I've decided that right now, THIS season of wait, is the hardest one yet.
We have a little face we already love, a name that means so much to us, monthly updates to smile about, and even remarks from fellow adoptive parents that are visiting our agency's care center in Ethiopia. This little one is REAL.
I read an article last week (See here ------> http://wondermentetc.com/2013/08/02/dear-friends-of-waiting-adoptive-moms-some-things-to-know-also-were-sorry/) that seemed to so perfectly explain what it's like to be a waiting momma, when your child is on the other side of the world. It's like half of my heart is on the other side of the world too. Just waiting and aching to hold him, smell him, snuggle him, and cover him in kisses. (And those cheeks are looking pretty kissable too!)
Johnathan and Tenleigh "beam" when they're asked about their baby brother. They love to talk about him and every day they ask to see his pictures again.
But until the day when we finally do get to hold him, we just wait.
Right now we're waiting for the staff in Ethiopia to complete our adoption contract and gather all of Baby A's paperwork. Even though the courts in Ethiopia will be closing soon for rainy season, all paperwork can continue to be gathered and processed. I'm praying, praying, PRAYING that we will be able to get a court date soon after the courts re-open in October. That would be amazing! But I kind of tell myself to hope for before the New Year instead, so that our hearts aren't too disappointed if it's not sooner.
I'm also finding (already), that it's so much harder to be patient when dealing with the works of a third-world country now. Time in Africa is quite different than time here. "Soon" to us may mean within the next few days. "Soon" to them may mean within the next few months. Things that are of high priority to us, may not be to them. I've heard of several families recently whose paperwork was caught up from going to Embassy because THE ONE printer at the courthouse was broken.... for several weeks. Our dear friends are waiting for a tiny replacement piece for a medical machine to be passed through customs... possibly has been stuck there for several weeks too. I also have had a little bit of a chuckle this week when we received Baby A's updated photo via email.... except we're not quite sure it's Baby A!? :) I have a feeling that Baby A's name was tagged to the wrong picture. But we are still waiting, 4 days later, for Ethiopia staff to confirm.
So you see, LOTS of waiting going on here! But during the wait, we need to keep busy! So the kids and I are enjoying our last weeks together before school starts up again. Lots of time has been spent outside, I've been enjoying my work-out routine, and we're all getting geared up for Grandma and Grandpa to move closer! Such blessings for our anxious hearts!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
"Our Hope..."
One of my greatest joys in this waiting game has been watching Johnathan and Tenleigh prepare for Baby Opia. It has become so natural and seamless for them now -- mentioning of Baby Opia in conversation, saving selected toys/special clothes, asking questions about Baby Opia, and praying often for him/her. One way that they both consistently keep Baby Opia in their hearts is through pictures.
Absolutely precious and beautiful! Through all of this, Johnny and Tenleigh have never given up hope that some day we will be a family of 5. It just "will be" and that's that.
And so, on that one random Monday night when dinner was on the stove, the kids were at their prime for behavior (read between the lines on that one --- wink!), the dogs were barking like crazy to get outside to our neighbor dog Merlin who again has his little "I'm so ugly I'm cute" face smashed up to our front door windows -- and my poor mom is trying to step in line to this dance that is just our typical chaos at this hour every night -- OF COURSE Ryan's cell phone rings and he feels he must answer it right away because he doesn't recognize the number and "it might be someone trying to reach me about work" (He's leaving for a business trip)...
You know how God sometimes throws us a surprise -- although not a surprise at all to Him!?
Truly the phone call we've been waiting for -- for a VERY LONG TIME ---- and yet, never really knew what in the world the moment would look like (and certainly didn't imagine it to be in the midst of such chaos!) But, as we would find out -- so PERFECT too. I could hear Ryan sound excited on the phone and I wondered if it was maybe a relative of mine or something. He was too "formal-like" for it to have been a friend :) Then I heard him say, "Let me get Katie on the phone!" And when I joined in on the speaker phone and said "Hello?" I didn't quite understand what was going on. And finally I said, "Who is this?" :)
Words completely escaped me as our caseworker started to tell us about this "beautiful 5 month old boy". I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. She emailed us his file right away, and again, in His perfect timing, with my mom visiting us, she snapped some pictures of us as we saw his face for the first time:
My heart was just BURSTING and even as I type this my eyes are full of tears. Sweet, sweet boy -- with beautiful brown eyes, healthy cheeks and chubby fingers that I ache to kiss!!
