Well its been a while since I posted, most of you know my Dad passed away on he day of my last post, our wedding anniversary, June 25th. He died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He is home with my King now and he would not want to come back even if he could. Its been hard. Losing a parent as I am sure many of you know, is really something strange and difficult to make it through. On the way home from the hospital the night he died, God gave us a beautiful rainbow, my son Josh said it looked like it stretched all the way from our home to the hospital. It was comforting and it had tears streaming down my face. God was reminding me that he keeps his promises. I will see my Dad again!
We also received additional bad news this past Thursday on the adoption front. We received a letter from Shaohannahs Hope. They are not able to grant us any money to assist with the adoption. Sometimes its hard to know what Gods plan is but all we know is that he has a plan and so we will continue moving forward in faith. Sometimes you just have to wait on God.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Adoption day at the West home
Ok now that I have your attention- haha, the next 2 weeks my company will be in shutdown so I will be off work. Lisa and I plan to have an "adoption day" where we will be running all over Gods creation taking care of all sorts of paperwork needed for the dossier stage we are in. We recently received an email from Holt stating they are in need of dossier approved families as they are running short right now and have kids for families that will have to wait. We hope to be able to get this done in a month or so. We have $1700 left of adoption funds we raised, the fee is $2700 but we sold our swimming pool and should be able to pay this fee in a month or so. Pray we get through all of the detailed paperwork without any problems. Once we are through this stage all we have left is the final stage which is $9000 or so.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Its been a while
Sorry that it has been so long since I posted, we have been very busy with softball, home fixes and we went on vacation to Savannah GA 2 weeks ago and had a great time. We swapped homes with a great family who had a wedding near our home the same week. It was a very cool way to go and it allowed us to have a very inexpensive getaway.
Please pray for us as we should be hearing soon if we will receive a grant from Shaohannas Hope. Also please pray for my 2 older sons, they are on a missions trip this week here in Ohio on a local missions outreach.
Please pray for us as we should be hearing soon if we will receive a grant from Shaohannas Hope. Also please pray for my 2 older sons, they are on a missions trip this week here in Ohio on a local missions outreach.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A child shall lead them
We have a dear friend who is a wonderful mother. She recently shared a story with me about her daughters. They were all playing house the other day and they were going to an orphanage to adopt children. She said if I could have only seen the tenderness in her girls as they chose their babies at the orphanage and how they were struggling with the thought of leaving any of the children behind. Then she shared with me how one of her girls she found one day praying for our adoption the other day. It really touched me to hear this and I hope it does you all as well.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The hole in our gospel
We subscribe to emails from World Vision, their leader recently wrote a book titled "The hole in our gospel". Their recent email had a link to a website that highlighted the book. If you dont know World Vision is a Christian relief organization that works throughout the world to help the poor, the orphans, those in need. The prologue to the book is 5 pages in length, you can download it for free which I have done. I thought I would share it with you here. I would like to challenge anyone who is reading this to get this book and read it.
Prologue
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” —L U K E 2 : 1 0
Rakai, Uganda, August 1998
His name was Richard, the same as mine. I sat inside his meager thatch hut,
listening to his story, told through the tears of an orphan whose parents
had died of AIDS. At thirteen, Richard was trying to raise his two younger
brothers by himself in this small shack with no running water, electricity,
or even beds to sleep in. There were no adults in their lives—no one to care
for them, feed them, love them, or teach them how to become men. There
was no one to hug them either, or to tuck them in at night. Other than his
siblings, Richard was alone, as no child should be. I try to picture my own
children abandoned in this kind of deprivation, fending for themselves
without parents to protect them, and I cannot.
I didn’t want to be there. I wasn’t supposed to be there, so far out of my
comfort zone—not in that place where orphaned children live by themselves
in their agony. There, poverty, disease, and squalor had eyes and
faces that stared back, and I had to see and smell and touch the pain of the
poor. That particular district, Rakai, is believed to be ground zero for the
Ugandan AIDS pandemic. There, the deadly virus has stalked its victims
in the dark for decades. Sweat trickled down my face as I sat awkwardly
with Richard and his brothers while a film crew captured every tear—mine
and theirs.
I much preferred living in my bubble, the one that, until that moment,
had safely contained my life, family, and career. It kept difficult things like this
out, insulating me from anything too raw or upsetting. When such things
intruded, as they rarely did, a channel could be changed, a newspaper page
turned, or a check written to keep the poor at a safe distance. But not in
Rakai. There, “such things” had faces and names—even my name, Richard.
Not sixty days earlier I had been CEO of Lenox, America’s finest tableware
company, producing and selling luxury goods to those who could
afford them. I lived with my wife and five children in a ten-bedroom house
on five acres just outside of Philadelphia. I drove a Jaguar to work every
day, and my business travel took me to places such as Paris, Tokyo, London,
and Florence. I flew first-class and stayed in the best hotels. I was respected
in my community, attended a venerable suburban church, and sat on the
board of my kids’ Christian school. I was one of the good guys—you might
say a “poster child” for the successful Christian life. I had never heard of
Rakai, the place where my bubble would burst. But in just sixty days, God
turned my life inside out, and it would never be the same.
Quite unexpectedly, eight months earlier, I had been contacted by World Vision, the Christian relief and development organization, during their search for a new president. Why me? It wasn’t something I had sought after. In fact,you might say I had been minding my own business when the phone rang that day. But it was a phone call that had been twenty-four years in the planning.You see, in 1974, at the age of twenty-three, in my graduate school dormitory,I knelt down beside my bed and dedicated my life to Christ. This was no small decision for me, and it came only after months of reading, studying, conversations with friends, and the important witness of Reneé, the woman who would later become my wife. While at the time I knew very little about the implications of that decision, I knew this: nothing would ever be quite the same again, because I had made a promise to follow Christ—no matter what.
The Man Who Wouldn’t Buy China . . .
Several months after becoming a Christian, I was newly engaged to Reneé.
As we were planning our wedding and our life together, she suggested that
we go to a department store to register for our china, crystal, and silver. My
self-righteous response was an indication of just how my newfound faith
was integrating into my life: “As long as there are children starving in the
world, we’re not going to own fine china, crystal, and silver.” Perhaps you
can see God’s sense of irony in my becoming president of America’s premier
fine tableware company a couple of decades later. So when I answered
that phone call from World Vision in January 1998, I knew that God was
on the other end of the line. It was His voice I heard, not the recruiter’s:
Rich, do you remember that idealistic young man in 1974 who was so passionate
about starving children that he would not even fill out a wedding registry? Take
a good look at yourself now. Do you see what you’ve become? But, Rich, if you
still care about those children, I have a job I want you to do
.In my prayers over the weeks leading up to my appointment as World Vision’s president, I begged God to send someone else to do it, much as Moses had done.Surely this was a mistake. I was no MotherTeresa. I remember praying that God would send me anywhere else, “but, please, God, not to the poor—not into the pain and alienation of poverty and disease, not there.” I didn’twant to go there.
Yet here I was, the new president of WorldVision, sent by knowing staff to get a “baptism by fire” for my new calling, with a film crew to document every moment.
Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, once prayed, “Let my heart
be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” But who really wants
his heart broken? Is this something to ask of God? Don’t we pray that God
will not break our hearts? But as I look at the life of Jesus, I see that He was,
as Isaiah described him, “a Man of sorrows . . . acquainted with grief ”
(53:3 NKJV). Jesus’ heart was continually moved to compassion as He
encountered the lame, the sick, the widow, and the orphan. I try to picture
God’s broken heart as He looks today upon the broken world for which He
died. Surely Richard’s story breaks His heart.
Two crude piles of stones just outside the door mark the graves of
Richard’s parents. It disturbs me that he must walk past them every day. He
and his brothers must have watched first their father and then their mother
die slow and horrible deaths. I wondered if the boys were the ones who fed
them and bathed them in their last days. Whatever the case, Richard, a
child himself, is now the head of household.
Child-headed household, words never meant to be strung together. I tried to wrap my mind around this new phrase, one that describes not only Richard’s plight but that of tens of thousands, even millions more. I’m told that there are sixty thousand orphans just in Rakai, twelve million orphans due to AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.2 How can this be true? Awkwardly I asked Richard what he hopes to be when he grows up, a ridiculous question to ask a child who has lost his childhood. “A doctor,” he said, “so I can help people who have the disease.”
“Do you have a Bible?” I asked. He ran to the other room and returned with his treasured book with gold-gilt pages. “Can you read it?” “I love to read the book of John, because it says that Jesus loves the children.”
This overwhelmed me, and my tears started to flow. Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. I didn’t know. But I did know. I knew about poverty and suffering in the world. I was aware that children die daily from starvation and
lack of clean water. I also knew about AIDS and the orphans it leaves
behind, but I kept these things outside of my insulating bubble and looked
the other way.
Yet this was to be the moment that would ever after define me. Rakai was what God wanted me to see. My sadness that day was replaced by
repentance. Despite what the Bible had told me so clearly, I had turned a
blind eye to the poor. Now my heart was filled with anger, first at myself,
and then toward the world. Why wasn’t Richard’s story being told? The
media overflowed with celebrity dramas, stock market updates, and Bill
Clinton’s impending impeachment hearings. But where were the headlines
and magazine covers about Africa? Twelve million orphans, and no one
noticed? But what sickened me most was this question: where was the
Church? Indeed, where were the followers of Jesus Christ in the midst of
perhaps the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time? Surely the Church
should have been caring for these “orphans and widows in their distress”
(James 1:27). Shouldn’t the pulpits across America have flamed with
exhortations to rush to the front lines of compassion? Shouldn’t they be
flaming today? Shouldn’t churches be reaching out to care for children in
such desperate need? How could the great tragedy of these orphans get
drowned out by choruses of praise music in hundreds of thousands of
churches across our country? Sitting in a hut in Rakai, I remember thinking,
How have we missed it so tragically, when even rock stars and Hollywood
actors seem to understand?
Ten years later I know. Something fundamental has been missing in our understanding of the gospel.
The word gospel literally means “good news.” Jesus declared that He had come to “preach good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). But what good news, what gospel, did the Church have for Richard and his brothers in Rakai? What “good news” have God’s people brought to the world’s three billion poor?3 What “gospel” have millions of Africa’s AIDS orphans seen?4 What gospel have most of us embraced in the twenty-first century?
The answer is found in the title of this book: a gospel with a hole in it.
Prologue
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” —L U K E 2 : 1 0
Rakai, Uganda, August 1998
His name was Richard, the same as mine. I sat inside his meager thatch hut,
listening to his story, told through the tears of an orphan whose parents
had died of AIDS. At thirteen, Richard was trying to raise his two younger
brothers by himself in this small shack with no running water, electricity,
or even beds to sleep in. There were no adults in their lives—no one to care
for them, feed them, love them, or teach them how to become men. There
was no one to hug them either, or to tuck them in at night. Other than his
siblings, Richard was alone, as no child should be. I try to picture my own
children abandoned in this kind of deprivation, fending for themselves
without parents to protect them, and I cannot.
I didn’t want to be there. I wasn’t supposed to be there, so far out of my
comfort zone—not in that place where orphaned children live by themselves
in their agony. There, poverty, disease, and squalor had eyes and
faces that stared back, and I had to see and smell and touch the pain of the
poor. That particular district, Rakai, is believed to be ground zero for the
Ugandan AIDS pandemic. There, the deadly virus has stalked its victims
in the dark for decades. Sweat trickled down my face as I sat awkwardly
with Richard and his brothers while a film crew captured every tear—mine
and theirs.
I much preferred living in my bubble, the one that, until that moment,
had safely contained my life, family, and career. It kept difficult things like this
out, insulating me from anything too raw or upsetting. When such things
intruded, as they rarely did, a channel could be changed, a newspaper page
turned, or a check written to keep the poor at a safe distance. But not in
Rakai. There, “such things” had faces and names—even my name, Richard.
