I love the name of our blog. However, I am looking for a new name. I want your help! i am looking for one that is "catchy" and lets people know this blog is about adoption. When I started this blog, it was completely about our missions trip so the name fit( plus we will have 6 soon :O)).
Now the blog has rolled into an adoption blog..
Any ideas out there?
Friday, February 22, 2008
What adoption? Chip in who?? Who is Drew?
I have had several friends and cyber friends email me over the last few days and week to inquire about what is going on! :O) I haven't posted much on this blog about our adoption and who is Drew that is mentioned in the sidebar "chip in". Oh and what is a chip in? So I will so my best to tell you what I can.
In September 2005, God placed in my dreams a little boy. He is absolutely precious. I continued to pray about this dream that would not go away. The little boy was so "real" to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that the little boy in the dream was our son however, D1 was on his way home (we were waiting on TA) and he was most definitely not the boy in the dreams. The boy in the dreams had a different SN (special need) and looked completely different, yet he was Chinese. Bob and I were at the time, "done". Then, fast forward and yes I am leaving several things out but I have to for now b/c I have to save some details for later b/c they are so good that it will spoil the story for later!
Anyway, in Oct of 2006 Bob and I felt the call - okay that is mildly putting it.. we felt the URGENT, overwhelming power of God in our lives to adopt from China again. So much for being "done". :O))) And let me be the first to say, I am not done until God says I am.
For our adoption with Sophia, we received a life changing grant from Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth and the Shaohannah's Hope Foundation. There were days, I would weep to our Lord and ask Him how on earth we would be able to bring her home in time b/c the money just wasn't there.. then the money just appeared. God had to show us what faith and trust was all about during that adoption. With Daniel we were in a much better financial situation. We saved every penny over the two years and were prepared for the agency cost, ect.. We also put away the tax money from Sophia's adoption and it all worked out. We didn't apply for any grants and we helped others financially with their adoptions. Just as it was done to us. Now with little Drew not even a year later (actually, now b/c of paper work and all the what nots, we celebrated our year home with Daniel on Jan 30th) we didn't' quite have time to prepare. We have filled out grant paperwork and haven't heard back from them. It is harder now, b/c as you know, you have to be in a certain place to actually adopt from China yet you have to be in another place to get a grant.. it is almost a catch 22.
We are moving out of state in June and selling our home (moving on a military base). We have had to do a couple of upgrades to the house. So that depleted a "couple dollars". And just found out that we would "Break even" on the house. D1 is growing like a weed and has no clothes that fit him (please tell me, do boys grow that fast all the time? hahahahahhah)Well, you know, just everyday life. But we are trying to bring our son home. Our son, D2 is a special needs child. He is waiting in China for us and we are here in the US waiting for him. HE does have a correctable SN.
The 'chip in' is a Pay Pal account that allows you to donate towards bringing home our son. This will be our 3rd adoption in 3 years and the funds are not there yet BUT we know God is bigger than funds and He will provide and bring to completion what HE has placed in our hearts. We have seen cyber friends put Chip in's on their blogs and generous friends, family and anonymous people have donated so I reluctantly said at first no way.. then prayed about it.. obviously my mind was changed. People are generous and kind. This is one more way that God can use someone to bless someone else's life. So that is why there is a Chip in on our blog.
I hope that updates you as much as possible to what is going on in our lives.
And lastly, if I am going to write on here (try my best) everyday.. I will let you in on some secrets:
J=My name is Jill (stay at home mom/wife/home-schooler)
B=Bob is my husband (daddy and AF flyer)
S1=SarahGrace is the sweet & compassionate yet bossy momma bear
S2=Sophia is the hilarious firecracker from Hunan
D1=Daniel is the sweetie pie that doesn't stop moving
D2=and finally Drew is our little one we are trying to bring home
if you didn't already figure it out ;o)
In September 2005, God placed in my dreams a little boy. He is absolutely precious. I continued to pray about this dream that would not go away. The little boy was so "real" to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that the little boy in the dream was our son however, D1 was on his way home (we were waiting on TA) and he was most definitely not the boy in the dreams. The boy in the dreams had a different SN (special need) and looked completely different, yet he was Chinese. Bob and I were at the time, "done". Then, fast forward and yes I am leaving several things out but I have to for now b/c I have to save some details for later b/c they are so good that it will spoil the story for later!
