Saying Goodbye to 2013...

... and HELLO to 2014!!

My Facebook Status today, "On this New Year's Eve, I pray that each one of you gets closer to exactly where God intended you to be! Happy 2014! God Bless You!" 

I know that God has provided the grace to get through this past year of waiting. When I have stomped my feet and shaken my fists, He has quickly centered my attention back on what is most important - my husband, my boys and that darling little girl, waiting for a mommy to call her own. 

I am certain that God has a great plan in 2014. He will move mountains. He will make straight the path. 

He is already on the move. Just yesterday, two HUGE things happened. 

Sevenly made a pledge to help families waiting to travel. WHAT?! Yes. We are one of the families that will be blessed by their campaign. This is so incredible. We are facing our homestudy update, possibly having to completely re-do our I800a (we might not make the renewal deadline) and HOPEFULLY our I800, Visa applications and maybe (MAYBE) travel?!?! So, this help is certainly needed. We have certainly gone WAY over the "typical" (haha there is no typical in international adoption) costs, since we have had two addendums and the appeal process. 

The next blessing was something that would have knocked me down, if I wasn't already laying in my bed! Someone donated to our FSP. And when I say donated, I mean BLEW IT UP AND NEARLY DOUBLED IT. I was blown away. Paul and I were thrilled that someone had discerned helping a family and PICKED US and OUR LITTLE GIRL. What a pick-me-up! I never realized how much motivation this would give me! I am PUMPED up and so EXCITED for this new year full of excitement and life-changes to come!

BRING IT ON 2014!!!

Thank you! God Bless!

SEVENLY!!!

Sevenly is blessing all families WAITING FOR TRAVEL this week. We have been waiting for quite some time. A year! So, this couldn't come at a better time. Maybe this means good news is coming our way. God knows we need it. Business opens next week in her country and I would be so happy if 2014 could begin as a year of HAPPINESS and MIRACLES!! 

http://www.sevenly.org/campaign/reeces-rainbow/

http://reecesrainbow.org/category/s14

A Special Gift

My second cousin, Nina, sent me a precious gift all the way from Oregon this year. 

Dear Santa

"Dear Santa Claus this year I have thought of my list and here's what I want a baby sister and I want lots of football gear and make it auburn football stuff"

This is a letter my darling big boy wrote to Santa today. My heart hurts. 

I have to vent...

I just need a moment. I have been really, really patient. I have been as cheerful as possible. But, in the moment, I am tired of waiting. It's awful. I prayed as mass last night for the hope I need to get through this waiting. The first candle of the Advent wreath stands for hope. My hope is wearing thin. Extremely thin. I'm exhausted from this drama.

I'm keeping as busy as I can, but I just feel worn out.

Ramblings while I wait...

Dear Sweet Girl,

I am so ready to hear the news from your country. I am praying that it is good news. I have picked some special things to send to you if we get approval. I can't wait to send you a big box of goodies. There are a few outfits and dresses and even cozy pajamas! I have some pretty ribbons and bows for your beautiful hair. I picked a little pearl bracelet with a small silver cross. I have multiple pairs of shoes to choose from - some in each size so that we will have something that is sure to fit your darling little feet. I have a few art books and even "Goodnight Moon" in Spanish. I found a Dora backpack that you can put your art supplies in. I bought a pink stroller to bring when we come for our trip to meet you and make you our daughter forever. However, you might be a big girl now - too big for your stroller or the carrier I bought to hold you with! I am looking for the perfect pair of earrings for your already-pierced ears. I am glad someone else got the job of putting those holes in your ears...putting you through the pain would have been too much for me to handle. Your big brother is so thrilled with the idea that we might get news soon. I have warned him that we don't know what that news will be. I have asked him, as well as ALL of our friends, to pray for you and your team in country. We are asking for God's favor in this matter. You are so precious. God has HUGE plans for you. I can tell that He has a beautiful life planned. All we can do is be patient and wait - for His plans a perfect.

