Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!
I am up in the early morning, while everyone is sleeping, because I had to put the turkey in the oven. I thought I would write something of what happened to me this month because to me, it is a miracle!
About a month ago, I encountered a "concern". A concern that was so huge that in normal circumstances it would have flattened me emotionally, and as many of you know, when you are brought down emotionally, you are often brought down physically, also. Simply made ill with worry. That would be me! A blithering mess! *smile*
But, I truly felt the hand of God this month. I have ridden through this entire month with an absolute sense of overwhelming peace and certainty that all would be well. *But*, at the same time, I had a calm that if all was not well, I was *cool* with it! How radical is that?!! *smile*
This morning I got a devotion that speaks exactly what happened to / through me this month.
"Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." John 16:32
No bird is as solitary as the eagle. Eagles never fly in flocks; one, or at most two, ever being seen at once. But the life that is lived unto God, however, it forfeits human companionships, knows Divine fellowship.
God seeks eagle-men. No man ever comes into a realization of the best things of God, who does not, upon the Godward side of his life, learn to walk alone with God.
Moses, skilled in all the wisdom of Egypt, must go forty years into the desert alone with God.
Let God isolate us... In this isolating experience He develops an independence of faith and life so that the soul needs no longer the constant help, prayer, faith, or attention of his neighbour...
It was this for me this month. For some unknown reason, as I waited to know the results of my concern and utmost hearts prayers, I was not relying on friends. Without even trying to be strong, I didn't *need* my friends and family, as I have in the past. I was held in the palm of God's hand. I had an absolute sense of peace, *no matter* what the end result of my concern would be!
We yield to God and He takes us through something, and when it is over, those about us, who are no less loved than before, are no longer depended upon. We realize that He has wrought some things in us, and that the wings of our souls have learned to beat the upper air.
It does make a difference! Because now I know I am at peace with however my future plays out. Even during my wait I knew I was at peace. That is *not* like me!! Thank you, Lord for carrying me through this. And you know, it was not *anything* I did. I always read about people who went through things and relied on God and I always felt, "Well good for you. I try to lean on God but my fear always comes through and I never feel God holding me up."
This time it was different. God was there *immediatley* in a physical sense, in the way He allowed appointments and circumstances to line up befote I could worry. Where I would have waited normally, I didn't. He showed Himself by arranging things in my life to show me He was in charge - no matter the outcome!!
Praising God for His Holy Presence this Christmas. May you all experience the overwhelming self of love and compassion of a God that loves *you* - He didn't just create the world. He created *you* and He loves each and every one of us. He cares about all the small things in our lives and all the big things. I hope that you will take a step of faith and reach out to a God that loves you just like a daddy loves a little girl.
With love this Holy season, Justine
P.S. All *is* well. My concerns were unfounded; I found out yesterday!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
They Listened...
As some as you may be aware, about a month ago two wonderful mums from within our Ethiopian Yahoo group worked night and day researching and writing a Proposition letter to Immigration Canada. Then, some of you joined with us in signing the Support letters. Thank you to those that helped!
We got some interesting and exciting news today. We have yet to hear what exactly it is going to mean to our timeframes in bringing our adopted children home, but we do know they *heard* and are *listening*. Today, in the Canada Gazette they talked about the whole deal including the parents that worked to change things!! YEAH! Thisi s the full article. I have posted below it the stuff that pertains to us. We are still praying to hear in the New Year that the time frame will be short!!!
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2007/20071226/html/sor281-e.html
Some stakeholders have expressed that requesting a medical declaration is unreasonable and discriminatory in the citizenship context and since there is no authority for the Department to look behind a signed declaration from the adoptive parents, the effectiveness of the declaration was questioned.
After considering all comments it has been decided to remove the medical factor in the assessment of the citizenship application.
Some stakeholders request that the processing delays be set at a maximum of four weeks, and that a "temporary citizenship" be issued in order to accelerate the return to Canada.
A group of approximately 140 adoptive parents raised specific concerns regarding processing delays for Ethiopian adoptions and requested that service standards be set to a maximum of four weeks in order to minimize the time spent by a child in institutionalized care. These submissions highlighted the undesirability of such care when the alternative is being quickly welcomed in a Canadian family. The processing of applications can be delayed by the need for officers verifying that the province or territory in Canada where the adoptive parents reside does not object to the adoption; that the adoption severs all pre-existing ties with the child's family; and that it is in accordance with local law. In the case of Ethiopian adoptions, local law can differ from region to region adding to the time required to review some applications. Citizenship applications under Bill C-14 will be processed with a high priority. However, the citizenship officer must continue to verify with that the adoption conforms to local legislation; that it severs all pre-existing family ties and that it satisfies other Canadian statutory requirements.
The Department has considered this recommendation and has identified applications for a grant of citizenship by adopted persons as a priority. Specific service standards for adoption cases are under development. The Department will ensure that service standards are created and processing times are minimized and monitored.
