tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60782450562151101292024-02-06T19:00:44.245-08:00He captured our HeartsOur quest to adopt a special needs child from Eastern Europe and give him a forever family.Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-71723303169146033452015-05-02T18:39:00.003-07:002015-05-02T18:42:03.899-07:00Been a Long, Crazy Time!<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJy2EqPmlPAN5I8bLXg5bg2COLq4hWJ3KKry9TAkdsCj212k_xEj5QOXs8uYQyDIWRdTiSp0nHKFcthNjX74DeXHcQy4NEvJr-fqCUUCx2f0Y4fO5sQ6pX1zGifp80J9Mvms-VuXphQUe/s1600/new+jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJy2EqPmlPAN5I8bLXg5bg2COLq4hWJ3KKry9TAkdsCj212k_xEj5QOXs8uYQyDIWRdTiSp0nHKFcthNjX74DeXHcQy4NEvJr-fqCUUCx2f0Y4fO5sQ6pX1zGifp80J9Mvms-VuXphQUe/s1600/new+jp.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40-IJ0bz4MoxXedIWe39kAU_uSYpsrQpgsok87xLcVW89vfmSp4do0WSMH4NLt2v-HLnyzR1UocVhUiF-hzzBu-pF_ukLJdrs7lXmQszUsHGdRKu87yWUm3SeRDVAgFxKiV26-JLghFMH/s1600/old+jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40-IJ0bz4MoxXedIWe39kAU_uSYpsrQpgsok87xLcVW89vfmSp4do0WSMH4NLt2v-HLnyzR1UocVhUiF-hzzBu-pF_ukLJdrs7lXmQszUsHGdRKu87yWUm3SeRDVAgFxKiV26-JLghFMH/s1600/old+jp.jpg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was recently going
through our Lithuania pictures of John-Patrik and I couldn’t believe the
transformation. I’ve been wanting to do a side by side for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went from.... a blah, little lump of boy,
to this spunky little firecracker today. The picture on the left he looks
depressed, the one on the right he looks content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only has he grown tremendously on a
developmental level, but also physically. When we met him on Nov. 25, 2014 he
was 25 lbs and 32 inches tall. Now he is 34lbs and 35.5 inches tall! And we’ve
only been home for just over 4 months! </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As a few of you know, in
Feb. he had surgery; he had tubes put in his ears, a tonsillectomy, and a
circumcision, as well as a hearing test. After they cleaned out the foul gunk
out of his ear canals (that made even the seasoned surgeon gag) they found that
he has perfect hearing! A huge praise! Unfortunately, immediately following
the surgery he was hospitalized for pneumonia. That was an awful, very long,
week. We realized that he had to have had the pneumonia before the surgery
based on his oxygen saturation before surgery and after he was healthy.
</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Since then we have
started him in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. He
is making great strides in all three areas! Now that he can hear clearly he is
making new sounds literally everyday. Both consonant and vowel sounds,
sometimes together, making word sounds and in context! “Alga”... all gone.
“Dadad”... clear as a bell when Rich walks in the room. (of course, no “mama”
yet) “Getgetget”... when the dogs are playing or when he’s wrestling with his
brother, Dax. And, I could swear he said something resembling “stinky” when I
asked if he was stinky. He chatters all day and always finds his [loud] voice
every time we go to Sam’s Club. He is also signing several words that make
understanding his needs a lot easier. If he doesn’t do the sign himself he
pushes and pulls my hands to make me do the sign, which cracks me up. He
follows one-step directions fairly well if it’s basic, “Put it in.” or “On top”
for putting toys away or stacking blocks. He adores his speech therapist,
Alix!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> As far as walking, he
isn’t as driven to try as much as he is with the other therapies. He gets
around fine crawling, so he thinks, and when he’s not crawling I’m holding him.
I’m sure your first thought is stop holding him so much and he’d probably learn
to walk sooner, right? Well, in the adoption scenario it’s not that simple.
Right now, attachment is everything; it trumps all other things. He’ll learn to
walk eventually (because I do work with him everyday on top of Wednesdays at 2pm
for PT) but right now, just after arrival to his new home, it’s pivotal for
attachment and being held is one of the best ways to connect and instill
security. He is gaining muscle mass and core strength... just ask any nurse who
has tried to give him a shot! His fine motor skills are also developing very
well.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> In his Occupational
Therapy we are working on his sensory development more so than his everyday
self-tending areas like feeding or dressing himself. Again, attachment trumps
everything and like being held instills safety & confidence, the activity of
being fed creates trust. Especially making eye contact while sharing food,
which I do with him every day, always making sure to give him the last bite to
reinforce trust and a sense of priority & importance. Given his orphanage
life he will probably always have food issues in one form or another, one of
which is waiting for a meal. In the orphanage the food was brought to their
room where they were already at a table, bibbed and ready to eat as soon as he
smelled it. But, in our home, like most homes, the food starts smelling like
food very early in the cooking process. So, when he starts smelling it he
thinks it’s time to eat. The total bummer is that when he keeps smelling it and
he’s still not sitting at the table eating it, (because it’s not ready yet) he
thinks he’s missed the meal and he gets very sad. Like, his whole body sags and
he gets the most pathetic look on his face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It kills me!
