Our Journey Together

It's All Final!

2009-01-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

Maleah's court & paperwork is all final! ... and just in the nick of time!, as we leave ND in just over 4 days. What's so crazy about that is we just found out a week ago we're leaving so SOON!

Today was a special day, as we stepped away for a few hours from the insanity of packing and gathered with some friends to celebrate and say goodbye. And what a fitting end to our time here in ND as we embark on our new journey, working more with adoption and orphan care ministry with the ABBA Fund!

This blog has been dedicated to sharing our adoption journey of Maleah and so with this court finalization also comes the close of this blog. Yet, the story has a life-time of chapters ahead.

If you'd like to follow along on our journey of life and ministry .... you'll need to go HERE in the future. While change isn't easy .... we are excited about the new chapter being written. The Lord has just done an incredible work in providing a new home base for us in IL. We are still trying to comprehend just what all He has done!!! Be sure to visit us at our Serving Him Together blog. There we'll share family updates for far-away-friends, as well as lots of resources about adoption and orphan care. You might even get to see some home renovations! We have our work cut out for us in IL and we are ready!

As we close this blog we just want to say once again that the LORD is the only one that could have made our adoptions possible! He worked through so many people to bring them to completion. In all practical terms, we would probably rank up there with the "least able" to do this. Perhaps you are a family that feels the tug on your hearts for the needs of orphans, but you are just overwhelmed with the obstacles or are fearful of the unknown .... or sense the heavy financial weight that sometimes seems so insurmountable. God can be TRUSTED in your situation. Don't be mistaken .... it's not an easy journey .... it's one that could require great sacrifice and grueling hard work. But today was such a reminder to us that it's all worth it!!!

We'll be sharing much more at our new on-line home ... so please visit us there. Our family is so eager and excited to embrace the next chapter. Fun days ahead as we prepare to celebrate Maleah's birthday in IL! If today was any indication (note Mommy holding down her hands from that icing!) ... she is READY for her birthday cake! :)

May the Lord be glorified as we journey on with him, one step at a time. The End.

BIG NEWS!

2009-01-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Lord has brought about something wonderful! Read about it over HERE!

Cookie Tradition

2008-12-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

Maleah was very happy to take part in our cookie tradition! "YUMMMMM", she kept saying. What a blessing it is to have her here and enjoy all these "firsts" together. She definitely has the present thing figured out and will be all ready to celebrate her birthday in a couple of months. While we'd love to just freeze her in time for a bit .... it is just so much fun to see her blossom and grow. She has certainly acquired a sweet tooth since coming home! It is really hard to resist her precious requests for more "cookie". When you must that sweet voice ends and out comes sobbing like the world is coming to an end! It's difficult not to laugh.

At times it seems like it was yesterday we were in Chicago and our boys were this little. Now they are growing into young men and our lives are fuller and more blessed than we could ever have imagined. I figure by the time the girls are little ladies the next chapter will begin with the boys bringing my grandkids for cookie tradition. These years pass so quickly and lately I have been so challenged to reflect on if I'm making the most of this time. It's easy to become distracted by the cares of this world that can come in an rob us of our joy. How I want to embrace each season, trusting in my Savior. I have much room to grow in this area.

Merry Christmas! - 2008

2008-12-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! We're so grateful for the One who this season is all about. Without Him, we would have no hope. With Him ..... well, we have everything we need. The Lord has been so kind to our family throughout this year. It's been one of huge changes, transition and still unknown. HE is SO GOOD!!!, no matter what the circumstances that surround us. He is so worthy of our praise. Our hearts just rejoice that He cares so much for each of us ... every detail of our lives. How we long to see our family and friends back home. Yet, we can rest in Him and know that He has a wonderful plan ahead.

It is such a blessing having all our children with us this Christmas. Maleah thought decorating cookies this morning was quite fun!!! Mmmmmmmmmmmm .... she kept saying! :) More fun pictures to come in the days ahead.

Calling All Gladney Families! - Kolfe Sponsorship

2008-12-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

God is at work and answering prayer for the Kolfe Boys!!! This week I received an email from a fellow adoptive dad here in ND. His church is working on a sponsorship for KOLFE!!! Did you HEAR THAT? They are teaming up with Tom Davis and Children's HopeChest for this sponsorship. So many of you have had your hearts burdened for these amazing boys and have prayed for them. Well .... now we need your help! Read on.

I need stories from you about your experiences in visiting them. Not so much a general overview of their needs, we'll have that. What we need is something more personal. Did you meet a particular young man who made an impression on you? Tell us about that. Perhaps you got to deliver supplies to them. What was their response? I know some of you have done really amazing things . . . which one of you got the goats and shared a meal together? Please share that story with us!

I also need your photos. Please respond on here in a comment that you're going to participate. Then email me with your story and photos. robertsfamily@mlgc.com. I will compile everything together and send it onto David (not my David!, another David) who is preparing a presentation for his church in January. So we need all this ASAP!

As most of you know we were one of those families deeply changed forever when we traveled to Ethiopia and visited Kolfe. We have had the absolute blessing of seeing what a mentorship across the miles can be. It is such a joy to hear from Getahun and walk with him on his journey in life, even half a world away. When one of his close friends died a few months back, he could write us and have someone to "talk" with about that. When he got ill and couldn't get his needs met at Kolfe he could send word to us and we could help be sure he was checked on. In January we'll get the opportunity to share Getahun's story with this church.

These boys are the future of Ethiopia. I believe God will use them in mighty ways ... but they need help. So, now is the time to share YOUR story.

Please include your family's name and when you traveled so that I can put this together in a timeline.

Thank You!!

Oh!, there's also a spot on Facebook that you need to sign up too if you'd like to be kept in the loop of progress on this project.

Arsema's First Christmas

2008-12-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

It took me awhile to come to terms if this is our little girly's 1st or 2nd Christmas. I decided it is kinda really her "1st", at least how we celebrate here as a family. Can I just say once again how BLESSED we are to have her in our lives?! This year has been a very difficult one for us. We've had so many changes and are still faced in the midst of much transition. But no matter what all other challenging things are going on .... we are full of such JOY!!! Not that "oh, life is so smooth sailing, easy kind of joy". No, I mean that deep down incredible joy that can only come from one source. And that is the reason we celebrate this wonderful season.

Today I took a few moments break from "life" and pondering all the details of our lives and just soaked up some good 'ole camera time. I do not want to be so consumed on what is going to happen NEXT, and miss out on what is happening right NOW!

Yes, I'm sad we're not in Illinois this Christmas. Yes, at times we wonder when someone will come wanting a house in the middle of cold ND in the winter! Yes, we're anxious to settle into our new life and ministry.

Maleah is just taking in all the sights, sounds and TASTES of this glorious season. "Loooooook!, Mommy!!", is one of her favorite phrases these days. Next would be .... "Hhhmmm .... COOKIE!! ... YUM!!!". She has sure discovered her sweet tooth! :)

There is SO MUCH to be grateful for this year. On top of our list would have to be our new daughter and her GOOD health!! No longer a sick baby. Plump, busy and full of life! How grateful we are to the Lord for how He sustained this little one's life and brought her all the way from Ethiopia into our family.

We got word that our finalization court date will be yet in 2008! What a great milestone to finish out the year!

Arsema's Reflections of 6 Months Home!

2008-11-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

Mommy thought you might like hearing about my six months at home from my perspective! I have lots to share.

My new family had been well-warned that I was slow to warm up to strangers. They had no idea how hard that would be. I was so scared, not understanding what was happening to me. Poor Daddy ... I was really rough on him those first weeks. I gave a whole new meaning to the term "cold shoulder", it was more like frozen. Oh, but you should see us now! My daddy is about my most favorite person is the whole world! I save my best giggles for him when he comes home from work. He teaches me all sorts of fun little tricks and I even love his whiskery kisses.

Since our house still hasn't sold, Daddy decided it was time to move me up to my own room. Can you believe it? ... he was done sharing his bedroom with me! It's probably better this way, because mommy was right, his snoring woke me up. I am SUCH a good sleeper. You may have heard that my big sister hardly slept the first two years of life, aging my mommy & daddy a great deal! Now that I'm all settled in here with my family, I'm a pro-sleeper. We're talking 12 hours at night and a nice afternoon nap. It really helps my mommy keep her sanity.

I have some fooled as being SO "easy-going". One set of my grandparents think I'm really mild-mannered. They'll probably eventually see that deep down I really have some spunk! All is well, unless it's time to sleep and my bed is no where around (like long days into the city). Then I truly just LOSE-IT! A girl's gotta get her sleep, ya know? OR ... when I don't get my way. I can REALLY put up a good fuss!

Everyone wants to know how things are going with me and my big sister. Well, between you and me, I think she's been intimidated by my size. I'm not all that much smaller. And ... if we're being really honest, then I have to say that I'm kind of a cry-baby. It's true. Back in the Gladney Center I had Mr. Belay really figured out! When he came into my room, I'd put on a good show acting like I wanted him to hold me SO MUCH. He fell for it often! But just as he'd reach in and get me out of my crib, I'd dive for my favorite care givers. I'm kinda tricky like that. Who could blame me ... I was rather sick of being in my crib. Besides, I had some of the best care givers in the whole world and I could never get enough of them holding me and loving me. Back to my big sister ... she can be a little territorial, but really we're gonna be great friends. It's hard on us both to share Mommy. Good thing Mommy has a big lap!

Did you know that I have the greatest big brothers??? I mean the BEST! They think I am pretty amazing and have taught me SO many new words! I crack them up all the time with the new things that I say. Now I'm figuring out how to put my words together and I rarely stop chattering. EXCEPT when company comes! You wouldn't believe how QUIET I can really be if I want to. Mommy says it's like I have a mute button. She wishes she could push the mute button when I'm too noisy in church!

I suppose I should tell you that one of my most favorite things still is bottle-time. Yes, I still get two bottles a day. No flack, okay? ... I came home taking at least 7 a day! I like my bottle/snuggle time about as much as Mommy loves her cup of coffee. I really love it when mommy kisses my forehead and tells me over and over again how much she loves me. We're doing our best to make up for lost time.

Mommy shows me on the computer that many of my friends at Gladney are now home with their new families too. It really took me awhile to get used to all these changes. I looked scared for awhile. I wondered if this was for real. Now I'm doing great. OH!, except for when Mommy took me to the doctor. That scared me to death. I screamed the whole time so loud that Mommy and my doctor could hardly hear each other. Mommy said it was to get papers for the court. Aren't we DONE with all those yet? It really was not necessary to scare me so badly, was it?

I LOVE music and dancing! The reason I'm screaming in a couple of these pictures is because my mommy took away my music toy in hopes I'd stop moving to get some non-blurry pictures. As you can see, I didn't like that one bit! I am even learning to sing along now and it makes my family smile really big. I especially like listening to music and dancing while I look at my favorite books. It's great fun!

That's about it I guess. It looks like I'm all settled in. Now only strangers or goofy cashiers get my timid/shy looks. Oh, I suppose I should add that I'm not really crazy about getting my hair done, but then again who is? I can really screech and fuss about that. Usually mommy gives me something amusing to play with and it's not so bad.

See This!!!

2008-11-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Please check out Tom Davis' entry on his blog about Kebebetsehay! This is where our precious little one spent the first 9 months of her life and we are SO encouraged to see Tom working to help network and find sponsors for this orphanage! Please go check it out!!

It was such a privilege to meet Sophia, the director of Kebebetsehay. She was able to share with us the story of Arsema's first days of life. She was the one who helped Arsema's birthmother through the painful process of making plans for their lives while they were both so ill.

I will never forget the look on her face when she was told we were holding Arsema! "ARSEMA!!!", she said. "You were so thin and white! .... now you are dark and FAT!!! (literally, these were her words and we all burst out laughing)." Arsema was so frightened to leave my arms and after a failed attempt of her sharin' some love with this dear woman, she handed her back to me and shook her finger and told her some heartfelt advice. "I was your 'first mother' .... you were a SMART one! .... don't you ever forget all I did for you!". It was just precious. It brought her such joy to see how Arsema had grown and thrived in Gladney's care. We could see the peace she felt knowing this babe had a family now. Sophia is full of spunk, and we're so grateful for all she is doing for the children of her country.

This woman has needs swarming around here every single day, but she does not forget the children God has entrusted into her care. Five months later she recalled the story of the previous nine months as it was just yesterday. We are forever grateful for our time with Sophia and for all she did for our little one.

Gladney families! ... you too will get the experience of visiting Kebebetsehay when you travel to bring home your child(ren). I'd love to send some photos with one of you for the director, Sophia.

Let's pray that people will rise up to help meet the needs at Kebebetsehay!

About a Year Ago

2008-11-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well ...... about a year ago I was WEARY .... waiting for that beloved call about our referral. It's interesting once the call finally comes ... then when you travel and get the full collection of pictures of your child as they waited. All the pieces link together. This photo was taken around November of last year when Gladney took our precious Arsema into their care. If you've followed our journey, you might remember she spent the first nine months of her life HERE. We were incredibly blessed to

get to take her back there and meet the incredible women that helped care for her while she was ill.

When she first got to Gladney she couldn't yet bear weight on her legs. Tiny and frail. SO the complete opposite of now! :) She is anything but tiny and frail!

These photos don't make me as sad as they once did. For now when I look at them, while knowing how are daughter is today ....... I am just in awe of God's incredible faithfulness. In His great mercy He sustained our precious babe. I can't deny that seeing her orphanage and imagining her there all those months ..... well, it crushed me. But my heart is just overflowing with gratitude for all that God has done in our little one's life.

She is so bright and full of life. The girl KNOWS what she wants, let me tell you! She's somewhat shy and timid and definitely cautious of anything new. Yet!, she is strong and can loudly proclaim what it is that ails her! Ha. :) We rejoice in it all ..... for it is who God created her to be. It is an absolute JOY and BLESSING to see her transform and thrive into this amazing little girl she was designed to be.

Last year at this time we found ourselves putting in 10-12 hours many days a week doing assembly lines of making hand-made cards and other items that in turn would provide to help bring her home. I humbly confess to you that there were days I wondered what in the world we were doing!! As much as I believed God has called us to adoption, in my humanness and flesh I grew weary. It was during those times I'd just stop and cry a bit and think about our babe waiting ..... how she was counting on us to finish the course. I'd cry out to the Lord to give me more strength to keep persevering .... both in the task and hand and in the anxiety of the wait. All I can say to you now is that when I look at these pictures of the time line ...... I am SO GRATEFUL that we listened to the Lord and obeyed.

I don't share this with you to shine light on what we did. It's not about that at all. But I share it all because perhaps you are like us .... feeling God pierce your heart to follow Him on the journey of adoption but there are SO many limitations in your vision that you can barely see through them. We could give you a long list of reasons that it was not "practical" for us to even attempt the adoption journey. And we were even told by some others, some directly, some indirectly, things like "what are you doing???" (okay, perhaps they worded it a bit more vague). What we can tell you is this ....... standing on this side of the journey? ...... there are NO regrets!!! Was there sacrifice? .... well, certainly there was. Brutal long hours/weeks/months working toward it? .... yep. But it is NOTHING ...... NOTHING compared to the needs our daughter-to-be had.

God has been SO faithful! .... both to Arsema and to us. NONE of this could have happened without Him.

We just passed the "6 month mark" of being home together as a family. In the next couple days we'll share more with you about that .... along with some updated "happy pictures"! :) But these pictures are part of her story too .... I am so grateful for them all.

Some of you are stuck in this most long and wearing wait. Know that we pray for you often. You will have no regrets on the other side of your journey. May the Lord encourage you and carry you through til you reach the finish line.

Oh dear, it happened again .... okay, here we go.

2008-11-03T11:09:00.002-08:00

Okay, okay .... I'm it. So .... I've been "tagged" in blog land more than once and just never seem to get around to it!

Seven random and/or weird facts about me. Yikes.

1. I can't stand to hear people smack their mouths when eating. I mean it makes me almost lose my dinner!!

2. My real name is Michelle. My mom ALWAYS wanted a "Michelle" and then had me and gave me that lovely name. Then she changed it when I went to Kindergarten! In her defense she thought it might be too hard to spell (poor thing had a very long name herself both first and last). Now it would seem odd to hear her call me that. On the other hand my dad and brother only call me Michelle and it would feel really weird for them to call me anything else.

3. Four out of five of our children have been born in different states/countries.

4. I love to decorate ... our home, paper crafts ... love it all!

5. I am petrified of heights. (NO exaggeration) I feel about the same way about airplanes! It was a LONG way to and from Ethiopia!

6. I am a recovered pack-rat. Living in small spaces with lots of little ones forced me to overcome!!! Lots of moving helped too.

7. I love to curl up on my husband's lap on the recliner just as I always did with my dad growing up. The kids giggle and say we're gonna break the chair. We never have!

