Good Morning Everyone! I tell you , I have been battling with insomnia this week. I usually sleep like a rock, but lately I've been waking up in the middle of the night and then spend hours tossing and turning before I get back to sleep again. I'm not liking it.
Some important announcements:
Crystal who is in Malawi Africa to bring home Savannah Hope needs your prayers and support. There are some issues with her paperwork and she cannot come back to the US until they are resolved. I have heard that it could take up to a month for resolution, so please pray for a miracle here so that she return quickly to her children and husband with Savannah. Crystal's blog is 'Johnson Angels'.
Robin at 'Red Thread Stitches' is almost to the point of giving away another handmade quilt, so if you want to donate $1 to get your name into the drawing, you should get over to her blog quickly!
Thank you so much for your prayers and support for my Grandmother. Yesterday they put some type of a camera through her nose and into her lung. They were able to see the mass and remove a part of it to be analyzed. Please pray that there is no cancer.
Lastly, Tim and I are going to try to get at least 3 of the remaining Starfish boxes shipped out today. I don't think we have enough funds to send out the 4th box. I know that you all have given so much, but if anyone hasn't donated yet and would like to help, please make a donation to the Chip In postage fund.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!
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371 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 371 of 371Patricia, you WILL have plenty of time to think of a good name! I don't know what it is about me...I have named both of my babies before even submitting my application to the adoption agency. Isn't that strange? Yet I completely understand when some people won't commit to a name until they actually see their baby.
Those are great names, Kimberley!
Have a great weekend Patricia!
It's hard to find a good name without a strange nickname or someone who it reminds someone of that they didn't like.
We named our girls early on in the process also. And I named my boys as soon as I found out they were boys. I love the name Liam, Kimberley. Sophia is such a pretty name too, and to me "fits" an Asian child. There were just some names that we didn't think worked, KWIM?
Yes, I totally know what you mean. It's tough to find a good one. I named all of my children pretty early on too. I always found out what the sex was at the ultrasound and then named them on the spot.
Us too, I could never have waited until they were born to know what sex they were! I don't have that kind of patience. :)
Good morning girlfriends!!!! I really hope all of you that have been snowed in forever get to see some pretty weather this weekend.
Kim, I owe you an apology... We have had some unexpected financial issues in the last month and I am not ashamed to say that we have been so broke that we have not even been able to "pay" attention!!! I told you that I would donate to the postage fund and I have not yet. I will donate at the end of this coming week. I am so sorry.
I have a really busy weekend, I have a 40th bday party tonight a, a baby shower @ 2 today , and a wedding shower tomorrow.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers as always. I gotta go, sorry for being here so briefly. Just know that I love all of you BUNCHES!
Love, Kristy
You know, there were names that didn't seem to fit to me, too...but then I'd see other people who thought one of those names was perfect. I think it's so interesting to see how people name their children. There are lots and lots of Chloes, but in 17 years of teaching, I've never had one in class...so it was a perfect name for me!
If anyone is looking for a replacement for esnips, I have been really happy with playlist. So far it works really well and you can choose a lot of songs instead of just one.
Kristy, I'm glad you stopped by! Hope to be able to chat with you soon!
I love baby names as well! So glad Karen joined us. I think I have to go to bed friends!
I need to add some music to my blog, I'll check out playlist. I wonder what happened with esnips?
hey blog sisters ... i talked w/my SIL (crystal) yesterday and tried encouraging her ... it is hard, but God has a reason for her to be there ... i can't wait to hold my niece ... can i just say my dresses from REDTHREADSTITCHES are the most beautiful and unique ... i encourage everyone to check out her site ...i can't believe i made sat. morning chat ...
Good night Amy, sleep well!
Kristy,
Don't even worry about that and I understand 100% what it's like to have money be really tight.
And to be honest, I don't keep track of that stuff.
with this supply raiser, everything has been provided that was needed and then some. So, do not worry.
Big Hug...
Good Night Dear Amy!
Hi there Gwen, any new news on Crystal?
Hi Gwen! You don't know me, but I am one of the many loyal followers of your blog. Your new niece is so precious, I am praying for them to get home safe and soon.
