God of Protection

It's amazing to think it's been 1 week since our reunion with the kids!!

If you had asked me on Monday or Tuesday I would have said our lives were turned upside down and every which way. They were doing good..........but I was completely exhausted from everything. I can't even describe how mentally, emotionally, and physically over loaded I was. If I tried to write anything..........I couldn't come up with adequate words. If I tried to even talk........I would just cry. I was in bed and sleeping by 8:30 many times.................and wondered what had happened to our world. But, here after only a week, I'm feeling more like 'myself', and can honestly say.........Life is Good.........God is Good!

So I have some random thoughts from the week and some God moments I thought I'd share.....

My favorite thought is..........'Our God is not a God of destruction, rather a God of protection'. God didn't cause this terrible earthquake, but in it all He had an awesome plan of protecting His children. They have been protected and I'm thrilled to be part of God's plan for their life. It doesn't just end in a 'happy ever after reunion'.........there are some challenges in our adjustment.............and there are some pleasant surprises.........but in all we can ....TRUST GOD.

God moments:

On Tues...the day of the Haiti Earthquake....I was out shopping in the morning. This was before anything had even happened. I found this fuzzy, cuddly teddy bear and I bought it for Samar. I knew that was completely absurd to buy something for Samar since it would be like 2 years since she would be home..............but I am a teddy bear lover at heart............and I couldn't resist it when I saw it. Little did I know that she would be using it 10 days later and as I put her to bed tonight..........she is snuggling with it!

Airplane ride......can I just say it was such a blessing to ride on a private plane. Whoever donated it was such a blessing. It was just one less emotional thing to deal with once we were united with our children. It was truly a blessing...........it seems minor and we could have dealt with commercial airlines..........but it was just incredible to not have travel be a whole ordeal.

A couple days after being home, Samar was having her hair braided. As soon as it began she was real sad and began sobbing and even started fighting against it. When we didn't know what else to do to communicate.............Molly and Joyce from GLA called on my cellphone to check up on us and see how the kids were doing. You should have seen the kid's grins. They were so thrilled to hear from Molly and Joyce. It was only God's timing because we were able to communicate in the moment and Samar was brave and finished getting her hair done. But it was amazing to hear from them and what a blessing to know they are a phone call or email away.

Bedtime. I didn't know whether we'd be up all night with screaming kids or what.........but we are ALL sleeping. We do bedtime......books, songs, prayers.......and kids are out sleeping between 7 or 8. This is a huge blessing. I needed my sleep this week...... and it's awesome to see the kids all snuggled up and sleeping at the end of the day.

Family and friends. I'm so thankful for everyone. I'm not very good at accepting help, so I'm so thankful for everyone, as I was probably more overwhelmed with everything. My sisters went to IKEA and got a bed, along with pillows and a few things we needed. That was a huge blessing. Friends that came and met the kids. Meals brought over. A Friend that prayed over one of the kids. Friend that sang with Samar. Clothes for the kids. A clean house--(thanks mom). A cousin that kept us up to date with info. We have just been so blessed. We have been blessed to form friendships with other adoptive families and I'm looking forward to continueing them so the kids can see other families 'like ours'.

Let me tell you a bit about the kids. Samar is delightful. She talks all day long. I wish I knew what she was saying...LOL..She sings all the time. She's full of energy and joins right in with Alyssa and Austin. She has a beautiful smile. We had gone back and forth on how to pronounce her name.............but she has let us know..............'me is Sa Mah. Not Sa Mar. So there it is........the R is silent and it's pronounces SaMah. Aidan.........yes we are calling him Aidan... eventually. It's been a slow process with the name change because having both of them at the same time makes it tricker when Samar says.... 'no, it's Manuel'. But eventually he will be Aidan. He is a little more shy. Most of the time he is being carried by Alyssa.........our mother hen. And he loves it!! He runs around and joins in the hollaring............but also spends a portion of the time just sitting by mom and dad. He is not a fan of Bella yet, but we're working on that. Bella seems to understand and keeps her distance but hopefully it won't stay an issue. Did you pick up that I said he joins in the hollaring................our house noise level has increased. I jokingly say I have 2 kids that don't understand me, and 2 kids that don't listen.....LOL.......

