yup - praying hard!!!
That we will get our travel dates - TODAY!!!!
And - along with the travel dates/invitation to travel to meet our girl - we will learn her REAL name!!!
We are all so anxious and curious to see what her name really is.
She has no idea that we call her Fiona, that someone at RR gave her that "name" when she was listed on their site. She has no idea who Fiona is :)
So - I am praying hard tonight - that the travel invitation and dates will come - along with her name - wouldn't that be the BEST way to start off a Monday????
Much better than insomnia - right?
I'll keep y'all posted.....
Monday, April 29, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Simply AMAZING.....
It's at quiet times like this.....
You know - the times that I wish I was sleeping, but have been woken up by the pitter patter of little feet down the hall and the rustle as Littlest Dude climbs into bed and snuggles right up to me. I love the snuggles, I know they will end one of these days - he is getting so big and grown up. Okay - he's not really that big - he's kind of on the small side, even for having ds - but - our kids are just kind of that way til they go through "the change" - we call them "fun size" ;) but - he's still big enough to hog the bed ;) I think that having a little sister will really help him take on the "older brother" "big boy" role, whereas he is pretty much the spoiled, and incredibly adored youngest child. Seriously - ask any of his siblings - "who is your favorite sibling" - not that they should have any such thing - but - heck ya - they do - and each will answer - Littlest Dude!!!! There is just something special about him that steals your heart :) Seriously. I think that soon they will have TWO favorite siblings ;)
But - I digress (really not unusual........)
Quiet times like this when I really reflect on the miracle that has brought us to where we are in our adoption journey. And - it IS a miracle. It really all started with promptings from the Lord on this cute girl - www.rescuingvictoria.blogspot.com - who I was too afraid to talk to my hubby about :) Then progressed to the blond beauty of this adopted trio - www.collinsgang.blogspot.com - when I finally couldn't NOT speak up to my hubby (they call them reluctant husbands over at reece's rainbow - RH for short ;) and brought us to our precious little Fiona. There were other orphans I loved, and followed their journeys - orphans from the Starfish Foster Home in China, and friends who adopted from RR - but those two beautiful girls above, directly led us to Fiona - through different means. And - I think all 3 girls are in (or soon will be in) the families the Lord meant for them to be in! He is amazing like that. He knows......
He prepared our family - He gave us so many experiences with families who have adopted - domestically, from foster care, internationally from so many countries. He led us years ago to our present home, and although we didn't know why we were led here at the time - I think it was for many reasons. The diversity of our neighborhood, and the many, MANY adopted children and adults in our church congregation and their acceptance and love and support of Littlest Dude has been amazing. I have watched my close friends be "paper pregnant" and work hard to gather their children from the corners of the globe. I have watched them tenderly and patiently heal the hearts of their babies who were abandoned and neglected in orphanages. It hasn't been easy - but I know each of them would say it was worth it - in every way. I have watched them grow through trials and adversity and develop a compassion they wouldn't have, if they hadn't had the opportunity to step into their children's shoes and hearts. I say opportunity - I don't know if they would consider it an opportunity - I don't know that they are grateful for how hard it has been, and how much sorrow and work it has been - but I know they would both agree - it changed them and helped them grow. Their children are worth it - they would not dispute that for a second. The Lord knows.... The Lord guides..... Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of his children - each and every one.
Our journey has been one miracle after another :) The miracle that led us to Fiona - a mixture of inspiration from the spirit and a picture of our sweetie that reminded me so of one of Littlest Dude's cute friends. IF Fiona had not looked so much like this little girl in the first picture I saw of her - I don't know if she would have caught my eye or not - I am sure the Lord would have found a way :) I sent her to my friend - and that was the beginning of her being always on my mind - I cannot wait until she is my arms! From that first prompting to go look at RR that day - to the experiences of The Dad and I praying, to the prayers of our children on Fiona's behalf and their acceptance of having a new sibling, and another with special needs at that, at this point in their lives. Miracles. From the firm knowledge from the Lord that he would provide a way for us to make it financially possible to bring Fiona home, and the humbling gratitude we feel to our family, many MANY friends, and MANY more strangers (and new friends :) who have stepped up and answered our prayers and been the means by which the Lord could bless us to make it possible to bring her home. It has been humbling to fund raise - I hate fundraising, I hate feeling like I am asking people for money. But, through this process I have learned so much - and the money isn't for me or us - every single dime is going to bring Fiona home - for the travel, for the agency and government fees. I have heard it referred to as a "ransom" to be paid to set a child free. I wish it wasn't so expensive - I wish we'd had the $30,000+ saved up - but we didn't ~ so I am deeply indebted to everyone who has given so much and worked so hard to make it possible for us.
