tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22970151672390913882024-03-20T04:59:40.408-07:00Precious In His Sight"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-65795095039721687522012-12-14T21:24:00.000-08:002012-12-14T21:28:56.864-08:00It's Been Too LongIt has been 13 months since I last posted. I sincerely apologize. When I started blogging about our adoption journey I never intended to leave everyone hanging at the very best part. Before I begin with the details of my trip I would first like to thank everyone that supported us as we waited for our boys, for praying and donating the funds that helped to make it possible for us to bring them home. Words cannot express how grateful we are for y'all.<br />
Now, for those of you who were following along you may remember that when I last posted we had just received travel approval and I was excitedly waiting to travel to China with my sister, Amanda, to bring our sweet boys home. Which of course I did. And it was an amazing, memorable and bittersweet journey that not only gave me the blessing of two more children but also blessed me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for life and family. The trip itself was logistically challenging and filled with hilarious stories of missed flights, culture shock, luggage drama and the challenges of trying to communicate in a foreign language. We also met some wonderful people along the way and were deeply touched by their individual stories/testimonies regarding adoption and how the Lord had led them to China for their children. And of course, the unforgettable experiences of seeing Archer and Abel for the first time! The memory of those two days are gifts that I will always cherish. Sadly, the memory of those days also include sorrow and pain. Our precious Archer had lived with his foster family from the time he was 3 months old. When he bravely took my hand that first day in our hotel lobby in Jinan, he walked away from the only family he had ever known. His first night with me was one filled with a river of tears that threatened to never stop, causing me to ask myself if we were making a huge mistake in taking this grieving boy from everything he had ever known. I held him and comforted him the best I could for over and hour as he cried out for his foster mother and gasped for breath as he tried to handle feelings that were too big for his little heart to contain. I offered to run him a bath, hoping he would be able to relax a little and calm down enough to sleep since we had to catch an early flight to Liuyang to meet Abel the next day. I gave him some little army men that I had brought for him to play with and he stayed in the bath for 3 hours. I would go in every 20 minutes or so to check on him, running more warm water, and letting him share his feelings. We finally climbed into bed very late into the night, his little forehead pressed against mine. <br />
Archer woke up the next morning sleepy eyed but excited about his first airplane flight. I was relieved that he was doing better and hopeful that somehow we would make it after all. My sister and I were hurrying to put some last minute items in our bags when there was a knock on the door. At the exact moment that I opened the door for the bell boy to begin taking our luggage down the phone rang and what happened next changed the dynamic of that day, the rest of our trip and every day that I have woken up to since. It was our youngest sister calling with the tragic news that our father had suffered a massive heart attack and died earlier that day. The despair I felt at hearing this terrible news brought me to my knees as I began to pray that God would somehow change the circumstance. Our beloved daddy was gone and we were half a world away from our loved ones and all that was familiar and a comfort. We needed our families, our children and beloved spouses, but little Abel was waiting for us to come and get him that very day. Even now, a year later, typing these words brings fresh grief. For the past 12 months, I have put off coming here and sharing the events of this day, knowing how difficult it would be. Doing the very difficult work of attaching and grafting our 2 new sons into our family while simultaneously grieving the loss of my dad has been the most exhausting process I have ever been through. I just have not had the energy to spare for blogging. I know you all understand....I will be back soon to share about the rest of our trip.<br />
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In His Grip,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a><br />
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<br />N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-13394461157130778342011-11-28T05:37:00.000-08:002011-11-28T05:37:10.171-08:00Travel Approval!I am a little late in posting this but we have been crazy busy around here. On November 18 we received our official invitation from China to enter their country and come and get our boys! Woo hoo!! I will likely be traveling alone unless we are able to expedite a passport and visa for more sister Amanda. My trip will be from December 8 through the 23 and in that time I will travel to Beijing, Jinan, Qingdao, Changsha, Guangzhou and back to Beijing!! Whew!! So, while I am gallivanting all over China, sleeping in beautiful hotels and eating yummy Chinese food, my sweet Love will be home holding down the fort and trying to keep the natives tame. So, if you think of it while I'm gone, say a prayer for my husband. Please. Cover that man in prayer. He is gonna need it! <br />
As soon as I get my itinerary I will let y'all know! <br />
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In His Grip,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-13939799548387084392011-10-31T08:17:00.000-07:002011-10-31T08:17:35.572-07:00Xbox KINECT Winner!And the winner is:<br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Sarah Mitchell !!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">I will be emailing you to arrange the delivery of your new Kbox KINECT! Thank you to everyone that donated. We are really are so grateful for your love and generosity extended to us. We hope to be hearing about Travel Approval soon! Please continue to pray for us as we work to get our sweet boys home. Blessings!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">In His Grip,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-16074197111617014342011-10-20T19:07:00.000-07:002011-10-20T19:07:49.975-07:00It's a LIFE not a choice<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<strong>"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.</strong><br />