Today we ventured to the aquatic center. I think dad was getting a little stir crazy at home. Can I just say Paul has been the best husband this week. He was home the majority of the time and let me sleep and took care of the kids, and took the kids to school..........he has been the best! He gave us the option of going outside----in 11 degrees, or go to the aquatic center. Well, since our membership expires tomorrow---we opted for swimming. And let me just say.......it was awesome!!! The kids loved it. Both of them loved the water. It was just a great time to get out and do something...........I think just a mental break for us parents!!

Well......i think that's enough for now. As this week has finished.............I feel very blessed.

And now if you can just imagine Samar saying this..........in her thick Haitian accent and deep voice........THANK-YOU JESUS.... All I can say is.....................AMEN!!!!

The New Normal

whirl wind of a day

But the good news is...........WE'RE HOME!!!!!

So after our long night in the airport, we still were just hanging out until around 8:00. So let me just point out that I had about a 20 minute siesta within the last 24 hours.

I think somewhere around 9:00 we we brought into a room, and then the kids were going to come in the room next to us and we could be matched up.

Once the kids were in the same area of the airport, Dixie actually spoke to us for a while. It was awesome to hear from her. It was amazing that Dixie, and Molly, and Joyce, and Stephanie, and the nurse, and a couple others were ALL able to escort the children to the US. It was just SO good to hear that they had been preparing the kids for this, and they made their last 24 hours an adventure. The kids sang songs, and were just 'on an adventure' and just hearing this made me cry. It was so good to know the kids were SO WELL cared for. They had prepared the kids for this, and the kids were READY.

Typically when kids leave the orphanage, the kids have a ritual and sing a song and say good bye to who ever was leaving. While at the airport, all the kids sang 'the song'. It was so touching to hear them sing........that brought on more tears.

But then the moment we'd been waiting for. This was probably around 11:00. We were united with Samar and Aidan. It was ....absolutely precious. We gave the kids a hug and Samar just was thrilled to see us. That was sooooo good. We didn't know what to expect from her. She was completely miss personality.

From there we lived in the moment with the other adoptive parents. But then we quickly returned to our hotel to clean up and was hitting the airplane by 1:00. So it was all very fast.

We were so blessed to be on a private chartered plane. It was fabulous riding with our kids and not dealing with commercial airlines in this instance. I think we all crashed on plane...........it had been a long 24 hours for all of us.

So we did arrive to the hanger with tons of media, excitement and love.

So, these are just a few of 'the facts'. The important thing is we are home....................and we are thrilled. That is an understatement. God is GOOD!!!!! He completely used this terrible tragedy to bless our children by coming home. We are SO thankful.

We are exhausted............the house is currently quiet and all are sleeping................but life will be busy with the change. We can't wait!!!!!

Nightly news

9:00....adoptive parents madly rush to concord G so we can be waiting

9:15......all sorts of media crews are trying to get 'the latest'

10:00.......still exchanging stories and meeting everyone

10:45ish...........learn that plane leaves PAP

76...............number of people that gives us funny looks cuz there is this big group just hanging out

11:00.........media camera's have left and gone to bed

11:30.........airlines brought dunkin donauts and coffee

11:45.........counter staff all gone

12:00 midnight..........found the asian rug gallery

12:00............running out of things to talk about

12:30am............cleaning staff are all gone

12:52............KIDS LANDED ON THE GROUND

1:30........took our 24th picture of us sitting around........doing nothing

1:47................start walking around outside

2:12..........realize gift shop is closed

3:00................realize subway is open

3:10................was told about 10 of 80 kids are 'processed' with fingerprints

3:09..................subway was awesome..............might need a second trip

3:12..............Crystal has the hiccups

3:15.............regretting trips to subway

3:16....................we're going to watch some hulu on the computer.

3:17.................just got an email............who is sending emails at this hour???

Okay..........we're having lots of fun............it's all part of the story...................can't wait to meet the kids :)

Taking advantage of our time :)

We arrived in Miami!! It's amazing to think that we are that much closer to seeing the kids. So the latest news is that the kids are suppose to land around the 9:30ish time.

