A LITTLE BOY WHO IS SO FAR AWAY....

Our family is waiting, waiting and waiting to see God's plan! 

Waiting to see what the Liberian Government holds for the

 future of so many little ones in Liberia!  Our prayer is that God's will may be done. 

If that may be staying in Liberia or coming home to our Family! 

We are so thankful for the wonderful, 

loving, caring and God's servants who visit and love this special boy for us!  

Joni and Nikelle, you are God's Angels to our Family!

Look at one of the pictures we received this morning!

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”Psalm 37:4


“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”Romans 15:13


“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer” Psalm 4:1 

7 weeks....

Happy 7 Weeks together Brody!

I can hardly believe Brody is 7 weeks old today! I(our family) can not imagine life without him! Although we are still in the, "waiting period," since we have not got the signature of the man(birth father). We have learned the agency will be putting the add in the paper, to see if he will come forward and admit and sign! We are just waiting now for the judge to sign papers to terminate his rights!

This little Baby Boy, that God hand picked for our family, I look into to his amazing eyes and I see a little miracle. His bright eyes, hazey blue/brown eyes, a fuzzy curl on the top of his head, his rolls on his legs, long fingers, and his sweet, kissable cheeks....Brody is our son, brother, grandchild and nephew. A child of God! Thank you Lord! Brody is starting to recognize our voices and faces. His smile lights up the room, and he is so close to cooing! He is a mover and is so strong. Did I mention how cute he is! Brody is so handsome!

I received a text last night from Ms. R. Her strength and love for our family is such a blessing! She has to ask how Brody and all of us are. What we have been doing, how football games are going, and how Grandpaw is! Ms. R never had a Grandpaw, so meeting my Dad was so good for her to see how a love of a Grandpaw is. Ms. R is a blessing, I never thought I would be able to talk/text to her after the baby was born. Yet, God had another plan!

This adoption experience was one of the best/heart breaking experiences I have had in my life!Life is not fair, and we know God has a reason for all circumstances.

Waiting for Marcus is still a struggle, but we are so thankful that Marcus has a "family" in the Orphanage! Marcus does not realize what is beyond the Orphanage! Still that bothers me to think, he would have so much more here, but now he is still receiving tons of prayers! I am not sure what is going on over there with our case, if anything. God is working and there has been some progress of children getting their cases moved and united with their forever family's! It would just be so reassuring to know that our case will continue and that with in the year Marcus will be with us, and our family will be complete! :)

When we started the process and told family about the possibility of our family adopting we where questioned,
"do you realize what you are doing?"
"You have 4 beautiful Children, why would you want more?"

Now seeing those people who have said this to us, and seeing their love for Brody is so worth all the questions.
Mark and I knew God had a plan for our family, and to see our family bond and love Brody is such a blessing! God has taught us all something and we are still learning!
Loving others, loving strangers, loving each other, loving God's will, leaning on others, asking for help, reaching out and asking for prayers!
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7



Brody sleeping on big brother Beau!

Brody spending time with Brynn and Bradyn before the bus comes!

Beau holding Brody after the game!

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding."Colossians 1:9

Our First Family Picture

Yesterday was my birthday, and we had a funeral for Mark's Uncle who passed away suddenly from a heart attack, he was only 57! Family is so important, make sure you tell others how much you love them. Mark and I got back from the funeral and my 2 good friends where at our house, cleaned my kitchen up for me and had birthday cake!! Took a nap with Brody! Than when the guys where home from football, we went out for a spaghetti dinner at the Fruited Plan in SCenter. It was wonderful.

I have been so blessed this past year! Family, Friends and God's love for Me, and answered prayers...Brody Josiah!

Many Blessings to All of You!

Off to Mississippi

This afternoon we are off to Mississippi! Since March, our Family has been not only praying for Marcus in Liberia, but also a very special young lady, Ms. R.
"R" and I have been talking and texting since our first talk with the social worker in MS!
I have hesitated to type and share, because so much can happen! Our hearts are in Liberia and now MS! So much can happen!


