Thankful for 2008

As we close out the year today, I just wanted to reflect upon 2008, and give thanks.

I am thankful for my wonderful husband. He is my rock in times of trouble. He can always make me laugh or put a smile on my face when I’m feeling less than happy. He’s always there to lend a helping hand, or pick up my slack. We have so much fun together. He’s a wonderful father to our children, and together we make a great team. I don’t know what I’d be without him.

I’m thankful for my daughter, and the beautiful person she is becoming. We’ve had our struggles, but she’s has grown up so much in the last year, in many ways. She’s smart and funny and caring and always wanting to please us. As I think back over the past nearly-3 years she’s been with us, I can’t believe how much she has changed and grown. I can’t imagine my life without her spunk added into the mix!

I’m thankful for our two children who aren’t home yet, and for the process we’re going through to bring them home. The process is a long and winding road, but it’s that road that has brought me closer to God. I love these two for their little personalities. They’re cute and funny and happy-go-lucky, and I smile when I think of them. They really make me think about what’s really important in life. They have taught me much over the past year. I’ve only seen them a total of 12 days, but they’ve been growing in my heart all 366 days of this year.

I’m thankful for our extended family. You’re always there for us, just a phone call away. We’ve had some sad times and fun times, but we know and are thankful that family is always there. They’ve helped us in many ways this year. We’ve cried on each others’ shoulders. We’ve celebrated some fun times. We can’t choose our family, but if I could, I know I’d definitely choose the one I’ve already got. God knew what he was doing!

I’m thankful for our friends, both old and new. We’ve had many fun times over the years, and we continue to share good times. We’re grateful for all we’ve shared with you – laughter and tears, games, Bible study, walks, conversations, emails/blogging/web chats, shared babysitting, play dates, trips, meals, volunteering, prayers, anniversaries, birthdays & Baptisms, etc., etc., etc. The list could go on and on… I’m so thankful for our friendships.

There are so many other things I’m thankful for – job, home, vehicle, food, clothing, safety, medical care, education, etc. But these seem so trivial compared to the people in my life. I know I don’t say enough how thankful I am to all of you. The people in my life are what make everything else worthwhile.

But most of all, I’m thankful for a God that provides for all my needs, even before I know I have a need. He may not answer all my prayers the way I’d like, but I trust that He knows what’s best. I could not go on without the promises I have in Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Spring Break in Haiti?

We got a message last week about dates for the next scheduled mission trips to the orphanage, and some more information today. We were planning to not make another trip to Haiti until Elijah & Josephine are ready to come home, but the longer we wait in each step, the longer it pushes back their homecoming timeframe. When they posted the dates, we started thinking really hard about going, and I think we're going to try to make the trip. Finances will be a little tight, but gas prices are down, we're working on refinancing the house to lower our interest rate & payments, and we definitely don't need to eat out as much as we do - probably our largest unnecessary expense.

This time is a little more complicated than our last trip, with Kaylen in school now. Last Feb/Mar, it wasn't a big deal for her to be away for a week, and when I went in July, she stayed home with Jock. Although, this trip would be partially during her spring break. So we're looking at our options before we book our flights. Jodie said flights went up already just in a few days though - sheesh!

We're also looking at collecting donations to take to the orphanage. One of their largest needs is for baby formula. We'll try to take all of our own things in one suitcase and our carry-ons, so we should be able to take a total of three Rubbermaid tubs of donations. We can't fill them 100% with formula, as they'll go over weight, but we can fit a lot in and pack around it with some clothing. Let me know if you'd like to donate anything for us to take.

News Story

My friend Jodie shared this news story with me. Some Colorado Springs Christian School students held a benefit concert for our orphanage last night. They talked to one of the band members, and to Linda Kohn, the director of For His Glory Outreach, which is the US non-profit that supports the orphanage in Haiti.

The text story is here, with a link to the orphanage website and many ways you can help the children. I think the publicity is awesome, and can only help to spread the message to others that might be able to help the children. Feel free to pass this on to others. Jodie says they do follow-up stories based on interest, so click away.

Wishing You All a Very Merry Christmas!

from Jock, Lisa, Kaylen, Elijah & Josephine
(click to show full-size)

The week in Pictures

Studying flashcards with Daddy. She's getting pretty good at addition, up to 10+10. Still using her fingers to count, but she's starting to memorize some.






Playing tic-tac-toe on Daddy's I-Touch.









We made haystacks and almond bark pretzels today... (She turned into a princess while I was cleaning up.)









We got some foam curlers at Walmart the other day. I'm not very good at rolling them yet, but we wanted give them a try. See below for the resulting curls. My mom used to do this to my hair every Saturday night when I was little - so fun to share this with my daughter now!







I forgot to take a picture before we left for church. This was right after church and changing clothes, so pardon the static. I don't think her hair holds curl as well as mine did as a kid, but still curly and cute! I think next time I'll roll smaller chunks of hair onto each curler, especially the back, and try to make the curls more spiral.

Haiti Adoption Prayers

I am reminded today: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer 29:11-13

I'm so encouraged tonight by thoughts of four families that I know that are traveling this week or next to the same orphanage that we're adopting from, to bring home their daughters. It warms my heart thinking of what a blessing it will be to the families and the girls, to have them home for Christmas. Congratulations! My prayers are with all of them as they prepare for travel, bring their children home, and celebrate together the birth of our Lord and Savior.

I pray for the many families (mine included) that are in process and long for the day that they get the call that their children are out of this or that step of the process, and ultimately for the day they can bring them home to their forever families - however near or far that day may be. God will bring them home to the families he's called to adopt them. I pray for the hearts of the children and parents, siblings, extended family & friends, that God would prepare us for those days ahead.

I also pray for the people of Haiti; for the director, staff and children at the orphanage; for our adoption coordinator, processor and staff; for each and every person people in various government offices - both Haiti and US - that are working on many, many dossiers. May each document that crosses your fingertips be a reminder of you to the importance of the work you are doing for God's children. I am thankful for the blessing you all are to us as we pray and wait for our children to come home.

