Well...we got our approval on my birthday, our referral (of the most adorable little boy I've ever seen) on Thanksgiving....so we're obviously hoping for a Christmas gotcha day. Well, actually we're hoping to get a court date this week (or early next week) and then travel in a couple of weeks so we're home at Christmas. This is pushing it a little bit, but it is the same timeline of the families in Rwanda right now. So it is possible. and, of course, He can move mountains.
Please pray!!!
Oh yeah, and I'm SUPER excited that a bunch of our friends got their approval letters over the weekend! Hooray!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
It's a boy!!!!!!!!
So, late this morning I was in the kitchen with Hunter, my sisters, their husbands (and boyfriend) and my mom. I checked my computer to see if there was any news from the families who went to pick up their kids in Rwanda, when MUCH TO MY SHOCK, there was an email for me with our referral.
I screamed "HUNTER! HUNTER! We got it!!!" (Actually, at this point I had jumped up onto a chair. I've been wondering what my reaction would be). Of course Hunter ran over to the computer. Immediately we both started crying. I was shaking. About 30 seconds later we opened the email to meet our son for the first time. He's BEAUTIFUL. I mean, beautiful. Seriously. We cried for a while, called the rest of the family and a few friends. My heart rate hasn't gone done since then. I love him so much. A friend of ours in Rwanda went and met him this morning. He already knows we're coming (sort of). Keep praying for him to be ready for us.
His name means God given or given by God. ya think?!
He looks very serious in his picture, but we hear he's really chubby and smiley :). We don't know age yet but will keep you posted.
We're praying for a quick court date so we can get him before Christmas. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY!!!! We're beyond thrilled. We've been dreaming of this day for a while (literally and figuratively). I don't think I'll sleep tonight.
I screamed "HUNTER! HUNTER! We got it!!!" (Actually, at this point I had jumped up onto a chair. I've been wondering what my reaction would be). Of course Hunter ran over to the computer. Immediately we both started crying. I was shaking. About 30 seconds later we opened the email to meet our son for the first time. He's BEAUTIFUL. I mean, beautiful. Seriously. We cried for a while, called the rest of the family and a few friends. My heart rate hasn't gone done since then. I love him so much. A friend of ours in Rwanda went and met him this morning. He already knows we're coming (sort of). Keep praying for him to be ready for us.
His name means God given or given by God. ya think?!
He looks very serious in his picture, but we hear he's really chubby and smiley :). We don't know age yet but will keep you posted.
We're praying for a quick court date so we can get him before Christmas. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY!!!! We're beyond thrilled. We've been dreaming of this day for a while (literally and figuratively). I don't think I'll sleep tonight.
they're there
The Dorbands are in Rwanda today. They met their kiddos this morning. Wow! I can't wait to hear about it. Then the Spores, Smiths and Bowers are on their way right now. I'm so excited for them! I hope we find out who our child is while they're all there so they can give him/her some extra love and tell them mommy and daddy are coming really soon.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
thankful
We're thankful for our kiddo across the world and can't wait for the ways he/she will fit into and shape our family. So thankful for their little personality that's being shaped and will forever change what our family is like. So, so thankful for the nuns who care for the children at Home of Hope. For their dedication, their sacrifices, their faith and love that draws them to live their lives with children who have been orphaned, so that they can better know they're loved.
Last week we passed the 2 months mark since our approval (which the Rwandan government said it would take to prepare our referral) so it should be coming any day, any moment. We're so thankful for that. We've been aching, hoping, praying, crying, and longing to see their face, know their name...and of course, especially, to be with them. We're so thankful for the Dorbands, Smiths, and Spores, families who are picking up their kids this weekend. Can you IMAGINE?!?!
We're so thankful for all of you who are journeying with us. Supporting us while we struggle. Supporting us while we rejoice. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12: 26.
Last week we passed the 2 months mark since our approval (which the Rwandan government said it would take to prepare our referral) so it should be coming any day, any moment. We're so thankful for that. We've been aching, hoping, praying, crying, and longing to see their face, know their name...and of course, especially, to be with them. We're so thankful for the Dorbands, Smiths, and Spores, families who are picking up their kids this weekend. Can you IMAGINE?!?!
We're so thankful for all of you who are journeying with us. Supporting us while we struggle. Supporting us while we rejoice. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12: 26.