Not sixty days earlier I had been CEO of Lenox, America’s finest tableware
company, producing and selling luxury goods to those who could
afford them. I lived with my wife and five children in a ten-bedroom house
on five acres just outside of Philadelphia. I drove a Jaguar to work every
day, and my business travel took me to places such as Paris, Tokyo, London,
and Florence. I flew first-class and stayed in the best hotels. I was respected
in my community, attended a venerable suburban church, and sat on the
board of my kids’ Christian school. I was one of the good guys—you might
say a “poster child” for the successful Christian life. I had never heard of
Rakai, the place where my bubble would burst. But in just sixty days, God
turned my life inside out, and it would never be the same.
Quite unexpectedly, eight months earlier, I had been contacted by World Vision, the Christian relief and development organization, during their search for a new president. Why me? It wasn’t something I had sought after. In fact,you might say I had been minding my own business when the phone rang that day. But it was a phone call that had been twenty-four years in the planning.You see, in 1974, at the age of twenty-three, in my graduate school dormitory,I knelt down beside my bed and dedicated my life to Christ. This was no small decision for me, and it came only after months of reading, studying, conversations with friends, and the important witness of Reneé, the woman who would later become my wife. While at the time I knew very little about the implications of that decision, I knew this: nothing would ever be quite the same again, because I had made a promise to follow Christ—no matter what.
The Man Who Wouldn’t Buy China . . .
Several months after becoming a Christian, I was newly engaged to Reneé.
As we were planning our wedding and our life together, she suggested that
we go to a department store to register for our china, crystal, and silver. My
self-righteous response was an indication of just how my newfound faith
was integrating into my life: “As long as there are children starving in the
world, we’re not going to own fine china, crystal, and silver.” Perhaps you
can see God’s sense of irony in my becoming president of America’s premier
fine tableware company a couple of decades later. So when I answered
that phone call from World Vision in January 1998, I knew that God was
on the other end of the line. It was His voice I heard, not the recruiter’s:
Rich, do you remember that idealistic young man in 1974 who was so passionate
about starving children that he would not even fill out a wedding registry? Take
a good look at yourself now. Do you see what you’ve become? But, Rich, if you
still care about those children, I have a job I want you to do
.In my prayers over the weeks leading up to my appointment as World Vision’s president, I begged God to send someone else to do it, much as Moses had done.Surely this was a mistake. I was no MotherTeresa. I remember praying that God would send me anywhere else, “but, please, God, not to the poor—not into the pain and alienation of poverty and disease, not there.” I didn’twant to go there.
Yet here I was, the new president of WorldVision, sent by knowing staff to get a “baptism by fire” for my new calling, with a film crew to document every moment.
Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, once prayed, “Let my heart
be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” But who really wants
his heart broken? Is this something to ask of God? Don’t we pray that God
will not break our hearts? But as I look at the life of Jesus, I see that He was,
as Isaiah described him, “a Man of sorrows . . . acquainted with grief ”
(53:3 NKJV). Jesus’ heart was continually moved to compassion as He
encountered the lame, the sick, the widow, and the orphan. I try to picture
God’s broken heart as He looks today upon the broken world for which He
died. Surely Richard’s story breaks His heart.
Two crude piles of stones just outside the door mark the graves of
Richard’s parents. It disturbs me that he must walk past them every day. He
and his brothers must have watched first their father and then their mother
die slow and horrible deaths. I wondered if the boys were the ones who fed
them and bathed them in their last days. Whatever the case, Richard, a
child himself, is now the head of household.
Child-headed household, words never meant to be strung together. I tried to wrap my mind around this new phrase, one that describes not only Richard’s plight but that of tens of thousands, even millions more. I’m told that there are sixty thousand orphans just in Rakai, twelve million orphans due to AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.2 How can this be true? Awkwardly I asked Richard what he hopes to be when he grows up, a ridiculous question to ask a child who has lost his childhood. “A doctor,” he said, “so I can help people who have the disease.”
“Do you have a Bible?” I asked. He ran to the other room and returned with his treasured book with gold-gilt pages. “Can you read it?” “I love to read the book of John, because it says that Jesus loves the children.”
This overwhelmed me, and my tears started to flow. Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. I didn’t know. But I did know. I knew about poverty and suffering in the world. I was aware that children die daily from starvation and
lack of clean water. I also knew about AIDS and the orphans it leaves
behind, but I kept these things outside of my insulating bubble and looked
the other way.
Yet this was to be the moment that would ever after define me. Rakai was what God wanted me to see. My sadness that day was replaced by
repentance. Despite what the Bible had told me so clearly, I had turned a
blind eye to the poor. Now my heart was filled with anger, first at myself,
and then toward the world. Why wasn’t Richard’s story being told? The
media overflowed with celebrity dramas, stock market updates, and Bill
Clinton’s impending impeachment hearings. But where were the headlines
and magazine covers about Africa? Twelve million orphans, and no one
noticed? But what sickened me most was this question: where was the
Church? Indeed, where were the followers of Jesus Christ in the midst of
perhaps the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time? Surely the Church
should have been caring for these “orphans and widows in their distress”
(James 1:27). Shouldn’t the pulpits across America have flamed with
exhortations to rush to the front lines of compassion? Shouldn’t they be
flaming today? Shouldn’t churches be reaching out to care for children in
such desperate need? How could the great tragedy of these orphans get
drowned out by choruses of praise music in hundreds of thousands of
churches across our country? Sitting in a hut in Rakai, I remember thinking,
How have we missed it so tragically, when even rock stars and Hollywood
actors seem to understand?
Ten years later I know. Something fundamental has been missing in our understanding of the gospel.
The word gospel literally means “good news.” Jesus declared that He had come to “preach good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). But what good news, what gospel, did the Church have for Richard and his brothers in Rakai? What “good news” have God’s people brought to the world’s three billion poor?3 What “gospel” have millions of Africa’s AIDS orphans seen?4 What gospel have most of us embraced in the twenty-first century?
The answer is found in the title of this book: a gospel with a hole in it.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The cost of adoption
The devotion I have shared recently from Shaohannah's Hope concludes on day 14, I thought I would share it with you all.
Day 14: The cost of Adoption
" God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ... and it gave him great pleasure... He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son..." Ephesians 1:5,7
Our adoption by God cost us nothing. However, it did cost God something; it cost
HIM HIS SON. The high fees and costs for adoption today are indefensible, but they are not inconceivable.
Adoption is costly. Whether in the realm of finances, emotions, relationships, time,or effort, adoption will cost. But think of what it cost God, and yet He was willing to undergo that cost, and not simply to undergo it, but to undergo it with joy! It gave Him great pleasure! What kind of upside down world is this? What pain and loss God must have experienced, and yet he delighted in bringing us into his family! In our world of risk-averse, safety-first, immediate gratification, we often lose sight of the truth that some endeavors are worth the cost.
The adoption journey is not easy, but every hour of toil, every obstacle encountered, tear shed, every sleepless night, are all but a shadow of the price that God paid for us. Jesus came to be a ransom for many(Matthew 20:28), and if God was willing to pay that ransom for us, how much more will He be willing to lead us in ransoming His beloved children from their state as orphans? And it is His love that compels us onward in obedience, whatever the cost, for He who calls us is faithful. Our God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who is rich in mercy and grace, who generously provides for all that we need, this God knows the costs we will incur, and promises to be with us and every step of the way. This is about faith in action. This is an invitation to experience God in ways we've never experienced Him before.
In Matthew, Jesus says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." God's heart is invested in adoption. Let us view the costs, both known and unforeseen , as an invitation for us to invest our resources, and therefore our hearts, into things of God. Don't be afraid to ask others to join you in your adoption journey, supporting you financially, and personally, for the body is made up of many parts, and we all need one another. Let others have the opportunity to invest in the things of God as well. "Carry one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
What are some of the costs that are related to adoption that I can meet with the joy of Christ? How am I affected by the truth that God purchased my position in His family with the blood of His son, Jesus? What does this mean for my life?
Day 14: The cost of Adoption
" God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ... and it gave him great pleasure... He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son..." Ephesians 1:5,7
Our adoption by God cost us nothing. However, it did cost God something; it cost
HIM HIS SON. The high fees and costs for adoption today are indefensible, but they are not inconceivable.
Adoption is costly. Whether in the realm of finances, emotions, relationships, time,or effort, adoption will cost. But think of what it cost God, and yet He was willing to undergo that cost, and not simply to undergo it, but to undergo it with joy! It gave Him great pleasure! What kind of upside down world is this? What pain and loss God must have experienced, and yet he delighted in bringing us into his family! In our world of risk-averse, safety-first, immediate gratification, we often lose sight of the truth that some endeavors are worth the cost.
The adoption journey is not easy, but every hour of toil, every obstacle encountered, tear shed, every sleepless night, are all but a shadow of the price that God paid for us. Jesus came to be a ransom for many(Matthew 20:28), and if God was willing to pay that ransom for us, how much more will He be willing to lead us in ransoming His beloved children from their state as orphans? And it is His love that compels us onward in obedience, whatever the cost, for He who calls us is faithful. Our God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who is rich in mercy and grace, who generously provides for all that we need, this God knows the costs we will incur, and promises to be with us and every step of the way. This is about faith in action. This is an invitation to experience God in ways we've never experienced Him before.
In Matthew, Jesus says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." God's heart is invested in adoption. Let us view the costs, both known and unforeseen , as an invitation for us to invest our resources, and therefore our hearts, into things of God. Don't be afraid to ask others to join you in your adoption journey, supporting you financially, and personally, for the body is made up of many parts, and we all need one another. Let others have the opportunity to invest in the things of God as well. "Carry one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
What are some of the costs that are related to adoption that I can meet with the joy of Christ? How am I affected by the truth that God purchased my position in His family with the blood of His son, Jesus? What does this mean for my life?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Going on Faith / Dossier fee
We received today a bill from our agency, Holt International. It is the Dossier fee for $2795.00. As most of you know we are going on faith with our adoption related expenses and have committed not to go into debt. So we put before God and all of you this need. Holt's mailing address is Post Office Box 2880, Eugene Oregon, 97402. I imagine the agency could be contacted directly by any interested donors and of course you can contact us directly. We know God will find a way to meet our needs. God bless.
Worth the Wait
We finished the 14 day devotion that Shaohannah's Hope sent us. I wanted to share day 12 with everyone, its message meant a lot to us.
Day 12: Worth the Wait
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
While at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert highlighting the need for adoption, a security guard backstage excitedly approached me and said, "I want to share with you what God did for my family through adoption." "Over thirty years ago," he began, "my wife and I wanted to have a child, but we were not able to biologically. We then prayed about adoption and felt led by God to adopt a little boy from South Korea. However, after filing our paperwork, we found out that because my wife has been a type I diabetic since her childhood, we were disqualified from adopting due to current regulations. We were not only emotionally crushed but also confused because we really felt that God had said that there was a little boy for us in Korea. What was God doing? Had we heard the Shepherd's voice rightly?
"Several years later the adoption agency called and said that the regulations had changed and they had a little boy that we would be eligible to adopt from Korea if we were still interested. Of course we said yes, went through the process, and adopted him. "Thirty years after the adoption, my wife became terribly ill from kidney failure. Every family member was checked to find a match for a kidney transplant, but none of us were close enough. Due to my wife's condition and age, she was so far down on the list of priority there was basically no chance she would receive a stranger's kidney.
"Our adopted son then asked to be tested as a possible kidney donor; however, knowing that he was adopted, the hospital refused. Determined to find out whether his blood type was even compatible with that of his adoptive mother's, he went to the local blood bank and gave blood. And only as God's sovereignty could design, not only was our son a blood match, but in fact he also passed all the hospital tests and miraculously ended up being his adoptive mother's kidney donor!