Since almost everyone I know has already done this game ... I'm not tagging anyone. Oh ... hey, there's a #8 ..... I'm not athletic! Like seriously athletic challenged!! Thankfully my family loves me anyway! :)

Grandma & Misc Pics

2008-10-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

We just enjoyed a wonderful visit from my mom & Bob. It made my birthday extra special for sure! Unfortunately we were invaded by a nasty cold last week and mine went into a miserable sinus infection (still working to get over that!). But her determination to visit us surpassed the germs in our house! We are SO grateful!!! :)

Our home is a bit more busy and bustling with energy since their last visit. The excitement of visitors puts Naomi over the excitement barometer. Oh my! The girl truly had me about worn out. Neither of the girls were quite sure about sharing all the attention, which was kind of fun to watch.

Attempting to share Grandma's lap. Maleah learned to say "Gramma" just in time! :)

Our Maleah is such a different little girl than the one that came home almost six months ago. I'll post more on that later. I am just truly amazed at the transformation in her life. Her latest development is feeding herself. She comes across as this somewhat passive, mild-mannered disposition ..... UNTIL you mess with her food! She'll all about using the utensils BY HERSELF and it's serious business to her. Hard to believe just months ago she was unwilling to open her mouth for a spoon after coming home. Now she thoroughly enjoys mealtime! :)

These brown eyes just melt my heart. She absolutely LOVES toddling around the house.

After good-byes this morning, it was time to tend to hair. We washed last night, so the next morning is always a big job. I usually give Naomi's head a rest after wash day and leave it loose. Grandma and PaPa agreed the girl has BIG hair the next morning! :) Since it was a leisurely morning here, I decided to give Maleah a "do" as well. The verdict is out if it will stay. I still prefer hers loose. Naomi declared that sister was BEAUTIFUL though, so we've left it in for awhile today.

She was not sure what to think of things in her hair. :)

Maleah was happy that "snack time" was coming!

HAPPY SNACKER!

Naomi is always eager to give kisses. Poor sister wasn't sure if she was messing with her snack or comin' to give her lovin'!

These two are quite the combo, I tell ya!

Grandma wanted a pic of her and her big boys before she headed out the door. They've grown into young men for sure. We are incredibly blessed!

Thanks SO MUCH for coming guys!!! And for putting up with all our germs and blowing noses .... gross! I hope all this hacking is over soon!!! We pray that our next visit is in Illinois. :) I'll be ready for another UPWORDS match, mom!

Gettin' Better! - Thanks for Praying!

2008-10-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone ..... thank you for all of you that wrote to ask how Getahun is doing. It is indeed a blessing. I just got word from him this morning that he is BETTER! .... and went back to school yesterday!! (huge big deal - he needs to be able to stay in his school). Thanks for praying. Will you continue as he comes to mind? It's difficult being so far apart and not being able to get very lengthy info .... but what a special relief to hear from him again this morning!

Like many of you, we came home with heavy hearts for the orphans remaining in Ethiopia. One of the blessings of adoption is that families are going over and seeing with their own eyes these amazing children. Lord willing, we all can be a voice for them and more of their needs can be met.

I realize we are way overdue on an update and pictures of our little one (who is NOT so little!). She has a dreary cold this week that's now been shared with both myself and one brother thus far. So soon ... we'll get our act together and post some updated photos. She has changed SO much. Quite the little communicator these days. Hopefully we'll all be well in time for special visitors next week!!!

Huge Prayer Request

2008-09-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Your prayers are needed for our "far away son". We received an email from him this morning that he is ill. He won't get the care he needs at Kolfe. Our hearts are extremely broken for him right now. He is such an amazing and bright young man .... was SO eager to get back to school ... now might not be able to even go. We're looking into finding more information both of his medical condition and if there is a way to help him. Everything is so complicated. There are no easy fixes for the fatherless.

Would you join us in praying for Getahun? Pray also that God would make a way to get him the medical care he needs. Pray that he'd be strong enough to keep attending school. He is an outstanding student and an education is his only way to make it there.

Thank you.

Remember, you can now find us over at our new on-line home Serving Him Together.

Upcoming Adoption Conference!

2008-09-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Be sure to come over to our new blog Serving Him Together to find out about a wonderful upcoming adoption conference!

Transition, Changes and a New Blog

2008-09-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Well, as many of you know by now who have followed our adoption journey, we are in a new adventure. No, we're not adopting again .... but we are beginning a new ministry with some folks that are very dear to us, over at the ABBA Fund. We won't be posting very often at this blog anymore, but invite you to join us over at Serving Him Together.

Right now we're still in the midst of transition, waiting to sell our home and prepare for the new chapter of our lives in Illinois. We are really excited about the future and look forward to seeing how God will work out all the details of our lives and ministry. Our hearts are also heavy for the dear friends we're leaving behind.

We hope that our on-line home of Serving Him Together will provide a place where we can encourage, strengthen and equip families in their journey of adoption. Primarily it will be "adoption focused", but I have a feeling will be a whole mix of things as we live out what God has given us to do.

If you are a family currently in the adoption process, be sure to come visit us and let us know where you're at in the process and how we might be able to pray for you. If you are just friends & family who enjoy seeing "happenings" and pics of our crew, you are certainly welcome as well. Perhaps you have become more aware of the needs of orphans through following our blog and want to know more about how you can be part of that .... we invite you to drop on by our new on-line home.

This time of transition has not been an easy one. It has stretched us beyond anything we thought we could endure. Through it all ... God has been so gracious, loving and faithful to us. Easy??? ... not one bit. But we'd much rather be right where He has placed us, than have an "easy/comfortable" life .... because that's where true joy is found ... in Him.

Thanks for following along on our journey to Maleah. So many of you have literally prayed us through and we are forever grateful. We are constantly amazed at God's goodness and are still at times in disbelief that He would choose to put these little ones in our lives.

With Love,
The Roberts Family

Flowers from Ethiopia

2008-09-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

God never ceases to amaze me by the creative ways He encourages and blesses. This morning, I received "flowers from Ethiopia". If you're new to our journey ... you might want to read the background of the story here and here.

"Dear mom,this pictures are for you and for all of your families.
I love you very much."

Thank you, my dear Getahun ... my long-distance clever son. You truly warmed my heart today and gave me courage to keep pressing on in this new ministry journey that sometimes seems like too big of a mountain to climb.

Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

2008-09-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Three years, 8 months and 4 days ago I met this little one in a Houston, TX hospital. We'd waited what seemed like so long for her (we did not know babe would be HER, for the record!). :) As the holidays approached just before that, I'd grown so weary. My heart was feeling very faint, so sensitive to the needs of children who had no place to call home ... yet wondering why it was taking so long to get that call. During "the wait", we'd gone through a big health scare, which eventually led to surgery that was grueling for me to get over. All of these compiled has just worn me down. Well, shortly after the new year, we put in an email to the agency we were using to check in ... that prompted them to email us back with a special situation they had. A little girl, African American, 4 days old, about to undergo major heart surgery, no family available. We knew right away this was the child that God had been preparing us for. A little math and we realize God was relentless in calling us to obey him at the time of her conception. God is in the details, in case you've ever wondered. :)

So after having the absolute privilege of praying for her that day as she underwent surgery .... then hearing she made it through and was beginning the long road of recovery ... we made travel arrangements and soon I was on three different flights to get to her.

I'll never forget walking in that room. The huge sense of JOY from the Lord I had in knowing this is exactly where He'd led us ...... and the horrendous realization of just how alone she was. Here in America. She was still on a breathing machine, dialysis, and a host of other wires and gadgets ... yet those BIG brown eyes were WIDE open and met with mine as I walked up to her side. The nurses later told me I looked like a deer staring into headlights as I walked into the room. They were concerned something was unexpected to me. No ... I was just taking it all in.

I remember holding her little hand. Thoughts in my mind quickly drifted to her birthmom .... the amazing and brave woman who chose to give her life and not end it in a culture where it's so commonly accepted.

Well .... time has passed and now this spunky 'lil Texan is doing just great. We returned recently from our heart-doctor check up and she got a wonderful report! How grateful we are to God for protecting her, bringing healing through doctors to fix her heart and for giving us the JOY of watching her grow up.

We knew that children with heart conditions, such as hers could easily have "delays", or issues later on after some trauma after birth. But we also knew regardless of what lie ahead, we needed to be obedient and trust the Lord had a plan, no matter what it looked like to us. Those of you who know Naomi, know there are no delays. :) She is the spunkiest of all our children. She's witty and some days a challenge to "out smart". She asks me questions about her life that you expect an 8 or 10 yr old adoptee to ask.

Looking back I cannot imagine life without her. What if we'd not obeyed when God was drawing our hearts to feel the needs of orphans? What if we had listened only to "practical reasoning" and not trusting in the God who owns everything? What if we'd given into fear of issues regarding becoming a multi-ethnic family? For us, it was an issue of obedience. Would we trust God with EVERYTHING ....... every detail.

These days we're in a new season of trusting. Huge things like selling a home, embracing a new ministry, raising support during a questionable economy and a long list of others. We find ourselves wrestling with the big and the little. Do we really trust that God is good, no matter the circumstances we see? Do we really believe He has our best in mind? Will we be faithful to walk this journey, even when we only see a tiny glimpse at a time of what is ahead?

I have been so deeply challenged by Philippians 4:4-6 these last days. Not a new passage ... one that has brought hope and encouragement in times past. But these days it's bringing something different. It is challenging me in depths I've not been to in awhile. Perhaps, it might bring encouragement to you in your own life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:4-6

As I wrestle through the things I need to trust God about .... it brings me hope to look back at all the times in our lives we've experienced His abundant faithfulness. We left for Houston, TX with a lot of questions. We had a back-up plan, that was not a desirable one for us. Earlier on in our adoption process we had applied with the ABBA Fund for a no-interest loan. At that time, they didn't have the funds yet to honor our request, but "perhaps" they "might" be having more funds soon. It was a big "if". BY FAITH we purchased the tickets for me to get on that plane and David to follow later. During our time in the hotel, while Naomi was recovering from surgery, we got the notification from Eugene that indeed they could stand with us for our loan. That was a couple hours before we needed to write a check to cover the rest of her financial needs to bring her home.

So while we wait for God to reveal the details of the future, and answer the "unknowns", we look back and recount HIS FAITHFULNESS and praise Him. He is GOOD. He is ABLE. We must do our part and trust Him to do His.

September 11, 2008

2008-09-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

Let us never forget what happened seven years ago.

Let us never take for granted the freedom we have here.

Let us cry out to God for His wisdom and help.

Let us lift up the families who still grieve and mourn those who have lost their lives.

edited to add: This is a powerful account of a personal reflection by Eva Marie Everson of 9/11. I encourage you to read it.

We are Blessed!

2008-09-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

How my life is blessed by this man! When we started our journey together ... I'm sure it's a good thing we didn't know all that was ahead! There have been valleys that have gone pretty deep that broke way to mountaintops that reached great heights. We have learned to be content in times of great joy and in seasons of heartache. Four years ago we didn't know if we'd celebrate many more anniversaries together (health scare).

Little did we know our family would one day expand and grow both in diversity and depth, the way it has. We are so undeserving of all the goodness the Lord has blessed us with. He has been our Strength, our Hope, our Refuge, our Redeemer, our Friend, our Shepherd .... our Rock. Without His grace we would not be standing today.

God has given us the absolute privilege and overwhelming responsibility to raise up five children for His glory. He has given us a heart for orphans and sharing their needs with all who will have ears to hear. He's given us a passion for family ministry, as we know ourselves both of the trials that come in this life .... and of the mercy and hope that is found in Him.

How I hope to have many, many years with this man by my side. I long to learn how to be a better wife, so that I can be a greater blessing to him. Happy Anniversary, Honey. Can't wait for you to get back home.

Email, Poverty and a Fragile Heart

2008-08-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Crazy huh? .... the stark contrast of our current technology and the poverty crisis that so many face today around the world. You see, I struggle sometimes with what to share. Opening your heart to feel the needs of orphans is gonna hurt. Allowing your eyes to see their reality ... well, it's gonna sometimes be hard to even look. Keeping your ears open to hear their reality .... it will make you cringe.

As you know by now, if you've been following our journey ... someone claimed a part of my heart in Ethiopia. All during our preparation time I had this growing burden for the boys at Kolfe. If you've never seen it, you'll want to see this video. I thought maybe it was perhaps because I had three boys of my own and so seeing other boys in such circumstances just tore at my heart. But now I know that God was preparing me to meet one special boy in particular. Perhaps you heard about him also here where my dear friend Angie got a very surprise package! And so after being home, we've been writing to each other and I just never know when I'll grab my morning cup of coffee and sit down to check my mail and see a letter via email from our far-away-son.

At first he called me Shelly, then Mom Shelly, then My Dear Mom ... and now I'm sometimes Ma. We write about various things ...

the current economic crisis facing his people
how he tested to pass the national exams (so he can stay studying in his program)
about his parents that died
how his grandmother is a good woman
the need for a jacket in this rainy weather
his belief that God is real and His Word is true (smart boy!)
his questions of when God will come and help his people
what his shoe size is
his sister and the tragic way in which she died
how he wants me to visit him again in Ethiopia

As a mom, we want to "fix" our kids' lives ... at least as much as we're able. Right? When they outgrow their shoes, we get them another pair. When they face hard times, we walk beside them helping them back up again. When they are cold, we get out the winter blankets. When it's supper time and everyone is hungry, we sit around the table together. When they are grieving ... we wipe their tears.

At times I feel so limited by what I can do for Getahun. It took me about 3 months to get him to tell me he needs a jacket and a pair of shoes. What JOY for not only him to finally feel close enough to tell me, but for him to also begin to realize this is part of what love is!!! ... to help meet needs ... not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. How I look forward to seeing my handsome boy is his warm jacket.

You may be wondering how he emails me. Well, this clever young man has gotten himself a job and earned favor with his boss. For part of his "pay" he is able to use some time to email. Yeah!!! ... happy American family are we!!! And his boss helps him to be able to purchase some shirts he needed. Those will be a great help when he goes to school again and works hard to make it in a system that forces so many odds against him.

Today he wrote me more about the situation with his living distant relatives. He also shared about how he is tutoring some other young boys. I was so pleased to learn that one of those boys is Solomon, which you may have read about here.

Will you have ears to hear?, eyes to see?, and a heart to feel their needs? My dear Getahun is only one boy.

This is the kitchen in which
their food is cooked.

This is an area that needs torn
down and replaced with working
restrooms. Don't you agree?

This room needs chairs and tables.

You see ... I can't just come home and forget what I saw. These are real people with real needs. Most have lost their parents, they get cold and wet .... they desire an education. Many are bright and eager to learn. They long to have family. For Getahun, he is to old to be considered "adoptable" by current laws. But Lord willing ... he will never question again if he has a family. Even if we never share the same name or dinner table. What absolute JOY fills my heart when I see my dear son Getahun's message in the "inbox" on my computer screen. I'll admit ... my heart is fragile ... it sometimes hurts deeply to be open to feeling these needs. The poverty can be overwhelming and cause a person to just grow numb or feel inadequate to even make a difference. But how I thank the Lord for email!! .... crazy or not .... it is a link to our son that we treasure.

Thanks to the Baggett Family!!! .... there is a package going to him very soon. I am SO excited! :)

Perhaps some of you families preparing to travel will have someone claim residence in part of your heart, just as what happened to us .... a few short months ago.

Maleah is 18 months old!

2008-08-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

What a difference a few months makes! Our girlie is now walking, talking and blossoming. She is quite comfortable with us now, not afraid to whimper or show preferences and certainly not afraid to spat a bit for a toy. All the "normal things" that toddlers go through and I have to say we are rejoicing to see them! I'll never forget the day she learned the word "MINE!" and could say it with such force! My first reaction was to say "No!" and go into a little lesson on sharing, etc. But I found myself saying "Yes!, that's right!" .... she had figured out the comprehension of yet another English word. No worries, now that she "gets it", we for sure teach her to share. :)

Long ago are the days of her giving Daddy the cold shoulder. She now squeals in absolute delight at the sound of his voice when he's coming home from work. Gone are the days of being afraid of most any food. She's even learned to enjoy ice cream with the rest of us! Having to sit by her crib in a chair while she falls asleep is no longer a necessity to every nap and bedtime. Now we go from snuggling and rocking with her night-time milk bottle to saying "baby?" .... "blankie?" ... and she just smiles huge with delight!, knowing it's time for bed! (we have our sleeper back!! - thank you God!)

It has been quite a summer in the Roberts family. Maleah coming to join our family was only one part of this huge time of transition the Lord has taken us through. We came home for Ethiopia with an even greater burden about what we, as a family, were to do about the needs of orphans. We find ourselves on a new adventure of trusting in our Heavenly Father in great and amazing ways. We rest in His Faithfulness and praise Him for His Goodness to us for carrying us through. More to come on that in the days ahead.

They Need Someone

2008-08-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

While much of our recent adoption journey that we've shared with you has been about the children's needs in other countries .... never far from our minds are the needs right here in the US.

How can it be we're all so busy in our daily lives that we don't stop and listen to their cries? I encourage you to take a few moments and view this wonderful video put out by the Dave Thomas Foundation.

