So, I'll be honest with y'all. This week has been a heartbreaking week for me. I know that a majority of people will not understand where I am coming from. I have countless blessings. This was a hard week because we found out that it might not be until the end of July until Faith comes home (or later because we have no concrete idea of timing in the adoption world). We weren't submitted for an Emigration Permit in April.
If you grew up with me, you know that I am an expert at whining. My mantra as a child was, "it's not FAY- YER." I didn't stomp my feet physically on Wednesday, but I did cry some crocodile tears. I asked my Mom, "Why does God choose such hard things for me?" I tried extremely hard not to cry. I tried to keep my emotions in check. I had to call my sister and my SIL (she's been through it), too.
My whole being KNOWS to trust in God. TRUST in His timing. But my heart was just sad. I yearn for my baby girl. I don't want her to be a full blown toddler by the time she gets here. I want my boys to have time to attach and bond with her before they have to go back to school.
I know from the time that I was battling with infertility (prior to my first born son) that the long wait is worth it.
I praise God for the other women who are going through the same trials as I am and/or have gone through them before me.
I'll stomp my feet because God CHOSE me. Isn't that fantastic? God chose our family to be Faith's family. God chose Faith to be our child. She may not be in my arms yet, but she was mine from the day I first saw her. I will lean on Him. She'll be here when He wants her to be here.
I can't wait until I get to STOMP MY FEET WITH JOY, with her in my arms. We'll dance. I can't wait to praise God as I watch her sleeping, as I hold her when she's sick, as I watch her laugh and play, and through the rough stuff that comes with being a parent. I hope you'll STOMP your feet with joy when she comes home, too.
So, I'll wait and BELIEVE in the promises of God.
Psalm 25:3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart. . .
Bless You!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Finally, Some Adoption News
So I am a little slow about this post. I have been tired from working full-time and having a family. I come home and I am like a zombie. Thank God for my SIL, who came over yesterday to take care of my kids and she cleaned our house. What a fantastic gift!
Now EP news. We weren't submitted and I was completely o.k. with that. I was excited to see EP news for several reasons 1) they were notified 2 weeks after they were submitted, so there is a shorter wait until they are approved and a shorter wait until the next batch is submitted, 2) EP's are moving 3) We are getting closer to getting to hold our preciousness in our arms.
I-600 news: we were APPROVED to bring our baby girl into the U.S.A. This wait only took 15 days from them receiving it until we were approved. We were notified Wednesday.
Overall, I am overjoyed about the progress of these two things. On the other hand, I hope to see MANY more adoptive parents traveling in May. This month was pretty slow for those types of calls. I hope to see a TC explosion.
I pray that my friend Cindy travels to pick up there little boy in the next 2 weeks. They have waited so long.
Praise God for the gifts He gives. Bless you!
Now EP news. We weren't submitted and I was completely o.k. with that. I was excited to see EP news for several reasons 1) they were notified 2 weeks after they were submitted, so there is a shorter wait until they are approved and a shorter wait until the next batch is submitted, 2) EP's are moving 3) We are getting closer to getting to hold our preciousness in our arms.
I-600 news: we were APPROVED to bring our baby girl into the U.S.A. This wait only took 15 days from them receiving it until we were approved. We were notified Wednesday.
Overall, I am overjoyed about the progress of these two things. On the other hand, I hope to see MANY more adoptive parents traveling in May. This month was pretty slow for those types of calls. I hope to see a TC explosion.
I pray that my friend Cindy travels to pick up there little boy in the next 2 weeks. They have waited so long.
Praise God for the gifts He gives. Bless you!
"I Hate Easter"
Today when I was at work, one of the Doctors walked by and said, "Happy Easter."
My co-worker exclaimed, "I hate Easter."
I looked at her, gave her an uneasy smile, turned my head and stared at my computer waiting for the first patient to arrive. I didn't have time, nor did I have the energy to tackle the whys of her statement.