Love,

Mommy

MEETING TOMORROW - PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

They are meeting regarding our appeal TOMORROW, 

Thanksgiving Day!!! 

PLEASE pray for a favorable outcome. 

I am so excited that they are finally meeting. God, please bless our appeal, bless our agency, bless those reviewing our case and please bless that precious child - who waits for her mommy and daddy!!!

Waiting, Impatiently

Today I was told that our paperwork I worked SO HARD to get to her country is still sitting. It's sitting on a desk. Two weeks after submission and nothing. We were told that it wouldn't take long - that they had a certain amount of time to give us an answer.

Please pray that someone picks up those papers and gives us an answer.

It's beyond me to explain how difficult this is.

Angelia's Angels

It's ANGEL TREE TIME!!!

Please go visit THIS POST and see how you can make a difference in the life of a child!

Thank you!!

GOOD NEWS

 I was able to get the paperwork completed, notarized and apostilled and sent off to C@l@mbia in just a matter of days. That alone is nothing short of a miracle. I am so thankful for your prayers. I know they were valuable for all matters in this process.

Yesterday, we had our final skype with the person who interviewed us. She went over a few details of the case and then didn't hesitate to give us her answer...

She gave us a FAVORABLE REVIEW.

Thank you God!

She explained that her findings had to jump from desk to desk in the next few days/weeks. Eventually, her report/our appeal will make it back to the region.

This makes me VERY nervous.

However... we were told that we shouldn't worry.

So last night we spent time just being HAPPY. We were happy for good news - something that is few and far between in this case.

And last night I slept the entire night for the first time in a LONG time.

So we don't know what happens next, but we do know that we did the BEST we could do for our girlie.

THANK YOU AGAIN for your many prayers and good thoughts and words. It means so much to all of us.

I Think I Can!!!

We have completed the interview process! That was one of the most stressful things either of us have had to endure EVER. Nearly 6 total hours of discussion and questions. Our second day went MUCH more smooth after explaining to our interviewer that we are pursuing a specific child that we have CHOSEN. Whose file we requested and studied. Who we felt was our DAUGHTER.

We made sure to refer to her and our case when answering the questions. We tried to lessen the hypothetical questions that were being presented by referring to her file and showing them her photo.

This urgency we showed seemed to change the mood of the interview altogether. It went much better - more focused.

At the end of the time, the interviewer told us that she would want to skype again Monday afternoon so that she can go over her notes and discuss her 'findings' with us.

Between now and then, I must complete some paperwork and get it to our agency, so that they can send it on to her country. (Email, thank goodness.)

Praying for peace and for the heart of our interviewer. Please God, help her to see the love we have in our hearts for this darling girl.

We appreciate ALL your prayers and concerns.

Overall Feelings

Paul and I were exhausted after our 3 hours of questioning. We were asked questions that only professionals should know the answers to. We were told that tomorrow the questions would be more difficult and we would be asked things separately. 

We don't feel very good about this. It's as if we have been convicted of a crime and we have no attorney. 

Thank you for your prayers!

Mid interview check-in

Going ok! A few interesting moments, but other than that - Good!

Keep praying!

Please pray

Today at 2 PM Paul and I will be in contact with the officials regarding our case via a Skype interview. As you can imagine I am extremely nervous. Please say a prayer for us so that we can stay calm and answer their questions to the best of our ability.

Confused

We are facing more questions now by a new group of peoplu - regarding our medications, mental health and financial stability. For those of you who know us... Yes, we are simply mind-blown. If I am correct in my count, this is the 5th time we have been asked to provide answers regarding these very same topics. 

When we received the news of more questions, our immediate thoughts were to QUIT. I wanted to throw in the towel and run as fast as I could. 

I called our agency rep and asked her HOW I could possibly come up with new information for the very same questions??? Even our doctors have said that there isn't much more to say about our health. They have stated multiple times that our medication and health have NO IMPACT on our parenting abilities. What more could we say? Our rep was quick to list off a few things that they might want to hear. However, our doctors cannot write letters to simply appease the what ifs. 