We got some interesting and exciting news today. We have yet to hear what exactly it is going to mean to our timeframes in bringing our adopted children home, but we do know they *heard* and are *listening*. Today, in the Canada Gazette they talked about the whole deal including the parents that worked to change things!! YEAH! Thisi s the full article. I have posted below it the stuff that pertains to us. We are still praying to hear in the New Year that the time frame will be short!!!
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2007/20071226/html/sor281-e.html
Some stakeholders have expressed that requesting a medical declaration is unreasonable and discriminatory in the citizenship context and since there is no authority for the Department to look behind a signed declaration from the adoptive parents, the effectiveness of the declaration was questioned.
After considering all comments it has been decided to remove the medical factor in the assessment of the citizenship application.
Some stakeholders request that the processing delays be set at a maximum of four weeks, and that a "temporary citizenship" be issued in order to accelerate the return to Canada.
A group of approximately 140 adoptive parents raised specific concerns regarding processing delays for Ethiopian adoptions and requested that service standards be set to a maximum of four weeks in order to minimize the time spent by a child in institutionalized care. These submissions highlighted the undesirability of such care when the alternative is being quickly welcomed in a Canadian family. The processing of applications can be delayed by the need for officers verifying that the province or territory in Canada where the adoptive parents reside does not object to the adoption; that the adoption severs all pre-existing ties with the child's family; and that it is in accordance with local law. In the case of Ethiopian adoptions, local law can differ from region to region adding to the time required to review some applications. Citizenship applications under Bill C-14 will be processed with a high priority. However, the citizenship officer must continue to verify with that the adoption conforms to local legislation; that it severs all pre-existing family ties and that it satisfies other Canadian statutory requirements.
The Department has considered this recommendation and has identified applications for a grant of citizenship by adopted persons as a priority. Specific service standards for adoption cases are under development. The Department will ensure that service standards are created and processing times are minimized and monitored.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Can Anyone Tell Me....
why when I post photos I cannot double click on them when I enter the website from http://sixboysandalittlelady.blogspot.co and have them enlarge? Is there something in the way I am loading the pictures? Everyone else's pictures on other blogs can be clicked and enlargened. I don't want my faces so small so want the option to enlarge. Thanks! You can reply on the comments if you are a technical genius!!
An Exciting "Walton's Style" Morning...
Our morning was very exciting!! After a sleepless night - who knows why?! Seriously, I wasn't worried about this interview or anything!! Anyway, after a sleepless night, I stumbled bleary eyed down to my computer to read my morning email with my coffee. What nicer way to wake up than to 'get together' with my adoption friends!
There in my In Box was an email from the Assignments lady at CBC. We hadn't heard back from them the day before and so weren't even sure the interview would take place. It was 8:15 am and she wanted me to call her as they had lined up a cameraman and needed to coordinate times. So I did.
She confirmed we were still good with it and said she would get back to me. She asked what time I thought would be good and I told her that I did NOT want to go on camera with a bedhead and sleep voice!! *grin* She laughed and said she would give me an hour and a half!!!! Whoa. I had to hustle. We went into overdrive and finished tidying up right before the man arrived.
In the meantime, the reporter called me and she was awesome. She was so thankful that we would let them come and spend time with our family. She told me what questions the camera man would be feeding us and we knew it wasn't going to be so scary!!
I was worried they would get into the legalities and politics, and I know nothing about that. I just know we hope that Bill C-14 will bring our girls home sooner! That is all we care about. Plus the fact that it is breaking news - moment by moment, right now. Nobody really knows what this is all going to mean until Citizenship and Immigration Canada tells us. We are just hopeful.
I was sending three of our boys off to Church. I figured I would send the busy bee 8 year old and the big brother to keep an eye on him, plus our 11 year old wanted to go see his friends. I knew I would keep the 2 year old here, and the four year is just so darned cute that I told him all he had to do was *smile*. And our 14 year old was kept home so that he could take the toddler when we needed to do our personal interview.
Well, that plan went out the window!! *laugh* It turned out that the reporter wanted to do a Christmas Family Story for the News Hour and wanted all of our family doing all kinds of fun family Christmas activities!! The funny thing is everything you see in the pictures is what we do in our normal life - just not all within two and a half hours on a Sunday morning!! So here you will have a glimpse of what life is like in a family of six children!
They enjoyed the busyness of it all and were very cooperative.
When the cameraman arrived the boys were outside on our skating rink. They were having a country boy came of hockey. He thought that was a great way to begin. Well, the mother that I am, of course I was out there taking pictures of him taking pictures, so that I could put them in our daughters' journal! He liked that, so at one point he videoed me taking pictures of them. Obviously don't have a picture of that as I am holding the camera! *grin*
Biggest and Littlest Boys (Colt 16, Briton 2)
Briton is Learning to Skate Already!
