People have asked how they can help…
We are planning a fundraiser dinner and auction for December 7th.
We need help finding items for the auction. Gift Baskets, homemade pies or cookies, a day on a boat, handmade items, gift certificates (if you know someone who owns a business) have been great auction items for other adoption fundraisers…
We need help planning the dinner (we don’t even know what to serve yet).
If you are looking for tax donation, you can make a donation to our adoption account and receive a tax deduction (they will send you a letter). Click on the Kingdom Kids link on our website and be sure to write our name in the comments box.
We will be having an indoor “yard sale” at the end of January, if you have anything you were looking to get rid of.
Your prayers and questions and encouragement are GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
If you would like to help with the auction, just let us know. Neither Ben nor I are super good about asking for help (although we got better when the house flooded) but we would really appreciate any time you can give!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Clinic
This is a picture of people waiting outside a clinic in Addis Ababa, the capital city. They are waiting to see a doctor or nurse or someone... There are hundreds of people waiting to be helped. You can check out this blog for a little more about the adventure of a volunteer doctor in Ethiopia.
Monday, October 29, 2007
A couple thoughts that keep me sane!
Some would gather money
Along the path of life,
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife;
But, I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a gorgeous curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.
For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.
But, Oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven
I can take them in with me.
-unknown
I love that! Here is the other "thing" that is keeping me from getting too uptight about all the details and the kids waiting in the transition home...
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3
Along the path of life,
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife;
But, I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a gorgeous curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.
For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.
But, Oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven
I can take them in with me.
-unknown
I love that! Here is the other "thing" that is keeping me from getting too uptight about all the details and the kids waiting in the transition home...
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Keep On Keeping On
That was the title and theme for our sermon today. That beginning something is just that, a beginning. The hardest part is following through. I felt like Pastor was speaking just to me for that brief moment. I thought about how in a year all of this paper work, anticipation, fear, frustration, and excitement will all be over and we might look back thinking that THAT was the easy part. The following through will be the hardest part. Having 6 kids actually home, not just in our dreams, will be the hard part. Laundry, discipline, logistics, homework, dinner, dishes, college... all of the follow through that we have with our children - that is the hardest part. But the good news of the sermon is that God does not leave us alone in the "follow through". He walks beside us or carries us (depending of the circumstances). That Keep On Keeping On is "easier" and "doable" when we walk with our God.
Yesterday, some amazing friends gave us their Suburban. They were some of the very first friends we called when we began praying about the kids. When we were overwhelmed with the obstacles that seemed impossible, they were some of the friends who reminded us of all the ways God has been preparing us for these children. So when I asked about how to haul 6 kids and Ben and I in our 7 passenger van she said God would figure that out too. And HE did... Our friends had bought a newer Suburban and had not quite gotten around to selling it. SO, they gave it to us. If I sound too mellow, unappriciative, or blase... you have not seen my tears, watched my "happy dance" or seen me speachless (which doesn't happen often). These friends, our God, and many others are helping to make what once seemed impossible a very exciting reality!
So we are Keeping On... doing what we need to do to bring our kids home... and relying on GOD to work out the details!
My Dad just called and said that the band he used to play with had a song called "Keep on keeping on..." That's cool! :)
Happy Sunday!
Yesterday, some amazing friends gave us their Suburban. They were some of the very first friends we called when we began praying about the kids. When we were overwhelmed with the obstacles that seemed impossible, they were some of the friends who reminded us of all the ways God has been preparing us for these children. So when I asked about how to haul 6 kids and Ben and I in our 7 passenger van she said God would figure that out too. And HE did... Our friends had bought a newer Suburban and had not quite gotten around to selling it. SO, they gave it to us. If I sound too mellow, unappriciative, or blase... you have not seen my tears, watched my "happy dance" or seen me speachless (which doesn't happen often). These friends, our God, and many others are helping to make what once seemed impossible a very exciting reality!
