Thankful

Our pastor says, "If you think, you'll thank."

So today I have to share with all of you how thankful I am for my sister. Her name is Bobbie, and she will be going to China with us.

She lives down the dirt road from our house. Each morning this summer, I've taken a 4 mile walk, past her house 4 times. Today, as I was approaching her house, I saw something written in the road. I had to get closer to read each word written on my path. The message read:
Good
Morning
My
Sister
I
Love
You!

How's that for a sister?
And, she's praying as hard as I am, I think, for our LOA.

May you all find one special reason to be thankful today,
Robbie

Finally (Almost) LOA News

On Day 142, when some people receive LOA on day 58, our social worker finally called. The facilitator for our agency finally received news from CCAA about our hold up.

It seems that CCAA somehow separated our LOI and dossier. They have admitted their mistake, though, and say we should expect our LOA soon!

Please keep praying for quick LOA, speedy TA, and speedier travels.

Blessings,
Robbie

New Bed

I was going to wait until we had our LOA to buy a new bed for the girls' bedroom. Then, I realized I go back to work in 3 weeks, so I better get busy deciding what I want to do in the girls' room and order a bed.
We decided on a bunk bed, with a double on the bottom, and a trundle. That will take up less room than the 2 twin beds that are currently in the girls' room, and there will be enough room for 4 to sleep. Of course, Stan says, "This is it. We're not adopting again." But there's room....just in case, or when company comes.
Please, please, pray for our LOA.
Robbie

Picture from the company website--Lea. We'll have the bed in a few weeks.

Thanks to so many of you for your prayers and support. The wait for LOA has been painful, but I praise the LORD for the peace He sends and the comfort He gives while we continue to wait. Our agency is looking into "why" we haven't heard anything.

In the meantime, our family had a wonderful, therapeutic vacation in Florida! I was going to post some pictures, so you would know I had a great time; however, I realized I was not in any of the pictures. I was behind the camera. You'll have to look at the smiles on the faces of my family and believe I was smiling too.

While in Daytona, I got up with the sunrise each morning and walked 4-5 miles while I talked with Jesus. Then, we all hit the beach, built sandcastles, played in the surf, went for walks together, and later went to the pool. The first day Josie-Tatum spent 4 hours outside before we could talk her into going in!

What could be more fun that Daddy pulling you on a boggie board through the surf?

Whitney, Josie-Tatum, Caleb, and Brandon (Caleb's best friend). Those 2 boys find fun wherever they go! I had to delete the first picture I took of them. You can use your imagination to figure out why. (They got me!)

Which one is the Princess?

So much fun, just Josie-Tatum and me. We didn't have to worry about what anyone else wanted. We hopped from one park to the next and did Josie-Tatum's favorite WDW things!

Josie-Tatum had to have a new shirt because she got the one she was wearing dirty. Then, of course she needed matching sunglasses. And, we had to pose at Minnie's House with Mickey's picture.

And, when we came home from vacation, I had to plan a birthday party. My oldest "baby" turned 19!

Blessings to all of you! And, please keep praying we receive our LOA so we can go get our baby!

Angels and My Hairdresser

Okay, do you want to hear about the picture or about the title of this post.
The picture first probably......but

God has been working in my heart over this past week. I thank Him for loving me even when I am unlovable. While I want to go to China NOW and get Ellie, I can trust my loving Heavenly Father that He loves her more than I do, and He will orchestrate His perfect plan for her and for our family in His perfect time. That doesn't mean my heart doesn't hurt, but it means I've made some serious progress.

While I desperately want our LOA, God has sesnt some super angels our way.

First, our friends leave for China tomorrow. I am so happy for them. And, dear grandmother is going with them, and, she just happens to have a time share in Daytona Beach. And, she is such a saint. She is giving her time share to her daughter's friends. We just happen to be one of those so blessed. Next week, we will leave for Daytona for 5 nights, compliments of one angel.

I spent time with my nephew who is recovering from 3rd degree burns over 90% of his body. His life is a miracle and a testimony of God's angels and God's deliverance through the fire. Getting my priorities closer to where they need to be, compliments of angel #2.

