For whatever reason, I have not been supposed to post all week...and it is not for lack of trying! I have tried many times to start a post, get it completed and only to have it erased or the internet to shut down and I lose the whole thing...it is very frustrating! I am starting this post, and I don't know if it will ever get published or not...we will see!
This week has been wonderful and low-key...and great combination. We have seen and done some new things (seeing some new orphanages, going to different markets, bringing the kids back with us to Rodney and Cathy's, seen a funeral, and .... ready for this..... rode with LYDIA as she DROVE in Haiti... A STICK SHIFT!!!) It has been great.
The kids are the orphanage are doing incredible. They look healthy and happy...and well behaved! For any of you who have been on recent trips and thought the kids were good--you wouldn't believe it if you saw them now...it is craziness...and amazing all at the same time! I don't know how Madame and Pastor Aristild do it!
We have played some pretty fun games with the kids at the orphanage...but nothing was as nerve racking as "red rover"...for all of you who cannot remember this beloved child hood game, this is where you make 2 teams and link hands. You 'call' someone from the other team over to your side and that person has to run a full throttle and try to make it through you hands and break it. Well, we were not playing on cushy grass, no, no, we were on jagged rocks and half cement blocks!!!! Many a child ended up crying or bruised but they still wanted to keep playing...it was crazy the amount of "body checking" and "clotheslining" that was happening!
We also were able to pass out gifts and treats to the kids each day--they so so so so so so love that!
Madame and Pastor Aristild have started several businesses -- it is so amazing. They are doing t-shirt screen printing, selling purified water, have a cellphone business, as well as an internet cafe and printing business. They are doing their best to try to become more and more self sufficient. We stand in awe! Lydia, Kristin, and I are feeling that God might be calling us to help them with getting the word out about their "goods" here in the states....we think we could have been purchase things and then we can invest that money back into the orphanage...more about that to come at a later date when we have prayed, talked, and planned more.
Our babies are amazing! We have been able to bring them back to rodney and cathy's everyday to spend more time with them. I am just amazed at them and how uniquely different they are. Moises is my cuddler/baby of the group--and I love it! Judely is my grown up man who wants to help...but he still loves to be hugged. And Kentia--well, then there's Kentia....guys, I am not kidding, she is the most flighty girl I have ever met! She is always smiling and happy, and I truly believe that is because she is in her own world and clueless to everything else around her ;) I love it!
Heading back to church tomorrow and can't wait to see them all. Would post more, but I am not sure that this will make it so I will try this one now....
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
ssshhhhhh...it's a surprise!!!
After a long day of travel, we are finally here! Praise the Lord for smooth connections and perfect seats for the trip here--we were blessed!!! Made it to Port au Prince a little later than we wanted so we had to travel much of the way home in the dark...now THAT is an adventure!
Many vehicles here do not operate with lights--so you literally are taking your life in to your own hands if you choose to venture out after the sun sets. We did not want to travel after dark for safety's sake, but unfortunately, we had to. We almost took about some cows, dogs, 2 motorcycles, and an entire group of "rah-rahers"- (this is a group of people who get together to storm the streets dancing and practicing voodoo worship). We were a little nervous that the luggage would get stolen out of the back of the truck, but PRAISE THE LORD, it all made it!
We have all skyped back home and are getting ready to turn in for the night...just need to get some sleep in order to function properly!
We are excited & nervous at the same time because the kids don't know we are coming. The staff does, but not the kids! I am praying that it is a good surprise =] We are going to leave around 9am to head up to the orphanage for a day of loving on babies...my heart is so excited.
I praise the Lord, already, for allowing me to be here. I know that many people are praying for us--and we can see the Lord answering them. Thanks mom, dad, bri, sean, and drew for "holding down the fort" and loving on babies. Jan, I am going to ask God to do the same for me as your friend prayed for you, and that is to be "fully present here". I know that God will watch over my family, and I am praying that God just gives me a week of being fully engaged with our children here and to be aware of exactly what God wants to do in my heart while I am here.
