We leave for China in 6 more sleeps!
Even as I say that, I am really questioning if I am dreaming.
Two years ago, Matt & I agreed that God was telling us to jump on the adoption roller coaster again.
As I was laying awake one night thinking of all that entailed, I thought of a title for the new blog I was planning on creating to chronicle the ride. Hand in Hand. Heart in Heart. Didn't know where that came from, but I went with it.
A year later, we saw a picture of a little boy on an e-mail from our agency. They were calling him Simon. I don't know how, but Matt & I knew that he was ours. It's unexplainable. We just knew. He was on their special focus list. Why? He has a serious congenital heart defect. He also has a malformed hand. I honestly didn't connect those conditions with the name of our blog until much later. So you don't think God is in the details?
So now, we are so close to traveling and there are so many details. I will not bore you with my to do list, but I will excitedly tell you that it's dwindling. No, Samuel's room is not ready yet. But it will be. Are there things that I'll forget to do? Yep, but I trust God won't let me forget anything truly important.
I am trying hard to take deep breaths often and remember that He is in the details. I'm trying to relax and enjoy the ride. I need to let go of the handle, throw my hands up in the air, and scream with delight. By nature, I'm more the hold on tight, close my eyes, groan, and wait for the ride to stop kind of person. But I AM TRYING!
We can't express enough our thanks for every prayer said on our behalf, every dollar of hard earned money that has been given to us, every time someone asked how it's going, every word of encouragement. Knowing that those prayers will continue as we travel and as we come home ready to address Samuel's medical needs is more comforting than you will ever know. God has brought us here. There is NO DOUBT about that. He'll stick around for the next chapters too.
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Now, back to that to do list.....
~Martha
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
New pictures of Samuel
We got some updated medical information. Not bad news, but please pray that his little body will handle the stress and flights well.
Isn't he cute?
~Martha
Travel approval!!!!
We officially have travel approval and a confirmed consulate appointment! I am working on flight arrangements today, but it looks like we'll be leaving for China April 10.
Funny, I have anticipated this news. Longed for this news. Waited impatiently for this news. I've made lists for preparing, lists for packing, lists for everything. Now all I can seem to accomplish is running around in circles, accomplishing nothing, and saying "Oh my goodness!" Expectant mom ADD. It's a scary thing.
We should have new pictures and an updated medical report today or tomorrow.
Prayer request ~ best flight arrangements, wisdom on what/how to prepare Samuel for the trip home, good prices on air & hotel!
Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!
~Martha
Funny, I have anticipated this news. Longed for this news. Waited impatiently for this news. I've made lists for preparing, lists for packing, lists for everything. Now all I can seem to accomplish is running around in circles, accomplishing nothing, and saying "Oh my goodness!" Expectant mom ADD. It's a scary thing.
We should have new pictures and an updated medical report today or tomorrow.
Prayer request ~ best flight arrangements, wisdom on what/how to prepare Samuel for the trip home, good prices on air & hotel!
Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!
~Martha
Monday, March 18, 2013
Looking forward to...
*watching Cassidy see China for the first time since she was 2.
*watching Courtney see China differently 8 years later.
*looking out on a sea of Chinese faces staring at us whities.
*that wonderful feeling when our airplane touches down in Guangzhou, knowing how close we are to our son.
*seeing our son's face in person for the first time
*touching our son's sweet face
*introducing Samuel to anyone who will listen as "our son."
*getting to know the lovely guides that we've heard so much about - we still have fond memories of the guides from our last trip.
Okay, knowing me, you all know I have to give a list of not looking forward to also ~ can't try to snow anyone into thinking I'm so spiritual that I won't have any complaints.
Not looking forward to...