</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">His
little personality is coming out more and more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently he started copying me in my morning routine, which is eating
graham crackers with my morning coffee. (Alternately)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would normally have graham crackers with
me but he was getting his bottle of milk after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But he would watch me take a drink of coffee after each bite; studying
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few days ago he started
wanting his milk with his crackers so that he could drink it at the same time
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very cute… and messy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are dozens of little experiences like
this that just warm my heart.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It not
all sunshine and roses though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
days that are very hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These usually
involve him pinching and scratching himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are starting to gain some ground on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more we identify his sensory needs the
more we are meeting them through the therapy swing in OT, deep pressure,
massaging his palms, and using essential oils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The palms thing works instantly for anyone out there that is looking for
a quick calming strategy for your worked-up kiddo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tools have saved my sanity on several
occasions.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LQ2-fj-21BI2U4jGPBgXyhBURNys2gPIuEUbfSnlQwLpxERd4-B_NSbOhlDQflAfWXVmVsstQypJGU_oU5wVJ4jhyphenhyphenW08jtBlRCl9594ayIMWftUp7iTO0TINUF0hEe6VfbieDMvmXd4i/s1600/blue+steel+jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LQ2-fj-21BI2U4jGPBgXyhBURNys2gPIuEUbfSnlQwLpxERd4-B_NSbOhlDQflAfWXVmVsstQypJGU_oU5wVJ4jhyphenhyphenW08jtBlRCl9594ayIMWftUp7iTO0TINUF0hEe6VfbieDMvmXd4i/s1600/blue+steel+jp.jpg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b> </div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This has
been an amazing journey so far and we’ve really only just begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our reliance on Jesus and the peace that can
only be found in Him is the only reason we’re functional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see Him working all the time in and
through our family…</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Always refining, always
developing, and always, always loving. </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">(That picture always
cracks me up!)</span></span></b></div>
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Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-5871151909170705812014-09-23T18:42:00.002-07:002014-09-23T18:42:21.187-07:00Expectations...<!--[if !mso]>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s talk about “Expectations”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I’m not right there with you I’m going
to pretend you said, “Ok Meg, I’d love to!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard once that “Expectations are
offenses waiting to happen”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
thinking at the time how profound that was and so I logged it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have considered the saying often when I’ve
found myself putting my expectations on others; essentially making other people
responsible for something I have, more or less, made up in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expectations often go un-verbalized as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh, I have no idea why we do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set people and ourselves up for a no-win
situation, don’t we?</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we’re all thinking back on the
last several awkward conflicts with friends and/or loved ones, let’s take it a
step further…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when we put our expectations
on God? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the nerve to be
offended, upset, or even angry… right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perform </i>as expected,
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">give us</i> what we wanted and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prayed for</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if we knew better or something?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
makes me think of Job. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job chapter 38
and following to be exact…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then the LORD answered Job out of the
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said: ‘Who is this that darkens
my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will
question you and you shall answer me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell me, if you understand</span>.’” Job 38:1-4</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we forget, in the midst of enjoying
God as our friend and that He has our back and all that happy fluffy stuff,…. that
our GOD, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… is Holier than we can possibly
comprehend, more powerful than we can imagine, and perfectly sovereign over all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who are we to question, even for a second,
the plans or thoughts of Him who created us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who are we to think we have His omniscient plan figured out?</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m saying this to myself mostly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have recently put my expectations on God and
tried to make Him responsible for filling them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t realize I was doing it… it kind of crept in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, He is the only One who has the
right to be offended in this situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was convicted of it the second the question was finally answered…
“When do we travel?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, we have a travel date! YAY! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do you think I was happy when I very first
read the date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I am ashamed to say,
I wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately I cried out of
disappointment and frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
court date is Dec. 4<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
travel by Nov. 25<sup>th </sup>; 2 months and 2 days from today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…I
robbed myself of my own initial joy because I put my expectations on God’s
plan! </i>This was His plan the whole time, I was the one who kept wanting
something sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I have the nerve
to be upset when “sooner” didn’t happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I DO NOT know better than the Omniscient One!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UGH! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn
from my mistake please!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Log this away
for yourself… consider it often as you find yourself beginning to do the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m good with the date now; now that the
Holy Spirit and I had a little one on One time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still a bit disappointed that it’s 2 months away, but the disappointment
is from wanting to hold our Little-Bit so much, not from disappointment in God.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT... This means everything can happen
now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOO HOO!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can book our flight & lodging, we can
start making and freezing meals for when we’re gone, we get to PACK!, clean
carpets, make doctors appts., etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
REALLY happening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I can
finally let the breath out that I didn’t realize I’d been holding until now…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Praise
God for His faithfulness and mercy!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We’ll
see you SOON John-Patrik!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All
for Him,</span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meg (and Rich)</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N-ogYl9NSRyJQLrppei_O4zvaX_sgHz6wxafhrqeSdL6eQ2ItVH5dpIPbp5uBIbL9Qx8kujx4gK0dnfzX92avLtMRUuxpEmSVhCxl4vTs10QOezo1xaKRY8MXT2WVlecS1Zpz_eU9n_I/s1600/new+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N-ogYl9NSRyJQLrppei_O4zvaX_sgHz6wxafhrqeSdL6eQ2ItVH5dpIPbp5uBIbL9Qx8kujx4gK0dnfzX92avLtMRUuxpEmSVhCxl4vTs10QOezo1xaKRY8MXT2WVlecS1Zpz_eU9n_I/s1600/new+doll.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></b>Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-62095754570101237942014-09-01T08:05:00.001-07:002014-09-01T08:05:12.172-07:00One of Our Missions<!--[if !mso]>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
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mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
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mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
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<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if
we’ve mentioned this in our blog before but one of our missions in this
adoption is to be proof to others that adoption is doable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what our reasons were for not going
forward with an adoption and I don’t think we’re that different from other
people. Our desire is to show is that it’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i></b> far-fetched, unattainable, too
hard, too complicated, and most importantly… it’s not too scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve prayed over this particular point
extensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I’m on the subject in this post (by design) I feel I
should clarify something…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">totally</i> appreciate Todd asking for
prayer on our family’s behalf! We truly appreciated him acknowledging our
adoption process to the congregation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, there may have been a misunderstanding about questions… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We genuinely appreciate it when people ask
us about the adoption.</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption is a
total mystery to most people and are happy to help explain it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Todd meant was that maybe the questions
could be “How can we pray?” rather than “When do you leave?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to let you know that we appreciate
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your questions are welcomed!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Back to the
post…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not saying everyone should
adopt… although if we all did there would no longer be an orphan crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t do nothing</i></b>; there’s
still plenty of need out there in many different areas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our enemy would love nothing more than for us
to be frozen and ineffective because of fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>…Fear of the unknown, fear of messing up, fear of rejection, fear of
opinions, fear of our past resurfacing, fear of being inadequate… All Jesus wants
