JOIN US WHILE WE FOLLOW CHRIST WHERE EVER HE LEADS US IN THE WORLD
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mother's Day
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
A day of happiness and sadness at the same time. Once a family is touched by adoption you can't help but to think of all the precious children in the world without their mothers. My heart was very heavy this Mother's Day. Elijah misses his foster mother in China so much that he tries not to think about China at all. What about his birth mother? We never know the sadness in her heart that she carries to this day. What is wrong with a world that say we will treat your child at the hospital if they are abandoned, but if a mother who can't pay for the expenses tries to get treatment for her baby she is turned away. The only option of LOVE is to love enough to let go. Is Sneha's mother even alive or did she die of starvation on the streets of city with 16 million people around her, but so alone without help. Was she herself without the mental capacity to know any better or just to leave her child in crowded bus station to be found. She was so weak and sick from malnutrition that she couldn't even walk at 3 years old. God saved her, he had big plans for the helpless, weak, and challenged. Sometimes I look at her face that has tiny scares all over the skins surface knowing that she laid on the dirt and cement at one time. I just can't imagine having nowhere else to lay one's head, but on the dirty ground. When ever I discouraged by the small details of our lives I think we must keep going asking God what else can I do? Why don't more people grieve for the orphan? It consumes my thoughts and the corners of my heart. How can we think that it is someone else's job to care for the least of these. I thought I had prepared myself enough for the concentration camp appearance of the orphan, it is not possible.
India forever changed our hearts and lives, and I pray that we never forget. People are dying all over the world without hope. We have the hope and we keep it to ourselves. We become consumed with the everyday and what we want and what is fun. America has it all and we are flushing hope away with all the greed of our hearts. We become so consumed with ourselves looking into the mirror instead of looking out of the window. Imagine walking outside with a child that never goes outside or doesn't ever hardly leave the same room for 5 1/2 years??????
I can look to the future with hope and know that God forgave me for being foolish and not paying attention for so many years. I wasted sooo much money on things that were not important. Our money is NOT our own, we have a responsibility to use it wisely for God's glory. How many more children could we have adopted if we would have been obedient to God.
When we knew that we were to adopt Sneha it grieved my heart to adopt a child with so many needs. I spoke with a lady that had met her and she told me she will NEVER be able to sit down and read a novel or care for herself. I am now thankful that God trusted us with his dear treasure. The LORD told us if you do not adopt her no one else in the entire world will. God kept urging us forward and would not let me forget about her. I tried to forget her and I am so thankful that HE wouldn't let me. We had to wait so long to finally adopt her because God had a lot of work to do in our hearts preparing us for the future task. It is hard to think that in the future she will be a three year old in woman's beautiful body. This is all the more reason that she needed us because she is so beautiful and now no one will take advantage of her and make her a prostitute. She is safe and now at home. Thanks be to God!!!
Lord please send us, prepare us, we are no longer content with the American dream.
Ephesians 4:32
A day of happiness and sadness at the same time. Once a family is touched by adoption you can't help but to think of all the precious children in the world without their mothers. My heart was very heavy this Mother's Day. Elijah misses his foster mother in China so much that he tries not to think about China at all. What about his birth mother? We never know the sadness in her heart that she carries to this day. What is wrong with a world that say we will treat your child at the hospital if they are abandoned, but if a mother who can't pay for the expenses tries to get treatment for her baby she is turned away. The only option of LOVE is to love enough to let go. Is Sneha's mother even alive or did she die of starvation on the streets of city with 16 million people around her, but so alone without help. Was she herself without the mental capacity to know any better or just to leave her child in crowded bus station to be found. She was so weak and sick from malnutrition that she couldn't even walk at 3 years old. God saved her, he had big plans for the helpless, weak, and challenged. Sometimes I look at her face that has tiny scares all over the skins surface knowing that she laid on the dirt and cement at one time. I just can't imagine having nowhere else to lay one's head, but on the dirty ground. When ever I discouraged by the small details of our lives I think we must keep going asking God what else can I do? Why don't more people grieve for the orphan? It consumes my thoughts and the corners of my heart. How can we think that it is someone else's job to care for the least of these. I thought I had prepared myself enough for the concentration camp appearance of the orphan, it is not possible.
