For a true Proverbs 31 woman

Proverbs 31:28 -

"Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her..."

Yes - this is one of Jason's rare posts! Dawn has gone to bed (Where I should probably be myself, sleeping), but I just finished reading her most recent post, and I have been reminded of how amazing God is and how much we must keep fighting for those we love, how much He has gone "all out" for us, and our response regardless of our circumstances (And sometimes is so hard to do) is to lift our hands and our hearts to God and simply worship and obey Him, and trust Him, even if it's one small step, one day at a time. Thank you Dawn for reminding me. This post is for you.

Our kids have been getting in the "Valentines" mood today. In fact Elizabeth asked at least a few times if it was Valentines Day today! We shouldn't wait until Valentine's Day to say something special, or to say "I Love You" to our wife or husband, so this is my way of being unconventional and taking the opportunity to say "I Love You", just BECAUSE.

These are the things I love about Dawn, and I'm sorry I take them for granted way, way, way too often:

• Dressing the Kids alike for days out - It may seem weird to some, but aside from easily being able to keep our crew together and recognized amongst the crowds, Dawn likes the kids (And usually ALL of us) to match. I've learned this is important to her, and I know at the heart of it she thinks it's just lots of fun! Dawn - THANK YOU for co-ordinating us, and planning out the outfits - I appreciate the care and thought you put into that!

• Teaching our children - Dawn not only is a creative and caring teacher, but she cares so much about what the kids are learning, and I see her preparing with thought and care for their learning. She reads with them as a group, and one-on-one, taking that time. Dawn plans scripture memory verses and passages for the children to learn. She knows the value of treasuring scripture and wants to instill that in our kids. THANK YOU Dawn for teaching our children and putting so much effort into doing this in a way that honors the Lord.

• Reads God Word, and Shares it! - Dawn understands how crucial knowing God's Word is. She takes time apart to read, study and meditate on scripture. She is an inspiration to me and she is dedicated. I am blessed to have a wife who LOVES His WORD! Dawn is a very gifted speaker, and I have lost track of how many people have spoken to her after a message and said how much her words have touched them. God truly uses her as a vehicle to share His love with others. I was also 'blown away' this past Sunday - just a week after hearing our awful and heart-breaking news, Dawn gave messages at two churches. I can barely focus right now, and yet she got up, preached and was so willing to bless OTHERS! Dawn, I LOVE YOU for loving God and His people!

• Adoring our children - I am deeply moved by Dawn's passion for her 'babies'. She has such a special and unique relationship with each one of them - things that are special between just them, even when there are a million things on her mind. It is obvious to everyone that there is nothing more precious and treasured to Dawn than her family. I can see with my own eyes how much our children adore Dawn - the first picture below with Jonathan in his pirate costume captures a very special moment between Dawn and him. She is caught up in a moment of true joy with her child and his expression is so clearly one of love and oneness with his mommy. Our children are truly blessed, and they will surely "...rise up and bless her."

• Making memories & making occasions special - Every time one of the kids has a birthday and adoption day, which is lots every year, Dawn always writes a special "Happy Birthday or Happy Adoption Day" message on an easel, and decorates the table with balloons (Which she usually blows up by herself!!!) and ribbon. At the heart of this is the fact that she wants them to know how special and loved they are. Every Christmas Dawn looks for ways to make the season not only memorable, but keeping CHRIST at the center of everything. She has come up with special traditions that we all treasure, ones I know our kids will take into adulthood. She also makes awesome Sugar Cookies and has the kids decorate them for fun. Dawn, I LOVE YOU for caring so much to CREATE memories for a lifetime for our family. Dawn also has kept a journal since we met, and has taken the time to record her memories and thoughts of our journey together. What an amazing legacy to leave our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

• Grace, forgiveness & depth of character - Dawn is the most grace-giving and forgiving person I know (I should know - I have had to ask her forgiveness over and over!!!). She has shown people such mercy and kindness when it wasn't deserved. She has demonstrated to me how to "Love your enemies". She has a depth of character that is so hard to find today. When we were in Ethiopia to bring Jonathan home, on the first day there she was walking around "Hannah's Hope" and broke her foot! OK - this would have sent me into a frenzy of whining, complaining and sympathy-seeking. Instead, Dawn didn't complain ONCE, even when she had to basically limp on a very bruised and swollen foot. She focused on loving our new little boy, even though he didn't want to be loved by US too much at the time. Not many people are this strong - and I'm proud she's my wife! Dawn - I LOVE YOU for your strength and for being a woman of honor.