"Looking back at the wait and setbacks we had endured to adopt our son, God's timing could not have been more perfect. God knew exactly how to connect us to the child he created for us. My wife used to become saddened knowing she had never experienced carrying a baby in her womb; however, after her transplant, she told my son that her greatest joy is that for as long as she lives, she will always carry a part of him within her." "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).
During the times of waiting in my life, am I willing to put my faith in God and His plan?
Day 12: Worth the Wait
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
While at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert highlighting the need for adoption, a security guard backstage excitedly approached me and said, "I want to share with you what God did for my family through adoption." "Over thirty years ago," he began, "my wife and I wanted to have a child, but we were not able to biologically. We then prayed about adoption and felt led by God to adopt a little boy from South Korea. However, after filing our paperwork, we found out that because my wife has been a type I diabetic since her childhood, we were disqualified from adopting due to current regulations. We were not only emotionally crushed but also confused because we really felt that God had said that there was a little boy for us in Korea. What was God doing? Had we heard the Shepherd's voice rightly?
"Several years later the adoption agency called and said that the regulations had changed and they had a little boy that we would be eligible to adopt from Korea if we were still interested. Of course we said yes, went through the process, and adopted him. "Thirty years after the adoption, my wife became terribly ill from kidney failure. Every family member was checked to find a match for a kidney transplant, but none of us were close enough. Due to my wife's condition and age, she was so far down on the list of priority there was basically no chance she would receive a stranger's kidney.
"Our adopted son then asked to be tested as a possible kidney donor; however, knowing that he was adopted, the hospital refused. Determined to find out whether his blood type was even compatible with that of his adoptive mother's, he went to the local blood bank and gave blood. And only as God's sovereignty could design, not only was our son a blood match, but in fact he also passed all the hospital tests and miraculously ended up being his adoptive mother's kidney donor!
"Looking back at the wait and setbacks we had endured to adopt our son, God's timing could not have been more perfect. God knew exactly how to connect us to the child he created for us. My wife used to become saddened knowing she had never experienced carrying a baby in her womb; however, after her transplant, she told my son that her greatest joy is that for as long as she lives, she will always carry a part of him within her." "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).
During the times of waiting in my life, am I willing to put my faith in God and His plan?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Easter Sunday
We had an incredible service this Easter. We had whats called cardboard testimonies. I have cut and pasted the youtube link to our service as the church put it on the web yesterday. It shows the power of God and how he can change lives. How he can use anyone and can reach anyone no matter what they have done or where they come from. He can even touch a family in Ohio to desire adopting an unknown child from a far away place like Ethiopia. He can change you too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9-Qd_zCHZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9-Qd_zCHZY
Friday, April 10, 2009
Why is Church Unfulfilling for so many?
We received a packet from Shaohannah's Hope the other day. It has a 14 day devotion along with other information in it. I thought I would share day 3 of the devotion.
Day 3: Why is Church Unfulfilling for so many?
By Kerry Hasenbalg
" As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26
In much of the American church today there is a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of fulfillment, particularly among the youth, and I believe this is due in large part to how many of us have missed a major ingredient of Biblical Christianity: caring for the Least.
Throughout Scripture and throughout the history of His people, God has called His chosen ones to spend themselves on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the prisoner, and the stranger in the land. Because many in the church have turned inward, ignored the outworking of their faith, and have forgotten the poor and needy, our knowledge of God is to a large extent merely intellectual, and hence our faiths often appear more dead than alive. This certainly is not true of every church, every believer, or every mission, but it is true enough because it was true of me.
I was afraid to be like those who were trying to earn their way to heaven with good works because I rightly knew that salvation is by God's grace through faith alone. But out of this fear, I, like many others, stopped working all together. Somewhere along the line, I unconsciously began living a lie that says learning about God, singing about God, and speaking about God is more important than walking like him.
Like so many well-intentioned Christians before me, I had thought I could live out my Christianity in church buildings, in Bible studies, and among friends. I had anticipated a comfortable future of growing and learning and discussing and growing some more. But as I took small steps of obedience, God kept leading me into the fields of the fatherless and the widow, the needy and the marginalized.
The call to follow Christ and the path of the crucified life is difficult, requiring self-sacrifice and obedience, and caring for the Least, God has given us a social context in which to live out these truths and walk in His love. Much of the evangelical church is longing for a deeper experience of God, and the irony is that it is among those we too often ignore and avoid- the orphans, widows, poor, sick, and oppressed- where God said he would be. There we will experience Him, see Him, touch Him, and walk with Him.
Are there people around me who are ignored or forgotten that I can love today? "
As I read this, I was really touched by the phrase where she said, " God has called His chosen ones to spend themselves on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the prisoner, and the stranger in the land." This idea of spending ourselves is really something we as Christ followers ought to ponder daily. Are we willing to "spend" our lives for someone else, perhaps who we may not even know? I think in this spending we will find ourselves, and truly have the joy and the peace and the fulfillment that God intends for us to truly have.
How about you?
Day 3: Why is Church Unfulfilling for so many?
By Kerry Hasenbalg
" As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26
In much of the American church today there is a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of fulfillment, particularly among the youth, and I believe this is due in large part to how many of us have missed a major ingredient of Biblical Christianity: caring for the Least.
Throughout Scripture and throughout the history of His people, God has called His chosen ones to spend themselves on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the prisoner, and the stranger in the land. Because many in the church have turned inward, ignored the outworking of their faith, and have forgotten the poor and needy, our knowledge of God is to a large extent merely intellectual, and hence our faiths often appear more dead than alive. This certainly is not true of every church, every believer, or every mission, but it is true enough because it was true of me.
I was afraid to be like those who were trying to earn their way to heaven with good works because I rightly knew that salvation is by God's grace through faith alone. But out of this fear, I, like many others, stopped working all together. Somewhere along the line, I unconsciously began living a lie that says learning about God, singing about God, and speaking about God is more important than walking like him.
Like so many well-intentioned Christians before me, I had thought I could live out my Christianity in church buildings, in Bible studies, and among friends. I had anticipated a comfortable future of growing and learning and discussing and growing some more. But as I took small steps of obedience, God kept leading me into the fields of the fatherless and the widow, the needy and the marginalized.
The call to follow Christ and the path of the crucified life is difficult, requiring self-sacrifice and obedience, and caring for the Least, God has given us a social context in which to live out these truths and walk in His love. Much of the evangelical church is longing for a deeper experience of God, and the irony is that it is among those we too often ignore and avoid- the orphans, widows, poor, sick, and oppressed- where God said he would be. There we will experience Him, see Him, touch Him, and walk with Him.
Are there people around me who are ignored or forgotten that I can love today? "
As I read this, I was really touched by the phrase where she said, " God has called His chosen ones to spend themselves on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the prisoner, and the stranger in the land." This idea of spending ourselves is really something we as Christ followers ought to ponder daily. Are we willing to "spend" our lives for someone else, perhaps who we may not even know? I think in this spending we will find ourselves, and truly have the joy and the peace and the fulfillment that God intends for us to truly have.
How about you?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Its Spring!
One of my flaws is that I love change (maybe its a strength). So since its spring and everything will be turning green real soon I thought I would change our Blogs template for a fresh new look. Hope you like it.
Shohanna's Hope
Well on Thursday we mailed out all of the documents we needed to assemble to apply for a grant from this incredible organization. We are very hopeful that they will award us with a large amount that will enable us to get closer to bringing our child home. Please pray that God will work all this out and we will be awarded a nice size grant. I for one can almost taste all of this getting done. Of course I am not always as patient as I ought to be at times. haha
Friday, April 3, 2009
Referral
We were blown out of the water a few days ago. We actually received a child referral. We are still in the dossier stage and in need of all sorts of documents and then some additional cash (about $2000)just to complete this stage. Then we have the last stage where we need an additional $9000 and thats when you typically begin waiting for the referral. So needless to say we were shocked. It was a for a young girl who is 4 years old. We had stated in our home study we would accept up to age 3 but we really wanted 0-12 months. When the agency spoke to my wife they told her we would have to update our study to include this age. We had just completed our study Feb 14. After days of talking, praying about it and even fasting for a bit, as hard as it was we decided to say no. It was a hard thing to do, to say no to a child. But both Lisa and I had a peace about it and felt like this was not what God had for us. It was still very hard to do. We are now back on the path that we thought we were on and plowing through the paperwork. Pray for us as we are quite busy with life in general and the added demands of the adoption. God will provide the way through though we know.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Don't read your own press clippings
I think it is very important in life to be transparent with others in your life. Too many of us, myself included, often put on a mask and act like we have everything together. Last night was one of those times where I realized how easy it is to get your motives all messed up.
As we have journeyed along our adoption path sometimes with all that we have to do, it becomes more about us and how much we are doing. We can begin to look at ourselves and think too highly of what we are doing. After all not every person you meet is adopting from Ethiopia right? Last night though I was blessed to attend a small church service of about 40 folks downtown Akron at the YMCA. One of my best friends was preaching the service and after about a year of promising him I would go, I actually went. Its basically a group of homeless people organized by a friend of ours. They sing, preach and then have a dinner for the people. After the preaching there is a small group break out session that lasts for about 10-15 minutes. I met with my friend and 6 other people last night. One gentlemen spoke of his frost bitten feet and how he may be losing toes. Another couple spoke of how they have been living in an abandoned home for over 7 months and how cold it was during the winter months. The man told of a flashlight that he has that is one of those crank flashlights. He said how he has to crank it to get the light and how he sometimes reads the Bible by that light. I wonder how many of us would read our Bibles if we had to crank a flashlight just to see the words at night?
Anyway, these were the types of stories that filled that room last night. The thing I wanted to share though is how this small group of homeless people were recently in the newspaper. They take an offering every week and had raised over $300 to give to an inner city school for kids uniforms etc. What a sacrifice these people make and yet they have nothing.
So much for my families sacrifice!
As we have journeyed along our adoption path sometimes with all that we have to do, it becomes more about us and how much we are doing. We can begin to look at ourselves and think too highly of what we are doing. After all not every person you meet is adopting from Ethiopia right? Last night though I was blessed to attend a small church service of about 40 folks downtown Akron at the YMCA. One of my best friends was preaching the service and after about a year of promising him I would go, I actually went. Its basically a group of homeless people organized by a friend of ours. They sing, preach and then have a dinner for the people. After the preaching there is a small group break out session that lasts for about 10-15 minutes. I met with my friend and 6 other people last night. One gentlemen spoke of his frost bitten feet and how he may be losing toes. Another couple spoke of how they have been living in an abandoned home for over 7 months and how cold it was during the winter months. The man told of a flashlight that he has that is one of those crank flashlights. He said how he has to crank it to get the light and how he sometimes reads the Bible by that light. I wonder how many of us would read our Bibles if we had to crank a flashlight just to see the words at night?
Anyway, these were the types of stories that filled that room last night. The thing I wanted to share though is how this small group of homeless people were recently in the newspaper. They take an offering every week and had raised over $300 to give to an inner city school for kids uniforms etc. What a sacrifice these people make and yet they have nothing.
