Crew of 5 for Jesus

PLEASE URGENT PRAYER

2008-09-17T02:18:00.005-04:00

For a couple in China.. desperately needs many Prayers.
You will have to copy and paste.. trying to post this fast:

http://roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/

up and running...

2008-04-06T23:57:00.003-04:00

you can officially go to our new blog (and bookmark it to your favorites).
www.tableforliu.blogspot.com
" Table For Six "
feel free to add it to your website :O) (if you are in the adoption community)

::O)

I am currently searching for a blogmakeover person :O).. so I look forward to the changes on that as well!

Jill

2008-04-02T14:06:00.002-04:00

Please please continue to pray for this family. Andrew had brain and leg injuries.

I pulled this off Barbie's site - who pulled it off Anna's site.

This is an update on Andrew from Kathy this morning. He had another surgery yesterday (his third) and the news is encouraging. God does hear our prayers!!

Yesterday went well and we're playing the waiting game now but with everyday the leg is keeping infection at bay and the blood flow is well. We're winning the battle. We hope to continue uphill. The foot mobility won't be addressed for awhile. It's still intact but the nerves were lost so that will be next but we have to make sure the leg stays functioning. Please tell everyone thanks for the prayers and please continue them for us. We have witnessed a miracle in the making.

Jill

Please Pray for a friends child

2008-04-01T22:21:00.003-04:00

a friend needs prayers.
Her 16 yr old son was in a car accident. Please pray for him and the family. I don't want to write names on here without her permission, he is in the hospital and the last I heard - he was rough shape.
Please pray for this family. God will know who you are lifting up.
Thank you so much.
Please continue to lift them in prayer and I will try to keep you posted.
jill

2008-03-25T00:56:00.003-04:00

man, Table for Six was taken as a wwww.tableforsix... name but I did grab it as www.tableforliu.blogspot.com
"liu" in Chinese is "six" so it is all good. AND I am partially to it b/c it was Sophia's nickname in China. Her Ayi called her Xiao Liu - Little Six.

Okay, it is official "Table for Six" is it. The heading and link will be Table for Six but if you type it in you will have to type in www.tableforliu.blogspot.com

Ohhh don't peek yet... I am not finished making it pretty for you... come on.. you can wait another week... I still need to do a couple more things... :O))) don't peek.. and you know I will know... b/c i have a counter! hehehehe

new blog name...

2008-03-20T01:12:00.003-04:00

"Table for Six" is going to be our new blog name...

what do you think?? if it stinks.. let me know before we switch it over... or forever hold your peace... I hope you give comments.. unlike the comments you gave in helping selecting the name.. hint hint.. meaning only ONE friend participated... hhhmmmmmm

Computer CRASH.>>>

2008-03-20T01:02:00.003-04:00

My computer crashed... last week and I am so thankful that I was in the middle of doing the taxes... :O) i deciced to look at old tax years (2005 to be exact) and found my laptop paperwork!! WOOHOO Praise God! Guess what! My laptop has a few months left on the warrenty! Dell sent someone out this week. The Tech man said it would have cost us over 600 dollars to fix the problem.. uuhhh no way not me... heheheh Thank you DELL! The Lord was taking care of me in 2005 when that extra warrenty was being offered at a 2 for one deal and I took it (as my husband laughed!) b/c HE knew we would be adopted Drew and wouldn't have the money to spend on a computer jam! YEA!! He takes care of the littlest details!
I am so thankful b/c thousands of photos are on this laptop.. I have to back them up.. I will be working on that.. before i get in hot water again... Warning!!

will you pray for us? please be in prayer for the sell of our home (quickly). please be in prayer for our friends that our leaving for China next week to adopt their daughter!
thank you!!

thinking about adoption?

2008-03-05T21:30:00.000-05:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT OR SHOULD BE WHEN...
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.

7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.(2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You know what the word "Dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!

13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.

14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

Author Unknown

(copied from a blog that copied it from another blog)

ALICE HAS REFERRAL*******

2008-03-04T15:52:00.002-05:00

I am so excited for our friends!!!!!!! They received their referral today. She called me at 12:30 and I rushed over (one whole long street LOL) and on that computer screen staring at us was the beautiful photo of their 7 month old daughter!
I AM SO GIDDY you would think Alice and I were related or something. HAHAHA. They have waited so LOOOOOOONNNNGGG and she says now.. LILY was totally worth the wait. It is so hard while we are going through any process, yet with God we can and will get to the other side. He is faithful. Today, so many dreams have come true for our dear friends.
Congratulations Alice and Wade. May God bless you as He forms your family!
AND congratulations to ALL the families that received referrals this week!
J~
to see her photo go to Rumor Queen ( www.chinaadopttalk.com )and then under "babies" (march 3rd post) and then listed under the blog of "Lily Rolaine" (it is Alices sister-in-laws blog). Isn't she a pretty baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Referrals are about to come for some!

2008-03-01T16:23:00.002-05:00

I am so excited! Our friends are about to become parents to a child that lives in China. They are a LID 12/29/05! They have waited so long and we have prayed with them along the way. They have prayed with us as our journey has taken us to Daniel and now Drew and they have supported us and loved us as they patiently waited on God's timing for their child. I am beyond excited that within days they will hold the photo of their daughter! It gives me goosebumps when I think about it! I can't wait to see who she is, where she is, how old she is, what her name is, just everything about her. We already have a sitter ready for the entire week (not sure which day the referal will come in) so the adults can go to Texas Roadhouse for yummy steak celebration! Did I tell you how EXCITED I am? WOOHOO I am so giddy i can hardly stand it!

What a beautiful day!

2008-03-01T16:08:00.002-05:00

This past week was haaaarrrd... I was missing our son in China.. Sarah Grace was leaving notes on my mirror and having Sophia "delivering telegrams" to me that said, "I love a little orphan boy in China and his name is Drew" and "When will they let Drew come home".. notes like that.
So as I was trying my best to be strong for her, I was really weak. I was looking on the "shared list" for one agency and this precious little boy was there, okay TONS of precious children, so I inquired about this one little boy - however, my inquire didn't go through (I didn't know it at the time). The next day I received a letter in the mail from a lady at church and it was nothing but scripture verses. The very first one started out ... BE STILL, KNOW THAT I AM GOD! THen I called and found out my inquiry didn't go through and another agency "locked" the little boy! What a great week. I smiled. I knew that God was telling me to be patient (not my strong suit). I knew that God was telling me to sit down and be still.
THEN as I was crying yesterday b/c I was so bewildered at the time this was taking to figure everything out, today as I woke up I went to check our email and his little chubby checks were there. In the precious outfit we sent - playing with the truck we sent.. ohhhhhhhhhhhh my heart by still. He is so precious. I just want him home. However, God knows these FIVE photos will hold me tight for a little longer. It is so good to see his smiling little face. aaahhhhh. What a beautiful day.