Hope to post more this week...pray that tomorrow is good...good night!!!
Many vehicles here do not operate with lights--so you literally are taking your life in to your own hands if you choose to venture out after the sun sets. We did not want to travel after dark for safety's sake, but unfortunately, we had to. We almost took about some cows, dogs, 2 motorcycles, and an entire group of "rah-rahers"- (this is a group of people who get together to storm the streets dancing and practicing voodoo worship). We were a little nervous that the luggage would get stolen out of the back of the truck, but PRAISE THE LORD, it all made it!
We have all skyped back home and are getting ready to turn in for the night...just need to get some sleep in order to function properly!
We are excited & nervous at the same time because the kids don't know we are coming. The staff does, but not the kids! I am praying that it is a good surprise =] We are going to leave around 9am to head up to the orphanage for a day of loving on babies...my heart is so excited.
I praise the Lord, already, for allowing me to be here. I know that many people are praying for us--and we can see the Lord answering them. Thanks mom, dad, bri, sean, and drew for "holding down the fort" and loving on babies. Jan, I am going to ask God to do the same for me as your friend prayed for you, and that is to be "fully present here". I know that God will watch over my family, and I am praying that God just gives me a week of being fully engaged with our children here and to be aware of exactly what God wants to do in my heart while I am here.
Hope to post more this week...pray that tomorrow is good...good night!!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
"For I know the plans I have for you..."
For many years, every time I encounter a situation where I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, I honestly think..."okay, Lord, this time I really understand!" or "Got it Lord! I completely trust you"....Well, that is until I come up against the next "new situation" that causes me to doubt! How weak my faith can be and is most of the time!
We found out within the last 24 hours that there is a great likelihood that Hudson and Emma will both be coming into our world at the exact time...literally, it could be the same day! We have been praying for Hudson's arrival for so long and was truly wanting his arrival to be this month. However, yesterday we were told that his embassy date is not even scheduled until Nov. 14th....putting his travel home date several weeks after that. Emma, who we thought was due on Christmas Eve, has now been moved up a week to the 18th. If I spend much time thinking about this, my mind and heart become completely overwhelmed...however, I know better than to spend time there. God is so, so, so faithful and He has been more than enough for us throughout this journey, so why in the world would I be questioning Him now?!? I am going to choose, once again, to read Jeremiah 29:11 and rest in full assurance, that His way is perfect and there is nothing that happens to us or around us that is outside of His control.
Sean and I are getting super excited, but we are also subconsciously working on an internal countdown clock....we know life is getting ready to change in 10 weeks...while we are so wanting it to be here, there is a part of us that is a little sad to leave this life that we have now known and loved for almost 6.5 years. We are so blessed for our relationship and friendship--we truly are each others best friends, and I know there is no one else I would rather walk this journey with than him...
We know the Lord has plans for us and each day we realize that there are many, many, many more to come!
We found out within the last 24 hours that there is a great likelihood that Hudson and Emma will both be coming into our world at the exact time...literally, it could be the same day! We have been praying for Hudson's arrival for so long and was truly wanting his arrival to be this month. However, yesterday we were told that his embassy date is not even scheduled until Nov. 14th....putting his travel home date several weeks after that. Emma, who we thought was due on Christmas Eve, has now been moved up a week to the 18th. If I spend much time thinking about this, my mind and heart become completely overwhelmed...however, I know better than to spend time there. God is so, so, so faithful and He has been more than enough for us throughout this journey, so why in the world would I be questioning Him now?!? I am going to choose, once again, to read Jeremiah 29:11 and rest in full assurance, that His way is perfect and there is nothing that happens to us or around us that is outside of His control.
Sean and I are getting super excited, but we are also subconsciously working on an internal countdown clock....we know life is getting ready to change in 10 weeks...while we are so wanting it to be here, there is a part of us that is a little sad to leave this life that we have now known and loved for almost 6.5 years. We are so blessed for our relationship and friendship--we truly are each others best friends, and I know there is no one else I would rather walk this journey with than him...
