonding time with the boys. We rested and played and just had fun. Today we went back to work at the orphanage. Chuck got the wonderful idea that he wanted to minister to the nannies and staff by washing their feet. So that's what he did today. It was incredible to watch. I'm just so proud of him. His back is sore, so please pray that he wakes up tomorrow rested. Speaking of tomorrow - we are again going to try to get to the Embassy to file some paperwork. A lot has to come together tomorrow for us to get there, so please pray that we can file that paperwork if it's God's will. Time on this trip is starting to run out and we really want to file this paperwork here in Haiti rather than in the US.
Finally, please continue to pray for Pierre. God knows his situation and tomorrow is supposed to be a good day for him. Please pray that it is.
We continue to be safe on this trip. God has been good to us. There is a lot of police and UN presence. We also have a number of ex military people with us who remain on guard.
I'm sorry I don't have pictures to post tonight. I forgot the camera in our room. It may not be until we're home that I'm able to post more pictures.
Thanks for all your love and prayers. I don't know how we are going to leave this country on Thursday without our boys. I just can't picture life without them.
We'll post again as soon as we can. Love, Chuck and Juli
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Quick Update
Sorry it's been a few days since we've posted, but two babies make it hard to get online! We only get internet in the restaurant of the hotel and two babies in a restaurant equals lots of work. We left them in the orphanage tonight because I may have strep throat and we want to give the antibiotics a chance to get working before bringing them back to the hotel.
We have not gone to the Embassy yet to file our paperwork. There was a change in plans the day we were to go and I'm not sure what day we will go.
I need to ask for prayer and I can't give a lot of details because this blog is open to the public. We are safe, but I need you to pray for safety for our team. We believe strongly in spiritual warfare, and I guess we are doing some good work for God down here because there's been a lot of spiritual attack. I repeat - we are safe, so please don't worry about us. Please pray, especially for a man named Pierre. God knows his situation, so please lift him up to the Lord. We'll post again when we can.
Lots of love, Chuck and Juli
We have not gone to the Embassy yet to file our paperwork. There was a change in plans the day we were to go and I'm not sure what day we will go.
I need to ask for prayer and I can't give a lot of details because this blog is open to the public. We are safe, but I need you to pray for safety for our team. We believe strongly in spiritual warfare, and I guess we are doing some good work for God down here because there's been a lot of spiritual attack. I repeat - we are safe, so please don't worry about us. Please pray, especially for a man named Pierre. God knows his situation, so please lift him up to the Lord. We'll post again when we can.
Lots of love, Chuck and Juli
Monday, May 28, 2007
Our Family
They are so big! Initially they wanted NOTHING to do with us when we arrived at the orphanage. They cried and cried and cried. This is a good thing, though. It means that they won't go to any old stranger, which means that they don't have severe bonding issues. If they did they would go to anyone who reached for them. So, we had a rough start but we won them over with food and toys. They are SO SMART. Both of them are mimicing everything we do and say. They have successfully said Mama, Daddy, and Duck and knew what they were saying. They slept all through the night last night, and so did Chuck. I did not. I heard every move they made in their sleep. They didn't wake up until after 6 a.m. Today we met with their birth father. He ended our time together by sharing that we are like family to him. That was special. We did lots of work at the orphanage today. I left early and brought an older child, Monicia, back to the hotel to swim. We don't have our boys with us tonight because we are going to the Embassy tomorrow to file some paperwork. Prayers for safety while we are out in town tomorrow would be appreciated. We'll post more when we can. Thanks for praying for us!
Luggage for Haiti
Here's a picture of our luggage for Haiti. We DID NOT have to pay for extra weight, praise the Lord! And better yet, every piece made it undamaged. Yeah God!!Friday, May 25, 2007
On Our Way...
Well, in 10 and 1/2 hours we will be in Miami, half way to Haiti. Well, more than half way, but half way through our flights. We will spend the day in Miami, hopefully sleeping since we won't be doing much of that tonight. Please pray that the hotel lets us check in early. That would be such a blessing. While you're praying, could you also pray that none of our luggage is overweight. It's all right at 50lbs on our home scale. We just need the home scale and the airport luggage scales to match. Our flight Sunday morning leaves at 10:25 a.m. and we get into Haiti at 11:20 a.m. We are so close to being with our boys we can barely stand it!!
We will post as often as we can while in Haiti. If we can upload pictures we will. We covet your prayers while we're there.
There's really no way the boys are coming home on this trip unless God does a great big miracle. I'm not even asking Him to because our house is a wreck right now and in no condition for the boys. Their cribs are full of stuff and our bathroom renovations (yes, they are still happening) will be ongoing while we are out of town, so all the bathroom stuff is in the boys' room. So, please don't expect them to come home on this trip. We are OK with that. We've waited this long, and we're getting kind of good at it, so we can wait a few more months. Well, probably 4 more months. And that's just a guess. An informed guess, but definitely a guess.
