tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87274751423410645072024-03-12T20:08:49.013-04:00Opened Eyes..."Once our eyes have been opened we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-82307567234368465702013-08-05T15:54:00.003-04:002013-08-05T15:54:23.576-04:00advocating for your childI've went back and forth as to whether or not I should post about some recent encounters we've experienced as an adoptive family, but after much thought, here I go...<br />
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Before becoming a "real" mom, I surrounded myself with moms in every season of motherhood to watch them and learn from them - this was quite easy to do, considering most women in my circle of friends are moms, most of my coworkers are moms, most of the people I go to church with are moms. So if you're a mom and we spend any amount of time together, you may now know that I've been studying you...not in a weird, stalkerish way. I was just trying to learn everything I could to prepare myself in my expectant stage of motherhood. You read plenty of books before you have a baby, right? But nothing in those books compares exactly to real life experiences -- although, I must admit, almost every page of "The Strong-Willed Child" (the toddler chapters anyway) is played out in our home nearly daily. If you're a mom (new or empty nest), you know what I mean, that learning from real life experience is more fundamental than what is read on a page. So from that thinking, I watched, I asked questions, I listened, I took mental notes (and sometimes handwritten ones!) on how to and how not to handle certain situations. During my "pre-children education" one valuable thing that I heard on several occasions from several trusted and wonderfully role model-esque moms was that once you know your child, there will be times that you need to be an advocate for them. <br />
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Children are so vulnerable and can be so easily hurt unless someone stands up for them to protect their hearts. Being an advocate for your child does not mean covering up something they're guilty of, or brushing off something they did to hurt someone else, but it does mean knowing and understanding your child (biological or adopted), and stepping in to speak up for them when they can't speak up for themselves (either developmentally or for fear of embarrassment) in certain situations. <br />
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Several weeks ago, we were at a party and a family member asked to hold one of our boys. We let her, as we want our boys to feel secure enough to visit with others, knowing that mommy and daddy aren't going to leave them. He was with her for several minutes then turned to see where JT and I were (an excellent sign of attachment). As he began reaching for us to hold him, she said jokingly, "Your mommy doesn't want you."<br />
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Now, 1st of all, I'm going to give this person the benefit of the doubt that she was saying those words but really meant "I'd like to hold you longer because you're so cute"...but 2nd of all, I don't think those words should EVER be spoken to ANY child, biological or adopted. Regardless of age, would you want to hear the words '- "your mommy doesn't want you?" No, you wouldn't. Period.<br />
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Like I said, I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt that she didn't literally mean what she said, but as soon as the ill-thought words escaped her lips, the hairs on this momma's neck rose, I'm sure my face flushed bright red as I responded loudly and affirmatively "This mommy ALWAYS wants her son." and took him from her arms without a second's delay. I had to go on to explain to this person that she needed to consider both of our sons' histories and I did not ever want her to say those words to either of them again. Sadly, she became upset that I advocated for his heart in this situation and responded with "he's so young, he doesn't know what I said."<br />
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Funny thing about kids, they pick up on everything. He knows the word "mommy." He knows the word "doesn't." He knows the word "want," and he knows the word "you." He may not be able to speak all of those words yet...I mean, cut him a little slack, he did just start hearing English for the 1st time 3 months ago...but in our day to day routine, I'm confident that he audibly understands almost everything that is spoken to him. <br />
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I needed to protect his heart, even if that meant temporarily hurting a grown adult's feelings. <br />
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I know some of you are going to read this and think, "Erin, you are way too sensitive. You've got to let comments like that just roll off your back." Honestly, I don't believe that I am too sensitive in this particular circumstance. My children each had a year and a half of wondering if their mommy wanted them, I'm not going to let them continue to wonder any longer. If you see me smothering my children in hugs, kisses, and "I love yous" please don't roll your eyes at me. I'm making up for lost time, folks, I'm trying to reconstruct broken hearts to their wholeness.<br />
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Another more frequent avenue we've had to cross has been on the family relationship of our boys. Because of their relative closeness in size, you would not believe how many times we've been asked "Are they twins?"<br />
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Now, before you say -- whoa, Erin, please don't tell me you're offended by this question -- no, I most certainly am not. I certainly understand the question, given their similar sizes and developmental stages. Because of the difference in skin color, it's pretty obvious that they're not our biological children, and I think adoption lends itself to some fascination with most people, leading them to ask questions because they're genuinely interested. <br />
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So, no, the "Are they twins?" question does not bother me...what does bother me is the questions that follow. For some reason, telling people that they are not twins makes them more <strike>nosey</strike> <strike>interested</strike> nosey about our little family situation.<br />
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The conversation usually goes something like this:<br />
Passerby: "Oh your little boys are so cute! Are they twins?"<br />
Us: "No, they're not. They're very close in age, but not twins." (Smiling)<br />
Passerby: "Well are they brothers?"<br />
Us: "Yes, they're brothers." (Smiling)<br />
Passerby: "No, I mean, are they REAL brothers?"<br />
Us: "Yes, they're real brothers." (A little less smiling)<br />
Passerby: "No, no, I mean, are they BIRTH brothers?"<br />
Us: "They are brothers. Thank you for stopping to say hi to us." (Smile and walk away)<br />
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Like I said, I think most people, are innocently asking the questions because they are interested in adoption, but some questions are a little too personal for strangers to know the answers. Besides, in what world does it matter if my children are "real" brothers or not, is that going to change your perspective of my family? Are you going to like us any less? I would hope not. I'm sure this type of conversation will linger with us for the rest of the boys' childhood (if not longer), while we'll try to graciously answer the probing questions about their past, please understand that certain details are their story -- their very own story-- the only thing that belongs to just them in this life. So for that reason, we will choose to speak up for our children to avoid possible embarrassment when certain questions are asked. One day, when they feel comfortable to share their stories, they can do that. But for now, certain facts are not really "ours" to share. <br />
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All that being said, please don't read this and think, "Oh my gosh, I can't ever talk to Erin about her kids again. I'll probably say or ask the wrong thing." --- I would <strong>never, ever</strong> want to shy away anyone from questions about adoption or our family. Please, let's have conversations, but I just need to be respectful of my children's past, so a few questions may not get direct answers until the boys are old enough to answer them if they choose to do so.<br />
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Childhood should be the most loving, enriching, joyous, character-building times of life...but the wrong words spoken at the wrong time, within the hearing range of little ears can change the heart of a child. If the idea of advocating for your child is new to you, I encourage you to join me - I know, I know, I've only been a mom for like 2 seconds compared to most of you, but since this idea is certainly not my own, I feel comfortable sharing it by using our family's real life examples. I'm so thankful for the wisdom of seasoned mommas all around me--you know who you are and you are so valuable to this new mom. Thank you for teaching me to "fill up their love tanks" and "always protect their hearts." I'll admit, I don't successfully do these things everyday, but I'm trying.<br />
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And for those of you still wondering if our boys are brothers: Yes they are brothers. Their birthdays are 3 months apart, you do the math. <br />
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hugs to you,<br />
erin<br />
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JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-21535688483580502172013-06-14T16:06:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:06:25.561-04:00home.They're home!<br />
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The boys are here. <em><u>With us.</u></em> :)<br />
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I think the fact that I haven't yet blogged about THE MOST EXCITING THING EVER is a sure tell sign that this momma has been BUSY lately!! Plenty (and I mean plenty) of people told me that time disappears once kids arrive...and naïve me didn't listen. I had so many projects that I had bouncing around in my head to do <u>before</u> the boys came (including posts about our 1st trip to Ethiopia) and when I didn't get them done, I thought "I'll just work on them during naps or when they're playing"...hahahaha... :) Anyway...<br />
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We've been settling into our new life for 5 1/2 weeks and the boys seem to be adjusting really well. They're definitely attaching to momma and daddy, and for that I'm so very thankful, as bonding and attachment can be a concern with any adoption. However, I'd be lying if I said it's been all smiles and rainbows from Day 1. Adoption can be such a <u>beautiful</u> thing, but because it's born out of brokenness, it can also be <em>hard</em>. By saying that, I'm just trying to be real and honest...you know I'm not perfect! Truth be told, behind my rose-colored glasses of excitement, I wasn't emotionally prepared for how hard it was going to be (for them and myself) that first week. Despite plenty of adoption education and numerous phone conversations with our agency about the (potential) grieving process associated [toddler] adoption, I just kept replaying the sweet, smiley "Gotcha Day" videos from my list of <strike>stalked</strike> favorite blog sites. Although both boys had plenty of smiles for us, their sweet little minds had a lot of processing to do (and will possibly continue to do for a lifetime). After we signed them out of their orphanage, our children experienced grief that I'll never fully know. And understandably so, as they grieved the only stable environment they had known and as they grieved the loss of their familiar caregivers (boy, did they love their nannies!). <br />
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But thankfully over the past month, they have learned to trust us and now their faces LIGHT UP when they see us. Each morning when they wake up, I love walking into their room to be greeted by the biggest smiles and sweetest giggles EVER...seriously, I wish you all could experience it! The heart change that has happened to both Carson and Noah over the past few weeks is miraculous and you can visibly see trust, safety, security, and love for us now in their eyes. We had been strangers to them, two people who looked, smelled, and talked differently than anyone they had ever been with...trying to hug them, rock them, feed them, bathe them. Just to think about the HUGE life change that our kiddos experienced overwhelms me, so I am incredibly thankful to God and His provisions with how well they are adjusting to our family life. HE truly is the author of our story, and I am realizing it more and more every single day. We, as their parents, could never provide the unconditional love, grace, and security that they need moment by moment, day after day. I could never do it on my own, I'm far too selfish with my own time, my own life...but God has been using these 2 precious boys, my sons, to show me how much of my life isn't really mine - but a life to be used by Him to serve others. We spent a week in Ethiopia before bringing them home and one particular night, we were having a VERY difficult time soothing Noah to sleep (I can't blame him, his world was had just been flipped upside down). While I was rocking (and rocking, and walking with him, and singing to him, and rocking, and walking him, and singing to him...), I began to get so frustrated at myself that I couldn't soothe his frightened cries. I began to think of myself as a failure of a new mother, and as negative thoughts about myself and my inadequacy in meeting my son's needs, I began to pray. <br />
