Marshall Islands????

Maybe Lela is in the Marshall Islands. We are looking there now. Will post more if things pan out. Help us pray!!
Kathy
"God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:13

We're still waiting, looking, hoping...

Boy, what a busy few months we have had! Whoa! We still do not know which direction to head, as far as the adoption. I just keep hoping and praying that we will be pointed in the right direction. We've not ruled out domestic adoption, but just haven't felt lead to pursue it either. Who knows??
Thank you all for your continued prayers. Please pray that we will KNOW the LORD's direction & that he will make it clear (no foggy walking) to us!
Kathy
"…learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows." Isaiah 1:17

No direction yet...

We have went back & forth, looking at different programs, talking to people, agencies. I go in now with lots of hesitance and lack of trust when it comes to looking at agencies. I find it hard to believe anything they say. Jaded?? I guess I am.
I've been at the point of "forget it," the LORD must not want us to adopt! But today, our missions coordinator at church announced that our church will be going on a mission trip to Guatemala this spring. The orphanage (yes, going to an orphanage) houses 500 orphans, from birth to college age. The US stopped adoptions with Guatemala in January of this year. Huh! Money & corruption -- same disgusting song!
When you are caught in the misery of the adoption process, it is easy to start believing that there must NOT really be a need for families to provide homes -- why would the wait be so long, why would governments not WORK together, why is it THIS hard to rescue ONE orphan??? Are there really 143 million orphans that need a home??
Dennis shared with me his sunday school lesson today, about how God promised Abraham a son when he was 75, and then didn't provide that son until Abraham was nearly 100 years old. What patience he had. My patience is running thin - how I need the patience of Abraham. I just wish God would show us some direction -- where to look, when to proceed. Please help us pray for that guidance. Is He asking us to wait until Guatemala reopens? --- could be a year or two from now, maybe longer. I'm getting old, you know! We need some direction from our LORD....please help us pray for that specifically.
Kathy
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16 (NIV)

Well....We are back to square one!

It is officially over in Vietnam. The USCIS announced yesterday that the bilateral agreement between the US and Vietnam expired on Sept 1st. Our paperwork is headed back to our agency.

We are no closer to adoption than we were 17 months ago. We now have some very big decisions ahead of us. I looked up a lot of stuff on adoption from India last night.

Pray that we will follow the LORD's direction & be faithful along the journey. Pray that the we will have the emotional strength to climb this mountain once again, after being knocked off the Vietnam one.

Kathy
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

7 days left until SHUT DOWN & new career!

In 7 short days, the bi-lateral adoption agreement between Vietnam and the US will expire. The 2 countries have NOT renewed the agreement, and as of today, do not have a temporary agreement in place. Bottom line.....Our dossier (paperwork) will be returned to us, without a baby. I'm sure Sept 1st will be a hard, emotional day. But we are optimistic that the LORD will lead us to the orphan for our family - in Vietnam or not. Our God is so much bigger than any "bi-lateral agreement." He directs our paths & we can rest in that knowledge.
On a good note, I begin a new career tomorrow. As many of you know, I returned to school 7 years ago to gain credentials as a registered dietitian (RD) so that I could be part of a medical team to treat children with epilepsy (as well as other nutritionally related diagnoses). My research and main interest is the ketogenic diet which is a medical nutrition therapy for intractable (resistant to medicine) epilepsy. Although my new position is at a general (adult) hospital (St. Mary's North), my supervisor has agreed for me to see pediatric patients (including epilepsy patients). The LORD has worked this out, down to the last details (trust me, I could write a book about how He worked this out). I just pray that I always give Him the glory. The ketogenic diet is very restrictive and hard on the families, so it is usually not prescribed until last resort. To watch a child stop seizing on this treatment is truly a miracle because they likely have failed every anti-epileptic drug available. It is always amazing. Many scientists work daily to figure out WHY this diet is so effective, but no real answers are available -- yet. I hope to continue researching this treatment as I practice. I'm so honored to be a part of this!
Continue your prayers for our family. Pray that we will be faithful & always seeking His will.
Kathy
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10

Week full of celebration!!

