2008 family

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It's all starting to come together.  USCIS has received our paperwork and we should get a date in the mail in about a week or so.  As soon as we have the paper we will be traveling to see if we can get our fingerprints sooner.  The sooner we are approved the sooner we can summit our dossier.  Praying that we get approved quickly.

Today, I found out that Dan can take up to 12 weeks off from work to complete our adoption.  This leave time can start as soon as we leave the country. This is great news I wondered at some points weather or not he would have a job when we came back.  This is one more stressor that has been wiped off from our plates.
I'm actually starting to mentally think about things that we are going to need to pack to take with us.  The list is getting more and more extensive. I'm dreaming about all the advice others have been giving me and writing a list so I don't forget.  It all seems so real.  I assume that means we are getting close.  Today I actually looked at little girl clothes like I was going to buy some.  

So the adoption is proceeding, however my finesse of fundraising is not.  My head is trying to come up with what it is that I'm going to do next.  The date to traveling is coming oh so soon, but the funding is taking so long.  We still need about 12,000.  So if any of you great fundraisers have any ideas for me let me know.  I would rather go through 10 times as much paperwork then sit and come up with some way to entice people to donate to our adoption.  Asking money from others is hard, really I would rather have every single hair on my head yanked out.  I know we will get there eventually.  Thank you all who have helped thus far,  we are more than half way there.  Thank you for all the prayers through the high and lows of this process.  Thanks for listening to me when I'm in tears, when I'm stressed, when I'm tired, when I have had enough, and when I have been joyously happy.  You all help keep me going, I wouldn't get there without your support.  Truly, thank you.

I can't help but ponder over and over again the sweet little faces of little boys and girls without homes and families.  In fact the word orphan gives me chills, a child deprived. I really don't like the word.  There just seems to be a never ending supply of photos of these sweet endearing children.
The struggle of convincing people that these children deserve families just like my Zac, Caleb, Nathan, and Noah do seems challenging to me. Trying to explain over and over again, why these helpless children belong in families who love them can be really frustrating .  I don't understand why it is just so hard to get.  Kids with no families headed to adult institutions where they live out the rest of there lives, or family with love, cuddles, learning,  and growing.  Is it really that hard to understand which is better?  All children deserve love.  Then it hit me, these worldly people aren't thinking about the possibility that an orphan could have a family or not.  I have come to the realization that people aren't really thinking about those that need a home but how it is going to affect our family personally.  In some strange way I think they are just concerned for us.  Maybe they think we aren't thinking straight and maybe if they tell us then maybe we will come to our senses.  The thing is, it is our life, and we love these children.  Our hearts break for them, when just one has found the love of a family we celebrate.  When one heads to a institution we pray that soon they will also have a family.  We aren't going to change our mind.

So what does this really mean for us.  One more child to feed, one more child to love, one more child to put to bed every night, one more child to hand me flowers from the backyard in the summer and say they love me, one more child I can kiss after a fall from a bike, one more of God's biggest blessings.  I love the fact that I have a large family, I love the nature of noise constantly around me, I love how there is never a dull moment, I love how they all come to me when there is a problem.  I cherish this season of my life, even the quirky behaviors of my littlest.  I love the fact that we as a family want to love an orphan and make one an orphan no more.

I'm not trying to be unrealistic here, I know that we are going to have a new kind of challenge in our life.  In all honestly we have no idea what kind of condition Nellie will be in when we get to her.  We don't know any of her medical history, we don't even know if she has been transferred yet.  We just have no idea.  I'm preparing my heart for whatever it is we see when we finally get on that plane and get to her.  No matter what she will be loved, not matter what kind of condition she is in we will bring her home.  We didn't say yes Lord we will got get her if.....  We said yes Lord we will go,  we will follow your heart, we will go get one of those that means so much to you.  I am willing to love her, no matter what.

So the silence of friends who when they see us and never inquire to how things are going, I'm not letting it get to me anymore.  I'm just not, I need to be at peace about it.  So soon we will be a family of 8 and I am ready to see what that means for us in the new year.  Counting all my blessings.

