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Archive for December, 2008

TA!!!!

Friday, December 19th, 2008

Woo hoo!! Yipee!! Yes, we finally have the long awaited Travel Approval from China to head on over. Our wait from Referral Approval was five long weeks and a day, much longer than the average wait. I guess God still has some lessons to teach me on patience. Our group is tentatively scheduled to leave on January 8 and return on January 22, but we cannot confirm dates until our agency hears back from the American Consulate in China regarding our appointment with them while we are there. Please pray that we hear back by next Tuesday at the latest, because after that our agency will be closed for the rest of the week. We are still hoping to head over a week or so ahead of the rest of our group to stop in Japan to see my family, but of course we can’t work that out until we have confirmation of dates in China.

So we will be spending our Christmas at home. We know that Elijah is in good hands and is going to get to spend the day with the rest of the older boys at the Baker’s home. What a treat for them! We will have a late celebration with him when he gets home and then barely a week later we will celebrate his 10th birthday! Just three more weeks and we will be with our son!!

Posted in Elijah, Family | 9 Comments »

Waiting with hope

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.” I Sam. 12:16

(Card we sent in April)

Posted in Elijah, Family | 2 Comments »

Nothing

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

Zip, nada, zilch. Not even any rumors. Waiting to kiss those sweet cheeks!

From my friend Annette, “Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered.” Psalm 119: 116-117a

Posted in Elijah, Family | 4 Comments »

No news

Monday, December 15th, 2008

I jumped every time the phone rang today, but no word from our agency. While I am disappointed, I am not discouraged and continue to wait in peace. In the meantime I continue to prepare as much as possible…we’re working on our photo announcements to send out, bought some snacks to take on the trip and some gloves for Elijah, worked on a little photo album of extended relatives to take to Elijah, and carried on life as usual with school and piles of laundry.

This first picture is just Ami in her silliness. She is so much fun! Second photo is from the kids’ musical program at church last week. (Johanna had a battle with a tree limb outside!) Last photo is of our fun activity last night. We have been very blessed by a family at church in more ways than one. They brought this special gift for our family to enjoy working on together. We are humbled by the blessings they have bestowed on our family and have been enriched by their joyful spirits. You know who you are…we love you and ask God to richly bless you in return.

Posted in Ami, Benjamin, Family, Johanna, Michaela | 3 Comments »

Maybe Monday?

Friday, December 12th, 2008

So even though I am a peace with whenever we get to travel, that does not keep me from following rumors and such on the Internet! We heard word today that a couple of agencies are reporting that Travel Approvals have been issued, meaning they are signed and on their way!! I am 99% confident that they will arrive on Monday, at the very latest Tuesday. I’m not sure yet what this does to our desire to travel through Japan first, but there is still hope that we can be with Elijah for Christmas! Just a bit more waiting. No matter the timing, it will be special. Oh so special!! Elijah, we love you so much and can’t wait to wrap our arms around you.

Here is Christmas one year ago. We sent a small package to Elijah. On the front of the stuffed dog is a little plastic pocket into which we slipped a photo of our family. Wonder if he still has it? This Christmas, whether on the 25th or when we get home, there will be a much bigger pile of presents for him.

Posted in Elijah, Family | 4 Comments »

While I’m Waiting

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

This is a great song by John Waller. This wait isn’t about me or Christmas or even Elijah. It’s about living to serve Him.

Posted in Elijah, Family | 4 Comments »

His timing, not mine

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

Here are a couple of pieces to encourage any of you that are in the wait, whether it’s for adoption or something else that is dear to your heart. The scripture is from my dear friend, Kathy. The poem was sent to me by my mom.

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when
the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient!
For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a
single day.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

FOUR DAYS LATE
Written by C. Aaron Wilbum and Roberta Wilbum

The news came to Jesus, “Please come fast,
Lazarus is sick and without Your help, he will not last.”
Mary and Martha watched their brother die
They waited for Jesus, He did not come
And they wondered why.

The death watch was over, buried four days.
Somebody said, “He’ll soon be here, the Lord’s on His way.”
Martha ran to Him and then she cried,
“Lord, if You had been here, You could have healed him,
He’d still be alive.”

“But You’re four days late, and all hope is gone
Lord, we don’t understand why You’ve waited so long.”
But His way is God’s way, not yours or mine
And isn’t it great when He’s four days late
He’s still on time!

Jesus said, “Martha, show Me the grave,”
But she said, “Lord, You don’t understand
He’s been there four days.”
The grave stone was rolled back
Then Jesus cried, “Lazarus come forth!”
Then somebody said, “He’s alive, He’s alive!”

You may be fighting a battle of fear
You’ve cried to the Lord, “I need You now,”
But He has not appeared.
Friend, don’t be discouraged
‘Cause He’s still the same
He’ll soon be here
He’ll roll back the stone
And He’ll call out your name.

My God is great
When He’s four days late
He’s still on time
He’s still on time.

Posted in Family, Jocelyn | 3 Comments »

A new day

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

I’m determined to get out of the funk that I was in yesterday and have a better attitude/outlook. I woke up thinking of Psalm 121. “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Okay Lord, it’s up to you. I give it all back. It’s not my battle, but Yours. You know my heartache and you know that Elijah needs a family. You’ve already moved so many mountains to make this adoption possible. I know You can move more and even if You choose not to do so, I will put my trust in You.

Thank you to all who have written notes of encouragment. It means a lot to know the prayers of my family and friends are in this with us. He is good, all the time. I will get back to holding a tighter grip on His promises today.

Here’s a picture to make anyone smile. This was from a card in July that we sent in which we taped some balloons to the inside. Those eyes sparkle with smile!!

Posted in Elijah, Family, Jocelyn | No Comments »

Ami’s thoughts

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

On the way home from church tonight:

Ami: Mom, I’m so excited.

Me: About what?

Ami: About Elijah.

Me (through tears): Yeah, me too.

Been a tough day today. I think I set myself up to somehow expect our Travel Approval today and it didn’t come. Tomorrow will mark four weeks since our referral approval. This is the longest I’ve seen the TA wait take. Each day makes it seem less likely that we will travel to be with Elijah by Christmas. My heart is heavy, weary from the wait. I’m finding it hard to trust in His timing right now. Also, as of 1-1-09 one of our fees increases by $2K. So much to trust Him for.

Posted in Ami, Elijah, Family | 2 Comments »

The Miracle of Adoption

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Three families grew through this miracle today. In an instant, lives were changed. Oh, believe me I know it took more than that instant….so much paperwork, $$, time, waiting. But in that moment, God’s heart was seen in action. We are rejoicing with these families and the many others that experience this same miracle every day. Our turn is coming and oh, it will be joy!! You can see it in their faces, even in the children’s. He is good!