a boy and his...

...old, worn-out Basset Hound.

RA and kid-talks-orphans

In Wal-Mart today, I had the following *precious* conversation with a beautiful little Hispanic girl (maybe 7 or 8 yrs old) ahead of us in the check-out line. Although, her first question was actually, "Is that a boy or a girl?"

Little Girl: Is that your son?

Me: Yes, he is!

Little Girl: I'm just asking, 'cuz he's brown and you're white.

Me: Uh-huh.

Little Girl: He must be brown like his daddy.

Me: Actually, he was adopted by us.

Little Girl: Was he like an orphan?

Me: Yes, he was.

Little Girl: Did he live in an orphanage?

Me: Yes, he did.

Little Girl: You adopted an orphan!!!

Me: Well, he's not an orphan anymore! He has a mommy and a daddy now!

Little Girl: Awwww. He's beautiful.

Her mother then chimed-in, saying isn't that a good thing they did, and then whisked her away before the little girl could begin with a hundred more questions.

We also received the hard-copy of our Referral Approval confirmation, which we immediately signed, and will mail to China tomorrow (via our agency)! The RA basically says that China (the CCAA) approves us to adopt Judah Fu Xue, and requires our signature as evidence that we still intend to adopt him. I still have more paperwork to complete this week, regarding visas and travel...but, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

sometimes...

...I want to be one of those families.
You know, that family who's adoption paperwork always arrives earlier than expected. That family who finds a mystery check in the mail. Or a pile of cash on their doorstep.

I could go on and on...

I don't always think about being one of those families. Just sometimes.

We sent our letter of intent (requesting to move ahead with Judah's adoption) on July 28th. The estimated time-frame to receive China's response is 2-4 weeks. And we've been waiting 12 days. Prideful 'ol-arrogant-me just knew we'd hear something sooner. I don't know why I do this to myself! Why can't I just mind the typical time-frames, and chill??!!

Well, I know why -- because I stalk the date logs of hundreds of families on chat groups and blogs. And, some families (those families) have received their pre-approval in less than 2 weeks.

Guess it's not really that big of a deal. All the paper work will fall into place in God's perfect timing, according to His perfect plan. I trust that, and I really am at peace with that most-comforting truth! Maybe the legalistic side of me (which is obvioulsy dying a slow-death) thinks that being one of those families would suggest we've earned an extra-measure of God's favor. Kind of like my drooling-Basset Hound, who always demands extra attention when I don't have time. Or that pesky co-worker (back in my medical technologist-days), who always needed affirmation and approval when I wasn't in the mood.

But, God isn't like that.

He doesn't tease me with the notion that I could experience His love.
He never withholds it, and I don't have to earn it.
He simply loves me.
And He loves me completely, and fully.

So whether our pre-approval arrives on day 13, or day 33, I can trust the out-come to be perfect. And we may never be one of those families...but, we're His family. And for that we can celebrate on day 12, day 13, and day 33!

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
Ps 84:11

no dirty word

Discipline, that is.
I don't consider it to be a dirty word by any of it's definitions - especially regarding chastisement or self-control.

He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray. Prov 5:23

Discipline is heavy on my mind as I sit on my couch. Day 2 of 2010. If I chose to not revisit what Scripture teaches about discipline, then I will likely wake-up on day 364 of 2010 with an unruly child, and an uncared-for spirit and body. God's gifts of life and grace...wasted.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid. Prov 12:1

Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. Prov 13:24

Because we began 2009 with a relocation, job change, and adoption, I felt like I spent most of the year picking up debris from a train-wreck. By no means were the changes bad--it was just a lot to absorb in a short period of time. But 2010 still has all its potential brimming, and I want to maximize on the health of my mind and body, an the youth of my son!! Not to mention Vince's benefit of my personal discipline as well. (And my church, and my community, and my family....)