So - thank you from the bottom of our hearts to -
Those who bought ornaments, lovingly made by the young women in our church and my kids.
Those who offered matching grants.
Those who bought hearts for our Heart Attack for Fiona.
Those who gave so amazingly generously at Christmas through our neighborhood fundraising
drive.
Our friends who put on a wonderful educational toy sale and donated all their profits to Fiona's fund, and all who bought toys.
Friends and strangers who came out to Chick Fil A for our spirit night.
Those that just donated because they love us and Fiona.
Those who donated because they felt called to do so.
My wonderful friend Rebecca, who made the darling WDSD banners and everyone who donated to have one.
My friend, Heather, who made salsa and sold it and donated the funds to Fiona.
Those who donated to the amazing iPad give-a-way that two simply amazing teenage girls, with a love for orphans at https://www.facebook.com/4girls4christ did for us - without even knowing our family!
My simply amazing great niece's A & A who gave up their birthday presents and had a rockin' carnival birthday fundraiser to raise funds and GIVE to our cute girl, instead of receiving presents themselves.
These 3 teenagers and 1 pre-teen - are SIMPLY AMAZING!!! What an example they are to others - what giving hearts and spirits they have - what a difference they are making - at such young ages - and I know it will continue - because these are amazing young women.
And - the list goes on - I know there are more of you - I don't mean to forget anyone - so forgive me if you aren't mentioned (and feel free to comment and I will rectify that asap!!!)
ALL of you are simply amazing. Thank you for your amazingness. Thank you for caring. Thank you for giving. Thank you for helping us and being an answer to prayer. Thank you for being part of our miracle.
You are - simply amazing.
You know - the times that I wish I was sleeping, but have been woken up by the pitter patter of little feet down the hall and the rustle as Littlest Dude climbs into bed and snuggles right up to me. I love the snuggles, I know they will end one of these days - he is getting so big and grown up. Okay - he's not really that big - he's kind of on the small side, even for having ds - but - our kids are just kind of that way til they go through "the change" - we call them "fun size" ;) but - he's still big enough to hog the bed ;) I think that having a little sister will really help him take on the "older brother" "big boy" role, whereas he is pretty much the spoiled, and incredibly adored youngest child. Seriously - ask any of his siblings - "who is your favorite sibling" - not that they should have any such thing - but - heck ya - they do - and each will answer - Littlest Dude!!!! There is just something special about him that steals your heart :) Seriously. I think that soon they will have TWO favorite siblings ;)
But - I digress (really not unusual........)
Quiet times like this when I really reflect on the miracle that has brought us to where we are in our adoption journey. And - it IS a miracle. It really all started with promptings from the Lord on this cute girl - www.rescuingvictoria.blogspot.com - who I was too afraid to talk to my hubby about :) Then progressed to the blond beauty of this adopted trio - www.collinsgang.blogspot.com - when I finally couldn't NOT speak up to my hubby (they call them reluctant husbands over at reece's rainbow - RH for short ;) and brought us to our precious little Fiona. There were other orphans I loved, and followed their journeys - orphans from the Starfish Foster Home in China, and friends who adopted from RR - but those two beautiful girls above, directly led us to Fiona - through different means. And - I think all 3 girls are in (or soon will be in) the families the Lord meant for them to be in! He is amazing like that. He knows......
He prepared our family - He gave us so many experiences with families who have adopted - domestically, from foster care, internationally from so many countries. He led us years ago to our present home, and although we didn't know why we were led here at the time - I think it was for many reasons. The diversity of our neighborhood, and the many, MANY adopted children and adults in our church congregation and their acceptance and love and support of Littlest Dude has been amazing. I have watched my close friends be "paper pregnant" and work hard to gather their children from the corners of the globe. I have watched them tenderly and patiently heal the hearts of their babies who were abandoned and neglected in orphanages. It hasn't been easy - but I know each of them would say it was worth it - in every way. I have watched them grow through trials and adversity and develop a compassion they wouldn't have, if they hadn't had the opportunity to step into their children's shoes and hearts. I say opportunity - I don't know if they would consider it an opportunity - I don't know that they are grateful for how hard it has been, and how much sorrow and work it has been - but I know they would both agree - it changed them and helped them grow. Their children are worth it - they would not dispute that for a second. The Lord knows.... The Lord guides..... Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of his children - each and every one.