Tenleigh's first reaction was, "WHAT!? It's a BOY!? I thought it was a SISTER!!" (Not sure if the confusion came from the picture, as Baby Opia was wearing a baby girl's pink & purple sleeper :), or if she really had made up her mind that she'd be getting a sister! :) Johnathan was a bit bashful about it. He had a big smile and then kind of scooted away, as if all the excitement was just "too much". :)
Ryan and I read through the information that we received on this little one and the most amazing thing popped out to us... sweet Baby Opia's Ethiopian given name --- means "Our Hope". That is so meaningful to us. And I can't help but think that perhaps "Little A" (as we'll now call him, for that's the first letter of his name) is also the hope of his birth parents. It is very obvious to me that he had been loved and cared for. His cheeks prove it! :)
And so it is, this little thing called HOPE -- my mom pointed out to me that I had blogged about HOPE a few times earlier; even in my last blog entry! -- has also become so meaningful to us in other ways. A few weeks ago we were VERY surprised to be blessed with a very helpful adoption grant from SHOW HOPE Ministries. I think all of these "Godincedences" are amazing.
Romans 12:12 is so meaningful to us and feels just perfect to our story:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
I love that.
My friends, thank you for sharing in our HOPE and JOY! This little one ignites our hearts! But this is kind of where things really get exciting. Now that we have a face that we already love, and a beautiful name with such special meaning, I find myself having a hard time breathing, if that makes sense. There is still a lot to the process that needs to happen before he is officially our son. We definitely appreciate your prayers as we make make our way to "Our Hope".
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| July 2013, the Children's Chapel lesson was about What God Calls Us To Do. The children were given some time to respond to this, and Johnny responded through picture. He shared that he is carrying Baby Opia (center) into our house, and I'm at the side saying, "Awwww!" |
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| April 2013, Johnathan made a star with our 5 family members. BE is "Baby Ethiopia". |
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| July 2013, Tenleigh drew a picture of our family with lots of letters and sounds! The small yellow one named "O" is for "Opia". |
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| Johnathan's Kindergarten journal on the last day of school. I can tell that he rushed through this one, but it says, "I'm holden Baby Etheopya." |
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| Our Family of Five - by Tenleigh |
Absolutely precious and beautiful! Through all of this, Johnny and Tenleigh have never given up hope that some day we will be a family of 5. It just "will be" and that's that.
And so, on that one random Monday night when dinner was on the stove, the kids were at their prime for behavior (read between the lines on that one --- wink!), the dogs were barking like crazy to get outside to our neighbor dog Merlin who again has his little "I'm so ugly I'm cute" face smashed up to our front door windows -- and my poor mom is trying to step in line to this dance that is just our typical chaos at this hour every night -- OF COURSE Ryan's cell phone rings and he feels he must answer it right away because he doesn't recognize the number and "it might be someone trying to reach me about work" (He's leaving for a business trip)...
You know how God sometimes throws us a surprise -- although not a surprise at all to Him!?
Truly the phone call we've been waiting for -- for a VERY LONG TIME ---- and yet, never really knew what in the world the moment would look like (and certainly didn't imagine it to be in the midst of such chaos!) But, as we would find out -- so PERFECT too. I could hear Ryan sound excited on the phone and I wondered if it was maybe a relative of mine or something. He was too "formal-like" for it to have been a friend :) Then I heard him say, "Let me get Katie on the phone!" And when I joined in on the speaker phone and said "Hello?" I didn't quite understand what was going on. And finally I said, "Who is this?" :)
Words completely escaped me as our caseworker started to tell us about this "beautiful 5 month old boy". I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. She emailed us his file right away, and again, in His perfect timing, with my mom visiting us, she snapped some pictures of us as we saw his face for the first time:
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| The most BEAUTIFUL little brown face I've EVER seen! |
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| A little bit blurry -- but you get the emotions. :) |
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| I think Tenleigh was a little unsure about my tears. :) |
My heart was just BURSTING and even as I type this my eyes are full of tears. Sweet, sweet boy -- with beautiful brown eyes, healthy cheeks and chubby fingers that I ache to kiss!!
