Pictures

Well, I thought that I would post a few pictures of just odds and ends that have been taken lately. One is of Josie's new hair style that I tried. She is so good to let me try new hair styles. As long as beads are involved she loves it. She always says, "They are beautiful". So it may not been the best, but I am learning.
The other picture is of Steven that I took. I went to check on him and Thomas in the middle of the night and they had their bedroom light on and this is how I found Steven. That is Josie's eye mask that she got with her tent for Christmas. The boys tease her and put it on and walk around the house. Well, they left it in their room and Thomas must have wanted the light on and Steven was ready for bed. I am sure that when Steven is 16 he will really appreciate this picture:) And the last one is of the three of them at the dining room table. Whenever one is doing something and the other two want to watch what is going on, that picture truly shows how they look together. Josie usually ends up on the table and other two looking intently on what is going on. I know some people would not let their child sit on the table, but when they are that interested in what each other is doing we don't say anything. The memory of the three of them looking like that together is worth it. By the way it isn't that cold in the house that Steven had to wear his winter hat, it was a Christmas gift and he had it on:):)

A Father's Call

I know that I just posted, but the last post ended differently than what I had originally intended. So I wanted to post this in addition today.
I read this on someone else's site and it just really touched my heart. With it being the Christmas season we think a lot about the Christmas Story (which we should). We hear a lot about Jesus (which is the reason for Christmas) and Mary (which she is a very special person all her own), but I have thought lately about Joseph. If you think about it, he had such a special job, and he fulfilled that job. He was the earthly father to Jesus. Here is the passage that spoke to me:

(originally printed: By Elizabeth Foss Herald Columnist From the issue of 12/22/05)

My son Christian was searching the bookshelves yesterday, apparently frustrated by the dearth he saw there. Since we have well over 1,000 titles at his disposal, I wondered what was missing.

"There's hardly anything on Joseph here! I understand why we need so many Mary books, but nobody says much about Joseph, you know? And he was a hero … " he trailed off.

A hero indeed. Though I hadn't spoken it, I had been meditating lately about the heroic good of St. Joseph and the Nativity. Commonly, we look at the story of Christmas as a birth story: We have a round-bellied Madonna riding on a donkey until she gets to a cave where animals joyfully welcome a lovely baby. As a mother who has been nine months pregnant during Advent and a mother with a newborn on Christmas Day, it is easy for me to identify with the birth story.

But the Nativity story is also a story of adoption. A strong man heard the call of a God to take into his heart and home a baby that was not his biological child. Against the raised eyebrows of those around him, but because he dearly loved his wife and the God they served, he traveled a great distance. He wasn't sure what he'd find there; to say that the accommodations were less than what he was used to is to understate the case. And then, almost immediately, it was his job to rescue the baby, to save him from grave danger.

Once they were safely at home, he raised the child as his own. He shared the faith of his fathers; he taught him the family trade. Certainly, there were challenges in this family that related to the adoption. This child, at 12, left his foster father for three days to return to the home of his real Father. How many children of adoption have experienced that same restlessness and caused the parents who have rescued them the grief that Mary and Joseph felt while they searched for their child?

St. Joseph was faithful. Perhaps he recognized that we are all children of adoption. We are all broken, disenfranchised, wounded and in grave danger. Our Savior makes us brothers and sisters, heirs to His throne. We become one family of faith, like that little family in Nazareth so many years ago.

For some reason, the Lord has surrounded me by the miracle of adoption. I have seven children. Five of them have godparents who are adoptive parents. Most recently, Christian's godmother welcomed a little boy from Liberia, just in time for Thanksgiving.

When I look at the fathers in these families, I am struck by their courage. Adoptive moms assure me that adoption is rarely ever a man's idea. And it is almost always an idea born of a woman's pain. The sorrowful heart of a mother meets the sorrowful heart of a child and together they begin a new life. But how do they get to "together?" They become a family through the courageous actions of a man who sees the pain of his wife and listens to her as she tells him about the pain of the child. Rarely, do these women beg and plead. Rather, like Mary, they trust God. They pour out their hearts in prayer and God convicts their husbands. The program director for a Catholic adoption agency assures me that this is not the case of weak, badgered men who cave to whining women. Rather, they are tender, brave men who recognize a mutual need and hear a distinct call.

The father who adopts is strong and faithful. He travels to places like Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Guatemala and even hostile Africa. He saves the baby — often from abject poverty, illness or death. He is the St. Joseph of our times.

There are literally millions of children in this world who need rescuing. We are called in James 1:27 to care for the widows and the orphans. What does that mean exactly? Do we toss a few coins in the poor box or wrap an extra gift at Christmastime or do we take a risk? Are there brave men out there after the heart of St. Joseph who will travel great distances to difficult places to rescue a baby and give it a home all because it's the will of God? It is the will of God.

These are the weakest of us, the poorest, the most defenseless. In this country, we cannot fathom children who scurry along the murky puddles in Haiti scavenging for a few slender fish, only to come up without anything. These children are so malnourished that their hair turns orange and falls out in clumps. There are "dying rooms" in China where children who have cerebral palsy or missing hands or missing ears are left in the dark to starve to death.

And what will become of the children who grow up orphans if we do not have men like St. Joseph in our midst? According to Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation begun by Christian music legend Steven Curtis Chapman, who has adopted three daughters, "Statistics regarding the future prospects for children who emancipate from orphanages, the foster care system, or who grow up as street children are profoundly bleak … . Theft, prostitution, homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration and suicide affect the lives of the vast majority of those children who grow up as orphans and never find permanent, loving homes. In short, orphans by definition are children who for whatever reason have found themselves in need of permanent, safe, and loving families. And for such children, being taken in by a family through the "spirit of adoption" is their greatest need"(http://www.howtoadopt.org/).

They were going to stone the Mother of God. Joseph knew the baby was not conceived by him. He didn't understand it. How could this baby be his to raise? How could he be asked to overcome the opinions of his community, the misgivings of his own mind, and listen to the call upon his soul? Where would he find the courage? How could he possibly provide for the childhood of the child of God Himself? Why couldn't this be simple? Why couldn't he marry Mary and just conceive a baby of his own? Instead, he must set off on a two-year odyssey to distant and hostile lands to bring home a baby that didn't even look like him. And what of the future? This was an extraordinary way to build a family; how could he know what the future held, particularly with a beginning like this?

A hero? He was a hero. He was a strong, courageous, man of faith. And there are men like him today. They are ordinary men who are called to extraordinary measures for a humble, helpless child and the love of the woman who becomes the child's mother. They are the men of the Christmas story. God bless them!


I loved this post, as it reminded me of many men whether through adoption abroad, right here in the U.S., or men that marry into a family and raise the children of their new wife as their own, they have taken the job and embraced it. I know just a few men that have fulfilled a job like this: Mike, JP, Chris, Josh, Kevin, Dave, Aaron, Jean-Paul, even my dad. I thank God every day that Mike is a man that answered that call and sees our children as just that our children, not someone else's responsibility, but our children and he went half way around the world to get Thomas. He is there in the good times and bad. He has "stepped up to the plate" and he is fulfilling his role and doing a great job of it. Thanks Mike for being the man God intended you to be and answering a call the a lot would turn a deaf ear to, you are truly an example to those around you, and I do know how blessed I am to have you as a husband.

