A Missed Graduation

I have a confession to make.

 

I didn't go to my son's graduation this spring.

He didn't go either.

Ouch!!
 

I'm seriously ducking for cover!

 

My oldest accomplished something this spring that makes me amazingly proud.  I've been quiet about his accomplishments because I don't want this blog to be a brag-fest on my kids.  But he deserves a bit of recognition.

He's 18 years old.

 

For the last three years he has been attending the local Community College.  He started out part-time in 10th grade and then moved on to full-time in 11th and 12th grade.
 

But even though he's been taking college classes - in my mind he has still been in high school.  When people ask what grade he is in I have usually answered according to his high school years and then qualified it a bit.  Taking college classes in high school was NOT an attempt to push him ahead.  We weren't trying to fast-track our son so we could have bragging rights or to get him ahead of his peers.  We instead used the Community College as a way for him to take a wide range of classes in order to get a better idea of what he would or would not like to study when he goes to college.  In that way he could eliminate those careers that definitely did NOT interest him.  Over the last three years he was able to take all kinds of classes and was able to weed out most definitely what he did NOT want to major in!!  And in the process he earned over 60 credits and an Associates in Science degree.

 

And we are very proud of him.

 

We planned on sending out invitations and attending his graduation.  We planned on celebrating his accomplishments.  We really really did. 

 

We planned but made a terrible mistake of NOT checking to find out exactly WHEN the graduation was going to take place. 

 

We totally blew it.

 

I totally blew it.

 

We committed to doing "Annie."

 

Rob and Elijah and I. 

 

And we couldn't pull out after we discovered my mistake because there wasn't enough time. 

 

Ben was totally FINE with not having to attend his graduation.  Walking down the aisle in a cap and gown was NOT his definition of a fun time. 

 

He was perfectly happy.  He worked the night of his graduation and made a bunch of money.

  I felt like climbing under the house and staying there. 

 

Missing my own son's graduation is shockingly embarrassing.  Especially when I am seeing graduation pictures all over the internet... especially when I get graduation announcements from Ben's peers and cousins.. especially when he never was officially graduated from high school and this was supposed to be a combo-graduation.

 

I failed.

 

I didn't get to see my son move his tassel!

 

Ben makes me proud.

 

He wasn't 'Boy Wonder' and didn't graduate with straight A's, but he did graduate with honors.  This year he has faithfully worked part-time delivering pizza's for Papa Johns.  He has willingly and lovingly taken Aaron to school every single day without complaining.  He coaches swimming and helps us with business-related work.  He is planning on attending Liberty University this fall (his decision) if we can figure out how to foot that bill.  This summer he is working towards crossing the ocean to go on a short-term mission project.... It has something to do with Aaron's birth country.

 

But THAT is another blogpost.... and another whole story which I can't wait to share....

 

So stay tuned because after I get out from hiding under my house, I will tell you all about it...

In the meantime....



Benjamin Lee Nalle

Graduating Class of 2013



You make this Mama very proud!!

 

 

 

 

Fatherless Friday

In honor of my sweet Aaron who is the toughest little guy I know....

 

It's a shout out for all the Arthrogryposis babes on Reece's Rainbow!!!

This is Raymond!!!  Lousy picture I know...

He has $3,000.00 in his grant account!!!

 

He desperately needs someone to rescue him from his crib!! He is wasting away!!

 

 

THIS IS OSCAR!!

He is newly listed!!  Look at him!

He has NOTHING in his grant account.

 

0.00

Would anyone like to change that???

 

 

 

 

This is Caius.

He has $362.40 in his grant account.

He is only a year old!!!

Goodness me he has so much potential!!

 

 

 

 

THIS IS LEO

He has been listed FOREVER and still only has $50.00 in his grant account!!

 

He's turning 11 this year.

Sadly he has been passed over again and again. 

 

 

 

This is sweet Aubree.

She has $5,698.00 available!

Everyone that has met her has NOTHING but great things to say!!

Look at her beautiful eyes!!

 

 

 

THIS IS ERIC

He has $202.00 in his grant account.

 

This little guy wants to be loved on so badly!! 

 

 

All these babes have the same condition as Aaron. 

 

Arthrogryposis is NOT a progressive disease.  It is at its worst at birth.  It is different for every single child and therapy and surgery make a huge difference!!!  Most children with arthro are cognitively normal!!!

 

PLEASE SEE THESE BABES!

 

All of them would blossom in families!

 

 

 

 

Compassion International

Fernando.  Wilny.  Juan.  Yacouba.  Abdi.  Anish. Josephina.  Jhuvica.

 

These are our kids.

 

I pray for them each night.

 

I wonder how they doing.

 

Some are no longer children but are grown up and most likely raising families.

 

Some are following Jesus.  Thriving.

 

Some have gone to be with Jesus.