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Cor 9:27

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Heb 12:11

What exactly will discipline look like for me this year? While I'm still praying about that, asking God to give me clear vision and goals, I imagine that the focus of my efforts will involve Bible-study. 2009 was not my greatest season of studying God's Word. Although it was an AMAZING year, and although God sustained me often by His Words planted in my heart in year's gone by, I found myself too often running on empty. I cannot give when I'm empty, and I certainly cannot give anything of value when I wander into the 'valley of dry bones'.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

The key to a productive 2010 for any of us is discipline. Godly discipline. It's not easy, and it won't happen accidentally. The pursuit of discipline must become a passion. An here's where I have to be careful! It's easy for me to get excited about the pursuit of discipline for reasons of personal achievement. But the pursuit of discipline must always and only be for the purpose of Godliness. And a passion for Godliness only comes from and is only fulfilled by God alone.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10

d e c e m b e r

Which kingdom are you waiting for?

Are you waiting for God's Kingdom...Christ's return? Or, are you waiting for the same kingdom Jesus' disciples where hoping for?

A Heavenly Kingdom...or, an earthly one??

I often get the two confused myself. My focus shifts from the Kingdom the Bible tells us to prepare and look for, to a different kingdom. The one that Jesus enables Christians to set-up on earth -- here and now. You know, the one where we over-throw secular oppression and set-up a Christian theocracy (like in the Old Testament). Although, I'm not sure what benefit we'd actually seek in a Christian theocracy: prayer back in school, 10-commandments displayed in the public square...ho-hum

Hmmm...funny...Scripture doesn't really foretell of a kingdom like that, yet we all keep looking for it. Well, at least I often do. Why else am I glued to Fox News every night? I keep watching for the victory...whatever that is.

In the very same way, Jesus' disciples were sick of Roman oppression. And the Israelites were especially weary of their legacy...misplaced, enslaved... They were ready for Jesus to set-up an earthly kingdom that would finally give them the status and good-life they deserved. Even on the night before his Crucifixion, they still didn't get it. Hadn't they endured enough?...that's all they could worry about.

...Haven't we endured enough?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1-4

...or, have we??
The passage above silences my opinions...immediately!

Ahhhh -- Truly, I'm sick of watching Fox News (with all due respect). I'm sick of making God a conservative who can't accomplish His plan. (Dare I say that God is neither liberal or conservation...He is God. What need does He have to take sides!)

Socialized medicine? Bring it on. Iran developing nucs? Who cares. Will either of these events undermine God's sovereignty? No! Would these events prevent me or you from following Jesus? I pray not!

No, I don't really want socialized medicine or Iran stock-piling nucs. But I do need to put both of those possibilities (and many other hypotheticals) back under the umbrella of God's sovereignty!

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:12-14

It's time for me to replace secular propaganda (however accurate it may be) with God's holiness. It's time for me to return to seeking the true Kingdom. It's time for me to be about the business of treasures in Heaven, not treasures on earth. Capitalism is fleeting, and so is this world...but the Word and Will of the Lord will remain forever!

This is what God is calling us to...this is what should be our concern:
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
Hebrews 12:28- 13:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:12-16

Amen.

Happy New Year!!

We’ve enjoyed our leap into 2009!!
We had dinner with Ryan (from Springfield) & Anna on New Year’s Eve, then hung around the house on New Year’s day & met several of our neighbors (BTW, some gave us a ton of boy clothes…thanks Holley & Geoff)!! Oh – and, of course, watched some football.

Yesterday, we made a trip to a local clinic to get yet ANOTHER physical exam for yet ANOTHER home study update…insane, I know. But it was a great experience! Our physician was so encouraging about our adoption – and, he prayed for us, Little Martin & our new ministry here at HSBC. What a blessing!!

Other than that, I‘ve been like a mad-woman getting ready for our trip to Ethiopia. It really is quite an undertaking…doubled, since I’m a first-time mommy. Bottles, clothes, meds, diapers…donations...plus, all the gear that we’ll need as soon as we land in Birmingham. I must admit, it’s so much fun getting prepared for our little guy (praying every step of the way)!!

