We are in Haiti!

First of all, I need to update on how God has blessed us through some of you. We had some super generous donations that allowed us to finish our adoption, debt- free! It's not a big deal to some people but for us, it was something God impressed upon us. We fully trusted that because He put this on our hearts, He would make it happen if we just stepped out in faith. So a huge Thank you to all who have given. It is very humbling to be in this position of receiving. But it does show a person Gods body of believers coming alongside eachother to accomplish something great.
Second thing, we are in Haiti. Right now!
Yup! We just spent our first day with Rose and it went great. She is spunky and fun. She has a great belly laugh and also a fake laugh when she just wants to laugh. She loves to try on shoes and clothes and get her hair done. Addis and her are going to be fast friends. She went to us right away and even let Travis hold her right away which is amazing since when we first met her she refused to be around him.
We spent the day just playing with her and trying to get to know her. Tomorrow will be a long driving day as we attempt to go visit her bio family. I am praying for a productive meeting. No doubt it will be a hard one, but necessary for the future.
She will eat everything and constantly asks for Bon-Bon .( not sure of spelling) food is definitely her comfort. I will post pics when we are finally home.

Visa date

We have a visa date of April 30.  We are so excited to know this is finally coming to an end and she WILL be coming home. 

We are hoping to go a couple weeks after to pick her up. Flights are looking like $1200/per person x 3. Yikes!  So silly that her ticket is just as much as ours, she's such a peanut. Oh well, I know going to Africa was much more so I will be thankful. 

And, as always, God makes a way. ( another big huge thank you to those who have listened to Gods prompting to help us bring home Rose! You are His hands and feet)

I am gathering clothes and snacks for her and still trying to wrap my head around the idea that there will be another person running around here. Another little one needing hugs and kisses, baths, snacks, drinks, dressed, teeth brushed,  encouraging, training........ummm Hair done.........;)(can't wait to see how her hair is going to be)

The language barrier is weirding me out this time. I guess I was naive to it last time with addis, I can't even remember what we did. Lucky for me, I know a great lady wo speaks creole and just happens to live here in our town. I think I will have her on speed dial.

Traveling

We got word this week that our adoption has been approved by the USCIS and we are waiting to hear about a visa date. As soon as we hear that, we will be buying our tickets to pick up Rose.

It feels like its been forever that we have been waiting and praying. So long, in fact, it feels weird to finally be at this point. But we are and so I am frantically trying to prepare for our trip and all the things Rose will need. But in all this excitement, I NEED to prepare my heart and my children's hearts for this new member of our family. As exciting and amazing as this experience is, for one little girl, her whole world is about to be rocked. In her 3 years of life she has experienced so much already I pray God is preparing her for this new life with us. 

Orphan Sunday

Orphan Sunday is this Sunday!
What more can I say that this video doesn't say?

Winner of the Kindle Fire!!!

And the winner of the Kindle Fire is.........

WE can't express how thankful we are for all of you! Thank you to my sweet friend who donated the Kindle to auction off, thank you to my friends and family who reposted during this month, thank you to those who took time to donate any amount, large or small to help us get closer to bringing home Rose, and thank you if you took a moment to pray for us and Rose.
God provides in such amazing ways for our needs and I am always in awe. Thank you for allowing Him to use you to accomplish His plan to rescue a little girl and place her into a family.
Blessings to you all!!!

Winner of the $50 Target gift card Announced!!!!

Thank you to all that gave this week. We really appreciate your support!
We have one more week left for the Kindle Fundraiser and we are so thankful for the amount we have raised so far.

MINI GiVeAwAy!!!!

!!!!!!!MINI GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!
From tonight until Friday, those who donate on our blog will be entered to win a $50 Target gift card in addition to a chance to win the Kindle Fire.
We will draw the name on Saturday.
Help us finish this adoption debt free!
We are hoping to bring her home by Christmas if our paperwork keeps going at this rate. We obviously don't know when exactly it will happen, but we are hoping to not let finances hold us up at any point.
Thank you for helping give Rose a family.

School starts

 School started for us and we are taking it slow the first couple of weeks. We are doing a mixture of curriculum this year, which is a first for me.



                                           Thatcher is in 1st

 Sebastian is in Preschool

Addis is in K

 After browsing through old pictures, you know the time before digital cameras, I realized how little pics I have taken lately of my kids. And COTP where Rose is, does such a good job of taking their photo every month. I am embarrassed to admit I think I might have more pictures of her, then my children in my home. I am so thankful to have the ones of Rose since I can't be with her, but I know I will be thankful years from now if I take the time to get pictures of all my kids. They grow so fast.