PS.. my house just went on the market ~ there is no stress like selling a home! Please be in prayer fo rhte sell of our home. Thanks~

Looking for a new blog name!

2008-02-22T15:56:00.002-05:00

I love the name of our blog. However, I am looking for a new name. I want your help! i am looking for one that is "catchy" and lets people know this blog is about adoption. When I started this blog, it was completely about our missions trip so the name fit( plus we will have 6 soon :O)).
Now the blog has rolled into an adoption blog..
Any ideas out there?

What adoption? Chip in who?? Who is Drew?

2008-02-22T15:03:00.004-05:00

I have had several friends and cyber friends email me over the last few days and week to inquire about what is going on! :O) I haven't posted much on this blog about our adoption and who is Drew that is mentioned in the sidebar "chip in". Oh and what is a chip in? So I will so my best to tell you what I can.
In September 2005, God placed in my dreams a little boy. He is absolutely precious. I continued to pray about this dream that would not go away. The little boy was so "real" to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that the little boy in the dream was our son however, D1 was on his way home (we were waiting on TA) and he was most definitely not the boy in the dreams. The boy in the dreams had a different SN (special need) and looked completely different, yet he was Chinese. Bob and I were at the time, "done". Then, fast forward and yes I am leaving several things out but I have to for now b/c I have to save some details for later b/c they are so good that it will spoil the story for later!
Anyway, in Oct of 2006 Bob and I felt the call - okay that is mildly putting it.. we felt the URGENT, overwhelming power of God in our lives to adopt from China again. So much for being "done". :O))) And let me be the first to say, I am not done until God says I am.
For our adoption with Sophia, we received a life changing grant from Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth and the Shaohannah's Hope Foundation. There were days, I would weep to our Lord and ask Him how on earth we would be able to bring her home in time b/c the money just wasn't there.. then the money just appeared. God had to show us what faith and trust was all about during that adoption. With Daniel we were in a much better financial situation. We saved every penny over the two years and were prepared for the agency cost, ect.. We also put away the tax money from Sophia's adoption and it all worked out. We didn't apply for any grants and we helped others financially with their adoptions. Just as it was done to us. Now with little Drew not even a year later (actually, now b/c of paper work and all the what nots, we celebrated our year home with Daniel on Jan 30th) we didn't' quite have time to prepare. We have filled out grant paperwork and haven't heard back from them. It is harder now, b/c as you know, you have to be in a certain place to actually adopt from China yet you have to be in another place to get a grant.. it is almost a catch 22.
We are moving out of state in June and selling our home (moving on a military base). We have had to do a couple of upgrades to the house. So that depleted a "couple dollars". And just found out that we would "Break even" on the house. D1 is growing like a weed and has no clothes that fit him (please tell me, do boys grow that fast all the time? hahahahahhah)Well, you know, just everyday life. But we are trying to bring our son home. Our son, D2 is a special needs child. He is waiting in China for us and we are here in the US waiting for him. HE does have a correctable SN.
The 'chip in' is a Pay Pal account that allows you to donate towards bringing home our son. This will be our 3rd adoption in 3 years and the funds are not there yet BUT we know God is bigger than funds and He will provide and bring to completion what HE has placed in our hearts. We have seen cyber friends put Chip in's on their blogs and generous friends, family and anonymous people have donated so I reluctantly said at first no way.. then prayed about it.. obviously my mind was changed. People are generous and kind. This is one more way that God can use someone to bless someone else's life. So that is why there is a Chip in on our blog.
I hope that updates you as much as possible to what is going on in our lives.
And lastly, if I am going to write on here (try my best) everyday.. I will let you in on some secrets:
J=My name is Jill (stay at home mom/wife/home-schooler)
B=Bob is my husband (daddy and AF flyer)
S1=SarahGrace is the sweet & compassionate yet bossy momma bear
S2=Sophia is the hilarious firecracker from Hunan
D1=Daniel is the sweetie pie that doesn't stop moving
D2=and finally Drew is our little one we are trying to bring home
if you didn't already figure it out ;o)

2008-02-21T01:17:00.002-05:00

I had to grab my camera... B was putting new bottoms on the stools in the kitchen and when S2 heard the hammer she came running.. with D1's hammer in hand.. and she brought an extra hammer for D1.. too cute.. B "quick job" took a little longer but it was well worth it...

2008-02-21T01:09:00.002-05:00

Have you looked at the moon tonight?? It is beautiful. THe lunar eclipse is amazing. I tried to grab some photos but my camera would not allow me to get the reds I was seeing with my eye. I will post one photo.. although I know if you go onto www.yahoo.com tomorrow someone probably got a great shot!

2008-02-15T22:08:00.002-05:00

have you seen the Chinese ballet dancers? Cut one of the links below and put it in your browser to view the YouTube video. It is beautiful.
Here is the email (below I cut and pasted)I received with the youtube video link and info:

You will want to read this inspiring story before viewing the performance. It is a source of encouragement in the face of adversity. Unless you have already received this link, I doubt very much that you've ever seen anything like it. This is really incredible!
A Chinese modern dance competition on TV and one very unique couple won one of the top prizes. The lady, in her 30's, was a dancer who had trained since she was a little girl. Later in life, she lost her entire left arm in an accident and fell into a state of depression for a few years. Someone then asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized that she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance and wanted to dance again. So, she started to do some of her old routines, but, having lost her arm, she had also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even make simple turns and spins without falling.
Then she heard of a man in his 20s who had lost a leg in an accident. He had also fallen into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. But, she determined to find him (seemingly he was from a different Province) and persuade him to dance with her. He had never danced, and to "dance with one leg...are you joking with me? No way!" But, she didn't give up, and he reluctantly agreed thinking, "I have nothing else to do anyway."

She started to teach him dancing. The two broke up a few times because he had no concept of using muscle, how to control his body, and knew none of the basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually, they came back together and started training seriously. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them .
In the competition, as you will see, they dance beautifully and they legitimately won the competition.
I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen...it is living proof that strong human spirit can conquer any physical limitations!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c

2008-02-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

she said. "I have to remember, 'Do not tell God how big your storm is, but tell the storm how big your God is.'