Thank all you for your continued prayers:
- Little Martin’s physical, mental, emotional & spiritual health!
- A successful court appointment on 2/2/2009!
- For Vince & I to enjoy each other while we’re still “2”!
- For our diligent spiritual & emotional preparation to be parents!

just thinking out-loud

As the time draws closer to bring our little boy home, I get more and more excited. Not only because I will be a mother, and NOT because we’re attempting to fill some void in our marriage…no, my excitement bubbles up from an expectancy that really has very little to do with me at all…

So, what is my idea of motherhood?
Motherhood, whether through birth or adoption, is a gift from God. And I believe that each individual combination of mother and child(ren) is ordained by God, and that each combination is pregnant with purpose, and hope.

And why do I strive to be a mother?
That’s a good question. My answer today is probably much different than it would have been several years ago (and, hopefully, this answer will mature increasingly in the years to come).

But my answer today is: hope.

Not ‘wishful-thinking’ hope, but ‘expecting’ hope. When I look back over my life and contemplate how God has revealed Himself to me through circumstances and relationships, I am able to put together the pieces of something very deliberate. A process. A purpose. I struggle to put it into words.

There is a great joy and certain satisfaction found when the meaning of life is grasped – there’s even greater significance when you’ve drawn near to the Creator of life. Through God’s Word, prayer and fellowship with other Christ-followers, I’ve intimately experienced the very character and essence of God. And it is in knowing God that I have been consumed by this ‘expecting’ hope.
And from this God-given hope, a hunger for motherhood has also surfaced. Again, God’s plan:

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…"
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God blessed them.
And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…”

See the progression? God blesses and commands to mankind to multiply and fill the earth. But what was it that God blessed? Look closely: the creation, in His own image and likeness…this is what He desires to be duplicated!! Not simply our mutated genes that proliferate disease and indifference, but His perfect holiness.

Wow. Where am I going with this?

A mother can fulfill many roles, but after studying God’s Word, I believe a ‘mother’ is at foremost a ‘teacher’. “…forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” (Pr 6:20-22)

My hope for motherhood is to be obedient to God, and faithful to my children. Obedient to God’s purpose for me to live a holy life, and faithfulness to teach my children God’s precepts and wisdom. I fight every day to not numbly coast through life, but to be proactive, deliberate, purposeful.

What is my hope?

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed…
Prov 31:25-28

YES...I am a slacker!!!

I confess!!!
I've been pathetic about updating our blog, especially during this season in our lives when there's been so much to talk about!! We are settled in AL and made it through Christmas. Although, for some reason it just didn't feel like Christmas! Don't get me wrong...we contemplated and celebrated Jesus...but, "something" was just missing!! Hmmmm, wonder "who" that could be??? :)

Actually, yesterday felt more like Christmas to us than the 25th (hey, no one can prove Jesus was born on the 25th anyway) -- we received pictures from the Caldwell's, who delivered Little Martin's care package for us. It was so wonderful to see him holding his stuffed lion, with our photo album/pictures lying next to him. There were also pictures of Rebecca picking him up and holding him close...my heart just melted!!!

The Caldwell's, Stager's, Burk's & Witter's are all safely home with their children (check out their blogs, they have wonderful stories). And the Tennant's, Savage's & Sparr's are spending their first night with their children in Ethiopia!

Here are some Christmas pics:

When we arrived at Vince's parents, we noticed there were 6 stockings on the mantle...but only 5 nephews/niece would be opening gifts on Christmas...hmmm, wonder who the mystery stocking could be for??? THANK YOU MiMi and PaPa!!!

Our last Christmas with just the two of us!

Our most prized gift (besides our new pictures)...a new camcorder!!!
Boy, are we cruel...hand them gifts, and then make them pose for pictures...hee hee!

New Places

Here's Vince with our care-package for Little Martin...it's heading to Ethiopia with the Caldwell's today!!! (check-out their blog...little Caleb is a doll!!!!) We could only send a one-gallon ziplock because space is limited...it's amazing what you can cram into one!!!

Here is our new/temporary home. We'll rent for the first year so we can get familiar with the community. This house is on the outskirts of town...I'd like to eventually be closer (ahhh...city girl), but in our current location you can certainly get more house for the money.

