We are about 30 days away from owing our first set of fees to the agency. They give 90 days from contract to have them in. For us, that's June 1st.
We received a very generous gift this week from our family of $1000! That puts us almost 95% of the way to this first set of fees.
The only thing that weighs on my mind is that we had set aside our home study fees as a separate fund. Unfortunately, in our efforts to save Lucy we spent almost 75% of that fund. We're left approaching the end of our needs for the first set of fees but without the money to pay for our home study. We have our actual social worker visit on Wednesday, May 6th. That's one week away!
God knows every deadline. I know He's with us and will provide. I'd like to keep my agency fee fund untouched as we're so close. Please pray for our provision. We want to make the right decision and be in the middle of God's will for our family.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Encouragement
Today upon my arrival to work, I parked near a woman who is the director of a laboratory that we work closely with. She and I had a lovely conversation as we walked into the hospital. She has always taken a keen interest in our plan to adopt from China but was not aware of our switch to Taiwan. She quickly reminded me that she and her husband are from Taipei. She travels there several times a year to visit family and friends and made the sweetest offer. She would like to accompany my family when we travel. She makes enough trips during the year that it would be very easy to be sure she's in the country when we travel!
What a kind offer and one that I pray comes true......
Later in the day, one of my patients had three adopted children; two from China and one from Taiwan. Clearly a Godly woman she spoke directly to my spirit as she reminisced about her travels and her desire to one day add more adopted children. (She had three biological children and three adopted kids.) Her daughter is seen by my team yearly and as she left, she shook my hand, looked directly into my eyes and said " I'm expecting you to have pictures of your little one here for next year's appointment."
What kind words and ones that I pray come true.......
What a kind offer and one that I pray comes true......
Later in the day, one of my patients had three adopted children; two from China and one from Taiwan. Clearly a Godly woman she spoke directly to my spirit as she reminisced about her travels and her desire to one day add more adopted children. (She had three biological children and three adopted kids.) Her daughter is seen by my team yearly and as she left, she shook my hand, looked directly into my eyes and said " I'm expecting you to have pictures of your little one here for next year's appointment."
What kind words and ones that I pray come true.......
Thursday, April 16, 2009
60% and Counting....
As of today, we have 60% of our first goal (orientation/contract fees).
We have until June 1st to raise the rest.......woohoooo! We're on our way slowly but surely. Praise God for faithful friends and family! Praise God for talents that allow my husband to enjoy a hobby that brings in some extra income! Praise God for giving me the gift of gab. I am often invited to lecture to high school and college students about my career. These lectures sometimes bring with them an honorarium. I gave two such lectures today. All of our "extra" income at this point is going straight in the adoption pot.
We have until June 1st to raise the rest.......woohoooo! We're on our way slowly but surely. Praise God for faithful friends and family! Praise God for talents that allow my husband to enjoy a hobby that brings in some extra income! Praise God for giving me the gift of gab. I am often invited to lecture to high school and college students about my career. These lectures sometimes bring with them an honorarium. I gave two such lectures today. All of our "extra" income at this point is going straight in the adoption pot.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Makin' It Real
Late last week, when I was still feeling very sad and discouraged about Lucy's passing, I was driving to work and for a moment enjoying my "alone time." I was praying that I needed motivation to work on our adoption paperwork as it had fallen by the wayside in the grief of Lucy, the preparation and travel of Easter and just the general craziness of life. It seemed so far off and not a reality at the moment. I wanted to know/feel/experience the realness of the situation. I wanted to remember that at the end of this was a baby/child as real and as loved as my two kiddos. I simply prayed: "Lord, make it real to me. That's all the motivation I need to continue. Please, make it real."
Later that day, I smiled as I read a pressing e-mail from my agency. They wanted to urgently speak with me regarding a possible referral that had come their way in an unusual fashion. I said audibly in the middle of work "thanks for making it real, God."
