Christmas Joy

Merry Christmas!

Ela, Cara, Mia, Jonah, Hudson, and Gabe

Praying Joseph home and praising our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).  Wishing you the life, light, and love of our Savior this Christmas.

A Tribute to my parents

Andrew Peterson: “Planting Trees”

Click on the link above

I am so thankful for my mom and dad. They have been examples to so many of people who give their lives away.

We have watched them go through many different seasons and truly live life as though this is not their home.

After their house burned I watched them focus on others. They are constantly giving away their means for those in need.

This song is so beautiful! I pray that our children view us this way some day.

Paradoxes

It has been three weeks since we returned home from our amazing journey to Ethiopia. The re-acclimation phase has been … well … full and frenetic – not unlike our lives before we traveled over 7,000 miles to the meet our sweet Joseph last month. With barely enough time to catch our breath (and unpack our suitcases), we quickly dove back into ‘life’ at full-throttle. I (Mike) was greeted with a demanding work schedule that required full engagement - traveling to four different cities in just three short weeks. We’ve celebrated Ela’s 8th birthday, marked what would have been my late father’s 66th birthday (they share the same December 10 birthday), attended Christmas events for school, enjoyed fellowship with dear friends, and prayed for family and loved ones treading through deep waters of trial and heartache that life often brings our way. As I reflect on our recent journey and all that has transpired in the days following, I have been struck by a very simple, yet profound reality - God often reveals himself, his goodness, and his glory and his grace in counterintuitive ways. He has been pressing this upon my heart and showing me that His ways are quite contrary (and eternally better) than my own. The paradoxical manner in which God often works is just so different than the relentless drive to achieve lives of comfort, convenience, and self-gratification that our world advertises and exalts. Isaiah 55:8-9 captures it well, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I’ll never forget Sasha’s words of encouragement to my twin brother Brian and his wife Andria during their rehearsal dinner on the eve of their wedding day. Sasha’s humble words of advice were simply … ‘die daily’!  Not the most uplifting marital exhortation you’re likely to hear at you’re next wedding event! However, she was telling both of them that God would be most glorified and their marriage most satisfying when each one would die to their selfish tendencies and sacrificially serve the needs of the other with love &  patience.  It was and is profoundly rich in wisdom and in God’s call to all of us in our walk of faith. These were the same words that my brother-in-law Jon challenged us with during our wedding ceremony in October 1995.  It is the message of marital unity and Christ’s love of his church described in Ephesians 5. It is the message of Matthew 16:24 (denying oneself and taking up the cross) … and it is the amazing model of our Savior outlined in Philippians 2:5-11.  In marriage, in family, in faith, and in all of life … God calls us to a life of surrender.  A life of faith in his grace and selfless giving – just as Christ gave himself for us. In his book Radical, David Platt so poignantly emphasizes this point, “While the goal of the American Dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God.” He continues, “This is how God works. He puts his people in positions where they are desperate for his power, and then he shows his provision in ways that display his greatness.” So powerful. So true. The question we all need to ask ourselves is … ‘are we willing to go to those places … those places where we find ourselves desperate for God and His power??” They are usually places of hardship, sacrifice, and brokenness … far from the places of comfort, convenience and self-indulgence. The surprising reality is this … it is in precisely these places and through these experiences (not in spite of) that we really begin to know, to see, and to grow in the fullness of God’s grace, mercy, and provision. I began this post last night … and to my astonishment … this is exactly what our pastor preached on during this morning’s worship service (Philippians 2)!  I sat in the pew in awe … soaking in God’s word and smiling at his providence.

These paradoxes are meant to humble us … to quiet our restless hearts … to re-calibrate our perspectives on our lives, our struggles, our futures, and our faith. Ultimately, they are meant to draw us to a deeper love and dependence on our Savior. I’ve been reminded of this in so many ways in recent days.  I look back on Joseph and the children of the orphanage. They have so little by way of material possessions… yet abound with a richness of faith, love, and selflessness. It continues to touch and convict my heart.  It was beautiful, pure … and humbling.  I’ve seen in our dear friends returning from China (see picture below) to bring home their daughters … trusting in God provision as they commit to this lifelong journey.  The Lewis family refusing to subscribe to the world’s fallacy that they should be planning & positioning their family & finances for retirement, and choosing instead to press forward and embrace God’s call to adopt their sweet Sadie! The Mellili family adopting sweet Josie … clinging to God’s word and knowing that He will be their “Rock, Refuge, and Redeemer” … trusting that God will “equip them with everything good that they may do his will”. Hebrews 13:21

Providence … Paradoxes … and Provision.  I’m praising God for the way that only He can work and for the ways that He is teaching me so much about Himself.  Adoption continues to expand my reverence, my awe, and my love of God!  It is taking us to places of need and dependence upon our Savior … and that is an eternally good thing.