• Awesome leader in our camp ministry - No one will ever know how much time, effort and love Dawn puts into the camp's ministry. All I know is that God sees and I know how much He must be pleased with her work. Dawn writes Bible Studies, devotions, training materials, spends hours working on the camp's budget, speaks to groups, leads worship and shares a message to the kids......and all because she's focused on one thing - sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with each and every child who comes to camp. This camp could not have asked for a more dedicated and caring steward of God's special place. THANK YOU, Dawn, for all you do for the camp. I LOVE YOU for your effort and perseverence and passion.

• She makes me laugh, she's there for me, and she listens to me - Time and time again Dawn gives me what I need. Her laugh is very contagious and I am often moved to laughter because she laughs - what a joy to laugh! THANK YOU Dawn for the giggles and just plain silly moments! When I need to 'sound something out', Dawn listens, pays attention to me and cares about my thoughts and dreams, desires and struggles. I couldn't have been given a greater gift than a BEST FRIEND like Dawn. I am blessed beyond measure!

I have seen how much Dawn has been touched DEEPLY by our brothers and sisters in Christ through these hard days, and I am thankful to you all for just being you! We have both been encouraged and lifted up by your love, and knowing you are praying and are there means so much.

Dawn, I am so glad God gave us to each other. I'm sorry for the times I let you down, criticize you, question you, say dumb and uncaring things, and for being less than God calls me to be. I guess I'm a 'work-in-progress', and with God's leading and grace I know I can be a better husband and father. Thank you for bearing with me and extending patience and grace to me.
Dawn, it is always a joy and privilege to dream with you! We are walking in a tough time right now, but I am so glad we are together. I know that as we walk hand in with each other and with God, that our memory making, dreams, passion for each other, our children, and God's continued calling on our lives, I know that the days ahead of us will be always blessed.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

-Jason

Are You Sure God???

As God would plan it.....my parents came to visit us the night that we received our official news that our immigration app had been denied. Thank God- because we have no close relatives of any kind. My family lives in Iowa and Jason's lives in England.
So my parents were able to play with the kids....
And played.....
And played some more
And they were well loved on even when we were having trouble just getting up.
It was a true blessing that they could come last Saturday - Tuesday. I only wish we had received happy news, and not sad!
But, we will have to wait to see what God WILL DO! Because He holds the future and not us.
Praising God in advance for future miracles that we believe will be happening!!!!! We know they will happen- why? Because He has NEVER FAILED US! Not that whatever comes will be easy, hey I would settle for sometimes easy really. There you have it though- it will happen because we have seen HIM work in our lives so many times in sooo many ways that for those who don't believe in miracles (you need to read more on our family :).
So in addition to our crazy and very insane house right now. Depression mixed with hope for the future, mixed with fervent prayer, mixed with work, mixed with researching anything to do with immigration law, mixed with shot appointments, dentist appointments, mixed with home schooling, - HEY why not be totally insane and add- POTTY TRAINING????
I mean this little man brings new meaning to cute little boy undies!!!! The crazy part is that the smallest size we could find looks like they are drooping. Of course Jonathan totally cracks me up because he keeps saying they are on backwards- you know because the big pic is on the back. That is what he wants to see, but can't.....he he he. Oh well. He has probably been ready for a while. He already sits on the toilet, but only when we have him do it. We just knew with bringing home another child.....it would throw him back in diapers in a heartbeat anyway...so we waited.

And now- we figure why not? Our brains are melting anyway?

You know we have had a lot of people doubt us lately. Saying some pretty hurtful things like "maybe God is saying 7 is enough". I knew those things would come, but they hurt just the same. They say- well I guess Naomi wasn't meant to be in your family.....or there must be a reason......etc.

Which is well- whatever? You have no idea how many times I really look around and say- aren't we busy enough? Why should we adopt more? I mean can't someone else do something too? Really I do have my hands full- people say it all the time. Maybe we should just quite.

The problem with this thought is the same as our reading today about Moses. (please do not think I am really thinking I am as great as Moses) I do however side with him when he talks to God about his inefficiencies. Like God are you sure I can handle 8 children? Because I have to be honest there are many days I don't feel like it- or want to. I doubt that we will ever get our Favorable Determination Letter (the paper we need from immigration). There are times when people ask me to preach, or speak on adoption, and I say - are you sure. I mean there must be others that are much better than me. I am sure there are mothers of many more than I have that have this down- MUCH BETTER THAN ME!!!!!!