Hockey on the Home Rink
After he filmed the boys playing hockey for a while we all came in and got on with some Christmas gingerbread house decorating. Our boys thought that was wonderful!!! They had already been given their allotment of sweets for their house (on Friday) and now they were being asked to add more candy to their houses!! *LOL*
Camera Set Up - Boys Decorating
Now you can't see this, but it was fun to watch this camera man at work. Dane (14) decided he did not want to be an actor this year. He had gone out for some auditions and decided it was not for him. Cassidy (11) loves to be in the camera and actually, Chasing Christmas (his Christmas movie debut) was shown on tv again today. The funny thing was the camera man would decided on a part of the action and zero in on it. Poor, good natured Dane. He got to be the centre of attention at one point and the camera zoomed right in on him building his house!!!
Speaking of this boy - he came downstairs in his camo pants and an old grey t-shirt. I said to him, "You're not going to wear that, are you?" He said, "Support our troops!" LOL!! Colt comes down later and says, "Mum, can I come down in my cadet uniform? The cadets would LOVE that!!" LOL! I *think* he was joking?!
While he was filming the boys (re)decorating their houses Ray was in the livingroom reading to the little ones and so he decided to make that his next stop.
Daddy and His Little Boys
During the course of his filming, obviously life had to keep happening, so he took advantage of seeing the kids in their elements - doing stuff that is regular to us, but 'nice' for their Christmas story. The little boys were working on a Christmas puzzle. We try to buy a St. Nicholas puzzle every Christmas, so they have something new to work on during the holidays.
When the camera man was filming the little ones were arguing as to who could put the puzzle pieces in. I told them they had to 'act' for the cameraman. To which they both replied, "But I don't want to be an actor." I then said, "Don't you want to see yourself on tv?" Cooper then looks at Austin and said, "I want to be on tv! Austin don't you want to act? Then you can be on tv. " So off they went. Perfect little boys, happily sharing the building of the puzzle. *smile*
We told the reporter that we didn't have a referral for our girls yet, but we did have a beautiful reminder of what we had to look forward to - our rug of the African children. It is a constant reminder to us that God will be faithful and our girls will come home. He loved the picture.
Colt and Cooper Showing 'Our Girls'
Dane and Cassidy Checking Out Christmas Presents
The funny thing is our boys have a lifelong rule that "you don't touch the presents under the tree or the Grinch will take them." We have this rule because we want Christmas to be about when we hand out the presents, not shaking and rattling and ruining the suprises that someone planned for another person. Our children *know* this law!! *laugh* And yet, they were asked by the reporter to discuss and handle and talk about the gifts!!
Now obviously the general public will see this footage and not know anything about how it was filmed, but you all do!! *grin*
After the reporter had finished talking to the boys they went off to play, nap, or watch a Christmas show, and then Ray and I had our interview.
Our Interview
So we sat at the table and there were questions he asked us: How long had we been waiting to adopt; why did we choose to adopt; what were some of the hoops we had to jump through; what were the difficulties in the process; who were our girls and what were their names; how would the new legislation change things for us - how would it affect us; where would our children be next year?
The only thing I focussed on when it came to what were the difficulties in the process was the waiting. I explained that when we got a referral picture of our girls it would be up to another eight months before we could bring them home. The hardest thing in this whole process would be the waiting once we had seen the girls.
As far as who our girls were: we told them what our request was for and that we hoped to incorporate our names with the names they already have.
Regarding the new Legislation - we are sincerely hoping that the time lines will be shortened. We have read that no medical will be required and we can only pray that this will mean less paperwork and quicker processing.
He asked us what was the holdup. I said that adoptions from Ethiopia were picking up since China was taking longer to complete adoptions. I knew that to bring home a child from China to Canada was much quicker, once the referral had taken place. This could be because they have so many children coming from there that the process is more streamlined. As Ethiopia becomes more popular we can only hope that things will become quicker. I also stated that children coming from Ethiopia to America were coming home shortly after their court dates.
How long would it be before our children are home with us? We believe by next Christmas, but are hoping that with this new legislation it will be even sooner. We can only HOPE!
Overall, it was a very good interview, and he said that out of all the footage he filmed there will probably be a 5 minute segment. The reporter told me that our story was the main part. We shall see. You know how those cutting room floors go!!! Now let's hope that this coverage does good things for us all!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Beauty of Adoption
Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Really Want For Christmas - Don't forget to pause the music at bottom of my blog before listening to the video.
Pray Please - re CBC Broadcast
Please pray that they can get a camera crew for us here. I talked to the producer about 3 hours ago and she was trying to find out if they could get a crew. They were trying to get a local crew, but I am not sure what they can find around here.
Pray that if this is meant to be done that they will be able to get a crew from SOMEWHERE!!! We really want coverage of this. Anything that will help bring our kids home sooner!
Pray that if this is meant to be done that they will be able to get a crew from SOMEWHERE!!! We really want coverage of this. Anything that will help bring our kids home sooner!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Me on Television? Nah!
Today, I was reading my email when I got a real shock. I saw an email in my In Box with the subject: Interview request.
I glanced into the email and felt I was in the twilight zone. There was an email from a woman working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. The letter said they were looking to do a story with a reporter on Sunday about the implementation of Bill C-14. If I was willing to go on camera and talk about my experiences, please let them know.