So we are Keeping On... doing what we need to do to bring our kids home... and relying on GOD to work out the details!
My Dad just called and said that the band he used to play with had a song called "Keep on keeping on..." That's cool! :)
Happy Sunday!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tell Me the GOOD Things
Yesterday I posted the following message on a chat room for parents adopting from Ethiopia:
Will you indulge my husband an I? Tell us the wonderful stuff... we have heard the hard stuff... I asked Ben's cousin who has adopted 2 and is getting 1 more soon to tell me about her worst days, and it didn't scare us away... But today I need to hear about the great part of bringing children into your home and calling them your own. The good part when the bio kids are snuggling and loving the new kids - when you look at each other and say... this is wonderful! I would love to hear what you say!Love,brooke
This was my new friends Robin's reply...
Oh Brooke, I could write for days and days about the good stuff. I will try to make a list for you.We brought home our 3 children July 20th, Isaiah is 8, Sarah is 6, Lydia is 4.
The good things...Last week when Isaiah cried big crocodile tears at soccer practice when I asked him if his coach could give him a ride home. He said very sweetly, "No, please mommy, I want you"
Seeing Lydia and Sarah loving and caring sweetly for their baby dolls. This might not seem like much but when they first came home, they were not tender at all with them. They would look at them strangely and throw them down and laugh. They had no idea how to pretend. Now Lydia is so tender with her baby. Sarah is starting to catch on now and has also started dressing and pretending to feed her baby.
Tonight, before story time, Lydia brought me a bottle that she used for her dolly and crawled up in my lap and handed it to me. She wanted me to feed it to her like she was a baby. I cuddled her so tight and put the bottle in her mouth. She snuggled up and closed her eyes and I think she was really imagining that she was a baby. It sounds weird but it was very tender and sweet and totally initiated by her. I almost started to cry. She came from a somewhat abusive muslim family and says that no one loved her in Ethiopia. She is a wounded little child and is soaking up the love of a mother in a way that you can actually feel. When we went to pick her up at the care center, her eyes lit up and she crawled and climbed across other children and ran to me with tears. She clung to my leg hugging it tight and I had to pry off her arms to pick her up. It was so incredible.
Hearing the Ethiopian children squeal and giggle in the back seat on the way home from church. Listening to them speak Amharic, which is truly a beautiful language.Hearing Jonathan speak Amharic, and listening to Lydia and Sarah and Isaiah laugh and squeal at their lilly white American brother speaking their African language. They think it is so funny.
Sitting in church watching my black son and my white son lovingly touch eachother's hair over and over because it feels different than their own.Out of no where in the middle of the day just being amazed at the fact that we actually went all the way to Ethiopia and brought home 3 children!
Teasing Isaiah and Sarah and Lydia, saying, "Mommy and Daddy got on the airplane and went ALLLLLLL the way to Ethiopia to bring home two silly girls and one silly boy" and listening to them laugh hysterically. And then hearing Lydia say that when she was in Ethiopia she was not silly because America made her silly.
Hearing Sarah tell me many times a day that she loves me very big.
Showing Lydia where her birthday is on the Calendar so that she can show everyone. She is so excited that she has a birthday. Listening to the girls sing happy birthday to eachother over and over again and watching them prepare elaborate birthday parties for everyone in the family in their toy kitchen with their toy food. This is a HUGE thing with them since they never celebrated their birthdays in Ethiopia.
Ok, I don't like this part but some of you might, 4 squealing little children throwing open my bedroom door at 6:30 in the morning and jumping all over me giggling.
Tucking them in bed at night and hearing the question that I know is coming FOR SURE, "Mommy, tomorrow snowman coming?" They so can't wait for their first snowfall. I am praying that it will be big and sticky and perfect for snowman making!
Hearing Isaiah's ten million crazy questions that are impossible to answer. He thinks I know everything. Someone at CWA must have mistakenly told him he was getting a smart mother.
