We left the local U.S. Airport at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30. We left our connecting flight at about 1:00 p.m. Our flight was sort of long, but we made it. We arrived at our hotel almost 24 hours later with only about an hour of interrupted sleep. We both agree that it went pretty smoothly except our legs were extremely restless by 2 hours before arrival time.
The notes in the guidebook from our adoption agency made it extremely easy to navigate the Korean airport. Our driver spotted us immediately.
We went to exchange our money and my Dad noticed that he lost his wallet on the plane. Our driver took my Dad immediately to Korean Air lost and found. My Dad left a report. He didn't think we'd see it again. A few minutes after we arrived at our hotel, the airlines called us. They delivered the wallet about three hours later for a small fee. I had told my Dad that I felt that God is carrying us. We tried to tip the driver, but he wouldn't accept.
Korean Air is the way to fly internationally. The crew served us 2 meals and at least 2 snacks. I think they offered drinks 3 times, always with a smile.
Whoever suggested to bring a handheld fan on the flight was a genius. It helps to calm the nerves and the Korean flight was hot at certain points in the flight.
We ordered a pizza and went to bed at about 10:30 p.m. I woke up at almost 4:00 a.m. That sounds like how I sleep at home.
I want to thank all of you that are praying for us without ceasing. I can feel your prayers. They are working.
I am so excited that it is only one more day until we meet Faith. I will hopefully post pictures of our trip later.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
I Finished IT, Finally
So, several years ago, I made a goal to read the entire Bible. My thought behind that was, "How can you sign up (believe in something, teach, be completely passionate about) for something you haven't fully read?" I can't know God unless I read His word.
I started with the New Testament and then I read the Old Testament. I struggled with Ezekiel and Isaiah. I believe both of those books took at least a year or more to get through.
I am not saying this to brag, I am saying this because if I can read the book from cover to cover (even though it takes a long time) so can you. And, I think I'll start again.
Now, the topic of God's Providence, has been the theme of my mind and heart for the last week. I want to know more about it. I read an amazing sermon about Providence by Charles H. Spurgeon here. I hope you will take the time to read it.
Have a blessed day!
I started with the New Testament and then I read the Old Testament. I struggled with Ezekiel and Isaiah. I believe both of those books took at least a year or more to get through.
I am not saying this to brag, I am saying this because if I can read the book from cover to cover (even though it takes a long time) so can you. And, I think I'll start again.
Now, the topic of God's Providence, has been the theme of my mind and heart for the last week. I want to know more about it. I read an amazing sermon about Providence by Charles H. Spurgeon here. I hope you will take the time to read it.
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
TRAVEL CALL!!!
We received the travel call to go pick up Faith at 11:22 a.m. CST.
Now, I am waiting on the travel agent to call me back.
Praise the Lord!
Now, I am waiting on the travel agent to call me back.
Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Last Night of Ladies Bible Study 2011
Tonight was the last night of our church's Ladies Bible study for 2011. We studied the Book of Esther (I don't know the real title because I'm too lazy to walk about 10 feet to look at the cover) by Beth Moore.
Earlier in the study we learned this: Esther 4:14b "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Tonight we learned about God's Providence.
We looked at Ecclesiastes 3. It's about a time for everything. If you read it and take it in, I promise you will be blessed by it.
Mmm. God's word is delicious. So fulfilling, and you can't ever get enough.
God Bless!
Earlier in the study we learned this: Esther 4:14b "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Tonight we learned about God's Providence.
We looked at Ecclesiastes 3. It's about a time for everything. If you read it and take it in, I promise you will be blessed by it.
Mmm. God's word is delicious. So fulfilling, and you can't ever get enough.
God Bless!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Basking in the Psalms
I believe Psalms will be a good place to meditate on the Word of God until we receive Travel Call.
Keep the faith my dear brothers and sisters.
Keep the faith my dear brothers and sisters.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Well Baby Check - 18 months
I was so excited to get a WBC today. I was worried because I didn't know if she'd grown any/ how much in the last 2 months. I want to take the correct size of clothes to South Korea with me. She only gained a few ounces and 1/2 an inch. I'm pretty sure she should still fit in 18 month clothing.