When we knew that we were to adopt Sneha it grieved my heart to adopt a child with so many needs. I spoke with a lady that had met her and she told me she will NEVER be able to sit down and read a novel or care for herself. I am now thankful that God trusted us with his dear treasure. The LORD told us if you do not adopt her no one else in the entire world will. God kept urging us forward and would not let me forget about her. I tried to forget her and I am so thankful that HE wouldn't let me. We had to wait so long to finally adopt her because God had a lot of work to do in our hearts preparing us for the future task. It is hard to think that in the future she will be a three year old in woman's beautiful body. This is all the more reason that she needed us because she is so beautiful and now no one will take advantage of her and make her a prostitute. She is safe and now at home. Thanks be to God!!!
Lord please send us, prepare us, we are no longer content with the American dream.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
It's a no, so we stay.
Well the call came or should I say email and so we will stay. A bag of mixed emotions, I am just so frustrated for Brent. How many hours can one man possibly work:( The burden is so heavy almost unbearable and my heart breaks for him. I know that God has blessings and happiness in store for the man who does so much for others. Please pray that he could use his gifts on a daily basis and be happy. Stress can do so much harm to our bodies, one can only take so much.
Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Spring Time May 3, 2010
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. " Romans 12:12
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A crazy week or two
Your attitude should be the same as that as Jesus Christ: Who in being very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8
I must confess working full time is very difficult with four children. Brent is such a great help and making it work to the best possible. Elijah and Sneha were able to see an orthopedist from Children's in Denver, Dr. Chang. Sneha has a very different gate and her toes point out at an angle. Well it turns out the her femur and hips point outward, her lower leg turns outward as well as her feet. A three part issue, for now it will be treated with shoe inserts to see if that helps. The good news is that her upper arm break is healing very well and will be ok. As far as Elijah--he has a new official diagnosis CP. A traumatic brain injury in utero or shortly after birth. I have previously wondered if that might have been the diagnosis. One of my wonderful friends Debbie has CP and is a very strong woman who is an inspiration to us all. So his "official diagnosis" was just a way to describe in words the injury--not a big shock or fear to our family. Dr Chang wants to evaluate Elijah's gate with high tech electrodes and an interactive floor. He will probably needs to have his left leg tendon and muscle cut so they can loosen. His foot also needs surgery to correct a bone problem so he can walk better. Elijah's left leg is 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than his right. He also spoke of Botox treatments to Elijah's left arm to help the muscles and eventually they would slow the growth of his right leg so the left can catch up. A massive stroke as an infant caused his body to have many troubles. The good news is that he can run and play with the best of them even soccer. He is a true physical miracle to see him in action.
On a sour note Elijah has been lying and showing attachment problem behavior. We believe that if God our Father re-routed his brain after a massive stroke that he can heal his heart and soul. The physical disabilities are easy to deal with in comparison to lying and hurtful behavior. We are committed to help him change and conquer this sin in his life. Every person that knows right from wrong must choose to do what is right and often it is the more difficult choice. Love is a true choice not just a feeling. Adoption is not for the weak, but neither is the world we live in. Children need loving families to guide them on a path to Jesus. I never have a doubt that Our Lord placed these children in our home to bring him the glory and impact those around us.
Sneha the mostly wordless person has impacted so many people her in our small town. It is amazing that God doesn't have to use words to make a difference in lives. It is not about me and my feelings. My heart breaks when they push me away, but I must remember that God is in charge and this is HIS plan. Growth and change are difficult, but very necessary to change or character and make us strong. When they do hug and show love it makes that moment so sweet. Brokenness of a child cannot change overnight and we will never abandon them again.
What we know is that we have a future and we are right where God wants us for now.
Cheers,
Holly
Please visit this blog and pray for their dear Chrissie: http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/
Chrissie was found and adopted through Reecesrainbow and she is fighting for her life.