I read an article today, emailed to me by a friend, that was INCREDIBLE. In this article the above qoute was given.. I do believe that is what my saying is going to be this upcoming year.. last year I kept saying.. stretching and growing, stretching and growing..
Of course, I don't want to stop stretching and growing! Currently, I am asking God to show me how to become a better wife. How can I better minister to my husband. I listened to a wonderful testimony yesterday on the radio, http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/Archives.asp?bcd=2008-2-11
it was a Focus on the Family program 2/11/08 Love in the Midst of Alzhimers
I encourage you to listen to the show.
Anyway, God has been showing me through his word (the Bible) and programs like this, and friends (their Godly marriages) what a biblical wife looks like to God. "B" is a gift that God gave me. Only to ME. It is like He wrapped him up and hand delivered Him to ME. I want to treat "B" and the Lord with the upmost care and love. This gift is precious. In a couple of weeks we will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary and if you haven't guessed yet.. I tend to get a little sappy this when we approach this milestone :O)
So back to the article and off my little tangent :O) The article, for me at least pretains to the adoption that we are going through. It is like none other. Funny, all of my children were born in the same country(except S1) yet, the adoptions are vastly different... this one takes the cake for trust, leap of faith and HUH? Because it completely caught us off guard and the red thread is more tightly woven than ever before....
have a lovely, God filled day..
May the week bring you goodies and surprises and lots of chocolates!
J-
The actual article was about doctors trying to coax a family into aborting twins b/c they had "medical issues". One baby was born with a cleft and one was born healthy but had tested postive for Downs. The couple chose to NOT abort either twin!
You can google this and find the article in its entirity:
Faith, not 'facts', carries woman forward
By Dan Irwin
NEW CASTLE NEWS (NEW CASTLE, Pa.)

Juan and Robert

2008-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

As you know we had to say good-bye to Juan. He graduated from Compassion Int's program (he is 18 now) and therefore our sponsorshp of him is complete. We received a beautiful letter from him.
We also received our new packet and info on Robert. He lives in the Philippines and is 13.

Please be in prayer for Juan and Robert and their families and ours.

2008-02-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

Happy (1 day late) Chinese New Year!! It is year of the RAT. My kids are thrilled b/c they LOVE Ratatouille (by Disney). And at this age.. that is cool :O)
We started the celebration out by having the children making lanterns this year. They made beautiful ones (wouldn't a mother say that?!!) and on Saturday we are meeting up with several other families in the communtiy to have a Chinese dinner celebration. These famiies look just like us - formed by Gods amazing love with children from China. We always have a great time with them. The entire family comes and we just have fun!

So, Gung Hay Fat Choy - ya'all!! meaning = peace and prosperity

2008-02-08T02:39:00.000-05:00

also, you will need to mute the regular music :O) to hear the video music

Our Adoption Video at BOTTOM..

2008-02-08T01:58:00.000-05:00

Our daughter's video is at the bottom (not the ones on the side) of the blog...
I for the life of me could not figure out how to put this video anywhere else and have it fit so you could view the entire screen... except at the bottom...
There are a few photos missing that I really want in there.. so I am working on that.. plus there are several more songs that I am working on.. I am a bit sick with a cold and snuggled up in my easy chair what a better way to pass the time.. plus I have been trying to grab some video off our cameras for someone (Tonya!) and still can't figure it out... I don't have the correct cable so I am told...

S1 has been home for 3+ years.. about time I started working on her video!
let me know what you think...this is for her and the Glory of God!

Half the Sky HELP

2008-02-02T22:58:00.001-05:00

I am asking for you to help and pray for the caregivers and orphans and people in China. They are having extreme weather right now. Please visit this site, http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php
or you can go to their main site of Half the Sky Foundation at www.halfthesky.org
If every person gave 1 dollar, or 5 or more.. we could make a difference.. these children need us.. the caregivers need us... I trust this organization completely.

Please at the very least go to the site and find out how you can pray for them.
thank you so very much,
J

is it a book no a truck... no a book...

2008-02-01T00:34:00.000-05:00

That truck is a book. Isn't that the neatest thing! S1 picked it out for D1. :O) It folds in and out. It also can go flat to make a mat for your cars to ride on the road.. I bought it at the local "ollies" for FOUR DOLLARS :O) double bonus. the kids love it.
What a beautiful night.
I have to go to sleep but wanted to post these couple photos.. I have many photos to post from the last month. I will try to catch up this weekend!
blessings,
J-

Happy birthday Chelsea and Elizabeth (on the 31st)!!

2008-02-01T00:29:00.000-05:00

HAPPY FAMILY DAY D1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

We can't believe it has been ONE YEAR since we have officially became a family of FIVE. What a year it has been. God has blessed us, stretched us and shown us who we are in ways that at times.. I really didn't want to see! And in the end, so thankful He showed me this little boy across the world and that little boys are NOT scary! Little boys are darling. Little boys are fun, sweet and never ending bundle of energy. D1 has shown me more into my relationship with my husband. God has used D1 to show me more about me - both as a mother and a wife. I am so thankful.
Today we woke up and baked cupcakes.. D1 said it is my birthday!! I love cupcakes and Chinese food! I told him, well you do get both of those but it is not your birthday but it is your special day and our special day today together as a family. It has been a whole year that you have been a Shelton and we are celebrating God bringing us together. He is so happy.
About a month ago, it finally set in that I, as his mother, was not going any where. It finally set in that I, as his mother, was permanent. As a mom, this broke my heart that he didn't understand I was around for the long haul like it or not :O) but b/c we have been foster parents we were familiar with this concept..how heartbreaking.. However, we understood this was not to take it personally it would just take time and lots of love and patince.
So that has been our hurdle over this past year. D1 was in foster care and they moved him quite a bit back and forth to the orphanage to foster care in preparation for us (doesn't make sense to us either). We know God protected him. This child is so sweet and caring. We are so thankful for all the caring females in his little life until God united us. He bonded well and adjusted perfectly. He is a cuddle bug loves to be with me.. he just didn't think I was going to stick around...
Last month, he came up to me in his little 3 1/2 year old voice and said "you are my pretty princess. please don't leave." I said, I am not going anywhere d1 - I am your mommy- i love you. He then said." we are a family you don't leave me" " i said, no buddy, I am not leaving. I sometimes go on dates with daddy, or to the store or to bible study at church but I will come back. I will never leave you (and under my breath begging God to never take me from this child and let me live all my days to be my son's mother!) D1 started to cry and he was so serious he then held me and of course I was crying at this point!
B came home from work that day and D1 walked straight up to him and said, my pretty princess mommy is my family and she is not leaving. I love her. She loves me."
B looked at me and I just wept. B said whoa - looks like we had a major break through today!
And since then... the real bonding between mother and son has begun.. the trust and the love has begun..
I can not wait for what is in store for for the up coming year and the years to follow...
please pray for my family when you think of us. :O)
Tonight, we will be joyful and celebrate our Gotcha Day/Family Day.. and remember our time in China one year ago today...
J-

I can hardly stand it!!!!