She is speaking a few words in Korean:
umma = Mommy
abba = Daddy
Aniya = no
Anyeong (I might have spelled this word wrong, but I had to read the Dr.'s handwriting) = hello
No she does not speak English, but she'll learn quickly.
She is doing well. I hope to meet her soon.
Lord, God, I praise you for giving me this information today.
She is speaking a few words in Korean:
umma = Mommy
abba = Daddy
Aniya = no
Anyeong (I might have spelled this word wrong, but I had to read the Dr.'s handwriting) = hello
No she does not speak English, but she'll learn quickly.
She is doing well. I hope to meet her soon.
Lord, God, I praise you for giving me this information today.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Today is the Day the Lord has MADE!
Today, Faith is 18 months old. I can't wait to finally meet you baby girl. I was really hoping that you'd be in my arms by today, but God has other plans. We'll wait.
Yesterday, my boys had their first day of school. My dh bought me a used i-phone so that when I go to South Korea I don't have to take a video camera, a camera, and a computer. I was so proud of myself that I figured out how to use the camera and email it all by myself. I'm a big girl now. Here are 2 of my favorite 4 children.
Breathtakingly handsome!
Oh, I have to share one more thing that melted my heart. My oldest had an assignment called brown bag it yesterday. He had to fit several items on a list in a brown lunch bag. One item was "something special to your family." Aiden is taking a picture of Faith. That warms my heart.
Celebrate, the Lord made today.
God BLESS!
Yesterday, my boys had their first day of school. My dh bought me a used i-phone so that when I go to South Korea I don't have to take a video camera, a camera, and a computer. I was so proud of myself that I figured out how to use the camera and email it all by myself. I'm a big girl now. Here are 2 of my favorite 4 children.
Breathtakingly handsome!
Oh, I have to share one more thing that melted my heart. My oldest had an assignment called brown bag it yesterday. He had to fit several items on a list in a brown lunch bag. One item was "something special to your family." Aiden is taking a picture of Faith. That warms my heart.
Celebrate, the Lord made today.
God BLESS!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Preparing a Place for You
We are making preparations for the homecoming of our daughter. We are cleaning, adjusting, and fixing.
I want her to feel safe. I want her to feel welcomed. I want her to feel wanted, significant and loved.
How much more so is our God in heaven preparing a place for us?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 (NIV)
The difference is that our daughter has not chosen us. We must choose the Father in order for us to be with Him. He is only preparing a place for those who know (have faith) in him.
See the rest of John 14 to be blessed by the word of God. (this link will take you to biblegateway.com to John Chapter 14 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=NIV).
I want her to feel safe. I want her to feel welcomed. I want her to feel wanted, significant and loved.
How much more so is our God in heaven preparing a place for us?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 (NIV)
The difference is that our daughter has not chosen us. We must choose the Father in order for us to be with Him. He is only preparing a place for those who know (have faith) in him.
See the rest of John 14 to be blessed by the word of God. (this link will take you to biblegateway.com to John Chapter 14 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=NIV).
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mending
I wanted to let you know that I am on the mend. You might wonder why I shared the last post with you. It was so that you can see that 1) I am not perfect 2) every human, even Christians, experiences pain 3) I am vulnerable. 4) I want to glorify God and what he has done for us.
Sometimes when people see you every Sunday, they start to believe that everything is all perfect in your life. Well it's not.
On another note: Sunday School on Sunday was awesome. My husband and I are honored to be able to teach the Single Adult/College Age class. Of course many times my teaching comes from my failures in life. The subject was about forgiveness. It was a fabulous topic. It is helping me to heal. Thank you God.
God is Awesome.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Sometimes when people see you every Sunday, they start to believe that everything is all perfect in your life. Well it's not.
On another note: Sunday School on Sunday was awesome. My husband and I are honored to be able to teach the Single Adult/College Age class. Of course many times my teaching comes from my failures in life. The subject was about forgiveness. It was a fabulous topic. It is helping me to heal. Thank you God.
God is Awesome.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Upside Down Rainbow
It has taken me several days to write about the upside down rainbow from my dream on August 10. I knew from this dream and this symbol that I would receive some bad news on the same day. Most often when I have dreams, I know they don't mean anything. It seems that they are usually a weird form of entertainment. I am easily bored, so I guess I need to be entertained when I sleep also. When I have nightmares, I often make a comment to God that I hope that they don't mean anything.