Monday, November 23, 2009
praying, hoping, praying, hoping
So......... we're SO SO SO SO hopeful we'll get our referral tomorrow. (For some reason Lucy's been saying we're getting it on Tuesday). We're so hopeful about this week being "the week." I believe God is good either way, that the folks working on this in the government of Rwanda are hard working either way... I just really, really hope it comes through.
I'm longing so deeply to see our child's face. To touch him/her. I'm aching to know their name. To be closer to picking him/her up.
I'm still hoping we'll be able to go pick him/her up before/for Christmas. Call me a hopeless optimist (oxymoron, eh) ...but He can move mountains, people. He's mighty to save. He can do this. He might not and he'll still be good, but he surely can. Pray with me!
Oh yeah, and if you haven't already...please check out my friends' ADORABLE children. Since they passed court they're allowed to post pictures. Their blogs are along the left side of the screen.
I'm longing so deeply to see our child's face. To touch him/her. I'm aching to know their name. To be closer to picking him/her up.
I'm still hoping we'll be able to go pick him/her up before/for Christmas. Call me a hopeless optimist (oxymoron, eh) ...but He can move mountains, people. He's mighty to save. He can do this. He might not and he'll still be good, but he surely can. Pray with me!
Oh yeah, and if you haven't already...please check out my friends' ADORABLE children. Since they passed court they're allowed to post pictures. Their blogs are along the left side of the screen.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
I was super encouraged by the seminar I attended this weekend. It was helpful re: work and God used it to enrich and encourage my faith as well. One of the best parts of it for me was being around people who were much, much older than me, whose faith is so sincere, tested and mature. Folks who have battle wounds from their years of service to God. Many of them had lost a spouse, child or colleague in part because of their decision to move into hard places in the world to follow God.
I usually love to sing along during worship, but on the last morning, I was sitting in the front row, with 250 people in the room. And instead of singing, I just listened to their beautiful, harmonic voices singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Believing every word they said. Even though their lives had been hard, even though there were disappointments and major losses... trusting God's faithfulness, depending on him wholly. Knowing that He tells us in advance that it is going to be hard, that we should expect major hardships...but we should also expect that He'll be there with us and He'll use it to shape us more into the image of Christ. It was beautiful.
I usually love to sing along during worship, but on the last morning, I was sitting in the front row, with 250 people in the room. And instead of singing, I just listened to their beautiful, harmonic voices singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Believing every word they said. Even though their lives had been hard, even though there were disappointments and major losses... trusting God's faithfulness, depending on him wholly. Knowing that He tells us in advance that it is going to be hard, that we should expect major hardships...but we should also expect that He'll be there with us and He'll use it to shape us more into the image of Christ. It was beautiful.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
well done
I'm sort of a book snob. Not the kind who only reads good literature or the kind who knows when something is well written and when something isn't. I'm the kind of book snob who, upon hearing that TONS of people LOVE a book, refuses to read it just to stick it to the man (not sure who "the man" is, except the answer Lucy gives when we ask her who daddy works for).
anyway.
I did, however, pick up and read Don Miller's new book. Here's the opening page, which I loved:
"If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn't cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers. You wouldn't tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you'd seen. The truth is, you wouldn't remember the movie a week later, except you'd feel robbed and want your money back. Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo.
But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to feel meaningful. The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won't make life meaningful either. Here's what I mean by that:"
I'll share more later.
anyway.
I did, however, pick up and read Don Miller's new book. Here's the opening page, which I loved:
"If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn't cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers. You wouldn't tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you'd seen. The truth is, you wouldn't remember the movie a week later, except you'd feel robbed and want your money back. Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo.
But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to feel meaningful. The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won't make life meaningful either. Here's what I mean by that:"
I'll share more later.
Friday, November 20, 2009
feeling the love of the Father
So I'm at this conference for work (that I'll never forgive my friend Susie (whom I've never met) for skipping out on--JK, friend) Anyway, the topic is 100% in line with the ways I want and need to care for HOPE's expatriate staff. The topic is: Mental Health and Missions: assessing and fostering resilience in expats in hard posts. So, so interesting and helpful and I'm learning tons about ways to do my job better. Ways to support these amazing people better so they can do what God's called them to do. So they can love God and the vulnerable in places like Afghanistan and Congo, while seeing brokeness everywhere. Seeing promises God has made that He's not quite brought to fruition yet. So they can still hope. Still believe. Still worship.
