I am so sorry I have been so long in getting another post up. I am not even sure where all the time seems to go. I get up in the mornings, do my thing, and before I know it, it is time to go to bed.
Both of our doctor appointments went fine. He said we are both healthy and should live long lives. He was proud of how much weight I had lost since the last time I was in, so that is a real good thing. The less weight to carry around, the better to keep up with 2 girls. I say that, then I let Satan whisper in my ear that I am too old for this. That I won't be a good mother. That I won't be able to keep up. Or his best one is, "How can you relate to them with the age difference?" But then God comes in and YELLS in my ear, "Who is in control? You will be fine. I would not have called you if I did not trust you, or know you could handle it." I know He never gives us more than we can handle, so God will have HIS victory in this! There is a song that says, "Satan, get under my feet." That is right where my Jesus wants him to be, under my feet.
We have made lots of progress. We went for our biometrics (finger prints), and collected the rest of the home study paperwork. Mrs. Betti has finished writing it. She is now waiting for her supervisor to read it so she can turn it over for our review to see if we have anything we want to add. All off the local, state, and federal clearances are done, so we are waiting for immigration services to approve us to send our dossiers over to Ukraine. We received an email from a friend on Friday who gave us the email address of a man who was going to Balta this weekend and there was a chance he might get to visit with Alyona while he was there. Tim sent the man an email and very shortly there afterward got a phone call from the man, via Skype (which is way cool); and he was more than willing to visit with her for us. So we quickly wrote another letter to her and emailed it along with some pictures of the family so she had some idea of who these strange people in the USA were that were writing to her. He was hoping to help her write us a letter and take a small video of her for us. This is almost like sending your child off to camp summer and not hearing from them. Tim asked him if he ever goes to Kiliya. He said he would for a price; and it would fit into our budget, so we will see if he will go there for us in a couple of weeks. YEAH!!!
It is the funnest thing. I have had a sick stomach for the past several weeks, almost like morning sickness. I know it is just nerves, but the other day there was a thing on the news about a man and his wife in Florida who were a host family to three sisters. When it was time to send the girls home, they did not. Instead they filed for temporary custody, and got it. Ukraine then threatened to stop all host programs and international adoptions until the girls were returned. I felt as if a rug had been pulled out from under me. I may not have a baby growing inside of my stomach, but I do have two girls growing inside of my heart. I think God uses this time of preparations and going through all of this process to develop our love for the children. I had never knew one could learn to love someone so deeply as I have by just looking at a dozen photos of them. Never even getting a letter from them, but just their smiles and eyes tell so much.
Tim has been teaching our Sunday School class the last couple Sundays and teaching on obedience. He has taught me a lot about my faith, that I have been trying to make it work, figuring out how God wants it all to come together, but if I just read the Word every day it tells me what to do. We are to help the widows and the orphans. Sometimes that means taking the hand of a widow and helping them across the street. Or, maybe it is calling on a "shut in" to see if they possibly need something from the store. It might mean taking a fatherless boy to the park to play ball. Or if could be teaching a motherless girl how to properly apply makeup. Basically, just being a strong Christian witness to those less fortunate.
I will finish up on a funny note for y'all. Pulling into church this morning, I noticed several empty handicap parking spaces. I looked at Tim and said, "Before both girls are grown & gone we may need one of those spots closer to the door than the off campus parking we normally go to. See, we usually park in a different lot, down the street, then ride the shuttle. After I got inside church and thought a little more about that I realized the joke is really on them! They still have to walk from the parking lot into the building, maybe as much as a few hundred feet. On the other hand, the shuttle picks us up at our vehicle, and drops us off at any of the doors we choose. We might have to walk all of 25 feet to get in the building, so those people parking in handicap spaces really end up walking further than we do. Funny, huh?
Until next time... please keep praying for us!
Lynn
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Wow! What a whirlwind of a day. I started out at the gym. Then, off to work. I cleaned two houses by 11:45 am. At that point I needed to go take a nap, but that was not to be in my schedule today. I had to meet Tim to get his name on a piece of paper so I could get it in the mail yet today. Tim had his doctor appointment this morning. It seemed to go good, except they forgot to do the TB test. So, now he has to go back tomorrow.
Anyway, from there I had to go to the church to pick up a letter for the social worker. I then made a couple of phone calls to find out why some other documents had not arrived yet. Next, to the post office, then the Mississippi Department of Safety to file a request for a background check. And on to the County Appraiser's office to get the certified copy of the square footage statement for our house. While I was there, I decided to go ahead and pay for Tim's truck tags. I was speaking to a lady in line about the adoption; and she was happy for us. After she left, the man ahead of me stepped up to pay; and he asked me to join him at the window. He wanted to know how much my tags were. I told him, "$27.00;" and he asked the lady to add it to his bill. Then, he said for me to apply the money I saved to the adoption. WOW!! My God is sooooo good!
I also had my doctor appointment this afternoon. It went well; and they remembered my TB test! We both go back in on Friday morning to have them read. Mrs. Betti called me this afternoon to tell me she was afraid we might have a serious problem with our FBI check. When we sent off for the background check we wrote a November 1st deadline on the outside of the envelope. She said we should have written "Return in 2 weeks". She went on to say that as a result it be might be 10 weeks before we receive the response back, so she gave me a number to call to check. Oh, lucky me. The menu prompts had changed. I was stunned when I actually got a live person on the other end, who then told me the background checks were complete; and the responses were to be mailed TOMORROW! Praise the Lord!! Once more our angels are watching out for us.
By the way... I did get home in time to lay down for a short nap. The operative word is "short" because the phone rang FIVE times. In other words, STILL NO NAP. Some day, maybe, but as for now it is worth not getting one if it helps to get the girls home as soon as we can. And if that means no nap for a while, so be it!
Lynn
Anyway, from there I had to go to the church to pick up a letter for the social worker. I then made a couple of phone calls to find out why some other documents had not arrived yet. Next, to the post office, then the Mississippi Department of Safety to file a request for a background check. And on to the County Appraiser's office to get the certified copy of the square footage statement for our house. While I was there, I decided to go ahead and pay for Tim's truck tags. I was speaking to a lady in line about the adoption; and she was happy for us. After she left, the man ahead of me stepped up to pay; and he asked me to join him at the window. He wanted to know how much my tags were. I told him, "$27.00;" and he asked the lady to add it to his bill. Then, he said for me to apply the money I saved to the adoption. WOW!! My God is sooooo good!
I also had my doctor appointment this afternoon. It went well; and they remembered my TB test! We both go back in on Friday morning to have them read. Mrs. Betti called me this afternoon to tell me she was afraid we might have a serious problem with our FBI check. When we sent off for the background check we wrote a November 1st deadline on the outside of the envelope. She said we should have written "Return in 2 weeks". She went on to say that as a result it be might be 10 weeks before we receive the response back, so she gave me a number to call to check. Oh, lucky me. The menu prompts had changed. I was stunned when I actually got a live person on the other end, who then told me the background checks were complete; and the responses were to be mailed TOMORROW! Praise the Lord!! Once more our angels are watching out for us.
By the way... I did get home in time to lay down for a short nap. The operative word is "short" because the phone rang FIVE times. In other words, STILL NO NAP. Some day, maybe, but as for now it is worth not getting one if it helps to get the girls home as soon as we can. And if that means no nap for a while, so be it!
Lynn
Monday, August 31, 2009
Another busy week. I don't know where the time goes. My grandma use to say, "The older you get, the faster it goes." Boy, was she was right. She passed away at the age of 93; and I will tell you, she must have been on roller coaster ride the last 45 years of her life, and hanging on for dear life! I feel like I live on one now. I take a deep breath in the morning; and off I go, up, up, up... then down we gooooo... and around... hang onnnn!!
The other morning Tim and I were at the altar; and I prayed that I would ask God to show me how to make my to do list each day. Not doing it the way 'I' think it should be done, but 'His' way. I mean, I know there are the things I have to do, like go to work, go to gym, do Bible study... I'm one who likes to write everything down just so I can mark it off. I even write things down after I do them just to mark them off! (I know. I am a sick person!) It's a mind game I play that makes me feel like I got more done. But I want to learn to do the things that God wants me to do. How many times have I possibly not been where I needed to be because I put my SELF in the way? I want to have GOD in the way. I might have missed the Office Depot moment, a few weeks ago, if I had not listened to the little voice inside of me saying, "Go to Office Depot, now." I want, so badly, to hear, AND FOLLOW, God's voice every time he talks to me. Whether it's in a still, small whisper, or even a loud, yelling voice. LOL!!
Last Saturday we received our appointment notice to go to the FBI, on Sept. 4, for our "biometrics to be captured" (in other words our fingerprints to be done!). For some reason, that seems scary to me. I guess it's because of the words FBI, or Homeland Security. It's not like I am a criminal. By the way, I can't believe how many times we have to be fingerprinted! Anyway, then Monday Mrs. Betti called and we scheduled our last home study interview with her and that one was at our house. I think it all went well. I guess we will know when we get to read her report. We had to go a couple of times this week to get papers notarized so we could get them FedEx'd out on Friday. Along with them we needed Apostilles. So, that meant a trip to downtown Jackson. Not a big deal, but the first set were wrong, so off we go again! Thankfully we got them right the second time. Lots of other paperwork for Ukraine dossier is starting to get done. I am still shocked at the amount of all of it.
Friday was Tim's birthday. He is now 47; and, yes, he is glad he is going to be a daddy to 2 girls! I think when you get older you can enjoy things more. We were very young when we had our boys. I was 19 with Justin and 25 with Christopher. I am glad I was a young mom to give birth, but I think I will be a wise mom now. I will have learned from many of my mistakes. Yes, I do know girls are different than boys, but love is the same, no matter what. It will not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!
I went to the mall to look for a gift for Tim for his birthday. I looked around, but could not really find anything he "needed", or wanted. Maybe it was me not wanting to spend the money! So, I went home and took a cat nap before heading out to take some photographs of the boys. Tim had asked for some new shots of them for his office. I got dressed, so that I would be ready to go out for dinner afterward. I had to swing by FedEx to ship some papers. Well, let me just tell you, I hope my envelope gets a great meal on the plane going over for what it cost to ship SIX pieces of paper!! I thought the poor young man behind the counter was going to faint when he told me the price. I thought Tim might have to bury me. $128.10 to mail them!!!! Then young man did go on to say they would be arrive on Sept. 2nd. Great! I would hope so. And in a limousine for that price!! He did say I could lower that price by $10.00, but doing so would add 15 days to the arrival date. He let out a huge laugh; and the lady behind the wall came to see what was going on. She re-checked the price; and she was speechless, too. That must be why Tim didn't need a present! The money went to pay for Fed Ex. So, in his card, I gave him the receipt!!
