The name Sallade.... the restaurant hostess can't pronounce it, the doctor's office can't spell it, salespeople skip it, and there are very few in the phone book... but there is now one Sallade that lives in Haiti.
Back in July, I was so excited to receive an email that had an Adoption Decree attached. Yes, our daughter, according to Haitian government, has received a new last name! I pray that you forgive me that I did not immediately sit down to write, announce, and praise God for this huge step that had happened. It felt big to our family, but Satan convinced me that it wasn't "The Big News" so others wouldn't be interested. So my procrastination has left me convicted. God has waited patiently for me to honor and acknowledge His work because I wear His name.
So is your name important? Often times I forget who I belong to and where my family resides. This journey has definitely given me a new glimpse of our Father's heart and His desires for His children. I dare not think of our daughter as "less than a Sallade" just because she is far away from home. Jesus doesn't think of us as "less than his children" just because we may have wandered and are far from Him. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." I also feel the excitement to share everything that I have with the newest Sallade. And yet, I know God owns everything and gives His people everything we need. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20 Our family will surely celebrate when she finally comes home. But oh, think of the celebration in heaven when His children accept His name and secure their eternal home. "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10
So is having a new last name a big deal? Of course! I am trusting in the process. First we declare our new identity in Christ then we begin a lifetime journey of developing our relationship with Christ. So for now, I understand that it has been declared that N is officially a Sallade. Now I must trust that we will develop our relationship for a lifetime. But while one journey toward a new name is coming to a close, a second journey is just beginning. It is our prayer that her second new name and eternal identity will be a "Christ-follower." God has so much in store for her.
And what does it mean to be a Sallade? Or what does it mean to be a Christian? It simply means you are loved and you belong.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Buckle your seat belts!
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. I will follow you..." (Ruth 1:16)
Biblically I know this verse is a conversation between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but it definitely sums up the last three months at the Sallade house. God had called our family to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Waiting patiently while remaining present in His Word and present with loved ones surrounding us. Isn't that what the holidays are about anyway? Well after the Christmas cards were sent and the holiday calendar started to get full, God said, "it is time to move into action!" Strap on your seat belt because the next few months will be a wild, fast ride.
In the beginning of December while out Christmas shopping, Scott and I received the official referral phone call. We had been matched with a two year old baby girl! She was healthy and her paperwork was ready. The daunting question was how quickly could we get there? The next step was a two-week socialization trip to Haiti. A time to meet our new daughter, apply for her visa at the US Embassy, have an interview with the IBERS Social worker, and of course, spend as much time as possible getting to know our daughter. Due to the holidays, the need to find family to stay with Casey and Kayla, etc. we worked it out to be able to leave on February 1st. Christmas gatherings were exciting sharing the news about our newest family member. Just like us, many of you have become frustrated at the long process or the grueling waiting game, but what joy it is to see how faithful the Lord is! After all the Christmas travels and celebrations, we quickly packed up Christmas and began to focus on the much-anticipated trip to Haiti that was now one month away.
January was filled with preparations. It was a time to tell teachers and school administrators. Time to double check emergency contact info. A kid's activities calendar was needed for Grammy. Overseas shots were scheduled. Extra preventive medicines, appropriate clothing, insect repellent, and the to-do list continues. We even got two large suitcases full of donations for the creche within two weeks. It was such a blessing to have so many people pitch in last minute. Throughout the month of January, I continued to look down to make sure my seat belt was still on and God was still driving this crazy fast ride! As God continued to provide every physical need, our minds became challenged and inundated with negative media coverage in Haiti. Two significant events were to take place during our time there. Carnaval is a three day long celebration for the country of Haiti. Millions of people travel to Port-A-Prince (the capital) to eat, drink, and be merry. Everyone knows these celebrations also can turn negative especially when the government and authorities are in turmoil. The president was scheduled to step down February 7th while we were in country. Reports of numerous demonstrations, protests, etc. were occurring. Despite many fears and doubts, we pressed on knowing God was in the details!
Leaving Casey and Kayla for two weeks was one of the hardest things we've done. We were so blessed that Bonnie (Scott's mom) willingly stepped in to hold down the Sallade fort. I know it had been a long time since she had packed lunches, helped with homework, and enforced the bedtime routine, but she was amazing! It was comforting to know one of our biggest prayer warriors continued to pray for us and the kids on the home front.