We know the Lord has plans for us and each day we realize that there are many, many, many more to come!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The breakdown and our little girl!!!
Sean and I went to the doctor today and found out that the Lord is blessing us with a baby girl on Christmas Eve! We are so excited! She is ever so proper and modest already! As a matter of fact, she kept her ankles crossed and her knees together the whole ultrasound so the nurse had to do a internal ultra sound to get her to cooperate! Hope the modesty is something that sticks with her!
So, now, when all of the kiddos get here, there will be 3 boys and 2 girls. Sean and I both believe that that is start of a perfect little family! (We say "start" because we have no idea how many children God is going to bless us with!)
We do not have a name for her yet, but we figure that we have 20 weeks to decide that =]
I was cleaning the house this afternoon and I couldn't help but picture what this scene is going to look like in about 6 months! I believe it might be a little chaotic at times; however, I am completely confident that God is truly in control and will not give us more than He can walk us through.
Must share the 'pregnacy breakdown' moment yesterday. We originally were scheduled for our ultrasound yesterday morning. I arrived at 12:15pm like my reminder phone call said only to find out that my ultra sound had been scheduled for 11:15am! I told the receptionists that there was no way that was accurate because my reminder call said 12:15....long story short, it really was at 11:15am (my planner even said so!) and the phone call reminder had been inaccurate. Plus there was no way to fit me in that same day so I would have to reschedule to tomorrow (today). I cannot explain what happened to me at that moment--I lost it! I started sobbing uncontrollably....to the point that I couldn't contain it! I immediately called Sean to tell him to turn around and go back to work but all I could get out was "ultrasound missed' and the convert back to sobbing! He happened to be in the parking lot and thought I was actually IN the ultrasound and that something was terribly wrong!!! He sprinted through the parking lot, up the stairs and into the office to find me standing at the front desk bawling my eyes out! He asked me what in the world was going on...so I told him we had missed the ultra sound and that we would have to come back tomorrow. The look on his face was so funny--now anyways! He had instant relief and said "okay, so....." I guess when you think there is something wrong and it only is a scheduling conflict it really isn't that big of deal. However, for some reason, it was HUGE to me. I was a blubbering mess for the next 30 minutes! What made me so mad was that I couldn't stop it. I had prided myself that up until that moment I had done an "amazing" job controlling these pregnancy emotions....matter of fact, I consistently made fun of those "psycho pregnant women" who couldn't just be normal. Boy did that slap me hard in the face yesterday....so thankful today was a much more stable day =]
So, now, when all of the kiddos get here, there will be 3 boys and 2 girls. Sean and I both believe that that is start of a perfect little family! (We say "start" because we have no idea how many children God is going to bless us with!)
We do not have a name for her yet, but we figure that we have 20 weeks to decide that =]
I was cleaning the house this afternoon and I couldn't help but picture what this scene is going to look like in about 6 months! I believe it might be a little chaotic at times; however, I am completely confident that God is truly in control and will not give us more than He can walk us through.
Must share the 'pregnacy breakdown' moment yesterday. We originally were scheduled for our ultrasound yesterday morning. I arrived at 12:15pm like my reminder phone call said only to find out that my ultra sound had been scheduled for 11:15am! I told the receptionists that there was no way that was accurate because my reminder call said 12:15....long story short, it really was at 11:15am (my planner even said so!) and the phone call reminder had been inaccurate. Plus there was no way to fit me in that same day so I would have to reschedule to tomorrow (today). I cannot explain what happened to me at that moment--I lost it! I started sobbing uncontrollably....to the point that I couldn't contain it! I immediately called Sean to tell him to turn around and go back to work but all I could get out was "ultrasound missed' and the convert back to sobbing! He happened to be in the parking lot and thought I was actually IN the ultrasound and that something was terribly wrong!!! He sprinted through the parking lot, up the stairs and into the office to find me standing at the front desk bawling my eyes out! He asked me what in the world was going on...so I told him we had missed the ultra sound and that we would have to come back tomorrow. The look on his face was so funny--now anyways! He had instant relief and said "okay, so....." I guess when you think there is something wrong and it only is a scheduling conflict it really isn't that big of deal. However, for some reason, it was HUGE to me. I was a blubbering mess for the next 30 minutes! What made me so mad was that I couldn't stop it. I had prided myself that up until that moment I had done an "amazing" job controlling these pregnancy emotions....matter of fact, I consistently made fun of those "psycho pregnant women" who couldn't just be normal. Boy did that slap me hard in the face yesterday....so thankful today was a much more stable day =]
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I will praise thee forever...because THOU HAST DONE IT!