If you have been reading my blog you know that I have been working for an oncology clinic. You know that I dearly love the patients that I work with. Before I took this job I had not been working as a nurse for 3 years. What you may not know is that I am an easily intimidated person. I have very little self confidence when it comes to large responsibilities. The point is that I had to build my confidence up because I was learning many new things and get back into the groove. Just because you are a nurse in one area doesn't mean you know the entire spectrum of nursing.
I had felt that in the last month I had made great strides in the area of my abilities and my confidence. I felt things were going much more smoothly. Even my husband commented on how I had really started to like my job.
My coworkers told me they were glad I was there and would tell me thank you.
Everyday while I was driving to work I would pray the same prayer, "God you have to take over because I can't do this job." You should have seen my abilities increase when God took over. His hands are amazing.
The last time my supervisor saw me, we had a large amount of patients that day. The other nurse that was supposed to be there was going to be late. My supervisor was there because she didn't know I was going to be there, yet when the patients arrived, she offered no help. I was rooming patients by myself. So frantic and disorganized -- YES! The added pressure was that I was told to room patients in 5 minutes or less. Vital signs plus the questions we have to ask take at least 5 minutes. Then we have to draw labs on most patients on top of that.
Anyway, on Wednesday, August 10, I had my 90 day evaluation. Every single thing that my supervisor said about me was negative. Talk about completely blind-sided. There had been no reprimands before that. I was not called into the office to discuss anything pertaining to what was in the eval.
Here is the short laundry list from memory: I am argumentative and defensive so it decreases my ability to learn; disorganized and frantic; I interrupt patients; I ask too many questions over and over again.
Of course I am crying at this point. Not only because many of my negative attributes are on the table, but also I would miss my patients. There was a great divide between how I saw myself and how the supervisor saw me.
My boss asked me, "Do you have any comments?"
I said, "I'm sort of between a rock and a hard place. If I say anything or if I don't I'm screwed."
(My thinking behind that statement is that if I said anything I was either argumentative or defensive. If I didn't say anything it didn't matter because what was done was already done.)
Yes, I agree there is some truth to each of those statements she said about me, but where is the other side of the coin? It made me sound dreadful.
The biggest problem was that they wanted me to work 2 days a week and I couldn't do that. When I was at work I was extremely committed. There was one day that I was so focused on my job that I forgot that I needed to pick my children up from daycare. Luckily, I had called my husband to tell him I would be late. So, he went to pick them up.
After my boss (who has never actually seen me in action) read these statements to me she said, "At this point I think it would be best if we separate because you are getting your little girl soon. When you are ready to commit to work for us, I'll give you a second chance and hire you back."
My thoughts: What? Why? From what you just read about me, I wouldn't hire me back.
There were two great things my boss said about me in the conversation, "You are a child of God." and "You are a dedicated mother."
My spirit is at war. My heart, mind, and soul don't understand.
I don't know why this happened. It hurt a lot.
When I went to Bible study Wednesday night here is one of our Bible verses:
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)
I'm not saying that anyone in particular is ungodly. I am saying that I need rescued from this pain.
If you have been reading my blog you know that I have been working for an oncology clinic. You know that I dearly love the patients that I work with. Before I took this job I had not been working as a nurse for 3 years. What you may not know is that I am an easily intimidated person. I have very little self confidence when it comes to large responsibilities. The point is that I had to build my confidence up because I was learning many new things and get back into the groove. Just because you are a nurse in one area doesn't mean you know the entire spectrum of nursing.
I had felt that in the last month I had made great strides in the area of my abilities and my confidence. I felt things were going much more smoothly. Even my husband commented on how I had really started to like my job.
My coworkers told me they were glad I was there and would tell me thank you.
Everyday while I was driving to work I would pray the same prayer, "God you have to take over because I can't do this job." You should have seen my abilities increase when God took over. His hands are amazing.
The last time my supervisor saw me, we had a large amount of patients that day. The other nurse that was supposed to be there was going to be late. My supervisor was there because she didn't know I was going to be there, yet when the patients arrived, she offered no help. I was rooming patients by myself. So frantic and disorganized -- YES! The added pressure was that I was told to room patients in 5 minutes or less. Vital signs plus the questions we have to ask take at least 5 minutes. Then we have to draw labs on most patients on top of that.