Anyway, in Oct of 2006 Bob and I felt the call - okay that is mildly putting it.. we felt the URGENT, overwhelming power of God in our lives to adopt from China again. So much for being "done". :O))) And let me be the first to say, I am not done until God says I am.
For our adoption with Sophia, we received a life changing grant from Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth and the Shaohannah's Hope Foundation. There were days, I would weep to our Lord and ask Him how on earth we would be able to bring her home in time b/c the money just wasn't there.. then the money just appeared. God had to show us what faith and trust was all about during that adoption. With Daniel we were in a much better financial situation. We saved every penny over the two years and were prepared for the agency cost, ect.. We also put away the tax money from Sophia's adoption and it all worked out. We didn't apply for any grants and we helped others financially with their adoptions. Just as it was done to us. Now with little Drew not even a year later (actually, now b/c of paper work and all the what nots, we celebrated our year home with Daniel on Jan 30th) we didn't' quite have time to prepare. We have filled out grant paperwork and haven't heard back from them. It is harder now, b/c as you know, you have to be in a certain place to actually adopt from China yet you have to be in another place to get a grant.. it is almost a catch 22.
We are moving out of state in June and selling our home (moving on a military base). We have had to do a couple of upgrades to the house. So that depleted a "couple dollars". And just found out that we would "Break even" on the house. D1 is growing like a weed and has no clothes that fit him (please tell me, do boys grow that fast all the time? hahahahahhah)Well, you know, just everyday life. But we are trying to bring our son home. Our son, D2 is a special needs child. He is waiting in China for us and we are here in the US waiting for him. HE does have a correctable SN.
The 'chip in' is a Pay Pal account that allows you to donate towards bringing home our son. This will be our 3rd adoption in 3 years and the funds are not there yet BUT we know God is bigger than funds and He will provide and bring to completion what HE has placed in our hearts. We have seen cyber friends put Chip in's on their blogs and generous friends, family and anonymous people have donated so I reluctantly said at first no way.. then prayed about it.. obviously my mind was changed. People are generous and kind. This is one more way that God can use someone to bless someone else's life. So that is why there is a Chip in on our blog.
I hope that updates you as much as possible to what is going on in our lives.
And lastly, if I am going to write on here (try my best) everyday.. I will let you in on some secrets:
J=My name is Jill (stay at home mom/wife/home-schooler)
B=Bob is my husband (daddy and AF flyer)
S1=SarahGrace is the sweet & compassionate yet bossy momma bear
S2=Sophia is the hilarious firecracker from Hunan
D1=Daniel is the sweetie pie that doesn't stop moving
D2=and finally Drew is our little one we are trying to bring home
if you didn't already figure it out ;o)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Have you looked at the moon tonight?? It is beautiful. THe lunar eclipse is amazing. I tried to grab some photos but my camera would not allow me to get the reds I was seeing with my eye. I will post one photo.. although I know if you go onto www.yahoo.com tomorrow someone probably got a great shot!
Friday, February 15, 2008
have you seen the Chinese ballet dancers? Cut one of the links below and put it in your browser to view the YouTube video. It is beautiful.
Here is the email (below I cut and pasted)I received with the youtube video link and info:
You will want to read this inspiring story before viewing the performance. It is a source of encouragement in the face of adversity. Unless you have already received this link, I doubt very much that you've ever seen anything like it. This is really incredible!
A Chinese modern dance competition on TV and one very unique couple won one of the top prizes. The lady, in her 30's, was a dancer who had trained since she was a little girl. Later in life, she lost her entire left arm in an accident and fell into a state of depression for a few years. Someone then asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized that she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance and wanted to dance again. So, she started to do some of her old routines, but, having lost her arm, she had also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even make simple turns and spins without falling.
Then she heard of a man in his 20s who had lost a leg in an accident. He had also fallen into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. But, she determined to find him (seemingly he was from a different Province) and persuade him to dance with her. He had never danced, and to "dance with one leg...are you joking with me? No way!" But, she didn't give up, and he reluctantly agreed thinking, "I have nothing else to do anyway."
She started to teach him dancing. The two broke up a few times because he had no concept of using muscle, how to control his body, and knew none of the basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually, they came back together and started training seriously. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them .
In the competition, as you will see, they dance beautifully and they legitimately won the competition.
I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen...it is living proof that strong human spirit can conquer any physical limitations!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
Here is the email (below I cut and pasted)I received with the youtube video link and info:
You will want to read this inspiring story before viewing the performance. It is a source of encouragement in the face of adversity. Unless you have already received this link, I doubt very much that you've ever seen anything like it. This is really incredible!