To all of you, I wish you a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours. May your hearts be filled with the Joy and hope that only Jesus Christ can bring.

Lifted Up

There's a now Yahoo Group for families that are adopting from our orphanage. Currently there are various ones - some for people adoption through various agencies, and one for those in process independently (which we were told was going to be phased out - those who have their children home were already removed). One adopting mom started a new group for all of us. It just started this week, and already it's been a great blessing. (Thank you Terry!)

We're reconnecting with some families that we've met on our trips to Haiti, some who we know in "blogger-land", and others that we haven't "met" before. Lots of questions have been asked and answered. Prayers have been raised up. Encouraging words have been shared. We have praised God for the joys and miracles in some recent process updates.

This is all very encouraging to me. It's exciting to see this group gather around one another. And especially encouraging to me have been the process updates people have received this week regarding some huge obstacles they've overcome. I'm praising God for these miracles, and for the families that will be celebrating homecomings very soon. All the while I'm imagining the day that our children can come home to us. What a blessed day that will be!

Also, last night at our small group Bible study, we focused on how difficult it seems the call that Mary and Joseph received from God. Being very young, not even married, traveling for days when very pregnant to another city that they may not have even been to before, no room in the inn, stable for a birthing suite, manger for a bed, etc... Yet, this is what God chose for His Son, and they following His purpose for them, however difficult it may have been for them. Why? Well, how much more glory can it bring to God when things are difficult and He brings us through them, than if we just remain in our comfortable lives, choosing to ignore the calls of God to do something that is out of our comfort zone, that may be difficult for us to face.

Bringing this to the context of our adoption process... There is little I can do about some of the circumstances of our adoption process (namely the long wait). We know that God has called us to adopt these children, and we will endure what ever is required to bring our children home. I never imagined how difficult this process was going to be, and I can tell you that if I'd known how long and hard it would be, I'm not sure that I would have embarked on this path. However, we have fully invested our hearts, our home, our finances, our prayers, etc., in adding Elijah & Josephine to our family. With God, nothing is impossible. I know that I'll have hard days, and that I will get frustrated and angry and sad and much more. But I will continue to look to God to help me through these tough times, and he will bring us through it. May the glory be all His, each step of the way.

I thank God today for my friends and family. This network of individuals that have kept us in their prayers, encouraged us when we've been down, shared verses with us that have specific meaning to what we're going through... has been such a blessing to our lives this last year and a half. That is one of my greatest blessings this CHRISTmas! Know that we are also keeping all of you in our prayers as well, and we pray that whatever God's call is on your life, that you can find His strength to persevere.

*******************

Some verses from last night's Bible study, and some of my own related favorites:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ... Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:2-4, 12

"... And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28(and surrounding context, esp. v 8-32)

"A man's heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:6-11

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4:6-7

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Others: Psalms 28, 33, 37, 40, 84

Our Fun CHRISTmas-y Weekend

We had a busy but relaxing weekend. Friday night when we got home, we quickly ate supper, and then got busy decorating for CHRISTmas. We brought the tree up from the basement fluffed it, and then decorated it. We have lots of ornaments - some newer ones we've bought the last several years, many of mine from when I was a kid, and now Kaylen is starting to accumulate. We also try to each get one new ornament each year, so it's fun to remember what we got new last year. We have yet to go out and get our new ones for this year. We then put out the other snowmen and Santa trinkets decorations for the house. We got it all done except for the Nativity set, before finishing off the night with hot apple cider.


Saturday morning I made french toast for breakfast, before heading out to the grocery store to ring the Salvation Army bell for an hour. Our Bible study group signed up for 10-3, and each family took a one-hour time slot. It was cold and very windy today, but the store entrance with the bell had a corner for us to stand in that was very nicely shielded from the wind - and with the sun shining on us. It was a good experience for us - I don't think I ever would have signed up to do that, but I'd glad we did it, and would definitely do it again. Afterwards we went over to our friends' house for soup, snacks, hot cider/cocoa.

We had a pretty lazy Saturday afternoon. Kaylen and I both took a nap, while Jock was on a computer game. Jock had an Optimist club dinner meeting, so Kaylen and I headed to a city CHRISTmas event. It was at the fire station because of the cold weather, and was it crowded! They served hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies, did a count-down to light the CHRISTmas trees outside the city hall, and then ushered people into another room to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, whose elves (looking rather bored) were passing out candy goodie bags. We then determined that popcorn and cookies/candy weren't the best supper, so we stopped by McDonald's on the way home for a cheeseburger and chicken nuggets. (Yes, I forgot my camera, so the pictures are from my phone - and a little fuzzy - sorry!)

Sunday at church, the children ages 3 through 5th grade got to lead the congregation in a Joy to the World sing-a-long. We again forgot our camera, but some friends from our Bible study group said they had a couple pictures they could send to us - watch for those later. The kids did awesome! I'm so used to the small town church that I grew up in that had 10-15 kids, and they were always too shy to sing out. There must have been 75 kids up there (just for the 2nd service!), and they all were singing out (and they were mic'd). Kaylen didn't know all the words to the second and third verses, but the words were up on the screen, and I could see her reading as she was singing along - most of the kids her age and younger were just trying to read the lips of their teachers, but not Kaylen - so cool!

Sunday afternoon we set up our Nativity scene, and read part of the CHRISTmas story from the Bible. Sunday school gave out suggested Bible verses for each day this month, and what their Sunday teachings will be about, so we're also going to try to follow those and do a little bit each day. We want to focus on the real meaning of CHRISTmas, not just the commercialism that is somewhat unavoidable. Kaylen's already well-versed in this, but it doesn't hurt for all of us to hear it again every year... We're also thinking of seeing "The Nativity Story" this year together as a family. Anybody seen it, recommend it (or a different one) for our family?

Our pastor challenged us to say, "Merry CHRISTmas," instead of the standard "Merry Christmas," as a reminder of what we're really celebrating. It's that fear of looking foolish (that Mary and Joseph likely also felt given their circumstances - see Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25), that might hold me back at times, but I'm working on that.

Hope you all are enjoying this CHRISTmas season!