While in Augusta, I shared with a friend a desire to take Josie-Tatum to Disney World, just for one day, just Josie-Tatum and Mama. That friend made a phone call. We're getting into the park, free of charge, compliments of angel #3.

Once again, while in Augusta, I talked with my mom. She purchased a book for my niece to read as she sits by her husband's side through his long recovery. She hasn't read it yet. But I started reading it. My mom may have meant it for my neice, but I believe God meant it for me. Climbing out of the pit, complimnets of angel #4--my mom--and angel #5 Beth Moore, author of "Get Out of That Pit."

I've begun reading, and I am making my way out of the pit of despair. Life is too short. God is too good. I may have a bad day, but I don't want to dwell in the pit any longer. Thank you, Beth Moore, for writing what I needed to read, for allowing God to use you.

Then, when I got home from Augusta, an email. Another angel who I'll not name at this time, sent me precious photos and notes about our Ellie. I hope you enjoy the few I've posted today, compliments of angel #6.

And, last, angel #7, my hairdresser Mrs. Donna. She is indeed an angel. God knows how I need encouraging and she called this morning and said, "I want you to know you've been prayed for today." She spoke blessings and encouragement, and I thank God for prompting her, because through her, I was reminded of how much he loves me.

The picture of above was taken at CHI foster home in Beijing. I never knew Ellie was there but learned just yesterday that she was there for several weeks while recovering from surgery.

Enjoy the other picutres, and, while I'm not a pit dweller anymore, could you keep praying for our LOA?
Robbie

Early 2006

June of 2006

Celebrating Children's Day in China

September of 2006

This is the last picture we will have of Ellie until we get to China. Look! She's holding the photo album we sent to her. That's our family. We are told that, when she looks at the photo album, she turns to the pages of the house and the yard and says, "Chun Chun's house. Chun Chun's swing."

Psalms

Josie-Tatum and I are going out of town for the next week. Please pray that the LORD will speak to my heart while we are gone, that I can focus on others, focus on my blessings. And, if you don't mind, pray that our LOA comes soon.

I'm so glad the LORD gave us the Psalms. I read the times when David praised the LORD and the times when he lamented. I'm so glad he was transparent.

I wish I could stand strongly in the face of this giant. I must lament.

I am tired of being strong.

Today and yesterday, LOA's came again. Once again, none for us.

My heart is breaking. I am numb. I wish I could cry, but I can't. I'm just snappy and irritable, and I don't like myself much.

My head knows the LORD's ways are perfect, His timing is perfect. But, tonight, my heart does not feel it. I want to know why, and He doesn't always share with us His reasons. Some may think I shouldn't ask why, but I believe He understands.

I am discouraged and need much prayer to come up out of this valley. It saddens me that I can not rejoice with others who are receiving their LOA's this week. I know that is selfish, but I can't shake it. No today, not right now. I have a friend who miscarried tonight. Her story should have made me cry. It is a tragic story. I am so numb I didn't cry then either. That is so not like me.

I do not want a hardened heart.

Thanks for those who encourage us as we wait.

Praise the LORD!

No, we don't have our LOA yet, but God surely did smile on us today.

We have applied for a grant from Shaohannah's Hope. Today we received a letter in the mail. They are giving us $2,500 toward our adoption of Ellie!

Praise the LORD! I needed to feel smiled upon today.

Song

I did it!
Now you hear the song as soon as the page comes up. If you are at work and don't need this music blaring, scroll quickly to the bottom and stop the music.

But, if you have time, you should listen to this beautiful song, Sandi Patti's Masterpiece. And, if you're a mom or a mom in waiting, you might need a Kleenex!

Praying more LOA's come this week, while God is doing many things in our lives as we wiat.
Robbie

Hello Friends,
I'm writing tonight to ask prayers for ME. I am discouraged.
We are waiting on our LOA, a new form created by CCAA for special needs' families.
Some families with our LID received LOA 2 weeks ago. Then today, more LOA's came. Some families whose LID was almost one month after ours received LOA's today. Bethany, our agency, received LOA's today. We did not.