Some of us are called to open our homes and make room for a child. Some are called to foster-parent through an especially difficult season in another family's life. Some are called to give.

As we wrestle through what God is calling our family to do it all comes down to one simple, yet profound truth. These children need someone.

Thoughts of my distant son

2008-08-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight, as I catch up on some correspondence, I come across one of the most precious people to me .... our "distant son", Getahun. As I begin to write to him, my heart breaks once again. How does a mother love from so far away? I have only come across one regret that I have while being in Ethiopia ... and that is much too little time with this boy that I love so much. While I am so grateful that he is in our lives . . . it is also incredibly bittersweet. There is so much I want to do for him, yet I feel so limited. What he longs for is family. Tonight, I pray .... Lord help me because I feel so inadequate.

I think of him as I prepare dinner and I would love nothing more than for him to share our meal. For tonight, a letter must suffice. I must continue loving him from afar . . . praying for him, writing to him ..... and never cease asking the Lord to make a way for more children like Getahun to have a family.

He calls me Mom ... I call him son ... how I love him.

A Call to Prayer

2008-08-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today my heart is heavy for all the many families waiting for their court date ... Aug 5th Ethiopian time .... which means for us tonight (the 4th). Several of these children we met on our trip. We touched them. We took photos of them. We prayed that soon they would be united with families. Arsema is a daily reminder to me of all the many, many children still waiting ... either to pass court and meet their parents .... or to still be in the long process of waiting on God to provide them a family.

Will you join us in praying today for these precious families that are SO READY to make that long, tedious flight across the world to bring home their children? Will you pray for court processes to go smoothly, extra strength for the incredible Gladney staff working on these children's behalf, and for the families who sometimes feel their entire life is on hold just waiting for that news that they passed and they can go.

What a comfort to know that GOD CARES about these children. "A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5 Lord, may your will be done in the lives of each of these children. May you bring beauty from ashes. May you minister to them in ways we cannot even fathom. We trust you ... and we call out to you for your help.

Bonding & Overcoming Language Barrier in the Older Baby Adoption

2008-07-28T08:54:00.001-07:00

At last, I'm going to try and share some thoughts on "Bonding and Overcoming Language Barrier" in the older baby adoption. Beware, it's gonna be jumbled. So bear with me. I know many of you adoptive families are traveling SOON (we are SO excited for you!!) and you're probably like I was, searching for every/any bit of info to prepare. Let me first start by saying that EVERY adoption is different and EVERY child is unique. So I'll just share our experiences with you about Arsema and hopefully you'll find some of it beneficial.

As many of you know, adopting a toddler baby can be one of the most challenging ages. They are older than "baby-baby" and very aware that every single thing is changing in their lives. And they are not into the "preschooler" stage where you can have someone help to prepare them with words what is about to happen. I was always afraid of toddler adoption. That would be one reason for the age we requested. I felt I was simply not up for it.

Well, when sweet Mary called us with our referral, she had two reservations. One was Arsema's health (she was finishing up treatment for TB) and one was her age. She was at the very, very end of the age we had given them and with not knowing how long court process would go, obviously she was only going to get older. Right away David and I said, no problem (to both) and proceeded. We trusted more than ourselves and knew God had planned everything. Now having said that, which is deeply true ........ I had this weary pit in my stomach. Fears of her not accepting us, concerns of how to communicate with her. At times it tried to even rob my joy. We'd received the "infamous updates" saying how leery of strangers she was, how we'd have to work at the relationship, etc. I just wanted to GET THERE and begin the process and I felt so out of control in the situation.

Arsema held up to her "image" so to speak. She was extremely leery of strangers, even many that were "familiar" to her. In some ways this was a good sign for me .... smart girly ... nobody was gonna trick her! But it is truly hard to prepare your heart to finally see your child and have him/her handed over to you and feel their stiff and reserved body in your arms.

Bonding came s-l-o-w-l-y. But as I look back now, just 3 months later ... I am just in awe of how far we have come as a family of 7! WOW! We went through SO many stages between then and now. Here are a few things that worked well for us and really helped get to where we are.

1) Feeding - We kept her on her current feeding schedule, which was primarily bottles til she was ready to accept new things. This means you throw out the "U.S. normal" and just watch and listen to your child. I had to constantly just lay aside her "age" and treat her at her current emotional/developmental stage. As we did that, she learned to trust us and before we knew it would be inching her way towards progression. She was plenty plump!, and did not need as many calories as that many bottles would provide, so we diluted her formula down, which also helped with her constipation issues she had when we got there.

2) Sleeping - I'm well aware there are many opinions on sleeping and babies/children. I'll just share with you what really helped us and Arsema. We moved her crib into our room before she arrived home. We wanted to be the first ones she saw when she woke so she could learn to trust that we were there to meet her needs. This really seemed to help her, as she would wake frightened, yet often too sad to cry. She'd kinda stare at us like ... hhmmm ... so you're still there ... this dream is still happening. But over time (like within a couple weeks) those "sad looks" faded away more and more. We would also bring her to our bed often in those early days and have her sit between us in the morning as we were all waking up. This helped her to "accept" her daddy as part of the package (see previous post during after our homecoming for more on this).

David got a really bad, nasty respiratory cold after we returned home. That's the LAST thing we needed to spread around. So he actually slept downstairs in another bed for several days. During this time I had both girls on two floors of the house at night by myself (older sis with the same nasty cold upstairs) and Arsema up at night also. During this time, I just brought her to bed with me when she first woke up. We also spent some of her naps like this. I have to say this was a HUGE key in me bonding with her. Everything was really starting to get to me a bit. Carrying that BIG baby around so much and not "receiving back" much affection .... well, it can make a momma's heart grow pretty sad. So if she wouldn't "snuggle" with me awake, she would when she was sleeping! Finally David got better and didn't appreciate her feet kicking him at night ... I was so sleep deprived at this point, I never even noticed her feet!!, I was just enjoying SWEET SLEEP! Ha. So we eased her back into her own bed again and it went just fine.

3) Carrying - that's a big help to the bonding process as well. I used a sling some which was a nice change of pace for the weight being more on my body, instead of my arms. Just keeping them close to you helps a lot. This may sound really weird, but some kids need to "learn" that they like being held by you. Oh, she preferred being held, no doubt .... but she had to "learn" that she "enjoyed" being held. Not just that being held was better than being sat down. Along those same lines, we had to really work with her to show affection. I knew it was in her ... she had attached to her caregivers, but it was going to only come by earning her trust. We started slow and safe by "blowing kisses". About 2 months plus into it she would give us real kisses and hugs. This took a LOT of work and coaxing. By this time it also REALLY helped that she grew jealous of her sister. Yeah!!! ... this is good! :) Thankfully Naomi is extremely cuddly to us, so she got to see this a lot. Finally she decided it must be good stuff and started giving hugs/kisses and some cuddles on her own initiative. I never envisioned so many tiny parts to this process. But as each new phase would come it felt like huge victory.

Language was a p-r-o-c-e-s-s. I could tell right away that she could only handle so much English chitter-chatter without feeling overwhelmed, or just kind of looking at us in a fog like what are you saying! :) We began using a few words that were a part of our everyday life and just using those very, very often. Ex. "puppy" was one of the first, because our dog Honey's kennel was just outside the kitchen window. Before long she was saying "puppy" back at us wanting to go over to the window to see. She'd get SO excited when she said the word and look at us like "Hey!! ... see? ... I said your word!!". It was so neat to see the little lightbulb of her mind shining brightly at familiar words. Same with "milky". Each time it was feeding time I'd say, "Let's get some milky", or "Do you want milky?". One evening I was leading a class for some ladies and said that to her on my way to the kitchen, having NO idea how familiar she was with that routine. I got side-tracked and turned around the other direction to go get something for someone. She LOST IT!!! After a minute I realize what had happened. It was then I realized how much progress we were making with language. So I kept that up adding a couple new words each week. It's amazing how much this has helped. Not just in teaching her the language, but in bonding and connecting with her .... communication, what an important thing!

Another thing we worked with early on was coaxing her to respond to us. For example, each time I'd go get her out of her crib, instead of just picking her up (after we were home settling in) I would hold out my hands to her and wait until she'd reach for me. Just these little things were really helpful so we could "praise" her and help her see it was a good thing. :)

One thing to really keep in mind if you end up with a child that is slow to warm up to you is to remember they are not rejecting "YOU". They have just had every bit of their life turned crazily upside down!!! And at this age, no one can explain to them very well what is happening. They are facing trauma. But day by day, it will get better. And before you know it, you'll be weeks/months into it enjoying many snuggles and affection with the one you traveled across the world to bring home.

Looking back, while it was challenging in some ways to adopt a baby/toddler .... it has been SO rewarding!!! I have learned so much on this journey. It brings me such joy to be the receiver of Arsema's wet kisses. To look into those deep eyes that once were full of SUCH caution towards me .... now shine back at me with joy and happiness ... well, I can't quite imagine a better sight.

It's still a process, but I have no doubt there are more "victories" ahead.

Drums & Dancing

2008-07-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

I know I promised a post on "Bonding and Language with the Older Baby", but had to post this first just because it's a fun one. As you can see, Arsema loves the bongo drums!

Where oh Where has Maleah Gone?

2008-07-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yep!, if in doubt and she's missing .... quickly check the tub! After having Naomi extremely fearful of water for the better part of two years of her life ... it's almost funny to have a daughter who is CRAZY for water! If she even hears the tub running water off in the distance and it's not for her .... look out!, crying fits for sure.

As you can see, she's up on her feet some these days. But mostly just to stand up to things and to impress us now and then with a few steps. Most often she still relies on speed crawling.

What JOY it is to see these big smiles so frequently.

Next up is "bonding and overcoming language barrier in the older baby adoption". Still pulling my thoughts together.

Missing in Action

2008-07-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I realize it's been about a MONTH since we've updated here. But truly we have been missing in "ACTION". What a crazy whirlwind of a month! We're going through some major life changes and at times it left us with our heads spinning. How Great our God is though and He has carried us through each step.

We had the absolute privilege recently to go back HOME. Our first stop was at some dear friends of ours in IA. They have been such incredible long-distance friends to us. We met them shortly after beginning our life together as a family back in our Louisiana days. Boy do they ever know about hospitality. After a very LONG day traveling, they welcomed us in and made the very most of our time together. We kept them up horribly late and just treasured every moment. The next morning we got up and finished the trip onto IL. I did a very lousy job of taking photos on this trip. Perhaps it was because we were in kind of a fog. Thankfully, Lord willing, it won't be too much longer though and we'll be going back. Then let the photo shoot begin!

It had been WAY too long since I'd seen my mom. What a faithful friend she has been. God has truly opened up her heart big and it was just such a joy to introduce her to our newest babe. I sure hope I look as young as her when I'm a grandma of many!

On the way home, we stopped off for swimming to break up the trip a bit. The "big pool" was too much for our little bathing beauties. So Arsema found the wet tile the perfect spot to splash. Then we decided the littles would be much happier up in the "pool tub", so Daddy was helpful to take them up for some tub time while I relaxed and let the two boys play.

No, we didn't lose a son on the trip! He was just enroute with my dad who so graciously traveled ALL the way out to ND to load up many of our belongings and dog and safely transport them all back to IL. Now if that isn't a dedicated Grandpa, I don't know what is!! I'm just really sad I didn't think to take a photo of that! Big bummer for sure. Our things will be waiting for us in that trailer, so hopefully we can get a shot of it back in IL.

SO .... that kinda fills you in on what we were doing all month ... packing, sorting, throwing, packing, etc.

We were a bit anxious about the trip and how Maleah would do. She proved to be a great traveler and seemed to really enjoy it. It was also fun bringing her back home and seeing her recognize where we were. The absolute BEST news of the week is that she learned to give HUGS!!!! I mean "REAL" hugs! I guess it's official ..... she loves us. I can't tell you how good this did my heart after two long months of working towards this. Our sad and scared babe has truly transformed into a blossoming and joyful tot. She's even trying to take a few steps.

Wanna give a shout out to all our fellow Gladney families who have received WONDERFUL news this week!!! Many referrals, many travel clearances. We could not be happier for you all! Several of these children we held and took things to when we met Arsema. What joy it is to see them finally getting united with their families.

Much more to share .... in the coming days.

The Abba Fund

2008-06-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

The ABBA Fund Blog , written by Jason Kovacs is a resource you will want to check out if you haven't already! As many of you know, The ABBA Fund has helped play a huge part in both of our adoptions. If you are contemplating adoption, but are hesitant or somewhat paralyzed by the expenses involved, I urge you to look into this ministry. They provide no-interest adoption loans, but not only that, they are also a wonderful resource for gathering ideas on how to fund an adoption.

I truly believe there are MANY out there who have a heart for the fatherless, the orphaned .... but perhaps they are like us, a single-income family or a very modest income family. If God had opened your eyes to see the needs of orphans, if He has opened your heart to love them, if He has opened your ears to hear their cries . . . do NOT ignore what He has done. I am not saying it's gonna be easy, in fact you just might be in for the largest time of growth in your life!

Our minds get polluted here in America about what "need" really is. Everyone is so busy chasing the "American Dream" that often we forget what really matters for eternity. Our family's bank account might not be too padded, but I cannot even put into adequate words what it was like to look out on Father's Day as we prepared for prayer time at church and see our two daughters who now have a Daddy. My heart just aches for the many children we saw in our recent trip to Ethiopia who do not.

I've said it before and should repeat it again ... not every family is called to "adopt", but we are all called to CARE. I just want to encourage you, and urge you that if you truly have a heart to open your family and home to a child .... do not let ANYTHING stand in the way. We have seen God move mountains! He helped us climb over many of them as well on our recent adoption journey.

Check out Jason's posts on the ABBA Fund Blog. It will truly be an encouragement to you. We are so excited about what God is doing in their ministry. You can sign up for a monthly newsletter as well that comes via email.

Things People Say . . .

2008-06-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Before we adopted the first time, I had done extensive reading about "becoming a trans-racial family" and such related things. Becoming familiar with things people might say, etc. It was a huge help in preparation. But I have to tell ya .... nothing can quite prepare you for when the things are said to "you" and "your children" when you're out and about, or just in conversation. It might come from a friend, a complete stranger, or even a family member. I'm convinced that almost all the time it is not said in haste or in any way intended to be offensive.

For all of you adoptive veterans, this stuff will be old to you .... but after a recent shopping trip and hearing yet more of those types of things, I thought it might be helpful to those of you beginning this journey to hear some of our experiences.

These will be in no particular order. Because our blog is not only a place for family and friends to have kept up to date with our adoption .... and since many of the folks who visit here are fellow adoptive families .... I'm focusing on the second group with this topic. I guess that's just a little disclaimer that if friends or family were to read anything in this post that sounds familiar .... NO worries .... these things happen and for the sake of helping to prepare and encourage the adoptive families that stop by here I'm gonna share them. There, I feel better now. :)

Is she yours?
Is her behavior different because she's black?
Well, at least she's not FULL black (assuming our first was bi-racial, which was not accurate by the way - ha!).
So, are you babysitting?
Are they sisters? (I knew this famous question was coming once I had both girls out.)
Where did she come from?
Gee, she turned out cute. (from a nurse at a 2 yr. well check, commenting in a surprised tone as you would a breed of a dog - thank goodness that nurse is no longer there!)
So what happened to her mom?
How could someone just leave her?
Well, at least you're not gonna live close to the grandparents and be rubbing their nose in it. (the fact our child would be likely African American)
Maybe she can grow up and marry so-and-so's child (who is of similar ethnicity).
So, did you get inspired by Brad and Angelina?
Wow, so adoption is so fast huh?, ya just go pick 'em up! (obviously that person knew nothing about adoption)
When do you get the title to her? (question about when is the adoption final - and yes I about died that day)
Are they twins?
So did ya just get to pick one out?
You can do like she did (pointing to me) and just "adopt" your girls. (this was said to another expecting mom saying how she hoped her baby was a girl)

There's no doubt been many more, but these are the most common. Again, I truly believe that most of the time the person means no ill-intention. Sometimes I take the opportunity to educate and answer their questions. Sometimes I just wanna be out with my daughter(s) and enjoy my day. Amazingly I still get surprised and wonder why people notice us. I forget we stand out to some.

Right now my girls are 3 and 1. It won't be too much longer and they will begin to understand the questions. They will be faced with the harsh reality of an imperfect world. I used to worry more about this. During our trip to Ethiopia though .... seeing SO many children without a family, many without the basic needs in life ... somehow it helps to put it in perspective. And while my daughters will never share my skin-tone, I pray that they will know without a spec of doubt that they are LOVED and CHERISHED. Their lives will not be without heart-ache. None of us get that luxury. But in our home and in our family they will have a safe haven and Lord willing we will help prepare them as they go out on their own someday.

I think one of the biggest "helps" we can give our children is to just be aware of what types of things will be part of our lives. People ARE going to say things. We WILL be noticed as a family. It's not all negative, for sure not at all. We have had people embrace us, encourage us, celebrate with us ... friends, family and even complete strangers. But I would be doing my children a dis-service if I was naive about the other side that sometimes happens too.