SO.....in the meantime we thought we'd enjoy the sunshine, swim in the pool, and relax for a while :) :) Did I mention it's 81 outside... We'll try to find a good restaurant and enjoy the time!

The whole process is a little unknown. I think it will still be a long night reprocessing all the paperwork...........but if all goes well we could be on our way home late morning or mid afternoon on friday. We're kind of open ended as to when we will be heading home yet.

We'll keep you posted...............

Surreal

All the bags are packed...........I think. What a change it will be to pack and be responsible for FOUR now. I think that's a little bit of an understatement :)

Well we're sitting here for a moment----enjoying a 1:30 snack---and going over everything. It's nothing how I envisioned. We've waited so long and every now and then I would think of these glorious home comings, and now we're throwing stuff together in a suitcase and rushing out the door. I know I'm forgetting something...........or forgetting a way to make it special for our little ones. But our hearts are ready. We're ready to be our family. We're ready to experience life with Samar and Manuel. We can't wait to see you, precious ones. Soon............

Miami...here we come!

It's happening!!!!!

Thursday the kids land in Miami, so in the next 24 hours............we will be with them!!!!!!!!

Praise God and pray for traveling safety. We'll keep you posted

stand by....

Good news that paperwork is being processed and travel arrangements are being made. We're kind of just on stand by waiting for our directions.................the when's and where's.

Thanks for you all your prayers!!!

Wednesday morning news

ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE!!!

Read link for details..........http://godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/

heavy heart

I have to say I was on a 'high' most of the day. Even though there is absolutely nothing being decided and accomplished in getting the kids home...........I feel like it's coming.........and there is motivation to be cheery and get things done. In the last hour I've just felt very heavy for Haiti. I can't stop thinking that here.......within 1 week...........my feelings of despair and unability to do anything about a terrible situation ...........are clearing up and I am feeling HOPE. Yet, as I write, situations are continuing to get much worse. Haitians are feeling more despair. There are no feelings of hope for a lot of them. Reality is setting in......... loved ones are lost, everything is ruined..........health and safety are at risk.........and grief and anger and sadness are all they can feel. I just can't bear the thought of how hopeless they must feel. Unless you are personally tied, or know someone who is tied.........life is settling down and the 'earthquake of Haiti' is being old news and yesterdays talk. And the reality of it is.........things are not being 'done' to the situation. In fact life is Haiti has gotten worse and dangerous. I don't understand. As I'm sitting here just trying to wrestle with all the WHY's of this............I just recieved this email reguarding the state of adoption.......(a main obstacle is obtaining the US to set up a "safety compound" for kids as they wait by the US embassy)

"It is once again my job to be the barrier of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all of your calls to your Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.

Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgement.

It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.

This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.

As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the save haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families. "

So please continue to pray. Pray for the unrest in the Haitians. Pray for protection for God's people. Pray that the unrest will find PEACE in HIM. AND PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN!!!! As the events unfold, this is going to be a difficult and traumatic event in their lives and just pray for them to be protected in their spirit and in the health.

Agenda for Today

Besides worrying about IF and WHEN the kids are ACTUALLY coming...........I found a great laugh from 'things to do today'...

To Do:

1. Clean whole house, thoroughly.

2. Read up on Haitian cooking.

3. Buy a bed and assemble a child's room. Where did you put the other sheets when you moved?

4. Go to the grocery store, and maybe also the ethnic grocery store- to stock up on supplies.

5. Don't forget to do anything for Alyssa and Austin- Pack lunches, show up for duty, send in reading slips, etc.

6. Continue to sit by, receive information from, and process information from the phone.

7. Catch up on laundry, and pull some clothes that will fit Aidan and Samar.

8. Decide on official names for the paperwork.

9. Interact with Austin to make sure he doesn't feel pushed to the side.

10. Keep your marriage completely stress free by communicating all the details in a calm, orderly manner.

11. Pack your bags, of course you don't know where you are flying, so all- season wear.

12. Check fingernail polish for polk-a-dots, grey hair (you may need to part on the other side).

13. Try to keep a low profile from well-wishers- Your phone must be ringing off the hook!

14. Brush up on your Creole.

15. Make sure to stay on top of your rest- you would hate to be overtired!

Have a GREAT DAY!!!!