Umm...it probably is obvious to you where this is going but I was really only seeing this as a work trip. It didn't occur to me until I started my 10 hour drive to get here how much I needed this. How it is hard for me to love God and the vulnerable right now because of the brokenness. It didn't occur to me until I was sobbing off and on during the drive (in rain...not so safe) that I need this topic as much as my friends overseas.
God is so gracious to give me this time. To have 4 days where I know no one. Where literally everyone's a counselor so they don't question my occasional uncontrollable crying during worship, when I'm reminded of God's promises and work. Where the resources on grief, suffering, hardship (and God's goodness in the midst of it) are literally everywhere. I'm so, so, so thankful for these several days away, to reorient myself with the Father's deep love. Deep commitment to wipe every tear. Make everything right. To remember that we're told that there will be serious disappointments and longings in life that won't be right until heaven. To be free to ache with faith and hope...without feeling any need to pretend I've got it together.
Who'd have thunk, several months ago when I planned to be here, how much I would need it.
Well, God did. The last several weeks have been so strange and hard. And yet, there have continually been situations that I can't question are ways He's shown me his love in the midst of it. Please pray while I'm here that I'll see him. Worship him. Delight in him and find resilience myself.
Umm...it probably is obvious to you where this is going but I was really only seeing this as a work trip. It didn't occur to me until I started my 10 hour drive to get here how much I needed this. How it is hard for me to love God and the vulnerable right now because of the brokenness. It didn't occur to me until I was sobbing off and on during the drive (in rain...not so safe) that I need this topic as much as my friends overseas.
God is so gracious to give me this time. To have 4 days where I know no one. Where literally everyone's a counselor so they don't question my occasional uncontrollable crying during worship, when I'm reminded of God's promises and work. Where the resources on grief, suffering, hardship (and God's goodness in the midst of it) are literally everywhere. I'm so, so, so thankful for these several days away, to reorient myself with the Father's deep love. Deep commitment to wipe every tear. Make everything right. To remember that we're told that there will be serious disappointments and longings in life that won't be right until heaven. To be free to ache with faith and hope...without feeling any need to pretend I've got it together.
Who'd have thunk, several months ago when I planned to be here, how much I would need it.
Well, God did. The last several weeks have been so strange and hard. And yet, there have continually been situations that I can't question are ways He's shown me his love in the midst of it. Please pray while I'm here that I'll see him. Worship him. Delight in him and find resilience myself.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
tomorrow is my birthday
okay, that's a blatant lie. But, it worked last time. Remember when I blogged about how my birthday was coming up...and then the day before my birthday, on a Saturday, we got our approval? Figured it couldn't hurt to try :)
SO...court dates and travel dates are getting planned for our friends who got their referrals last week. I continue to rejoice with them...with a bit of jealousy mixed in. It would probably be unhealthy if I wasn't at least a little jealous or bummed, right? So, there I said it; I wouldn't want to lie twice in one post: I'm not just 100% happy for my friends; I'm jealous too.
Hoping and praying for our referral soon so we can still pick up our little one before Christmas.
Love to you all!
SO...court dates and travel dates are getting planned for our friends who got their referrals last week. I continue to rejoice with them...with a bit of jealousy mixed in. It would probably be unhealthy if I wasn't at least a little jealous or bummed, right? So, there I said it; I wouldn't want to lie twice in one post: I'm not just 100% happy for my friends; I'm jealous too.
Hoping and praying for our referral soon so we can still pick up our little one before Christmas.
Love to you all!
Advent conspiracy.
I love this.
Last year someone gave our family the idea of only giving 3 gifts to our kids (Jesus received 3, thus the meaning behind the number...seems like our kids should get fewer than Jesus, but ya know.) Anyway, we're excited for this tradition to be a part of our family.
Check out this 2 min video about how to better enjoy Christmas this year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU
(If you want an idea of who to give to... HOPE International is wonderful! They provide microloans to vulnerable populations around the world to help them create small businesses to provide for the needs of their family. www.hopeinternational.org)
Last year someone gave our family the idea of only giving 3 gifts to our kids (Jesus received 3, thus the meaning behind the number...seems like our kids should get fewer than Jesus, but ya know.) Anyway, we're excited for this tradition to be a part of our family.
Check out this 2 min video about how to better enjoy Christmas this year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU
(If you want an idea of who to give to... HOPE International is wonderful! They provide microloans to vulnerable populations around the world to help them create small businesses to provide for the needs of their family. www.hopeinternational.org)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
working hard in Rwanda
Some of you may be curious about how all this work gets done on our behalf in Rwanda. Well, we have a fabulous Power of Attorney who does tons for us both before we arrive to finalize the adoption and while we're there.