Even before I called the agency back, I didn't have an impression in my spirit that the child was mine. I can't explain it other than I just had a feeling. However, I still wanted to hear the situation and see what God was up to. I spoke with someone from the agency and learned the details of this precious little one. I was asked to view photos and file information etc. Of course, I said yes knowing that I could fall in love with any baby but praying that I would know 'my' baby. They gave us one day to look at the file and make a decision. To make a long story short, I never felt that we were to proceed and my husband felt the same way.
Nothing could be more "real" than looking into the eyes of an orphan half way around the world in need of a home. I've been praying fervently for this little one to find their home and boy has it lit a fire in me to press forward towards the goal.
*Our social worker is scheduled for our home visit on May 6th at 7pm. From that point, we're one month to completed homestudy....................
Later that day, I smiled as I read a pressing e-mail from my agency. They wanted to urgently speak with me regarding a possible referral that had come their way in an unusual fashion. I said audibly in the middle of work "thanks for making it real, God."
Even before I called the agency back, I didn't have an impression in my spirit that the child was mine. I can't explain it other than I just had a feeling. However, I still wanted to hear the situation and see what God was up to. I spoke with someone from the agency and learned the details of this precious little one. I was asked to view photos and file information etc. Of course, I said yes knowing that I could fall in love with any baby but praying that I would know 'my' baby. They gave us one day to look at the file and make a decision. To make a long story short, I never felt that we were to proceed and my husband felt the same way.
Nothing could be more "real" than looking into the eyes of an orphan half way around the world in need of a home. I've been praying fervently for this little one to find their home and boy has it lit a fire in me to press forward towards the goal.
*Our social worker is scheduled for our home visit on May 6th at 7pm. From that point, we're one month to completed homestudy....................
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
This year we traveled to my parents house about 2 hours away to celebrate Easter Sunday. We arrived late last evening just in time for dinner.
Today we went to church as a family and after service we had an opportunity to serve the community as part of a free Easter Sunday dinner. About 50 individuals came to eat. My husband, father, brother and children were the wait staff. Volunteers from my parents church lovingly prepared the food and table settings.
What a sight we were! And what a blessing it was!
My favorite picture of the weekend was once we loaded back into the mini-van to head home for our dinner. My mom stayed home with Caroline to cook the potatoes and ham and asparagus and rolls....mmmmmm.
Back in the van, the look on my brothers face was priceless! Each of the kids was exhausted but had such a feeling of pride in their hard work. No words can express how blessed we were. What a lesson for young ones to learn. What an opportunity to serve God. We met some interesting people and spent time getting to know them and their stories.......
From an ex-Elvis impersonator to a college student from Vietnam. From a precious third grade little girl and her father to a little boy my son's age with his mother.....each person had a story. Each person had a reason for being at the dinner. Each person was and is deeply loved by God and created for a purpose; whether they know it or not. To have my family together serving the community in this tangible way is something I will never forget..........it was evidence of how truly blessed we are.
Today we went to church as a family and after service we had an opportunity to serve the community as part of a free Easter Sunday dinner. About 50 individuals came to eat. My husband, father, brother and children were the wait staff. Volunteers from my parents church lovingly prepared the food and table settings.
What a sight we were! And what a blessing it was!
My favorite picture of the weekend was once we loaded back into the mini-van to head home for our dinner. My mom stayed home with Caroline to cook the potatoes and ham and asparagus and rolls....mmmmmm.
Back in the van, the look on my brothers face was priceless! Each of the kids was exhausted but had such a feeling of pride in their hard work. No words can express how blessed we were. What a lesson for young ones to learn. What an opportunity to serve God. We met some interesting people and spent time getting to know them and their stories.......
From an ex-Elvis impersonator to a college student from Vietnam. From a precious third grade little girl and her father to a little boy my son's age with his mother.....each person had a story. Each person had a reason for being at the dinner. Each person was and is deeply loved by God and created for a purpose; whether they know it or not. To have my family together serving the community in this tangible way is something I will never forget..........it was evidence of how truly blessed we are.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
On Wisconsin! On Wisconsin!