Bye, Amy! Get some rest!
I'm with you ladies. It's so nice to pass clothes on to someone you know. RMJ is sending me some and I'm giving Noah's stuff to a gal at work.
Hi Kelley!!
Ok I will make time to tell you how I came up with Astrud's name.
I was sitting in the library in high school and I was reading this book , and you know how it is when you just fall in love with the character??? Well she was a blond, with blue eyes and I just loved her name was Astrid, with an I, but the name just stuck with me, so when she came to us it was just naturally ASTRUD ALISE!
Franceska has been named since the very first meeting we went to with our agency. Having a name makes her a real person to us and that is comforting.
I have 2 dresses from Red Thread Stitches that I got as SB gifts and they are gorgeous. What is amazing to me is that Robin has arthritis in her hands and is still able to do this so she can bring her daughter home. She is very inspirational to me.
ok, i see the first post about names ... our boys have biblical names, which is why the boys picked out Jospeph for the little brother they are praying for in Ethiopia ... The girls (Emily and Maggie Tara) are both named after students of Scott who have an incredible hearts for adoption, orphans, and missions ... they represent so much of what we want for our girl's lives ...
Talk about women who inspire me...Gwen, you are a rock star. I can't even tell you how many tears I have shed at your blog. You have changed my perception of love, beauty and motherhood.
Hi Gwen, this is too spooky!! As I was sitting her I was thinking about you so much wishing that your were here to see if you had spoken to Crystal. I am so worried about her.
I was also going to leave you a comment telling you how I can just imagine how bad you want to hold your precious neice!!! you being here right now is such a God wink!!!
haven't heard any news about her coming home on schedule ... that is why i called her yesterday ... she is down, but knows God is in control .. we have worked out schedules here for her kids and shane is super confident and competent to run the home, so that is such a blessing ...
Oh I love the name Astrid! I think I first heard it in White Oleander.
marla, hello ... i am so encouraged by all that visit ... God has done an amazing work in my life through my blog family ... do you have a blog ??
Kristy,
I agree that a name has always helped me to attach. The boys were named right away, and I so want to treat my experience with Sophia as much the same as possible.
Although it has been so different. I really am a different woman than when I started this journey.
I do! It's http://lifewith4js.blogspot.com/
kristy ... God is so like that ... i never get to come to chat on saturday due to the kiddos schedules ... but it has rained and we are delayed a few hours ... Thank you Lord for the rain ... Crystal is homesick, but then I just said look into Savannah's eyes and know you are right where you are suppose to be ...
Hi Marla, you can't even begin to imagine how excited our Astrud was to hear the girls name was Astrid on White Oleander. Wasn't that just kind of a messed up movie??? It was a good one though. I had read the book first.
GWEN!!! Are yall adopting from Ethiopia?? How did I miss this?
You are awesome. You have to know how pleased our God is with you, you have a great heart.
That's a great name story, Kristy! (And a beautiful name!) Gwen, I'm glad you're here, too! My prayers are with Crystal...I can imagine that she's really ready to come home with that sweet baby girl!
Hi Gwen, Thinking/Praying about Crystal and S-H. It's good to hear that SHane does so well at home. Is Mimi close to help out too?
I can only imagine what this long wait must be like. I find it so inspirational to read about the friendships that have been created by so many of you waiting together, though.
marla, i will bookmark it ... i know people think we are crazy to have named two children in Ethiopia when we aren't ready to start the process for quite awhile, but my children pray for them every nite and it makes my heart so happy to know that my kids care about someone they have never seen and care about how they are doing ... it is like praying for all the orphans of the world ...
Hehe, it was an odd movie, but I really liked it (does that make me odd too? LOL). I wish I had read the book first, the movie spoiled it for me.
If you pop over to my blog, you'll see pictures of life here while the Saturday Morning chat is in progress...hee, hee, hee!