Mark, Mary, Sadie, and family returning home from China last night

the solgos family

From Africa to Aurora: A Hearts Content from Brian Powers on Vimeo.


This is a family we met at the Together for Adoption conference in Chicago.
They have 2 adopted children and also are involved in Safe Families.
It was a honor to meet them, they are amazing!
You can follow their blog at
www.solgosfamily.blogspot.com

We have 2 friends from our small group in China right now!

This will be David and Julie second special needs adoption from China.  They are adopting a beautiful  6 year old girl named Josie.  Their blog link is kayakacrossthepacificagain.blogspot.com

Mark and Mary have three daughters from China and have been waiting for over 5 years for their 4th!
They also have a adorable daughter waiting for them in Ethiopia!
somethingonadoption.tumblr.com

Our adoption small group has been such a blessing to us!!  So thankful for each family!!  These two families below are also in our small group!
jamesfamily7.wordpress.com
laurajonesjournal.wordpress.com

We are praising the Lord that Samuel's family passed court!!  Can't wait to see the boys on the same soccer team, or in Sunday School together here in Wheaton!


Samuel (left) and Joseph (right) during our trip to Africa

 God is so Good!!

Back in Wheaton

We returned from Africa last night - so happy to be home and re-united with our Gabe, Ela, Hudson, and Mia.  We were absolutely exhausted after traveling for nearly 22 hours.  I (Mike) travel on regular basis, but still found myself feeling the exhausting effects of very little sleep and a very long journey.  In fact, on the final leg of our trip from Germany to Chicago - I could not escape the dreaded "head bob" ...  you know, that awful thing that happens when you are sitting perfectly upright, but your head continues to sway uncontrollably as you drift to sleep.  I kept laughing as I would wake up only to find my head and neck hanging at 45 degree angles in unusual places.  On one occasion, I had drifted to sleep and swayed uncontrollably... I then woke up almost face to face with the man sitting in the seat next to me ... both of us tried awkwardly to pretend like nothing had happened!  I've attached some pictures of our travel worn faces for your amusement!

Sasha, Mike, Cara ... trying to sleep during our 5 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany

Sasha and Cara trying desperately to find a comfortable spot to sleep on the crowded place ... unfortunately, Sasha never really slept on the long plane rides!

Cara, on the other hand ... slept almost the entire 22 hours!

We awoke this morning, feeling refreshed and grateful for our amazing journey to Africa.  We worshiped at church with renewed fervor and reverence this morning.  We are praying that we will return quickly to Africa to bring our Joseph home for good.  More posts to come ... for now ... Soli Deo Gloria!

Joseph Fikadu Parker

It is Friday afternoon here in Addis.  Sasha, Jonah, Cara and I have just returned from our court proceedings.  After a long morning (over 3 hours of waiting) ... we are praising God that we have passed court ... Joseph is now officially 'ours'!

The name Joseph means, "the Lord shall add" and the name Fikadu means, "it is His will" ... we are praising God for working His perfect will in adding Joseph to our family!  Psalm 100 reads,

 "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations."

Joseph and family, with Gabe at the rock church in Northern Ethiopia

Jonah and his new brother Joseph

Joseph & Family (we're only missing Gabe, Ela, Hudson, and Mia!)

Joseph Fikadu Parker

Reviving the spirit

In Exodus chapter 3 verse 5, God commands Moses to “take off your sandals, for the place that you are standing is holy ground”.  Day 4 here in Mekele was another incredible experience that led us to unexpected places and literally had us standing on ‘holy ground’.  

Our day began with Gabe arriving at our hotel and explaining that he would take us to see one of the many rock churches in northern Ethiopia - a 2 hour trip by car to the rugged and remote regions far from our hotel in Mekele.  We grabbed our bags and headed for the car and we were greeted by our sweet Joseph, who was smiling and waiting for us in the back seat.  All of us were so excited at the opportunity to have the day with Joseph, as we weren’t sure if he would be joining the group on this excursion.  Sasha, Jonah, Cara, and I had talked at breakfast with a hint of disappointment that our time with Joseph at the orphanage could be limited with such a long journey to the rock churches.  It was an unexpected gift that he was joining us and provided another wonderful opportunity to see more of his life-giving personality and for our family to further bond with one another outside the walls of the orphanage.  