This is our new church home, Hunter Street Baptist Church -- we already feel like family here!!

Ugh...still no internet service...

But I still wanted to give you a quick update! We have not received any additional info regarding our son, nor have we received court or travel info...which is common. I'm sure our agency is focused on preparing the paperwork for the next families who will be receiving their referrals (hopefully before Christmas)! Our agency will also close for Christmas and New Year which will cause a few delays.

We're doing great -- getting settled in our new home & church in AL (by the way, it's almost 70 degrees today...ahhhh). I haven't started on Little Martin's room yet (still trying to clear out boxes), but I have made my list of all I need to do/get so we can start ASAP. I'm still feeling a little overwhelmed about being a first-time mommy...the baby paraphernalia is endless!!

We've also been super busy switching our home study from MO to AL...God's grace is definitely carrying me through--I am so paper work-weary!! But, God has been one step ahead of our transition, and led us to an awesome agency who is expediting our case so we can travel on time!!

Please continue to pray for Little Martin's health and paper work, and our spiritual and physical preparation!!

Celebrating Little Martin...

with wonderful, wonderful friends...

God is bigger than...

adoption...home studies...real estate...address changes

Our home is on the market and we're having an open-house this Sunday...watching for God's plan...we will rejoice when He reveals it...even in our uncertainty, we rejoice still...

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert.

Ish 43:19

just for fun!!!

some random snap-shots...oh, and, news yet :)

This past weekend my cousin, Susan, and her husband, Steve, were visiting the St Louis area...they actually traveled from Ohio to attend Poco's 4oth reunion...so, we met for lunch in Rolla!

Our niece, Mary Claire, sent a gift for the 'babies'...two rubber duckies! She also picked out the piece of pottery they are perched on...their nest....so cute!

A boy and his dog...well, actually, my dog!
Vince inherited Kobi when we got married...but, they have become quite the duo!

Gloria a Dios!!!

Thank you for your prayers! The Nicaraguan men's & women's conferences were greatly successful. The women were so hungry to hear & apply God's Word. Please continue to pray for the men & women - most struggle with 'perseverance of the saints' - which has become very distracting for many. And, because of the Nicaraguan culture, many of the men are involved in extra-marital relationships. In spite of their struggles, their hearts are very tender & I am confident God led many in repentance & spiritual growth!

This is the hotel, Casa Mateo, where we stayed at while in Jinotepe, Nicaragua...very cool...like an old western/spanish movie. The owners are Believers and use the hotel's revenue to minister in Nicaragua.

This is the church where the women's conference was held - as you can see, it's location was perfect for passers-by to hear God's Word being taught...we left the windows & doors wide open for all to hear!

This is the couple who pastors the church we used...an amazing family with huge hearts!

Ladies waiting to register for the conference...pastors, pastor's wives & various church leadership came from near & far. Many denominations were represented as well.

By the end of the week, we had 90+ women in attendance. Many brought their children, too. The children were exemplary -- they would sit patiently for the entire day.

Nicaraguan children are beautiful...look at those big brown eyes!!

Worship -- and let me tell you, Nica women know how to worship!!

(L to R) Me; Rebecca Loge (a missionary in Nica -- she is a member of our church & works with Project Hope); Terri Baer (an IMB missionary in Paraguay -- she & her hubby served previously in Chile for 25 years!!)

Terri served as our translator. Her Spanish is excellent! She definitely gave me an extra measure of confidence - I knew she could effectively convey the lessons cross-culture, without compromising the Gospel.


Snack time! As part of the conference we provided two snacks and lunch. We also reimbursed them for their cab fares/travel expenses each day.

At the end of the week, we gave each woman and a box filled with goodies & a certificate with their name, recognizing their participation in the conference -- both items were very special to them!

Me & Rebecca - she's been in Managua for two years. Her presence was such a blessing! She not only helped us communicate with the Nica women, but was able to minister to many of them - they connected with her immediately!

