THE FOURNET FAMILY

From 4 kids to 5 kids to 6 kids

2010-10-17T17:54:00.002-05:00

Beau here. Will keep this short. A couple weeks ago we got certified as foster parents. On Wednesday, October 6, a new born girl named "L" was placed with us for foster care. On Thursday, October 7, we got a call asking if we would consider adopting (not fostering) a baby girl who was not born yet, but due on that day. We said yes. Michelle was born on Sunday, October 10, and she came home from the hospital with us last Tuesday, October 12. So we went from 4 to 5 to 6 kids in less than one week's time. We are praying for baby L's family and hope a person in her family will be qualified to foster her in the near-term. If not, we will count it a blessing to continue having her in our family as long as the Lord wills. More later.

And yes, we went out this week and bought a Chevy Express large passenger van. I think it is cool. Nat is not there yet... :)

Beau

Our Community Group

2010-08-08T20:39:00.002-05:00

Watermark's story of life change in the church bulletin today was about our community ground. Here is a link to the story.

http://watermarkblogs.org/stories/08/deciding-to-adopt/

Foster Care Update - we have completed 90% of our paperwork. Our home study in on August 17, a week from this Tuesday. I think we will be certified foster parents in early to mid September, which means we might have a kid in our house by October. We are still thinking through the specifics, but our current intention is to foster one child up to age five.

Our Next Journey

2010-07-20T18:00:00.004-05:00

July 4, we celebrated one year since we met Beck and Deshi in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We had a great family vacation to celebrate. Here is a recent family photo.

Since then, we have been excited to see the other three couples in our community group start again. The Tucker's hope to bring a sweet nine year old girl home from Ethiopia in August. The Leventhal's hope to bring a big three year old boy home from China later this Fall. The Butler's are in the early stages of another Ethiopia adoption, this time a girl around three or four years old. So Natalie and I decided we needed to jump in on the fun! We are starting our journey into becoming foster parents. We hope to be fostering by the end of the year, and God willing, we would like to adopt from the foster children.

Here is a recent photo of our community group with all the kids. We have 14 right now across the four families. We hope there are 4-5 more kids in the photo this time next year.

Happy Birthday Beck and Deshi

2010-05-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

Serving The Least Of These

2010-03-25T20:35:00.004-05:00

Hey guys,
Beau here. I wanted to share with you a sorta funny, sorta sad, sorta odd story. To make sense of this, let me first share with you a passage that is at the heart of this. It is from Matthew 25.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

So when I see beggars, I often struggle with what to do. Many are looking for beer money. Others just beg for a living and will lie to get what they want. Others truly have needs where God might be calling for me to be His means of grace.

In the spirit of the passage above, I don't want to say "no" when "Jesus" asks for me to help him. So I committed a few weeks ago to truly engage with folks asking for help, trying to really engage in creatively meeting the need they ask for. Today I had my most interesting experience yet.

About 7PM, I was in a parking lot at a restaurant and a guy asked me for help. Here is the dialogue:

The guy: "Hey man, I need some help. I am driving to Lubbock with my family, and I just got a flat time. In the name of Jesus, can you help with some money to buy the tire?"

Me: "Man, I would love to provide all you need. Let me give you a ride to buy the tire, but first I want you to let your family know, so they won't be worried. Walk back to your family, and I will pull over there."

I go get my car and drive to the nearby gas station parking lot where he is.

The guy: "Man, my family is gone. Maybe they ran across the street to McDonald's."

Me: "I don't mind waiting. Why don't you go over there to find him, and I will wait for yall to get back."

The guy crosses busy street to McD's. Comes back a minute later...alone.

The guy: "They aren't there. Maybe someone stopped to help and they went somewhere with them."

Me: "I tell you what. You wait here for your family, and I will go buy the tire. That way they won't panic if they return not to find you. Let's go check the car, so I know what tire to buy."

The guy walks to a car. I notice all four tires look fine. He points to a tire and feels around on the inside wall.

The guy: "You see, there is a crack and bulge on the inside wall of the tire."

I reach in to feel it myself.

Me: "I don't feel it. You should be fine to drive to Lubbock."

The guy: "It makes a really bad sound when I drive it. If you heard it, you would understand."

Me: "Let's take a ride."

The guy looks over my shoulder and then starts walking away. I look over my shoulder and see a lady walking over.

Turns out the car is not his. The lady works at the gas station and saw the two of us on the security camera messing with her car!

I need to think quickly. She looks Ethiopian.

Me: "Hey, that guy was a scam artist claiming that car was his. Are you Ethiopian?"

Her: "Yes, I saw him scamming someone else earlier. He got money from the other guy. Yes, I am from Ethiopia." She looks surprised.

Me: "I have two Oromo (note: Ethiopian tribe) kids."

Her: "Have you been to Ethiopia."

Me: "Yes, Addis Ababa as well as Guragie Zone."

Her: "Oh, I am Guragie."

Me: "I work with an orphanage in Gunchire in Guragie Zone."

We chat a bit longer. I find out she is here on a visa and only has two more years of work to get her citizenship. Her husband is back in Addis, and she visits him once per year. In two years, she will work to get him over here. Any way, I want to go back and meet her again to maybe invite her to dinner with our family.

The guy didn't get his money, but maybe God used this to have me meet this gal who might be here with no family. TBD...

2009 in photos

2009-12-31T05:42:00.007-06:00

New Blog

2009-11-17T06:38:00.002-06:00

Beau here. I just wanted to note that I have been blogging on another site lately (http://watermarkblogs.org/africa/). The focus is the ministry I get to do with my Watermark friends over in Africa. I think it will encourage you. I am currently posting stories from my trip to Africa last week.

Personal update - Life is really good. We are entering week three without anyone sick in the house! That is a huge praise. Beck and Deshi are doing great. Their English has progressed significantly, which really improves our communication! Caleb and Hannah still love being older siblings...most of the time. Overall, I am loving life today and curious what God has in store for tomorrow.

Helping Orphans

2009-10-18T16:12:00.001-05:00

There are two less orphans in this world...in this video....Beck and Deshi are shown twice, look for their sweet dancing. And please look into your heart to see what YOU can do to help orphans still without families.

As for us....people are wondering how we are doing....when/if we will keep blogging....I never have been much of a writer....and life has been....well....very hard lately. And this current transition has been challenging.....90% beautiful and lovely but 10% very very exhaustingly hard....we are trying and learning and progressing and we are committed.....but it is physically and emotionally exhausting....I have told some that I felt very well trained and prepared for the expectations of adoption....but the one big surprise has been my own reaction....I expected myself to have more patience and grace and...love than I have had over the last few months....I have learned a lot, including how to lean daily on the Lord who is the source of all grace and love. If this all sounds like one big mystery...I am sorry...maybe I will get back to blogging one day soon:)

Things really could not be any better....considering the huge transition we all are going through. We are so very thankful for all of our children, our family and the life the Lord has given us.

This was it!

2009-08-11T21:49:00.014-05:00

**Disclaimer...we had been travelling and not sleeping for I don't know maybe 36+ hours so no judging the clothes, hair, or tired eyes on me:) And just as an FYI the man with the cool fashion is Travis who works for Gladney in Ethiopia....he's the great guy who brought us the babies!

Splash Park

2009-08-10T21:32:00.001-05:00

Here are Beck and Deshi playing at their first splash park with their favorite Ethiopian twin friends, Glory and Josh:) They all had sooooo much fun!!!!! Thanks Christine for making this fun video!

Are those kids yours?

2009-08-08T15:02:00.002-05:00

Last night we got the question..."Are those kids yours?" But it's not what you're thinking....

We were at Fuddruckers celebrating the Tuckers passing court (YEAH!!!!!!!!) We had finished eating our yummy dinner....and while the adults were visiting the kids were....ummmm.....running around wild and crazy:) The big kids were having fun with the twins.....and the twins are now comfortable enough with others to allow some freedom. While we were enjoying a little adult conversation.....we were definitely keeping a very close eye on all children of course:)

Well maybe we looked away just for a second....just a really quick moment.....

The manager comes over to our table and asks the question "are those kids yours?" as he points to our kids over by the soda machines.

"Well yes they are, sir"

"Well your kids are licking the ground and trying to eat ice off the ground"

And while everyone around us and the soda machine looks on in horror, Beau and I casually grab the twins....and then hand them to the Tuckers. Figure they needed the practice and we didn't want the judgement on us:)

Crazy Hard Stuff

2009-08-06T05:45:00.000-05:00

I am way overdue for a blog post but things have been soooo crazy....good crazy mainly:) I am more exhausted than I have ever been....oh I so wanted to blog about Ethiopia....Everyone said it is indescribable and unforgettable. It truly is!!! The sights and sounds and smells stay with you after you leave....and make me want to return tomorrow! I can still hear the music playing in our neighborhood while we played in the yard, smell the food cooking, and coffee roasting (and deisel fumes) There is still a lot for me to process, a lot of hard things and different emotions. We are still lacking on sleep....so processing and dealing with heavy stuff will have to wait.

Obviously meeting the babies was the biggest, craziest, surreal moment of the trip. It was very very surreal to actually have that moment. Most of you know the amount of time we waited for a referral, then the time we waited to pass court to bring these babies home. Well in that moment all the time waiting seemed a distant memory....HONESTLY!!! And having given birth to two of my children (which was an amazing experience of course)....I have to say that the moment of having these two children placed in my arms was even crazy bigger! I kept asking myself if I was dreaming. To fly across the planet, to have two children entrusted into your care....it was so humbling and overwhelming. And I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!! I am truly confused on why more people don't adopt....we are called to care for God's children and there so much joy in that obedience. I know all of parenting (and life) is hard, but we are not called to an easy life:) I'm not going to lie....this is the hardest thing i have ever done....CRAZY HARD! But it is so awesome at the same time....and I really pray more people consider, pray and move to action on their thoughts about adoption because the blessings are so huge!!!!

While we are trying to keep this crazy life as simple as possible while we all adjust....we still spend "some" time in the car. Can I admit that I was so excited when the babies liked chicken nuggets on the go one day....helped this Mamma out....

Wish I could put into words how awesome it to see these children with their amazing father....having been cared for by only women their first 2 years of life....it is beyond huge to me to see them loved by their father. Deshi especially took her time (about 2 weeks) to let Beau love her and she just decided one day to accept his affection:) Now they are both CRAZY about Daddy!

Hannah and Deshi in traditional Ethiopian clothes. Hannah loves for them to match.

How did I ever get so lucky?

Hannah and "Kit" .....just love my Hannah!

Caleb on his last day of baseball:) So handsome:)

AND GOD MADE...

2009-07-21T19:40:00.002-05:00

Beau here. So nine days into being home, we are slowly learning the little things that bring us relief...I mean joy to our sweet new kids. So here are the things I am grateful God made.

1. Berbere. The Ethiopian spice. If Beck and Deshi don't like the food, we throw this on, and they all of a sudden like it a bit more.

2. Child Bike Trailer. Beck and Deshi love a ride on the back of daddy's bike...which also give my sweet bride a little rest.

3. Rice. When the kids won't eat anything else, they are always up for rice. And Deshi loves feeding the floor with some of her rice.

4. Swimming Pool. Beck and Deshi love our swimming pool, especially Beck. He loves to throw himself underwater. When we are not up for the pool, we hand him the hose in the backyard, and he goes to town spraying himself.

5. Cowboy burgers. My Texas friends have likely had the cowboy burgers from Central Market. Nice and spicy, full of spices, japalenos, and sausage. I smothered one with onions (and salt lick sauce) tonight, and Beck and Deshi went to town. Yes, they are certainly my kids!

6. Crib Tent. So when it came time for the kids first nap in our house, Nat put them down and went to the living room for a touch of rest. Next thing you know Deshi is coming to her...yep, we have a climber. A click or two on Amazon...problem solved. When it came in the mail today, Caleb said "mom, that means I get to see you at bedtime."

7. Salt Lick BBQ Sauce. My Austin friends know what I am talking about. We buy the spicy kind. Tonight I learned Beck and Deshi like it on their onion smothers burgers...and in their rice.

8. Shopping at Central Market. My Texas friends know what I am talking about. This is Disney World for feed addicts...like me. We put the kids in a grocery cart Sunday and strolled the store...trying every free sample in the store...learning new foods Beck and Deshi like...including sole sole fish sauteed in a sweet sauce.

That's it for now. I am sure we will learn more of God's creations this week...

Kidmia

2009-07-19T20:34:00.005-05:00

Beau here. Over the last few months I have been wrestling through how best to remain plugged in with serving orphans in Ethiopia. This is important to me as part of our adoption of Beck, Deshi, and [God willing] some more in the future.