If you have been a part of mine and Sean's lives for very long, you will remember that at our verse for marriage has been Ps. 52:9 "I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." It was put on every piece of memorabelia that we could print it on at our wedding! Over the course of our relationship, we have felt an undescribable presence of God when He makes major choices in our world. Our favorite phrase is that there has never been "fireworks in the sky" with any major life move....instead, there has always been the quiet, calm assurance that feels like this...."okay, let's do it."
When we got engaged, it was, "okay, let's do it".
When we set our wedding date, it was "okay, let's do it."
When we purchased our 1st home...."okay, let's do it."
When I quit my teaching job to stay home full time with my business...."okay, let's do it."
When we decided to adopt children...."okay, let's do it."
Each one of these decisions, as we look back, are quite major in and of itself. However, with each choice, God literally just walks us to it and "okay, let's do it." There is no reason for us to panic--no reason to have to fret over the decision. He makes it for us...all we have to do is step with Him to the next place.
Tonight, we have experienced our latest "okay, let's do it" event. We sold our house!!! Want to know the kicker? It wasn't even on on the market AND we have not even begun looking for another house to buy! Want to know what's stranger? Sean and I are both like...."okay, let's do it!" You would think that that "eerily calm feeling" of God's peace despite such major lifechanging decisions would become old hat by now--but it never ceases to amaze me!
We had contacted our realtor about 2 weeks ago to let her know that in a few months, we would be in the house shopping market. We believed that we would be ready to start looking around August or so. About 5 days later, while on our way to an adoption conference in KY, our realtor texted us and said, "I think I have someone that wants to look at your house....are you ready to put it on the market?!?" Want to guess Sean's answer....pretty sure you can figure it out by now! Yup, "okay, let's do it!" So, 3 days later, we showed our house--10 days later (tonight) we sold it.
Sean happens to be in Sacremento, CA this week for business which adds to the drama, but we both know beyond a shadow of doubt no matter how far apart we are physically we have never felt closer in knowing that we can "praise God forever because He has done it!" There is no other reason to explain how else these events could have taken place and why we have such amazing peace.
I have to laugh because about 8 months ago, we wrote our first blog entry about "stepping outside our own little world." We were getting ready to make our first trip into Haiti. We knew God was calling us to do it and we were ready to do it, but completely uncertain as to why were were going or even to what "outside our own little world" was. Now, just a few short months later, that "stepping outside our own little world" has meant 5 babies on the way, selling a house with no where to go, a love for Haiti, and an undescribable passion for adoption. Apart from the Lord, who would have seen this coming?!?
Though we are not certain what God's next steps for us are going to be, I know with absolute certainty that I can trust God with our futures, and I pray with my whole heart that without hesitation, our answer to His next step will be..."okay, let's do it!"
Thank you, Lord, for doing things that could have only been done by Your miraculous hand...
When we got engaged, it was, "okay, let's do it".
When we set our wedding date, it was "okay, let's do it."
When we purchased our 1st home...."okay, let's do it."
When I quit my teaching job to stay home full time with my business...."okay, let's do it."
When we decided to adopt children...."okay, let's do it."
Each one of these decisions, as we look back, are quite major in and of itself. However, with each choice, God literally just walks us to it and "okay, let's do it." There is no reason for us to panic--no reason to have to fret over the decision. He makes it for us...all we have to do is step with Him to the next place.