I have to tell all of you that when I started my blog, I did not even know what a blog was???? But I now know that it was all part of God's plan, because I have learned so much, I have had so much love sent my way, and I have like you Kimberly changed in so many ways because of my blog. I have even been told that I have inspired people, now that is just nuts because I am just an ordinary girl. But God has shed such grace on me in the last few years that my blog has truly been a blessing. When I started it , I started it for family and friends to follow along and it is funny how most of them never go to my blog, it is my NEW family all over the country and then some that follow it and I will be forever grateful for all that has changed in my life because of it.
Gwen,
I don't think it's strange at all. If you feel the call, they will come. And your children have seen the beauty of adoption, they know how important it is. Your whole family amazes me. Truly, just an amazing resource of faith and strength.
hey verna ... yes, mimi is close by and nana (great grandmother) has had the two girls spending the night w/her some ... shane does great w/the kids ... he will be going back to work if crystal doesn't come home on time ... but he works nights, so mimi and i are going to split the time w/the kids ... he also has the support of their small group from church ... crystal just wasn't prepared for the conditions or the lack of communication in every aspect of the process over there, but who could have been ... they have only adopted out 7 children in the last 10 years from Malawi ..
Marla well then we are both odd because it is one of those movies that you were thinking the whole time, maybe I should turn it off, but you just had to keep watching!!! lolol
Oh Kelley,
Those pictures are so cute of Chloe! I love seeing where people sit when they are on the chat, it gives me a picture in my head when we're talking.
About Ethiopia ... i think i did a post last June about feeling the calling to this amazing place ... we didn't' even have Maggie's picture yet ... but God was so clear ... i have been researching agencies and talking w/ families who have already been ... Ethiopia is just a forgotten place filled w/orphans ... I am learning about their culture ... it is amazing ... i feel crazy, but it is a good crazy ...
Kristy,
I feel the same way about my blog. It's like a secret world that's not so secret. My Aunt and my father read it, but mostly it is the ladies who I have met here.
I have a friend who adopted one child from China, and for years they prayed for the little sister they would someday adopt...at the time, I thought it was really strange. It took them 5 years to get the money together, etc. but they DID bring the little sister home. I agree with Kimberley...you know when it's meant to be.
kristy ... amen about the blog family ... i don't know if i could have made it in China w/maggie while everything was going on and then the 2 months of Hell when we returned ... but to see our family now ... Scott resigning was the best thing ever ... He pitched in w/the other 3 while i healed Maggie ... My blog family gave me the support I needed to stay focused ... They encouraged me and loved me like no others ... and now Maggie is doing fabulous (minus the sleep) ... she loves us and knows what that means ... MIRACLE ...
Gwen,
Why are there so many orhpans in Ethiopia?
Are they in foster homes or orphanages. I really don't know very much about the situation there.
I am just learning about Africa from your SIL.
That is great Gwen, I am so happy for you. Do all of you find yourself wanting to just stand on top of a building and scream to people all over the world to adopt children ??? I do , when I read Crystals comments on how the worms were lifted up on their skin and about the living conditions, or about how a 4 year old little girl is seeling stuff on the side of the road and I look at my 3 year old neice who would never be able to do that it is just crushing to me and I just wish I could get everybody adopt, but you know there are alot of people out there that out of sight out of mind, and if they don't know then nothing ever changes for them. Do all of you think that adoption is a calling from God, I do. Now I know that this is how I was supposed to do this motherhood thing. Had I been able to get pregnant I probably would have never thought of adoption. And I am so thankful NOW that he chose me for this path.
I am so thankful to be part of the blogging world now too. Though we are done adopting (I think), I still find so much love and inspiration through others that I am totally addicted!
Adoption is definitely a calling from God! And it works in His time, not ours. Believe me, I'd have never planned to adopt and be pregnant at the same time, but God knew it was perfect for us and it was.
About God choosing people for adoption...I truly believe that. I haven't had biological children, so some others will have to tell me if they believe this is true or not...I have a friend at school whose got biological and adopted children. She told me that adopting takes a bigger toll on you, in her opinion, and takes a special kind of strength. It probably depends on individual circumstances, though...
I do think it is a calling from God and I do want to encourage everyone I can to adopt. I am starting with my own children. I have told them that I hope to have Grandchildren from all over the world.