Several years ago, when Rich and I bought our first house, the owners invited us over to visit prior to the closing. Our real estate agents thought we were crazy to accept. They saw it as odd.....after all, to them the purchase of a house was only a business deal. Thankfully, we saw it as a loving gesture and an opportunity to ask questions and learn the nuances and character of our new home.
The family had lived in the house for over 30 years and had lovingly raised two boys there. They were sad to move and wanted to be sure that we knew just how much the home meant to them. Health problems and older age were forcing them to move into a smaller, ranch-style home.
It was clear that they had meticulously cared for the house built in 1921. The rooms and yard were immaculate. They simply wanted to sit and visit and we were all too happy to soak in the history and nostalgia of lives well-lived. We hoped to one day have a happy, loving family of our own. We were blessed to hear about the antics of little boys....and to learn of the laughter that had once upon on a time filled the rooms.
At the end of our visit, they took us for a walk into the backyard and around the garage. They highlighted flowerbeds and a tree they had planted a few years before. They expressed their desire for us to be blessed with as many years of happiness in this home as they had experienced.
As we rounded towards the car, the husband stopped and mentioned that they often looked after their elderly neighbor. If we didn't see it as too much trouble, could we please do the same? They couldn't imagine not seeing Fred on a daily basis. They expressed the joy they had in sharing a fence with him.....and it would bless their hearts if they knew we would also take care of him. He had no family and was in need of a connection to people. We answered with a solid "of course!" As we drove away, we laughed to ourselves.................we bought a house......and it came with a free old man!
We moved into that house in November of 2002 but it wasn't until July of the following year that we met Fred. (It gets VERY, VERY cold in western New York--July is around the time things finally thaw out!.)
Our lives were changed forever.
We learned that he was a widower who had lived in that house for 50 years......nearly 15 since his wife died. He had once worked at the university that my husband and I proudly call our alma mater. He bravely buried a granddaughter long before her time. He loves to eat his dessert first. He never goes anywhere without his bow-tie. He taught us the joy of listening to the ballgame on the radio. His home is filled with every piece of artwork his grand-daughters ever scribbled. He eats Junket and buys apple juice by the dozen.....not more, just in case he doesn't live long enough to drink it. While we lived in that house, he kept abreast of our family's goings and comings from his favorite chair by the window.....it just happened to provide a perfect view of our living room, dining room, sun porch, front porch, back porch and yard. Very little happened in the Salamone home without Fred's careful supervision and eagle eyes recording every detail.
Today, we count Fred as family. Every holiday is spent with him. Every special celebration includes him. Our children call him Grandpa Fred. We light up his life and he lifts our spirits. We've moved to a different house but still make a priority to visit him.
We are traveling for Easter but decided to take Fred out for breakfast this morning to celebrate. We went to a local diner where he ordered his standard oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins. He is very close to my 4 year old son Tim. I could hear them laughing and singing and whispering to each other over breakfast.
It wasn't until breakfast was over and we were on our way to my parents house in the afternoon that I understood what they were laughing about. Fred taught Tim a new song....On, Wisconsin.
Tim learned nearly all the words during breakfast. Later, he said to me: "Mom, I know we visit Grandpa Fred to help him but he helps me too. He teaches me fun songs and we laugh about lots of things. I love Grandpa Fred."
This warmed my heart. It is better to give than to receive.
It is a sacrifice to care for him but the rewards we have known for making him matter are beyond description. We are blessed for having known him for the past 6 years and pray for many more to come. My children have an initimate connection with this 80+ year old man and now have the first-hand knowledge of James 1:27: “Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…."
So in honor of Grandpa Fred, here's a quirky pre-Easter song......
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Plunge right through that line!
* Run the ball clear down the field,
* A touchdown sure this time. (U rah rah)
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Fight on for her fame
Fight! Fellows! - fight, fight, fight!
We'll win this game.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Stand up, Badgers, sing!
"Forward" is our driving spirit,
Loyal voices ring.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Raise her glowing flame
Stand, Fellows, let us now
Salute her name!