Happy Birthday Dad

Well, I had been doing a lot of thinking about father's and the role that they play. I personally was blessed to have a wonderful Godly father who was always there for us and sacrificed so that we could have what we needed. Many times, my dad would work 2 or more jobs if needed to supply for his family. My father was killed by a drunk driver 19 years ago (when I was 15). Funny I write this (it was not planned), as today is his birthday. My dad packed a lifetime of memories into those 15 years, and yes I was the stereotypical "Daddy's Girl". I know I have forgotten some things about him since he has been gone as I was only 15 when he died, but I also have a lot of fond memories. He coached or helped with many of my softball teams, he helped our mom with the household duties (as she worked third shift at a local prison for almost 20 years), he spent time with us, let me drive his truck back our lane (with his guidance of course), attended church regularly (whether company was at our home or not:)) enjoyed his grandchildren (hate the fact that he didn't get to met my children--they would have sure loved him), taught Sunday School, helped anyone who needed it, along with many other things. But one memory that is very special to me was when we would sit on our front porch and just talk about things that we going on. We would talk about our day, what was going on in our lives, I loved when he would tell me stories about when he was young and a kid himself. One special conversation that would come up at different times was what Heaven would be like. He always told me that he thought Heaven would be all of the wonderful things that you love, and of course worshipping God. He would always laugh and say, if you like to mow yard, then I am sure God will have a yard for you to mow (my dad enjoyed mowing yard). When he died, as truly devastated and hearthbroken as I was, I said that I would never wish him back because he was finally where he had always wanted to be, in Heaven. I know that when my mom got there (three years ago this Jan. 1), he was next in line after Jesus and he told her, "What took you so long to get here" and he would smile that smile that he had. So, I am sure that while my dad is singing songs of praise for our Lord (he also loved to sing at church), the yards in Heaven are just perfect! Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for all of my memories!

Room For One More

Well, the weekend has been hectic, our dishwasher was broken on Tuesday of last week and Mike had to take it apart and fix it (the lines had frozen and Mike had to get the ice out), then yesterday the dryer was broke. We both looked at each other and prayed that he would be able to fix it. I had to go to KMart and get a few things and I prayed all the way there that he would be able to fix it. Well, by the time I got back, he had fixed it:) Praise God for the answer to prayer! Thanks also to Mike, my own personal "Maytag Man".
While I was at KMart, I had seen someone that I hadn't seen since I had been to Liberia to get Josie. She asked me how things were going and how Josie's first Christmas with us was. I told her that it was great and that we didn't know how we ever got along without her. I told her about Josie not knowing how to open her presents at first, she said how sad. Then she asked me about my trip. She commented on the fact that people probably can't comprehend how bad things are there until they are there themselves. I told her that yeah, even though Mike had been there and told me all about it that I couldn't comprehend it until I was there myself. She had tears in her eyes as I told her what things were like there. Then she preceeded to ask me if I thought that Josie would be our last child or if we would adopt again. I told her that I didn't think that Josie would be our last one, but it is God's plan and God's timing. She smiled at me and said, "Yeah, there is always room for one more."
I though a lot about that yesterday and last night, and yes there is always room for one more. One more child that needs a bed, one more that needs a hug, one more that needs a home to call their own, one more that needs food on their plate, one more that needs direction and God's love shown to them, one more that needs a mom and dad. I am so glad that God didn't say, no sorry my house is full you can't come in. I am so glad that He made room for me, and welcomed me with open arms and continues to even when I mess up. So, I guess I will say whenever I am asked if we will ever adopt again "There Is Always Room For One More".

Christmas Day!

Well, here are a few pictures of Christmas day. It was nice, last night we went to my brother's house and had Christmas with him and my other brother. The kids enjoys exchanging gifts and we just enjoyed visiting with each other. There is a couple of pictures from the time with my nieces.
Today was so fun to experience with the kids. They liked their gifts and kept saying thank for everything. It was so funny to see all of this through Josie's eyes. She was given a gift from the boys last night and she smiled at them and just looked at it and rubbed the paper, she wasn't sure of what to do with it, she didn't know how to unwrap it. It kind of broke my heart that she didn't00 understand that it was her gift and she didn't know how to unwrap it. She was so excited once the boys showed her how to unwrap it. Well, this morning Santa brought her a kitchen set. She just looked at it and wasn't real sure what to think, she just stood there and looked at it, I don't think she was sure that it was completely her's (she was also still waking up). But, once the boys started opening their's and saying things like thank you and this is just what I wanted, she started smiling and saying,"Thank you, this is what I wanted". She would just smile with each present and seem amazed that the gifts were for her. She played with her dolls all day long. She truly loved each thing that she received. Thomas just kept saying thank you, you guys are the best parents. Steven was just smiling b/c he got his Star Wars people that he wanted so bad.
I later stood and looked at her and Thomas playing together and thought to myself what their life was like 2 years ago. Josie was still with her birthfamily and Thomas was at the Children's Home. I know that they didn't get any gifts b/c that is just not something that is able to be bought, there food is much more important. I think that especially Thomas was probably wondering if he would ever get a home. I am sure that Josie may have been thinking the same thing last year. I see that they have hope for a future now and they are safe and have food. I think of how our life has changed for the better and how I love the busyness of our house filled with little voices playing and talking. I treasure these memories because I know that one day they will grow up and I will wish for these "busy" times back!
I know that I have posted quite a few pictures but it was so hard to pick.
The pictures are of a couple of my nieces (I didn't get a good picture of one of my other nieces). Then, my brothers Jim and Chris. Then the others are of Thomas getting his DS which he has asked for forever, Steven getting his Star Wars, and Josie with her new dolls and Josie hugging Mike.
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas

Well, Christmas day is almost here! Josie really has no idea about all of the presents or how we celebrate Christmas day here in America. Thomas asked me if we could wake up in the morning and open gifts, he said,"You know mom, like we did last year." He had no idea that we do that every year, he thought that it was a once in a life time thing. I did explain that we do that every year. Steven, he just loves to group that presents into everyone's pile, we do talk about the fact of why we are really celebrating Christmas. We read the Christmas story about every night or every other night. Steven has been asking a lot of questions about it (ex. tonight he said, how old is Jesus. Or, was Mary and Joseph traveling on this night all of those years ago? Believe me when I say, Steven can ask a lot of questions, but awhile later, I thought he knows that this is true, that it isn't just a story, I know that he knows and I thank God for that b/c so many don't even know about Jesus and His birth).
I think about where I have been this year and how far we have come from last year. Mike was holding Josie and I looked at him and said,"I bet last year at this time you would have never guessed that we would have another child this year." Well, needless to say Mike shook his head that he didn't think that we would. I love those little surprises that God has in store for us. People have asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said that we are putting a ribbon around Josie and putting her under our tree with a sticker that says To: Mom and Dad and Family.:) We laugh and say we couldn't think of a better gift to get! There is no better gift that we could have gotten this year. We laugh and say that Thomas was our gift last year and Josie is our gift this year. We continue to laugh and wonder what next year will hold. Mike smiles and says, "What happened to getting socks and a tie". For those of you who know Mike, appreciate his sense of humor.
But seriously, after being in Liberia and seeing some of the sights that I seen there, I truly don't want any material gifts this year. I can honestly that I don't want or need a thing for me this year, I have more than I will ever need. When I see things or people on TV and see what they spend, it truly makes me sick when I see what they spend and what people do without in our country and in the other countries around. I think of all of the children and families that could be helped if some of these people could do without the designer purse or the designer carrying bag for their dog, their expensive watches, or their 6 digit cars, or multi-million dollar homes when people are homeless and truly have no hope, when kids have no food or are sick and need $20 treatment for malaria or a $6 malaria net. I am so thankful that my children understand compassion and know that suffering is real and they want to help others. Thomas asked me this week he said, "Mom, could we sell some of our stuff and save our money so that we could adopted more children." I thought to myself, he wants to help others and he knows what it is like to be there and not have a family to call his own or food to eat. Oh, Thomas, how I wish we had enough $ to help them all, or at least more.

What I do wish for is for each of the children at the children's home to have a home, for my sweet Esau and Tracy to have food and good health (which is no guarentee there),education and a mosquito net (which I know that have now:)), for my good friends Robert and Chris and Emmanuel to get an education and be able to spend time with their family. For both of my children's Liberian families to be safe and well. When I think of it, many in Liberia will only get the gift of their own life for Christmas and it is true. Believe me, I heard of one case this week of a boy who had malaria, but there was no way they could take him to the hospital b/c without $ there, a hospital will NOT take you and they don't have to (unlike here where you may not have the best care in the world, but a hospital still has to take you and treat you).
But most importantly for all of them to know that no matter what, God sent His son so that no matter how bad it is, there is hope and that one day we will all be together in Heaven where there will be no suffering.
I am just thankful this year to God for my health, home, and family. I am also thankful that God opened my eyes up to the fact that there is a world out there that needs help, needs God, and He wants to use us to help spread His word and love. But, most of all, I am thankful that so many years ago, God loved me enough to send his son even though He knew what would have to happen eventually, He still sent Him anyway.