<strong>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</strong><br />
<strong>your works are wonderful, I know that full well.</strong><br />
<strong>My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.</strong><br />
<strong>When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.</strong><br />
<strong>All the days ordained for me were written in your book </strong><br />
<strong>before one of them came to be."</strong><br />
<strong>~Psalm 139:13-16</strong>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-28335854239315682892011-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:55:43.290-07:00Welcome!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyxq0jtk0YtenfbSfa1mKjAvf2bXtTiQDEpMcx6-3krsFt3KPZZpsqR_MmD9m7ST2u2QrnqXrGYodJ7O7CqU5rCz4j8Wi-NmZ7xEFbq_V647TXhlqrfnjroVV-VSqGNWrRsSPR9Z8YrDV/s1600/100_2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyxq0jtk0YtenfbSfa1mKjAvf2bXtTiQDEpMcx6-3krsFt3KPZZpsqR_MmD9m7ST2u2QrnqXrGYodJ7O7CqU5rCz4j8Wi-NmZ7xEFbq_V647TXhlqrfnjroVV-VSqGNWrRsSPR9Z8YrDV/s200/100_2419.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa James</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For those of you who have found our blog through <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/"><span style="color: purple;">No Greater Joy Mom</span></a><span style="color: purple;">,</span> thank you for taking the time to come and visit our blog! We are Tim and Nikole Hilton, the proud parents of 7 children- 3 boys, 2 girls and 2 more boys waiting for us in China! In November of 2009, our youngest son Asa was born with Down syndrome and the Lord used the circumstances of his birth to open our eyes to the blessing of having a child with special needs. While still pregnant with Asa, a friend of ours who also had a son with Down syndrome, directed us to a ministry called<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_14661301"> </a><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=hilton">Reece's Rainbow</a> </span><span style="color: black;">which helps to advocate for and match adoptive families with children that were born with special needs including Down syndrome. Our hearts were deeply touched and we began to discuss the possibility that one day, Lord willing, we would add one of those very precious children to our family.</span><br />
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We started our adoption process about a year ago when we made the commitment to adopt a precious little boy, named Wu who was born with Down syndrome. We felt strongly that the Lord was asking us to also bring another child home during the same trip and we obeyed, adding an adorable 7 year old to our adoption named Ke Xin. We are now nearing the end of our journey and hoping to travel in November or December of this year! So far, the Lord has faithfully helped us to fund raise over $25,000 but we still need $20,000 before travel time!! Would you please consider sowing into our adoption? We, along with our children, would be eternally grateful. You can do so by visiting the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=hilton">Reece's Rainbow</a> <span style="color: black;">website where you can make a tax deductible donation on our Family Support Page. You can also enter for a chance to win an Xbox 360 KINECT by clicking on the Chip In located in the top right corner of this blog. It is $10 an entry. If you donate and post about our efforts on your blog or Facebook we will give you 1 free entry!</span></span><br />
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In closing, we are having our fourth fundraising garage sale this weekend. Would y'all please pray that the weather would be beautiful and that the Lord blesses our efforts? Thank you and God bless.<br />
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In His Grip,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zU-D4TkVey8oB9efkvNjvdtWGn7i3QoVKPnVDQr7VB5LdzuIGChVZLQwPqQUxOP6CrCcVVzHx1J9Hyvuh67uWot6akpD9MoZ0lnnHdOQ2tC3KLaiiHCf8cLdS8wZS-Yca438woTr5Qo0/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a><br />
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<strong>"I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."</strong><br />
<strong>~Lamentations 3:24</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on Our Boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFf3ZZdntcqoVXd1fdRYUwiRTKfw353p8mJoF6yMVovnVdYb2cppT93w0NW-uYDcgbKuCElfGkBukqxzcTXwzK1XiB3CATtoipbvH_QrwSPKTSqMcuL1MM-ANfH5664nVG5Lar92UZcyU/s1600/Happy+Wu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFf3ZZdntcqoVXd1fdRYUwiRTKfw353p8mJoF6yMVovnVdYb2cppT93w0NW-uYDcgbKuCElfGkBukqxzcTXwzK1XiB3CATtoipbvH_QrwSPKTSqMcuL1MM-ANfH5664nVG5Lar92UZcyU/s200/Happy+Wu.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abel (Wu)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Vp6sg-gv4M1kTlIDskKBKMXFR9PAeE7esAcf2XgZ_cB887nEVFaWdcipyoVx5NoOk1onNQCpNyowoptTNXcMzj-t1vuU9-603ZZhcIpnTbfgU6oPYzDssqqSP1AgBtL3MlspChe_wi9/s1600/our+boy+Ke+Xin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Vp6sg-gv4M1kTlIDskKBKMXFR9PAeE7esAcf2XgZ_cB887nEVFaWdcipyoVx5NoOk1onNQCpNyowoptTNXcMzj-t1vuU9-603ZZhcIpnTbfgU6oPYzDssqqSP1AgBtL3MlspChe_wi9/s200/our+boy+Ke+Xin.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archer (Ke Xin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-28904855865649838762011-10-10T10:29:00.000-07:002011-10-11T12:10:54.077-07:00New Pics of Abel!Last month we used <a href="http://www.giftstochinawithlove.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gifts to China With Love</span></a> to send care packages to Archer and Abel. Included in both boys packages were disposable cameras which we were hopeful that their orphanage directors would use to send us current pictures of our boys. Well, Saturday morning when I checked email there was a message from Sheri, the owner of Gifts to China With Love, letting us know that she had an update on Abel and some new pictures! This was my favorite of the bunch because we could see how much he has grown! First, just look at this precious little face. Oh Honey! I cannot wait to smooch those sweet chunky cheeks!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the pictures we were also forwarded a message from the director of Abel's orphanage:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">He cannot walk by himself.He only can walk with help.</span></div><div style="color: red;">He cannot speak well.He knows something but not much. His intelligence is not the average of his age.</div><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<div style="color: red;">The director suggest the family think twice about the adoption of Min Wu.</div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"><br />
