Some Snaps of our trip so far!

 

 

Quotes that stole my heart today

For every call has a beginning...
A quiet moment when God whispers a promise to a mother's heart.
A holy place where a father bows and faithfully accepts the journey set before him.

 A miraculous morning that unexpectedly dawns...
Casting its first light on a chosen threshold.
A gentle knock...a closed door opens.
A sacred invitation sent by the Father...
Leads to the other side of the world.

Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows
praying for someone to care.

And then one morning..On an ordinary day
An orphan's life changes...
God sends them a second chance...

Through you!

The Call of Adoption

I just wanted to share these beautiful quotes on the call of adoption...and even the answer to helping orphans. Most adoptive parents can agree that even though we have one child no longer orphaned, in our hearts we know we are leaving many more behind;(

I went to Russia not knowing what to expect...maybe expecting a little girl that looked like me..and who really was my daughter born a far. As I walked into a poorly lit room I sat and shook with nerves and fear; of such a moment, that was finally here. It was too quickly that this child appeared before me, and I had forgotten how to breathe...She was so awkward, and I was so awkward. We both locked eyes and did not know what to do next. She was pale and chunky, barely fitting in her blue dress. Her wheezing in between her cries made me think-this can't be her? She doesn't look like me at all! It was when my husband took her from me, that I was able to really look at the daughter God gave me...through God's eyes I knew then that I was so blessed! His plan was better than my plan. His eyes saw clearer than my eyes...She had a beauty that was rare for Russia...her BM was a foreigner and too young to take on life in Moscow, let alone a little girl. Though I believe she had a hope for her baby and that is why she left her in the hospital that day...after prior days of contemplation of what to do for this special child.

When I left Russia with a daughter. I left with such pride and I have pride for Russia in my heart because of the opportunity they give to foreigners to adopt. Apart of my memories in Russia; when I look back, are the other parents at the embassy, who had adopted 2 and 3 and 4 and even 5 times or more, from Russia. I felt such awe for those people and their hearts and resources of course, for international adoption. We struggled to scrape for just 1....one little girl that I wanted so badly for my own...to be mine and for me to be hers. We were overwhelmed by the Lord and the faith of flying across the world for such an unknown child. No picture, no birthday...no name. God made us feel so special...and its a kind of special that doesn't go away! Every day, we are graced with His children...all with their own story of how they came to us...all through the same Father. God has a plan for all of them. Now, there is a familiar calling in the air this season...and after Nicaragua much of our lives have changed. We now know there is much to do...and so much need around us-world wide. The children are our future; and this country needs a special generation ahead...Jesus cares deeply for His orphans and He wants us to as well. And through Hope, I began thinking about her life as she gets older...her possible challenges or upsets. She's the only girl, she will ask us questions because people stop us all the time and are confused when they see her. I wonder sometimes, when I should stop talking in front of her about being adopted. It can even get annoying...in South Florida its a diverse group, but not for Asians. So everyone assumes she  is from China, sometimes it's cute to hear and sometimes its not depending on my day...not all Asians are from China! But anyhow, there is no point in explaining because even when I say she's from Moscow, or her family is from Kyrgyzstan...I just say Kazakh, and even with that country I get a deer in the headlights look! Sighhhh...anyway, Hope is the only girl, she has her own room. She always wants to room in with the boys...and she is quite girly despite all the boys...but I believe every girl does need a sister in this world..and I was ever  so blessed in having one. In all the seasons of life, I needed my sister. She is the only one that has truly been a friend to me. There isn't a friendship that can compare-who can agree with you more than your sister;) Yes, we have the room in our house, yes we most definitely have the love...and my daughter Hope is such a loving and compassionate and helpful girl. The Lord blessed me with a daughter. She has even changed my husband in ways that I cannot explain! God's mercy on us is so great..and yes, at times it is through the babes that He is talking. So...why did I write all of this? I don't even know...it was only supposed to be some quotes hehe...I guess I got carried away with my heart speaking again. Stepping out in faith for China is scary for us. I can't even explain it...it shouldn't be but it is. I guess because Hope is so perfect how can another compare? But in my heart I know it can only be more mercy from the Lord as well as love and miracles...for the world to see....especially in our own family. We didn't have all harmony in the decision to adopt Hope. It was hard to defend a little girl who wasn't even here yet, but the odds seemed already against her. And so it starts with Mei Mei; you are not even here yet, but the odds have been against you. The enemy prefers for us not to walk in faith and leave these children oppressed. Let it all just be...life is hard and it is what it is (I dislike this expression a lot). But, if we are just passing by like a mist in this life...and our children are just loaned to us by our Heavenly Father, then why wouldn't we take leaps? Why wouldn't we raise our hands for these children and care for them? So...I think I will leave you with these quotes that I have never read or seen before.