Laughing at Isaiah because he is so much like Lane it is not funny. EVERYTHING is a competition to him. He asks me "which one win" about everything.
Laughing at Sarah because she is just so stinking cute you can't help but laugh. Reading books to them every night and hearing them fight over who gets to sit right next to me. We now have a schedule!
Hearing them sing, "Run, Run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the ginerbread man"Hearing them sing, "I'm so Blue oo oo Blue oo oo" and "A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart" after watching the Madam Blueberry episode of Veggie Tales.
Watching Jonathan and Lydia and Sarah race up and down the driveway on their big wheels. Boy are they FAST!
Seeing Isaiah smile and cuddle up to my kisses when he used to pull away as if he was afraid.
Walking past their Sunday school rooms and just being amazed that they are finally really here.
Watching Isaiah play soccer in his Royal Blue Soccer uniform right smack in the middle of America! People come up to me after the game and comment that he is amazing to watch. Like a bolt of lightning he will come out of nowhere to steal the ball and move it down the field. Kicking it with skill and jumping over feet and legs to regain possession of it. Moving it up the field and making a perfect pass to a teammate who is in front of the goal. I don't even like sports but I love to watch him play.
Taking them swimming and seeing the pure joy on their faces as they go under the water over and over again and squeal with delight when they come up. Sarah and Lydia insist on having their hair "free" and love the feel of it floating in the water when they go under.
Taking them to the zoo and watching and listening. Laughing very hard because they want to know whether or not the animals taste good. American kids never ask this question when they go to the zoo.
Watching them stuff huge mouthfuls of injera and tibs into their faces and lick their fingers.Hearing them call me mommy a million times a day. Hearing them say, "No Thank you" instead of YUCKY!! when they are offered a food they are not about to touch with a ten foot pole.
Seeing Isaiah eat a great big bowl of cheerios and milk for breakfast. (He used to say YUCKY!!) and yes, he was shouting. Watching Lydia eat a Big and Tasty and fries and thinking that she looks just like a little American and then feeling guilty for feeding her junk food.
Watching Sarah eat anything! She is truly amazing. She can somehow manage to get the food in the middle of her back. She is such a... well... lets just say, well, uhhhhh she's messy!
Tucking them in bed at night and listening to all the stories they tell about their lives in Ethiopia. Laughing at the funny ones, and crying at the oh so sad ones.Knowing that God chose me and allowed me the incredible blessing of being the mother of these sweet, silly, happy, loving, talented, smart, coordinated, beautiful, Ethiopian Children.
So, the good stuff definately wins! :) I read that post 3 times today and it made me smile each time. I also got to speak with our Case Worker today. We spent an hour on the phone talking about EVERYTHING that can/should/might happen with our adoption. It was super helpful!
We also did some costume shopping tonight. Danny is planning on being George Washington and was so dissapointed that we couldn't find a wig for a boy. :) He cracked me up! If you asked my kids what their favorite part of the day was... it would be a toss up. Going to Burger King and playing on the toys for a dinner date with friends OR Danny (The Schuldheisz Family) winning a Wii at school for fundraising! (Thanks Brian for your great donation). The kids are running back and forth from the couch to the window as quickly and loudly as possible... got to go!
Will you indulge my husband an I? Tell us the wonderful stuff... we have heard the hard stuff... I asked Ben's cousin who has adopted 2 and is getting 1 more soon to tell me about her worst days, and it didn't scare us away... But today I need to hear about the great part of bringing children into your home and calling them your own. The good part when the bio kids are snuggling and loving the new kids - when you look at each other and say... this is wonderful! I would love to hear what you say!Love,brooke
This was my new friends Robin's reply...
Oh Brooke, I could write for days and days about the good stuff. I will try to make a list for you.We brought home our 3 children July 20th, Isaiah is 8, Sarah is 6, Lydia is 4.