This is so bizarre. 

And the financial questions?? Whatever. 

And they want us to have 3 skype interviews with them next week. What in the world do you say in three interviews??? Nervous. 

So I am torn. 

Do I put on my big girl pants and do this work? Go from person to person requesting more of the same? Sit at the computer and put on a smile for these interviews, trying not to cry over the stress and sadness of it all? 

I am so confused. 

I get it. Adoption is HARD. I want to cry out to God, have mercy!!! I am so over this process!!! 

Then, the face of a child rushes into my head. A child who waits. A child who would have to wait for another family to endure this insanity. And I ask myself if I can muster the strength to go at this again. And part of me says yes. My 7 yr old cries asking if Rose will ever get to come home to live with us. And when I hear him and see him, I want to fight. What if it was him? In a home, without a family. Would I fight? YES! 

In my heart, though, I know they can still ultimately say no. "It's the nature of international adoption" says my rep. 

Well, when I signed up for this, I had NO IDEA about the craziness I was going to go through. I cannot put my life on hold anymore for this country. I might muster the strength to endure. But it won't be pretty. I'm going to have to work really hard not to be an ugly person to be around. The stress makes me crazy. Paul Vincent asks "are you stressed out, Mommy?" Oh yes, dear child. Yes. 

Still nothing

No news. Feeling a bit sad and very frustrated today. It's getting pretty painful. I appreciate your prayers.

Counting the Days

Days since...

We sent a LOI to Colombia: 500

Our dossier was received: 289

Our first addendum was requested: 249

A second addendum was requested: 174

Approved at National level: 99

Denied by Region: 55

Bloggy Stuff

Our other blog...

Just so you know.

Fundraising...

You guys KNOW that I don't like the idea of fundraising.

BUT... What if you get something super cute in return for your donation???

Like - maybe a t-shirt??

For $20, plus $2 shipping, you can have a fabulous t-shirt. Layer with a long sleeve shirt for those chilly winter months that are coming up! SO CUTE! 

To place your order, please comment here that you are ordering AND email me at KatieBruno1 (at) gmail.com with your order details... sizes, etc... I will contact you on payment options and place the order on October 18th!!! Plenty of time to get your order together and get the t-shirt for CHRISTMAS! 

Woot!!

Paperwork on the move...

Our dossier has been transferred back to the National level... It's been there about a week or so. How much longer until we hear more news?? GREAT question. We have learned that there is absolutely no way to tell. Could be sometime in the next week - or the next month. What will come of this move?

a) National level overrides Regional decision. Ta-da!
b) National level transfers her paperwork to another region... more waiting??
c) We are given the option to accept another child's referral. Sad, but true. I know that this will be VERY difficult. However, we have always known that God is the ultimate match-maker and only He knows the child that will be best for our family - or the child that needs a home the most. I am PRAYING it's Rose, but I know that everything will work out in the end.

Please pray God's will be done.

Feeling, well... rejected.

This past week we didn't get any new information regarding our case. I have, however, come to the realization that we were denied our match with Rose. Our agency is appealing this denial and they hope to hear from her region sometime in the next days/weeks. I feel that our agency is reviewing the past year+ of our case, so that they can be prepared if we are NOT granted the match in the end... Please pray that God's will be done - we don't know what His plans are, but we know His plans are BEST. I have begun mentally preparing myself if this is indeed, the end of our journey to Rose. She will ALWAYS be the daughter in my heart. I will always love her.he 

We do appreciate your prayers. They have given me SO much strength and peace with this situation in the past few days. The outpouring of love and prayers has been a lifesaver. 

I promise to keep you updated - as soon as I am updated.

I do feel somewhat sure that this is NOT the end of our story.

We were approved at the national level, so we are allowed to adopt from C*... so, if we cannot adopt Rose, perhaps God has another plan. 

Reminds me of the song by Rascal Flatts, God Bless the Broken Road.

Update. Or lack of.