<span style="color: black;">Goodness gracious, our hearts were broken when we read that last line. I couldn't help but cry as the full weight of the reality that our precious boy is living in a place where he isn't loved and valued settled into my heart. We would have flown to China that very moment if possible to bring him home! No doubt, that the waiting now will be <em>so </em>very hard....We sent a message in return, letting the director know that we are fully aware of Abel's delays, that we love him very much already and can't wait to be his forever family. He sent back a message letting us know that they will take very good care of Abel. We will be leaning heavily on the Lord to faithfully ensure that this will be so.</span></div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Thank you Lord that we can trust you to watch over Abel and Archer. Please continue to help us to raise the money that is needed to pay their ransom. We trust that you will and thank you in advance for your faithfulness and provision. In Jesus precious name. Amen.</span></div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: black;">"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those that sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:6&7</span></em></strong></div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-40095614670601791372011-09-28T19:29:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:14:01.966-07:00PROVISION!!So, has anyone noticed that our ticker made a seriously dramatic jump?! Woohoo!! We got an email yesterday from the JSC Foundation saying that they have graciously awarded us a<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: lime;"><span style="color: lime;">$10,000</span> <span style="color: black;">grant!! Is that unbelievable or what?! God has been so AMAZINGLY good to us. We are humbled and incredibly grateful for His provision so generously extended to us. How could anyone doubt that we serve a FAITHFUL and LOVING God? Quite honestly, like alot of families that answer the call to adopt, we have struggled with uncertainty and discouragement many times during this process. Without a doubt, this experience is teaching us to rely on Him like we never have before. Folks, we started this adoption process with nothing, seriously nada. But, we KNEW that this was what we were called to do and so we stepped out in faith, trusting that the Lord wouldn't expect us to accomplish this endeavor on our own. And he has proven to us time and again that He is there, guiding us, encouraging us and PROVIDING for us every step of the way! Thank you Jesus! </span></span><br />
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I have to share a sweet experience that I shared with our two daughters Abby and Avonlea a couple of nights ago- I had struggled throughout the day with anxiety about the amount of money that we still needed to raise. As we sat on the couch enjoying some chocolate ice cream together before bed, I shared with our oldest daughter, Abby that I was feeling anxious and we agreed that we needed to stop talking and start praying! As we prayed out loud together for Archer and Abel, I was close to tears as I heard my precious daughters pouring out their hearts to the Lord- asking Him to help bring their brothers home and praising Him for all he has done so far. After our time in prayer I finally felt the peace that had eluded me all day. And it was the very next day that we received the wonderful news about our generous <span style="color: lime;">$10,000 </span><span style="color: black;">grant! I will always remember my sweet little Avonlea Love joyfully twirling in circles, singing praises to God and repeating over and over "You, Lord, are a God that always sees and hears us!" Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.......</span><br />
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Would y'all please pray for our family as we continue to work hard to bring Archer and Abel home? We are having a fundraising garage sale in two weeks to raise money for the required orphanage donations for our sweet boys. We still need $20,000 to be fully funded and we will likely travel in November. Yep, that's 20,000 smackers in under 2 months time. While this seems completely impossible to us, it is <strong>TOTALLY </strong>possible for God! After all, he loves our boys even more than we do! <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">*</span>Just a reminder that our AWESOME Xbox 360 Kinect giveaway is still going on! C'mon you know you want it! You can enter by clicking on the Chip In in the upper right-hand corner.<span style="color: red;">*</span></strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">In His Grip,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEncUxeUQyvMp8UAHdjH-N5yJ5A714CCDZHeXNnDpitvPXVuqzXAJx8M_GNgK8BtH94sYaZgf7L9xO1JSntB8f3stn2kWtP6XmU0W7KLTEmWMZ3phs4-w7CpfaUsJ4UV9NPldNmRCuQEC/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEncUxeUQyvMp8UAHdjH-N5yJ5A714CCDZHeXNnDpitvPXVuqzXAJx8M_GNgK8BtH94sYaZgf7L9xO1JSntB8f3stn2kWtP6XmU0W7KLTEmWMZ3phs4-w7CpfaUsJ4UV9NPldNmRCuQEC/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a><br />
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<strong>"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"~Matt. 7:9-12</strong>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-82249137741950241482011-09-22T14:52:00.000-07:002011-09-23T05:56:13.118-07:00Adoption Update and Awesome Giveaway!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We were notified by email today that our I800 has been approved and that we will be receiving a hard copy of it any day now! <span style="color: #000099;">I800- An application to have your adopted child viewed as an immediate relative upon adoption.</span></div><div><span style="color: black;">So now we wait for:</span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;">NVC- National Visa Center- Where you petition for a visa. This group then cables the US Embassy in China to let them know the petition has been approved.</span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;">Article 5- The Consulate pre-approves your child for an immigrant visa.</span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;">TA- Travel Approval- You are approved to travel to China to adopt your child! :)</span></div><div><span style="color: red;">GOTCHA OR FOREVER FAMILY DAY!- The day that you meet your new child!</span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;">CA- Consulate Appointment- The date of your appointment at the U.S. Embassy to finalize the adoption!