And yet, every time I ask God "Are you sure?" His response is the same to me- I AM. Because of that- I have to respond- I WILL! Not because I think I am superwoman, but because I hear the cry of orphans - over 140 MILLION of them from around the world CRYING OUT! Because I know that yes we can do it- RELYING COMPLETELY ON GOD! Because I LOVE HIM! Because I know in my heart that is what HE has asked of our family. I can't explain it. To some it just seems too crazy. To others they just look at the pain along our journey and say- NO WAY! Yet, like Moses....we have to trust the miracles that have happened along our journey. We have to trust that HE will provide strength, money, and EVERYTHING we NEED to do our jobs as - husband & wife, as parents, and for the ministry entrusted to us.

So we stand with our hands high in praise of our MIGHTY GOD. We lift our voices and sing to the God who created us & our family! We Thank God for another day to live and serve HIM!

Still Praying on Our Island

Please continue to join in prayer over this situation.....
1) Strength for us....we are really struggling
2) For us cis
3) For Naomi as a new family is probably staring at her pics right now?

*There is hope in that we have found out through an immigration lawyer that we traveled to see in New Orleans yesterday, and through some work on our own. There is an additional form we need to fill out. So just praying for everything to go through as soon as possible!

OUR ISLAND!

One of the biggest drawbacks to our ministry here is the fact that we live in the middle of what feels like nowhere. We have lived in the country before this, but this is different. I think mainly because the nearest Methodist Church (that is the church that owns the Christian camp we work at) is only 6 miles away, but if we go we double the size of the congregation. So the church we go to is about 45 minutes away.

We love our church. They have a great sunday school, youth programs, contemporary worship, preach the Word, etc. They are welcoming, but- we live a long ways out. Especially for "city" folk who consider driving across town an inconvenience.

That being said....we have lived here 6 years and have yet to find any couple that we truly relate to. People who took the effort (as well as we took that effort too) as well as us to stay in touch and call. Saying that- we did and they had to move soon after we came back from our England trip.

So here we sit on our island. Feeling like the only people who care all live sooo far away! I guess that is why Blogland has felt like a welcome companion. Here I can find people who have adopted, large families, families that love the Lord, and families that home school. I feel more normal among the blog world. I feel like you guys get it. You understand that when we lost our referral of Naomi- that we lost a child. A real human being that had grown into our hearts, our lives, and our minds.

This island is one that is sooo hard to live on. It feels like at times we are the only ones on the planet. Which sometimes is fine because we have a busy life with the ministry and 7 (soon to be 8- praying!!) children to homeschool & raise. There are just so many times- LIKE NOW- that family and close friends would really make a huge difference.

We did have my parents here for a few days, and the young lady who works with us is a blessing as well, but we really crave other families. It is so hard.

Thank you all for praying, and for leaving comments, and your ideas - they are invaluable! We look forward to the day when we can announce our 8th child (hey- someday more than that!), or give you our court date, or our travel dates, and their picture.

Right now just waking up and surviving is pretty hard work.

Agony, but not defeat....

Our hearts cry out....we have cried many rivers worth......we have screamed, shouted, and been angry. There are no words to describe how we feel except PAIN. That does not begin to describe the fact that we have lost 2 precious girls in a year and a half.

The only good part is that our Hannah Grace went to be with the Lord- although that does not take away our pain, we also know she has been healed and is in HIS ARMS.

Our Naomi is not suffering. She doesn't even know how much we have loved her and prayed for her. She is not aware of our deep and agonizing pain. She will soon be referred to another family who will love her deeply, bring her home, and raise this precious gift. BUT we still have lost our baby girl.

You know it seems strange that when hearing that Steven Curtis Chapman lost their little girl I said to myself there is no way I could take that. No way I could imagine losing one of our children. Since then we have lost 2! And although sometimes I feel like I can't breathe, and I feel like my tears could go on forever, and my heart almost feels like it will stop- We will still praise HIM! We still know our God is on the throne! Even when people on this earth are given free will and choose to deny an application for adoption without just reason......that does not mean our God is not real & is not alive. Quite the opposite! It means we have to rely on HIM for every little step, every bit of patience we can muster, every little shallow breath of pain, every little action - eating, making dinner, homeschooling, waking up, brushing your teeth.....ALL of it we depend on God just to get us through the days.