Merry Christmas or Merry Christma(as my children say:))(some of you know what I mean:))!

Baking for Jesus!

Well, Josie and I spent the day baking for Christmas. We baked cookies and buckeyes. First I put on my apron and when she seen me in it, she just looked at me and touched the apron. Then I explained what I used it for and she began to understand it a little more. I also explained when we were cutting out the cookies that we were baking these for Jesus' birthday. She got very excited about that. I explained about the star was used to guide the wisemen to Jesus, so she kept making star cookies and said she was making them for Jesus. She would use the rolling pin and just love rolling out the dough. She would just laugh and smile while baking. Then she used a sleigh cookie cutter to cut one out and then she said, "Look it is Jesus on the cross." I had to laugh, because I have no idea how she thought that looked like Jesus on the cross, but if that is what her little mind wanted to see, that was fine. When the boys came home from school, they seen the cookies and started eating them. Josie got mad at them and said, "No eat them, they are for Jesus." Then, when my cousin came over she showed her the star and said, "We cooked Jesus." So, by evening the star cookie was called Jesus according to her. Well, she has lightened up a little on eating the cookies, because I have seen her a couple of times tonight with a cookie in her hand:) Thomas approved of them, b/c after eating them, he informed me that when he asks for me to bake cookies again these are the ones he wants me to make:). So, we had a nice mother/daughter baking day. It was one of those moments that I will treasure and look forward to each year. She may not understand everything that comes along with Christmas here in America, but she knows that we were "Baking for Jesus!", and that Christmas is truly celebrating, the birth of Jesus (and that is the important part:)).

Best Friends

Well, I wanted to tell you a little bit about one of my best friends. This person is so sweet, makes me feel good about myself, builds my confidence, reminds me to be youthful and accepts me for who I am. I have learned a lot from this "best friend". I have learned how to accept others, trust even when life hasn't dealt you the best hand, to laugh loudly and often. I have also learned from my "best friend" how to accept love and give love to perfect strangers. I've learned how to enjoy the basics of life through my "best friend" and being happy with what I have. I have learned how to be exceptionally brave and go with the flow when you have no control over what is going on. My "best friend" taught me to sing God's praise and to know His word. I have also learned patience, all the words that giving a hug can say without actually "saying" a word at all. This "best friend" taught me to never give up even when everything seems hopeless, because by not giving up she found out that hope was just around the corner. She taught me that things are never as bad as they seemed, because someone, somewhere in the world has it a heck of a lot worse. I've also learned how much love can be shown in just a gentle touch. She even taught me how to be cute even while "not being well". This best friend is amazing and I couldn't and wouldn't want to think about my life without her in it. When I think of everything that my "best friend" has taught me and given me, my eyes tear up (which they did while I wrote and reread this) and my heart grows. I haven't actually been with this friend for a long time, but when I think about it, this "best friend" has been in my heart forever, right along with her brothers. Yes, you guessed it, my "best friend" is my daughter Josephine Ann Wolfe. The reason I say she is one of my "best friends" is because while I was working on the computer today, she quietly came up beside me and wrapped her arms around my arm and looked at me and smiled and said,"You are my best friend", then she squeezed my arm. I don't know if I will ever forget that moment, I hope I never do. It was just the way she looked at me with such a sweatness about her and her little voice that I know to her I am her best friend right now. Each of those things I listed above are truly things that I have learned from my little "best friend". She may forget that moment, but I know I will not, and I will keep it hidden in my heart in a very special place, just for "Best Friends".

One Step At A Time

Well, it was a long weekend. I am finally feeling better, I started on Saturday night getting the flu, and it lasted until Sunday evening. The only bad thing is that Mike is not feeling so good now (I know exactly how he feels). Well, it has been another interesting week in the Wolfe household. It was cold and I wasn't feeling well, so we just stayed in this past weekend. It was nice to just stay in and enjoy being home (or enjoy my couch). Josie is doing well, even though she says that she is not well (I think she loves the attention that she has gotten when she was sick--b/c she has been playing just fine, it is just when I tell people she is feeling better from when she was sick, then she looks at me still with an almost mad look and says--I am not well).
God has really been working in my life and those around me. Something very exciting happened today. To start with, when I was in Liberia I spent a lot of time in the nursery rocking the babies that were there (the nursery was at the compound where I stayed). I got attached to two little ones that are about 2 years old. I knew the one had a home that he was going to b/c I had been in contact with his new parents. The little girl didn't have a home and she also had a sister that was friends with Josie. It bothered me for some time when I got back that they didn't have a home. I knew that anyone that got them would be very lucky. Well, today I found out that they got a home. I was so happy and really felt that God was smiling to, He put something in my heart to truly care about where these girls went and to talk to their new parents when I found out who they were and tell them how lucky they are. I am just thrilled beyond words that they are getting wonderful parents that truly love them and want them. God has truly been at work in the lives of these two little girls. I am so happy for them and the families.
Something that I tend to do sometimes is look at the whole thing first instead of taking and enjoying each step along the way. I look and think of all of these orphans in the world and think WOW, if only I had more money and a bigger place then I could help more of them and open our home. (Even though Steven and Thomas have things mapped out in the house as to where other children could sleep as they ask numerous times for more brothers and sisters). Then as I was talking to someone today I said, well at least we have two less children right now in Africa that aren't going hungry and living their life in an orphanage. And it kind of hit me. I have to admit, I really don't like to hear people say, when I talk about adoption, "well you can't save the world". I don't know why but I just don't like it, b/c I think that no I can't save the world, but God can and he is using our family to help Him do that, so who are we to say, "Sorry God but this is it, no more so don't even think of asking", when He asks us himself. Now, I am not saying go adopt as many as possible. You obviously have to be able to take care of the children you have and they have to feel your love and attention and each family is called (God already knows the number) to have a certain number of children (God knows your limit). But, if God asks you to do something who are we to say, No God it isn't a good time for me right now. Don't you think that God knows when it is a good time and when it isn't. He truly isn't going to ask you to do something if He knows it is not good for you or those involved. I know that when we first started the adoption process with Josie, we didn't have the first clue about where we would even get the $ for everything. All of the "what-ifs" came to mind and almost flooded us to think about not doing it, but when we looked to God and truly asked Him what He wanted for us to do, He made it clear that this little girl was to be ours, and He would take care of the rest(I will tell the complete story one day). Well, obviously as always God kept His promise and this little girl is home with us right where she is supposed to be. I told Mike the other night after all of the kids were in bed, I said, "I love her so much and she is so happy here, she was truly meant to be with us." Mike just shook his head yes and smiled. What if we would have given in to fear and not gone through with what God had wanted/asked us to do, we would have missed out on another of His amazing gifts due to lack of trust. I have learned to trust God and what He asks. He has a plan for each of us. He has told us he will be with us. Trust me, it was pretty hard sometimes figuring out where we would get the money, but it was always there when we needed it (we learned that God has a wonderful sense of humor, and even takes things down to the wire sometimes--I think that is when His glory just shines through). The boys did great while I was gone, everything worked out with my job, numerous people have been changed by the love that Josie gives and her cheery personality, and through this we have had the opportunity to share adoption, Liberia and most importantly God with others. Just like our boys, I can't and wouldn't want to imagine life without her. I also want to thank Mike for stepping out on faith with me. Many times it was difficult to know exactly what to do, but he held my hand and we did it together and learned to trust God. So, I have learned to take things each step instead of getting overwhelmed with the whole picture. God will show you His path for you when you seek it, even if you stumble with a few of those steps He helps you back up and helps you back on that path again, and before you know it you look behind to see just how far you have come.