</span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="color: black;">We think that based on this timeline we will realistically travel in November. So that gives us approximately 6 to 8 weeks to raise the remainder of what we need for our adoption.</span></div><div><span style="color: black;"> So, the Mr. and I are going to be </span><span style="color: #000099;">completely honest and open here</span><span style="color: black;">...we need about <span style="color: #009900;">$25,000</span> to get Archer and Abel home. That's alot of zeros behind that 25! But, like we have said from the very beginning of this journey- God is bigger than our finances. We are obeying His call and we KNOW that He will provide. He is just AWESOME like that! So, we are keeping calm and carrying on, giddy with excitement to see how God will ultimately pull this whole shebang off. So, now on to the giveaway that I referred to in the title of this post:</span></div><div></div><div>We are excited to be giving away an <span style="color: red;">XBOX 360 KINECT ! </span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp627idqewv28SfDxzGF7uSJayoc9nK0y6p5XI9zhc9Mvu6ZJTeOxcFFZBG4wxW0aOxY2gTirrPo_3u0Qa7FXekgO5iv_1I9Du5PEUebyjCtNiarzM7O0Jn_1beqtxFTO3a-qzV51LGG_/s1600/XBOX+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655381199505291362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp627idqewv28SfDxzGF7uSJayoc9nK0y6p5XI9zhc9Mvu6ZJTeOxcFFZBG4wxW0aOxY2gTirrPo_3u0Qa7FXekgO5iv_1I9Du5PEUebyjCtNiarzM7O0Jn_1beqtxFTO3a-qzV51LGG_/s400/XBOX+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 168px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLheqpidl9ADAMPNiLWlQvE1HOSdarn1pRIKtRfkN8nNYUIDhI-HXPpgB0VJJuo_IKTz5IuDZT4UrLdJr8RWiS_BKeP4MUzzDiShhCRHjuwYpau4hfQFyczuazhB2txEcmzoaAiHvv1hG/s1600/XBOX.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw_-yIMI5yioBpv6Tjdo0F-KKFg5630kr_DofWSVVNKbvILsJ9hc8WWbrq20A32AsUHiaRqo2qp5MdzqO2bftKjizP9AknI1SSSruH_inyGpKD_k75vwCqiVi5cVZ5UBWd5bAmMyYoJlO/s1600/XBOX.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color: black;">This gaming system includes:</span></div><div><span style="color: black;">~ Xbox 360 Console</span></div><div>~4GB Memory</div><div>~Kinect Sensor</div><div>~Game (Kinect Adventures!)</div><div>~Xbox 360 Wireless Controller</div><div>~Composite AV Cable</div><div>~Internal WiFi Capability</div><div>~XBOX LIVE</div><div></div><div align="center">So how do you enter?</div><div align="center">It's easy peasy.</div><div align="center">A simple donation.</div><div align="center"><strong>1 entry is $10</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>2 entries is $20</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>5 entries is $50</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>10 entries is $100</strong></div><div align="center">and so on...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So $10 is doable, right? </div><div align="center">$10 for the chance to win an <span style="color: red;">XBOX 360 KINECT </span><span style="color: black;">?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #000099;">MORE importantly, that is $10 to help bring our boys home!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #000099;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;">So, how do you donate?</span></div><div align="center">Just click on the Chip In located</div><div align="center">in the top right hand corner.</div><div align="center">AND if you post about our Giveaway </div><div align="center">on your blog or on Facebook </div><div align="center">you get an additional entry FREE!</div><div align="center">Just leave a comment </div><div align="center">letting me know so I can keep track.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color: red;">This Giveaway will end on October 30.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;">The winner will be chosen using Random.org </span></div><div align="center">and announced on Monday, October 31.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, come on and give our boys some <span style="color: red;">LOVE.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;">Whatever Jesus lays on your heart to give,</span></div><div align="center">whether it's a little or alot, please help us</div><div align="center">bring our sweet boys <span style="color: red;">HOME</span><span style="color: black;">.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">In His Grip,</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8R715E8FRLm_ZSHxMDFYTGDokp_VaBH1OBa1pft5VOW0T-MupD2mf1BIg1NKFRpcDn5ptkmfRbN6VaQ5KwK_xUhT5iWiwYzkeareNtDgMIwDa3O2e_ZFUarGeZQX9OjRSnnts5XL1l7d0/s1600/blog+signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655387675561097634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8R715E8FRLm_ZSHxMDFYTGDokp_VaBH1OBa1pft5VOW0T-MupD2mf1BIg1NKFRpcDn5ptkmfRbN6VaQ5KwK_xUhT5iWiwYzkeareNtDgMIwDa3O2e_ZFUarGeZQX9OjRSnnts5XL1l7d0/s400/blog+signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 59px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 140px;" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />
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<strong>"A father to the fatherless, a defender of the widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..."</strong><strong> ~Psalm 68:5&6</strong></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-66491997231284215582011-09-13T06:41:00.000-07:002011-09-13T09:52:57.515-07:00HELP!<div><div><div><div>We are praying and brainstorming about some creative ways to do so some SERIOUS fundraising. We will likely travel at the end of November and we still have a WHOLE lotta money to raise. Currently we need $800 to finish paying our agency fees. In addition, we need $10,000 for orphanage fees and about $13,000 for travel and in-country fees. We plan on having a HUGE garage sale next month. We are waiting to hear back from a few different organizations that we have applied to for grants. Any ideas about items that we could use for a giveaway? </div><div>Please pray that we would stay focused on the Lord as we work to fund the rest of the adoption. I have struggled with discouragement and fear, but know that He remains faithful and in control. God is good all the time........</div><div> </div><div>In His Mighty Grip,</div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieACOH0d5eUSjfDDpDXmuy-ukmUPzjnD87qygaKkHkFxQV7Bw6-9RE2dMa-Wd8o_c8TV1bzOAM2tkSNTPKm8BrP8m0Ky-dtln1QhInTvhSd9PFmi-09fTVJnOpGx5TxvRyXp03Aohvgl6F/s1600/blog+signature.