The journey by car took us over breathtaking mountain tops and beautiful African countryside.  We traveled through the town of Wukro ... which is actually where our adopted daughter Ela is from.  What a blessing to be given a glimpse into this important chapter of her young life.  We took video and photographs and will share these precious memoirs with Ela for many years to come.  As we moved through Wukro, we found ourselves traversing rugged and rocky dirt roads for the remaining 45 minutes of our journey.  The ride was not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach) - but the children laughed and played remarkably well as they literally bounced around in the back of our SUV.  

The switch back roads & stunning views during our journey through Wukro

We arrived at the rock church and were blessed by an unforgettable experience.  We climbed the large brick stairs leading up to the rock church and were greeted by an elderly Orthodox Priest.  Catching our breath (the altitude is nearly 6,000 feet above sea level), we were instructed by the priest to remove our shoes and socks before entering the church.  We were standing on holy ground.  This ancient church, constructed centuries ago - was literally carved out of the rock along the steep incline of the mountain.  We toured the interior of the church and spent time praying as a group for the people of Ethiopia.  It was another moving and powerful experience.  After visiting & praying with another elderly orthodox priest in his tiny stone home, we began the long journey back to the orphanage in Mekele.  

The remarkable rock church in northern Ethiopia

Our final night at the orphanage was so special.  It is a place you simply long to be ... and never want to leave!  We laughed and played with children before gathering inside for an unforgettable time of prayer and fellowship.  The children circled around our family and another family who is also adopting.   Standing hand in hand and surrounding our families, the children prayed fervently for God’s blessings upon us.  The children then sang us beautiful praise songs in their native Tigrinya language before the time came for our emotional goodbyes.  We hugged and held one another.  Many of their tiny voices whispering ... “Thank you ... God bless you” with each embrace.  The sweetness of it all is impossible to articulate.  Such precious souls ... dear precious souls!  We hugged and prayed for our sweet Joseph, before swallowing hard and telling him that we would be back quickly to bring him home ... for good!  Wiping away the tears ... we climbed in the car to return to our hotel for our final night in Mekele.

We said our final goodbyes to Mekele and flew back to Addis early this morning (Thursday).  We will prepare for our court date tomorrow and fly back to Chicago late Friday night.  

This has been a remarkable journey - filled with unspeakable emotions.  We are still praying through and processing all that we have experienced.  In reflecting on this journey, Sasha shared a powerful verse that captures much of this experience.  Isaiah 57:15 reads, “For thus say the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with the him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit; to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”  The children of the orphanage and our dear Joseph have taught us much during our four days in Mekele.  They are indeed, ‘lowly in spirit and contrite in heart’.  It is within these humble hearts - that you see such fervent ground for God to work in amazing ways.  They are filled with a pureness of faith and reverence of God and His promises ... that is both humbling and beautiful.  They bear the light of the gospel and have touched our lives deeply ... and forever. 

Brotherly Love

It is the morning of Day 3 here in Mekele.  Sasha and I woke up at 4:30 this morning -  to a black sky, softly lit by a beautiful moon directly outside of our open hotel window.  We finally had time to reflect with one another on this amazing journey - each sharing different observations and perspectives on all that God has been showing us and teaching us.

In the midst of this early morning conversation, Sasha shared one of those moments that touch you to your very core.  In the flood of experiences and emotions that we have experienced over the last four days in Africa ... it could have easily been missed - instead, it is now something that I will cherish and hold onto forever.  

Sasha described our very first encounter with Joseph from her own perspective on Day 1 in Mekele.  She explained to me that as Joseph walked to greet us for the very first time at the orphanage ... as we hugged, smiled, laughed, cried ... and shared more hugs - Joseph did something so subtle and so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes even now as I write.  As Sasha was hugging Joseph, he gently slipped a piece of paper with a handwritten note into her hand ... and he whispered ....  'thank you ... I love you' into her ear.

Sasha unfolded the paper ... and was overwhelmed by what she read.  It was a handwritten note that our Jonah had written and sent to Joseph over four months ago.  In it, Jonah writes of his excitement to come to Africa and meet his new brother Joseph, and to welcome him into our family.  This small gesture left an indelible mark ... Joseph had clung to this token of love ... and demonstrated how someone with so little in life - holds on to what is truly important ... a deep and beautiful trust in the Lord and His promises ... and the love of a dear brother - eager to welcome him into his new family.  Amazing .... could God humble us any more!?  Quite possibly the sweetest picture of childlike faith and God's grace, mercy, and provision that I have ever witnessed.  