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I cried (ok, sobbed) to God, "What is the glory I'm supposed to see in this moment? I need you to show it to me." As I continued to rock in the darkness of our hotel room, I sensed God was saying to me, "Do you see <u>how much</u> Noah needs you right now? Despite how difficult it seems to meet his needs, to comfort him, calm him, and assure him he's being taken care of? That's how much you need me, my child. You've been trying to do things on your own, but I'm here to take care of you. I'm here to soothe your spirit and comfort you through the easy times, the difficult times, and the uncertain times. Quit being so self-reliant, find rest in Me." I was taken back by the analogy he had placed before me. Rocking my crying son in the middle of the night made me realize how helpless I am without my Father. While Noah didn't fall miraculously back to sleep after my conversation with God (wouldn't that encourage more parents to pray!), I rocked him with a new picture of what mothering represents. I'm so grateful for the reminders of His unconditional love for me. Seeking Him daily doesn't make being a new parent any easier, but it has made me more aware of the love I'm supposed to be reflecting toward my children...even in the midst of a hard day.<br />
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Wow...I really turned off course from this homecoming post! For those of you who stuck with me through the last paragraph of digression, congrats, you are rewarded with super cute pictures of the boys' over the course of the past few weeks:<br />
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<strong>Trying new foods (they never want to go back to the rice cereal they used to eat!):</strong><br />
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<strong>Learning how to share and play together:</strong></div>
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<strong>Hot day? A bucket, some water, and 2 cups can be REALLY fun:</strong></div>
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<strong>They love to explore:</strong></div>
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<strong>And they've loved meeting new cousins:</strong></div>
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Well, nap-time's over. I can hear them chattering away to each other in their room, so I better go. I really do want to post about our experiences in Ethiopia at some point, perhaps by their 3rd birthdays? :) Until then, enjoy your weekend!</div>
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love,</div>
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erin</div>
JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-15881114245222199802013-03-02T11:30:00.000-05:002013-03-02T11:30:22.337-05:00First Family PhotosJT and I are home from Ethiopia, but a part of our hearts remain there. We got to spend 5 wonderfully glorious days holding our sons, playing with them, feeding them, rocking them to sleep, studying their facial expressions, reading their eyes. This past Wednesday was one of the most difficult days of our lives as we kissed them good-bye until we can return to bring them home with us...it was seriously <strong><u>so,</u></strong> <strong><u>so</u></strong> difficult. We had tried to prepare ourselves for the moment we would hand them back to their nannies and drive away from their orphanage, but nothing could've adequately prepared us for the deep loss we imediately felt. Throughout the ups and downs of this process, God has constantly carried and comforted us, so we're leaning on Him again until we can be reunited with our little loves. We're trusting Him to send The Holy Spirit to surround them with His love, care, and protection until then <u>and</u> we're praying that we'll get our call to aboard that long flight to Africa VERY soon. <br />
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I have <strong><em>SO</em></strong> much on my heart and mind that I have want to share, but as we're getting back into our daily schedule (and as our bodies are trying to figure out what time zone we're in), I'm going to keep this post short (word-wise) and just let you enjoy some pictures of our newly acquainted family of four. This is the moment we've been waiting so long so share...<br />
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<strong><em>Introducing our sons: </em></strong></div>
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Carson James Bell ~ 17 months old</div>
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Noah Brady Bell ~ 14 months old </div>
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Mommy and Carson dancing in the orphanage courtyard</div>
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Playtime in the family visiting room at Abenezer Orphanage</div>
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Daddy kissing sweet little Noah</div>
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Proud Daddy with his 2 boys</div>
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First "official" family photo after passing court!! </div>
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(Note: Noah is completely asleep, unaware of the day's big event)</div>
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We love these little guys SO much and are anxiously awaiting our Embassy date which should be approximately 8 weeks from now according to our attorney. Praying it's sooner! <br />
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After spending a week in Ethiopia, I have so much to reflect on and share...you've been warned, so be prepared! ;) Until then, feel free to keep looking at our handsome little guys' photos!<br />
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love, erinJT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-47331982077852951042013-02-19T21:04:00.001-05:002013-02-20T09:22:29.385-05:00Here we go!!!All ready to board our flight!! Keep us in your prayers! <br />
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Love, erin <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinetk7ccgZi66DldjlRBcMnAQHGCvnSKyJu7fhowuXWFKZqwX46kzQYrHQSPvk6fzOrA719aiy3n0MM0enWNmJ1FFfsT0eKxtWUcb69bX4bYjYyCNP8CXjFUrt5S5IuHD8DFLqO-USgkKC/s640/blogger-image-1060152705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinetk7ccgZi66DldjlRBcMnAQHGCvnSKyJu7fhowuXWFKZqwX46kzQYrHQSPvk6fzOrA719aiy3n0MM0enWNmJ1FFfsT0eKxtWUcb69bX4bYjYyCNP8CXjFUrt5S5IuHD8DFLqO-USgkKC/s640/blogger-image-1060152705.jpg" /></a></div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-36328395105986342362013-02-15T10:22:00.001-05:002013-02-15T10:22:01.755-05:00You rocked it...(and giveway winner)Over the past 36 hours, the Valentine's Day Love Big, Give Big Challenge of $1000 was met...and passed!! You helped to raise $1500 for my friends' adoption and I can't wait another second to say, <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THANK YOU</span>"</span></div>
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You rocked it! I knew the $1000 would be easy-breezy, (yes, I'm a grown woman saying "easy-breezy" -- that's what happens when you work with kids all day! ... I also once accidentally called my husband "doodle noodle" in public! hahaha-- but I digress) and you <strong><u>stepped up and surpassed the goal!</u></strong> How awesome that many of you gave without reservation and many of you gave without even knowing this family. Truly incredible. </div>
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Sometimes we hear statistics, see heart breaking images, and become emotionally paralyzed. We start to think and then subsequently believe: the needs are SO great, I can't really do anything to change the brokeness in this world. We, ourselves, can't change the brokenness of the world, only Jesus can bring the redemption needed to bring full life, but we can use the gifts he has given us to love, give, and serve the people around us. By choosing to give and share what we have been blessed with (no matter how small the gift or deed), we can start a ripple effect that potentially can touch many lives. </div>
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<em>“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” <br />~ Mother Teresa</em></div>
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Never underestimate the power of a ripple across undisturbed waters. Even the smallest pebble will produce a ripple that can go far past what our eyes can see. Yesterday, your generosity created a ripple. Look for ways to create another ripple today. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to visit the undisturbed waters where God is calling you. Pray about how you can use what we has given you to do great things for Him. When we seek to follow Him and love like He loves - every.single.day - we should be surrounded by rippling water. Better bring a life vest. <br />
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I love that this challenge went beyond people that I know. Thank you new friends for loving my friends. Because many gave who I don't know personally, I may need some help getting in touch with the giveway winner!<br />
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The randomly selected winner of this challenge is: <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Angie Best</strong></span><br />
Thank you Angie for your Valentine gift to the Ames Family's adoption fundraiser! I would love to send you an Ethiopian gift after we return from our trip! Please contact me by email: <a href="mailto:headingtoethiopia@gmail.com">headingtoethiopia@gmail.com</a> If you know Angie, please let her know she's the winner! :)<br />
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Although this Valentine's Day Challenge is officially over, the Ames Adding To the Crew online fundraiser is still running for 22 days (from today's date), so if you know of anyone that might be interested in their story and/or giving toward their adoption please send them to: <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/USS-Ames-Adding-to-the-Crew/38625">http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/USS-Ames-Adding-to-the-Crew/38625</a><br />
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Thanks again so much for giving! Your hearts were loving big this Valentine's Day!<br />
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love,<br />
erin<br />
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JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-79500540408820493142013-02-13T12:30:00.002-05:002013-02-13T12:30:44.285-05:00Love Big, Give Big this Valentine's DayValentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. Do you have your valentine cards filled out and ready for delivery?? Are your cards store bought or handmade? Which would you rather receive, roses or chocolates? <br />
<br />
As you're making plans and getting ready to celebrate on Thursday, I can't help but bring your attention to two very special adolescent boys who are incredibly worthy of lots of valentine wishes and gifts, which is why I'm posting this special Valentine's Day challenge.<br />
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Our friends, The Ames Family, are counting down the days until they can meet and bring home the two newest members of their family (Remember, their boys are currently in the <a href="http://erin-openedeyes.blogspot.com/2013/01/thousands-of-miles-but-connected-by.html">SAME orphanage</a> as our boys? Read their story <a href="http://www.ussames.blogspot.com/">here</a>.). These 2 biological brothers are in for such a surprise when we meet them <em><u><strong>next week</strong></u></em> (eek!! Still can't believe we're headed to Ethiopia next week!) and shower them with gifts from their new family. I absolutely cannot wait to see their faces as they unwrap the gifts lovingly picked out for them by Sarah and the rest of the Ames crew...seriously cute stuff that they will LOVE and treasure until they can meet their family face to face.<br />
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Last week I found out that when the boys were told they were going to be adopted, they couldn't believe that someone wanted them.<br />
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Press pause for a moment, did you read that last sentence? Let that thought sink in: they <u>couldn't believe that someone WANTED them.</u> <br />