I think that these blogs have become a valuable source of support and comfort. I know that when I was looking into adoption, Shana's blog about her daughter Sophie convinced my heart. I showed her video to my famiy when we told them what were going to do and they were all in tears and embraced what we are doing.
I think we have more information that people who rely solely on their agencies and I think we are better prepared for what is going to happen when we go to bring our children home.
I have followed along with many families and have seen the good and the bad. I would not be prepared at all if I wasn't plugged in here.
I have also seen this community work miracles. I have seen money raised that I never believed would come in. I have seen paperwork arrive that I prayed would make it in time but thought wouldn't.
My own blog has been a witness to me of the power of God. Things have happened here that amaze me.
I think every situation is different. For me the 5 years of really hard core infertility treating was devastating and took more of a toll on me at a very young age. The wait for Franceska does take its toll but I am a different person than I was in my twenties and my walk with God is so much more, so maybe I am a little more "OK" with what life throws at me because I know God is carrying me along this journey.
I'll agree that following lots of blogs truly helps prepare you for lots of circumstances that could happen when you're out of the country and meeting your child. I felt very at peace and not nervous when meeting Chloe, because of lots of prayer, and also the fact that I had in my mind different courses of action should problems arise. We were fortunate to have a very smooth trip.
I will say that being a bio Mom has helped me in the sense that I look at my sons and I ask myself what I would endure and how long I would for them and the answer if anything and forever and it keeps me going for Sophia.
I also believe that God put me here in this line. I have seen him move me around so many times to align with his plans for me and I know Sophia is out there and she will come home.
I also believe you women are in my life to get me through it.
Good Morning ladies. The snow we got turned to rain and melted away.
ok, here i go ... i have such a big mouth and when people ask i share because i think God calls us to be ready to give a testimony for Him ... I do believe that every believer has a calling in regards to the orphans of the world ... for some it is to adopt, for some it is to support financially and for others it is to be a diligent prayer warrior (and i don't say that lightly) ... after we felt God calling us I knew it was the adoption journey, because at my very being I am a Mother ... My children were out there and God would bring me to them ... Now mind you w/out the financial help of others and the prayers of support our journey would not have been as blessed as it is, but I do feel all believer should be doing something for the orphans of the world ...
I would love for my children to experience the miracle of adoption also, Kimberley. Both my girls talk about adopting and "having tummy babies" and I truly hope they will.
PERFECTLY SAID KIMBERLY!
I think that I feel similarly to the way you do, Kristy. I went through lots of infertility stuff, too...was limited by lack of money at the time, though. I was very angry and upset with God at that time in my life...never realizing that He had a wonderful plan in store for me. When I let go of my anger and sense of unfairness, and loved my life as it was, it wasn't but a couple of years before my husband suggested adopting Chloe. So I was able to handle the wait for her quite well, as I was never expecting to have the opportunity to be a mother at all. My wait now feels the same...I almost feel detached from it, though, because I'm so wrapped up in Chloe.
Good Morning Karen!
Your sister was here earlier and may be joining us again in a bit.
Ethiopia's situation is that there are over 14.3 billion orphans currently w/numbers growing ... they are orphaned because of diseased parents dying, or parents can't feed their children due to the famine and they relinquish them ... it is horrible ... you will see a 12 year old as head of the house when both parents die and the 12 year old must now take care of his younger siblings ... the community tries to take care of each other ... in Ethiopia they are a very caring society ... it is just so sad ...
I totally agree Gwen! Derek and I feel that our family is complete, but will NEVER stop advocating and doing all we can financially for all the children who don't have families.
Wow, that's heartbreaking Gwen. I can't imagine...
Ok, this may sound weird and I don't share it much, but this is what I believe.
I believe that all of my children have been meant to be mine from the very beginning. I believe my little Sophia is my girl, her body and soul are just being delivered to China instead of the US.
She's always been my girl, we just have a different experience to learn from that will bring us together.
Biology is irrelevant to me. God has always had our lives planned as being lived together.