Tonight, we have experienced our latest "okay, let's do it" event. We sold our house!!! Want to know the kicker? It wasn't even on on the market AND we have not even begun looking for another house to buy! Want to know what's stranger? Sean and I are both like...."okay, let's do it!" You would think that that "eerily calm feeling" of God's peace despite such major lifechanging decisions would become old hat by now--but it never ceases to amaze me!
We had contacted our realtor about 2 weeks ago to let her know that in a few months, we would be in the house shopping market. We believed that we would be ready to start looking around August or so. About 5 days later, while on our way to an adoption conference in KY, our realtor texted us and said, "I think I have someone that wants to look at your house....are you ready to put it on the market?!?" Want to guess Sean's answer....pretty sure you can figure it out by now! Yup, "okay, let's do it!" So, 3 days later, we showed our house--10 days later (tonight) we sold it.
Sean happens to be in Sacremento, CA this week for business which adds to the drama, but we both know beyond a shadow of doubt no matter how far apart we are physically we have never felt closer in knowing that we can "praise God forever because He has done it!" There is no other reason to explain how else these events could have taken place and why we have such amazing peace.
I have to laugh because about 8 months ago, we wrote our first blog entry about "stepping outside our own little world." We were getting ready to make our first trip into Haiti. We knew God was calling us to do it and we were ready to do it, but completely uncertain as to why were were going or even to what "outside our own little world" was. Now, just a few short months later, that "stepping outside our own little world" has meant 5 babies on the way, selling a house with no where to go, a love for Haiti, and an undescribable passion for adoption. Apart from the Lord, who would have seen this coming?!?
Though we are not certain what God's next steps for us are going to be, I know with absolute certainty that I can trust God with our futures, and I pray with my whole heart that without hesitation, our answer to His next step will be..."okay, let's do it!"
Thank you, Lord, for doing things that could have only been done by Your miraculous hand...
Monday, April 18, 2011
Parting is never sweet sorrow....
Shakespeare had this concept all wrong....I have no idea what he was thinking when he wrote "parting is such sweet sorrow"....there is nothing sweet about it. It is awful!
We left the kids tonight, and it was crazy. Literally the children were wailing (to the point the neighbors came over to find out which child had died because they were sobbing so much!). It was heart shredding....
Each of us had an amazing time. We love these children, these workers, and this country. We are so thankful to Rodney and Cathy for letting us come and taking such great care of us.
Thankyou to each of you who have prayed, gave, and have supported us, Rodney & Cathy, and these children. We cannot tell you enough how much we appreciate it.
Leaving tonight, I cannot help but state the obvious...it is so unfair to be an orphan. It breaks my heart to know that these children do not have a mother and a father. Sure, I totally get the concept that they are being taken care of. Pastor and Madame Aristild are phenomenal with them, but there is something drastically wrong with this concept. These kids need a family....they need love...and most of all they need people to point them to the Lord!!!
Will you consider adopting? Will you allow God to use you in such an amazing way that you will never be able to comprehend the scope of its impact?
We left the kids tonight, and it was crazy. Literally the children were wailing (to the point the neighbors came over to find out which child had died because they were sobbing so much!). It was heart shredding....
Each of us had an amazing time. We love these children, these workers, and this country. We are so thankful to Rodney and Cathy for letting us come and taking such great care of us.
Thankyou to each of you who have prayed, gave, and have supported us, Rodney & Cathy, and these children. We cannot tell you enough how much we appreciate it.
Leaving tonight, I cannot help but state the obvious...it is so unfair to be an orphan. It breaks my heart to know that these children do not have a mother and a father. Sure, I totally get the concept that they are being taken care of. Pastor and Madame Aristild are phenomenal with them, but there is something drastically wrong with this concept. These kids need a family....they need love...and most of all they need people to point them to the Lord!!!
Will you consider adopting? Will you allow God to use you in such an amazing way that you will never be able to comprehend the scope of its impact?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Having a great time!
I am so sorry I have not been blogging--combination of slow upload speed with lack of time! The trip to this point has been fun. Everyone is doing great. Of course, every trip has its stories!