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 140px; height: 59px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651883331951132194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieACOH0d5eUSjfDDpDXmuy-ukmUPzjnD87qygaKkHkFxQV7Bw6-9RE2dMa-Wd8o_c8TV1bzOAM2tkSNTPKm8BrP8m0Ky-dtln1QhInTvhSd9PFmi-09fTVJnOpGx5TxvRyXp03Aohvgl6F/s400/blog+signature.png" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.</strong></div><div><strong>For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." ~Psalm 57:9&10</strong></div></div></div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-42611318347554158742011-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:002011-09-29T07:11:49.227-07:00LOA! LOA! LOA!At 2:00 yesterday afternoon I received a call from our China Coordinator that our LOA's have arrived!!! We are hopeful that this put us in a position to travel late October to mid November! Our next wait is for TA(travel authorization)....This could take up to 8 weeks. Thank you to all of y'all who were praying for us!! We are excited and humbled to bring two of God's precious treasures home!!! Now, where is that extra $20,000 that we had lying around?! Ha, not!.... It's ok. As my kiddos would say - <strong>"IT'S ALL GOOD!" </strong>God knows exactly what we need... <br />
He is <strong>FAITHFUL</strong> and He did <strong>NOT</strong> put us on this path to just abandon us at the finish line. This I know for sure..... <br />
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Archer and Abel, we love you and can't wait to take care of you forever!!! <br />
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Blessings, <br />
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<div><strong>"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him!"</strong></div><strong>~I Samuel 1:27</strong>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-80254657809064961832011-08-09T05:57:00.000-07:002011-09-29T07:15:19.313-07:00An Emptiness in My Heart...We are on day 35 of our wait to receive our Letters of Approval to adopt Archer and Abel and the waiting is starting to get <strong><em>really hard.</em> </strong>It is a difficult thing to explain how you can love someone that you have never actually met but I do....<strong>immensely.</strong> Although I have not seen our boys face to face, God has placed an overwhelming love for them in my heart. Just as I loved my biological children before they were ever placed in my arms for the first time, I love these two precious boys. The Lord has surely begun an intertwining of our hearts and is preparing me to become their Momma and I <strong>can. not. wait.......</strong>Until then, I can trust Him to watch over our two precious treasures, and what a comfort that is to this momma. <br />
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In His Grip, <br />
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<strong><div></div></strong><div><strong>"<em>A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling."</em></strong><strong><em>~Psalm 68:5</em></strong> </div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-47743123092666841792011-06-16T08:06:00.000-07:002011-09-29T07:18:01.128-07:00I'm Back....I know it's been like crickets chirpin' around here but honestly there hasn't been anything to report on the adoption front for quite awhile. That is until today. We are SO excited to announce that we are......<br />
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Our agency informed us yesterday that our dossier is on it's way to China!! We are SO incredibly relieved to have this very important step behind us. Now we settle in for the long wait for.......LOA(Letter of Approval)!!!! And then we wait for....... TA(Travel Approval)!!! And now with all of the paperwork behind us we can focus on continuing to raise funds to get Archer and Abel home. At this point we think that realistically we will travel in December. It's exciting to think that we may be celebrating this Christmas as a family of 9!!<br />
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That's all for now y'all. I promise to try and be a better blogger and post more than once every two months. :)<br />
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In His Grip,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlIaqRAylPEev9sIue1cwG5_60aU-lv2UV8q4TssShlQCTzlEts3nCeBqzP9hJln7uUWIbfCPA11odgrBJTGFVLYZ0OILaQJ4sRl-I7bPIl5CbgAbPTeXku4q63Pk_TdYe1y4hU8whejY/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618856229342480802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlIaqRAylPEev9sIue1cwG5_60aU-lv2UV8q4TssShlQCTzlEts3nCeBqzP9hJln7uUWIbfCPA11odgrBJTGFVLYZ0OILaQJ4sRl-I7bPIl5CbgAbPTeXku4q63Pk_TdYe1y4hU8whejY/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" style="float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 139px;" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." </em></strong><br />
<em><strong>~Proverbs 16:3</strong></em>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-21427944675391948742011-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:002011-04-22T18:07:25.502-07:00Loved<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou my God, shouldst die for me?</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">~Charles Wesley, 1738</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center">"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."~John 15:13</div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-90264018118235857622011-04-19T06:47:00.000-07:002011-04-19T07:03:10.444-07:00Read This<span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/">go and read this</a></span>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-89058057057052301912011-04-06T18:58:00.000-07:002011-04-06T19:29:45.471-07:00Oh. My. Word!!!<div>Y'all LOOK at Abel's donation box!! Somebody or somebody's :) has given us $1,000! Woohoo!! Wow! Completely unexpected! Whoever and wherever you are-THANK YOU!! This has been an amazing week as far as fundraising goes. God has showered us with over $8,000 in a little over a week's time!! AMAZING!! Thank you Lord! We feel so blessed to serve such a generous God! Hold on boys! God is faithfully paving your way home!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In His Grip,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCo73pHOCiVjyCGO2VlFPAa7Jhk_WRb3ZaSUfI9-KpT7DJMrsHmPAlo6ftGXKllvRHUsuOCjaOhyKMR4bQyfTTNRPPBD6QlTfHzcXmQu_S4GEf1pbW_N796dSGhm0oemzuMSFIwoy2kwa/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592658785913458242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCo73pHOCiVjyCGO2VlFPAa7Jhk_WRb3ZaSUfI9-KpT7DJMrsHmPAlo6ftGXKllvRHUsuOCjaOhyKMR4bQyfTTNRPPBD6QlTfHzcXmQu_S4GEf1pbW_N796dSGhm0oemzuMSFIwoy2kwa/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>"...but the righteous give without sparing." ~Proverbs 21:26</em></div><br /><div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-48583622155039065062011-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:002011-04-01T19:23:28.005-07:00And The Winner Is....