I received an email from a friend this week. In it she talked about a little boy who came to the orphanage at a young age. He waited for a family to come for him; and he waited; and he waited; and he waited some more, but no one ever came. She visited him when she could; and she always saw sadness in his eyes. I guess he knew somewhere in his heart he might never get a family. As the kids grow older the less likely it is for them to be picked by a family. At the age of 14, in the 9th grade, he aged out of the system. No one ever did come for he or his younger brother. (Note: Even more sadly, the way the Ukrainian system is set-up, once an older sibling ages out, younger siblings are no longer eligible for adoption, either.) Now at the age of 19, he still struggles everyday with the thought that they will never have a forever family. I know we have so many kids here in the USA who need homes, but one thing that is significantly different is we do not put our kids out on the street at the age of 14 years old, to fend for themselves. They get to stay in a home until the age of 18; and if most of the kids would act nice to their foster parents they would probably even get to stay longer. So many of our youth today feel we owe them "the world", though; and we don't. I know not all foster parents are nice, but much really has to do with the kids. There is always 3 sides to everything yours, mine and God's. And God's is the only one that counts. Again, I cannot tell you why Ukraine? Or even why us? But when God calls it is always better to answer in the affirmative. Sorry, enough of that soap box...
I think I have run myself silly this week! I had to go to the Appraiser's office to get the certified square footage for our house. Before I could send off to get our certified marriage certificate we had to browse to the Orange County, CA, website, download their form, have it notarized, get a money order, then finally mail it. Well, I was running late today; and thank God I was! Late this morning Tim learned we needed FOUR copies, not just two. If we hadn't found that out when we did we would have had to redo all of it and have spent even more money on shipping. Also this week, I have spent time on the phone calling to get Tim in to a doctor for a complete exam. As he never gets sick, he never goes to the doctor. Normally that would be good, but when you specifically need quick access to a family doctor, it definitely is not. Also, this week, I have went to the Highway Patrol office to get paperwork for Mississippi state background checks. On Tuesday, I had to go to the foot doctor because I have hurt my feet. Praise the Lord, I have lost 100 pounds, but in doing so I have walked my feet to death, or at least my feet think so! The doctor restricted me from exercise walking for 30 days. Only water class, exercise bike, and elliptical trainer. At least he didn't put me on bed rest, but then again, that might be nice! That would create its own set of problems, though. How would all of this get done? Back on the doctor topic... I found an old doctor of mine who was willing to squeeze in both Tim and I on Wednesday for medical exams. Yeah! One more item to mark off the list. Friday... FBI.
Lynn
The other morning Tim and I were at the altar; and I prayed that I would ask God to show me how to make my to do list each day. Not doing it the way 'I' think it should be done, but 'His' way. I mean, I know there are the things I have to do, like go to work, go to gym, do Bible study... I'm one who likes to write everything down just so I can mark it off. I even write things down after I do them just to mark them off! (I know. I am a sick person!) It's a mind game I play that makes me feel like I got more done. But I want to learn to do the things that God wants me to do. How many times have I possibly not been where I needed to be because I put my SELF in the way? I want to have GOD in the way. I might have missed the Office Depot moment, a few weeks ago, if I had not listened to the little voice inside of me saying, "Go to Office Depot, now." I want, so badly, to hear, AND FOLLOW, God's voice every time he talks to me. Whether it's in a still, small whisper, or even a loud, yelling voice. LOL!!
Last Saturday we received our appointment notice to go to the FBI, on Sept. 4, for our "biometrics to be captured" (in other words our fingerprints to be done!). For some reason, that seems scary to me. I guess it's because of the words FBI, or Homeland Security. It's not like I am a criminal. By the way, I can't believe how many times we have to be fingerprinted! Anyway, then Monday Mrs. Betti called and we scheduled our last home study interview with her and that one was at our house. I think it all went well. I guess we will know when we get to read her report. We had to go a couple of times this week to get papers notarized so we could get them FedEx'd out on Friday. Along with them we needed Apostilles. So, that meant a trip to downtown Jackson. Not a big deal, but the first set were wrong, so off we go again! Thankfully we got them right the second time. Lots of other paperwork for Ukraine dossier is starting to get done. I am still shocked at the amount of all of it.
Friday was Tim's birthday. He is now 47; and, yes, he is glad he is going to be a daddy to 2 girls! I think when you get older you can enjoy things more. We were very young when we had our boys. I was 19 with Justin and 25 with Christopher. I am glad I was a young mom to give birth, but I think I will be a wise mom now. I will have learned from many of my mistakes. Yes, I do know girls are different than boys, but love is the same, no matter what. It will not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!
I went to the mall to look for a gift for Tim for his birthday. I looked around, but could not really find anything he "needed", or wanted. Maybe it was me not wanting to spend the money! So, I went home and took a cat nap before heading out to take some photographs of the boys. Tim had asked for some new shots of them for his office. I got dressed, so that I would be ready to go out for dinner afterward. I had to swing by FedEx to ship some papers. Well, let me just tell you, I hope my envelope gets a great meal on the plane going over for what it cost to ship SIX pieces of paper!! I thought the poor young man behind the counter was going to faint when he told me the price. I thought Tim might have to bury me. $128.10 to mail them!!!! Then young man did go on to say they would be arrive on Sept. 2nd. Great! I would hope so. And in a limousine for that price!! He did say I could lower that price by $10.00, but doing so would add 15 days to the arrival date. He let out a huge laugh; and the lady behind the wall came to see what was going on. She re-checked the price; and she was speechless, too. That must be why Tim didn't need a present! The money went to pay for Fed Ex. So, in his card, I gave him the receipt!!
I received an email from a friend this week. In it she talked about a little boy who came to the orphanage at a young age. He waited for a family to come for him; and he waited; and he waited; and he waited some more, but no one ever came. She visited him when she could; and she always saw sadness in his eyes. I guess he knew somewhere in his heart he might never get a family. As the kids grow older the less likely it is for them to be picked by a family. At the age of 14, in the 9th grade, he aged out of the system. No one ever did come for he or his younger brother. (Note: Even more sadly, the way the Ukrainian system is set-up, once an older sibling ages out, younger siblings are no longer eligible for adoption, either.) Now at the age of 19, he still struggles everyday with the thought that they will never have a forever family. I know we have so many kids here in the USA who need homes, but one thing that is significantly different is we do not put our kids out on the street at the age of 14 years old, to fend for themselves. They get to stay in a home until the age of 18; and if most of the kids would act nice to their foster parents they would probably even get to stay longer. So many of our youth today feel we owe them "the world", though; and we don't. I know not all foster parents are nice, but much really has to do with the kids. There is always 3 sides to everything yours, mine and God's. And God's is the only one that counts. Again, I cannot tell you why Ukraine? Or even why us? But when God calls it is always better to answer in the affirmative. Sorry, enough of that soap box...
I think I have run myself silly this week! I had to go to the Appraiser's office to get the certified square footage for our house. Before I could send off to get our certified marriage certificate we had to browse to the Orange County, CA, website, download their form, have it notarized, get a money order, then finally mail it. Well, I was running late today; and thank God I was! Late this morning Tim learned we needed FOUR copies, not just two. If we hadn't found that out when we did we would have had to redo all of it and have spent even more money on shipping. Also this week, I have spent time on the phone calling to get Tim in to a doctor for a complete exam. As he never gets sick, he never goes to the doctor. Normally that would be good, but when you specifically need quick access to a family doctor, it definitely is not. Also, this week, I have went to the Highway Patrol office to get paperwork for Mississippi state background checks. On Tuesday, I had to go to the foot doctor because I have hurt my feet. Praise the Lord, I have lost 100 pounds, but in doing so I have walked my feet to death, or at least my feet think so! The doctor restricted me from exercise walking for 30 days. Only water class, exercise bike, and elliptical trainer. At least he didn't put me on bed rest, but then again, that might be nice! That would create its own set of problems, though. How would all of this get done? Back on the doctor topic... I found an old doctor of mine who was willing to squeeze in both Tim and I on Wednesday for medical exams. Yeah! One more item to mark off the list. Friday... FBI.
Lynn
Monday, August 24, 2009
I hope y'all's last few weeks have been good. Mine have! Two weekends ago, Tim & I went canoeing with the Tygarts. It was Josh's first time. He had not previously done anything like that. I think he really enjoyed himself, though, some of the time he seemed a little bored. The water was not as high as in the past which makes for more work. He had started in a canoe with Anthony; and they seemed to be OK, but after a while Anthony became frustrated because Josh was not picking up on it as quick as Moises had when we took him. But Moisés spoke better English so caught on a little easier. After we had stopped to eat we moved Josh into Tim's canoe; and that worked good. They had a good time together; and Anthony and Mark had a blast. We did the "long run" of the river... All 13 miles. With the water down we had to work really hard. I think it clearly showed some of us that we are not as young as we used to be!! Oh well. The exercise was good; and the fellowship was GREAT! After the day on the river we went to Jerry's for catfish dinner. Josh loves fish so we thought that would be a good place to end the day.
I can't believe school has been going for two weeks already. I so wish Kristina and Alyona were here. I am concerned about how far behind they may be in their studies. Getting them into a school over here as young as possible will help us get the most help from the school district. I just don't want them to feel as though they spend all day in school, then come home to hours & hours of homework. I want them to embrace the idea of learning all they can learn, but not be overwhelmed by it.
This has been a hard week for me. To think, my youngest is now a junior in college. And he was so nice to point out to me the other day that if I thought I was old now just wait until the girls were graduating from college! I was shocked he would say that. I mean I guess he thinks sixty will be old. Well, come to think of it, I won't be a spring chicken! LOL!
We have made lots of progress with the adoption this last couple weeks. We have completed everything the case worker needed us to do: Finger prints, shots for cats, fire extinguishers, all new batteries in the smoke detectors, wire transfer for interpreter, and the passports arrived in the mail. That was a big praise, as we can now petition the Ukrainian government to confirm both girls are eligible for adoption. We needed the passport numbers to be able to initiate that process. Our case worker is hoping that all of the questionnaires from our references will arrive Monday so she can come to our house on Tuesday or Wednesday to finish up her side of the home study. The last thing we will need to do for her then is a 10-hour parenting class.
Wow! I stand amazed at how God can bring things together so quickly. So far, whenever we have needed to write a check to pay for something the money has been there. Praise the Lord! This week one of our income tax checks came in. We filed late this year; and normally this would be something to frown upon, but I guess I can't complain too much this time. If we had filed on time, then we would have spent the money by now. Instead, now, one day before we had to process the wire transfer, we received that amount plus a little extra in the mail!