As more and more families embrace adoption, I have to think that as my children grow up there will be others in their circle of influence that share similar family make-ups. As the girls and I were sitting waiting for the guys to pick us up at the mall the other day we enjoyed one such encounter. Arsema was in the stroller, content people-watching, while Naomi took advantage of mommy having an empty lap and curled up for a snuggle. We were just visiting about who knows what, I can't even remember what my chatter-box was conversing about .... when a little girl about 5 or 6 bopped by on her way back to her mother. Naomi perked up and said quietly, "Mommy ... she looks like me!". Sure enough, they shared the same light chocolate brown skin and ringlet curls. I had noticed this mom/daughter duo a little earlier but hadn't said anything. So I just sat and observed through my daughter's eyes awhile. The little girl snuggled up on her mom's lap too, down a ways in another seating area. Naomi said ... "Mommy, she likes to snuggle with her mommy too.". She commented again about her looking like "Naomi". I said ... "What about her mommy? ...... I think she looks like me." (her mommy matched my skin-tone) Whether the little girl was adopted, or just had parents of different ethnicities we'll never know ... but Naomi and I just sat snuggled up together, just as the other mommy/daughter were and smiled and felt warm inside. It was a special reminder that there are other families who are going through a similar journey as we are in this life. I cannot imagine my life any other way anymore.

Visiting the Caregivers

2008-06-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

So . . . we met Arsema on Monday and on Wednesday we went to the Gladney care center for the long-awaited coffee ceremony. We went early as we had tons of pictures to take for waiting families and we also wanted to spend time with Arsema's care givers. We knew from the pictures we had received that there were a couple of care givers who she was especially attached to. Yes, that is a slight grin you see in this picture after two days being together ....... ah, the little victories. :)

She spent about five months in Gladney's care following being at Kebebetsehay orphanage. They nurtured her, loved her and helped get her strong and healthy as she waited for us. We are forever grateful to them for all they did for our sweetie. Gladney also has a full-time nurse, named Sister. She and Arsema knew each other very well since they spent so much time together with her being sick with TB. I had heard some stories so I was a bit prepared, or so I thought, for what we would experience.

It wasn't but a couple seconds and one of the caregivers spotted us and started calling for Arsema. Soon then another and they were insistent we would come across the street first to where she had been (the two houses are across the street from each other). So as we entered the gate about ten caregivers came running from every direction chanting Arsema .... Arsema ..... and the rest is about a blur. HA!

I had her dressed in a pretty little dress for this special day and I raised her up out of the sling so one caregiver could hold her. In a matter of literally three seconds or less she was stripped down ... at first I thought, oh no, they didn't approve of how I'd dressed her .... but no ... it wasn't that ... of course it was to change her into a dress that one of them had gotten for her.

So soon she was changed and they were all squabbling over who would hold her and get their photo. It was joyous craziness I tell ya! David started snapping photos and I went to pick up a couple babes who wondered WHAT ALL THE FUSS!!! .... they were not so happy the attention was on someone else. It was precious. So I enjoyed some moments holding wee-ones that I'm sure some of their mommies and daddies are following our journey.

I had heard how much the caregivers love the children, but can I be horribly honest with you? ... please no icky comments or I might cry .... but it just didn't bring me much comfort as we waited and we waited and we waited for our referral. I knew she was being cared for, but this momma's heart just broke that I couldn't be there. Seeing these young women with her, most of them having been orphans themselves ...... it was just beauty like I can't describe. There was sadness and rejoicing all wrapped up together.

What was especially encouraging was that just after two days of her being with us (remember my last post she was s-l-o-w to warm up to us) she was already showing signs of attaching to us. When she'd see someone she knew she'd just SQUEAL with delight and leap for them. I would love to see her like this and happily hand her over and just observe. It was such a wonderful morning there. To see her in the place that had been "home", in the arms of those who loved her. But watch out because unless it was a favorite of hers, she was not about to just go to anyone and would cling to me instead. Then the caregivers would just roar laughing as she was so picky and choosey over who could have her affection.

It was amazing how much was communicated that day without many words spoken. These young women are so thrilled that the children will have a mommy and daddy ... a family. I found they were so eager to show their affection .... many, many hugs and embraces were shared.

Then we went across the street to the coffee ceremony. Arsema saw "Sister" from across the room there and I knew right away where she was headed. It was wonderful. Sister got to take her around and spend some time with her and Arsema was just enjoying it so much. It was such a boost to her sadness and uneasiness. What was so precious was when Sister came back to us and Arsema could not decide who she wanted .... Sister or her new momma.

Back and forth she'd reach, until I just motioned for Sister to sit next to me so she could have both. Then it was time for snuggling, a bottle and a nap while we finished the enjoying the wonderful coffee ceremony.

Strong, delicious coffee with sugar and popcorn. A most unusual and wonderful combination.

We visited one more day before leaving and then that was it. By then Arsema was bonded even more and while it was SO wonderful to visit, she and I could only handle one last visit. It was time to say good-bye and embrace our new life together.

Some have asked what we call her now ...... Maleah or Arsema. After our time in Ethiopia, Arsema will always be a special name for her. They would sing her name to her in a little chant to a tune that is embedded into my heart. It still brings her smiles and dancing when I sing it to her. So the answer is we use both.

For you waiting families .... with the recent events and delays, I hope you can be encouraged to know that while your arms ache to hold your child . . . they are being loved and cared for by women who are truly devoted to them. They aren't there to replace you .... when you go they will be SO thrilled to finally meet you. I saw it in them as we delivered care packages. They LOVE seeing the family pictures and show your little ones your pictures and tell them MaMa, DaDa, brother, sister, etc. They are eager to see these children meet their forever families. I know the waiting and unknowns can be heart-wrenching. Keep holding on .... your little ones are counting on you to stay the course.

Meeting Arsema

2008-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, can it really be a month since that big day? I've wanted to share more about our meeting day for you families that are adopting older babies. I was so grateful for the families that shared with us, to help prepare us for the possibilities.

We had gotten those infamous "updates" from Gladney helping clue us in to the fact that our babe would likely not be leaping for joy into our arms. Ya know ... those phrases like ... slow to warm up to strangers, tempermental (yes, Travis had the audasidy to tell sweet Arsema's parents that she was tempermental!). In fact!! .... when we met him at the airport after all those LONG flights he kind of chuckled when he knew we were Arsema's parents. But now I chuckle at him to know she was just savin' up all her charm for us. Anyway, point is, we knew it was going to be a process to earn this child's trust. Keeping a few things in mind really helped us.

1) Have realistic expectations and take things slow.
2) Be continually mindful that EVERYTHING is changing for this child: every routine, every smell, every sound.
3) Be patient, both with your child and each other.
4) Prepare! . . . Lift weights prior to travel, these kids are HEAVY!

Realistic Expectations:
Every child is unique and different, as are their circumstances that brought them to the point of being an orphan to begin with. We knew Arsema had already had a long battle with illness and two major moves in her short life. When she arrived at Gladney from the orphanage she could hardly bear weight on her legs (at nine months old). You should see her strong thighs now! Wowzers! You could describe her our first day as being quiet, cautious, withdrawn, shocked, solemn, sad, scared, timid, fearful. She'd stare through us down to our core. She didn't even cry, it would be too risky to show that much outward emotion. She was somewhat stiff. But we had seen her in action (THANKS to some traveling families) so we knew what some of her facial expressions were when she wasn't in such shock and stress. This helped tremendously.

Change:
EVERYTHING changes. When you are out and unsure of what those around you are saying, or trying to communicate to your waitress and they don't understand ..... this is your child's new reality every moment! We tried to keep this at the forefront of our minds. Older babies aren't so naive about everything changing and they aren't old enough to be able to prepare them as are pre-school age children. It's just all of a sudden, in one moment, their entire life is turned upside down. You the parent are dying to get there .... you have LONGED for this moment ... but you must remember that for your child, their whole little world is getting flipped upside down and shaken up. We found that it really helped to relate to her when we kept this in mind.

Patient:
We knew it was possible she would not bond to either of us quickly, or possibly just one of us. Poor Arsema, it was like I was the best option of the choices before her and she would "tollerate" me. That's all it was for awhile. I'd hold her stiff body and just gently rub her back. I tried not to speak tons to her, as humming seemed to soothe her more than a bunch of English chitter-chatter. I could tell by her pictures she was teething, but the first day she didn't even dare open her mouth to chew on her fingers. At first she wouldn't eat even for me. We knew by the size of that belly and thighs the girl liked to eat! :) So I'd just offer things to her and let her go at her own pace. Looking back, I think this was a huge part of the progress that followed. While all this was going on, her daddy's heart was breaking (though he tried not to say it) as she would not have much at all to do with him. We just took it slow. We were pro-active in showing each other affection in front of her, so she'd know we were "together" in this. In all those car rides (trust me you'll be in the car a LOT) I'd sit close to David, with her on my lap. Eventually (this took quite awhile) I'd have her sit between us ... huge step. Before long she'd hold out her foot for David to play with it. It was all on her terms. She'd pull it away like she didn't want him touching her .... then she'd put it right back for more. These simple little games really built trust. If this happens to you, where your child bonds to one first before the other ... I'd encourage you just to support each other and remind each other this is perfectly normal and it won't last forever.

Prepare:
Seriously! .... prepare yourself for a LOT of carrying, especially that of an older baby. I knew my girls would be similar weight. Thankfully Naomi still likes to be carried a lot when we're out and about. She helped keep my arms strong and ready. But there is a difference of a 25 lb toddler/preschooler that "hangs on" and a HEAVY 23 lb baby that is resisting being held. Since she would only let me hold her ... and since you're on the go SO much while in Ethiopia ... you can imagine that even the most dedicated mom would grow weary ... especially on the days you don't feel so well. I would switch off from just carrying her myself, to using a sling, to using a front pack carrier. This helped as each version uses different muscles. Prepare your heart too. It is a process! Did Arsema fall in love with us instantly? ... no way. She wouldn't even touch the toy I brought her to entice her. But each few hours we saw progress. There were so many little milestones along the way during our time in Ethiopia. Now instead of the "mostly sad and occasional smile" we get the "tons of smiles and laughter and occasional sadness". It has been SUCH A JOY to watch her blossom in this process.

It is hard to watch your child have to go through this transition phase. I hated seeing her sad. I wanted her to know so much how I deeply loved her and worked SO hard to get to her. But the grief IS part of the process. And as you just work to meet them right where they are at ..... the bonding comes. As you work to meet their needs consistently ... trust comes. And before you know it .... attachment has begun.

People ask how Arsema is doing with bonding/attachment. I'm so grateful to be able to say she is doing WELL. As I write this she has woken from a nap and her daddy got her up, fed her a bottle (she would not take food from anyone besides me at first) and has her out in the yard in the stroller. Just four short weeks ago I could not leave her for 2 minutes to use the bathroom without total breakdown. She's come a long way. The language barrier is still there. But every few days I hear her say a new English word and it just cracks me up! She's learning from us ... but I think more importantly we've learned so much from her.

A New Do for Big Sister!

2008-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been the sick house lately! Big sister has some kind of virus causing a long week of fevers. I was feeling bad because since we didn't want Maleah to get anything on top of what she already had, Dad was taking care of Big Sis. Now that Little Sis is feeling better, she's taking more to her Daddy ... so yesterday while they were rocking Naomi and I had some time to reconnect. We received these great little "hair snaps" from a friend just before we left for Ethiopia. I've been so anxious to try them.

So these pics show our first attempt at twists. Naomi's head is very narrow, so the parts didn't end up just as I had in mind, but since she was still sick I didn't want it to get too long for her. She was THRILLED with her new "do" ... so we had to go outside and get some pics to send to Grandma.

Her hair is not very coarse at all, so this style is not going to last as long as it does for some. But I do think it will be a great style when she's outside to keep her hair from getting so tangled. It's also fun to finally see how LONG her hair really is.

Thanks Rebecca for our sampling of "hair snaps"!! Naomi loves them! Where can I purchase more?

Traveling with New Friends!

2008-05-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

As many of you families have encountered for yourselves ... one of the greatest blessings on this journey is the support you have from fellow adoptive families. All along we wondered who we'd be traveling with. Finally it all came about when we passed court and frantically made travel arrangements. There were three of us families that really wanted to stay in one of the guest houses we'd heard such great reviews about. So it ended up that we shared the Ayat House with Angie & Anil ... and just down the road the Treats stayed in the other guest house. We will never forget our time with these two amazing families! As you'll soon get to realize, mealtime is LONG in Ethiopia. Thankfully most meals we shared with these families so while we waited to order, waited for our food and then waited for our ticket (this became our group joke) ... there was much time to be together. Three unique families ... three different ages/stages of children. We saw each other on our good days and our bad. Our experience was so much richer, sharing it with these friends.

We were so grateful to get to stay at the Ayat House. Honestly, we really needed it for the financial option, but we were so glad to be near where our daughter had spent the last five months of her life. The Ayat House is not right in the city. The HUGE plus is, the air is cleaner. The downside is it does take increased travel time to get to and from everywhere. There were days that made me weary. There is a fridge, yet we experienced quite a bit of power outages that we were glad we hadn't purchased much food needing to be kept cool. The hospitality of Wegayu and the housekeeper Wimmet was fabulous!!! They are very into babies/children. It's too bad it took til the very last moment for Arsema to realize how great Wegayu was. I think she burst his bubble as she was not about to accept his affections the entire week. These great photos of the kids were captured by Angie and Anil while I was upstairs finishing packing.

I remember someone mentioning that the dogs bark at night. Well, um .... it is true. And the earplugs I took just didn't end up fixing the problem for me. The first few nights I think they camped out under my window. I certainly felt safe!! ... yet it was terribly loud. Either I got more and more tired, or they calmed down ... either way, by the end of the week I noticed that I woke far less from them.

I would choose staying here all over again. It was a great place for our family. We were also excited to learn while in Ethiopia that Belay is opening a new guesthouse right in the city! David and Colton got the tour one day (I stayed in the vehicle, as Arsema had finally crashed for a nap!). It will be another wonderful option for families!! Ask your caseworker if you're interested.

I'm swallowing all pride posting this last picture. Yes indeed, Ang and I look like we just survived a 17 hour international flight leaving at 10:30 pm no less! I really should have packed a cute hat like Ang's! We still had two flights to get back to ND. I don't know that I even want to see what those pics look like! HA! It didn't help that there was no power our last day either, which meant no last minute showers.

We'll never forget you .... Renee & Todd and your amazing son Samuel ....

Angie & Anil and your terrific little man Noah Arone.

We look forward to keeping in touch and cheering you both on your next adoption journeys.

Milestones and Making Memories

2008-05-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Today our wee-one is fifteen months old. Maybe I should add she doesn't feel too "wee" as I cart her around! Ha. Thanks so much to everyone who's been checking on us and praying for her health. She has finally turned the corner and is doing MUCH better! Decided I best get the girl outside for some photos to mark this special day. You can see how we started out ... yep, she wasn't too thrilled with my idea to sit on a strange chair. She is SO cautious. But thankfully with the help of her brothers coaxing some action out of her, she started showing us her other various expressions.

She got her giggle back today too and that was a welcomed sound after feeling so rotten for a week.

Today was also very special as I received another letter from my far-away-son. I am overwhelmed with this incredible opportunity to love and mentor someone so amazing. I am searching for more pictures of Getahun. So any of you families that have traveled to Kolfe .... could I ask a huge favor for you to search for pics of him! They can be group shots as well. I want to put together a picture book for him to send. I'd be so grateful for anything you find. You can scroll down to see a recent post about him that has his photo.

While at Gladney . . .

2008-05-22T21:59:00.001-07:00

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Going Back . . .

2008-05-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have tried and tried to begin telling the rest of the story of our journey to and from Ethiopia. It's just challenging to do so. Between the needs of a bunch of sick people in our family and the difficulty in finding the right words . . . usually I just put it off another day. So tonight I'm beginning my feeble attempt to tell the rest of the story.

To some, when they hear the word adoption, they probably think each situation is similar. But for the adoptive family, they know how each and every journey is unique. There are so many variables. For me, international adoption was a HUGE stretch. Yes, I will shamefully admit I was "one of those". Oh I would whole-heartedly rejoice with families that were adopting or had adopted internationally ... but inside I'd think ... I could never do it. I look back now and see all the baby steps the Lord took me through to bring me to the place of hearing His voice tell me something I could not ignore no matter how hard I tried to rationalize it all.

I could tell you the exact locations here in my home that the Lord so tenderly and clearly and persistently prodded at my heart. While I knew it was real ... my mind would quickly have a bunch of reasons why it just wouldn't work. I'd get caught up in doubts, yet when I was brave enough to listen, the message was so clear. "There's a child in Ethiopia that needs you ... you are to bring them into your family." US LORD??? We have no finances. What about our family? What about our ministry? ... what if people don't approve? What about the small issue of vehicle size?

It got a little out of hand when I couldn't enjoy a peaceful meal or restful night sleep anymore. Please understand, it's not that I wasn't "open" to adoption again .... but what about the MOUNTAINS???