Can you imagine having to work with someone as emotional as me...over and over and over again? Actually, I think I've probably been one of the more over-the-top moms throughout this process (impatient, anxious and emotional are my new norms, I promise, and hopefully they'll go be gone soon). Anyway, it takes a really special, patient and gracious person to handle all these details. And we have just that. I'm really looking forward to meeting her in a short while and hope she (and plenty of my friends here too) will be able to forgive all my out of control behavior to date.
Thanks for all your hard work. Your work is so critical and we're so thankful for you.
Can you imagine having to work with someone as emotional as me...over and over and over again? Actually, I think I've probably been one of the more over-the-top moms throughout this process (impatient, anxious and emotional are my new norms, I promise, and hopefully they'll go be gone soon). Anyway, it takes a really special, patient and gracious person to handle all these details. And we have just that. I'm really looking forward to meeting her in a short while and hope she (and plenty of my friends here too) will be able to forgive all my out of control behavior to date.
Thanks for all your hard work. Your work is so critical and we're so thankful for you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
praying for this week!!
Friends:
I'm praying that we'll get our referral this week because it seems like if we get it this week (or maybe next week...though not quite as likely) that we may still be able to pick our kiddo up before Christmas. !!! I am REALLY REALLY hoping and praying that we'll get to be together as a family at Christmas this year. I know we can wait...I am just hoping that's not what will happen!
I'm totally sympathetic about the many responsibilities the MIGEPROF has...and am just hoping and praying that time will open up so they'll be able to send us info on our kid! It makes me so excited to know that the info is there...just needing time and a signature to send to us!!!
I'm also praying for the other 8 families who just got their referrals. Some of them need complete info before they can accept their referral and proceed...so pray that they'll get that info ASAP. Others need to get court dates to have it fully declared that their children are indeed their's forever. Please pray for them as well that their documents and court dates will move quickly and correctly. Pray for the Dorbands (who I'm completely jealous of) who are leaving next week to pick up their kids. Pray for the nuns who, by all accounts, are completely amazing at loving these children. And pray for the MIGEPROF that their work will be encouraging and fulfilling for them...and, of course, that they'll be able to send us all this info!
Thanks friends.
I'm praying that we'll get our referral this week because it seems like if we get it this week (or maybe next week...though not quite as likely) that we may still be able to pick our kiddo up before Christmas. !!! I am REALLY REALLY hoping and praying that we'll get to be together as a family at Christmas this year. I know we can wait...I am just hoping that's not what will happen!
I'm totally sympathetic about the many responsibilities the MIGEPROF has...and am just hoping and praying that time will open up so they'll be able to send us info on our kid! It makes me so excited to know that the info is there...just needing time and a signature to send to us!!!
I'm also praying for the other 8 families who just got their referrals. Some of them need complete info before they can accept their referral and proceed...so pray that they'll get that info ASAP. Others need to get court dates to have it fully declared that their children are indeed their's forever. Please pray for them as well that their documents and court dates will move quickly and correctly. Pray for the Dorbands (who I'm completely jealous of) who are leaving next week to pick up their kids. Pray for the nuns who, by all accounts, are completely amazing at loving these children. And pray for the MIGEPROF that their work will be encouraging and fulfilling for them...and, of course, that they'll be able to send us all this info!
Thanks friends.
Friday, November 13, 2009
a request for prayer?
Hey friends...I was wondering if I could ask you all to pray a particular verse for our child as we wait for him/her? I might change it up every once in a while (maybe every few weeks?) You obviously can pray however you feel comfortable, but if you're interested in but unsure how it works to pray a verse for someone, you can do it by simply reading the words and thinking of our child understanding God's love that is promised in the verse, or picturing God literally soothing them with the words. Picture being next to our child or holding them and saying the words to them...the difference is we're just asking God to speak the words to him/her since they can't hear our voice. As I read the words I picture God literally holding our child shhhing him/her when they're frightened or sad the way I imagine I'll hold him/her when they feel that way..."he will quiet you with his love."
Zephaniah 3: 17:
"The LORD our God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
The LORD will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you."
I have felt your prayers this past week. I've been more acutely aware of my need of prayer and community these past few weeks and I'm so grateful for the ways you've walked alongside me.
