Holding our breath.......

We are praying that this is the week that we learn more about the baby girl God has planned for our family. We started this journey 2 years and 7 months ago and it is growing so exciting to think that the time may be close.

We updated our church family a couple weeks ago. It has been so exciting to share this time with them. They are truly our extended family -- they will be a large part of our baby's life, just as they are with our other children.

I hope this week brings news of "who" she is, what she looks like, when she was born, what her given name is, how soon we can grab her into our arms. And oh.... to see her picture....I feel like a love-struck teenager, always dreaming of "the day."

Keep us in your prayers and that our late minute arrangements will all fall into place.

Kathy
"...I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

I'm dreaming of a TROPICAL Christmas...

Nothing is official......but I think we are really close to being matched with our baby girl. The long awaited day!! Once we receive our referral, our travel date will be right around the corner (travel 2-6 wks later). Once we arrive in the Marshall Islands, the adoption will be complete in a couple of days. But we will be in the islands 4-6 weeks, waiting on her paperwork to travel around the world (literally) so she can enter the US. Once we hit US soil, she is an official US citizen!!

This week, the lawyer has asked us for clarifications, more documents, etc. If I were a "half-empty" kinda girl, I would say this is all such a hassle. But the "half-full" girl in me knows that it is a good sign when the lawyer is fine-toothing thru the paperwork!!! Our agency coordinator also asked me how I feel about spending Christmas in the islands. Hmmmmm, let me think about it a minute.....

....On a tropical island with my family (including my new baby), far away from all the commercialism, all the deadlines, the alarm clocks, all the busy days the holidays brings. Quiet, simple, time alone with my family to celebrate the birth of our LORD......it will truly be paradise! Don't get me wrong, I love all the Christmas parties with family and friends. But just this once.....how great it will be to focus on the real meaning of Christmas! How real the Savior's birth will seem, as I sit quietly, holding the precious gift that took us half-way across the world and 2.5 years to realize. So, yes, I will not mind spending Christmas in the islands!
Keep us in your prayers!
Kathy
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

.....still waiting

Nothing to report. Still waiting on the call. On a good note, the family in front of us on "the list" now has a travel date. Such an answered to prayer.
I keep thinking we will get a call any day. I really thought we would be there and back by now, but we wait.
Keep praying.
Kathy

EXCITING news....

We just received word that we are the NEXT family on the list to receive a referral for a baby/little girl!!!! There are currently 3 babies in the program that are due in the next 3 months. Could one be our baby girl???
Gotta focus on "nesting" this weekend and get ready for my baby girl!!!!
Keep praying!
Kathy
"Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints."Psalm 149:1

Go Vols! Look what one famous VOL did -- international adoption!

Most of you know that we are big UT fans. And when we saw the below article in the paper last Sunday, we are thrilled! Mike Hamilton (UT athletic director) and his wife just completed a fabulous adoption of 3 children from Ethiopia (well, the 3rd child is hopefully close to completion). It is a great story that truly puts adoption in perspective --- many kids need a home, we've got a home. No brainer!

Mike Hamilton's adoption story

Kathy
"We serve an amazing God." Beth Hamilton

The LORD will provide.

Nothing new to report as far as the adoption. There have not been any babies born in the last month, but several are expected very soon.

I just wanted to give the LORD credit for His working in our adoption. One of the biggest steps of faith that this journey demands is the financial step of faith. Our next financial requirement will be the BIG one and we continue to fight our fear by constantly reminding each other that the LORD provides when we follow His direction.

We are using a home equity loan to finance the adoption, and we are so very thankful to have this resource. But it is almost overwhelming when we think of the indebtedness this will bring.

Well, just this past month, the LORD provided a large fencing project for Dennis & also provided the staff to accomplish the work! It is MORE than a coincidence that this timing coincides with the coming adoption fee. It is in no way large enough to cover it all, but GOD IS PROVIDING!! It amazes me how He blesses us and I wish I would STOP being so shocked when He provides. That is the way GOD does things....we step out on faith...to the point that it is uncomfortable...and then He provides.

I just can't help but PRAISE Him for His goodness. This also serves as a confirmation that this adoption is FROM Him and not just a selfish desire to parent another child. I just LOVE watching my Lord work! I'm so blessed to have a small role in it.