The family had lived in the house for over 30 years and had lovingly raised two boys there. They were sad to move and wanted to be sure that we knew just how much the home meant to them. Health problems and older age were forcing them to move into a smaller, ranch-style home.
It was clear that they had meticulously cared for the house built in 1921. The rooms and yard were immaculate. They simply wanted to sit and visit and we were all too happy to soak in the history and nostalgia of lives well-lived. We hoped to one day have a happy, loving family of our own. We were blessed to hear about the antics of little boys....and to learn of the laughter that had once upon on a time filled the rooms.
At the end of our visit, they took us for a walk into the backyard and around the garage. They highlighted flowerbeds and a tree they had planted a few years before. They expressed their desire for us to be blessed with as many years of happiness in this home as they had experienced.
As we rounded towards the car, the husband stopped and mentioned that they often looked after their elderly neighbor. If we didn't see it as too much trouble, could we please do the same? They couldn't imagine not seeing Fred on a daily basis. They expressed the joy they had in sharing a fence with him.....and it would bless their hearts if they knew we would also take care of him. He had no family and was in need of a connection to people. We answered with a solid "of course!" As we drove away, we laughed to ourselves.................we bought a house......and it came with a free old man!
We moved into that house in November of 2002 but it wasn't until July of the following year that we met Fred. (It gets VERY, VERY cold in western New York--July is around the time things finally thaw out!.)
Our lives were changed forever.
We learned that he was a widower who had lived in that house for 50 years......nearly 15 since his wife died. He had once worked at the university that my husband and I proudly call our alma mater. He bravely buried a granddaughter long before her time. He loves to eat his dessert first. He never goes anywhere without his bow-tie. He taught us the joy of listening to the ballgame on the radio. His home is filled with every piece of artwork his grand-daughters ever scribbled. He eats Junket and buys apple juice by the dozen.....not more, just in case he doesn't live long enough to drink it. While we lived in that house, he kept abreast of our family's goings and comings from his favorite chair by the window.....it just happened to provide a perfect view of our living room, dining room, sun porch, front porch, back porch and yard. Very little happened in the Salamone home without Fred's careful supervision and eagle eyes recording every detail.
Today, we count Fred as family. Every holiday is spent with him. Every special celebration includes him. Our children call him Grandpa Fred. We light up his life and he lifts our spirits. We've moved to a different house but still make a priority to visit him.
We are traveling for Easter but decided to take Fred out for breakfast this morning to celebrate. We went to a local diner where he ordered his standard oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins. He is very close to my 4 year old son Tim. I could hear them laughing and singing and whispering to each other over breakfast.
It wasn't until breakfast was over and we were on our way to my parents house in the afternoon that I understood what they were laughing about. Fred taught Tim a new song....On, Wisconsin.
Tim learned nearly all the words during breakfast. Later, he said to me: "Mom, I know we visit Grandpa Fred to help him but he helps me too. He teaches me fun songs and we laugh about lots of things. I love Grandpa Fred."
This warmed my heart. It is better to give than to receive.
It is a sacrifice to care for him but the rewards we have known for making him matter are beyond description. We are blessed for having known him for the past 6 years and pray for many more to come. My children have an initimate connection with this 80+ year old man and now have the first-hand knowledge of James 1:27: “Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…."
So in honor of Grandpa Fred, here's a quirky pre-Easter song......
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Plunge right through that line!
* Run the ball clear down the field,
* A touchdown sure this time. (U rah rah)
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Fight on for her fame
Fight! Fellows! - fight, fight, fight!
We'll win this game.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Stand up, Badgers, sing!
"Forward" is our driving spirit,
Loyal voices ring.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Raise her glowing flame
Stand, Fellows, let us now
Salute her name!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lessons from Veggie Tales
Tonight before bed, I read my son his new library book: A Veggie Tales Classic "An Easter Carol." It's the Christmas Carol story adapted to teach Ebenezer Nezzer the real meaning of Easter.