My first question in my mind was, "You hate the fact that Jesus is risen from the dead and He is the giver of life?" "Do you hate the secularism of the holiday?" "Did something bad happen to you on Easter?"
I've been dealing with a lot of stress pertaining to situations at work, so I couldn't handle this situation. Keep in mind that I work at an oncology clinic, so there are some sad situations (some miracles), but a lot of bad news when you're dealing with many cancer patients and many other diseases that are lifetime ill-health diagnoses.
I had to focus on my work day (I'm still new) and it wasn't an appropriate time to discuss our beliefs due to we were on work time. Once the day gets started at our clinic, there is no time to sit around and slack off. Even lunch yesterday was about 15 minutes long.
Please join me in praying for my co-worker and all the others that "hate" Easter. It's sad for whatever reason she and they "hate" Easter.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 (NIV 1984)
My heart mourns for the people that don't believe this. I love Easter because my Savior died on my behalf and rose from the dead. He's ALIVE!
My co-worker exclaimed, "I hate Easter."
I looked at her, gave her an uneasy smile, turned my head and stared at my computer waiting for the first patient to arrive. I didn't have time, nor did I have the energy to tackle the whys of her statement.
My first question in my mind was, "You hate the fact that Jesus is risen from the dead and He is the giver of life?" "Do you hate the secularism of the holiday?" "Did something bad happen to you on Easter?"
I've been dealing with a lot of stress pertaining to situations at work, so I couldn't handle this situation. Keep in mind that I work at an oncology clinic, so there are some sad situations (some miracles), but a lot of bad news when you're dealing with many cancer patients and many other diseases that are lifetime ill-health diagnoses.
I had to focus on my work day (I'm still new) and it wasn't an appropriate time to discuss our beliefs due to we were on work time. Once the day gets started at our clinic, there is no time to sit around and slack off. Even lunch yesterday was about 15 minutes long.
Please join me in praying for my co-worker and all the others that "hate" Easter. It's sad for whatever reason she and they "hate" Easter.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 (NIV 1984)
My heart mourns for the people that don't believe this. I love Easter because my Savior died on my behalf and rose from the dead. He's ALIVE!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What Do YOU Figure?
So, you think you have the timeline of adoption figured out and then they change it up on you. Why? I don't know. Keeps us guessing. I am a planner (sort of). I would like to know when my little girl will be arriving. Summer around our house is EXTREMELY busy and it goes by fast. When our little girl gets home, I don't want to do much for a while. I want to spend time getting to know her.
I thought EP's would be submitted Friday, but no news. It really doesn't matter if we are submitted this month or next month. I just want to know a ballpark of a month of when she'll be here.
Maybe, (hopefully) we'll hear something next week.
A picture would still be nice.
I am glad no one asked about her at church today. Praise God through all blessings that flow!
Have a fantastic week.
I thought EP's would be submitted Friday, but no news. It really doesn't matter if we are submitted this month or next month. I just want to know a ballpark of a month of when she'll be here.
Maybe, (hopefully) we'll hear something next week.
A picture would still be nice.
I am glad no one asked about her at church today. Praise God through all blessings that flow!
Have a fantastic week.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Rough Few Days
We've all made mistakes. I've had a rough day at work. Also, my kids have been sick, so going back to work has been EXTREMELY hard on me. I think in the long run it will be a good thing, but for the short term I am one guilty Mama.
Here is the Bible verse that I keep repeating over and over again to get me through this little rough patch.
Jude 1:2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (NIV 2011)
If God can give us this, then I guess I can be merciful, peaceful and loving because He gave first.
Here is the Bible verse that I keep repeating over and over again to get me through this little rough patch.
Jude 1:2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (NIV 2011)
If God can give us this, then I guess I can be merciful, peaceful and loving because He gave first.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Praise Jesus for Spring
Yesterday I was doing my Bible study titled, "Giving God Your All." One of the verses was Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)
Then the book says in a later paragraph, "There's nothing more endearing than a little lamb in the springtime, frisking and dancing in the meadows for the sheer joy of living...." "Sheep need a shepherd -- one who can see over the flocks and oversee their care."