Trying to catch up on the comments
Oh goodness Gwen. Is it wide open for adoption? Is adoption working well there? Are people responding?
PERFECT GWEN!!
Kelley I too, was so darn mad at God, but my walk was not so there yet. I now laugh, because had he told me that I would end up with seven children , maybe I would not have gone temporarily insane all those years back. Who knew that he would put my wonderful husband in my life who had 5 kids???? It has just all worked out perfectly for me and now I know why I went thru all of that , because he was preparing me to be "their" mother!!!
And now I am totally ok with it. I am actually going to a friends baby shower and I am not regretting it, and believe me over the years I have missed a many of baby showers because I just could not go. Isn't that selfish, but that is how it was for me. NOW I GET "it"!! He has a plan and this is mine. Like Gwen I know at the very depths of my soul, I was meant to be a mom.
Karen,
Good luck with that one. It's been a very manageable chat this morning, but a busy one. Very consistant. There are a lot of comments.
While on the phone at the same time
I am w/you Marla ... I do believe after Ethiopia we will be done but I will always advocate, support, and do whatever i can to help others on their adoption journey ... i do want to shake some people who say i have thought about adopting and then that is all they say ... i have starting asking people, "Well then why not?" ...I feel like so many let the world issues side track them ... ok, enough ... i could really get on a soap box about this ...
i did have a fun little shopping trip for Savannah last week ... Target was having a huge sale and I got her some stuff ...
Good morning Karen!! Glad your here!
Wow...Kristy, I was the same way. I couldn't even hold someone's baby for years. I remember when I "got over" it...I didn't even think one day. I just held Anna. Oh my! Now I have goose bumps. I didn't even put it together until this very instant. That was 1999 and she was my friend's baby...adopted from China. Now I'm crying and I can't see the computer screen anymore.
Beautifully said, Kimberley. I totally agree.
Ladies I hate to do this but I have to really go for now. This was great conversation. I thank God for all of you. I learn so much from you. Thank you all for being my friend.
"A dear friend is wealth added to your treasure chest of experiences"
Love, Kristy
There is a blog baby shower in the works for Christy. I was going to announce it today but it has to be postponed until Crystal can get home. Laura Nipper and Chrissie are hosting it.
Kelley we need to talk on the phone, one day because I am sure we have tons of stuff in common. Email me @ KrisLRodriguez@aol.com and we will get together ok.
Love ya.
Bye Kristy, have a great weekend!
I do think that it's important to share your journey, wherever you are in it. If you are doing your dossier, if you are waiting, if you are going to get your child, if you are home and can offer guidance and support to others. I think you need to do it. And this community is perfect for it. There are people in all different places with their journey getting the support they need here in this blog community.
Have a great weekend Kristy!
Bye Ladies!!
oh kristy, i just got some tears on that and have to say i love how God changes people on this journey ... i can't imagine not giving birth since i have and i will never try to tell someone who hasn't given birth to just adopt or pretend to understand...God does need to prepare you and your family.. i can honestly say that i had the exact same feelings on Gotcha day that I did the day the boys were placed in my arms ...
and AMEN to what kimberly said ... I feel as if the names of all my children are etched in God's heart and that they were always meant to be mine ... He is so amazing !!
I'm sorry, there is a shower for Crystal being planned. I need more coffee.
Oh Kelley,
I tell you, the life women. We definitely are not a weaker sex. The things that we endure are incredible, but the gifts are amazing too.
Good Morning! I just finished baking for our church hospitality tomorrow, writing my "ministry minute" about the Children's Home we support (www.fumch.org) and now cleaning up. Hubby Ford is out running errands.
I just saw on Bloggers Choice Awards that you are number 10 on the list of best Charity blogs! We all need to vote and get you higher on the list!
Alyson LID 01/27/06
sweet friends ... i have so enjoyed this girl time and some of your thoughts are sitting in my heart ...i am so amazed at the Lord we serve ... but i have to go RUN or i will go insane today ... hee hee ... mama needs her workouts or she is a bear .. thanks kimberly for doing this and all the other things you do to keep us connected, keep us in prayer, and keep us together ...