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Oh, sweet boys, you are wanted...wanted more than you know. And you are loved more than you know, not only by your new family, but by Jesus who has had his eye on you since the day you were born, counting the hairs on your head, crying with you during difficult days, keeping you safe when you felt alone, preparing and opening hearts to place you in the wonderful family you are about to join. You were created for GREATER things, AMAZING things that only you can do. We fully believe this about you!! You are so desperately wanted and your family is working very hard to bring you home as quickly as possible. </div>
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This adoption is atypical in its process because of the boys' ages and is moving at a much faster pace than most other intercountry adoptions. Although their case is being fast tracked, the costs of their adoption are the same as that of a "regular" adoption...which is requiring a lot of faith on Sarah and Jordan's part for the funding of this adoption. Most adoptions span over the course of (literally) years, creating time for families to financially prepare for each fee as it is required, but with their adoption possibly being complete within the next 6 months, the total funds needed within such a short amount of time can really be daunting when looking solely at the numbers on paper. BUT, we know that God can do HUGE things when we follow Him.<br />
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This brings me to my challenge.<br />
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I would LOVE for this Valentine's Day to be different for this family, will you join me?? While you're sealing your paper valentines with a kiss, would you consider sending a "virtual valentine" to this amazing family? I would love to have 100 people send a virtual valentine of $10 toward their adoption fundraising effort, totaling a gift of $1000 for Valentine's Day to help celebrate the love of family. They have no idea about this challenge...can you help meet the goal?? I think it would be incredibly awesome if we could surprise them with this special gift. I know there are (<u><strong>at least</strong></u>) 100 of you out there that could give $10. Step up to the plate. I also know there are some of you who could give more. Go on, hit it out of the park. <strong><u>Love Big, Give Big.</u></strong><br />
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$1000 to this fab family should be easy-breezy, so let's get it done! I believe this goal is attainable, especially considering the facts that each year, American <em><u>Christians</u></em> spend:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>$3 billion/ year on bottled water</strong> </li>
<li><strong>$4 billion/ year on cosmetics</strong></li>
<li><strong>$7 billion on sports events</strong></li>
<li><strong>$11 billion a year on coffee</strong></li>
<li><strong>$13 billion a year on pets and diet programs</strong></li>
<li><strong>$17 billion a year on golf & boating</strong></li>
<li><strong>$20 billion a year on soft drinks</strong></li>
<li><strong>$21 billion on cable TV</strong></li>
<li><strong>$76 billion a year on eating out</strong></li>
</ul>
These crazy high numbers are what CHRISTIANS spend on this stuff...if we really say that we love Jesus, are we following his command to care for the orphan and love our neighbor? While not everyone feels led to adopt, we clearly have the resources to help in other ways, what are we waiting for? <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know that there are some of you that are thinking, "I can't give anything right now, I'm not even sure how I'm going to cover my own bills this month" - to those of you in this category - bless you, this particular challenge is not for you; but you can certainly pray for these precious boys. Imagine how valuable and wanted they would feel if they knew so many people were praying for them as they wait for their family.)</span><br />
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To be a part of this challenge, GIVING is <u>SO VERY</u> simple.<br />
1.) Visit their website: <br />
<a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/USS-Ames-Adding-to-the-Crew/38625">http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/USS-Ames-Adding-to-the-Crew/38625</a><br />
2.) Give $10 (or more <--- hint hint) using any major credit card, bank card or paypal account<br />
3.) Submit - This "Virtual Valentine" is automatically delivered to their account.<br />
4.) <strong><u>Share this post</u></strong> with your friends, family, facebook friends/groups, on your blogs, twitter, email, - let's help them get these 2 guys HOME!!<br />
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When giving on their "youcaring" site, make sure you leave a "Happy Valentine's Day" wish for the boys and their family. Anyone who gives and leaves their Valentine message between now and midnight on Valentine's Night (thursday night), will be entered into a drawing. A random winner will be selected to receive a gift from our Ethiopia trip next week. :) <br />
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Could it be any easier to send some love this Valentine's Day? Seriously, this gift is much easier than trying to figure out what to buy your honey! <br />
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Thanks so much, can't wait to see the love that's spread around! Happy Valentine's Day!!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
Erin<br />
JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-67814860655638441242013-02-06T20:17:00.002-05:002013-02-06T20:17:50.462-05:00Two tickets to paradise...er, AfricaThat's right, we're FINALLY going to Ethiopia to meet our sweet boys! We got our phone call today, telling us that we have a court date scheduled for February 26th...only 20 days from now!<br />
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I can't believe we're in the trip planning process of this journey, but SO thankful that we are! We don't have many details about our trip yet, as we still have to have a phone conference with our agency later this week, but our suitcases will soon be packed and we'll be itching to board the plane. Not looking forward to the 13+ hr flight, but totally looking forward to the handsome little faces we'll meet when we get there!<br />
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Another family from our agency is there right now and emailed me earlier today that they were able to take some pictures of our boys for us! Unfortunately they haven't been able to email them to me yet (Internet connections aren't consistent or reliable there...it's like they're in a 3rd world country or something!), but the photos will do this momma's heart some good the moment they land in my inbox. I'm so anxious to see how they've grown in the past few months. These precious pictures will have to hold me over until I can lay my eyes on them <em>in person</em>. <strong>Wow</strong>. We're finally getting to meet our babies...not just in prayers, not just in daydreams, but <u><strong><em>for real</em></strong></u>. 20 days cannot come fast enough!<br />
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More details to come later, right now I'm going to get our suitcases out of the closet, I might even start packing! :)JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-4689956980189605792013-01-13T08:30:00.000-05:002013-01-13T14:57:45.982-05:00Update on our AdjournmentJust wanted to let you know that we found out the Ministry of Women's Affairs has not issued our "consent" yet.<br />
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HUGE Bummer.<br />
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According to our case worker, there is no reason as to why they haven't issued the consent in our case, other than they are "understaffed" (-per MOWA) and cannot work through all of the adoption consents as quickly as they would like. <br />
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That being said, our case is still in adjournment until our consent is filed with the courts. Once that happens, we will be notified of our court date.<br />
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...praying this happens soon. Very soon.<br />
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<em>"I am <strong><u>STILL</u></strong> confident of this: I <strong><u>WILL</u></strong> see the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord." ~ Psalm 27:13-14 </em>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-16854483062753427272013-01-12T14:37:00.000-05:002013-01-12T14:37:11.297-05:00Thousands of miles, but connected by heartHalf a world away, in the capital city of Ethiopia, 2 boys will soon be part of a family. Soon they will have a mom and a dad. Soon there will be no uncertainties about about their acceptance, their self worth, or if they'll ever experience the love of a family. Soon they will be HOME.<br />
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**While some of you have already heard the news, </div>
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this is what I've been bursting at the seams to share! **</div>
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Two of our closest friends, Sarah & Jordan, recently received their referral for 2 boys from Ethiopia and we couldn't be more thrilled for them! You may remember this family; just about 2 years ago I had <a href="http://www.erin-openedeyes.blogspot.com/2011/04/celebration-week.html">posted</a> about their family being matched with a sibling set of 4 for a domestic adoption. This adoption was an emotional roller coaster of faith and trust for every member of their family. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the finalization took much longer than either Sarah or Jordan (or the kids) would have liked, but this past November, they were (legally) made a forever family. <br />
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While working through this adoption, Sarah and Jordan became deeply convicted toward the plight of the orphan, and the biblical mandate to care for them. Their hearts couldn't bear the thought of saying "no" when they believe that we're called to say "yes" if God commands us to do something. So they began the process to Ethiopia...less than 2 months later, they've received their referral and they are scrambling to complete all of the necessary paperwork to bring home their newest family members, 2 biological brothers, ages 11 & 12. <br />
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Here's a super exciting fact...their sons are in THE SAME ORPHANAGE as our boys!! How cool is that? I couldn't believe it when she told me the news earlier this week. The magnitude of that thought runs deep.<br />
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As two families, we live states apart, but our 4 boys are eating, playing, and sleeping in the <u>exact</u> <u>same</u> building.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In Africa.</span></strong><br />
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Another amazing thing about this situation is that JT and I will have the privilege of meeting/hugging/playing with them when we go over, and Sarah has asked us to "introduce" the boys to their family through a photo album she's creating. What an absolute honor! Honestly, I'm not sure I'll be able to do an adequate job with this task, as I'm sure I'll be bawling my eyes out the moment we meet them. I'm in tears just thinking about it. Can you imagine showing two adolescent boys, pictures of a family-- THEIR family? In an orphanage, by their age, most children succumb to the fact that they most likely will not be adopted; but <u>life is going to be different</u> for these 2 boys and we get to be a part of it. I'm in total awe of all the details unfolding before our eyes and feel so blessed to be woven into this adoption story. I don't believe that it's coincidence that their referral happened so quickly, or that all 4 boys just "happen" to be at the same orphanage at the same time. God has truly been working at our hearts (as individuals and as couples) to recognize and call out the need for orphan care and I believe He is using this connection between our families to propel our holy discontent toward something greater for His glory. <br />
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“<em>I believe that the motivating reason why millions of people choose to do good in the world around them is because there is something wrong in that world…something so wrong that they can’t stand it</em>.” ~ Bill Hybels (in his book "Holy Discontent")<br />
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While we have no idea how God is going to use us; we do believe he is using each of our adoption experiences to break our hearts and mold them for something bigger than we can imagine. Something only He can do. Please keep our friends in your prayers as they work at lightning speed to complete the necessary paperwork for their adoption, and continue to pray for us to keep our eyes on God's plan for our lives. If we've learned anything through the past few years, it's that we truly can't do anything on our own, but only through faith and trust in the plan our Father has in store for us.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Love you, Ames Family and can't wait to see how your story continues to unfold!</strong></em></span>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-85387988703900242162013-01-07T20:24:00.000-05:002013-01-07T20:24:26.675-05:00Court date yet? So it's been 2 months and 16 days since we first saw their sweet little faces smiling at us from our computer screen. That's 110,698 minutes of wondering what they're personalities are like, what they're doing, what they're learning...<br />