Jonah's letter to his new brother Joseph ... such a beautiful picture of the God who adopts! 

It is our last full day in Mekele.  We will spend the day with Joseph and the children at the orphanage, and say our final goodbyes until we return to Africa and we are re-united to bring Joesph home for good - hopefully in January.  My heart aches the thought of leaving ... but I know God is at work ... I have seen it in a thousand different ways over the last four days.  I am holding onto His promises in a new and powerful way. 

We will fly to back to Addis tomorrow (Thursday) and our court date is scheduled for Friday morning. We are hopeful that we can connect with Dave and Mary in Addis on Thursday before they fly to Mekele to meet their Samuel.  I smile at the thought of seeing these dear friends half way around the world and how God has woven these remarkable stories of grace together.   Pray for our final goodbyes to Joesph and the children this afternoon and for smooth court proceedings in Addis on Friday.  

My twin brother sent me an email yesterday that continues to touch me deeply.  In it he writes, "Until we see God's grace in tangible ways (like your journey in Africa) - we sometimes miss how amazing it really is.  That the God of the universe, creator of all things (including a powerful sunrise he had witnessed that morning) loves us each intimately and unconditionally ... steadfast and sure.  It should stir us every minute of every day - instead we occupy ourselves with worldly matters that cloud eternal ones.  This morning ... there are no clouds!"  

Psalm 103: 11-12, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."  

Amen!

Joseph and Jonah 

Continued blessings

Day 2 here in Mekele proved to be another powerful day on many levels.  We began the day by visiting a ministry for blind children that Gabe helps support.  The Mekele School for the Blind provides housing and education to blind children up to the eighth grade.  “The least of these” ... that is who lives within these walls ... that is what we saw.  Heartbreaking to the core ... yet not without hope.  These children have amazing spirits of resiliency and joy.  Many walk the campus smiling and laughing, arms joined, helping one another navigate the rocky terrain in a place of refuge from a cruel world outside.  Their faces brighten with curious excitement as they hear our voices and rush to greet us.  Handshakes and hugs bring unforgettable smiles  while providing much-needed affection to these curious little cutties.  The language barrier evaporates - replaced with a dialogue of love and affection - each grateful for the encouragement that the other provides.  It was a poignant start to another beautiful day.  Lord, bless & protect those dear souls - may your Word and your church bring eternal hope and joy to their hearts.

Children at the Mekele School of the Blind.  The others in the background are touching the car to get a sense for what it looks like.  

We then traveled to the orphanage.  As we reached the driveway leading inside, the large steel gates that guard the entrance are slowly pulled back by none other than our sweet little Joseph.  My heart is immediately filled with a deep sense of joy as I watch his smile and his servant heart - it was a moment of unexpected and unspoken bonding with my new son.  While taking this in, I turn to Gabe who is driving the car and observe him watching Joseph.  He is pensive and pleased ... as if thinking ... “sweet, sweet Joseph ... such a gentle servant”.  As I watched it all unfold - I thanked God for this amazing journey - so grateful for Gabe and for our dear Joseph.  

The orphanage in Mekele

We played soccer, fed livestock, and enjoyed an authentic Ethiopian lunch together.  Throughout the day - I kept going to God with two very simple, yet heartfelt words ... “Thank You!”.   Thank you bringing us to this place.  Thank you for weaving together this beautiful story in a way that points us to you and to your glorious grace!  Thank you for helping me see my need of you more deeply through this experience.  Thank you for Sasha, Jonah, and Cara and for the opportunity to witness their loving and selfless hearts on this journey.  Thank you for friends and family walking alongside us and for the felt prayers of many.  Thank you for weaving together Dave & Mary’s adoption of Samuel and Chris & Laura’s adoption of Luke ... what joy to know these boys will experience a new chapter of life - together - in the fellowship of their new families ... and the continued friendship & familiarity of one another!  Thank you for showing me that you are indeed ... the God of adoption (Ephesians 1).  And finally, thank you for Joseph - for his infectious smile and humble heart - he has taught us much in two short days.  Thank you, O Lord, for only you could have scripted such a story.  Psalm 117:2 reads, “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”  

We are praising God for another wonderful day in Mekele. 

Steadfast Love ...

The wake up call was slated for 4:15 am this morning.  It wasn't necessary.  Sasha had not slept all night and at 3:30 am, quickly began preparing for our long-awaited journey to Mekele to meet our son Joseph.