So.....no new news. Things continue to look good, but just no official words coming together about the when's and where's. i just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who is praying for us. For all the support, the tears, the laughs we've gotten in this. We are strong because of you and GOD!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

Just the fact right now...............ready??....

Secretary Napolitano has announced humanitarian parole for orphaned Haitian children!!!

So the kids are coming home!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't know details, we don't know the how's and why's........but it's official that if you have an acceptance letter with a child, they are coming home.

i'm not even guessing on date.....could be Wednesday, could be Friday........just don't know.

first cry for the day...

I woke up and checked the GLA sight. Molly is an incredible "mama" too all these kids.....here are some of her words....

Another evening has fallen, we've made it through another day, start to finish everything ran smoothly, and NOISILY! Incredible how much energy the kids still have while the rest of us are dragging:) We had a news crew stop by the Toddler House for ten minutes and for the first time in the history of Chalinda she was silent, when they wanted to talk to her! lol:) There will always be surprises!

Just like the fact that tomorrow morning we will say "Good Bye" to TWELVE of our Toddler House family. These kids are going to be evacuated to the Netherlands with members of the Dutch government and the adoption agency that our families' use over there. They will be met with open arms by their adoptive parents at the other end. Thankfully many of these children have already met their parents, due to being required to come sign court papers in Haiti. Something that looked like a burden to families has now turned into a blessing as their children do no anxiously nervously wait to know what their parents will look, talk, smell, and be like, at the other end of the long plane ride, BECAUSE they have already met them in Haiti. God knows everything!

Tonight Joyce and I held a meeting with all the kids explaining to them and hoping to prepare them a bit for the possibility that they may get to go home sooner than expected but that "Mama" and "Papa" won't be able to come to Haiti to get them. They were excited and brave with the news! And have started thinking now about what it will be like, and preparing their hearts for the possibility of embarking on their new long awaited adventure without a familiar face to hold their hand.

We continue to rejoice in God's great plan, and how He makes all things work together for good, and for His glory! I was talking to Magalie this evening as she was hand washing out some of her kids' clothes and telling her how it may be possible to get lots of kids home to their adoptive families now. Tearing up she said to me "Molly, it would be so good. Then we will have so much room for new kids that have lost their fathers, mothers, family, everything they know. And if they can come now, then they will not have the bitterness of life in their minds, and if they can come now, they will not have a hardness in their hearts. But if they must wait on the streets for long, then it will be hard to erase the damage done." How is God going to use each one of us in the coming days, weeks, months, we do not know.... but we count it all a privilege and a joy to be used as His vessels.

Love from all of us, and many thanks for your conintued prayers!

I pray for the protection of all the staff and volunteers and for each child and how this is affecting THEIR lives. Everyone's life has been rocked and we just pray for God to work not only in our lives, but in EVERYONE'S life that has changed.

Keep Moving....

I seem to be spending a lot of time looking at my computer for answers lately J Waiting for answers, or checking the status on decisions made……..or checking the news. I wish I could tell you more news…..but there isn’t much to say. So instead of getting any news…..check out what was in a devotion I read on Friday…..

Move On! byOs Hillman

..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." - Exodus 14:15

They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12)

God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."

"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.

WOW!! Can I just say……this is us right now. We have this devastation and seems like this impossible task of getting the kids home. Who knows where our adoption paperwork is………gov’t is collapse in Haiti………supplies are running out………I have to say that God is going to have to make all the plans at this point. For decisions to be made. And stuff to be processes ASAP if that is decided, and things to happen NOW…..it is only because God is STILL in control. And He will work out ALL the details and have ALL the necessary connections.

quick update

God continues to be good and care for our kids! I just wanted to give you a quick update and will fill in more details later. We were able to have an interview with CNN news here on Sat. night at 6:00!! Talk about prime time...........It was GREAT coverage for GLA!!

I haven't found a link to it, so we'll post that once we find it..............but we were able to be in on a 3 way call and skype and talk with CNN, Dixie and the kids! But it was just such great coverage for GLA because Dixie was able to let the news know just how dire the situations are. She talked about rationalizing out food and water and having enough until Monday. Did you hear that......2 more days. And then not only was she able to talk about the need, but the CNN news guy had the Ambassador of Haiti with him and the Ambassador was able to comment on adoption statuses. It sounds like passports can be issue through the US.........whatever all that means...........but it has to be good news that they are wanting more kids to be able to go home!!!!