Today at 10am our agency had a meeting to meet with the regional rep in charge of our case. And at 10am, they decided to be no-shows.

Yes. Seriously.

Our agency rep was stood up!

Honestly...

So, our agency called up the National rep in charge of our case. Let's just say, no one is pleased. I think someone needs a new job.

More Bad News

Today we were made aware that her region has more questions about our health. We will not receive her referral unless we can answer these questions and get their approval. Apparently, you can be approved by the country, but get a different answer (more questions) from her specific region.

My heart is breaking.

I was just planning her care package. So sad.

Soon and Very Soon

Today the caseworkers met to make the referral. 

Today... was a wonderful day. Somewhere in Latin America, the fate of a little girl was changed. We will hopefully get the 'results' in the next day or so...or (what typically happens) early next week. I pray that there were no glitches and that the meeting went smoothly. 

Soon!

Loving This Life

I'm trying to be patient with things. As you can imagine, it's not always easy. I cannot WAIT to kiss that face.

However, God is SO good. He has made an oasis in the desert of waiting. We have all been soaking up every moment of this summer vacation. My boys are so wonderful, such treasures. My husband is a blessing.

God has also made a way to help prepare us for the day when we welcome our daughter.

We have a vacation spot where we see the same group of people each summer. In fact, after counting the years gone by, we have known some of these families for roughly 17 years! One particular family, the Henderson's, has the same passion that I do... hearts for the orphan.

Their most recent adoption was completed just 2 months ago. I was so excited to be here when they introduced their daughter to the wonder and beauty of the beach - the sand, the waves, the wildlife. She's a spunky little one that's full of life and love. She's quick to share a toy or play a game. She's learned to swim right before my eyes - a child that had never even been in a BATHTUB before coming home. No floaties for this girl! And another awesome event... Her speech! She's talking up a storm. Her vocabulary is growing each and every day. She understands just about everything you say and (just like any child) is becoming selective on what she 'hears' too! My boys have really been enjoying her, too. We smile big smiles seeing how cute she is and how much she is learning. Paul Vincent is getting a taste of what having a little sister will be like. Christopher has a new playmate. It's just another way God is knitting this story together so beautifully. She has given this time a new meaning for us, during the wait. Paul, who sometimes has many worries about the future, has been calmed by seeing how well she is doing, after leaving her foster mother. Rose will be leaving a foster mother, as well. It hurts our hearts to know the pain that she will suffer and the fear that she will most definitely have - but to know that the pain will subside with the love of a family... It's just wonderful to know.

In other news...
I recently signed up to be a sponsor for a little one at New Day Foster Home, named Sally. It's exciting to know that I can help a little one in China. I have been recently feeling a lot of pull towards China, so this works out perfectly.

I PROMISE that I will update as soon as I hear anything about Rose. I check my email by the minute! I recently send an email to ask if they could find out if she has been baptized. I would love to be able to celebrate this sacrament with my little girl! Wouldn't that be incredible?!

Anyway... that's all for now. Back to enjoying my kiddos and this fabulous summer!

Duolingo

It's been mentioned that we should start learning some Spanish. HA! I quickly sent an email letting them know that I took multiple years of Spanish in high school and college. To 'brush up' I have started using Duolingo on my phone. Great app for those who need to practice!

I doubt I will need a lot of verb conjugation for Miss Rose, but it's good to have a little knowledge.

You can try it out here: Duolingo

God Is Good

We have been approved to adopt from C@l@mbia!!!!

A Little Excitement

Mondays always bring the potential for excitement. Each Monday, I usually send an email to our agency to ask if there are any updates in our case. This week I was busy - cleaning. I went about my chores and considered writing that email in-between jobs. I didn't... but, around 11 am, I received an email anyway!

Fun!

Yesterday our agency was verbally informed that our caseworker at the ICBF has REVIEWED OUR CASE!!!

That's HUGE. That means that at any time, our official letter could be sent. That means that our YES (or no) could be on our way at ANY TIME!