Tenleigh's first reaction was, "WHAT!? It's a BOY!? I thought it was a SISTER!!" (Not sure if the confusion came from the picture, as Baby Opia was wearing a baby girl's pink & purple sleeper :), or if she really had made up her mind that she'd be getting a sister! :) Johnathan was a bit bashful about it. He had a big smile and then kind of scooted away, as if all the excitement was just "too much". :)
Ryan and I read through the information that we received on this little one and the most amazing thing popped out to us... sweet Baby Opia's Ethiopian given name --- means "Our Hope". That is so meaningful to us. And I can't help but think that perhaps "Little A" (as we'll now call him, for that's the first letter of his name) is also the hope of his birth parents. It is very obvious to me that he had been loved and cared for. His cheeks prove it! :)
And so it is, this little thing called HOPE -- my mom pointed out to me that I had blogged about HOPE a few times earlier; even in my last blog entry! -- has also become so meaningful to us in other ways. A few weeks ago we were VERY surprised to be blessed with a very helpful adoption grant from SHOW HOPE Ministries. I think all of these "Godincedences" are amazing.
Romans 12:12 is so meaningful to us and feels just perfect to our story:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
I love that.
My friends, thank you for sharing in our HOPE and JOY! This little one ignites our hearts! But this is kind of where things really get exciting. Now that we have a face that we already love, and a beautiful name with such special meaning, I find myself having a hard time breathing, if that makes sense. There is still a lot to the process that needs to happen before he is officially our son. We definitely appreciate your prayers as we make make our way to "Our Hope".
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Homecoming
I've been wanting to blog about some thoughts for quite awhile -- but I really have no idea where to go with these thoughts. And so instead of re-thinking and starting over again and again, I'm just going to go with it.
Some time ago, I received two beautiful cards from two ladies that are very precious to me. One is family, one I love like family. Both are mothers on very challenging journeys. And interestingly enough, neither mother knows the other, but I am their common thread, and I see such parallels in their walks. Their walks are of love and loss and faith and heartache and desperation... and so many things I really have no business trying to understand or write about; but my heart feels for them in new ways since receiving these cards.
For me, this yearning of "coming home" has been for our Little Opia -- this child we do not yet know, have not yet met, but so desperately long for. This wanting to have our child here physically, to care for and love. To add on to our family and give Johnathan and Tenleigh a sibling... It's a strange sort of investment to make; on something/someone we do not yet know. But I remember that instantaneous love for Johnathan and Tenleigh. So different than falling in love and growing to know someone. With my children, I loved them the moment I knew about them.
But for my sweet ladies, C & C (& R) -- they long for a different kind of Homecoming. For their children are already theirs -- they know them, they have raised them, they love them unconditionally -- but they are waiting for them to come home in a different sort of way.
I am so thankful for the perspectives of these other moms in waiting. C, C, and R -- you have been on my heart and mind every day. Now as I anticipate our family's growth, I cannot help but think of your hearts and longings too. I am very blessed to witness and be mentored by your strength, courage and faith. I love you each so much.
As for our Homecoming, I almost hate to put it in writing, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe it won't happen sooner than we had anticipated?!! (We're not complaining though!) Seems as though we're in a season of moving referrals, and we've been moving up the waiting list at a good rate! As of 6/21/13 our wait list numbers are: IG 25, IB 12, TG 18, TB 10. These numbers are our official numbers. We also have unofficial numbers, because there are a number of families on hold in each category. Families may choose to go on hold if they're pregnant or need to gather more funds for example. When a family goes on hold, they're not able to accept a referral. So for us, this means that we "hop over" these families on the wait list. So... our unofficial numbers are: 14, 4, 9, and 4!!!!! I'm trying SO HARD not to be too hopeful, because as we know -- things in the international adoption world are very unpredictable.
But, as I'm also learning from C, C, & R -- we can not lose hope.
XOXO
Some time ago, I received two beautiful cards from two ladies that are very precious to me. One is family, one I love like family. Both are mothers on very challenging journeys. And interestingly enough, neither mother knows the other, but I am their common thread, and I see such parallels in their walks. Their walks are of love and loss and faith and heartache and desperation... and so many things I really have no business trying to understand or write about; but my heart feels for them in new ways since receiving these cards.
