No More

I'm done. No more planes this year. No more airports.  No more airport securities.  No more waiting for my luggage.  No more cramped seats.  No more.  I have only one more convention this year and I am DRIVING to that one!  And my little boys are going with me so I won't be alone. 

I traveled alone across the country last Thursday to Phoenix, Arizona feeling down and weary of the constant go and go again of this year. John's birthday landed on the day I left so I didn't even get to kiss his sweet dimples on his special day.  That hurt.  I missed the other 10 birthdays and I did not want to miss his 11th.

Like I said, I was down and weary as I traveled across the country.  Since I neglected to even indicate to anyone that I was going to be in Phoenix until the day I was traveling, I didn't expect I would get to see anyone I knew while I was there which just made the trip even worse in my head. 

Weary. Depressed. I was focused on doing my job and getting home as fast as I could.

Arizona was nothing like I expected.

I was blessed beyond measure to have two women help me in my booth who were fun, engaging and just all around wonderful.  I didn't know either of them so I had no idea what to expect. We laughed and talked and shared and my loneliness slipped away when I was with them. 

I was blown away by the atmosphere at that convention. People were so kind and so open to hearing about our curriculum.  We are just a blip on the radar on that side of the country, so I expected an uphill climb to even get people INTO our booth, much less make any sales.  I was pleasantly surprised at the steady stream into our booth and at the sales we made from many of those who stopped by.  BiblioPlan will definitely be going back to Phoenix next year.

But the coolest parts of the weekend had nothing to do with BiblioPlan.

The first coolest part was when I received a message from a dear dear friend who lives in Chicago and who just happened to be in Phoenix caring for the children of an RR mom who was across the ocean bringing home another sweet treasure.  Guess who was in Arizona??

If you have been following this blog for any time you know that a year and a half ago I traveled across the ocean to help my friend, Carla Dobrovits, bring home her three treasures.  Carla and I have been part of a tiny little prayer group for well over 2 years now after her Henry went to be with Jesus. We are best buddies.  Despite being in our tiny group where we talk and share ALL THE TIME we never put two and two together.  It wasn't until I mentioned on Facebook where I was that Carla about fell on the floor and then contacted me. SHE WAS IN THE SAME CITY.  And she had YANA with her!  Yana.  The babe who SCREAMED every single time I even looked in her direction unless I was feeding her food from my plate.  YANA.  The itty bittiest of the three treasures.

I GOT TO HOLD HER IN MY LAP!! She talked to me.  She is growing and thriving and it was such a joy and blessing to spend Thursday evening with Carla and three of her girls. 
 

 

The Lord ministered to my heart in so many places as Carla and I talked and shared.  It was a healing balm for me.  I needed that time. I needed to see Yana.  I needed to hang with them for the evening.  I needed to laugh and to enjoy their company.  I am so grateful we had those moments.

 

 

But that isn't the only coolest part.

 

I was blessed to meet another family too.

 

 

 

You have to hear a bit of their story to understand why meeting them was so precious to me. 

 

Over five years ago they were in process to adopt a little girl.  We weren't adopting.  We weren't adopting.  We were NOT adopting.  But the Lord was stirring in our hearts and He was using different blogs at the time.  Their blog was one of the blogs I was following.  I read along as they crossed the ocean. I read as they met their sweet one.  I read as they went through court and then as they brought her home.  Their story was one of the means God used to open our hearts towards adoption.

 

 

 

Over the years I have followed them as they went back two other times to adopt two other older precious girls.  I have watched their girls grow and it has been a pleasure.

 

When they found out I was in their city they contacted me and on Saturday night we had an amazing time of fellowship.  We shared stories and laughed and I got to meet their precious girls. Seeing their littlest whom God used to stir my heart meant so much to me.  God used that time to again minister to my weary heart. 

 

 

I still came home physically weary but mentally so much better.  On Sunday night we had a little family party for John. Though we had a party for him the week before, we hadn't given him the gifts we had bought for him.  He received his own towels and a rolling backpack with his name on it and a Nintendo DS like Aaron's and some other fun presents.   Each time he opened a gift he exclaimed with wonder and awe.  Coming home and watching his joy was by far the best part of my entire trip. 

 

No more airplanes this year.  No more.  But I don't regret my trip to Arizona.  Sometimes you have to cross the country in order for the Lord to meet your needs.  This was one of those times.  This was one of those times.

An Explosive Story

I think I must have a target on my back when it comes to airports because every time I've been in one recently I come away with a crazy experience that has us laughing after the fact.

 

Today was no different.