Okay, that's all for now. Hopefully the next post you read will be from Haiti!!
Big Love, Chuck and Juli
We will post as often as we can while in Haiti. If we can upload pictures we will. We covet your prayers while we're there.
There's really no way the boys are coming home on this trip unless God does a great big miracle. I'm not even asking Him to because our house is a wreck right now and in no condition for the boys. Their cribs are full of stuff and our bathroom renovations (yes, they are still happening) will be ongoing while we are out of town, so all the bathroom stuff is in the boys' room. So, please don't expect them to come home on this trip. We are OK with that. We've waited this long, and we're getting kind of good at it, so we can wait a few more months. Well, probably 4 more months. And that's just a guess. An informed guess, but definitely a guess.
Okay, that's all for now. Hopefully the next post you read will be from Haiti!!
Big Love, Chuck and Juli
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Down to One Hand
Yes, that is correct. We will be in Haiti in 5 days. We will leave here in 4. I'm pretty much packed, just last minute things at this point. If you see me over the next 4 days and wonder why I keep wearing the same things over and over it's because everything else is packed. I'm praying, and you can join me, that our luggage all stays within the weight limits. We are right on the edge right now. Also, please pray for Chuck. He's got a lot to take care of at work before he goes on vacation. That's all for now.
Twin Girls Update
Aren't they precious! I read an update on the twin girls in Haiti this morning and some of you have asked about them, so here is a picture and what the missionaries had to say:The twins came on Saturday. They are steadily gaining. One of them gained 13 ounces in five days. :) Thanks for praying for them.
Thank you to all who have been praying for them. It really is a miracle that they are still alive. If ever you want to read a fun, interesting blog about Americans living and serving in Haiti, check out http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/. It's one of my favorite blogs out there.
Monday, May 21, 2007
May Pictures
I just realized that I never posted this picture! We got it May 9th. I have never seen Noah look like this before - he looks pretty ticked off and if you click on the picture to enlarge it you will see that his eyes are glassy like he's about to cry. My guess is that he didn't want to sit down to have this picture taken. The last few months of pictures has been individual shots of the boys and I'd been thinking that maybe they couldn't get them to sit still together. Oh gosh, I can't wait to see them. They will be in our arms in 6 short days!!
Updates
Well, I went back to the Dr. yesterday because I was on my last antibiotic pill and I was concerned my infection in my thumb wasn't gone. The Dr. looked at the wound and said it looked really good. She had it x-rayed and did bloodwork (I think just to reassure me). My bloodwork came back fine and the x-ray showed no foreign bodies or inflamed joints. So, I will continue with Neosporin twice a day and pray for it to heal up by Sunday. She even told me to have fun in Haiti, so in case you're wondering, I DO have the Dr.'s blessing to go. Oh, yeah, and she didn't yell at me for my self surgery.
I will be bagging up formula from the formula drive and should have a total of how much was collected by Thursday at the latest.
Our first mission group flies into Haiti this afternoon! There are 9 adults and 10 kids traveling today. If you are reading this on Monday, please say a quick prayer for them - especially for safety. At least one of the adults is terrified of flying, so please say a special prayer for her. Thanks!
I will be bagging up formula from the formula drive and should have a total of how much was collected by Thursday at the latest.
Our first mission group flies into Haiti this afternoon! There are 9 adults and 10 kids traveling today. If you are reading this on Monday, please say a quick prayer for them - especially for safety. At least one of the adults is terrified of flying, so please say a special prayer for her. Thanks!
Friday, May 18, 2007
9 Days!
Well, it is 9 days until we will be in Haiti with our boys. I began packing yesterday. So far I have 20 lbs of formula packed and this Sunday I should receive more both at church and from an adoption ministry group that we belong to.
I'm a little worried about packing because I'm afraid that I want to bring FAR more than I can. I even bought plastic bins to pack in because they weigh less than suitcases. Please pray with me that God works out all the packing so that I can bring everything we need. We'll be in Haiti for 12 days, so I need a lot of stuff.
I also need to ask for prayers for my right thumb. Last year when we went to Haiti to meet our boys I got a really nasty, weird infection in my right thumb 10 days before traveling. Out of nowhere an abcess formed at the base of my nail bed. Thankfully it cleared up in time to travel to Haiti. Well, last week I got the SAME infection in the SAME thumb. This time I had 16 days before Haiti. Which is more than enough time for an antibiotic to work, right? I'm not so sure. I did surgery and broke the skin on the abcess and removed it so now I have this gross, painful open wound on my thumb. Before you yell at me I must remind you that the skin was dead and needed to come off. Since I am a control freak I decided to do surgery instead of having a Dr. do it for me. When I was 12 I successfully removed two warts from my feet, so I'm kind of good at self surgery. Anyway, I'm digressing. The problem is not only the open wound. I still have pain throughout my thumb, including my joint at my hand. I'm not convinced that 7 days of antibiotics have made much difference. I finish them up on Sunday, so if I'm still in the same shape I will go back to the Dr. on Monday; hopefully for some IV antibiotics. Anyway, long story short, please pray that my thumb gets better. It would be unwise to travel to Haiti with this.