As I have prayed about this, the Lord graciously exposed me to The Kidmia Foundation, which is an organization some of you may already be aware of. It was started by a small group of folks, including Scott Brown over at Gladney. It's Executive Director is a great guy I have gotten to know over the last two years, Matt Brost, whose wife if also over at Gladney.

So Kidmia's vision is to find Christian families in Ethiopia to adopt children locally in Ethiopia. This is a relatively new concept in Ethiopia, the idea of taking in a child as your own who is not related to you. And when you see the vast number of orphans in Ethiopia and the fact that only a couple thousand per year will be adopted internationally, you can understand why it is important to grow adoptions locally to care for all these sweet kids in Ethiopia. So that is what Kidmia is committed to doing for the glory of God. They have largely built the infrastructure of their first campus in Gunchire, Ethiopia, about four hours southwest of Addis, in the region of the Gurage (aka Guragie) ethnic group. I got to visit the campus on July 5 of this year, and I have included some pictures for you. They currently have about 23 children on the campus, which includes three that have arrived in the past month. I got to play with them for a few hours which was a lot of fun.

I am excited and humbled to say that last Friday I accepted an invitation to join the Board of Kidmia, something I look forward to pouring countless hours into in the years to come.

If you would like to support Kidmia, there are a few ways to do so. First, you can pray for God to raise up families in Gunchire to adopt these children. Second, you can visit when you visit Ethiopia. We have some sweet friends in Addis who would love to bring you to Kidmia and share the story with you. There are also some neat things you can bring with you for the kids. Third, you can join the Facebook group to get updates, pictures, etc. Fourth, you can contribute financially, either at the Kidmia website or by sponsoring me on someone else in their annual golf tournament fundraiser.

If you have more questions about Kidmia, please don't hesitate to ask!

Dinner time with the kids

2009-07-14T20:02:00.002-05:00

Home

2009-07-12T10:25:00.003-05:00

Beau here. Got home around 1am last night after our Houston to Dallas flight was delayed. More later, but here is a pic from right after we got them. Some questions for you guys.

Anyone know who the parents are for a girl at Gladney around two years old named Hayat? That is Beksisa's best friend, and I have some fun stories and pics.

Alexander's, Havonic's, and Bradshaw's...I have a camera chip for each of you I need to mail. Includes pics and videos. Please e-mail me your address at bfournet@hbk.com, and I can mail it out tomorrow from the office.

Who gave us a letter from their daughter to bring to Kechne to give to one of her friends? The sweet girl wrote a long letter back in response, and I want to mail it to you tomorrow. Send an e-mail to the above address.

More later!

Latest Update: Embassy Appointment and more

2009-07-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Just got a phone call from Beau today and things continue to go great for them there. He said that the Embassy appointment went off without a hitch and that they were the first family in line, which means that they didn't have to sit in the waiting area very long at all.

Beck and Deshi continue to do great and attach more and more everyday. A couple of stories here . . . Occasionally, you will have a Gladney caregiver come over to watch the kids while you go out for an appointment, an outing, etc. because you are not allowed to take the kids out in public except for a few specific occasions. Beau said that when the caregiver came over yesterday, that Deshi bit the caregiver because she didn't want to leave Natalie. Perhaps her actions were misguided, but her heart is definitely in the right place.

As for Beck, Beau took him over to the Gladney home where he was able to meet Beck's "best friend," a little girl. He said they played together and that Beau got some pictures and video for her adoptive family that he'll be able to give them when he gets back. As they were leaving, Beck said, "Ciao! Going to America!" and proceeded to try to get the little girl to come with them. Very cool. I'm sure the Fournets will do what they can to keep these two in touch back home.

They were just about to put the kids to bed and then head off to "Fasikah", a restaurant that does traditional Ethiopian food along with cultural music and dancing. This is a very cool experience.

They should get the visas tomorrow and then be ready to head home on Saturday. Continue to keep them in your prayers and I'll update as I get information. Thanks for following along!

Day 4: Brief Update

2009-07-07T14:03:00.003-05:00

Hey friends of the Fournets! Did not get to talk with Beau today, but got an email from one of his co-workers that he did talk with today with a little information.

One point mentioned was that they were able to get pictures and videos of some of the kids of other waiting families (probably a few of you who follow along). Based on our travels last month, this probably means they spent some time at the Gladney Foster Care center today and got to hang out with the kids there and some of the workers.

They also spent time with Peter Abera of Children's HopeChest that I mentioned yesterday. They visited the Ethiopia Children's Home with Peter and were able to purchase school supplies for about 90 children, which is such a blessing, more to the giver, I think, than to the kids, but obviously great for the kiddos. They also were able to discuss other ways to bless some other orphans in Ethiopia that CHC is involved with and provide a meal for one particular orphanage in the countryside.

The only other thing the email said was that everyone was doing well. I shared yesterday about Deshi being attached to Natalie and crying whenever she left the room. I remembered later the sweetest part of that which is that Deshi is specifically crying, "Mommy!" at Natalie, which I know is just music to her ears (at least for now).

Tomorrow they will spend the morning with the Gladney families at the foster centers, enjoy the coffee ceremony there, and then after lunch head with the other families to the U.S. Embassy for their appointment to get Beck and Deshi's visas. They won't actually get the visas until Friday, but tomorrow is when they do the interview. Pray that all goes smoothly, that their wait time is short (it can take a few hours sometimes depending on how many are there that day), and that there are no hiccups in the process at this point. Should hear something around lunchtime tomorrow in regards to that, so I'll update as soon as I can. Thanks for following along! I know they appreciate your prayers.

Report from Day 3: Fun in Gunchire

2009-07-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

Wes again . . .

The Fournets are doing great. Beau, Caleb, and Suzanne made it back to Addis after their trip to Gunchire and spending time with the kiddos at Kidmia. Sounds like it was a great trip. He said on the way there, they were crammed into some sort of SUV with a few other folks and then picked up two pregnant sheep that they were delivering to Kidmia. And of course that means that the sheep rode, you guessed it, in the SUV with them. It was a little difficult to hear Beau, but if I heard right, it didn't sound like the sheep waited for the pit stops before using the restroom. Always an adventure. He said they had a great time playing with the monkeys in Gunchire, and that at one time Caleb was surrounded by 20 monkeys climbing all over him. What a memory!

As for the rest of the family, Beau said they are doing great. He said that Deshi is officially attached at the hip to Natalie and that if Natalie leaves her for a second she goes crazy! That's really a great answer to prayer. He said that Beck will go to anyone and that he's eating like a horse. They've also gotten to meet some of the other families who are there to pick up their kiddos. The next few days will probably be full of time spent with these families, so pray for their time with these new friends as well.

He said that tomorrow, they are planning to hang out with my friend, Peter, who is the country director for the Ethiopia program of Children's HopeChest, and getting to visit some of the orphanages where they are involved. Peter is a great guy and the work that CHC does in connecting churches to the needs of orphans is awesome. You can learn more about them at http://www.hopechest.org/.

You can be praying for their embassy appointment on Wednesday, which will be their final hurdle to clear before bringing the kids home. Shouldn't be an issue, but a matter for prayer nonetheless.

Should have more for you tomorrow. Thanks for following our friends!

Day 2 Report: From Ethiopia

2009-07-04T22:04:00.002-05:00

Wes again . . .

Just got off the phone with Beau and it sounds like all is well. While I'm sure a lot has taken place, the most important thing is that Beck and Deshi are now being cared from by their new family. Beau said the handoff went really smooth, that Beck didn't cry at all and that Deshi cried for just a couple of minutes, but is doing great now. It's Sunday morning there, and Beau said that Beck, Deshi, and Hannah were still sleeping while the rest of the crew was up. He did say that Beck and Deshi are eating great, something that sometimes can be an issue as kids adjust. So far, so good. Like you, I can't wait to hear the full story of how it happened!

Beau and Caleb along with Suzanne are headed out today to the city of Gunchire which is the location of the Kidmia orphanage. Apparently, the city is full of monkeys that are in some way tame enough to allow people to play with them, so they'll enjoy doing that and then spend the next 24 hours or so with the orphans of Kidmia. If you're not familiar with this great work, you can check them out at http://www.kidmia.org/.

I asked Beau if there was anything specifically to pray for. He said other than the obvious, not really. His back is doing fine, Hannah is feeling better (although he did say she's had a couple of random minor allergic reactions and they're not sure to what), and Beck and Deshi are adjusting OK so far. So, pray for them and thank God for His grace thus far.

Until the next report . . .

On the way . . .

2009-07-03T15:43:00.002-05:00

Wes Butler here (in honor of Beau). I will be your guest blogger this week, keeping you up to date on the Fournet's travels and time in Ethiopia. Beau called around 11:00 this morning and said they had made it safely to Dubai. Sounds like the trip was relatively smooth, that the kids did great, and that Beau enjoyed a good 9 1/2 hours of sleep while everyone else caught 3 hours or so. They will be staying the night in Dubai and then catching the flight tomorrow morning headed to Ethiopia. Just a few more short hours until they get to meet Beck and Deshi. Continue to pray (along with the usual list) for Hannah as she's fighting some kind of cold and for Beau's back which he hurt loading the car before they left. Know they are grateful for your prayers and for checking in. More to come this week, so stay tuned.

Beautiful Girl

2009-06-13T22:03:00.001-05:00

Our Boy Beck

2009-06-12T22:10:00.001-05:00

Praise God!

2009-06-11T13:48:00.001-05:00

O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1

Passed Court!

2009-06-11T11:16:00.002-05:00

Beau here. More info later, but all glory and honor to God! Head over on July 3. So appreciate everyone's kind words in recent days!

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Recent pic of Beksisa "Beck" Joshua Fournet and Yadeshi "Deshi" Ruth Fournet.

Scared

2009-06-10T07:59:00.003-05:00

Hannah swam yesterday with a friend....well they played with dolls in the pool:) And they sang. I started listening to their songs and realized they were singing Bible verses....the other gal and her Mom are super singers and love music. (We are challenged in that area). I did not take it for granted that these two precious girls were singing God's Word. What a gift. Joshua 1:9 Be strong and cowageous, do not beeee tewafied, the Lord your God is wit you wherever you go! Need a translation? I need that reminder....to be strong and courageous. In Joshua 1:9 God commands me to be strong and courageous. This morning I don't feel very strong and courageous....

I am scared....I know I would be even more terrified if not for God and the peace he has given me. But the knots in my tummy tell me that there is quite a bit of scared still here!! Of course....I am a Mommy and this is big stuff this week for our babies...so I am scared and trusting.... MOWA should have reviewed our case by now, and we are hoping to hear no bad news today. And our case goes before the judge tomorrow. So please join us in prayer tonight!

I just finished Tom Davis's first fiction novel. You must read Scared. It is an excellent book....his heart for orphans is on every page. The people in the book are so fascinating and lovable and real. Buy it and read.

Recent Events

2009-05-25T08:22:00.002-05:00

Beau here. So thought I would let yall know what we have been up to...including why Natalie isn't writing this :)

So I convinced my company to let me take 15 days at the beach and work from here a few hours each day. So Natalie and the kids left May 13, and I left May 15. We are just outside Destin at a beach resort. Note: I am already thinking about how to make this happen again next year...aside from my trips to Africa with church, I have never been away from the office over a week.

Key dates since we have been here
May 21 - celebrate my birthday
May 21 - celebrate one year since our referral
May 21 - find out we will be delayed again
May 22 - get court date, June 11
May 24 - B's birthday
May 25 - D's birthday; twins but born a few hours apart
May 25 - My sweet bride and my 13th wedding anniversary

So what have we been up to?

Hannah. All she seems to want to do is swim in the hot tub with her goggles. Yes, a bit off the beaten path. But she seems to find little girls every day to join her. Also, a lot of giggling.

Caleb. All over the place. We keep rotating - boogie board in Gulf, searching for shells, wading on the lazy river, walking the beach, playing football in the pool with me, hot tub, walking across the floating lilly pads.

Nat. I will quote her from 8 days ago..."I only want to do the things I love this week...spend time with the family, home school the kids, take long baths reading my Bible. No computer, phone calls, etc." She has remained faithful to this - zero time on computer and only one phone call.

Me. Aside from hangin with family and working, I have been reading a lot. List includes May issue of CT magazine, a book on Prayer by EM Bounds, Just Courage by Haugen, Confessions of a Caffeinated Christian by Fischer, The Rise of Christianity by Stark, God's Big Picture by Roberts, 3 John with a Kay Arthur study, and Philemon with a Kay Arthur Study. Today I start Adam's Return by Rohr and a Kay Arthur study on James. I have also listened to three or four sermons by Chan and Piper.