We have consulted with personnel from the Senator's office. We actually consulted with them before the denial even came. We have also contacted an immigration lawyer. We are praying, you all are praying- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! We are all crying out to God on behalf of our family & on behalf of ORPHANS that deserve a family!!!! Because that IS GOD'S WILL!!!!!! We will continue in whatever way seems best for us to do GOD'S WILL!

If there is anyone out there that has ever been denied, knows of someone else who has, or has any ideas for us - please e-mail us wrightfamilyusa@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook. We want to hear your ideas (we have already been looking into some of the possibilities already stated- Thank YOU). How long did the appeal take? What was it for? How did they prove their point? Anything! Thank you!!!

When you feel like there is nothing you can do to pick yourself up....you have to allow God to do it. My friends there are no words to describe the outpouring of love that we have felt from you The Family Of God online & alive! Your words may not seem like much, but you will NEVER know how much they mean to us, and how much we truly appreciate EVERYTHING! When all you can do is pray- that is when God can step in the most! THANK YOU!

HEARTBROKEN

Our hearts have truly broken today. We finally heard from USCIS, and they have denied our application. We just don't understand this heartless decision. We are now not going to be able to bring Naomi home.

Prayers and small updates

Just thought I would throw in some fun pics because I haven't posted many pics lately, and I know you love to see the kids......so this is a chalkboard drawing from one of the kids- I just love it because kids' drawings are ALWAYS cute :)
This was from our flight home from England. I don't know why I can't seem to keep my eyes open?? You can tell Jonathan is being a real ham! Love it, and of course Sarah is enjoying a sucker from her snack bag :)
The boys!!! Love them :)
Abigail and Elizabeth. You can tell Elizabeth has got that crazy lively grin, and our little baby- 10 year old!!! Still can't wrap my brain around it. I know I know get over it she is 10, but she is my baby!!!
Random pic from while we were in England. Abigail is the best big sister ever!!!!

So today's reading is from Job. I have to be honest - I read the rest of the story today. I couldn't help it. I need happy endings! Something hit me though as I was reading the droning on of everyone about Job's situation. Those friends who droned on at him......then God spoke to him and that was it. Job really listened!!!! Can I listen like that? Do I? I want to...but have to confess I don't. I find myself being more of the friends who drone on and on.

What would have happened if instead of giving lectures the friends would have gotten on their knees next to Job and pleaded with God on Job's behalf?

When skipping to the end you also get to the last few verses where God restores Job's wealth and gives him 10 new children! I love the more children :) Although, it also hit me that he still lost his other children. I am sure he was grateful to God for more children, but still mourned the children he had lost. Glad that it does end positively, but a reminder that it was not what Job expected.

So......we did get a sort of update about immigration. They are processing our case and we will hopefully have an answer by the end of next week! Although it feels like forever, patience is what is required at this point.

Here are some updates from our agency and others who have been to Hannah's Hope (the place where our baby is living right now):

She has a great personality, she is very playful. She is very interactive with her special mothers.

She has such a great personality and is so loving!! She just adores the other babies. :)

She is so, so sweet. She was shy of us strangers, and cried a little when I talked to her, but calmed right down when her SM picked her up. (I sat on the couch next to her, and she was fine as long as I just looked at her until I talked to her and touched her sweet little foot) She has her photo album you sent her in her crib, and she loves the other babies. She was kissing the one of them!!

PRAYING that we get news soon, and that it will be a GREAT REJOICING!!!

We will love her No matter what!

I think part of the hardest thing about adoption is- there WILL BE the unexpected. Plain and simple. Something will not go according to your neat plans. A piece of paperwork will take longer, or the classes will take longer or be harder, or people will not react the way they should- either family, church, or other friends, or their health won't be what you expected, or the birth mom will change their mind, or the country you are adopting from changes all the rules, or - and this list could go on for HOURS believe me!!!!!

A year and a half ago.....we fell in love with and left into the arms of Jesus our Hannah Grace. People- yeah well not to our faces all the time, but said we were crazy. She had severe scoliosis & spina bifida. But folks she was beautiful!!!! She was perfect in God's eyes & ours. We loved her with all our hearts. When we said yes to her- we had to say no matter what- we love her!!!!

The same was true with our Naomi. When we were given her medical information- we said yes! Not based on the fact that she may be ok or may not be, but that we would promise to love her NO MATTER WHAT! Then our sweet baby was HEALED!!!!! WOW!!!! That was a Huge Blessing. Now we are still waiting on immigration......and it really feels like torture!!!!! Still we have to CHOOSE to say No Matter What!!!!