The first group from our mission team begins to travel this Sunday. They will arrive in Haiti Monday afternoon. If you'd like to pray for our group, please send me an email at ittybitties@msn.com. We have an hourly prayer calendar that spans 5/20 - 6/8. If you'd like to sign up for any hour time slots, just email me the dates and times you'd like to pray for our team. There are currently over 100 people traveling to Haiti on our team within that range of dates. Chuck and I fly to Miami on the 26th and arrive in Haiti on the 27th.
That's all for now.
I'm a little worried about packing because I'm afraid that I want to bring FAR more than I can. I even bought plastic bins to pack in because they weigh less than suitcases. Please pray with me that God works out all the packing so that I can bring everything we need. We'll be in Haiti for 12 days, so I need a lot of stuff.
I also need to ask for prayers for my right thumb. Last year when we went to Haiti to meet our boys I got a really nasty, weird infection in my right thumb 10 days before traveling. Out of nowhere an abcess formed at the base of my nail bed. Thankfully it cleared up in time to travel to Haiti. Well, last week I got the SAME infection in the SAME thumb. This time I had 16 days before Haiti. Which is more than enough time for an antibiotic to work, right? I'm not so sure. I did surgery and broke the skin on the abcess and removed it so now I have this gross, painful open wound on my thumb. Before you yell at me I must remind you that the skin was dead and needed to come off. Since I am a control freak I decided to do surgery instead of having a Dr. do it for me. When I was 12 I successfully removed two warts from my feet, so I'm kind of good at self surgery. Anyway, I'm digressing. The problem is not only the open wound. I still have pain throughout my thumb, including my joint at my hand. I'm not convinced that 7 days of antibiotics have made much difference. I finish them up on Sunday, so if I'm still in the same shape I will go back to the Dr. on Monday; hopefully for some IV antibiotics. Anyway, long story short, please pray that my thumb gets better. It would be unwise to travel to Haiti with this.
The first group from our mission team begins to travel this Sunday. They will arrive in Haiti Monday afternoon. If you'd like to pray for our group, please send me an email at ittybitties@msn.com. We have an hourly prayer calendar that spans 5/20 - 6/8. If you'd like to sign up for any hour time slots, just email me the dates and times you'd like to pray for our team. There are currently over 100 people traveling to Haiti on our team within that range of dates. Chuck and I fly to Miami on the 26th and arrive in Haiti on the 27th.
That's all for now.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Praise the Lord!!
I received an email this morning telling me that our dossier (adoption paperwork) has the Prosecutor's approval! Woohoo! That is wonderful news. Our dossier has been stuck there for 3 1/2 months. I was truly beginning to go crazy, but God has answered my prayers. Yeah God!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Twin Girls Update
The twins from the last post have really made a huge impression on me. I emailed the nurse for an update on them, but then found an update on another blog (a family doing mission work in Haiti). I learned the following by reading a post from April 19th:
There was a new post on their blog today:
These two little girls just break my heart. I'm sure it is because we are adopting twins. I was just telling someone recently how God breaks peoples' hearts over different things. He has definitely broken my heart over starving babies in Haiti. I just find it so hard to believe that I can live in this country of plenty, dieting because I get too much to eat, and these babies and millions more around the world die each year from starvation. It makes no sense to me.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We've had no new news to share about the adoption. We do, however, arrive in Haiti in 24 days. It's just about time to bust out the suitcases!
These twins were born about twelve days ago. They were brought here by two of their aunts. Their mother was sick during the pregnancy and too weak to come down from their home in the mountains. Someone was supposed to bring her down on horseback today to find help and go to a medical clinic. According to the family, they don't think she will live. The twins are named Micailine and Micailda.
There was a new post on their blog today:
The twins were here yesterday. They were in a hospital for 11 days. They do not weigh any more than the first time Troy saw them. I am concerned, I don't see how they can make it without round the clock professional care. Troy did what he could, but we're discouraged that the hospital did not keep them longer. The family keeps telling us the mom is not all there (mentally ill) and that they plan to raise the twins. They don't seem to get how fragile the situation is. They came without any bottles and were unprepared to deal with the babies when they started crying. I have no idea how to convince them that if they want these babies to live they need to take it all more seriously. Keep these tiny little girls in your prayers.
These two little girls just break my heart. I'm sure it is because we are adopting twins. I was just telling someone recently how God breaks peoples' hearts over different things. He has definitely broken my heart over starving babies in Haiti. I just find it so hard to believe that I can live in this country of plenty, dieting because I get too much to eat, and these babies and millions more around the world die each year from starvation. It makes no sense to me.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We've had no new news to share about the adoption. We do, however, arrive in Haiti in 24 days. It's just about time to bust out the suitcases!
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