Our journey has been one miracle after another :) The miracle that led us to Fiona - a mixture of inspiration from the spirit and a picture of our sweetie that reminded me so of one of Littlest Dude's cute friends. IF Fiona had not looked so much like this little girl in the first picture I saw of her - I don't know if she would have caught my eye or not - I am sure the Lord would have found a way :) I sent her to my friend - and that was the beginning of her being always on my mind - I cannot wait until she is my arms! From that first prompting to go look at RR that day - to the experiences of The Dad and I praying, to the prayers of our children on Fiona's behalf and their acceptance of having a new sibling, and another with special needs at that, at this point in their lives. Miracles. From the firm knowledge from the Lord that he would provide a way for us to make it financially possible to bring Fiona home, and the humbling gratitude we feel to our family, many MANY friends, and MANY more strangers (and new friends :) who have stepped up and answered our prayers and been the means by which the Lord could bless us to make it possible to bring her home. It has been humbling to fund raise - I hate fundraising, I hate feeling like I am asking people for money. But, through this process I have learned so much - and the money isn't for me or us - every single dime is going to bring Fiona home - for the travel, for the agency and government fees. I have heard it referred to as a "ransom" to be paid to set a child free. I wish it wasn't so expensive - I wish we'd had the $30,000+ saved up - but we didn't ~ so I am deeply indebted to everyone who has given so much and worked so hard to make it possible for us.
So - thank you from the bottom of our hearts to -
Those who bought ornaments, lovingly made by the young women in our church and my kids.
Those who offered matching grants.
Those who bought hearts for our Heart Attack for Fiona.
Those who gave so amazingly generously at Christmas through our neighborhood fundraising
drive.
Our friends who put on a wonderful educational toy sale and donated all their profits to Fiona's fund, and all who bought toys.
Friends and strangers who came out to Chick Fil A for our spirit night.
Those that just donated because they love us and Fiona.
Those who donated because they felt called to do so.
My wonderful friend Rebecca, who made the darling WDSD banners and everyone who donated to have one.
My friend, Heather, who made salsa and sold it and donated the funds to Fiona.
Those who donated to the amazing iPad give-a-way that two simply amazing teenage girls, with a love for orphans at https://www.facebook.com/4girls4christ did for us - without even knowing our family!
My simply amazing great niece's A & A who gave up their birthday presents and had a rockin' carnival birthday fundraiser to raise funds and GIVE to our cute girl, instead of receiving presents themselves.
These 3 teenagers and 1 pre-teen - are SIMPLY AMAZING!!! What an example they are to others - what giving hearts and spirits they have - what a difference they are making - at such young ages - and I know it will continue - because these are amazing young women.
And - the list goes on - I know there are more of you - I don't mean to forget anyone - so forgive me if you aren't mentioned (and feel free to comment and I will rectify that asap!!!)
ALL of you are simply amazing. Thank you for your amazingness. Thank you for caring. Thank you for giving. Thank you for helping us and being an answer to prayer. Thank you for being part of our miracle.
You are - simply amazing.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Guess What??? We're having a......
TODDLER!!!!!
It finally feels a little more real - now that we have the referral - now that we are waiting on travel dates! All the work up to date is finally coming to fruition!
I can't express how good it felt to see new pictures of our cute girl. To read her referral and updated information. To know that she IS getting medical care. To know that she is receiving some therapies. To see that she is growing and healthy - albeit quite tiny. It made my heart sing - and hurt - because we aren't there for her yet, and because as excited as I am to go and meet her and bring her home to her new family - it is going to turn her world upside down. And - that will be hard for her. And- because I love her already - like all my kids - I don't want her to have to go through hard things. I don't want her to have to hurt, or be scared, or sad :( And - I am sure that she will experience all those things as we take her away from everything she has known, to a world that is so different in every way from her orphanage. Even though she will be so loved - it will be such a big change for her.
Every day we pray for her. Every day we ask the Lord to watch over her. To prepare her little heart for us, to help her to love us, to know that someone is coming for her. Every day we think of her - all of us - we wonder what she is doing, how she is feeling, if she is healthy or sick, if someone is loving her and taking care of her and meeting her needs. And, every day we pray that someone is. And, if someone is - I have so much gratitude to them for loving our girl- for believing in her, in spite of her disability, in spite of any prejudice that might be felt for her because of her tiny little extra chromosome.... I will be deeply indebted to her caregivers for loving her, and I pray that they are.