After landing in Haiti, the crazy fast ride continued. It took awhile to get used to the amount of people. Close quarters, people walking and running into you everywhere. The excitement continued to build as we settled our luggage, did some quick food shopping for the two weeks, and dropped everything at the guesthouse. Finally time to head to the creche to meet our precious little one!
As we arrived, many children buzzed about excited to see us telling the others "N's mommy and poppy are here." We waited downstairs in the common area while one of the nannies went to get her. She brought her down in a navy blue dress with white polka dots and a flower on her waist. She appeared shy, but quickly let me hold her. We later realized this shy, warm-up time was very consistent and needed everyday. Eventually the shyness turned into smiles and playfulness. Everyday we spent six to seven hours together playing, eating, and sometimes resting. We learned some of her favorite foods like animal crackers, peanut butter, Cliff bars, and Pringles. We learned that E-I-E-I-O was a fun song that breaks down any language barrier. Play-doh, blocks, hide-n-seek, and tickles make everyone smile no matter where you live.
Our US Embassy appointment on the second day of our stay went well. It was a long, four hour wait, but we were very pleased with the 15 minute interview with the officer. It appears N's visa will be moving along quickly. The bigger lesson I learned that morning was watching the hundreds of Haitian people intensely standing in line waiting patiently in hopes to receive a US visa. Many hopes and dreams filled the air.
On our 13th day, we had an interview with the IBERS social worker. The gentleman was very professional and slightly intimidating in the beginning. However after many questions, we began to see his heart. I admire him for trying to make tough decisions and judgements in a short one hour interview. He clearly loves his country and loves his fellow Haitian citizens. By the end of the interview, he was smiling. I pray he felt a peace and some job satisfaction knowing he was impacting and changing a life.
Well, I would love to conclude the summary of this crazy ride with warm fuzzies, but God never promises an easy ride. Approximately, seven days into the trip, I developed bright, red spots on my arms. I began having cold chills/ fever, and most significantly, breathing difficulties. It was a strange, cyclical pattern only beginning in the late afternoons. It would stop after about one hour. Then it would occur again in the middle of the night for a few hours. Local healthcare was not an option so we pushed through for seven more days till arriving home. Unfortunately, it still occurred on US soil so theories of high altitude, air pollution, or local foods was not the answer. We headed to the ER after arriving in Louisville. Of course, nothing is simple when you come back from another country sick. The next few days I stayed in the hospital. Still no official diagnosis, but I just know it has required me to rest and take care of myself this week. I guess God wanted this ride to slow down! I am not taking off my seat belt, but I'll sit in the slow lane for awhile.
While we slow down, we patiently wait again. We are hopeful to make a trip back to Haiti soon. Maybe it will be just to visit our little one again, or maybe we will be on a mission to bring our daughter home. Till then, we pray for the country of Haiti and its government leaders. We pray for the people to continue to depend on the one true Hope. We pray for all the orphans and widows that are seeking a forever family that they ultimately find their Heavenly Father as well.
I love this adventure with God. It is full of unexpected twists and turns. Times to move, and times to sit still. I am just following along for the adventure of a lifetime. Buckle up!
Biblically I know this verse is a conversation between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but it definitely sums up the last three months at the Sallade house. God had called our family to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Waiting patiently while remaining present in His Word and present with loved ones surrounding us. Isn't that what the holidays are about anyway? Well after the Christmas cards were sent and the holiday calendar started to get full, God said, "it is time to move into action!" Strap on your seat belt because the next few months will be a wild, fast ride.
In the beginning of December while out Christmas shopping, Scott and I received the official referral phone call. We had been matched with a two year old baby girl! She was healthy and her paperwork was ready. The daunting question was how quickly could we get there? The next step was a two-week socialization trip to Haiti. A time to meet our new daughter, apply for her visa at the US Embassy, have an interview with the IBERS Social worker, and of course, spend as much time as possible getting to know our daughter. Due to the holidays, the need to find family to stay with Casey and Kayla, etc. we worked it out to be able to leave on February 1st. Christmas gatherings were exciting sharing the news about our newest family member. Just like us, many of you have become frustrated at the long process or the grueling waiting game, but what joy it is to see how faithful the Lord is! After all the Christmas travels and celebrations, we quickly packed up Christmas and began to focus on the much-anticipated trip to Haiti that was now one month away.