 

Some are lost.  Maybe dead.  We don't know.

 

These are our kids.

 

Each time we lose one, or have one no longer need us - we cry.

 

These are our kids.

 

For over 20 years we have sponsored children.  Children who then become 'our kids'. 

 

Over the years we have used different organizations - each with their own philosophies.  One of the organizations believed that fairness needed to exist in the sponsorship program so our money was pooled with other money and it kind of trickled down to our child.  Our first picture of him found him wearing rags.  Ten years of sponsoring him and our last picture found him wearing rags.  He didn't get to go to school because no one else in his village got to go to school.  His community got a well.  Some other things.  But our child did not truly benefit.  After he outgrew the program we stopped using that organization.

 

After 20 years and sponsoring different children through different organizations - our favorite organization....

 

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

 

This is our current little Compassion daughter.

 

 

 

This is our current Compassion son.

 

 

They are our kids!!

 

Four years ago I had the privilege of meeting our Compassion son.  I spent a day with him.  It was one of the coolest experiences of my life.  When we parted he asked me.... May I call you Mama and Papa? 

 

I cried.

 

 

Compassion's philosophy is one child at a time.  They don't try to save the world.  They just try to make a difference one child at a time. 

 

It works.

 

We have watched each of our Compassion kids grow and learn and gain in confidence.  We have seen each of them come to love the Savior that we love.  We know our money goes to support THEM.  We send them birthday and Christmas money so they can have presents and they GET their presents.  We know because they always tell us.  Each year we also send a money gift to the family.  Over the years our Compassion families have been able to buy simple things... like tables and chairs and mattresses to sleep on.  Clothes to wear.  Pots and pans to cook with.  Bags of rice and beans to ease their hunger.  One of our families was able to build a room addition onto their shack so that they could have their own room since they were sharing with another family.  Wow!  We get pictures of our families dressed in new clothes with bags of food around them.  We cherish those pictures because we know that our small gifts MEAN SOMETHING.  One year we even received a letter from our little girl's daddy thanking us.  Wow! 

 

Yesterday I read THIS ARTICLE and it warmed my heart.  It validated how we feel about our Compassion International sponsorship. 

 

When I was visiting our son's country I learned that Compassion chooses the poorest of areas and picks the children who have the greatest need.  Usually they only are able to sponsor one child out of each family but if a family is especially destitute - they take two children.  Our son's sister is also sponsored by another family.  That was how desperate his situation was.  I look at him.  I read his letters.  I see the changes that have taken place in his life.  I read the messages we receive from his mother.  I'm beyond grateful God has given us an opportunity to make a difference in his life.  He's growing into an amazing man of God.

 

He's our son.

 

Our little Compassion girl is our daughter.

 

Each night I whisper prayers for them and for the others. 

 

This side of heaven we won't really ever know what difference our little bit of sponsorship meant each month to our kids.  I don't need to know.  I know it makes a difference in their lives and I know that by sponsoring them - they have the chance of learning about Jesus and maybe breaking the cycle of poverty for them and for their family.... maybe even for their village. 

 

That makes it so very worth it!!

 

Compassion International - Thank you!

 

 

Community Theater

For the last eight years our boys have participated in Community Theater.  Being part of the same group for eight years has meant that we have had the privilege of watching not only our sons grow up on stage, but watching a whole host of other children grow up with them. 

 

Our community theater group is filled with families who don't just drop their kids off at the door and take off to go shopping.  Many of the parents are IN THE SHOWS.  This makes it fun for both the children and the adults.  The training that takes place as the children watch the adults act and as they interact and teach them is priceless. 

 

My boys have benefitted greatly over the years by watching and acting alongside some wonderful adult mentors.  They have encouraged our sons as we have encouraged their children.  It is truly a family affair.  I would not trade the experiences they have received there for the world.  

 

 It isn't Hollywood or Broadway. 

 

It isn't 'professional.'  Not every actor is 'perfect' in their lines or in their singing ability. Mistakes are made.  No child is turned away from having a part which sometimes makes it downright chaotic!

I do the backstage managing for all the shows so I have the right to say that!!

 

But it is good quality fun and it has been a wonderful place for my children to grow and learn. 



The show we are doing now is Annie.  Rob and Elijah are in it.  They have several small parts this time around but are still having a blast doing them!  Three sell-out crowds this past weekend... One exhausted ME!!

Aaron didn't do this show because of his surgeries, but he didn't mind.  He LOVES hanging out with the numerous children in the show.  Everyone brings electronics to keep themselves occupied.  Trading games is his favorite part!!

Ben's work schedule didn't allow him to be in the show either.  I have missed seeing him on stage!!!

I stole all the above pictures from different cast members....

Being backstage director doesn't allow for a lot of time for picture-taking sessions!!

Hoping to share some more this next weekend!!