*that long, long, long flight (motion sickness + claustrophobia = me no like airplanes)
*not being able to understand the language(s) in China (especially when Samuel speaks)
*watching our son be frightened, sad, uncertain
*not having Diet Pepsi for two weeks
So the good outweighs to bad exponentially, because I sure didn't list all the good. I have been told that I don't let my emotions show very often, so don't let my outward calmness confuse you. When people ask me how I'm feeling, I say I am excited. That's not enough of a word to describe it. I looked up some synonyms to help me: charged, beside myself, delighted, eager, enthusiastic, fired up, thrilled. In a nutshell, I am doing the Snoopy dance on the inside!!!!
A big thank you to yet another generous family who supplemented our adoption fund this weekend! I am completely in awe of God's provision for us. He must have big plans for our Samuel.
~Martha
*watching Courtney see China differently 8 years later.
*looking out on a sea of Chinese faces staring at us whities.
*that wonderful feeling when our airplane touches down in Guangzhou, knowing how close we are to our son.
*seeing our son's face in person for the first time
*touching our son's sweet face
*introducing Samuel to anyone who will listen as "our son."
*getting to know the lovely guides that we've heard so much about - we still have fond memories of the guides from our last trip.
Okay, knowing me, you all know I have to give a list of not looking forward to also ~ can't try to snow anyone into thinking I'm so spiritual that I won't have any complaints.
Not looking forward to...
*that long, long, long flight (motion sickness + claustrophobia = me no like airplanes)
*not being able to understand the language(s) in China (especially when Samuel speaks)
*watching our son be frightened, sad, uncertain
*not having Diet Pepsi for two weeks
So the good outweighs to bad exponentially, because I sure didn't list all the good. I have been told that I don't let my emotions show very often, so don't let my outward calmness confuse you. When people ask me how I'm feeling, I say I am excited. That's not enough of a word to describe it. I looked up some synonyms to help me: charged, beside myself, delighted, eager, enthusiastic, fired up, thrilled. In a nutshell, I am doing the Snoopy dance on the inside!!!!
A big thank you to yet another generous family who supplemented our adoption fund this weekend! I am completely in awe of God's provision for us. He must have big plans for our Samuel.
~Martha
Thursday, March 14, 2013
God just keeps showing up!
I am not a person who believes that God is obligated to do what I tell ask him to do. I do believe, however, that sometimes He doesn't act because we don't ask. There's a scripture about that - James 4. I will admit that I get wrapped up in my worrying and forget to ask the ONE who can actually do something about my worries. Last week and this, I have been specifically asking God to provide moolah and telling Him (ha) that the grant from Show Hope and the no interest loan from ABBA fund that we have applied for would be nice. I also added that if they could come this week, I would sure appreciate it. I can honestly say I've been checking e-mail and snail mail for word - asking and waiting expectantly, you know. I've also apologized to God for telling Him how to provide and adding that I wouldn't be mad if he provided another way ;)
A dear family handed me a card yesterday - with a very generous gift for our adoption fund. Unexpected. Not specifically asked for. God's provision.
Today - mailbox has a letter from Show Hope - we have been awarded an adoption assistance grant! Hoped for. Specifically asked for. God's provision.
I would have been thrilled to have all the funds we needed six months ago, but then we wouldn't have had to pray and ask, waiting expectantly, and trusting that what He began in us would be completed - Philippians 1:6.
I hope no one thinks that I keep posting about money expecting anyone to hand me a check. I don't look at people and think, they have money, I wonder if they'll give me some. As a matter of fact, it's hard to accept those donations. We have to swallow a lump of pride every time. But we are truly humbly grateful and trust that God's blessings will rain down on those who feel led to help us.
We're not to that finish line yet. There's still a gap between what will be due and the bank balance, but He's gonna do it. In the meantime, I'm going to keep praying and watching for the loan application approval and for whatever else He has planned.