Process Update Nov-08

This Christmas season is a bittersweet one for me. I have two children that I am not able to be with. I know they'll be spending Christmas with many friends and their loving nannies, but I miss them.

Our process update was as we expected: "Your dossier is currently in Parquet. There are currently 13 dossiers in this office and 5 dossiers have received approval." After last month's update: "I have not received specific information on your dossier. As far as I know your dossier is still in Parquet," I contacted our liaison. Due to some issues with changing their email addresses, I didn't get any answers back until last week.

I had been concerned because we know other families whose dossiers had been rejected at Parquet because they have biological children or are under 35 and had not gotten Presidential dispensation. Their dossiers are now being sent back to IBESR until they receive dispensation. When we were in IBESR for 10 months, and we understood part of the hold-up was because of having to get dispensation, so I wanted to hear that we for sure did receive it. We were assured that our dossier does have the dispensation, that there have been no other challenges from Parquet regarding our dossier. So, we're just waiting on the slow, out-of-order processing in this office.

Since 5 dossiers from our orphanage have been released in the last few weeks (and we rejoice with the two families (3 dossiers/children) that we know are in this category - don't know the other two), we know things are working. We pray for continued efficiency in this office, and for our dossier to be released very soon - this week even!

Also, since I went to Haiti in July and signed our I-600, US Immigration is able to start their orphan investigation. A key part of this is interviewing our children's birth parents to ensure that they are unable to care for them (meeting the US' definition of orphan), and that they legitimately brought them to the orphanage with the plan to relinquish their parental rights and have a family adopt them. Sometimes a DNA test will be requested if they don't believe that they are the biological parents. This would cost us a little more for these tests, and take more time - although since this can be happening while the processing is continuing on the Haiti side of things, it right now is not delaying anything.

Given the chaos in Haiti this year (food crisis, riots, hurricanes), I was concerned with the time it is taking contacting Elijah's mother and Josephine's father and get their interviews scheduled and completed. Sometimes birth families do not keep in contact with the orphanage, so if they move, it is difficult to track them down when the time comes. Our liaison assured me that our processor/birth-parent locator do know where both birth parents are located. Josephine's father recently started a new job, and does not want to take time off work to go to the interview. They are working with him to find a time that will work. Elijah's mother is now in the countryside and has not come to the orphanage at their request. They'll be sending someone again to speak with her about this. Praying things work out for both birth parents to make the interviews soon, and for them to go well, with no DNA tests requested.

***

As far as the time line until E & J come home, we still don't know. I appreciate everyone's concern and asking how things are going and when we think we'll have them home. However, it is a difficult question to answer. Not only because the waiting is hard for us, but because we just don't know. It's hard to tell at this point. We are in Parquet. This year, families that have received Parquet approval had been in this office for anywhere from 2 months until 12 months. I don't know how I could bear 12 months, and of course was hoping for 2 months! We've been there for 4 1/2 months now. After Parquet, it can take 3-6 months to get through Judgement, 2nd Legal and Archives, and apparently a new step of verifying the archive signatures, before getting into MOI. Then MOI has been taking 3-6 months as well. After MOI, they'll print the passports, which can take a week to a month or two, depending on whether their printer is working and they have a supply of paper. Once passports are printed, our completed dossier is sent back to US Immigration where they'll approve the I-600s, schedule the Visa appointments, and then issue the Visas - I think all of this can take about a month (or so).

There are so many steps, and so many IF's, starting with the big one of when we get out of Parquet, then how long it takes to get into MOI, then how long in MOI, then how long for passports and visas. IF we get out of Parquet this month, and we're on the short end of both 3-6 month time frames, and passports/visas take only 1 month, we could have them home in July or August. I really didn't want to believe that this process would take 24 months to get them home, especially when we started we were told 8-15 months. But, that's what it's looking like. Our dossier was in Haiti at the end of June and our referrals were in order at the end of July last year.

Please pray for a miracle. I'd love to have them home at the beginning of summer. That (in my mind) would be ideal, so we could have lots of outdoor time during my 12 weeks off work to spend with them and get adjusted. Kaylen could spend time with us over summer break, we could save money on daycare, and we could go places and do fun things... However, I know that God's timing is perfect, and He will bring them home when He knows it is right. I pray for His grace and mercy, for speed in this process, but most of all for me to accept what it is, and not get discouraged in this process. I need all the encouragement I can get during this Holiday season.

Tagged with the 8s

I was tagged by Kayla. Here are the questions and my answers:

8 favorite tv shows:
Dancing with the Stars
The Amazing Race
Law and Order: SVU
ER
Real Simple. Real Life.
Deserving Design
Divine Design
House Hunters

8 things I did yesterday:
Watched about 15 minutes of the Macy's parade
Picked up Grandma at Aunt Dalene's
Ate WAY too much
Visited with family
Played Apples to Apples & Pit
Checked my email
Checked out the Walmart flyer
Help Karen with some wedding plans

8 things I look foward to:
Sleep
Playing games again tonight
Christmas
Getting our dossier out of Parquet
Getting our dossier through 2nd legal
Getting our dossier through MOI
Bringing Elijah & Josephine home
Spring (stolen shamelessly from Kayla)

8 of my favorite restaurants:
Texas Roadhouse
Old Chicago
Red Lobster
Olive Garden
Biaggi's
El Azteca
The Shanti
Tsing Tsao

8 things on my wish list:
Elijah & Josephine to come home
Being a better wife
Being a better mom
Growing in my faith and trust in the Lord
(and lots of other more things)

I tag Erin, Jodie, Jaime, and Julie, if you haven't already been tagged. I don't mean to leave anyone out, so if you want to do it, and you're not specifically listed, you're tagged too. Have fun!

Thanksgiving Fun

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We're reminded this time of year how much we have to be thankful for - family, friends, things we take for granted (jobs, food, home, etc.), and much, much more. I pray for those who don't have what we have. I also pray that our two other children that can't be with us yet, that they'll someday enjoy what we enjoy, and that they'll be able to join us soon.