For me, this yearning of "coming home" has been for our Little Opia -- this child we do not yet know, have not yet met, but so desperately long for. This wanting to have our child here physically, to care for and love. To add on to our family and give Johnathan and Tenleigh a sibling... It's a strange sort of investment to make; on something/someone we do not yet know. But I remember that instantaneous love for Johnathan and Tenleigh. So different than falling in love and growing to know someone. With my children, I loved them the moment I knew about them.
But for my sweet ladies, C & C (& R) -- they long for a different kind of Homecoming. For their children are already theirs -- they know them, they have raised them, they love them unconditionally -- but they are waiting for them to come home in a different sort of way.
I am so thankful for the perspectives of these other moms in waiting. C, C, and R -- you have been on my heart and mind every day. Now as I anticipate our family's growth, I cannot help but think of your hearts and longings too. I am very blessed to witness and be mentored by your strength, courage and faith. I love you each so much.
As for our Homecoming, I almost hate to put it in writing, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe it won't happen sooner than we had anticipated?!! (We're not complaining though!) Seems as though we're in a season of moving referrals, and we've been moving up the waiting list at a good rate! As of 6/21/13 our wait list numbers are: IG 25, IB 12, TG 18, TB 10. These numbers are our official numbers. We also have unofficial numbers, because there are a number of families on hold in each category. Families may choose to go on hold if they're pregnant or need to gather more funds for example. When a family goes on hold, they're not able to accept a referral. So for us, this means that we "hop over" these families on the wait list. So... our unofficial numbers are: 14, 4, 9, and 4!!!!! I'm trying SO HARD not to be too hopeful, because as we know -- things in the international adoption world are very unpredictable.
But, as I'm also learning from C, C, & R -- we can not lose hope.
XOXO
Monday, June 3, 2013
We Have Movement! :)
Just a quick little update on where things are at in our process! We have moved on the wait list again (see side bar), which is always a good feeling! Even though we have a ways to go, it does feel so good to know that things are moving along. Maybe, just MAYBE we'll have our referral before a year's time!? That is my hope & prayer!
So strange to think that last month, May, was the month we were originally thinking we would receive our referral, prior to everything happening with our former agency's bankruptcy. Also so strange to think that we embarked on this journey a year and a half ago! And all the unexpected changes along the way: thinking we'd adopt domestically, then leaving the meeting ready to adopt from Haiti -- and 6 months later having to switch countries and choosing Ethiopia! Now our 2nd leg into Ethiopia! A friend and I were just discussing how really, truly scary international adoption can be at times. And anyone going into any type of adoption needs to understand that there are risks involved. Adoption really leaves one feeling very vulnerable to the elements unknown.
But we rejoice in any little progress that we have! We also rejoice in special celebrations on the home front! Tenleigh has completed her first year of preschool and just loved it. My heart feels so proud when we hear her teachers share that "she is a friend to all the kids in her class." Tenleigh just loves life and sprinkles joy with everyone. I am so blessed to be her momma.
Johnathan has completed Kindergarten! I can't even believe it! My quieter observer, that loves to learn and ask questions. I am proud of his academic skills, but especially the kind-hearted boy that he is too. I love his gentle spirit.
We're looking forward to the summer together! I am SO blessed that my summers get to be spent with my children. I do not take them for granted! We have lots of fun things planned: T-Ball (for both kids), Johnny will continue with Karate and both kids will enjoy some free art activities that our city plans a few times a month. And of course let's not forget "Grandpa's Lake" (as the kids call it!), which will ensue lots of fishing, play in the water, watering flowers, and playing ball. Our family is also going on our second ever family vacation! We have planned a special camping trip in an RV for a week this summer! :) Fun memories!
So glad to have lots of fun packed into these months as we watch our wait list numbers tick down!
So strange to think that last month, May, was the month we were originally thinking we would receive our referral, prior to everything happening with our former agency's bankruptcy. Also so strange to think that we embarked on this journey a year and a half ago! And all the unexpected changes along the way: thinking we'd adopt domestically, then leaving the meeting ready to adopt from Haiti -- and 6 months later having to switch countries and choosing Ethiopia! Now our 2nd leg into Ethiopia! A friend and I were just discussing how really, truly scary international adoption can be at times. And anyone going into any type of adoption needs to understand that there are risks involved. Adoption really leaves one feeling very vulnerable to the elements unknown.
