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.

Apples

We went to the orchard this past weekend. The boys loved picking apples. The fun thing that we found out was that of all of the beautiful shiny red and green apples, the ones that were not the prettiest (the ones with "scabs" on them)were the best to eat. It got me to thinking a little. It is kind of like anything from homes on to anything else, the prettiest isn't always the best. I look at our home, my mom sold it to us shortly after Steven was born. I lived in it before I was married, then a couple of years after we were married, Mike and I moved back in with my mom, then along came Steven and she sold it to us (believe me when I say that she sold it to us for what she paid for it, so she didn't make a profit, she was just like that--She would say, "I am not going to make money off of my kids"). It is not the newest, it is in need of repair in different places, doesn't quite have the room that we would like to have (especially with a growing family), but when I look at others, it is the best for us, and we thank God for it each day. It may not have all of the newest additions, newest walls, biggest closet or areas, but it is big enough that it holds a lot of memories. I remember where Steven took his first steps at in this "old" house, I remember the day Thomas first walked through that front door, I remember the wall Steven colored on and we had to take down the wall paper and paint a new color on the wall, I remember the light that Steven and my nephews broke playing ball, or the deck that my nieces and Steven played on when they were little, or the room that Steven and Thomas share and hearing them talk and laugh early on the weekends or late at night when they should be sleeping:). They may not have their own room, they probably will not any time soon or ever, but the memories of what they share as they get older, is something they wouldn't have if they had a room of their own. I also remember my mom's old room, and the many conversations that took place with her laying in her bed and me sitting on the end of it talking to each other. The place in the living room that she sit at. Her place at our table (that I kind of taken over now that she has been gone), I remember the many family dinners that were shared in our living room and the giggles from all of the grandkids when they would come over, the many faces that have walked through that door, the smiles and tears that came along with them. The new lives that also walked (or were walked) through them as well. My graduation party was held here, along with many different birthday parties. I remember both of my boys first Christmas' and the many other Christmas' with family celebrated here. The many days played in our backyard, and hurt knees, and skinned up elbows, etc. in the backyard and the front. Both of my boys learned how to ride their bikes right in front of this house. I remember the many conversations that happened with many different people in different areas from the front porch to the back. The many meals eaten and talks at the kitchen and dining room table. We have even had a couple of little visitors that have shown up in this house, a baby squirrel, a couple of baby rabbits, a baby bird (thanks to our cat) and yes I believe 2 bats have even wanted to join the family (we obviously didn't really want their company and we laughed at how Mike tried to get rid of the one bat:)). We also only have one bathroom right now. Many may wonder how we do it with one bathroom, but we do, and I always said that when we were growing up there were 6 people total in the house and we made due, so that is just what we do. Now with having a little girl coming soon, we may one day need to add another:). But for now, when things get crowded, especially at night, I thank God that we have three males in the house, the back yard at night has been used for many contest (if you know what I mean with boys-who can pee the quickest or the farthest:)) So as you can see, this house may not be brand new or have the most room, but it holds our memories, our lives and it is our house. I know many more memories will be made, just like our daughter coming through that same doorway many others have gone through to this house. One day we may have to eventually get something bigger, but for now and for anytime soon it will be "Our House"(Thanks Heidi for reminding me of that). So just remember some of the best "apples" aren't always the prettiest on the outside, but they sure are on the inside.

I have attached a couple of pictures of the boys and the orchard:)

ROADBLOCKS

Well, it has been a discouraging day for us. We found out that I will not be able to use my sick leave with my family leave. I will be able to take 12 weeks off, but I will not get paid for any of it but 4 and 1/2 days or only if Josie has an appt. I was very sad and it was very discouraging. I had almost enough days to get paid for about 18 days and now it will only be about 8 (that includes her appts.). We will still make it $ wise, but it will be that much harder. I just keep thinking and saying that God is in this and He has a plan for all of this somehow. It is obviously very discouraging though. I have very good friends that have been very supportive and have sent me encouraging email and have said some very encouraging words. I keep telling myself that this little girl is waiting for her mommy and wants a family very badly. So, along with this and a couple of other little things, it has been a very stressful day. A very good friend told me that I have to just keep Josie's picture in my mind as I get discouraged and sad to leave my boys here.That gives me strength, and God gives me strength. I am reminded that I can't do any of this without Him. I listen to the song Mountain of God by Third Day, and it says that
"Mountain Of God"

Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again

Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me


These lyrics really spoke to me, just when I needed it, especially the part about
As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me

I realize that God has led our family down this road of adoption and He sees what we are doing for His kingdom and He will protect me and go down this road with us and with me to Liberia and my family back here.
I am reminded that God never said that this is going to be easy, He just said we wouldn't go through it alone.