You know, there is all this Bill C-14 stuff going around and we adoptive parents are waiting anxiously to hear what this might mean to us, but I am just one of the parents. I am not one of the brains!! LOL!!
For all of those who are not aware of what is going on, we have been waiting anxiously for December 22. On June 22, 2007 Bill C-14 was passed and it will be put into place on December 22, 2007. This Bill will change how things are done for children that are adopted abroad. Instead of having to apply for an Immigration Medical Exam and then the Permanent Resident Visa, it would mean that the children would be started on the road to being Canadian Citizens before they come home. They would not enter Canada any differently than if they were born to us out of the country. The other method was found to be discriminatory.
We are still waiting to see what the Bill will mean to us all. At this moment the CIC website says that there will be no medical required for our children to come home, but we don't know how this will affect our waiting timeline. At this moment we are expecting to wait 4-6 months after a court date before we can bring our kids home. During those months they are legally our children and yet, still sit in orphanages waiting for government paperwork to be passed, so they can come home. This is not good.
Up to this point, the families waiting for the Medical to come through for their children have been waiting for up to 18 weeks post court date!! That is too long!! From there, they then are waiting an additional 3-4 weeks for the Visa to be issued.
We had been told that the new method would take a similar time frame (4-6 months), but we are very hopeful. There was some very good news on the CIC website and we are all cautiously hopeful that the New Year will bring some clear good news and the timelines might shorten. We can only hope!
In the meantime, I replied to CBC's email and asked where they found me!! I mean, goodness! There are about 300-500 people (at least) adopting from Ethiopia right now, and hundreds and hundreds from China and other countries!!! She said she did a Google search for Foreign Adoption - well, I tried that. My name never came up!! *laugh*
She said she would like to send a camera crew to our house on Sunday, and the reporter will be in Ottawa. It will a different type of interview given the reporter will not be here. Should be interesting!
They have contacted adoption agencies, but they wanted a personal story and so want our thoughts on how this new Bill will affect our family. Really only time will tell. But we can certainly share our thoughts on seeing our little girls photos and then not being able to bring them home for a further eight months!!! Lord willing this new Bill will bring them home months sooner!!
I quickly emailed my good friend, Corrie, and asked her what I should do?
Her reply? "God led them to you!
You have to go! You could be used as an instrument in decreasing the travel times to our children!
GO GO GO !!!!"
I glanced into the email and felt I was in the twilight zone. There was an email from a woman working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. The letter said they were looking to do a story with a reporter on Sunday about the implementation of Bill C-14. If I was willing to go on camera and talk about my experiences, please let them know.
You know, there is all this Bill C-14 stuff going around and we adoptive parents are waiting anxiously to hear what this might mean to us, but I am just one of the parents. I am not one of the brains!! LOL!!
For all of those who are not aware of what is going on, we have been waiting anxiously for December 22. On June 22, 2007 Bill C-14 was passed and it will be put into place on December 22, 2007. This Bill will change how things are done for children that are adopted abroad. Instead of having to apply for an Immigration Medical Exam and then the Permanent Resident Visa, it would mean that the children would be started on the road to being Canadian Citizens before they come home. They would not enter Canada any differently than if they were born to us out of the country. The other method was found to be discriminatory.
We are still waiting to see what the Bill will mean to us all. At this moment the CIC website says that there will be no medical required for our children to come home, but we don't know how this will affect our waiting timeline. At this moment we are expecting to wait 4-6 months after a court date before we can bring our kids home. During those months they are legally our children and yet, still sit in orphanages waiting for government paperwork to be passed, so they can come home. This is not good.
Up to this point, the families waiting for the Medical to come through for their children have been waiting for up to 18 weeks post court date!! That is too long!! From there, they then are waiting an additional 3-4 weeks for the Visa to be issued.
We had been told that the new method would take a similar time frame (4-6 months), but we are very hopeful. There was some very good news on the CIC website and we are all cautiously hopeful that the New Year will bring some clear good news and the timelines might shorten. We can only hope!
In the meantime, I replied to CBC's email and asked where they found me!! I mean, goodness! There are about 300-500 people (at least) adopting from Ethiopia right now, and hundreds and hundreds from China and other countries!!! She said she did a Google search for Foreign Adoption - well, I tried that. My name never came up!! *laugh*
She said she would like to send a camera crew to our house on Sunday, and the reporter will be in Ottawa. It will a different type of interview given the reporter will not be here. Should be interesting!
They have contacted adoption agencies, but they wanted a personal story and so want our thoughts on how this new Bill will affect our family. Really only time will tell. But we can certainly share our thoughts on seeing our little girls photos and then not being able to bring them home for a further eight months!!! Lord willing this new Bill will bring them home months sooner!!
I quickly emailed my good friend, Corrie, and asked her what I should do?
Her reply? "God led them to you!
You have to go! You could be used as an instrument in decreasing the travel times to our children!