China Town- San Francisco

Well there definitely is a Chinese community in San Francisco! How cool is that; to be looking into a China adoption and to be surrounded by a community! I see precious asian children everywhere....Hope sees them and is eager to want to play and copy what they do (face painting yesterday). Thinking of a special need is a little scary too at times when I stop to think about it. I have already contected our social worker about Hague and she referred me to an agency who specializes in China that she works with. Of course choosing an agency is a very big part of the process, I remember spending months for our Russian adoption. If you have any recommended agencies please send them to me I'd love to hear what you have to say or based on your experience. China is popular though, and quite steady and predictable. The 'special needs' according to China is not the same as Russia-in fact they are quite minor. It can be a heart murmur, cleft palate, missing toes/limbs etc. Some things are quite minor as well as their older children program. China has many boys available as well whom of which have special needs, and again its minor....so if you've ever considered, you might want to look in to China.

Fundraising coming to a blog near you....you know every little bit helps!


xox

God finally says China!

Well you probably think I am nuts by now and I was starting think so too...when again we couldn't make the dates for the MAPP classes, and when we thought no big deal we'll start in January...and maybe 'host an orphan for Christmas'...that led to more confusion and some prayers. Should we host for a Ukrainian orphan or host an older China orphan....it all came down to me saying 'God...I don't know what you want me to do'..so I'm giving it to you!


Today is a very special day for us-because I got a phone call from my dear sister that she had something to tell me...and in my heart I knew it was going to be big! She told me 'its China Jeannie....its China that God is calling you for! Any other direction has been a distraction....

What? Really? I tried to stop thinking of China..and thought I had succeeded? When my husband and I listened to more of what she had to say, we knew she was right....its always been China!

So I am sorry for all my blabber and nutty posts.....even though fostercare is a wonderful thing to do and it should be done....Hope needs a sister...and she will be from China. Its probably the only way to give her a sister that will truly be her other half as I am with my sister.

There has been a name that has been crossing my mind for the past month...and yes we have her name for the world to know already....She will be our precious Faith,....coming to this family near you!

We do not have an agency yet....we have some in mind with where God has tugged us..but we'll wait for His confirmation on this too....the little girl will have a slight special need...so we are in prayer about this also. I pray that you will join us on this blessed journey to our second daughter.

Hope even told our Sunday class that Mommy was going to 'go get' her a baby sister...who in fact will be her 'Mei mei'.....I'm still shaking with fear and excitement for us and this girl who God is calling us for.


A command for all is James 1:27

Purest religion is the taking care of orphans and widows in their discomfort and despair.

The Bible mentions orphans a minimum of 350 times!!!

We hear you Lord....we hear you.


Little red chinese threads coming to a blog near you...cause we're officially tangled!

We fly out tomorrow with the peace of mind that our daughter is waiting in China, and we will have 3 weeks to pray about an agency. God is going to lead us I know He is-In San Francisco....there is a China town and a Chinese Baptist church there, that I was already thinking about even before the *call! Sighhhhhhh.....it feels like heaven....it really does to think about another angel being given to us from a far.

Please pray for us and our children-that this journey be nothing but a blessing to us and them. China requires 1 trip that we'd love to take the whole family on this time.