January was filled with preparations. It was a time to tell teachers and school administrators. Time to double check emergency contact info. A kid's activities calendar was needed for Grammy. Overseas shots were scheduled. Extra preventive medicines, appropriate clothing, insect repellent, and the to-do list continues. We even got two large suitcases full of donations for the creche within two weeks. It was such a blessing to have so many people pitch in last minute. Throughout the month of January, I continued to look down to make sure my seat belt was still on and God was still driving this crazy fast ride! As God continued to provide every physical need, our minds became challenged and inundated with negative media coverage in Haiti. Two significant events were to take place during our time there. Carnaval is a three day long celebration for the country of Haiti. Millions of people travel to Port-A-Prince (the capital) to eat, drink, and be merry. Everyone knows these celebrations also can turn negative especially when the government and authorities are in turmoil. The president was scheduled to step down February 7th while we were in country. Reports of numerous demonstrations, protests, etc. were occurring. Despite many fears and doubts, we pressed on knowing God was in the details!
Leaving Casey and Kayla for two weeks was one of the hardest things we've done. We were so blessed that Bonnie (Scott's mom) willingly stepped in to hold down the Sallade fort. I know it had been a long time since she had packed lunches, helped with homework, and enforced the bedtime routine, but she was amazing! It was comforting to know one of our biggest prayer warriors continued to pray for us and the kids on the home front.
After landing in Haiti, the crazy fast ride continued. It took awhile to get used to the amount of people. Close quarters, people walking and running into you everywhere. The excitement continued to build as we settled our luggage, did some quick food shopping for the two weeks, and dropped everything at the guesthouse. Finally time to head to the creche to meet our precious little one!
As we arrived, many children buzzed about excited to see us telling the others "N's mommy and poppy are here." We waited downstairs in the common area while one of the nannies went to get her. She brought her down in a navy blue dress with white polka dots and a flower on her waist. She appeared shy, but quickly let me hold her. We later realized this shy, warm-up time was very consistent and needed everyday. Eventually the shyness turned into smiles and playfulness. Everyday we spent six to seven hours together playing, eating, and sometimes resting. We learned some of her favorite foods like animal crackers, peanut butter, Cliff bars, and Pringles. We learned that E-I-E-I-O was a fun song that breaks down any language barrier. Play-doh, blocks, hide-n-seek, and tickles make everyone smile no matter where you live.
Our US Embassy appointment on the second day of our stay went well. It was a long, four hour wait, but we were very pleased with the 15 minute interview with the officer. It appears N's visa will be moving along quickly. The bigger lesson I learned that morning was watching the hundreds of Haitian people intensely standing in line waiting patiently in hopes to receive a US visa. Many hopes and dreams filled the air.
On our 13th day, we had an interview with the IBERS social worker. The gentleman was very professional and slightly intimidating in the beginning. However after many questions, we began to see his heart. I admire him for trying to make tough decisions and judgements in a short one hour interview. He clearly loves his country and loves his fellow Haitian citizens. By the end of the interview, he was smiling. I pray he felt a peace and some job satisfaction knowing he was impacting and changing a life.
Well, I would love to conclude the summary of this crazy ride with warm fuzzies, but God never promises an easy ride. Approximately, seven days into the trip, I developed bright, red spots on my arms. I began having cold chills/ fever, and most significantly, breathing difficulties. It was a strange, cyclical pattern only beginning in the late afternoons. It would stop after about one hour. Then it would occur again in the middle of the night for a few hours. Local healthcare was not an option so we pushed through for seven more days till arriving home. Unfortunately, it still occurred on US soil so theories of high altitude, air pollution, or local foods was not the answer. We headed to the ER after arriving in Louisville. Of course, nothing is simple when you come back from another country sick. The next few days I stayed in the hospital. Still no official diagnosis, but I just know it has required me to rest and take care of myself this week. I guess God wanted this ride to slow down! I am not taking off my seat belt, but I'll sit in the slow lane for awhile.
While we slow down, we patiently wait again. We are hopeful to make a trip back to Haiti soon. Maybe it will be just to visit our little one again, or maybe we will be on a mission to bring our daughter home. Till then, we pray for the country of Haiti and its government leaders. We pray for the people to continue to depend on the one true Hope. We pray for all the orphans and widows that are seeking a forever family that they ultimately find their Heavenly Father as well.
I love this adventure with God. It is full of unexpected twists and turns. Times to move, and times to sit still. I am just following along for the adventure of a lifetime. Buckle up!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Check it off the list!