<div><br /><div>Well, after a not so scientific drawing method.....</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590622019041643538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s400/100_1880.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are VERY excited to announce that the winner of the iPad giveaway is........</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOjvpIpbjrVvq-37OScyA8J0meTdWkHhrltWr5R6Xbt4-sApvwVKmGbLcovPNlLRMKYaMLOTxqpP73rHgi7zocNbVSvO6XKXWmpvtuKgvcKffOfD1IAi55boCh2-3WoXWlPbYqLAYOerX/s1600/100_1880.JPG"></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphah550P7c1BzaW6XF-JD05ijrn4kAFJjg_30vMhR4ZddF2avaN7BNa2GHRz-DV8cIirTiST0wJ7zeMmsDA19t4r5NZFV0a3zNDOWTomDMohWJPVs3dWBwa7VNHHuUBCXem7EloBUKem6/s1600/100_1885.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590625554305071490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphah550P7c1BzaW6XF-JD05ijrn4kAFJjg_30vMhR4ZddF2avaN7BNa2GHRz-DV8cIirTiST0wJ7zeMmsDA19t4r5NZFV0a3zNDOWTomDMohWJPVs3dWBwa7VNHHuUBCXem7EloBUKem6/s400/100_1885.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">SARAH GOODMAN!!!!!! </span><span style="color:#000000;">Congratulations! Please get in touch with me asap! :)</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you to everyone that invested in our precious Archer and Abel by participating in our giveaway. We are truly blown away by the love and support that has been showered on us. What an AMAZING group of people y'all are! We received donations from other couples that are currently fundraising to bring their own children home! Single mothers that are not only raising their bio kids on their own, but are ALSO in the process of adding another child to their families through adoption!! Veteren families that have "been there and done that" and know first-hand what an incredible honor it is to be able to offer the gift of a forever family to a waiting child. A single woman whose heart was burdened by the plight of the orphan and now devotes her time and energy advocating for these precious little ones who SO desperatly need loving people that will share their stories. And other caring folks who just wanted to be a part of helping our two sweet treasures make their way home. What a blessing to be on the receiving end of such true sacrificial love. If we could, we would give EVERY single one of you an iPad! </div><br /><div>Also, thank you for those of you that left us comments and sent emails sharing your kind words of encouragment and support. We were profoundly touched by your thoughts and well wishes. And thanks so much to those of you that posted on your blogs, FB, and twitter accounts about our efforts. It was unreal to watch the activity on our stats spike like they did! Very cool! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We humbly ask that y'all would continue to lift up our family in prayer as we work hard to bring Archer and Abel home. We still have quite a ways to go and it would mean the world to us if we knew that we could count on your continued prayers. Thanks again and God bless!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In His Grip,</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqETPnaij0y1oSL5ez-4xEUP8HqQaN43uFOSFAwehxoc0UQ3jZfq3Ipo-CHyTDcC7wLgCj_zcvVlcnUby1FsW-mNQOrlbNhyphenhyphenOyB1YpuzmbrCRzul00l1inVKT1RSQC-19s5BYU00Dmgoeb/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590642207200738066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqETPnaij0y1oSL5ez-4xEUP8HqQaN43uFOSFAwehxoc0UQ3jZfq3Ipo-CHyTDcC7wLgCj_zcvVlcnUby1FsW-mNQOrlbNhyphenhyphenOyB1YpuzmbrCRzul00l1inVKT1RSQC-19s5BYU00Dmgoeb/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble."</em></div><br /><div><em>~Psalm 41:1</em></div></div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-40366294815692467912011-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:002011-03-30T15:26:42.663-07:00Wordless Wednesday (Sweet n' Sassy)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590002627792135762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYlxuoYV616y4-7sOtCF4y_St9e74ie1pZw6I7uK9qs7UY7oj9qVFNw1DqN-sFHwS8vba1s9oDtCwL3sH9QsyEiwCgR0x6YJjEtmvXE_9I0R8S_ddOe7qn-THVJpNlEcpXiIfxGjtz8il/s400/100_1670.JPG" /> <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-73493834149481590172011-03-29T07:13:00.000-07:002011-03-29T08:25:52.172-07:00Humbled and Truly Grateful<div>I just wanted to pop in here and extend a rousing "THANK YOU!!!" to all of you who have generously contributed to our giveaway over the past 24 hours! When we stepped out in faith about a month ago and purchased the iPad, our hope was that this giveaway would be the "BIG ONE", so to speak and that we would be completely blown away by the amount that we raised. Well, as it turns out, the numbers are nowhere near what our goal was, but instead of disappointment we are feeling downright EXCITED and ENERGIZED by the love and generosity extended to us over the past day or so. I posted on the Reece's Rainbow yahoo group late yesterday afternoon about our less than stellar results thus far and a fellow RR mom said that she would post about our giveaway on her Facebook (thank you Traci!). Another momma chimed in with advice and tips on how to make our Chip-in more visible (thanks Shanna!). A little stirring of hope began growing in my heart as these sweet ladies began to offer their kind words of encouragement. And that stirring grew to a full-fledged flurry as donations started coming in! My kiddos and I were busy praying and the good Lord was busy moving! I can't tell you how AWESOME it was for me to get to share that experience with my children! To watch their sweet and joyous reactions as God poured out His blessings on us again and again! The memory of last night, watching my children dance and sing praises to the Lord, will stay with me ALWAYS. Although this giveaway may not result in the numbers we were hoping for, it has MORE than increased our faith in God and His Saints. So, THANK YOU again and again to all of y'all for your LOVE extended to us! We are humbled and truly grateful... </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26n_cBBr28XbjI_j0L-b4DPg5AQ9VH_9raIDC3BQM7GSTdj5Qg_5KgEdgqXilxGzBCauOAF1llk89ZACfJs4aLxs8xsDUm2WAPziE5otyux46UAZCrQavYH6HjvsnlQmy7pnfP8V9r0hL/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In His Grip, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26n_cBBr28XbjI_j0L-b4DPg5AQ9VH_9raIDC3BQM7GSTdj5Qg_5KgEdgqXilxGzBCauOAF1llk89ZACfJs4aLxs8xsDUm2WAPziE5otyux46UAZCrQavYH6HjvsnlQmy7pnfP8V9r0hL/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQq4tNeQ_DLUzbTZCtEOi-Bl_BecB0gFmDccm969NkQEqKchwVeVYlR51rACgNmdLMc5jIIJauapZnWKGgJFTNOWAueRgScLOvZYMRJOeFA_dt3prkDa2b5xc-TrRFbVYIRQ_MofpR-8vD/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589523030536324530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQq4tNeQ_DLUzbTZCtEOi-Bl_BecB0gFmDccm969NkQEqKchwVeVYlR51rACgNmdLMc5jIIJauapZnWKGgJFTNOWAueRgScLOvZYMRJOeFA_dt3prkDa2b5xc-TrRFbVYIRQ_MofpR-8vD/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26n_cBBr28XbjI_j0L-b4DPg5AQ9VH_9raIDC3BQM7GSTdj5Qg_5KgEdgqXilxGzBCauOAF1llk89ZACfJs4aLxs8xsDUm2WAPziE5otyux46UAZCrQavYH6HjvsnlQmy7pnfP8V9r0hL/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."