Anyway, on Wednesday, August 10, I had my 90 day evaluation. Every single thing that my supervisor said about me was negative. Talk about completely blind-sided. There had been no reprimands before that. I was not called into the office to discuss anything pertaining to what was in the eval.
Here is the short laundry list from memory: I am argumentative and defensive so it decreases my ability to learn; disorganized and frantic; I interrupt patients; I ask too many questions over and over again.
Of course I am crying at this point. Not only because many of my negative attributes are on the table, but also I would miss my patients. There was a great divide between how I saw myself and how the supervisor saw me.
My boss asked me, "Do you have any comments?"
I said, "I'm sort of between a rock and a hard place. If I say anything or if I don't I'm screwed."
(My thinking behind that statement is that if I said anything I was either argumentative or defensive. If I didn't say anything it didn't matter because what was done was already done.)
Yes, I agree there is some truth to each of those statements she said about me, but where is the other side of the coin? It made me sound dreadful.
The biggest problem was that they wanted me to work 2 days a week and I couldn't do that. When I was at work I was extremely committed. There was one day that I was so focused on my job that I forgot that I needed to pick my children up from daycare. Luckily, I had called my husband to tell him I would be late. So, he went to pick them up.
After my boss (who has never actually seen me in action) read these statements to me she said, "At this point I think it would be best if we separate because you are getting your little girl soon. When you are ready to commit to work for us, I'll give you a second chance and hire you back."
My thoughts: What? Why? From what you just read about me, I wouldn't hire me back.
There were two great things my boss said about me in the conversation, "You are a child of God." and "You are a dedicated mother."
My spirit is at war. My heart, mind, and soul don't understand.
I don't know why this happened. It hurt a lot.
When I went to Bible study Wednesday night here is one of our Bible verses:
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)
I'm not saying that anyone in particular is ungodly. I am saying that I need rescued from this pain.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
God placed me in that job, but he also took me out of it. Unfortunately, I was not spared the pain.
Neither was Jesus.
God placed me in that job, but he also took me out of it. Unfortunately, I was not spared the pain.
Neither was Jesus.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Rainbows Above the Trees
Last night before I went to bed the Holy Spirit whispered. "You'll get good news tomorrow."
Last night I had a dream of 3 rainbows above the trees. The colors were extremely vivid, but the trees were black. One rainbow was upside down.
Faith received her EP approval yesterday, but we didn't find out until today.
When do we get her? I don't know, but hopefully within a month. One more hurdle down.
Praise Jesus! All GLORY to GOD!
Last night I had a dream of 3 rainbows above the trees. The colors were extremely vivid, but the trees were black. One rainbow was upside down.
Faith received her EP approval yesterday, but we didn't find out until today.
When do we get her? I don't know, but hopefully within a month. One more hurdle down.
Praise Jesus! All GLORY to GOD!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Rainbows in the Clouds
Let's start with Friday. Friday was an extremely hard day for me. There was no news about our adoption (nor did anyone else hear from the Korean side of things) for an entire week. When you hear no news, it is hard to fathom what is going on half a world away. My heart was so heavy. Then my son came home from church camp and our pastor's wife was there. She said,"It's one more day until we get Faith home."
I hugged her and held her tight and bawled on her shoulder. I was broken and I surrendered to the pent up sadness I had and it ALL came out. What a healing balm she was for me! Thank you Miss Debbie!
After that, we had friends over on Saturday evening and just enjoyed ourselves as a few families together. My best friend (of which one of her daughters is considered a sister by my middle son and another daughter who my 2 year old gets jealous of when I pay attention to her), my other best friend (who happens to be the mother of a very dear boy who I got to take care of for a big portion of Saturday), and another couple who are dear to us. All of these couples go to our church. That's called communion and fellowship. Living life together.
I want to thank all the prayer warriors out there that have prayed for us on this journey. I could feel your prayers especially the last few days.
Yesterday morning I was driving to work. There were clouds in the west and sunshine in the east. There was a tiny partial rainbow. My heart leaped. The PROMISES of GOD! You see, I don't get to see many rainbows because our house is surrounded by trees, so when I see a rainbow I get excited. I knew we were going to get good news because once this rainbow disappeared, I saw another 1/2 rainbow. I almost had tears of JOY in my eyes.