So as I'm ending the day and checking out GLA's web sight..............Dixie posted that some people who heard the CNN broadcast in Haiti that had water----were willing to share with GLA!!!! Isn't that awesome. So we know they have water for a short period again. i"m just so thankful the God is continuing to provide for them.

There isn't any definite direction with how to proceed with adoptions, but it seems to be getting very close to decisions and possibly any actions. When the orphanage director starts to talk about 'fearing for the kids'.........i hope someone is listening.

It makes me sad to hear all these words as a parent...........but yet so glad that the facts can be out there and get the message out that things need to be expedited.

KEEP PRAYING!!!!!!!!!

Never Let Go.....

I just absolutely couldn't sleep last night. I tossed and turned all night long. My mind would go between all the highs and lows. I thought about the bed that's been empty for so long in the boys' bedroom.........wondering if it will stay empty. I thought about the hope of what getting a visa means (last post)......the excitement of being united. I still envision us as a family.........and yet wondering when that will ever happen. I didn't really know when it was said that international adoption can be unpredictable..........I didn't really take into account that we'd have to endure major hurricanes and earthquakes...........I missed that warning. Good thing.....I probably would have been scared off. I think about how we'd be feeling had our paperwork been about 2 weeks faster and Aidan was home.............but then again I don't know if I could have dealt with such joy and transition and yet such despair for Samar. It IS all in God's timing......

Even though there are the immediate US thoughts................I just am broken for the country of Haiti. I don't even know where to start with that thought. I've seen things that I didn't think could get worse...........and they are. I've been touched by Haitians............and so badly want to help them now. If we just make it all go away....

somehow in every thought process I found myself singing......"oh Lord you never let go, every high and every low. Oh Lord you never let go...you never let go of me."




I'm just so thankful we serve a God who will carry us through EVERYTHING!! He won't let my thoughts wonder too far from him........He's ALWAYS there. My thoughts are stopped so that I can praise Him. Did you see the part of the video that there is this tiny earth in God's hands.......how powerful!!

funny saying of the day

The kids are in bed, things are done...........now it's time for me to catch up and see what's going on!! I was out and about all day, then once we were home after school I was trying to catch up on what was going on in the news. In the meantime Alyssa was playing vet or doctor and then she asked me to play with her. So this is how it went....her pretend play in her pretend dr. voice....

Alyssa: So how are you doing today?

Me: Fine

Alyssa: Just here for a little check up?

Me: yup, no problems

Alyssa: Are you having a problem with "computer hogging"? I know of other mommies who are having that problem today.

Me: I burst out laughing..........what kind of problem is that?

Alyssa: oh, you know........hogging the computer so kids can't play games. I just know of one mom who lives around here that has that problem

Me: I'm rolling of laughter as she is seriously pretending yet......so it ends in a tickling session!!!!

Gotta love it.......

So....here is some latest:

We were able to be on the news!! Yea...........or not so yea...... :)

I'm all about bringing awareness to things. Awareness to God.........kids..........adoption.........Haiti.........poverty...........God's littlest Angels..........Bethany Christian Services....our love for our kids...........our hope for them........

I think way more was edited and cut, but hey---what can you say. It was kind of a last minute thing. They had called earlier in the day, but I wasn't quite sure what angle they were looking for. I wasn't sure if it was a video of desperation and despair and having your heart ripped open because the adoption process and paperwork may be lost in rubble............and I really wasn't going to go there. He kept asking---"what is next for adoption?" so i just really directed him back to Bethany so he could maybe get that answered. Then at about 5:50 we get a call if they can come out. At that point I actually told them no--we were going to wednesday night church stuff and we were having a prayer meeting at church so we wanted to go. They ask if they can show up at church. So of course I wanted to get "approval" first. So, we were dealing with that, trying to eat supper, and leave the house at 6:10..............kind of crazy............but long in short, we had our prayer service for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and then as we waited for kids to finish with their activities we sat down with WZZM.