We were driving home (the long way because the bridge is out), and there were more than 20 little new baby lambs on a farm about 5 miles from our house.
I praise Jesus for letting us see those little ones.
This book also has a quote from Nicole Johnson, "Jesus prayed, 'Not My will, but Thine be done.' That's the most terrifying prayer in all of Scripture."
Last night I was speaking to God begging Him to take away my worry. I wasn't really worried about legals, but we have a slight chance for being submitted for EP in April. I was worrying about EP. I gave it to God and He gave me rest. I've got to continue to believe in His timing. I'm trying to will myself into submission and let Him lead.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to follow Jesus, even though I have seen so many miraculous signs and wonders. Those very little lambs that we saw are a miracle. Then once I do follow Him, I see how foolish I was for not trusting in the first place.
1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
This morning a little after 7:30 a.m. we received a call. I figured it had to be about Legals because it was the Main agency number. We should receive them early next week! Praise God! At least papers will be moving on this side of the world.
Jesus thank you for being my Shepherd. Amen.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)
Then the book says in a later paragraph, "There's nothing more endearing than a little lamb in the springtime, frisking and dancing in the meadows for the sheer joy of living...." "Sheep need a shepherd -- one who can see over the flocks and oversee their care."
We were driving home (the long way because the bridge is out), and there were more than 20 little new baby lambs on a farm about 5 miles from our house.
I praise Jesus for letting us see those little ones.
This book also has a quote from Nicole Johnson, "Jesus prayed, 'Not My will, but Thine be done.' That's the most terrifying prayer in all of Scripture."
Last night I was speaking to God begging Him to take away my worry. I wasn't really worried about legals, but we have a slight chance for being submitted for EP in April. I was worrying about EP. I gave it to God and He gave me rest. I've got to continue to believe in His timing. I'm trying to will myself into submission and let Him lead.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to follow Jesus, even though I have seen so many miraculous signs and wonders. Those very little lambs that we saw are a miracle. Then once I do follow Him, I see how foolish I was for not trusting in the first place.
1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
This morning a little after 7:30 a.m. we received a call. I figured it had to be about Legals because it was the Main agency number. We should receive them early next week! Praise God! At least papers will be moving on this side of the world.
Jesus thank you for being my Shepherd. Amen.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
God Closes Doors to BLESS Us
After Shawn and I were married for approximately 5 months, he was diagnosed with cancer. That was 12 years ago. He has been cancer free since the end of March 1999. At the urging of his parents he received his cancer treatments from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. The health care providers and staff there were wonderful.
We came home to (at the time) Kansas. At the go ahead of the Doctor at MD Anderson, we had tried to start a family. After about 18 months of not being able to conceive, my lifelong dream of becoming a mother seemed like God wanted something different for me. I was in a pretty sad state of mind and heart. I decided that it was a good time to change my state of mind and life. I decided to go to nursing school with the hopes of paying it forward and working with oncology patients (or infertility patients). I haven't had that opportunity up to this point and didn't think I ever would (we live in a rural area).
One week after being in nursing school, I found out I was pregnant with our first son. I believe two things: God did not allow me to get pregnant when I wanted or I wouldn't have become a nurse. Secondly, I cherish my children so much more because of that initial wait.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for 3 years (we weren't able financially for me to stay home until then). Due to some job things (circumstances that I'll keep private) at Shawn's work, we decided that it was time for me to at least go back to work PRN (as needed) as a RN. I applied for a job at the original hospital that I worked for after becoming a nurse. I wasn't really wanting to work at this hospital again. Let's just say I don't fit in. God closed that door. I PRAISE God for not getting that job.
