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Sunday, March 30, 2008

Time To Believe

It's been a rainy season the past few weeks, and I am not just talking about the weather. For some reason the enemy has been stirring up all kinds of trouble, casting shadows of doubt in some, waves of frustration in others. We have had two families close to us with huge issues in selling their homes and buying another. Silly things that have caused delays and tears and just upsets all around. Issues have arisen that we can't post. We have had people doubt their faith, admit marital concerns, reveal personal weaknesses and health concerns. It has seemingly been a consistent stream of dirty water passing through the pipes, so to speak, a heavy cloud overhead with endless showers of rain, drizzle or just darkness. Even in our own family, we have become subject to the contagious frustrations of a toddler or the solitude of busy-ness that consumes us at times. However, it is time to stand firm, stand tall, proclaim victory and give the enemy and ear full. It is time to shout from the roof tops "NOT ME! NOT MY FAMILY!" It is time to lend helping hands and listening ears. Time to provide warm meals to friends and a warm hug. Time to send words of encouragement via email, snail mail, phone or voice. Time to praise our Lord for the little things...because we know that even greater things are happening that we cant see. Time to take charge of our bodies and the health of our families. Time to make a difference. Time to say to God, "USE ME!" Time to get on our knees and admit our weaknesses so He CAN use us. Time to teach our children why we are here. Time to start waking up each morning and realizing that we have been blessed with the gift of life for that day and that we owe our Lord the very best that we have. He believes in us, it is time that we believe in Him.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Fingerprints done....for good

Thursday afternoon, I revisited the CIS offices for a reprinting of my fingertips. The first ones apparently did not take well, so I received a notice to have them retaken. I was not thrilled by this news as my first appointment was far from exciting. However, as I was preparing to walk into the building, I looked at this as a new opportunity to try to get the man at the counter to smile. As some of you may know from my previous blog, this gentleman was far from polite and received an honest comment card from me regarding the less than satisfactory services that had been provided. This time, he smiled! I was initially greeted with his snippy "Do you have a cell phone with you? Where is your paperwork?" But, without hesitation, I immediately gave my biggest smile and answered his questions with lighthearted responses. I began to explain that this was my second visit and suddenly we began to converse. His face began to soften and he even cracked a joke or two. I was surprised that he was even sharing detailed information with me. He explained that the reason my prints needed to be retaken is probably because of my frequent handwashing. Due to the fact that I was a health professional and now a SAHM/artist, I have no doubt washed my fingerprints nearly away. He did reassure me that this would be the last time I would have to come. He said usually the CIS gives up after the second try and they take the best prints they can get.
I forgot to mention that I was seen right away. My first visit was 45 minutes long. I believe Thursday I was in and out of there in 15 minutes. Overall, I gave them an "excellent" rating this time. The entire staff was having a great day...and it showed.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A Roaring Love of a Tigress



Several years ago, a momma tiger lost her premature cubs during birth. As the momma tiger's health began to decrease due to the loss, her caretakers tried desperately to find other cubs to fill the void. After a long search, they were able to find orphaned piglets at another zoo. Placing small tiger skins around the piglets, they made the transition and the rest is history. The momma tiger's health jumped back up to normal and the piglets found a new mom! Despite the unbelieveable nature of it all, this beautiful adoption was meant to be!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Fingerprint Blues

The day started early with a complete tear-drawing disappointment as our adoption agency told us to come to a class to hear families share about their journey of adopting from Ethiopia, and then cancelled the families coming because they didnt think anyone was going to show up..even though we signed up to come!!! It was a complete shock. I will refrain from sharing any comments on how I feel about our social worker who completely dropped the ball on this one. We drove in from out of town early this morning, made arrangements for our three kiddos to be watched during the two hour event and all to discover that steps had not been taken to confirm our place at the meeting. ugh...the good news is that I was able to shrug off my frustration with a little shopping at a new store before heading to pick up the kids. It was enough time away to gather my thoughts and just grab a smile from within as the sun began to shine on my face.
By the time I arrived in the driveway at home, I was slammed with more disappointing news. My fingerprints apparently were not savvy enough for the CIS. Ugh... so I have to go back and get them retaken in a couple of weeks. Sigh...
This is what I do know. God led us into this journey and He will certainly provide the way for it to all fall into place. This is just a bump in the road...or two. Sigh...
Somedays I am just tired of bumps!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Ever Considered Adoption or Why Adopt?