Even if something goes completely wrong will we still say- YES LORD! You know that is the real thing- REAL LOVE! This is what was in our reading today from Job 1-4. This part of scripture blows my mind. I mean here is Job going about his day....and a servant comes in and says- hey your children who run your company- they were at work and a crazy gunman came in and shot them all. Then some of your other trusted friends and workers were on a plane for a big business meeting- and it went down in a ball of fire. Then all of your investments that have been doing so well- yep you guessed it the bottom fell out of the market and you have NOTHING! By the way EVERYTHING in your life has been ruined!!! In fact you now look down and see that you have huge open sores from some really rare disease- and you are in soo much agony you can barely breathe. Now will you choose to curse God or not?

You think..........are you serious. No one could do that. Can they? Would they? Can I? Would I? Job's response was one of positiveness & pain. Positive that God was still the giver of all, and pain that he was ever born. A HUGE MIX, but still He would NOT CURSE GOD! That my friends was a choice. A choice to say No Matter What!

Will we be able to endure the loss of yet another daughter? My heart does not want to- who would? My heart says I know My God brought her to our family! My heart says NO GOD PLEASE!!!! BUT- in the end we have to remember God's sovereignty and our obedience to a LOVE that is so huge we can not even fathom it!

You see we love our Naomi with every ounce of our being. For those of you have children you understand. You don't tell God well we are pregnant or we are adopting, but we will only love our child that you have given us if they are born with nothing "wrong" with them. Or we love them, but you know when they start to drive me nuts because they are 2 or 3 or 5 or 15 and they are really good at it....that's it! Or we will only love our child if.......

That would be crazy. No one would say that who knows and understands the love of Christ! Because Christ said that - No matter what- when you are defiant, turn from me, hate me, tell others lies about me, break every rule I have given you, cheat me, scorn me, forget to come to me, don't read about my love for you, don't set aside any time to be with me....That is the exact moment in time that Christ Died For You!

Dear God- let our hearts be open. Let us realize the true love you have for us. May we stand firm and say no matter what. No matter how hard, how unbearable this world seems, how much we are in pain. May we say- Lord it is yours and we love you! Naomi you are loved with a Love that only God could give us for you. No matter what we will Love YOU!!!!!

PS As you have guessed no word yet. 3 weeks since we have given immigration everything they have asked for and still......nothing yet. But tomorrow is a new day, and we have a Hope Eternal!

Deeper Worship!

I am going to be honest and let it out a bit. I have been struggling- A LOT! Not because I have lost hope- quite the opposite. I have gained hope, but it also been shaken. It is a noticeable difference for someone like me who likes to have everything ready. I am a list person and I like to organize and have it all in order. Recently- NOT so much. I am a glass half full kind of person, but not as much lately. It's more than just tears....more than the bursts of frustration....more than that- depression. The first time I really experienced this was when we didn't get Andrew for 7 weeks when he was first born....we didn't know if he would ever come to us, and we were supposed to take him home from the hospital. The feeling was horrible, and frustrated my whole world.

I also remember a time when we learned after we had already started having visits with Abigail. We found out there was a possible biological dad. The other foster parents asked us if we still wanted to keep having visits with her or stop until we knew for sure. We said if we don't keep up the visits and he isn't the biological dad we will miss all those moments. She won't recognize us, and we will kick ourselves forever. If he is the dad and we have visits we will hurt, but let's be honest it won't be any worse. It will be just as hard. That is how I feel now. Do I keep loving deeply this baby girl with all my heart knowing there is this thing hanging out there? YES!

When we got the message and thought our immigration app had been rejected- I tore off all our walls the pics of Naomi that were up. I felt like I had been hit by a truck! Like my beating heart was ripped out and stomped on! Like my breath had been taken away and wouldn't return!

SO! Last night I took a lot more than my normal time to be with Jesus. I pulled out the pics of Naomi- stared at them, cried my eyes out. Then I put on some music in my IPOD- like "All Things Are Possible" I played it over and over and over. I thought of all of you who were- on my side- on God's side. I thought of the fact that MY GOD HEALED our Naomi! How much we did Praise Jesus dances over this wonderful miracle! I remember our fears of her being in the hospital with pneumonia- and her healing AGAIN! I remember the fact that when we first called and said we would be willing to accept her from the waiting list, and were told that there were others that may want her that were further in the process. I remember getting the call saying- YOU'RE IT! I remember that September 11th when we were officially MATCHED with our sweet girl! I remember the JOY that rushed through my veins....unsure of health at the time, but knowing God had directed us to her!