2008-01-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

My girlfriend is a LID of 12/29/05.. for her first child... and I am just giddy over the fact that just around the corner she will be traveling to China and meeting they will be meeting their daughter! They are so close yet in their hearts it feels like it will never happen.. we can all relate can't we.. whether we have waited for that due date and were dieing to meet the child we carried in our wombs or/and we saw our child's face from a photo and carried them in our heart until the day we finally met them.. we all loved them the same.. in our hearts.. dreaming about the day we FINALLY get to hold them, smell them and kiss them.
I am so overjoyed that I feel my heart bubbling over with excitement for "A" and the adventure that is about to happen... I look at S2 and a flood of memories come crashing back and I weep at what is about to happen in their lives.. the joy and the healing and love. The love that you never knew could exist yet knew was there the moment the photo of your daughter was stretched across the table to you... aaahh ...

Good morning!!

2008-01-22T00:45:00.000-05:00

I have spent way too much time on this blog tonight and now morning! I neglected some important jobs around the house so I will be absent from the blog for a couple of days.. no surprise huh! :O)

Have a blessed day!

Adding the music has made me feel better.. praise God while I was searching for songs was relaxing and I was able to pray inbetween songs and during.. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did tonight.

Thanks kathy for your site so I could add the music to mine!

I am sad today.

2008-01-21T23:11:00.000-05:00

I am sad today b/c we lost our Compassion International sponsorship child from Columbia. But not in the way that you might think .. it is in a good way.. he has graduated the program. He is about to graduate high school. SO we do rejoice and praise God that our Juan has made it! Over the years we have seen him grow into a Godly young man (from afar). We have read his letters, sent him letters and have love to pray for him. We have, at times had our church pray for him during trials in his life.. so to say that I am sad, is an understatement. I guess I didn't anticipate the call to come... what was I thinking.. we would grow old together? He has a wonderful family, siblings, parents - I know this b/c we pray for them! We (both him and us talk about them!!) so what was I thinking? I have hung his photo on our refrigerator for over 2 years... he has been a part of our lives.. and now? what poof.. nothing... now we will never hear of him or his life again? I am sadden by this fact.. this truth.. this tragedy.. agh.
Juan, as said in our closure letter.. more detailed of course.. we wish you peace, happiness, and God's love - always. We have loved you from afar and you will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever. I will miss you terribly. I will miss our correspondence. Jesus loves you!! We love you.
J. and family.
I look forward to forming a new sponsorship/friendship with our new child from the Philippines.. I lived there for 2 years as a teenager.

Steven Curtis Chapman HERE I COME

2008-01-18T23:42:00.000-05:00

I am so HAPPY... B just surprised me with tickets to the SCC concert in Baltimore! WOOHOO AND it is the same time as our 12th wedding anniversary ~ perfect!

www.shaohannahshope.org

see the pretty little girl in the white dress.. under grants and in the main frame that comes and goes... thats my baby girl S2!! isn't she precious...

getting a grant for Sophia three years ago from Shaohannahs hope, changed our lives. What a fantastic organization that gives back!

struggle...

2008-01-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

I am struggling with something.. I password protected our adoption journey site to protect the kids.. it has information on their regarding our adoption of D. It was made during our life of going through the process.. so my struggle right now.. I share my password with friends and cyber buddies... and on our yahoo groups .. but am I not fully sharing the Glory of God when I am not shout His goodness in our life? The blessing he has given and how? Should I password protect it.. or let others see that we adopted this precious older "special needs" or "waiting child" - our son.. am I robbing God?
If you are reading this, give me some feed back.. again.. if I do open this up.. you will know who we are, kids names, ages, where we flew out of.. husbands job... and what ever else I have mentioned in prayer and converstation/journal..
hhhhhmmmmmm
j

Philip Hayden Foundation

2008-01-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

www.chinaorphans.org

There are some needs.. especially money right now for heat and sponsors... please pray for them and help if you are led this way...

j

you can also help at www.harmonyoutreach.org .

2008-01-18T00:46:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas..

2007-12-23T21:50:00.000-05:00

The wish is a few days early, but I know I will not be on here blogging! I will be celebrating the birth of Christ. I will be visiting with my mom and loving on my children/husband and family.
As I sat in church today, it dawned on me that I hadn't "proclaimed the good news" on this site..
Well, I had to say it that way b/c as the children were in our children's play last week, my oldest daughter's friend said, "S1 you sounded great, you said - la la la" . My daughter said, I did not, I was Proclaiming the good news!". Well, my girlfriend overheard this and I think when she told me this we both about laughed hysterically. Not b/c of what she said, but b/c of S1 and how she says things at times... so matter of fact like. The little girls did get it all worked out and the miscommunication between them is no longer... it was so funny.
S2 is walking around telling everyone, especially D3 "Do not be afraid, Mary, you will have a baby boy and name him Jesus! happy birthday to me!! no happy birthday to Jesus!!"
And D3 is really not aware of what the season is really about yet.. it is his first Christmas: even though he is 3 1/2. Since we went away this holiday, we decided to not decorate at all.. So when grandma has a tree up.. he thinks WOW you mean this doesn't just happen in the stores! Hilarious.
I am sure I will post photos of our Christmas this year. I remember last year.. as I longed for D to be here with us. I would walk by his room and cry. I would go in and sit on the bed and just pray for God to release him from China. But now I know that the wait was very necessary. As I was praying to hold him. As I was praying to see him and hear him and smell him for the first time.. his foster parents, whom had raised him since he was month old - were about to endure the hardest pain of all.. letting him go. I know in my heart that God was allowing them more time to love him. I will have the rest of my life. They will not. I will see everything else. They willnot. So if they received a few extra months, the months that I was in pure agony.. then it was so worth it b/c we both came out better. I grew closer to God and they were able to hold, love and spoil the child we both adore so much a little longer. I praise God that he makes everything work out at once. I praise God for His goodness. I praise God for his love of all nations and people.
I pray for China the people of China. I pray for the Christians in China.
I am reminded this Christmas of what I was feeling last Christmas.. I am sure I am not the only one... I pray peace and salvation for D's foster family...and for his birth family...
This is the season of the birth of Christ. I pray for you and your families. I will be praying tonight for everyone that reads this blog. This is the single, greatest moment in history. The birth of Christ. Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you God for you.
J.