On another (but somewhat related) topic, the girls are on spring break. We are going to spend to week getting Courtney's "new" room ready for her, then starting on getting Courtney's "old" room ready for Samuel. I don't know if the girls will enjoy it was much as I will, but making a place for Samuel is so exciting. I can already picture him in that room, playing with his toys, his clothes hanging in the closet. Then I can picture him going into either of his sisters' rooms and getting booted out because he won't leave them alone! I think I might even enjoy that (at first anyway.) The girls are so ready to meet their brother too. They will probably let him hang in their rooms for a while even. Anyway, I'm looking forward to spending the week with my girls.
Prayer request - God's perfect provision and timing for our travel, Samuel's health, protected health for the rest of us, too.
Thank you!!!!!
~Martha
A dear family handed me a card yesterday - with a very generous gift for our adoption fund. Unexpected. Not specifically asked for. God's provision.
Today - mailbox has a letter from Show Hope - we have been awarded an adoption assistance grant! Hoped for. Specifically asked for. God's provision.
I would have been thrilled to have all the funds we needed six months ago, but then we wouldn't have had to pray and ask, waiting expectantly, and trusting that what He began in us would be completed - Philippians 1:6.
I hope no one thinks that I keep posting about money expecting anyone to hand me a check. I don't look at people and think, they have money, I wonder if they'll give me some. As a matter of fact, it's hard to accept those donations. We have to swallow a lump of pride every time. But we are truly humbly grateful and trust that God's blessings will rain down on those who feel led to help us.
We're not to that finish line yet. There's still a gap between what will be due and the bank balance, but He's gonna do it. In the meantime, I'm going to keep praying and watching for the loan application approval and for whatever else He has planned.
On another (but somewhat related) topic, the girls are on spring break. We are going to spend to week getting Courtney's "new" room ready for her, then starting on getting Courtney's "old" room ready for Samuel. I don't know if the girls will enjoy it was much as I will, but making a place for Samuel is so exciting. I can already picture him in that room, playing with his toys, his clothes hanging in the closet. Then I can picture him going into either of his sisters' rooms and getting booted out because he won't leave them alone! I think I might even enjoy that (at first anyway.) The girls are so ready to meet their brother too. They will probably let him hang in their rooms for a while even. Anyway, I'm looking forward to spending the week with my girls.
Prayer request - God's perfect provision and timing for our travel, Samuel's health, protected health for the rest of us, too.
Thank you!!!!!
~Martha
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Officially waiting for travel approval!
The last document (Article 5) that was needed to trigger travel approval has been completed.
We are now officially waiting for China to invite us to come on over!
From now, we can expect to wait 2-3 weeks for travel approval, two business days after that for a consulate appointment to be scheduled, then we can book those flights. I think we're still looking at mid-April for travel.
We are so excited and ready to go get our boy!
Prayer request: Our potential travel dates are right in the big middle of the Guangzhou Trade Fair. I'm told just our hotel could cost us $3,000 more because of that. I'm also told that flights are higher as well as everything else. Please pray for God's perfect provision and timing and for wisdom for us in making any decisions that arise.
Thank you all for caring!!!
~Martha
We are now officially waiting for China to invite us to come on over!
From now, we can expect to wait 2-3 weeks for travel approval, two business days after that for a consulate appointment to be scheduled, then we can book those flights. I think we're still looking at mid-April for travel.
We are so excited and ready to go get our boy!
Prayer request: Our potential travel dates are right in the big middle of the Guangzhou Trade Fair. I'm told just our hotel could cost us $3,000 more because of that. I'm also told that flights are higher as well as everything else. Please pray for God's perfect provision and timing and for wisdom for us in making any decisions that arise.
Thank you all for caring!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Jehovah Jireh
God has STILL got this!
The song "Somebody's Praying" is running through my head! I've had myself a good cry and praising God session and I'm ready to share some details.