This was a week of celebration! My oldest nephew was married this past weekend. It was a great time. They are a precious couple with a great love for Christ. I look forward to watching as the LORD continues to use them for His kingdom. I was honored to host the bridal luncheon. I couldn't have done it without my mother's help.

And speaking of my mother...on the same day as the wedding, my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage! Isn't that cool?....their first grandchild was married on their 50th anniversary.

No adoption news. We are still looking at a few domestic programs. We met a sweet young lady this weekend (during the wedding activities) who gave us a contact for another domestic program.
Enjoy some pictures.
Kathy

My nephew and his lovely new bride...


The wedding party...


My parents, celebrating 50 years of marriage...


My other nephew & his beautiful fiancé (to be married next year)...


At the bridal luncheon...



At the tropical rehearsal dinner...


"Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied." Jude 1:2

Beach trip & still searching for Lela...

My precious beach bums...
We just returned from a wonderful week at the beach with my sister and her family. It was very relaxing and tons of fun (we always have fun with them)! We also had dinner with my good friend, Diana & her family. Diana and I have became great friends during this adoption journey, as her adoption paperwork went to Vietnam on the same day that ours did (11/12/07) and together we have endured the "ups and downs" of this Vietnam journey. And we met FACE to FACE for the first time this week at the beach!
As far as the adoption, we have spoken with our social worker again who told us about a couple of interesting domestic programs. We're still looking at Bulgaria and Taiwan also. Right now, our plans are to wait on the LORD to direct us before moving forward with a new program.
As far as Vietnam, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice could change her mind at the last minute & continue a temporary agreement with Vietnam (but she gives us no indication that this will happen). Our US Representative, John Duncan, Jr., says he can't do anything further to encourage relations. Our Senator, Lamar Alexander, is still trying to help us. But overall, there is little hope for us to find Lela in Vietnam.
Continue your prayers & enjoy a few pictures from our dinner with the Thornleys.

Diana & I finally met in person!


Diana's Lili & Ana with my Erica & Joel


The Irwins


The Thornleys


Erica hit it off quick with Lili (home from China 2006)

"Children are a gift from God." Psalm 127:3

Nearing an end, looking for a beginning...

Our agency told us this week that we are NOT matched with a child in Vietnam & we will NOT be matched before the shutdown. So, on Sept 1, our paperwork will travel back to us, with no baby. The USCIS issued a statement that seems to confirm that the US is committed to the shutdown. The report also talks about more corruption (in June alone, 5 children were returned to their VN birth families after the US investigations revealed corruption). This hurts my heart - the thoughts of someone taking my babies away from me because I was disadvantaged.
It's odd how we fret over the price of gas while this type stuff is happening around the world.
After a "I'm pitiful" cry and a waltz through Lela's room, I'm okay. Surprisingly, I'm really okay. I think the LORD is trying to show us to keep looking for our little girl. A month ago I had the "NO WAY will I ever go through this again" mentality, but now that we know the LORD is closing this door, we are looking for an opened one. Dennis & I have talked alot and we are not ready to give up...we believe the LORD has called us to step out in faith, so we are waiting for Him to lead.
Our local social worker is looking into a few options for us. And we've talked about looking at programs to Bulgaria (got some info coming in the mail).
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek His will. As I've said before, there is peace when we just trust Him (calm, relaxing peace -- much better than worry and woe). I will always love Vietnam & hope to go there one day.
Thank you my friends and family,
Kathy
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

From bad to worse...Need prayer

We were told by our agency that it is unlikely that we will be able to complete our adoption. It was hard to hear (see, on email). They doubt that we will get a referral before the shutdown on Sept. 1st.

Only a miracle would change things...this miracle would involve the US & Vietnam governments agreeing on a temporary agreement to continue adoptions (Congressional letter to Sec of State Rice).