Why do I recount this part of the journey? .... well, because I know there are so many families out there in the same dilemma. They need to be reminded to not lose heart! These mountains are worth climbing. I cannot tell you it was easy. God did not just send all the needed funds in one big lump sum. It was a brutal year in many ways. Sometimes I questioned if we had truly gone overboard this time around. But with everything in me, I knew there was a little person across the world counting on us to make it.

Some of you who follow our blog are on your own journey. Perhaps there are times you question if all this insanity is really worth it. Maybe you have times like we did that you really had nothing left to give. BE encouraged! . . . you are not on this journey alone. Maybe the "unknowns" keep you awake at night and you can't handle another month of not having answers to all your questions. You give up so much control when you begin the road of adoption. Maybe there are things you fear that you can't even bring yourself to voice out loud.

Oh, did I have my moments. But one day, that glorious day did come when we received the call and began having answers to many of the questions that had filled our minds and hearts all those months. Then the sadness came, of all we'd missed.

When it was finally time to leave for Ethiopia I was so eager. The time had finally come we'd see our daughter face to face. I would meet the amazing women who helped to nurse our daughter to health. This video montage is of her five months at Gladney. When she arrived at nine months old, she wasn't even strong enough to bear much weight on her legs. If you could only see her legs now! These women, many still young girls, loved her so dearly. So when we received these photos just before we left Ethiopia, it was such a gift.

I look in this child's eyes and it's all so clear. That battle that was going on in me? ... between listening to God's voice and being overwhelmed by the mountains? .... that's when she was born. I don't believe in chance. I know that I will never again question obeying and following God's leading. While it breaks my heart that I could not be there for her in that first year of life (maybe someday more to come on that) . . . it is such a JOY to get to be there now.

Arsema is only one child. We saw SO MANY, who like her need a family. Not all of us are called to bring another child into our family ... but we are all called to help care for orphans. These children are not merely statistics. They are real, uniquely designed precious human beings. Our family understands that sometimes the stakes are high. Sometimes those mountains just seem too tall. Sometimes friends and family don't understand. But these children understand. They are filled with hope that someone out there will hear their cry.

Next time I'll tell you more about our experiences in Ethiopia. But for tonight, I needed to go back to the beginning one more time.

Welcomed Visitors!

2008-05-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Gee this is a lot of smiling faces to get looking in the same direction! Besides, our tummies were all growling after church ready for potluck. We were SO glad to have some grandparents come visit this last weekend. We packed a lot into a couple of days. Unfortunately, Grandma had to fill the role of taxi-service for us as we had to make yet another trip back to the doctor Sunday afternoon. Hopefully now after a med change our babe will be well soon. What a tough week she has had.

Thanks for coming, Grandma & Grandpa!!!

I Have Another Son!

2008-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true .... this morning confirmed what's already been in my heart. When we traveled to Ethiopia to bring home our daughter we gained a SON as well. While he may never experience sitting around our dinner table here in our home .... we plan to love and support and encourage him from afar in every way the Lord allows us to.

While visiting the Kolfe boys orphanage, I was on a mission to deliver a package for the Mestas family. My heart was also open and ready for whoever the Lord might allow us to visit there. It wasn't long before we were touring the complex and we stepped into a room where a couple of young men were studying. I will never forget seeing Getahun for the first time ... tall, dark and handsome he was. He took a break from his studies (Physics I should add!) to meet us and talk with us awhile. We learned that his parents along with his sister are no longer living. Our time there was much too short. Now looking back there are so many things I'd love to have sat down with him and visited about. He has plans to become an engineer. He is not hindered by his circumstances and is working hard in his studies to prepare for his future.

We gave him our contact information and while I've thought of him MANY times since our return home, I hadn't written him yet. This last week I was able to be in contact with Ryan to inquire about this young man who stole some of my heart. We were SO excited to learn that Ryan is working on a sponsorship program for these amazing boys at Kolfe. I'm sure there will be more news in the future about this.

Anyway, so you can maybe imagine how thrilled I was this morning to receive an email from this most amazing boy across the world. He called me mom, so I guess the feeling is mutual. :)

Seizure + Urinary Infection = NO fun!

2008-05-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, quick post here. I've been trying for a few days now to organize my thoughts to share more about our trip. But today we took a detour instead to the hospital. Arsema woke this afternoon from her nap with a seizure. Since I knew her birthmother had some of these episodes it definitely caused concern. My mind raced a hundred directions. She couldn't cry, she just looked through me with those eyes of hers and shook. Long story short, we made some calls and made the hour trek to the Urgent Care. We received loving and compassionate care by every staff member (this is truly a miracle - some of our friends might even chuckle as they know all too well my past experiences with some of this staff! - Ha!). FYI, we ended up traveling "Ethiopian style" .... babe on my lap in the back of the van as she was just limp and lifeless and at times would wake throwing up. She acquired a fever .... We ruled out ears, etc. and the doctor said we maybe should do a culture to see about urinary infection. Sure enough, it came back significantly elevated. So THIS is why my girly has been a bit whiney the last couple days.

We got our follow up X-ray taken care of for her previous TB as well. Yeah, one more thing marked off the list.

Sorry for the rambling post, but I wanted to just put a word of encouragement out there for our fellow Gladney families in waiting. Friends .... the staff at Gladney love these children SO very much! We had put a call in quick to the staff in TX, as I really hoped they could phone Belay and double-check her history, as I did not think there was any history of this, but knew there was with her birthmother. Sure enough, they quickly phoned him and called us back soon after (it was nearly 11 pm his time!). Our caseworker was out, but it didn't matter, Jessica took over for us and was so full of compassion and support. I know how difficult the wait can be. You feel sometimes forgotten as you wait and wait not knowing the details of what's going on behind the scenes. Rest assured though that this staff CARES! Even once you get home! We are even more grateful for all they do.

So now we're home with an antibiotic and instructions of what to do and watch for about any further seizures. All I could think of on the long way to the hospital was thank goodness this didn't happen while on one of those LONG flights! We'd appreciate your prayers for our sweetie while she fights off this infection.

I promise more photos and more posts about our trip soon!!!

Good Morning!

2008-05-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's hard to even express how good it is to be HOME! We have much more to share about our time in Ethiopia, but right now we're trying to just settle in. We were thrilled to get back in time for Nathaniel's birthday! How can it be we have TWO teenagers now? We feel so incredibly blessed!

We had a good first night home. Arsema woke at 4:00 AM scared and hungry. Poor babe ... I never even thought to leave a small light on so she could see where we were. But she quieted quickly and we snuggled and rocked with a bottle. Aahhh .... a rocking chair! ... felt so good. Since I realized she's slept a lot of hours on the plane and in Ethiopia it was afternoon, I decided to just let her stay up til about 6:00 AM. So she lazed around on my lap and had a snack and we checked in on some of you waiting families' blogs. All I can say to you is KEEP HANGING ON!!! Your children are waiting and you must not lose hope or give up on this rigorous journey. You WILL get there! The staff in Ethiopia is working tirelessly on your behalf. They want to get you united to your children. They maintain a very high level of professionalism and care in each case. Don't ever think you are forgotten. You are not. So hang in there!

It was such a joy this morning to sit in a daze in the recliner and watch the girls crawl around the house playing and giggling. Eventually the boys woke and got in on the fun too. Naomi was so happy to come to our room and see that sister had just woken up. David let her climb in for a picture. Yes, Naomi has BIG hair in the mornings!!! Then I was thrilled to capture some photos of my main man with his two daughters. What a sight to behold ... no more tears! I think Arsema is finally melting and realizing just how amazing her Daddy is.

Nathaniel wanted Arsema on his lap for birthday breakfast photos, I see now that pic is not loaded here yet. Anyway, she liked the pancakes very much! She hasn't been too open to eating much except her bottle time since we arrived, but she's getting there.

Thank you so much for all your prayers along this journey. Without them we likely would have given up and never gotten to where we are. Adoption is a crazy, rigorous, I don't even have the proper words to describe kind of journey!!! But here we are finally all together. I have so much to share with you. Things we saw, experiences, so many children waiting that you will be hearing about. But for now I must go. Many more pics to come. We have no idea when our families will come to see us ..... hint, hint trying to lay on a guilt trip!!! ..... so you'll have to bear with us for us posting many pics on here right now.

Aahhhh ..... it's good to be home!

2008-05-07T20:29:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to let you all know we made it home safe and sound tonight after three LONGGGGGG flights. We had to do some switching around to get out of the storms in Chicago and we're just so grateful to be off the planes and on US soil again.

Will share more in the coming days. We so appreciate all your prayers and love. It feels so great to finally all be together.

Gladney families, I have lots of photos for you. I hear there are many referrals going on now and more soon, so be in touch when you get yours so I can see if I have pics for you.

Hoping to get some sleep now soon, as I feel I've had the longest aerobic workout of my life! Babe traveled wonderfully considering all it entailed. Momma is wiped out, but nothing a little sleep can't cure.

Oh, and Josiah was completely thrilled with Maleah leaped into his arms. It didn't go that way for Nathaniel, which Dad piped up and said "join the club". Ha. In the meantime, Josiah is up on cloud about eleven.

It's a Whole New World Baby!!

2008-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Note: Just editing to add the crawling pics we couldn't send before.

We got home from supper tonight and since Arsema is getting a bit more comfortable in her surroundings, I thought maybe some playing on the floor time was in order. We put some toys out and she would crawl like 3 "steps" and then pivot back to sitting and turn and do this over and over again. Then she's stop and play with the texture of the rug. You could just see her mind working. I began to wonder when it would occur to her there are NO limits! .... That she could crawl much further. She would go just a bit further and then it's like a big light bulb came on and the whole new world opened up. She began huffing and puffing SO excitedly and just cracking up laughing crawling back and forth, round and round. She could not believe what she was doing. Each direction going a bit further. It was hysterical. Colton caught it on video.

I've really been struggling with tomorrow approaching, going to see the government run orphanages. I know that it will tear at my heart, especially seeing where Arsema was for those long nine months when she was ill. As I put my newly hyper girl to bed tonight, the tears just came as I felt God's abundant grace on her life. It was as if He was saying to me ..... "Hello!, I'm right here .... Look at this child ... Look what I have done in her life. Isn't it beautiful?".

It's been such an intense week. While my heart is so heavy for the needs of these children ... To have a home and a place to experience the natural milestones in life, such as crawling ..... I am also encouraged tonight as I see this precious child continue to grow and thrive.

Perhaps in the morning, the sadness won't last as long for her and the laughter will come a bit easier. Each day seems like another step in the right direction.

Gladney Older Baby Care Center

2008-05-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

"This is the Gladney Older Baby Care Center that Arsema was in. This is one of her main caregivers who was closest to her. She ran out to see us before we left ... That is before Travis tried to shoo her away. He tries to keep the "meeting day" just for the parents so they can bond with the children, but I was so glad she ran out because it felt perfect to see her on this memorable day. We hugged and hugged and she was so happy to see Arsema with her momma and daddy, but will miss her so much. We will go back to visit her again .... I promised her as Travis moved her on. :) This is one of the caregivers I'd made that picture book for.

We will forever be grateful to the caregivers for all they have done to help our precious girl thrive and grow. We will never forget. Their memory will always be honored."

Friday

2008-05-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Friday:

Today we visited three government run orphanages. We'd seen many pictures of other traveling families, so we knew some of what to expect. That had definitely helped to prepare us. Countless times I had wondered where the room was our daughter spent her first nine months of life at Kebebetsehay orphanage. While the conditions were hard to see, what was so beautiful was the love in the women who cared for our precious Arsema. I had taken a picture of her when she went to Gladney because we didn't think they'd recognize her. All we had to say was her name and the smiles came ... And the joy in seeing her so healthy and strong now. They showed us the crib that was hers during her stay there. It was surreal ...... To just be there and to be holding this big heavy, healthy baby in my arms.

After pictures with her caregivers, we stepped outside and were greeted by the director there. She right away was calling for Arsema. This woman was the one who worked with Arsema's birthmother during her time of need. She told us the story in her own words and we soaked up every bit of information. She told us how she looks exactly like her mother. We anticipate meeting her tomorrow. We are grateful for this opportunity and are trusting in God's grace to help us through it.

We'll write at another time about the rest of this day. At this point we are just weary and tired, but grateful for our time here. Eileen, if you're reading this, we got the package to Solomon and have photos for you when we return.

Arsema's crib is in the far back right corner. In the photo are our new dear friends Angie & Anil. They have been sharing the Ayat House with us. We will never forget our time with them. Angie's companionship was such a blessing today as we stood and looked at the room that was our daughter's. Not many words were needed ..... Some times there just are not words to express what this journey entails. But when I looked into her eyes, I knew she knew .... And that was enough.

Another long day traveling around the city. Arsema caught a short nap between stops.

While so much of this trip has been exhausting, both physically and emotionally ...... We cannot help but smile when we look at this sweet face!!! There is hope. There are so many children that are just waiting for a family. Arsema was so weak and ill ... But look at this precious child ... As humble as the conditions are in some of these places, these children are truly loved. Their caregivers hope for families to rise up and help these children. Arsema is so bright and we will never forget the people who loved her and nurtured her during her first year of life. None of us can change everything, but many of us can make a difference in the life of at least one child. It comes in many forms. There is so much that can be done.

Oh, I should add that the latest bit of progress today was that Arsema enjoyed helping Daddy eat his omelet this morning. This is a big deal!, for her to actually take food from him. The longer we are here, the more attached she becomes and she is quite good at giving nearly everyone the cold shoulder. I'm thinking once we get home and she has to share my lap with Naomi, she may realize Daddy is quite a great guy after all! Ha. It is so fun to see her blossom and show her personality. As determined as she is, she is also very tender-hearted. We feel so blessed to have her in our family.

2008-05-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

2008-05-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is "Sister", the Gladney nurse. Arsema couldn't figure out who she wanted most, me or her .... It was SO much fun seeing her squeal with excitement with all her caregivers around and then wanting to come back to her momma. She is making the transition .... It is a difficult one, but we see progress each day.

2008-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, today was quite the day! It started off a bit later than planned with a little mixup on pick up time .... Then we gathered with two other couples and Travis and Johanna (in-country Gladney workers) at Kaldi's for breakfast. Kaldi's is the "Ethiopian Starbucks". We enjoyed the infamous "machiattos" and croissant sandwiches. We all enjoyed a nice visit, but were also eager to finish up so that we could meet our children.

I (Shelly) was very torn about what this moment would be like. I knew that with Arsema's age this could be a very interesting first visit. We had been warned numerous times before in updates of Arsema's less than thrilled acceptance of strangers. It's a peculiar thing, to spend a year working on paperwork, fund-raising, traveling across the world to meet a little person who has no idea who you are. The visit was soon upon us and went much as I'd expected. Arsema had been woken up for our visit and changed into an outfit we had sent for her. Very sweet .... Her caregiver was quick to be sure the clothes were indeed changed before they brought her down. She was very reserved during our meeting and you could just see her little mind trying to figure everything out. It broke my heart to see her scared. We were able to take her outside awhile and just did a lot of looking at each other. I think most of all, I was just relieved to begin this process. It is going to take time and it just felt good to spend today working on our relationship.

We then got to come back over to our guest house and spend another hour or so before it was time to go to lunch. Arsema just looked at us and it was as if she wanted to cry, but just didn't even know about doing that. She finally just laid her head down on me and drifted off to sleep. So we just spent the next hour snuggling on the couch with her getting a nap. Then it was off to lunch to meet Belay at his wife. It was wonderful at lunch because Belay's wife held her and got to chatter about with her and she'd show some expression and then be quick to hide it again for fear we might just see her smile! Ha. It was pretty funny. Since we'd had some video of her, we knew what she was like in her familiar surroundings so it was interesting seeing her reaction to everything.

Then it was time to head back to the guest house for awhile again. I finally got her to take a bottle then which is a big step from pulling in her lips before. If you could only see her THIGHS you would see that she has not missed many meals! Oh my. Then it was time to fall asleep for another little nap before heading out to supper. Those of you know that we were sleep deprived for two years of Naomi's life will understand how strange it is to us to have this child just fall asleep on us with no effort. What a fun gift from God!

It is going to be a joy watching her build trust and show us her personality. Right now she is extremely guarded and quite afraid we might make her laugh when we play and we might actually see her smile. It's funny.

We've had some precious moments today and many somber ones. This precious babe just looks at us wondering why in the world her little life has turned upside down again. Tomorrow we work to expand her horizons into Daddy's arms. She was stretched to her limit today, so she spent the day in my arms ... All 22 lbs of her. Thankfully I had been working up some muscle for this girly.

Okay ... This is just too funny. She was sitting here next to me on the couch playing with a toy and her blankey and just nodded off to sleep. Our family reading this is probably laughing out loud right now in comparison to getting Naomi to sleep! David, Colton and I are just cracking up! Maybe she's worn out from hiding in those smiles all day. I have a feeling tomorrow will be harder for her to keep them hidden inside.

