First, please pray with us that the next week brings us some good news regarding our adoption processing. We know that IBESR is now requesting presidential dispensation letters if they have any biological children (more about this here), which could cause a delay of unknown length. We shouldn't have to go through that since we have no biological children, so we're praying that we'll hear with our monthly process update that we're out of IBESR. There is another website that attempts to track the IBESR numbers, but it relies on individuals to report their IBESR exits. The few numbers that have been reported in February are very close to or higher than our IBESR numbers, so I think we should be very close! :)
Please also pray for the families waiting for their dispensation letters (we know several), and for families that are being denied. We know of at least one family that is in this situation, and they are just heart-broken over the loss of the children that they considered to be their children.
Second, here is another link regarding a reduction in the number of children adopted out of Haiti in 2007. Here is a beautiful perspective on the same issue, from another adoptive mom. I'm not sure what can be done at this point, except to pray that these situations are resolved quickly, for the sake of the children and the people of Haiti.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Feb07 Picture Updates
We got our February pictures of Elijah & Josephine. Aren't they just adorable?!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Everlasting God
I finally found the entire song on project playlist! I love this song, but all I could find was the short version before. I finally found the version by Lincoln Brewster that has his young son, Levi, at the end reciting a Bible passage from Isaiah. I just love it. I put it on my playlist at the left. Click on the playlist, scroll up to the third song down from the top, and click on the song to listen.
Feb-Mar Birthdays
Happy birthday this past week and this weekend to my grandma, my brother, and Jock's grandma, and my cousin Linda (Sorry I forgot that one at first!). My grandma celebrated her 90th. She didn't want a big party, but some of the family got together to help her celebrate last Saturday over supper. Below are a few pictures of everyone from the restaurant.
Also, happy birthday coming up this week to my neice Kallie, who is turning 10!
Also, happy birthday coming up this week to my neice Kallie, who is turning 10!
Kaylen playing Basketball
Kaylen sure had fun playing basketball this winter. They have a small league that they ran for 6 Saturdays, but we only made it to four. Similar to the soccer she played last fall, they practice for about 15 minutes, and then play a game the rest of the time. It was so cute to watch them try to dribble. There were numerous traveling and double-dribbling, but at this age, it they don't really care - it's about learning the skills, releasing some energy and having fun. By the end of the 6 weeks, they were all doing better.
Also funny was the shooting. Some of the kids did a great job with great techniques. Others did great with the underhanded toss or launching the ball over their heads. Kaylen was an over-the-head launcher, but still made it in the basket several times during practice and games. She is also very competitive, so naturally, she was awesome at the rebounds.
Also funny was the shooting. Some of the kids did a great job with great techniques. Others did great with the underhanded toss or launching the ball over their heads. Kaylen was an over-the-head launcher, but still made it in the basket several times during practice and games. She is also very competitive, so naturally, she was awesome at the rebounds.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Boyfriends and other ramblings of a five-year-old
I have to share a very interesting conversation I had with Kaylen on the way home from daycare today. Actually it wasn't so much a conversation as it was her telling me about some of the day's happenings. I'm sure I don't quite have all the details of the story correct, but I'll try. And make sure when you're reading, imagine all the inflection in the voice of our little drama queen...
Today, both T and R asked me to be their girlfriend. So I told them that I can't have two boyfriends, so then I told T, "Don't cry if I pick R," and I told R, "Don't cry if I pick T." But then they didn't want to talk to me anymore. But then I told R that he couldn't have two girlfriends, because A is his girlfriend. Then he said he was going to break out with A, and I told him that I didn't think that was good because A would be sad. Then I told T that he couldn't have two girlfriends either, because J was his girlfriend, and her name is pretty. Then T told me that God was going to give him power so I would pick him, and then he said that he has enough power to lift up one-hundred-million bricks, but I told him he was just kidding.
So I then asked, "so, what did you decide?" (Trying not to lead her towards any answer in particular)
Well, I told them that I am too young to have a boyfriend.
So, do you think some of what we've been telling her has rubbed off yet? You know, of the 'You can't have pierced ears until you are x', 'you can't have a boyfriend until you're x', and 'you can't get married until you are x' variety? What shall we do with this girl? Five going on 15? My goodness, she's too young for this, isn't she?