 

I left this morning at 1:45 for Phoenix, Arizona.  Rob drove me to the airport.  It was kind of like a rare date for us.  Just the two of us in the car together for two hours. I know.  That sounds silly but right now moments alone have been rather rare since we brought home a certain newest littlest.  So I'll take quiet rides alone with my bestest friend in the entire world even if they are before the rooster crows.

 

The airport was EMPTY when I arrived.  Not too many crazy fools wanting to fly out at 5:45 in the morning.  Just me.  Alone with my thoughts.  I went down the escalator and entered the line for security. 

 

I don't know why I was selected. Maybe because I looked the LEAST LIKE a terrorist or something.  Maybe it was my GIVE YOUR LIFE AWAY Sevenly shirt that set them off. 

 

 

 

Whatever the reason - they decided that I needed to have my hands checked.  I wasn't phased.  I had been selected before so I knew the routine and held my hands out for them to swab them.  All the times they have done it before they would swab my hands, glance at them and then wave me through. Not this time. This time they put the swab inside a nifty machine.  Not knowing what to do I stood there with my hands in the air feeling rather stupid.  My stupid turned to shock when the machine indicated that I had EXPLOSIVES on my hands.  In bright red letters - EXPLOSIVE!

 

Are You Kidding ME???

 

The only explosives I have been around all week were sparklers and that was on Monday night. 

 

I stood there waiting while they called THE SECURITY GUARDS.  A very official and stern looking woman arrived with two other security guards to escort me off to be examined.  Little me.  Surrounded by three women in blue with all my stuff in boxes, including my shoes.  To say it was disconcerting would be putting it mildly.  I was led into a private room for a private exam.  Nuff said on that.

 

Then they went through my bags and swabbed EVERYTHING.  Every pocket, every electronic, every bag, every everything.  I stood there watching, trying to figure out what would have been on my hands that would have set the machine off.

 

I'll never know.

 

I was glad when they finally let me go. 

 

I don't want to go through that again.

 

Ever.

 

I am not looking forward to my return trip home on Sunday.  I have a feeling I will be whispering prayers all through security.

 

Until then... If you happen to live in Phoenix or happen to be going to the AFHE Homeschooling Convention tomorrow or Saturday.. PLEASE!! Stop by my booth! 

 

I'm lonely here!! 

 

I could use a hug or two over the next few days...

 

 

 BIBLIOPLAN FOR FAMILIES

 

 

Maybe... Maybe...

 

I can't ever predict when the words I write on this blog will have any effect.  I gave up a long time ago trying to figure it out.  It was futile.  What I assumed would do well fizzled, and those posts that I assumed wouldn't make any difference ended up being the ones God used the most. I made a decision years ago that my job on this blog is to be faithful to what God has called me to do.  I can't sit around and worry about the effectiveness of my words or the impact they will have.  I just need to write what God is laying on my heart and let the Holy Spirit do the work.

 

Last Friday I wrote a blogpost About a Lost Boy.  A precious child we met in country.  I had no idea if that post would stir in any hearts, but when the Lord whispered last Friday morning I chose to lay aside the mountain of work calling my name and I wrote that post.

 

That post was shared multiple times on Facebook.  I seriously couldn't believe it while it was happening.  I don't have blogposts with that many shares.  I'm just small potatoes in the blogworld. I was private messaged again and again with inquires about Toby.  I had people coming out of the woodwork as the Holy Spirit stirred in hearts.

 

As that post wove its way out from one person to the next... it landed in the Facebook feed of a Reece's Rainbow mom.  From there it went to her mom feed who turned around and shared it with her other daughter.  A daughter who God had been preparing for a long time for just that moment in time.  When she clicked the post she knew.  Her husband knew.  "Let's get him," he said.

 

They are getting him.

 

Toby has a family.

 

 

With a joy-filled heart I get to say on this Wednesday afternoon that Toby has a family.

 

But that can't be the end of the story.

 

I can't believe the story just ends with Toby.  Too many people - too many husbands and wives were considering, considering, praying, praying.  They were praying About one Lost Boy.  But I'm hoping, praying, believing that as the door closed for all those heart-stirred families to adopt Toby, that the door will open for them to consider others.

 

There are so many others.

 

Other Lost Boys and Lost Girls who are waiting and longing and begging for families just as Toby has been waiting and begging.

 

Please. If you were one of the many who had their hearts stirred... Consider that maybe, MAYBE God was preparing your heart for another.  Another Lost Boy.  Another Lost Girl.  A child somewhere longing, pleading for a family.

 

Rob and I are well acquainted with just how many children are fatherless. When we lost Harper the weight of choosing another was HUGE.  Walking away was not an option with such great need before us.