After a short 90 minute flight (before & during which our sweet little Cara got sick ... twice!), we found ourselves in Mekele - a city unlike any we had ever seen or experienced.  It was striking in so many ways ... stunning landscapes and natural beauty, contrasted by rugged people, places, and rampant poverty.  It was the juxtaposition of old world (with livestock literally roaming the streets) and new world - with cars and commerce bustling throughout.

After checking into our hotel in Mekele, we headed to the orphanage to finally meet Joseph.   We pulled into the long dirt road leading to the orphanage and exited the car.  As we approached the front ... we were greeted by sweet Joseph.  Hugs ... Tears ... Smiles .... Laughs ... and more Hugs!  It was amazing.  It was better than we could have ever hoped or prayed for.  Within our first hour together, it quickly became evident that Joseph is a special child.  He is selfless - constantly looking out for the needs of those around him.  He is a servant - immediately lending a helping hand for whatever the need.  He is a prayer warrior ... we are told he wakes early every day and prays earnestly.  One of the highlights of the day was our powerful time of prayer together with Joseph - his eyes clamped shut and hands folded - he prayed with calm assurance in his Tigriyna language.  Gabe later translated and explained that Joseph had lifted up thanksgiving to God for his new family, for the remaining children in the orphanage, and for Gabe & Connie's continued well-being.  It was a moment that I will never forget - absolutely precious and profound.

We were able to meet all of the children at the orphanage - including Samuel (Dave & Mary's soon-to-be adopted son) and Luke (Chris & Laura's soon-to-be adopted son) ... I could not stop smiling and marveling at the glory of it all!  God sovereignly weaving together unimaginable love stories that point again and again to His steadfast love ... for all of us ... His adopted children.  I read the powerful story of Joseph again this morning during the flight to Mekele.  I was struck by Genesis 39:21, "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love ... ".  Isn't that true of us all!?  God doesn't want us to miss this promise ... so much so that His 'steadfast love' is emphasized 193 times throughout Scripture.  It changes everything ... and it carries us forward with grateful hearts wanting to bear witness of his glorious grace.

We took photos & video (which unfortunately we cannot post any images of Joseph's face until we pass court), played soccer, observed Joseph's gardens, played games with the children, and learned more about the amazing ministry of Gabe and Connie.   Throughout the day, I would pause and just observe Joseph ... on more than one occasion, I found him smiling and walking hand-in-hand with Jonah, Cara, or Sasha.  Words simply cannot capture the sweetness of it all!

We are exhausted ... in the best way possible.  Sasha, Jonah, and Cara are fast asleep as I type.  We head back to the orphanage tomorrow.  We are praising God for an amazing day.  Thank you again for your prayers and support.  We are seeing God's hand of provision in powerful ways here in Mekele.

The beautiful Sunday sunrise from our hotel room in Ethiopia.

We arrived in Ethiopia last night - finally making it to our hotel at 11:30 pm ... after our 20 hour journey from Chicago.  Sasha and I are traveling with two of our children Jonah (13) and Cara (11) - both have been wonderful & helpful in our travels across the globe.

Physically we are tired from the long journey and 9 hour time change ... emotionally we are expectant and excited - now only one day away from meeting our dear son, Joseph for the first time!  Underneath our tired eyes and travel worn faces - we are smiling ... with a profound sense of God's perfect plan and provision in our lives.  Each of us seem to be quietly processing this entire experience ...  marveling at how God has carried us to this place - thousands of miles from home - to demonstrate His unending love for all of us, His adopted children.   Sasha and I have been reading and reflecting on Isaiah 46 in recent weeks, verses 8-11 read, "Remember this and stand firm ... for I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish my purpose', calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country.  I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."

Indeed, there is none like God ... He has spoken ... and He is doing great things!  God is clearly working in ways that only He can orchestrate.  We were reminded of this yet again, in wonderful surprise during our layover in Frankfurt, Germany yesterday.  As we approached our gate, sitting in a chair near the ticket counter was Gabe ... our dear friend who runs the orphanage in Mekele with his wife Connie and has cared for our son Joseph for the last 5 1/2 years.  What an unexpected surprise as we embraced and expressed our mutual praise to God ... "from whom all blessings flow".   It was wonderfully encouraging for all of us - as God continues to show us that He works "all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11).