is a willing, obedient heart; leave the rest to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, it’s that simple!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We humans try to over complicate things, but
really all that complicated over-thinking is just a hindrance to whatever it is
Jesus wants for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hebrews 12:1 tells
us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Therefore, since we are surrounded by
such a great cloud of witnesses, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">let us
throw off everything that hinders</b>, and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>It goes on to point out in v.2 that Jesus
is the Author and Perfecter of our faith… He knows the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">most </i></b>effective way to
grow YOU. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your life’s story is being
written by Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Throw off</i> what holds you back! This verse requires an energetic reaction;
a response. I could site many scriptures that support how when we’re walking in
obedience that God is behind us; the Creator of heaven and earth has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our </i>back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ex. 33:13-14, Jer. 29:11-14, John 14:21,
Rom. 8:28, Heb. 11… to name a few) That fact should inspire and empower us! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THIS</i> is where our confidence and faith
comes from… not from ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words
cannot describe the fullness of joy the Holy Spirit has given us knowing we are
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exactly</i> where God wants us to be; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it dwarfs any fears we may still have…</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO… since we’re
obeying what Jesus has asked us to do, does that mean it stops being
scary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…Uh, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s still scary <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AND</i></b> we’re going forward
in faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both can co-exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just choose not give the scariness too
much attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acknowledge it, fine,
but don’t dwell on it because that would please the enemy and he’s not the One
we’ve set out to please in this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our adoption is well within an average
adoption time frame for Lithuania. (Each country is different so if you’re
thinking of adopting internationally study up and pray for God’s direction!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had a relatively bumpless road thus
far, nothing uncommon to Inter. adoption. (And we definitely appreciate it!) Our
bumps will come though, you can’t do God’s will without opposition; it’s
inevitable. Given how many health issues our little one has there are several
potential bumps right off the bat, not to mention all of the unknowns!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can say even now, it will all be worth
it because I “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>know</u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> that in all
things God works for the good of those who love him.” </i>(Rom. 8:28)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…And we do love Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to remember though that “for the
good” does not usually mean easy or fast or fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means that this is what is required to
help transform us into who Jesus wants us to be. (Rom. 12:1-2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit
empowers us to accomplish God’s will; with Him all things are possible!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal theme verse for this whole thing
starting way back in Oct 2013 is Jer. 33:3 “Call unto Me, and I will show you
great things!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s what we’re
doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been an incredible
experience; He has shown us great things already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait for what is still to come… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGllgZa6fnivIvrSTnx-Rmcz-ahlM06XhbyYaIdWyZa3bfMiqZY_ZnGSsBEj7zMdHtb0PfxQD_uYCh1HUboylmMC6B08kEv8EwkfgVLCsSU6Vk8q3Q_KafW4eH5dfh5EYX49awx92GfNl/s1600/john-patrik+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGllgZa6fnivIvrSTnx-Rmcz-ahlM06XhbyYaIdWyZa3bfMiqZY_ZnGSsBEj7zMdHtb0PfxQD_uYCh1HUboylmMC6B08kEv8EwkfgVLCsSU6Vk8q3Q_KafW4eH5dfh5EYX49awx92GfNl/s1600/john-patrik+doll.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A progress update…</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got our I-800 immigration application
approval!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that, God willing,
we will be getting our travel date <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i></b>That would mean we could be leaving for Lithuania by the end of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THIS
MONTH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>WOO HOO!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(*insert happy dance*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, last week John-Patrik got the package
we sent with the doll I made, a photo album with all of our pictures, and some
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ladies there were so
thoughtful and took pictures of him opening it and playing with his new
doll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say he hasn’t put it down
since that day. (Need a Kleenex?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah,
me too!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month he was moved to a
room for slightly older children and hasn’t been able to play with the original
doll he loved so much and what I modeled this one after so he was very happy.
The house mothers there call it his little girlfriend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The blur is the doll that he keeps swinging
around.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All for Him,</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Meg and Rich</span>Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-26078821863819818872014-07-29T16:35:00.001-07:002014-07-29T16:35:20.120-07:00The waiting is the hardest part...<div dir="ltr">
Don't panic, this isn't a blog update about how much I love Tom Petty music! <br />
<br />
Well, it feels like it took a long time to get to this point, but...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The light at the end of the tunnel is NOT an oncoming train! Our signed, accepted referral is officially in the hands of the Lithuanian Central Authority, and updated medical stuff has been translated and reviewed by us. Our next batch of immigration paperwork is ready to go in the next few days. This means, we could get a travel date in as early as four weeks! We could be in country by September!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Speaking of medical documents, they contained some Great News in that department! The earlier reports of autism appear to be incorrect, and he'll be less disabled than we had initially anticipated! Turns out that he CAN walk with help, he LOVES to hug and be affectionate, he DOES pursue and interact with his environment, and he's very active. He's still well behind an average four year old (obviously...) but the situation will be different than we had planned for, in a good way.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We've received a copy of John-Patrik's birth certificate and are now familiar with his "back story." Note that we'll be keeping those details private out of respect for him and for his birth family. This information will help us to bond with John-Patrik, help him with the grieving process (something all adopted children go through), and help him understand why we've been blessed to be a family.<br />
<br />
We can also now send John-Patrik a package! This is really exciting! We should have something ready to go by next week. I hope to include some things for the staff and other children as well.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
In a recent picture we received of our boy, he was holding a handmade doll. The doll's name is "Rasa," the Lithuanian word for "Dew." We saw it in several pictures, and John-Patrik appears to be rather attached to it. So... Meg decided to recreate it for him, and she banged it out in one evening. Isn't she awesome!?! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Here it is:</div>
<a href="http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/NeoRonin/media/20140729_172720_zpsjtz5azcc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20140729_172720_zpsjtz5azcc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b588/NeoRonin/20140729_172720_zpsjtz5azcc.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<div dir="ltr">
Here is John-Patrik holding the original Rasa:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/NeoRonin/media/Patrik4_zpsd0ddc5be.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Patrik4_zpsd0ddc5be.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b588/NeoRonin/Patrik4_zpsd0ddc5be.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Things moved so quickly at the beginning of our adoption process, it's been difficult at times for me to be patient now that we've entered the waiting game. We've been waiting for the paper trail to abate, and for the remainder of our funding to finalize. We're very close, we can see the finish line, but we haven't been able to cross it, yet. I've had to remind myself often that God is the one running the show, I'm just along for the ride. It's my duty to be obedient to His Word, and trust that He will make the plans, and allow us to participate in the glorious things He has laid out for our lives.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b><i>Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV) </i></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b><i><span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371">He
hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world
in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh
from the beginning to the end.</span></i></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371"> That's the beauty of it, we're not supposed to know how it unfolds, otherwise we wouldn't need to have faith. If we knew ahead of time how it ended, don't you think we'd probably get a good chance at screwing it up? So, I'll go ahead and continue to have faith in God's plan for this adoption, since that is how he laid it out for us to operate.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371">So, how can you help John-Patrik, and his new family? First, and foremost, pray! Too often, we wimpy humans exhaust all of our available options, then 'resort' to prayer, when that should be our FIRST option. Do the other stuff, but by dang, pray! Specific prayer needs right now include the children and the staff at the orphanage, as chicken pox is making the rounds there. That would be hard, so let's support those great caregivers as they love on those children. Down's Syndrome kids are at higher risk for secondary infections related to chicken pox, so keep that in your prayer as well. Second, if you feel so moved, donate on our behalf, through Reese's Rainbow, our GoFundMe, or the GoFundMe for Gathering Family. Donations to Gathering Family don't just help us, but also helps another family that is adopting internationally right now!</span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371">Thanks for reading our blog! God bless!</span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-KJV-17371">Rich and Meg Theisen</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-38828122966215726712014-06-04T16:01:00.001-07:002014-06-04T16:01:05.093-07:00Good News! And, slightly less good news!