The good things...Last week when Isaiah cried big crocodile tears at soccer practice when I asked him if his coach could give him a ride home. He said very sweetly, "No, please mommy, I want you"
Seeing Lydia and Sarah loving and caring sweetly for their baby dolls. This might not seem like much but when they first came home, they were not tender at all with them. They would look at them strangely and throw them down and laugh. They had no idea how to pretend. Now Lydia is so tender with her baby. Sarah is starting to catch on now and has also started dressing and pretending to feed her baby.
Tonight, before story time, Lydia brought me a bottle that she used for her dolly and crawled up in my lap and handed it to me. She wanted me to feed it to her like she was a baby. I cuddled her so tight and put the bottle in her mouth. She snuggled up and closed her eyes and I think she was really imagining that she was a baby. It sounds weird but it was very tender and sweet and totally initiated by her. I almost started to cry. She came from a somewhat abusive muslim family and says that no one loved her in Ethiopia. She is a wounded little child and is soaking up the love of a mother in a way that you can actually feel. When we went to pick her up at the care center, her eyes lit up and she crawled and climbed across other children and ran to me with tears. She clung to my leg hugging it tight and I had to pry off her arms to pick her up. It was so incredible.
Hearing the Ethiopian children squeal and giggle in the back seat on the way home from church. Listening to them speak Amharic, which is truly a beautiful language.Hearing Jonathan speak Amharic, and listening to Lydia and Sarah and Isaiah laugh and squeal at their lilly white American brother speaking their African language. They think it is so funny.
Sitting in church watching my black son and my white son lovingly touch eachother's hair over and over because it feels different than their own.Out of no where in the middle of the day just being amazed at the fact that we actually went all the way to Ethiopia and brought home 3 children!
Teasing Isaiah and Sarah and Lydia, saying, "Mommy and Daddy got on the airplane and went ALLLLLLL the way to Ethiopia to bring home two silly girls and one silly boy" and listening to them laugh hysterically. And then hearing Lydia say that when she was in Ethiopia she was not silly because America made her silly.
Hearing Sarah tell me many times a day that she loves me very big.
Showing Lydia where her birthday is on the Calendar so that she can show everyone. She is so excited that she has a birthday. Listening to the girls sing happy birthday to eachother over and over again and watching them prepare elaborate birthday parties for everyone in the family in their toy kitchen with their toy food. This is a HUGE thing with them since they never celebrated their birthdays in Ethiopia.
Ok, I don't like this part but some of you might, 4 squealing little children throwing open my bedroom door at 6:30 in the morning and jumping all over me giggling.
Tucking them in bed at night and hearing the question that I know is coming FOR SURE, "Mommy, tomorrow snowman coming?" They so can't wait for their first snowfall. I am praying that it will be big and sticky and perfect for snowman making!
Hearing Isaiah's ten million crazy questions that are impossible to answer. He thinks I know everything. Someone at CWA must have mistakenly told him he was getting a smart mother.
Laughing at Isaiah because he is so much like Lane it is not funny. EVERYTHING is a competition to him. He asks me "which one win" about everything.
Laughing at Sarah because she is just so stinking cute you can't help but laugh. Reading books to them every night and hearing them fight over who gets to sit right next to me. We now have a schedule!
Hearing them sing, "Run, Run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the ginerbread man"Hearing them sing, "I'm so Blue oo oo Blue oo oo" and "A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart" after watching the Madam Blueberry episode of Veggie Tales.
Watching Jonathan and Lydia and Sarah race up and down the driveway on their big wheels. Boy are they FAST!
Seeing Isaiah smile and cuddle up to my kisses when he used to pull away as if he was afraid.
Walking past their Sunday school rooms and just being amazed that they are finally really here.