</em></div><br /><div><em>~ 1 Corinthians 13:13</em></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-89146520931995937152011-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:002011-03-24T08:49:46.561-07:00Downpour!We are doin' the Happy Dance around here y'all! We got AMAZING news from our agency, wacap (World Association for Children and Parents), yesterday! They graciously gave us a grant for $5,400.00 toward our adoption expenses!! Just look at that ticker would ya?!! Now, that is a sight for this little momma's sore eyes I'll tell ya!! To say that we are ELATED would be an understatement! I have to admit that the fact that our iPad fundraiser hasn't brought in the numbers that we were hoping for has been pretty discouraging. Hearing about this INCREDIBLE blessing has once again lifted our spirits and restored our energy! God is so good that way. To lift us up when the weariness threatens to start sinking in. Even when my faith is small and I take my eyes off of Him, He continues to faithfully provide. We serve an AMAZING and GRACIOUS God, who LOVES to pour out His blessings on us!<br /><br />Ok, y'all only a little over <span style="color:#009900;">$23,000.00</span> more to go! I know that sounds like a lot, but God is bigger than finances and He is MORE than capable to raise that amount. Remember that our iPad fundraiser is now in it's final week! C'mon folks, you could be the lucky winner of this very cool prize for a donation of only $5!! Not to mention, that you will play an integral part in changing the lives of two little boys forever! Also, we have been blessed to join an AMAZING ministry, Reece's Rainbow, that advocates, helps to match children with Down syndrome with adoptive families, and helps families adopting children with special needs to raise funds for their adoption. They have graciously set up a Family Support Page for us and if you feel led, you can visit their website, <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/">http://www.reecesrainbow.org/</a>, and make a tax deductible donation to our adoption fund. You can find our page listed under "New Commitments" or "Compiling Dossier". We would be so very grateful. Thank you to those of you who have donated so far and a SPECIAL thanks to those of you who have helped to spread the word about our efforts! As always, we ask for your continued prayers and support.<br /><br /><br />In His Grip,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH69wHL5ougXE-k9HVEvUOCTtTGUrMCdli-x0ZPzZLM8KsMuFXHpSQH7zIl4OJQL_fP4e6ZxAVJM3g1bsDzFP86IKhlirctimLgdeWwQ7wbcrSUn97xMur1rXZoOCxSboDcOPgg95gfYhX/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587670069440772818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH69wHL5ougXE-k9HVEvUOCTtTGUrMCdli-x0ZPzZLM8KsMuFXHpSQH7zIl4OJQL_fP4e6ZxAVJM3g1bsDzFP86IKhlirctimLgdeWwQ7wbcrSUn97xMur1rXZoOCxSboDcOPgg95gfYhX/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH69wHL5ougXE-k9HVEvUOCTtTGUrMCdli-x0ZPzZLM8KsMuFXHpSQH7zIl4OJQL_fP4e6ZxAVJM3g1bsDzFP86IKhlirctimLgdeWwQ7wbcrSUn97xMur1rXZoOCxSboDcOPgg95gfYhX/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"></a><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."</em><br /><em>~Galatians 6:9</em><br /><br /><em></em>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-44183176759998047602011-03-23T09:20:00.000-07:002011-03-23T10:29:55.026-07:00Wordless Wednesday-Spring Sillies!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587311948541823714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ93s0d4Ni_xLqnQWcDsxCnxgcEoynOxncI6JnLeVBYsDOnU2-r8ysNvCrbioEzp5l-mgz19PIRa_lzuhz7QBFHubgdaSe_XLMduxmEwAR3EznX6uVEoj9vL1jTMsl0zP7afmm7Mvo1Ej/s400/spring_break_2011_135.JPG" />N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-69277117560628822902011-03-21T19:43:00.000-07:002011-04-20T05:41:57.100-07:00Keepin' the FaithSome friends of ours that are adopting from Eastern Europe are in country meeting their little girl for the very first time. Their names are Gus and Ashley. Her name is Baby J. She has beautiful brown hair and eyes and the blessing of an extra chromosome just like their little boy Mason. They have looked forward to this trip for well over a year and we are hoping and praying that their time together is everything that they ever imagined that it would be. I wish I could be there to see their excitement as they lay eyes and hands on their precious angel for the first time!<br />I know that as they hold, cuddle and play with her they also will be fervently praying over her. Praying that this first visit will lead to another one and then that they will be allowed to bring her home to live with her two brothers and two sisters where she belongs.<br />That is the norm in these situations but our enemy the devil is busy with an evil scheme and our sweet friends have found themselves smack in the middle of it.<br />What was meant to be a joyous first meeting will instead be a meeting where an unwanted cloud of uncertainty hovers above.<br />Unfortunately last week a judge in their daughter's region denied the adoption of another child with <span style="color:#000000;">Down syndrome</span> to an American family, stating that it would be best if he were to stay in the institution where he is currently residing.<br />Can you believe that?! I couldn't breathe as I read about the ruling in an email my friend had sent. We have been told that the entire courtroom was in shock when the ruling was read. This sweet boy would have been the first child with DS adopted from that region. The family is filing an appeal, but in the mean time they have had to return to the states without their precious son. I can't even begin to imagine how very difficult that must have been. I read a statement from the mother yesterday and was completely brought to tears by her grace and determination during this very difficult situation. She is holding on to HOPE and clinging to her FAITH and TRUSTING in her GOD to claim victory over what satan has intended for evil!