A few hours later the good news was that Emigration Permits (EP) were submitted for the next batch of children (To clarify: The children who would travel in the next batch after us. The pattern for this year is the EP's were submitted for the first batch, then the next batch of children would be submitted followed by EP approvals for the first batch, then repeat the pattern). That means our baby should have her EP approval soon. I am excited! We have movement. So then when I heard the news that EP's were submitted, I couldn't get a hold of anyone. Not my dh, not my Mom, not my SIL. I finally got a hold of my MIL.
Well, until the next news.
God Bless YOU!
I hugged her and held her tight and bawled on her shoulder. I was broken and I surrendered to the pent up sadness I had and it ALL came out. What a healing balm she was for me! Thank you Miss Debbie!
After that, we had friends over on Saturday evening and just enjoyed ourselves as a few families together. My best friend (of which one of her daughters is considered a sister by my middle son and another daughter who my 2 year old gets jealous of when I pay attention to her), my other best friend (who happens to be the mother of a very dear boy who I got to take care of for a big portion of Saturday), and another couple who are dear to us. All of these couples go to our church. That's called communion and fellowship. Living life together.
I want to thank all the prayer warriors out there that have prayed for us on this journey. I could feel your prayers especially the last few days.
Yesterday morning I was driving to work. There were clouds in the west and sunshine in the east. There was a tiny partial rainbow. My heart leaped. The PROMISES of GOD! You see, I don't get to see many rainbows because our house is surrounded by trees, so when I see a rainbow I get excited. I knew we were going to get good news because once this rainbow disappeared, I saw another 1/2 rainbow. I almost had tears of JOY in my eyes.
A few hours later the good news was that Emigration Permits (EP) were submitted for the next batch of children (To clarify: The children who would travel in the next batch after us. The pattern for this year is the EP's were submitted for the first batch, then the next batch of children would be submitted followed by EP approvals for the first batch, then repeat the pattern). That means our baby should have her EP approval soon. I am excited! We have movement. So then when I heard the news that EP's were submitted, I couldn't get a hold of anyone. Not my dh, not my Mom, not my SIL. I finally got a hold of my MIL.
Well, until the next news.
God Bless YOU!
Friday, August 5, 2011
STILL Waiting for Emigration Permit Approval
I would like to point out that our group of children waiting for EP Approval (length of time from EP submission to EP approval) has so far this year waited longer than 2 times the amount of any group with our agency. We are up to 11 weeks today.
This wait is harder than most people will ever understand.
This wait is harder than most people will ever understand.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Revival
So, today is August 4, 2011. God's work is so amazing sometimes. About a couple of years ago, an all girl Christian singing group called "Eternity Focus" from Kansas visited our church. It was for a father daughter banquet and then for church service on Sunday. You can visit their web site here: http://www.eternityfocus.com/ We had a chance to meet them, but I don't know them personally.
I was listening to their album "Nothing to Lose" as I was washing dishes today. I encourage you to check out this album if you are needing to be uplifted. There is a song on the album titled "When God Seems Far Away."
Here in the last few days especially, God does seem so far away from me. This song helped to remind me that He really isn't far away. God knows each day that is planned for each of us.
I think it is amazing that I loved their music the first time I heard it. I bought an album and look how it helped me a couple of years later. What worship music can do not only one day, but many days later. My soul was in need of revival. . . Thank you Eternity Focus! You have no idea what your music can do.
Eternity Focus is supposed to have a new album out late this fall. I can't wait to buy it.
I was listening to their album "Nothing to Lose" as I was washing dishes today. I encourage you to check out this album if you are needing to be uplifted. There is a song on the album titled "When God Seems Far Away."
Here in the last few days especially, God does seem so far away from me. This song helped to remind me that He really isn't far away. God knows each day that is planned for each of us.
I think it is amazing that I loved their music the first time I heard it. I bought an album and look how it helped me a couple of years later. What worship music can do not only one day, but many days later. My soul was in need of revival. . . Thank you Eternity Focus! You have no idea what your music can do.
Eternity Focus is supposed to have a new album out late this fall. I can't wait to buy it.
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