I love cyber showers!
I think that the impact of the adoption blogging community just can't be measured. It has meant a lot to me, and I feel truly privileged to be part of it!
Hi there Alyson!
Yes, please vote for me and for Starfish too. I need to do another post for it.
How you and Ford?
Well, sadly, I should go too. Much laundry awaits and we have a big afternoon planned. I am on the board of our local Down syndrome support group (my oldest has Ds) and we are having our first Spring Dance and are expecting over 300 people. It should be a blast, but will be lots of work so I need to get there early.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies! I am so thankful to have found this amazing blog "community"!
Truly Gwen, I adore you. Have a wonderful weekend.
p.s. I am planning an actual shower for Crystal at church if anyone wants to come .. hee hee .. just hope over to TN !!!
later
Thank you, Kristy! Again, Thank you for the very sweet comment on my blog.
Wow Marla,
It sounds like you are going to have a great time tonight.
Good luck with the laundry. I know how overwhelming that can be.
Kim, thanks - We are great, and of course beautiful sunny NE Florida helps! We just spent two full days at our children's home (I am on the "board") and just wish I could do as much as you do, for them. I am getting there....
Our kids are great, life is good (better than we deserve!)!
Alyson,
I am just so excited for you guys. I know that your referral will be coming this year. It seems like I have been reading your blog forever, but it's only been a little over a year now.
And I think Ford is so cool. I love his comments.
How are you doing Karen? Notice I posted an open invite for R?
GOOD MORNING LADIES!!! Sorry its so late...I was up at 8am then decided that its Saturday and I needed to crawl back into bed for a little while. hehe I hope everyone has a fabulous day!!!!!!!!
Hi Amy, how you doing?
Is the job you are interviewing for here?
Good morning, Amy!
I love reading all your morning comments, thanks for letting me jump in.
Kim, we began blogging once we decided to adopt - Summer of 2005. It has been a long wait (don't anyone talk about being too old to adopt).
See you again soon. Yep, my hubby is the best - the one for me!
Happy Weekend!!
You have a great weekend too Alyson!
Good Morning...I remembered! I have no idea how this works. I have never done a chat.
Have a super weekend, everyone! It's been fun chatting with you today!
Well Ladies, Got the kids bathed and the family room vacuumed. THe hubby went to Dr. to check his right ear and the eardrum is not moving properly and causing trouble hearing ( he got hearing aids about a yr ago for buzzing in his ears) Now the kids are watching some Disney program and dancing along. Guess I better leave this post and be a mom for the rest of the day. Have a good one!!
If you just came on, check out my bloggy giveaway. Yep, unauthorized advertising!!
I'm doing okay. Been fighting my own sleep issues. ugh.
Yes, I saw the open invitation and passed it along.
Hi April! How are you today?
Verna,
You can always advertise on my blog!
I don't know what's wrong with me Karen. I just haven't been able to sleep much all week.
Hi Kimberley. I'm fine. Sitting here watching it snow like mad. How are you. Sorry I'm so late.
Kimberley, I wish I knew the cause of mine, too.
I'm glad to see you April. It's been a pretty busy chat this morning. Where do you live? I'm in Michigan and I'm not having snow right now which makes me really happy. The sun in shining and it looks so nice outside.
Karen,
Is it just recent for you, or have you always struggled?
When are you coming out to visit your sister again?
I THOUGHT all our snow from yeasterday had melted, but my yard still has some in it.
We live in Washington, but this is so unusual. Snow isn't a big thing around here. I'm glad that you have sun. I have been going on about spring and now this. I'm not complaining though I have been wanting all year ... it just happens to be late.
The lake is still frozen, but there is no snow in the yard at all. It's supposed to be in the mid 40's today.
It's been something that I've struggled with off and on for years.
Sorry you are going through it.
I got an e-mail from Amanda saying that $2,000 had been raised for Breanna's surgery. Great job!
Sounds like everything is reversed now. I think I will post some pictures later of it. It will be gone in a day or so. There is a robin out hunting for worms right now. Definitely a spring snow.