Our Family is continuing to wait for Marcus and the government to reopen! Our Family has talked about when Marcus will ever come home, we are not sure, but we are not giving up on him. Like Benjamin says, "Marcus is my brother!" Not only is and was Marcus' 4th birthday on Monday, a nephew's yesterday, and Friday is my Dad's but Lord willing Baby B will also be on Friday!
I ask for prayers as we drive south, for Ms. R, Dr's, and the much paper work to be efficient and do I dare to say quick? Tomorrow we will be our Social Worker and R and spend time together, getting to know each other face to face! I can hardly believe the day is this close. School starts next week Thursday and we decided to take the 2 youngest ones with. Beau and Benjamin both have high school football, and need to stay back. I feel horrible about leaving them, but God is in control of all things!
Sunday is Jacoby's baptism, and we will be in MS! It will be hard to be so far away and not with my sister and family during this exciting day for them. I am reminded that this is all in God's hands, and He is in control! Jacoby, we love you and pray God's abundant blessings on You!
It is crazy how we started this journey, (defiantly crazy) praying for the child(baby) God had in store for our family! Those who I have told that we are adopting a baby, it is funny the faces or questions we get. Yes we know the possibility of maybe having 6 children someday! I can not think of anything better than having 6 miracles!
I want to thank some very special friends who have been by our side! Not only your prayers, your encouragement, words of love! God is my Rock, but to lean on those during the crazy times is so amazing! God has blessed me tremendously with awesome family and friends!

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10a

So many Bible verses have popped out at me in the past 4 years...

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always…So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine." 1 Chronicles 16:11, 18

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

I will post more from MS!!

God Blessings from our House to Yours...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

God is Good!

God has been so good to us, and we continue to let God show us direction in our adoption situation(s)!

because of your father's God, who helps you,
because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the heavens above,
blessings of the deep that lies below....
Genesis 49:25

"This is from Angel R, a fellow adoptive parent, and a wonderful advocate and resource concerning Liberian Adoptions!
Meeting on Adoptions
Please be in prayer for a meeting about adoptions in Liberia on Wednesday. The Minister of Justice is interested in meeting with all stakeholders to get a better understanding of what has happened in the past couple of years. I submitted a detailed report to her while I was in Liberia, and another agency director has been meeting with her. She seems to be interested in hearing all sides of the issue. I have no idea if this meeting will lead to anything positive for adoptions, but it's one more opportunity for the truth to be told."

HAve a beautiful Sunday, it is going to be a warm one!

Adoption and Raising Funds....

Our Family has been on this journey for just about 3 years. Paper work started in August of 2007. May 08 we received our referral for the most beautiful little boy in Liberia.♥ We are unsure when Liberia will let us continue with the process. Marcus will turn 4 next month!! My heart is so full of love for him, with out even holding his little hand, feeling his little head of hair, smelling his sweet, probably dusty skin! I think often how this is what God's love is like...unconditional! We are not giving up on Marcus!
This past spring, we let God work, and let Him take us where He wants us to be.
I ask of your prayers, as the time is getting closer, but also for funds to fall in place. Mark and I asked yesterday what the cost would be and where a blown away. If anyone has any ideas, or advice, we welcome them!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

God is Good!

This week we got word that our paper work has only one step left! We need prayers for the Liberian Government, President Ellen Sirleaf to proceed with the adoptions that where in process!! Little M and the other children are missing so much! Every holiday, birthday, Sunday and the fun times at home! I know our family can't wait for M to come home, what an adjustment it will be for him. The longer it takes the harder it will be for M and all the other children. I encourage you to all pray earnestly for the Liberian Government to feel the prayers and stir their hearts to get moving!!
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16b


.





Sunday, we had lots of wind, and snow. We heard on the radio that the morning service was cancelled, we were all ready, so we went ahead and decided to go to church with my parents. Half way to SC, the radio said there was an error and that church was still on! Woops, someone called in and just cancelled! The funny part is, the same thing happened at night! Not sure who is doing the calling, but sure causes tons of confusion! Here is some amazing pictures of all the snow in our backyard! Our above ground pool, is covered!







Had the opportunity to visit with other adoptive family's this past week! These 4 family's have all adopted from Ethiopia! We celebrated Lisa's birthday with cake, pizza and great conversation as well as a game of Candy Land, wiping up spit, encouragement and laughing at the children playing! No matter, what part of the adoption journey your on, it is good to sit and talk! Thanks for having us Lisa, and Happy Birthday!