Philippians 2:5-8
I must confess working full time is very difficult with four children. Brent is such a great help and making it work to the best possible. Elijah and Sneha were able to see an orthopedist from Children's in Denver, Dr. Chang. Sneha has a very different gate and her toes point out at an angle. Well it turns out the her femur and hips point outward, her lower leg turns outward as well as her feet. A three part issue, for now it will be treated with shoe inserts to see if that helps. The good news is that her upper arm break is healing very well and will be ok. As far as Elijah--he has a new official diagnosis CP. A traumatic brain injury in utero or shortly after birth. I have previously wondered if that might have been the diagnosis. One of my wonderful friends Debbie has CP and is a very strong woman who is an inspiration to us all. So his "official diagnosis" was just a way to describe in words the injury--not a big shock or fear to our family. Dr Chang wants to evaluate Elijah's gate with high tech electrodes and an interactive floor. He will probably needs to have his left leg tendon and muscle cut so they can loosen. His foot also needs surgery to correct a bone problem so he can walk better. Elijah's left leg is 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than his right. He also spoke of Botox treatments to Elijah's left arm to help the muscles and eventually they would slow the growth of his right leg so the left can catch up. A massive stroke as an infant caused his body to have many troubles. The good news is that he can run and play with the best of them even soccer. He is a true physical miracle to see him in action.
If anyone ever hesitates to adopt for fear of affecting their biological children, I would challenge them what better chance to show the heart of God to their children. Graedy and Elise have been affected profoundly, and for the good. Elise and Graedy see that disabled doesn't mean bad only different, but still they are important to our world. Our Father creates no mistakes Sneha has a heart of love even though she may never live independently. In our world worth is based on what tasks can we complete, and that is not what God bases our worth on. How many siblings of adopted children will grow up to either adopt themselves or strive to make a difference for the lost and forgotten. I can say living with one of the least of these every day, they will never forget. We could have never done anything more important for our biological children. I have been asked will they have to give up things for them-ABSOLUTELY and what leads to better character. Our possessions never build up our character and heart. The more "stuff" we have the more we want.
Cheers,
Holly
Please visit this blog and pray for their dear Chrissie: http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/
Chrissie was found and adopted through Reecesrainbow and she is fighting for her life.
Monday, April 19, 2010
PRAYING FOR CLARITY FROM ABOVE
A blog that I follow challenged the blogging world to pray for each other and a make changes in our world. We are all connected and can make a difference through prayers to our Father. Please visit here: http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/. Linny and her family make a difference in the world and we are so thankful for her wisdom.
Luke 11:9-13
And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking , and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
The last few months of 2010 have been full of challenges as well as blessings. I am just so thankful that Sneha is home with us. As many of you know of Feb 14 Sneha had her first seizure in our presence. This came to a shock to us, but not beyond our limits. Elijah adopted from China has complex partial seizure disorder diagnosed after his cranioplasty in May of 2008. God was making plans for our family through what seemed like a hard ship to us. I have to be honest on the waiting child check list I probably would not have checked the seizure disorder/epilepsy box. I could have missed God's blessings by letting my fears control me. Luckily Our Father is in control and not us. Easter was eventful at church when Sneha went limp from a seizure. In between these seizure events Sneha fell out of bed and broke her uppers right arm. It is hard to say exactly what happened and if a seizure caused her to fall out of bed. What I do know is that I am thankful that her doctor Dr. Ahuja (from India, and living in small town Colorado) had referred her to a neurologist when she first came home. Long story short both the littles (as I call them) are on Keppra to prevent seizures, a very manageable disablity in the USA. In addition to Sneha's seizures and broken arm she has had two ear surgeries over the past few months to repair perforated ear drums. My heart breaks to think that she had so many ear infections for 8 years that her ear drums just ruptured from the pressure. I have to rate the pain of ear infections way up on the pain scale. I have had many in my life. Her right ear is now repaired and her hearing is getting better all the time. A whole new world to one that couldn't her nearly her entire life. They wondered why she did respond when spoken to, well duh she couldn't hear the question. The left ear is healing as well, by unfortunately still has a small hole that might require a second surgery. The surgeon is giving the left ear drum 6 weeks to repair itself before we make any decisions.