There is somtimes no rhyme or reason to the special needs process. I've been in contact with one family tonight whose LID was almost a month before ours. They haven't heard anything either.
I had so hoped to travel in early June, so I could have my summer with Ellie, save my leave time for her surgery. Early June is really impossible now. Late June will not be possible if we don't receive LOA soon, and that is unlikey. LOA's seem to come in batches, about 2 weeks apart, if you can find a pattern.
It could now be July or even August before we travel.

I don't want to allow Satan to have my joy. He has come to steal, kill, and destroy. My Savior came that I might have life and have life more abundantly. I will trust Him. I will praise Him. His timing is perfect. He loves Ellie more than I.

Please pray for peace that passes understanding, for His strength, for joy unspeakable, for the Holy Spirit to be so evident in my life, that I bear fruit for His glory.

Good night,
Robbie

Still Crazy

Well, I've had my ups and downs.

Still waiting on our LOA.

Last night, our associate pastor, Bryan read from Psalm 37. While his message was going in another direction, I began to cling to this verse: Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not......

So, last not I focused on resting in the LORD and slept better than I have in 2 weeks. I'm working at not fretting......working on it.

God is good. His ways are perfect.

And, thank you, Marjo, for reminding me that our Ellie is being loved and cared for while we wait for her.

And, last, let me say....I received this picture in an email. It was just too funny. Caleb just got his license 2 weeks ago.

Crazy for LOA

So, yesterday and today I took my obsession/compulsion to new lengths.

Families in the special needs adoption process must wait for the LOA, Letter of Acceptance.
After signing and returning this, they wait for TA, Travel Approval.
Then, they finally get to go to China.
From LOA to travel time is about 6 weeks.

So, why am I obsesses?

First of all, our dearest friends received the LOA on Friday. They were logged in 17 days before we were; however, Chinese New Year passed after the LID, so there are only 10 LID's after theirs to ours.

But, on Saturday night, very late, I learned of a family who also received LOA on Friday. Their LID-log in date-was the day after ours!!!!!!!

So, now I'm thinking...why can't we get ours???????????????? I was hoping beyond hope that our agency just hadn't yet received the package, and we would get the awesome call today.
But, no one's working in Michigan now.

So, I can still hope for tomorrow. If we don't hear by Wednesday, then I'll have to settle down for a 2 week wait, at the least. China has a week long holiday May 1-7, so now paperwork will be processed then. If by some marvelous surprise, our LOA was mailed today, April 30, then the latest we would hear would be Wednesday.

So, once again, I'll try to sleep.
I'll keep praying,
Earnestly,
Fervently,
Continuously,
Pleading,
I'm so ready to go get my baby girl!

Thanks for your prayers,
Robbie

Gifts from Heaven

I woke up this morning a little discouraged. The wait for TA (travel approval) can be so painful. You know your child's face, and you know where she is. Still, you can't go get her!

Then, I made myself get out of the bed. I went to check my email. "Surprise!" I had pictures from China. God knew I needed encouragement today. What an awesome God we serve!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." James 1:17

A Prayer Warrior

She's Praying!

Praise the LORD! I received this blessed surprise from another mom. Her child was in the same foster home with Ellie until last fall. This picture was taken in August of 2006.

I was thinking today about my request of the Father to bring Ellie home soon. While it seems minor or selfish to pray that we can go get Ellie early this summer, I thought about the first miracle of Jesus' earthly ministry. When he turned the water into wine, he was caring for the concerns of a Jewish family. This same Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I know he cares for the concerns of our family for Ellie. Please join us in praying that she will come home early this summer, so we can have the whole summer to bond before I go back to work. Then, I can save my sick leave for her surgery, and I can spend more time with her then.

Blessings,

Robbie

Faith, Hope, and Love

Yesterday, I was cleaning my bedroom when the three words faith, hope, and love seemed to come to me from the LORD. It wasn't during my quiet time, and I wasn't thinking about anything in particular, so I stopped to meditate and see what the LORD was telling me.

Then, as quickly as the words came to mind, the LORD began to speak to my heart.

Throughout our adoption, these three things, faith, hope and love have abided.

Our adoption of Ellie took great faith. On November 6, when we first learned about Ellie, Dang Min Chun, all I saw was her face and her medical condition, lumbar meningocele. I didn't even know what that was. I talked with Stan and he felt it wasn't time to pursue a special needs adoption, so I thought that was the end of that. I knew if the LORD was in the adoption, both husband and wife would feel it and know it.