Ever since Chris and I have begun this journey, my heart has wondered why I have not pursued adoption sooner. I am totally a believer, totally on board, and totally know that it was God that led us to this time in our lives to begin this great venture. Below is a video that gives a great message as to the biblical reasons to adopt. John Piper says it better than we ever could. I pray that as we continue on this venture, that it be an encouragement to others to consider adoption for their own families. Instead of Why adopt...consider Why not?
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Horn Of Africa Restaurant


For my birthday, Chris took me to an Ethiopian restaurant near the airport. Actually this area has several ET restaurants and this one came recommended from an Ethiopian lady that Chris works with at the airport.
I have to say that it was definitely an authentic experience. ..so authentic that at times I found myself nearly panicking that I had eaten the ice cubes. Let me explain...when we travel to Ethiopia we will not be able to drink the water. It is not healthy to drink and obviously the ice cubes are not safe to crunch so you are highly encouraged NOT to eat the ice or drink the water. As we were eating yesterday, I sometimes would pause mid-crunch and had to re-establish that we were not in ACTUAL Ethiopia yet..we were still in the safe USA with plenty of safe drinking water to be had! I know it sounds a little crazy..but the environment, food, and staff were all 100% Ethiopian and we were totally enthralled. We felt like we were there...(almost!).
The food was exactly as I had been reading, stew-like and very rich in flavor. We enjoyed Doro Wat (chicken stew) and Awaze Tibs (beef tips). Of course, this was all served on one large platter with the bottom layer of Ethiopian Injera bread which is the actual 'utensil'. This style eating continues to exemplify the nature of Ethiopia....family. In this meal, you are all sharing one plate (albeit) huge. It kind of gives you that down home southern feel as everyone sits at a large table eating'family-style'. It did take me and Chris a little to get used to the spongey texture and room temp feel of the injera bread. Other than that, we enjoyed the authentic experience and look forward to trying out some of the other ET eateries.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

CIS Fingerprints- CHECK!

We can totally check this one off the list! DONE! Friday morning we rose early, smuggled the sleepy kiddos into the car with a breakfast snack, and headed downtown in the pouring rain. Through the school zones and rain and rush hour traffic, it took us nearly an hour to get there. I was doubting my husband's insistence that we leave that early..but truly, we needed to (sorry honey!). We got there just in time. There were quite a few applicants already standing in the drizzly rain waiting for the doors to open. By the time we parked the car, the doors opened and we hopped in the back of the line with kids in tow. There were a couple of not so nice employees...but overall, our experience was rated, "good". We had to fill out a survey and I did mention that I sure wished our greeter had atleast made it appear he enjoyed his job more. I just said a quick prayer. I cant imagine working in such a tense environment. The documents have to be perfectly inline, every name correct, every t crossed, and I dotted. The fingerprints have to be done perfectly as well. For me, she had to redo them several times. Apparently I have soft prints that dont show up as well.
One of the staff told Chris that the couple before us was also adopting from Ethiopia. We had no idea. It was not the environment for chatting. As a matter of fact, Liam got reprimanded for not staying in his 'zone'. Yikes! I thought they might throw us out the way he pointed his finger at our toddler. At one point, when we were standing in another line, Chris and I were instructed to line up against the wall (as opposed to casually standing about 3 feet from the wall in a not so straight line!) Yikes again! We were glad when it was over. It took 45 minutes from beginning to end.
To really top it all off, we were all treated to a nice hot breakfast at IHOPS. Thanks Dad!