Poor Miss Brynn had her 4th set of tubes in her ears on Friday!! She is doing amazing! She was so excited to get them in. I can about imagine how wonderful it is to be able to hear everything! Dr. K said she has been hearing as if we plug our ears!

Some exciting news with our Katelyn's Fund!!
2 Family's were blessed!!
Congratulation's Jim & DeAnn, Daniel and Baby Benjamin!
http://www.timmermansadoption.blogspot.com/
This weekend there was a basketball tourney and bake sale to help with expenses!! What a great turn out for the family! It was so special to see them all walk into the tourney, with their little miracle! Benjamin is absolutely beautiful, and big brother is just as cute!
The other couple I sat by at the last Katelyn's fund, they were blessed with a baby girl! Congratulations!!

"Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations." Psalm 100:4b-5


Mark and I had lunch with Brian and Donna this week, they're missionaries, and have been gone for half a year and were able to come home and celebrate the birth of their 1st Grandchild! Congratulations Grandpa & Grandma! It was excited hearing about all the travels!
http://renes-travels.blogspot.com/

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

Next week we have to update our home study again!! It is a great chance to visit with our Social Worker! We wish our original SW could come, but the distance is too far, but we are excited to have "H" come! Benjamin has to get finger printed since he is 14! Here is a fun picture of Benjamin on his birthday with Grandpa and Grandma!







I can't believe Bradyn turns 12 next week!
Tomorrow my sisters are coming to SC and we are going out for lunch and than celebrate Benjamin, Jason, Jesse and Bradyn's Birthday's with cake at my parents!! I can wait to see them all!!

Here is some fun photo's Benjamin took for his art class! I somehow misplaced or someone accidentally borrowed it out of our suburban, and I miss my good camera! Looks like we are going to have to replace it! Thankfully I have my "old" one!

A Glimpse of Hope!!!

Mark & I are getting a glimpse of hope......we are not trying to get to excited, just hopeful!
Our Director is back from Liberia! :) She met Marcus! She said he is very sweet, and very quiet! When/if he does come home, the poor child is going to be surprised how much his brothers and sister talk! He loved our little cars we sent! What 3 year old boy don't like match box cars!! She has pictures! We are SO excited to see them.

We have heard some rumblings about some good things that are starting to happen!
Praise God!


Here is a post from Angel Rutledge's blog:

http://www.rutledge6.blogspot.com/

This is one amazing woman!! God has been working in her heart for the children of Liberia!! Thanks Angel!!

Please pray for the following!

Symposium on the Children's Bill
An important working symposium on the Children's Bill will be held in Liberia in two weeks on November 13-14, and it's important that as many people as possible pray for the event.I am extremely excited that it has been planned and will involve primarily Liberians who are concerned that the laws and policies of their country are shaped to protect the best interests of their children.Here is part of the text from an invitation I received for the event:Sponsored by: The Foundation for Human Rights (FOHRD)The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) and The Child Protection Alliance of Liberia (CPAL) Co-Sponsored by: The Liberia Council of Churches, National Muslim Council of Liberia, Liberia Democratic Institute – (LDI), Female Lawyers Association of Liberia – (AFLL) In Association with: Adoption Services Providers; Child Advocacy International; National Union of Liberian Orphanages and Children Welfare Institute; Children Assistance Program; Mano River Women Network for Peace; Liberian Girls Guide Association; Boy Scouts of Liberia; Liberia National Student Union; Varsity Christian Fellowship; Christian Health Association of Liberia; Young Men’s Christian Association; Young Women’s Christian Association.The symposium is a two day interactive roundtable discussion intended to discuss and dialogue on the Liberian Children’s Bill. Principally, the symposium will aim at ensuring that the evolving Children’s Law serves the best interest of the Liberian child. The event will bring together, legislators, policymakers, child rights advocates, Supreme Court Justices, religious leaders, parents and children services providers mainly for the purpose of: a) critically reviewing the draft children bill; b) providing advice to legislators on the rethinking and rewording of specific aspects of the bill that may not be in the best interest of the Liberian child; and c) adopting concrete action programs that will facilitate the scrupulous implementation of the bill when it is passed into law.Speakers at the symposium will share insights and experiences as well as address the most pressing challenges facing the Liberian Child. Following the deliberations, participants will convene in group sessions and work out recommendations and suggestions to strengthen the children’s Bill and educate and advice legislators on the thinking of a broad spectrum of the Liberian society regarding the draft bill.