Other news that is on the GLA web sight is :

14 January 2010

Our lawyer was able to get through to us today. She says all of the government buildings downtown were damaged or destroyed! She reported that Judge Rock CADET was killed in a building collapse.

I have asked our lawyer to petition IBESR and the government of Hait to allow all children in the adoption process to be allowed to join their adoptive families. We are all going to need beds for orphans who have lost their family in this disaster! I need all of my families to contact their adoption agencies and government officials to allow these children to leave Haiti without a Haitian passport on Humanitarian or Refuge visas! I KNOW the USA government can issue emergency passports for situtations like this because they did it for me during a crisis in Haiti from a poison in a children's fever medicine and children were dying. We sent 11 children out of Haiti during that time and most did not have a Haitian issued passport. Please find out if your government has such a system in place!

Some of your dossiers are thankfully with us in our office. Others are wtih other government sections and we do not know if they are intact or not. I do know that the National Palace, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, DJI building which is part of the legalization department, National Cathedral is gone. I do not know about Immigration or IBESR!

I do not know if this is possible but let us explore the possibility of getting the children out so that we can take in more orphans.

I guess I end today feeling hopeful that there might be a chance. A chance to proceed with our adoption, a chance to not be filled with despair, a chance that they will join us and we will get to be a family. Please pray for that chance..

"He who dwells in the secret lace of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (wholse power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust! Psalm 91:1-2

Photos of GLA after the earthquake

Somehow a purse landed on a lamp :)

Glass that feel from cabinet

Kids hanging out outside while there were still after shocks.

God help us......

i thought i'd sit down with my cup of tea once the kids were dropped off and see if I could find out what was going on in haiti. i did a couple quick replies to emails saying that kids were okay...... read about GLA ....click here for details.......still telling myself things are okay. I'm telling myself that there might be more delays because of this.......but God's got it under control.

But then it hits me.......not my mind......but my heart. We have kids there.......a son...a daughter.......a brother and sister......a brother who is suppose to be home soon and Austin is patiently waiting for him. This ISN'T okay. This CANNOT be happening. This is DEVASTATING.........to outsiders it's 'just an adoption'. To us.....it's our children. We've bonded with them. We've met Aidan. We see his personality in every picture that is sent to us. He has this smile that appears like he's being silly....but we've seen that same smile while spending time with him and it wasn't a silly smile, it was a frustrated, angry, crinkled up face with a grin. we imagine every part of him with us at times. We imagine what's going on behind the pictures. And Samar......she's old enough to have fears.....she needs a mom to comfort her....... GLA may be standing.......but what does this mean for adoption processes? All I need to hear is Gov't buildings collapsed and I can't bear the thought of how adoptions will be affected....Please PRAY that God will show His power and this can benefit the children rather than hurt them................this is a desperate situation for Haiti...........for us--I feel desperate at times not knowing how to process this all..........God help us...

Help the country of Haiti. I pray that government can turn to God, so that God can help in building the country. I pray that God will protect his people from evil and darkness in this time. I pray for unity. i pray for safety. I pray that generosity will flow in to help. I pray for those who are working and being God's light that they may not loose the hope. I pray for awareness for the desperations. I pray for the many unknowns with adoption......for birth families and parents.........and those who will be orphaned because of this.....pray...pray.....

Haiti and GLA need HELP NOW!!!!

While God’s Littlest Angels has been spared the worst of the physical devastation, many other people in Haiti are not so fortunate. GLA is still in need of water, fuel, food and materials to make repairs, and the staff is also very concerned about the logistics and continued ability to support their operating requirements. They also anticipate a great need to reach out to the community and help those around them by giving them food, supplies, building materials - and even being ready to take in babies who are in need of medical attention.

GLA is in the unique position to help. Right now. Given they have registered nurses, medical supplies, a generator and links to the outside world, they can have an immediate impact in Haiti and aid those in need. However, there is great responsibility with these actions and also the need for funds to support them.

GLA is launching what they are calling the 1000 x 1000 campaign (1000 people who get 10 friends to donate $100… we can all make a big difference together.) This is a way I can make a difference. Would you help?