So much for my families sacrifice!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Godcidences
Sometimes I think God just sits back and grins as he works in his children's lives. The last few days he has had me grinning. I went to look at a used mini van the other day and met a wonderful christian man. He was born in Mexico but now lives here in Ohio with his wife. They just moved here from Wisconsin. We started sharing our faith and I mentioned the adoption. He told me of his friends who have adopted 2 sets of twins from Russia. I couldnt believe the irony as Lisa is dying to adopt twins if thats what God wants for us. I truly enjoyed the 20 minutes I spent with this man. We even said we might possibly get our families together for cook outs etc. Then I came home and spoke with a gentlemen I met on Craigs list. They had listed in the free category of items a rocker/glider. Lisa and I have always wanted one of them through all 4 of our biological kids but never had one. We even were looking at them at Baby's R Us a few months back. It turns out, this man and his wife adopted a child from China and I believe he said Kazakhstan. He mentioned that our email to him, which has our blog on every message that goes out on it, which told him we were adopting, was the reason we were getting the glider. Isnt that cool how God works. Its not a big deal probably to most people, but to us its just one of those little ways God shows us he is taking care of our needs, and even sometimes our wants. I guess we must be getting a baby now that God has given us this glider, I just hope and pray that a second one doesnt show up anytime soon!! That would mean twins like Lisa is dreaming, and I just dont know if I can handle that!! haha
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul
Lisa bought this book that's filled with short stories about adoption and fostering.
I came across this poem and wanted to share it with you guys.
A Child Like Me?
With saddened eyes and head bent low,
It's damaged goods most see.
With my unclear past and broken heart,
Who would want a child like me?
I watch her walk into the room.
From a distance I can see.
But dare I take a closer step?
Who would want a child like me?
And then I see her look my way.
She smiles so tenderly.
But do I even dare to dream,
She would a child like me?
And then, as if I spoke out loud,
She approaches cautiously.
I try so hard to once believe,
She will want a child like me.
But dare I once let down my guard,
And trust that she will see,
Hiding beneath this old stained shirt,
Is a beautiful child like me?
My smile, they say, lights up a room.
I'll be good as good can be.
Oh, please, dear God, let her want
A special child like me.
I feel her hand reach out for mine,
And within her eyes I see,
A single, tiny, shining tear.
Could she want a child like me?
And when she takes me in her arms,
With a warmth so pure and new,
She says the words I've prayed to hear,
"The child I want is you."
I came across this poem and wanted to share it with you guys.
A Child Like Me?
With saddened eyes and head bent low,
It's damaged goods most see.
With my unclear past and broken heart,
Who would want a child like me?
I watch her walk into the room.
From a distance I can see.
But dare I take a closer step?
Who would want a child like me?
And then I see her look my way.
She smiles so tenderly.
But do I even dare to dream,
She would a child like me?
And then, as if I spoke out loud,
She approaches cautiously.
I try so hard to once believe,
She will want a child like me.
But dare I once let down my guard,
And trust that she will see,
Hiding beneath this old stained shirt,
Is a beautiful child like me?
My smile, they say, lights up a room.
I'll be good as good can be.
Oh, please, dear God, let her want
A special child like me.
I feel her hand reach out for mine,
And within her eyes I see,
A single, tiny, shining tear.
Could she want a child like me?
And when she takes me in her arms,
With a warmth so pure and new,
She says the words I've prayed to hear,
"The child I want is you."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Home Study Paperwork
We received today our actual home study documents. It was exciting to actually hold the papers that say we are approved to be parents- after having 4 of our own already- haha. I thought I would share the opening paragraph with you all.
"Dear Mr. & Mrs. West:
Congratulations on the completion of your international homestudy! This is a big accomplishment and a major step toward the adoption of your child. As of February 14, 2009 you have been approved to adopt one to two children of either sex from Ethiopia, 0-3 years of age, with mild to moderate special needs. Your preference would be to adopt twins of either sex ages 0-1 years old, or a female age 0-1 year old, however you are open to children up to three years of age."
Did you catch it, the insanity of it all. TWINS! Gotta love my wife Lisa dont ya!!!!
"Dear Mr. & Mrs. West:
Congratulations on the completion of your international homestudy! This is a big accomplishment and a major step toward the adoption of your child. As of February 14, 2009 you have been approved to adopt one to two children of either sex from Ethiopia, 0-3 years of age, with mild to moderate special needs. Your preference would be to adopt twins of either sex ages 0-1 years old, or a female age 0-1 year old, however you are open to children up to three years of age."
Did you catch it, the insanity of it all. TWINS! Gotta love my wife Lisa dont ya!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We are officially approved!
WE received word today that our home study was officially approved. We should have a letter stating our approval shortly. We will use it to apply for grants with a variety of private organizations. Things are getting more and more exciting!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Christmas in Ethiopia
We received in the mail yesterday a video from our agency, Holt International. It is a video they took in December of their center in Addis Ababa the capital of Ethiopia. They were celebrating Christmas with the orphans they had in that center. It was about a 30 minute video. We counted about 21 kids. They were mostly all younger, I would guess about 2-4 years old. There was one child who looked to be about 8-10, and there were maybe 5-6 infants. They gave the kids presents, and they ate cake and other food. It really brought to life the adoption in a deeper way. To think that we were possibly watching our child playing and eating, really was cool. The kids were so sweet looking. I wished I would have been there myself to hold some of them on my lap. God is moving.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Home study
We had our last meeting in home yesterday. Everything went great. We should have our approved study in a week or two. Our social worker was very nice. She was an adoptive parent herself having adopted a son from Bolivia and a daughter from China. She also has 3 biological children as well who are all grown I believe she said. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed watching her interact with our kids as she asked them questions. Of course Christian had to have some fun at our expense as he told her we had Jack Daniels hidden in our kitchen. I dont know what that boys mother has done to him! (haha)
She and her husband started a work in Bolivia as they ran an orphanage for years. If I understood her correctly they are now doing some work in Kenya. She was able to offer us some insight into what an adoptive child has to go through. One thing that is difficult for many to understand, is that while the adopting family is excited and overwhelmed with feelings of love and joy typically, the child is dealing with a deep grief. A grief that manifests itself in a variety of ways that the less discerning will miss. Please pray for our child/children that God will provide. Pray for their loss and pray for our wisdom in loving them and understanding where they are at in any given circumstance. Bottom line, its not about us, its about them.
She and her husband started a work in Bolivia as they ran an orphanage for years. If I understood her correctly they are now doing some work in Kenya. She was able to offer us some insight into what an adoptive child has to go through. One thing that is difficult for many to understand, is that while the adopting family is excited and overwhelmed with feelings of love and joy typically, the child is dealing with a deep grief. A grief that manifests itself in a variety of ways that the less discerning will miss. Please pray for our child/children that God will provide. Pray for their loss and pray for our wisdom in loving them and understanding where they are at in any given circumstance. Bottom line, its not about us, its about them.
So the world may know
Its Valentine's day and I want the world to know what I think of my wife after 20 years of marriage. Here is my song to her. Follow this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjfq0Fr85Yg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjfq0Fr85Yg
So the world may know
Its Valentine's day and I want the world to know what I think of my wife after 20 years of marriage. Here my song to her. Follow this link.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Home study
Well we now have our final in home interviews and safety inspection set up for this Friday 2/13 at 3pm. Olga has been replaced due to remaining on medical leave, by a lady named Rhoda. We spoke with her last night, she works with the agency but she is also an adoptive parent herself. Lisa and her talked for 20-30 minutes last night. She seems really nice. Hopefully we will have our home study finalized and approved then by months end. It will be very nice to finally have this step behind us.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Letter from an orphan
I am reading a book titled " Fields of the Fatherless" by C. Thomas Davis. In the book he has a letter written by a Russian orphan who was visited by some Americans. I think his words are quite poignant, let me share them with you.
" I hated my life since the third grade when I was unmercifully beaten. I felt then that life is lost and death is looking for me. And my tears were telling me that life was nothing in comparison with death. I felt like a little cockroach, which responds in fear when seen.
A bunch of American people came to our school. I thought these people wanted to laugh at us. But I was mistaken. They are people willing to give up the most precious gift a person can possess, love. Their intentions to share seemed strange as they had their own kids. But these people have such big hearts to give that there is still enough room even for us little cockroaches.
Then I began to feel myself not a cockroach anymore which deserved to be killed, but a little human being. It is a wonderful feeling believe me. "
" I hated my life since the third grade when I was unmercifully beaten. I felt then that life is lost and death is looking for me. And my tears were telling me that life was nothing in comparison with death. I felt like a little cockroach, which responds in fear when seen.
A bunch of American people came to our school. I thought these people wanted to laugh at us. But I was mistaken. They are people willing to give up the most precious gift a person can possess, love. Their intentions to share seemed strange as they had their own kids. But these people have such big hearts to give that there is still enough room even for us little cockroaches.
Then I began to feel myself not a cockroach anymore which deserved to be killed, but a little human being. It is a wonderful feeling believe me. "
Monday, January 26, 2009
God said
Proverbs 3:27-28
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A fresh wind
Sometimes along the journey we become weary in well doing. That has been my condition somewhat for these past few months. I have let the economic state of our country, the delays we have encountered, the obstacles from places and people we did not expect, and the daunting task we have before us get me down. Last night at church one of our friends gave us a book to read. It is titled "Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels. Its thesis is fueling the fire that ignites personal vision. It asks the question what is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, or get near it, you just cant stand? For me its the cry of the orphan. The foster child wanting a family to love him and take care of him. Its the seemingly endless faces of children throughout the world who are alone tonight. Its this that has become my passion, that drives me. The book brought all of this back to my mind with such clarity. Interesting enough the book actually mentions Ethiopia several times. I told my friend it was exactly what I needed and she said when she read it, she knew the book was written just for me. I love it when God shows up like that. Anyway, I would encourage you all to get this book, read it, and find out what great work God has for you to do. What are you passionate about. Go find it!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Another delay
Well we had everything ready for our in home interview with us, the kids and our home safety inspection for today at 3pm. Olga from the agency called today and postponed with us until sometime in early Feb. She was put on medical leave today and she needs to be the one who meets with us as she has already met with both Lisa and I, as well as been dealing with our home study herself from the beginning. IT would be apparently too confusing for someone new to come on board now near the end of the process. Sometimes this can get a little frustrating. Our son had secured a sub for his job at the YMCA tonight so he could be home for the interviews. I had advised work I would be leaving early and Lisa had scheduled my Mom to come and watch the twins she babysits near the end of the day. I have read about some of the delays and problems a family encounters as they adopt so I was aware of these sort of things, but it still can be frustrating.
We were hoping to finally get the home study behind us, to move on to the next steps, have a sense of accomplishment, and apply for grants from Christian organizations. I guess what Lisa said today is right, we just have to believe and trust God in his timing for all of this.
Keep praying for us.
We were hoping to finally get the home study behind us, to move on to the next steps, have a sense of accomplishment, and apply for grants from Christian organizations. I guess what Lisa said today is right, we just have to believe and trust God in his timing for all of this.
Keep praying for us.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The latest
Well everyone its been over 2 weeks since I posted so I thought I should get one out there. Its been a bit busy around here, we celebrated some sort of holiday, what was that again? Yes yes, it was CHRISTmas were we had a birthday party for Jesus. Our family had a wonderful time together going to Lisa's Mom's on CHRISTmas Eve and then to my Mom's on CHRISTmas day. My dad and my Stepmother came over with my Stepsister to our house on Christmas Eve early in the day as well. I love this time of year. I am off work until Jan 5th, my vacation started on CHRISTmas Eve. Have you noticed I like capitalizing CHRIST in CHRISTmas. It is after all about him isn't it?
We are having our in home interviews on Tues Jan 6th for our home study. We decided to install carpet and paint the living room which has needed new flooring for about 2 years. I am actually waiting for them to arrive to install as I type this post. We painted on Saturday, thanks to my Mom Laura for her help painting. We rushed all of our CHRISTmas decorations down the day after CHRISTmas knowing what was coming so its really been nuts around here. Right now all of our furniture is in the Kitchen and dining room area awaiting the installers. We did manage to leave a path to walk through so we can at least get to the sink and let the dog out on the deck.
Well I hope you all had a great CHRISTmas and will enjoy a Happy New Year.