The two men in the middle are Edgar & Miguel. The flew in for the conference & are in-training to pastor Second's church-plant in Monzanillo, MX.


(L to R) Terri Baer (IMB missionary in Paraguay); Alvaro Alvarez- he is the brains behind the Pastor's Conferences & his passion is discipling pastors all over Middle America; Vince, my dear hubby.

On the final day of the conference, the women in attendance presented Brenda, Shirley, Terri & myself a gift of appreciation. I was completely caught off-guard and extremely moved by their kindness. I will treasure these items always!!

Adoption Update: Referrals were issued while we were in Nicaragua. We had internet access at the hotel & were able to keep informed. As we landed in Springfield on Friday, we checked email once again to see if any additional referrals were issued, and one more was. This family is not far ahead of us in the wait, so we couldn't help but get even more excited! And then, we saw that Vince had a missed call from a 703 # (AWAA's area code) -- we were still on the plane and about to completely freak-out (for lack of a better word). When we checked the voice mail it was indeed Duni, but she was only returning our phone call regarding an immigration issue from the week before --- so disappointing!!! We tried to call her back, but she had already gone home for the day...ugh! But we're still hopeful...soon...

Please pray for our trip to Nicaragua, 9/20-26th

Safety & health: air/road travel, food, water

Conference leaders:
John, Shirley, Stanley, Brenda, Harold, Mike, Vince, Alisa, Terri, Rebecca, Alvaro
Proclaim God’s Word, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, compassion & respect for the people of Nicaragua; unity among our group
(I will be teaching from the Beatitudes)

Conference attendees:
Bonding & trust between us & those in attendance
Rain to NOT hinder attendance
Pastors- a commitment to be challenged by God’s Word, despite cultural beliefs/practices; passion to accurately study, apply & preach truth of God’s Word
Pastor’s wives- deeper understanding of respecting & serving husbands, despite cultural beliefs/practices; devotion & compassion to the women & children in their congregation & community

Congregations represented at conference:
Conviction of sin, and repentance
Assurance of salvation (by faith, not works)
Commitment to their local body of believers; commitment to their families

Last, but not least, our adoption & our child’s paper work…the details are coming together on the other side of the world, but until things are finalized in Ethiopia, we continue to wait to meet God’s child for us.

Waiting for their cousin!!!

My sister-in-law, Kim, shared this with me last week about our niece, Mary Claire:

I wish you could hear Mary Claire pray for you, Vince and your babies. She always prays that you will get them soon, and then she prays that the babies will like you and Vince ...it is funny, and sweet, too.

Mary Claire, we ask God for those very same things!!!

Last fall, we shared with our family that we were pursuing an adoption from Ethiopia. Some time during the Christmas holidays, Spence (Mary Claire's 7 year-old brother) appeared and asked Vince, "Will he be able to play baseball?"

And Vince -- who was utterly confused because the question was so random; we had not even talked about the adoption that day -- responded, "Will who be able to play base ball?"

And Spence said, "You know, that boy."

Still confused, Vince said, "What boy?"

Frustrated, Spence exclaimed, "That boy you're getting from Africa!"

Ah ha! Vince then told Spence that he'd get to teach him (or her) how to play baseball!!

Spence grinned and said, "OK!" His heart obvioulsy at peace again, knowing that little kids from Africa are athletes, too!

Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!

Eureka Springs!

Take what you can get...at least that's my opinion when it comes to getting-away with my hubby! Yesterday, we made a mad dash to Eureka Springs for an over-night stay. We lodged at a wonderful bed and breakfast, had dinner last night, and did some shopping this afternoon. We've not been to Eureka Springs before, and I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area. It's a charming town in the mountains -- actually, reminiscent of New Orleans -- with fun places to eat, nature to explore, and a quite eccentric atmosphere.

bed and breakfast...

complete with wild-life...
YES, Mr. Healthy ate the french toast souffle!

loved the shops...

and more shops...

NOTE TO SELF: do not plan get-away during major televised sporting event, unless destination has no TV's..hee hee