Andrea
Oh, here is the picture I have told some of you that I would show of our whole family. Thanks Chris (the professional photographer (LOL)), they are beautiful pictures! I also couldn't help but put the picture of our silly boys on there to, the picture truly shows their personalities. With each picture it reminds me of what we would have missed out on if we let fear take over. Thank you God for overcoming!

National Awareness Adoption Month (A Little Late)

Well, I had intended to write something a little sooner, but with a sick 4 year old, time got away from me. I wanted to write something about November being Adoption Awareness Month. Obviously this November was a little more special because we brought home a wonderful little girl through adoption.
Adoption, what can I say that can even sum up how wonderful it is. It has blessed us with two wonderful little lives that we would not have had otherwise. There are many children in this world that do not have a home to call their own and go to bed every night praying and hoping that someone would just "choose" them. I have been to the orphanage in Liberia and my heart does ache for these children. Is adoption easy? Absolutely not. Parenting in general is the hardest job you will ever have if you do it right, then you just pray that you raised them right and have taught them well. My mom always said that parenting is the hardest job that you will ever love and she was right. Adoption is no different. The first time I seen each of my children there was a feeling that you just couldn't describe. It was no different from the feeling as when I gave birth to Steven. Each one of our three children have brought something different into our lives. Each one brought something that none of the rest had or could give to our family. Each one, we love unconditionally and would give our lives for without thinking twice. The journey for each of our children has been different but worth everything that we went through, and would do again in a heartbeat! Each struggle along the way and afterward has been worth it too! Each child is special and has their own wonderful qualities (and a couple of qualities that aren't quite so wonderful :)LOL, but hey so do I).
Is adoption for everyone? Probably not. I feel that you truly have to be called and you have to be in it for the long haul, because some days are very long, these children do come with a past (and due to no fault of their own, the past wasn't always that good). Is it worth every effort that you give? ABSOLUTELY! These children have made us laugh and given us many hugs and kisses. But, when you hear, "I love you mommy" that makes everything you have went through worth it. When you see their face light up and you see that they now have a place of their own and a family and they feel it, it overrides all of the hard times, times of waiting for them to come home, any negative comment you have received from anyone about it. When they crawl up in your lap, or lay their head on you, or look at you and know your mom and dad and you are who they have to depend on it just an awesome feeling. Not everyone understands adoption, and many don't want to understand. I think how sad it is for them. They miss out on the joy of being a part of something so wonderful, whether through adopting a child themselves or just knowing the child being adopted. Not everyone has to adopted, but there is ways to be a part of adopting whether that be by supportive words, or cards, offering a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on, financial help, helping with a night out for the parents, welcoming the child, remembering the family in prayer, whatever the part you play, each is very important. I know we have received each one from different people and they were all needed and welcomed. I have received some wonderful words of encouragement, especially during the waiting process and it was so needed and welcomed. I tell you all of this to say that adoption is a wonderful, amazing thing. It is needed for many, many children. Children here in the U.S. and children all over the world. We believe that a child is a child no matter where they are in the world and they need a home and family. Also adoption is needed for each age group, babies, toddlers, elementary age, pre-teens and teenagers. They all have a place in the world and all have needs no matter the age. Love has no age limit. I am a believer that some people are just perfect for older kids and some are perfect for babies and some perfect for a variety of ages. God has a plan and can use each one of us, if we are willing to open our hearts and home. He has commanded us to help the widows and orphans. Notice I said command, not whenever it is conventient for us. Is it a leap of faith? Yes. Do you have to let go and trust? Yes. But, can you experience some wonderful blessings when you do trust? Absolutely. Is it always easy? NO, but God is with you and will never leave you. He sure proved that to me when He traveled with me to Liberia and back! Who would have ever thought I would go without anyone else going with me? But that is what God wanted me to do and He guided me through it.
So Happy Adoption Awareness Month! We thank God everyday for the gift of adoption! Thank you God for calling us to this ministry!

Christmas Pictures--What An Adventure! (But Aren't They Beautiful)

Well, we went to my brother's over the weekend so that he could take the kids' pictures. I was wanting him to take a couple of pictures that we could have of the kids and one of us all for our Christmas pictures. Well, as you can tell Josie was a little ham to begin with, but that did change as we went on. By the time that we were ready to take the picture of all of us and the ones with the three of them, she was done and would have no part of it. It did become stressful as I wanted a picture of the 5 of us not the 4 of us. Eventually, she did come around a little and we did get a few of the 5 of us and a couple of me and Josie (I got some of me and the boys and Mike and the boys). As you can see, Thomas had no problems getting his picture taken, he is our little model. Steven just loved being silly in front of the camera, but that is just Steven. I am posting the ones that my brother sent me tonight, it isn't all of them, but it is a few. I will post the one of all of us when I get it. The one of them in the blue outfits are their Liberian outfits, I thought they looked so good in them. Well, the pictures did turn out good, even though Josie was finished before we were done. I guess I am just relearning what it is like to have a 4 year old again:) (LOL). It has been 5 years and you do have to relearn some things:). But, Christmas is going to be so magical to see all of it through the eyes of a 4 year old and an 8 and 9 year old. I know Thomas told me last year that for Christmas when he was at the orphanage in Liberia, he got a candy cane for Christmas. Last year was so magical for him, so I know this year it will be for Josie, because I know she doesn't understand everything, she just loves to look at the "Christma Trees" as she calls them:) (It's a Liberian thing:))
Well, hope that you enjoy the pictures! I want to thank my brother for taking them. He was very patient with the kids and took his time to take them (and he did it for free so that was even better, he said that we were helping him learn how to take better pictures so he says that we were helping him). I think that they are the most beautiful kids there are, but I am a little bias:)!

After Thanksgiving

Well, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family. We went to my cousin's and enjoyed the holiday with my family. We really had a nice relaxing day. The only thing that wasn't real fun was that Josie has been sick. She has had this congestion thing going on and coughing. She has been getting better in the last day, but it has wore us out since she gets up in the middle of the night and comes to our room and we have to give her her medicine to help her stop coughing. She has had a fever on top of it and Thank God for Motrin (it has really helped:)). Josie has been a little grumpy while she has been sick. It has been funny though, because when I tell people when I am talking to them on the phone, that she is getting better, she will look at me and say, "I am not well." I just laugh, it sounds so cute to hear her say that. We are relearning what it is like to have a sick 4 year old in the house again:) Steven is 9 and so it has been 5 years since a 4 year old has been living here (Thomas was 7 when he came home). I am very thankful that Josie seems to be getting better. I know that this climate change is very hard on the body, it has been on mine and I have lived here all of my life:). But, we had a nice holiday and I was so thankful for my family and the fact that we were able to be together and eat together. I also got a call from my oldest:) sister on Thanksgiving(I know she will love that I said that). She usually calls us to tell us Happy Holidays. She got to talking to me, she said something to me that really meant a lot to me. I am not going to say exactly what she said b/c I kind of like to keep that between us, but she knows what she said and it really meant a lot to me. Thanks Sandy, your a great person too, thanks for all of your support, you will never know what it has meant to me. God has given me a wonderful family!