After work on Wednesday night, we traveled to NE Iowa to spend Thanksgiving day with my family. Thursday we had a great time with my dad & step-mom, grandma, step-grandma, younger sister & soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and my older sister & her family. We played games, visited, and ate way too much food!

This morning, Karen & I got up between 3:45 and 4, threw on some clothes, brushed our teeth, and were out the door by 4:15. We met our other sister and two of her friends half-way to Prarie du Chien, WI, and rode the rest of the way to Walmart with them. We got there right about 5 when their sales started. The parking lot was nearly full. The store was busy, but not what I'd call insane. Maybe I was just not awake enough to notice how crazy it was. There were areas (around the TVs) where you could not get through with a cart, but it wasn't too bad. We assumed the really die-hard shoppers went to a city that had more than just a Walmart and a Cabela's, and we heard from some of Amy's sisters-in-law that Waterloo was crazier than they've seen it in many years. Economy? I'm not sure that's really hit Iowa yet...

We shopped at Walmart for almost three hours. We were all starving by the time we finished, so we stopped by the bakery section for cinnamon rolls/donuts before we checked out. I will say that one of the check-out ladies was trying to figure out what kind of vehicle we drove that would fit all the stuff once she realized that all 5 of us were together! :) We nearly filled the truck topper. Karen and I were the light-weights of the group, but contributed some.

Then we went over to Cabela's. I'd never been in there before, and I have to say I'm not a fan. Things are supposedly good quality out-doorsy stuff, but I can find similar things of decent quality for WAY less than that. I probably would have gotten some of those under-armor-type pants for when I walk - they were on sale for $10, but they didn't have my size. I walked out with some lemon drops and gummy worms for the ride home.

We also stopped by a carpet store. One of the gals' basements was completely flooded this summer, and they're nearly done with re-sheetrocking it. We walked in, and started looking at remnants. In the course of looking at sizes/prices, the lady running the store today said she wasn't supposed to, but she'd give her half-off the remant prices! We quickly realized how much of a deal that was, and she put money down on four remnants and vinyl for her bathrooms. Quite the deal - probably the best one of the day! The carpet store lady must have been in the mood for sales today - she was bummed when we told her we'd been to Walmart at 5:00.

I got back to Dad's around 11:00, then talked for a few minues before I took a nap. The morning was so much fun, but exhausting. It felt like it was 2 or 3 in the afternoon already! I went back to bed and kind of dozed for about an hour or so, then came down and had lunch with Dad, Terry, Jock & Kaylen around 1:00. Then it was time for Kaylen's nap (really needed after a couple busy days and late nights), and Jock and I to have some relaxing computer time. I think Dad and Terry are napping too. I think we're going to play games at Amy & Bill's tonight - and that's usually a fairly late night.

Sometime tomorrow we'll head home. Sunday we're both helping with Sunday school classes at church, then heading over to Jock's dad's - probably for more turkey and some Wii. Then it'll be back to our routines: my Sunday night walk (which will be VERY MUCH needed), and back to work for us and school for Kaylen on Monday.

Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving, everyone!

Oh yah - I did all that on no caffiene! (But trust me, if there'd been a Starbucks or a Panera in the town we were shopping in, I'd have begged to stop before hitting Walmart!) I did just pop open a can of cream soda though. (My dad knows me too well.) Mmmmm...

Hunger in Haiti

This article made me cry. This is so sad, when so many of us live lives of such comfort and abundance here in America. This country that is so close to us is suffering so much...

Thursday Briefs

No, I'm not talking about underwear today. So much to do, so little time, so today you get some snippits of what we have going on...

-I'm working hard to refocus on God and not the fearsome, worrisome, doubtful funk I was in a week ago regarding our adoption. No communication or news is frustrating, but I'm working on adjusting my attitide and changing my focus. More on that later.

-Today its cold. I told Jock it's hard to get out of bed when the weather report on the radio alarm clock says it's currently 29 but feels like 15 (wind chill), and our high temp is gonna be 32 with continued winds. Ugh. BUT the sun is shining.

-We both filled up with gas yesterday for $1.69. YEAH! Hoping that translates to lower heating bills this winter.

-Our van is having trouble with the automatic lights again now that it's cold again. When it's cold the auto lights don't come on - we have to do them manually. Frustrating - we got that fixed twice before. We've got about 800 miles before the warranty runs out, so need to get it in ASAP.

-If anyone wants to come to church this Sunday, it's a special choir day. That means in addition to the usual praise team, there's a 50-member choir. Jock and I are both singing. It's gonna be awesome. (Just a warning it's also our special offering Sunday, and I heard the pastor will be speaking about $$). But really - come for the music! And don't feel obligated to give.

-Kaylen's school is having their fun night Saturday - we'll be rushing over there when our final choir rehearsal is over.

-Speaking of Kaylen, we got her first Kindergarten report card last week at parent-teacher conferences (they're on trimesters). She's doing awesome - ahead in reading, average in math & writing. More on that later too.

-We're looking forward to Thanksgiving holiday, and spending some much needed time off with our families. We have so much to be thankful for.

Bummed

I've been feeling a little bummed the last couple days about the lack of progress and the lack of information on our adoption process. As far as I know, we're still in Parquet, and our kids' birth parent interviews have not occurred at the Embassy.

Please continue to pray with us that we receive Parquet approval. I have heard of a few families being sent back to IBESR from Parquet because they have biological children, or because they are not 35. They are apparently requesting that IBESR send for presidential dispensation. We understood that our dossier got dispensation while we were in IBESR, so that shouldn't be an issue for us, but who knows...

I'm also a little worried that maybe E & J's birth parents have not been able to be located to schedule the interviews. Our orphanage has birth-parent locators that have to go out and locate the birth parents, so they can schedule the interviews. Then they have to make sure they get make it to the appointment or reschedule the interviews and try again. Please pray that Elijah's mom and Josephine's dad are found and are safe and healthy and able to go to their interviews soon.

On the up-side, it's so exciting to hear about other families' progress! A couple families got through Parquet this week (the step we're waiting in now), and several families have gotten through MOI - which means they're now waiting on passports and visas to be able to bring their kids home! So, we are praying for these families, in addition to those that seem to be stuck in certain areas of their adoption process for much longer than ever imaginable.