Zephaniah 3: 17:
"The LORD our God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
The LORD will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you."
I have felt your prayers this past week. I've been more acutely aware of my need of prayer and community these past few weeks and I'm so grateful for the ways you've walked alongside me.
hooray!
Well...all of our friends (the 8 other families we knew who were approved) received their referrals this week! We're so excited for them. I guess we're next! :)
The Ministry (that approves everything for adoption) had a super busy week this week, with several events and meetings advocating for children in Rwanda. Adoption approval is only one small part of their job, so while we hope our referral is on their priority list soon, we understand that they are always advocating and caring for children and can't always have their full attention on finalizing adoptions. I'm not sure what next week holds for them but of course I'd love it if it includes sending us our referral! Hunter and I will be apart on Thursday and Friday so we're hoping it will be before that...but of course we'll be excited whatever day it gets here. Trying to imagine opening it in different places (not great)...but trying to imagine waiting a few days with it in my inbox...not possible probably.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
The Ministry (that approves everything for adoption) had a super busy week this week, with several events and meetings advocating for children in Rwanda. Adoption approval is only one small part of their job, so while we hope our referral is on their priority list soon, we understand that they are always advocating and caring for children and can't always have their full attention on finalizing adoptions. I'm not sure what next week holds for them but of course I'd love it if it includes sending us our referral! Hunter and I will be apart on Thursday and Friday so we're hoping it will be before that...but of course we'll be excited whatever day it gets here. Trying to imagine opening it in different places (not great)...but trying to imagine waiting a few days with it in my inbox...not possible probably.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
hoping and praying for the Furrs
I'm so excited for my friend, Rebecca, who (unless something goes wrong) will get to see her daughter's face for the first time sometime in the middle of the night! I'm SO SO SO excited for her. can't imagine sleep...but praying somehow there will be peace and rest for her and her hubby.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
another update...
Well, we heard that our referral will likely take a little bit more time (2 weeks perhaps). We knew it was possible we wouldn't get ours at the exact same time as this group did, since our approval was a few weeks after theirs...but we were hoping. As you can tell, this week was a pretty emotional one but receiving this news has actually been okay. Anyway, it is almost certain it will be at least next week but probably the week after before we hear/see something. I'm praying that we'll hear before Thanksgiving!!! It will be so amazing and good when we'll get to see our child's face!
In the mean time, we're continue to rejoice with our friends who have received their referrals and praying they'll be able to get their kiddos by the end of the year.
In the mean time, we're continue to rejoice with our friends who have received their referrals and praying they'll be able to get their kiddos by the end of the year.
an apology...
Hey friends...
So, as any of you who read our blog last week could tell, I was a mess. I wanted so desperately to be understood, to have people care more deeply about our kid and about kids who are in tough situations. I wanted people to be wrecked like I was about how hard this world can be. I don't think that's all bad.
Upon further reflection and with the help of some friends, though, I realize that while some of my motives were good (it is good to have our knowledge of the world and God expanded), I also sense my desperate need for your collective nod of approval. I want other people to affirm me by doing the same things I do...even if perhaps that's not the journey to which God has called them. I don't just want people to adopt, I want them to adopt from Rwanda. I don't just want people to care about God, I want them to talk about it and live it out the way I do. I'm looking to you all to justify what we're doing...instead of God being enough.
I'm sorry I'm not very good at affirming differences in people and the ways we were all made. I will try to live out the things God has shown me, called my family to...without being so excited that I make you feel like you have to do it too. I'll try not to be so alienating and harsh.
I'm stealing this from someone I don't know who wrote this on her blog--I thought it was GREAT!:
So, as any of you who read our blog last week could tell, I was a mess. I wanted so desperately to be understood, to have people care more deeply about our kid and about kids who are in tough situations. I wanted people to be wrecked like I was about how hard this world can be. I don't think that's all bad.
Upon further reflection and with the help of some friends, though, I realize that while some of my motives were good (it is good to have our knowledge of the world and God expanded), I also sense my desperate need for your collective nod of approval. I want other people to affirm me by doing the same things I do...even if perhaps that's not the journey to which God has called them. I don't just want people to adopt, I want them to adopt from Rwanda. I don't just want people to care about God, I want them to talk about it and live it out the way I do. I'm looking to you all to justify what we're doing...instead of God being enough.