At the beginning of the story Nezzer already has a factory of mechanical chickens that lay colorful plastic eggs . Now, he wants to build a place where everyone will buy his colored eggs and chocolate bunnies and have Easter egg hunts every day. He wants to build Easter Land at the site where the old St. Bart's church sits today. "People are wasting their time sitting in those pews when they could be out buying eggs!"
Of course the town people are afraid. The church is set to be demolished tomorrow morning at 8am. Until......Ebenezer Nezzer has three visions. You guessed it: One of Easter past, Easter present and Easter future.
Smack in the middle of the story (as the veggies are going to bed) there was a lesson seemingly written just for me.
"'What'll we do, Dad?' Edmund asked as they finished saying their prayers that night. 'Well Edmund, we need to have hope, and we need to remember that no matter what happens, God is taking care of us,' his Dad explained. 'Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Now try to get some sleep and remember that I love you.'"
The dialogue in my head was swirling. God you called us to adopt. You promised that you would bring us a flood of provision to do Your work. My response should be one of hope because no matter what happens You are taking care of me and faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And just like the father in the story He doesn't want us to worry for one second. I imagined Him saying "Now try to get some sleep and remember that I love you."
Of course, my deep thoughts were interrupted by......."Mom, are they broccoli or asparagus?"
You know the end of the story. The church was saved because Ebenezer Nezzer was shown the true meaning of Easter. He fixes up the orphanage, gives medicine to little Edmund and vows never to build an Easter Land. Way to go Veggies! Way to have Faith and Hope and way to trust that your God is taking care of you. Thank you for reminding us all. What a valuable lesson.
At the beginning of the story Nezzer already has a factory of mechanical chickens that lay colorful plastic eggs . Now, he wants to build a place where everyone will buy his colored eggs and chocolate bunnies and have Easter egg hunts every day. He wants to build Easter Land at the site where the old St. Bart's church sits today. "People are wasting their time sitting in those pews when they could be out buying eggs!"
Of course the town people are afraid. The church is set to be demolished tomorrow morning at 8am. Until......Ebenezer Nezzer has three visions. You guessed it: One of Easter past, Easter present and Easter future.
Smack in the middle of the story (as the veggies are going to bed) there was a lesson seemingly written just for me.
"'What'll we do, Dad?' Edmund asked as they finished saying their prayers that night. 'Well Edmund, we need to have hope, and we need to remember that no matter what happens, God is taking care of us,' his Dad explained. 'Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Now try to get some sleep and remember that I love you.'"
The dialogue in my head was swirling. God you called us to adopt. You promised that you would bring us a flood of provision to do Your work. My response should be one of hope because no matter what happens You are taking care of me and faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And just like the father in the story He doesn't want us to worry for one second. I imagined Him saying "Now try to get some sleep and remember that I love you."
Of course, my deep thoughts were interrupted by......."Mom, are they broccoli or asparagus?"
You know the end of the story. The church was saved because Ebenezer Nezzer was shown the true meaning of Easter. He fixes up the orphanage, gives medicine to little Edmund and vows never to build an Easter Land. Way to go Veggies! Way to have Faith and Hope and way to trust that your God is taking care of you. Thank you for reminding us all. What a valuable lesson.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Inching Towards the Goal
To date, we have received 40% of our first set of fees! We are so grateful to our family and friends each of whom have generously given to our adoption dream. We have until June 1st to raise the remaining amount. Some unexpected payments for outside work will bring our pot to 60% by the end of April! Thank you God for your faithfulness.
We have a long way to go as this is only the first set of fees.......but I wanted to pause and think about how far we've come. We pray that each gift will be returned 100-fold. God knows how He will provide the rest. We are praying for obedience on the part of those who are feeling led to bless us and we are praying for wisdom for ourselves in knowing how to go about fundraising.
Serving God is never boring.