But we rejoice in any little progress that we have! We also rejoice in special celebrations on the home front! Tenleigh has completed her first year of preschool and just loved it. My heart feels so proud when we hear her teachers share that "she is a friend to all the kids in her class." Tenleigh just loves life and sprinkles joy with everyone. I am so blessed to be her momma.
Johnathan has completed Kindergarten! I can't even believe it! My quieter observer, that loves to learn and ask questions. I am proud of his academic skills, but especially the kind-hearted boy that he is too. I love his gentle spirit.
We're looking forward to the summer together! I am SO blessed that my summers get to be spent with my children. I do not take them for granted! We have lots of fun things planned: T-Ball (for both kids), Johnny will continue with Karate and both kids will enjoy some free art activities that our city plans a few times a month. And of course let's not forget "Grandpa's Lake" (as the kids call it!), which will ensue lots of fishing, play in the water, watering flowers, and playing ball. Our family is also going on our second ever family vacation! We have planned a special camping trip in an RV for a week this summer! :) Fun memories!
So glad to have lots of fun packed into these months as we watch our wait list numbers tick down!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Let's Re-Think This!
About 2 years ago, I remember very distinctly praying a constant prayer ... it was, "Unsettle me, Lord." I don't know what I was thinking, exactly. Maybe something along the lines of... "stir something inside me...." or "move your Spirit through me..." You know, something that didn't actually require any work or too much emotion on my end. Just kind of -- "here I am, Lord -- but don't do anything too big..."
But apparently God listens to our prayers. He's been known to do that sort of thing I guess. And not only listen to our prayers, He actually moves things in heaven at the prompt of our prayers. Pretty awesome -- I'm just not loving the emotions tied to this rubble that He's shaking up in me... albeit at my request.
So let's talk rubble ---
I recently attended an amazing Christian women's conference with a great friend. One of the speakers happened to be one of my favorite Bible study authors, Kelly Minter. Kelly spoke about the book of Nehemiah, and the re-building of the wall -- and with that re-building, there is always rubble. Kelly so wisely pointed out the obvious: the only difference between building and re-building is rubble. In hearing Kelly share her wisdom, I was brought back to my prayer two years ago, "Unsettle me." I may as well have said, "Lord, there's a lot of rubble going on here -- shake it up. Move it. Re-build something in me..."
I can very strongly identify 3 major Shake Ups going on within me right now. One is obviously the orphan crisis and orphan justice. While God spoke adoption on our hearts 4 years ago (whew! I can't believe it's been 4 years!), it's only been the last year and a half that I've really felt a shake up towards the orphan crisis. I'm even a little bit embarrassed to say that I never fully understood the depth of the orphan crisis until we started our adoption a year and a half ago. And speaking of this understanding -- the documentary STUCK (!) Ryan and I were so blessed to see this film last week in Minneapolis. Truly a film that every. person. must. see. It's not a plea for people to adopt internationally. I fully understand that adoption is not for everyone; nor should it be. But I do believe that every person needs to understand what it going on around the globe with our orphans. We will be buying the DVD, and have been praying about ways to raise awareness. I also read a book called Orphan Justice -- which I personally believe every Christian needs to read.
So speaking of Christians. I am a Christian, trying to be like Jesus and love the poor and fatherless. I wear t-shrits that promote this. Heck, we're even selling the t-shirts. I have sold beautiful Haitian jewelry for the Haitian men and women so that they do not have to release their children to orphanages. I teach Kindergarten at a Christian early childhood learning center, and in most cases, the Kindergarten classroom is the only "taste" of Christ that the children and families may have. Ryan and I strive to be spiritual parents that walk alongside the Holy Spirit in raising Johnathan and Tenleigh to know the love of Christ. We're very active in our church and try to be very active in our community too, as disciples of Jesus. Disciples.... a very important word here. Now please don't misunderstand. I don't share these examples because I think we're wonderful. I share them because last night in my prayer time I clearly heard the Lord pointing these things out to me, and then say, .... "But you stink at being 'Jesus in the flesh' to a select few people right under your nose, that do not yet know Me, that you push away..." Sigh. Yes. I do. And I have been for many years. Rubble. Lots of rubble here. This wall -- will take time to re-build. But as much as I want to say, "Ahhh... this prayer... anywhere but here, Lord..." I must continue, "Unsettle me, Lord."