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, first the Good News…
We’re OFFICIALLY MATCHED!! YAY!! A very large, important, step
that we are now past. This means that John-Patrik is ours according
to the Lithuanian Central Authority! They read through our Home
Study, went through our paperwork, and liked us and don’t require
any additional documentation or information. Excellent! (We like
you too, LCA!!)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And now for the
slightly less good news… We will not be traveling until Aug. /
Sept. (*sigh*) Yes, I’m disappointed. VERY. I thought we were
just weeks from traveling and the </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>much awaited</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
meeting of our son. But I was wrong. And this is why… In our
“Adoption Process Guidebook” that the agency gave us it goes from
sending off your Dossier in section 5, to section 6: “Preparing to
Travel”. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE our adoption agency and
would refer anyone to them! They’ve been efficient, attentive, and
supportive! We’ve never had to wait more than I couple of hours to
hear back from them about anything; they rock! (An Open Door
Adoption Agency out of GA.) They just need to update the guidebook is
all. The other reason I thought we’d be leaving sooner is because
the I-800A approval only took 30 days instead of 70. And it did
knock off a month and a half, but not enough to go get him before
August. So now that we’re matched with our Little-Bit a bunch of
other stuff can finally happen in order for us to move forward, each
item needing a few weeks respectively:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our
contact in Lithuania receives the official proposal matching us to
John-Patrik from the Central Authority</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">She
translates it and sends to us via email. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We ask
questions and/or accept the proposal.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our
contact gets permission from the LCA to visit John-Patrik…</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">She
visits him, talks to caregivers, teachers, doctor’s, takes new
pictures. She sends information and pictures to us. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We
formally accept referral.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article
17 letter issued</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We file
the I800 with USCIS (second half of the I-800A process for
immigration)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">US
Embassy in Lithuania issues the article 5 letter.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We file
the DS260 immigrant visa form online</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Agency’s
lawyer takes documents to court and the computer randomly assigns us
a judge</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Once
judge is assigned, the lawyer speaks to judge and gets court date</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Then</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
we plan travel.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Also,
while all this is happening John-Patrik will be getting another round
of many doctor and therapist visits and an updated, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>full</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">-disclosure,
medical report. Whereas before we got a brief overview, this report
will be much more detailed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
<span style="font-size: small;">Although the later travel is disappointing, I’m
really trying to keep perspective and stay positive.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> First, God’s
timing is best… Period. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Second, the disappointment cannot
overshadow the awesome news that we’re officially matched; He’s
OURS!!! (WOO HOO!!) </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> 3</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">,
having our travel time later puts us into off-season pricing which
means food, airfare, and lodging will be significantly less expensive
and that is a really good thing!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">,
It also means that we have plenty of time to comfortably raise the
remaining funds.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">5</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">,
is that I don’t need to think about how my garden will get
harvested, canned, frozen, & of course eaten. Nothing will be
accidently wasted! </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> And the 6</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">
reason I can be positive is that now I have even more time to study
Downs Syndrome.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">No,
I didn’t want to wait even longer, but this really isn’t about
me. Like, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>at all</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">.
This has been God-driven from day one and, as much as my humanness
wants to take ownership of it, it’s not mine. It takes effort,
diligence even, to keep myself from trying to take it out of God’s
perfectly capable, Mighty hands. We just </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>really</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
wanted to meet John-Patrik, and we will… just a little later.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>In
other news…</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> Thank you to everyone who
donated for our garage sale! We raised a nice amount that gets us
that much closer to Little-Bit!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
…<span style="font-size: small;">AND,
Thank You to Jody Price for the changing table! (My back thanks you
too!) And Thank you to Lisa Melo who donated the crib, portable
highchair, shopping cart cover, sheets, and pretty much John-Patrik’s
entire 4T wardrobe!! You guys are awesome! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Feeling
very blessed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All for
Him,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Meg
(and Rich)</span></div>
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-32178976277407340032014-05-20T14:47:00.002-07:002014-05-20T14:47:34.606-07:00Nearly GO time!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This week it’s finally hitting me.
Thankfully, between life and Jesus’ help, I’ve kept the anxious
nerves and obsessive thoughts at bay. With 5 sons, 20 chickens, 2
ducks, 6 rabbits (2 of them pregnant), 2 dogs, and 1 cat… there’s
never a shortage of things needing to be done around here. Not to
mention getting the garden planned out and in the ground and planting
20 hybrid willows (windbreak), 3 blueberry bushes, 43 raspberries, 2
blackberries, and 25 daylilies. So, keeping my mind busy has not
been a problem. I was halfway done planting all this stuff when we
got our approval (I-800A… permission from our government saying we
are ok’d to adopt from Lithuania; can't move forward w/o it!) in
the mail when I realized the waiting was coming to an end very soon.
whoa.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That’s when it started sinking
in… time is running out to get projects finished, the house
prepared, raise the remaining funds, and to get the last things we
need. No biggie, right? ugh. We’ve been trying to get some
projects done over the last several months in anticipation of not
being able to work on them after we get home with John-Patrik. Just
a couple more things left. As for the house… we still need to do a
garage sale (this Saturday! 5/24, our house!), we did some painting,
and we’ve been making some changes to accommodate Little-Bit’s
needs and his presence in our family. For example, we downsized our
couch so we’d have room to work with John-Patrik easily during
therapies and whatnot. We also sold our counter-height kitchen
table to get something safer and more user friendly. I even cut off
most of my hair to help simplify my life so that I can better focus
on what lies ahead. (Long hair was fun but it took some work to do
it; now it only takes me 5 min!) I also have 2 knitting projects I’ve
got to finish! I could be wrong but I might be an overachiever…</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As for the fundraising… We’re
trusting God for the remaining amount that we need… He’s already
provided every penny thus far through people just like you; I have no
doubt He’ll see it through. We’ve been so thankful for such
blessings!! But as for the remaining things we need…. maybe our
local friends could help us?
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are a few things we still
need if you’d be willing to part with them for a while or even
donate them we’d sure appreciate it!</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Changing
table</b> (to preserve my back)</span></span></div>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Visual
Monitor</b> (being raised in an institution he may not make a sound
when he wakes up knowing it wouldn’t get him anywhere… sad, but
common)</span></span></div>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Therapy
swing </b></span></span>
</div>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bath
Seat</b> that could accommodate a 24lbs+ (32” tall) child</span></span></div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack1"></a>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just a few short weeks until life
as we know it gets flipped on its head. It’s pretty exciting!
We’d appreciate prayer about our trip to Lithuania…
</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That the adoption can be completed
within this initial visit.</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That the instabilities concerning
the Ukraine and Russia will settle and/or not affect our trip.