Our story contines as a family of six. We are at the cross road and trying to make a decision of which path to follow. As many of you know medical bills are very expensive and I have started to work full time to pursue our dream of becoming debt free. I am working at 5am, and wow that is early. It is good to be back to working with the elderly, I miss spending time with that age group. Brent has had to pick up a lot of extra work at home in order for me to work. I could not ask for a better spouse in all this world. Working so early gives me all the time with the children after school. Our children, the future for the orphan.
Sneha
Elise and Sneha
Graedy
ElijahIn our dreams we still want to adopt from Ghana. With 2 lay offs in 12 months for Brent, a move to a new town, new life, and a new daughter in the last year our heart still longs to do more. I just know that the time is now, we cannot wait until all the pieces fall into place. We must act in faith. Do we move to pursue saving the orphan or do we stay where we are realatively comfortable and settled? We need clarity for these decisons because they involve all 6 of our family. Adults can move and adapt with the futre in sight. We want the best for our children with the least trauma possible, yet they need to see the responsiblity the Father places on those who know the truth. This truth must become part of us from the beginning, if we wait until they are grown it could very well be too late. Sneha has changed our children and their view of the orphan. They love her for who she is and not what she can do. I can't forget about the orphan, what about their comfort? The orphan in Ghana goes from family to family begging for shelter and food. I have to admit my discomfort never does compare to their losses and sadness.I just can't become consumed with myself, and I have to admit it is a constant battle to see others first.
Luke 17:6
He replied, "If you have faith as small as mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea', and it will obey you."
How we humans have so little faith. Oh Dear Lord, "Give us a measure of faith and wisdom." Amen
Luke 11:9-13
And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking , and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
The last few months of 2010 have been full of challenges as well as blessings. I am just so thankful that Sneha is home with us. As many of you know of Feb 14 Sneha had her first seizure in our presence. This came to a shock to us, but not beyond our limits. Elijah adopted from China has complex partial seizure disorder diagnosed after his cranioplasty in May of 2008. God was making plans for our family through what seemed like a hard ship to us. I have to be honest on the waiting child check list I probably would not have checked the seizure disorder/epilepsy box. I could have missed God's blessings by letting my fears control me. Luckily Our Father is in control and not us. Easter was eventful at church when Sneha went limp from a seizure. In between these seizure events Sneha fell out of bed and broke her uppers right arm. It is hard to say exactly what happened and if a seizure caused her to fall out of bed. What I do know is that I am thankful that her doctor Dr. Ahuja (from India, and living in small town Colorado) had referred her to a neurologist when she first came home. Long story short both the littles (as I call them) are on Keppra to prevent seizures, a very manageable disablity in the USA. In addition to Sneha's seizures and broken arm she has had two ear surgeries over the past few months to repair perforated ear drums. My heart breaks to think that she had so many ear infections for 8 years that her ear drums just ruptured from the pressure. I have to rate the pain of ear infections way up on the pain scale. I have had many in my life. Her right ear is now repaired and her hearing is getting better all the time. A whole new world to one that couldn't her nearly her entire life. They wondered why she did respond when spoken to, well duh she couldn't hear the question. The left ear is healing as well, by unfortunately still has a small hole that might require a second surgery. The surgeon is giving the left ear drum 6 weeks to repair itself before we make any decisions.
Our story contines as a family of six. We are at the cross road and trying to make a decision of which path to follow. As many of you know medical bills are very expensive and I have started to work full time to pursue our dream of becoming debt free. I am working at 5am, and wow that is early. It is good to be back to working with the elderly, I miss spending time with that age group. Brent has had to pick up a lot of extra work at home in order for me to work. I could not ask for a better spouse in all this world. Working so early gives me all the time with the children after school. Our children, the future for the orphan.
Sneha
Elise and Sneha
Graedy
ElijahLuke 17:6
He replied, "If you have faith as small as mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea', and it will obey you."
How we humans have so little faith. Oh Dear Lord, "Give us a measure of faith and wisdom." Amen
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