Last update on Sandi..

2007-11-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

She made it home when she was suppose to. God did indeed move mountains. Prayer worked and God heard our cries for this woman and her child. He found mercy on her during a most difficult time. Thank you all for your prayers. Sandi needs prayers now, as she is home with her child but with out her husband. Please continue to remember them in your prayers. Bethany Christian services did set up a fund you may consider contributing to - if you so desire you can go to their site and find it there. http://www.bethany.org/
blessings,
j

Just realized...

2007-11-15T12:49:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I haven't posted here about Sandi.. I have been posting for prayer on my boards, my bible studies, womens ministry...
Sandi and Dennis are first time parents and they are in China. Dennis went into a diabetic coma and passed a few days ago. They adopted Hannah (17 mos old). China is allowing the adoption to continue however, b/c Sandi and Dennis live in MI -Sandi and Hannah are having problems getting BACK into the states. Our own country is giving them problems?? SO we are asking for prayer for a lot of things right now.
Over a thousand calls have been made on their behalf and Sandi's mom has asked us to stop along with Bethany Christian Services in fear that it might hurt them now.?. So to honor their wishes I will post to not call anyone anymore just yet.
HOWEVER, please keep praying. I know people that have called and written the President, congressman, Senators - please pray for Sandi and Hannah to board planes tonight and for them to arrive safely.
God is bigger than all of this. He can move mountains and paperwork. He can do all things. He is calling His people to pray.
Love J

Info on Sandi and US INS

2007-11-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

The US Consulate in Guangzhou has denied Sandi Sheldon permission to proceed with the adoption of Hannah. They want her to fill out a new I-171 and are making no guarantees after that. Sandi, of course does not want to leave China and leave Hannah here because she has no where to go. Sandi needs our help desparately! Please start a massive campaign of calling to her US Congressman and US Senator and urge them to intervene on Sandi's behalf. We have discussed this with Sandi and she wants our help. Please pressure these elected officials to contact the State Department and straighten this out. Sandi should not be denied Hannah's adoption because her husband passed away unexpectedly. The adoption has been finalized here in China. Sandi's congressman is Mike Rogers. His Washington office number is 202 225 4872. His Michigan office number is 517 702 8000, he also has a toll free number 1-877-333-MIKE. Sandi's US Senator is Debbie Stabenow. Her Washington DC number is 202 224 4822 and her Michigan office number is 517 203 1760. Everyone should try to help and call these people until we get final approval. We should continue to pray that her adoption is finalized quickly and that Sandi can return home to Michigan with Hannah. Thanks from everyone here in China.

HAPPY 3RD GOTCHA/FAMILY DAY S2

2007-11-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

Today is very special in our family. It marks the 3rd year that my arms wrapped around my second child. It is the 3rd year that my ears have heard her voice, the 3rd year that my nose has smelled her hair, the 3rd year that my eyes have seen her face and the 3rd year that I have legally called her our daughter. I love this day because it takes me to a time when my husband and I were half a world away, anxious and excited, longing and light in our step, and weary and hoping and we felt in total obedience to the Lord. It was an enchanting moment. Time stood still and God allowed us to see the gift of adoption. We saw first hand how God views us in His sight and as His children, we are co-heirs with Christ. S2 and S1 are co-heirs to with each other just as we are co-heirs with Christ. These precious children are one in the same to us. One is adopted and one is biological yet there is no difference in our love for our children. And now this is true for our son that joined our family (also from China) this past January. I was never able to wrap my head around the fact that God loved me as much as he loves Christ. I believed the fact, I accepted the fact but I just couldn't understand why... until S2 came into our lives. Like us, she didn't do anything to 'deserve' to be in our family. She didn't pay her way into our family, she didn't earn her way into our family, BUT she was accepted unconditionally and loved by us. She was and is a member of our family forever and nothing will change that now. SO when we ask Christ into our lives to be our Saviour, we can't buy,earn or pay or deserve our way into Heaven but by the gift of Christ -from God- and the sacrifice of His bloodshed for our sins we are co-heirs with him {Christ}. I finally GOT IT. It was like God was saying SEE.. this is how much I love you. I too adopted you into my family once you received my son and I love you just the same as I love Christ! I make families. I made your family. I am God and I love you.
Maybe I am the one taking the slow boat... but it took my little precious S2 for me to see how much Jesus loves me... all the way in China... :O)
There are 15 other families today sharing this special day (the families we traveled with) and they have become very dear to our family over the years.. God bless you and may your day be special and made of memories and love.

We love you little spice girl. You are a gift from God that we will treasure forever. We pray for your happiness and love of Jesus. S2, you make us laugh and I mean belly laugh and you make us learn what being a parent is all about ;O))))
love you forever
mommy (and daddy)

2007-10-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

If you are reading this, will you pray for our family? S2 is having her asthma issues earlier than normal this year. They have already started, including her nebulizer treatments. We usually do not need to start these until late November or early December. S1 and I have colds which usually turn into full blown sinus infections. And I had a pimple right under my nose that became infected and my whole lip was numb! My teeth on the right side hurt from it and my upper lip is swollen.
:O) I am praying and hoping the boys don't get sick!

IF you get a chance check out the side videos!! I downloaded them from "You Tube" and "God Tube".

I want to thank everyone for praying for me when I spoke to my women's ministry group last Monday! It went well. I spoke on our trip (me and S1) to China in August to the orphanage. I said "uumm" a little too much. Thankfully I taped the presentation for hubby to watch and now can be cognitive of that!! I speak again in November to another group. I was trying so hard to speak slowly, that I added a couple uuuuummms... okay.. more than a couple... :O(
However, I have realized that I also do this in my daily life in talking with my children! So that is also something I can be working on!

My family has an unspoken prayer request. Please be in prayer for us. Thanks!!
J-

2007-09-07T23:48:00.000-04:00

I am so behind in my posting!! Soccer season started, Awana started, school started, referrals came out for China and I just had to visit all those site to see the precious children and hear the joy in the parents cyber voices!... so now I feel like I can post some more photos of China (missions trip) and get me caught up.. b/c my next two month sare about to get very busy!