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I had been putting off posting because I thought surely by now, I could post with our court date...the day we've been longing for...the day we will build our travel arrangements around, to finally - FINALLY! - meet our boys. <br />
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But we're still awaiting our date. This wednesday (Jan. 9th), our attorney in Ethiopia has his adjournment with the judge to review our case and go over the boys' files. If the Ministry of Women's Affairs has issued our consent, we should find out our court date within the following week. Please pray that they have issued their consent for our case and that it is in the judge's hand by the time of our adjournment. We've had so many delays over the past 2 years (all totally out of our control), that the thought of another one makes my stomach turn. We just want to see them and hold them.SO.badly.<br />
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Please join us in praying that our consent will be in the judges hand by Wednesday. Looking forward to filling you all in our date!<br />
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(**We have some pretty exciting news to share, but it's not ours to share just yet...check back soon, I think you'll agree that it's pretty awesome!**)JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-76074602102231981522012-11-03T12:28:00.000-04:002012-11-03T12:41:51.681-04:00Big News!Once again, I've sorely neglected updating this blog...for my faithful 10 readers, this post is written for you. :) <br />
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Let's bring the past few months of this blog up to speed:<br />
In July, we found out that our agency's sole orphanage had not been sending nearly as many referrals as in the past (with zero referrals most months), so they were looking to start working with 2 additional orphanage systems within the country. They were very optimistic about these additions to their network, and as a waiting family we were excited about it as well. We had our home study updated mid-July and all other necessary documents updated, signed, and notarized as well.<br />
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The first week of August, I sent all of our updated paperwork to our case worker to be entered with the Ethiopian courts. When I emailed her to make sure she received it, I got a very unexpected email in response. Our case worker, who had worked with us for the past two years, was no longer with our agency! I was completely confused, angry, and frustrated - I had just spoken to her over the phone the week before! Without going into many details (especially since I don't know all of them), our former case worker is now "exploring new opportunities" and we were given a new case worker (Shaysee)...we were a little skeptical of all the sudden and unexpected changes, but obviously things were completely out of our hands, so we set up a phone conference to "meet" her. Our conversation with her could not have gone more smoothly! Thank you, Lord! She is an adoptive mother herself, and had/has total empathy for our situation and knows how hard waiting can be. This abrupt change in our process has truly been a blessing. She has been extremely available for us, and has been so willing to give us any information she has about our own case or any information about (current) Ethiopian adoptions as a whole...this has been a recognizable difference from our previous experience, and for that we are extremely thankful.<br />
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Mid-August, our agency received 4 referrals from of one of the new orphanages! - We were not one of them, but we were told that we were moved up to #2 on the waiting list! We were obviously ecstatic, especially when Shaysee informed us that this new orphanage, Abenezer, would be sending 3 referrals every month to Dove! Finally some anticipated movement in our wait! She couldn't guarantee that we would be one of the next 3 referrals, because of requested age ranges, genders, etc, but we now knew that we were getting close to "the call." <br />
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September came and went with NO referrals to Dove...we were a little disheartened, as was Shaysee and Bonnie (a new program director at Dove), so they decided to go to Ethiopia to talk with the orphanage directors at the 2 new orphanages to help their staff streamline the referral process. Let me tell you, JT and I loved this new "let's make a change" attitude our agency had taken on! They left for ET the last week of September and were there for a little over 2 weeks. When friends or family would ask what our case worker was going to do when she was there, we would joke and say "hopefully she's bringing some kids back for us!" :) Little did we know how true this would be!<br />
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When they returned, they sent each family a lengthy email documenting their time there. This included information on visits with each orphanage intake center and transition home, as well as their appointment with the US Embassy. During their appointent with the Embassy, they were made more fully aware what the Embassy requires to finalize each adoption so that families may bring their children home in a more timely manner. In their email, they informed us that while there, they received 4 more referrals, but they could not call the matched families yet because they were waiting on some additional (necessary) paperwork for each case. Unbeknownst to us, we were one of those families!! <br />
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On Monday (Oct 22) about 8:50 pm, we received "the call" that ended our 20 month wait!! :)<br />
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JT had gotten home from work around 8:30, had just gotten out of the shower and I was putting some clothes away in our room when the phone rang. He said, "Maybe it's Dove." - I shook my head and said, "No, it's too late for them to call." SO glad I was wrong! It was Shaysee, telling us that we had finally been matched with our two sons! The moment was incredible, one that I'll replay over and over in my head and in my heart. She asked us to go to a computer, which we GLADLY did, and she sent us the sweetest pictures of our 2 sons! They are so sweet and so handsome - but you'll have to take my word for it, as we can't post any pictures publicly yet...this is killing me!! I'd LOVE to share them, but I have to respect the contract we signed with our agency (& ultimately their birth country). For now, trust me...they are so stinkin cute! :) <br />
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We have decided to change their names (there are so many different schools of thought on this, if you want to talk about why we've decided to do this, we'd welcome any private conversations), so from now on we'll be using their adoptive names:<br />
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"Carson" turned 1 year old on September 28, and has big beautiful eyes (which also look a little mischievous!)<br />
"Noah" is 10 months old and our case worker said he is such a happy baby, always smiling.<br />
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Since we were one of the families matched when she was there, she was able to interact with both of our sons, holding them, rocking them, playing with them (for us). It was really special to hear of her firsthand encounters with both of them. I'm so thankful for her trip to Ethiopia and for the time she spent with our boys on our behalf. Currently they are both at different orphanages, but Noah should be transferred soon to the transition home where Carson is being cared for. This home will be where we will meet them and where they will stay until we bring them home. They are both pretty tiny, so please pray that they will receive the proper nourishment they need to help keep their little bodies strong and healthy. Shaysee comforted us by telling us how impressed she was of the transition home and each intake center facilitated by Abenezer. She said the nannies LOVE the children in each home and are very diligent about meeting their needs. This news was so reassuring to hear, so wonderful to know they are in caring hands until we can bring them home. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending our Referral Accteptance letter - I don't think my smile could've been any bigger! </td></tr>
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Our acceptance letter was received early this past week and was forwarded on our attorney in ET, who will be working on our behalf to get us a timely court date. According to our agency, courts dates are being assigned pretty quickly and she is hopeful that we will have a date sometime this month! We told her that we'd be ready to leave in a moment's notice if necessary! :) We absolutely cannot wait to see, hold, cuddle, and kiss them! They have been worth the wait and we're already in love.<br />
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Over the past 2 weeks, we have not stopped thanking God for these little guys. He has shown that He is faithful, He has never left our side (even when we strayed from His), He deserves all of our trust. As we wait for a Court appointment, and then the subsequent Embassy appointment, we know He is caring for our sons and unbelievably loves them more than we do. <br />
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Thank you so much for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement over the past 2 years...it was been worth the wait and we can't wait to share these precious boys with you!<br />
JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-86970498433716900872012-06-03T22:24:00.000-04:002012-06-04T18:04:15.521-04:00Remembering the joy that's comingLast Sunday we visited JT's parents' church to worship with them as they celebrated some big (& wonderful) changes that have taken place within their church over the past year. As they continue to celebrate growth both spiritually and numerically (...configuring the addition of yet another nursery is a good problem, right?), it was inspiring to hear snippets of personal stories of lives changed by Christ. Beyond the inspiration I received through the stories of life and heart healing of many sitting in the pews next to me, I believe I was purposed to be there that day to be reminded of healing within my own heart. <br />
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Over the past few months, I truly believe God has given me a such a peace of where we are in our waiting. If you've followed our story over the past year, I've had plenty of ups and downs (at times, many more downs) emotionally as we pray and wait, and wait and pray for our children, but overall, lately I have had this sense of peace within me: calming me, comforting me, echoing reminders of His faithfulness in our lives. So as we wait, I've begun to understand TRUST on a whole new level...until momentary naggings of doubt hit me last Sunday.<br />
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The worship team was getting ready to lead us in a few final songs and the children were running back into the sanctuary to join their parents for the remainder of the service. As I stood there and watched numerous, excited children hug their waiting parents and (literally) jump into their arms, I broke. Tears started flowing, and honey, they weren't stopping. The sights before me were so beautiful and yet so heart breaking to me, that I began to question God right there in that pew...<br />
<br />
"Why God?"<br />
"Why don't I have any children yet?"<br />
"Why don't I have little ones running eagerly to me??"<br />
"Why haven't we gotten our referral yet?"<br />
"Why does it seem like our path is at a stand still, while we're certain we're following you?"<br />
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I have tried SO VERY HARD to not cross into the "Why" world. Plenty of people who I talk with about our adoption inevitably try to take me that direction, but because that world can be so dark, I try my best to steer clear of it. Despite my usual mindset, I found myself there, crying my way through all of my questions, crying so loudly in my head (hopefully not out loud!) that any promises of peace I'd been clinging to simply could not push through my pity-party sobs to reach their way to my heart and mind. I was an ugly, crying mess; the worship team was finishing, I was quickly trying to dry my eyes and wipe off the raccoon-looking mascara mess from my cheeks (I really should know by now to wear water-proof mascara...), and a woman began to sing a solo for their "special music" part of the service. <br />
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<em>Thank you, thank you, Maryann for the song that you sang. You have no idea how God used your choice of song to touch and heal my heart last week.</em></div>