Oliver is in 3rd

By the way, we did school today, not just take pictures. But we could've counted this as school.....listening to direction, getting along with others, counting to three.....Ha!!!

Speechless!!!

I.Don't.have.the.words.
Amazed.
Humbled.
Inspired.
Thankful.
Giddy.
I can't say enough how incredible it is to see God working, through this adoption, through my friends and family, complete strangers.......
Thank you for giving and helping us bring home our Rose.
Whatever money that is over our immediate need will be used for the next stage and travel. We anticipate a total of $11,000 left and have already been blessed with $5500 of that between our fundraiser and a grant. That's crazy!!!
Thank you again for your support.

Kindle Fire Fundraiser

Just when I was starting to get discouraged and down about how long this adoption was taking and how the money just seems to always be an issue, God reminded me of His faithfulness.
I have a very sweet and generous friend who has offered to raffle off a Kindle Fire for us to raise money for our last adoption fees.
 I am so in awe of  God's timing and the way He uses people in our lives to bless my socks off.
I never doubt whether or not God CAN do something, but I sometimes wonder if it's in His will for something to happen the way I want it to in a situation. It is so hard to be in this situation of humbling myself and relying on others (God) to do something, right now, bring home our daughter. But I know this is God's perfect way of keeping us dependent on Him and bringing people together to accomplish something great.
I am a  giver. I am not comfortable being on this end of things, but I am. I can't do this without help, your help.
Please consider using the donation button to donate to our adoption and for every $15 donated, your name will be entered in to win a KINDLE FIRE!!
We so appreciate your love and support.

 

 

Rose is doing well and thriving at her orphanage. I am sure her mom and dad would be so happy to see her doing so well.  We pray we can have her with us by Christmas and she can start to know the feeling of unconditional love in a family.
 Kindle fundraiser will end at the end of September, so get your name in every time you donate $15.
Please leave a comment with your name and email so we can keep track of entries and email the winner.

Meeting our Rose

Last week Travis and I made our first trip to visit the orphanage where our daughter is. We started out with a mini vacation for us, it seemed, because of the time it took to get there. We left on Saturday and flew to MN and stayed the night and then flew to Miami in the morning. We had the rest of the day in Miami to just hang out. We took a shuttle to the Dolphin Mall and looked around and then just sat around the pool in the evening. It was so relaxing. It felt strange to not have to look after someone and I kept looking around feeling as if I was missing something.
We flew to PAP Monday morning and then flew to Cap Hatien where Children of the Promise orphanage is located. I had heard so many good things about this orphanage and was excited to see it in person. The plane to CH was a twin prop little 12 seater, Quite an experience! It did, however, allow us to see the beautiful landscape of Haiti.
The orphanage is beautiful with lots of trees and several buildings that house the orphans and volunteer staff. They have a clean well for water that they open up to the community and several community outreach programs. They are trying to raise chickens and rabbits to help with their food supply as well.
When we came to where the children were they were all napping so our first view of RM was a diaper only, chunky, sweetness sleeping on a cot. We waited for them to wake and visited with the other volunteers under the huge mango tree that seems to be the gathering place.
RM's bday was the Friday before we got there and they waited for us to arrive to celebrate it. We were so excited to participate in that celebration. We had seen pictures of such celebrations so to be a part of our little girls 3rd birthday even though we are normally so far away, was something we will always cherish.
I got to hold her while they sang "Happy Birthday" and T prayed over her. Then a nanny prayed for her in Creole. It was a special moment to say the least.
The rest of our short time there was filled with playing with the kids and trying to soak in being in RMs presence, knowing the uncertainty of the process and how long it might take to see her again.
We left the next afternoon and flew back to PAP. We stayed at a hotel near the airport and were so  thankful to have our travel buddies with us. Another family who is adopting traveled at the same time and so we were able to share in this experience with them.
The next morning we set off early to the embassy after filling out the proper paperwork. We had an 8 oclock appointment and after going through the many security points, found a seat in a large waiting room filled with Haitians also waiting for their turn. I was so curious to know each of their stories and many times became overwhelmed with the knowledge that God loves EACH ONE of these precious lives in this room. And then to wonder how many of them even know of His love for them and what His Son did for them. 
We waited for hours and then our names were called to a window. A lady asked us some questions and gave us some instructions and that was it. We were done. Our whole trip's purpose completed in 10 minutes. Well, I guess God used that 10 min. purpose to further His purpose of continuing to open our eyes to the world around us. We as Christians have so much to give and we get so caught up in our lives we forget to share it with those around us.
I want to change that in my life. Look at my hurting neighbors, see those hurting in my city, rejoice with them and comfort them when they are hurting. Share my resources with those in need, here, across the oceans, wherever God takes me.
After the Embassy appointment we were driven to the airport and started our trek home. All of our flights were uneventful and smooth. We were a little alarmed when upon take off the stewardess said over the speaker, "Say your Goodbyes!"....... What does that mean????? Ha!
It was nice to have some time for just T and I to be together. I often hear of older married couples complain of how when their children move out of the home they are left staring at their spouse as if they were strangers. They had let the years go by without cultivating their marriage and now left to figure out how to begin this new part of their lives. It was nice to have this opportunity to  not think about caring for our kids, house projects, and all the other things that demand our attention and enjoy being with one another. I was happy to realize that I actually still enjoy being around my husband after 12 years of marriage. And hope to have, or make more opportunities to continue to cultivate our marriage in the future.
I have video but trying to figure out how to edit it since I cant post any other child but RM. I will post pics too.
Thank you to all who have been praying us through this long journey. In august it will be 2 years since starting the process and we probably have another year to go. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.