 

Please consider that Maybe... Maybe... there could be another.

 

What about Marv?  His eyes cross and he is developmentally slow.   SO WHAT!!  He too WANTS a family. 

 

 

Sweet boy is so longing for a Mama and a Papa!  He has waited so very very long.

 

 

He has a whole host of people who have been trying so hard to get him seen.  Will you SEE HIM?  Please??

 

 

Or Charlie whom we met and absolutely fell in love with.  He is a gem!!  Please! See sweet Charlie!

 

 

He can dress himself and loves to color and is a great big brother to the little boys at that facility.  When we took the group picture he was so quick to reach out and pull into his lap one of the little boys. He's gentle and sweet.  He follows directions and talks and is going to excel in a family. 

 

 

 

What about Rebecca, whom we also met?  On the last day when we were saying our goodbyes, she reached her hands up and drew my face towards me and gave me the sweetest kiss.  It was so completely unexpected. She is so full of life and would be another one who will thrive in a family.

 

 

 

I met Ben and Isaiahu too who are so ready to join a family.

 

 

 

I held both boys in my arms and showered them both with love and kisses!!  Ben is just so fragile and needy and Isaiahu is pure love.  He is the happiest little boy living in a world of sorrow and loss. 

 

 

 

 

I could point out so many others. So many others..

 

If your hearts were opened for Toby - please consider that Maybe... MAYBE... God was using Toby to open your heart for another. 

 

Is it possible?

 

Please don't quiet that stirring...  Listen.  Consider. Pray.

 

CLICK HERE and go see the hundreds of OTHERS who are out there in search of families. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best Ingredients

Want to know the BEST ingredients for a birthday party??

 

Take one very excited almost 11 year old boy...

 

 

Invite a bunch of people for his first ever birthday party...

 

Make sure to have some RR babes there to make Mama smile

 

Joshua (Taras on RR)



Sean (Slava on RR)

 

Make sure the weather is just right for getting thoroughly wet...

 

Provide water guns and lots of water..

 

 

And have fun!!

 

 

 

 

Having a birthday cake and lots of presents is definitely a bonus!

 

 

A sweet day for a very special little boy!

 

 

About A Lost Boy

I made promises when we left John's orphanage.  Promises that I would do whatever I could to find families for the five children we left behind.  I've fallen short on those promises as we have spent the last weeks treading in deep water and trying to keep from drowning.  Thankfully the Lord isn't dependent upon me to stir in hearts because two of the five children have families in pursuit.  Wetherby and Reilly will soon be tucked into forever families. 

 

That leaves three.  Charlie.  Rebecca. Toby

 

This post is about one.

 

Toby.

 

 

 

I cannot write this post without tears streaming down my face.

 

 

We met Toby the same day we met John.

 

His first question to our facilitator... will they adopt me too???

 

Break my heart!

 

 

We couldn't adopt him, but we welcomed him every single time he was allowed to come visit with John. 

 

We listened as he begged our facilitator for a family.

 

Please. Please find me a family.

 

Please.

 

 

He has Celiac Disease. He can't eat gluten. 

 

 

 Celiac disease.  That's his entire special need.



That's not to say that he doesn't have some orphanage behavior. I don't know of any child coming out of those kinds of places who doesn't carry scars from life inside.  Toby is a rocker.  A flapper.  These are called stimming behaviors.  He rocks back and forth when he is sitting or standing.  He flaps his hands and fingers around. They make him look like he is autistic but neither Rob and I believe that he is truly autistic.  What he is is bored and lonely and desperate for a Mama to gather him in her arms and hold him tight.  He stims to comfort himself. He stims because he has no one to soothe his fears and speak kind words to him.  He stims because it his body's way of giving him sensory input. Both John and Aaron stim.  They are both rockers.  John only rocks at night when he is falling asleep.  Aaron rocks both at night and occasionally during the day - usually when he is bored or watching something that has all of his attention.





 

John was a favorite.  Toby is not.  John's disabilities kept him from being overly physically active.  Toby is all boy contained in a small area filled with other children who are physically and mentally disabled.  He's frustrated and lonely.  He is filled with energy that can't ever be released.  All of his friends have been adopted.  He's been left behind. 

 

 

Though he is all boy - he can focus. In fact he tended to be more focused than John at times. 

 

 

He loves building and creating and drawing.  He knows his math facts and does well in school. 

 

 

He wants a family so badly that when he was around us he would only let us speak English so that he could practice. He was told that if he learned English a family would want him.  So he is desperate, desperate to learn English. 