Please continue your prayers. I'm also depending on Him to give me strength to chase after a small child (at my age!). This truly IS a spiritual journey!

Kathy
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." I Peter 4:11b

Fabulous family!

We have such a great family. I just can't explain what a fabulous family we have. My sister and her husband came over tonight, and out of the blue, gave us $500 to go towards the travel expenses to bring our baby home! They have already given us a gift previously, back near the beginning of our adoption journey.
But you know, the best part is not the financial generosity. The best part is knowing that our child will have not only the love and support of our immediate family, but the truly unconditional love of our extended family. She'll be a part of fun family gatherings, family vacations, ballgames, birthdays, good times (and bad times). Never alone. So blessed. And she will be taught to trust in the LORD in all things, for He is trustworthy. She'll see that truth lived out not only in her immediate family, but in all the family around her. No, we are no where near the "perfect family," but there has never been a family more blessed than our family.

Can't wait for her to meet them all!!

Kathy
"He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers." Deuteronomy 7:13a

No news yet, check out the weather in the RMI...

Weather report from the Marshall Islands.....
"When you visit the Marshall Islands, leave your winter clothes at home! Our tropical weather averages about 81 F (27 C) with little variation during the year. The waters in the lagoon are a comfortable 80F (26 C) year round. The region is known for mild winds and tropical showers.

The normal conditions are dry with low rainfall. Trade winds cool the atolls much of the year and the calm water months fall between June and September.

Our seasons are typical of the tropics. The rainy season runs from September through November. The dry season begins in January and lasts for 3 months.

Typhoons are not common in our part of the Marshall Islands."

Praise the LORD for that last statement...because that's a small little island! And how selfish would it be to pray for travel before the rainy season starts???

Kathy
"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to
me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these..."
Luke 18:16

Wow, what a plane ride....

While we wait, I looked up different flight options on expedia.com. On our trip to the Marshall Islands, we will change planes 8 times (I said eight times)!!!! I dread this, mostly for the kids. Most of the flight options have a 12 hour lay-over in Guam which will let us catch some sleep, but wow! It will take 44 hours to get there. (By the way, Guam is a US territory). We will likely to go Houston to Tokyo to Guam, then 5 more planes before arriving in the Marshall Islands. The good news is that the trip home will only involve 4 planes (MI to Honolulu to San Fransico to Chicago to Knoxville). I'm so thankful for that, as Dennis will go home with the kids and then I will travel home with the baby a few weeks later.

The price of the tickets range anywhere from $1600 to $3600 each. yikes. I hope the rumor that I hear about prices going down is TRUE!

Kathy
But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. Romans 8: 25

A little about the Marshall Islands...

This is Majuro, the atoll (island) where we will be staying...

Tiny country. I found a website of the missionaries who started the only Baptist church in the islands. Cool to read about their work by clicking here The Utter family I've included some pictures of the church below. Can't wait to worship there!
I also found a good description of the islands from one of their websites...
"There are 29 atolls and 5 islands which comprise the Marshalls. An atoll is a ring of coral reef with a lagoon in the middle. The rings are not contiguous and are oval or irregular in shape. On Majuro, the island averages just less than 1/4 mile wide. It is approximately 1/2 mile wide at its widest point. The highest point is about 10 or 12 feet above sea level. The total land area of all the Marshalls is about 70 square miles, yet they cover over 70,000 square miles of ocean. If a map of the Marshalls were overlaid on top of the eastern US, they would extend from Michigan to northern Florida.

Laura Baptist Church, Majuro, Marshall Islands

Continue your prayers.
Kathy
"I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again,strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32

Number 4 on the list and counting down...

We have moved to number 4 on the list and counting down. One family ahead of us is expected to be matched soon, moving us to #3 family! Yeah! We are so very excited. Our agency told us that we could expect a referral within the next 3 months.

Now....we need to dust off the baby's room (been ready for 2+ years now) and think about how this really appears to be happening!!!

Kathy
"Rejoice in the LORD always; again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4

Closer still....

Even better news came today in the mail. Our FINAL USCIS approval came in the mail today. This means we may move up a little further on the adoption agency's list. Exciting. Do you think the LORD is really going to bring this about?? Can I let down my guard now???