Another possible miracle would be for the 2 governments to agree to "grandfather" cases like ours in to complete. We have over 14 months, thousands of dollars, and a wealth of emotional stock invested in this. It is hard to imagine that it could end like this.

Please help us pray for this whole situation...especially for the orphans that will never know homes if this shutdown happens. It just doesn't make sense - this world is so messed up...
Kathy
"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:9-10

While we wait (and dream)...

I love to search the internet and learn more about Vietnam & the people of Vietnam. We have so looked forward to exploring this great country when we travel to get Lela. I hope and pray we will be able to now -- since adoptions will be shutting down in Sept. Please continue to pray and enjoy some pictures of this great land that I came across.





"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God;..." 1 John 3:1

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

Nothing new to report. You would think that after 14 months of waiting, it would get easier....well, it doesn't. No news. With every day of no news, we draw nearer to the Sept 1st deadline when adoptions with Vietnam will shut down.
Keep praying.
Kathy
"...I do believe; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24

DTV 7 months!!!!

Our paperwork has been in Vietnam for 7 months now!! Let's hope THIS IS THE MONTH we "get the call" from our agency! I can't wait!!
Kathy
"...learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows." Isaiah 1:17

The sand slips through the hour glass as Sept 1st approaches

September 1st......the dreaded day. On this day, US citizens will not be allowed to adopt children from Vietnam. Of course, a miracle could happen, and the US & VN governments could change their minds, but there is little hope of that happening before September 1st.
Our agency is optimistic that we will receive our referral of Lela Grace before the Sept 1st deadline. So, we chose to be optimistic with them. We hope for a phone call everyday. I'm ready to hang the letters on her wall (painted letters that spell out "LELA" -- I've had them a while, but, protecting my heart, didn't want to hang them in her room). I've decided to believe whole-heartedly that this WILL happen. The joy is worth the risk.
Continue your prayers.
Kathy
"For in thee the orphan fines mercy." Hosea 14:3

Please continue to pray!

Please continue to pray for us as we seek His will in this adoption. I never knew that this would be such a spiritual journey. There is peace when we are trusting the LORD, and there is fear when our faith is weak. Please pray that we will watch as the LORD unfolds His plan, and trust Him at every turn.
Thank you, my friends.
Kathy
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

In memory of Maria Chapman

Scroll down and turn off the video before watching this video. What a precious family. Continue your prayers.

Pray for the Chapman family

.......................Please be much in prayer for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman. They have had a tragic death and my heart just breaks for the entire family. Their teenage son accidentally ran over their daughter in their driveway. She later died at the hospital. Newstory SCC is the artist of the song that plays when you open my blog and also the founder of Shaohannah's Hope - a adoption advocacy group that I have on my links to information below. He and his family are great advocates of international adoption.
Kathy
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13

6 months DTV

Our dossier (paperwork) has been in Vietnam for 6 months now (DTV = dossier to vietnam).
Last week we hit a "high" on this emotional roller coster, as several families from our agency received their "referral." Lots of beautiful babies, one step closer to their forever home. Keep praying that Lela will come soon.
Kathy
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

Count your blessings

With the situation in Vietnam so discouraging, I thought I would exercise a little "count your blessings" therapy and count a few of my recent blessings!

Brother enjoys his horse back riding therapy

12th Annual Rook tournament at our house last week
Old fashion tent revival at our church 2 weeks ago
Second place at the track meet yesterday

My LORD is so good to me!
Kathy
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

The Chaos continues....Vietnam disputes US claims

The adoption relationship between the US and Vietnam continues its downward spiral. It truly is like a cat fight, but the children are the ones who walk away with the scars. As the US continues to accuse VN of corruption, VN accuses the US of disrespect and unsympathetic investigations. Another news story shows a different perspective than the "US" stories that I have posted earlier.
It is so hard to reconcile all the bickering between nations. If only the orphans were considered first and foremost in every debate. Unfortunately, money and politics take first seat.
Continue your prayers.
Kathy
"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy He will save.” Psalm 72:13

Official press release...