So that is what we are up to! We head back to Dallas on Sunday.

Oh, and it's nearly 9am, and Nat is still sleeping. Do I get points for that?

Delayed

2009-05-21T15:45:00.002-05:00

Beau here. We so appreciate everyone's prayers as we have been awaiting MOWA's opinion and court. We found out today that we will not pass tomorrow as MOWA (who hasn't given any opinion for our previous court dates) has asked for a piece of information. So waiting to hear new court date and figure out what needs to be done to gather the new information.

While this isn't what we had hoped for in the sense that we really wanted to complete this part of the journey, in one key sense this is the best outcome for now - that of being in the Lord's will. At the end of John 6 many followers of Christ are overwhelmed and discouraged. Jesus asks them if they want to stop following him, and most walked away. Peter, a man of faith, said "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the Holy One of God." And the Psalmist said "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." God sits in the heavens and does as He pleases, and I am comforted by knowing the Holy One is in control, and we are remaining in His will.

Praying and resting the best we know how...

Court Friday

2009-05-20T15:38:00.002-05:00

Beau here. Nat down at beach... Hope 10th time is a charm! We got our final court document today, and court is Friday. Praying the Lord's perfect plan is that we pass this Friday. Last time we were in Florida (one year ago tomorrow...my birthday) we got our referral. Hope this is a trend for good news! Psalm 115:3...

Hamshe

2009-05-06T22:04:00.003-05:00

Hamshe? A female hamster. Caleb came up with the name. Get it, Mom? It's a hammmmm-ster and she is a she, so ham+she. This has been Caleb's pet since August. He loves this rodent named Hamshe!

Well last Wednesday we were about to begin homeschooling, and we were all sitting in Caleb's room playing with old Hamshe. We were talking about how she has been the best pet (and we have been through a lot). The kids had built sweet Hamshe a little house to play in and we were enjoying the sweetness of childhood and family and fun.

Until....Hamshe got a little quick and started walking off from our happy group. Caleb got up to retrieve her. And. Well he stepped on sweet Hamshe. Barefoot for all the sensory horror of that feeling. He screamed. I screamed. We all started crying.

I picked up the very flat and very dead hamster. I listened to the screams of "Mom do something. Save her!" I looked at this dead, squished little thing and said "Let me go to my room and get something and I'll see what I can do" (I was trying to escape for some thinking time) I carried the dead hamster to my room, closed the door, and called Beau who was in Virginia and I started crying again (I felt so bad for this lifeless little thing. I felt even worse for Caleb who just stepped on his pet and was screaming in the hall.) Well while I was on the phone with Beau I felt Hamshe's heart start beating again, though he still looked flat and very dead. And within a few minutes he started to regain shape but still looked so sad and pretty lifeless.

I hear mice and rats can do that...get flat so they can sneak into your house....nice feature I guess. I guess it saved Hamshe's life. I'm happy to report that she is still alive today.

And no, I did not do a switch with a new hamster from the pet store and I do not think anyone else did either??

Why do I share this Hamshe story? First, because inquiring minds keep asking how Hamshe is doing. Second, because we learned the truth of Matthew 10:29 (Aren't two sparrows sold for only a penny? Not even one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father knowing it. God even counts every hair on your head!) Thirdly, to share how I prayed for Hamshe.

When I was in my room and she started to breathe....I prayed that God would have her die quickly. I hated to see her in pain, and I didn't want Caleb to watch her keep suffering. She was so flat and so dead....I never expected her to recover and live. I expected her to die, so I wanted her to die quickly. But there were other plans for her....and lessons for us to learn.

Now I know that this is just a hamster. And I know a hamster's life expectancy is not very long as it is. So I am trying not to read too much into this. But I learned something. I was reminded of a great truth. And this little creature reminded me of my big God.

Really I don't pray much for animals, especially hamsters. But the Lord has had an earful of my prayers this last year....begging, pleading with Him for my babies and for other big things. Yes He hears I believe. Big and small. And yes I believe He is a creative teacher, using all things to point us to Him and His love for us. Glad we didn't miss this horrible experience and the lessons we gained.

the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8

we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit,

groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons,

the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved.

But hope that is seen is no hope at all.

Who hopes for what he already has?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

May

2009-05-04T17:05:00.002-05:00

Thinking about this month, feeling lots of mixed and bittersweet emotions. We have LOTS of birthdays this month...including Beau-and B and Y who are turning 2!! Beau and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary!!! School is out next week.....I am soooo excited, love summers with my kids! My little brother is getting married next weekend to a beautiful girl inside and out, so I am getting a wonderful new SIL. We have our 9th court date on May 22nd but do not have good news or the needed document as we approach that day.....SAD! May 21st will mark 1 year since our referral....I NEVER thought we would still be waiting....WOW! Every night I tell Beau....I don't think I can keep doing this....this waiting....this longing to be a Mommy to all my babies. But each day I wake up and keep doing it....waiting, praying, living, hoping for a phone call that will end this season of waiting. We are thinking of a vacation at the end of May...sunshine, escaping and relaxing.

I lift my eyes to you,

O God, enthroned in heaven.

We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy...

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy,

for we have had our fill of contempt.

We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud...

Psalm 123

Chasing Fireflies

2009-04-28T19:07:00.004-05:00

I love fiction and a sweet friend showed me an amazing author, Charles Martin. I have read a few of his books and am currently reading Chasing Fireflies. I always think about doing book recommendations on our blog, but never get around to doing so. I have read so many good books that I have found on other blogs:) I am not finished with this one yet but I think you'll like it. It takes place in the south, as do all his books I think.

Here is a quote from the book that I just loved...a foster father shares this wisdom with an abused and orphaned boy.....

Unc walked up next to me and hung his arms across the fence railing. In his hands he held an empty mason jar with holes punched in the lid. He stood there a long time turning the jar. Inside, a single lightning bug fluttered off the sides of the glass. Every five or six seconds, he'd light his lantern. Unc turned the jar in his hand. "Scientists say that these things evolved this way over millions of years." He shook his head. "That's a bunch of bunk. I don't think an animal can just all-of-a-sudden decide he wants to make light grow out its butt. What kind of nonsense is that? Animals don't make light." He pointed to the stars. "God does that. I don't know why or how, but I'm pretty sure it's not by chance. It's not some haphazard thing he does in his spare time."

He looked at me, and his expression changed from one of wonder to seriousness, to absolute conviction. "Chase, I don't believe in chance." He held up the jar. "This is not chance, neither are the stars."

I was hurting inside, and the streaks shining on my face didn't scratch the surface at telling how much.

He tapped me gently in the chest. "Neither are you. So, if your mind is telling you that God slipped up and might have made one giant mistake when it comes to you, you remember the firefly's butt."

I just read it and it reminded me of my conversation with Caleb yesterday who is such a deep thinker and a sweet emotional boy. He asked at the end of the day if we had heard anything about B and Y....when I said no....he just lost it and cried and cried.....repeatedly asking "Why won't God let them come home?" In my attempt to share that I understood his frustration and how difficult it is to trust God's plans....Caleb said "The only plan of God's that has worked so far has been getting one document and even that isn't helping...." Oh Caleb, what a hard lesson to learn for your tender heart...I may have to share with you about the firefly's butt.

Dreams

2009-04-15T13:40:00.002-05:00

Recently we all woke up with very vivid dreams....

Hannah....woke up after dreaming Strawberry (her new bunny) fell into our pool. How scary! In the dream she was able to jump in and rescue to bunny. Still scary!

Caleb....woke up very emotional after he has dreamed he found at a thrift store (we are thrift store people) his lost stuffed puppy, Shelby. In reality, we lost Shelby about 2 months ago on an out of town trip. He got Shelby when he was born and has slept with him every night...so we were all sad when he was lost. Wish the thrift store dream could come true.

Natalie....dreamed she and Beau "snuck" away to Ethiopia, without permission from Gladney...ha!ha! This is my 3rd such dream:) In the dream we get to meet and love on B and Y...who are so beautiful and sweet and soft...the dream didn't last long enough:( Oh but the dream was so real and soooo good....can't wait for the reality.

Beau....dreamed he hired a maid and cook for his wife, sent her away to be pampered at a spa, and let her sleep in for the remaining weekends of the year:) I love Beau's dream:)

Reality...no new news on the adoption really. We are still waiting for the last document, praying for a miracle, hoping (blegging) we can go to Ethiopia SOON!

Life in pictures

2009-04-05T20:01:00.010-05:00

While we wait...and pray for a miracle....we live and enjoy each moment we are given....here is a glimpse of what we have been up to lately.....

I surprised the kids (and Beau) with bunnies....Hannah is in love and carries them everywhere. The bunnies even joined us for story time tonight. Two bunnies...a Mommy and a Daddy...and we look forward to the "lessons" that these bunnies will bring...we hope to have free bunnies to give away in 4-5 months:)

We enjoyed a beautiful day at the arboretum with friends and beautiful flowers....it is my favorite picture day of the year:)

And Caleb turned 7 a couple of weeks ago....we didn't really do the big party thing this year. But we had lots of fun celebrating him in many fun ways. For his birthday he wanted a Nintendo DS....we told him it was too expensive for us to buy but he was welcome to continue saving his money. Well he had been saving money for quite a while and after his birthday had over $100 and needed $25 more. This week he got a card in the mail from his Aunt Yvette and it had a $25 gift card in it. He did the math and started screaming and jumping up in down yelling "I get my DS" He got so excited that he started crying and fell to the ground. I have never seen him so excited....he learned a great lesson in saving money and delayed gratification. Now he needs a lesson in not playing his DS all day:)

Over spring break we got to spend a few days with some of our favorite buddies at their lake house with their kids, two of which are beautiful Ethiopian twins....

While at the lake house we also got to meet up the Baggetts...who have four beautiful children! Both of these families have met and loved on B and Y for us....so it is surreal, priceless and kinda weird to give them hugs in person knowing they hugged our babies:)

Caleb loved their youngest son and had to have a picture with him:)

And we will continue to live life full of gratitude...just looking at these pictures my heart is full of thanksgiving.....and we will keep praying for miracles and peace....we will keep you posted:)

"LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Isaiah 26:12

Delayed Again

2009-03-24T16:40:00.003-05:00

Beau here. Definitely delayed again as neither doc has been received. Leaning on two verses I love and trust in.

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." -John 6:68

Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases. -Psalm 115:3

Friends, God is sovereign, and God is good. He is not good or bad because of what I get or don't get each day, but because of who He is (1 John 4:19) and the one gift that can never be taken away from me (Ephesians 2:8-9). Today, I have my heart set on all that is true, honorable, just, pure, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4)...and find my strength in Him.

Will hopefully get a new court date at the end of the week.

2009-03-24T12:45:00.002-05:00

There are really no words to adequately describe the mixture of emotions and thoughts racing through my heart right now.

Some of our closest friends "met" their son yesterday....it is so unbelievably exciting, I am still in shock....he is soooooo cute and we are all so blessed to know him now! Go congratulate the Butlers if you haven't already and read about their awesome moment. And their newest son's journey so closely matches another dear friend's son's story.....their boys will get to be best buddies!!! I am AMAZED to see God's work and His love for these two very precious boys!

Look at the nations and watch -

and be utterly amazed.

For I am going to do something in your days

that you would not believe,

even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5

So here comes the mixture of emotions and thoughts...the roller coaster well described by a much better blogger....we are so thrilled one moment....and sad the next....trusting and hoping....scared and frustrated. With our adoption things are quiet right now....no new news today....we had hoped to hear good news after the weekend.....news that might give us hope for the very slim possibility of passing court this week. We have court in 2 days....we still need 2 documents....we have neither....so today as I am praying (and trying to complete a very boring online defensive driving class)....but as I am praying:) I realize, yes, I need to let go of hoping that the slim chance will happen....I need to accept that we are 2 days away with nothing that we need. I need to let go and accept God's very confusing plan in this journey to bring our babies home....so today I am sad for us....still praying for a miracle and praying for peace....

Please don't answer the phone

2009-03-05T19:19:00.004-06:00

We received very discouraging news today...news that "predicts" we will not pass court at the end of the month....learning that it is very unlikely that we will pass on the 26th. Yet we know the LORD is a God who knows....so we do not trust in predictions:) Though I also know I am scared and sad today. The document is still not signed and it being signed in time does not seem probable. We know that our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine....we do not know if He will do as we ask, but we are praying for favor over the next couple of weeks. LOTS would have to go right and happen in time for us to pass...Yes, to God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His....I know that God can do all things, no plan of His can be thwarted. Please, please pray with us, for our babies to come home soon, for these next 2 weeks to bring the document (well now documents) signed and delivered, pray for our hearts to continue to trust and have a peace that surpasses understanding. We feel your prayers and appreciate them so much....thanks to you all for you encouragement! This is so hard....we want our babies home so badly....we will keep praying them home and appreciate you all joining us in doing the same!