S1 started 2 grade. She is doing so well. So far so good. :O) Not pulling teeth yet or hopefully our entire year will go this smooth! I love our ciriculum however I don't love the time constraints that I am under. Next year I will not participate in the "family plan". Too much pressure!! I also strated pulling the little ones up to the table and engaging them for longer intervals ... that is going well.. okay better with s2 than with d1 :O) he just wants to cut and paint.. not color! where are my TRUCKS! heheheh So now I now I know I have to get a little creative with the mr smartie pants. s2 however, is thriving and completely engrossed in what she is doing. She never ceases to amaze me. She has come so far in the 3 years since I first held her scared little body in my shaky, longing heart and hands.
I often think, 'why would God trust me to take care of these three special children?' They are so precious and we are so blessed to be a part of their lives. I am so thankful He chose us to be a family.
Okay this post is a little all over the place... i will write tomorrow when i am rested.

s1 has her first soccer game of the Fall season in the U8 all girls league.. she is no longer in as she refers to "baby soccer".. and she is very exited b/c her team has the coveted PINK shirts this season... hehehe such a girl....

2007-08-17T01:14:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos of our July Beach trip that was AMAZING and RELAXING. I will post a few more tomorrow.. didn't i just say that? hehehehe

2007-08-17T00:19:00.000-04:00

The little child in the blue car seat is TINY. She is 4 pounds and is about 4 months old. She just came in to PFH and they are taking very good care of her. Please keep her in your prayers. The other children are on the floor b/c the are playing and rolling around. :O)

The little child on the floor where S1 is reading, would cry when she stopped. So for over 1/2 hour the S1 read to this infant laying together. I have precious photos of the baby reaching up and touching S1 face holding her arm.. sweet... S1 couldn't even get up to get another book.. she had to reread the same one... over and over... but s1 didn't mind at all. The top corner is a precious little toddler that ran to S1 and jumped in her arms on the second day. I have three photos of this event. the next one shows the two of them looking at each other with cheesy grins and then the last one looking at me. thank goodness for a quick shot on my camera. the photos are precious. And the last but certainly not least, is Ling Ling. She is so wonderful She is older than S1 in physical age. She loved to run with S1 and play with her. I let her take some photos with my camera and she LOVED it. I also let her take some photage with my video camera and it is so precious. what a sweet child. please join me in prayer for each of these children and the many more that are in China and around the world.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

james 1 :27

I have skipped around a little.. especially about my Harmony House event.. that happen the day before we left..

The morning after we arrived.. we went into the "baby homes". You can see the homes if you go to http://www.chinaorphans.org/ that is PHF website.

Well, the first child that I saw was a child that I had specifically been praying for BEFORE we left for China. IS GOD SO AMAZING! I was led (by God in my heart) to go to the middle house to the second floor. I opened the half door and there he was. I gasped. I asked the Ayi, " is that XXX" I really don't want to say his name on this site. And she said, yes. I went to him and he laughed at me. HE LAUGHED AT ME. He is not even ONE YEARS OLD yet. I scooped him up and began praising God for His goodness to us both. That week I fell in love. I had to FORCE my self to beg God to spend time in the other buildings b/c I couldn't sleep. I just wanted to be near this child. I was drawn to him. I never told S1 any of this. She came up and immediately was drawn to the SAME CHILD. She loved on all the children and babies but spoke ALL the TIME of this one particular child.

LORD, I would pray. Please stop my heart from feeling this. I would purposely go to an entire different building.. there he sat. AS if.

I would laugh and say I know Lord, you like to have a sense of humor in my life.

We met so many wonderful children. I met TWINS :O), girls and boys of all ages. AND they were ALL precious. The are fearfully and wonderfully made. They belong to a family. I prayed over these children. Some of the children, I felt a calling to go back in the day to pray again. I laid my hands and prayed out loud, i prayed silently, I prayed and prayed. I prayed while I played.

I don't know if I told you or not.. this orphanage is 100 percent special needs. Can I just tell you how great our God is! He completely blinded S1 to any special needs of any child. I sat in awe one morning at 4 am and realized that she didn't see them having any issues. She didn't see the amputee or the wheelchair or any of the other children with physical disabilities. I thank my God for all his goodness. S1 saw children. S1 saw kids who wanted to be held and played with and she loved every minute.

S1 worked just as hard as I did. Some of the work was not hard but menial. But that is just it.. it wasn't menial there. It felt huge there. then other times it was sweaty and hard and she did it - without complaining and without stopping. I am proud of her for her courage and endurance. She saw things that children her age don't typically see and God was merciful. I pray that God pierces her heart for servant-hood and compassion and mercy.

I will post a couple photos but not to many... oh okay i will post more tomorrow.. i have to close tonight.

Philip Hayden Foundation and Harmony OutReach

2007-08-16T23:32:00.000-04:00

After church on Sunday, the van came from PHF to grab us for the hour long ride to go to the site where we would live out the rest of our days in China...
It was a decent ride and it really didn't feel like an hour. When we rounded the corner and came through the gates of Philip Hayden Foundation in Langfang China - there sat children, almost as if they were waiting on us. I felt like we had our own welcoming committee and it was by far the best kind (our own families excluded ofcourse :O} )
We barely had our luggage out of the van until we tried desperately to walk, not run, to the children. They were beautiful. they were sweet. they were curiuos. they are miracles. they are God's special children. they are ours ALL week !!!!!!!!!!!
So finally the Ayi's (nannies/caretakers) had to take the children in to feed them. sniff sniff. okay.. i guess we wil take our luggage off the grass and bring it up to our room.. and i guess we will take a tour and learn what was to be for the week! hehehe
So here is what we knew.. there was a "store" and it pretty much had juice and soft drinks and ice cream and other munchies for a small price.. and also gifts for sale. There was a laundry room that I ended up using once... can anyone read chinese for "soap here and start?". There was a kitchen that had a microwave and coffee pot.. okay so we are SET! and if we so desired for 3 dollars a meal per person 9b-fast and dinner) we could eat in there what would be prepared.
We had the honor to meet Mr John Bentley, Levi's dad. If you haven't read "Saving Levi"..written by his wife Lisa.. then I would HIGHLY suggest it. They now have Harmony Outreach in China. I was able to go over there and work during this trip.. what a mission field and a christian family.
There is so much I want to write and tell, but my hands can't possibly write that fast. One scene i will never forget.. we were sweating and cleaning out a room.. and the caretakers asked Sarah if she wanted food. Sarah said "chur" meaning food or to eat. and said yes. But Sarah meant that she wanted my peanut butter crackers out of my backpack.. with her water... they MADE a place for her and served her part of their lunch. there she was.. the only little girl at the table and about 8 ladies and one gentleman. they were so loving and kind to her. they cut her food up and blew it for her 9oh by the way.. it smelled unbelievable and sarah said it tasted incredible!). After her second serving.. I thanked them told them no more. You see, they were giving her their lunch. They were so kind. I didn't want to make them feel bad by not letting her eat nothing but i didn't want to take their food either.. such a giving country and kind people. I tell you they would have given her their last morsel. They loved on her and you could tell they were saying kind words about her b/c of there tones and facial expressions ( i caughta couple words but not all of them). Well, my heart just melted at that dining table that afternoon.
Deut 26:1 -15 talks of giving. God gives to us and we should give back to others. It is more detailed of course and a great read.
Acts 4: 32-37
v.32"All the believers were one in heart adn mind. No one claimed that any of his posessions wasa his own, but they shared everything they had...."
God is so good, God is so good, God is so good He's so good to me.. he loves me so , he loves me so He loves me so He's so good to me... come on now everyone sing....