Good morning from San Diego
I am hoping to get these last Starfish boxes sent out today so that I can move on to my next project. Nothing big like the supply raiser. I'm going to do it again next year. But now I'm going to focus on helping some families raise money. I know that Kelly wants to do something to raise supplies for Ella's orphanage. I think there will be a babyshower or two.
I know of $2,525 that we have raised...do you know if that is in addition? If so I am going to jump out of my skin because we would have met the goal almost.
Hi there Chrissie!
Gwen was on earlier and filled us in some of Crystal's situation.
What exactly does she need to be able to leave Africa?
April, where in WA? I live there too.
Kimberley, I don't know when I will be coming back to MI. It will depend, I guess, on if I go to China with them or not. If not, maybe around Christmas again.
If I could get another job, I may be able to take vacation during the summer.
Also, we have friends of ours who have been wanting to adopt from Africa, but I always told them it wasn't possible. Now I know of another blog family who is going to adopt twins. How should a couple persue adopting from there?
We live up in Bellingham. I talked was chatting with Kelly when we were down in Seattle and she was telling me you live in Redmond (right?).
I'll ask Amanda is she can tell where the donations came from.
She knew you were raising funds. I told her that I had a friend who was working to raise money for Breanna.
April, yes, that is correct. Far enough south that we don't get the snow you get up there.
Crystal needs her approved I600A to be logged in at the National Visa Center. Once it is logged in she can get an appointment at the US Embassay in Malawi and receive her adoption visa.
I just woke up a few minutes ago and found that Crystal was able to send me a few pictures. Im going to be putting them up on the blog soon.
I guess I'm not going to get too excited right now about being almost there. The person in charge of the funds coming in is supposed to e-mail me when money comes in, but I haven't herd anything in the last month and a half. I wish I had extra to help with the postage, but any extra right now goes to Breanna.
At this point I would not recommend adopting from a country that does not have a stable open program. The only country in Africa that I would consider recommending at this point is Ethiopia. Libera was stable for awhile but having trouble recently.
I just don't understand this snow K1. We really never get snow and especially this time of year. I'm just happy to have it.
I have a coworker that lives up in Bellingham. He drives 85 miles each way to work each day. Says it's worth it for the lifestyle Bellingham offers his family.
April,
You keep doing what you are doing. If I had extra, I would donate to you. So, consider that we both donated to each other and balanced each other out. I support what you are doing 100%. My eyes watered up when I saw it on your blog for the first time.
I just feel like there is so much need Chrissie and the little warrior in me just wants all of the babies to have families. Actually she's kind of a big warrior.
Well, I'm a country girl so I really don't understand anyone thinking this is a good lifestyle and to do that drive everyday! Yikes, I have ridden down with Patrick a couple of times when he needs to be down there for a day and I'm shocked I didn't have a heart attack.
Hmm... my interest is captured. Heart attack? Bellingham? What's up with this place?
I love the idea that we have both given to each other. I LOVE Starfish and I was so excited to know that someone else was helping just in a different capacity. It takes us all and I love being part of it.
Guess I should clarify something: I don't want another job as in an additional job, I want another job as in a different job. Big difference!
Okay...well, Bellingham isn't that bad but when you like a town of
12,000 or less population and you like towns that you can walk down the street at midnight and not get mugged or if you forget to lock your car it wont get stolen then Bellingham is the place. I just find it too big and too much crime for my liking. It is great compared to Seattle.
The heart attack is from the traffic trying to get into Seattle and people switching lanes left an right.
What do you do K1?
I wish more of the poorer African countries would open adoption programs. But the poorer the country the more corupt the government. And more problems....anyway I better stop there.
Savannah-Hope does have twin sisters that we would love to see get an adoptive home. At this point its not an option. But the Lord has been speaking to Crystal about them. It looks like there may be a special project or two in the works. Something that everyone will be able to share a part in. I can't wait to share more details as soon as we get them worked out. Right now our main focus is getting Crystal and Savannah-Hope home. But the twin and the other orphans in Malawi are never far from our thoughts
Am a Detective with the Seattle PD
I am just amazed by Starfish and I really like that fact that I can e-mail Amanda. She is very responsive to everyone. She lets people come and visit. I know she gets our boxes. You can follow the children on their journeys through her blog and you can see the impact of what has been done to help her and the children. I don't know how to even get into contact with someone in China at one of the larger orphanages or how to track what you send. That just seems overwhelming to me.