God Bless
We are having our in home interviews on Tues Jan 6th for our home study. We decided to install carpet and paint the living room which has needed new flooring for about 2 years. I am actually waiting for them to arrive to install as I type this post. We painted on Saturday, thanks to my Mom Laura for her help painting. We rushed all of our CHRISTmas decorations down the day after CHRISTmas knowing what was coming so its really been nuts around here. Right now all of our furniture is in the Kitchen and dining room area awaiting the installers. We did manage to leave a path to walk through so we can at least get to the sink and let the dog out on the deck.
Well I hope you all had a great CHRISTmas and will enjoy a Happy New Year.
God Bless
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Greg's home study interview
I had my interview yesterday with Olga from the home study agency. It went well, was fairly short. My appointment was at 4pm, I set it up as late as possible in the day so I could leave work as late as I could. The agency however closes right at 5pm so the appointment only lasted about 55 minutes. Olga told me they lock the doors right at 5 and everyone has to be out. We spoke of my childhood, my parenting style, the motivation to adopt among other things. Next up is our in home meeting with the children included on Jan 6th. Olga told me she should have the home study completed by mid to late Feb. That will then allow us to apply for some grants as you have to have a completed home study to apply.
Candle fundraiser results
Well we sent in our order from all of the orders we received. We did not do as well as Lisa had hoped, but we ended up selling about $600 of candles which is not too shabby. We are going to end up making about $250 after the cost of candles, taxes and shipping are deducted. We march on little by little. If anyone has any ideas on other ways to do small fundraisers like this let us know.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Biometrics
Ya that's what I said, what is biometrics. Today Lisa and I went to Cleveland for this as part of the immigration work we have to do for our son or daughter. It is nothing more than a glorified fingerprinting. We went to the federal building and were actually in and out of there in about 20 minutes. I for one was amazed as I am not known for my praise of government entities. They took electronic pictures of each of our fingers, part of the time they take your fingers and sort of roll it back and forth to get a better picture I guess. I said to Lisa how boring of a job it would be to do that all day for people. The gentlemen who did it was friendly to us both. One more thing checked off our list.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lisa's first homestudy interview
Lisa had her first interview for the home study last Friday. I will have mine this Friday. We have seperate interviews at the office of the agency followed by an in home interview with both of us and the kids. That is set for Jan 6th, wait until she sees our mob- haha.
Lisa enjoyed her time during the interview, the ladies name is Olga. She was born in Israel. Lisa really liked her and she felt as if Olga liked her as well. We travel to Cleveland on Wednesday to get fingerprinted for the immigration paperwork / process. It is looking like we will have our home study completed by the end of Jan. We have to pay a total of $2600 for these last 3 interviews and that will complete the cost involved with the homestudy. We believe we will have enough money to get through the next stage which we are partially in already, that is the dossier. It is about $2700 I believe. After that the cash we have will be exhausted. The next item is the biggest cost, around $9000 that goes to Holt and the Ethipoia governement. Once we get past that basically all we have left is the cost to travel which will be a few thousand dollars of course.
We are going on faith believing God will supply the need for what he has called us to do, please pray for us.
Lisa enjoyed her time during the interview, the ladies name is Olga. She was born in Israel. Lisa really liked her and she felt as if Olga liked her as well. We travel to Cleveland on Wednesday to get fingerprinted for the immigration paperwork / process. It is looking like we will have our home study completed by the end of Jan. We have to pay a total of $2600 for these last 3 interviews and that will complete the cost involved with the homestudy. We believe we will have enough money to get through the next stage which we are partially in already, that is the dossier. It is about $2700 I believe. After that the cash we have will be exhausted. The next item is the biggest cost, around $9000 that goes to Holt and the Ethipoia governement. Once we get past that basically all we have left is the cost to travel which will be a few thousand dollars of course.
We are going on faith believing God will supply the need for what he has called us to do, please pray for us.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Interesting thought for Christians
Christians are often known more for what they are against than what they are for. If you ask the typical believer why the ancient city of Sodom was destroyed by God almost all would mention some form of wickedness that took place there. I saw something today though in the Bible that I had never seen before. I think it can speak to us as believers, especially American believers. It is found in the book of Ezekiel, here it is.
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Eze 16:50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Interesting is it not that verse 49 speaks first of their pride, how they were full of bread and abundance, which led to idleness, yet with so much free time and resources they still did not meet the needs of the poor and needy! Verse 50 then speaks of their abominations (sins/wickedness).
Does this sound like the typical Christian today in America?
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Eze 16:50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Interesting is it not that verse 49 speaks first of their pride, how they were full of bread and abundance, which led to idleness, yet with so much free time and resources they still did not meet the needs of the poor and needy! Verse 50 then speaks of their abominations (sins/wickedness).
Does this sound like the typical Christian today in America?
God says
PSA 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
Hos 14:3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Psa 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Psa 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Psa 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
Pro 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Pro 23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
Exo 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Exo 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
Deu 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
Deu 10:18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Deu 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Hos 14:3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Psa 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Psa 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Psa 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
Pro 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Pro 23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
Exo 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Exo 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
Deu 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
Deu 10:18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Deu 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
General update
Well the interviewing will begin this week for our homestudy. Lisa has her first interview this Friday, my first interview will be the following Friday. Then the agency will be coming to our home for the safety inspection and interviews with our 4 kids. That should be fun. We received our passports in the mail and we have sent out our immigration paperwork. Things are progressing. Also, I wanted to pass along a couple of blessings we received this past week. A couple from our church who are dear to us came up to Lisa and gave her a $300 check for our adoption. Then, another couple we are very close to gave us a $100 check for a $65 massage that was donated to us for the adoption. That is $400 in less than a week. God is faithful and he will provide! I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. God Bless.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Small Fundraiser
We are having another small fundraiser right now. We are selling candles. Our goal is to sell $1500 which would raise $750 for us. We get 50% of the sales. These are the home interior candles that many people love. Scents like mulberry, baked apple pie etc etc. If you would like to help sell let us know, or if you would just like to buy some that would be great also. They make nice Christmas gifts.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Transformed by an orphan
We got this in an email today from Dennis Raineys ministry about orphans, I thought I would share it below:
At the orphanage, Karen tried to reach the somber little boy with a new toy, then another…and then candy, but nothing could penetrate his pain, nothing could make him smile. Then she saw his hands…little hands scarred from repeated burning.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she stole away to the van to quietly face her own pain at what she had seen. This is how she describes what happened next:
“I looked up and there was the boy with a missing smile . . . He extended his hands to me, his burned brown hands. I took my wipe and cleaned each of his precious palms . . . the language barrier crumbled as I was just a mom caring for a boy’s hand the way they should be cared for. It wasn’t the shoes, or the toy or candy . . . it was a simple act of love, and the boy who lost his smile, found it. He hugged me tight and called me Amiga . . . friend. The smile he gave me was more precious than any gift I had offered him . . . I had been transformed by an orphan; I was conquered by a smile.”
At the orphanage, Karen tried to reach the somber little boy with a new toy, then another…and then candy, but nothing could penetrate his pain, nothing could make him smile. Then she saw his hands…little hands scarred from repeated burning.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she stole away to the van to quietly face her own pain at what she had seen. This is how she describes what happened next:
“I looked up and there was the boy with a missing smile . . . He extended his hands to me, his burned brown hands. I took my wipe and cleaned each of his precious palms . . . the language barrier crumbled as I was just a mom caring for a boy’s hand the way they should be cared for. It wasn’t the shoes, or the toy or candy . . . it was a simple act of love, and the boy who lost his smile, found it. He hugged me tight and called me Amiga . . . friend. The smile he gave me was more precious than any gift I had offered him . . . I had been transformed by an orphan; I was conquered by a smile.”
Friday, October 24, 2008
Felt like an orphan
Yesterday and today I went on a backpacking trip to the mountains in PA. The name of the trail I went on was Minister Creek. One of the things I like about backpacking is getting away from the world and just forgetting about daily struggles. I have always wanted to go on this type of a trip solo. The idea of going it alone and facing all the challenges a trip like this offers on your own is something that I wanted to accomplish. There is always a sense of completion/victory after a trip is over. To have faced the wilderness and survived, well without too many injuries that is-haha. Well day one was textbook, the weather was gorgeous, the trail was interesting and I made it to my campsite right on time. Day two, well it ended up that way but along the journey I faced the fear of being lost and alone. I guess you could say I felt like an orphan. Have you ever felt that way? See at one point of the trail there is another trail that runs along the same path, the North Country Scenic Trail. Right after the campsite I chose was a Y in the path. Both were blazed with white signs which is what Minister Creek's trail is designated by. The other has a blue blaze. Well to make a long story short, I was pretty sure I made the right choice, but I was not all that confident. Ever felt like that before, you press on but are fearful that your choice was wrong. My cell phone had died so I had no idea of what time it was, I just kept going, and hoping. Along the way God had one of his little friends show up to say hi to me, laugh if you want to but I felt it was him telling me it would be ok. See the picture of the deer below along with some other shots. After a long and tiring uphill climb I come to a larger area of very large boulders/cliffs. At this point I am getting worried big time. There was nothing on the trip information I got off the web about this. So naturally I begin to fear I took the wrong path. There was the overlook though I saw a sign about on day one. I kept telling myself this had to be it. Just when I get to the top, and begin to get excited thinking first I can breathe again, but more importantly I can find out if Im on the right path, the path begins to descend down into a huge cave like area that is part of this area. At that point I became almost convinced I was going the wrong way. I had to negotiate some rather tricky spots that I had never done before with a backpack strapped on to my back. I really began to worry. Would I have to turn back and go back the 3-4 miles just to begin again going the right way which would be another 3-4 miles. What time was it? Would my water get me back to the creek so I could filter some fresh water. Would it get dark before I made it? I knew rain was coming and it was cold. Would my wife Lisa freak out and send the green berets to look for me? I finally made it to the top and began on a flatter trail my heart and lungs very grateful I might add. I hear a sound and I begin to get excited again. It must be those road workers I saw at the parking area the day before working on the bridge. Keep in mind I saw no human life the entire time I was on the trail. I then was struck with fear as the trail began moving farther and farther away from the sound. Once again all I could think was I am on the wrong trail. Ahh, but then it happened, the trail turned and I began heading towards the sound. The more I walked the louder it became. Then suddenly there it was, the sign I saw the day before explaining how to get to the overlook. I was home free. I actually jumped for joy for a brief second before my newly formed manhood took over and I regained my macho hiking look- see bandana wrapped head in picture below.
Anyway, why am I telling you all about this crazy trip. Do you remember how I said I felt like an orphan. Could you relate to my sense of panic that I was dealing with when I felt I was lost on a mountain by myself. Imagine being all alone in the world, ALL THE TIME! Can you imagine the way a child feels without a family, heading who knows where and seemingly no one cares?
Have you ever felt like an orphan before?
What will you do to help one today?
Overlook area
The creek
Gods little friend he sent me
Part of the path
My campsite
One of several bridges
The conquering hero- notice the tired eyes!
Anyway, why am I telling you all about this crazy trip. Do you remember how I said I felt like an orphan. Could you relate to my sense of panic that I was dealing with when I felt I was lost on a mountain by myself. Imagine being all alone in the world, ALL THE TIME! Can you imagine the way a child feels without a family, heading who knows where and seemingly no one cares?
Have you ever felt like an orphan before?
What will you do to help one today?