A Chinese modern dance competition on TV and one very unique couple won one of the top prizes. The lady, in her 30's, was a dancer who had trained since she was a little girl. Later in life, she lost her entire left arm in an accident and fell into a state of depression for a few years. Someone then asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized that she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance and wanted to dance again. So, she started to do some of her old routines, but, having lost her arm, she had also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even make simple turns and spins without falling.
Then she heard of a man in his 20s who had lost a leg in an accident. He had also fallen into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. But, she determined to find him (seemingly he was from a different Province) and persuade him to dance with her. He had never danced, and to "dance with one leg...are you joking with me? No way!" But, she didn't give up, and he reluctantly agreed thinking, "I have nothing else to do anyway."
She started to teach him dancing. The two broke up a few times because he had no concept of using muscle, how to control his body, and knew none of the basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually, they came back together and started training seriously. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them .
In the competition, as you will see, they dance beautifully and they legitimately won the competition.
I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen...it is living proof that strong human spirit can conquer any physical limitations!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
she said. "I have to remember, 'Do not tell God how big your storm is, but tell the storm how big your God is.'
I read an article today, emailed to me by a friend, that was INCREDIBLE. In this article the above qoute was given.. I do believe that is what my saying is going to be this upcoming year.. last year I kept saying.. stretching and growing, stretching and growing..
Of course, I don't want to stop stretching and growing! Currently, I am asking God to show me how to become a better wife. How can I better minister to my husband. I listened to a wonderful testimony yesterday on the radio, http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/Archives.asp?bcd=2008-2-11
it was a Focus on the Family program 2/11/08 Love in the Midst of Alzhimers
I encourage you to listen to the show.
Anyway, God has been showing me through his word (the Bible) and programs like this, and friends (their Godly marriages) what a biblical wife looks like to God. "B" is a gift that God gave me. Only to ME. It is like He wrapped him up and hand delivered Him to ME. I want to treat "B" and the Lord with the upmost care and love. This gift is precious. In a couple of weeks we will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary and if you haven't guessed yet.. I tend to get a little sappy this when we approach this milestone :O)
So back to the article and off my little tangent :O) The article, for me at least pretains to the adoption that we are going through. It is like none other. Funny, all of my children were born in the same country(except S1) yet, the adoptions are vastly different... this one takes the cake for trust, leap of faith and HUH? Because it completely caught us off guard and the red thread is more tightly woven than ever before....
have a lovely, God filled day..
May the week bring you goodies and surprises and lots of chocolates!
J-
The actual article was about doctors trying to coax a family into aborting twins b/c they had "medical issues". One baby was born with a cleft and one was born healthy but had tested postive for Downs. The couple chose to NOT abort either twin!
You can google this and find the article in its entirity:
Faith, not 'facts', carries woman forward
By Dan Irwin
NEW CASTLE NEWS (NEW CASTLE, Pa.)
I read an article today, emailed to me by a friend, that was INCREDIBLE. In this article the above qoute was given.. I do believe that is what my saying is going to be this upcoming year.. last year I kept saying.. stretching and growing, stretching and growing..
Of course, I don't want to stop stretching and growing! Currently, I am asking God to show me how to become a better wife. How can I better minister to my husband. I listened to a wonderful testimony yesterday on the radio, http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/Archives.asp?bcd=2008-2-11
it was a Focus on the Family program 2/11/08 Love in the Midst of Alzhimers
I encourage you to listen to the show.
Anyway, God has been showing me through his word (the Bible) and programs like this, and friends (their Godly marriages) what a biblical wife looks like to God. "B" is a gift that God gave me. Only to ME. It is like He wrapped him up and hand delivered Him to ME. I want to treat "B" and the Lord with the upmost care and love. This gift is precious. In a couple of weeks we will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary and if you haven't guessed yet.. I tend to get a little sappy this when we approach this milestone :O)
So back to the article and off my little tangent :O) The article, for me at least pretains to the adoption that we are going through. It is like none other. Funny, all of my children were born in the same country(except S1) yet, the adoptions are vastly different... this one takes the cake for trust, leap of faith and HUH? Because it completely caught us off guard and the red thread is more tightly woven than ever before....
have a lovely, God filled day..
May the week bring you goodies and surprises and lots of chocolates!