I guess you know all about crime then. I appreciate what you do, but that would be a tough job. I hope you can find another job.
Chrissie,
If there is anything that can be done to help with any upcoming projects, I would love to help if I can.
Now, what is your role. Are you an administrator in some of these orphanages? How could someone help you do what you do?
I have been praying for Savannah-Hope and will pray for a safe return home. I will start praying for the twin.
I know a family who is adopting twins from Uganda. Is that in Ethiopia? Look at me...moron here, knows nothing about geography AT ALL.
Two years ago I was called as a Missionary to Malawi Africa to serve with a veteran Missionary Gardiner Gentry from Louisville Kentucky. He has been in Malawi 7 years and has started over 411 churches and has 1 ophanage and another being built right now.
It has been difficult for me to raise support to go to Malawi full time so in the mean time I have been raising funds, running the blog and making one trip a year to Malawi.
During my last trip (Aug-Sept 07) I happened upon a dying baby...Savannah Hope.
She smelled of death. Her days were numbered. I begged the Missionary to let me keep her. I flash back to that meeting all the time. I could see myself as a little girl with pony tails begging a daddy to keep a puppy that followed me home from school.
Anyways Crystal knew Savannah-Hope's family from my trip the year before. So this really has been more of an identified adoption.
I have had a STRONG desire to start a infant orphanage and adoption program in Malawi. But recently God has shut that down and leading me in a different direction. I am saddened but very excited to watch him reveal his new plan for me...which involves orphanged teenagers...yikes! Pray for Me!!!
Oh how sad yet wonderful about Savannah-Hope. I will be coming over to check out your site in a little while.
Because I am a social worker and have been for 9 years, most of the working as an adoption social worker. I spear headed the Malawian side of Crystal's adoption with Savannah-Hope. It has been quite the journey. But that sweet baby is so worth every obstacle. And I praise God for using this experience to guide my heart and prepare me for His next plan.
you are NOT a moron!!
I will pray for you Chrissie. Wow, what an amazing story. Just look at Savannah Hope now, very healthy. Amazing.
I am excited to see what God has in store for you too.
Karen,
I'm laughing!
Kimberly,
I dont know anything about Uganda having an adoption program. I will look into it. It is a different country from Ethiopia. I know Ghana has a program but it is one year from the time of referral till the child comes home which is a really hard wait. You pretty much watch your child grow for a whole year through pictures, and many of them die before you get them home. I just can't imagine.
April,
Thanks for praying for Savannah-Hope. Your prayers mean so much. Savannah-Hope's twin sisters will be three the first week of April. Their names are Tamandani and Sidala. There are pictures of them on Crystal's website.
www.johnsonangels.blogspot.com
Chrissie,
I saw that once on a blog. A couple was waiting for their little boy and he died.
It was so sad.
But there will be children who will make it through and that is the goal.
I have a friend who has been to Uganda several times on missions and wants to adopt from there, but there isn't a program yet. They need one very badly though.
Well ladies,
It is 1pm, time for me to hop off of here and get my day going.
You can still hang out and chat though.
Have a great week!
The couple that had the little boy die is now adopting a girl and so far she is holding on.
http://www.babyhoffman.com/
Good bye Kimberly. Thanks for doing this on Saturdays. Wish I could get up earlier to participate more. Thanks for all your prayers! I appreciate it so much!!!!!
www.heart4malawi.blogspot.com
Have a great day Kimberley. I think I better go fix breakfast for my hubby. I will try to come again next Saturday.
See you all next week!!!
have a great week Lady’s ....
I know the chat's closed (11am California time); I'm just checking in to say have a great week, and I'm going to read through the chat now.
I've got to set my alarm next week!
Have a great week!
Hey girl....just wanted to say hi....keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.....hugs!;)
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