Then there's this third Shake Up. It's more of a personal Shake Up. And one I'm not sure I will disclose at this time. But people closest to me know and understand. This Shake Up is a re-building of my spirit. My inward rubble, affecting my outer self.
Right now I'm reading a new (to me) book by Kelly Minter. It's called The Fitting Room. I picked it up because the back says, "An irresistible invitation to a spiritual makeover." It's like it was written for me. Kelly is saying, "Girlfriend, you need a new wardrobe. Peace, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience...."
Yes, let's re-think this unsettled rubble. I am not building for others (orphans, my children, my Kindergarten families, Haiti...). I am in the middle of a spiritual re-build for me.
But apparently God listens to our prayers. He's been known to do that sort of thing I guess. And not only listen to our prayers, He actually moves things in heaven at the prompt of our prayers. Pretty awesome -- I'm just not loving the emotions tied to this rubble that He's shaking up in me... albeit at my request.
So let's talk rubble ---
I recently attended an amazing Christian women's conference with a great friend. One of the speakers happened to be one of my favorite Bible study authors, Kelly Minter. Kelly spoke about the book of Nehemiah, and the re-building of the wall -- and with that re-building, there is always rubble. Kelly so wisely pointed out the obvious: the only difference between building and re-building is rubble. In hearing Kelly share her wisdom, I was brought back to my prayer two years ago, "Unsettle me." I may as well have said, "Lord, there's a lot of rubble going on here -- shake it up. Move it. Re-build something in me..."
I can very strongly identify 3 major Shake Ups going on within me right now. One is obviously the orphan crisis and orphan justice. While God spoke adoption on our hearts 4 years ago (whew! I can't believe it's been 4 years!), it's only been the last year and a half that I've really felt a shake up towards the orphan crisis. I'm even a little bit embarrassed to say that I never fully understood the depth of the orphan crisis until we started our adoption a year and a half ago. And speaking of this understanding -- the documentary STUCK (!) Ryan and I were so blessed to see this film last week in Minneapolis. Truly a film that every. person. must. see. It's not a plea for people to adopt internationally. I fully understand that adoption is not for everyone; nor should it be. But I do believe that every person needs to understand what it going on around the globe with our orphans. We will be buying the DVD, and have been praying about ways to raise awareness. I also read a book called Orphan Justice -- which I personally believe every Christian needs to read.
So speaking of Christians. I am a Christian, trying to be like Jesus and love the poor and fatherless. I wear t-shrits that promote this. Heck, we're even selling the t-shirts. I have sold beautiful Haitian jewelry for the Haitian men and women so that they do not have to release their children to orphanages. I teach Kindergarten at a Christian early childhood learning center, and in most cases, the Kindergarten classroom is the only "taste" of Christ that the children and families may have. Ryan and I strive to be spiritual parents that walk alongside the Holy Spirit in raising Johnathan and Tenleigh to know the love of Christ. We're very active in our church and try to be very active in our community too, as disciples of Jesus. Disciples.... a very important word here. Now please don't misunderstand. I don't share these examples because I think we're wonderful. I share them because last night in my prayer time I clearly heard the Lord pointing these things out to me, and then say, .... "But you stink at being 'Jesus in the flesh' to a select few people right under your nose, that do not yet know Me, that you push away..." Sigh. Yes. I do. And I have been for many years. Rubble. Lots of rubble here. This wall -- will take time to re-build. But as much as I want to say, "Ahhh... this prayer... anywhere but here, Lord..." I must continue, "Unsettle me, Lord."
Then there's this third Shake Up. It's more of a personal Shake Up. And one I'm not sure I will disclose at this time. But people closest to me know and understand. This Shake Up is a re-building of my spirit. My inward rubble, affecting my outer self.
Right now I'm reading a new (to me) book by Kelly Minter. It's called The Fitting Room. I picked it up because the back says, "An irresistible invitation to a spiritual makeover." It's like it was written for me. Kelly is saying, "Girlfriend, you need a new wardrobe. Peace, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience...."