Boy, do I love a good checklist! The laundry can be checked off, the errands are done, and hopefully by the end of the day, I will have checked off writing a blog update! Feelings of such accomplishment and joy.
So for the question you all have been asking... what is the adoption update? Where are we at on the "To Do" list? Good, fair question, but I am not too sure the answer. From my perspective, the checklist is completed. Or is it? The paperwork is done here. The translation is completed. It now is in Legalization sitting on someone else's checklist. However, God has recently laid on my heart again a "checklist" that I began this journey with, but I have laid aside. Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience"... And the list comes to a screeching halt at patience. I have realized that I know very little about Patience. So the last few months I have been researching, studying, and trying to grasp a better understanding of Patience.
1. The first thing that smacked me in the face was I had to take it off the "To Do" list! It can never be checked off the list. I can never "do" it. It will never happen on my timeline- hence, the very need for patience.
2. Patience often does not increased by prayer. I can pray for my heart to change and learn to love on my children more, show kindness to a neighbor, or be gentle to a broken, hurting soul. These are actions and fruits within me. I am careful not to pray for unexpected situations or trials just so my patience will be strengthened.
3. Patience is a fruit that will increase through testing. I must accept the experience and learn to "wait well." I struggle to wait only because my mind begins to create solutions in how to fix things, manipulate situations, and even change people. The adoption process has blatantly revealed me doing all of these things. Joyce Meyers' Life Teaching Tool said, "Frustration is trying to make something happen that only God can do." It becomes a choice of becoming constantly frustrated or obedient in the testing and maturing of patience.
So how do I "wait well?" I believe God himself is Patient. He waits as I sin and fall short everyday. He patiently picks me up, dusts me off, and patiently waits- again. I believe God is waiting for His people to return to Him. Many bad things are happening in this world because of our free-will and choices, but God still patiently waits. How does He wait? He waits while always being present. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:16-18
As I am being refined in this process, my prayer is to be present while my patience is tested. May I find joy in today and stop planning out tomorrow. May I learn to focus on the present and not become frustrated in my lack of control of the future. May I depend on my Ever-Present Advocate and bear the fruit of Patience.
So what is the adoption update? Be patient.
God still has a lot of work to do IN me and THROUGH me. But rest assured- God is still ever-present and working for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
So for the question you all have been asking... what is the adoption update? Where are we at on the "To Do" list? Good, fair question, but I am not too sure the answer. From my perspective, the checklist is completed. Or is it? The paperwork is done here. The translation is completed. It now is in Legalization sitting on someone else's checklist. However, God has recently laid on my heart again a "checklist" that I began this journey with, but I have laid aside. Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience"... And the list comes to a screeching halt at patience. I have realized that I know very little about Patience. So the last few months I have been researching, studying, and trying to grasp a better understanding of Patience.
1. The first thing that smacked me in the face was I had to take it off the "To Do" list! It can never be checked off the list. I can never "do" it. It will never happen on my timeline- hence, the very need for patience.
2. Patience often does not increased by prayer. I can pray for my heart to change and learn to love on my children more, show kindness to a neighbor, or be gentle to a broken, hurting soul. These are actions and fruits within me. I am careful not to pray for unexpected situations or trials just so my patience will be strengthened.
3. Patience is a fruit that will increase through testing. I must accept the experience and learn to "wait well." I struggle to wait only because my mind begins to create solutions in how to fix things, manipulate situations, and even change people. The adoption process has blatantly revealed me doing all of these things. Joyce Meyers' Life Teaching Tool said, "Frustration is trying to make something happen that only God can do." It becomes a choice of becoming constantly frustrated or obedient in the testing and maturing of patience.
So how do I "wait well?" I believe God himself is Patient. He waits as I sin and fall short everyday. He patiently picks me up, dusts me off, and patiently waits- again. I believe God is waiting for His people to return to Him. Many bad things are happening in this world because of our free-will and choices, but God still patiently waits. How does He wait? He waits while always being present. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:16-18
As I am being refined in this process, my prayer is to be present while my patience is tested. May I find joy in today and stop planning out tomorrow. May I learn to focus on the present and not become frustrated in my lack of control of the future. May I depend on my Ever-Present Advocate and bear the fruit of Patience.
So what is the adoption update? Be patient.
God still has a lot of work to do IN me and THROUGH me. But rest assured- God is still ever-present and working for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Everything is New- or is it?