church in china

2007-08-16T23:19:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord. We were able to worship in CHURCH with other believers - A LOT- of believers! IT was . well, i don't really have a word to describe what I am feeling.
Isaiah 12
I wont write the entire thing out but you have to take a peek! At this church, there are over 70 countries represented each week worshiping our Holy One! I was drawn to Isaiah 12:4-6.

We chose to go to the Chinese(mandarin) and English speaking service [a dual service]. How incredible to see, hear and sing in both languanges. How moving to worship in this manner. I just can't describe all that I was feeling. THEN, we were able to participate in communion that morning. I don't know for certain if communion is everyweek or monthly but I am thankful we were able to worship Christ, take communion and be a part of BCIF both with our friends and with the people in China on August 5th.

Rickshaw ride

2007-08-16T22:55:00.000-04:00

Today we went on the typical Rickshaw ride.. and then went to lunch in Hutong at a local Chinese couple home in the Hutong area. Th food was amazing. They cooked sooooo much for us. I was a little embarrassed. I was thankful that S1 likes to try new things and helped me pack away the food! I was so full they should have rolled me away! For those reading this and don't know about the Hutong area in Beijing.. i am going to tell you a little history :O)

We later went to the mansion and garden of Prince Gong of the Qing Dynasty.
Quote off google search "The mansion is the most exquisitely decorated and best preserved among the princes' mansions in Beijing, and beside the residence there is also a large garden.
The mansion consists of two parts: living quarters and the garden, covering 56,000 square meters. The living quarters run along three axes - central, eastern and western, altogether having 1,000 rooms. People can imagine the grandeur from its green glazed- tile roofs.
The garden of Prince Gong's Mansion covers 25,000 square meters, with artificial rockeries, covered corridors and pavilions. It is said the Grand View Garden described in the novel "A Dream of Red Mansions" was modelled after this garden.
The lake is a broad expanse of water surrounded by willows, locust trees and poplars - a lovely scene. People can have a boat ride there in summer and skate in winter."

I have copied and pasted this next section:

"A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing, where hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming(1368-1628) and Qing(1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The center of the city of Beijing was the royal palace -- the Forbidden City
One kind of hutongs, usually referred to as the regular hutong, was near the palace to the east and west and arranged in orderly fashion along the streets. Most of the residents of these hutongs were imperial kinsmen and aristocrats. Another kind, the simple and crude hutong, was mostly located far to the north and south of the palace. The residents were merchants and other ordinary people.
The main buildings in the hutong were almost all quadrangles--a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard . The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. hutongs, in fact, are passageways formed by many closely arranged quadrangles of different sizes. The specially built quadrangles all face the south for better lighting; as a result, a lot of hutongs run from east to west. Between the big hutongs many small ones went north and south for convenient passage.
At the end of the Qing Dynasty unified and closed China came under influence from abroad, having experienced change of dynasties and the vicissitudes of life. The stereotyped arrangement of the hutong was also affected. Many newly formed hutongs with irregular houses appeared outside the city, while many old ones lost their former neat arrangement. The social status of the residents also changed, reflecting the collapse of the feudal system. During the period of the Republic of China (1911-1948), Chinese society was unstable, with frequent civil wars and repeated foreign invasions.
The city of Beijing deteriorated, and the conditions of the hutong worsened. Quadrangles previously owned by one family became a compound occupied by many households.
After the founding of the people's Republic of China in 1949, hutong conditions improved. In recent years, the houses in many hutongs have been pulled down and replaced by modern buildings. Many hutong dwellers have moved to new housing.
The hutong today is fading into the shade for both tourists and inhabitants.
However, in the urban district of Beijing houses along hutongs still occupy one third of the total area, providing housing for half the population, so many hutongs have survived. In this respect, we see the old in the new in Beijing as an ancient yet modern city.
A new pastime -- roaming through Beijing's old, narrow streets, hutongs, by old-fashioned pedicab to visit siheyuan, the old quadrangles, and learn about the daily life of ordinary Beijing citizens-- has attracted more and more overseas visitors.
Existed as early as hundreds of years ago, narrow lanes, or hutongs were common in ancient Beijing. In the past, several thousand lanes, alleys and quadrangles formed residential areas for ordinary people living in the capital. Today,as the city develops into an international metropolis, its lanes and alleyways, occupying one third of the city proper, still serve as dwellings for half the total urban population."

Remembering you..

2007-08-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

Psalm 63:6-8 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow for your wings. My soul clings to you; you right hand upholds me.

I am reminded today that God loves us. The world. As I walked the streets today to shop and explore and visit with the locals, I am reminded that God loves them too. How awesome is that! As I stepped off the plane yesterday, the nerves went away. I felt home. Don't get me wrong, America is my home. But China.. it too holds my heart.

skipping ahead 10 days... S1 says to me.. in between sobs... I don't want to leave... I want to be here...

okay back to day 2... We went to the Great Wall at night.. next time we go :O) I want to ride the sled down.. then I think I will have almost done each item.. minus "staying the night on the wall" which is permitted in certain areas to backpackers.