I'm sorry I'm not very good at affirming differences in people and the ways we were all made. I will try to live out the things God has shown me, called my family to...without being so excited that I make you feel like you have to do it too. I'll try not to be so alienating and harsh.
I'm stealing this from someone I don't know who wrote this on her blog--I thought it was GREAT!:
...here is my (adoption related) pet peeve of the day: adoption superiority.
What is that, you may ask?
Well... basically, when we ventured out into this territory - I thought it was one big happy family. The Adoption Community. We are one in the bonds of love, and all that jazz. Ummmm.... NO. It's more like Adoption High School.
Remember High School? Sure you do... jocks, nerds, goths, skaters, cheerleaders, preps, richie rich, star wars freaks, etc, etc, etc.Well... transpose those "categories" to the adoption world and you have:
- Domestic VS. International...
- Foster/Adopt VS. Infant program...
- Independent Adoption VS Agency Program...
- Waiting Child VS. Infant...
- Special Needs VS Non-special needs...
- Sibling Group VS One Child...
There is this sort of hierarchy of adopting parents - those who have adopted multiple times or multiple children are at the top - the jocks and cheerleaders of the community. Let me also say that I don't think EVERY person is called to adopt PERSONALLY. I think that there are family situations that would not make this possible and not every person could handle a child much less more than one. I do feel that as Christians, we are called to care for widows and orphans. Church bodies are supposed to lead the way and help those who are called - allowing them to fund-raise, helping them along, lending a hand in some way. But there is this whole segment of the adoption community - the "holier than thou's" - who think that if you can't adopt for some reason, or just don't feel called to personally adopt - that you are less of a human for it. You are somehow going against the Lord's will for your life if you do not adopt. See Ephesians 4:11-12 for clarification of the way God designed His church to function. If God places adoption on your heart, you are in SIN not to do it. If you do not feel called to adopt - - I am certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are called to some other purpose that is just as important to His heart. We all are. If everyone were 110% focused on adoption - who would care for the elderly in nursing homes? Who would work at the soup kitchens? Who would rake leaves for the disabled this fall? Who would drive their neighbor to the doctor's office? There are many ways that we are to be Jesus' hands and feet - we can't all be the arm or the ankle. All are equally important. (Even if you do feel like the appendix in the Body of Christ... find your purpose!)
- God forbid I ever look down on another family because they are adopting from a country I don't feel called to.
- I hope I never criticize anyone for adopting one child while a sibling group waits.
- I hope I never become the "high and mighty" or the "know-it-all" who second guesses motives and choices a family is making.
- I hope I only uplift and encourage those who feel called to this often-times-not-fun process!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
a quick update
Hey friends, since I know everyone will want to know about when we'll hear something...I figured I'd give you as much information as I have:
- the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion in Kigali processes all the documentation regarding adoption. They're really, really careful about the process (from start to finish)...which is critical to protect children. Although of course it is hard for all of us to wait, I really respect the manner in which they process the paperwork and I'm thankful for it.
- Our referral (information about our chosen child) is now at the office awaiting approval, signature and scanning. Then we'll get to see who our child is and what their name is. Then we'll get medical information and anything else they have recorded about the child's life. I'm so eager for this moment!!!!
- Once we approve our referral, our Power of Attorney will start working on getting us a court date. I'll write more about that POWERFUL moment when our child will become a Thompson. Ah! So excited.
- Then we'll travel to Rwanda to pick up our kiddo. As many of you know, Hunter and I have been to Rwanda before and LOVE it. We can't wait to be back. And this time will be even sweeter.
I promise, we'll let you know pretty much as soon as we hear anything!!! We're so excited!!!
we rejoice with our friends!
Just wanted to confirm for you all that we have NOT gotten our referral yet, but a LOT of our friends have!! :) Check out the blogs on the left side of the page. We are SOOOOOO excited to hear about their amazing news. The nine families waiting for referrals (4 of which are still waiting for news) are on an email chain so we've known about each other's referrals moments (or a couple of hours if necessary) after they find out.
We're eager, hopeful, and longing for ours (not bitter or devastated at all)...and ecstatic for the other families. Pray that each of the rest of the families' referrals will come tomorrow.
Thanks so much friends.
We're eager, hopeful, and longing for ours (not bitter or devastated at all)...and ecstatic for the other families. Pray that each of the rest of the families' referrals will come tomorrow.
Thanks so much friends.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sigh.