I do know that many people who are influential in what happens to children in Liberia will be in attendance. A piece of the discussion will involve adoptions as it is part of the Children's Bill. The hope is that by the end of the symposium a much stronger version of the bill will be ready for Liberian legislators to vote on when they reconvene in January.As with every attempt to improve care for Liberian children, there has been and will continue to be a lot of spiritual warfare going on surrounding the planning and carrying out of this event. If any of you would like to coordinate group pray efforts, it would be a great way to fight for the children.

New Adoption Legislation - A Call to Action

I copied this from Angel Rutledge's site,http://www.rutledge6.blogspot.com/ . Angel is a wonderful advocate for children! Angel has been a main supporter for Liberian Children and is the hands and feet for Jesus! Praise God for her work for the children!

New Adoption Legislation - A Call to Action
Two very important pro-adoption bills have just been introduced in Congress and your support is needed to get them passed into law.Here is an excerpt from a letter written by Kidsave President Terry Baugh:"The Families For Orphans Act (Senate Bill 1458 and House Bill 3070) has just been introduced in Congress. It demonstrates our collective commitment to the millions of children living outside of permanent parental care and proactively addresses a global gap in the most basic of human rights – the right to a permanent family.... The Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act (Senate Bill 1359 and HR 3110, aka The FACE Act), which makes important changes to law that will help more teens age 16-18 be adopted and attaches the rights of citizenship to children adopted overseas at time of adoption. Both bills are sponsored by Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator John Inhofe in the Senate and Representative Diane Watson and Representative John Boozman. Now we must ensure that these bills become law. To do this, your voice is needed. Speak for those forgotten and left behind who cannot speak for themselves by joining in our Call To Action.What can you do? Call Congress On July 28, 29, and 30 call your Members of Congress (two in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives)o Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff Tell them as a constituent you are requesting their boss’ support by becoming a co-sponsor of the New Adoption Legislation - A Call to Action
Two very important pro-adoption bills have just been introduced in Congress and your support is needed to get them passed into law.Here is an excerpt from a letter written by Kidsave President Terry Baugh:"The Families For Orphans Act (Senate Bill 1458 and House Bill 3070) has just been introduced in Congress. It demonstrates our collective commitment to the millions of children living outside of permanent parental care and proactively addresses a global gap in the most basic of human rights – the right to a permanent family.... The Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act (Senate Bill 1359 and HR 3110, aka The FACE Act), which makes important changes to law that will help more teens age 16-18 be adopted and attaches the rights of citizenship to children adopted overseas at time of adoption. Both bills are sponsored by Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator John Inhofe in the Senate and Representative Diane Watson and Representative John Boozman. Now we must ensure that these bills become law. To do this, your voice is needed. Speak for those forgotten and left behind who cannot speak for themselves by joining in our Call To Action.What can you do? Call Congresso On July 28, 29, and 30 call your Members of Congress (two in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives)o Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staffo Tell them as a constituent you are requesting their boss’ support by becoming a co-sponsor of the Families for Orphans Act -- S. 1458 in the Senate and H.R. 3070 in the House and the FACE Act -- S.1359 in the Senate and H.R. 3110 in the House. If you get voice mail leave a message. o Find your Representatives at http://www.house.gov/ and for information on your Senators please visit http://www.senate.gov/.o If you get voice mail, leave a message.Get the word out! Send this email to friends and family and post to your Facebook, My Space, Twitter, blog or website.Learn more http://www.kidsave.org/advocacy.shtmlOn behalf of the kids, we thank you for helping.Terry Baugh, President"I can't say enough about how important these bills are, especially the FACE Act. Anyone who has adopted internationally will tell you what a nightmare it is navigate immigration to make sure your adopted child is a US citizen and has proof of this. This act would mean adopted children become citizens after their adoption is complete in a foreign country and are determined to be orphans by the US government. (Right now adopted children do not become citizens until they arrive in the US if their parent saw them before they were adopted. If their parent did not see them until after the court process was complete, the child has to be readopted in the US, and then the parent has to apply for an expensive Certificate of Citizenship and go for an interview with immigration.) The act would even grant retroactive citizenship to children who have been adopted but whose parents did not go through the naturalization process for them before they turned 18.