Watching Isaiah play soccer in his Royal Blue Soccer uniform right smack in the middle of America! People come up to me after the game and comment that he is amazing to watch. Like a bolt of lightning he will come out of nowhere to steal the ball and move it down the field. Kicking it with skill and jumping over feet and legs to regain possession of it. Moving it up the field and making a perfect pass to a teammate who is in front of the goal. I don't even like sports but I love to watch him play.
Taking them swimming and seeing the pure joy on their faces as they go under the water over and over again and squeal with delight when they come up. Sarah and Lydia insist on having their hair "free" and love the feel of it floating in the water when they go under.
Taking them to the zoo and watching and listening. Laughing very hard because they want to know whether or not the animals taste good. American kids never ask this question when they go to the zoo.
Watching them stuff huge mouthfuls of injera and tibs into their faces and lick their fingers.Hearing them call me mommy a million times a day. Hearing them say, "No Thank you" instead of YUCKY!! when they are offered a food they are not about to touch with a ten foot pole.
Seeing Isaiah eat a great big bowl of cheerios and milk for breakfast. (He used to say YUCKY!!) and yes, he was shouting. Watching Lydia eat a Big and Tasty and fries and thinking that she looks just like a little American and then feeling guilty for feeding her junk food.
Watching Sarah eat anything! She is truly amazing. She can somehow manage to get the food in the middle of her back. She is such a... well... lets just say, well, uhhhhh she's messy!
Tucking them in bed at night and listening to all the stories they tell about their lives in Ethiopia. Laughing at the funny ones, and crying at the oh so sad ones.Knowing that God chose me and allowed me the incredible blessing of being the mother of these sweet, silly, happy, loving, talented, smart, coordinated, beautiful, Ethiopian Children.
So, the good stuff definately wins! :) I read that post 3 times today and it made me smile each time. I also got to speak with our Case Worker today. We spent an hour on the phone talking about EVERYTHING that can/should/might happen with our adoption. It was super helpful!
We also did some costume shopping tonight. Danny is planning on being George Washington and was so dissapointed that we couldn't find a wig for a boy. :) He cracked me up! If you asked my kids what their favorite part of the day was... it would be a toss up. Going to Burger King and playing on the toys for a dinner date with friends OR Danny (The Schuldheisz Family) winning a Wii at school for fundraising! (Thanks Brian for your great donation). The kids are running back and forth from the couch to the window as quickly and loudly as possible... got to go!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Street Children of Ethiopia
This reminded me of being a little girl and watching TV with my family and seeing the kids starving and the orphans in Russia... I don't know what to say, but at least now I can do a little something about it. These kids we are bringing home to call our own will not have to live on the streets...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/06/africa_underground_children/html/1.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/06/africa_underground_children/html/1.stm
What happened to Marta?
Those were the concerned words out of Lilly's mouth yesterday when I told Ben that I thought she was in a different "transition home" than the boys.
I replied something to the effect of "She's OK, it is nice you are worried about your sister."
And then I about lost it... It took a lot not to break down in tears right then... Lilly will have an older sister, and she already cares about her and prays for all of them each night. I was so touched by the concern and I think saying the words out loud just was an emotional moment for me.
On the adoption front... we heard from CWA and the cost is going to be closer to $16,000. There were several thousand dollars that had been paid by the other family that we thought would transfer to us, but we were wrong. I am working hard not to feel overwhelmed by the cost. It will be fine. The cost is not important, getting them here is what is essential. So, we have had friends share fundraising ideas. If you have any great ideas to share PLEASE let us know! Right now we are thinking spaghetti dinner and auction... what do you think? Maybe a raffle ticket type thing that people could take to work and sell for us?
I asked what the transition home is like and these are the "good" things people said:
I replied something to the effect of "She's OK, it is nice you are worried about your sister."
And then I about lost it... It took a lot not to break down in tears right then... Lilly will have an older sister, and she already cares about her and prays for all of them each night. I was so touched by the concern and I think saying the words out loud just was an emotional moment for me.