Yes, let's re-think this unsettled rubble. I am not building for others (orphans, my children, my Kindergarten families, Haiti...). I am in the middle of a spiritual re-build for me.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
"Mommy, Tell Me a Story"
Usually Grandma is the one that the kids beg to hear stories from. Grandma's stories are magical. She paints pictures with her words, and the kids eat it up! Night-time story-telling with Grandma has become a special tradition and memories-in-the-making for Johnathan and Tenleigh. Johnathan is usually a paleontologist digging up dinosaur bones in our backyard, or raising his own pet dinosaur. Tenleigh's stories usually involve unicorns, sparkles, rainbows, and princess tales. (I have a hunch Tenleigh is quite the co-narrator with Grandma, and tells her what to include in her tales!) ;)
But last night I had the privilege of being asked to make up and tell a story.
"Mommy, tell me a story", Tenleigh said as we snuggled.
"Oohh I like that. Good idea."
"Tell me a story about Baby Opia."
Oh my heart.
I often wonder what it is that triggers my sweet 6 year old and 4 year old to start asking about, and thinking about, Baby Opia. Ryan and I really don't spend a lot of time talking about Baby Opia or the adoption. The process and timeframe is just so difficult for the kids to understand. But we do pray about him or her every night at bedtime, and it seems as though different things spark their little hearts. Tenleigh will find a toy and decide that she's going to give it to Baby Opia. Or today when I was reading a folktale from Africa to my Kinders, Johnathan chimed in about our adoption. Again. It's sometimes hard to tell what exactly they understand about this whole deal. But what I DO know, is that their hearts are very sincere and sweet, and they are R--E-A-D-Y for another sibling! :)
And speaking of READY -- I am more than ready for summer!! Ready to be with my sweet loves at home, walking or riding bikes to the park, playing with bubbles and sand toys, going to "Grandpa's Lake", and watching their T-Ball games. I wonder if this will be our last summer as a family of 4!? We kinda think so, and so have been planning some sort of simple, yet special family get-away during the summer some time. Maybe camping?? That's totally Ryan's cup of tea, but not so much mine. :) I'm willing to try most anything, but not so sure I'll be good at the whole adventure of roughing it! ;) I must say that I do love my toilets, beds above ground, and clean water.
Probably will be many stories that I'll be able to share with the kids -- or rather, they'll be sharing about me (!) once our camping get-away has come and gone. :)
But last night I had the privilege of being asked to make up and tell a story.
"Mommy, tell me a story", Tenleigh said as we snuggled.
"Oohh I like that. Good idea."
"Tell me a story about Baby Opia."
Oh my heart.
I often wonder what it is that triggers my sweet 6 year old and 4 year old to start asking about, and thinking about, Baby Opia. Ryan and I really don't spend a lot of time talking about Baby Opia or the adoption. The process and timeframe is just so difficult for the kids to understand. But we do pray about him or her every night at bedtime, and it seems as though different things spark their little hearts. Tenleigh will find a toy and decide that she's going to give it to Baby Opia. Or today when I was reading a folktale from Africa to my Kinders, Johnathan chimed in about our adoption. Again. It's sometimes hard to tell what exactly they understand about this whole deal. But what I DO know, is that their hearts are very sincere and sweet, and they are R--E-A-D-Y for another sibling! :)
And speaking of READY -- I am more than ready for summer!! Ready to be with my sweet loves at home, walking or riding bikes to the park, playing with bubbles and sand toys, going to "Grandpa's Lake", and watching their T-Ball games. I wonder if this will be our last summer as a family of 4!? We kinda think so, and so have been planning some sort of simple, yet special family get-away during the summer some time. Maybe camping?? That's totally Ryan's cup of tea, but not so much mine. :) I'm willing to try most anything, but not so sure I'll be good at the whole adventure of roughing it! ;) I must say that I do love my toilets, beds above ground, and clean water.