We have one day here in Addis Ababa to adjust and explore the rich culture, contrasts, and history.  Far from home ... we are resting and rejoicing in the truth that God is indeed the "Father of all nations" and making all things new in His marvelous work of redemption.  We travel by plane to Mekele tomorrow where we will meet and embrace our dear son Joseph for the very first time.  Tears fill my eyes as I write and reflect on this journey.  What a God we serve ... "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.  God settles the solitary in a home." Psalm 68:5-6

Thank you to all of our dear friends and family who have been holding us up in prayer throughout this journey - we miss you all and we are so grateful for each of you.   As you wake up back home on this Sunday (we are 9 hours ahead here in Ethiopia) - we pray that the promises of Ephesians 1 will bring fresh encouragement to each of you this morning ... He is the God of adoption ...  who has rescued us and redeemed us ... and lavished us with the riches of his eternal grace!

We leave tomorrow to meet Joseph!  Very excited... but also completely consumed with the craziness.  We have had the stomach bug come through the family.  Pray for the 4 of us that are traveling to not get it!  Our sweet Hudson has it pretty bad... he is still throwing up.
Please pray for him.
We will post updates if we can.
Thanks for your prayers.

mia dancing

great news!

We have a court date!! Nov. 25th! Today I was in the car with my oldest and youngest. I had this strong urge to pray in the Target parking lot. So, Jonah and I asked the Lord for a court date to be given. We talked about prayer. Jonah told me he has been learning about the proper way to pray. Adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. We finished our errand and went home. As soon as I walked in the door the phone rang! It was our agency... we have a court date and for the exact week we were hoping for!! Now we need to find tickets! Thanksgiving weekend is turning out to be a little crazy! We are so thankful to our God who hears our prayers and loves us with such personal love. " For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; It is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13

great new book by John Piper

John Piper: Bloodlines Documentary Trailer from Crossway on Vimeo.

The full 20 min. video will be available early Oct. You can check it out on Crosswaybooks.org It's powerful!

The post below is a bit long (after the airport), but worth the time! It is for any of us out there that have adopted and might feel a bit stretched. :) I felt so encouraged after reading it. It brought to mind the power in these verses.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we many be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. " 2Corinthians 1:3-5

It's amazing how just knowing someone out there is experiencing something similar lifts your spirits.

We are doing well, but have not chosen easy. I know it's good, purifying and right. I am so thankful for the lot the Lord has chosen for us. It keeps me in need, mindful of my inability and HIS ability.

This year I am homeschooling our 8th grader ( never done this before ) Those of you who know me are probably wondering how this could be possible when I spent most of high school looking for split ends and napping :)
But, He is able and giving me what I need.

We have one in the public Junior High. And 3 at the local public elementary school.

Mia will be starting preschool soon. It specializes in speech and developmental needs.

I am so thankful for my sweet husband that encourages me daily. This has been a hard year for him physically. 2 back surgeries, and continued back pain.
It's hard, but the Lord is REAL in this.

Our paperwork has been submitted to court as of last week. Now we are waiting for a court date.

Life is full and busy. We are constantly reminding ourselves that this is not our true home. We want to finish this life well. This is not our " best life now" I am not saying it's not good, it's just that we are choosing to follow Christ and his sufferings.

We are SO thankful for our adoption small group! For all the encouragement and support we have received.

Remember HE IS FAITHFUL to the END!

some random pictures from the past couple weeks.

After the Airport

After the Airport

pray for Valor

Our nephew from Ethiopia is having his first surgery to repair his cleft lip. You can follow his journey at www.hopelovevalor.com

An Open Letter to an Unborn Baby

An Open Letter to an Unborn Baby

braids

Ela got her hair braided!  These were her first set of braids, I have to admit I miss her sweet little curls, but it makes it so much easier for her.
Last week we went over to some Ethiopian friends of ours, Tesfey and Birhane.  Tesfey's father is sick so he was traveling to Mekele (where Joseph's orphanage is)
  Birhane and her friend braided Ela's hair while we were visiting.  They are so hospitable!  People were constantly coming in and out of their home, she would feed each one injera.  They were bringing gifts and money for Tesfey to deliver to their loved ones in Ethiopia.  We  brought a large suitcase filled with donations for the orphanage.  My friend Mary and I were able to give him some presents for our boys, Joseph and Samuel.  It was so fun putting together pictures of our family for Joseph to look at.  The kids made cards for him.
Our oldest son Jonah bought a soccer goal (it folds flat) and soccer ball for the kids.
The kids are awake now, gotta run

Busy Blessed Beautiful Life: Why "there" when there's so much need "here"?

Busy Blessed Beautiful Life: Why "there" when there's so much need "here"?: "My grandmother and I are talking about the gifts. We're talking about how she could mention to her girlfriends that if they'd like to buy a..."

Why shouldn't I adopt?