I've also been enjoying the stories and pictures from some families who traveled earlier this month to the orphanage to see their children. So, I thought I'd share this picture I found in Terry's collection, of Baby Room 1. Josephine is in this photo - crawling on the floor, at right, behind the child in navy blue. (You can click on the photo to enlarge.)

And, some other random fun photos of E & J from my July trip, just for fun:


Thank you Katy for sharing this next verse. I continually need to be reminded of this: "Be joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12

PETA

Thought many of you would get a good eye-rolling from this article. Especially my dad who proudly wears his "PETA-People for the Eating of Tasty Animals" t-shirt to the state fair each year. Click here to read the article, about PETA apparently calling for health insurance companies to charge higher premiums to meat-eaters and lower premiums for vegetarians. Also a while back they asked Ben & Jerry's to switch from cow's milk to human's milk to make their ice cream. Can you imagine?!

First of all, the insurance premium would be a nightmare to enforce - how on earth would they track people's eating habits - ha! Not to mention the benefits of eating meat. It does say in the article that there is no proof that vegetarians are more healthy.

And the breast milk?! Yuck - and too much chance of disease, etc. Think of how hard it is to give blood - the same would be true of breast milk. We'd be paying hundreds of $$ for a bucket if the yummy stuff.

Anyway - just some unscientific opinions of mine. Thought I'd get a good laugh out of a few of you, some eye-rollings, and some disgust too.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I think I'll try to get my hubby to grill up a steak or pork chops sometime this weekend, probably with some yummy veggies and potatoes, and top it off with an awesome bowl of ice cream, and later a walk with a good friend. Who says that's not healthy?! :)

Fun for you Ladies

If you're reading this, you've been tagged!  I got this in an email from my aunt.  It was fun, and I decided to post here.  My aunt turned out to be most like Grace Kelly, with 39 points.  I turned out to be most like Katherine Hepburn, with 45 points.  Now, don't look ahead or you will ruin the fun!  Take the quiz, then calculate your score, and share your results and the quiz with others.  Enjoy!

 

Ever wonder which movie star you are most like? Well ~ A team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of movie stars. The gathered info has been incorporated into this quiz. There are only 10 questions so it doesn't take long. Number your paper from 1 to 10, then answer each question with the choice that most describes you at this point in your life.  Then add up the points that correspond with your answers, and find the movie star that you are most like.

1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two
b) Amusement Park
c) Roller blading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz

3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a ) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery

4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person

5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read

6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red

7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail

8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July

9 If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia

10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with

Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c- 4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6

NOW take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:

(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.

(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.

(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free..

(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.

(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider 'real friends'. You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank.You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.

My Eyes

I had my LASIK consultation today, and I'm happy to say that I'm scheduled for IntraLASIK mid-January! I'm so excited, but kind of head-achey from dilated eyes. I'm sure glad it was cloudy today! Not sure I could've handled a sunny afternoon. I'm usually the one trying to get Jock to agree to turn the lights on at night, but tonight I was voting for eating dinner in the dark. I even had to dim my computer now that I can see it again. (I know, I'm such a complainer!)

Anyway, they checked my vision, measured my eyes a few different ways, then put the dilation drops in. Then they had me watch an informational movie and said it was a 15-minute movie. I'd have never known - I couldn't read my watch by the time it was over. Then the movie said I'd have to take a quiz to make sure I understood the movie. I'm sure glad I didn't have to do that - I wouldn't have been able to see it. They then checked my vision again to make sure it was consistent - you know, the compare 1 vs 2, many times over for each eye.

Then I saw the doctor. He's actually a friend of ours from the church we used to go to. He sped through the information about the surgery risks. I found myself having to concentrate really hard to pay attention - not sure if because my eyes were dilated, or because he really was going that fast. Then the nurse talked through the scheduling, how things go, and the pre/post-op instructions, etc. She held the papers up to show me, which didn't help - I couldn't see them. So, I re-read them a little bit ago. I think I'm ready... Well, I will be as soon as I sign up for the pre-tax medical flex account benefit at work (due this week), and then wait two months! That's gonna be hard, but I'm certain it'll be well worth the wait. To my glasses: Your days are numbered!

Indian Summer Officially Over

It's gone from the 70s earlier in the week to 30s todayn and those are daily high temps folks. Today is our first day of snow for the season.- the white stuff started mid-morning. It's not really falling though - it's blowing sideways from such strong winds. It's melting though - our ground and cars are just wet as I sit here staring out my window at work.

Yup - pretty nasty, but doesn't compare to what they got in the Dakotas yesterday. I don't know if I could live there when they get blizzards that drop several feet of snow in a day. Yuck! I can't complain after hearing that!

Kaylen's writings...

I'm getting a kick out of reading some of Kaylen's writings from the last couple weeks she brought home today. A few of these Jock and I had to put our heads together to decipher. Happy reading - if you can figure out what she's saying. Just a hint: she writes her d's backwards...

"I wons went up stars. To my moms anb Dabs rowm. I wochb a brby mowe. anb thin wochb a bvb. I bib not bo it with my perins."

"Won Day I went to my Grapus anb Gramos. I habe pop. I habe cace. I hab fun. I askb my DaD wy are we going to Grapus?."

On a list worksheet that has printed at the top, "My List of Healthy Habits":
1. "Dreking wotr."
2. "Dreking mellik."
3. "eting a sanbwich"
4. "sleping."
5. "Droching my teth." (first one I've seen where she switched a B to a D!)

"I WEnt owt sibe in my bake yrb anb my cusin. Che raseb me anb I no che wun the rase. I habe lose of fum."

"Won bay I winT to a HoTel!. I Loveb it. I Hab imanims. I Hab Lotso Goob Of fun. I Hab Sum 7 up it was osum! I sol my FReNb. I aNb EvRewon plaD Hib anD Go Sek. Wen we plab The baby wocolb." (This one Jock and I had trouble deciphering, because her lines weren't straight. imanims=M&Ms, osum=awesome, wocolb=woke up)

On another list worksheet that she has to write the title:
Title "My Toes."
1. "tebebaer"
2. "bolls" (this isn't balls - the picture she drew is of a doll)
3. "Art"
4. "Books"

"Won bay I hab to wock my bog. I Likb it. I hab fun. you wob like it. I seb to my mommy anb DaDDy that I Loveb Tenm. I Like you."