If you are willing to give $100, it will go a long way in helping GLA meet its goal.

Your money:

· Will allow them to care for the children (my children)

· Will help treat those in need in the community

· Will help GLA take in children who need urgent care.

· Is also TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Please DONATE TODAY: Earthquake PayPal Fund

This is not a time to be shy or remain anonymous. Share with others and help get the word out!

Also...Dixie from GLA was on the today show...click.here to see.

GLA update

NOTICE: WE ARE FINE AFTER THE 7.3 EARTHQUAKE. THE HOUSE SWAYED AND SHOOK. KNOCKED DOWN PEOPLE, KIDS, THE FOOD OFF THE STOVE FOR SUPPER, ALL OF MY GLASS WARE OUT OF THE CABINET, BUT WE ARE ALL OK! SHOOK UP A LITTLE, BUT OK! WILL POST MORE LATER! STILL HAVING AFTERSHOCKS AN HOUR AFTER THE MAIN EARTHQUAKE! PLEASE PRAY FOR US AND FOR HAITI!

Earthquake

Just a quick note that as I've checked around, it sounds like GLA is okay. I read it on 2 different sights from adoptive parents, so I'm considering that good news. I haven't heard anything 'official' or from GLA themselves, but please remember to pray, pray, pray for Haiti. Of course my first thought was the kids and then my 2nd thought was for our paperwork not to fall into unknowns......but even on a bigger scale...........just to pray for the country of Haiti. This is devastating to them. It will bring desperation to so many and just pray for Haiti.

Bye Bye Passports.....Hello Visa!!!

Yea!!! We got a quick email from our SW that GLA had Manuel's passport......whhhooo-hoooo!!!! So--here we are--on to the final step!! Okay.....I don't think there is such thing as a final step.......when we purchase tickets and get on the plane..........that will be the final step!!!!!!

Anyways, I don't know the exact of this step.......obviously he gets his visa. It can take 1-4 weeks. Some of the steps are for him to pass his medical exam, have an interview and get I-600 approval to get the visa. We're getting there!!!!

why international?

anyone who really knows me knows we are in this adoption process. But it's people that you small talk with...........chit chat..........while getting my hair done.........they will ask how many kids I have and I've always just said two......It always depends on who's asking and do I feel like saying anything. Well after our excitement in Nov thinking we were near the end and thinking this was really happening......I guess I've been talking more openly about it and just mentioning the word adoption in conversation or talking about traveling to get our child.............Some people are confused or others are interested. I seem to get questioned about why international.........so thought i"d write down some thoughts about adoption.......

First let me just tell you that I don't know every process. These are the area's that we have investigated :) Our journey started out filling out a dossier for Lithuania, then decided there were lots of new hurdles in the program so we did a dossier for Russia. Decided we actually wanted an infant so we switched to domestic adoption. There we were blessed with 2 kids. From there our focus did shift a bit., we wanted to add to our family.........but it was a different feeling. Because we had very positive experiences and domestic is what we knew...we started the process for a 3rd time and decided it wasn't for us. We heavily investigated adoption through the foster care system. in fact we "interviewed" 3 different organizations and had all our paperwork filled out to start that. We did some training and only to change direction after not feeling total peace and pursued internationally. We knew in our heads that Haiti was an option but once we spoke with our social worker.........we seemed to be just led to Haiti.

I think sometimes people get the idea or stereo type that one program vs. another....that one is better and one is worse. Truth is............ A child needing a family is a child needing a family...........whether they are in your home town or across the world.

So some basics about them:

domestic........able to get an infant. The stereo typical.......""healthy", white, infant"........We were able to meet birth parents. We saw and spent the night in the hospital with one of our births. We have letters and pictures and trinkets for our kids for when they get older. We are able to pick out personality traits from their birth parents. The down side to domestic is the whole "waiting to be picked". The timing is SO unknown. It could be weeks or years. I really whole heartedly believe that we had such positive experiences so that we would be open to other adoptions.

US foster to adopt. Honestly.......right now I'm wondering why we didn't choose this route...LOL... You need to be open to older children, possible sibling groups, having open relationships with birth parents, be open minded about a child's past and it is less expensive.