If you live in the Charlottesville area - it is a crowd-pleasing show definitely worth seeing!!  Tickets are going fast if not already gone...

Sharing all of this so you understand a bit why my blog has been a bit neglected....

The show MUST go on!!




 

Casey Part Two....

 

MY FAMILY FOUND ME

 

 

THANKS BE TO GOD!!

Casey - Reece's Rainbow

Things are a little bit crazy right now.

This poor blog has been put on neglect mode...

 

But this little boy doesn't have the luxury of time.

 

HE HAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS!

 

CASEY

 

Please.

 

He is a tiny little guy who desperately needs a Mama.

 

Please.

 

Is there anyone out there who wants a little bit of sunshine in their life?

 

He has $4498.00 in his Reece's Rainbow grant account.

 

He ages out in less than 30 days.

 

He ages out....

 

.....never to pick some flowers, or swim in a swimming pool, or watch fireworks, or sit in a worship service learning about Jesus, or eat popcorn on movie night...

 

...never to know the gentle touch of a Mama or the rough and tumble hands of a Papa....

 

...never to sit under a Christmas tree... hear a family sing him happy birthday... eat a happy meal at McDonalds...

 

never to be free to roam...

 

never.

 

Please.

 

Someone adopt Casey.

How in the World??

Confession time...

 

I often write posts I never post.

 

In fact my draft box has a whole bunch of half-written posts.

 

Sometimes I don't post because I can't get the words right no matter how hard I try. 

 

Sometimes I don't post because the timing is not right.

 

And sometimes I don't post because I am a noodle-brain and completely forget to post!

 

 

How in the world I missed posting these pictures from back in October is beyond me??

 

They are way too cute to pass over...

 

So even though they are a bit late...

 

 

 

I just couldn't pass on sharing them!!

 

Trying to catch a chicken at Jamestown!!

OH MAN!!! THEY KEEP GETTING AWAY!!!

There.

 

One less post sitting in my draft box.

 

I'm not such a noodle-brain after all!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed!!!!

 

A Good Measure

THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the Tucker family for Darren and Lianne...

 

They met the $500 match and their total need is now $3,850.00.

 

 

They are leaving TOMORROW.

 

They are arriving on MOTHER'S DAY!

 

If you did not donate.... Today is Payday for many of you!! 

 

Help bring these two motherless babes HOME!

 

DONATE TO THE TUCKERS HERE

 

Even though we no longer have a match to meet.... we still have a bucket to fill!!!

 

 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

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

 

THANK YOU to everyone who signed the petition!!

 

For those who are nervous about signing a petition that requires giving your name and address here is another option....

 

Write a personal letter to your senator using the form AT THIS LINK as your guide.  Sign it and e-mail it to me. covenantb@yahoo.com  I will forward it to the families who are going to be personally delivering the letters!!  They will print it out and carry it along with all the other letters.

 

Please do this!! 

 

These parents are fighting for their little ones. 

 

They are hoping to carry 10,000 + letters with them.

 

This is a practical and easy way to help them. 

 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION

 

 

 

 

The Never-Ending Stew

Before you read any further will you do me a favor?

 

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION!

 

Different families adopting from Ru**ia are heading to Washington DC next week to personally hand deliver these letters/petitions to the senators from their states. You do not download anything. These letters urge our senators to make sure President Obama puts the adoption ban on his agenda when he meets with Putin next month. A massive amount of letters can make a difference.

 

Will you please CLICK THIS LINK.  I did it.  It literally takes about a minute.  The group doing this is DISCOURAGED.  They have been begging people to sign but most people just roll their eyes and go about their day. 

 

We cannot forget our Rus*ian families.  They are childless and helpless and if signing a petition helps in any way at all... then we need to take a few seconds out of our busy schedules and stand with these hurting families and sign the petition. 

 

FYI - Putting your name/address/e-mail on there does not mean you are going to be hounded... These are letters that will be hand-delivered.  No one is gathering information. 

 

PLEASE....

 

SIGN

 

 

AND NOW.....

 

The Never-Ending Stew...

 

 

It is still feeding the hungry.

 

Our Mulligan Stew.

 

 

 

 

It is not over.

 

One of the winners has given a prize back. 

 

One of our stew families is leaving in 2 days and is short about 5,000.00.

 

The prize given back is being transformed into a $500.00 matching grant for the family.

 

We have until Sunday to match it. 

 

Mother's Day.

 

The day that the family lands in a country across the seas to meet two little mother-less babes.

 

Darren's Mama.

One of our precious stew babes!!

 

 

She's on her way.

 

Here's the amazing part.

 

Yesterday morning God laid the Tucker family on my heart.  They are leaving in just a few days and their needs are not fully met.  I was praying about how I could help them get their last $5,000.00.  I was feeling helpless and overwhelmed.  I was praying and basically begging God for wisdom. 