Oh...after the bad news...Caleb said...Mom please don't answer the phone if you know it is Gladney...they keep making you cry:( For the record we LOVE Gladney!!! They have done an amazing job in advocating for our kids and us....we would do "this" with no other agency! But I thought Caleb's response was precious...he continued to say....Mom if you just don't answer the phone than you won't know it is bad news....oh how I wish I could avoid reality by just avoiding the phone:) We are all tired of the tears and are ready for our family to be together.

One month away, 8th court date

2009-02-26T21:42:00.002-06:00

We are one month away from our 8th court date. This is according to Beau, I have lost count. We STILL do not have THE document needed. It is hard for me to comprehend how long this is taking....hard to imagine not getting the doc soon. I can't even think about not passing court in March...Lord have mercy please. We are more than ready to bring these babies home.

Confession Friday

2009-02-20T10:27:00.002-06:00

I surely didn't intend to make this a regular Friday post but there is a lot to say....

1. Yesterday I got a speeding ticket...going 48 in a 35 (that really should be a 45)...I am signing up for 6 hours of defensive driving today. While I waited for the cop to finish my ticket I was thanking the Lord that my addiction is coke and not alcohol because....

2. Yesterday I broke down and had a coke. I was drinking the Coke when I was pulled over....so I was truly thankful that my "fall from my fast" did not land me a worse consequence! And for the record I am still "fasting" from Coke....I had a horrible headache yesterday, had a weak moment and stopped for an ICEE (Slurpee) yesterday....I still consider it "cheating"....but I could not allow myself a "real coke" as I don't think I could continue the fasting after sipping the full real deal:) Hoping I get to soon....

3. I just sent my kids out for recess so I can blog....they need fresh air, I need to clear my head:)

4. I am really missing New Orleans lately. Living in Dallas we love....for raising our kids and our church and friends....but not for its historical culture....sorry Dallas. Most people I know that live or have lived in New Orleans have a love/hate feeling about the city. There are so many thing to love love love about the city....the food #1 for sure, the beautiful people, the culture, the history, the fun, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the food again! But there are other things to hate too....the corruption, and for us, the racism, and well, too much "fun" for raising kids....LOL:) It truly is a love/hate relationship....that is why I could more easily move top the "Northshore" or "Baton Rouge"....close enough, but not too close.....some of you understand:) I so want to bring the kids to a real Mardi Gras parade....not what some of you are thinking....but the kid friendly kind of parade....they, I, would love it. It just doesn't work this year.....so I am missing it all....the seafood, king cakes, parades, beads, music, etc.... Maybe next year we will get down there for Mardi Gras..... And for the record...I have a love/hate feeling about Big D too....but that is another post:)

Laughing At My Bride

2009-02-14T14:14:00.003-06:00

Beau here. Okay, so the coke thing. I just went with Caleb to get lunch for him and Hannah. On the way home Caleb says "Daddy, I can't believe mommy really believes that dream. You know, the coke one. She's going crazy. She's going to be nuts." Of course he says this while he is drinking a coke. So when we get home, I see his gift of compassion really shine brightly. He comes in and says "Mommy, I brought you a coke." She gets excited, and then he hands her his empty coke and tells her she is going nuts. He exudes compassion.

Oh, and my confessions for Friday (a day late). First, I am not a coke drinker, but yesterday I had a coke with sushi at my desk. And last night Natalie and I were gluttons for our early Valentine's dinner, including fried lobster, lobster tacos, duck tamales, grilled black bass, crab cakes, fried bbq blue oysters, filet mignon, and three chocolates for dessert. Like I said...gluttons. But hey, no coke. And then we came home to our quiet house (grandma took the kids) to be sleeping before ten and slept late.

Grateful for my family, especially my bride.

Confessions

2009-02-13T09:11:00.002-06:00

This ultra cool and sweet blogger friend suggested "Confession Fridays" Here are a few of mine:

1. I confess that right now I am blogging while homeschooling. Not the best way to patiently and effectively teach but my brain is very distracted today. My kids are distracted too...so I guess we are even.

2. Today I am distracted for many reasons....but mainly because I am a week without Coke. If we do not get word of the document soon...well I may have to break my fast. In fact I confess that I have been pretty convinced that it would not be "cheating" if I have a Coke tonight on my date with Beau.

3. I don't blog a lot for a few reasons: I am lazy, I really don't like to write, and I am lazy.

4. I am having a hard time with "liking" this verse....Isaiah 55...."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"....most days it brings me great comfort, but some days I am mad like my kids when they don't get their way:)

5. I confess that the guilt is setting in...so I need to get back to actually homeschooling.

Have a great weekend!

Coke

2009-02-11T11:15:00.003-06:00

Less than a week ago, I had a very weird dream. One part of the dream included me giving up Coke. Any of you that know me, know that I have given this drink up many, many times before...for many different reasons. Well in my dream I gave up coke until THE document is signed, sealed, and delivered. It was a very weird dream and I woke up questioning the sanity of such a crazy idea....giving up coke, my happy drink during a very tiring, emotional time??? Sounded crazy. But I decided to go for it. It has been 6 days and I am so wanting a coke. Just a sip or two would be fine. I am such an addict. I know. I am trying here. Each time I want a coke, I pray....pray for this document, for B and Y, and for all the other children waiting to come home.

Some others are praying today....join us and pray these babies home.

And one of the cutest babies to pray for....well I can't share his picture or name...no fun....but go let the Tuckers know that you are praying for them too. Trust me....he is so so stinkin' cute!

Looking forward

2009-01-29T22:17:00.004-06:00

Looking back to May '08 when we received our referral and then our first court date in June....I remember thinking there is no way I can wait a whole month to bring these babies home....and as closures and rainy seasons continued our wait through the summer....and as a new document delayed us further through the fall and winter....today we await our next court date ...March 24th. Spring. Wow. This court date will be a full 10 months since our referral. The pain of missing our babies... and the hurt I carry for them having even one more day without their family...well that pain never leaves. But I am so grateful that I still can walk these days with peace in my heart.

Isaiah 64 For when YOU did awesome things that we did not expect, YOU came down, and the mountains trembled before YOU. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any GOD besides YOU, WHO acts on behalf of those who wait for HIM.

So we continue to wait. And to look forward. To the day that b and y can come home.

How?

2009-01-27T10:27:00.002-06:00

Some people ask....how do you stand waiting like this? I've answered that question before in other posts but each season we wait looks different. Winter is definitely harder as there is not as much "to do" to stay busy. But we are normal people like everyone else on this journey of adoption....we ride the same roller coaster of ups and downs. Our ride is a bit longer than the ticket we originally purchased....but we are still on the ride. As we approach our 7th court date that we will most likely not pass....we are sad and at peace at the same time. Crazy too!

Here is a short list of the top things that help us wait:

1. Friends...near and far that offer words and deeds of encouragement

2. Pictures and videos of B and Y....they are priceless to us. We just received a CD full of wonderful pics yesterday....like "manna" to us....the pictures and blessings of updates keep coming and sustaining us....thanks Heather!

3. Indulging in too many things to list...but for example....on Friday we skipped a day of "homeschooling" and went hiking and fishing, we had dinner at Houston's (my fav) and I had a nice cold Coke and a club sandwich and fries with Ranch....all my favorite comforts! And I probably had chocolate...just a guess....

4. LOTS of reading.....I love good fiction and one day need to post all my latest favorites. I am reading "the Glass Castle" that a sweet friend recently recommended. It is good so far!

5. Reading, soaking in, thinking about God's Word. LONG time ago (July) I did a post about Moses....how the Lord was teaching us all about His love of adoption and about His plans for us. Well I keep going back to Moses..... how God's mighty faithfulness is so evident in this story. And meditating on God's promises to the Israelites...helps me to remember His promises to me and His faithfulness TODAY! God is sovereign....I say that with complete joy and trust. I know he is control. Yes we are very sad about more waiting. But I do trust more today than I did a year ago...so I am thankful for that.

I have been thinking a lot about the 10 plagues and that time in history....how harsh the plagues were and how hard life must have been during that time....how many women must have longed for stability and freedom for their families....how their "waiting" must have been....yet how it was all done for God's Glory....not because God is starving for attention....but because His Glory brings His people to Him, it draws His people to true and eternal life.....and that is GOOD!

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD." Ex 10.1-2

God was sovereign over Pharaoh's heart and God had a plan for all that happened...I trust in God's plan today for us. We are sad, this is so hard....we will all rejoice when this waiting is OVER. But I do still rejoice in the lessons I've learned....in God's faithfulness and provision for us all every single day. We know that it is NOT Gladney or some Eth. govt. agency in control....we know without any doubt that God is in control!

We will likely have to wait for a new court date, looks like March?? I am so sad to wait until spring, maybe summer....I hate that so many "seasons" keep passing by without B and Y being in our home and with us. And I hate winter....so I am anxious for this cold season of waiting to be over. We will keep you posted! Thanks so much for all your words and prayers!

Not yet

2009-01-24T09:57:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update on where we are with the adoption. It has been 8 months since our referral, B and Y are now 20 months old and both seem to be doing very well. We are still waiting on the needed document. We have our 6th court date on this Thursday the 29th. We are praying for a miracle, that the document will be signed and delivered on time for court....will you please pray with us? We are also prepared (because it is very likely) to not pass court again. While we really really really want to pass this week and finally bring our babies home....we are really really really trying to trust in God's timing and rest in His peace.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-01T12:05:00.003-06:00

Beau here. Nat and the kids headed out of a trip this morning, so I am solo for a few days. Spent this morning studying John 1-2 and listening to a couple sermons from Chan. Got me to thinking a bit about New Year's Resolutions. I am not in to that more years...but toyed with idea this morning.

Normal question we ask is "what do I want different (start or stop) in 2009?" This morning I turned the question to "what does GOD want me to be about in 2009?" You see, "not my will, but Your will be done..."

So as I looked back on recent weeks and what I have wrestled with, the following resolutions come to mind.

1. Bible study - In recent weeks I have been wrapping up The Journey for 2008 and outlining a plan for 2009. So I have a plan which I anxiously started on Christmas Eve with launching a three month study of the Gospel of John to be followed by some Old Testament minor prophets that revolve around the topic of discouragement.

2. Family Discipleship - I want to keep doing what I am doing with the kids (specifically daily Bible study and capturing teachable moments) and continue growing as a daddy. As a husband, I have a lot more that needs to be done, and I have been studying the marriage topic in Scripture to align my heart with God's. As God reveals, I need to respond.

3. What else - This is the exciting part where I get to wait and see. Don't know what God has in store, but I want to hear, respond, and see God's glory.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Photos

2008-12-29T08:26:00.006-06:00

TOP TEN...well, almost 10

2008-12-26T19:56:00.021-06:00

We had an amazing time in Mexico!!! Here is a quick review of the top things...

1. Warm weather...I am praying the Lord calls our family to live there. The sun does soooo much for me!

2. Visiting an orphanage....we were so encouraged to see how well these children are cared for here. They had so many volunteers and a beautiful facility. We visited them on our first day there and brought lots of supplies.

3. Swimming with dolphins....this was sooo much fun. We all got into the water with the dolphins...gave them kisses and hugs. We got to pet them and dance and swim with them. It was a blast! I wish we had more pictures....but the darn pictures cost $12 a piece!

4. The kids love the beach....building sand castles, looking for shells. I do not like sand but, hey I am willing to sacrifice that for my sunshine and the kids' smiles:)

5. Upon seeing the water slides, Caleb said "I am soooo going down those!" Both kids enjoyed the water park a lot.

6. The Marina.....this is a very fun area of Puerto Vallarta. We walked there a few times to shop and eat and to feed the pigeons....

7. Caleb dancing....

2008 In Review...Grateful to be Caleb's Daddy

2008-12-25T20:44:00.004-06:00

Beau here. So we all have fun family traditions, and our family is no exception. Back in 1987 my older sister Yvette started a journal for our family where one family member chooses another family member to write to. The purpose of the book is to provide a bit of a history of the year and to celebrate the family member you write to. The writer also gives the recipient an ornament. So that book has been going for over 20 years now. Well Natalie liked the idea and started a journal for her and me back in 1995. We also added the tradition of putting a family photo in our journal each year. Well this year, I have our (Nat and mine) book, and I decided to write to Caleb...a first for our journal after 13 years of just Nat and me! Since I always type the letter before I hand write it, I thought I would share the note with our friends in the blog world, so here goes. Merry Christmas friends!