Internationally. Well.......how about we leave it at that. I don't know if I have a lot to say about it in my current state... :)..... I am stuck in a rut.........I'm sick of our wait........it's a long process.........our child(ren) are getting older..........it's more expensive........there is TONS more paperwork..........not only have kids had to endure hardship........trauma from being left or past neglect or abuse...........It's a long process................they are wasting precious years............still not getting proper nutrition............did I mention it's a long process........... oh, wait----but in the end we will have 2 beautiful brown children....and each time I ponder the descriptive words from our last update i am so thrilled that they seem to be part of us already......

okay--I could go on and on about the similarities and differences between all the adoptions..............but honestly what matters most is that you follow where God leads you personally.Period. He will call some of us to Haiti and some of us to China. He will call some of us to the US foster system, some of us to older children and some of us to special needs. He will call some of us to boys and some of us to sibling groups. They are all His children- and they all matter to him- a lot.....If he called us all to Haiti then who would take the kids from Russia? If he called us all to adopt older children- then who would take the babies? Sometimes we just have to learn to hear and trust His plans.

Every persons journey will be different. Some will go smoothly.........some will rock you.........some will last on forever. We've felt led down one path, only to have doors close and we were left standing there with our hearts on the floor. We've had cases presented to us that after we pondered them and would consider it..........the birth mother changed her mind about adoption. We've said no to certain scenarios. We've been stretched........spent many, MANY nights in tears. We are enduring long waits (2 years +).....sometimes wondering why.......

Trust me, there has been pain involved- we have faced tragedy and triumph.....but we've also grown through it all. Is it worth it?......Absolutely.....worth every single heart ache, every single tear and every single minute. there are no guarantees in life. Life is full of risks...........we may fail or fall.......or the fear of that pain keeps us stranded- afraid to move. Yet without taking that risk- are we really living?

Did you know that if 10% of all Christians opened their families to adoption............there would be no more orphans. Did you hear that.........10%...........be the 10%.............take a chance...ask God to lead YOU! Each precious child----from Haiti, Africa, China or the United States are our future!...They are our greatest gifts.....treasures..........they are worth the risk.

God as a GPS

The kids are back in school........I'm catching up on tasks..............Bella is sooo sad that the kids are back in school after 2 GREAT weeks...............I'm secretly loving to be back into a routine............and as I'm doing stuff I'm thinking about the New Years. Wondering what this year will have in store for us. I LOVE the analogy our pastor at church talked about--God is our GPS. Our pastor talked about the cloud leading the Israelites...............but my mind wondered about other aspects of the analogy. ..........Our final destination is Living for Jesus and only God knows the path that He will have us venture on. Just every part of the analogy is fascinating to think about. You know how you can make a different turn and it reconfigures your destination..................I guess it's kind of like life. God might prompt you in some way, but you choose not to listen.............but God continues to be in life and He will find a next route to lead you to Him. He wants YOU. He will find a way to get you back to Him. Sometimes we think we know what is best and follow that path.............but God is always there to help us get back on track. I just love that visual.

I think about our past year. Last January I had no idea what was in store for us. My guess was that Aidan would be home mid-year and our life would revolve around that adjustment. Boy---i had that one wrong. BUT.....God did lead us on an amazing venture. i think we had major life altering circumstances this past year, both of which weren't on our radar............but they were on God's radar. We moved...........and we added another child to our family. I could just tell you that it was thrilling and exciting.................but that wasn't always the case. It was scary. We felt alone.....we were desperate to know what God was doing things in our life. We hurt at times. There was hardship and stress with relationships. We needed Him to get us through it. We had to trust that he had a plan and now as we stand looking back at the end of the year...................it's easy to see that each turn was taken because there was a final destination...............and it WAS good. and it is perfect........but it wasn't always easy.

Now as we look forward to 2010............i bet you can guess what I'm thinking our year will be like! I'm thinking THIS is going to be the year that Aidan joins us. !! (If not......I have no idea what to expect!!) And I'm thinking that we will have lots of adjustments to go through................and we'll need to trust God on which path to go down. And I know God has a perfect path............I just hope we can listen to Him when He's giving us direction.

Well....Happy New Year..........and may God be your GPS!!!!