My mom surprised me the other day. She said her and my dad had been talking; and if for some reason Tim had to come home from Ukraine early, and Christopher was still in school, she would be more than willing to fly over, so that I would not be alone. That shocked me. She has never been very adventurous, and that she would be willing to go half way around the world was cool. So, we will see how God wants to work it all out. I have had an aunt and uncle from southern Illinois visiting for the last few days; and that has been neat. I look forward to taking the girls up there to meet some of their new extended family, once they get here and have settled into the new surroundings. I hope when they come they have some pictures of their parents. They were so young when they lost their mom and dad. I want them to be able to remember all they can of them. It is their past, and an important part of them.
Lynn
I can't believe school has been going for two weeks already. I so wish Kristina and Alyona were here. I am concerned about how far behind they may be in their studies. Getting them into a school over here as young as possible will help us get the most help from the school district. I just don't want them to feel as though they spend all day in school, then come home to hours & hours of homework. I want them to embrace the idea of learning all they can learn, but not be overwhelmed by it.
This has been a hard week for me. To think, my youngest is now a junior in college. And he was so nice to point out to me the other day that if I thought I was old now just wait until the girls were graduating from college! I was shocked he would say that. I mean I guess he thinks sixty will be old. Well, come to think of it, I won't be a spring chicken! LOL!
We have made lots of progress with the adoption this last couple weeks. We have completed everything the case worker needed us to do: Finger prints, shots for cats, fire extinguishers, all new batteries in the smoke detectors, wire transfer for interpreter, and the passports arrived in the mail. That was a big praise, as we can now petition the Ukrainian government to confirm both girls are eligible for adoption. We needed the passport numbers to be able to initiate that process. Our case worker is hoping that all of the questionnaires from our references will arrive Monday so she can come to our house on Tuesday or Wednesday to finish up her side of the home study. The last thing we will need to do for her then is a 10-hour parenting class.
Wow! I stand amazed at how God can bring things together so quickly. So far, whenever we have needed to write a check to pay for something the money has been there. Praise the Lord! This week one of our income tax checks came in. We filed late this year; and normally this would be something to frown upon, but I guess I can't complain too much this time. If we had filed on time, then we would have spent the money by now. Instead, now, one day before we had to process the wire transfer, we received that amount plus a little extra in the mail!
My mom surprised me the other day. She said her and my dad had been talking; and if for some reason Tim had to come home from Ukraine early, and Christopher was still in school, she would be more than willing to fly over, so that I would not be alone. That shocked me. She has never been very adventurous, and that she would be willing to go half way around the world was cool. So, we will see how God wants to work it all out. I have had an aunt and uncle from southern Illinois visiting for the last few days; and that has been neat. I look forward to taking the girls up there to meet some of their new extended family, once they get here and have settled into the new surroundings. I hope when they come they have some pictures of their parents. They were so young when they lost their mom and dad. I want them to be able to remember all they can of them. It is their past, and an important part of them.
Lynn
Friday, August 07, 2009
A lot has happened this week. Some good, and some not so good.
I will start back on Monday, the 3rd. I got up that morning with a full "to do" list. It was a good thing I didn't have to work that day as I barely had time to breath.
I just don't know how women who have full time jobs "do it all". My hat is off to y'all, that's all I can say!! God has to have blessed you with some great angels to help you get it all done.
I had not slept well Sunday night. I guess it was about 3:30 A.M. before I really feel asleep, so when the alarm went off at 4:45... Well, I guess was glad I had not thrown it out the window as it was only doing it's job! After all, it was just an innocent bystander. Anyway, at that point I decided to go back to sleep until my sweet husband's alarm went off. Then, I intended to ask him to follow me to Walmart so I could drop off my car for an oil change, and then have him take me to the gym. I figured I could then walk back to Walmart, or catch a ride, to pick up my car. It seemed like a good idea to me. I figured it would only take him 10 minutes; and it would help me out. If not, I would fit the gym in somewhere else in my day. Well, his response was something to the effect of why had I not asked him this prior to the morning. Of course, my comment to that was, "Because I didn't think he wanted me to wake him at 3:30 A.M. to tell him. Then I would have been wide awake again; and so would have he. Well, I could tell by the "man tone" in his voice, he did not care too much for my idea. (Sorry men, but you know y'all have "that" tone, just like us women have one, too.) So, anyway, I said not to worry. I would take care of it on my own. I headed off to Walmart and told the man who checked me in that I needed an oil change and my tires rotated. That seems like a pretty simple request, right? An hour and a half later they call my name. Now, while I am there, I was multitasking by also doing my grocery shopping (of course I have frozen food, too). I get up to the counter to pay and discover they had not rotated my tires. I will just tell you now, it was NOT easy to let Jesus shine through at that moment because the last three times they have done the exact same thing. Then, to make matters worse, they tell me I have wait for the three cars IN FRONT OF ME. This after I had arrived before 7:00 A.M., and had helped the man set out the display tires, so he could check me in. At that I asked to speak to the manager. Thankfully, the manager knows me and gets them to finish my vehicle right away. Praise the Lord!! I will just say it again, Praise the Lord!! After that, I ran to Office Depot to make a few copies. They open at 8:00, and it is now 9:00, so they should be ready for customers, right? WRONG!! Or so I thought... You see, what Satan tried to do that morning was get me mad, and not let me be the witness I needed to be, but God is so good! I went in the store; and out of FIVE copiers, NOT EVEN ONE OF THEM WAS WORKING!! Can you just believe my luck?? At that point I kind of felt like I just needed to go home and back to bed! But with so many things to get done, not a chance. I walked up to the counter and asked the man to help me. He looked at my originals and said he couldn't copy the page from the magazine. I said, "Well, I am Lynn Loecher. Here is my license to prove who I am. I helped co-author the article, so I am giving myself permission to copy it." It was from a church newsletter, FROM EIGHT YEARS AGO. I just did not want to go to the church to copy a single page. I proceeded to tell him the article was about my husband having an affair, and how God had restored our marriage. I continued that the rest of the story was we are still together and are now adopting 2 girls. He asked if he could read it. I told him I was in a hurry, but that he could make an extra copy and I would happily pay for it. He did so; and I left. The rest of my day went reasonably well, but I never did make it to the gym. I know from past experience that if I don't get there by 5:30 in the morning I just don't get there at all. Oh well, maybe next time...
I did make it to the gym on Tuesday. Go girl!! I even walked 4 miles in 57 minutes, which is good for me. I had to work that day; and afterwards had a long list of things to do. One item was to run by Walmart. While in the store, I "ran into" the man from Office Depot; and he me told how much he enjoyed reading our article. He also shared that he and his wife were separated, as he had had an affair; but that she wanted to work it out. He said they were going to dinner together on Friday night. He then told me he did not know why he was in the store on Monday morning as he was not supposed to work that day, but he had gotten his days goofed up and came in on his day off day. The guy who was to supposed work that morning never showed up; and that's why the copiers had not been turned on yet when I arrived. Anyway, the man said he was sorry again; and I apologized for my poor attitude. I told him I felt it was a "total God thing" as God knew I was going into that store; and he needed to be reminded that if he would put God back in the center of his life things would work out. If my Monday had started the way I intended I would have missed a divine appointment to be a witness for Jesus. At the end of the day, when I laid my head down, I was still able to say, " I got it all done, and I will get up and do it all over again tomorrow."
Wednesday was another busy work day, then church. It was a great service, but it always is if you are there to worship Him who gives you life. It was not one of my better moments at home later that night, though. Over the weekend Tim and I had a conversation. He said it was Saturday. I thought it was Sunday. That's not important, though, but he thought we had decided one thing. I didn't know we made any decisions about it. Basically, he had said he wanted to re-join choir; and I said if he wanted, then he should, but we needed to figure out how to fit it in on our busy, busy schedule. I thought that meant we would sit down and talk about it some more. He thought that meant between him and the choir director, I guess. (Just kidding.) When church got over, he said, "I will see you at home after choir practice." Well, that went over like a lead balloon! As you're probably already guessing, "Not so great!" By the time he got home I was fit to be tied; and I laid into him as if he had just committed a crime. I was HUNGRY. You see, we had been going to Subway for dinner immediately following church the last several weeks so I had not eaten. Not a good thing: hungry, tired woman, still not over the Walmart episode from Monday morning, still holding a grudge about the gym, and then this miscommunication. Well, when he got home... look out. He clearly know I was mad. Real MAD. Thankfully by bed time I peaceably said good night, and gave him a kiss, and said I loved him, and we would figure it out somehow.
Then Thursday, and the StairMaster at the gym. -- I want every one to know that machine was invented by Satan himself as a sick joke. 39 flights of stairs in 12 minutes, to burn all of 57 calories!! Then 4 hours later I could hardly move my legs to get in and out of the car. Sorry, my A.D.D. kicked in. -- A song by John Waller comes on my MP3 player:
WHILE I'M WAITING
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on you, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on you, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on you, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
The lesson I have learned this week is that when things don't go the way we desire, or people don't do what we want, it is OK. We are waiting on the Lord; and in that time we are to serve Him and worship Him. I am so glad I have a husband who is so in tune with the things the Lord wants him to do. Well most things! I want to be the woman God intends me to be.
I am learning it is OK to say that small 2-letter word Tim has tried so hard for so many years to get me to say, "No." He would say, "Let's practice before you leave. When someone asks you to do something, can you say, "No." No, I can't say, "No." Well, this past week in my quiet time with the Lord, He showed me that I needed to step down from co-teaching a weight loss class at our church and become a student for a while. To sit, and be still, and know He is God. To let Him be in control of my life. So, when the lady I teach with called me and asked if I was coming back, I told her, "No." I could hear the angels in heaven clapping and cheering me on for being obedient to the Lord; and it felt good, too! That's very hard for me, but if I don't seek HIM I will miss the lessons He needs to teach me. As well, He told me we are on a tight time table. He wants the girls home for Christmas. So we cannot miss a step, or we could miss a deadline and possibly not get them here. How would I feel if it was because of something I did that they would not be together for Jesus' birthday? I don't even know what they know about Him, but I feel an urgency to get them here to pour out His love for them.
Sorry this was so long. I hope not all weeks are this busy, but in the long run it was a GREAT week. Please be in prayer for the man from Office Depot and his wife. And if any of you have any prayer requests, please feel free to send them to either of us. We would love to pray with you, or for, you.
I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful weekend with Jesus!
Lynn
I will start back on Monday, the 3rd. I got up that morning with a full "to do" list. It was a good thing I didn't have to work that day as I barely had time to breath.
I just don't know how women who have full time jobs "do it all". My hat is off to y'all, that's all I can say!! God has to have blessed you with some great angels to help you get it all done.