I started really knowing that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I remember thinking of so many verses others had given us. I started reading through them all. I remembered deep in my soul that I have NOTHING to fear. I remembered the fact that I was born to LOVE with everything I have. Jesus did not hold back, and neither should I. For the first time in a LONG time I remembered that I was LOVED, Naomi was LOVED, and that our child has all the hope in the world.

I guess I felt like I was no longer going to be shaken by this world, or threatened because I know we are doing what God called us to do! We will continue! Some DEAR families have been checking on our little Naomi for us....and I can't say enough- THANK YOU!!!!!!! So we have word on her and a few pics- which are plastered once again ALL OVER OUR HOME!!!!!! This is on, and we are going to do what is God's Will, and not be deterred by ANYTHING!

So....we will continue in HIS WILL and do what needs to be done. Which right now is to get on, and be on our knees in HIS WORSHIP! There is nothing like this kind of battle that makes you realize- THIS IS VALUABLE- so VALUABLE that we have to fight for it. The great news is that GOD IS ON OUR SIDE!!!!!!! I encourage those who are discouraged for any reason to - let others know so they can pray for you, and get on your knees, face down, or standing with arms stretched to God- and just PRAISE!!!!!! There is nothing more valuable than remembering WHOSE YOU ARE!

Bravery

Just some fun random pics from our time in England with family...........
Any time spent with family- is sooo valuable. We completely know this especially because we live soo far away from ANY family (our closest family lives 14 hours away). That is a heart ache of our ministry which just happens to be not close to family.
So today's scripture was more on the story of Joseph............WOW- this story blows my mind every time I read it. We did a more in depth study in November at a weekend camp with Jr/Sr high over a year ago. When I really started looking at all the details......made me think (AGAIN) that anything that our family has been through seemed so small in comparison.
And yet.....through it all Joseph remained faithful, kept doing his best....through EVERYTHING! Like being hated by his family (well you know siblings), being sold, being told by his boss' wife if you don't sleep with me- I will make your life miserable, being thrown in prison, being forgotten after he (because of God) interpreted some dreams of fellow prisoners correctly...........
After all of that- God made him the 2nd in command! I mean imagine that! I would be absolutely STUNNED!!!
In fact I would be shaking in my boots! If the highest in command said interpret my dreams- you know the ones no one else can interpret. Oh- by the way no pressure, but if you mess up, off with your head.
I would love to think that in that moment I would be brave. That I would have that kind of COURAGE! That I would listen very carefully to what God was telling me to say and say it.
But, I don't know if I could. Especially right now. Right now my faith seems to be shaken a bit. Not literally. I know my faith is true. I know I serve the MOST HIGH. I know all that, but I also know that right now......thousands of miles away there is a beautiful little girl....who is waiting. You know as adoptive parents we always talk about our wait, but I can imagine hers as being very tough too!
So when it comes to being that brave. I don't know. I would like to think of myself that way. I usually am. I don't really have problems saying it like it is. But sometimes...like now....I flounder a little.
I thank God for all that I have. I PRAISE HIM! I shout out in joy because I know that NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS He is with me.

I also, wish I knew if our Naomi will end up being ours? Will my dreams come true? Will I get to be the mommy of 8? Will immigration let us know Monday, or will we (Naomi & us) have to endure this painful wait longer?

We have been told that our application has gone to the supervisor? No idea what that means. Still praying & waiting like Joseph. I pray that whatever needs to be done that we will have the courage like he did to listen carefully to God to interpret HIS plans for our family. Thank you all for your prayers for us!

Just going to throw this out there. Knowing that most of you have it on your own blogs already, but PLEASE help those in Haiti! Pray for them & donate anything you can. I know all of our hearts are broken over this horrific situation. So we know God's heart is broken for them. Let's gather as Christians and bring them hope in Christ!

My almost triplets

Triplets .....well almost. This was taken during our "Triplets Week". Between November 27 (Matthew's Birthday)-December 5 (Andrew's Birthday) all 3 boys are the same age. It is fun and we take pics every year. Are they the cutest or what?
True brotherly love. Joshua's birthday is in the summer almost exactly 1/2 way between the other 2. So they are 6 months apart. It is almost like having triplets for real. I will tell you that they love, play, & fight like triplets.......but they are so wonderful :) My babes.