J-
The actual article was about doctors trying to coax a family into aborting twins b/c they had "medical issues". One baby was born with a cleft and one was born healthy but had tested postive for Downs. The couple chose to NOT abort either twin!
You can google this and find the article in its entirity:
Faith, not 'facts', carries woman forward
By Dan Irwin
NEW CASTLE NEWS (NEW CASTLE, Pa.)
Juan and Robert
As you know we had to say good-bye to Juan. He graduated from Compassion Int's program (he is 18 now) and therefore our sponsorshp of him is complete. We received a beautiful letter from him.
We also received our new packet and info on Robert. He lives in the Philippines and is 13.
Please be in prayer for Juan and Robert and their families and ours.
We also received our new packet and info on Robert. He lives in the Philippines and is 13.
Please be in prayer for Juan and Robert and their families and ours.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Happy (1 day late) Chinese New Year!! It is year of the RAT. My kids are thrilled b/c they LOVE Ratatouille (by Disney). And at this age.. that is cool :O)
We started the celebration out by having the children making lanterns this year. They made beautiful ones (wouldn't a mother say that?!!) and on Saturday we are meeting up with several other families in the communtiy to have a Chinese dinner celebration. These famiies look just like us - formed by Gods amazing love with children from China. We always have a great time with them. The entire family comes and we just have fun!
So, Gung Hay Fat Choy - ya'all!! meaning = peace and prosperity
We started the celebration out by having the children making lanterns this year. They made beautiful ones (wouldn't a mother say that?!!) and on Saturday we are meeting up with several other families in the communtiy to have a Chinese dinner celebration. These famiies look just like us - formed by Gods amazing love with children from China. We always have a great time with them. The entire family comes and we just have fun!
So, Gung Hay Fat Choy - ya'all!! meaning = peace and prosperity
Our Adoption Video at BOTTOM..
Our daughter's video is at the bottom (not the ones on the side) of the blog...
I for the life of me could not figure out how to put this video anywhere else and have it fit so you could view the entire screen... except at the bottom...
There are a few photos missing that I really want in there.. so I am working on that.. plus there are several more songs that I am working on.. I am a bit sick with a cold and snuggled up in my easy chair what a better way to pass the time.. plus I have been trying to grab some video off our cameras for someone (Tonya!) and still can't figure it out... I don't have the correct cable so I am told...
S1 has been home for 3+ years.. about time I started working on her video!
let me know what you think...this is for her and the Glory of God!
I for the life of me could not figure out how to put this video anywhere else and have it fit so you could view the entire screen... except at the bottom...
There are a few photos missing that I really want in there.. so I am working on that.. plus there are several more songs that I am working on.. I am a bit sick with a cold and snuggled up in my easy chair what a better way to pass the time.. plus I have been trying to grab some video off our cameras for someone (Tonya!) and still can't figure it out... I don't have the correct cable so I am told...
S1 has been home for 3+ years.. about time I started working on her video!
let me know what you think...this is for her and the Glory of God!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Half the Sky HELP
I am asking for you to help and pray for the caregivers and orphans and people in China. They are having extreme weather right now. Please visit this site, http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php
or you can go to their main site of Half the Sky Foundation at www.halfthesky.org
If every person gave 1 dollar, or 5 or more.. we could make a difference.. these children need us.. the caregivers need us... I trust this organization completely.
Please at the very least go to the site and find out how you can pray for them.
thank you so very much,
J
or you can go to their main site of Half the Sky Foundation at www.halfthesky.org
If every person gave 1 dollar, or 5 or more.. we could make a difference.. these children need us.. the caregivers need us... I trust this organization completely.
Please at the very least go to the site and find out how you can pray for them.
thank you so very much,
J
Friday, February 1, 2008
is it a book no a truck... no a book...
That truck is a book. Isn't that the neatest thing! S1 picked it out for D1. :O) It folds in and out. It also can go flat to make a mat for your cars to ride on the road.. I bought it at the local "ollies" for FOUR DOLLARS :O) double bonus. the kids love it.
What a beautiful night.
I have to go to sleep but wanted to post these couple photos.. I have many photos to post from the last month. I will try to catch up this weekend!
blessings,
J-
Happy birthday Chelsea and Elizabeth (on the 31st)!!
What a beautiful night.
I have to go to sleep but wanted to post these couple photos.. I have many photos to post from the last month. I will try to catch up this weekend!
blessings,
J-
Happy birthday Chelsea and Elizabeth (on the 31st)!!
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