Also, we have neighbors who are true friends to us and they too need prayers and may have been bitten by an adoption bug for a little ukrainian girl or possibly with us in China....please pray for the parents being called to paper-chase-travel for their fatherless angels. We love you Yolanda & Gary! xox

California Here We Come!

Some quick updates: We will be signing up for MAPP classes with 4Kids of South Florida. I was not able to take the Trees of Hope class because Freddy's job is requiring him to go to California for 3 weeks and we're tagging along with him.

Freddy and I will also be going to Chicago this weekend for one day!

This is a very busy month for us-Freddy is also a year older this month;)

Our friend/neighbor-just had a heart attack! Yes, you read right...the same person with the dreams just had a heart attack, but he is stable and recovering..he is still having the dreams and gave us all a scare including himself. He is eager to get back and start truly working for God's kingdom...in his exact words. He was not a religious person before..so this is quite miraculous. I'll keep you updated, so that all of us can be encouraged by faith.

Mei Mei or Foster Care?

God looks at the Heart

http://amommynurse.blogspot.com/  

Well I have already taught my first Sunday school class and it was terrific! I loved hanging with these little people and getting to know them and seeing things through their eyes.

After Nicaragua God has opened our eyes and hearts to many things and Foster care has been one of them. We adopted our little girl Hope, via international adoption and it has been an awesome ride ever since; obviously so, if we are thinking about doing it again. I previously wanted to adopt because of selfish reasons; just to have my little girl. But I am starting to think in other ways now; I think about just wanting to give more...and sharing more of what we have with a child who needs love and security-no matter the sex of the child.

1 Samuel 16-7
For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I thought I'd share a story with you...because we have been discussing adopting again, many ideas came to mind. How about a minor special needs child in China? Taiwan? Phillipines? Russia-again?
Well of course excitment was in the air as well as all the late night web surfing, phone calling, restless thoughts and conversation with the kids....it would all lead me to confusion at times!

Why was I feeling like this? I started to pray and read scripture for guidance. I'd pray God please if this is of you please deepen the yearning-but if it is not you and just my silly foolish heart, then take it away...I'd hear Foster Care here and there...my husband even started saying how about Foster Care first Jeannie? The fact that he was willing to take the MAPP classes warmed my heart. I was still searching for another asian girl as my daughter though...

I received a phone call from a neighbor/friend of ours, he was concerned about some nightmares he was having and he described them to me and I was blown away by the fact it was evident that the Lord was speaking to him! As we were about to hang up he concluded with one last thing he had to tell me, and I said "sure what is it?" He said
"Jeannie, I know you like going abroad to help people and help the kids but there is work here and kids that need you here, your kids need you to work close to home!"

I was blown away! I asked him what made him want to tell me that as I have not mentioned anything to anyone really about my plans or prayers. He said
"Jeannie, my dream told me to tell you!"

WOW! How shocking....just like countless confirmations to adopt Hope, I was getting confirmation to also, stay home and not adopt abroad. I thanked the Lord countlessly that day, and could not help but sing praises for such a loving and caring God. He didn't want me to spread myself too thin and take away from the kids-let alone the costs I am sure. God knows our hearts, He knows our desires...He leads us to the our paths of grace.

I later began reading and I didn't realize that I would be reading again on Foster Care...wow..can Foster Care be where we are headed? I don't know, but maybe so...I pray for continued guidance I know God is faithful and caring, he knows what we are capeable of better than we know ourselves.

I am afraid..I guess with all the stigma associated with Foster Care...and also with homeschooling..we'll have to see for ourselves I guess.

I have a class I'm interested in, called 'Trees of Hope'. It's a facilitator course for sexually abused girls. I have some family members/ friends, that I have in mind that I'd like to have take part in this course with me, as I see it very beneficial. So to think about this course and MAPP classes, is a little daunting...but I guess it's best for me to start somewhere and see where it takes me. The more training the better...as I am keeping the ministries local for now;)

I just thought I'd share the amazing evidence of God clearly governing His ministries for His glory.