 

 

 

He's all-boy but he totally knows how to be gentle.  He is surrounded by children who struggle to walk, who need help dressing, who are smaller and vulnerable.  He was so tender towards Aaron. It was almost second nature for him to help him out and to play in a way that wouldn't harm him.  Those are amazing qualities! 

 

Oh Please won't you SEE Toby.  See him!

 

I write this with tears streaming.  In the first days when we met Toby he was so happy each time he was allowed to be with us.  Unfortunately, though we granted him permission to come, the nannies would often refuse his request and we had to leave him behind in his groupa.  He would cry and beg and plead and cry some more.  We would leave him behind with broken hearts as we listened to his weeping and pleading. It broke our hearts.

 

We loved when he was allowed to be with us. He was always polite and well-mannered and quick to do whatever it is we were doing. He was a pleasure to have around.

 

After court, I left for home and Rob stayed and visited each day with John and often with Toby.  When I left, Toby hugged me goodbye. I held him and kissed his head. I told him I would be back in a few weeks.  He understood.  He knew the routine. 

 

Two weeks later I came back.  My coming meant that John was leaving.  My coming meant that Toby was going to lose his best friend.  My coming meant that he was going to be left behind.

 

I will never ever forget Toby's eyes the day I walked back into his groupa. I expected a smile and a hug. I received neither. He instead gave me a hollow, blank look.  A stare that spoke volumes.  Grief leaked from his eyes into mine.  He was sitting on the floor in front of the small snow-filled TV staring up and me.  I wanted to gather him in my arms.  Apologize.  Whisper comfort.  Make promises to this Lost Boy that someone out there would surely find him.

 

 

I couldn't do any of that. We just stared at each other. Grief flowing between us. 

 

Saying goodbye to him was like tearing a bit of my heart out. I brought him gifts.  Two Lego sets.  I gave both of them to him but sadly the nannies took one away and gave it to another boy.  I took it back.  Made it clear that it was for Toby. His.  His alone. I doubt he was allowed to keep it.

 

 

It was all I had to offer this sweet boy who wants a family more than he wants anything else in the world.

 

 Please see him!!  Please see Toby!

 

At the end of August, from what we have been told our Fabulous Five will be moved out of this orphanage.  The facility is getting a name change. It will become a rehabilitation center.  NOTHING ABOUT THE PLACE WILL CHANGE EXCEPT THE NAME but because of the name change the five true orphans are being transferred.  From what we understand, where they will be going is NOTHING like this place.  NOTHING.

 

We doubt that Toby will be transferred to the same place as the others since he is not physically/mentally disabled.  Please read what another RR mom wrote when she found out Toby will be transferred:

 

"I don't know where he will go, but I have personally visited two of the institutions that are likely candidates. I can tell you that Toby's shy and gentle spirit will be completely crushed by the harsh and competitive atmospheres at both of those other institutions. The orphanage where Toby lives is a kind and nurturing place, and the other two institutions in this same city are completely opposite."

Rob and I visited one of those institutions and we agree.  It is an awful fit for him. 

 

Toby needs a family. He desperately needs a family.

Please pray. Please consider.

 

If you can't adopt him, please give to his grant account so that money is NOT a stumbling block for a family.

 

See him. He is truly a hidden treasure!

 

 

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

 

Who will sell everything to find this Lost Boy??

 

 

TOBY

 

P.S. - TOBY HAS BEEN OFFERED A $400.00 MATCHING GRANT... WHEN HIS GRANT ACCOUNT REACHES 1,831.00 HE WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $400.00!!!

Inside a Family

Summer Days.

 

 

Lazy Days.

 

It's some of what we have been doing around here...

 

 

Little boys being little boys.  (Shh.. don't tell him... he's getting a real bike in August thanks to the kind people at Wheels on the James.)

 





 



 

Swimming.

 

 

Swimming

 

 

More Swimming!!

 

 

Haircuts by Mama...

 



 

Yes, she needs a haircut... one of these days...

 

 

Plenty of firsts for our newest littlest.

 

We are slowly slipping into a new norm.  The shock of the first weeks is easing and our newest is settling into the rhythm of life inside a family.  We still have our ups and downs but we are learning, growing and loving deeper as the days go by. 

 

John is learning to swim, learning to hop, learning his letters and the sounds that go with them, learning that Papa works during the day and can't be disturbed even if he is in the office in the garage.  He's learning that playing with Aaron is quite fun.  He's learning that corn on the cob, broccoli and green beans are good to eat. He's learning that butter tastes good on bread.  He's learning about love and forgiveness.  He's learning about God.  He's learning.