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"Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson was a song that I had on repeat when JT and I first started researching adoption agencies in the summer of 2010. It came out at a time when I was struggling through the realization that I may never be able to have children biologically, yet we were beginning to feel this incredible excitement that came with acknowledging and following God's call for us to begin the adoption process. I hadn't heard the song in a while and forgot how poignant and true the lyrics were. I couldn't believe just how perfect this message was for me to hear:<br />
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Do you wonder why you have to,<br />
feel the things that hurt you,<br />
if there's a God who loves you,<br />
where is He now?<br />
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Maybe, there are things you can't see<br />
and all those things are happening<br />
to bring a better ending<br />
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see</div>
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Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,<br />
that you still have a reason to sing,<br />
'cause the pain you've been feeling,<br />
can't compare to the joy that's coming<br />
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so hold on, you got to wait for the light<br />
press on, just fight the good fight<br />
because the pain you've been feeling, <br />
it's just the dark before the morning</div>
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I used to love the line " 'cause the pain you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming." And I still love it (side note: every time I sing that line I picture myself spinning circles with two, giggling babies on my hips!), but the bridge has taken on new significance to me as our wait has lengthen substantially. I honestly can say in all of my times listening to and singing along with this song, the bridge never caught my attention like it did last Sunday: </div>
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Once you feel the way of glory,<br />
all your pain <em><strong><u>will fade to memory</u></strong></em></div>
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I've read so many blogs and talked with so many adoptive families who voice this very thing. As their adoption is carried to completion, the paperwork, the red tape, the long wait become a distant memory. While in it, the glory seems distant, sometimes unattainable, sometimes downright questionable, but that's just the dark before the morning. I am so thankful for God's faithful reminder to me through that song. His love is incredible, His grace sufficient, He forgives me when I doubt Him, and He's continually teaching me that I still have a reason to sing.... the joy that's coming.</div>
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</div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-68465090260971476032012-04-21T15:35:00.006-04:002012-04-21T16:55:44.684-04:0013+ Months DTEWow. <br />
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Am I glad that neglected blog pages don't collect dust and cobwebs, otherwise I would've had plenty of cleaning to do before starting this post! I can't believe it's been 3 months since my bathtub dream, but days turn into weeks and now we're a few months further into our waiting.<br />
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It's been a little over 13 months since our dossier was submitted to our adoption agency's office in Ethiopia and added to the list of waiting families within the SOSEE orphanage system. We're now at the place in our wait where things need to be updated and resubmitted through the United States Immigration offices. A few weeks ago, we went to have our FBI fingerprinting completed again for our home study agency. Last week, we visited our physicians' offices to have our physicals completed and medical paperwork filled out again...we also optimistically chose to have our travel vaccinations done...my Typhoid vaccine is good for 2 years and I'm praying we have our boys home before that "expires." (2 more years of waiting...yikes!) Last Friday, we travelled to have our official "immigration" fingerprints taken again. Thankfully it didn't snow this year (<a href="http://www.erin-openedeyes.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html">remember that little fiasco?</a>). Within the next couple months, our home study will need to be updated to submit to USCIS for an extension to our file. <br />
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There are so many things that we would've never anticipated at the start of this journey, but we're trying to view them as minor inconveniences along the way to meeting our children. After talking to our case worker last week, she encouraged me that after a few months of little or no movement with referrals in their Ethiopia program, this past month they have received several referrals for families who have been waiting around the same amount of time that we have been waiting. She has reassured me that nothing in our file is cause for any type of hold on our case. Every case across the board is just moving slowly at this point because of so many changes to the Ethiopian adoption filing, investigations, and approval processes over the past year.<br />
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So we press on. Day by day, we continue to put our wait, our emotions, our journey, our boys' lives in the hands of Our Lord. Daily we pray for His will in all of this, especially the stuff we don't understand (or at least don't understand yet). Daily we pray for His provision for our little babies. Some days our prayers are the same, other days we find ourselves asking Him for specific things as they are laid on our hearts: full bellies, physical heath/adequate medical care as it's needed, someone to play with them, someone to give them an extra long hug, someone sent to sing to them, a restful night's sleep. My list goes on and on some days, at times sounding more like a child's Christmas list than a prayer, but I know the Maker of the Stars wants His love to be conveyed to these children (His children) even before I can demonstrate it toward them. I'm convinced He is able to send someone into the orphanage to sing a soft lullaby and hold them close in the moments when those requests burn deep within me.<br />
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During this past year of uncertainty, God has shown me several verses of promise and encouragement to keep my eyes fixed on Him and His glory in my waiting. Two passages have become particularly special reminders for me, and daily I find myself repeating them out loud to give voice to the truth He has shown me.<br />
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"Let us <em><strong>hold tightly <u>without wavering</u></strong></em> to the <strong>hope</strong> <strong>we affirm</strong>, for <strong><em><u>God can be trusted to keep His promise.</u></em></strong>" Hebrews 10:23 NLT (emphasis mine)<br />
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"I am <em><strong>still confident</strong></em> of this: I <em><strong>will see the goodness of the Lord</strong></em> in the land of the living. <strong><u>Wait for the Lord; <em>Be strong, take heart</em> and wait for the Lord.</u></strong>" Psalm 27:13-14 NIV (emphasis mine)<br />
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Please join me in believing these promises, whatever journey you're on right now. God is faithful, He will make a way for you. He is able to provide a way out of the darkness and into His light. <br />
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Trust Him. Hold Tightly to Him.<br />
Be Strong, take heart and Wait for Him.<br />JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-43589357925999431222012-01-17T20:53:00.003-05:002012-01-17T20:53:55.774-05:00Babies and BathtubsThis past weekend, JT had to go out of town for work and I got to tag-a-long. :) We spent the (very cold) weekend snuggled up in a cabin at <a href="http://www.roughcutlodge.com/">Rough Cut Lodge</a> near Wellsboro, PA. We had a really wonderful time together and were so thankful for this last minute getaway. **JT's family deserves a special "thank-you" for dog sitting Cooper on such short notice!<br />
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Okay, so we went out of town and had a nice time, but you're probably wondering about the title of this post, right? I'm getting there...<br />
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While sleeping soundly in our cabin Friday night, I had the most vivid dream that we had our 2 Ethiopian babies home...except the little loves were girls, not boys like we've requested. Despite the obvious gender difference, which didn't seem to phase me in dreamland, my interactions with them were as real as me typing these words. <br />
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It was beautiful. It felt completely right (again, with the exception of these little babes being girls instead of boys). It felt like love.<br />
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Their faces were, and still are, crystal clear to me. They were both breath-takingly gorgeous, one with lighter skin and a teeny, tiny, petite nose, the other with a darker complexion and huge, dark, dancing eyes. They appeared to be about 1 year old and 3 years old, but (unfortunately) were nameless in my dream.<br />
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Bits of the dream are blurry, but I can clearly remember a portion when I was giving them both a bath. These two beautiful babies were playing together in a bathtub and I (their momma) was laughing <em>with them</em> as I washed their sweet little fingers and toes. While bathing them, I realized they each were covered in sand, so I washed water over them multiple times until their perfect brown skin was smooth once more. <br />
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My entire dream sequence may have been longer, but my mind can only vividly recall this particular part. Although a small scene, it was enough to bring joy to my morning when I remembered it. I have no idea if any, or all, of it is/was prophetic in any way, or if the sand was symbolic for anything, but I'm thankful for the thought that my babies are in my mind even when my body is asleep.<br />
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After waking and remembering my dream, I couldn't fall back asleep, so I let my handsome hubby sleep in while I went downstairs to curl up with a book beside the fireplace. I've been reading <a href="http://www.amazima.org/katiesbook.html">Kisses from Katie</a> and was (sadly) nearing the end. What a book! It's an autobiography by <a href="http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/">Katie Davis,</a> an amazing young woman who gave up her comfortable life in America to follow God's call to move to Uganda to serve "the least of these" and is in the process of adopting <strong><u>thirteen</u></strong> (<em><u>yes, I said 13!!</u></em>) Ugandan girls. She has an INCREDIBLE story of what following God <u>at all costs</u> <strong><em>actually</em></strong> looks like, and challenges me <strong><em>constantly</em></strong> through her writing. I'd strongly encourage you to put this book at the top of your "2012 Must-Read" list! Anyway, back to my story (although Katie's is usually much more interesting!): I settled down by the warmth of the fire, my blanket wrapped around me, with only a few chapters left in my book. Chapter 18 was where my reading was to begin...and it was about Katie bathing her youngest daughter Grace...I couldn't believe I had just woken up from a dream about bathing my babies to pick up a book to begin reading about another woman bathing her child. But her bathtub story wasn't just a story reminiscing about a cute time in the tub, instead it was about her nightly battle to get Grace into the tub. Night after night, it's a struggle that goes from bad to worse right up until she's put in the bathtub against her will...then once in the water she realizes she likes the bath! Night after Night.<br />
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Katie says: </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><em>"The bath time struggle never is about the bath at all. </em><em>It is about obedience. Grace is three years old and she simply does not want to obey. </em><em>She thinks she should be the one to decide whether she gets in the tub or not. </em><em>She is three years old, and she is trying to figure out </em></span><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">just how much control she has in her little life. At this point, not much."</span> (page 226)</em></div>
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She then goes on to describe her life, and her own resistance to God and his daily calling for her life, being very similar to the bathtub episodes. He calls (her) us to do things that just don't always add up to what we want to do. <br />
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We question him.<br />
We refuse. <br />
We fight.<br />
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I love her words for (her) our reaction when we finally submit to his will: </div>