</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Travel Safety and peace as the
boys will still be here in Idaho with family
</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we get there; that
John-Patrik will find comfort in us to ease his fear.</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We have his crib set up in our
bedroom (since December), all made and ready for him…. now all we
need is him!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span id="goog_2018921180"><img alt="Photo" class="Bea VLb A2b" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf86ED_s__bA74WUM3BLlxtOszK3Czk-tS2RmC54sn_FchXA7bexgO05_oLaFSvfNW9V2jTLu1norIn-R4iA2DcMyjKsHfeaSuwKzCtthp3t59ZjQLhgWmj7eIUxSkuCI8QUoWoxgsrv4C/w194-h259-p-no/" style="height: 207px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 155px;" width="479" /></span><br />
In Christ,<br />
Meg & Rich<br /></div>
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-45624253869196076512014-04-12T08:42:00.003-07:002014-04-12T08:42:32.589-07:00Do Something!So, it's been a while since we updated you all. Sorry about that. Life gets in the way of us making the time so sit down to update this, but things are very much still happening. Frankly, there isn't much movement at this point to report on, but here's what's happening<br />
<br />
There's a song by Matthew West called Do Something. The message is simple, and poignant...<br />
<br />
"If not us, then who?<br />
If not me and you<br />
Right now!<br />
It’s time for us to do something<br />
If not now, then when?<br />
Will we see an end<br />
To all this pain?<br />
It’s not enough to do nothing<br />
It’s time for us to do something"<br />
<br />
That's how we feel. This is our opportunity to Do Something! To show people that adoption is doable. It's a real, tangible thing that can bless the life of a child, their lives, the lives of their church family, the community, and yes, bless the world!<br />
<br />
So, you should do something! Give, adopt, act, serve, help, SOMETHING! Pray for guidance in your own life as to what that Something that God wants you to do is, and for the courage to get off of the couch and GO DO IT!<br />
<br />
The progress update...<br />
<br />
The home study is complete and we've been officially approved to adopt. All of our paperwork (our dossier) is either at our agency in Georgia or with the Federal Government in Dallas (our I-800A application). Our agency is getting our paperwork translated into Lithuanian while the US government is processing our application to allow John-Patrik to immigrate to the US as our son! <br />
<br />
What does this mean? It means that in 30-90 days, the waiting will be over and we will hear from the Lithuanian Central Authority 15-30 days after the processing, and they will give us a travel date and court date with 30 days notice. That means, that we could have a travel date in 45-120 days!<br />
<br />
It's really happening! It's not just an abstract idea about something we'll be doing at some time in the future, we're really going to spend 20 hours on a plane and go to an eastern European country that we've only seen on the internet to pick up the boy that God has chosen for us to take into our family!<br />
<br />
So, thanks for checking out our update, and again, our apologies for the lengthy delay. A public thank you is in order for Sharon Freeman who organized and pulled off an adoption shower for Meg! Thank you also to the many, many people who gave us gifts and helped with the shower. Also, we just cannot thank enough the dozens of people, friends and strangers alike, who have donated to our fundraising effort. We are so close to our goal, it's very humbling!<br />
<br />
In God's love to each you!<br />
Rich & Meg<br />
Here's the official video for "Do Something" so you can listen right now...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b_RjndG0IX8" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-7004777335622326922014-01-30T18:53:00.001-08:002014-01-30T18:53:41.841-08:00But God...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Have
you ever</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";"> been apart of
something so driven by God that, even though you were working at it, in
reality, God was actually the One accomplishing it all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in, unmistakably so?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To experience it is almost indescribable.
It’s like I’m just watching it all happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We sign our names, fill things out, write a few reams worth of
background information, and get things notarized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has been the One raising the money, blessing the people
who touch our paperwork with a mind to be efficient, cutting through busyness
to have people return emails, and more than promptly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things could not possibly be done by us. It’s all Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">Initially,
when we considered adoption the mile-high pile of insurmountables (cost,
paperwork that has to be perfect, tons of international red-tape, etc.) was
enough to stop us dead in our tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s SO MUCH, we thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>…Which made it so much easier to talk ourselves out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again and again. However, those thoughts
were not filtered through God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They weren’t considered in light of discipleship. They weren’t paired
with faith. Faith, as a matter of fact, had nothing to do with those fearful
thoughts, we realized. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
God,</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";"> in His mercy (Some of
my favorite words in the whole bible) was patient with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">The phrase in
scripture… “Behold, I am doing a new thing!” comes to mind. Like He’s excited
and wants you to get on board!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen,
when God has a mind to do something new, and blesses you with the opportunity
to be apart of it, 1. Wake up and accept the opportunity!, and 2. He makes it
happen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I don’t mean to burst your
bubble, but God doesn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need </i>you to
accomplish His will… He allows you… us, to be apart of it.) What He requires of
you is a desire for faithful obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re not going to be awesome at it the whole time, you’re just not.
The temptation to doubt will be all around you. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But God</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";"> rewards faith <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">more</b> faith</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He builds us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HE </i>writes our life’s
story; we are His workmanship. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HE</i> is
the author and perfecter of our faith… and this is what that looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It starts with that first, scary, step
towards obedience. But here is the great news: There is blessing in obedience!