Thanksgivings Past, Present and Future

Well, Thanksgiving is one week away. I sit and think about everything that I have to be thankful for and words could not even begin to describe everything that I am thankful for. I have a God who loves me even when I am not lovable and believes in me. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and lives this crazy life with me:) I have 3 beautiful children that God has blessed us with, even when I feel more like a referee, they are still a wonderful blessing that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I had wonderful parents who did everything in the world to raise each one of us right, and they gave and did without so that we could have. I have brothers and sisters that I love and extended family that I also love. I have friends that have been there for me and my family and that I enjoy being there for them. I have a church (actually 2 churches that have people that are wonderful and supportive). I could go on and on (our home, car, job, etc.). I am very grateful for my health and the health of my family and I thank God for that.
I have also been thinking of Thanksgivings past and how much I loved Thanksgiving. All of my brothers and sisters would be by at some point in the day and with them with be their children. Since our mother and my family lived in the same house we got to see everyone, and I loved it. The cooking would start a couple of days in advance. About a week before, Mike and I would be sent on a search to find the biggest turkey we could find, per mom. Then a few loaves of bread would be bought to make the dressing along with a lot of other food. Usually the night before we would tear the bread and let it set overnight to dry and the turkey would usually go in about 4 to 5 a.m. and about 8 our house smelled wonderful!! We would get up and help mom cook and get the house ready for everyone to come over. Usually my sister and her family would be the first to arrive then, then my oldest brother and his family would soon follow and usually before dinner (most of the time:)) our other brother and his family would show up. There would be homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, turkey, homemade dressing, rolls, pumpkin pies, and cakes. Our house not only smelled wonderful, but the whole atmosphere of the house was wonderful. All of us siblings and kids would fill the house and table to spend Thanksgiving together! Mom would usually wait until everyone was done eating to take her place at the table. She would say that she just enjoyed sitting and watching all of us enjoy each other and the food. I know that my sister is laughing while reading this b/c she knows exactly how it was! Even if we tried to force mom to sit at the table when everyone else did, she said no, she would wait, that was mom wanting to make sure everyone was taken care of first. Then after the dishes were done and everyone rested a bit, it was time for seconds and then we would play some cards. We just all relaxed and enjoyed each other. Other family members would drift in and out as the day went on.
Well, times have changed, mom is no longer here, our sister and her family have moved to Florida, my nieces and nephews are growing up and we don't have those type of Thanksgivings anymore. I would have wanted my children to experience those types of Thanksgivings. Steven has, but it has been 3 years and I know memories are fading for him. But, with the saddness of missing those types of holidays, comes joy of experiencing new ones with my growing family. I know that we will have to make our own traditions and memories for our chidren. We will be going to my cousin's this year and I look forward to that. With me being the youngest of 5 children and pretty much the youngest on my mom's side of the family, my children are the youngest in the family. Mike's family is pretty much the same as my side. Loved ones have gone on, including his dad. His brother lives further away, so his mother will be going with us this year. I am excited to go to my cousin's with my family and for us to celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a family of 5! I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for those past Thanksgivings and the ones ahead. I miss my mom and my all of my siblings being together, but I know that life changes whether you want it to or not, like they say, that's life. I say that because I also want to remind you all never to take for granted the time you have together with your family. I know it is a lot to get stuff ready for the holidays and sometimes it can be very stressful, but it is sad sometimes when things change and people move to other places, people pass on, children grow up and circumstances change and everyone isn't together anymore. So, don't worry if everything isn't perfect, but being together is what it is all about. That's what you miss when you don't have it anymore. It can change quicker than you think. Cherish each memory and make more for yourself and your family. I look forward to the many new memories we will making with our children. I have learned so much from them and from my adventures with them and their father! With Thanksgiving being a week away, think about what you do have and about what memories you want to make with your family! I now know of many children in an orphanage in Africa who would just like to have that, a family.

Here are a few pictures of the last Thanksgiving most of us siblings spent together and the last on spent with our mother. Obviously, Thomas and Josie aren't in the pictures yet b/c we did not have them yet. I know that the picture of my mom and Steven and my two nephews isn't the best picture of her, but it is one of the last we had at Thanksgiving. Also the picture of the kids just shows how all were together playing when the holidays were here. Then there is the one of Mike at the table helping, or eating I should say:). Then, I know that my sister will kill me when she sees the one of her cooking, but that is what I enjoyed and remember, all of us in the kitchen helping mom and cooking together and laughing. That is what I will work hard to have for my children and hope that they have these type of memories when they get older.

First Winter Coat

Well, we took Josie to get her first winter coat today. We got a really good deal on it and were able to get both the boys one too, we got them each on sale. I had to show a couple of pictures of her modeling her coat! When there is a camera, you can bet the Josie will be around somewhere:). She loves to have her picture taken. I just wanted to show a couple of pictures of her modeling her coat! We found it in pink, which she just loved, she is so proud of her new coat!
I also wanted to add a picture of Thomas reading to her. He was working so hard to read to her, she wasn't listening as well as he would have liked:) I just thought it was nice that he even cared to try.

Dads and Hair

Well, remind me next time not to listen to Mike when he says anything about doing Josie's hair:). The story goes, Mike looked at Josie's hair this morning and was thinking, then a little later when I came into the kitchen, he was taking her hair out of the braids that someone had so kindly put in for us (thanks Faith). I was shocked and said, What are you doing. Where he proceeded to inform me that he was looking at her hair and he thinks that he could plat her hair. At this point some of her hair was already out of her braids and all I did was just stand there and shake my head. Now, I know how Josie is with her hair, I have been with her when braids are taken out and put in, she does not like to have her braids taken out or really put in for that fact. She tends to squirm and move around, so unless you really know what your doing, putting the braids in is difficult anyway if you really aren't used to it, let alone when a 4 year old really doesn't want to sit still for that long. I have gotten pretty good at taking her braids out. Mike on the other hand tried to take them out, and if I didn't help him, we would still be taking them out now. Well, to make a long story (or afternoon) short, I tried a couple of different things with her hair and eventually she went to sleep on my lap and this is what I ended up doing with her hair.
When the boys came in from school Thomas looked at her hair (she was still asleep) and said, "Who did Josie's hair." Then I said I did, then he looked at me and patted me on the shoulder and said, "Good job, mom." Then Steven walked in and was convinced that Faith had come over and did her hair and when I finally got him to believe that I did it, he said it looked pretty good. When Steven asked why I took her braids out, I looked at him and said, "It was your dad who started taking them out, b/c he thought he could braid it." Then, Steven just started laughing. I told Mike, "See, even our 9 year old knows not to take them out." It may not be the best, but it will do as I learn how to do it better and quicker:). Good things she was asleep! I did call Mike and have him get some beads on the way home, and he didn't complain one bit, he just drove to the store and got them (I think he knew that he owed me big time). Well, Josie seems to like her braids and her beads that are in them. She shakes her head and says, "My beads mommy." And I say yes. I guess I am learning, even though Mike kind of forced me to a little quicker than I was anticipating.
Even though I am giving Mike a hard time, don't get me wrong, he is a great dad and was just trying to help. Hey, any dad that takes an interest in at least trying with their daughter's hair is a pretty good dad to me! He just keeps looking at her hair and he says, You did a pretty good job. I just look at him and shake my head and laugh:). Those of you that know Mike, can appreciate this and I know are laughing b/c you know how he is.
So, Mike and I both learned something today. Mike learned that platting isn't as easy as it looks and I learned that I can do a little with Josie's hair when the pressure is on:). I guess these are the adventures of having 3 children and one being a little girl:)
Enjoy the pictures!

Home At Last!