Overlook area
The creek
Gods little friend he sent me
Part of the path
My campsite
One of several bridges
The conquering hero- notice the tired eyes!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Give me God's eyes
I love the song by Brandon Heath titled "Give me your eyes". It speaks to my heart for the children of the world without a mommy & a daddy. Part of the lyrics say "give me your arms for the broken hearted". Listen to the song and let God move your heart, see the world anew through his eyes. Here is the link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGr8as7pPBE
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The economy
Boy its looking tough everywhere you look for economic news these days. As I have been thinking about all of the news we are hearing these days, to be totally transparent with everyone it makes me worry just a bit about my family and the adoption we are right in the middle of. The thought of traveling over seas for a week to ten days in a potentially traumatized world, not to mention the concern for taking care of my family's financial needs has been wearing on me lately. The only thing I can say is that God has called us to this and he will provide the way through and beyond. Its times like these where God can grow faith if we let him. I know my faith needs to grow. I pray that God will continue to work on me in the days ahead. Pray for us guys!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ethiopian Calendar / Clock
I saw this on the Ethiopian Embassy web site and thought it was interesting information. Here it is-
The time in Ethiopia is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States except during Daylight Savings Time in the United States, during which Ethiopian time is seven hours ahead.
Ethiopian Time
The Ethiopian Calendar
While much of the world marks the passing of days according to the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has its own calendar, which is also known as the Ge'ez Calendar. Based upon the ancient Coptic Calendar, the Ethiopian Calendar is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian Calendar, owing to alternate calculations in determining the date of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus.
The Ethiopian Calendar has 12 months of 30 days each, plus five or six additional days (sometimes known as the 13th month), which are added at the end of the year to match the calendar to the solar cycle.
The year is currently 2000, according to the Ethiopian Calendar. Ethiopia celebrated the millennium at midnight on September 12, 2007. The year 2001 began in Ethiopia on September 11, 2008 of the Gregorian Calendar.
| Ethiopian Calendar: | Gregorian Calendar: |
| Meskerem (New Year) | 11 September - 10 October |
| Tikimt | 11 October - 9 November |
| Hidar | 10 November - 9 December |
| Tahsas | 10 December - 8 January |
| Tir | 9 January - 7 February |
| Yakatit | 8 February - 9 March |
| Maggabit | 10 March - 8 April |
| Miyazya | 9 April - 8 May |
| Ginbot | 9 May - 7 June |
| Sene | 8 June - 7 July |
| Hamle | 8 July - 6 August |
| Nehasa | 7 August - 6 September |
| Pagume | 6 - 10 September |
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mowing em down
Well we are really cranking through the details that are all part of the requirements to adopt. This week we completed our CPR / AED training on Monday night, we got 3 hours closer to completing our parent training on Tues night, we had our water inspection yesterday and will get those results next week. Our house is ready for the fire inspection now that there are electronic gadgets all over our house- haha. Things are moving along.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Crazy days
Sorry its been a while since I posted, we are very busy. We are in the midst of our adoption training. The classes are really intense as they focus on foster parenting. We have seen some very sad movies about kids who have been abused and neglected. There are some neat people though who are sacrificing to help kids all over. We also have to get CPR and First Aid Training. We are getting CPR certified tonight actually, First Aid will be in a few weeks. We are having a fire inspection to our home this Friday. We installed 5 smoke alarms yesterday and we need 3 CO2 sensors, one for each floor of our home that we will purchase later this week. We also bought 2 fire extinguishers and an escape ladder for the upstairs area. We hope to be through all of the training by the end of October. Thanks again for everyone who helped with our auction and dinner. We are using the money we raised to get us through this training, and the main item is our home study which is $3000. Like the title of this post, we are in the midst of crazy days at the West home!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Fund raiser results
We had a great night last night with about 100 people or so that came to the dinner. Everyone seemed to have fun and enjoy the dinner and the auction. We had 149 of the 151 items bought. We raised $5,300 net from the dinner and auction. One of the really neat things that happened last night was some friends of ours who have been dating for a while, the man won the nicest auction item we had, a diamond / tanzanite ring during the live part of our auction. He then came to the middle of the crowd and asked for the microphone and proposed to her right in the middle of the auction. It was just one more example of how God is doing some special things through all of his work on our journey. We pray that he will continue to get the glory and to touch lives all around us. We thank everyone who came and who was involved. It was like getting married times 2 as I told some of our friends there last night. Wow was that a lot of work and so many people did so many things, we are truly grateful for all of you. Our prayer is that God will richly reward you for your acts of selfless love and sacrifice.
Friday, September 12, 2008
The day has arrived!
Well everyone its Friday September 12th, the day of the dinner / auction. We have so much work in front of us today, looking forward to it all coming together. We hope you all can make it out tonight and that you will be blessed with a great evening. We are SO thankful to all of you who helped make today possible. Tonight's program has a list of all the donors, I can't believe how long it is. It has been amazing how God has orchestrated all of this. Whenever we had a need, there someone was to help us along the way. People secured donations on their own, places that we had not already been to, then some of you made phone calls to places we had been to as follow up, and then all the creative people who helped make our signs, put together our baskets etc etc etc. We have 150 items to auction off tonight. Something for everyone. Pray for everything to go well tonight. God Bless you all. We will update within the next few days or so how everything turned out. Here we go......
Friday, September 5, 2008
Basket Mania
I have never seen so many baskets in my life! We are in the midst of craziness at our house. We are working like crazy trying to put together as many cool baskets of items for the auction. We have stuff everywhere. Many people have helped us. One of our friends friend put together about 19 baskets for us from our items and even some of her things. She was very creative and they look great. We now have more baskets and some other folks coming over Saturday to finalize everything hopefully. We have to have all of our items ready by Monday so we can get all the info over to our good friend who is publishing our program for the night. Somewhat stressful these days as the clock is ticking. Lisa and I have been on one another's nerves lately it seems as we have had a few arguments lately. We are just tired and stressed just a bit, but its all going to work out great. Once again we are overwhelmed by all of the people helping us. We are SO thankful for everything everyone is doing. Only 6 days left!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Teamwork
My wife Lisa and I have been amazed lately at how many people are involved in helping us bring our child home. We currently have about 70 places of business that have donated for the auction and we know of about 20 more that will be in the next few days. We have too many friends to count that are helping us. Its just been really inspiring to see everyone's hearts getting touched and getting involved. My wife has an idea and we are working on it now to make a blanket, the colors will be of the Ethiopian flag. She will be making it and we plan to have it at the dinner/auction. We have special markers made to write on cloth and we will be asking everyone who came to the dinner to eat, to participate in the auction, to help with the cooking, the tickets, the auction, the clean up etc etc to sign it. We want to give the blanket to our child so he or she will know how much they were loved, how many people sacrificed their time, their talent and their treasure to help rescue them from a life without a family. I think this idea is really a cool one. I hope to see you all there and watch you sign your names to the blanket. A legacy of love to share with one of God's children. Only 12 days left. Are you planning on being there??
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Red letter day
Today was a great day. We had lots of positive things happen today for the dinner / auction. We were given a $30 gift card to a restaurant, a $25 gift card to a grocery store, 2 golf lessons from a pro valued at $30 each, about $45 in value of books from a book store, enough food to feed about 180 people for our rigatoni dinner and most likely will get the balance of the food donated from a friend of ours as well. All of this happened about a few hours apart. As I was driving home from collecting most of these items, I was thinking of how God is providing each day something positive. He keeps us encouraged with something new every day. I am reminded that his mercies are new every day and so is his generosity. He continues to grow all of our faith as we see him providing for our adoption. This was TOO big for us on our own, God had to be in it for it to work out and he is at work. When God shows up, he shows off.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Why
We have been asked why are we adopting so many times lately. I thought I would share this verse. It has become very special to me.
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Did you notice that it says before God. It does not say before men.
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Did you notice that it says before God. It does not say before men.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Godcidence
Hello all,
Always in the midst of chaos, God is right here beside us: Planning for the fundraiser, running around to different businesses getting donations, trying to secure food donations, living life with two teenage boys and two younger girls, working a job, keeping the house presentable(most of the time) :)
Today I (Lisa) went to the park with the girls I babysit and my girls. I was pushing the twins on the swings and I recognized the lady right next to me. I had met her one time on a field trip for homeschooling families two or three years ago. I said to her "Isn't your husband in some kind of Christian ministry?" She said, "Yes, we were missionaries to Ethiopia". I was so excited to hear that. Isn't God amazing!! He meets us right where we are, and responds to us in the tiniest details. This lady said that she would be willing to teach us some words of the language of Ethiopia before we go over there. What an awesome God we serve and love.
Always in the midst of chaos, God is right here beside us: Planning for the fundraiser, running around to different businesses getting donations, trying to secure food donations, living life with two teenage boys and two younger girls, working a job, keeping the house presentable(most of the time) :)
Today I (Lisa) went to the park with the girls I babysit and my girls. I was pushing the twins on the swings and I recognized the lady right next to me. I had met her one time on a field trip for homeschooling families two or three years ago. I said to her "Isn't your husband in some kind of Christian ministry?" She said, "Yes, we were missionaries to Ethiopia". I was so excited to hear that. Isn't God amazing!! He meets us right where we are, and responds to us in the tiniest details. This lady said that she would be willing to teach us some words of the language of Ethiopia before we go over there. What an awesome God we serve and love.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Pride
I thought I would share some of my feelings as I have been running all over town asking for donations. Sometimes when I first get started its difficult. You get funny looks from people, you get some quick rejections and you feel like you should just give up. But we cant! We have to keep on asking and keep on working. I spent 2.5 hours tonight and I went to 20 different places asking for donations. Tonight we had 4 places graciously give. I guess when you do the math thats a pretty good %, but sometimes that old stubborn pride gets in the way and you dont want to deal with the rejection any more. I start thinking about what people are thinking of me as they hear me asking for the manager and then tell our story briefly. Sometimes, I wonder if they believe me. I am sure there are many con artists out there and I surely understand that. I just wish I could show them what I have seen and try to convince them of the great need for orphans all over the world. So we trudge on forgetting our silly pride and keep on asking without apology.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Iron Will
The other day we watched a movie that was from 1994 called Iron Will. Its one of those inspirational stories about a 17 year old boy who wins a dog sled race to save his families farm. Its really a good movie. As the story unfolds, the country unknown to Will learns of him through a newspaper reporter. The country begins to look to the young boy as a hero. One scene really impressed me. He is coming close to the end of the race that no one expected him to survive the first day of. He comes through a small town in Minnesota and the townspeople are lined up on the small main street of town and are cheering him with all sorts of fanfare. American flags are everywhere, bands are playing and people are everywhere cheering him. He is told of all that the nation has know of him for weeks and he is amazed. He is encouraged and he goes on. That reminded me of how God has encourages us during this giant project of adoption we have going. It seems like whenever the obstacles become too large, whenever our courage waivers, whenever we cant see our way through, whenever we think there are too many tickets to sell, too many forms to copy and mail in, too many people to ask for donations for the auction, something small hits and we go on. Like yesterday. I emailed a sports talk show I have listened to for years, and within a few hours the host graciously emailed back telling us how he would be helping, or like today when some friends went door to door selling tickets and one lady bought 2 tickets but then donated an extra $10 just to help our cause. Its all of these little things that really helps us to keep on working. To not give up.
God is an ontime God isnt he! He knows when his kids need some encouragement.
God is an ontime God isnt he! He knows when his kids need some encouragement.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Olympic Teams
Last night my wife and some friends of ours watched the opening ceremony for the Olympics. Before it started we walked around in my neighborhood and sold tickets for the adoption. We only had about 30 minutes to do this as we wanted to get back and watch the event. We went to maybe 10 homes in the time we had. Not one home said no to buying a ticket. A few said come back today or next weekend but no one said no thanks. One house purchased 4, another 3. In the short time we had we sold 14 tickets. As I have thought about that, I have been amazed at folks generosity, their willingness to help. We have several friends selling tickets for us, donating themselves, volunteering their time for the night of the fund raiser etc etc. This is really a team effort and I am proud to know their is so much love and desire to help out there.