GO GO GO !!!!"
*Laugh* Well, I am shaking in my boots, but so excited to be given this opportunity that might help shorten the future orphanage stays of all our children!
Please pray that I can explain clearly what this will mean to the hearts of all the families waiting for their children to come home. This is not a political stand; it is supposed to be personal, but I have never spoken to a television reporter before. I will need prayer coverage for sure!!
We are Officially in Ethiopia!
Well, I received word this morning that our file arrived in Ethiopia on December 11!! I am so glad to hear it has arrived, and now we can relax knowing it is just a matter of time before our girls are referred.
Last night, I was telling Ray that I just have this feeling that our girls are 2 and 5. I've been feeling this for a couple weeks now. Odd, cause they could be any ages. And to tell you the truth, I am not sure if 2 is the age I would 'choose'. I think if you lined up a bunch of babies in an orphanage I might just choose a littler one cause they are so darned cute and you have longer to raise them. So if I am feeling drawn to a 2 year old there might just be a reason. Five is a perfect age for fitting right between Austin (8) and Cooper (5). Those two are my Dennis and Menace. Two peas in a pod. Just need to add one more pea to the pod!
Just want to write that down in case it happens. *smile*
Here is our email from our agency:
Hi Justine,
I just received confirmation this morning that your dossier arrived in Ethiopia on December 11th!!
Thanks,
Last night, I was telling Ray that I just have this feeling that our girls are 2 and 5. I've been feeling this for a couple weeks now. Odd, cause they could be any ages. And to tell you the truth, I am not sure if 2 is the age I would 'choose'. I think if you lined up a bunch of babies in an orphanage I might just choose a littler one cause they are so darned cute and you have longer to raise them. So if I am feeling drawn to a 2 year old there might just be a reason. Five is a perfect age for fitting right between Austin (8) and Cooper (5). Those two are my Dennis and Menace. Two peas in a pod. Just need to add one more pea to the pod!
Just want to write that down in case it happens. *smile*
Here is our email from our agency:
Hi Justine,
I just received confirmation this morning that your dossier arrived in Ethiopia on December 11th!!
Thanks,
Court Dates and Things Slowing Down
I am on two Yahoo groups with a bunch of other expectant adoptive parents. They are both groups for people adopting from Ethiopia. We all SO celebrate when anyone has any of their steps accomplished or move through various areas of government. About a month ago there was a flurry of referrals and visas and medicals being issued, for which we were all so happy. When these things happen it gives the waiting parents HOPE! All of those of us waiting can 'see' more children moving into the orphanage, which in turn gives us hope that maybe our referrals will come sooner.
When things are quiet for too long it is disconcerting. There have not been court dates for so long and some families have waited 4-5 months. One poor family, due to some unusual circumstances, has been waiting since last May!!! When we first signed on with Kidslink we were told 4-6 weeks (mayb 6-8 weeks) for the court date. Now we are being told 2-3 months. Things are taking longer for a variety of reasons. Just one more area in this long game of waiting.
The reason all these families had to wait so long was an unusual one and hopefully will not happen again. Seasonally, the Ethiopian courts close for the months of August and September and if you don't get seen by August 5th (thereabout) you will have to wait until October, when they reopen! To add to this two month delay, the government decided to inspect all the orphanages and Kidslink received an *excellent* review. Not that I am surprised due to all the parents who are coming home and reporting on all that they see while picking up their children. Hopefully, this was a one time procedure.
Kidslink decided (who knows why) not to put any families through court during this inspection process, so this put an even longer delay on those families waiting.
But I am thrilled to report that yesterday was a *wonderful* day for our Yahoo groups families!!! FIVE families made it through court!!! Five sets of children (at least 9 children) now have mummies and daddies that are officially theirs!!! YEAH!!
Kidslink says that now things will pick up again. So I am hoping that the New Year brings good news for lots of waiting families!!
Update: Gee, before I even finished writing my next post I have to edit this one!! YEAH!! Another family made it through court yesterday!! Make that 10 kids in new families!!! Merry Christmas!!
When things are quiet for too long it is disconcerting. There have not been court dates for so long and some families have waited 4-5 months. One poor family, due to some unusual circumstances, has been waiting since last May!!! When we first signed on with Kidslink we were told 4-6 weeks (mayb 6-8 weeks) for the court date. Now we are being told 2-3 months. Things are taking longer for a variety of reasons. Just one more area in this long game of waiting.
The reason all these families had to wait so long was an unusual one and hopefully will not happen again. Seasonally, the Ethiopian courts close for the months of August and September and if you don't get seen by August 5th (thereabout) you will have to wait until October, when they reopen! To add to this two month delay, the government decided to inspect all the orphanages and Kidslink received an *excellent* review. Not that I am surprised due to all the parents who are coming home and reporting on all that they see while picking up their children. Hopefully, this was a one time procedure.
Kidslink decided (who knows why) not to put any families through court during this inspection process, so this put an even longer delay on those families waiting.