Thanks Angel for writing this information for us fellow adoptive parents!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On other news!
Beau's team lost 3-1, it was a great game, the Varsity had a fantastic year! What a fun year!

Bradyn & Benjamin stayed over night by Aunt Julie last night! Too bad Bradyn was over tired, and had an upset stomach. Aunt Julie got a chance to take care of a sick boy! I haven't heard anything this am, so he must be feeling better.

Prayer Requests:

~Pray for the Senate & House to pass New Adoption Legislation - A Call to Action
~Praise for a family who have been blessed with a baby! God answers prayers!

~Kami and team traveling to Liberia!
~Praise for a Family who got travel arrangements to ET! Praying for safety, health & great attachment with Tess & Tem!!
~Liberian Government
~Guatemala Government
~Praying for Referrals!!

Standing on the Rock!

Standing on the Rock is one of the best songs we sing during Sunday School hour and through out Vacation Bible School. This adoption process is suppose to be one of excitement, anticipation, love, prayer and most of all praise. At the beginning of this we knew our faith, patience's and our mentality would be tested. It is amazing how we feel God's Love, His Grace and most of all His hand holding ours during this process. There are times when Mark, Beau and I get frustrated with the not knowing and not hearing anything. Than I hear the younger ones talking and including Marcus in there plans. "When Marcus comes home". It is just a way of life for them.

I did receive and email yesterday from the consulars office from Monrovia yesterday. Here is some of the letter:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indeed the moratorium has lasted much longer than we thought it would. The Embassy has been hard pressed to get information from the Government of Liberia (GOL) on when exactly the moratorium will be lifted. Our latest information has been that the Government will review requests for special needs children, however it will be the entity that will determine if a child meets the requirement of “special need”.

Since the moratorium was announced, the GOL has established a “Hague Convention” type central authority that is reviewing Liberia’s adoption plan. The Central Authority is comprised of members from the Ministries of Justice, Health and Social, Foreign Affairs, Gender and Internal Affairs. This Authority will review all requests for adoption of children from Liberia and will establish adoption policy once the new law has been passed in the Senate.
The GOL has not grandfathered adoptions that were approved before the moratorium was announced but has mentioned in a recent letter to Adoption Service Providers operating in Liberia that it is “aware of the hardship faced by parents you have adopted children but have been unable to complete the adoption to the point that a child may travel with its parent to the United States.”
Truthfully, I cannot say when the suspension might be lifted. The only information I can pass on is that you do the best you can in seeing that your child has those things that would help in preventing or in the treatment of malaria, i.e., mosquitoes nets, repellents and treatment if he should come down with malaria. I know this does not remove the longing for your child but it at least might assist in keeping him healthy and safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So we know it is going to take continued prayer and leave it all in God's hands. As we press on and see what God has planned for our family, we ask that you pray, and I beg you pray hard for our agency (as we wait for Marcus), that they're hearts soften to lets us find options in our situation.

Please also pray for other families who are waiting!

Praise for a family from Katelyn's Fund who received a sibling group referral! Yippee!

Here are some awesome scriptures I found! I put some pictures of our past week with them. God Bless You all!

******

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:3-4

"He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!"

Deuteronomy 32:4

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
James 1:3-4

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."
Romans 10:17

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:18

Happy Birthday Bradyn!!

Tomorrow is Bradyn's 11th Birthday!! If I get time I will post a picture of when Bradyn was born, and his proud big brothers. (They were so little!) Tonight we are going out for dinner with Grandpa & Grandma!


Tomorrow we are taking off to the Black Hills to do some snowmobiling!! :) We rented a huge house and are staying with Mark's brothers family for a long weekend!! I better get the cavatini done, and the rest of the packing!!


I did receive and email about the Liberian Govt and the laws that have been made regarding adoptions, Please continue to pray for the bureaucratic procedures, it will take some (long?) time for it to get in place.