Not only is it going to be “OK”, it’s going to be really good!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I LOVE it when God
blows my socks off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOVE IT. I pray for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, if you know me personally,
you’ve probably been in the room praying with me when I’ve said it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think He loves it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the incredible things that has
happened through this adoption is that I’ve have had the enormous privilege of
watching our boys’ faith grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have seen, with their own eyes (figuratively, of course) God’s hand moving
through this whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a
running total on our huge white board in our “school room”/family room of where
we are with the adoption fundraising. (Let me just tell you, it was an act of
faith just in the decision to do this; I was afraid they might not see the
numbers change and lose heart. I repented of my unbelief and have since felt so
stupid, I wish I could un-think it!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">But God, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">in His grace, has
provided. Incredibly so!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
watched that number shrink steadily. He has continued to provide, and through
some of the most delightfully unexpected sources!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has nothing to do with the money. I’ll say that again, it has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> to do with the money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…And everything to do with watching the </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Creator of all things</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> direct His attention
on tiny us by supplying what we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In humble amazement, I am stunned by this thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes me giddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my kids are starting to understand just how </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">big</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> our merciful,
gracious, God really is and it just tickles me to no end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if John-Patrick will ever
understand all of this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">All for Him,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">Meg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">p.s.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">Our home study is nearly complete! It should be done in 2-3 weeks, and then our final official dossier sent to the Central Lithuanian authority! This means we could be travelling by April or May!!! Praise God!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">p.p.s.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">Reece's Rainbow, a great Christian organization that provides help for families seeking to adopt special needs children, has approved our request for help! What does this mean for you? There is now a TAX DEDUCTIBLE way for you to donate towards our adoption expenses. While personal donations to us are NOT tax deductible, a donation to Reece's Rainbow (a 501(c)3 corporation) is. Many people have helped us financially, and we are SO grateful for their sacrifice on our (and John-Patrick's) behalf!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">View our Reece's Rainbow page <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/70137/sponsortheisen" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">We pray that you will prayerfully consider donating towards our adoption, not because you can get a tax break, but because God has moved you to do so.</span></span></div>
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-83650885999939246152014-01-19T14:17:00.001-08:002014-01-19T14:19:59.886-08:00Moving Forward<b>And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB)</b><div><b><br></b></div><div>While it has been nearly a month since our last update, it doesn't mean that things haven't been happening. We continue to be blessed with the love and support of our friends and church family as the process continues to move forward.</div><div><br></div><div>We received our dossier guidebook from our agency in Georgia. It's monstrous, overflowing a 1.5" 3-ring binder! So much information! It's got steps of the process, samples of forms we'll be filling out, and more stuff that I (Rich) still need to review. </div><div><br></div><div>The home study is underway. The most difficult part of that to this point was finding a physician's office that also had a notary. Once that was done, it was seven(!) physicals including lab work and TB testing. Then, the home study agency accidentally shredded our check payment so they could actually do the study! Not really a big deal, somewhat amusing, really, but it did slow us down a couple days while they waited to receive another check. </div><div><br></div><div>The first of three home visits was yesterday. It went superbly! I was incredibly anxious about the home inspection process but we did fine. All my worry over the fact that I didn't scrub and/or sterilize all the baseboards and every other square inch of our (already regularly cleaned) home was for naught. Once again, I was reminded that God's got this and I should relax and trust Him!</div><div><br></div><div>Our case worker for the home study is great, and was more than happy to volunteer to be a resource for us after we bring John-Patrick home. (John-Patrick is what we'll be calling Patrikas after we get him home.) That has been a great relief and blessing, just knowing that the help is available from trained professionals. Our next visit is scheduled for the 27th. Your prayers are appreciated as that visit nears.</div><div><br></div><div>Also, our agency's in country representative has received and forwarded our introductory letter to the Lithuanian Central Auhority. This letter is the Lithuanian government's first chance to meet us and decide if we are an appropriate match for Patrikas. Your prayers for the hearts of those reviewing this intro letter is also appreciated!</div><div><br></div><div>Meg and I are also taking sabbaticals from our leadership positions at Christ Community Church as we prepare for the adoption. Pastor Dan wondered how we will prepare for something that we can't prepare for, and it reminded me of a quote I'd heard from Kung-Fu legend Bruce Lee. He said, "The way of no way is the way." </div><div><br></div><div>That is the method I'm using. I'm trusting God that he has placed the correct tools, resources, and people in my path. I'm using those things to prepare in every way I can. Reading books, talking to people, researching things online, any and everything I can reach. Has it helped me know what to expect? No, but I'll have no reason to be disappointed, either, as I have no expectations. I know that God will help us to be prepared, and He's doing that right now. </div><div><br></div><div>Otherwise, our financial needs are still there, and we've been very blessed by the generosity of those close to us. We're two-thirds of the way to our goal! Thank you again for your generous gifts, we are so grateful for your blessing of us in this way!</div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Right now, it's really starting to sink in that this process is <b>really</b> going to happen. It's really going forward. We could really be traveling to Lithuania by April or May! It's exciting and spiritual and terrifying all at the same time. Just, wow!</div></div><div><br></div><div>I opened this post with Christ's admonition to us the we go and make disciples. My prayer as we go through this adoption process is that I can be a man who does that. If I am able to encourage you in some way to become a doer of the Word and not just a hearer, then my prayer has been answered. </div><div><br></div><div>God bless!</div><div>Rich</div>Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-68093040195433417982013-12-21T18:15:00.000-08:002013-12-21T18:15:08.951-08:00In as much"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed <i>thee</i>? or thirsty, and gave <i>thee</i> drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took <i>thee</i> in? or naked, and clothed <i>thee</i>? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <i>it</i> unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done <i>it</i> unto me."<br />
-Matthew 25:35-40 (KJV)<br />
<br />
I feel like "the least of these" most days. Someone catches me in the hall, hands me an envelope. Pulls me into the lounge, gets out their checkbook. I don't deserve this. We're just trying to help one child. But that's the nature of grace. God gives us gifts that we don't deserve. He started it when He came to Earth in the form of a babe, and grew into the Savior of mankind. We deserve nothing but punishment and wrath, God chose to give us salvation. We are the least of these! I thank God for that!<br />
<br />
Been too long since we updated you, and we're sorry. Getting ready for this adoption is quite a process, and with work and school for the boys going, too... Well, sorry, and we'll try to be more diligent!<br />
<br />
The support has been pouring in and it's incredible to us. People we didn't expect or friends we hadn't spoken to in a long time, every donation, no matter it's size, is incredibly humbling. It's been a while since we updated, but we are BEYOND the halfway point!<br />
To see how God is moving in our lives, and the lives of those around us is AMAZING! Thanks for your prayers, your love, your encouraging words, and your support. We can't do this without you!<br />
<br />
PROGRESS UPDATE:<br />Commitment contract is done, Home study is underway, and a letter introducing OUR family to the Lithuanian Central Authority has been sent. This is the Lithuanian Government's first chance to get to know us, and we are praying hopefully that they'll accept our request to be matched with Patrikas! Our agency's representative in Lithuania described us after reading our letter as an "unbelievable family," now talk about pressure! But, with God's help, we know we can do it!<br />
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-4219887208817569782013-11-22T10:58:00.001-08:002013-11-22T10:58:32.904-08:00I am a puffy-eyed mess!<p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: thin; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(79, 129, 189);"><br></p><div class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent;"><div class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; top: 24px; left: 438px; width: 97px; height: 140px; float: right; overflow: hidden;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img class="s5" src="x-apple-ql-id://3F2966BD-23D2-4F4C-A5B9-1D86410E5156/x-apple-ql-magic/C4E2F1BA-3DBB-46F4-AC4B-7076BCB88596.png" style="top: 0px; left: -51px; width: 178px; height: 140px;"></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">I</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> am</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> a </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">puffy-eyed</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">mess</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">…</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span></span></div><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">I can’t shake this sense of </span></span><span class="s8" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">urgency</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">; I’ve never felt this be</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">fore. Pictures like this one certainly don’t make this any easier</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">. My heart is sick for him and my eyes burn from crying thinking about how long it’s going to be</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> even in the best circumstances</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> befor</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">e we can love on</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Little-Bit</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">(Patrikas)</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">.</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s10" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"Learn to do what is right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the case of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow and orphan."</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div><span class="s9" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: start;">-Isaiah 1:17</div></span><p></p><p class="s12" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s11" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="s12" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Expositor’s </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Co</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">mmentary</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> points out that Isaiah’s “rapid-fire” style </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">here</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">“</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">underscores the authority and </span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">urgency</span></span><span class="s15" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">of God's commands to His people</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(</span></span><span class="s15" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">that’d be us too</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">) </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">to</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> obey”</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Immediate action.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s16" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">James 1:22</span></span><span class="s17"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">nudges towards</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> the same</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">…</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> “</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Do not merely be hearers of the Word</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">, DO WHAT IT SAYS!