See?!?! Exciting!!!!

Of course we are hoping for a YES, but we will pray that GOD'S WILL BE DONE. Not ours. His plan is always perfect.

And some fun... a few photos...

Best Daddy - Father's Day

My Precious Angels

A Wonderful Distraction

School is out for summer. My boys have been a wonderful distraction in this time of waiting. We spent two glorious weeks at the beach - and I soaked up every minute watching them playing and having fun. I am trying to keep a happy balance of keeping them busy and letting them relax. We're planning future adventures for the weeks to come - maybe more time on the shore?

Paul and I celebrate our tenth year of marriage next month, so we have entered the stage of planning what to do. Maybe a party? Maybe a trip? Maybe I will pull my gown out of the closet and stuff myself back into it???

So as you can tell, we are still waiting to hear from the ICBF regarding our second addendum. From what we have been told, it's sitting on the desk of the caseworker, waiting to be reviewed. I send a weekly email to our agency, asking for an update. I know that they would contact us if they had any news. For some reason though, I look forward to my Monday email to them. It helps mark the time that has passed. Each Monday I can say - another week down, only ___ more to go.

Now, some photos to enjoy!

Agency timeline

Our agency received our addendum on Friday. They will send it to her country this week and it should be there by this Friday. The paperwork must be translated - which normally takes a few days. Then, the ICBF has 6+ weeks to review it. Each time they have received anything from our end, they have taken the full time allowed before responding. I think the typical time is 40 work days - and they vacation a lot. So, this typically means two months. So, let's plan on not hearing anything until the end of July. Our 10th wedding anniversary is the 26th of July. I would like to have news by then. Pray with me!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms, Godmothers and Grandmothers out there.

Special prayers for the women out there that yearn to be mothers - yet struggle with infertility. Prayers for the moms who have lost their children.

And also, prayers for the soon to be mothers... of children that wait to come home.

Out of my hands

Today I will mail addendum #2 to our agency. It will be out of my hands. I pray that the paperwork arrives unharmed and travels quickly to her country.

God's will be done!

Fasting

I'm feeling like I'm due for a good Facebook fast. I love staying connected and keeping up with all of the news, but I need a break. I'll update here when/if there is news. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

A Little Story

Yesterday I spent the majority of my day acting like a cat. I woke up way too early. I ate breakfast. I napped. I ate lunch. I napped again. You see? Very cat-like.

We did have one planned activity yesterday that forced us all to get dressed and looking more human. Paul's niece celebrated her First Holy Communion yesterday evening. All the children were so sweet and innocent. What a joy to be able to witness such a beautiful sacrament.

One little girl certainly stole my heart. The final child to receive her First Communion was a stunning little girl with dark brown hair and a gorgeous smile. She was accompanied by a helper, gently guiding her through the  motions. I realized that this little love was special in the most loving sense of the word. She glowed like a light shining from within her as she received her First Holy Communion. A smile like no other child had lit up her precious face.

And I cried.

I miss you sweet angel girl. I cannot wait to hold your sweet hand in mine and proudly proclaim that I am your Mommy! You are my daughter! Long awaited and prayed for! A gift to me and our family!

"Hola, Rosita! Yo soy tu Mami!"

I have become quite brave through this process. Whenever I set eyes on a child who is gifted with something special, I cannot help myself. I have an uncontrollable urge to run through the crowd and introduce myself. So, that's what I did. After Mass had ended I searched through the crowd and managed to spot this sweet lovey and go and tell her and her family how wonderful she did and how beautiful she is!!! Her family thanked me for coming to speak and seemed very grateful for the acknowledgement of the hard work that must have gone in to that day. And so I explained that I have a heart with those that are exceptional and that I am waiting to become the mother of a little girl with Down Syndrome.

Her mother looked at me and said those magic words... She is also adopted.

Instant click and her family proceeded to tell me what a gift we would have in our little girl with something extra. It was just a moment in time, but it is moments like this that tend to renew the spirit. It gives new hope to someone who is stuck in a process that sometimes makes no sense.

Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you for sending that sweet soul to Earth to bless her family and to bless me - helping me make it through the coming weeks of waiting. It WILL be worth it!

Have a wonderful, blessed Sunday everyone. Thank you for your prayers and your sweet notes and letters. They mean so much to me!

Dear....

To Whom it May Concern:

My name is Katie B* and I am writing to tell you a bit more about Paul and me. 

We live in a quiet town called Mountain B****, Alabama. It’s a suburb of B****. We have lived here most of our life, excluding the time we spent at college in Auburn, Alabama. 

I have always loved children and yearned to be a mother. Even as a toddler, I tried taking care of the other children in my preschool class. I have fond memories of taking care of my younger cousins and neighbors. When I was about 12 years of age, I started babysitting. I have many people that I cared for that I am still in contact with all these years later. Paul has many memories himself of caring for his younger sibling and cousins. We both spent years in our teens caring for our nieces and nephews together. His older brothers have six children, between the two of their families. My brother has two daughters.

We have known each other since we were in our early teens. We have always attended the same church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. We grew up active in the youth group - often serving on different teams to do mission work. Some of these included visiting the sick and homebound, building homes for the homeless, and working with the younger children in such things as vacation bible school. I have even been to a very small town called Cinco de Mayo, Mexico - just outside Matamoros. There, members from our church worked to make repairs on their church building and also spent time doing projects with the children.

In my years of college, studying elementary education, I also worked in a local daycare and taught Sunday school at our local church, St. Michael’s. My education included a class specifically on special needs. I have even considered returning to get my masters degree in special education. 

After graduating, I taught first grade in a local catholic school, St. Rose Academy. It was a blessing to be in a school where the Dominican nuns teach, too! I learned so much from them and from the children I taught.

By this time, Paul and I were married and wished to have children of our own. We were not able to conceive, so we began and completed a domestic home study. Not too long after we completed this, we were blessed with a pregnancy and a beautiful baby boy. We were in love! He was small, but so sweet - born early at 35 weeks and weighing only a little over 4 pounds. 

When our first child was about 16 months old, we realized he wasn’t speaking as much as we believed he should be at his age. At this time, he was diagnosed as having Apraxia of Speech. He was placed in two separate therapies to help him progress. After a year and a half of help, he tested at a typical range! It was hard work, but it certainly paid off!

Our second son, was born a month earlier than our first. He was just 3 pounds and 14 inches at birth! He spent more time in hospital than his older brother, but we were so thrilled to see his progress. After three weeks, we were able to take him home. 

As an infant, he had many special situations. He had double hernia surgery when he was just a few months old. He had reflux, which proved to be quite an issue with his ability to eat and take in calories. We took months, working with his pediatrician and specialists, trying to figure out the best way to treat his problems. He developed a sensitivity to oral textures and started vomiting often. This was yet another hurtle to cross. Yet we did it! We were then faced with his slow growing and gaining - even with sufficient calorie intake. We sought the knowledge of yet more specialists. We have seen geneticists, gastroenterologists, therapists, allergists, and even received several pediatricians recommendations. As a family, we have been able to work together during times like this to overcome and persevere! He is now eating, growing, strong and THRIVING! 

We truly believe that children - ALL CHILDREN - are a gift from God. They are each created uniquely in His image. 

When faced, yet again, with the struggle of infertility and a miscarriage, we have been called to adopt. 

We are certainly aware of the struggles of having a child with special needs - we have two of our very own. We have felt the ups and downs and are constantly trying to do what is best for our boys. Yes, I might have called myself a ‘perfectionist’ but I believe that my use of this word might have been confusing. Perfection, in my thoughts, is striving to do what is BEST for my family and my children. I know only God is perfect. As a mother and a wife I am constantly called to challenge myself to do better and to strive to be like Jesus’ mother, Mary. 