I want to thank those who are in Katelyn's Fund Support Group who have written emails, notes on face book, the note cards we've received! God is a great big God, and we see how He is working in our journey to bring home Marcus.

Thank You H, for the awesome reminder how we should be like Anna! If you got time please read this! http://katelynsfund.org/blog/

God Bless You All!

Trials.....

Happy Friday! Another week has past, we at least read a blurp from our agency, nothing how Marcus is doing though! :(
It has been fun looking at wedding magazines for my sister, and talking about wedding plans. I am so thankful God has brought this man into her life! Jason makes her so happy! :)
Mark had an awesome devotional the other day and at the end it said this:

'Trials make the promise sweet;

Trials give new life to prayer;

Trials bring me to His feet,

Lay me low, and keep me there.'

Another on a Happy note...

*I am so excited and thankful for God's guidance for the "R" Family who is leaving today to go to Ethiopia to meet their 2 little ones! God Bless them with safe travels, health and tons of bonding with these 2 beautiful little ones!! Congratulation's!

*J & L as they got word to plan to go to Ethiopia in the next 2 weeks to pick up their baby boy!

* The "B" Family whose court date got moved up!!

Update...

Well we finally can put an update up to our process of our Adoption of Marcus. We are sad, frustrated and a bit mad?! We have questions, but with no solid answers.

Today we received and email, that Trokon finally made his meeting.
Our adoption will not happen until the country reopens. We were told we would be priority, but there are lots of priorities as I see it. The country is hoping to reopen in 2-3 months. Which, could be longer or shorter? I tend to go with the longer. The beginning of our journey we where told the process will go quick once it starts going. Well, we received Marcus referral on May 20.
The other question is, if they change laws...we were told 10 days stay, than 5 day stay, and we know they are thinking of changing it to a longer stay. :(

Thank You so much for your prayers! WE can all feel them. Yes we long to hold Marcus, and we can see God's hand in so much, we just need time to think and process all this.

I also relate to all those who had babies in Guatemala, who parents went through this same process. Guatemala is still closed!


Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Great is His Faithfulness

I feel like we have been on the Shikra, (a roller coaster at Busch Gardens) up, down, a fast turn, and a drop, to climbing up a huge hike up to the sky! Although at the end it is a blast, yet you still end up a bit sick and a headache! Mark and I are staying optimistic with the recent changes in Liberia. Yes, adoptions have come to a stand still. We do not have any information on what is included in where they are stopping. God, is still in control! God has been so awesome, seeing us through this time of uncertainty. Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray, for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberian Government, and Trokon.

Tonight we have the 1st Show Choir Competition in Spirit Lake! I am so excited to watch Beau and his choir!! Beau asked people to pray that we go to Liberia after Feb 2, well here we are, and yes we are ready! We just have to hold on to see what God's plan is!

Have a great week!


Romans 3: 22-24
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Internet Searching...

Today Mark and I have been looking for some information on what to pack, (when we go) although we do have a lot of the stuff ready to go, and we found this good looking boy on a web page, (the little boy in the green shirt with a man holding him)!

http://www.theorphanage.org/rejoice_liberia.html

Yep that would be (God willing) our little boy, Marcus with Trokon! :)

If you have time, please read No One Was Lost! Amazing true story of God's grace and love.

As we waiting we are praying for God's will to be done. Searching scripture, trying to get clarity
on this journey we are on.

Meeting other families who are also embarking on this journey. This wonderful gal, Sonya is waiting to bring a son home from Liberia. Check her blog, it is on the side or here:

http://respondinginfaith.wordpress.com/

I am so excited to see their remodeled laundry room! I do realize I need to figure this out! :)


Court is happening for couples in our area in Ethiopia, please pray for them.
(by the way P, brownies are in the oven!)

A couple traveling south to meet their baby! God Bless You!

Those who are thinking about adoption!

God Bless You All, thank you for your prayers!

Hats and more Hats!!

Last week I asked for donations of Hats for Liberia! Well, needless to say, over 300 hats! Mark is wondering how in the world we will get these all there! I most likely will repack, since "Bertha" the suitcase is too heavy. I have received 2 bags of fun stuff for the orphanage! Thank You so much! We have received some cash donations also.