We all know that adoptions from Vietnam will shut down in Sept. We have all been waiting to hear if they will process "pipeline" cases.
Last night, the US Embassy issued an official statement, confirming that some corruption has been found. They also relayed that Vietnam will continue adoptions to US families who have an official referral by Sept 1, 2008. We do not have an official referral (when our paperwork is matched with a baby's paperwork) yet. Since the US has been taking so long to investigate each case, Vietnam has slowed down referring babies to US families (instead they are referred to European countries). When corruption abounds, policing must also abound. I've attached links below.
Basically, this means we are in limbo. There is a good chance that we will not be able to adopt a child from Vietnam.
Dennis remains optimistic, but I find myself guarding my heart. We need a glimmer of hope. Continue to pray.
Kathy
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7
MSNBC story
US Embassy press release - short version
Long version - disturbing

A year ago today...

A year ago today, Dennis & I had a discussion that would forever change our future...we decided to pursue international adoption. One of my dearest friends came to me that day and told me that she was "expecting." With us all in our 40s, the excitement was laced with fear. She now has a beautiful, healthy baby girl, but that news spurred Dennis and I to re-look at our longtime dream of adopting a child. We had said "if the LORD ever provides the money, we'll do it!" But we realized that God doesn't work that way....He asks us to step out on faith & WATCH as He provides. We decided to step out. And here we are...one year later.
Although the adoption world is shaky right now, we are firm in our belief that the LORD has called us to provide a home for a Vietnamese baby. Continue your prayers as we watch this all unfold.
Kathy
"Then He will give you rain for the seed which you will sow in the ground, and bread from the yield of the ground, and it will be rich and plenteous..." Isaiah 30:23

5 months DTV!

Five months DTV! That means our paperwork as been in Vietnam, waiting for Lela for 5 months now. We began the adoption process last April, and boy has it been an "up and down" year with international adoption. We are hopeful that we can bring Lela home this Fall, but as we well know, there are no guarantees with international adoption.
Please continue to pray that the LORD's will is done.
Thanks.
Kathy
"Do not move the ancient boundary stone in the fields of the fatherless for their defender is strong; He will take up their case…” Proverbs 23:10-11
..................................VIETNAM.................................

More from Phoenix

Dennis & the kids went to the Botanical Gardens while I was at my conference today. Arizona is truly beautiful!





"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Pictures from Phoenix

After two long (delayed and changed) plane rides, this southern family found themselves in Arizona!! We've had a great day, getting to know this great state & seeing one of the 7 wonders of the world --- the Grand Canyon. WOW! What a great God we serve, One who would allow us to enjoy such a gorgeous sight. I thought you may enjoy some pictures of our journey thus far.







"How great are your works, O LORD..." Psalm 92:5

Still Waiting!

Will the phone ever ring? We hope our agency will call within the next couple of months to tell us that we are matched with Lela. We grow more anxious, as we are quite confident that adoptions in Vietnam will shut down in September (the 2 countries can't agree on the new bi-lateral agreement and the current one expires in Sept).
Our agency keeps telling us that we are far enough along in the process...not to worry. Easier said, than done! So, we wait on the phone call. Keep praying as we fight fear and doubt. Kathy
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…I needed clothes and you clothed me” – Matthew 25:35-36

Yesterday was 4 months DTV!

"4 months DTV" means our paperwork has been in Vietnam for 4 months. We are hoping for a match with Lela in the next 2 months....but it could be longer.
Keep praying!
Kathy
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Hope is restored!!!

It is hard to share all the latest happenings with Vietnam adoptions....but let's just say...things are now looking brighter than they have in the last few weeks.
You know...the other day I was reading about Joshua in the bible. Don't you know that he wanted to say, "What? March around Jericho seven times? That will take too long, how about only once? but, seven?...that doesn't make sense!" But God had a plan and His timing was perfect. Same with adoption....it doesn't make sense that it is so hard and time consuming to rescue one child. Instead of spending my energies on trying to figure it all out....I need to keep marching (and trust the LORD's timing).
My hope was fading, but has now been restored!!
Keep praying!!
Kathy
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31

Sad week in Vietnam....