Mike was taken to the UN hospital last night because he had a piece of metal in the center of his eye. The Argentina doctors were able to get it out but want him to immediately go to an optimologist when he gets home. He is hoping to still be able to finish the playground set, but we are not sure. The swingsets are up, and the kids are absolutely beside themselves with giddyness over the new addition!
Dad is having lots of issues with trying to get the electrical. He really needed another couple of hands to help him get this all completed. His kidneys have been hurting so we are praying that the kidney stone does not make an appearance.
The rest of the team is doing the job of loving on kids. Bri and Shelby simply want to just move down here...I think Pastor Aristild is already counting on it! They absolutely love it here and the Haitians love them.
Anna is already tearing up just to think of going back home. She has done exactly what we knew she would....let kids hang all over her and love on them back!!! Her knee is sore, and we keep begging her to wear her brace, but she is politely refusing : )
Martha still has her "cling on" Charlesmise (pronounced shaw-meese). This little girl absolutely will not leave her alone! Jerry, Martha took a day are painted the rebar for the curtains....not so sure you should save a spot for her on her paint crew--it was a little messy : )
Phyllis & Verla---the curtains were a hit! They are hung and they are perfect and beautiful!!! They love it! Also, sidenote for Phyllis & Sara--Wannson is a COMPLETELY different boy! This kid is cracking up laughing and smiling all the time...it is literally amazing!!!
Mom is in love with a boy by the name of Kevins....we are sincerely praying that they will get to bring him over on a 5 year visa....can't describe this boy except to say he is amazing and is a boy after mom's own heart! You all will love him. Please be praying that God will make His plan evident in this situation.
Shelly is doing great---you'd think this woman lives in a 3rd world country all the time! Church ladies---you would totally be impressed--not the same woman!
Lillie is loving all over babies! She was a hit because she taught them how to play baseball....they loved it! However, it was a combo between that and dodgeball. Coconuts were used for the bases and if they could not tag you out with the ball, they would pick up the coconut and throw that!!!?!?
Kristin has talked to Sandeline and Jasmide both about adoption and they are ready to go! We will meet with the attorney in the morning and praying we get a clear understanding of the path that lies before Todd & Kris, Mike & Lydia, and Sean and I about adopting our babies.
Moises, Kentia, and Judely came over today after lunch so we could just spend time starting to bond with them since they are the ones we truly believe that God will be giving us soon. It was a little intimidating as we got off the bus and realized that this really is what reality could look like for us very, very soon...however, it was only intimidating for about 10 minutes. After that--it was shear joy! We played ball, sean practiced karate. We sang, loved on them, fed them snacks, hugged all over them and then put them down for a nap.About 1 hour into the afternoon, I went looking for Sean and Kentia....I found them both taking a nap--Sean sleeping and Kentia snuggled into his side just snoring and drooling away. They both looked so content...it was a sweet moment that I don't think I will ever forget.
Moises gave me my first kiss out of nowhere today....and he also told Sean that he loved him....first time for that too : ) The warm fuzzies were running wildly : I asked Sean if he was scared...he said "not at all....Britt, I am so ready for this!" It melted my heart.
I have loved his attitude through this entire prcoess. He was talking to mom today, and I overheard him say, "no matter what, I am finding out more and more that love is a CHOICE....whatever children God gives us, I am making the committment to choose to love them." It is a such an amazing picture of God's love for us. We were not anything lovable, but God in His mercy CHOOSES to love us and He CHOSE to make us His children. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing process.
We are in love with these children. We cannot wait for you all to meet them. My dad is already smitten and mom has slid into the role of a granparent amazingly. These kids love them, and they are really loving all over them!
Tomorrow is the last day, and we know that it is going to be hard. Please pray that God gives us grace and that we have an amazing last 8 hours with the kids.
Thanks to all who have been praying and giving to sponsor these children and this orphanage. God is answering prayers and providing immensely! You are being used of God, and I can't wait to see what the next step is for so many of us and you as we seek His plan for our lives!