That's it for today ..... Time to try and get some rest.

~Shelly

Meeting Baby

2008-04-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad are in Ethiopia now. Here is a picture of Mom holding Maleah. Mom says she is kind of chubby! We can hardly wait to hold her ourselves!

Stay tuned because we'll be posting more pictures as we get them!

A Packing We Have Gone!

2008-04-24T16:34:00.001-07:00

Hello, fellow adoptive families! Several of you have emailed questions and I thought I'd just combine them all here on this post. I don't feel I have any expert things to share about the packing really, so you should check out other families that have traveled through Gladney as there were several wonderful posts!!! I'm too tired to find all the links, but just go search on all the past families and you'll find tons of great info! We did use Rubbermaid Roughneck totes for 4 humanitarian aid pieces of "luggage". The rest are our bags, as well as our children's bags for their trip. Yes, it did add up to a trailer load.

Where are you staying, did you get the house you were hoping for?

We are staying at the Ayat House. Several families have done reviews on it and we're thrilled this option worked out for our family. We'll be sharing it with Angie/Anil (Almost Mom blog) and we're excited about that. Our oldest son will be traveling with us.

Are you all packed?

I think so ... we'll have the bathroom stuff in the morning for everyone, but the trailer full of luggage sitting in our garage shows we are filled to overflowing! Some of the things I'm most excited about are care-packages we have the absolute privilege of delivering to some amazingly wonderful children! We will never forget the families that did this for us along our journey and we could not be happier to pass on that blessing!

What are you taking for gifts for caretakers, Belay, etc?

As many of you know we had a special project going on to help cover the needs associated with our adoption. So ... I have packets of hand-made cards for the caregivers as well as the In-country staff for their gifts. Many of you have been coming up with some wonderful ideas yourselves! For us, this just seemed the appropriate gift as these cards represent our journey to Ethiopia to bring home our daughter. In all the pictures we have of Arsema, there are two main caregivers that keep showing up. :) No doubt these special women have played a huge role in her attaching and thriving there at the Gladney Center for the last five months. For them I printed up pictures of them with Arsema as well as a picture of our family. I just put them in a simple photo book. Nothing fancy, but I think they will enjoy not only pictures of Arsema but also pictures of themselves with her as well.

We anticipate the opportunity to meet Arsema's birthmother also. For her we purchased a Bible in her own language. We have a quilted totebag purse type thing to put it in as well as some lotions. We also have a small photo book of pictures of Arsema and a family photo.

How long are your flights?

We have two flights to get us from North Dakota to DC. We end up with a long layover going at DC. Once we're on that flight it's 16 or 17 hrs. to Ethiopia. I forget exactly ...... just LONG! :)

How long will you be gone?

Not exactly sure! :) If we're able to come home early as some families have done (if paperwork goes through smoothly and there is an available flight back) we'll take it! If not, at least we'll all be home before Mother's Day, of which I'm thrilled about.

Are you excited?

I don't really know how to answer this. If you're asking if I'm full of anticipation to meet my daughter finally .... well of course YES! Am I excited that she now has to be moved from her caregivers .. the people she's grown to trust and love and feel safe with? .... no. There is loss with adoption. It's not always popular to talk about ... sometimes it makes people feel uncomfortable. But there is ... and I'm feeling it. It's been a very reflective time for me ... as have the last 12 months. There is a portion of my daughter's life that I don't know a lot about. I know that someday that will will matter to her. So I prepare to go to her birth country with great anticipation. I hope to find bits and pieces of her story from those who have loved her and cared for her. I long for any nugget that I can journal for her that she may have one day. I know these things will be something she'll treasure.

I don't think anything can quite prepare you for this journey. We're going with eyes wide open, hearts exposed .... ready for God to teach us, mold us, change us. We have climbed literal mountains to get to this part .... we have experienced God's faithfulness in ways we could never have imagined. HE alone is the one who has made all this happen. He has worked through so many people ..... yet if it wasn't for Him ... this would never have come to be.

We can hardly wait to smooch on these big cheeks of this precious child. What I have learned along this journey is that you can be over the moon with joy and yet be grieving at the same time. It's so strange, but it's true. I grief for Arsema's birthmother ... I long to see her ... Lord willing, we'll get that opportunity. I grieve for a people who are so loving, yet because of circumstances out of their control are left with pieces that cannot be put together. Above all else .... we rejoice. We rejoice in the One who called us on this journey of faith. We rejoice in what He's done both in our lives and in this precious little one's life. We give Him all praise.

What a gift today to receive yet a few more photos from a traveling family. Thank you Sharon!!! I just love her sleepy eyes waking up. :)

Haven't I Waited Long Enough???

2008-04-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

This photo that Becca took cracked us up! She's kinda lookin' like I feel a lot of days .... haven't we waited long enough? You'd think these last days would be flying by. They don't seem to be. Oh well ..... we're almost there now! I think I need to carry Naomi around between now and when we leave though to build up my arm muscles for this girly! Naomi has always been SO tiny and petite ... it looks like Arsema has some very fun cheeks to smooch on! :)

We're Happy!

2008-04-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Aawwwww ...... nothing could make a momma happier while she waits than a new pic of her babe! Especially when someone was able to capture a BIG SMILE! Thanks Becca!!!! Wow .... less than a week and we can see these smiles in person! Now THAT makes me even happier! What a long, long journey. We can finally see the end in sight!

Suppose we ought to get back to packing!

Pretty in Pink

2008-04-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

What a pleasant surprise to receive this pic today! It's kind of ironic when a friend that I've never met in person has met my daughter in person before I have! What a blessing to have other adoptive families on this journey. Our boys haven't been so fond of how many pics we get of their sister in blue "boys clothes". Ha! So when Becca offered to tuck in something to our sweetie, we couldn't resist to send a little pink. Our littlest miss is weighing in just 4 pounds under her big sister now! Oh my, that could be interesting! Thanks so much Zach for sending this on to us!!

Tickets - Check!

2008-04-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Funny ... you wait and you wait and you wait ... then it's finally time to spring into action and do all the travel arrangements. The insanity is quite lovely and much more treasured than the insanity of the wait! :) Anyway, we purchased some crazy expensive flights (perhaps a benefit of living where we do?) and are working on a place to stay. We have packed our humanitarian aid and since it is SNOWING again here!!! ..... I decided I could go ahead and pack my clothes, since I have no use for them here at the moment (spring clothes that is) - yes, it's true, we're in long sleeves and sweaters here!

That's about it. Just counting down the days!!!

Amazing . . .

2008-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

The most precious gifts since our referral have been traveling families that have taken photos for us. They give us a peek into our daughter's life, her personality, her journey. We hope to return the favor to other families as we travel. So to you waiting families! ... please just email us and we'll be happy to make arrangements. It is truly AMAZING what the Lord has done on this journey ... both for Arsema, in giving her life .... then joining our lives together. We wil never get over this miracle. So enjoy the pics!, I've been saving them for this splendid day. (note: the first pic is of her at nine months old, when she went from the orphanage into the Gladney care center)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh HAPPY Day!!!

2008-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, Ladies & Gentlemen~

It is official!!! ... court went well and this part of the long journey is finally over! So we introduce to you .... Maleah Faith Arsema Roberts! We will be united with her near her 14 mo. birthday! :) Will share more photos later ... for now I have FLIGHTS to book! Praise be to God for getting us to today.

It's Almost Time! . . .

2008-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

While our court date is "April 9th", with the time difference, it will all really be happening the night of the 8th. Would appreciate your prayers that all the paperwork will be clearly presented and that the judge would grant our adoption to be official!

We received the most incredible little gift in the mail today ... a short video clip from a recently traveled family. Thanks Waltons!!! It was of our babe playing with the doll we sent her. How fun it was to see her in action as her caregiver was trying to get her to give the dolly kisses. We are ready to see it all in person!

At Turtle Speed ... so it seems

2008-04-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

So this is how the wait for the court appointment feels. I hope I don't discourage some ... I know there are those who have waited longer for even a court date. I think this whole thing is just catching up with this momma's heart. I watched the pics of our babe turn from baby-baby into baby-toddler wondering what on earth is going on in her life. And I've about had all the waiting I can deal with. This turtle image cracked me up ... it's how I feel ... get up and RUN turtle!! Ha.

Our babe should be finishing her TB treatments now and is getting so much stronger and healthy. We are thrilled. She is not fond of those she doesn't know ... hint, prayer request for when we meet her!!! She is especially attached to two of her caregivers and for that we are so grateful! This will mean a better transition and further attachment for her.

This week we had the most incredible gift as two families sent us pictures!! We even got two short video clips of our sweetie in action and one more is on the way I'm told, from another family. BLESSED!!!! ... wow, we've been blessed this week by those.

What are we doing while we wait? Cleaning and organizing and DOWN-sizing. Nothing makes me happier at the moment than to clear out clutter and have a home more manageable.

We hope next week brings news of a successful court date and that travel plans will be underway. Would very much appreciate your prayers on that.

Children Around the World

2008-03-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wow!, we felt so blessed today. The local agency we work with for the ND part of our adoption hosts a Multi-Cultural Group quarterly. It is such a special time to connect with other families with similar dynamics. It was so fun seeing how the kids had changed since our meeting in the fall. The other family that has adopted from Ethiopia has a little girl that is just two days difference in age from our new babe. It was such a neat opportunity to whisper in Naomi's ear .... that is about how big "sister" is gonna be. This little sweetie had just learned to walk and it was so much fun seeing her toddle all around. Other countries represented were Guatemala, China, Vietnam and the USA twice! (woo-hoo!!)

We got to share of our experiences in becoming a multi-cultural family. It's interesting how different our experiences have been with domestic adoption and international adoption ... even though both of our daughters will probably share similar skin tones. It was just so awesome to be in a room full of people where you could talk candidly and know they would understand! To empathize with each other when you face challenges and to rejoice with each other in our diversity.

It's a blessing for our boys as well, to see other families with similar dynamics. They love seeing all the little kids.

Back when our family began, we never dreamed we'd someday be a multi-cultural family. What a special journey this has been. We've been stretched and grown in ways we never would have thought possible. We are just so full of joy as we anticipate meeting the new little member of our family so many miles away. We cannot wait to tell her in person how much we love her and how we've been longing to see her. AND!, we picked out some very appealing toys today to pack in the suitcase to try and entice her while she learns who we are! Mission accomplished!

News from afar . . .

2008-03-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." Psalm 25:25

All of you fellow adoptive families know exactly what I'm talking about. We work SO hard to do all of our part in this process ... the literal mountains of paperwork, the finances, during all those months it seems the work will never end. Then we get to the "waiting period". At first we are THRILLED to be there because it's the part we've waited SO long to achieve. But often quickly that "high" settles and we wait and we wait having absolutely NO control in anything. At times we almost wish there was just one more bit of paperwork we could conquer to speed it up, but there is none. Sometimes during that process we're found guilty of even wishing time away, just to be over the long enduring wait. What a challenge that was for me, because I did not want to wish away time with my children here that I have home ... yet I found myself struggling some days to cope with the "here and now" as I anticipated what was to come.

So during this wait we long for bits and pieces of our child's life to be revealed to us. It can haunt us how much we've missed out on .. the things that will forever remain unknown to us. I was not anticipating just how hard that would hit me when we received our babe's referral. I'm kind of a photo-nut! I absolutely love to take photographs, create with them, preserve them. The earliest photo I have of our babe is at nine months old. While I am SO grateful for that, fully realizing some children won't even have a baby photo ... it still was a loss and I needed to just accept it as that.

As families have traveled and shared pictures with us, now I have received a few more "bits and pieces" of our babe's life. Each one is an amazing gift. Someday she will have these and be able to see that she was treasured, loved and nurtured ... even during this time we are apart. So this morning when I had new pics in my inbox ... yeah!! ... so happy ... and sad. Sad of what we're missing out on, but SO happy to see every tiny detail.

You'll remember from an earlier post we sent a doll to our babe. So these pics were of the family that delivered it. From one picture you can tell that the doll passed the "taste test" and is being enjoyed! :)

Yes indeed ... "Like cold water is to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." How we long to travel to that distant land ... Lord willing, it will be soon.

A couple pictures and a couple thoughts . . .

2008-03-24T11:15:00.001-07:00

So ... here it is, another Monday. Here is ND that means another cold, windy and snow-on-the-ground Monday. Snow is fun in November, December, January and if you stretch it ... can be fun in February. But March? .... not so fun. I'm ready for TULIPS!

Wish I could show you pics of all our precious children, but since we have yet to make it to our court date ... I'll have to settle for showing you four of them. I still kind of chuckle when I realize the "number" of children we'll have. I think we're going to make it to the prestigious title of "mini-mega" family. Mega would be like 10 and we're only half way there, so we'll graduate at the "mini-mega" size. :)

Anyway, Easter was a reflective/somber time for me. It just so clearly explains the "why" behind all that is going on in our lives. To think about what God did for us, by sending his ONLY son ... that He would care THAT much for me ... it's so hard to comprehend. Jesus is the absolute foundation for why we went on this adoption journey yet again. And while I am about to burst open with anticipation and joy of meeting our next child ... and pouring out my love to them .... it's only a fraction of what God offers to us, every day.

We have a COURT DATE!!!!

2008-03-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

What a glorious ray of light on a very drab North Dakota day! So here's the deal ... I have really been struggling with all this lost time with our little one. We were ready back last fall for her .... and yet she had to wait several more long months and it just was really ripping at my heart. So I've been asking God for a miracle with her court date and to redeem some of this lost time. As you know in the world of international adoption ... NOTHING is in stone ... so this is just a date and it's possible it can be post-poned, or a new date given if her case doesn't pass the first time through. But just as I asked for a miracle for her date ... I will keep asking for God to make the path smooth for her court hearing. I'm especially burdened for her birth-mom in this part of the process.

So! ... the date is April 9th! With the time difference, we'd like to ask you to be praying the evening of the 8th and any moment in between that the Lord leads you to pray! Thank you so much.

Monday Morning Ramblings . . .

2008-03-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I must admit ... I just hesitate to post anything on here lately. I often sit and ponder just how much to share. While writing a friend last night, I told her ... "I feel like there is no more stretch left in my rubber band." There's this wonderful little devotional put out by the Shaohannah's Hope ministry. In it a parent is giving some insight in one section and one sentence really stood out to me this morning. "God isn't going to send you where He is absent." How true this is! I have to say that this journey I've been on is something I have never experienced before, even having adopted once already. It's like all the layers of my heart have been peeled back and God is using this time to teach me so much about HIS children.

As a mom we take on so much responsibility for the day-to-day needs of our children. I think this is in part what makes this section of the waiting so difficult. In our babe's pictures I see her moving out of the "innocent baby stage" into this cautious season of wondering what on earth is going on in her life. It is a comfort to know how much the Gladney staff cares about these precious children. Yet we are eager to move on to the next phase of this journey and begin the process of earning her trust and helping her to heal.

Scott Hasenbalg in this devotional says this: "The adoption journey is not easy, but every hour of toil, every obstacle encountered, every tear shed, every sleepless night - all are but a shadow of the price that God paid for us. Jesus came to be a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28), and if God was willing to pay that ransom for us, how much more will He be willing to lead us in ransoming His beloved children from their state as orphans? And it is His love that compels us onward in obedience, whatever the cost, for He who calls us is faithful. Our God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who is rich in mercy and grace, who generously provides for all that we need, this God knows the costs we will incur, and promises to be with us and for us every step of the way. This is about faith in action. This is an invitation to experience God in ways we've never experienced Him before". Wow! ... how true. And so we walk on and trust Him. Little did I know back a year ago when God was speaking to my heart that there was a child in Ethiopia that we were to go and bring home ... little did I know all that this journey would entail. One thing is for sure ... we will never be the same. God has done something in our family that has changed us forever ... and we are only part way there. God is not sending us where He is absent ... He will walk us through each step, sometimes carrying us. His grace is sufficient both for us and for this precious child that He's bringing into our family. He has a wonderful plan for her life. He has sustained her and He will continue to work out every detail of her future because He loves her ... because she belongs to Him ... because she is HIS child.

As we approach Easter ... do you realize that for your own life? You are HIS, He loves you and He doesn't want to leave you just as you are, but He has a plan for your life. His plan for our lives doesn't always look familiar to us. But I can tell you that there is no better place to be.

Cleaning Out!

2008-03-12T12:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, Becca, this post is for you! Ummm ... you asked for something "fun and inspiring ... to keep me busy". Well you could just come over and see for yourself what's got me busy! I am CLEANING OUT!!! Yes, it's true ... our home has kind of been neglected this past year as we worked hour after hour on our "Stamp a Child Home Project". I'll spare you the details.

I could easily spiral downward during this time of waiting for a court date and dealing with all the unknowns, but I'm trying with all my might to stay productive. While I am praying for a miracle for an expedited court process for our babe, there is really nothing else I can do about the situation. I've been asking God to redeem some of the time lost with her. As I contemplated on what our transition will be like in bringing her home, I decided there is PLENTY I could be doing right NOW, so that I can put all things aside again while we settle in as a family.