Dear Caleb,

This is the first year that you will receive this book, and I think it is well-deserved. So far, only mommy and I have written in the book, but as I reflect on the young man you are becoming, I think this is the year to add you to the rotation of writing in the book. Caleb, as I so often tell you, I am grateful to be your daddy. Here are the top five reasons I love being your daddy.

1. By the grace and will of God, you are a follower of Christ. There is no greater joy I can have than knowing that I will be with you for eternity here on earth and in heaven. – Ephesians 2:8-10

2. You love God’s Word. Whether you are confused, sad, scared, curious, or unsure, you always come to me and say “Daddy, what does the Bible say about…” And, I love when I walk in your room every night, and you say “Daddy, it’s time to read the Bible.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. You have such a caring and gentle heart. For example today I didn’t feel well, so you gave me one of your teddy bears to sleep with to help me feel better. You have a special burden for people and respond to that burden. – Luke 6:36

4. You are a giver. You recognize that all your resources (money, toys, food, etc) are really God’s resources, and you respond to opportunities to use those resources to bring glory to God. For example, you used your money to buy food for families our church is trying to love and you love to give food backs to the homeless in our area. – 1 John 3:16-18

5. You challenge me to be more of the man God made me to be. Whether it is your Scripture memory, your actively loving others, your faith-filled prayer, your big vision of the greatness of God, or your desire to study our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world…you remind me of the crazy, huge, all-inclusive call to bring glory to God in all we do. – 1 Corinthians 11:1

Thank you God for Caleb being an instrument of change in my life, for growing me into being more of the man you want me to be, so I can bring more glory to You.

Caleb, as you know, we use this letter to reflect on what has occurred during the course of the year, and this has been quite a year to reflect on as a family. If there is one word that defines the highlights of 2008, I would say it is ADVERSITY. Obviously, our waiting for your brother and sister to come home from Ethiopia has taken much longer than expected at eighteen months and counting, with many unexpected turns and disappointing news along the way. Concurrently, my career has never been more challenging than it was in 2008 as I have had to make very difficult and often unpopular decisions, putting the firm’s interests before my own oftentimes selfish interests. But as I reflect on the hardships we have faced for our family, for my career, and elsewhere, I honestly reflect on them as blessings. You see, God has been at the center of this incredible and unpredictable story for our family in 2008 (Romans 8:28-30, Psalm 139:13-16). I have believed in God’s sovereignty (or active hand) since soon after I became a follower of Christ, but this year, my theoretical belief in this concept was made firmer and deeper as it went from the theoretical to the applied. As such, I feel like I love, savor, and know Christ more deeply now than ever before in my life. I fell in love with Jesus about nine years ago, but the flame has never been hotter than it is right now. Many of the potential idols in my life have been rocked or removed in 2008, and I have found Christ in their place. Caleb, I can attest that in 2008, nothing was sweeter than Christ.

And Caleb, I hope you have seen this year how much your mommy and I love one another. We have certainly experienced some hardships and instability in life over our twelve plus years of marriage, and the instability in life has often overflowed into our marriage relationship. But this year, I praise God that in the midst of the most challenging year of life in general, our marriage has been rock solid. The craziness of the adoption…our marriage has been a shelter. The craziness of work…our marriage has been a shelter. You see son, if we know Christ and follow Him we also know the purpose of marriage and find success in marriage (Ephesians 5:31-33). For that, I am grateful. I love having a bride who loves Jesus so much that if I just try to seek God, then I get to seek her at the same time.

To wrap this up, I thought I would share a few fun highlights that come to mind for 2008
• The May 21 call introducing us to your new brother and sister
• You riding your big boy bike
• Moving to your new bedroom on the other side of the house
• Hannah starting kindergarten
• You starting to read big books all by yourself

Caleb, I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be your daddy. God willing, we will have many more years together, and I pray God would continue to use me as a positive part of your story. More than anything, I want you to seek God’s glory in all your life; therefore, I pray that I would be so consumed with God that you see Him and know Him as you hang out with me.

Grateful and humbled,
Daddy

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-23T22:27:00.004-06:00

We just returned *today* from a wonderfully relaxing and very warm vacation to Mexico....so Feliz Navidad!!!! It was a very last minute trip....we have done everything "last minute" over the last year as our lives have been on hold for our adoption. Well, Christmas cards fit into that category too....especially with two of our children missing from the annual Christmas card photo. With every delay in bringing B and Y home, we have waited on planning/doing many things....one of which was taking holiday pictures and sending Christmas cards. Without having B and Y in a picture....well, cards didn't seem as fun to make this year. Though, we are having many wonderful holiday celebrations!!!!!!! But I hate not sending out cards...hate "missing" anyone on our list! I love love love sending (and getting) the cards each year....yet this year is different for us. Soooo while we wait....we will make you all wait too....

I promise more vacation pictures and video soon so check back:)

Praying for each of you to have a beautiful Christmas and blessed 2009!

My Friend Victor

2008-12-20T18:55:00.002-06:00

I laughed really hard at dinner tonight. It was a lot of fun.

So we go to this joint called Victor's. Right when we sit down they bring me a tequila "complements of the house." When it is time to order drinks, I see the sign "Beer $1.20", so I realize tonight is a beer night, not a margarita night. So they bring my Pacifico Beer, and lo and behold, they bring a tequila with it. Apparently, the tequila comes with the $1.20 beer. So then we eat some killer food. I had fajitas, and they bring me a huge bowl of jalapenos to go with it. My kind of place.

Later the three piece band comes around - three gents in their late 60s or early 70s. When they start playing at our table, Caleb gets his swurve on. Next thing you know, one of the amigos gives Caleb the mariachis, and Caleb is part of the band. We have a blast with that for a while. Video to follow later.

A few minutes later, Victor, the owner, comes to visit us. He calls to the waiter "we need some tequila here." I ask him "why do we need tequila", and he responds "because my wife doesn't get here till 7pm." So of course, my view is "when in rome..."

Next thing you know they bring free ice cream for the kids and free pina coladas for the big kids. Even my well-behaved wife had her drink.

We were in a marina, and the kids ran off to feed the pigeons while we hung out and talked. All in all a great night after a really fun day.

Grateful I am not in a southern baptist church where this post would be treason,
Beau

Puerto Vallarta Orphanage

2008-12-19T17:28:00.002-06:00

Beau here. Chilling at the beach in Puerto Vallarta. We spent the afternoon visiting a small orphanage here. We contacted them Monday to get a list of needs and brought some stuff with us from Dallas - Christmas gift for each kid, food, meds, diapers, etc. We took some pics at the orphanage, and we will try to post them when we get back. Anyway, we had a blast and came away so encouraged. There are about 50 kids and two full time employees - a nun and another lady. In addition, there are a ton of volunteers, which is what really encouraged me. Lot of 50 and 60 somethings from the US and Canada who spend part (or all) of the year down in PV. These folks volunteer 3-5 hours a day about 3 days a week. One lady enjoys ironing, so she comes in to iron clothes for the kids for about 10-15 hours a week. Another guy plays with the kids, while another guy prepares the meals. I love how these folks are being purposeful with their time rather than clinging to some entitled view of retirement. Also, met one other family that took time out of their vacation to visit the orphans. That was a real encouragement too.

Right when Caleb and Hannah got there, the kids ran and started hugging them. Next thing you knwo they are all playing chase. Two sisters, about 3 and 5 years old, clung to me for about 30 minutes which was a lot of fun. I will try to post a picture of them.

These kids are often folks where their parents leave them for weeks or months while they go do migrant farming work. Others are abondoned while some are taken from their folks due to some tragedy.

Caleb asked me "why are these kids smiling and having fun?" I got to remind Caleb about God's extra special love for the orphans and mentioned God's words in James 1 and Psalm 146.

Came away blessed and encouraged.

January 29th

2008-12-18T06:48:00.003-06:00

Our next court date....attempt #6

It has been super cold here....in the 4os right now I think....I laugh when I read my fellow bloggers entries about their temperatures....9 degrees or 15 below.....ouch......well 40 is too cold for me....we are heading south for a few days of sunshine.....we will catch up when we return.

Praise

2008-12-17T07:08:00.002-06:00

Beau here. So I wrapped up earlier this morning on my two month study of the Psalms. I read through each Psalm and wrote out a prayer for each. So as I was reading Psalm 147 this morning about "praise" and what God had done for his people, I had like this massive twent car collission in my brain of a bunch of things in my life worthy of praise. I tried to quickly scribble down all the cars in the collission. Here was the list:

Father, you are worthy of praise. I praise You for Christ crucified and resurrected, for opening my eyes to Your gift of salvation, for my bride, for my children, for those who know and love me, for the church, for Your Word, for my reasoning and intelligence to know and use Your Word, for my freedom to worship You, for provision for my needs and an abundance to give in Your name, for Your sovereignty, for Your love for the oppressed, and for Your grace and truth.

Praying we are all overwhelmed by God's love.

Great 24 Hours

2008-12-14T22:10:00.003-06:00

Beau here.

So the last 24 hours have been a lot of fun for me. Two highlights.

First, we booked a last minute vacation to Puerto Vallarta today. We leave Thursday. We have continually delayed or canceled family vacations all year because of adoption stuff. So this weekend I decided we needed to squeeze in a week on the beach. I am pumped..especially because the resort has a sushi chef.

Second, I got to get my preach on last night. I have been hanging with an African (primarily Kenyan) church here in Dallas for the past few months as we at Watermark try to discern how the Lord would have us serve and learn from this great local church. So on Wednesday I was given an opportunity to preach at their church last night. It was their annual married couples Christmas dinner, and they needed someone to do a 40 minute sermon on something related to marriage.

So here is my David Letterman Top 5 list of why I know I was at a Kenyan church and not your typical American church.

5. The event was supposed to go from 7-9pm but ended up lasting until after 11pm. Reminds me of my first visit to Africa and church went 6 hours...never in a rush.

4. See point 5 above. They told me to preach for 40 minutes, so I went for 60 minutes :) If the event was supposed to be over at 9pm, and I didn't get up to speak until after 9pm then what the heck! And nobody got antsy and walked out...definitely not an American church. I taught on the tie between the gospel and marriage. I have been listening to Piper for way too long and now feel like the gospel needs to be preached in every message :) If you want to see a copy of what I did, ping me at bfournet@hbk.com

3. Main components of the dinner was goat and chai tea. The sweet lady who set up the room did an incredible job of making it very formal. She had fine china for all 50 of us. So all the Kenyans, who absolutely love their chai tea, were complaining about the small china coffee cups because they had to keep getting up to refill their coffee cups. As the master of ceremonies, on three occasions between introductions she kept telling people she knew they were disappointed with the small cups but that they needed to enjoy using fine china. This was apparently a big deal.

2. When I was introduced to this lady later in the evening by the Senior Pastor, she asked me how I was enjoying myself. I said, "I am having a great time, but my coffee cup is too small." Hey, I couldn't help myself...when in Rome...

1. I was sitting beside a great guy who moved to America from Kenya four years ago. He asked about my family history which I shared. I then asked how many siblings he had. So he says "I am the 9th of 13 kids." I am thinking "holy cow." Then he says, "but my father was a polygamist." (note: in rural areas of Africa, this is not uncommon) So I am thinking "okay, so at least it was two women who bore the 13 kids." Then he says, "My father's other wife had 10 kids, so I am one of 23 children." I went to get another cup of chai tea.

I should be speaking at the church again early next year on stewardship. Looking forward to it. But right now, I am really looking forward to the beach in Mexico...

Delayed a 5th time

2008-12-12T22:24:00.004-06:00

We still do not have what is needed to pass court on Monday. I am tired. sad. still hoping. longing to be with my babies.

We should know more on Monday or Tuesday about what is next. Thanks for your incredible support and prayers. We know God is good and we are reminded by each of you!

are dants....our dance

2008-12-09T23:23:00.001-06:00

The kids made invitations to a dance party. I grabbed my camera and laughed until I cried....like only a Mommy can.

One week

2008-12-08T08:23:00.002-06:00

One week until our 5th attempt at court...please be praying with us that we will have all that is needed to have success next Monday!

Isn't this the sweetest little hand?