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<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"So God picks me up, exhausted from struggling, and plops me in the center of His will for my life. And then a funny thing happens. As I kick and scream and struggle, I remember: I like being in the center of God's will for my life. God's plan is usually pretty great. It is a whole lot better than mine anyway. I am so glad that He does not allow me to win. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The more I strive to live in the center of God's will, the more He asks me to give up, the more uncomfortable I become. He teaches me, over and over again, that He does know best. The "bathtub," the uncomfortable places, they get only more difficult. But I am learning to remember, before I even get there, that eventually this will be what is best for me, and more important, what is best for His Glory." </span>(page 227) </em></div>
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Was my dream related to this chapter? I have no idea, but I feel like God is using the connection to teach me something. I may not know what it is now, and I may not see it until years from now, but I have a feeling that one day I'll have an "Aha" moment as I recall the weekend I was pondering the connection between babies and bathtubs. </div>
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I'd love to hear your thoughts...<em></em></div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-8678117814638890582011-12-22T15:12:00.002-05:002011-12-22T15:38:42.447-05:00Last Minute Christmas Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With only a few days till Christmas, have you found yourself beginning to go crazy while in search of the "perfect" gift for the people in your life who seem to have it all? Interested in some suggestions??</div>
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How about a goat?</div>
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A chicken?</div>
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Mosquito nets?</div>
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A drought survival kit?</div>
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Huh?? Well, while Aunt Mary may smile politely as she opens yet another set of carving knives, how do you think she would respond to a gift that gives <em><u>life</u></em> to a family in a developing country? Several organizations have been creating "gifts" just like these for several years and we've fallen in love with this idea. While we (JT and I) have all that we need, our eyes are being opened to the actual <strong><u>real needs</u></strong> of others around the world, and we're becoming more aware of Jesus' call to care for those needs.</div>
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"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48</div>
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<br />We've already been given so much in this life, and we'd like you to join us this year in giving to families struggling daily to survive. Many of the gifts are very inexpensive, but can literally change a family's life. Gifts like goats, chickens, pigs, cows, rabbits, fish, etc. can help to provide food and serve as a source of income for a family as they learn to breed their animals and/or sell their products (eggs, milk, etc.) Mosquito nets help keep families in Malaria "hot spots" safe as they sleep at night, reducing their risk of the life-threatening disease. One of my favorite items available through Compassion International is their "Water of Life" water treatment system. For only $55.00, this water container/dispenser will provide safe, clean drinking water for a family's lifetime. Each unit uses the same filtration technoogy used in kidney dialysis equipment and can supply up to 1 MILLION gallons of water! Every single day approximately 4,000 children die due to water and sanitation-related diseases. </div>
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4,000 children -- Every.Single.Day. </div>
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Sit on that number for a minute. </div>
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Water is essential to the human body, but for many around the world <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">clean</span></u><em> </em></strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">water</span> is not an option. However, it can be achieved with the gift of a Water of Life system. (I know, I'm starting to sound like a salesperson, but I can't help it...I've been <em><u>amazed</u></em> at all I've read and seen about this <strong>simple</strong> device that could change a family's health AND life.)</div>
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I'll quit babbling about it and let you check it out for yourself:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVvZcPQTGpY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I urge you to browse the links below to find some life-changing/life-giving Christmas gifts this year. Perhaps your shopping has been finished for weeks? I'm sure your kids wouldn't mind opening one more gift tucked under the tree...how cool would it be to explain to them the additional gift of chickens or goats or clean water? Or even better yet, what about all three?? ;) </div>
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<a href="http://www.compassion.com/catalog.htm">Compassion International</a></div>
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<a href="http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?lpos=top_drp_WaysToGive_Gift+Catalog&go=gift&&section=10389">World Vision</a></div>
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Have a wonderful Christmas Season! Enjoy every moment spent with friends and family, and cherish the blessings you've been given.</div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-57384958265984375052011-12-22T13:09:00.000-05:002011-12-22T13:09:38.501-05:00"Due" any day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ABlboJPKFE/TvNyCo7VQZI/AAAAAAAAAMA/NPVxgVsKWeA/s1600/cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ABlboJPKFE/TvNyCo7VQZI/AAAAAAAAAMA/NPVxgVsKWeA/s400/cropped.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-24993323645070924162011-12-10T20:37:00.001-05:002011-12-22T13:05:57.317-05:00Pouring out the mess<div align="center">
"While it may be true to some degree that we can't help the way we feel, </div>
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the truth is that we don't have to let our feelings run our lives."</div>
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~Nancy Leigh DeMoss</div>
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A little over a month ago, I had been denying my feelings of disappointment, anger, and just pure sadness pertaining to the unknown end to our waiting process. Denying these feelings was an emotionally dangerous place to be, and yet I kept going there.</div>
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"Our agency has lengthen our proposed wait time, but we're doing okay."</div>
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"We're fine,<em> really</em>."</div>
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If I said either of these statements (or something similar) to you, I was lying. Yep, it's true, I flat out lied to you, and for my dishonesty, I'm sorry. The truth is, I was not okay, nor was I doing "fine." While going through my day to day routine outwardly unchanged, inwardly I was creeping toward my emotional-worst...except I was trying SO hard to ignore the feelings inside. Ignorance is not bliss however and I became an ugly mess the week of Thanksgiving, as my heart (& eyes) began spilling out all the hurt I had been trying to hide. That week, I went to <a href="http://calvarysc.publishpath.com/heart-to-heart">Heart to Heart</a> (a bible study for moms, or moms-to-be in my case), and the ever-so-fitting topic was "Managing your Emotions and Not The Other Way Around." Wow, was that discussion pointing directly at me! I am so thankful for the timeliness of God's provisions in my life. At a time when I was feeling so discouraged, He used the wise and honest words of our group leader to breathe truth back into my soul. I realized that I had not only been dishonest about my feelings with family and friends, but I was withholding my true emotion from The One who created me. The One who knit me together, The One who knows the number of hairs on my head, The One who knows the number of my days was being denied an intimate look at my heart, which in turn was denying me of the healing that needed to take place. </div>
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"Ultimately, The Enemy wants to keep us all riled up, </div>
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unable to deepen relationships and build upon what God has called us to do."</div>
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~ <a href="http://blogatbackdrop.blogspot.com/">Sherilyn Jameson</a> (my <em>amazing</em> H2H teacher)</div>
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How true and how sad. I was allowing myself to believe lies from Satan instead of searching for The Truth. Instead of believing that God wants to walk with me, even through these days of disappointment, I began to withdraw (ever so slightly) from my conversations with him. He NEVER wants this from his children. He wants us to <u>stop pretending</u> we can do everything on our own and <strong>get real with him</strong>. </div>
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Even when it's UGLY. </div>
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Especially when it's UGLY.</div>
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He longs for us to pour out our hearts about ALL things. That night, I poured out my heart...thank you, Sherilyn for listening (even when I was blubbering unrecognizable words!), and God has started some heart healing in my life. In the weeks that followed, I believe he prompted many of you to check in on us as we received SO many phone calls, emails, and fb messages, encouraging us in our wait. Thank you for your continued prayers; God is using you to help us more than you may ever know. </div>
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Psalm 62:5-8 (Amplified)</div>
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"My soul, wait only upon God <em>and</em> silently submit to Him; for my hope <em>and</em> expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense <em>and</em> my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength <em>and</em> impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, <em>and</em> have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heats before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower.)"<br />
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Over the past month, I have experienced incredible (daily) restoration because of my new willingness to pour out my heart and allow God to use my brokenness to draw me closer to him. He wants to use whatever we're going through to shine his glory...even when we ourselves can't see beyond the messiness of life. Pour out your heart to him. He already knows, understands, and longs for us to pour it ALL out: the good, the bad, the ugly (and the really ugly!). Whatever you're facing now, whether your life is going exactly as you planned or if you're caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, I want to encourage you to pour it out and allow him to use your life for his glory this coming year. </div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-35768918211248293682011-11-19T18:57:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:20:37.419-05:008 Months DTEWe're still here.<br />
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I know it's been a quite while since I've posted. To tell the truth, I've thought about posting multiple times but kept getting hung up on what to write considering where we are in our journey. How many creative ways can I say "we're still waiting"? <br />
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But that's where we are. Still waiting {im}patiently. <br />
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It's hard to believe that this weekend, one year ago, we were having our home study done. We were so nervous, but ended up having a wonderful time with our social worker and we were so excited to get everything completed to start our dossier. Some days, it doesn't feel like it's been over a year since we started the process, but other days it feels much longer. Those are the days I dread, but we're still trusting God's timing in this journey. His timing and plans are SO much better than ours ever could be, and we feel that he's using this time to renew our strength and faith in Him.<br />