A sidenote - however, an pretty important one... Kaylen also told us that T told her that if she said he was kidding, he was going to shoot her. Now, I know at this age, he's probably just frustrated, but who knows! This is insane. I told her that if anyone ever says that to her she should tell the adult in charge right away. (She said she did, but probably just because I told her she should have - anyway, she knows now...) There's just too many scary things that have happened in this world to let something like that fly. Where do kids get these ideas? I do know some kids who play a lot of violent army/war video/computer games. I don't really approve - so many of those video games are so life-like and so violent, so how do you expect impressionable young children to understand the difference? If they were older, he'd probably have been kicked out of school under a no-tolerance policy.
We have to also hope and pray that none of the parents keep any weapons within reach or unlocked in this day and age. Each year, when our foster care license is renewed, they ask if we have any weapons in the house. The requirement - which I think is a very good one - is that any weapons be kept locked up, and any ammunition be locked up in a separately. Smart ideas. Just hope these precautions are being followed closely by more than just parents that are being "watched". There's too much violence in the world. I can't protect her from it all, but God can. All I can do is teach her how she can stay safe, and pray that she listens and takes it to heart.
One more rambling. When I picked Kaylen up today, she said she told her teachers that Daddy and I love her all the way up to Heaven. It makes me feel awesome that she recognizes our love for her. She also said she loves us bigger than God. Without minimizing how awesome that made me feel, I had to try to explain to her that nothing is bigger than God, and that we get our love from God, so it can't possibly be as big or bigger than Him, but that's just too much for her to grasp right now I think. I'll just be happy for now that she's so expressive, and free to share her feelings with us.
Ah, the good times and trials of raising a 5-year-old!
Today, both T and R asked me to be their girlfriend. So I told them that I can't have two boyfriends, so then I told T, "Don't cry if I pick R," and I told R, "Don't cry if I pick T." But then they didn't want to talk to me anymore. But then I told R that he couldn't have two girlfriends, because A is his girlfriend. Then he said he was going to break out with A, and I told him that I didn't think that was good because A would be sad. Then I told T that he couldn't have two girlfriends either, because J was his girlfriend, and her name is pretty. Then T told me that God was going to give him power so I would pick him, and then he said that he has enough power to lift up one-hundred-million bricks, but I told him he was just kidding.
So I then asked, "so, what did you decide?" (Trying not to lead her towards any answer in particular)
Well, I told them that I am too young to have a boyfriend.
So, do you think some of what we've been telling her has rubbed off yet? You know, of the 'You can't have pierced ears until you are x', 'you can't have a boyfriend until you're x', and 'you can't get married until you are x' variety? What shall we do with this girl? Five going on 15? My goodness, she's too young for this, isn't she?
A sidenote - however, an pretty important one... Kaylen also told us that T told her that if she said he was kidding, he was going to shoot her. Now, I know at this age, he's probably just frustrated, but who knows! This is insane. I told her that if anyone ever says that to her she should tell the adult in charge right away. (She said she did, but probably just because I told her she should have - anyway, she knows now...) There's just too many scary things that have happened in this world to let something like that fly. Where do kids get these ideas? I do know some kids who play a lot of violent army/war video/computer games. I don't really approve - so many of those video games are so life-like and so violent, so how do you expect impressionable young children to understand the difference? If they were older, he'd probably have been kicked out of school under a no-tolerance policy.
We have to also hope and pray that none of the parents keep any weapons within reach or unlocked in this day and age. Each year, when our foster care license is renewed, they ask if we have any weapons in the house. The requirement - which I think is a very good one - is that any weapons be kept locked up, and any ammunition be locked up in a separately. Smart ideas. Just hope these precautions are being followed closely by more than just parents that are being "watched". There's too much violence in the world. I can't protect her from it all, but God can. All I can do is teach her how she can stay safe, and pray that she listens and takes it to heart.
One more rambling. When I picked Kaylen up today, she said she told her teachers that Daddy and I love her all the way up to Heaven. It makes me feel awesome that she recognizes our love for her. She also said she loves us bigger than God. Without minimizing how awesome that made me feel, I had to try to explain to her that nothing is bigger than God, and that we get our love from God, so it can't possibly be as big or bigger than Him, but that's just too much for her to grasp right now I think. I'll just be happy for now that she's so expressive, and free to share her feelings with us.