Instead of asking the question " why should I adopt?"  Maybe it should be why should I not.  Adoption is God's will.  It was his will for us to be adopted into his family, to share an inheritance with his perfect, sacrificial son.  Adoption was plan A from our father in heaven.  Maybe we could assume it is God's will for all Christian families, and begin to pray that he will show us if it is not his will for a family.  It may not be, but maybe he will open up an opportunity to serve one of the 163 million orphans.  That number is equivalent to an entire nation.
I know it is expensive, timely etc...  But, we have seen the Lord provide in amazing ways.   There is so much support out there and resources, so much more than their used to be.
I have had people tell me adoption seems "trendy".   The Lord is at work for the fatherless, we don't have time to sit back and wonder if we should join in on a movement because it is "trendy".

Life is short, don't miss out :)

 The kids spend a lot of time on the trampoline and having bike races.
We were blessed to meet Mia's birth moms brother, Michael.  Mia felt so at home with him, it was so sweet!
We also got to see Mia's birthfather, Michael!

4th of July!

It looks like we won't get a court date for Joseph until the courts reopen late Sept.  We are hoping to travel with our good friends that are adopting Joseph's best friend.

Life has been so busy it's hard to have the time to post anything. We moved about 3 weeks ago! It is such a gift to be so close to family.

After we got settled we received a phone call that my parents house was on fire. My parents had just returned from China and their floors were getting redone. The house was a mess so they decided to stay in a hotel. We are praising the Lord they did, they would not have made it out.
The Lord provided a great rental for them and they are getting settled. They lost everything.
Walking through the house that they lived in for the past 40 years was so strange! I am so thankful that our salvation is secure! Because of Jesus' sacrifice for us we are Eternally safe! Our savior has a home waiting for us in heaven. This has been a reminder to hold loosely to the things of this Earth. My parents have been such an example of this. When they first heard the news last Fri at 5 am, the response was "this is not our true home".

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and for evermore." Psalm 125:1-2

love this story

Our dossier is off!!

We have officially accepted a referral of a 11 yr old boy in Ethiopia!  Our dossier should be in Ethiopia in a couple weeks!  Ela gets her cast off in 8 days... she may have to have a short leg cast for 2 more weeks, but she will be able to WALK!  She can't wait.
I have started packing we are moving into a rental for the next year!  It is a huge blessing.  It enables us to pay for our adoption first and we can save up for a down payment.
God is good!

HAPPY EASTER!
Ela is doing great!  She will need to stay off of her foot for 4-6 weeks.  It has been a little difficult getting around but, we are all managing!  She is a very determined little girl, nothing stops her from having a good time!
We are so thankful to have sold our house! Now we just need to finalize where we are moving.  Thanks for all your prayers!

Waiting for Surgery

Ela with her new bunny "Lilly"

We are in the hospital with Ela Faith for her last surgery on her foot.  On the way in she asked Mike if she could listen to that Children of God song, by third day.   So sweet!  Last year around this same time was her first surgery.  So much has changed in a year.  She KNOWS Jesus!  She can speak English and is learning to read.  She has made such an amazing adjustment into our family.  We are so thankful for her life and for the gift she is to our family.
Adoption is a journey!  Worth every penny, doctors appt. etc...
Praising our Father in Heaven for choosing the road of adoption for us.  We are no longer orphans!  Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice, paying our ransom, preparing a place for us in heaven.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
"Let not your hearts be troubled, Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Fathers house are many rooms.  If it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you will be also"
" I am the Way the Truth and the Life,  No one comes to the Father except through ME"
Taken from John 14

Great Quote

This is taken from a book I am reading.. Don't call it a Comeback ( this chapter was written by Justin Taylor) it is so good I had to share! :)

"If we want to see abortion eliminated in America, are we prepared to act in response to an influx of unwanted children?  Are our churches being encouraged to follow the path of " pure religion," which involves visiting orphans in their distress. (James 1:27)?  Are we following in the model of our savior, who rebuked his confused disciples for their wrong view of the kingdom, and who invited the children to come to him (Luke 18:16)?  Are we mimicking the culture in simultaneously making comfort an idol and children an inconvenience?  Or are we actively seeking to cultivate a counterculture where life is prized and treasured, and children-- even those unwanted by others -- are cared for and celebrated?  Let us commit not only to being  "pro-life," but to being  "whole life," working for the good of our neighbors and the dignity of human life in all stages of life, from the womb to the tomb."