Wowza! Hats, Hats and more Hats!

Yesterday we had an anwered prayer when we read we only have to be in Liberia for 5 days now! Whew, not 10 days like we thought! Mark & I are so thankful for that! Leaving the 4 kids at home, is going to be hard on some of the kids and not to mention Mark and myself! I think Grandpa and Grandma will be relieved also! We are waiting for word to buy the tickets yet! Ugh! It will be in the next 3 weeks. There is some Embassy appointments that are taking place in Liberia!

So, I sent Mark to the Black Hills to go snowmobiling with his brother and nephew! I talked to Mark yesterday afternoon, it was 17 degrees, and here it was -7! Burr, I am sick of the cold!

Psalm 126:3
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Mark 9: 36-37
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.


We have been so blessed on this journey of adoption, and we praise and thank God daily for the direction He has been leading us!

Have a warm weekend!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

I was trying to think what rhymes with, no, no, no news! I look out the window and see snow, snow, snow! Yesterday it was blizzard conditions here, and we are expected to get 2-3 inches more later today. Not to mention how darn cold it is it, a whopping high of 0! The wind chill is below freezing. Why do we live in Iowa?

Needless to say, you can read we are a bit frustrated waiting for an email, an update anything!

Today we are going through all the documents to pack, we are copying everything to have extra copies. Trying to figure out the 874 and the DS-230. Yup, frustrated! With all the unknowns in our journey, I am so reminded about God's will be done! This is all in His hands!

Power Verses:John 16:33,

"'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'"

I Peter 4:12-13,

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Instead, be very glad”for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."

I know God has been guiding us along this journey. It has been awesome to see His hand in all this. Mark and I are moved to tears when we think back at the times we have seen God's hand.

One that is really been freshened our hearts is when Mark had his accident, this April will mark his 15th anniversary. We were so blessed to have this "Angel" come into our home every day for about a year.

Our "Angel" was Mark's chears nurse, she was Grandma to Beau, marriage counselor, friend and mother at times to us. On this journey, we found out that that this young lady who is working for Samaritan's Purse, who is helping us with accommodations, and guidance when we arrive in Monrovia. Joni, is a niece of our "Angel". When we found this out, having lunch over Christmas break, our hearts were filled with joy! God decided also that she was an Angel and took her home some time ago.

God Bless You All for checking in on us!

Home Sweet Home!

We are home from vacation! We left sunny Florida with a nice little thunder shower and a balmy 76 degrees to a frigid 12 degrees.

What a fantastic time we all had.

We did para sailing, go carting(guys), fishing(guys), laying out on the beach, playing sand volleyball, eating ice cream on the beach, breakfast on the beach, Magic Kingdom, eating out, riding scooters, swimming, and talking and catching up.

We went to Busch Gardens the other day and to our surprise we saw a cousin who lives in Tampa! It is so much fun visiting with Melissa and her little ones.

Here is the whole gang,

We are most likely going to have to have Beau pass on going along. We decided he would sit detention, but Show Choir is more of an honor to be part of. Unless something happens in the next week, he is going to stay back. :(

We are now in preparing for Liberia, arranging airline tickets, talking to our SW, getting the proper paper work along, situating the kids at home, taking donations along for the orphanage, packing snacks, and taking meds along.

We praise God for hearts that have softened!

We are all so excited to get Marcus home. Yet, my heart breaks for the ones he has to say good bye too!

Thanks for checking in, and we will let you know what day we fly out!

Do We or Don't We?

What a beautiful Sunday we had with our family! You guessed it, we are not sitting at home yet, we are still in sunny Florida!
Mark and I made a quick trip to Orlando to see Mickey and all the characters! Had a terrific day, even we had to wait over an hour for splash mountain!
Tomorrow we are calling Missy at the Travel Agency and checking into flights! The only question we have is do we take Beau or don't we take Beau??? We need to stay in Liberia for 10 days, and that is at least 5 days of school, not to count traveling days! We will keep praying and see where God leads us! I know Beau will learn more in Liberia than sitting in class, but every day over 5 days is an hour of detention! I have talked to our Principal and she is pretty stern on the hours of dt. I also talked to our superintendent about the situation. Beau has had all the shots, passports, and visa.
We will see about the travel arrangements in the morning!