As I watched the ceremony the time came to see all of the worlds athletes nation by nation walk out into the stadium. As I waited to see the U.S. team, I found myself anxiously waiting to see the Ethiopian team as well. My vision for others I have found has grown during this adoption process. I think God is pleased when we begin to realize that our little circle in the world, is not the only place where God is working and where his love is. Isnt it comforting to know that God loves all the little children of the world, red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight!
As I watched the ceremony the time came to see all of the worlds athletes nation by nation walk out into the stadium. As I waited to see the U.S. team, I found myself anxiously waiting to see the Ethiopian team as well. My vision for others I have found has grown during this adoption process. I think God is pleased when we begin to realize that our little circle in the world, is not the only place where God is working and where his love is. Isnt it comforting to know that God loves all the little children of the world, red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Steven Curtis Chapman Family
Tonight my wife and I watched Larry King Live which had the Chapman family on. They told the story of the tragic loss of one of the 3 daughters they adopted from China. It was very moving. What an incredible family they are. I was struck by one particular thing. The son who accidentally ran over his sister, was asked by Larry had the family helped him make it through. He said very much so, but he specifically spoke of his brother Caleb who was right there right after the accident. He said all he wanted to do was run away, get away from the scene of the accident but Caleb ran him down tackling him. He held him down and hugged on him telling him everything was going to be ok. I thought of how much that is like God. When we think we have hit rock bottom, he will run after us and hold onto us telling us everything will be ok. The only question is will we let him. Will we listen to his loving plea or will we continue to run away in our shame. Wow, what a testimony this family has. If you have the chance, watch this program.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
My 2 sons
I am very proud of my 2 boys. They are both on a missions trip in the Bahamas this week. They are both working at the Y as swim instructors and life guards and they both chose to use their own money to pay for the trip. We gave them both some money and there was some donations that helped but they both used somewhere in the area of $700-800 of their own hard earned money to pay for the trip. I hope that they come away from this trip understanding how much God has blessed them and begin to develop a heart for those less fortunate throughout the world. As I have shared before here on the blog a missions trip I took to the Dominican Republic back in 2005 planted a seed that in part brought about the fruit of the adoption we are pursuing now. Here is a picture of a drama my youngest son Christian is a part of. He is the one with the Love banner hanging on him. The youth group at our church has a website where you can read about what the group is doing on the trip and see other photos. The site is, http://www.connect316.com/ .
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Am I a good enough Daddy
Sometimes I wonder if I will be a good enough Daddy to our new son or daughter. Yes I already have 4 kids, my oldest is 17, my youngest is almost 10. When I watch some of the videos from other families adoptions, I see and wonder, am I good enough to do this? Do I have the fatherly skills I should have? Do I love enough? I am just being honest with the thoughts I sometimes have. I know that God will provide all that is needed, and he will provide just when it is needed, he is an on time God. But just occasionally I begin to doubt. Isn't that human nature. I hate that part of my personality. One thing I know for sure though. I aint turnin back! God has called us to share his love, and thats what we are going to do. I also believe that our new child is only going to make us better parents. He or she will teach us so much more about ourselves, our world and God himself. I chose the name adoption journey as part of our blogs title purposely. It has already been and continues to be just that. A wonderful journey.
Anticipation is making me wait
Now that we have so much activity going on with the home study, the fund raiser etc., I am finding that I am losing patience. I want to get everything done yesterday. I have a new found sense of respect for those families who have already lived the process of adoption knowing now what I do of all that is involved. I remember that old ketchup commercial where the thickness of the ketchup would make the one wanting it on their sandwich go nuts waiting for it to drop onto the bun below. I used to always laugh at that commercial. Isn't it funny how things like this come back to our minds when we encounter these types of situations. Can you hear the song in your mind, " Anticipation is making me wait". We have a friend who has said many times over the past months it's gonna be great when we get our new son or daughter home. I for one, just cant wait to look on him or her for the first time and tell them about God who planted the seed of love for them in our families heart. I look forward to the day when you all get to meet him or her as well.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Save the date
We now have our official date for our fundraiser dinner / auction. It will be Friday night @ 6pm on September 12. It will be held at The Akron Baptist Temple, we will be using fellowship hall. We will be offering a pasta type dinner and plan to have a fun night of activities including a silent auction as well as a verbal offering for those real competive souls-haha. If anyone would like to participate let us know. We are looking for any and all types of donations that can be auctioned for that night. We plan to visit many local business in hopes of securing some neat items for everyone to try and win at the auction. Please tell everyone you can about this and if anyone has any donations let us know. We want this to be a great night for everyone involved. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts in advance for everyones participation.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The latest
We have had internet connectivity problems for the past several days, it was fixed today. In between the last post and now we received our packet of information on the process from Holt. Wow that book is thick. Much to learn Yoda says we have. Our home study orientation is also now set for July 31. Things are starting to get exciting. Just cant wait to meet our new son or daughter. I cant wait to introduce him/her to all of you. Can you imagine the moment?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The process
We received a packet of information from Holt yesterday. I thought I would share the specifics of the process with everyone. The main steps are-
- Family applies to program ( we have done this)
- Home study is reviewed by Holt and approved for country ( we have chosen the agency for our home study but thats it so far)
- Family files I600A immigration form
- Dossier is prepared by family and sent to Holt (family can compile dossier while simultaneously waiting for I171H approval)
- Program staff review dossier and obtain state certifications
Holt forwards Dossier to the U.S. Sate Dept & the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication
- Dossier is forwarded to Ethiopia representative in Addis Ababa who has a dossier translated and prepared for court
- Child is referred to family
- Paperwork is submitted to Ethiopian court
- Court order is issued, subsequently the birht certificate is issued
- Child is issued visa and ready to travel
- You receive information on post placement requirements and schedules
- Once we return home to the U.S. we will finalize the adoption here in the U.S.
- The last step is to naturalize our child as a U.S. citizen
These are the main steps of the process according to Holt. Obviously all of this takes time. Please pray for us as we begin all of the work involved in this that it would go smoothly.
- Family applies to program ( we have done this)
- Home study is reviewed by Holt and approved for country ( we have chosen the agency for our home study but thats it so far)
- Family files I600A immigration form
- Dossier is prepared by family and sent to Holt (family can compile dossier while simultaneously waiting for I171H approval)
- Program staff review dossier and obtain state certifications
Holt forwards Dossier to the U.S. Sate Dept & the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication
- Dossier is forwarded to Ethiopia representative in Addis Ababa who has a dossier translated and prepared for court
- Child is referred to family
- Paperwork is submitted to Ethiopian court
- Court order is issued, subsequently the birht certificate is issued
- Child is issued visa and ready to travel
- You receive information on post placement requirements and schedules
- Once we return home to the U.S. we will finalize the adoption here in the U.S.
- The last step is to naturalize our child as a U.S. citizen
These are the main steps of the process according to Holt. Obviously all of this takes time. Please pray for us as we begin all of the work involved in this that it would go smoothly.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Quails, Gas Prices & Faith
As I have watched the news for the past several months about the economy here in the U.S. and all over the world for that matter, I have thought about all of the costs involved with adopting. Of course our biggest obstacle right now is the up front funds, but then it will be years of caring for our new son/s or daughter/s. Just driving my girls now to softball every night of the week is quite the expense with the gas prices what they are. I have pondered the wisdom in all that we are pursuing, should we really be doing this. We have 4 children already, etc etc, you fill in the rest, you get the picture.
The other night my wife and I were at calling hours for one of our dear friends who's mother just passed away. We sat in the back of the room just wanting to be there for support for the family. I think just being there is a comfort, we dont always have to have something to say to share our love and care. Well while there, a few ladies from the church were sitting with us. They were asking questions about the adoption etc. One of the ladies spoke up and said something like, " I just dont know where all that money is going to come from". I was struck by those words, how little our God is to us all at times. How we lack faith that he will provide for what he has called us to do. Of course, we need to make sure its him that is doing the calling. I for one sometimes think he is calling me to buy a new motorcycle, after all I could minister to the biker crowd right? Haha.
This all leads me to what I read today. I decided some months back I wanted to read through the Bible and simply treat it like a novel. I typically stop and do all sorts of cross reference checks etc and it becomes more of a deep study. While that is good, I really wanted to read it all through without that sort of study. I finished the New Testament first and now I am in the Old Testament. I was reading today in Numbers. I believe I read chapters 9-11 today. I love how the Bible is filled with stories that can teach us so much today. In chapter 11 the Israelites have begun to complain. They are in the wilderness after being set free from slavery in Egypt. God is providing them with a bread like food called manna every day but they want more. They were used to meat and other things that they ate in Egypt. Isnt it funny how we are just like them. We get enslaved in some struggle/sin in our lives and we think its satisfying us. Anyway, God decides he is going to provide them with some meat. Lets pick up the story in Numbers chapter 11 verse 21, God has just told Moses the peoples leader he will provide meat for all of the people. Listen in-
21 And Moses said, “The people whom I am among are six hundred thousand men on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month.’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to provide enough for them?” 23 And the LORD said to Moses, “Has the LORD’s arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.”
Lets skip down to verse 31-
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and about a day’s journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. 32 And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered least gathered ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp.
Isnt this amazing. Picture this scene in your minds eye. God uses a great wind and brings quail from the sea and drops them all over the camp of the Israelites. Could you imaging what that was like? Do you see how God provides for his people? Do you realize we are just like those Israelites? God loves us and cares for us just as much as he did them. We are just as special to God as they were! So just remember the next time you begin to doubt God, that he will take care of his own.
One last question- Is Gods arm to short to reach your need?
The other night my wife and I were at calling hours for one of our dear friends who's mother just passed away. We sat in the back of the room just wanting to be there for support for the family. I think just being there is a comfort, we dont always have to have something to say to share our love and care. Well while there, a few ladies from the church were sitting with us. They were asking questions about the adoption etc. One of the ladies spoke up and said something like, " I just dont know where all that money is going to come from". I was struck by those words, how little our God is to us all at times. How we lack faith that he will provide for what he has called us to do. Of course, we need to make sure its him that is doing the calling. I for one sometimes think he is calling me to buy a new motorcycle, after all I could minister to the biker crowd right? Haha.
This all leads me to what I read today. I decided some months back I wanted to read through the Bible and simply treat it like a novel. I typically stop and do all sorts of cross reference checks etc and it becomes more of a deep study. While that is good, I really wanted to read it all through without that sort of study. I finished the New Testament first and now I am in the Old Testament. I was reading today in Numbers. I believe I read chapters 9-11 today. I love how the Bible is filled with stories that can teach us so much today. In chapter 11 the Israelites have begun to complain. They are in the wilderness after being set free from slavery in Egypt. God is providing them with a bread like food called manna every day but they want more. They were used to meat and other things that they ate in Egypt. Isnt it funny how we are just like them. We get enslaved in some struggle/sin in our lives and we think its satisfying us. Anyway, God decides he is going to provide them with some meat. Lets pick up the story in Numbers chapter 11 verse 21, God has just told Moses the peoples leader he will provide meat for all of the people. Listen in-
21 And Moses said, “The people whom I am among are six hundred thousand men on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month.’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to provide enough for them?” 23 And the LORD said to Moses, “Has the LORD’s arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.”
Lets skip down to verse 31-
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and about a day’s journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. 32 And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered least gathered ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp.
Isnt this amazing. Picture this scene in your minds eye. God uses a great wind and brings quail from the sea and drops them all over the camp of the Israelites. Could you imaging what that was like? Do you see how God provides for his people? Do you realize we are just like those Israelites? God loves us and cares for us just as much as he did them. We are just as special to God as they were! So just remember the next time you begin to doubt God, that he will take care of his own.
One last question- Is Gods arm to short to reach your need?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Here we go!