But I am thrilled to report that yesterday was a *wonderful* day for our Yahoo groups families!!! FIVE families made it through court!!! Five sets of children (at least 9 children) now have mummies and daddies that are officially theirs!!! YEAH!!
Kidslink says that now things will pick up again. So I am hoping that the New Year brings good news for lots of waiting families!!
Update: Gee, before I even finished writing my next post I have to edit this one!! YEAH!! Another family made it through court yesterday!! Make that 10 kids in new families!!! Merry Christmas!!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Trust Also In Him
I love the word I got this morning. I still have things on my heart, for which I asked prayer, about a week ago. But the amazing thing is, I have absolute rest. I have absolute trust. My mind doesn't even wander. It just has faith that all that I desire will come to pass, no matter what obstacles the world or the enemy throw up at me.
I know a few dear families that are in a place where hard times are happening.
One friend, Tami, and her hubby are in the Ukraine, right now, trying to follow God's leading as to which is their child. Can you imagine how hard that must be!! They have already been there over a week and have three children at home. Overall, they will be in the Ukraine for over 6 weeks, so they need to make a decision soon.
Another friend Courtney, and her family, are waiting to see their file make it through IBESR. That is the Haiti system. And they are in a place where big families are getting turned down. They are trusting that God will bring them through. I am believing for them.
I got this wonderful devotion this morning. I think it pertains to all of us.
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
So to you dear friends, let us REST and TRUST and know that HE will bring these adoptions to pass!!!
I know a few dear families that are in a place where hard times are happening.
One friend, Tami, and her hubby are in the Ukraine, right now, trying to follow God's leading as to which is their child. Can you imagine how hard that must be!! They have already been there over a week and have three children at home. Overall, they will be in the Ukraine for over 6 weeks, so they need to make a decision soon.
Another friend Courtney, and her family, are waiting to see their file make it through IBESR. That is the Haiti system. And they are in a place where big families are getting turned down. They are trusting that God will bring them through. I am believing for them.
I got this wonderful devotion this morning. I think it pertains to all of us.
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
So to you dear friends, let us REST and TRUST and know that HE will bring these adoptions to pass!!!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Turning Down the Audio
Don't forget (if you are new to this) to turn down the audio at the bottom of the page, before you listen to the music videos on the page.
Point of Grace - How You Live
I have waited for three months to post this song. It came out after we decided to adopt but wasn't available online. My good friend sent it to me and I knew this song spoke Ray and my hearts.
"Don't spend your life looking back."
"Take a few chances!"
"You won't regret it looking back from where you have been. It's not who you knew and what you did. It's how you lived."
Butterflies
Today, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I know it was adoption related, as I woke up and immediatley began thinking about the adoption. But I have not had butterflies before. So I wonder? Hmmm... Could something wonderful have happened today? Perhaps our file arrived in Ethiopia today. (it had to go half way around the world by courier) Or maybe it has gone through the translation process in Ethiopia. Or perhaps the girls arrived at the orphanage. Or maybe a decision was made to give them up by extended family.
I don't know. I just think it interesting that today I woke up with butterflies. Not significant, perhaps. But you never know....
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Rainbow - A Promise
On Saturday, we drove to Kamloops, to take the boys Christmas shopping. Our plan was to take them to a hotel with a waterslide and let them have some fun. We try to do this every year. It is an inexpensive 'short' holiday. We usually only do a night or two but pick the hotel with the waterslide and nice breakfast. Of course, with a family our size we end up with two rooms, which the boys love as it means they get their space.
On the way there, it was a beautiful crisp sunny winter day. Cold! But not a drop of moisture in the air.
All of a sudden, while we are driving through our town, I look up and see a rainbow. Actually it was a piece of a rainbow.
I said, "Do you see that rainbow?"
Everyone said, "No."
"Right there! In front of us. Can't you see the rainbow?"
I could hear them shifting in the backseats to see if they could see the rainbow, and one by one, they all said, "No," again!!
"What do you mean you can't see it! Ray, can't you see it?" In desperation (was I seeing visions? *grin*) I asked my hubby.
"Nope."
What was with these people. I peered more closely. Squinted my eyes. As I looked at it it seemed to fade in and out. Maybe they were right. Maybe it wasn't there and I was imagining it. I mean, after all, it wasn't raining! And it wasn't even a whole rainbow. Just a slice hanging down in front of me like a vertical dash.
But then I stubbornly knew I wasn't imagining it!! I looked at my hubby and beamed. "Well! If you all can't see it, then maybe it's just for me!"
He looked at me with that "isn't she cute, when she gets excited" look on his face and grinned and said, "Okay."
Then I said, "Doesn't it have to rain to have a rainbow?! Look it's not even raining! How can we have a rainbow and not even a normal one, when there is no rain?!!"
Ray continued to grin at me like I was losing screws one by one. He said, "Oh it's just a change in the atmosphere. It's just a ring around the sun."
It was my turn to look at him like he was losing it. There was no ring around the sun!!! It wasn't *near* the sun and it wasn't a ring. It was simply a 'dash' that had no other parts. Just what we could see in front of us.