I had not slept well Sunday night. I guess it was about 3:30 A.M. before I really feel asleep, so when the alarm went off at 4:45... Well, I guess was glad I had not thrown it out the window as it was only doing it's job! After all, it was just an innocent bystander. Anyway, at that point I decided to go back to sleep until my sweet husband's alarm went off. Then, I intended to ask him to follow me to Walmart so I could drop off my car for an oil change, and then have him take me to the gym. I figured I could then walk back to Walmart, or catch a ride, to pick up my car. It seemed like a good idea to me. I figured it would only take him 10 minutes; and it would help me out. If not, I would fit the gym in somewhere else in my day. Well, his response was something to the effect of why had I not asked him this prior to the morning. Of course, my comment to that was, "Because I didn't think he wanted me to wake him at 3:30 A.M. to tell him. Then I would have been wide awake again; and so would have he. Well, I could tell by the "man tone" in his voice, he did not care too much for my idea. (Sorry men, but you know y'all have "that" tone, just like us women have one, too.) So, anyway, I said not to worry. I would take care of it on my own. I headed off to Walmart and told the man who checked me in that I needed an oil change and my tires rotated. That seems like a pretty simple request, right? An hour and a half later they call my name. Now, while I am there, I was multitasking by also doing my grocery shopping (of course I have frozen food, too). I get up to the counter to pay and discover they had not rotated my tires. I will just tell you now, it was NOT easy to let Jesus shine through at that moment because the last three times they have done the exact same thing. Then, to make matters worse, they tell me I have wait for the three cars IN FRONT OF ME. This after I had arrived before 7:00 A.M., and had helped the man set out the display tires, so he could check me in. At that I asked to speak to the manager. Thankfully, the manager knows me and gets them to finish my vehicle right away. Praise the Lord!! I will just say it again, Praise the Lord!! After that, I ran to Office Depot to make a few copies. They open at 8:00, and it is now 9:00, so they should be ready for customers, right? WRONG!! Or so I thought... You see, what Satan tried to do that morning was get me mad, and not let me be the witness I needed to be, but God is so good! I went in the store; and out of FIVE copiers, NOT EVEN ONE OF THEM WAS WORKING!! Can you just believe my luck?? At that point I kind of felt like I just needed to go home and back to bed! But with so many things to get done, not a chance. I walked up to the counter and asked the man to help me. He looked at my originals and said he couldn't copy the page from the magazine. I said, "Well, I am Lynn Loecher. Here is my license to prove who I am. I helped co-author the article, so I am giving myself permission to copy it." It was from a church newsletter, FROM EIGHT YEARS AGO. I just did not want to go to the church to copy a single page. I proceeded to tell him the article was about my husband having an affair, and how God had restored our marriage. I continued that the rest of the story was we are still together and are now adopting 2 girls. He asked if he could read it. I told him I was in a hurry, but that he could make an extra copy and I would happily pay for it. He did so; and I left. The rest of my day went reasonably well, but I never did make it to the gym. I know from past experience that if I don't get there by 5:30 in the morning I just don't get there at all. Oh well, maybe next time...
I did make it to the gym on Tuesday. Go girl!! I even walked 4 miles in 57 minutes, which is good for me. I had to work that day; and afterwards had a long list of things to do. One item was to run by Walmart. While in the store, I "ran into" the man from Office Depot; and he me told how much he enjoyed reading our article. He also shared that he and his wife were separated, as he had had an affair; but that she wanted to work it out. He said they were going to dinner together on Friday night. He then told me he did not know why he was in the store on Monday morning as he was not supposed to work that day, but he had gotten his days goofed up and came in on his day off day. The guy who was to supposed work that morning never showed up; and that's why the copiers had not been turned on yet when I arrived. Anyway, the man said he was sorry again; and I apologized for my poor attitude. I told him I felt it was a "total God thing" as God knew I was going into that store; and he needed to be reminded that if he would put God back in the center of his life things would work out. If my Monday had started the way I intended I would have missed a divine appointment to be a witness for Jesus. At the end of the day, when I laid my head down, I was still able to say, " I got it all done, and I will get up and do it all over again tomorrow."
Wednesday was another busy work day, then church. It was a great service, but it always is if you are there to worship Him who gives you life. It was not one of my better moments at home later that night, though. Over the weekend Tim and I had a conversation. He said it was Saturday. I thought it was Sunday. That's not important, though, but he thought we had decided one thing. I didn't know we made any decisions about it. Basically, he had said he wanted to re-join choir; and I said if he wanted, then he should, but we needed to figure out how to fit it in on our busy, busy schedule. I thought that meant we would sit down and talk about it some more. He thought that meant between him and the choir director, I guess. (Just kidding.) When church got over, he said, "I will see you at home after choir practice." Well, that went over like a lead balloon! As you're probably already guessing, "Not so great!" By the time he got home I was fit to be tied; and I laid into him as if he had just committed a crime. I was HUNGRY. You see, we had been going to Subway for dinner immediately following church the last several weeks so I had not eaten. Not a good thing: hungry, tired woman, still not over the Walmart episode from Monday morning, still holding a grudge about the gym, and then this miscommunication. Well, when he got home... look out. He clearly know I was mad. Real MAD. Thankfully by bed time I peaceably said good night, and gave him a kiss, and said I loved him, and we would figure it out somehow.
Then Thursday, and the StairMaster at the gym. -- I want every one to know that machine was invented by Satan himself as a sick joke. 39 flights of stairs in 12 minutes, to burn all of 57 calories!! Then 4 hours later I could hardly move my legs to get in and out of the car. Sorry, my A.D.D. kicked in. -- A song by John Waller comes on my MP3 player:
WHILE I'M WAITING
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on you, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on you, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on you, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
The lesson I have learned this week is that when things don't go the way we desire, or people don't do what we want, it is OK. We are waiting on the Lord; and in that time we are to serve Him and worship Him. I am so glad I have a husband who is so in tune with the things the Lord wants him to do. Well most things! I want to be the woman God intends me to be.
I am learning it is OK to say that small 2-letter word Tim has tried so hard for so many years to get me to say, "No." He would say, "Let's practice before you leave. When someone asks you to do something, can you say, "No." No, I can't say, "No." Well, this past week in my quiet time with the Lord, He showed me that I needed to step down from co-teaching a weight loss class at our church and become a student for a while. To sit, and be still, and know He is God. To let Him be in control of my life. So, when the lady I teach with called me and asked if I was coming back, I told her, "No." I could hear the angels in heaven clapping and cheering me on for being obedient to the Lord; and it felt good, too! That's very hard for me, but if I don't seek HIM I will miss the lessons He needs to teach me. As well, He told me we are on a tight time table. He wants the girls home for Christmas. So we cannot miss a step, or we could miss a deadline and possibly not get them here. How would I feel if it was because of something I did that they would not be together for Jesus' birthday? I don't even know what they know about Him, but I feel an urgency to get them here to pour out His love for them.
Sorry this was so long. I hope not all weeks are this busy, but in the long run it was a GREAT week. Please be in prayer for the man from Office Depot and his wife. And if any of you have any prayer requests, please feel free to send them to either of us. We would love to pray with you, or for, you.
I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful weekend with Jesus!
Lynn
Monday, August 03, 2009
In the early afternoon of July 28th, Mrs. Betti, from Catholic Charities, called about the home study. She will be our social worker for the case. She is very nice! She is retired and works only when needed, or requested. The Tygarts had used her, so I had asked about her. She knew we wanted to get started, so asked if we could come yet that afternoon, about 4:30. Of course, I said yes! I called Tim and left very quickly there after to get him in order to get to her house. I was very nervous; and felt kind of like a fish out of water, but Vicky had said to just be open. They hold nothing against you. They just need to know about you. We spent about one and half hours with her, going over the paper, and talking. She asked a lot of questions. As we left, she set up two more appointments, one for me, and one for Tim. I had my 2nd appointment last Friday. We talked about even more paperwork, then about my life, from childhood right up until that afternoon. She said I talk too fast! She had a hard time writing it all down. I guess that is because I am from the north. LOL!
I have written letters to both of the girls. We have meet some friends, at church. The wife is from Russia, and the husband is from America. Because she speaks and reads Russian, she will be translating the letters for me. I sure do hope the girls get them. I also hope I am learning all the lessons God is trying so hard to teach me, the first time, as I don't want to have to do this again.
We had the Tygarts over for dinner the other night. It was fun watching Joshua Alex. He is so curious about things. We learned a lot of info from them that night on how to proceed and what things we need to get started on right away. Then, last night we went to a welcome home party for Grisha/baby shower for the Fumias. We also met some other couples; and they were able to answer even more questions. And it will be OK if I don't get to do this the way I thought I needed to in the beginning. GOD is in control; and He will guide our steps, if I let him. I like to be in control; and that is one thing He is showing me. He has to be the one in control. This process will not work out if I insist on taking the lead. I must learn to follow. Lesson learned: Follow GOD and your path will be smooth, or at least not as bumpy as it could have been.
One of the couples we met last night said they only got to spend one and one half hours with the little girl they wanted to adopt; and that was over a two day period! I had been thinking, "I need all ten days," but God told me this morning, in the shower, He has this plan for these girls to be ours forever, so I don't need to be with them for the whole ten days. He has them as my daughters already. I have claimed them. Now, all I need is just a piece of paper to say they belong to me! I am so glad it is easier to become His daughter than to go to another country to adopt. I come to Him dirty and full of sin; and He cleans me up and makes me His child. I am not sure why He is so good to me.
I hope the girls know of His love. This morning in Sunday school, the Tygarts were telling about their adventures of adopting; and Vicky said Josh never thought he would be adopted, that no family would come for him, as he was not a good boy. He had his share of trouble in the past. Who has not? But to feel so unworthy of himself broke my heart. I hope people have not told my girls that. They are God’s children and God does not make a mistake. I will make sure they know God’s love for them in every way I can. They have been chosen by God to come to our family, to make us complete. After listening to the other families, Saturday night, I know we will have many challenges ahead of us, but it sure will be fun.
I went to do some school shopping yesterday for Christopher, our youngest son, and I walked through the girls department of J.C. Penney’s; and I thought to myself, "Some day, not too far off, I will get to be doing this with my girls." I can't wait! Later, Tim and I had to take some of the stuff back, I had bought; and while waiting in line we look at bedspreads in the catalog, and showed each other what we liked. This will be fun. I want pink, and more PINK. I want them to feel like princesses, as they may have never had that feeling. I am sure we will come to a compromise of what to do in their room, but I hope there is some PINK in it. Besides, what dad doesn't want his girls to be happy!
Well, for now all we can do is sit here, and wait to do more paperwork, pray, write letters, pray, talk with other families, pray, write checks to people; and did I mention PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY HARDER for God’s peace to rain down on us, and keep us still when He wants us still, and moving when He wants us moving. Until then, please pray with us.