Randomness

I know it has been several days without a post. This Christmas reminded me of all the wonderful blessings we have in our life. Family is so important to us and we got to spend several days visiting with family. As I get older the more I realize just how important it is to just spend time together hanging out. These are the memories that I will carry on with me always. I pray that these cherished moments with family my children will also remember.
I was so elated to watch the special on the news showing how orphans are being saved and brought home to loving families. I not only watched this but I watched it with family. I pray that it shows them  a little window of where my heart is.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/hidden-angels-sisters-bright-future-15234316?tab=9482931&section=1206835&playlist=1363742


As joyful as Christmas was, I found a small piece of me longing to be in a country half way around the world telling a little girl all about our Christmas traditions. I wanted to just go get her and have her join in the fun. I know that next year will be so different, because she will be with us.

Still haven't heard news about immigration. I have been looking everyday for the text message that they have received our forms. I'm hoping it's not much longer. I'm hopeful that we could possibly have an appointment in country as soon as March. When I think about it I get all giddy, but on the other hand I feel so unprepared. March is just a hop, skip, and jump away. It will be here before I know it.

My boys.

My boys.

WINNERS

First off, I just wanted to say thank-you to all of you who donated to Artem's fund this week. Thank you for praying for him.  I have the wonderful opportunity to spend time with his mamma sometime during the Christmas break.  I can't wait to here her story of how she came to know that Artem was to be part of her family. I have only met her once and only had a few short moments to talk with her.  I just know that we will have lots to talk about.  Thank you for being concerned about these babies and loving them as much as we do.  We couldn't go through this process without all of your support.

The chip in didn't get to 100.00 yesterday, but it did today and I am truly grateful. So I am going to go ahead and give out the two extra gifts. You can check them out on yesterday's page.

Brian M  Winner of    Let's Rock Elmo

Theresa M  Winner of Crayola items

Richard R  Winner of Fab Snap Wristlet and accessories

Glen K   Winner of Leapfrog Junior

Amanda B.  Winner of U Build games

Will add more prizes...

WILL ADD TWO MORE GREAT PRIZES IF THE CHIP IN FOR ARTEM HITS 100.00  TODAY.

Fourth Prize:

Leapfrog Junior Tag System

Fifth Prize:  u-build Games

Auction closes tomorrow night, lets help this family jump start and help them pay some of there upfront fees.

Artem is on the mffm page.  Yeah,  and on that note I am adding another item to his giveaway.  So the drawing will be next week, and I will draw two winners.  One for the crayola items and one for Let's Rock Elmo.  

There is a family who has committed to Artem K.  The best part for me is that they are in my community.  I can already see play dates in our future.  Nellie and Artem, could be great friends.  Here's the deal.  They are having trouble coming up with the commitment money.  So all money that comes in from this fundraiser will go to this wonderful family so they can commit.  Drawing will be December 21st, lets help this family commit to him before Christmas.  Please donate to his chip in for this giveaway.

We are fond of Crayola products in our house.   So our next giveaway, is a basket full of wonderful goodies all made by Crayola.  

3.00 = 1 entry

5.00 = 5 entries

10.00 = 15 entries

1 entry for posting on your blog.  Just comment to let me know that you have shared on your blog.

NEW ITEMS ADDED

So blessed...

I am so so blessed.  I am so happy, to think that Artem is soon to be a well adjusted little boy living in my community.  Never  did I think the Lord would surround me with so many of these little ones.  It is still so unbelievable to me.  Not only Artem but another little guy's family from rr is starting the process also.  It is just so amazing to me.  I am so thrilled to think that there are so many like minded people in our community.

Now many of you are probably wondering why I am doing an auction for Artem's family.  Yes, they have a huge grant, but I remember the first moments of committing to Nellie.  It is an absolute faith journey, and those first few months can be very difficult.  Handing over money for commitment, homestudies, agencies, certified copied of marriage licences. The list goes on and on. These are all upfront cost.  These all have to be paid immediately, and if one doesn't have any savings then you need to fundraise.  Atrem is set for when his family is ready to go get him it's the next few months that will be difficult for them..  I want them to know that they are loved, and supported.  I want them to know that in the difficult moments that it is so worth it, I want them to know that in the midst of the overwhelming paperwork, that there are people out there cheering them on.  My heart is filled with great joy to see that Artem is coming here.  When, I found out that they needed help, I knew this was something that I could do for them..  Please show your support for this family just donate a few dollars this Christmas season, for one more orphans journey home.