</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">”</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s18"><span class="bumpedFont20">(</span></span><span class="s19" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont20">paraphrased</span></span><span class="s19" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont20"> & emphasis added</span></span><span class="s18"><span class="bumpedFont20">)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Go.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s20" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Now</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Chop, chop. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Shake a leg. Get off your fanny and start</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> moving! </span></span></span></p><p class="s12" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">So here’s the thing, what happens when the reader and researcher of said verses (i.e. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Me</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">) receives the intended message but is faced with the very real</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">not fast</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> un-urgent</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, process? You wait</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, that’s what</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. Pardon me… </span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">I wait</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(You read about me waiting… and hop</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">efully pray too!</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Yes, I realize I’</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">m 4</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> weeks into this. Yes, I know I need to pace myself.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Don’t judge me</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, I’m new. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Patience is not one of my strengths. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">I’m still accommodating this odd process. So different than when I was pregnant</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">to add to our family</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">… 1. I already know what Patrikas looks like. 2. I know </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">[some of] </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">how much he needs (developmentally, </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">physically, emotionally, and spiritually) 3. I don’t know how long it will be before I get to meet him </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">at least with pregnancy you know it’ll usually be about</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">36-40 weeks)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">4. He’</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">s not technically mine</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">yet</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">And</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 5.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> There’s a </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">contract involved</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. …All of these things are the opposite of having a natural </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">child. There is one similarity</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> however, that I did not see coming; I</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> am emotional as all</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> get out! </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">…</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">H</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ence the heartsickness and puffy-</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">burny</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">-crybaby-eyes.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">)</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">As far as an update, our application was approved! </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">YAY! </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">We got our Commitment </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Contract from An Open Door</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Adoption A</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">gency</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> on Monday</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(Today is</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Friday</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">) and it’s not signed much less mailed</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> yet. Why, e</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">specially with all this talk of urgency? </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(I need to preface this</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> with: I’m not</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> saying </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">any of </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">this to pressure anyone into donating</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. It’s just what we’re dealing with right now</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. But feel free to donate as the Spirit leads!</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s21">J</span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">) With the signed contract t</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">hey also need a check for $2000</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">fo</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">r them to send us our Dossier. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">This tells them that we are very serious about pursuing Patrikas; it also means that he will be unavailable to anyone else and the people in Lithuania now know our names as Patrikas’ potential parents.</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">The D</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ossier</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, in case you are unfamiliar, </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">is the magic packet of information th</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">e governments involved, in our case the U.S. and Lithuania, need</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> s</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">aying</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">that</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> we are who we say we are</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, among </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">A LOT of </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">other</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">stuff</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. That is to say, we are </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">not human</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> traffickers </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">n</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">or </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">are we </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">any other form of perverse humanness</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">; we are healthy</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> we are genuine</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and we promise to love Patrikas like he was our own flesh</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">The Dossier</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> will travel ahead of us gathering various signatures from Idaho’s government, the </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">U. S. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">State Department, and finally, Lithuania’s Central </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Authority.</span></span> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Anyway, seeing as how we don’t currently have the full $2000 yet the cont</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ract will remain unsigned, our D</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ossier will continue to be unsent</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and we </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">will </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">now </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">get creative</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in how we can raise</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> what’s needed. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Needless to say, I’m rethinking everything in my house reconsidering our </span></span><span class="s15" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">need </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">for it</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">so that it can be sold for adoption funding</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Thankfully, the adoption agency is</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> ok with staying in a holding patte</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">rn until we have the needed amount to send them</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">And did I mention that in addition to all of that we al</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">so have our Homestudy beginning?</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> That’s another</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> magic packet of information &</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">reports on us &</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> our family</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, plus </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">adoption </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">training hours</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and home visits</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> It also has a cost</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> of $1400</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> but that won’t be due for another 6-8 weeks; that’</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">s ages</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> away compared to the Dossier’s ASAP status.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> In the Homestudy</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> e</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">very fiber of our household, including all 7 of us, will be turned upside-down and inside-out to ensure our readiness and safety fo</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">r little Patrikas. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">We just received that packet</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> yesterday</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">; it’s pretty intense. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">I have to say this though: </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">I do not resent this</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> privacy-</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">violating process</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">the idea of being scrutinized</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> is</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> not my favorite, but it’s necessary to protect little ones… it’s not personal</span></span><span class="s20" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">;</span></span><span class="s20" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">it</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">’</span></span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">s due diligence</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">…Remind me of that later</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">w</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">hen I’m whining about </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">it, would you</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> please</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">?)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">So generally, I’m starting to feel the gravity of what we’re doing. It’s pretty huge. Like I was telling my good friend, and adoptive mama herself, Sharon; I’m not nervous or fearful about the adoption itself; about having a new personality </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">being added</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> to our family dynamic</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">the magnitude of Little-Bit’s needs, </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">or even having a crib in my room again</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(I’ve already made space!) </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">At this point, as I’m sure will be the case throughout, the hard part is</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> battling </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">the </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">unbelief that God will provide and, in looking at this ginormous stack of papers th</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">at is our c</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ontract, the legal aspect</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> of it. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">The possibility of missing some key sentence worth of vital information</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> that could cause a big fat delay</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and this is just the beginning.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">(Remember that sentence for </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">when I start on the Dossier…</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> *Ugh!</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Expect neurotic, OCD-like behavior</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">As for right now,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> just like with a pregnancy,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">I’ll consider it labor</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> only</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in the form of paperwork… h</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ard </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">and </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">sometimes tedious </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">work </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">for a dang good reason.</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">As for the unbelief, I’m thankful for God’s mercy and scriptures like</span></span><span class="s16" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Mark 9:23-24</span></span><span class="s17"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">showing</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> us</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">that Jesus himself addresses th</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">is subject directly</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and that we can </span></span><span class="s15" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="bumpedFont15">and should</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">ask for help in the midst of our unbelief</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">to overcome it </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">and </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">that </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">we </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">have the freedom to ask &</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> receive forgiveness for it</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">. </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">There’s also</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s16" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">1</span></span><span class="s16" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Cor. 10:13</span></span><span class="s17"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">where Paul</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> tells us</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> that we are</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">not</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> tempted beyond what is common for man and that God</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, who is faithful,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> always provides a way to stand up under it</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">;</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> whether that be through friends</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> (or husbands</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">)</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">bearing the burden</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> with us</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">speaking truth into our</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> life</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">;</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">scripturally smacking </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">us</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">back in line </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">if needed</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">or</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> allowing us</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">to be extra sensitive to the </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Holy </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Spirit’s correction, guidance, and reassurance</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, or </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">the most obvious;</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">scripture itself..</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">.</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Whichever way it happens</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">, through all of this</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> regardless of how early into the process I am… I get to experience God’</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">s grace</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and mercy</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> way</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">s</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> I’ve not</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> been able</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> to before now and for that I’</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">m deeply</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"> thankful</span></span><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">.</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">In Christ,</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s13"><span class="bumpedFont15">Meg</span></span></span></p>Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-90763201408385609192013-11-11T06:05:00.002-08:002013-11-11T06:06:51.422-08:00Why are you afraid?When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. (Matthew 8:23-26 NASB)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Adoption is huge. It's hard. It's the right thing to do if you really believe God's Word. I'd heard it for a long time. I knew inside that it was all those things. But, to be frank, I was selfish. I knew that God was asking me for <strong>more</strong>. Is He asking everyone?<strong> Yes</strong>. Does that mean that you should start the adoption process right now? <strong>No</strong>. But, should you do something hard, something sacrificial, to tend to widows, orphans, and the needy? <strong>Yes</strong>. What we were doing in our family, what we're still doing is important, and is the right thing to do, but, for us, it was 'phoning it in.' Our giving to Compassion International (a fabulous organization) is helpful to Jorge, our sponsored child in Nicaragua, but it isn't sacrificial. It's, frankly, too easy. We don't even have to write a check, it just comes out of our account each month with no thought or effort on our part. I wanted that non-effort to count for our family. But, God had bigger plans for us.<br />
<br />
A couple of months ago, Dan (our pastor) asked us to read the Gospel of Matthew for our Adult Community Groups leadership meeting. In a rare turn of events, I actually did...<br />
<br />
The above verses grabbed me, then. They grabbed me again last night at our most recent ACG meeting. Jesus asking the disciples, "why are you afraid?" He was asking me, too. That's the beauty of where I am now. I'm not afraid. I am finally in a place where I can look at this mountain that's in front of me, realize that there's absolutely no way up it, and I can turn to God. I can put it on Him. I can say, "I can't do this, but You can!" And He is. He is.<br />
<br />
It is incredibly humbling to be this broken down. To finally be a man who can trust God first, and his own efforts second. I used to operate with an attitude of "I'll bang out what I can, then when I fall short, I'll throw it to God and He'll give me a hand." Those times are behind me. They should have been a long time ago. Trust Him first, <em>then</em> act out of that trust. That's what He expects of us. That is His desire for our lives. Not just for adoption, for every facet of our lives.<br />
<br />
Rich<br />
<br />
p.s.<br />
Status update:<br />
<br />
Fundraising is starting to ramp up. Meg (with the help of some other great ladies) is cranking out knitted fingerless gloves, and my boys and I are making paracord bracelets to sell. If you're interested in either, get in touch with us through our personal Facebook pages, or leave a comment on this post.<br />
<br />
Also, our application is being reviewed, and we are beginning the search for someone to perform our Home Study. This is our fist financial hurdle as well, as most estimates we've heard on the cost of the Home Study put it somewhere in the neighborhood of $800-$1600. We'll let everyone know when we're going on that.</div>
Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078245056215110129.post-36608831373969121802013-11-07T14:51:00.000-08:002013-11-07T19:10:58.092-08:00Wondering why?<br>
<span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br>
<div align="RIGHT" style="border-color: currentColor currentColor rgb(79, 129, 189); border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.21in; padding: 0in 0in 0.06in;">
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">James
1:27</span></span></span></em></strong></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">
</span></em></strong><br>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;">Religion
that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: To look
after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from
being polluted by the world</span><span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;">.”</span></span></em></strong></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">
</span></em></strong><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear
friends and family,</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> About
18 months
ago
God started whispering to my heart about considering adoption when
our Student Ministries Pastor and his wife (Todd & Summer
Roughton) were at the beginning of their own adoption. At the time my
body was a mess of unchecked Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and chronic
back & neck pain; not the best scenario to introduce a little one
into.
</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I
started praying
about it and, during yet another experience in hearing God’s desire
for us to adopt through a speaker at a Homeschooling Conference, I
asked Rich to start praying about it too. The subject of adoption
kept coming up through any avenue God saw fit to use; movies, books,
bible studies, and of course, scripture. It was undeniable and
unavoidable; Jesus had a plan for our family. We’ve taught our
boys that it doesn’t matter how much you study the bible; you have
to live it. In
short, they were on board long before we were.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> God
has moved mountains
in our world to accommodate obedience. He’s addressed nearly all of
my physical issues, including the latest surgery on my back that
should resolve most of my daily pain! The fitting response to
getting a second chance at a normal life is to extend that blessing
to a little one who’s chance at basic survival is disturbingly low.
(Internationally, 80% of special needs children who age-out and are
then institutionalized, die within the 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup>
year.) Then finally, God softened and spoke to Rich’s heart on the
subject; although in his defense he is already pretty dang tender!
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So
where do we start?
There’s
so much need.
I looked at so many websites and read so many biographies of waiting
children and what captured my heart was a 3 year old Down’s
syndrome little boy named Drake (Patrikas in Lithuanian) and he lives
in Lithuania. He was the only one out of all those kids that had
stated in his bio, “He’s 3 years old and nobody visits him. No
one is interested in him.” My heart broke. The Holy Spirit
whispered, “Yes.” and that’s all it took. We’re praying he is
still available and even if he’s not, I was blessed and burdened
with a glimpse of how Jesus feels about these forgotten special
little ones and we will continue in our search for the son we haven’t
met yet.
</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
With
all that said,
the fact is adoption is expensive, annoyingly so, however it
shouldn’t be a hindrance in our obedience. We’ll be able to put a
large amount towards the balance with our tax return in mid- February
and selling things we’ll be making like bracelets & knitted
fingerless mittens, but even with that we’ll still need help.
Thankfully there is a sum of money that’s been donated toward
Drake’s adoption through a website called Reece’s Rainbow, but
there’s still a large amount needed. We’re asking that you pray about donating towards
bringing home the little one God has waiting for us. This will, no
doubt, prove to be the hardest and most amazing experience of our
family’s life. No matter what you decide, we ask that you join us
in continual prayer.
</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
All
for Him,</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Meg,
Rich, & the Boys: Jake, Jadin, Emmett, Teigan, Dax, & little
Drake…</span> </span></span>
</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><strong><em>
</em></strong><strong><em>
</em></strong></span><br>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong><em>The
sooner we get this money (& paper work) in the sooner he comes
home to his forever family, it could even be as soon as February if
we can raise the money fast!</em></strong></span></span></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">
</span></em></strong><br>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Thank
you!</em></strong></span></span></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">
</span></em></strong></span><span style="color: black;"></span> </span>Rich and companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912318846246766710noreply@blogger.com0