Well, we finally made it! It was definitely a journey I will not forget anytime soon! I have learned many things on this trip, many things about others and about myself. First of all, I learned that I can do anything with God in front of me and even when He is carrying me. I would have never thought a year or two ago that I would have went to Africa without anyone physically with me. I know that on the way there I spoke to different people that when they would ask where I was going and I told them Liberia, West Africa, they could not believe that I would go there without anyone else with me. They would say, do you know how dangerous it is there. I would say, well that is the only way this little girl is getting home and God will be with me. It gave me a chance to share my story and what God had done for us. When I got there, there were a whole lot of emotions. I was with people that I did not know or who did not know me, they had just seen a picture of me. Then when I got to the compound I met another man that was adopting a little boy (he had been there for 3 weeks and was leaving on Wed.), but Neil was very helpful and I am so grateful that he was there when he was. Then, before I knew it a little girl walked around the corner and from that time on we have not been apart to much. Was I nervous? Yes. Did I miss my family at this point? More than you will ever know. Just knowing that I couldn't get back to them quickly and it would be awhile before I could see them again was hard. Just knowing they were on the other side of the world at times broke my heart. But, I looked at this little girl and knew, I was what she had to depend on. We have learned many things about each other. We have seen each other happy and sad. We have seen the most beautiful things in the world together, but we have also see a place together that I can't imagine my children growing up in. I have met people along the way that I will probably forget about, then there are ones that I pray to God that I will see again one day that I could never imagine forgetting. People that I know God put in my path not only to help them, but they will never know how they helped me.
Just a couple of them:
First and Foremost God: Without you, I would have never done this or got through it! You sent me there for a reason, some I know and some I may never know this side of Heaven. Thank you my Father for leading me and sometimes carrying me! We made it! I give you glory for ALL of this!
Chris and Robert: "My Buddies" I don't know what I would have done without these guys. They showed me around the area, they helped get me "many" phone cards, bananas, helped me to take out Josephine's braids, took me to the beach (even if Robert doesn't like the water to well), and they made me laugh. These are two young men who live at the compound and go to school. They know how important it is to go to school and how it is not a given in Liberia. They work hard and they are very respectful. I learned many things from them. I learned how to value an education, how to be grateful for what I had and how to make the best of a situation. They also helped to "tote" Josephine on the very hot days when I had "toted" her enough:). I also got to share America with them. Whether through pictures or through movies I brought. They couldn't believe we had "current"(electricity) all day:). I was also told that I talk to fast, then I laughed and told them that was funny I was just thinking the same things about them. Well, I sure miss you guys and wish you could come to America, you could sure teach some of the teenagers here a few lessons in how to work hard and value an education. By the way, I hope that you guys got some new "slippers". Robert, leave Chris' slippers alone.:)
Rocking Joe: I thought rush hour traffic was bad to drive in here. I don't know how you do it man! There were many times I just closed my eyes and prayed that we would make it to where we were going:). We did not get into an accident the whole time I was there and we got into place that I still don't know how we got throught without stratching another car or person for that fact:) Your Good! You could drive anywhere here in America my friend! You earn every penny you get! By the way, I hope you got the van fixed, sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to you, even though we didn't talk much, I enjoyed meeting you and riding with you!! By the end, I knew we would get to where we needed to go as long as you were driving! Thanks for helping get me to the airport!
Menz: What can I say! You seen the best and worst! Thanks for everything from just listening to me when I got homesick, to taking me to the market, travel agency and finally to the airport. You are one that truly knew how much my family means to me and you respected that! Thanks for calling Mike to let him know I left and for calling me at home to make sure Josephine and I got home! I know you won't forget me!
Amos: Well, I guess you are part of the family now:) Just know that I won't be coming there to pick you up, you will have to be escorted:). Thanks for letting me us your computer. One day you will get that MP3 player. Just let me know when you want to Skype Mike and I, I will also tell Jean-Paul:). Josephine still says "I have a friend named Josephine":) You are one of a kind.
Francis: Thanks for putting up with me! Hope that you may have learned a little from me too, I enjoyed the tours and learning about Liberia and seeing the beauty that is hidden!
Williette: Thanks for everything! I know things were crazy for you at this time, but I enjoyed meeting your family and thanks for sharing them with me. Hope you all are doing better.
Emma: You were so kind. I enjoyed talking to you, you are a beautiful person inside and out! Keep rocking those babies, they need you and need your mothering until there new moms come!
Saturday: I wish I could have brought you home with me too, so did Mike! Thanks for everything you did. I never seen one spider the whole time I was there, thanks! Thanks for the good food too. Thank Pa Peter for me!
Tracy and Esau: Where do I even begin! What would I have even done without you two? I feel like you are two of our kids! I miss you two so much. I think of you very often and pray for you too. You seen me very happy and you also seen a few tears and you knew why. When I left you at the airport, my heart way breaking. I was so happy to be going home, but so sad to be leaving you two. You both have something that God has given you. You are very special people, look to God because He has a plan for you two, just keep your eyes on Him. Be safe! Take care of each other. I will be in touch with you both to check in on you and I have a couple of other people who will be checking in on you too:). I enjoyed telling you guys about America (and what American Idol was, and what a curling iron was) The look on your faces when I curled my hair was priceless:). You two will always be in my heart and Josephine's. Sometimes I think that besides getting Josephine, you two were the reason God sent me. Not only to meet you and spend time with you, but also to learn a thing or two from you. Miss you guys!
Mike: WOW! You were there for me so many miles away. You listened when I know you felt like you were missing out, and you also listened when the tears were falling and homesickness set in. You tried to get me home earlier, but that wasn't God's plan. I never want to be that far away for that long again. I learned that without you, a big part of me is missing (my best friend). I learned just how much I can miss you. Believe me, we won't be apart like that again for a very long time if ever again! Thanks for believing in me, you will never know how much it meant. No more long trips without you! Just like the song says, I was surrounded my a million people but I still feel alone (that is without you and our family). Thanks for being there and listening and loving me. Your my heart! God truly designed you for me! Thanks for always being there for me and for our family! I will be so proud if our sons grow up to be a husband and father just like you! Thanks for holding things down here while I was gone, I know it is not an easy task!
Thomas and Steven: Thanks for letting mommy experience this and not making it hard on me. Thanks for the phone calls and for helping mommy. I love you boys more than you will ever know and now your sister too.
Thanks to all who prayed for me and sent words of encouragement! The prayers were felt!
Well, I will be blogging in the days ahead of the different things I experienced and learned along the way, but I need to thank these people. Did I change the world while I was there? No. Did I expect to? No. Did I change a little? Yes. Did I see why my children will have a better life here? You can guarentee that. I loved it, but it also broke my heart to think that my children would have had to live their life there if God hadn't of brought us together. I understand why their birth parents did what they did and one day my children will too. I want to say thank you to them too. Even though they will probably never read this, I still need to thank them for being selfless and loving these kids as much as we do!
The pictures are of my friends Chris and Robert.
Then Tracy, Esau, Josphine and me.
Then when we got home from the airport.

By the way, when Josephine saw Mike, she ran to him! She has him wrapped around her figure already:)

Almost Home

That picture of Josie is how I feel. The last 24 hours has been such a roller coaster ride. Everything went well at the US embassy yesterday and Josie's visa was issued. At that point we thought that everything was done and that I could change my flight to leave today (Wednesday) and be home on Thursday. We we started to do that, the said that I had not been issued a clearance from the Ministry of Health in Liberia to leave yet. This is something new that they just started for people who are adopting in Liberia. They tried to get that issued on Tuesday, but we unable to get that done. When I woke up this monring I was notified that the clearance had been issued and that the Visa was here and I could travel today. I called Mike at about 4 AM and started working on getting the airline tickets changed. He called the airling then the travel agent. Each of them kept telling him that he would have to call the other in order to get the ticket changed. In order to make my flight today, I had to leave here at 11:00. He was on the phone with them right up until 10:55 trying to get the ticket changed. They finally said that they could change my, but not Josephines. I guess that it was something in relationship to terrorism that they cannot issue a one-way ticket on the same day as travel to the US on an international flight. So needless to say, I have been on a roller coaster and had to pack and unpack my suitcase twice in the last 24 hours. Well I am really ready to come home, but I will make the best of the time that I have left here. It is just so boring. I am the only person at the compound and am so bored. Hopefully the next couple of days I will be able to get out and see some of the sites. We did go to the ocean yesterday. I don't think that we will have to worry about Josephine being a swimmer, she was scared to death of the water. I am also having two of the neighborhood kids spend the night. They have been with us everyday. I let them eat with us when they are here. They are so thrilled to eat the food. I also let them uses the bathroom and take a bath a couple of times. I just tell them to go in and shut the door and come out when they are done. It is such a shame that this was the first time that this boy has ever taken a bath and he is six years old. Well, please just pray for me over the next couple of days. I know that Monday will be here soon, but it justs seems like it is so far away. I just can't wait to get home and see my boys and Mike. Thank all of you for your prayers, they have been felt.