SO! ... that's the inspiration behind the dump truck picture. What I would LOVE to have a picture of is my dear husband eyes when he came home for lunch and saw the mountainous piles headed to the "give-away-place". That was a great photo opportunity that got missed, I'm afraid. I assured him there was NOTHING in my piles that he'd miss and kept right on filling bags.

Since our 3 yr. old is a very easy waker-upper, we decided some creativity is in need for our transition time when we come home. The great big closet David built in our bedroom for storage was the perfect solution to this in-between time when we want to be close by to meet her needs without waking up the 3 yr. old! So off the closet doors came (that needed to be replaced anway) and thanks to my amazing middle son, in went the crib! Just ask the guy and seriously in 15 min. the crib was down from the upstairs in pieces! And in about 15 min. more it was all back together! And I must add that the youngest son was great at keeping sister occupied while we tackled everything. That's what I call team work.

Dolly for sister

2008-03-06T07:03:00.001-08:00

Naomi was happy to give sister's doll a hug before we ship her off to TX. Then she will travel with a family to Ethiopia. We are SO BLESSED by the families that God has brought into our lives through this journey. We thought it would be fun to see a pic of sister with the same doll so we can compare size! :)

One week down waiting for a court date. They have been taking a horribly long time. We are asking God for a miracle to redeem some time that has been lost on this journey. Our little one has waited far long enough for her family! How grateful we are for the Gladney staff in Ethiopia and the way they care for the children. Yet we ache to hold her ourselves.

Always on my mind ... forever in my heart.

2008-03-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick posting here. I am working on an order for our Stamp a Child Home project. If you have questions about that, just leave a comment and I can share more in email. Thanks. Anyway! .... as soon as I saw this saying in a new stamp set I purchased, it so perfectly summarizes an adoptive momma's heart.

We got to send out a care package to our sweetie this week! SO happy about that. The kids drew pictures and we sent the softest blanket ever and a chewable-safe photo album with our pictures. It felt good to finally send a couple of things that have been waiting here all these months. We hope they can bring comfort to her, not only now, but also when she makes yet another transition into our arms.

Okay ... back to designing cards. At least now the end is in sight!

If you are the creative type and would like to see some more ideas, pop over

HERE!

A Day to Remember . . .

2008-02-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well .... of any days that I am NOT home to get that infamous call .... you guessed it ... TODAY! After some tracking down of me and 3 kids in town, David was able to reach us and I made it to our social worker's office in the town I was in (I did have this plan, just in case!!). Everything is kind of a blur right now. Partly because of just the awe of "this day" anyway ... but also trying to put the pieces of our precious daughter's life together. All that she's been through ... it's almost more than this momma's heart can stand.

What a JOY it is to see her smiling face and know that she is now healthy and well. Such deep joy ... yet such sadness over all we've lost with her. Wow .... but we have a whole life to enjoy together.

I will write more later. I just wanted to say "Hey everyone!! it finally happened! and we have a 12 month old precious child of God waiting for us on the other side of the world!" The day finally arrived ... the timing in every detail of her life and our journey is just almost unreal.

And I'd like to give a shout out to all you amazing families that have traveled recently. I know ya'll have more pictures of our sweet girl!!! .... so FYI she got to the Gladney home last November and would have been in the older baby house I do believe. Please email me and we'll figure out how to get pics. Thank you SO MUCH. robertsfamily@mlgc.com

More to come later. Oh, and I'm sorry, but I cannot post a pic of her on the blog until we pass through court ... so you can pray for that!!! ... it'll be a very hard wait. Thanks!

Well well, we made it to 21 weeks of waiting!

2008-02-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

We're not really into breaking records!, so I hope that we don't do that with this adoption wait. Ha! :) But it is definitely a time that God has been using and it is certainly not a fruitless time! We are are rejoicing in who HE is and all that HE has done and will continue to do through this adoption journey.

Greatness

2008-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145:3: Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Salty Tears - Yet Trusting Him

2008-02-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

Today was an odd day ... I had like 20 min. alone with no other person (or personS) was around. I've realized as our older kids have gotten, well ... older ... that my "alone time" is more and more scarce. Normally this is just fine. I thoroughly enjoy time with my boys while sis is napping and we can do "older people" stuff.

But lately I've realized just how numb I'm becoming. If I so much as wear half a frown, my little girly is asking ... "MOMMY!, WHAT'S WRONG???". Well honey ... I have NO idea what tomorrow is gonna bring for 20 and a half weeks now and it could make a momma's heart go bonkers! (be assured, I do not tell her this)

So what happened when I finally had that alone time? T-E-A-R-S. Tears??? Okay, they are much more salty than I ever remember. Made me realize just how long it's been since I've had a good cry. This is a good thing to do once in a while by the way. :)

Anyway, an old Twila Paris song came to my mind. It's one that so often would through the years when I'd be facing an especially trying time. Perhaps you know it. It was clear back at our MBI days that we saw her in concert. Seems ages ago ... gee, I guess it was!

Tonight after everyone headed to bed I did a search for it and found this video. What's even better is that she goes into another great song next that is truly the cry of us waiting families .... "Do I trust you, Lord?". There are so many unknowns wrapped up in adoption, especially international adoption.

I have nothing profound to share ... just that I am SO thankful that my heavenly father knows right where I'm at. He knows that I trust Him, even when I don't have answers. And when I struggle to trust Him ... all I have to do is look to Him and He'll show me how.

20 Random Things

2008-02-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

So ... here we are! 20 weeks of waiting for our referral. As I contemplated what to share with you, I decided it was fitting to share 20 random things with you. Some of these are things we've learned a long the way ... some are truths from God's Word that bring strength.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:18 Sometimes he asks us to join Him on such a process. What a ride adoption is!

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." -Psalm 68:5 It's not about us, but what God does through us to bring this all about.

I've learned that when our family works as a team, the possibilities are limitless! This journey has truly been a family endeavor!

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." -Psalm 130:5 "I/We" cannot make this happen! It is only the Lord and we must wait for Him to bring it to completion.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" -Matthew 25:40 At times we've gotten so weary on this journey. There have been times my perspective got out of whack. When we stand in Ethiopia I want to have NO regrets. The weariness will all fade away when we see first hand the needs before us.

I've learned that God's ways are SO far beyond mine! ... He's used complete strangers to join us on this journey and help it come to completion.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3 Wow!, when God calls you to do something, He will make it succeed. We've seen His power and provision in the day-to-day ... we'll never forget it.

"God sets the lonely in families." -Psalm 68:6 How joy-filled we are that He is about to do that again in our family.

"Bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth ..." -Isaiah 43:66 We never dreamed years ago that this would become a reality in our family.

I've learned what a blessing it is to go to bed tired at night, knowing that what I did that day truly mattered to God, even if no one else ever knows about it.

God said, "My presence will go with you. I will see the journey to the end." - Ex 33:14 As hard and long as this is .... we are NOT alone!!! How I have to remember that daily right now.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24 My courage has crumbled so many times. This verse brings much comfort.

I've learned more about what really matters in this life. Wow!, we Americans can really get things messed up concerning priorities!

"Children are a gift from God." -Psalm 127:3 Adoption, or even having a larger family, is not all that popular in today's culture. God's word is clear.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 My heart rejoices when I read this verse and think of our soon-coming child. God has a plan of hope & a future for her. What a privilige it's gonna be to get to see that lived out.

I've learned that God IS enough, no matter what your situation. I would not have signed up to learn it in the ways He's allowed, but trust His heart and know that He knows best.

"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we aks or think ..." - Ephesians 3:20 Wow!, have we seen this!!! Thank you God!

"Before they call I will answer, and while they are still speaking I will hear." -Isaiah 65:24 God hears us! .... and He hears the cries of the waiting children. They are HIS and He cares!

I've learned to embrace the incredible gift of a friend ... even when we're miles apart and in some cases have never even met in person! God provides what we need ... how I needed this! and God knew. I am so humbled by how He cares for us.

And lastly, I've learned that with God all things are possible. I am right now living out all the "reasons" why I thought I could never endure an international adoption. And I guess that's still accurate .... "I" can't!! ... but with God! .... it is the only way I make it through. How faithful He is.

Moments and Miracles

2008-02-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

One thing I've found to be so challenging along this journey is to keep living in the here and now, while eagerly anticipating the future. I know you fellow adoptive families can all too well relate. I truly don't want to miss these moments with my children or my husband ... yet truth be told, it is a daily challenge. Steven Curtis Chapman captures this so well in his song "Miracle of the Moment". Below is the video for you to enjoy. God is always at work ... even when we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly together in front of us. He is the master designer and He is in control. My mind can be consumed of "what ifs" and "if onlys". May you see the miracle of the moments today.

Week 19

2008-02-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

We're at 19 weeks of waiting for our referral, with nothing profound to say about it. That's about what the temp was in the cold North today as well! ... well, maybe we reached that. Brrrrr.

A Special Night!

2008-02-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

What a special night we enjoyed at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. We have really appreciated what he and his wife Mary Beth are doing with the Shaohannah's Hope ministry. So, to get to say thank-you in person, was a special privilege. The journey of adoption can sometimes be a lonely one. Not always will others understand what God is doing in your life. How neat it was to see SCC's two sons with him in concert and see a glimpse of what God is doing in their lives.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening full of worship and "pink lights"! Naomi would squeal with delight every time the lights flashed pink! She was not so sure of being on stage when it was time for that. It is our prayer that others got to catch a glimpse of what it looks like to step out in faith, trusting God to do what we might see as impossible. It's so not about "us" and so all about HIM.

If you're familiar with the Show Hope project then you know that at each concert they pass buckets around and collect change, which when all put together makes a tremendous difference to "Show Hope" to orphans. We were blessed with being a recipient of that last night. We have seen time and time again how when people work together, so much can be accomplished. What a joy it is to know we're one step closer to meeting the needs of this adoption. We can hardly wait to meet the special little one that this has all been about.

What a journey this has been. When we stepped out and answered God's call to adopt again, we honestly had no idea how we'd get there! (humanly speaking) All that we could see where mountains and obstacles. Adoption is a daunting task. The paperwork alone could wear a person out. But throughout this whole process God has continually reminded us of the "why" and "who" this is about. He's taught us great truths about His heart and what He sees as important. He's poured into us strength when we were tired and weary. Last night was another wonderful example of His faithfulness, as He ministered to us through songs and helped us to know once again that we are not alone. We are just so grateful to so many people who have joined us on this journey and has helped to make a difference in the life of one more child.

Week 18!

2008-02-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Eighteen weeks and a whole lotta M&M's later ... here we are. Maybe we should make a beautiful cake like this while we wait! Hhmmm ... nope, we have too many other things to do! We'll have to stick with getting our chocolate fix from M&M's. Hopefully I won't have to find an image for week number 19 or 20!

Hidden Blessings

2008-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have to say .... we began this "blog thing" to have a place for family/friends (since so many are SO far away from us!) to be able to keep up-to-date on the adoption journey. Well, what I didn't realize would happen is that God would bring special people into our lives that are walking their own journey of adoption! People like Becca. Now Becca didn't know I really do not care to play "tag" again .... where you get to tell all sorts of things about yourself. I'd rather crawl under a table. :) But I will try to be a good sport and play along. My family would be laughing ... I don't "do" sports! Thankfully this game does not involve running!

8 things I'm passionate about:
My family ... let's see Hubby, 3 amazing boys, 2 special unexpected daughters ... see I'm up to 6 already!
Adoption
The life-sustaining truth of God's word

8 things I want to do before I die:
Do my best to raise up some amazing kiddos!
Live my days with a focus on eternity.
Tackle a couple of writing projects that I'm afraid to start.
See my children all walking with the Lord.
Run a little coffee-house with my husband.
Pursue my interest in photography.
Get to enjoy my beautiful multi-ethnic family consisting of many grandchildren!
Go somewhere alone with my husband (like for longer than a 24 hr. period of time!), who is my closest friend. :)

8 things I say often:
No more M&M's Naomi. (yes, she's an addict)
Stay on task!
Have you done your jobs?
I love you more than ...
Okay - I quit ... I know I talk plenty!, maybe I should be more aware of what I say! Ha. :)

8 shows I've recently watched:
Hhmmm ... don't watch many shows ... too busy making cards and other things for our project! :) When I'm not doing that .. here are a few things I like to do:
Spend time with my husband (especially when it's all quiet after the kids go to bed).
Drink coffee in one of my favorite mugs with just the right amount of creamer.
Have friends over.
Hear from a long-distance friend.
Play games with my kids.
Get visits from family.
READ!
Cook.

8 artists I never tire of listening to:
No one specific ... sorry, I'm kinda boring. I love music though!

8 things that attract me to my friends:
Seeing them seek after God.
Hospitality.
Shared interests.
Compassion.
Honesty.
Their desire to grow.
Trust.

8 things I learned in 2007
That God would lead us to bring home a child from Ethiopia.
That my husband truly loves me in sickness and in health (ishy health stuff in 2007!!)
That God would truly meet all of our needs.
God knows our heart, even when the world may not.
That being in my 30's is really a great thing!
That marriage can just keep getting sweeter.
That my boys are half-grown!, I better enjoy them!!
That my view of what's important has changed a great deal.

Okay, sorry for boring you. Now what happens next is you torment someone else with this job. I will give Kimberly the joy ... another special waiting mom whom I appreciate so much. And sorry for complaining Becca ... I'm a tish cranky waiting for that call! :)

Seventeen weeks!

2008-01-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

There are so many pieces of adoption. It's not just about "having a baby" or "adding a child". It's about joining lives that God ordained to be united. The reason for the need of adoption to happen is a sobering one. It is heart-breaking ... it is not "happily-ever-after". Some have symbolized the adoption process with pregnancy. While there are SO many similarities and symbolisms that can be made ...... there is one vast difference and from a momma's perspective, it's one of the most difficult during this time of unknown and waiting. When I was pregnant and "expecting" my first three children .... no matter all the unknowns or complications (I experienced several) ... I would always feel my tummy and know that all was well. I had something I could put my hand on, literally ... and "check-in" a thousand times a day or night, as only a mother would. During this "waiting" with adoption, there is nothing I can feel with my hand to know all is well. A child that is already so very much a part of my heart is out of my grasp ... a half world away ... surrounded by so many unknowns. They have already experienced loss in their little life that I have never known. While adoption is a miraculous thing, a beautiful thing, an absolutely wonderful thing ....... that's not all that it is. There's something in us as a parent that just wants to make everything better for our children. We want to soothe them, comfort them, give them a place to heal.

This verse in Habuakkuk brings much comfort during the season of waiting.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3

I have NO control over anything that is about to happen in our lives. But I know the ONE who does. It is there I must find refuge ... it is the ONLY place I will find peace. If I do not rest there, I will lose my mind. The "what ifs" on this journey alone could cause you to need a major dose of prescriptions! :) When I find my mind drifting in a sea of unknowns, thrashing wildly about in the waves of fear .... I must, by mere obedience, let God take control of my thoughts. I must submit everything in me to His loving care.

So while we are thrilled beyond belief of the changes coming in our lives ..... we are also very much aware of the other sides of adoption. I believe this is what creates such an urgency in my spirit as a mom ..... to see my child with my own eyes and to know that with God's great love and healing .... all will be well.

You may not be facing the journey of adoption ... perhaps your life is on a far different journey all of it's own. No matter where you are, or what you're going through ... I encourage you to look to the ONE who has all things under His control. He can truly be our firm foundation and longs to lead us, if we'll only follow.

Pictures from the past

2008-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

As promised, here's a few pics of Naomi's homecoming .... hard to believe it's been 3 years already! This is not the pic I was looking for, but the ones David found for me. oh well, they'll do. :) The first one is of when she first came home. The other two are Valentine's a month later ... wonder what I was telling the boys to get them to giggle. Guess it worked!

A Peek at Progress

2008-01-23T18:09:00.001-08:00

Okay, I promised a peek at what we've been working on for our project. I say WE, because me spending time getting these designs done means that some special "others" have to pitch in above and beyond or we'd all go hungry and not have clean underwear! This journey is truly a family endeavor ... and goes far beyond our family. Anyway, these special cards, along with many more will be shipped out in the near future ... destination Illinois! (sorry for the poor lighting, that's what you get when you take photos in the evening in this room!)

And I said yesterday I'd try to find a pic of our homecoming with Naomi. Well, David will have to help me on that one, as I do not have a clue where the old pictures are saved. We'll eventually get them on here. :)

Week Sweet 16!

2008-01-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here we are at week Sweet 16! Nothing new .... just workin' every spare moment on a special order for a friend in IL! A peek coming soon. Tomorrow marks a special day in our family .... 3 years ago tomorrow sweet and spunky Naomi came HOME! I'll see if I can dig up a pic of that as well. Until then, this momma needs some sleep! Take Care.