We are gathering things to take with us to Fiona's country :) Slowly my corner is piling up - slowly I am purchasing or borrowing things to use here. It's been a while since we had a toddler :) And - thinking we were done, we gave away a lot of our equipment :) But - I am getting things in order - and Princess and I will be moving her room around to make room for her much hoped-for little sister :) I often wonder if she prayed her here :) She has wanted one for so long :) You never know......
So - as we wait - we prepare - and know that it is coming- it's real - we're in the home stretch - I think we might be 35 or 36 weeks :)
Yaaaaahhhhooooooooooooo!!!!!!
It finally feels a little more real - now that we have the referral - now that we are waiting on travel dates! All the work up to date is finally coming to fruition!
I can't express how good it felt to see new pictures of our cute girl. To read her referral and updated information. To know that she IS getting medical care. To know that she is receiving some therapies. To see that she is growing and healthy - albeit quite tiny. It made my heart sing - and hurt - because we aren't there for her yet, and because as excited as I am to go and meet her and bring her home to her new family - it is going to turn her world upside down. And - that will be hard for her. And- because I love her already - like all my kids - I don't want her to have to go through hard things. I don't want her to have to hurt, or be scared, or sad :( And - I am sure that she will experience all those things as we take her away from everything she has known, to a world that is so different in every way from her orphanage. Even though she will be so loved - it will be such a big change for her.
Every day we pray for her. Every day we ask the Lord to watch over her. To prepare her little heart for us, to help her to love us, to know that someone is coming for her. Every day we think of her - all of us - we wonder what she is doing, how she is feeling, if she is healthy or sick, if someone is loving her and taking care of her and meeting her needs. And, every day we pray that someone is. And, if someone is - I have so much gratitude to them for loving our girl- for believing in her, in spite of her disability, in spite of any prejudice that might be felt for her because of her tiny little extra chromosome.... I will be deeply indebted to her caregivers for loving her, and I pray that they are.
We are gathering things to take with us to Fiona's country :) Slowly my corner is piling up - slowly I am purchasing or borrowing things to use here. It's been a while since we had a toddler :) And - thinking we were done, we gave away a lot of our equipment :) But - I am getting things in order - and Princess and I will be moving her room around to make room for her much hoped-for little sister :) I often wonder if she prayed her here :) She has wanted one for so long :) You never know......
So - as we wait - we prepare - and know that it is coming- it's real - we're in the home stretch - I think we might be 35 or 36 weeks :)
Yaaaaahhhhooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
So much!!!!
So much JOY!!!
So much Gratitude!!!!
Feeling soooo blessed!!!!
Today was THE day!!! The DAY we got our REFERRAL!!!!!
What does that mean? It means that we have been matched to our cute girl. It means we got updated information on her. It means we got NEW pictures of her! It means that once accepted - yup - already done - we will receive travel approval and be able to travel to her country and visit with her and spend time bonding with her, and hopefully bring her home!!!!
THIS is what we have been waiting for - and we are feeling so blessed that it came today - so very very VERY blessed!!!!
Thank you sooo much for all your prayers on our behalf!!! We will still need them - so don't put them away just yet ;) We are just so grateful to our Heavenly Father for answering our prayers. He is soooo good!!!
So much Gratitude!!!!
Feeling soooo blessed!!!!
Today was THE day!!! The DAY we got our REFERRAL!!!!!
What does that mean? It means that we have been matched to our cute girl. It means we got updated information on her. It means we got NEW pictures of her! It means that once accepted - yup - already done - we will receive travel approval and be able to travel to her country and visit with her and spend time bonding with her, and hopefully bring her home!!!!
THIS is what we have been waiting for - and we are feeling so blessed that it came today - so very very VERY blessed!!!!
Thank you sooo much for all your prayers on our behalf!!! We will still need them - so don't put them away just yet ;) We are just so grateful to our Heavenly Father for answering our prayers. He is soooo good!!!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
While we've been waiting.....
which is kind of like - while you were sleeping - maybe????
We've celebrated Easter......
Celebrated some birthdays.......
We've celebrated Easter......
Celebrated some birthdays.......
Littlest Dude is 11!!!
Big Sissy is 21!
Mr. Hollywood is 16!
YESSS - a replacement for his broken phone!!! His life is COMPLETE!!!!
Played some games......
Experienced the joy of new life :) Littlest Dude named these little ones Spongebob and Sandy :)
And - finished up an application for The Rocket Scientist to spend some time doing religious service (2 years :) for our church!
and a few other things - including soccer games, musical theater, finishing up school work and prepping for summer vacation and our trip to Fiona's country.......
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