 

Yesterday afternoon - I get a message about the $500.00 matching grant. 

 

God is a heart whisperer.

 

He whispered in mine.  He whispered in the anonymous donor.

 

He cares for the orphan.

 

He takes care of the families who are stepping out in faith.

 

Will you please pour into the Tuckers today and tomorrow and Saturday?  Fill their cup?  Get them their matching and beyond?

 

In less than a week they will be holding their babes in their arms.

 

 

Please help fill their cup.

 

DONATE TO THE TUCKERS HERE.

 

(The Tuckers need their grant account to read $10,500.00 to be fully funded)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP THEM GET THIS MATCHING GRANT AND BEYOND!!!

 

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

 

 

I hate to write this next part.....

 

Sadly - the Collins family had to release Sutter.  They are not able to adopt him.  I don't know all the reasons but I do know that money was one of the factor which just guts me deeply.  Break My Heart.  Sutter now needs a family!!

 

 

The Collins need our prayers as they let go. 

 

My heart is sad.

 

Please.  Please.  Please.  Help us find a family for Sutter.  His time is running out.

 

Running Out of Time

Casey needs a family in less than a month!

 

Is there anyone out there who needs a little ray of sunshine in their lives?

 

 

 

Casey is 15 years old.

 

He has been locked away all his life.

 

Please help him find a family.

 

He has 4,208.00 in his Reece's Rainbow grant account toward his adoption fees.

 

He has a smile worth a million dollars!!

 

 

 

Mulligan Cupcakes

So I just have to share...

 

One of the prizes for our Mulligan Stew was a dozen cupcakes.

 

Well... the winners live out of the country which made shipping the cupcakes a bit out of the question.

 

So.... they asked the donor to gift the cupcakes to a worthy group - someone who gives of themselves for others....

 

The donor was happy to oblige...

Instead of one dozen cupcakes, she made two dozen and carried them to the local fire station.

 

 

How is that for precious precious??

 

Our gifts just keep on giving and giving....

 

The fire fighters wanted to say thank you!

 

THANK YOU!!

 

Our Mulligan Stew continues to feed and bless beyond our wildest imaginations!

 

Thanks be to God.

 

I know I owe some Aaron updates.... I'm finding writing an update about my sweet boy rather difficult.  It's been a grueling 2 months.  Seeing him suffer has cut deep.  Getting how I feel into a blogpost is a little difficult right now.  Just know that he is the bravest of the brave.  He humbles me.  He makes me cry.  He endures living in a world where the list of things he can't do seems endless right now, yet he rarely complains and he often finds the silver lining where all I see is doom and gloom.

 

 

He's my hero!

 

One Hat

OH SWEET ALEXEI... WHAT BLISS...







See the hat... the pants... the jacket...

Aaron wore those exact same clothes.

We actually were able to trade for one of those hats.  So Aaron would have ONE thing from the first six years of his life.

One lone hat.

In just a few weeks Alexei will be carried out of those gates forever.

He is going to be so LOVED in his forever family.

He won't care about keepsakes.

Getting smothered in kisses and non-stop laps to sit on and a Mama to tuck him in bed at night and a yard so he can run and play and lots of great food to eat and a Papa to toss him into the air...

Who cares about hats....

Just get me out of here!!!!!!



I don't have any words of wisdom today.

I went back a few days ago to my Christmas Angel posts.

Last Christmas I was yelling for SIX BOYS.

 

Six boys who had all  been transferred and were living in Mental Institutes.

 

Four of those boys have families.

 

Two are locked away in a country where the door has slammed shut.

 

I am no longer available for adoption...
My country closed its doors.

Please pray for me. 

Oh Sonny.... my heart is broken for you!!

  

 

I am no longer available for adoption...

I had a Mama who was starting the process to get me... It was a secret and couldn't be shared but now it doesn't matter because she is on the wrong side of the ocean and the door has been closed.

Please pray for me!!

Yegor... I am crying buckets for your loss!!

 

 

 

Our family found us and we are going to be brothers!!!

 

 

 

My family found me and they have already met me and they LOVE ME!! 

 I am going to be crossing the ocean soon!!

 

 

 

My family found me and are bringing me and Caesar home... we are going to be brothers...

   

Last year they brought home Sasha from the same institute...

 

 

 Six boys.

 

Two boys left behind.  Four found.

 

How can I begin to wrap my heart around those words?

And then there is Casey.

 

He is down to one month before he ages out.

 

 

Next month this precious little guy turns SIXTEEN.  He has spent his entire life locked away. 

He may be 16 but he is just a babe at heart...

 

Please... we cannot let Casey miss out on the joys of a loving family!

 

He has one month.

 

One month.

 

Casey has 4039.00 in his Reece's Rainbow grant account!!!