I applied at a different hospital that is an hour from our home. I received an interview 2 days later (usually this takes about a month). I had a job offer for 2 different floors. They required 12 weeks of training. At the time of the interview, I thought that Faith might be home right during or right after the training. Then I would need to take 12 weeks off. I didn't see it as being fair to the other employees on the floors where I would work. Shawn and I were really struggling over the decision. We decided to put our family first and decline the position. I called the nurse recruiter, told her why I couldn't take the job, and I declined the position. She said, "I'd really like to get you on our payroll. . . We have a PRN position open in our oncology clinic. . . ." This clinic is only 25 minutes from our home. We decided that this position fits our family. The training isn't as long. To God be the GLORY! Can you believe that? An oncology clinic only 25 minutes from our home? The hours are 8 to 4:30 and no weekends/holidays.
To be honest when I didn't even get an interview with the first hospital I was hurt, but I trusted God. The money for the first job offer was substantial and was difficult to turn down, but our family is worth SO much more.
I praise God for the entire journey He has given us. His blessings overflow.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
So even in this wait, I need to remember Romans 8:28. His timing is for His purpose. Our Faith Evelyn is for His purpose. The fact that we get the honor of being her parents is for His purpose.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (NIV)
If you are reading this right now and you haven't seen the hand of God in your life, then maybe it is time to open a Bible and seek Him. If you have any questions on where to start, I'd be more than happy to help you along His way.
May you be BLESSED by the presence of the King! In His name, Amen.
We came home to (at the time) Kansas. At the go ahead of the Doctor at MD Anderson, we had tried to start a family. After about 18 months of not being able to conceive, my lifelong dream of becoming a mother seemed like God wanted something different for me. I was in a pretty sad state of mind and heart. I decided that it was a good time to change my state of mind and life. I decided to go to nursing school with the hopes of paying it forward and working with oncology patients (or infertility patients). I haven't had that opportunity up to this point and didn't think I ever would (we live in a rural area).
One week after being in nursing school, I found out I was pregnant with our first son. I believe two things: God did not allow me to get pregnant when I wanted or I wouldn't have become a nurse. Secondly, I cherish my children so much more because of that initial wait.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for 3 years (we weren't able financially for me to stay home until then). Due to some job things (circumstances that I'll keep private) at Shawn's work, we decided that it was time for me to at least go back to work PRN (as needed) as a RN. I applied for a job at the original hospital that I worked for after becoming a nurse. I wasn't really wanting to work at this hospital again. Let's just say I don't fit in. God closed that door. I PRAISE God for not getting that job.
I applied at a different hospital that is an hour from our home. I received an interview 2 days later (usually this takes about a month). I had a job offer for 2 different floors. They required 12 weeks of training. At the time of the interview, I thought that Faith might be home right during or right after the training. Then I would need to take 12 weeks off. I didn't see it as being fair to the other employees on the floors where I would work. Shawn and I were really struggling over the decision. We decided to put our family first and decline the position. I called the nurse recruiter, told her why I couldn't take the job, and I declined the position. She said, "I'd really like to get you on our payroll. . . We have a PRN position open in our oncology clinic. . . ." This clinic is only 25 minutes from our home. We decided that this position fits our family. The training isn't as long. To God be the GLORY! Can you believe that? An oncology clinic only 25 minutes from our home? The hours are 8 to 4:30 and no weekends/holidays.
To be honest when I didn't even get an interview with the first hospital I was hurt, but I trusted God. The money for the first job offer was substantial and was difficult to turn down, but our family is worth SO much more.
I praise God for the entire journey He has given us. His blessings overflow.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
So even in this wait, I need to remember Romans 8:28. His timing is for His purpose. Our Faith Evelyn is for His purpose. The fact that we get the honor of being her parents is for His purpose.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (NIV)
If you are reading this right now and you haven't seen the hand of God in your life, then maybe it is time to open a Bible and seek Him. If you have any questions on where to start, I'd be more than happy to help you along His way.
May you be BLESSED by the presence of the King! In His name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)