"I went to a frme. I likbe it. I hade fun. I hade jose. I saw a cow. I now thar wobe Be Thar." (now=knew, jose=juice)

Another list where she had to write the title:
Title "My frafRit Presobins."
1. "Brokobmo." (all one word)
2. "Jon MocKan" (the J was backwards but I can't replicate that here)
3. "Jowrg-W-Buch" (again a backwards J)
4. "Wochingtent"

"Wons I went to pik up my ukul jak. I likb it. I hab fun. I hab pup. My ulul jak went fr to my Hous. I seb wen jak went by-by I hop to see you sun. I wus sab that jak hab to go by-by." (although all the j's were backwards) (pup=pop - it's a treat around here.)

A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Dad,
Dad Do you hav a hebak stel? I Hop you bont have a habak! last nite you bib not Fell gob. aRe you bRethibratib? I hop you Rnt.
Love
Kaylen."
(Jock get's headaches when he doesn't drink enough water - that big word is "dehydrated".)

A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Mom,
I Love you. Wut aRe you booing? you aRe a veRe gob Mom! DiD you go TRik-owR-tReting? Mom is yowR bos happy becas your wRk.
Love
Kaylen"


(And all except for the two letters have awesome pictures to go with. I'll try to scan a few in - she's an excellent artist.)

Meals from the Heartland

For you locals, I received this email this afternoon...

In September, Iowans came together to package over 4 million meals at Meals from the Heartland. That was just the beginning of the story. Follow KCCI TV8 reporter Eric Hanson to Haiti and meet the people receiving the food from Meals from the Heartland. Eric's segments will be broadcast during the 10:00 pm newscast this Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 5 & 6). For a preview, click this link:
http://www.kcci.com/video/17873804/index.html

If you're not local, check the link in a few days. The TV station will probably post it in full on their website for a while after it airs.

I also heard Eric Hanson interviewed about this on a Christian radio station's morning show on Monday. If they post a transcript of it I'll post it later. It's just awesome that he was able to experience this, and I hope that his sharing will inspire others to want to help the people of Haiti.

Blogger Catch-Up

Yes, I've been a blogging fanatic today. I think I'm caught up now, so scroll down, check out some awesome pictures, and read up! :)

New Pictures Oct 2008

Our October photos are in:




No process update yet - still praying Parquet has signed out their files so we can move on and get that adoption decree. Quarterly developmental updates are forthcoming.

Also, I did notice that our orphanage has updated all of the childrens' photos on their website, and it again includes the children's names. This is great, because the children have changed so much since we've seen them, that some we couldn't remember who they were!

This Weekend

We didn't have our normal Thursday night Bible study, since it was "Beggar's night". So instead, we planned a social for our group. We hosted this time, having people over for a game night, sans kids. About half of our group was able to make it. One family had a sick child, one had just gotten back from an overseas trip to visit family, one family is preparing to move next weekend, and another had other plans already set for this weekend. So the other 4 couples (including us) got together. We had some yummy snacks. We played "Taboo" and "Fact or Crap". We got to know each other a little better. We laughed so hard! And we all enjoyed the evening with just adults.

Jock had taken Kaylen to Grandma's, and she got to enjoy a second trick-or-treating - at Living History Farms. She seemed to have a lot of fun, came home with a little bit more candy, and a ghost story. Very interesting how funny the story is when told by a 5-year-old! Apparently there is a ghost in a barn that is a person who died that scares people because he or she is scared of people - or something like that. ...Followed by our explanation that ghosts aren't really real - they're fiction. And yes, she knows what fiction is - she tells us when we ask her if she's telling the truth about something, "Yes, it's non-fiction. Fiction is not true, like made-up, and non-fiction is true."

Today Grandma brought Kaylen home around 10:30, allowing us to sleep in very late, which felt awesome! Then Kaylen finished her homework for the weekend and worked some on her workbook for Wednesday night kids' church. We had sandwiches for lunch, and then Jock took Kaylen to the park while I worked on a few other things at home - catching up on blogging while making a pot of chili.

At 4:00 Jock and I had rehearsal at church for the Thanksgiving choir, with a soup/chili supper afterwards. We're really excited about singing again. Our church has a praise team & band, but not a regular choir - only for special occasions. We sang in the Easter choir, and really enjoyed it. This one will be a little less formal, but with about 50 extra singing, it's going to be awesome! It'll be the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so mark your calendars and come join us at church if you'd like - we'll be there all morning, to sing at both services!

Not much else going on this weekend for us. We'll go to church in the morning, and then probably have a lazy afternoon of naps/quiet time, watching football, messing on our computers, and maybe enjoying a bit of the beautiful outdoors. It's been around 70 again the last few days - and we want to take advantage of that while it lasts!

What are you doing this weekend?

Trick-or-Treating

Kaylen was a ballerina again this year. I was so glad that her leotard and tutu/skirt still fit her, and she was OK with doing the same costume as last year, so we went with it. I did have to repair the torn seam on the skirt before she could wear it. My sewing machine doesn't like to go through thick pieces, so I hand-sewed the elastic ends back in place and then repaired the seam.






Some friends of ours came over to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with us for a little while. So, we had Alex, as a very cute Curious George, and Emma, as an adorable flower! Kaylen was also very excited that her kindergarten teacher had invited her students to come trick-or-treat at her house. Kaylen must have mentioned that 50 times, and was so nervous about missing it, that we gave up in our neighborhood, jumped in the van and headed over. First stop at the teacher's house, met one of her sons and two dogs, visited a bit with a couple other of Kaylen's classmates parents, then stopped at a few homes in the teacher's neighborhood before heading home for the night.