Sad news surrounds this week in the Vietnam adoption world, as 3 babies close to our hearts have passed away:
Charlie & Heather -- lost a baby girl, (recently matched)
Steve & Lynn - lost a baby girl, (recently matched)
Marie - lost a baby girl, (waiting to travel)
They have fallen victim to a rhinovirus that has invaded several orphanages in Vietnam. News Story

And on the political front, James & Dawn, were waiting to travel to get their baby girl. The US decided that the baby's paperwork did not meet their standards, therefore, a visa will NOT be approved. This family is devastated at "losing" this child due to a paperwork glitch.

International adoption can be an emotional roller coster. It can be mixed with hope as well as a helpless feeling. The LORD is in control and we must trust Him and His timing. Pray for these devastated families.

Please also help us pray that He will strengthen us and others as we answer His call to care for the orphans through adoption. And pray that the virus at this orphanage will subside soon.
Kathy
"In My Father's house are many dwelling places...for I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2-3

Great day in Vietnam!

Recall, our agency had 4 families that ran into some adoption worries in VN back in Sept. Basically, their babies' paperwork was missing a few things and the families were stuck in VN (with their babies), and the USCIS would not give the babies visas to travel home. The last 2 families are now headed home (they've been there +4 months). The paperwork of the babies of all 4 families has been cleared! The story of one family can be found here: http://cbs5.com/local/vietnam.orphan.adoption.2.649012.html
There is a new paperwork procedure that is in place now, so hopefully we would not be in for such a turmoil with Lela's paperwork.....but my heart has went out to these families, unable to travel home. But now they are headed home. Praise the LORD!
Kathy

"I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised...." Psalm 18:3

US Warning Concerning Adoptions in Vietnam

This warning was issued yesterday. http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3939.html Basically, the US is warning citizens NOT to begin the adoption process with VN. Our agency stopped accepting applications in December. A bi-lateral agreement is due for renewal in March (to take effect in Sept 08). There are several indications that make me think the US & VN will not sign this agreement and adoptions will be shut down. Of course, no one will know until March.
Our agency foresees our adoption to be completed by Sept 08. We cling to that hope, but we are also aware of the rocky relationship between the 2 governments. Nothing is guaranteed in international adoption.
Pray for the entire situation.
Kathy
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

10 weeks DTV

Today marks the 10 week point since our dossier (paperwork package) was sent to Vietnam (DTV - dossier To Vietnam). If things were the same as they were when we first began the process, we would be anxious with every telephone ring right now...thinking it was "the call" to say we have been matched with a baby. But with the recent problems, the time line is longer. So we wait. In a few months, we'll be watching the phone, waiting for "the call." I still hope the call will come quickly -- before we expect it! Lela will likely be around 3 months old when we receive "the call" so we do believe she has been born. Pray she will stay warm, be comforted when she cries, and will receive baby formula that will meet her needs.
Kathy
"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy He will save.” Psalm 72:13

While we wait......

Big Sister likes to play with Ivy, the American Girl doll she received on her birthday in October. Funny, American Girl just came out with a beautiful Asian doll after we had started our adoption journey. We can't wait until we bring our real Asian beauty home!
Keep praying for Lela! Pray she stays warm during the cold winter.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Waiting......

We received word this week that our timeline could be a little longer than we expected. With the troubles in Vietnam, some VN provinces cannot complete adoptions -- which eliminates 2 orphanages that our agency used. There are still 5 other orphanages that continue to place babies with our agency. It looks like it may be summer or fall when we receive our referral (match with Lela). But you never know...we're still hopeful it will be soon.
It is sad on many levels. We were also told of some babies that had passed away due to the cold weather (this is the cold season in VN). Oh, how we take our medical care & our warm houses for granted.
It is hard to make sense of it all. It is hard to understand why the wait is so long when so many babies need homes.
We seek your prayers.
Kathy
"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33