Happy New Year from the Sallade family! December was a great month full of many praises and celebrations. All the events surrounding the birth of our Savior were fun and cherished. Time with family and reacquainting with friends are always precious memories. As we anticipated Jesus' birth, it was a season of feeling overwhelmed and humbled to serve such an Almighty King! In less than six weeks, the Provider and Father gathered His resources and has made ready over 2/3 of our adoption expenses. Praise Be To God! There is no other explanation! He is faithful to His promises- He CAN what we CAN'T! (Philippines 4:13) The Father's heart is generous and abundant. Thank you to the many people who listened to the Spirit's prompt. The donations have been mind-blowing, but we also covet your prayers. The provisions God has given are clear confirmations and stir an unspeakable peace that pushes us forward. As God reveals and provides for us today, it gives me even greater confidence He will continue to guide and provide for us eighteen years from now when we are still on this parenting journey.
January 1st brings refreshing newness. It is a new feeling to see our dining room table again as numerous, scattered dossier papers are now gone. In addition, new clothes, new toys, newly rearranged house after we put the Christmas decorations away, a new clean slate as we begin our New Year's resolutions and goals for 2015. I love the feeling of "new" but I ultimately know that "new" means hope. Hope in the One that always keeps His promises. I have been challenged this year by a verse I have heard many times. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becoming new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) I normally focus on the new creation and the struggle to keep the old things dead. This year I am thinking differently and focusing on the last part of that verse. "All things are becoming new." Becoming is a journey. I really can relate to a journey. I have planned, packed, prepared, and participated in many road trips as recently as our Christmas travels. However, obviously on this journey, I haven't arrived yet (because I am not dancing in heaven yet), but I must also remember that other things of this world are still becoming too.
Our dossier papers have been submitted to the Haitian department for translation. However, my heart continues to ache for the country of Haiti. January 12th marked the five year anniversary of the 2010 devastating earthquake. The UNICEF estimates there are 430,000 Haitian orphans. In addition, the potential elections scheduled to occur on January 12, 2015 did not take place. The government and country is in significant unrest. I pray that the country is becoming- new, prosperous, and blessed with the gospel. I pray that the orphans are becoming- beautiful, hope-filled missionaries on fire for Jesus. Please join with me in prayer for the people of Haiti as many continue to search and seek this newness that only comes from Christ.
I anxiously await newness. Of course, I often add my own thoughts to this verse. "everything is becoming new, BUT ____ or EXCEPT ____" In my own sin, I doubt and underestimate the power and authority of Jesus to make "everything new." (period.)
So this year, no goals (sorry Dad, sorry Steven Covey). This year I am "becoming." I am becoming a student of the Word. I am becoming a prayer warrior for my family. I am becoming a healthier missionary in spreading the gospel. Last but not least, this year I am becoming a more loving, patient mommy. What are you becoming?
January 1st brings refreshing newness. It is a new feeling to see our dining room table again as numerous, scattered dossier papers are now gone. In addition, new clothes, new toys, newly rearranged house after we put the Christmas decorations away, a new clean slate as we begin our New Year's resolutions and goals for 2015. I love the feeling of "new" but I ultimately know that "new" means hope. Hope in the One that always keeps His promises. I have been challenged this year by a verse I have heard many times. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becoming new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) I normally focus on the new creation and the struggle to keep the old things dead. This year I am thinking differently and focusing on the last part of that verse. "All things are becoming new." Becoming is a journey. I really can relate to a journey. I have planned, packed, prepared, and participated in many road trips as recently as our Christmas travels. However, obviously on this journey, I haven't arrived yet (because I am not dancing in heaven yet), but I must also remember that other things of this world are still becoming too.
Our dossier papers have been submitted to the Haitian department for translation. However, my heart continues to ache for the country of Haiti. January 12th marked the five year anniversary of the 2010 devastating earthquake. The UNICEF estimates there are 430,000 Haitian orphans. In addition, the potential elections scheduled to occur on January 12, 2015 did not take place. The government and country is in significant unrest. I pray that the country is becoming- new, prosperous, and blessed with the gospel. I pray that the orphans are becoming- beautiful, hope-filled missionaries on fire for Jesus. Please join with me in prayer for the people of Haiti as many continue to search and seek this newness that only comes from Christ.