Here is Kaylen's post-Beggar's-Night indulging. The photos turned out perfectly - aren't those stuffed cheeks just priceless?! This is the one night each year that Kaylen can eat all the candy she wants before bedtime (Daddy's rule, not mine!). Well, we got home past her normal bedtime, but let her stay up another 15 minutes. Which turned into probably about an hour before the sugar low finally hit and she fell asleep. Friday morning she seemed OK despite getting to sleep late.

And for those of you not from around here: Yes, this part of Iowa is really confused about when Halloween really is. On all our calendars, it says Halloween is October 31st. However, most cities around Des Moines schedule their "Beggar's Night" for October 30th. It's been that way since we moved here. Not sure why - yes, really wierd.

Evening Routine

Last week I posted about our morning routine, so I thought I'd do one about our evenings. They're not nearly as regimented as our morning routine, but sometimes they're equally as packed full of things we do.

I generally get off work at 4:30 pm and head back to pick up Kaylen at daycare. Jock has typically worked until about 5:30, but is now trying to leave at 5 so we have more family time in the evenings. Sometimes I have him pick up some groceries on his way home, since there's a Super Walmart right on his route home.

I usually get to daycare around 5 (barring any traffic snares). Kaylen gathers her coat and school backpack while I check her daycare folder and check her out of the computer. We're usually home around 5:15, and the routine is to get any school books/papers/homework read/completed before anything else. Kaylen brings home a short book every day to practice her reading, and about three worksheets to do - usually about once a week on Fridays. This happens at our kitchen table, often while I'm preparing dinner. If we can, we try to do a page or two in her packet for Wednesday night church activities.

Depending on when Jock gets home and how long the food takes to fix, Kaylen might take her shower before or after supper. This can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the motivation to get done quickly, how much singing/talking is done in the shower or in front of the mirror, and whether we choose to force the hurrying or let her suffer the natural consequences of taking too long (lost play time, lost time for dessert, lost points on the church packet from not having it done, etc). However she usually showers every other day. Her skin is just too sensitive and her body not too much BO to need a daily one yet, unless it's been hot out and/or she's somehow gotten all dirty, stinky or sweaty.

Before dinner we pray - we randomly decide who will pray for us each night by who is willing or who is specifically asked to do it. We then talk about our days over dinner. If for some reason we're not all eating together because of an activity going on that evening, we pray ourselves and then eat quickly.

Wednesday nights Kaylen has activities at church at 6:30, so we're usually rushed to get her homework done, eat dinner, and maybe a shower. Sometimes Jock and I eat supper together ourselves after one of us gets back from dropping her off - kind of like a date!

Thursday nights are much the same as far as hurrying, as we have our small group Bible study at one of our group leader's home at 6:30. This is our adult study that follows our pastor's sermon series. The kids all play with one or two youth watching them in the basement or at the other leader's house (they live next-door to each other).

Wednesdays and Thursdays, we get home past Kaylen's normal 7:30 bedtime, so when we get home it's PJs, tooth-brushing and straight to bed. Other nights we see how much time we have before 7:30, before deciding what to do. Some nights Kaylen just wants to play with her toys or read her own books herself. Other activities might be playing outside, having us read to her, playing a game, or watching TV (rare although we all enjoy Dancing with the Stars when it's on).

After Kaylen goes to bed, we have some adult time. Than we can talk to each other, make plans for upcoming days, pay bills, checking emails/blogs/facebook, watching TV, reading a book, or playing games - either together or apart. I also typically go walk with a friend from 8-9 Sunday thru Wednesday.

We usually hit the sack whenever we're over-tired - anywhere from 9 (Jock) or 10 until 11 or after(me). Then we get way too little sleep before we have to start it all over again the next day.

There are always of course exceptions though. For instance, this week we had our state foster care licensing guy visit Monday evening to renew our paperwork, and Kaylen had an eye doctor appointment Tuesday evening. These throw a bit of a wrench in things, but usually we can get thing done without issue, as Kaylen can do some things on her own. I'm sure things will be much different when Elijah and Josephine come home, as we'll have to do baths/lotion/hair for them, and we'll have longer dinners, etc. But we'll make it work - we always have. Change is inevitable and keeps us on our toes.

Race Weekend, Pumpkin-Carving

Last weekend was the Race for the Cure. Both of my sisters came to visit and to walk in the Race. The kids thought it was funny that it was called a race but that we weren't racing or even running - just walking (although keeping up walking with Amy, we each jogged to catch up a couple times - she gets behind that stroller and moves!)

It was a chilly morning, but once we got going it was fine - we might have even broken a sweat.

Other than that, we ate some good food, played some fun games, talked, and lots of fun things girls like to do together. We miracously didn't do any shopping - although I think Amy did a bit on her way home. Amy stocked me up on some veggies from her garden and brought the tupperware I'd ordered. Karen also stocked us both with some hair products that we needed. Do those count as shopping?

We didn't get any photo scanning or scrap-booking done, but that's a huge job that we can still work on for many-a-girl-weekend or holiday weekend to come.

The kids had a good time playing together. For the most part, they all got along and played nicely together- although we all had to laugh when Caden got made when it was the girls' turn to do monkey bars and he had to get off the swing (on our swingset, the bars are what the swings hang on, so he would've gotten kicked - so they were taking 5-minute turns). He crossed his arms and stomped over to the steps to sit down. We asked what was wrong and he just would say, "Weave me awone!" :) After a minute or two he'd get back up and play again.

After lunch Sunday, Amy and Karen both left to head home. Jock and I and Kaylen all took quick naps (that were entirely too short after staying up too late both Friday and Saturday nights) - before Jock's family came over.

We try to get together every year to carve pumpkins. The kids love carving their pumpkins - although the adults usually do the bulk of the carving (of course, with 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds). Debbie carved the pirate ship in Adrian's pumpkin, Seth helped Kaylen with her pumpkin, and Julie carved the ghost in Aaron's pumpkin. Adrian also helped draw the
face on Jock's pumpkin.

All the pumpkins turned out pretty neat this year. We all munched on snacks and treats that everyone furnished, and a fun time was had by all.
It was a great weekend.

Coveting

OK - I know that one of the 10 commandments is to not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Well, I'm not coveting property - I'm coveting your prayers right now.