<br />Y'all PLEASE join with us in prayer about these children and their fates. Children with Down syndrome are considered to have absolutley NO value in that part of the world. This is truly a life and death situation for these precious little ones! Please storm the gates of heaven on behalf of these helpless children!!<br /><br />In His Grip,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56f1UgDuuDCDbb75WljCqS3tFHr-ocpKGyn65DhzYy-eUpozPCZ-WKsydQ2C2orweS4ngSHJ3mqDRVMiPCQGBNFSMUaL6Z5OdhEwJoKAfWsN79JD9IGOT2bTqJr4zyhvcQXEuEWSUr0DT/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586745084765562690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56f1UgDuuDCDbb75WljCqS3tFHr-ocpKGyn65DhzYy-eUpozPCZ-WKsydQ2C2orweS4ngSHJ3mqDRVMiPCQGBNFSMUaL6Z5OdhEwJoKAfWsN79JD9IGOT2bTqJr4zyhvcQXEuEWSUr0DT/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-14900586883071971662011-03-16T07:35:00.001-07:002011-03-16T07:37:49.964-07:00Wordless Wednesday-SO BIG!!<div> </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584686882502482498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfufgCNVX6DgfNuskn78WcjDPgzinQB9iEq-CE79w4sCaPMq7iU3RhPBOlmKTZeMkYMkOZCHjwKKaGIQFsKkNXc0OHwlp4MNMikYGDkQ15r1MrLh9Qb1eaMLanK0cIn6VvL6oUdc8lUNo3/s400/100_1590.JPG" />N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-85794661231949992212011-03-09T05:44:00.001-08:002011-03-09T05:46:48.177-08:00Wordless Wednesday- Monkey See Monkey Do<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjcUdK85DCISCiac_UT46Y3qd7OhqtkAKhXzzMrhyphenhyphenkywVPnpm6TgoI6fsaOP5hg9dPPpr2MbnfPnsNBUvDo1G7W9lKqEJGKL5wmlTPiiZM3QYAk93aMlbUjVj94d_tnSivDsSNjmDVjMJ/s1600/Ash+and+Ace.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582075938592400930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjcUdK85DCISCiac_UT46Y3qd7OhqtkAKhXzzMrhyphenhyphenkywVPnpm6TgoI6fsaOP5hg9dPPpr2MbnfPnsNBUvDo1G7W9lKqEJGKL5wmlTPiiZM3QYAk93aMlbUjVj94d_tnSivDsSNjmDVjMJ/s400/Ash+and+Ace.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-53648182107011806712011-03-08T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-09T05:55:35.819-08:00ProgressTim and I are having the rest of the necessary documents for our dossier notarized tomorrow! Wahoo! After notarization the next step will be sending everything to the Secretary of State in Austin for verification. After verification our paperwork will then be authorized in Houston at the Chinese consulate, and then we will send the whole agglomeration to China!! We are slowly but surely making our way through this "paperchase" and starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel! Praise the good Lord for bringing us this far!<br /><br /><strong>"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;</strong><br /><strong>your faithfulness reaches to the skies." ~Psalm 57:10</strong><br /><br /><br />In His Grip,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6l6Zljn9tAn7jXeRPH3y3aowyEvhxRMA3_lcgM9dnbPsiUm8bmf7M2V8IX2WEgHo3MGmYMIsbJF-9aK1a5yO0AFvSgZ_Bex2BKkBMpsh-Oj05la8LdcFxDiF3A8zVCHPoiiJFxRulCCQ/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581855271969512930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6l6Zljn9tAn7jXeRPH3y3aowyEvhxRMA3_lcgM9dnbPsiUm8bmf7M2V8IX2WEgHo3MGmYMIsbJF-9aK1a5yO0AFvSgZ_Bex2BKkBMpsh-Oj05la8LdcFxDiF3A8zVCHPoiiJFxRulCCQ/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297015167239091388.post-18438652935398931062011-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:002011-03-04T08:21:04.558-08:00iPad Giveaway!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVKtlR3CvwrG5cWZAiTdU8FeylSf4ozWK9xP8v610GjQHAJiLT2bApTZbrSk9yXYXjLapyLPuxi8fMvGHb7pJ-oU5poqZFpf6emAN4DUgmAIAt4zaya7PhzgXmQhrw__bYVWJ8Jun1Nj4/s1600/ipad+picture+blog.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580251367744984994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVKtlR3CvwrG5cWZAiTdU8FeylSf4ozWK9xP8v610GjQHAJiLT2bApTZbrSk9yXYXjLapyLPuxi8fMvGHb7pJ-oU5poqZFpf6emAN4DUgmAIAt4zaya7PhzgXmQhrw__bYVWJ8Jun1Nj4/s400/ipad+picture+blog.bmp" /></a><br /><div>So, all of you who have been following our blog might have noticed that our fundraising efforts have been a lil' bit on the slow-pokey side of things. Well, we are hoping to shake things up a bit 'round here and get some momentum going! We are SO excited to announce our first giveaway to raise funds for our adoption! We are giving away a 16 GB iPad w/WiFi!! It's easy to enter. Donations made to our adoption fund will enter you for a chance to win this very cool prize! Here is how it works-</div><div><br /></div><div>$5- 1 entry</div><div>$20- 5 entries</div><div>$35- 9 entries</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>$50- 13 entries</div><div>$75- 19 entries</div><div>$100- 25 entries</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>$150- 40 entries</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about this AWESOME opportunity to win a GREAT prize and contribute to an AMAZING cause as well! Please spread the word about our fundraiser and help us bring our boys home!! One FREE entry will be given to those of you that will post about our giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, website or blog page! Just leave us a comment with your email letting us know and we will make sure that you get your free entry. We will contact the winner by email. <span style="color:#ff0000;">The giveaway starts today and ends March 31. We will announce the winner on April 1st! </span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Before I close, Tim and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our cause so far. We are humbled and incredibly blessed by God's provision and faithfulness. This venture has helped us to look up, draw near, and trust our Savior. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to get our sweet boys home. Have a blessed day y'all!!</div><br /><br /><div><strong>"For nothing is impossible with God."</strong></div><div><strong>~Luke 1:37</strong></div><div><strong></strong><br /> </div><div>In His Grip,</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-GK3rrNc7q2MM_TLNbCT_ufQ0ysNgccv90VJjw_ET_ga540K9-jDUAu8VFTNjlu1Q9MdQvu0-HqWGgiVJ5VWNhUTnN2oKs7UuooM5DAR2kbEcN4zoq98H_8Bnf2iN9AGM25DgGqxFkrJ/s1600/Nikole+blog+signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580250833128605954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-GK3rrNc7q2MM_TLNbCT_ufQ0ysNgccv90VJjw_ET_ga540K9-jDUAu8VFTNjlu1Q9MdQvu0-HqWGgiVJ5VWNhUTnN2oKs7UuooM5DAR2kbEcN4zoq98H_8Bnf2iN9AGM25DgGqxFkrJ/s400/Nikole+blog+signature.png" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>N.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11805137500164615438noreply@blogger.com20