December 15th

2008-12-03T20:47:00.003-06:00

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

While we still need "the document"....we are hopeful and are prayerfully trusting December 15th to the One who has it in His hands. Please be praying with us for the document and this upcoming new date. This is a surprisingly quick new date...we are humbled, nervous, hopeful, excited, and praying:) This is our 4th (I think) official court date...our kind of 6th attempt at court....we soooo appreciate your prayers!!!!

No other big thoughts tonight...those of you adopting already know how hard and how up and down this is. Thanks to everyone for your support!

Delayed Again

2008-11-29T07:52:00.001-06:00

Beau here.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)

We learned yesterday that we are still waiting for one document and won't be able to pass court Monday. We hope to hear Monday of a new court date, which should be six to eight weeks out from now.

This is obviously not what we had hoped for, but we are resting in our confidence of the Lord's sovereignty, mercy, compassion, wisdom, and holiness. We are confident that the Lord will glorify Himself in all of this, and we look forward to hopefully seeing some of those ways.

We also know that the Lord promises not to give us any more circumstances than we can handle, so we are humbled that He trusts us to live with this in a way that honors Him and points others and ourselves towards the only One who can truly bring peace in our fallen world.

In my quiet time this morning I read and prayed through Psalm 103. The passage continually said of the Lord's character that it is "steadfast love" and "compassion" and said of His people's character that it is "obedience" and "reverence."

We are grateful for Job, Ruth, Hosea, Micah, Nahum, and others who have gone before us and pointed us towards a right response in the midst of circumstances we had neither hoped for nor expected - faith, trust, obedience, humility, and authenticity.

To God be the glory.

THANKS

2008-11-26T22:13:00.003-06:00

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Received this message today from a worker in Ethiopia....

Where do I begin with these two…it seems like every week they are up to something! This week, it was running and laughing, avoiding the caregivers who were chasing them around. Naturally, B was without pants, which fits his boyishness well. Everyone who comes by the center comments on how big B has become! "Dense" is the word that many people use, because he really does feel like he weighs 100 pounds. Make sure to buy a heavy duty stroller! Y's fourth tooth is coming in, and though she may be smaller than her brother, appearances can be deceiving. She is really fast! She can outrun many of the kids that are much older than she is. Both are looking great, and still thriving in the toddler room! I hope you enjoy the photos, though the only ones B would give me have his tongue sticking out! Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
Weight: B – 11.3kg (24.9 lbs) Y – 9kg (19.8 lbs)”

You turned my wailing into dancing, You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever.

We are prepared with the strong possibility of not passing court on Monday. The needed document is still not as or where it needs to be. Words can not express...the sadness we feel of waiting more....nor the peace we have in God's perfect timing. We will keep waiting as long as we need to...to bring these precious children home!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...we know that God is able...go read Daniel 3 and the faith of 3...we are praying for that kind of faith and trust....and we are still praying for the Lord to "part the sea" and make a miraculous way for the document and the judge to have a lovely meeting on Monday:) Pray with us as we deal with the uncertainties of this world and the emotions that brings to us today. And pray for our babies as the continue to wait too:(

Praying with you all for an already blessed Thanksgiving!

And thanking God for spunk and attitude and fun every day...

Congo - Rape, Murder, and Other Terror

2008-11-24T17:05:00.004-06:00

Beau here. As many of you know, I have had the privelege of going to Central Africa a few times to teach and minister to people. The most striking place I have ever been is Goma, Congo. It is on the eastern border of Congo in North Kivu province along the Rwanda border. There has been a sporadic battle in the region sicne 1996, and it has taken the lives of 5.5 million people. 75% of the world's rapes happen in eastern Congo where over 80% of women have been raped. The number of small children living on the streets is striking. I had the privelege of preaching in a church where well over half of those in church were less than 10 years old. Nearly every one of them was an orphan. I have included a photo of some of them in front of the church.

As my friends and I have received e-mails and phone calls from people in Goma over the past week, it has become clear that things are deteriorating. I would like to challenge you to help with this situation. Here are some ideas.

1. Write your congressional leaders. I have incuded my letter at the bottom as an example.

2. Pray for the courage of God's ambassadors in Goma to stand firm, for the end of violence, and for righteousness to rein in Goma.

3. Watch this video from CBS to get better educated. Or watch this video from our church yesterday to get some ideas on how your church can respond collectively.

4. Contribute funds to provide for food and basics until a more sustainable solution is reached.

5. Grow your understanding of and empathy with those struggling to eat daily by fasting or restricting your diet to basics like rice, beans, and flour.

Praying,

Beau

--------------

Mr. Sessions,

I am writing to express my concerns about the atrocities in Goma, Congo and our lack of response to the horrors taking place. Over the last decade, nearly 5.5 million people have been killed in this horrible conflict along the Congolese border with Rwanda, Uganda, and Sudan. In addition, it is estimated that over 80% of women in eastern Congo have been raped. Think of all the women in your family and the magnitude of 4 out of every 5 of them having been raped. Yet, much like with Rwanda, we as a country have not done anything to meaningfully end the violence.

I have been to Goma, Congo twice in the past twenty-four months. There are fine people in Goma, hard working people who want peace. Yet, they are being murdered, beaten, raped, and robbed by a small group of ruthless rebels and thugs.

We have got to do something about this. They don't have oil we need or border a strategic military location or have enriched uranium, but that is not an acceptable reason to turn our eyes on this situation.

Mr. Sessions, I am a follower of Christ, and with that incredible privilege comes a great responsibility. Through the Apostle John, the Lord tells me "if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Let us not just love in word or talk, but in deed and truth." I have a responsibility to do something about this. I can go, and I have. I can pray, and I have. I can give money to help, and I have. I can tell those in positions of authority like you, and I have.

Mr. Sessions, I don't know if you are a follower of Christ or not. If you are, I pray you would be faithful to your calling and proclamation. If you are not a follower of Christ, I pray you would call me, so I can tell you about Him. Then, I pray you would be faithful to the call of justice.

I have been receiving e-mails from friends in Goma in recent days, and it is heart-breaking. How many more women have to be raped? How many children orphaned?

And Mr. Sessions, please don't rely on the UN troops. I have seen them in Goma each time I have gone. They aren't doing much of use. We have seen the UN fail enough in their "peace keeping" efforts to know we can't rely on them.

Esther 4:14,
Beau Fournet

I'm anxiuos

2008-11-24T09:17:00.003-06:00

I have to admit I am anxious today. Our court date is one week away and we still do not have what we need. We are hoping and praying that we soon receive word on the document needed...I'd love to hear some good news today:) I would covet your prayers for peace for me as I wait....and prayers for the work needed to be completed in country to be completed in time and in correct order. Many thanks friends!

Hoping

2008-11-19T17:05:00.002-06:00

I have received several emails from you sweet friends asking about the document in question for the twins. The kids and I were praying this morning for this document and I was wondering myself what is happening in Ethiopia today with this document. I think it is amazing that you all are praying right now, that the Lord is sharing our burden with you all and that you are being such faithful friends to help us carry this burden in prayer. We do not know what is happening "today"...but we did receive an update a couple of days ago. This week is possibly a big week for our case as the final document will hopefully be in the right hands by the end of the week....we are praying that this happens!!!! December 1st is still our court date, so we are continuing to lift that date in prayer as well.

There are some Gladney families traveling this week to meet their children....and some Gladney families that have found out bad news this week regarding postponements of their adoptions. To all you families out there with joyous news and those with heavy hearts...we are praying for you and hoping for wonderful days ahead for your families.

Advent Conspiracy Promo Video

2008-11-04T11:18:00.001-06:00

I am sure I posted on this last year:) My heart is heavy with a desire to get closer each year..step by step...to the true meaning of Christ's birthday. Watch this...go check out http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ and http://rethinkingchristmas.com/ for ideas. I will post more when I get some clarity for what we will do:) This I know...WE have enough STUFF! Who needs us to share????

Trust me

2008-11-03T20:15:00.009-06:00

Trust me when I say that we have the cutest kids ever. We received an update on the twins and they are soooo soooo cute and getting so big. While we can't share the photo online, I'm pretty sure it's legal to share their latest artwork.

Y's artwork above...B's artwork below.....

And some pictures of the cutest kids we can post online.....

The Good and The Bad

2008-10-24T20:38:00.002-05:00

Random recordings of happenings around here....

Good stuff first...

1. We (the kids and I) did early voting yesterday....the kids had a blast helping to push buttons. I had a blast voting for *$?!$!%?*....I really had a blast talking to the kids about the great privilege we have in this country to chose our leaders....talking about those who do not have a choice....I had to fight back tears explaining the blessing it is for us to be able to vote....we are thankful!

2. We got flu shots....well the good part was the treats after the shots:)

3. I had no kids today for about 4 hours...and decided to indulge my lazy side. I vegged on the couch and watched a "made for TV" movie. This is something I never do....well until today....It was low quality drama and such good therapy:)

4. We have had our first "cold" days...it was about 58 degrees the other night....and we lit a fire and roasted marshmallows and drank hot cocoa. Down here in Texas we have to take advantage of our cold days:)

5. I joined Facebook....it is very overwhelming and confusing...I need lessons...I am not even sure if I should list this under "good things"

Only 1 bad thing....bad dreams from a Mommy still struggling with this WAIT...

1. I've had random bad dreams about the twins...of the adoption being completely denied, of more delays, of leaving the babies in their cribs all day when they get home (this one was a horrible dream, I just left baby boy in his crib all day....yikes....you all know how much I hate thinking of them in cribs so much right now, so I guess it twisted around in a bad dream) I hate bad dreams.....and I know that my spirit is still struggling with this wait!

God of all comfort

2008-10-21T10:05:00.004-05:00

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Sweet friends Emily and Pam did just that....these two gals KNOW what it is like to wait....they KNOW the pain and blessings that come with this season....they KNOW how to love and encourage me during the wait....they said they are praying for me and they sent me these...

They...the flowers and the friends...are beautiful....go check out their blogs...their stories, their children. and their hearts are also beautiful. And Emily...well one of her latest post has the funniest youtube videos ever...I am too lazy to post here but go check them out!

Thank you friends!

December

2008-10-18T08:09:00.002-05:00

Our new court date is December 1st. We are so thankful to have a date secured. Please continue praying with us during this next season of waiting...be praying for B and Y that they would be healthy and strong during their wait!

And go give well wishes to this family...Beau and I have prayed for these kids for a very long time. They did pass court yesterday!!!

What next?

2008-10-17T06:37:00.003-05:00

People keep asking 2 things....what next? and how are you REALLY doing?

The first question is simple....we are waiting for a new court date and the needed document to be gathered. We do not know when that will be, which means we do not know when we will travel. We *hope* to travel in December...

How we are doing is a bit more complex I guess...we are most sad for Band Y and their wait, disappointed for ourselves, confused on what to do with our mess of packing now....yet we have a peace....that only comes with trust. People don't believe us...I know...I don't believe it either...I have lived with myself over the years when news like this has rocked my world....so I am surprised and thankful for the peace we have been given. It is a gift, and here are a few ways the Lord has given it to us...

1. Experience...we have waited a long time through the adoption process...I think we may hold some unwanted records. We have also had a lot of loss in building our family and lots of waiting and trusting on God's timing over the years. We are not numb to the waiting...it still really hurts and is so very sad. But we have learned to trust....

2. His Word...while waiting for a referral I made a list of all God has to say on waiting and I read it every day. I don't pretend to be super bible study girl...I am not very academic or disciplined...but I have learned in my old age and in the experience mentioned above....that God's Word is living and powerful! (Email me if you want the list)

3. Love...we love B and Y...weird to those not in the adoption world...but we do love them without ever meeting them...this love sustains us as we will wait for as long as it takes (Lord please have mercy on that statement)

4. Community...most of you know that we have 3 more fams from our church that are adopting from Ethiopia, as well as, loads of other friends and awesome family that love B and Y as much as we do....and are all loving us well through this process. As well as an unbelievable blog community....who would of thought the internet could be so great? And I got flowers yesterday....a girl always feels better with flowers!

5. Gladney...our adoption agency...we love them. We know that they want all these children home as much as the families do. They love their job...and are really good at it. They are way more organized than I ever dream about. I think I could be good friends with these people if life ever allows it! Adoption is not for wimps...on either side of the table....though I am a wimp...but Gladney is not.

6. Perspective...if you are still reading:) go watch this and this. Or go check out this blog & this one and see God's work today in Ethiopia....amazing stuff! Perspective...I love to see all that God is doing and the things we want/need to be a part of....I love putting things in perspective and trusting in the One who is sovereign over it all!

We will wait some more...