Well, word on the street (for more info, check my friends' blogs) is that we're probably not going to hear tomorrow now. I just ache so badly to know about our kid that I want to jump on a plane and move into the orphanage. Permanently.
I know it is hard to understand why this hurts so much, why we're so impatient, how or why this is different and more heart-wrenching than physically laboring a child; I know it is hard to interact with someone who is so clearly emotional and grieving... it is a lonely place, friends. I promise, I'm not trying to be so emotional. I'm not trying to distance myself. I just don't know what to do when it hurts so much. This is new for me too. Thanks for bearing with me.
I know it is hard to understand why this hurts so much, why we're so impatient, how or why this is different and more heart-wrenching than physically laboring a child; I know it is hard to interact with someone who is so clearly emotional and grieving... it is a lonely place, friends. I promise, I'm not trying to be so emotional. I'm not trying to distance myself. I just don't know what to do when it hurts so much. This is new for me too. Thanks for bearing with me.
butterflies
I thought about naming my subject line "I feel like I'm going to vomit" but reconsidered since a) that's kind of gross language, and b) I didn't want to alarm anyone (either that something is wrong with the adoption process or that I have swine flu and people will avoid me for no reason).
It is the "feel like I'm going to vomit" feeling I get when I'm so nervous and excited I don't know what to do with myself. It was how I felt every first basketball game of the year (this is times 50, though). Yes, dad and Jonna, it was that very feeling that inevitably led to me dribbling the ball off my leg the first possession and to get into foul trouble in the first half. Thanks for reminding me.
I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited and hopeful that we're going to get our referral. It is okay if we don't, but my stomach is going to do belly flops until we do. probably until they're home. pray hard today friends!!!
It is the "feel like I'm going to vomit" feeling I get when I'm so nervous and excited I don't know what to do with myself. It was how I felt every first basketball game of the year (this is times 50, though). Yes, dad and Jonna, it was that very feeling that inevitably led to me dribbling the ball off my leg the first possession and to get into foul trouble in the first half. Thanks for reminding me.
I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited and hopeful that we're going to get our referral. It is okay if we don't, but my stomach is going to do belly flops until we do. probably until they're home. pray hard today friends!!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
happy six months home Myles!
Please revisit my friends' blog to rejoice with them for having Myles at home for six months! Myles lived in the same orphanage with our child before the Greers carried him home in the spring. We've continued to receive encouragement and love from them.
www.milestomyles.blogspot.com
www.milestomyles.blogspot.com
for the record
If/when Friday comes and goes without news, if/when next week comes and goes without any news, if December comes and goes without news...it will be okay.
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness..."
and
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well...with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul."
The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ and being found in him mysteriously makes painfully waiting okay. It makes my hope not dependent on circumstances. Grateful to you, Katie, Karen and Carly.
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness..."
and
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well...with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul."
The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ and being found in him mysteriously makes painfully waiting okay. It makes my hope not dependent on circumstances. Grateful to you, Katie, Karen and Carly.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
this is the word...
Hey friends, well, through the grapevine of the families awaiting referrals (there are 9 of us in constant contact with one another via email), it looks like the person in charge of sending out the referrals is hoping to to have them to us by FRIDAY!
Crazy to think we could know our little one this weekend. Know their sweet little face. Know what their eyes look like. Know some of their story. I kind of can't believe it!
In the meantime, while we're busy going crazy hoping to find out news, our child is laying in his/her little crib, waiting for their family, without understanding what's about to happen. I can't describe the anticipation and aching that accompanies this process. Our hearts are FULL of love for this little one and I constantly feel like I'm going to burst if I don't get there soon.
Lucy and I are trying to fill our days with fun activities (to get me out of the house to fully embrace life with her so I don't just wish days away after we haven't heard anything). We had a great day today and she's such a fun, wonderful kid...I would hate to miss out on these days wtih her. If anyone has a fun idea, let me know!
Crazy to think we could know our little one this weekend. Know their sweet little face. Know what their eyes look like. Know some of their story. I kind of can't believe it!
In the meantime, while we're busy going crazy hoping to find out news, our child is laying in his/her little crib, waiting for their family, without understanding what's about to happen. I can't describe the anticipation and aching that accompanies this process. Our hearts are FULL of love for this little one and I constantly feel like I'm going to burst if I don't get there soon.