When we decided to commit to Nellie, yes it was about adopting just one.  Adopting one was all I could do.  But it came with the hope that others hearts would break for orphans.  That others would say yes Lord, we can do this.  Well, I can tell you right now that the Lord is answering my prayers.  He is so Good.

Artem!

Artem is on the mffm page.  Yeah,  and on that note I am adding another item to his giveaway.  So the drawing will be next week, and I will draw two winners.  One for the crayola items and one for Let's Rock Elmo.  

Fundraiser updates

I know I keep closing my blog and reopening it.  Fear sort of took over my brain for a few days.  I just had a good dose of wake up Beth, God has this handled.  So, here I go trudging along trying to remember that He is King, and he has it handled.  


So I just have to say, Artem has a family so close to committing to him.  When I say close I mean so very close.  This giveaway is done next week so please donate!


UPDATE TO MY FUNDRAISER

There is a family ready to commit to Artem K.  The best part for me is that they are in my community.  I can already see play dates in our future.  Nellie and Artem could be great friends.  Here's the deal.  They are having trouble coming up with the commitment money.  So all money that comes in from this fundraiser will go to this wonderful family so they can commit.  Drawing will be December 21st, lets help this family commit to him before Christmas.  Please donate to his chip in for this giveaway.

We are fond of Crayola products in our house.   So our next giveaway, is a basket full of wonderful goodies all made by Crayola.  

3.00 = 1 entry

5.00 = 5 entries

10.00 = 15 entries

1 entry for posting on your blog.  Just comment to let me know that you have shared on your blog.

NEW ITEMS ADDED

Rollercoaster

Well, it's hit again.  The roller coaster ride,  I feel like I'm in mid scream waiting to hit the bottom of the slope with my eyes shut waiting for it to be over.  Wow, what can I say it's been a rough few days.

First off, I know that it was the Lords plan to surround me with others that are passionate about orphans as me.  Thank you Lord for supplying these strong, brave, loving compassionate women to be an example to me. Thank you for their support, during the happy times, and the times filled with heart break.  I am so thankful for them.  It has been several months since we began this process, and I knew I had some lessons to learn..  Today I am learning.  Today, even in the midst of the unknown I will give thanks in everything.  Lord, I so deeply thank you for your grace, mercy, steadfast love, and redemption.  Thank you Lord for the difficult times, and the challenges that arise.  I will rejoice in you, no matter what the outcome.  So today I am still learning to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Seeds CD's

Not sure how many of you have heard about Seed Family Worship cd's, but they are great.  I learned about them a few years ago from a dear friend.  They are cd's for kids and they put scripture to music.  I love these especially since one area that I kind of struggle with is scripture memorization.  So it's kind of cool when I have a problem that I am dealing with, not only does scripture come to mind but also the catchy tune that goes along with it.  Today was one of those day.

Phillipian 4 6-7  

I thought I would share a verse that has been going through my mind all day long.  Please specifically pray for us today, to have the peace of God in all situations.

Meet the Robinson's

Meet The Robinsons....


Everywhere I turn, I see something that reminds me of Nellie.  A few weeks ago, the kids were watching Meet The Robinsons on tv. We were sitting there and I started to tear up over a disney movie.  A boy who lives in an orphanage, who has so much potential and desperately wants his mom to come back and and take him home.  I understand that this is fictional but I struggle when in the movie Lewis can't find a family to adopt him. Families passed over him again and again. Why because he was a bit odd.  In the end his forever family finds him loves and nurtures him.  Honestly I sat and cried like a baby.

Then last weeks sermon at church, more about Nellie.   Every time I open my bible the verses are speaking to me about Nellie.  The boys playing in snow, doing school work,  more thoughts about Nellie.  Oh, how can you miss someone before you even meet them?  I stare into her photos several times a day and can't wait for the day that I can actually see her face, touch her face, and give her a huge squeeze.

Paperwork for USCIS ready to go in the mail in the morning.  A few more months I can wait that long.   We are coming for you dear girl, and you won't be passed over.

Homestudy!

IT Is Here!!!!!   It is finished!!!!!!


Yes, I went to my mailbox today and I now have several copies of our finished home study in hand...


So ready for the next step.

Fundraiser for Artem

UPDATE TO MY FUNDRAISER

There is a family ready to commit to ARTEM K.  The best part for me is that they are in my community.  I can already see play dates in our future.  Nellie and Atrem could be great friends.  Here's the deal.  They are having trouble coming up with the commitment money.  So all money that comes in from this fundraiser will go to this wonderful family so they can commit.  Drawing will be December 21st, lets help this family commit to him before Christmas.  Please donate to his chip in for this giveaway.