2008-10-15T13:43:00.003-05:00

We received bad news today regarding our case. Due to policy type changes, our case was delayed until another document is gathered. We were told today to expect a new court case in mid to late November. While this is hard for us to process and came as quite a shock to us, we know that our Heavenly Father has all of this in His plan. We are grateful for that beyond explanation!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. **Thank you Lord for this Truth...I don't know where we would be without it!

Two related thoughts....

When Abbey ( a caseworker) called I could tell in her sweet voice that she had bad news....and I immediately started praying...Lord, please let these babies be OK, just let this be something about a delay or something like that...so needless to say I was at first grateful when she said it was a delay....and then quickly very sad too:(

The call came when my Mom and I were going over the packing list....being this is the 3rd time we have packed I have quite a list (we started packing in June and in August when we thought we would pass court before)...The Lord is going to have to really give me supernatural strength to begin packing ever again....not sure that my heart can keep doing these preparations and delays:(

Thanks for your prayers and support! We will keep you posted...

2 little people waiting for us...

2008-10-15T08:18:00.002-05:00

Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8

2 more days until court...

3

2008-10-13T23:02:00.001-05:00

Unbelievable that we are *possibly* three days away from this wait ending. Please be praying with us as we seek a favorable outcome with the judge on Friday!

"But these things I plan, will not happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3

4

2008-10-13T22:40:00.006-05:00

4 more days until court
4 kids we will soon have
4 cute pictures from camping last weekend

5

2008-10-12T20:26:00.003-05:00

Just 5 more days until court...hoping and praying that Friday brings good news!

So here is something fun while we wait....I've been tagged by Rebecca. Go check out her blog for starters....she is super cool and is waiting to bring home a boy.

7 random things about both of us...

1. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I grew up with wonderful memories of Christmas with my extended family, Christmas music always playing in our front room, and LOTS of decorations. As a family now with our own kids we love our own traditions...I have more fun with this holiday as a parent than I ever dreamed I could!

2. I have attended two universities...but only one with a real football team. Go Tigers!

3. Being tagged stresses me out...lots of pressure....which is perfect timing....I need the distraction!

4. In our H.S. I described my wife's strength in one phrase "She completes me"...quoting a movie...not expecting it to be in the real H.S. While completely true, I didn't expect it to make the final draft. If anyone wants to know the other funnies in the H.S....maybe we'll reveal them after Friday makes things final:) (For the record everything is true and accurate...yet most of you know it is weird and quite funny to read about your life in that way)

5. We love to go camping as a family. The kids love playing outside ALL DAY...and we love talks around the campfire at night! We like to really rough it....back up the minivan loaded up with all possible supplies, setting up a tent 10 feet from the van.

6. We both love to read...one reads only Fiction, the other only non-Fiction....not hard to guess which one. Both our big kids love books too....and we sent books to B and Y already. Hope they end up loving books as much as all of us!

7. I love cheeses on/in anything. I hate all cheese. I love beer, specifically Shiner. I hate beer. I love pasta. I only eat pasta when forced. I love salads. I have eaten only one salad in my entire life. I like Coke. I love Coke. I love buffalo wings. I have been converted and also like them.

Since it is late we are only tagging 2 people...Brandy and Sarah.

6

2008-10-11T22:12:00.002-05:00

6 more days until court.....hurray!!!

6 touchdowns by Florida.....booooooo!!! (game is not over)

7

2008-10-10T20:17:00.004-05:00

7 MORE DAYS UNTIL COURT...NEXT FRIDAY...

TODAY WE REST....

BEAU AND I HAVE A QUICK NIGHT AWAY TONIGHT TO REST UP BEFORE WE START PACKING AND OTHER PREPARATIONS FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF TRAVELING SOON....

EARLIER TODAY WE WENT TO THE TEXAS STATE FAIR...

8

2008-10-09T14:18:00.003-05:00

WE WAITED 8 MONTHS FOR THE REFERRAL OF OUR TWINS....AND I WOULD WAIT ANOTHER 8 MONTHS AND MORE FOR THEM. (I DON'T WANT TO OF COURSE) BUT WE LOVE THEM AND WILL DO ANYTHING FOR THEM. BUT HOPEFULLY WE ONLY HAVE TO WAIT 8 MORE DAYS UNTIL THEY ARE LEGALLY OURS!!!!

9

2008-10-08T07:46:00.003-05:00

9 more days until court!

9 families that sent us pictures and videos of the babies!

THANK YOU!!!!

Coffeemom
Roberts Family
All these reasons
Chris and Jess
Baggett Family
Growing In Faith
Team Alexander
Baby from Ababa
Maureen

And many thanks to the families that also sent pictures that do not have blogs...

The gift of pictures and videos has been huge!!! We can't wait to do the same for other families waiting to bring their children home!

We have soooo many pictures.....when allowed, we will post the 150+ pictures....so stay tuned....

10, 9, 8, 7....

2008-10-07T21:12:00.002-05:00

10 more days until our court date on October 17th. We are so hopeful and prayerful that B and Y will be home soon! We are more than ready!!!!!!

So much personality and beauty

2008-09-12T07:08:00.003-05:00

Just what a Mommy needed to hear....

(Our friend Kimberly is in Ethiopia picking up her beautiful children. She was so kind to take a package to our twins and send us this note)

we have seen B* and Y* several times and loved on them!! we took a bazillion pictures of them! and great video! they are a hoot! Y* seems a little shy at first and then all of a sudden she breaks out with these hilarious faces as if she is putting on a show! she is beyond beautiful! such a petite little girl with such a sweet but big personality! B* was a little more reserved and taking us all in. he would just watch us act silly and coo at him and every once in a while would give us a coy little smirk. their caregivers were absolutely wonderful! such sweet ladies and you can tell they truly adore and love all the babies but B* and Y* especially! they are well taken care of and they were very clean! when we first walked in Y* was sitting in a little baby seat on the floor and just smiling away! they picked her up and put her in the baby bay with B*. the caregivers started making a sound like a train (ch-ch-ch-ch) in a sing-songy way and immediately Y* started to dance and sway and bop her head around around while laughing. it was so cute, we all started laughing and then B* started to laugh as well! we were able to get a lot of great pictures of them, but i must say that the pictures you have of them and the ones we snapped, do not do your beautiful children justice at all! they have so much personality and beauty that cannot be captured on film or video!

They are walking!!!

2008-09-11T22:16:00.004-05:00

We found out today that B and Y are officially walking. It was quite exciting news for us...but not without mixed emotions. We are missing them so much! We are thankful that they are doing so well....B has quite a little belly on him and Y has the most beautiful eyes. We wish we could post pictures of them...they are soooo cute!

Here are pics of our other walkers...Hannah (12 months) and Caleb (16 months) when they took their first steps.

Update

2008-08-29T08:57:00.002-05:00

I have been desperate for an update....look what email I just read...I wish I could post their pictures because they are both getting so big and healthy and beautiful....

This was written by one of the staff members in Ethiopia...
"These children have come a long way! We are so proud of them and have loved watching them develop! They are very expressive and fun to play with or just watch! B seems as shocked by the size of his belly as I am, and neither one of us can resist rubbing it! He was so funny today; matching me noise for noise! He would watch my tongue and wiggle his the same way, making the same sound! Y is equally expressive but her beauty makes me take her a little more seriously! Her smile is mesmerizing! B and Y are very much compatible and obviously love each other very much!"

They are 15 months old....B Weight- 20.9 pounds Y Weight- 16.5 pounds

Solio Deo Gloria

2008-08-26T10:49:00.005-05:00

***Updated with awesome news of some of our other favorite buddies....Go check out Jana and Michael...they got their referral after 7 long months of waiting!

We have met some amazing people along this adoption journey...God has been amazingly kind to us in the friendships He has brought us and the community He has created for all of our family!

Go check one of our favorite buddies...the Alexanders...who are in Ethiopia right now picking up their son. And as a plus for us all...they have a professional photographer traveling with them so the pictures are beautiful and a must see...

New pets

2008-08-26T10:17:00.002-05:00

The kids started school last week. My camera somehow replaced their first day of school pictures with these weird graphics...I have no idea how that happened or what to do about it.

The only pictures that survived are these below...we have new pets. To explain the madness of more pest...we have the awesome school experience where the kids go to a part time school...they go 2 full days a week and I home school the remaining days. As part of our homeschooling this semester we are doing science and art projects. So these pets are more like "projects"...and the learning aspect gives me better motivation to clean fish tanks and hamster cages.

In the pet store Hannah insisted on getting something pink...thus the fish. But getting home she realized the hamster is way cooler and lots more fun...so she is rethinking the pink strategy. A few days ago I caught her walking toward the fish tank with the fish net in her hands. After approaching her she said, "Mom I'm just going to play with my fish" Well, duh! Great idea...fish love to be played with.

Peer pressure?

2008-08-17T21:37:00.005-05:00

We are blessed with many friends who share our hearts for adoption...yeah!!!! And apparently the men have decided they share a heart for tattoos...yikes! This weekend 3 Daddies permanently displayed their love for their adopted children, the countries in which they were born, and the Savior who has adopted us all (Ephesians 1:5).

October 17th

2008-08-10T22:44:00.002-05:00

We have a new court date....October 17th. We are hopeful that we can then bring the twins home a few weeks following that date. As we enter yet another season of waiting...we are still learning what it means to fully trust in the Lord's perfect plan...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

A note on the previous post...I included a portion of Ephesians 3...I was "randomly" reading that paragraph a few minutes before our case worker called. I knew I was waiting to find out when we would be allowed to bring the babies home and I was stealing a few minutes of time to myself....I read "to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" and I just stopped and thought "Oh NO!"....I thought "Lord I know my vision and desires are so limited...I just want these babies home....help me to trust in what You have planned" Then the phone rang....and tonight I still am "trying" to learn through the tears what it means to trust in what He has planned.

Sad news...

2008-08-06T15:27:00.002-05:00

We did not pass court today like we had hoped for. The rainy season court closure has begun....so our next expected appearance in court is sometime in October. We are so sad and asking for God's power and peace to guide us these next few months of more waiting....

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Pray and Shop

2008-08-05T16:53:00.003-05:00

***Updated....Go read this post if you too are waiting...

http://injerahotdog.blogspot.com/

Pray....

Tomorrow, August 6th, the courts close for the rainy season. Our case is still open in court....please pray for us tonight (Ethiopia is 7 hours ahead of us)...that while we are sleeping (trying to sleep) our case is approved by the judge in Ethiopia!

Shop....

Some of our dearest friends have designed the coolest logo. Please go check out their cafe press site and buy something! You will be supporting something great and wearing something very cool! Please pass the word around....

http://www.cafepress.com/cscc2400

Lessons from Moses

2008-07-23T00:02:00.005-05:00

The kids and I have used the summer to look at the life of Moses. We started studying Moses in order to look as God's heart for adoption and His sovereignty in people's lives. We have really enjoyed looking at how God used the little boy in the basket in mighty ways. I was preparing for teaching them and the Lord sweetly taught me a few things. Moses had many lessons in trusting and patience and waiting on the Lord....all lessons I need!!!! Exodus 14 discusses the dramatic event of the Israelites being trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptians...at no surprise to the Lord but at great distress to the Israelites who were freakin' out. Moses gave the best reply...and his words have stuck in my heart and have carried me through our continued wait....

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today....The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

So with the adoption we continue to wait....hoping to hear final word next week and still hoping to travel in August??? We will keep you posted....

Just waiting for THE phone call

2008-07-17T21:34:00.002-05:00

To update those wondering....things are really looking good for the Gladney families who have been waiting like we have. We know our case is still open in court and is just waiting for final approval. We are just waiting for the final phone call from our awesome case worker....she will let us know when the adoption is final and when we can travel. We are hoping to travel sometime in August....yippee!!!!!

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27: 13-14

For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:3-4

Moving

2008-07-11T22:18:00.003-05:00

Good news...things are beginning to move and the delays seem to clearing up. We are so excited to think of getting to the babies soon!!!

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24

While we wait

2008-07-10T08:48:00.001-05:00

Accepting Circumstances

2008-07-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

Beau here. I read a great quote this week, and I wanted to share it today as an encouragement to all those waiting. You see, I came into a relationship with Christ in early 2000, and one of the first books I read in 2000 was Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. It really opened my eyes up to what Christianity was - not just a decision, but also my life's calling. While I will enter the kingdom of Heaven only because of Christ crucified and resurrected (see Ephesians 2:8-9), Christ wants me to live in all ways to know and glorify Him (see Ephesians 2:10).