I posted this on Facebook, but I've gotta put it down here for posterity's sake. I am sorry if anyone who reads this blog is tired of hearing about the money issue. Anyone who has been through a private or international adoption knows that the money issue is just huge. I can honestly say that the only reason we don't have a house full of adopted kids is the money issue. We started this process with a call from God, knowing that He would have to provide cause we couldn't come up with $30,000 in less than a year. The money issue is where Satan has attacked. The routine and unexpected expenses of life didn't slow down. Washing machines stop working, grocery and gas prices go up, cars slip on the ice and damage wheels, oil pans leak and brakes need replacing. That's not God being mean, that's just life (thank you, dear hubby for always reminding me of that).
A few days ago, I noticed that our van is leaking oil AND the front brakes started making a grinding noise. Took it to Danny's Auto Repair (the best around, by the way), and the verdict is $400 and something. I was really bummed. We are less than 2 months from needed a huge final payment to travel to China. I had a moment - you know those moments - "God, what are you doing???" Then I had a better moment - "God, I know you're not surprised by anything. I know I can trust you. Will you take care of all the financial needs, please?" Still bummed, but knowing. Posted bummer news on Facebook. Got some perspective checks from some friends ;) Left Facebook to look at the online bank account - gotta find $400 in the budget. See "Pending Transactions." Click on it. Matt's annual bonus is there. Look at the amount - look again - IT IS DOUBLE WHAT WE WERE EXPECTING! YES, I SAID DOUBLE!!
These funds will be going straight to our adoption account as soon as they officially hit the bank. This does not complete the money we need, but it gets us WAY closer.
I know that the expenses of life won't stop and Satan will keep attacking where he knows I am weak. Today was a reminder to me that God's provision and timing are perfect. Hmmm...did my last blog ask for those things?
"Thanks" will never be enough for the prayers of godly people who love us enough to carry us to the Father.
Keep praying, friends, God is listening.
"Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD is my provider. As it is said to this day, “In the LORD’s mountain it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14
Happy Birthday, dear Samuel! God is going to bring us together.
~Martha
The song "Somebody's Praying" is running through my head! I've had myself a good cry and praising God session and I'm ready to share some details.
I posted this on Facebook, but I've gotta put it down here for posterity's sake. I am sorry if anyone who reads this blog is tired of hearing about the money issue. Anyone who has been through a private or international adoption knows that the money issue is just huge. I can honestly say that the only reason we don't have a house full of adopted kids is the money issue. We started this process with a call from God, knowing that He would have to provide cause we couldn't come up with $30,000 in less than a year. The money issue is where Satan has attacked. The routine and unexpected expenses of life didn't slow down. Washing machines stop working, grocery and gas prices go up, cars slip on the ice and damage wheels, oil pans leak and brakes need replacing. That's not God being mean, that's just life (thank you, dear hubby for always reminding me of that).
A few days ago, I noticed that our van is leaking oil AND the front brakes started making a grinding noise. Took it to Danny's Auto Repair (the best around, by the way), and the verdict is $400 and something. I was really bummed. We are less than 2 months from needed a huge final payment to travel to China. I had a moment - you know those moments - "God, what are you doing???" Then I had a better moment - "God, I know you're not surprised by anything. I know I can trust you. Will you take care of all the financial needs, please?" Still bummed, but knowing. Posted bummer news on Facebook. Got some perspective checks from some friends ;) Left Facebook to look at the online bank account - gotta find $400 in the budget. See "Pending Transactions." Click on it. Matt's annual bonus is there. Look at the amount - look again - IT IS DOUBLE WHAT WE WERE EXPECTING! YES, I SAID DOUBLE!!
These funds will be going straight to our adoption account as soon as they officially hit the bank. This does not complete the money we need, but it gets us WAY closer.
I know that the expenses of life won't stop and Satan will keep attacking where he knows I am weak. Today was a reminder to me that God's provision and timing are perfect. Hmmm...did my last blog ask for those things?
"Thanks" will never be enough for the prayers of godly people who love us enough to carry us to the Father.
Keep praying, friends, God is listening.
"Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD is my provider. As it is said to this day, “In the LORD’s mountain it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14
Happy Birthday, dear Samuel! God is going to bring us together.
~Martha
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