When we first saw D****’s face, we felt an immediate connection to her. We have prayed now, for over a year, to bring her home and make her our daughter. My sons have prayed endlessly to bring home their sister. Our family and friends have all joined in prayer with us. We are asking you to approve our family, so that we can begin our lives together. 

We know what struggles come with bringing a new child into the family. Through our adoption training classes we have also come to know the struggles that adoptive families face. We have knowledge of what behaviors and challenges a child with special needs, like Down Syndrome, have. We have a very strong support group of therapists, doctors, friends and family that are certainly willing to help us and help D****.

Please accept this letter and the letters from our friends and family as proof that we will certainly love and care for D**** - as we care for our own children! We appreciate your time and your care for D****. It means so much to know that she is well-loved. This process might not be easy, but we understand it is necessary.

Sincerely, 

Katie B****

This week....

This week we should be getting news from Rose's country. We have been told that there is a letter on its way to our agency. After translation, we should know more about our next step in this journey. I am so grateful that we will be getting some sort of news - whether it be good or bad. The adoption 'limbo' is so difficult. We have so many plans for our future, but not knowing this next step makes panning impossible for this mommy. I need to have some sense of security when planning. Paul wants to make some pretty big changes in our near future - he's very content and secure in knowing that God has our best interests in mind. I pray that I will be given this gift. It's something I need to be reminded of daily right now.

I am so hopeful that this week will bring POSITIVE news.

God's will be done!

**If you happen to read this today (Sunday), set your DVR to watch...Anthony Bourdain in Colombia!!!

Prayer

St Therese, Pray for us!

In honour of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face and to beg favours through her intercession.

O Father in Heaven, Who through St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face, dost desire to remind the world of the Merciful Love that fills Thy Heart, and the childlike trust we should have in Thee, humbly we thank Thee for having crowned with so great glory Thine ever faithful child, and for giving her wondrous power to bring unto Thee, day by day, innumerable souls who will praise Thee eternally.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face, remember thy promise to do good upon earth, shower down thy roses on those who invoke thee and obtain for us from God the graces we hope for from His infinite goodness. 

Sad

We will need to complete another addendum.

Birthday Party

Since we couldn't celebrate with Rose yesterday, I decided to spend her 'birthday money' blessing families who are raising funds for their adoptions. 15 families got a teeny-tiny bump in their FSPs. It was the perfect way to celebrate her day and Easter, all at once!

I am researching mission work in Colombia.

If anyone has any information, please let me know. Extra points for Catholic based programs ;)

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Girl

Five.

My sweet girl. You have waited for 5 years for a mommy and daddy. When we committed to be your family last May, I never dreamed that we wouldn't spend your birthday loving on you. I thought for sure that you would be home and we would have a grand celebration, in your honor.

I never imagined that we wouldn't yet even be approved and have our referral. I cannot believe it.

I am so sorry.

I wish I could have completed paperwork faster. I wish that our dossier would have been completely perfect, so that we would not have needed an addendum.

I do know though, that God has PERFECT timing. It's not my pretty picture that I have in my mind, but a much more beautiful plan.

Today I will think of you often, sweet Rose. Mommy loves you and I cannot wait to see you.

Nesting?

Not sure what's going on with me. I can't stop cleaning. I finally (after months) feel GOOD and today it showed! I vacuumed in places that haven't seen sunlight in years. Ha! Dusting. Organizing. Cleaning out. To make me feel even better, the glorious SUN was out and it went way into the 70s! Happy me! After spring break, I plan on getting to that garden! Guess I need a plan. Keeping myself busy as possible. You'd never imagine how many times I check my email per day! Still no news.

Dear God,

Thirty-five.

Today I reflect on thirty-five years of blessings.