Lynn
I have written letters to both of the girls. We have meet some friends, at church. The wife is from Russia, and the husband is from America. Because she speaks and reads Russian, she will be translating the letters for me. I sure do hope the girls get them. I also hope I am learning all the lessons God is trying so hard to teach me, the first time, as I don't want to have to do this again.
We had the Tygarts over for dinner the other night. It was fun watching Joshua Alex. He is so curious about things. We learned a lot of info from them that night on how to proceed and what things we need to get started on right away. Then, last night we went to a welcome home party for Grisha/baby shower for the Fumias. We also met some other couples; and they were able to answer even more questions. And it will be OK if I don't get to do this the way I thought I needed to in the beginning. GOD is in control; and He will guide our steps, if I let him. I like to be in control; and that is one thing He is showing me. He has to be the one in control. This process will not work out if I insist on taking the lead. I must learn to follow. Lesson learned: Follow GOD and your path will be smooth, or at least not as bumpy as it could have been.
One of the couples we met last night said they only got to spend one and one half hours with the little girl they wanted to adopt; and that was over a two day period! I had been thinking, "I need all ten days," but God told me this morning, in the shower, He has this plan for these girls to be ours forever, so I don't need to be with them for the whole ten days. He has them as my daughters already. I have claimed them. Now, all I need is just a piece of paper to say they belong to me! I am so glad it is easier to become His daughter than to go to another country to adopt. I come to Him dirty and full of sin; and He cleans me up and makes me His child. I am not sure why He is so good to me.
I hope the girls know of His love. This morning in Sunday school, the Tygarts were telling about their adventures of adopting; and Vicky said Josh never thought he would be adopted, that no family would come for him, as he was not a good boy. He had his share of trouble in the past. Who has not? But to feel so unworthy of himself broke my heart. I hope people have not told my girls that. They are God’s children and God does not make a mistake. I will make sure they know God’s love for them in every way I can. They have been chosen by God to come to our family, to make us complete. After listening to the other families, Saturday night, I know we will have many challenges ahead of us, but it sure will be fun.
I went to do some school shopping yesterday for Christopher, our youngest son, and I walked through the girls department of J.C. Penney’s; and I thought to myself, "Some day, not too far off, I will get to be doing this with my girls." I can't wait! Later, Tim and I had to take some of the stuff back, I had bought; and while waiting in line we look at bedspreads in the catalog, and showed each other what we liked. This will be fun. I want pink, and more PINK. I want them to feel like princesses, as they may have never had that feeling. I am sure we will come to a compromise of what to do in their room, but I hope there is some PINK in it. Besides, what dad doesn't want his girls to be happy!
Well, for now all we can do is sit here, and wait to do more paperwork, pray, write letters, pray, talk with other families, pray, write checks to people; and did I mention PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY HARDER for God’s peace to rain down on us, and keep us still when He wants us still, and moving when He wants us moving. Until then, please pray with us.
Lynn
Friday, July 24, 2009
Morning: Well, yesterday I went and turned in the application for the home study to start the process to bring the girls home. YIPPEE!!!!!
I am so excited!. I wish it was time to go get them already. I just want to start showering love on them. Not spoiling them, but loving them. (OK, who am I kidding? A little spoiling is definitely in order. They have had it rough for the last few years.) They have gone through more than most American young adults have experienced; and Alyona & Kristina are only 8 and 11.
Our friends, the Tygarts, arrived home, from Ukraine, last night about 11:30 pm with their new son, Joshua Alex Tygart, and I get to go and meet him this morning. I am taking them breakfast. I hope he likes breakfast casserole, but from the sounds of it, he will eat just about anything. You see, the children really don't get any choices in the orphanage, so making even basic decisions becomes very hard for them. If you ask them whether they want a Coke or a Dr. Pepper they are not always sure how to answer. They try to figure out what they think you want them to say, not what they truly want. This makes it hard teaching them some of the life lessons that we take for granted.
Evening: Well, it has been a busy day. I made the breakfast casserole and went to meet Josh. He is a fine looking young man. Very well mannered. The only thing I can see they may have a problem with is they'll have to raise the fans, or the ceilings, if he gets any taller! It was so good to meet him and hug him. It makes me long for the day I can go and hug my girls.
My parents seem to be handling the adoption real well. This does somewhat surprise me as I thought they might think we were too old, or had lost or mind, but my dad said the other day that he could see in both of our eyes how happy we were when we talk about the girls. He knows it must be from God. Those were some big words for him to say. It means everything in the world for them to give us their support on this, as these girls will be their granddaughters. Not like Moisés, who was just here for a year, but he made a life change in them also. As a matter of fact, they are also looking forward to meeting Josh on Sunday at church.
Catholic Charities called me this afternoon to let me know they would call Monday to set up an appointment for us to come in next week for our first meeting. We would also pick up some more paperwork to complete and turn back in. The woman said she did not see any reason why we could not have this part done within four to five weeks, as long as we kept moving on our end; and she would help get us started on the other processes, so we could keep moving. I am looking forward to sitting down with the Tygarts and the Fumias and "picking their brains". I seem to have more questions in my mind than memory up there.
Well, I will close for now and let y'all know when I know something else. Please keep praying for Kristina and Alyona, as they don't know anyone wants to be their forever family. I want them to start feeling some movement of GOD in their hearts and spirit so they can give Him all the glory. Also that God will provide all the funds we need, when we need them, in his perfect timing. Have a good night!
Lynn
I am so excited!. I wish it was time to go get them already. I just want to start showering love on them. Not spoiling them, but loving them. (OK, who am I kidding? A little spoiling is definitely in order. They have had it rough for the last few years.) They have gone through more than most American young adults have experienced; and Alyona & Kristina are only 8 and 11.
Our friends, the Tygarts, arrived home, from Ukraine, last night about 11:30 pm with their new son, Joshua Alex Tygart, and I get to go and meet him this morning. I am taking them breakfast. I hope he likes breakfast casserole, but from the sounds of it, he will eat just about anything. You see, the children really don't get any choices in the orphanage, so making even basic decisions becomes very hard for them. If you ask them whether they want a Coke or a Dr. Pepper they are not always sure how to answer. They try to figure out what they think you want them to say, not what they truly want. This makes it hard teaching them some of the life lessons that we take for granted.
Evening: Well, it has been a busy day. I made the breakfast casserole and went to meet Josh. He is a fine looking young man. Very well mannered. The only thing I can see they may have a problem with is they'll have to raise the fans, or the ceilings, if he gets any taller! It was so good to meet him and hug him. It makes me long for the day I can go and hug my girls.
My parents seem to be handling the adoption real well. This does somewhat surprise me as I thought they might think we were too old, or had lost or mind, but my dad said the other day that he could see in both of our eyes how happy we were when we talk about the girls. He knows it must be from God. Those were some big words for him to say. It means everything in the world for them to give us their support on this, as these girls will be their granddaughters. Not like Moisés, who was just here for a year, but he made a life change in them also. As a matter of fact, they are also looking forward to meeting Josh on Sunday at church.
Catholic Charities called me this afternoon to let me know they would call Monday to set up an appointment for us to come in next week for our first meeting. We would also pick up some more paperwork to complete and turn back in. The woman said she did not see any reason why we could not have this part done within four to five weeks, as long as we kept moving on our end; and she would help get us started on the other processes, so we could keep moving. I am looking forward to sitting down with the Tygarts and the Fumias and "picking their brains". I seem to have more questions in my mind than memory up there.
Well, I will close for now and let y'all know when I know something else. Please keep praying for Kristina and Alyona, as they don't know anyone wants to be their forever family. I want them to start feeling some movement of GOD in their hearts and spirit so they can give Him all the glory. Also that God will provide all the funds we need, when we need them, in his perfect timing. Have a good night!
Lynn
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Girls, I am sitting here wondering what you are doing this afternoon? If the weather is hot and sticky there, like it is here in Mississippi? If you will like it here when you get to come home? I am calling this home, as I believe God is already putting in your heart that there is someone somewhere out there who loves you and wants you to come and live with them forever. To be their "forever child". I can't believe how I have never heard your sweet little voices, yet I have fallen so in love with both of you. I guess this time of waiting is like a time of going through pregnancy, only you are growing on the outside, in Ukraine!
It is funny when I think of the time when Moisés came to live with us. I wondered why that all happened. When we first started to plan for it I could not wait. Then as he got closer to coming I grew weary. Then right after he came I put up this wall against him. It was like he walked through the door and I knew I could fall in love with him as any parent does with a child, but he was not my child to fall in love with. He was only here for a season; and when that season was over he would leave, and we might never hear from him again. So, if I didn't let myself get close to him, then I didn't have to get hurt. Well, after a year of the wall I was so ready for him to leave... until, that is, it was time for him to graduate, and three short weeks until he would get on that plane, and we would be back to our family of four. Then, the youth minister at church had a senior dinner and the parents had to pray a blessing over their child. Well, Moisés was not my child, so Tim could do it. Then, I would be off the hook, right? NO. God had something else planned. That night, while getting ready, I told Tim that I did need a couple minutes to say something to Moisés. God had reminded me, earlier that day, that I had always said I would be a good step mother because mine was not, but as it turned out for Moisés I was not at all. I told him how sorry I was, and asked him to forgive me. I then told him I had put up an emotional wall as I didn't want to get hurt when he flew out of our lives, after we had invested a year into him. Unlike all the other parents who got to look forward to college graduations, and weddings, and grandbabies from their children, we might never hear from Moisés again. We didn't have all those future events to look forward to; and that broke my heart, but as Moisés sat there crying, he looked up at me and said that he, too, had built an emotional wall toward me, because he didn't want to be hurt when he left.
Well, he has now been gone three years; and we still do hear from him and see him. We have built a good relationship, built on solid ground, not on sand that can wash away. I feel like he knows he can come to us whenever he has a problem and we will be there to help him. It is never easy to see one you love leave the nest; and the day Moises graduated from high school I cryed the same way I did the days my two sons graduated. I feel like God put Moisés into our lives to prepare us for the next adventure in our lives. Not only do we have the two biological children God blessed us with, we have Moisés, Kristina, and Alyona. God is so good! I can't believe he trusts me to take care of his precious children.
Thank You, Lord, for this part of the ride.