I anxiously await newness. Of course, I often add my own thoughts to this verse. "everything is becoming new, BUT ____ or EXCEPT ____" In my own sin, I doubt and underestimate the power and authority of Jesus to make "everything new." (period.)
So this year, no goals (sorry Dad, sorry Steven Covey). This year I am "becoming." I am becoming a student of the Word. I am becoming a prayer warrior for my family. I am becoming a healthier missionary in spreading the gospel. Last but not least, this year I am becoming a more loving, patient mommy. What are you becoming?
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Miracles come in "CANS"
We are excited you are joining us on our journey of adoption!
The bible clearly states, "I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 Joyce Meyers says, "Miracles only come in CANS." I will do what I CAN and allow God to do whatever I can't. I CAN open my home to another child; I CAN fill out paperwork; I CAN humbly accept help... but I must allow God to do what I can't. Adoption expenses are estimated at $34,000. A miracle of $34,000 will only be explained through a work of God.
I have never been good at math, numbers, or equations. Now I understand why. God has equipped or UNequipped me with that logical part of the brain that tries to make sense of the cost involved in adoption. The numbers "just don't add up," but I am kind of used to that. :) However, I do not believe that this is supposed to add up nicely and equal a nice, earthly equation. Then God would be left out of such an equation. The miracle of life is not a simple equation. It can only be explained by a detailed Creator of the Universe. Therefore, the miracle of adoption is not a simple math equation either. It can only be explained by the True Father to the Fatherless. Only He can orchestrate such a complex process over language barriers, cultural differences, spiritual warfare, and financial obstacles.
What is the math equation? Our family is being called to adopt, and it is time to open the miracle CAN. I CAN ask you for donations. We have established an account with 'Adopt Together' a non-profit organization that allows you to give a tax-deductible gift towards our adoption expenses. The button will directly link you to our account. I CAN encourage you to sponsor garage sales, organize pancake breakfasts, set up raffles and auctions, or host home parties on our behalf. You CAN help us by contact other resources to spread the word. Like our blog and share it on Facebook. Then we will pray and watch as God completes HIS equation by doing things we CAN'T possibly think or imagine.
The bible clearly states, "I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 Joyce Meyers says, "Miracles only come in CANS." I will do what I CAN and allow God to do whatever I can't. I CAN open my home to another child; I CAN fill out paperwork; I CAN humbly accept help... but I must allow God to do what I can't. Adoption expenses are estimated at $34,000. A miracle of $34,000 will only be explained through a work of God.
I have never been good at math, numbers, or equations. Now I understand why. God has equipped or UNequipped me with that logical part of the brain that tries to make sense of the cost involved in adoption. The numbers "just don't add up," but I am kind of used to that. :) However, I do not believe that this is supposed to add up nicely and equal a nice, earthly equation. Then God would be left out of such an equation. The miracle of life is not a simple equation. It can only be explained by a detailed Creator of the Universe. Therefore, the miracle of adoption is not a simple math equation either. It can only be explained by the True Father to the Fatherless. Only He can orchestrate such a complex process over language barriers, cultural differences, spiritual warfare, and financial obstacles.
What is the math equation? Our family is being called to adopt, and it is time to open the miracle CAN. I CAN ask you for donations. We have established an account with 'Adopt Together' a non-profit organization that allows you to give a tax-deductible gift towards our adoption expenses. The button will directly link you to our account. I CAN encourage you to sponsor garage sales, organize pancake breakfasts, set up raffles and auctions, or host home parties on our behalf. You CAN help us by contact other resources to spread the word. Like our blog and share it on Facebook. Then we will pray and watch as God completes HIS equation by doing things we CAN'T possibly think or imagine.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
One year anniversary
It is the one year anniversary of being on this exciting journey of adoption. I remember celebrating my 40th birthday while telling family that we were expanding our family. Something I never thought that would mark such a milestone birthday. Well, the excitement has not ended. Now at 41, I want to share the milestone of paperwork completed. :) It seems so simple, yet so significant in this earthly world. And like so many things in life, the more you share it, the more you hear yourself saying it, the more real it becomes. Even with all the paperwork, it doesn't seem real. This mess of papers laid out all over the dining room table can't come close to representing something beautiful that is about to happen.