It's quite incredible all of the gifts that I have been given. I have a phenomenal family. My mother and father are the greatest parents I could ask for. They taught me how to work hard and stay strong - even in the darkest valley. My brother and I have taken these lessons and applied them to our lives and our children's lives. I have the gift of a very strong spiritual leader - my husband. He's an excellent roll model for me and our boys. He spends a lot of his time in prayer and meditation. I couldn't ask for a stronger man of faith. He's also a perfect daddy for our children. It's funny how - when I was just 16 years old - God whispered in my heart that he was special. God prepared me for our future by showing me that nothing worth fighting for comes easy. And this leads me to our precious, miracle boys. Like a light in the darkness they came (when we were ready to give up hope) and they have blessed us like nothing else could. And then another valley... The loss of our 'Natalia'. But God, as He always does, had a plan for me. Then Rose was revealed to my heart and to Paul's. As we wait, I reflect on God's gift and goodness. I am secure with Him.

I will celebrate my 35 years. I will keep calm, knowing that God knows my heart and what plan He has for me.

Thank you God! Lead me in your ways, always.

I love you all! I love you, Rose!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

Virtual Birthday Party

Our little girl turns five this month. In honor of her 5th birthday I would love to throw her a virtual birthday party. Although, this party will be a little different. Instead of purchasing a gift for our beautiful girl, please feel free to go to Amazon and find something you would love to buy her and DONATE the price of the item to her FSP. The link is on the right side of this page. By donating, you are helping fund our travel and in-country fees.

We are sad that we cannot spend her birthday with her, but we are thrilled at the thought that it could be any day when we receive our official approval! Please keep all involved in this process in your prayers - our agency, her social worker, the ICBF officials and especially our sweet one!

Please feel free to comment below, letting us know what gift you "purchased" for Rose. We appreciate all you have done, and continue to do, to make this dream a reality!

Lent

You know... Lent is one of my new favorite times of the year. A time to reflect. A time to make difficult changes. A time for becoming stronger.

As a child, I could remember thinking Lent was awful. No meat?! Fasting?!

Yesterday I am sure my kids felt that way when I put my foot down and stopped their constant whining for snacks at 4pm and stated... "It is 4pm. For the next hour, you two are going to fast from all food. No one is allowed to ask for anything until after 5pm." And by golly it WORKED!!! Ha! I'll have to try that again.

Anyway. I get off topic.

So, this Lent, we wait. We wait to meet our little girl. We try our best and fast from the temptation of making this about US and OUR timing/wants/needs/etc. And boy is it hard. Just a few moments ago I went on a little tantrum. A little fit about how things aren't going "my way". I am sure God's sitting by me saying... "It's February 26th. If you can just wait you will get exactly what you need, in my timing."

February

What a wild ride the past few weeks have been! We were so ready to get our official acceptance and referral for our darling girl. I guess it never crossed my mind that we would have to complete an addendum! This addendum was a request for more information from our homestudy agency regarding two things. I cannot put into works the anxiety I felt regarding this somewhat 'simple' task! Thank God for our homestudy agency (specifically Anne) who took control and was able to get it done, with very little help from me! What a relief to have someone fighting for us! Yesterday was a particularly difficult day for me. However, my worrying was uncalled for... because our addendum is in the FINAL stages and now just needs to be apostilled (certified) and sent to C*l*mbia for translation! Woot!!!

What next, you may ask?

PRAY for speedy translation and ACCEPTANCE and REFERRAL!!!

I am *thinking* that this should be a relatively quick step, since they only needed to have these two questions answered. But...hahaha...I have learned that this is normally NOT the case.

Hoping that I will have another update SOON.

Thank you for your prayers and petitions to God. He is in control and His timing is PERFECT!

Please Pray

Dear heavenly Father, we thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven.  (Matthew 18:10)   Today we pray for Rose who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love her.

We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to Katie and Paul and that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process.  You know the difficulties that Katie and Paul have gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt. 

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of this new family.  We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child.   We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray for the birth mother that you will give her courage and hope. 

Father, the longer this child is in their new prospective home, the stronger the bonds of love are growing each day.  We pray that You will help all involved – child, prospective parents, grandparents, birth parents and friends – cope with the stress of not knowing if and when the adoption will be final.  

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.  

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation.  And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care.   In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

Copyright Karen Barber 2012  All rights reserved.