We have a long way to go as this is only the first set of fees.......but I wanted to pause and think about how far we've come. We pray that each gift will be returned 100-fold. God knows how He will provide the rest. We are praying for obedience on the part of those who are feeling led to bless us and we are praying for wisdom for ourselves in knowing how to go about fundraising.
Serving God is never boring.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Reason for celebration
In the midst of our Lucy heartache, we had reason for celebration. Our sweet Caroline turned 1 on Wednesday, March 25th. Thankfully, she had no idea what was happening around her. Thankfully, it was her first birthday and she didn't know that she was entitled to open presents and eat cake and have us serenade her.........Never fear, we eventually celebrated a few days later. It was a little subdued but happy nonetheless.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Ready to write again
On the evening of my last post, we came home to our beloved Lucy (nearly 7 year old Pug) not feeling well. Tail uncurled, ears low etc. She sat and cuddled with me as we watched TV that night. However, at bed time, we opted to gate in her in the laundry room with a soft blanket rather than have her join me in her usual spot (on my pillow!)
Very late that night , my husband checked on her and found that she wasn't doing well. So, at 2 am, I rushed her to the emergency vet. She was hospitalized immediately with the doctor having little understanding of what was happening. I sat in the waiting room praying; I think aloud. Here we are trusting God for a huge amount of finances. On the very day that I'm proclaiming (for the world to read) that our "roadblock" was being removed, we were attacked by the enemy. Most of you know, that nothing costs more than an emergency vet visit.
Anyway, very long story short---mostly to spare myself the details--- Lucy was hospitalized overnight Tuesday and all day Wednesday. By Thursday, she was doing much worse and at 2:20 pm on Thursday, March 26th, she died.
Now, to say I was a wreck is the understatement of the year. This was my first baby. She lived and breathed and moved for her "mommy." Everyday for nearly 7 years, I could count on her to be excited when I came home.....to beg for scrambled eggs, fresh baked bread or baby carrots (weird I know!).....to be ready to cuddle at a moments notice....and generally just adding fun, love and excitement to our house. Those of you with pets understand perfectly....
Today, is the first day I could even think about writing. Too many tears and just too hard........ Please pray for me and for our other beloved pug Obi; whose never been alone for a single day in his life. He seems so sad and lost without his girl. The rest of my family seems to be doing ok.
We've had several care-packages and cards sent to us.......thank you to our dear friends and family for loving on us in that way. We so appreciate each and every one of you.
Her time was way too short but her life was full of adventure and antics we will never forget. We love you Lucy-girl!
*06/21/02-03/26/09*
Very late that night , my husband checked on her and found that she wasn't doing well. So, at 2 am, I rushed her to the emergency vet. She was hospitalized immediately with the doctor having little understanding of what was happening. I sat in the waiting room praying; I think aloud. Here we are trusting God for a huge amount of finances. On the very day that I'm proclaiming (for the world to read) that our "roadblock" was being removed, we were attacked by the enemy. Most of you know, that nothing costs more than an emergency vet visit.
Anyway, very long story short---mostly to spare myself the details--- Lucy was hospitalized overnight Tuesday and all day Wednesday. By Thursday, she was doing much worse and at 2:20 pm on Thursday, March 26th, she died.
Now, to say I was a wreck is the understatement of the year. This was my first baby. She lived and breathed and moved for her "mommy." Everyday for nearly 7 years, I could count on her to be excited when I came home.....to beg for scrambled eggs, fresh baked bread or baby carrots (weird I know!).....to be ready to cuddle at a moments notice....and generally just adding fun, love and excitement to our house. Those of you with pets understand perfectly....
Today, is the first day I could even think about writing. Too many tears and just too hard........ Please pray for me and for our other beloved pug Obi; whose never been alone for a single day in his life. He seems so sad and lost without his girl. The rest of my family seems to be doing ok.
We've had several care-packages and cards sent to us.......thank you to our dear friends and family for loving on us in that way. We so appreciate each and every one of you.
Her time was way too short but her life was full of adventure and antics we will never forget. We love you Lucy-girl!
*06/21/02-03/26/09*
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