It is starting to be so real to us! We are really going to get this little boy home soon!

Happy New Year!

Our Family does not take your typical summer vacation. With Mark's line of work, we vacation when the weather turns cold!

This year there are 33 of us! What a blessing to spend time together! In all it is a blast!
We all have our own place to hang out, when we get over whelmed with eachother :) we can spend time in the house, and to sleep at night! Usually we eat at night where ever with who ever. It really amazes me how we all get along!


The weather has been fantastic! No rain, and in the 70's!! Here are some pictures!!


Going on Vacation is hard work!

Spending time with cousins is the best!

Riding on a scooter with Dad!

Pedicures are a must!

Volleyball on the Beach!

Silly Girls!

Swimming in the ocean!

Spending time with Kinz!

Finding Shells!

Praying on the Beach!

We received an email yesterday about traveling!!! Most likely God willing, we will be making arrangements in the next weeks!!!

Thanks for checking in! After spending time in Florida I wonder why do we live in Iowa???

Pictures from Liberia

Good Morning!

I can not believe it is December 11 already! It is cold and breezy today. Our family vacation is sounding better every day! The kids are counting down the days till we fly out to the sunny beach in Florida! We are so spoiled!

Our family was praying and hoping Marcus would be home to take in the wonderful Florida vacation with all Mark's family. It would be too much for him now, if we get him home before Christmas. There are 31 Family members to get use too, it is overwhelming for anyone who sees us all running in the airport, but for a little guy home from Liberia, seeing all of us together, yikes!

Marcus is going to have such a new life here, toilets, running water, doors, windows, sinks, refridgerator, medical care and most of all food.

When we get a travel date, we are planning on asking for donations for the Orphanage. The need is so great for medical supplies and money for food. Here are a few pictures.

Picture of the children at school in Liberia. We think the children

without uniforms are children who live in the orphanage.

We have our idea of sometime in January to travel. I can not imagine coming from 80* weather, humid to Iowa that has snow, wind and gusts that takes your breath away. Poor little guy.

We are so close, I am starting to think this just might happen!

The outside of the Orphanage!

The entrance of the Orphanage!

We Praise God for the safety of Pastor Aaron, Nick and Troy as they made it home from Monrovia! Pastor Aaron and Nick got to spend some time at the orphanage and time with our little Marcus.

We have not had a chance to sit and talk with them and see video taken yet. Yesterday we received the disk with pictures on it! I would love to show you pictures, I am waiting until Marcus is paper ready ours!

Saturday night we ate at Tophers and bumped into Pastor Aaron and his Family. Brynn of course said "did you see my little brother?" Pastor Aaron was proud to "yes and do you know what his favorite food is?" I was a bit worried, it is eggs! Sounds like Marcus and his sister will get along just fine!

I don't know who is more excited to talk with them, Mark, the boys or myself!!

We have been keeping busy here. I am trying to get the Soup Supper printed out, our printed is on the blink.

Sent out Christmas cards for all the College students in our church. I would love to send our cards but I am waiting for Marcus to be home to send them out! Getting Christmas decorations out, trying and praying to get the laundry room caught up for a day! Ugh!'

Brynn had dance and ice skating lessons last night. The oldest boys went to the basketball game. When it is this cold outside it is such a treat to stay home.

Today I am going to make a meal for my cousin who lost his son in a car accident. My heart breaks for him and his family. Jon was such a spirited young man, who always had a huge smile and a hello where ever he was. Jon was always a giver, and he was an organ donor. His heart is still pumping somewhere and we pray for the family who received his heart, kidney, pancreas and other organs.

During this time of the year, you always think about those who are less fortunate than us. I see these pictures of the children in Liberia, couples who lost their children in accidents, those facing cancer, those who lost jobs, those waiting to bring their son or daughter home, the Service Men and Women who are in the Military, families who can not be together for the Holiday's or who do not have families. I encourage you all to pray for them. Maybe a card or a phone call can make their day a bit brighter!

I better get back to getting the soup supper list done, and the laundry!

God Bless You All!