Life in Liberia

Well, I suppose you have been seeing the pictures that I have sent to Mike. It has been a little difficult to get the pictures downloaded. We are having a nice time. Everyone here is very nice and they have been treating me very good. I have been here a week and I am ready to go home now. I think that the thing is, I know how long it takes to go home. It is a day trip, but at least I will know that I am on my way home. I went to a families' home way out in the "bush" as they would say here. The family was in the process of the child being adopted and they have to have a homevisit persay. We went out and we had to go up hills and on muddy dirt roads. I thought that we were going to be stuck a couple of times. Then we had to park in the front of someone's house and after awhile, the lady came out and was getting mad at us for being there, then she came to the side of the van and seen me. I was getting a little nervous, then she smiled and shook my hand and kissed it. I felt kind of bad that she did that, I don't know what perception they have of white people. I was nothing special, but she kissed my hand and was greatful that I was there. Then we finally got up on the hill and seen some of the kids and the grandma was holding a little girl about 1 1/2 and the little girl was OK until I got out of the van and then she started to cry and was scared. I really think that she was scared b/c I was white and she honestly probably had never seen a white person before. Doesn't that sound odd. Then when we came down the hill, we seen a lot of kids and families walking up the road and selling stuff. When we stopped, they just stood and stared at me and then when I smiled, they would smile. I would take their picture then I would show it to them and they thought that was just amazing. I would shake hands with them and they would just smile. It was kind of sad. I have not seen one other white person in about 3 days. I went into the city today on our way to this place and the market was very heavy with people, Sat. is their busy day. When I say busy, I mean busy. I couldn't believe all of the people. They were just buying and selling stuff, but there were so many people! You have no idea, when I say so many people, I mean like the most crowded day at an amusement park times 10. I didn't get out, we were just driving through. I said that if I got out, I would have to hold on to one of their hands like a little kid. When I say that I was the only white person, I mean for a least as far as I could see:). I guess that it shows me what my kids have to go through sometimes. But, no one said anything mean to me, at least anyone that I could understand:) They may have been saying something, but I didn't understand it:) I just smiled and went on. It is definitely eyeopening. I thought this morning while I was eating breakfast, I looked right out at the ocean and thought about how beautiful it was if you look right at the ocean, but when you look around, it is some of the saddest things to see. It was a little ironic, looking at something so beautiful, surrounded by something so poverty stricken, kind of like the best and worst view all combined into one.
I would have emailed sooner, but I am having problems with the mouse on this computer. After awhile, it just freezes in the corner and I can't move it. So I am limited in what I send. I am ready to get home. I am praying that I may get to go home a couple of days early. Say a prayer, that would be great. The sad thing is, I will be leaving my friends. They are 3 teenage boys that live here and work, just so they can go to school. They have helped me undo Josie's hair and have sat and talked to me and mad me laugh quite a bit:). Their names are Chris, Robert and Emmanuel. I have laughed so hard with them. When I told them when I was leaving, they looked sad. When I say they work, they work very hard doing different jobs here. They live in a room under the guesthouse. They go to school during the week and after school, they work and clean up around here. I never hear them complain. It sure puts a new look on going to school and how much they value it here. It is kind of sad, something that we get for free and most take for granted, these kids leave their families and home and work just so they can go to school. They aren't late or don't complain about going. Many children here talk about wanting to go to school.

I can't wait to go home and see my guys, I sure do miss them. I just wanted to email you and let you know what was going on and that I was OK. Keep praying for me, I can always use prayers, and I have sure felt them. Josie is doing great, really attaching to mommy. Can't wait to send more pictures, it is slow here to do it. But hey, I am in Africa:)

My first post from Liberia

Finally a picture, I will try to get more, but I at least wanted to get this one. We are outside right now with the laptop and we are sweating! I have had a good day, I met Thomas' dad and will meet the rest of the family tomorrow. I found out a lot about Thomas' family. I look around here and I see why some of these families do this, there is no way that you can even imagine what it is like, but at the same time I love it here. The people are nice here at WACSN and they take very good care of me. I will say that our daughter is definitely a girlie girl, there is no tomboy in her, dresses and dolls all of the way!!!! She is just amazing and beautiful!!!!!!!

I will try to update more, I have been having problems with the computer

Time Is Ticking!

Well, this will probably be my last blog until I arrive in Liberia and get settled in. Today is spent packing and preparing for this awesome journey! I still can't believe that God called me to do this for Him. I often ask, why me. What do I have that you can use God, I am just an ordinary woman. I am not brave on my own, I am not mighty on my own, I am not any type of "whiz" at anything on my own, what do you see Lord that I can do. Then, the key words jumped out in bold flashing print, NOT ON MY OWN. I can't do ANYTHING worthwhile in this world "on my own", it is ALL through God who gives me strength. I feel that God picked me to go to Liberia for that exact reason, I am just ordinary and nothing special without Him. He will work through me, whether is be coming in contact with someone on the plane, in Liberia, or right here in my own backyard. I have asked God to use me to glorify His kingdom. Now I will tell you, I do fail sometimes and fail pretty miserably, but I find everytime that God is standing right there with His outstretched hand lifting me up and using me for His kingdom again. He has said that "you will seek me and find me, when you seek me will all of your heart." I know without a shadow of a doubt that God wants me and my family right where we are, right in the battle field of this world fighting for Him and His kingdom and spreading His love and teachings. People have asked me many times in the last couple of days if I am scared, and I have to say that really No I am not scared. God has given me peace that He will be with me from the start of this trip to the end. I also feel that when I come home He has plans from this trip, I honestly do not know what it is, but I know it is something. I just want to give God the glory for EVERYTHING that He has done through us and throughout this adoption. I will not be ashamed to glorify our Father, no matter who is offended. Jesus himself said in Luke 9:26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." How can I be ashamed of the one who layed down His life for me. God never said that it would be easy, and He is sure right, but I have thought many times throughout this whole thing, God sees what I am doing to help with His kingdom and I know He is with me and my family throughout this trip.
Well, next time I talk to you, I will be in Liberia. Thanks again to all of you that have worked so hard to encourage me. I hate to specifically thank people b/c I know I will leave someone important out. Even little notes from people that I haven't even met before have help me and know that God sent those to me at just the right time. He spoke to me through two of my very good friends just this morning when they encouraged me through their words (hey girls, God used you and you may not have even known it:)-isn't that just like our amazing Father. Another very good friend popped in last night and brought me a Dr. Pepper 2 liter even (that is my favorite), but something that simple brought a smile to my face, and I sure needed that more than she will ever know (but God knew I needed it) and another wonderful friend let us use a computer with no questions asked for this trip, he was happy to do it. God is working, just look around. Don't be afraid to let God use you, no matter how small you may think it is, it could be just what the other person needs, God knows, just listen!!

Andrea
P.S. I love you Mike, Steven and Thomas, be good and mommy (Ann) will be home soon with another one of God's special gifts! Thanks guys, I am SO blessed to have you as my family!

It Is Getting Closer

Well, the day is getting closer for me to leave. I am very excited to finally meet our daughter. All kinds of emotions are running through my heart and mind right now. I just keep thinking about what it will be like to hold the little girl that I have stared and studied her picture for so many months. To see that beautiful smile that she has given in so many pictures. I know that as the days get closer our lives will be changing, and changing for the good. It is nice for things to stay the same sometimes, but change can bring so many wonderful things. I also wonder if she knows that she is getting a mommy and a daddy? I know that she is only 4, but when she sees me, will she know I am her mommy? I think that is something that God will help her feel and understand. I think of the time I will spend with just her and how it will be something that we will share for the rest of our lives. I know that everything that we have gone through to get to this moment will all fade away the moment that I hold her and get ready to bring her home. I think about Thomas and how I could not even imagine our life without him in it. How it seems like he has been with us forever. I know that after we have Josie, that in a short while, she too will be like she has always been with us. Just keep us in your prayers in the days and weeks ahead. I have developed a sinus infection and have just felt kind of lousy for a couple of days, but I am taking medicine to get me better before Saturday. I guess I am just glad I got it this week and not next week. Soon my bags will all be packed and ready to go on the journey that God has created and organized at His perfect timing. I will also look forward to the day that I return to my whole family.