Lynn
It is funny when I think of the time when Moisés came to live with us. I wondered why that all happened. When we first started to plan for it I could not wait. Then as he got closer to coming I grew weary. Then right after he came I put up this wall against him. It was like he walked through the door and I knew I could fall in love with him as any parent does with a child, but he was not my child to fall in love with. He was only here for a season; and when that season was over he would leave, and we might never hear from him again. So, if I didn't let myself get close to him, then I didn't have to get hurt. Well, after a year of the wall I was so ready for him to leave... until, that is, it was time for him to graduate, and three short weeks until he would get on that plane, and we would be back to our family of four. Then, the youth minister at church had a senior dinner and the parents had to pray a blessing over their child. Well, Moisés was not my child, so Tim could do it. Then, I would be off the hook, right? NO. God had something else planned. That night, while getting ready, I told Tim that I did need a couple minutes to say something to Moisés. God had reminded me, earlier that day, that I had always said I would be a good step mother because mine was not, but as it turned out for Moisés I was not at all. I told him how sorry I was, and asked him to forgive me. I then told him I had put up an emotional wall as I didn't want to get hurt when he flew out of our lives, after we had invested a year into him. Unlike all the other parents who got to look forward to college graduations, and weddings, and grandbabies from their children, we might never hear from Moisés again. We didn't have all those future events to look forward to; and that broke my heart, but as Moisés sat there crying, he looked up at me and said that he, too, had built an emotional wall toward me, because he didn't want to be hurt when he left.
Well, he has now been gone three years; and we still do hear from him and see him. We have built a good relationship, built on solid ground, not on sand that can wash away. I feel like he knows he can come to us whenever he has a problem and we will be there to help him. It is never easy to see one you love leave the nest; and the day Moises graduated from high school I cryed the same way I did the days my two sons graduated. I feel like God put Moisés into our lives to prepare us for the next adventure in our lives. Not only do we have the two biological children God blessed us with, we have Moisés, Kristina, and Alyona. God is so good! I can't believe he trusts me to take care of his precious children.
Thank You, Lord, for this part of the ride.
Lynn
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I Can't Tell You Why
Let me start by saying that we never went looking for kids to adopt. It probably was the farthest thing from our minds. With Christopher moving out, back in May, and Justin leaving in August, we were going to finally be alone. Every parent dream, an empty nest! It took a long time to come. At times I have had a hard time with it, but not to the point of adopting. I mean, grandkids should be coming in our future. Someday, right? I hope?!?! Boys, if you read this, I would like some! It was nice to be able to come and go when we wanted to. To eat when and what we wanted. No, 'I don't like that', or 'Could you please make me this', or 'You know I don't eat that'. Then, all the dishes! I think they think I am a housekeeper! [ :-) ] Well, I may be a housekeeper, but to those who pay me for my services, which the boys do not.
Anyway, when Tim left that Sunday morning for church little did I know what a life changing experience it would become. He came home with a prayer card which had two photos on it. We have prayed in the past for two children like these. One of them had been adopted and now lives in Cuba, AL. The second had "aged out" of the orphanage there in Odessa, Ukraine, and was later found living on the streets. I also know we have lots of sad stories right here on the streets of America. As a matter of fact, my very best friend in all of the world is over in Ukraine, right now; and she and her husband just received their court decree last Friday. When she first came and told me what she wanted to do, I thought the same thing some of you are thinking right now, "She was nuts!!!"
I don't know why God has chosen now, or why He has chosen us, but He HAS. He has called all of us "to go". For some it may be across the street. Others, down the street, into the worst areas. And others, to Ukraine. The point is when He calls you, you need to be willing to do what He asks of you. Let's face it, He gave a lot for us. I could never do what He did. Never in a million years would I allow my child to die for anyone, yet He allowed His ONLY Son to die for all of us. It is up to each of us to do with that as we choose. I know what I must personally do.
Back in 2001, when God showed us the house we now live in, we looked at it on a Sunday afternoon, after several people at church all asked the same morning if we had ever looked at it. You see, it had been on the market for EIGHTEEN months after our former youth pastor was called to another church. So, we drove by that afternoon. I called the owner the next morning to ask if he would be willing to do a "lease to own" as we needed time time fix up and sell our house in Forest. He said he would, so we came back on Wednesday evening to look again. We moved in the following Saturday; and just one weekend later we hosted our first youth event here. I guess you could say we christened the house.
As a side note, I believe this house was meant to have kids in it. Until now we have had two. The people before us had four, two older boys and two younger girls. The people before them, the same thing. Oh, also the couple before them. I just found that out today! They were the first owners. So when our girls get here, every family that has lived here will have had two older boys and two younger girls. Do you think God wanted us to have these girls, or what?
Sorry for digressing. Anyway, back to the empty nest issue. We were getting the yard the way WE wanted it, the house remodeled the WE wanted it, decorated the way WE wanted. We intended to travel when and where WE wanted. Do you see the theme here? It had become all about what WE wanted. We were not even really seeking what HE wanted. It is so funny to me how one little letter can change so much. You see, in 2001 when we moved we told God, we would use our home to bring Glory to His kingdom. Then, at some point we start to turn that glory to us; and He has had to remind us HE can take it away from us as fast as HE gave it to us, or even faster if He desires.
There are times in life when we are in the valleys and we don't know why. It may take some serious evaluation of the places, things, people we are with. Are they dragging us down, or are they lifting us up? I want to soar on eagles' wings. When I get to heaven, I want Jesus to look at me and say, "Thank you for taking the time to love the orphans and the widows." Why Ukraine? I still have no idea! Maybe it is to raise these girls up to know GOD'S love and to send them back to tell of GOD'S love to a lost and dying country. I don't know. I do know they will learn that they were chosen by God for us to love them and teach them. They will grow up participating in short term mission projects and learn to love on people. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. Will there be bad days? Absolutely, yes. Will we have a hard time at first? Again, yes. Will we laugh about it later? Assuredly, yes!! But it will be the time of our lives to see our girls' faces when we tell them we have come to take them home to be a "forever family".
To conclude, the only thing I can say is, "GOD SAID SO, SO WE NEED TO DO IT, AND THAT'S FINAL." All that is left is for us to sit back and wait for God to make the miracles happen. I hope you enjoy this ride along with us on the God roller coaster of life!!
Lynn
Anyway, when Tim left that Sunday morning for church little did I know what a life changing experience it would become. He came home with a prayer card which had two photos on it. We have prayed in the past for two children like these. One of them had been adopted and now lives in Cuba, AL. The second had "aged out" of the orphanage there in Odessa, Ukraine, and was later found living on the streets. I also know we have lots of sad stories right here on the streets of America. As a matter of fact, my very best friend in all of the world is over in Ukraine, right now; and she and her husband just received their court decree last Friday. When she first came and told me what she wanted to do, I thought the same thing some of you are thinking right now, "She was nuts!!!"
I don't know why God has chosen now, or why He has chosen us, but He HAS. He has called all of us "to go". For some it may be across the street. Others, down the street, into the worst areas. And others, to Ukraine. The point is when He calls you, you need to be willing to do what He asks of you. Let's face it, He gave a lot for us. I could never do what He did. Never in a million years would I allow my child to die for anyone, yet He allowed His ONLY Son to die for all of us. It is up to each of us to do with that as we choose. I know what I must personally do.
Back in 2001, when God showed us the house we now live in, we looked at it on a Sunday afternoon, after several people at church all asked the same morning if we had ever looked at it. You see, it had been on the market for EIGHTEEN months after our former youth pastor was called to another church. So, we drove by that afternoon. I called the owner the next morning to ask if he would be willing to do a "lease to own" as we needed time time fix up and sell our house in Forest. He said he would, so we came back on Wednesday evening to look again. We moved in the following Saturday; and just one weekend later we hosted our first youth event here. I guess you could say we christened the house.
As a side note, I believe this house was meant to have kids in it. Until now we have had two. The people before us had four, two older boys and two younger girls. The people before them, the same thing. Oh, also the couple before them. I just found that out today! They were the first owners. So when our girls get here, every family that has lived here will have had two older boys and two younger girls. Do you think God wanted us to have these girls, or what?
Sorry for digressing. Anyway, back to the empty nest issue. We were getting the yard the way WE wanted it, the house remodeled the WE wanted it, decorated the way WE wanted. We intended to travel when and where WE wanted. Do you see the theme here? It had become all about what WE wanted. We were not even really seeking what HE wanted. It is so funny to me how one little letter can change so much. You see, in 2001 when we moved we told God, we would use our home to bring Glory to His kingdom. Then, at some point we start to turn that glory to us; and He has had to remind us HE can take it away from us as fast as HE gave it to us, or even faster if He desires.
There are times in life when we are in the valleys and we don't know why. It may take some serious evaluation of the places, things, people we are with. Are they dragging us down, or are they lifting us up? I want to soar on eagles' wings. When I get to heaven, I want Jesus to look at me and say, "Thank you for taking the time to love the orphans and the widows." Why Ukraine? I still have no idea! Maybe it is to raise these girls up to know GOD'S love and to send them back to tell of GOD'S love to a lost and dying country. I don't know. I do know they will learn that they were chosen by God for us to love them and teach them. They will grow up participating in short term mission projects and learn to love on people. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. Will there be bad days? Absolutely, yes. Will we have a hard time at first? Again, yes. Will we laugh about it later? Assuredly, yes!! But it will be the time of our lives to see our girls' faces when we tell them we have come to take them home to be a "forever family".
To conclude, the only thing I can say is, "GOD SAID SO, SO WE NEED TO DO IT, AND THAT'S FINAL." All that is left is for us to sit back and wait for God to make the miracles happen. I hope you enjoy this ride along with us on the God roller coaster of life!!
Lynn
Monday, June 22, 2009
Girls, I have thought about you so much in the last few days. It almost seems like I am "abused " with you. In the Psalms 74:10-18 it seems at times that God is slow to answer on our behalf, but what is slow to us is perfect to God. I can become so impatient at times. I want to make things happen. I want to help God out. As if God needs my help!! It is hard to wait for God to act, but He gave me this; and I must not give up. When God is silent and you are in deep anguish follow the method in this psalm.
I knew the moment I saw the girls pictures they were part of our family. I had no idea how this was going to happen, and I still really don't, but when God gives you a promise He will deliver on it. That much I do know. In my prayer time one morning, God told me to get the church directory out and he would show me who he wanted me to ask to pray for Tim. I went and got 15 prayer cards made with the girls' pictures on them and passed them out. I gave them all strict instructions not to tell anyone, as it could not get back to Tim. So, the first few days I am thinking he is going to come to me any day and say, "Let's go to Ukraine and bring our girls home." Well guess what? That did not happen! So a few more days, and back to the store for more cards. Now I have 35 of the cards out and still instructions to not discuss with anyone. So far so good. Everyone is keeping quiet. I asked Tim if he had been praying for our girls that week; and he said, "OUR girls?" I thought I had almost blown it. I responded, "Well, aren't they are girls, as we are the ones praying for them, right?" He paused for a second and said, "You're right." Whew! I got out of that one. Then he said, "No. I had forgotten to be praying for them." I mean... you could have just ran me over with a car. Well, God said go get some more made. Now we are up to FIFTY. How long is this going to take?