Seasons Change

2008-01-18T07:43:00.001-08:00

At times it dawns on us that our lives are about to really change ... again! Someone asked the other day how many kids we have .... I had to stop and think. It seems just like yesterday I was grasping the number turned from 3 to 4! .... now Naomi was been with us for three years. Yeah, maybe I'm a little slow to catch on. :) As busy as life gets .... sometimes we get caught up in survival mode, instead of being intentional. While I am ready like yesterday!, to get that call of news of our new little one ...... I most certainly don't want to miss out on TODAY and what all God is doing right NOW. I cannot imagine walking through this journey with anyone but my David. He is strong and steady, yet gentle and compassionate. I am so incredibly blessed. We're moving into yet another season of our lives. Our boys are growing up, both in height, age and maturity. What a joy it is to watch them grow and stand on their own convictions about things they believe strongly in. They each are so unique. Now soon we'll have both a babe AND a toddler/pre-schooler on our hands! Let the fun begin!

Some years back, a friend gave me a little glass stone that has the the verse of 2 Corinthians 5:7 inside. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." That has been so true of our lives. I have always kept it on my keyboard. It reminds me often that while I may not know the details of where we're going ..... God does!! I have to walk by faith knowing HE has everything in His control. It's my job to trust Him and obey what He's told me to do ..... and I must leave the rest up to Him.

We appreciate all of you fellow adoptive families that have shared your journeys with us. It's been such a tremendous blessing to have your encouragement and support. May you find comfort today in knowing God IS in control and He has a wonderful plan for your lives.

We've Made it Through 15 Weeks Waiting!

2008-01-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

What a better way to spend the start of another week than with a friend ... and one of my sons, of course. It was a welcomed break from designing cards and cleaning. As an added bonus, I even got to share in some special company over lunch. Another wonderful highlight was stopping in to see our social worker and "talk adoption". We have been so blessed by her through both of our adoptions.

This Heart's For You!

2008-01-12T14:33:00.001-08:00

Okay Aunt Rosie ..... here's the heart card you requested. As I told you, I can do any kind of sentiment in the lower right.

More Milestones!

2008-01-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update today. What a busy week it's been. We enjoyed a wonderful visit from David's folks. I had already scheduled my open house before we knew they were coming, so we had that this weekend too. It was a special day. Today marks week 14 for us. What an exciting year it's gonna be!

2008-01-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

We'll we're at week thirteen and very happy to be here! It means there can't be too many more weeks to wait! We have some grant paperwork being reviewed right now ... would appreciate your prayers about that.

Also have a little detail concerning a vehicle to be worked out yet. Okay .... so "little detail" is a bit of an exaggeration! .... but in God's perspective, it is a mere detail.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Well, our day had to take on a Plan B, as the man of the house has the flu. Ishy. Thankfully the worst was yesterday for him though. So instead of going out to friends ... we stayed home and had a little birthday fun in our jammies! As you can see by the photos the dolls and furniture were a HUGE HIT with the birthday girl! Nathaniel had a blast assembling everything. We also made butterfly cookies. The pink cake will wait til later in the week when all tummies are well. Sssshhhh ..... the kids don't know it, but we are anticipating a visit from a set of grandparents this weekend! As we were decorating cookies Nathaniel & I decided this is much more fun than last year sitting in a hospital room with him in horrid pain with a broken leg!

May you have a wonderful 2008!

Saying Goodbye .... to 2007!

2007-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Wow!, what a year! We have been stretched more this year than probably any other single year thus far of our journey here on earth. It's only by God's goodness and grace that we have made it through the valleys and mountain-top moments this year!

Tomorrow not only marks the first day of a new year, but also our daughter's third birthday! It's hard to believe that nearly three years ago we got that life-changing email ...... "a little African American girl ... born with a heart defect ... having open heart surgery today". I will never forget the exact moment of receiving that information. While it was much different in many ways than we had anticipated (we were not expecting the health issues) .... we knew for SURE, this was the child God had led us to nine months prior. We had the absolute privilege of praying for our precious Naomi all throughout her open-heart surgery. By evening we received word that she made it through and was stable and to get on a plane headed for Houston! We had to adjust travel plans, as with her hospital stay, I'd need to go alone and be with her until closer to the time she could come home. So three flights later, the last of which was in a terrible storm and I was certain I was not going to land properly! ...... I landed in TX. Unfortunately I had to wait til the next morning to get to the hospital.

I will always treasure the first moment I laid eyes on our precious daughter. While she was still on a breathing machine, dialysis and umpteen other tubes and wires ..... I saw those big brown eyes and it took my breath away. My heart crumbled as the realization of her aloneness sunk in. At that moment it no longer mattered to me who understood or supported our adoption. What I knew was that a woman that I would never have the privilege of meeting made the courageous decision to give this little girl the gift of LIFE. In our culture today, that should never be minimized. And now it was up to us to be her family. People have said how lucky she is to have a family .... while they mean well, they have it all wrong. Every child deserves a family. Through Naomi's life, we have understood in such a greater depth of just how much God loves us. His love for us is not based on what we have to give ... His love is a free gift, a complete gift ... the only thing that really satisfies the soul.

Do you know His love? .... do you know Him as your father? .... I cannot think of a better way to start off the new year than accept His free and perfect gift.

Tomorrow our 'lil spunky Texan babe will open up her birthday presents. And we will enjoy PINK cake (her request). No doubt our hearts and minds will be often drifting half a world away as we anxiously await news of our other 'lil babe that we have yet to meet. Our hearts are just overflowing with joy as we wait .... yet the journey of adoption is terribly bittersweet. To be adopted, means you have experienced great loss. But we'll save those thoughts for another post. Tonight we give God great THANKS for all He's done for us in 2007!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Praying you each have a blessed Christmas! We are just overwhelmed this year by God's Goodness, Joy and Love. How we long to have all of our children together ... yet He has been so gracious as we await that special news! We are just entering the 3-5 mo. time frame our agency gave us. How exciting!

2007-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

No news here ... entering week 11 of this wait. Continue to pray with us as we trust the Lord to care for our little-one ... so far away.

It's Not Fair!

2007-12-14T12:17:00.002-08:00

Sometimes our daughter will tell us this phrase when she isn't so happy about the outcome of something. And ... sometimes our answer is, "yeah, life's not fair!". But today as I think about my life and what God has done for me .... I too can say ... it's not fair. Before you think I have fallen off my rocker, let me explain. :)

I think about all He has done for me ..... sending His son to suffer and die for my sins. How is that fair? How in the world am I deserving of such love? He has given me a life I do not deserve. He pours out His tender mercies on me each day. He gives me strength to go on ... some times He alone is my strength.

A few years back, I underwent some scary health issues. I didn't know what the future held. I was so frightened and deeply challenged to really decide what I believe. Through God's grace, He chose to bring us through all of that. What could easily have been life-threatening ... was all caught in time. Yes there was pain, sorrow and loss. But still to this day I am overwhelmingly amazed by all the blessings the Lord has poured out. He has given me so much. Most of all, I have known HIM more which makes my life rich ... even on days that seem dark and dreary.

Are there days I pout like my daughter .... "it's not fair!!". I'm afraid I have to say yes ... I do. But the real truth is the opposite of that phrase ... I don't deserve this life ... how I thank the Lord He doesn't give us "what's fair". I would have far less.

Often in the busyness of life we don't stop and realize just all we have in HIM. Maybe you are experiencing a storm in your own life and need to be reminded that your heavenly father is right there ... wanting to give you everything He has. We have to look to Him and receive it. We have to submit ourself, our ways, our flesh to Him ... then we will truly be fulfilled.

On the adoption front ... the wait is difficult. I wish I were handling it with more grace than I am. But one day we'll look back and see God's hand in it all. How I don't want to miss out on what He's trying to teach me through this journey.

2007-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

Week 8 . . . that's where we are in the wait!

We have been blessed this week by a surprise visit from Grandpa Gene! That has been enjoyed very much.

Paper, Glue & Glitter .. Oh My!

2007-11-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

The title pretty much sums it up ... kiddos and I have been working every spare moment on stuff for our booth at the upcoming craft fair in our local town. We have no idea what to expect as far as what size crowd will come through ... and in ND the weather can be pretty unpredictable this time of year!

We are now seven weeks into the waiting process for our referral. It has proved to be very difficult, which we expected. The agency we are working with is awesome, as is our local agency that did our home study. We were very blessed to attend a Multi-Cultural Support Group hosted by our local agency this last Saturday. It was awesome to share experiences with other families. The couple sharing their story recently returned from Ethiopia with their first daughter. She was half of Naomi's size at only 9 mo. old! What a sweetie she was.

Naomi had so much fun playing with her little friend she met at the last event who was born in Vietnam. We all tried to convince her daddy it's time to go for #2!! We'll have to work on him a little harder it looks like.

Several countries were represented including Vietnam, China, Guatemala and Ethiopia. We are thankful for this support network.

Are you waiting?

2007-11-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Many times in our lives we'll find ourselves waiting. It could be for tests results ... it could be for a child who's gone astray ... perhaps a job ... a spouse ... and for many who have joined us on this journey it is a season of waiting on your child to join your family. Everyone reacts to waiting in different ways. I find great comfort in Isaiah 40:31 during seasons of waiting.

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31

Our family is in a season of waiting. There is a tendency to worry, become weary, and wrestle with all the unknowns. But what a comfort it is to know that when we wait for the Lord, we'll gain NEW strength.

We hope that no matter what season of life you are in .... that you might find strength as well in your "waiting".

Reflections of a mother's heart

2007-10-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sweet child of mine . . . how often my thoughts are of you. I wonder where you are today ... if there is someone to hold you and comfort you ... if you are hungry. How I long to be with you. It seems we've labored for so long now, to bring you home. People we will never even meet have joined us in this journey of bringing you home. There were times I didn't think I could do any more ... but each time I would think of you and knew you were counting on us to keep going. What joy fills our hearts to know you'll be part of our family. Our hearts also grieve over all you've lost already. I cannot give you back that which has been lost ... but I promise you that with the Lord's help we will share everything that is within us with you for a lifetime.

For now we wait. We wait with great expectation that you are being found, cared for and loved by the One who created you. Some day, my child ... they will call us and we will gaze upon your picture and prepare to travel to your homeland and welcome you into our arms. So many details we must trust the Lord for on this journey. Your life is a gift and one in which we treasure and embrace. How we long to see you.

Checkin' In ....

2007-10-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Nothing really new to report. You can just keep waiting right along with us. :) So what do we do while we wait? Plenty! Now that my (Shelly) health issues seem to be completed we are trying to just play catch up around here. I'm realizing just how LONG I'd been sick for. Crazy! Can you say messy house?, cluttered closets, long over-due to-do lists?!! Everyone is sporting a new haircut today, so we aren't lookin' so shabby around here. Well, that is everyone except the girly ... no scissors have yet to touch her hair! Speaking of hair, that reminds me that I need to be working with middle brother on hair-care since he'll be the primary one in charge of her sweet head while we're away traveling. We have this "deal" in our house. Daddy washes the hair once a week and I do the daily upkeep. Fair enough. :) I'll post sometime soon on what we've found to work well for our hair woes. Since all hair is different, I look forward to seeing our new babe's hair and finding what works best for her as well.

Other than that, we are keeping up with our studies and I've been tackling a few creative projects. One of those you'll see soon. I made a fun tin this last week and couldn't figure out what to DO with it. So, we decided we might as well have a 'lil fun on here while we all wait and have a silent auction! ... just in time for your gift giving needs. :) So stayed tuned for pics very soon!

Time for Tag?

2007-10-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, the wonderful world of blogging ..... I've been "tagged" by my dear, long-distance friend Miranda. You can visit her family over at On the Road to Emmaus

In other words, it's just a creative way to get to know each other. So here goes:

Present/Past Jobs:

1. Stay-at-Home Mom/Educator for 14 years.
2. Demo for Stampin' Up! (stamping/scrapbooking company)
3. Cleaned houses & gave piano lessons
4. Worked at a family owned farming retail business.
5. Helped people decorate their homes with a decorating company.

Places Lived:

1. Grew up in rural Illinois
2. Spent 2 years in Louisiana while my husband was in the Air Force.
3. Lived in 3 different apartments in the inner-city of Chicago (while hubby attended Moody Bible Institute)
4. Moved to rural North Dakota in two different locations where we plan to stay a very long time.

Favorite TV Shows:

1. Can't say that I have any. I prefer playing games with my family.
But if it were a movie! .... now that would be easy .... I love the series by Michael Landon Jr. of "When Loves Comes Softly", "Love's Enduring Promise" ... and the rest. New one is out soon! Yeah. :)

Books I've especially appreciated recently (in no particular order):

1. Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
2. A Life that says Welcome by Karen Ehman (awesome book on hospitality)
3. Carried Safely Home by Kristin Swick Wong (adoption)
4. The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
5. The Psalms - without the Lord I would fall and never be able to get back up again.
Pretty much anything on organization, home-making, hospitality, adoption, parenting, education ..... trust me ... I need all the help I can get!

Food Faves:
1. Chocolate
2. Homemade Taco Pizza
3. A particular salad at Chilis
4. Cheesecake or any other yummy dessert
5. Grilled chicken served next to steamed veggies

Places I've been: (wow my list is boring compared to my friends!!)
1. Texas to meet my daughter nearly 3 years ago at Texas Children's Hospital while she recovered from open-heart surgery
2. Tennessee - Great Smokey Mountains
3. Georgia - to see dear friends
4. Lord willing I will soon leave the USA for the 1st time ever, to meet our new daughter in Ethiopia.

Things I enjoy:
1. Quiet - after everyone is tucked safely into bed at night.
2. Good Coffee - especially when served by one of my sons in a favorite mug.
3. Spending time with the man of my life.
4. Playing games with my fam! .... the latest family fave is Quiddler!! ... and I love to win!
5. Photography - both taking pictures and preserving them and being creative with them.
6. Making things for others with paper crafts, stamping, etc.
7. Visits from friends, both old and new.

I will tag:
Jana at It's Good to be the Queen

2007-10-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

A wonderful message . . .

2007-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to share with you a message by John Piper. Many of you are probably familiar with him. Anyway, it's a fabulous message and we hope is an encouragement to you. Click on the link below and it will take you there.

Adoption: The Heart of the Gospel :: Desiring God

As we reflect on adopting again . . . we can't help but be overwhelmed with humility and awe of what God did for us, His children. He did not adopt us based on who we are, but because of who HE is. We weren't "good enough" ..... but we are His children .... for all eternity.

Pictures to Share with You

2007-10-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

We'd like to share another family's blog with you who recently traveled to Ethiopia to meet and bring home their daughter. They worked with the same agency we are. We so appreciate all the pictures they took that helps to share the great needs in our child's homeland. We are so eager to meet the newest member of the Roberts family and share our lives with her.

Almost to Ethiopia

Quiet, but still here . . .

2007-09-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

So ... yes, we realize we've been quiet for a couple of weeks. Sorry 'bout that. We so appreciate all of you who have somehow found your way into our lives and are on this journey with us in some capacity or other.

Ended up back at the doctor for more testing this last week. Everything turned out okay. I do not desire to go there again anytime soon!

Recently I've been reading a most wonderful book on adoption by Kristin Swick Wong titled "Carried Safely Home", by FaithWalk Publishing. I would encourage ALL adoptive families and their extended family/friends to soak up this book. It is a story of one family's adoption journey (two actually!!) to Vietnam. The author just opens up her heart and allows you to glean so many amazing lessons God taught her. It has been a timely book for me. I want to share a couple of entries from the author with you ... they are lessons applicable for anyone, not just adoptive families.

"Jesus also promises that those who follow him will have troubles and persecution, so good must not always mean deliverance from difficulty. The New Testament claims that trails are not counterindications of God's goodness but a portion of his good gifts. They allow us closer fellowship with Jesus, because they produce godly character in us and because they are "achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Cor 4:17). Paul and James both exhorted their readers to not only accept their sufferings but to rejoice in them because of the good that God would bring from them (Rom 5:3-5, 2 Cor 12:10, Js 5:2-4)."

"God is working everything together in our lives for our good. He desires to abundantly bless us - on His terms. Only he knows what good means for us."

WOW ... did you catch those last two sentences???

She goes on to say .... "Sometimes he gives us what we feel is good; sometimes he gives what we instinctively recoil from and withholds what we desperately want. In both cases, he is creating more good in us and for us than we can imagine, though his blessings do not always coincide with what makes us happy. God's good does not always feel good."

As I've spent time reflecting on the health trials God allowed into my life these last months and some other incredibly difficult things ... none of it changes the fact that God is GOOD ... and He wants good for my life. HIS good, likely will look far different from how I'd picture it. Even through crisis, pain and heartbreak .... He brings good ... and often times that's how He brings it. I'm so grateful that my heavenly father isn't willing to leave me the way I am, but rather He wants to refine me into the person HE designed me to be.

While our paperwork was being authenticated, they encountered a problem with one document. That has been re-ordered and as soon as it arrives we are told our dossier will be complete. Please pray that goes through smoothly.

We have appt's on Friday to get our immunizations done finally!! .... we'd put that off while I had my surgery.

May you be encouraged today, no matter circumstances you find yourself in and know that God is good .... and His good is better than any earthly thing.