One week later, I received an email from our social worker. Five children from our agency's Children of Promise list still had not been matched with families. Dang Min Chun was one of them. I instantly called Stan to the computer, and this time, he felt it. We were both near tears, as we really both felt the LORD was speaking to us. Stan called our pastor, and we all began to pray.

We actually requested to see the files of 3 children, but we only felt the LORD leading us to Dang Min Chun. We took her medical information to a local doctor. From research on the internet, we had learned that a meningocele is one form of spina bifida. After surgery, its effects can be minor, however, there are more serious medical conditions that can be associated with it. The doctor we talked with felt her medical record was too incomplete for him to help give us any more information.

We continued to pray and finally talked with a retired doctor. She looked at her head circumference and felt that intellectual delays would probably not be a problem. We were still looking at the possibility of bowel/bladder control issues, as well as the possibility that she may never walk.

Our family continue to talk and pray. We knew that requesting to be matched with Dang Min Chun would be an act of faith. We had to all agree that we could deal with a child in a wheel chair and/or without bowel/bladder control. Our 18 year old child put it best when she said, "Mom, if it had been me, it wouldn't have mattered."

We decided, as a family, that this child was fearfully and wonderfully made. We stepped out on FAITH, that the LORD would provide for our needs and the needs of this child. As we stepped out in faith, we held out HOPE that she would live a happy life. If the LORD would choose, we would HOPE that she would not suffer ill effects from her meningocele. If she had additional medical problems, we acted on faith that he would help us do all we could for her.

Many of commented on our faith through this adoption. "I" have commented on our faith.

But, yesterday, I realized, it was faith, it was hope, but most of all it was LOVE. We had to stop asking ourselves, "Can we handle this medical condition?" and start asking, "Is this the child the LORD intends to be part of our family?" The answer was becoming so clear, and we were indeed falling in love.

So, we followed through and wrote a letter to our agency requesting to be matched with Dang Min Chun. We knew there was a possibility that other families were doing the same. I stopped worrying about whether or not we were making the right decision. By faith, I knew if she were the child the LORD meant for us, we would be matched.

Then, on November 20, we were given HOPE. More medical information had been found on Dang Min Chun. We knew she was crawling, USING HER LEGS, but her right foot seemed to be effected by the repaired meningocele. We knew she could stand with support, and we knew she was talking.

Then, on November 21, we were once again face to face with our faith. We were told that Dang Min Chun had been matched with another family. We had to trust our LORD, while our hearts were heavy.

Imagine our surprise, when on Dec. 4, our social worker called. She said the other family had changed their minds. They were afraid they couldn't support Min Chun's medical needs, and she was ours if we were still interested. And, you all know our answer.

Once again, our faithful LORD was giving us HOPE. I still had Dang Min Chun's picture in my wallet. I had never put it away. It was as if I knew all along that she really was ours.

Our love for Ellie has continued to grow. Our faith in our LORD has continued to grow. Our hope in the future has continued to grow. We have been blessed with a contact in China who has given us much more information, and we truly believe Ellie will walk! We believe she won't have bowel/bladder control issues either. But, this one thing we know, our Jesus has placed in us a love for a child half way around the world. Whether he chooses to completely heal her, or teach us that his grace is sufficient, to God be the glory.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." I Corinthians 13:13

We have LID!

We are excited to report that we have LID, a log in date. Once a dossier is sent to China, it must be logged in. In the past it was taking up to a month before dossiers were logged in. Recently, LID's have been coming sooner for people adopting children with special needs. We were thrilled to learn our LID was exactly 7 days from the day our dossier was sent to China. We were DTC on Feb. 19th, and LID on Feb. 26th.

My wonderful hair dresser, a lady after God's own heart, said last month that we will believe in 3's or 7's. Either we will travel to get Ellie in 3 months or 7 weeks. Currently, some people wait 4 or 5 months to travel after LID. But, I'm believing Donna's prophecy. We waited 7 days for our LID from DTC, so we're claiming 3 months or 7 weeks!

God is good. His timing is perfect.

My expectation is of the LORD!
Robbie