So I bugged him and said, "Are you serious? You sound like the scientists that can't see what is right in front of their faces! That's a rainbow! Man, people miss out on all the miracles in life because they see a practical reason for it, instead of seeing it for what it is!"
A rainbow is a sign of God's promise. God uses the rainbow to remind us of His promise not to flood the earth again.
When I saw that rainbow I was so excited because I knew it was weird to see a rainbow on a sunny rainfree day. I think this was a reminder to me that He is going to fulfill His promise to us to be able to adopt!"
Suddenly, after I had come to this realization, one of the kids said, "Oh, I see it!" One by one everyone saw it and it and I knew I wasn't delusional! *grin* And my sweet, considerate hubby pulled over to the edge of the road a few times so I could get the best picture of *my* rainbow.
Those that know me well, know why this particular rainbow, on this particular Saturday, was so important to me as a sign of a dream coming true.
On the way there, it was a beautiful crisp sunny winter day. Cold! But not a drop of moisture in the air.
All of a sudden, while we are driving through our town, I look up and see a rainbow. Actually it was a piece of a rainbow.
I said, "Do you see that rainbow?"
Everyone said, "No."
"Right there! In front of us. Can't you see the rainbow?"
I could hear them shifting in the backseats to see if they could see the rainbow, and one by one, they all said, "No," again!!
"What do you mean you can't see it! Ray, can't you see it?" In desperation (was I seeing visions? *grin*) I asked my hubby.
"Nope."
What was with these people. I peered more closely. Squinted my eyes. As I looked at it it seemed to fade in and out. Maybe they were right. Maybe it wasn't there and I was imagining it. I mean, after all, it wasn't raining! And it wasn't even a whole rainbow. Just a slice hanging down in front of me like a vertical dash.
But then I stubbornly knew I wasn't imagining it!! I looked at my hubby and beamed. "Well! If you all can't see it, then maybe it's just for me!"
He looked at me with that "isn't she cute, when she gets excited" look on his face and grinned and said, "Okay."
Then I said, "Doesn't it have to rain to have a rainbow?! Look it's not even raining! How can we have a rainbow and not even a normal one, when there is no rain?!!"
Ray continued to grin at me like I was losing screws one by one. He said, "Oh it's just a change in the atmosphere. It's just a ring around the sun."
It was my turn to look at him like he was losing it. There was no ring around the sun!!! It wasn't *near* the sun and it wasn't a ring. It was simply a 'dash' that had no other parts. Just what we could see in front of us.
So I bugged him and said, "Are you serious? You sound like the scientists that can't see what is right in front of their faces! That's a rainbow! Man, people miss out on all the miracles in life because they see a practical reason for it, instead of seeing it for what it is!"
A rainbow is a sign of God's promise. God uses the rainbow to remind us of His promise not to flood the earth again.
When I saw that rainbow I was so excited because I knew it was weird to see a rainbow on a sunny rainfree day. I think this was a reminder to me that He is going to fulfill His promise to us to be able to adopt!"
Suddenly, after I had come to this realization, one of the kids said, "Oh, I see it!" One by one everyone saw it and it and I knew I wasn't delusional! *grin* And my sweet, considerate hubby pulled over to the edge of the road a few times so I could get the best picture of *my* rainbow.
Those that know me well, know why this particular rainbow, on this particular Saturday, was so important to me as a sign of a dream coming true.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Totally NOT related to Adoption - But FUNNY!!
Gotta find some good interludes during the upcoming LONG wait!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Prayer Coverage Needed
I just wanted to come before all my Christian friends and ask that you cover me in prayer. Especially tomorrow. I not at liberty to explain, but please know that God knows exactly what you are praying for, if you hold me up in prayer!!!!
Thank you all so much!
Blessings, Justine
Thank you all so much!
Blessings, Justine
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Sweet Innocence of Children
Tonight, when I was tucking our sweet little (very mischievious) 8 year old into bed, he and I were discussing the girls. We talked about the fact that other families might be waiting before us and so we wouldn't know how long it would take to get a referral.
His thoughts were that the people might choose the 'stylish looking' (his words) girls because they looked so nice, and they wouldn't be as nice on the inside, as they looked on the outside.
He figured we should choose the ones that weren't so pretty because they would be the ones that would be nice on the inside! He wasn't concerned how they looked; he just wanted his sisters to come home.
I told him that all the children would be beautiful and that all the parents who are waiting for their little ones to be referred weren't thinking about looks; they were thinking about how wonderful it would be to bring home the little girls they had always wanted. I also told him that God knew exactly which ones were our girls. We didn't need to worry about making the right choice. He smiled - content that the right ones would come our way.