Another very good friend also sent me an email with just a verse to read. It was:

Psalm 91:

He who dwell sin the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord" He is my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Surely, he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling.....even the Lord who is my frefuge.....then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. YOu will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpant. "Because he loves me." says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

All of it spoke to me, but I just felt God truly speak to just me starting from where it says "Because he love me." That I acknowledge him and call upon Him, He will be there for me and rescue me and protect me.
This was just what I needed today, God truly spoke to me. I have a different feeling after reading these words, I do feel that a weight is off my shoulders and God will get us through everything. (Thanks Dawn E. for answering God and sending this to me, you will never know how it has helped).

I have enclosed a couple of updated pictures of the boys for the last couple of weeks. I always like to include a picture or two of them, just to show how they are doing. Also, it was Mike's birthday yesterday (the big 36:)) I made him his favorite breakfast (sausage and homemade gravy). Happy Birthday Mike, and many more!
I Love You!

School Has Started

Well, school has started and we are pretty well back into our routine:). It was hard to go back and leave Mike, but I think he is enjoying the quietness of home with all of us back to school (he works from home right now). I am so very blessed to have a wonderful husband that loves me and our children. He spends a lot of time with us and it is quite obvious that we are the loves of his life, just the same as he is ours. God truly gave me a wonderful husband and knew just the perfect man for me! Sometimes, I don't know how I got so lucky! He takes us to school and picks us up, he shares the cooking duties willingly, he helps the boys with their homework, he helps clean the house, I could go on and on. I really don't even want to think about what I would do without him. He is truly my best friend!
The boys are keeping busy with school and sports and church. Thomas is playing on a traveling soccer team. He loves it and has a coach that is very good with him, which we are very greatful for. Thomas has a God given talent for soccer and I pray that as he grows, Thomas will use it to further God's kingdom in whatever way he can. You can tell that Thomas has a love for soccer unlike any other. He is playing it all of the time at home (even when he isn't supposed to--in the house:)). It is funny to watch Steven, b/c he hates to just sit and watch Thomas, he wants to be right in there to with all of the action. He isn't used to being the one sitting and watching, so it just kills him to sit. Any chance he gets to play at practice, he is right there, they do not have to ask him twice. It is so funny to just watch him wait for the opportunity to play. I truly love to see those two playing together and just watching the bond of brotherhood grow with them. No matter how mad they get at each other at times, brotherhood always seems to come in and draw them together. What a wonderful thing as a mother to get to witness.
As far as our daughter, we haven't really heard anything more. It is discouraging at times, but I just keep praying that this will all work out in God's timing, I have to believe that. He knows just the perfect timing, but it is hard to remind myself of that at times:). I want her home so badly. I just want to hold her and keep her safe and let her know just how much we love her. I wonder many times during the day what she is doing and if she really knows that she is getting a mommy and a daddy? I just want her to feel loved and know that I will get there as soon as possible, today if I could:). I just dream of the day that I will see her face to face for the first time and hold her. I know that I will be crying like a baby. Just like I did after I delivered Steven and held Thomas for the first time. I just pray and trust that God will protect her until I get to her, that is the only comfort that I have. He protected Thomas and I know that He will protect our little Josie, He has shown us that she is our daughter. I do think about her voice and her beautiful smile, her laugh and her personality. Oh that day will be so special and I will never forget it. I do have a few current pictures of her that a friend sent us. Her smile is amazing!! We have been told that she is a true gift and we will just fall in love with her. I wanted to tell them that we already know she is a gift and we have already fallen in love with her:).