Follow my amazing friends family!  They are in China right now adopting their 2 girls.
www.journeytome.com ...  once there you have to look them up under Elaine Grace and Zinnia Joy

I am so bad about updating our blog.  Things are a little busy around here.  We are trying to sell our house and have had about 40 showings since Jan.  The Lord has a plan!
Ela is about to begin a 2 week casting on her foot, this will prepare her for her next surgery on April 21st.  She will need to be off of her foot for about 6 weeks post op.
We are still waiting on our immigration form to come back!!   Ethiopia has slowed down quite a bit.
My heart is all over the place!!  Should we adopt from China while we wait? :)

We are also longing for some Spring here!
Praying for all you friends that are waiting for adoptions to be completed!

" Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ  from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1Pet. 1:3-5

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

Here is some info on adopting children with down syndrome domestically.

Adoptive Families Alert!

It seems that for years, we have been talking about, and working on, updating our registry and activating a database

that would make our adoption program more efficient and effective as we seek homes for children with Down

syndrome. One of the most critical pieces of getting this accomplished has been connecting with registered families.

For the close to thirty years our adoption program has existed, potential adoptive families have been contacting me,

expressing their desire to bring an infant or child with Down syndrome into their family. I take their contact information

and mail them a registration form. In 1982, I mailed less then a dozen forms. In 2011, I often mail that many in a week.

Those registration forms, once they are returned, go on file. The problem is that the families that send in those forms,

change and grow, alter their plans, have children placed with them through other sources, and sometimes, just lose

interest.

In 2011, we are literally “cleaning the closet!” With the valuable assistance of Stephanie Thompson, we are working

on updating our list of active families, and putting in place a system to insure that families will be able to keep their

information current and accurate. With the database in place, we should be able to identify adoptive families within

minutes of being informed that there is a child in need of a family.

If you are currently registered and wish to remain on our list, even if none of your information needs to be changed

in our database, please respond to requests for updates that will be sent to you semi-annually. If information needs

to be changed (you move to a new address, you adopt or give birth to a child, you decide you would like to adopt

a teenager instead of a toddler, etc.) at any time between “updates” just let me know by reaching me at rsteele@

zoomtown.com or on my cell at 513-213-9615. By doing that, you can virtually be assured that I will contact you about

a child with Down syndrome who needs YOUR family to call their own!

PS. Our DS Press Column will continue to feature children with DS who are in state custody and need families.

But we would also like to do feature stories on families who have adopted through our program. I hear those

stories all the time, and now I want to share them! Please send me the story of your adoption journey and allow me

to share it (along with photos) in our newsletter. Send stories to rsteele@zoomtown.com. Thanks!!

Lisa Steele

Business Manager/DSPress Editor

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

644 Linn Street, Suite 1128

Cincinnati, OH 45203

513.761.5400 Ext. 13

www.dsagc.com

Domestic Adoption

Is There Really A Need?

Great Domestic Adoption Video

Beautiful testimony of a 7 yr old orphan

Dolsi and the "man with a smile"

(click on Dolsi to read her story)

Blizzard 2011

So it snowed a little more than we thought! 23 inches ... No school tomorrow!

snow day!

This is what we will be doing tomorrow! No school!

Ethiopian Orphans from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.

This is my older sister Jenay's daughter, Brea. Can you believe how much Mia and Brea look alike? They are so cute! It looks like Mia is about to hit Brea over the head, she didn't :) I love to see God's plan for families! He is sovereign over every detail!

There have been so many firsts for Ela this year. Dec. 10 was her first birthday to be celebrated. She turned 7. Ela has been another wonderful blessing to our family! She is doing so well! She goes to physical therapy twice a month for her foot. Her teachers love her at school and she is completely fluent in English. We are so thankful for her!

I love this picture of the Ugandan beauties! Mia is half Ugandan and Leah Grace was just adopted from Uganda recently. You can read about Leah Grace and her amazing mom (and her cute brother Seth) under Chosen Ones on my blog list.

Mary Isabella " Mia" we love you so much and can't imagine life without you!!! Mia is such a gift! Here is a picture of her on her second birthday. She turned 2 in September.

This is Gabe! He and his wife Connie run our future son, Joseph's orphanage. You can learn more about Gabe, Connie, their orphanage and many ministries that they are involved in at www.hope4ethiopia.org.

We received an update about Joseph the other day. He has the sweetest heart. We learned that his favorite verse is Math. 7:7-8 " Ask and you will be given, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you"

His prayers are so beautiful. He is praying that more needy children will be given the opportunity to come to the orphanage. And that the orphanage will be able to buy a minivan to take the kids to school. What a beautiful heart he has! I can't wait to meet him! We want to try to raise money for the minivan, working on some ideas.

Here is a picture of the 2 Gabes together.