Mike was taken to the UN hospital last night because he had a piece of metal in the center of his eye. The Argentina doctors were able to get it out but want him to immediately go to an optimologist when he gets home. He is hoping to still be able to finish the playground set, but we are not sure. The swingsets are up, and the kids are absolutely beside themselves with giddyness over the new addition!
Dad is having lots of issues with trying to get the electrical. He really needed another couple of hands to help him get this all completed. His kidneys have been hurting so we are praying that the kidney stone does not make an appearance.
The rest of the team is doing the job of loving on kids. Bri and Shelby simply want to just move down here...I think Pastor Aristild is already counting on it! They absolutely love it here and the Haitians love them.
Anna is already tearing up just to think of going back home. She has done exactly what we knew she would....let kids hang all over her and love on them back!!! Her knee is sore, and we keep begging her to wear her brace, but she is politely refusing : )
Martha still has her "cling on" Charlesmise (pronounced shaw-meese). This little girl absolutely will not leave her alone! Jerry, Martha took a day are painted the rebar for the curtains....not so sure you should save a spot for her on her paint crew--it was a little messy : )
Phyllis & Verla---the curtains were a hit! They are hung and they are perfect and beautiful!!! They love it! Also, sidenote for Phyllis & Sara--Wannson is a COMPLETELY different boy! This kid is cracking up laughing and smiling all the time...it is literally amazing!!!
Mom is in love with a boy by the name of Kevins....we are sincerely praying that they will get to bring him over on a 5 year visa....can't describe this boy except to say he is amazing and is a boy after mom's own heart! You all will love him. Please be praying that God will make His plan evident in this situation.
Shelly is doing great---you'd think this woman lives in a 3rd world country all the time! Church ladies---you would totally be impressed--not the same woman!
Lillie is loving all over babies! She was a hit because she taught them how to play baseball....they loved it! However, it was a combo between that and dodgeball. Coconuts were used for the bases and if they could not tag you out with the ball, they would pick up the coconut and throw that!!!?!?
Kristin has talked to Sandeline and Jasmide both about adoption and they are ready to go! We will meet with the attorney in the morning and praying we get a clear understanding of the path that lies before Todd & Kris, Mike & Lydia, and Sean and I about adopting our babies.
Moises, Kentia, and Judely came over today after lunch so we could just spend time starting to bond with them since they are the ones we truly believe that God will be giving us soon. It was a little intimidating as we got off the bus and realized that this really is what reality could look like for us very, very soon...however, it was only intimidating for about 10 minutes. After that--it was shear joy! We played ball, sean practiced karate. We sang, loved on them, fed them snacks, hugged all over them and then put them down for a nap.About 1 hour into the afternoon, I went looking for Sean and Kentia....I found them both taking a nap--Sean sleeping and Kentia snuggled into his side just snoring and drooling away. They both looked so content...it was a sweet moment that I don't think I will ever forget.
Moises gave me my first kiss out of nowhere today....and he also told Sean that he loved him....first time for that too : ) The warm fuzzies were running wildly : I asked Sean if he was scared...he said "not at all....Britt, I am so ready for this!" It melted my heart.
I have loved his attitude through this entire prcoess. He was talking to mom today, and I overheard him say, "no matter what, I am finding out more and more that love is a CHOICE....whatever children God gives us, I am making the committment to choose to love them." It is a such an amazing picture of God's love for us. We were not anything lovable, but God in His mercy CHOOSES to love us and He CHOSE to make us His children. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing process.
We are in love with these children. We cannot wait for you all to meet them. My dad is already smitten and mom has slid into the role of a granparent amazingly. These kids love them, and they are really loving all over them!
Tomorrow is the last day, and we know that it is going to be hard. Please pray that God gives us grace and that we have an amazing last 8 hours with the kids.
Thanks to all who have been praying and giving to sponsor these children and this orphanage. God is answering prayers and providing immensely! You are being used of God, and I can't wait to see what the next step is for so many of us and you as we seek His plan for our lives!
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