Abigail had 4 teeth pulled today. Poor babe. She is doing pretty well all things considered. Daddy went with her this morning. It was done pretty quickly, and they were home. She has been pretty laid back and just resting. Lots of mashed potatoes, oreo cookie blast from Sonic, peaches, etc. Lots of extra love too :)

Nothing in the mail box, or in our inbox from immigration............so we continue to be on our knees in prayer...........I have to be real honest - I am becoming jealous. Now, normally I am not a real jealous person. Lately, seeing others travel, and getting their FDL's so they can travel, etc. It breaks my heart. Naomi should be coming home! My heart breaks for her- that she doesn't have her family yet. That she is still left waiting while all of her friends go home. It's not that I am angry or sad- I am HAPPY for those families. I am happy that God is setting those children in families. But Everything within me just wants our approval! I just have this burning desire to buy tickets to Ethiopia and bring my babe home- NOW!!!! So instead....we wait. Praising God for all we have......trying to not loose our marbles.

Radical Living & more England pics

OK so never finished our England pics....so here are some more. This was at the Tower Bridge in London. Which many mistakenly call the London Bridge. You can actually go on a tour (we haven't ever done it) and go up in the walk above. I think there are even rooms for banquets etc. up there?
Ahh......whose crazy family is this???
The part of the bridge that is covered they are painting.....so looks a bit strange...

This is a new building built more recently. For the offices and I am sure space to rent out too- for the new mayor of London. I guess they decided they needed a mayor. Never had one until recent years. Cool building.
This is the gurkin (not sure on spelling) building. Another fun shape!

My children waiting sooo patiently at Subway for something to eat....I know you never hear things like mommy I'm hungry, I'm bored, when is the food coming? he he he - actually they were pretty good!!!
This is outside the Tower of London. Which is where the kings and queens used to live. Where many of Henry's wives were beheaded.......
Traitor's Gate- Where they used to bring in traitors from the river into the towers to be beheaded.
One of the gates that come down in case of emergency- It weighed something absolutely silly that no one could lift...I think the iron gate that comes down would take like 40 people to lift?
This is one of the Beefeaters. That is the name of the guards at the Tower of London. A strange name that was given a long time ago. Those who are beefeaters live at the Tower of London- inside. Sounds fun to me! This one is giving a tour......

Inside the Tower of London. Some of the homes of the Beefeaters. This particular corner inside actually used to be a prison area. They used to do some of the beheadings in this very square. Yep, when they were saying that as part of the tour I'm thinking to myself........going to have to explain some of that history now to the kids because I know they are going to ask......

There is a lot more to the Tower of London, but a lot of the places you can't take pics. Like of all the Crown Jewels- the sceptres, crowns, royal dishes, etc. they use during ceremonies. Which by the way contain the largest diamond ever- that was divided and placed into a crown & sceptre. There was also a huge new display of King Henry the 8th's armor & other knight type stuff. The kids loved it! Hey, kept them excited.

So I have been reading Crazy Love. Got it as an early Christmas gift to myself, and well, just haven't gotten finished yet....life has been....too much lately. So in the last several days I have been sneaking in my normal time to be with God!!!! I am reading the Bible in a Year with some blog friends and truly that has been a huge blessing.

Back to the book- Chapter 8 has this title- profile of the obsessed....Obsessed: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic. I am thinking to myself at this point- right now I am obsessed......with myself....with my stress about not receiving our approval from immigration yet........and it has taken over a lot of my thoughts.

That is not what this chapter is about- it is about filling our lives with an obsession for CHRIST! About being so obvious of our love for HIM that we stick out! This particular paragraph on page 133 says- People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.

Sometimes my husband says...I don't know if we are such a good "bulletin board" for adoption. I know instantly what he is saying. It always seems as though our lives are filled with craziness. With heart ache, pain, etc. But our family is also filled to overflowing with JOY as well. I pray that others see our obsession over being parents to those who are in need- will see our passion for God through that.

I have to say I am obsessed with heaven. I would rather go home to Jesus than anything! I know we have a lot of work left to do, and will serve no matter how deep the hurt or stress, but I pray that God's Will be done in our lives as we live here on Earth.

As I am sure you have guessed...no word yet....Praying! Nothing like spending more time on your knees!