There are several families we know who are traveling to Haiti this week or this coming weekend. Please pray for their safe travels. Pray also for blessings on them, the orphanage staff, the adoption processes that some are traveling to work on, and of course the children.

In addition, please be in prayers for the adoption processes. I'll be praying this week for the dossiers of three children in particular from our orphanage, to be released from IBESR - they have been in that step for more than a year - too long! I'm also praying for many releases from Parquet (including ours), and from MOI, as well as the several other steps in between these three big-ticket steps that could use your prayers. Being close to the end of the month, when many from our orphanage anticipate receiving their process updates, it is a difficult time. We all could use some good news, and some encouragement during the long wait to bring our children home.

Praise God for His awesome power to do all of these things - may His glory prevail!

For HIS Glory October Newsletter

I received the following email a few weeks ago. I'd meant to share this much earlier.

October 2008

Haiti - The Pearl of the Caribbean When we have responded to emails sent to us regarding the state of the orphanage following the hurricanes, we have said that all is well in the security of the walls - it's outside those walls that people are really suffering. We praise God for sustaining us through the damaging storms. Unfortunately, the difficulties outside the walls have now made it inside. Charcoal is very hard to find, so preparing meals has become more difficult. There were beans in the last donations, but food sources are running low and the cost of food continues to increase, particularly following the flooding. Gas has risen in price again and there is no end in sight. Suffice it to say, the orphanage is really struggling and needs our help. Six months ago many of you helped us to raise the rent for 6 months for the orphanage. The next 6 month installment is due the first week of November. The security the orphanage is able to provide for the children and staff is more than most know living in Haiti. There are hundreds of houses in the areas the children in the orphanage came from that were destroyed in the hurricanes. Please help us to secure another 6 months of protection for the children by partnering with us to raise the rent. If everyone that receives this email donates just $20, the rent will be covered! We need to raise $14,000 and can do this again with your help. This is a terrific opportunity to see many hands come together for a great cause! There is a link at the bottom of this newsletter to tell your friends and family about this worthwhile need and encourage you to please consider supporting this effort in Haiti. We are starting a food drive now. We need dry goods and shelf stable proteins such as beans, peanut butter and powdered milk. If you would like to send food items to help the orphanage overcome the difficulties following the hurricanes, please send them by November 1 to: Keith and Wanda Hall 2280 N. Hollowtown Rd. Lynchburg, Ohio 45142 If you would like to help with immediate needs, please consider becoming an ongoing sponsor. You can click here to sign up today!" Our new address for For His Glory is: P.O. Box 64091 Colorado Springs, CO 80962 If you would like to read more about what is happening in Haiti and at the orphanage, please continue reading... Life in Haiti Imagine, if you will, that you have six children and you are raising 6 of them in a single parent home. Imagine that your home is one-third the size of a one-car garage fashioned out of corrugated steel. There's no carpet or cement for your floor; rather, it's simply dirt that you try to keep as clean as possible. You have one double bed that you sleep on with most of your children, while the rest sleep on grass mats at your feet. That's if there is no gunfire. When there is, you all feel more safety sleeping under the bed. Imagine, too, that there are days that pass that you cannot purchase a small sack of beans and rice to feed your children. You go out to the street market and purchase as many dirt biscuits as you can to feed you and your children. It's not enough for each person to have their own, but if the little ones get to half each, it'll at least stop them from crying. The only water is the river the pigs rifle through - it's where you have dumped your own chamber pots from time to time. You close off your mind and drink from the water because there is no choice. This is the story of one of the birth mothers that had placed 3 of her children in the orphanage. Those 3 children are in the US now, leaving 3 still in Haiti. The situation for her is more difficult that we could imagine. We asked her, as we were visiting her home, if she was comfortable living in Cite Soliel. She responded saying that no one chooses to live there - it's when you are left with no choice at all that you end up in a tin house like hers. One of the staff members of the orphanage knows a woman that has 6 sons. When the rains came, 5 of them drown. Her house is destroyed and her hope was buried with her children. Baby Hope Baby Hope is doing very well. She is strong, happy and healthy. She has quite the personality and loves her nannies. We are feel very blessed to have her in our lives and thank God He was watching over her. Shipment Our shipment finally cleared customs in Haiti! The staff and children were so blessed to see all the donations! The clothing has gone a long way and we still have not unpacked everything. A team going to Haiti in the fall will continue to unpack all the clothing and household items that were donated. Thank you all so much for your participation! Missions We are currently taking reservations for church and school teams for the summer of 2009. If you are interested in booking a team to come serve in the orphanage, or possibly to help build the new orphanage, please contact Kim Harmon, our Missions Coordinator at FHGMissions@yahoo.com. Thank you again for all the support and prayers you give to orphanage. The staff and children take great comfort knowing that you all cover them and care for them. We are so thankful for all the support you give. All God's blessings, For His Glory

For HIS Glory Outreach P.O. Box 64091 Colorado Springs, CO 80962 For HIS Glory Outreach will not share any private information given to us with any outside organizations.

We also received more information about Christmas at the orphanage. In the past, the adoptive families and other donors would send small items to those traveling to the orphanage, so that each child would have a gift for Christmas. This year a shoe-box ministry has offered shoe-box gifts for all the children in the orphanage. With the children's gifts covered, they are taking donations for the birth families as a community outreach, as well as Christmas bonuses for the staff and for a Christmas party/meal for the children and staff.

This is in addition to:

• the semi-annual rent that is coming due in next week

• some maintenance on the septic system

• purchasing computer equipment for the orphanage and processor so that regular communication (which has been lacking the last few months, including monthly update photos) can be restored

It's unfortunate that I didn't get this posted before now, because it's already nearing the date they'd like to have the food donations to the collection point in Ohio. But I still wanted to get this out, in case people wanted to help and could get it there in a week. Don't let the multitide of needs bog down your mind. There are always opportunities to help in this place we've come to love, no matter the form or size of the gift. Your prayers are always needed and appreciated as well. If you have questions, I'm happy to answer them for you, or pass them along to someone else who can.