Probably will be many stories that I'll be able to share with the kids -- or rather, they'll be sharing about me (!) once our camping get-away has come and gone. :)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Nitty-Gritty Update
I realized after visiting with some family this weekend, that I haven't really shared the nitty-gritty of where we're at with our adoption! So here it is:
We signed with a new adoption agency about two weeks ago. This was a huge relief for us! It took truly several weeks of researching agencies. This involved emails, phone calls, and more and more of that! And just when we'd think we were getting close to narrowing down our options, a wrench would come into the works, leaving us with more research. But, we do feel very good about our new agency! The Operational Manager told me on the phone, "Remember Katie, there is no 'try' this time. Unless Ethiopia closes the door, you will bring a child home!" That felt so good to hear -- mostly because he was recognizing that this road has not been easy for us as this is our third time around. We got the sense that our new agency will really take good care of us! We only needed to revise 4 items from our original dossier, and these are all done and ready to go! Now we are only waiting for a letter from our insurance company stating that our adoptive child will be covered under our insurance. Let's hope that comes quickly! As soon as that arrives, we will be able to send everything off to Washington, DC again for certification (again) and then it's off to Ethiopia! (again) :)
But the GREAT news is that we are officially on the wait lists again in Ethiopia!! Our new agency has allowed us to be on the wait list at the time of contracting with them, rather than waiting until our dossier went to Ethiopia again. We are on 4 lists at this time: infant girl #40, infant boy #26, toddler girl #28, and toddler boy #20. These numbers include the families that are currently on-hold (meaning they can not accept referrals at this time), so we're actually a bit ahead of these numbers. Our wait time for referral will probably be 9-12 months. I'm praying for sooner, of course -- but I also know that realistically we could not accept a referral too soon because we will need the time to secure the needed funds. Our GoFund Me button says 100% raised, but this covers the first fees to our agency only. Still trying to prepare for in-country fees and travel expenses. But of course we're VERY VERY thankful for these first fees being covered by the help of so many!!
We've also been working hard to apply for a few grants. The last two times we were able to work things out on our own financially, but we decided that this time we would be seeking assistance. This has been my very least favorite part of this process so far! Most grants require mini essays from both parents, as well as various items such as tax information, pay check stubs, and credit scores. Ugh. It's like pulling horses' teeth trying to get these things done! Definitely not easy to do with both of us working very full jobs and trying to keep the balance at home too, for Johnathan and Tenleigh.
So that's the nitty-gritty -- with faith and hope, still truckin' along! :)
We signed with a new adoption agency about two weeks ago. This was a huge relief for us! It took truly several weeks of researching agencies. This involved emails, phone calls, and more and more of that! And just when we'd think we were getting close to narrowing down our options, a wrench would come into the works, leaving us with more research. But, we do feel very good about our new agency! The Operational Manager told me on the phone, "Remember Katie, there is no 'try' this time. Unless Ethiopia closes the door, you will bring a child home!" That felt so good to hear -- mostly because he was recognizing that this road has not been easy for us as this is our third time around. We got the sense that our new agency will really take good care of us! We only needed to revise 4 items from our original dossier, and these are all done and ready to go! Now we are only waiting for a letter from our insurance company stating that our adoptive child will be covered under our insurance. Let's hope that comes quickly! As soon as that arrives, we will be able to send everything off to Washington, DC again for certification (again) and then it's off to Ethiopia! (again) :)
But the GREAT news is that we are officially on the wait lists again in Ethiopia!! Our new agency has allowed us to be on the wait list at the time of contracting with them, rather than waiting until our dossier went to Ethiopia again. We are on 4 lists at this time: infant girl #40, infant boy #26, toddler girl #28, and toddler boy #20. These numbers include the families that are currently on-hold (meaning they can not accept referrals at this time), so we're actually a bit ahead of these numbers. Our wait time for referral will probably be 9-12 months. I'm praying for sooner, of course -- but I also know that realistically we could not accept a referral too soon because we will need the time to secure the needed funds. Our GoFund Me button says 100% raised, but this covers the first fees to our agency only. Still trying to prepare for in-country fees and travel expenses. But of course we're VERY VERY thankful for these first fees being covered by the help of so many!!
We've also been working hard to apply for a few grants. The last two times we were able to work things out on our own financially, but we decided that this time we would be seeking assistance. This has been my very least favorite part of this process so far! Most grants require mini essays from both parents, as well as various items such as tax information, pay check stubs, and credit scores. Ugh. It's like pulling horses' teeth trying to get these things done! Definitely not easy to do with both of us working very full jobs and trying to keep the balance at home too, for Johnathan and Tenleigh.
So that's the nitty-gritty -- with faith and hope, still truckin' along! :)
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