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Our social worker, Tami, is actually in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia's capitol) and will be returning to the US this week. She's been there a little over a week meeting with Dove's staff over there to review the current process and timeline for intercountry adoptions. She also had scheduled a meeting with the US Embassy, so we're anxious to find out any updated information she's learned concerning the processing of MOWYCA letters, timelines for court appointments, etc. About a month ago, we did receive news that our agency was increasing the current wait time for referrals from 6-8 months to 6-10 months. Our paperwork has been in Ethiopia for 8 months so the call could come any day...and we're really hoping for a call before Christmas. Last year, we were certain we would have them home by this Christmas, but with the realization that so much is completely out of our control, this year we're hoping to simply know their names and faces by Christmas...would you pray for this for us? I honestly couldn't think of a better gift this year.JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-89452381955055321072011-09-27T21:47:00.001-04:002011-09-27T21:47:44.416-04:00Created for CareA few months ago, an amazing adoptive-momma friend of mine, Ashley (she's the one you helped to send <a href="http://erin-openedeyes.blogspot.com/2011/05/up-in-air.html">goodies to her daughter's transition home</a>) mentioned that she went to an <strong>incredible</strong> retreat last winter, designed for adoptive moms. She<strong> RAVED</strong> about this retreat and <strong><em><u>strongly encouraged</u></em></strong> me to consider going with her this year. <br />
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While in the "waiting stage" of her own adoption, she told me that connecting with other adoptive moms (in all stages of the journey: waiting on THE CALL moms, new adoptive moms, seasoned adoptive moms, moms of adoptive moms...you get the picture!) helped encourage her in ways that she would have never imagined. The main sessions, along with the breakout sessions over the course of weekend helped to refresh her soul while giving her resources to help prepare her to live out this calling for her family. After hearing her enthusiastically high recommendation, I decided to register to go with her this year....thankfully I got a spot!<br />
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Last year was the 1st <a href="http://www.createdforcare.org/">Created for Care retreat</a>, and it was dreamed up by another amazing adoptive momma, Andrea, who I only know of through the blogosphere. Crazily enough, I had been following this woman's blog <a href="http://www.babeofmyheart.com/">(www.babeofmyheart.com)</a> off and on for about a year prior to ever even hearing about Created for Care! Her family had adopted a sweet little boy from Ethiopia, and after arriving home and trying to balance mommying 3 biological kiddos, while mommying their newest family member, she (like most other moms) had moments where she felt overwhelmed, tired, yet still full of overwhelming love for her "new" family. While contemplating her own emotions, struggles, and daily changes (both good and difficult), she began to realize that other adoptive moms must surely feel the same way.<br />
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The idea for Created for Care was born. <br />
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Because of this one momma's heart for the heart of others travelling her same journey, she partnered with 2 other families to feed the soul of adoptive moms across the country. They anticipated a small gathering of possibly 50, which turned into 250 moms last year! By this year, news of its refreshment, rejuvenation, and encouragement, spread like wildfire and the 400 spots sold out within 9 hours, with 200 moms on the waiting list! Obviously there is a huge need for such a retreat as this! Because of the overwhelming demand, not wanting to leave a single soul unserved by this amazing retreat, a 2nd Retreat has been scheduled for March 23-25! What a blessing these women are to pour themselves into such a cause!<br />
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Here's a peek from their website as to what this retreat is all about:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Christian families all over the world are being called to grow their families through adoption and foster care. Throughout the journey, different needs arise–some times, we just don’t know where to start–and other times we are just tired from all that is required in these callings filled with new approaches, lots of healing and much required extra love. While your hearts have been called to care, YOU were also created to be cared FOR. We want to not only support these families by equipping them with adoption resources, but most importantly provide resources to encourage them in their walks with their Heavenly Father who led them to this amazing calling."</span><br />
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I know there are some adoptive mommas reading this blog...I've talked with you, emailed you, etc. You should go! I went from "Created for what?" to uber-excited for this weekend once I found out what it was all about. If you are interested, I'd take a little trip to their website to check it out...and SOON! Registration actually begins tonight at 12:01 am EST, and may fill up quickly again, depending on how the word gets around. I'm actually sorry I didn't post this earlier.<br />
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If you're not an adoptive mom (at any stage), but you know someone who would benefit from this retreat, PLEASE send them this information. I know I actually can't relay any firsthand experiences from past attendance, but I can quote Ashley as saying, "I need this retreat now!" to me just this evening! ;) <br />
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So anyway, here's the skinny...PASS IT ON...<br />
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<a href="http://www.createdforcare.org/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Created for Care</span></a><br />
<strong>Location: </strong>Lake Lanier Legacy Lodge and Conference Center<br />
<strong>Date:</strong> March 23-25th, 2012<br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Registration: September 28, 2011 </u>(***Get your hiney on over to the registration page!!***)</span></strong><strong>Cost:</strong> $165<br /><strong>Rooms:</strong> $109/night<br />
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Obviously, I'm super pumped to go to this...can you tell? Before I go, here's a video of some of the mommas and their families that attended last year:<br />
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Good-night!JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-5795473238761127552011-09-12T23:52:00.000-04:002011-09-12T23:52:01.648-04:00mmmmm, the smell of new babyThis past Friday our family grew a little larger. 6 lbs, 2 oz. larger to be exact! <br />
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My sister and her hubby welcomed their handsome little guy, Taden Oliver into the world...and let me tell you, our world couldn't be more excited to have him here! His birth-day was such a special day for all of us as we marveled at the sight of new innocence, our hearts bursting with love for this babe we just met.<br />
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Babies just have this way of captivating us. Have you ever noticed that? <br />
<br />How is it that we can sit and stare at a sleeping baby for hours on end, needing nothing more than a curl of a lip or a furrow of an eyebrow to completely enthrall us? Day in and day out, we're continually seeking the biggest, brightest, fastest, most talked about X, Y, or Z to (supposedly) fulfill us, sustain us, or entertain us. But place a baby in our arms, and the world slows down a bit. We forget about the newest reality show gossip, we no longer have the need to check our phone for a text...we simply get lost in the wonder and awe of the tiny warm body cradled against us.<br />
<br />How can something so small hold so much of our attention? Is it their newness? Their soft, sweet scent that draws us in? The miracle of their development and birth into this big world? I think what ultimately captivates us is the hope that they represent. The hope of a new beginning. The hope of a new life. Regardless of any mistakes (large or small) we make in this life, each one seems to be momentarily forgotten while gazing into the eyes of a newborn...and amazingly each and every mistake can be <strong><em>forgiven</em></strong> and <strong><em>forever</em></strong> <strong><em>forgotten</em></strong> after turning our eyes to the creator of life. Once a baby, born to give us a life full of hope, Jesus desperately seeks to captivate us in the same way his creation captivates us.<br />
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Daily, I'm finding myself becoming more and more enthralled with the love he has for me. The way he provides for me and blesses me is unfathomable. Despite any highs and lows I face (in the daily grind or in this adoption process), I know he's there longing for me to seek his newness and his soft, sweet scent of life.<br />
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In the next few months when I get quiet moments to snuggle my sweet nephew, as I lose the world in his eyes, I'll breathe in the hope of new beginnings and thank my creator for this special gift of life. <br />
JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-11350816499776236122011-08-12T11:10:00.000-04:002011-08-12T11:10:00.777-04:00beautiful jewelry with a BEAUTIFUL purposeI've been scouring the internet and magazines for an "adoption" necklace, one that would truly be reflective of my heart and this process that we're going through. I found scads of sites with adoption charms, many of which were cute, many were EXPEN$IVE, and others were just plain tacky. <br />
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After much searching, I found the perfect necklace...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOtOcEiuA3uL2y0EzLwTjfCG7q7hO_Bd2VrNYeWpIIn30QuGHMMP9gtR3v1ZwuL3UbDMA2U0EbRW5DGvHSTdGWvhcokmhgBbbtgYaIEajmrE8pDcgTQpufLIOO8CqfWL0FA5UqUY2zvI1/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOtOcEiuA3uL2y0EzLwTjfCG7q7hO_Bd2VrNYeWpIIn30QuGHMMP9gtR3v1ZwuL3UbDMA2U0EbRW5DGvHSTdGWvhcokmhgBbbtgYaIEajmrE8pDcgTQpufLIOO8CqfWL0FA5UqUY2zvI1/s320/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Absolutely perfect, don't you think?? I loved it, bought it, and am currently wearing it. It's such a beautiful little token of my feelings as I wait. </div>
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I found this special piece of art in a cute little etsy shop called <a href="http://theadoptshoppe.etsy.com/"> "The Adopt Shoppe."</a> This shop and all it's creations are made with love by a woman named Kate, who is using her creative skill to help fund her family's adoption. They are currently in the process of bringing home a 2nd child (a little girl) from Taiwan. ALL proceeds from her jewelry sales go directly toward their adoption fund! Please check out her site; honestly, I can't think of a better place to start some early shopping for Christmas gifts!</div>
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She has numerous "Scrabble" tile necklaces (yes, they're actually Scrabble tiles...mine is Q<span style="font-size: xx-small;">10</span>!), with adoption themed quotes, inspirational quotes, verses, and/or customized sayings or names.</div>
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Here's a pic of another one that I purchased:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXNLiVxGqMD9Iueir7s7J8BAcqsfFVaZ2e3lqm9dBiTGKj_QdY5KhmcrAw5lzBr5IMtR8R6wHHNrCSyqTzO438Dq5BkXMODK6SqZ4yuKMDGU6BmW4muj7uZgmC3ntQerwmdrRgA8NOLpu/s1600/anything+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXNLiVxGqMD9Iueir7s7J8BAcqsfFVaZ2e3lqm9dBiTGKj_QdY5KhmcrAw5lzBr5IMtR8R6wHHNrCSyqTzO438Dq5BkXMODK6SqZ4yuKMDGU6BmW4muj7uZgmC3ntQerwmdrRgA8NOLpu/s320/anything+good.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Seriously cute stuff! :) She said she designs each piece as a "billboard for your heart" -- what a cool thought!</div>
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I also got my handsome hubby a gift from her shop. He loves to start conversations about our adoption with anyone he meets...a painter on the job site, a business man he meets on the golf course, his waiter at a restaurant, you get the idea! He loves to talk anyway, so I think it's so sweet that he always makes it a point to sneak in some adoption talk!</div>
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I found him this stamped leather cuff to wear as a conversation starter: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_lJDDt4IZqvUAnwFBIe1pBCLH5Hm5dG3zQZwMDXHQyjaCqkt556RB6HrKLvCfNvSMtNDDNPzPjbNeEgPhGIH3WSwg-xPfSwFmFK7OAjegrc1CYdugC-MfI6Z8iWenGEhpOyLimDatZDw/s1600/163+million+orphans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_lJDDt4IZqvUAnwFBIe1pBCLH5Hm5dG3zQZwMDXHQyjaCqkt556RB6HrKLvCfNvSMtNDDNPzPjbNeEgPhGIH3WSwg-xPfSwFmFK7OAjegrc1CYdugC-MfI6Z8iWenGEhpOyLimDatZDw/s320/163+million+orphans.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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Please make a point to browse her shop, I think you'll fall in love with so many of her creations...and make sure you buy your favorites! Don't forget, every purchase brings them a little closer to their financial goal in order to bring their little girl home. Such an easy way to help change the life of an orphan!</div>