On the adoption front... we heard from CWA and the cost is going to be closer to $16,000. There were several thousand dollars that had been paid by the other family that we thought would transfer to us, but we were wrong. I am working hard not to feel overwhelmed by the cost. It will be fine. The cost is not important, getting them here is what is essential. So, we have had friends share fundraising ideas. If you have any great ideas to share PLEASE let us know! Right now we are thinking spaghetti dinner and auction... what do you think? Maybe a raffle ticket type thing that people could take to work and sell for us?
I asked what the transition home is like and these are the "good" things people said:
- they get 3 square meals a day
- they have 1 or maybe 2 sets of clothes
- they are going to school
- they are getting regular medical care and the 2nd set of testing for various diseases
- it's nice... by 3rd world standards
So, we are even more anxious to get the kids home!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
I couldn't have said it better myself!
This comes from the dad of the boys on the "Chosen Link" who happen to be friends of friends of friends... They live in Spokane and are working hard to help their children adjust!
From Patrick...
Someone asked the question, "Do you think it is irresponsible to pursue an adoption when you have no money to support it?" My answer, yes! Financing this whole thing was the very issue that made me tell Jennifer "no" when she first brought up the idea of adopting. This is an issue that is heavy on my heart and mind and I constantly fight to give it to Christ. But as I have reflected on this issue I have rested my mind on several points.
From Patrick...
Someone asked the question, "Do you think it is irresponsible to pursue an adoption when you have no money to support it?" My answer, yes! Financing this whole thing was the very issue that made me tell Jennifer "no" when she first brought up the idea of adopting. This is an issue that is heavy on my heart and mind and I constantly fight to give it to Christ. But as I have reflected on this issue I have rested my mind on several points.
I would rather be obedient and irresponsible, than responsible and disobedient.
Noah was probably pretty irresponsible when he dedicated a huge portion of his life, earnings, and time to building a boat in the middle of nowhere.
Moses was probably pretty irresponsible when he led millions of people into the desert with little to no means of feeding, housing and protecting them.
Barnabas was probably pretty irresponsible when he approached Saul, the Christian killer, when no one else would trust his salvation experience.
Jesus was probably pretty irresponsible when he allowed people to beat Him, mock Him, and ultimately kill Him to save many people who hadn't even been born yet.
We "felt" like God was calling us to obey Him, to exercise our faith in doing something that didn't make sense. In that, we have been put into a place of trusting the Lord with things that we have absolutely NO control over. And He has been very faithful in starting this good work and we are convinced that He will complete it. So when I put it in that perspective, I figure we are traveling in pretty good company.
Ben and I also know that God is calling us to step out in faith and that by doing so HE will bless us! I am so thankful for the donations which have begun to arrive - when we began this journey we had no idea that God's blessings would come in such a way.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Just Wait
So here is my conversation with God from Wednesday...
I was sitting in my car, worrying about the financial details - again! I had finally decided to make some phone calls to the loan department, when I heard it.
"Just Wait"
Me: What, huh? I have time now... I will just call now.
"Just Wait"
Me: Wow, are you sure?
So I get home and pick up the mail... a check was there from some church friends. Thursday, another check from some family friends. Friday, another check (at which point I sat in the car and bawled). Why I am amazed at God's ability to take care of this, I don't know. But I am abundantly and humbly thankful.
One of the checks had this saying... it's our new family theme.
Twice the advneture.
Twice the blessing!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
WooHOO
We got confirmation today that the kids are being held just for us... we had heard that before, but now it is official! We also know that they have been moved to a transition home in Addis Ababa. This makes the adoption easier, but I feel so sad for the kids. Their hearts must be broken over leaving their mom. And their mom.... words cannot describe the ache I feel for her and the kids. So please be praying for the kids! Our social worker said this time is "really hard", "deer in the headlights" for these kids. So please uphold them in your prayers that they are adjusting, greiving, and getting the support they need. It is strange to love them already - but we do. Well... this is a good day for us.
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