Well I wanted to update everyone on where we stand. We received a prelimnary approval from a home study agency here in Ohio that works with Holt International. We believe we will be approved to adopt. We have mailed in our application to Holt. We are off and running once again. Please keep us in your prayers, we will have much to do in the coming months. Lots of paperwork, fund raising etc etc. I cant wait! God bless you all and please please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The innocence of childhood
As I mentioned a few posts ago, my daughter recently gave me an ipod shuffle that I have fallen in love with. I download for free podcasts and have it loaded with all sorts of music. Many of the songs I added are songs from when I was but a wee lad. Its funny how just hearing certain songs can take me right back in my mind to my childhood. The absence of so many worries and resposibilities we all have as adults. The freedom to pursue every day only fun. Make new friends, experience new things. There is just something about the innocence we feel as children.
I recently added a photo of the exterior of my home to my desktop pc at work. I noticed the first few times when I went to my desktop to open a program or find a file, how that picture made me feel secure, safe, a place to go and leave all of the world behind. It made me want to leave work and go home to see my lovely wife and the great kids I love so much. I have so many blessings.
As I have been thinking about these 2 thoughts the past few days I have wondered what it is like to be an orphan. Your parents dead, or having been given away to be cared for by strangers by your parents. What it must be like for them to make it through each day. When they grow to be adults, assuming they even live that long, I wonder what memories they will have of their childhood. Will songs or certain smells or holidays bring back a rush of beautiful memories. Will they have this deposit of love imparted to their souls to help them get by the tough times. Will they have memories of loving parents sharing with them how much they love them but even more important how much God loves them. Its thoughts like these that continue to motivate me to adopt. I want to be able to give the types of memories that I have to my new son/s or daughter/s. I want them to know they were loved by our family, but as I said even more so, that a loving God cares for them.
If you get the chance today, spend some time remembering all the blessings in your life and pray for an orphan somewhere in the world. We are so blessed arent we?
I recently added a photo of the exterior of my home to my desktop pc at work. I noticed the first few times when I went to my desktop to open a program or find a file, how that picture made me feel secure, safe, a place to go and leave all of the world behind. It made me want to leave work and go home to see my lovely wife and the great kids I love so much. I have so many blessings.
As I have been thinking about these 2 thoughts the past few days I have wondered what it is like to be an orphan. Your parents dead, or having been given away to be cared for by strangers by your parents. What it must be like for them to make it through each day. When they grow to be adults, assuming they even live that long, I wonder what memories they will have of their childhood. Will songs or certain smells or holidays bring back a rush of beautiful memories. Will they have this deposit of love imparted to their souls to help them get by the tough times. Will they have memories of loving parents sharing with them how much they love them but even more important how much God loves them. Its thoughts like these that continue to motivate me to adopt. I want to be able to give the types of memories that I have to my new son/s or daughter/s. I want them to know they were loved by our family, but as I said even more so, that a loving God cares for them.
If you get the chance today, spend some time remembering all the blessings in your life and pray for an orphan somewhere in the world. We are so blessed arent we?
Friday, May 30, 2008
The joys of life
Tonight we went to the end of the year celebration at the small Christian School our oldest 3 kids attend. Our youngest is still home schooled by my wife Lisa. As I watched my 3 kids with their friends, I began to realize how quickly life passes us by. My oldest is 17, he will be graduating next year. I cant believe how swiftly the years have flown by. My sons went out after the celebration with their friends to dinner and possibly a movie. My daughters are home with us now, but they are not alone. They brought with them 4 girls from the school. I have 6 young girls and my wife in the house right now. I have escaped to my room to type this on the computer but just a few moments ago, upon my return from getting pizza for this gang, I was in the living room just listening to all of the ruckus in the dining room. There is something very beautiful about the laughter of 6 little girls, its contagious. I found myself laughing just listening to them having fun, celebrating their friendship and the end of the school year. As I thought about this, I started to think about the joys in life. How the simple things are so fullfilling. How if we just open our minds and our hearts just a little more each day to all the wonder God has surrounded us with, how much deeper and richer our lives would be. I cant wait to one day in the not to far off future, enjoy the laughter of my new son/s or daughter/s as they have their friends over for some pizza and an end of the school year party. I long for the day where they wont be worried about where their next bit of food will come from, or to be faced with another day with no Mommy or Daddy there to love them. I want them to be able to sit back, and like I was tonight, simply be thankful for the joys in life!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Motives
This weekend I was blessed to go on a weekend backpacking trip with my buddy John and his two cousins. It was in Southern Ohio about 40 miles south of Zanesville. The trail name was Wildcat Hollow. It was a 15 mile loop trail. We expected from what we heard the trail to be somewhat moderate and easier than others. We were wrong. We walked through quite a bit of mud which really helps to slow you down and tire you out quicker. There were parts of the trail that were overgrown with quite a bit of overgrown bushes etc. There were downed trees all over the trail where we had to climb over and crawl under. There was one particular part where 2 trees had gone down. One was high and one was low but they were right next to each other. After watching 2 of the guys maneuver around and under with their 40# packs on their backs, and seeing them getting stuck in between the 2 trees, and mind you these guys were much smaller than I, I decided I was going to get on my knees and crawl. Guess what I had to crawl through, you guessed it, mud. I survived and found myself laughing at what I had just done. Sometime later the trail became much tougher with several steep sections to climb. Now mind you, Im not talking about Mount Everest here, but for 4 out of shape weekend warriors it was a killer. After finally making it up the last of this grueling section we found ourselves in a beautiful area of pine trees with very soft pine needles all over the ground. It didnt take long for each of us to realize we needed to swallow our pride and drop our packs. I have found that backpacking is good to humble oneself. After about 1 minute, all 4 of us were prostrate on the ground sucking frantically for oxygen. I gathered myself a few minutes later to find enough strength to get my water bottle and drink the last of my water supply and layed back down. We layed there for about 30-45 minutes. After a while it became one of those neat experiences that makes backpaking worthwhile. I layed there under a large pine and looked up at the beautiful blue sky. One of the other guys said something like "now this is what its all about". We finally gathered enough strength to set out again. We had traveled at that point on our second day about 8 miles and we still had 2-3 miles left. About 1 hour later we found ourselves on the homestretch. One of the guys started talking about how he is always reminded of his mortality when he goes on these challenging trips. He started musing as we approached the trailhead that we should have someone there to applaud us for what we had just accomplished. As a group we started talking about how it feels to push ourselves and accomplish something like this ( ok ok I know its not like we just saved the planet). There is a sense of adventure to go on one of these trips and it does feel good to make it through. After just a few brief moments we found ourselves at the end of the trail. Another hiker who was sitting by his tent at a site right at the front began asking us how we did and we explained it to him. How we had started late the first day and only managed to get in 4-5 miles and that we had gone the remaining 10-11 miles the last day. He looks at us and says, " good job guys". We thanked him and walked away laughing to ourselves at how we had just talked about someone praising us for our efforts. As I have thought about that moment today, I could not stop thinking about wanting to hear when I get to heaven, "well done thou good and faithful servant" from my King. And I pondered all the reasons I do the things I do. What is my real motive? Do I desire the praise of others around me or do I simply wish to do those things that will please my God? Yes I mean my God. He is mine and I am his. You know, its not necessarily what things we do, sometimes its a better question to ask why do we do the things we do? Even something as wonderful as adoption is, something so near and dear to the heart of God as the care of orphans, if you do these things for the wrong reasons, ask yourself why. Do you think you can work your way into Gods good standing? Do you think you can earn your ticket to paradise? Please let me beg you to rest in the arms of God and he will carry you home. Its only by his son Jesus who died for me and you, to take our place for all the wrong we do, and yes that even includes good things for wrong reasons, that we can find ourselves one day hearing those words, "well done thou good and faithful servant". Do you want to hear those words? I have heard it said, that for a child of God, one of the most critical things to always do, is to examine your motives. So make sure you are following after the praise of the one who gave you life and sustains it, not all of us around you who are made out of the same dust of the ground as you are.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Food crisis in Ethiopia
I saw this link on another families blog, please read this and pray for the people, especially the helpless children in need of Ethiopia.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-05-18-voa15.cfm
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-05-18-voa15.cfm
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Whats $50?
I was thinking tonight about the value of $50. My daughter Charity won an Ipod shuffle in church today. She was one of 7 kids that had perfect attendance over a period of time and all 7 names went into a drawing and her name was chosen. She told me today they cost about $50 now that they have dropped in price. She has a ipod already that her grandma gave her for Christmas. She chose to give me this ipod for an early Fathers day present. I have been wanting an ipod for sometime but I could not justify the expense in my mind. I have really been thinking a lot about money and what we choose to do with it. I was watching the other night a world vision show about the condition of orphans in Africa. One paricular child worked for an entire week and was payed only $1. Week after week she would only make that $1. I began thinking tonight as I walked in my neighborhood listening to my new ipod, how rich I am. This ipod was given to me by my daughter. The expense of it would be equal to that little orphan girl who would have to work about 1 full year to make the equivalent amount of money. Also this weekend my wife and I bought used beds for our girls at a neigborhood yard sale. We were able to get 2 beds and 2 mattresses for, yes you guessed it $50. Yes we were frugal, yes we were good stewards to invest in these beds, but thats not my focus of this post. Its just about how much we all have, how easy our lives really are in relation to most of the world. So the next time you spend $50 on something, try to be thankful for all that you have, think of that orphan girl I just told you about, and do what you can to help others around you.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I saw what I saw
Here is another video for you all to watch. I found it on youtube tonight. For those of you who have been reading the blog the song will be familiar. Its set to a video for another adoptive family who adopted from Ethiopia. I liked it and wanted to post it for you all to enjoy.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vEnWk9kjZlU&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vEnWk9kjZlU&feature=related
Friday, May 9, 2008
Off and running again
Well very good news everyone. We were informed yesterday by a local home study agency in North Canton, that we are a go to adopt. They are an agency that works with Holt International and that is who we are choosing to go with now. I had contacted them a few weeks ago asking specific questions about our status. They sent us a financial form which we filled out and sent back into them. The news yesterday was that our financial status will not prevent us from adopting from Ethiopia as we so desired to do as we felt led by God. The next step will be to send in an official application and begin the home study work. Please continue to pray for us as we embark on our exciting journey again.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
To your mission be true
I dont have much to say today, I am tired after spending 6 hours watching 3 different softball games for my 2 daughters. I am going to go to bed and read some before I go to sleep. I did want to tell you what I was impressed with today by God at my church. We were singing an old hymn and these words were part of the song. I immediately wrote them down on my church bulletin as a reminder to myself but I thought I would share them with all of you. The words were:
Be a helper to the helpless,
To your mission be true.
They were seperated by another line but I did not get that down in time. I think these words are what God wanted me to remember anyway. So this is what I plan on doing. I want to help an orphan from Ethiopia who can not help themselves. And I intend to, with Gods help, to be true to the mission he has given me. I was asked this morning by a dear sweet older brother at church how things were going and I said ok. He asked if things were on schedule and I said more or less. I told him that its going to slow as far as what my schedule would be like, but that I was on Gods much better schedule that I dont always understand. And thats ok. After all, he is God and I am just one of his children.
Be a helper to the helpless,
To your mission be true.
They were seperated by another line but I did not get that down in time. I think these words are what God wanted me to remember anyway. So this is what I plan on doing. I want to help an orphan from Ethiopia who can not help themselves. And I intend to, with Gods help, to be true to the mission he has given me. I was asked this morning by a dear sweet older brother at church how things were going and I said ok. He asked if things were on schedule and I said more or less. I told him that its going to slow as far as what my schedule would be like, but that I was on Gods much better schedule that I dont always understand. And thats ok. After all, he is God and I am just one of his children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