When we next talked about the ages, I reminded him of the ages we were open to. He beamed at the thought of a baby. (A funny aside: while I was tucking him into bed I noticed his 2 year old brother's overalls hanging out of his bedside chest drawer. I opened the drawer and found it full of his clothes. I told him that I had been *looking* everywhere for all these clothes!!! He told me that he was playing that Briton was his baby! *smile* This little boy would *love* a baby sister. )
Anyway, as I told him the ages, he said I should get a tiny, new baby and then people would think that I had been pregnant and had a baby.
I *love* the sweet innocence of children!!! It didn't even cross his mind that people would notice that I gave birth to a black child!! *grin* Love it!
His thoughts were that the people might choose the 'stylish looking' (his words) girls because they looked so nice, and they wouldn't be as nice on the inside, as they looked on the outside.
He figured we should choose the ones that weren't so pretty because they would be the ones that would be nice on the inside! He wasn't concerned how they looked; he just wanted his sisters to come home.
I told him that all the children would be beautiful and that all the parents who are waiting for their little ones to be referred weren't thinking about looks; they were thinking about how wonderful it would be to bring home the little girls they had always wanted. I also told him that God knew exactly which ones were our girls. We didn't need to worry about making the right choice. He smiled - content that the right ones would come our way.
When we next talked about the ages, I reminded him of the ages we were open to. He beamed at the thought of a baby. (A funny aside: while I was tucking him into bed I noticed his 2 year old brother's overalls hanging out of his bedside chest drawer. I opened the drawer and found it full of his clothes. I told him that I had been *looking* everywhere for all these clothes!!! He told me that he was playing that Briton was his baby! *smile* This little boy would *love* a baby sister. )
Anyway, as I told him the ages, he said I should get a tiny, new baby and then people would think that I had been pregnant and had a baby.
I *love* the sweet innocence of children!!! It didn't even cross his mind that people would notice that I gave birth to a black child!! *grin* Love it!
So What Happens Next?
The way things go from now is this:
Child Proposal: The next step is waiting for a child proposal. That is when your name hits the top of the waiting pile for your specific age request and the matching child(ren) enter(s) the orphanage. What generally happens is that the children go to the little orphange that our agency deals with. They go there for only a few hours, to be checked in and then a few hours later they are transported over to the Transition Home, which is modeled after a North American home, so that the children can begin their adjustment towards the lifestyle that they will eventually be immersed in.
How long the child proposal takes all depends on the age you are asking for. Because our referral is open to two girls age 0-48 months and 0-7 years, we fall into two different catagories.
The first catagory is Siblings or twins under 3 years of age. These proposals take from 6-10 months. The second catagory we are in is the Siblings or twins over 3 years of age. These proposals take from 2-6 months.
After the proposal we then have to wait 2-3 months for the Court Date.
Then the powers that be have to issue the Passport and Birth Certificate. Not sure how long this takes.
From there it is waiting for the Medical/Permanet Resident Visa - about 4 months. This is going to change when Bill C-14 comes into effect. Then it won't be the Medical/PR Visa we are waiting for - it will be something else. I am not yet sure how to explain it.
Overall, once the child proposal has been given to us, we can expect 6-8 months til travel. So we are praying that we get a quick child proposal, and then that the new rules will make things quicker, also.
Child Proposal: The next step is waiting for a child proposal. That is when your name hits the top of the waiting pile for your specific age request and the matching child(ren) enter(s) the orphanage. What generally happens is that the children go to the little orphange that our agency deals with. They go there for only a few hours, to be checked in and then a few hours later they are transported over to the Transition Home, which is modeled after a North American home, so that the children can begin their adjustment towards the lifestyle that they will eventually be immersed in.
How long the child proposal takes all depends on the age you are asking for. Because our referral is open to two girls age 0-48 months and 0-7 years, we fall into two different catagories.
The first catagory is Siblings or twins under 3 years of age. These proposals take from 6-10 months. The second catagory we are in is the Siblings or twins over 3 years of age. These proposals take from 2-6 months.
After the proposal we then have to wait 2-3 months for the Court Date.
Then the powers that be have to issue the Passport and Birth Certificate. Not sure how long this takes.
From there it is waiting for the Medical/Permanet Resident Visa - about 4 months. This is going to change when Bill C-14 comes into effect. Then it won't be the Medical/PR Visa we are waiting for - it will be something else. I am not yet sure how to explain it.
Overall, once the child proposal has been given to us, we can expect 6-8 months til travel. So we are praying that we get a quick child proposal, and then that the new rules will make things quicker, also.
We're Expecting!!!!!
I Love the Expression!Today I received the most wonderfully anticipated and impatiently waited for news!! Our file left today for Ethiopia!!! We can now say we are 'officially expecting'!! Mind you, it will be the longest pregnancy of all time, I am sure!
I just had to put these beautiful pictures on my blog!!! I can't wait to have little girls that look like this!!! These amazing paintings come from It's A Black Thang. They have the most wonderful art, sculptures, ornaments, everything, in African Art!!
How Adorable!
I just dream of the day when I have little girls to dress up in dresses, instead of little boys in dungarees! And ballet classes, and fixing their hair into cornrows, and all that wonderful stuff that I thought would never be a part of my life!
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