Not really sure how to prepare. When we receive our referral, we will receive a travel date pretty quickly. I will be in country 4-6 weeks. Dennis and the kids will be there for at least 10 days. My hope is that it is during Christmas break & that they could stay the whole time. Of course, this is the peek of Erica's gymnastics meet season. She has worked so hard, in the gym daily, preparing for the coming season. We will let her decide if she feels she can sacrifice that much time away from the gym. I'm also checking into gyms in the RMI - but I have my doubts that I will find one.

I looked up some info on the RMI today. The population is 68,000. This is about 1/2 the crowd that fills Neyland Stadium every Saturday in the fall (UT football). Conditions in country sound very modest, yet expensive. I've been in touch with a few families that have traveled recently, so I love getting the tips from them. Sounds like I need to figure out how to take most of the supplies I need - diapers, bottles, formula, etc or expect to pay big $$. I've heard of one lodging place that is $85 per night. Sounded good, until I multiplied it by 35 days. Yikes. Hopefully, I can find somewhere cheaper, although most will not have a kitchen. Can't imagine a new baby without a kitchen. I feel the LORD has many, many lessons in store for us in the coming months. He has always been faithful, even when I've been whiney! He will provide.
Keep us in your prayers.

Kathy

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Great news today - We are closer!

Today our adoption agency (Journeys of the Heart) contacted us, rushing us to finish the last loose ends of our dossier. They are expecting several babies to be born in the next 1-4 months and they believe ONE could be OURS!!!!!!! We are so excited.

I've guarded my heart for so long now, I've decided I'm gonna "let loose" and let myself get excited. The thought of having our baby girl by Christmas is overwhelming to me!!

Everyone -- Please pray that the LORD's timing is perfect and that He is preparing us as well as this precious birth family for the change in our lives.

Kathy

"O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph." Psalm 47:1

Quick update...

Our agency told us this week that we will probably travel this winter. Exciting. I really have a peace -- I'm not in a huge hurry (like before), I'm just waiting for the right baby at the right time.
Keep praying. The birth mom of our child-to-be is probably expecting by now - pray for her.
kathy
God is still in control!

Step by step

Dennis and I are off to Nashville to get our CIS fingerprints. We had these done nearly 2 yrs ago, but they expired (what?? how silly). To make it even MORE silly, we had fingerprints taken a few weeks ago for our FBI check - 5 copies of them. But can the FBI & the CIS share?? No, the CIS makes us go to Nashville (a set appt that we had no control of WHEN it was set).

Now think about this a minute --- if I committed a horrific crime, ANYone in the federal gov't could find me in a heartbeat (because they have my fingerprints). So why is it that the CIS can't trust the FBI's fingerprinting?? Do they NOT do a good enough job to clear people for adoption (yet good enough to convict of crimes??). Why, oh why, does our own government make it so hard to adopt???? Frustrating.

As far as the little boy goes, we are still not sure if we will be the family chosen for him or not. We've not heard back on more information about him. Regardless, we plug on, knowing with each step, we are one step closer to the child chosen to join our family.

We appreciate your prayers.

Kathy
"Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded." Ezekeil 47:5 --- Lord, help me to have deep water faith...KI

Direction??

We are not really sure what is going on with our adoption right now. We have told our agency that we are interested in a 2-yr old boy from the Marshall Islands, but there are a few other families also interested. They will chose the family that is closest to getting their paperwork complete. And as many of you in the adoption world know, it is hard to say. It is a world full of waiting.....on fingerprint appointments, CIS approval, FBI notices. It is all so complicated.

Please pray that we are open and willing to follow the path that the LORD has already prepared for us and our next child.
Kathy
"...Then they said, 'Let us arise and build.' So they put their hands to the good work." Nehemiah 2:18b

We did it! Marshall Islands it is!

Drum roll..........We've turned in our adoption application with Journeys of the Heart Adoption agency. We are excited to be stepping out on a new journey after months of indecision. We both have a peace that this is the direction the LORD is leading us. The program is extra, extra small. Only 1 US agency is licensed there (good thing). Although we've stated that we are open to a baby girl to age 3 years, we will most likely adopt an infant. The program is quite a bit different than many other programs. We are very excited. Help us pray for wisdom, patience and peace as the LORD prepares us for this journey.
Kathy
"Thou are the helper of the orphan." Psalm 10:14b

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