I thought some how, some way I missed God on this one. I was trying to hear from God, but did I allow Satan in, thinking it was God? No, it couldn't be that! Tim and I seemed to be getting along great; and the family was doing okay for the most part, but at church, I would go pray, and then Tim would go pray. We just weren't going to the altar together. We prayed with different people at different times. I wonder if people thought we were having trouble? Then, I questioned if we were and I had missed that too, as that had happened once before, several years ago. I just felt like I was going crazy! All I could do was think of our girls, our family, our life.
I am here to tell you that on June 29, 2009 GOD "showed up" and "showed out" at church that night. I could feel His presence all around me. I had prayed with several people that day, about the girls and Tim. Buster had the choir come out of the loft and circle the congregation and sing praises over us. I could feel God's arms around me as He held me tight and told me He was right here. He would never leave me, nor our girls. He told me it was time for me to sit down and have a talk with Tim and tell him my feelings. That it would be okay. I questioned Him on that. I also reminded Him I wanted Tim to come to me and tell me, that I wanted to be a submissive wife. I have never been good at that; and I was trying to be so. I was not making anything happen, other than prayer. He said I had done as He wanted for long enough. Now was the time to tell Tim. [I guess He thought Tim might never come to me!! :-) ] Again, I questioned Him. That's not always a good thing. He told me to go talk to a friend of ours, so I did. I started to tell the man some of what was going on, but he already knew. I thought some how someone must have told Tim, and the two of them had talked, but he said no. He just knew it because it came from God, and it would be okay. Tim would be fine. I said, "Why don't you tell him. He won't kill you!" He replied, "He won't kill you either." I am thinking, "Yeah, right. You don't live with him."
So, as we were leaving church that night, I told God, "If You want me to do this, then don't let Tim find anyone to go eat with," as we always go somewhere to eat with someone. I just knew I was safe, or so I thought, anyway. NOT!! Tim walked right out of church and to the car. Well then, I said, have him go to the Mexican restaurant by Fred's. Guess where we went? "OK, God, so let us not find anyone to eat with." Yes, our friends, the Windhams, are walking up. No, they weren't coming to eat. They were going to the store next door! "So, one last test, God, put us at a table with no one else real close so we can talk." You got the idea? We were all alone, hidden in a back corner of the restaurant. I started to sit across from him, but I had the keys. That would have been way too easy. I could have went to the bathroom and left him there to walk home! :-) So I moved next to him. We ordered our food; and I just knew he thought something had to be up. My voice was that of a school girl, all crackly. Then it was time. I started out with, "Do you remember when we went to Mexico a few years ago, and that last day and night, how busy we were? How we never even said good morning that day, let alone had a conversation? He said, "Yes?" I continued, "Well, do you remember as we were leaving the block party we were saying goodbye to everyone, and I hugged Moisés and said that when we got home I would look into bringing him up to our house to finish his senior year?" Again, he said, "Yes?" with a little more hesitation in his voice. I said I had not done that, YET!!! I said God told me we are to adopt the girls we are praying for. "Really?" was about all he could get out at that moment. I told him some of the things I had been going through and my feelings. So, he gave me a good husband and deacon answer, "I will pray about it." I was hoping for more, but that was at least a start. On the way home in the car I said we should tell the boys, as it will start getting out at church. "What do you mean?" he said. "Well, I have had several people praying for you," I replied. "Like who?" he inquired. So I named a few, and then a few more. "Why don't you tell me who you don't have praying for me. That might be a shorter list! He joked. "Not many," I said. The boys took the news well enough. They are a lot like their mom, only they bring stray animals home. I bring people home who are in need. I have done that all of my life! If that was on the spiritual gift test I am sure I would score 100+!
Monday night, while out at Home Depot, we ran into some friends from church. Of course I am about to burst at the news of us adopting our girls. Remember, Tim is only praying about it. I am already on with the plan and half way there. I said to Tim, "Tell them what we are doing." I thought if he said it he would be taking ownership of it. He says, "We are talking about adopting two girls." The couple was very happy for us. We chit chat for a few minutes, say our goodbyes, walk around the corner, and look out... Not what I thought was going to happen. He was not happy, to say the least. He tells me he is only praying; and I need to settle down. I have done so much in my mind in just over two weeks. I am in shock. Well, we didn't really talk too much on Tuesday night, but on Wednesday I called a friend who had wanted to get together for dinner for a while. We made plans to meet after church. I wanted to tell her about the girls so she could pray for them and Tim, which I felt he needed a lot of. We get to dinner; and we are visiting. Tim and Glen are in a Bible study together on Thursday nights. So, as we are sitting at the table, he looks at Glen and asks if he could plan on teaching for a few weeks this fall. That if everything went right he hoped we would be in Ukraine to pick up OUR GIRLS to bring them home before Christmas. At first it didn't register what he said, but when it did I just about jumped out of my skin.
I will just tell you when GOD comes in he can change everything. What I saw as a hopeless situation GOD has blessed. As it turns out Tim has known since June 16th that the girls were to come and be our daughters. Part of the family God wanted us to be. So we are working toward that. Tim fought with God a lot on this. I can't say just Tim. I have done my share even though I know and I have never really questioned it. I have had my moments.
Lynn
I knew the moment I saw the girls pictures they were part of our family. I had no idea how this was going to happen, and I still really don't, but when God gives you a promise He will deliver on it. That much I do know. In my prayer time one morning, God told me to get the church directory out and he would show me who he wanted me to ask to pray for Tim. I went and got 15 prayer cards made with the girls' pictures on them and passed them out. I gave them all strict instructions not to tell anyone, as it could not get back to Tim. So, the first few days I am thinking he is going to come to me any day and say, "Let's go to Ukraine and bring our girls home." Well guess what? That did not happen! So a few more days, and back to the store for more cards. Now I have 35 of the cards out and still instructions to not discuss with anyone. So far so good. Everyone is keeping quiet. I asked Tim if he had been praying for our girls that week; and he said, "OUR girls?" I thought I had almost blown it. I responded, "Well, aren't they are girls, as we are the ones praying for them, right?" He paused for a second and said, "You're right." Whew! I got out of that one. Then he said, "No. I had forgotten to be praying for them." I mean... you could have just ran me over with a car. Well, God said go get some more made. Now we are up to FIFTY. How long is this going to take?
I thought some how, some way I missed God on this one. I was trying to hear from God, but did I allow Satan in, thinking it was God? No, it couldn't be that! Tim and I seemed to be getting along great; and the family was doing okay for the most part, but at church, I would go pray, and then Tim would go pray. We just weren't going to the altar together. We prayed with different people at different times. I wonder if people thought we were having trouble? Then, I questioned if we were and I had missed that too, as that had happened once before, several years ago. I just felt like I was going crazy! All I could do was think of our girls, our family, our life.
I am here to tell you that on June 29, 2009 GOD "showed up" and "showed out" at church that night. I could feel His presence all around me. I had prayed with several people that day, about the girls and Tim. Buster had the choir come out of the loft and circle the congregation and sing praises over us. I could feel God's arms around me as He held me tight and told me He was right here. He would never leave me, nor our girls. He told me it was time for me to sit down and have a talk with Tim and tell him my feelings. That it would be okay. I questioned Him on that. I also reminded Him I wanted Tim to come to me and tell me, that I wanted to be a submissive wife. I have never been good at that; and I was trying to be so. I was not making anything happen, other than prayer. He said I had done as He wanted for long enough. Now was the time to tell Tim. [I guess He thought Tim might never come to me!! :-) ] Again, I questioned Him. That's not always a good thing. He told me to go talk to a friend of ours, so I did. I started to tell the man some of what was going on, but he already knew. I thought some how someone must have told Tim, and the two of them had talked, but he said no. He just knew it because it came from God, and it would be okay. Tim would be fine. I said, "Why don't you tell him. He won't kill you!" He replied, "He won't kill you either." I am thinking, "Yeah, right. You don't live with him."
So, as we were leaving church that night, I told God, "If You want me to do this, then don't let Tim find anyone to go eat with," as we always go somewhere to eat with someone. I just knew I was safe, or so I thought, anyway. NOT!! Tim walked right out of church and to the car. Well then, I said, have him go to the Mexican restaurant by Fred's. Guess where we went? "OK, God, so let us not find anyone to eat with." Yes, our friends, the Windhams, are walking up. No, they weren't coming to eat. They were going to the store next door! "So, one last test, God, put us at a table with no one else real close so we can talk." You got the idea? We were all alone, hidden in a back corner of the restaurant. I started to sit across from him, but I had the keys. That would have been way too easy. I could have went to the bathroom and left him there to walk home! :-) So I moved next to him. We ordered our food; and I just knew he thought something had to be up. My voice was that of a school girl, all crackly. Then it was time. I started out with, "Do you remember when we went to Mexico a few years ago, and that last day and night, how busy we were? How we never even said good morning that day, let alone had a conversation? He said, "Yes?" I continued, "Well, do you remember as we were leaving the block party we were saying goodbye to everyone, and I hugged Moisés and said that when we got home I would look into bringing him up to our house to finish his senior year?" Again, he said, "Yes?" with a little more hesitation in his voice. I said I had not done that, YET!!! I said God told me we are to adopt the girls we are praying for. "Really?" was about all he could get out at that moment. I told him some of the things I had been going through and my feelings. So, he gave me a good husband and deacon answer, "I will pray about it." I was hoping for more, but that was at least a start. On the way home in the car I said we should tell the boys, as it will start getting out at church. "What do you mean?" he said. "Well, I have had several people praying for you," I replied. "Like who?" he inquired. So I named a few, and then a few more. "Why don't you tell me who you don't have praying for me. That might be a shorter list! He joked. "Not many," I said. The boys took the news well enough. They are a lot like their mom, only they bring stray animals home. I bring people home who are in need. I have done that all of my life! If that was on the spiritual gift test I am sure I would score 100+!
Monday night, while out at Home Depot, we ran into some friends from church. Of course I am about to burst at the news of us adopting our girls. Remember, Tim is only praying about it. I am already on with the plan and half way there. I said to Tim, "Tell them what we are doing." I thought if he said it he would be taking ownership of it. He says, "We are talking about adopting two girls." The couple was very happy for us. We chit chat for a few minutes, say our goodbyes, walk around the corner, and look out... Not what I thought was going to happen. He was not happy, to say the least. He tells me he is only praying; and I need to settle down. I have done so much in my mind in just over two weeks. I am in shock. Well, we didn't really talk too much on Tuesday night, but on Wednesday I called a friend who had wanted to get together for dinner for a while. We made plans to meet after church. I wanted to tell her about the girls so she could pray for them and Tim, which I felt he needed a lot of. We get to dinner; and we are visiting. Tim and Glen are in a Bible study together on Thursday nights. So, as we are sitting at the table, he looks at Glen and asks if he could plan on teaching for a few weeks this fall. That if everything went right he hoped we would be in Ukraine to pick up OUR GIRLS to bring them home before Christmas. At first it didn't register what he said, but when it did I just about jumped out of my skin.