Lucy and I are trying to fill our days with fun activities (to get me out of the house to fully embrace life with her so I don't just wish days away after we haven't heard anything). We had a great day today and she's such a fun, wonderful kid...I would hate to miss out on these days wtih her. If anyone has a fun idea, let me know!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
please oh please oh please
Well, we're praying like crazy that this is the week we'll get our referral. Even Lucy asked to pray for her brother-sister multiple times tonight. (Yes, that was actually just a bedtime delay move...not spiritual maturity. I'm not that naive.)
This waiting is so hard. And I'm struggling. I want God to teach me all the lessons He wants to teach me: patience, perseverance, brokeness and trust being high on the list. And I'm SO thankful for the ways God is opening my eyes more to His love as we painfully wait for word from Rwanda.
Either way, I've started praying that our child will be resilient about their adoption. That if/when they think about their circumstances, which they likely won't remember, they'll somehow thank God for allowing them to enter the brokenness of this world, the way He chose to enter into the brokenness, and proclaim God's goodness and the coming of a different, lasting, orphan-less, joy-filled home (the Kingdom of God). I can't and won't speak for our kid, because I haven't gone through what they're going through...but I will pray that God will keep their heart soft towards Him and give him/her a strong sense of identity and faith.
So, instead of spending too much time trying to figure out all these confusing, mysterious things, I'll try to remember that this is a broken, broken world...and that God is going to redeem it. And, all of His children should anticipate participating in the sufferings of Christ...so some of these moments are my family's walk into suffering. Not all by choice (neither of our children are choosing their roles), but we're participating in it together nonetheless and I pray Jesus will strengthen each of us.
Anyway, before I go on too long about the things I'm sorting through, please pray for these kids. That they'll all know God's deep, deep love for them. That they'll have their feet set on a rock, with solid footing of faith and identity for their lives. I don't know how I'm ever going to adequately thank the women caring for our children right now. Can you imagine someone else raising your child in your place? What a vital role! Please pray for them too...that God will give them everything they need to lovingly raise these children. That their food resources will be multiplied to miraculously and nutritiously fill bellies. That their patience will be multiplied as there is never a dull moment with so many kids. That they would have maternal instincts about illnesses and would be able to secure adequate medical treatment. That they would have their knowledge of and love for Jesus increased as they love His children. Pray that the Minister will feel compelled and obliged to approve and send the referrals this week. And pray that all 12 families will receive and pass court dates in November (since courts are closed all of December). Finally, pray that God will continue to show us more about who He is and how He works while we wait on Him.
This waiting is so hard. And I'm struggling. I want God to teach me all the lessons He wants to teach me: patience, perseverance, brokeness and trust being high on the list. And I'm SO thankful for the ways God is opening my eyes more to His love as we painfully wait for word from Rwanda.
Either way, I've started praying that our child will be resilient about their adoption. That if/when they think about their circumstances, which they likely won't remember, they'll somehow thank God for allowing them to enter the brokenness of this world, the way He chose to enter into the brokenness, and proclaim God's goodness and the coming of a different, lasting, orphan-less, joy-filled home (the Kingdom of God). I can't and won't speak for our kid, because I haven't gone through what they're going through...but I will pray that God will keep their heart soft towards Him and give him/her a strong sense of identity and faith.
So, instead of spending too much time trying to figure out all these confusing, mysterious things, I'll try to remember that this is a broken, broken world...and that God is going to redeem it. And, all of His children should anticipate participating in the sufferings of Christ...so some of these moments are my family's walk into suffering. Not all by choice (neither of our children are choosing their roles), but we're participating in it together nonetheless and I pray Jesus will strengthen each of us.
Anyway, before I go on too long about the things I'm sorting through, please pray for these kids. That they'll all know God's deep, deep love for them. That they'll have their feet set on a rock, with solid footing of faith and identity for their lives. I don't know how I'm ever going to adequately thank the women caring for our children right now. Can you imagine someone else raising your child in your place? What a vital role! Please pray for them too...that God will give them everything they need to lovingly raise these children. That their food resources will be multiplied to miraculously and nutritiously fill bellies. That their patience will be multiplied as there is never a dull moment with so many kids. That they would have maternal instincts about illnesses and would be able to secure adequate medical treatment. That they would have their knowledge of and love for Jesus increased as they love His children. Pray that the Minister will feel compelled and obliged to approve and send the referrals this week. And pray that all 12 families will receive and pass court dates in November (since courts are closed all of December). Finally, pray that God will continue to show us more about who He is and how He works while we wait on Him.
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