Still alive!

It's been almost a year since posting last.......not sure what happened....oh ya! Life!! Ha! Lots of things have happened since then. Here are some highlights for you:
July- went to Ethioian festival, Mehaber, in MN. Addis rocked some braids!
August-helped with the flooding in the area.
  September- school started again (do we really ever stop learning, really?) o started 2 nd, T started k, and A and S in preschool.
November- went to MO for Thanksgiving and had a great time with family.
December- watched the Elf movie everyday with little bursts of the Grinch. S opening presents was the highlight. He gave the classsic response of joy and excitement.
  Ugh! The low after the holidays....... I will use this time to tell you the update on our adoption front. As last you read, M & A we're no longer available for adoption and we had a decision to make. Do we stop? Do we try to adopt another child somewhere else? Do we wait forever in hopes they come back? ( not really since they are with their parents, where they should be) After much prayer and discussion, we moved on and we were matched with a little girl at another orphanage in Haiti. Little RM is at Children of the Promise orphanage. She will be 3 this June and is a sweet thing. We had to do a little paperwork change but not too much. We are making our first trip down in a couple weeks to meet her. The process has been so much longer then Ethiopia it's been hard to keep focused on it. It has been such a different journey for sure. I think my mind forgot about it sometimes to spare myself from being so impatient. But every time we received n update or new pictures my heart would melt a little more. RM is a strong, sweet, special little girl who has blossomed over the year she has been at the orphanage. I can't wait to meet her.
March- we decide to tear apart our kitchen and dining room area. Quite a transformation. We have learned so much doing it ourselves. I am really glad we did it this way, even if it would all be done right now.....oh well. I will post before and after pictures on next post.
  April- house remodel. My dad and stepmom came up to help us install the flooring. It was a fun time being with them and sharing our time and house, and FLU with them. Of all the times!
  May- still house remodel And here we are in June. Pictures to come. We will be doing some fundraising soon, so stay tuned. (ya right, I don't have a very good track record of being consistent on here:)

T turns 5

T turns 5.

edible camping cake
dinner of choice: saracho wings!

"T" we love seeing the little man you are growing into.

"You must think I'm strong"

One of our favorite songs right now is Matthew West's "Strong Enough". I think it describes how we have been feeling lately. Here's what's been going on......

We were waiting for Travis to turn 35 so we could turn in our paperwork, which he did and we had a fun day celebrating his awesomeness:).

2 weeks before this, we got some news that our girls are no longer at the orphanage thus no longer available for adoption. I don't know how to describe the feeling, besides how I felt when we lost our baby Hudson 6 years ago. We don't really know how or if we should move on. I guess we are still praying they come back. There is a back story but that doesn't do anyone any good to replay what happened. But if you could join us in prayer so we have wisdom to know how to proceed, we would appreciate it.

In April, I went to Haiti to visit the orphanage and had an amazing time. I am pretty sure I was in heaven with all those precious children. I loved being in Haiti and seeing it finally with my own eyes instead of reading someone else's experience there. It was hard for me to return and go about my normal/privileged life. I feel guilty. But that is a good thing I suppose, to always be thankful/grateful and aware of those who have less, but in a way that creates action. I can't wait to go back!

I had a rummage sale to raise money for our adoption and it was a success in my eyes. People were generous in their giving when they knew what it was for. I didn't mark anything just told people to pay what they wanted. It was kinda funny how uncomfortable some people were with that, some forcing me to tell them how much to pay. I am such a push-over too, they could've gotten away with paying so little.

We traded our van in for a suburban so we could accommodate our growing family. We were so thankful we found one we liked at a place that would give us what we needed for a trade-in so NO CAR PAYMENT!!!! whoohooooo Dave Ramsey would be so proud:)

I think that's all for now. I will try and update more often, even if it's bad news.....