Andrea

Preparing

Well, the days are coming closer to leaving for Liberia. Many people ask me if I am nervous, I say,"Of course." Nerves are a good thing, I think they keep you on your toes and help not to let your guard down. But, I have a peace about me as well and that is all because of God. I know that He will be with me. He got Noah through the flood, He sent a lamb to Abraham, He protected Daniel in the lion's den, He was with David when he fought Goliath, so I know that He will get me to Liberia and back. I am a worrier my nature:), many times Mike has had to tell me "Quit worrying about everything, it will be taken care of." He is right, everything is being taken care of. God has put everything into place for me, even down to getting a very good substitute for me at work that is very excited about subbing for me. Am I saying that I won't be sad to leave "my guys"? Of course not. I love "my guys" and will miss them more than they will ever know, besides God, they are my life. But, am I also teaching my boys about following God, you bet. I feel like I am teaching them that actions speak louder than words. Meaning if I say I trust God, then why don't I trust Him with my life. Should everyone go to a third world country to prove that they trust God? No you don't have to, but God does put different things in different peoples' lives to see if they will trust Him. This is just what he put in our path. I have had different people that have been very supportive and I say thank you, because I don't know what I would've done without it. But I have also had different people not support me. People that have said some very mean and hurtful things about what I am doing, or even made fun of us for what we are doing. People that I have been there for in times past even when I didn't necessarily agree with what they were doing, that when it is their turn to do the same back, weren't there for us. But, I sit here and think, what about Jesus and what He went through. His own disciples disowned him and sold him out for some money. How that must have broken His heart. He was tortured and abused by the same people that he healed and fed and gave His heart to, He in turn gave His life for those same people. So I say that I can take the criticsm that is thrown at me for this. We are told in the Bible to go and spread God's word, and that means to the orphans and needy as well. If the only perfect person was beaten and made fun of and hung on a cross to die, then I can take the ridicule for doing what He has asked of me. These are just some of my thoughts. I will not dwell on the negative any longer, I see what I am going for, our little girl and to spread God's love. I know what I see will change me forever, and thank you God, because what type of person would I be if it didn't. When I hold her for the first time, I will never be able to describe for you what it will be like, I think about it every day and I know that she is worth it. God loves her just as much as He does me or anyone else. Wouldn't each of you go to the ends of the Earth for your children and God? Yea, that's what I thought :).

Playlist

Well, I am learning daily to get a little more technology enhanced:). You may wonder how I picked the songs on the playlist, but different ones have special meanings to me. Some of them have helped me through some difficult times and some good times. Other songs are special to Mike and I and either something funny is behind it or just my feelings for him or the boys or just different situations. The sisters song is for my sister in Florida. I think of her every time I hear it. It may not be exactly us, but some of the words fit us and the way I feel. I to miss her, especially is these special times that I would love for her to experience with us here. I know the song about finding out who your friends are, I have learned who my true friends and family are, whether in my times when I shed quite a few tears or ones that shared in the true happiness that we have experiences, either way, they were there. Mountain of God was already in my blog earlier, I wanted others to hear it. Hope it speaks to you as much as it has to me. Many other have been God himself talking to me through the song. I will continue to add when I get the chance. Hope you enjoy them also.

Andrea

SHE'S COMING HOME!!!!!

We received word today that I will be traveling to get Josephine on Oct. 25!!!!!! Yeah, our little girl is coming home!!!! God has truly been working in this and has obviously had this planned for some time as we had the situation where the $ came through and now the approval and travel date all came in the same week within a few days of each other. I am SO happy! It is bitter sweet for Mike and the boys as they are so excited to get their sister/daughter home, but sad to see their mommy leave. I want them to know that their mommy/wife feels the same way. I can't wait to get Josephine, but I will miss them more than they will ever know.
I think of how many times Josephine has seen the other children come and go at the orphanage and wonder when she will be the one to go. Well, now my little girl, you are the one that will be leaving and the car will be coming for you. Your mommy is coming and we can all be together on Nov. 10 when we come home.
Please keep us in your prayers as the weeks pass and we prepare for me to leave. Pray for Mike and the boys. I know how it feels to be the one left behind to take care of things. Also, pray for me, as I know God will change me and this is a trip that Him and I are taking together. I know what I experience will change me forever, and that is why I know God is calling me to go to Liberia.

Andrea

Answer to Prayer

God has provided for us yet again and just in time. Pretty much everyone knows that we have been trying to raise the $ for my trip and airfare to Liberia. We are praying and hoping to hear something this week as to our final approval and travel date, well our problem was that if we heard something soon, we couldn't even schedule my plane ticket b/c we didn't have the $ for it so we would have to wait for us to come up with the $ ( we only had $1500 of the $8000 needed for the trip). I spoke to someone and she knows that we have been trying to raise the $. Well, Mike received a call last night from her saying that her and her husband would like to loan us however much we needed for the trip and our airfare. I was floored, God knew how much we needed that $ and that we will hopefully be needing to make arrangements soon and without that $ we couldn't. It is such a relief to know that when we get the OK, I can schedule my trip. She said, "We just want to get her home and I can't think of her being there any longer." So, we are hoping to have her home before the holidays! Some of you may be wondering "Why do this if you don't have the $ upfront" Well, God truly called us and we felt Him telling us "If you do as I ask, I will take care of the rest, including the $" I knew God would provide, this was just unexpected and such a surprise. Praise God that He comes through at just the right time. I know that yesterday was a day of stress and some saddness for some of my very good friends, I just wanted to share some good news. God is working even when you may wonder how. Please continue to pray that God will get me there at just the right time and hopefully soon. He is showing me more and more every day that this is exactly the journey we are supposed to be taking with Him and I am confident now more than ever that I am the one to go to Liberia. Just had to share some good news today (we all could use it!). It is so wonderful to see a smile on Mike's face and a relief that I haven't seen in awhile. But, I have also seen my husband grow as a Christian man through this process and I am so proud of him. He is walking a different road with God now than he ever has, which is another reason why I believe all of this has happened. I do know we have depended more on God during this than almost any time in our lives, and we will continue to. We have learned many valuable lessons and feel very close to God which I am sure is why he did this. I have learned that even during the waiting process and even the disappointment process God is working and even teaching us a few things through it. We have learned to truly give it ALL to Him and no matter how big the problem, God is much bigger. Oh, what a story to share about God's amazing love and calling of us to this ministry and how He provides when He calls you to do something! We are so humbled by a God who loves us and is there for us, we give Him ALL of the praise and glory for this!!!!!!
Also, thanks to the couple who loaned us the $, they asked to remain anonymous and we will respect that. They will just never know what relief and joy they have brought to our home and lives!! God was working through them!
Again, God is good,

I pray Josie knows her mommy is coming to get her soon, she has seen many children come and go and now it is her turn!!

Andrea

WEDDING

This weekend we went to my cousin's wedding. We had a wonderful time. This cousin is just like a little brother to me. He has always been with us growing up, I can even remember when he was born (he is 10 years younger than me). His wife is just wonderful too. She is down to earth and fits right into our family. She is also very good to our boys and very excited and supportive about Josie coming. Her family is also very nice and accepts us as part of the family too. It was so nice to see them get married and they had Mike and I do a reading for the wedding, we felt very honered to do that. The boys also past out the programs. We also got to spend time with a lot of our family, which was nice too. We usually see them all at funerals, but it was so nice to see them in for something so nice and enjoyable. My nieces were there (we see them every couple of weeks)and we really enjoyed the time with them. I loved watching them and our boys interact and spend time together. That is what family and memories are all about. It was also so nice just to have a weekend where we could get away from everything and just have a good time. We went to my cousin's (the one that got married, his mom-which is also my cousin) house for them to unwrap their gifts today. We ate and watched them unwrap their presents. That was pretty much it for the weekend, it is now time to start another week and see what God holds for us this week. We are supposed to hear something this week if our paperwork is accepted and we can make travel arrangements to get Josie. Just please say a prayer that everything goes through.

The pictures are of my cousin Nick and his new wife Alison. One of Mike, myself and the boys. Another of my nieces and Thomas dancing. Then of my cousin (Nick's mom Peggy) and my aunt (her mom) Lois (it turned out to be a good picture of them). The picture of the three women are of my cousin's, it is Nick's mom and her two sisters Vicky and Jennifer.