We are fond of Crayola products in our house.   So our next giveaway, is a basket full of wonderful goodies all made by Crayola.  

3.00 = 1 entry

5.00 = 5 entries

10.00 = 15 entries

1 entry for posting on your blog.  Just comment to let me know that you have shared on your blog.

What a beautiful snowy day it is here.  I love the snowfall but not the cold.  Yesterday the boys were testing the snow to see if it was ready to make snowballs.  They had a clear goal in mind, Nathan even scouted out the refrigerator for the perfect carrot.  It was time to build a snowman.. So after snow pants, hats, coats, and gloves, they were out the door.  I think they forgot there mission because there is no snowman sitting out in front of our house.  Boys, instead they were outside throwing snowballs at each other having a blast. Gotta love the rambunctious group of boys that are my kiddos. I just love when they come in the door with rosie red cheeks, but most of all I love that they are building memories with each other.

 I can't help but think of what it would be like to add Nellie to the mix.  I can see her face glued to the window watching the boys in the wonders of the cold white stuff, squirming to go out there with them. I can just imagine now, that the boys will take her outside and lovingly play in the snow with her, and actually help her  make snow angels.  No throwing snowballs at their little sister. I can so see Nathan taking her hand and walking her inside when she gets cold and making her a cup of hot chocolate.  Lord willingly we will have her here next year.  I can't wait to watch her grow and experience life.   Have a feeling that in real life they might be throwing snowballs at her too!!

Oh my, today my head is consumed with orphans.  I just can't understand how some of these children get overlooked to be adopted. Really, how do they become 3, 4, and 5 years old with no one to love them.  How does the unimaginable happen, how come they get transferred??  It just boggles my mind when others say I understand adopting but why a child with special needs.To me that insinuates that they don't deserve families of there own.  I really just want to say are you kidding me, why not? Seriously why not?  It just is heartbreaking to know that, just because it seems that in our life these kids rank a step lower than everyone else.  How did that happen, why does it seem that there life is less important then ours? This isn't just a problem somewhere across the ocean, this problem is everywhere. Frankly, I just don't get it.  The fact is I don't have to get it, I don't have to understand how we as a society got this way, I don't have to understand what the dividing line between normal and abnormal is.  It is the way our world is.  But, I am called to love and care for the least of these.

So today my is heart breaking for those that are transferred or who are about to become transferred.  I feel like this is there last shot at becoming adopted.  There last opportunity to find a family to love them and to break the cycle of our world. Love a child that others deem to be unlovable.  One last little tiny glimmer of hope.  They need someone to step forward and say yes I too don't understand why but I too can help change the mindset of our world. I can take one or two or three home to love.  

Random thoughts

All I can say, is the last few weeks have been super busy. Life, getting together packages to be mailed, Christmas, church, parents, children, oh my. Stress oh my goodness, and actually the stress has nothing to do with the adoption.  Stress of good old everyday life.  So sorry, I haven't been posting lately.

Where are we in the adoption process? I want to scream from the top of my lungs that our home study is finished.  It is finished, to be honest there were moments when I wondered if we were ever going to get it done.  Just waiting on the final revisions so we can send off to USCIS.  I am so excited to know that we are that much closer to Nellie.  My tentative plan is to send over our dossier and have it ready for when Nellie's country opens back up.  I say tenative because I am learning to go with the flow.  I know my way isn't always the best way, but I also know that Nellie is so close to being transferred.  We are so close to having our dossier done, all we need is USCIS approval, and a new medical form filled out because Nellie's country just changed the form.  That is it, nothing else. So praying that this next step doesn't take near as long as our home study did.


I can't believe how calm I am about our adoption, now. I do know it's a moment by moment thing. All the aspects that threw me for a loop at first, I can hardly remember now.  I know it was the insanity of trying to do a billion things at once, and I'm sure that we will be there again but for the moment it's great to take a breather.  Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have had Nellie home like yesterday.  Or like most of the other families that committed when we did, are starting to travel, or will be traveling soon.  Yes, I would love to be there but the fact is we are not.  So, there is absolutely nothing I can do but carry on, and that is what I shall do, with peace of mind.