As I mentioned this past year has been full of paperwork. I am excited to think I have already written my autobiography for my grandchildren to pass down. I have reflected, analyzed, and recorded more about myself than I ever anticipated. As I occassionally grumbled, God often reminded me that my writings were my testimony. (2 Timothy 1:8-9) It was an opportunity to reflect on how God has refined me, delivered me, and equipped me for this new journey. Scott and I were also asked to write an assignment regarding our own race and nationality. I have never cared much about what others think till I realized how much of an indirect and direct impact it has on me and how I view and love others. The educational portion of the home study was also eye-opening as I felt I was given a "manual" on how to care for adopted children. Honestly, I was only given one manual when my biological children were born, and I think I will use the same one for our adopted child. The Bible- true, never changing, full of broken people needing a Savior, and it applies to all generations.
At last I say, our home study is complete. Our educational component is complete. Our application for Immigration has been filed. Our dossier (and collection of documents submitted for permission to adopt) is being reviewed, authenticated, translated, and will hopefully arrive in Haiti by January. It is time to breathe and give God the praise for an amazing year.
Next year will be God refining and teaching me patience. As we wait...waiting for governments, waiting for paperwork, waiting for phone calls, and waiting for answers. But while we wait, we will keep on living! Trusting in His purpose, His plans, His perfect timing, and all for His glory.
As I mentioned this past year has been full of paperwork. I am excited to think I have already written my autobiography for my grandchildren to pass down. I have reflected, analyzed, and recorded more about myself than I ever anticipated. As I occassionally grumbled, God often reminded me that my writings were my testimony. (2 Timothy 1:8-9) It was an opportunity to reflect on how God has refined me, delivered me, and equipped me for this new journey. Scott and I were also asked to write an assignment regarding our own race and nationality. I have never cared much about what others think till I realized how much of an indirect and direct impact it has on me and how I view and love others. The educational portion of the home study was also eye-opening as I felt I was given a "manual" on how to care for adopted children. Honestly, I was only given one manual when my biological children were born, and I think I will use the same one for our adopted child. The Bible- true, never changing, full of broken people needing a Savior, and it applies to all generations.
At last I say, our home study is complete. Our educational component is complete. Our application for Immigration has been filed. Our dossier (and collection of documents submitted for permission to adopt) is being reviewed, authenticated, translated, and will hopefully arrive in Haiti by January. It is time to breathe and give God the praise for an amazing year.
Next year will be God refining and teaching me patience. As we wait...waiting for governments, waiting for paperwork, waiting for phone calls, and waiting for answers. But while we wait, we will keep on living! Trusting in His purpose, His plans, His perfect timing, and all for His glory.
Monday, June 2, 2014
How significant is one?
I know Easter was two months ago, but it still remains significant in my mind. The Easter sermon challenged me to think from a historical perspective. If Easter was erased what would be the implications?- no hospitals, no schools, no dreams, no purpose, no hope, no grace. It was one decision that changed the world.
Could my life have the same implications? I know my decisions don't change the world, but they definitely affect others regardless of what I want or think. Sometimes I wish I could live on an island and my choices would only affect me, but once again, that isn't true. It would still affect someone or something in history. So I embrace that God created me to be in a community of believers. My choices today are important and will affect someone. Now it will be my decision to provide a negative impact or a positive impact.
If we chose not to adopt, what would be the implications?- no paperwork, no fundraising, no interviews, no decisions, no blog. But my decision could change one person's world. One more child may hear and experience the love of Jesus. One more vulnerable child won't be left in the hands of Satan. One more child won't be stuck in a hopeless situation wandering if God forgot them. One more child will use their talents and skills to spread the Good News.
So is a decision important if it only affects one? Absolutely! If I was the only sinner, I am confident my God would died, redeem, and save just this one.
Could my life have the same implications? I know my decisions don't change the world, but they definitely affect others regardless of what I want or think. Sometimes I wish I could live on an island and my choices would only affect me, but once again, that isn't true. It would still affect someone or something in history. So I embrace that God created me to be in a community of believers. My choices today are important and will affect someone. Now it will be my decision to provide a negative impact or a positive impact.
If we chose not to adopt, what would be the implications?- no paperwork, no fundraising, no interviews, no decisions, no blog. But my decision could change one person's world. One more child may hear and experience the love of Jesus. One more vulnerable child won't be left in the hands of Satan. One more child won't be stuck in a hopeless situation wandering if God forgot them. One more child will use their talents and skills to spread the Good News.
So is a decision important if it only affects one? Absolutely! If I was the only sinner, I am confident my God would died, redeem, and save just this one.
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