Long Break...Bad News....Good News

I haven't posted for a while for several reasons.
-I have been trying to use my time more efficiently in the evenings when the kids go to bed.
*I am trying to workout-right now doing INSANITY workout-LOVE IT!!!
*I have a goal of reading through the Bible in 90 days....lofty goal....I know!! Biblegateway.com has lots of different reading plans and I have tried others and thought this would go alongside my workout goal too.

-Last week we were told we might not be able to go forward with our adoption and turn in our dossier because of my age.(I am under the 35) We knew this was a gamble but thought from Haiti's previous waivers, we would be ok. After waiting a couple of days(which seemed like forever for us), we were told that we COULD turn in our paperwork when Travis turns 35 in June.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratefulness!
We are also saddened by how this strict rule affects good Christian families who want to bring home children.
So even though our paperwork is done(well actually we will have to redo 2 documents to reflect travis age being 35) and God PROVIDED ALL THE MONEY WE NEEDED to turn in.....we are waiting til June to turn it in. I am still in AWE how God does it!!! Who he uses.....when.....how.......
A big THANK YOU! to the family*you know who you are* who so graciously gave the remainder we needed. It is so humbling to be on the receiving end.
We also received a grant from our church's Orphan Minsistry-Thank you!!!!!I hope many other families can benefit from this ministry as well.
This week has been a week of rollercoaster emotions, but I feel like we have walked through a valley and were able to see God through it all. Every valley we go through brings us closer to Him and it's easier and easier to Praise Him through the good times and the bad times. He brings us joy despite our circumstances. He is faithful!!!

Dossier

2 Originals

4 copies

all notarized

all authenticated

some legalized

all translated

$6,000.......

Bringing two children into their forever family....

PRICELESS!!!!

CoLoRs

ONe of the ways we like to help the kids learn their colors is to make them their own book with pictures of themselves with all the different colors. S found t's book and wanted to make one of himself, so that is what we did this afternoon. A wanted to join in too, of course, and totally was into it. S fizzed out after the first two colors.....

So here we go with brown,

Green
Love her smile/laugh!

Pink! Yes, that is her sleep cap!-it's pink though:)

Blue

Yellow

Red

(see he is carrying around T's picture from his book)

It has been a crazy couple weeks with sickness in our house. t started then last week Dad and S got it and this week A and I got it. S ended up with pneumonia and T had a sinus infection. I am hoping we are at the end of it all now.

Our dossier is complete! We made all the necessary copies-6 sets total!! Can I just say "INSANE?" I will post pictures of it all.

Now we are praying for the funds to turn it in. It is hard but we know God's timing is perfect and He will provide!

Psalms 73:23-26

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Hope

Sick kids.......Good News

The past two weeks we have been trying to contain the germs in our house to just one kid....we failed. Child #2 is now sick! During the day he is acting fine but at night he just coughs and coughs.(like the nasty croup sounding cough) The first night when we was running a fever, I had him and helped him get through the night. But then night two, after no nap and no sleeping the night before....I couldn't really cope. I know.....I am a mom and that's my job....what I am made to do...console my child at night.....
I confess, I am horrible at nighttime.
I don't know why.
Even when they were babies, I can't function at nighttime. Maybe I am not fully awake.....
Anyway, God knew my short-comings and made sure I had an AWESOME husband who can handle nighttime wakings.
(Don't get annoyed, I am going to brag on how amazing my husband is right now. Skip to next paragraph if you don't want to hear-cause you know your jealous:)

S couldn't lay flat but wouldn't stay on the propped pillow next to me and was fighting me. He would cough so hard he would almost throw up. I was becoming frustrated because I wanted to sleep and he wouldn't do what he needed to stop coughing and go to sleep...repeat for a while. Then I was saved by his daddy, who came in and took him and slept with him in our big chair in the living room. He let him sleep on his chest, which helped him not cough. Poor guy didn't sleep but a couple hours...and I feel even worse now that I write this all out. I am very thankful that he is such a good "helpmate". He really does a wonderful job with the kids and helping if I need him around the house too. Thank you T!!!
*****************************************************************************

We received our update on our girls from our agency director who was just down there last week. It was a very positive update. Both girls are back at the orphanage and doing well. We were told some stories about them that gives us insight on their personalities. I am always overjoyed to hear anything knew about them and treasure any bit of information or pictures we get.....but it also makes me long to meet them even more! Soon, I pray!

We also got our dossier back from the translator, so now we are just waiting for one more thing to return and we are ready to "make some copies". Oh yes I will be annoying my husband the whole time with that SNL skit the whole time we do it!
"The Travster...in the copy room....makin copies....."