So it is a two hour ride b/c of traffic to get to the Wall. God was so gracious to us and kept the weather perfect (okay so it was hot but it didn't down pour...yet). So we stepped out of our car and OHMYGOODNESS what a site. It was breathtaking. It literally took my breath away. I am not sure that any one site has had such an effect on my eyes.

So of we went up the Wall. The girls ran and played and chased locust (secatas). The photo you see the entire section that we climbed. As we headed down.. the storms rolled in. I have on video the thunder and lighting. It was incredible. .. until the lights went out.. then it was pitch dark. So we climbed at least a 1/4 if not more of the Wall in a HUGE storm. The great news: God provided lighting so we could see the steps every so often :O) We literally couldn't see our hands in front of our faces.. heheheheh it was fun though. I haven't been in a rain storm in quite some time. you should try it.. minus the lighting...

Dont worry be happy Matthew 6 :25

2007-08-16T21:50:00.000-04:00

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat, or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ..."

Let me back up a bit...so you know... all the post on China are post China trip.. but I have to write them b/c it was an amazing trip!

So our day started early... icky early! At 4:30ish we left the house and B took S1 and I to the Airport. B's mom came to take care of my babies (S2 and D1) and of course I have never left them so I was a little nervous:O) oh wait, didn't I just read to NOT worry!

Seriously, I knew they were in good hands.

So off we went on the jumbo jet... Our flight to Canada was fine. No problems. We rested and did a little school work. Then we met up with our friends M and BE. BE is the mom and M is the daughter but I couldn't put B and M b/c well you know ,.. it looks like BM and that is not who or what they are! :O) heheheh okay.. so I am a little jet lagged... cut me some slack.

We sat on the TARMAC for 3 1/2 hours... in the plane... with children... YIKES... nothing like a 13 hour flight ahead of us and just sitting there... FUN FUN FUN.

Everyone was still excited and happy and all was well.

I am so happy that BE and I decided to actually follow God's prompting and do this trip. I love being in His will and when I am obedient to him!!

Well, we arrive in Beijing and no one (meaning the children or us and the children) harmed anyone :O). The girls were troopers and the trip was pleasant.. I wouldn't fly this particular airline again... I am REALLY very partial to fly Continental (from Newark to Beijing) on the triple 7. .. but this airline was offering 1200 cheaper and we had to do take it.. now I know why... However.. the plot thickens and GOD had PLANS for us to take this airliner !! you will see!!

Okay so we are in Beijing... b/c we sat for 3 1/2 hours we arrived later and we took the first taxi... unfortunately he also took us.. BE and I KNEW he was cheating us and we told him we knew but we just wanted to get to our hotel and the girls were tired so we gave in and gave him 400 RMB... normally it would have only taken 80 RMB from the airport to the hotel.. so it should have been 80 for BE and 80 for me (for two taxis) but we took a minivan-ish thing so we could stay together... oh well... whats a girl to do!

2007-07-28T01:16:00.000-04:00

Are you sure we have to walk forward?
well, that was FUN. Can we go again?
Pure delight on D1's face.. loving that horse. thanks to our friends for letting us come out today.

2007-07-28T00:56:00.000-04:00

D1 and his first ride!

Hold on tight, here we go... room a zoom zoom!!

woo hoo!!!!!! Ride em cowboy!

Oh, hello.. if he can do this .. I certainly can try it... little miss S2

2007-07-28T00:53:00.000-04:00

Is this the happiest girl in the world! She has completely fallen in love with horses....My little S1 is growing up...

2007-07-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.chinaorphans.org/

This is the Philip Hayden Foundation Site. There are MANY opportunites to help orphans around the world.
As you can see, there are many... Here are some... and the list could continue...
http://www.goodrock.org.uk/ (Our D2's orphanage, Urumqi SWI Xin Jiang AR)
http://www.packagesofhope.org/ (China and Africa Orphans) (works a lot in our S2's orphanage, ChangDe SWI) 100% goes to children - no overhead.
http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer (do you recongnize our little one?? age 2 in the white dress under "grants" and up top same outfit!) This grant helped us bring S2 HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.compassioninternational.org/ (one we support and love so I thought I would put this one in there too :O)
http://www.fwcc.org/charitable.html (a list w/descriptions w/o having to click on a lot of sites)
http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/
http://www.operationsmile.org/
http://shareyourstorynow.org/2007/06/25/geoff-moore-ready-to-help-orphans-because-of-bible/
http://www.halfthesky.org/

2007-07-11T02:13:00.000-04:00

China Bound - Photo is the view from our hotel room in China when we were there in Jan/Feb 07...
S1 and I are going back to China in August 07. We are going for 10 days and we are so excited to have the opportunity to serve our Lord. We will serve His children at the PHF - Philip Hayden Foundation just south of Beijing. B and I are in the process of cultivating a servants heart in all our children. So on this trip b/c of S1 and her age she gets to go alone with me for this mission trip. I am looking forward to the growth that God has instore for us, both individually and as a mother and daughter and as His children.
Please be in prayer for our health, safety, boldness for His kingdom, flights, hotels and our stay at the orphanage, tours, guides, foods, family staying behind, and the mom and daughter team that is going with us. Of course anything else you are lead to pray for! We will be so excited to share our journey with you!

2007-07-11T00:29:00.000-04:00

My first post.. I will update you on the names of everyone.. there is me :O) and B, my dear husband and there is S1, S2 and D1.
S1 is my oldest daughter who will be 7 in Sept. She is wise beyond her years; compassionate, drama queen, and bright. We love the same things so it is easy to hang out doing things she likes to do! She loves Jesus and wants us to have a million children in the home!!
S2 is the middle child and will be 4 in Sept. My daughter makes me laugh without saying a word. She has the best belly laugh on any child I have ever heard yet she is my most difficult child- my instigator and sassy one, yet sweet and strong. She sings Jesus loves me and all the tunes from High school musical at the top of her lungs everywhere we go (well, there is an audience , right?) I love teaching S2. She is a challenge and when she 'gets it' her face lights up and the rejoicing is so great...
Then there is D1 my baby who just turned 3. He is my son and is ALL boy - full speed ahead. D1 also has this soft, sweet compassionate heart that is easy going. A wonderful combination that makes him extremely easy to love, at all times! D1 is bright and I will have him and S2 in the same grade..after all they are only 9 months apart!
B and I have been a couple for 14 years and married for 11 1/2. We love hanging out together with our kids and participating in family activities. We love going to church and having friends over to eat great food.
Well, that is about it for us.. I am going to post some photos!