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Check it out!</div>
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<a href="http://theadoptshoppe.etsy.com/">TheAdoptShoppe.etsy.com</a> </div>
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JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-35876799115547366642011-08-11T22:47:00.000-04:002011-08-11T22:47:18.420-04:00Orphanage ClosuresUnsettled emotions have been swirling around in my head and my heart over the past 5 days. Over the weekend, we had heard rumor that several orphanages in Southern Ethiopia had been shut down without any given reason and without any warning. We hadn't heard anything about this from our agency, so I reasoned in my head that the closures must not have affected any of the orphanages within the organization associated with our adoption agency. I genuinely felt bad for the adoptive families it was affecting, and my heart felt broken for the children/families that it would affect in Ethiopia, but the statement didn't exactly hit home...then I received an email with the list of the orphanages that had been shut down.<br />
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The US Dept of State verified that within the past few weeks, eight orphanage systems (14 branches) had in fact been shut down by the Ethiopian Government, with one of them being the orphanage system that Dove (our agency) works with. Out of the 14 total branches that were closed, 3 were intake centers for our orphanage. (An intake center is the branch of the orphanage where a child is first relinquished, either by their family or by government authorities. The children receive medical testing, and physical care at the intake centers until they are matched with an adoptive family, then they are transferred to a "transition home" where they stay until the adoption is final and they are signed out by their forever family.) According to our agency, no clear explanation has been given as to why the numerous intake centers have been closed, other than the decision was made by the regional government and each orphanage is currently "under investigation."<br />
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Today we received word from our agency stating our orphanage (SOS EE) is still operating its remaining 20 intake centers as normal. After speaking with our attorney in Ethiopia, they found out that the investigation was initiated because of funding issues, as well as some internal conflict with SOS EE's board of directors, leading to the termination of the orphanage's manager. Our attorney encouraged our agency's Executive Director by relaying that a new manager has already been appointed and will begin working on Monday (Aug 15), a new budget has been set, funds have been dispersed to each of the care centers and most importantly the children are still being well cared for. He also stated that things are "progressing in a positive manner" and that the issues are being resolved.<br />
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To be honest, I'm not really sure what to do with all of this news. I have so many questions, yet our agency doesn't know how to answer them as they don't have all the answers themselves. How did the orphanage get into the predicament of an "investigation" in the first place? Was the manager really terminated over misappropriation of funds? I feel myself questioning the situation from an ethical standpoint, yet I know our agency and the SOS EE orphanage are both reputable organizations...believe me, we did our research before deciding on an agency to use...so then why is all of this unfolding before our eyes? What part of God's plan has been purposed for this situation? I know that all things work together for his good. I believe that with my heart, if I can be blatantly honest, my mind is doing a stutter-step into the belief. Southern Ethiopia is an extremely poor and destitute area. Many families find themselves with the heart breaking decision of taking their children (some or all) to an orphanage for care or actually watching them die from starvation and/or from simple, curable ailments like dehydration or diarrhea from their unclean water sources. These are true, hard facts for life in this area. With the closure of 14 orphanage intake centers, many families will undoubtedly lose family members prematurely with little hope of finding care for them. What a terrible situation, I can't even imagine living it. We have no idea how blessed we are...simply because we were born in a different country. These horrible conditions could easily be my living conditions if I had been born half a world away, yet I can't really fathom it as I sit comfortably, in a chair, at a table, in front of a computer, wearing a new shirt, in my air conditioned house. Hear me on this, I'm not saying we should feel badly about what we do have or what we've been blessed with, but I do think we should feel pained about what simple life necessities others don't have...and we should try to do something about it.<br />
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"Do good. Seek Justice. Defend the cause of the orphan." Isaiah 1:17</div>
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It's such simple language, such simple instructions, yet such a challenge to live out daily. As I continue to sift through the events and news of this week pertaining to our adoption, I pray that my heart will continually be broken for the things that break God's heart...and that each day, I would be challenged in new ways to carry out these commands with my life.JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-76379190006717382172011-08-01T20:51:00.002-04:002011-08-11T23:44:00.342-04:00The new Mr. and Mrs!Just wanted to post a few pictures from JT's brother's wedding to wish them a "Happy 1 month Anniversary!!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XZ6butR0Mde8s8FtVUr9R3c00t9WrSaUQtakhXY4QLM9VV6EY3ec1Iu_tKdFRtCIb69dTn6PABtvFpwpam6N-NLCc0_UHYy8kOkrgiVjsXWGe7uYAYYhlXkAPKo8hNxYv3s2FcyGusqL/s1600/bren+and+mandi%2527s+wedding+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XZ6butR0Mde8s8FtVUr9R3c00t9WrSaUQtakhXY4QLM9VV6EY3ec1Iu_tKdFRtCIb69dTn6PABtvFpwpam6N-NLCc0_UHYy8kOkrgiVjsXWGe7uYAYYhlXkAPKo8hNxYv3s2FcyGusqL/s400/bren+and+mandi%2527s+wedding+044.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div>
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Such a sweet couple! The ceremony was gorgeous, full of beauty, promise, and commitment. Being music lovers, they incorporated so many meaningful pieces of music throughout the entire ceremony.</div>
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My handsome hubby was honored to be a part of the wedding party and was also privileged to sing during the ceremony. He was asked to sing "How He loves," accompanied by Brennan's band, during the candle lighting. It was the perfect song during that part of the ceremony, and he did an absolutely fantastic job (and I'm not being biased in the slightest!). It was an incredibly moving, emotionally drawing moment that grew even more worshipful as the wedding party and several guests softly joined him in song. <br />
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Despite all the talent of friends and family, this musical bride and groom didn't want their special day to go by without being able to serenade each other. Oftentimes you'll hear of a groom singing to a bride, or vice versa, but I'd never been to a wedding where they sang together, to each other. If you were a guest and the tears weren't already trickling down your cheek by this point, you were in desperate need of a tissue when they began their song! Because of the obvious emotions packed into a wedding day, we (family and friends) weren't sure if they would be able to make it through their musical vows, and not surprisingly, they weren't absolutely certain they would make it through the song either! But this special couple wow'd us. With tears in their eyes, beaming smiles on their faces, fingers interlaced, they sang of their commitment to each other from that day forward. It was a beautiful, visible connection between them,and a beautiful picture of Christ's design for marriage.<br />
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*I found a short video clip of them singing on YouTube, I'm not sure who recorded it, but thank you!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Brennan and Mandi-<br />
As you celebrate one month together, JT and I pray that your love will continue to grow...as you grow together as a couple, and as you grow spiritually with your Heavenly Father. He is the ultimate provider, sustainer, and life-giver of your relationship. Nothing that you encounter will EVER be too hard, or too big for him to help you through. He wants to continue to mold you into his image, to become a living example of the love, commitment, and hope-filled relationship he promises to the world. Continue to live this out daily through actions, words, and of course, song. We love you!<br />
JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-11945861974406296142011-07-28T22:01:00.001-04:002011-07-28T22:24:40.706-04:00Tick TockI cannot believe how fast time has been flying this summer! This past month has been full of fun family stuff as we celebrated the marriage of JT's brother to his beautiful bride, Mandi, and as we spent some vacation time with my family relaxing in Cape May, NJ. To be truthful, I've appreciated the preoccupations of parties, work, picnics, and vacation. The busyness has definitely helped to keep us from going crazy wondering about our actual place in the waiting process.<br />
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Since I last blogged, MOWCYA has increased its daily number of cases from 5 to 10, and although 10 is still significantly lower than the 40-50 cases they were reviewing a day, I have to remind myself that it is also DOUBLE the number of cases that they had been hearing. Looking at it from a glass half full point of view makes this news much more exciting to share! Our agency has also told us that MOWCYA is planning to increase the number to 15 cases/day within the next month! <br />
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In other Ethiopian news, each year the ET government closes completely for six weeks during their raining season. This six-week closure varies between July-September every year, depending on the weather. Our agency informed us that the ET government has decided to hear cases through August 5, then will be closing until the fall. During this time, everything else will still be running as usual...meaning, families will still be matched during the six-week court closure, referrals will still be made, and Embassy hearings will still proceed. This annual government closure most likely will not affect us in anyway, but please pray for the families that will receive their referral call within this next week, knowing they will not be contacted about a court date until mid September. Please pray for endurance for these families as they wait, and continue to keep us in your prayer as we wait to be in their shoes!JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727475142341064507.post-35888115213497724702011-06-13T20:09:00.000-04:002011-06-13T20:09:03.984-04:003 down, how many more to go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qwapq2RI4ntiynsmvu_GT65RppzYfzaYWHrFVEMa60l0ARrODKLnshBnzOhmUdOGCpZ-WuGftouMJeALWIE8ds6-LNKruqc9FBqiqUwJFvg-OKLbxIkvf_Q8VDSasSkwdTXMHiFrSF75/s1600/3+filmstrip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qwapq2RI4ntiynsmvu_GT65RppzYfzaYWHrFVEMa60l0ARrODKLnshBnzOhmUdOGCpZ-WuGftouMJeALWIE8ds6-LNKruqc9FBqiqUwJFvg-OKLbxIkvf_Q8VDSasSkwdTXMHiFrSF75/s320/3+filmstrip.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today marks 3 months that our dossier has been in Ethiopia. Unfortunately we don't have any updates to the current process within the country, but we're still hopeful and prayerful that an overall solution will <em>soon</em> be put into place by MOWYA, so the many waiting children will be united with their families in an the most ethical and efficient manner possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a conference call with our agency later this week regarding referral and travel preparation. We have absolutely no idea when we'll be able to use the information from this upcoming meeting, but each meeting helps keep our anticipation high and our whining/sulking at a lower level! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, we really enjoy the conference calls with our agency, especially at this stage in the game. With our agency, once your dossier has arrived in country, they only communicate through email (with the exception of scheduled meetings). They do this purposefully so that couples don't see their name on the caller ID and think it's "The Call." I completely appreciate their protocol regarding this, but it will definitely be nice to hear our case worker's voice, rather than reading an email. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's about it for now, I'll be sure to post after our meeting if we're informed of any changes or updates. Enjoy this beautiful summer weather and don't forget to say a prayer for our beautiful boys!</div>JT and Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191524200581328968noreply@blogger.com1