I will just tell you when GOD comes in he can change everything. What I saw as a hopeless situation GOD has blessed. As it turns out Tim has known since June 16th that the girls were to come and be our daughters. Part of the family God wanted us to be. So we are working toward that. Tim fought with God a lot on this. I can't say just Tim. I have done my share even though I know and I have never really questioned it. I have had my moments.
Lynn
Friday, June 19, 2009
It is 6:15 in the morning on Friday and I am sitting in the carport. My mom and I are going to have a garage sale today. I planned on setting up after I had come home from church last night, but came in to no power. So, I got up at 5:00 this morning and performed the set up. I was all ready to take the tarps down when it dawned on me that I didn't have any change. Mom had it all with her. So I will stay closed till she gets here. It is so hot here and humid. I sit here wondering what the weather is like in Ukraine. Do the girls have air conditioning where they are, or do they even know what that is? What about a fan? Is it as humid there as we get here? Do they have to stay outside all day, or are they allowed to go inside to cool off? What about in the winter? How cold is it there? Do they get snow? What about clothes? Do they have what they need for each season, in the size they need? So many questions, and no way to really get the answers I want. God is teaching me to trust Him that they are OK. They are His children; and He will provide for their needs.
I wonder what they know about God? Are there any missionaries in those smaller towns to visit them, or do they stick to the larger towns where they can affect more children? I hope the girls are not "lost in the cracks". I pray they are not mad at God for taking their parents away from them, and that they have no other family to go to, so they get placed in a home with a lot of other kids who are all in the same condition. All the kids need and deserve a good home. I am sure the hearts of many of the workers there have hardened for they would almost have to in order to be able to do that kind of job. I figure some do it just because it is a job, and they need the money, and have no love or even like for these kids. Or you would think they would want to bring every child home, which of course they could not do. But do the girls even have one adult there they can go to that will give them a hug and tell them it will really be OK, that God loves them and wants the best for them? Do they cry themselves to sleep at night, not even being able to be together? What about a bear, or a doll, to hug and hold, anything that is truly theirs alone? I sit and cry as I think of them there all alone, in the dark at night with nothing, but the name their parents gave them.
As a mom, I feel myself falling so much more in love with them each day. I am trying not to, but I don't know how to stop it. I just want to go, and hug them, and tell them it will be OK. But will it?
Lynn
I wonder what they know about God? Are there any missionaries in those smaller towns to visit them, or do they stick to the larger towns where they can affect more children? I hope the girls are not "lost in the cracks". I pray they are not mad at God for taking their parents away from them, and that they have no other family to go to, so they get placed in a home with a lot of other kids who are all in the same condition. All the kids need and deserve a good home. I am sure the hearts of many of the workers there have hardened for they would almost have to in order to be able to do that kind of job. I figure some do it just because it is a job, and they need the money, and have no love or even like for these kids. Or you would think they would want to bring every child home, which of course they could not do. But do the girls even have one adult there they can go to that will give them a hug and tell them it will really be OK, that God loves them and wants the best for them? Do they cry themselves to sleep at night, not even being able to be together? What about a bear, or a doll, to hug and hold, anything that is truly theirs alone? I sit and cry as I think of them there all alone, in the dark at night with nothing, but the name their parents gave them.
As a mom, I feel myself falling so much more in love with them each day. I am trying not to, but I don't know how to stop it. I just want to go, and hug them, and tell them it will be OK. But will it?
Lynn
Thursday, June 18, 2009
On June 14th, I woke up that morning with a really bad headache. I had had it all weekend; and it would not go away. I knew that a young woman would be in Sunday school that day to talk about her experiences visiting orphanages in Ukraine, but I still could not make myself get up to go to church that morning. As I laid there in bed, I wondered if Tim would pick a girl for us to pray for, or if he would get a boy. Whenever I picked, I always went for a girl, as God never seemed to give me one; and that was OK. I have two wonderful sons, Justin who is 25 and Christopher who is 20.
When Tim came home from church, we went to have lunch with Christopher and my parents. While we were sitting there, he talked about the young woman and the class. He said she had showed a video this time, which she had not the last time she had visited our class. I was then really sorry that I had allowed Satan to keep me from going to class, but little did I realize that what Satan had planned to tear down, GOD planned to build up. Tim mentioned the prayer card he took had 2 children; and they were siblings a brother and sister. I fell in love at first sight. God started working in me in ways I can not even begin to explain. I kept looking at the picture all throughout the afternoon and evening. The children were even in my dreams that night.
The next day we received an email from the young woman telling us all about the children. As I read it, I thought, "Wait a minute!! I thought Tim had said it was a boy and a girl!" The email clarified their names are Kristina and Alyona. I knew Kristina was a girls name, but, as I don't speak Russian, I wasn't sure if Alyona was a boy's or girl's name. Although, some people don't think I speak very good English, either. At half way through the first page of the letter, I heard a voice tell me to, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS". I looked around the room to find I was the only one there. I kept reading, figuring the noise must have been "gas"! Then, I heard it again, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS". Again I looked around the room, and I was still the only one there. So... on I kept reading; and, well, I will just tell you it gets really strange! The last line of the letter says, "If you or anyone you know is interested in adoption, I am happy to help in any way I can." Hang on... A third time I hear, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS NOW!!!" I don't know about you, but if you are home alone, and you hear voices, you begin to question your sanity! I have heard that voice, in that tone, only a few other times in my life: when I made my earthly father mad; and when I made my heavenly father made. Usually when I had been told me to do something, and I hadn't. By the 3rd time he was not happy get the picture.
By the time I had I finished reading I was crying because I found out that both of their parents had passed away and they had no other family. They had been together at Orphanage #4, but then one day Kristina was sent away to a place in Balta; and Alyona then went to Kiliya. They now live about 300 miles away from each other. They have no way to keep in contact so they will lose touch with each other. The letter talked about how Kristina used to take good care of her little sister, always looking out for her. There was such sadness in their eyes, like dark spots that went all the way to their toes. I just can't explain it except to say it was a "mom feeling". If they were closer I could go see them, but they are half way around the world!
When Moisés left for college, after living with us for a year, I swore that I would never, never let my feelings get out of control again; and especially for two girls I would never see, talk to, nor even get to hold! The email described where the girls were; and that it would be very difficult to get letters or packages to them. So how could I even begin to think of caring for them? After all, they were were just "pictures" on my refrigerator. I spent all day struggling not to sit at my desk and stare at their pictures, and not reread the letter to see if I missed something. Anything. By the time Tim got home, I knew I WAS IN BIG TROUBLE. They were "my" girls. God had told me so all day, but I told Him that for once in my life I was not going to "make" this happen. Tim had to fall in love with them and come tell me we had to go bring them home. This time I intended to be the submissive wife. I wanted this to be a GOD thing, not a man thing. As a man thing this might be considered "easy". There clearly would be nothing easy about this. Plus, I had no idea if Tim would even be open to the idea.
I just want to glorify God in all I do. So let the journey begin. I hope you will follow along on the story of our girls. I am sure God will make it a best seller, at least it will be to the Loecher family and to our two new daughters!
Lynn
When Tim came home from church, we went to have lunch with Christopher and my parents. While we were sitting there, he talked about the young woman and the class. He said she had showed a video this time, which she had not the last time she had visited our class. I was then really sorry that I had allowed Satan to keep me from going to class, but little did I realize that what Satan had planned to tear down, GOD planned to build up. Tim mentioned the prayer card he took had 2 children; and they were siblings a brother and sister. I fell in love at first sight. God started working in me in ways I can not even begin to explain. I kept looking at the picture all throughout the afternoon and evening. The children were even in my dreams that night.
The next day we received an email from the young woman telling us all about the children. As I read it, I thought, "Wait a minute!! I thought Tim had said it was a boy and a girl!" The email clarified their names are Kristina and Alyona. I knew Kristina was a girls name, but, as I don't speak Russian, I wasn't sure if Alyona was a boy's or girl's name. Although, some people don't think I speak very good English, either. At half way through the first page of the letter, I heard a voice tell me to, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS". I looked around the room to find I was the only one there. I kept reading, figuring the noise must have been "gas"! Then, I heard it again, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS". Again I looked around the room, and I was still the only one there. So... on I kept reading; and, well, I will just tell you it gets really strange! The last line of the letter says, "If you or anyone you know is interested in adoption, I am happy to help in any way I can." Hang on... A third time I hear, "GO GET THEM. THEY ARE YOURS NOW!!!" I don't know about you, but if you are home alone, and you hear voices, you begin to question your sanity! I have heard that voice, in that tone, only a few other times in my life: when I made my earthly father mad; and when I made my heavenly father made. Usually when I had been told me to do something, and I hadn't. By the 3rd time he was not happy get the picture.
By the time I had I finished reading I was crying because I found out that both of their parents had passed away and they had no other family. They had been together at Orphanage #4, but then one day Kristina was sent away to a place in Balta; and Alyona then went to Kiliya. They now live about 300 miles away from each other. They have no way to keep in contact so they will lose touch with each other. The letter talked about how Kristina used to take good care of her little sister, always looking out for her. There was such sadness in their eyes, like dark spots that went all the way to their toes. I just can't explain it except to say it was a "mom feeling". If they were closer I could go see them, but they are half way around the world!
When Moisés left for college, after living with us for a year, I swore that I would never, never let my feelings get out of control again; and especially for two girls I would never see, talk to, nor even get to hold! The email described where the girls were; and that it would be very difficult to get letters or packages to them. So how could I even begin to think of caring for them? After all, they were were just "pictures" on my refrigerator. I spent all day struggling not to sit at my desk and stare at their pictures, and not reread the letter to see if I missed something. Anything. By the time Tim got home, I knew I WAS IN BIG TROUBLE. They were "my" girls. God had told me so all day, but I told Him that for once in my life I was not going to "make" this happen. Tim had to fall in love with them and come tell me we had to go bring them home. This time I intended to be the submissive wife. I wanted this to be a GOD thing, not a man thing. As a man thing this might be considered "easy". There clearly would be nothing easy about this. Plus, I had no idea if Tim would even be open to the idea.
I just want to glorify God in all I do. So let the journey begin. I hope you will follow along on the story of our girls. I am sure God will make it a best seller, at least it will be to the Loecher family and to our two new daughters!
Lynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