Ah, the good times and trials of raising a 5-year-old!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Update on Linda & Pierre's visit to Iowa
Wow! I'm trying to process all that has gone on this week. It's been a very busy week (and it's only Wednesday!), and I want to Praise God for everything! I must say that meeting Linda and Pierre was such a wonderful experience for me, and what a blessing it is to be involved with such an organization!
There have been some ups and downs this week, some of the details of which I cannot share at this point, but I've been blessed and know that others have been blessed through the prayers that have been lifted up and through hearing Linda and Pierre's message. I want to thank those that took time out of their busy schedules to come and hear about Linda and Pierre's mission. This truly is a mission that I've come to love, and the more I learn about it, the more convicted I am to share it with others.
I've been amazed this week at what God has done through me. I am a very private, introverted person, so it's been a challenge for me to share with others some thoughts and parts of my life that I haven't always been comfortable sharing with others. God has shown me that it really is Him accomplishing these things, not me.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.
There have been some ups and downs this week, some of the details of which I cannot share at this point, but I've been blessed and know that others have been blessed through the prayers that have been lifted up and through hearing Linda and Pierre's message. I want to thank those that took time out of their busy schedules to come and hear about Linda and Pierre's mission. This truly is a mission that I've come to love, and the more I learn about it, the more convicted I am to share it with others.
I've been amazed this week at what God has done through me. I am a very private, introverted person, so it's been a challenge for me to share with others some thoughts and parts of my life that I haven't always been comfortable sharing with others. God has shown me that it really is Him accomplishing these things, not me.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Updated Itinerary
I now have the time for the Sunday evening event. The church service is at 6:30 pm, and I think Pierre will be speaking briefly during the service. Then after the service, at 7:30, will be a meet & greet and maybe a presentation, depending on how many people stay after the service.
In addition to the events listed on the flyer, one has been scheduled for Monday morning from 11 am to 12 pm. It will be at the Des Moines Marriott downtown, in Salon C on the second floor. So for all you downtown workers, take an early lunch break. (There won't be lunch served, but grab something on your way back to the office. :)
In addition to the events listed on the flyer, one has been scheduled for Monday morning from 11 am to 12 pm. It will be at the Des Moines Marriott downtown, in Salon C on the second floor. So for all you downtown workers, take an early lunch break. (There won't be lunch served, but grab something on your way back to the office. :)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Linda & Pierre in Des Moines - When & Where
Below is the information you've hopefully been waiting for, regarding when and where Linda and Pierre will be Sunday thru Wednesday. I hope you all can make it, and invite your family, friends, and churches to come too. What a blessing it would be to have a huge turnout at these events in support of For His Glory and Maison des Enfants de Dieu! Please join us in praying for traveling mercies upon Linda and Pierre, and for God to open people's hearts and minds towards the mission to the people of Haiti.
(Click to enlarge.)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Jan-08 Process Update
Well, it's not really much of an update when there's no new information to share. I'm a little bummed, but I shouldn't be. Probably just my own poor attitude today. We've been in IBESR for just 4 months, and the typical wait is 4-7 months. Please pray for patience. The waiting is tougher some days than others. Pray also for speed in the process - although I know God will work out the timing for the best for us and the babies. I need to focus on that right now.
We did find out that two families did receive IBESR approval this month. I'd love to know who it was - so if you read my blog, please let me know. Praising God for this movement! Also, all but one of the 19 dossiers (I think it's really 19 children, fewer than 19 families) in IBESR are still within the 4-7 month time period. The family that has been waiting longer, are struggling to overcome a big hurdle to be approved. Please pray for their process, and that IBESR will approve their adoption very soon. I can't imagine the heartbreak they are fearing right now.
We did find out that two families did receive IBESR approval this month. I'd love to know who it was - so if you read my blog, please let me know. Praising God for this movement! Also, all but one of the 19 dossiers (I think it's really 19 children, fewer than 19 families) in IBESR are still within the 4-7 month time period. The family that has been waiting longer, are struggling to overcome a big hurdle to be approved. Please pray for their process, and that IBESR will approve their adoption very soon. I can't imagine the heartbreak they are fearing right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)