Anyway, Bridges recently wrote a book called Respectable Sins that my community group is reading. It is a review of sin in our life that most people find acceptable, stuff like anxiety, pride, impatience, unthankfulness, selfishness, envy, and worldliness. As a follower of Christ, I don't want to be pleasing to man; rather, I want to be pleasing to Christ (see Galatians 1:10). therefore, I want to work through sin areas in my life that most people are not going to call me out on. So last week I was reading on DISCONTENTMENT, which is obviously a trap easy to fall into when life doesn't go your way. So here is a quote from Bridges that I need to constantly remind myself of:

Acceptance means that you accept your circumstances from God, trusting that He unerringly knows what is best for you and that in His love, He purposes only that which is best for you. Having then reached a state of acceptance, you can ask God to let you use your difficult circumstances to glorify Him. In this way you have moved from the attitude of a victim to an attitude of stewardship.

Wow.

Father, as I meditate on Psalm 63, I am reminded that I can “rejoice in You” and rest in You as You are sovereign and You are good. Lord, help me to view You as necessary in the same way I naturally view water and food as necessary. May I wake up with a thirst for You in the same way that I want a glass of water in the morning. May my thirst be for my accepting Your will, not my lamenting the lack of fulfillment in my own selfish desires. May I have a hunger that can only be satisfied by You, and may I seek to satisfy that craving all the days of my life. Lord, You are my deliverer, and as a baby bird is only safe under the wing of its mother, may I stay in Your shadows. Lord, I lift up my friends who are waiting in their "wilderness experience" today; Lord I don’t know why I say that, as You know this already. You are the author of life. Lord, Your love for us is CRAZY; it is scandalous. You don’t want part of us; You want all of us. Why – because You want what is best for Your children. Just as David didn’t need a tabernacle to worship You in the wilderness, I thank You that we don’t need to be in a physical church to be in and rest in Your presence today. I thank You for giving me a personal relationship with You Lord, and I pray You would help me see today how I know You will use it. Help me see “Your strong right hand” today, and may I rest in the hands of my Daddy. Lord, I praise You. Amen.

Dealing With Life's Circumstances

2008-06-17T09:33:00.002-05:00

Beau here. So I recently started another blog that I am using with some guys I am "doing life with" as we try to spur one another on. Each of us in the group takes turns "taking the lead" on different roles. A couple weeks ago, I took on the role of EQUIPPING, helping challenge one another in our Bible study and siritual disciplines. Anyway, I just posted the below on the other blog, but I thought I would post it here too, hoping it would be an encouragement to other families on the journey of adoption. Praying for us all...

A bit long...sorry.

“God is great, God is good, thank you for this meal. Amen.” I have heard Caleb (my boy) say this so many times that I hardly process it when he says it. I want to unpack that a bit in this post and challenge all of us as to whether we really believe this.

So I spent my quiet time this morning in 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. I was specifically drawn to verses 3-10. I have included them here.

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living. Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again.

In looking at this, I have to keep as my perspective what Paul says in verse one, which is that his life is guided “by the will of God” (see also Psalm 139:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Romans 8:26-30, Deuteronomy 8:11-18, Psalm 100). Do I believe God is sovereign (self-governing, supreme power, in control, etc)? In other words, do I believe God is great (all-powerful)? This is a foundational issue, and my perspective on this question affects every experience in my life. I am a black and white thinker. Sort of like the guns on a fighter plane. You know what I mean from the movies (think Top Gun) where they show the cross-hairs, it takes a while for the red cross hairs to lock in on target, then you hear a beep, the cross hairs turn green, and there is no way to unlock the missile from its target. When it comes to my belief in the Word of God, that is how I tend to operate. When I understand a truth from God’s Word, I can fully, emotionally lock in on the truth. While my black and white mentality gets me in trouble in lots of areas of life (disagreements with wife, making social plans, etc), in the area of accepting God’s truth, it is a great blessing. So, how are you doing? Do you think God is sovereign?

So as you cats know, we have been going through an adoption process for about twelve months now (actually filled our first document one year ago Sunday). It has lasted way longer than we had originally anticipated. To be honest, I thought we would have been done by January or February. Natalie and I have been asked lots of questions (or really people sharing presumptive statements with us) such as “You must be so frustrated. You have got to be upset that this isn’t happening quickly enough. Why is your agency taking so long?” I have consistently shared God’s truth on this which is something like “God is sovereign. His timing and His plan are far better than my plans, so while this is not the timing I had originally hoped for, I am convinced this is the timing the Lord has willed.” I will then often be asked “But when do you think it will happen?” Clearly, the listener didn’t fully understand what I had just said. So then I often answer, “I don’t know. God knows the exact day, but He hasn’t told me about it.”

I have heard and seen lots of people get really frustrated with the timing of things in life, most recently the timing of adoptions has been a frequent one. When I hear most people get frustrated like this, I really feel sorry for them and hurt for them. I am not surprised, as most people don’t believe in the mighty power of the Lord. At the same time I hurt for them, because I know this world is fallen and not understanding sin and the ultimate victory of Christ can make this world and life pretty hopeless. But when I see Christians get frustrated, it is really disappointing to me. As we see in 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, how we respond to the trials of life is an integral part of our witness to the Lord. For example, in verse six Paul says “ But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer.” Later in chapter six, Paul says something similar “We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.” Colossians 4:5 says it more directly as it pertains to our witness to non-believers when Paul says “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” You see, when we don’t believe in the sovereignty of God, everyone suffers – I suffer, those I lead (family, etc) suffer, and those who don’t know Christ suffer.

So why do Christians respond this way (other than the fact that we are all sinners; see Jeremiah 17:9)? This is tied to a pivotal way the Lord has grown me over the past twelve months. I have believed in the sovereignty of God (God is great!) for quite some time. I believe that many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are quick to get frustrated with life’s undesired circumstances also believe God is sovereign. So I don’t think that is always the issue. So what is it? I think the question goes one step further. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE RESTING IN THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD? Do you think His ways are better than your ways. In other words, do you think God is good? It is one thing to believe God is sovereign; it is another thing to rest in that sovereignty.

As we have waited quite some time for our adoption, I have frequently told myself “God is in control (great). God loves me and has my best interest at heart (good). I may not have planned it this way, but why on earth would I desire to be outside of God’s holy and perfect will? I will rest, knowing my Savior is my leader.” I often listen to the song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Tree63 which is so full of theology and best expresses the idea of how we as followers of Christ need to face life’s circumstances. All of the verses are here (http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/tree63/blessed-be-your-name.html) but I will note the following line “You give and take away; you give and take away; my heart will choose to say; Lord, blessed be your name.”

So what is the application of this long rant of mine…
1. Do you believe God is sovereign (great)? List any areas of your life where you have little hope that God is in control.
2. Are you resting in God’s sovereignty, wanting His ways to be your ways (good)? What areas of your life are your struggling to control instead of resting in the hands of your Daddy?

I will wrap up with three passages that really strike home for me.

Joshua was leading the Israelites soon after Moses died as God’s people had just entered the promised land. Many people were complaining about their life’s circumstances. Joshua stood before the people and reminded them of God’s greatness and God’s goodness. Then he said “If you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve…But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). In Matthew 6 we see Christ tell us that we cannot serve multiple gods in life. Only one can be preeminent.

Job was the man stripped completely of every earthly privilege – family, health, wealth. All of it taken away from him. He got lots of questions and advice from others similar to recent questions we have gotten. Remember earlier I said “You must be so frustrated. You have got to be upset that this isn’t happening quickly enough. Why is your agency taking so long?” So how did Job respond. Job 42:1-6 says,

Then Job answered the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted; you asked, ‘Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?’ But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Pay attention, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes!

Finally, Paul spoke later in 2 Corinthians (chapter 12) about the “thorn in his side.” As he wrestled with God to understand why he continued to struggle with the thorn, I love what God lovingly told Paul “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Then Paul realizes this truth and says himself “So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (see also Philippians 4)

Praying we all rest in the greatness and goodness of God, no matter life’s circumstances, and praying that like Job and Paul, we come back to the foot of the cross when we stumble in our pursuit of trusting His plan, becoming all the stronger in our faith.

Court Date

2008-05-28T09:38:00.002-05:00

We received word yesterday that we have been assigned a court date....June 10th. We are so excited to be already in that process and are prayerful and hopeful that the process would be quick. We could see our babies by the beginning of July! We are soooo excited and now so busy with preparing for TWINS!!! I am just now realizing the reality of the news and am getting so excited!

I also wanted to quickly share two of the many answered prayers....

1. A simple prayer that I thought impossible after months of jumping at every phone call....I so desired and prayed that I would have a peace on the day of "the call" I didn't want to be so obsessively nervous about getting the call, that I couldn't even enjoy the moment. I can honestly say that I thought that this prayer was unanswerable...but I can gladly report that I wasn't even thinking of "the call" that day (we had just returned from Disney and it was Beau's bday)....it was a wonderful moment and although I was so excited and was crying and had to ask Natalie (our caseworker) to hold a few times while I disciplined our wild kids.....I was so thankful that the Lord had given me His peace and the ability to enjoy every moment!

2. A bigger prayer...I had prayed before we started and throughout these 8 months of waiting that if possible that the Lord would allow our children to be with their birthmother/family for as long as possible. Now if they were in an orphanage I wanted the Lord to rush them to us of course...so I prayed that too. I was very picky and specific in my prayers I guess:) But I deeply wanted the Lord to give their Ethiopian family as much time as possible with them. And the little we know about their story has given me such a beautiful picture of how God answered this prayer. What a gift to me...to see how the Lord answered that prayer. And what a gift to B and Y as they had that precious time. I am just amazed by it all and so thankful for every piece of this journey. And it honestly makes me not "miss" the milestones (first smile, sitting up, etc) we have missed with them....I am so thankful that others got to live those milestones with them. God is so good and in every detail!!!

Another Birthday

2008-05-24T20:40:00.002-05:00

Beau here. So our new son B's birthday is today! We just went out to dinner to celebrate his birthday. We took a picture of B and his twin sister Y to the restuarant, so they got to be there. We got a pice of cake with a "1" candle in it, sang "happy birthday" and had whistles. You might be wondering "why didn't you celebrate his twin sister's Y's birthday?" Well they were born about 24 hours apart! So Y's first birthday is tomorrow.

So during my travels to Africa, I have learned how important a name is. In Africa, many people have a story behind their name. I love to ask my friends in Africa to tell me the story behind their names. Looking at the meaning of B and Y's names, I am confident there is a story. We have decided to keep their given names. B's middle name will be Joshua which means "God rescues." Joshua and Caleb were the two faithful spies in the Old Testament, so our son Caleb is really excited about that. Y's middle name will be Ruth which means "friend" or "companion" and paints the picture of "being grafted into a new nation." Ruth was a Moabite who married a Jew who lived in the country of Moab. When her husband died and her mother-in-law's husband died, Ruth moved to Israel with her mother-in-law. She was GRAFTED INTO the nation of Israel and was eventually in the lineage of David and then Christ.

So B and Y will initially share a room in our house, Caleb's current room, so we have spent some time this weekend moving things around the house. It has been a lot of fun.

We had some friends that headed to Addis this morning, so they got to bring a birthday gift to B and Y from us. We are grateful for that.

So now we wait for a court date. I hope it comes soon :)

We are so grateful for the Lord's provision with B and Y, knowing that the timing was as He had planned. We are humbled that He continues to unveil his plan for our life daily, growing us along the way.

I am so very excited right now. This is such a sweet experience, something that is as or more exciting than any other event I have experienced as a father.

Birthday Gift!

2008-05-21T15:22:00.001-05:00

Beau here. Today is my birthday. Here is a nice gift. Got the call on referral two hours. Twins, 11 months old, boy and girl. More later. Praising Him...

Losing a tooth

2008-05-06T06:58:00.001-05:00

Here is an interview Beau did with Caleb concerning his first tooth falling out...

I am as happy as can be...

2008-05-04T22:53:00.008-05:00

"I love being a farmer. I am as happy as can be, " said Caleb while picking strawberries at a local farm. Caleb didn't even know I heard his passing comment or realize how he made his Mommy think about what that simple statement means to me.

Here are recent pictures of some of the few blessings that have made me as happy as can be!

She is the cutest ever...Hannah at her school's "Creation Festival"...she was assigned a star, we made it a ballerina themed star:)

Touring Africa at the zoo...again and again until we get to tour the real deal...hopefully soon!

Little girls with big smiles (petting sting rays at the zoo)

A new family the Lord has brought us....Adiam here who braided Hannah's hair....and her children below....she cooked Ethiopian food for us and gave us a coffee ceremony. She and her family are a wonderful and beautiful gift!

And below...Caleb led our family in some Bible time....I was as happy as can be!