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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Story of Selam and Abeba and how we were led to them.
were led to Selem, to her sister Abeba, to the stoop of their hut, please step in with us and learn their story:
Our first day at our sponsor community called Look Development was amazing. We spent the time handing out care packages from all the families back home who treasure these kids. We, of course could not wait to meet our sponsor children in person. As Isabelle's firend walked through the door, her older sister was holding her hand. This was our introduction to Selem (10) and her sister Abeba (13). As we said hello and began giving Selam her candy and clothes and goodies, we learned what she needed was bigger than anything we could have put in that zip lock bag. They had just lost their only living parent to AIDS, and were living all alone! The 13 year old sister was taking care of them. The look of pain and fear and despair on their faces was indescribable. We knew we would be back in a week, and asked Look Development to help us help them. We left in tears that day hugging the girls and telling them we would see them in 7 days. They asked us to visit their house when we returned.
We learned later in the week that their house was in shambles and was not safe. They had no mattress, no blankets and no food. The window and door to their hut was broken, we agreed to pay for all these things and would deliver them when we returned. Prayers and prayers were lifted up for them and for our hearts to be prepared for what we would see. Nothing could have prepared us, and only Jesus, holding all our hands and holding me up could have gotten us through our next meeting.
At Look, we were shown all the supplies that had been purchaased for Selma and Abeba, but there was a problem, anything that had been given to them was stolen. We could not even bring them the basic things they needed, because what they needed was even more basic! PROTECTION.
We left to go see them and where they lived. We drove and drove, down long muddy rodes, until we were told we had to start walking. We walked down a thick path that led to their hut. They came running out and I saw smiles from both of them for the first time. You could see they could not believe we had come. Walking up to their house was sureal, part of my mind begged to not have to enter the door, to run away and to never look back. My flesh screamed..... my spirit walked me throug their door reassuring me that this was part of our purpose and God was with us.
We stepped into a dark square of a mud hut. All that we could see was an old wire bed frame, covered in clothing.......the clothing of their deceased father and mother. This is what they slept on. Did it bring them comfort? Could they still smell their parents when they selpt? On the wall, was a poster of Jesus, and there was a Mesobi (for eating and coking) in the corner. Also a very dirty yellow jug for water.....where did they even get water.....how far did they need to walk.....was it even clean? My mind was racing as the sweat began to drip down my forhead, and I watched a huge spider crawling inches from my face. I glanced at my 2 oldest, for a brief moment wandering if they were o.k......they were, but the looks on their faces I will never forget, as a work was being done right in front of my eyes.
Our representatives from Look were talking with Abeba and asking them how they were. I went weak as they described the nightly scene of drunk men coming to their house and banging on the window to get in. I pictured these 2 beautiful girls huddled together fearing that these men would break in and steal the only things they had, or even worse, steal from their innocent bodies. We told them we would pay for them to move into a new place closer to the Look Development office so they could be safe. They did not want to give up their house, it is the only memory and only thing left from their mother and father. They feared the gov't. would take it away from them. We told them we would fix their window and door and gate, so they would be more protected......I could see Abeba's face changing, she was mustering up courage, she was so sweet and so quiet, but her face told me something was coming........I knew in my heart what is was, and I was paralyzed. She looked at us and asked to be adopted. They want a FAMILY and to bbe ptrotected and loved. Pete and I barely caught each others eyes, as we had no idea how to respond. Both of us wanted to grab them and run and bring them home and never look back. Pete only said it was a very difficult and long process, and we would do what we could to help them.
We stood outside their house and hugged and prayed over them. I held each of them tight until they cried. They needed a mother's love and protection and the feel of safet, if only for a moment. I kissed them all over their faces and told them I loved them and we would see them again, and help them in the meantime. Isabelle and Johnny begged to give them all the food we had in the van, so we asked them to walk back with us. We walked down that path to the van, praying the whole way. I didn't know until later that night after looking at the pictures that we were all holding hands. Isabelle and Johnny love these girls too, and their hearts were broken and changed that day too.
As we said goodbye and drove away, I prayed to God to show me waht to do. It was no accident that we were led here, that we were to see these girls and to learn their story. As I licked my lips I could taste Selam and Abeba. Anyone who has visited orphans knows that salty, dirty smell that the kids have. You look past it, because you care more about giving them love than the dirt or smell they carry. For the first time that taste was so sweet and I didn't want it to go away.
My prayer, is that these girsl will be protected, that YOU will be touched by this story, moved to action of some sort, that SOMEONE may see their daughters in these two girls. Last night God told me to write this story and to share it, I pray that I was sent to these two for one of you.
Thank you for reading, looking into the dark and hard places that Jesus sees and begs us to walk with him. I thank you for passing this along to anyone and everyone, and for any step you take to help us help these girls.
UPDATE: A family read this post on Facebook and immediatley knew these were their girls. They contacted us while we were still in Ethiopia and have begun the process to adopt them!!!! Isn't God truly amazing.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
And......We are on our way!!
We leave today for our adventure! 5 huge bags packed for our family of 6!!!! 11 Rubbermaid bins full of donations and food for us, and things we will need for our new house.
We are praying for safe travels, for the three little ones to sleep a good portion of our flight tonight, and for our stay in Ethiopia to be blessed. We are so thankful to get to spend time with our new son, to not leave him after court, and to visit our Hopechest orphanage. We will be delivering 89 care packages from the U.S.......what a blessing this will be to tell these children- one-on-one- about there sponsor families back here, and how much they love and think about them!
I am filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation to see how God will use us, to see GiGi back in her country of birth, to meet my new son, and to see my older 2 FINALLY get to experience this place they have heard about for years.
God bless, and I will be updating soon!
We are praying for safe travels, for the three little ones to sleep a good portion of our flight tonight, and for our stay in Ethiopia to be blessed. We are so thankful to get to spend time with our new son, to not leave him after court, and to visit our Hopechest orphanage. We will be delivering 89 care packages from the U.S.......what a blessing this will be to tell these children- one-on-one- about there sponsor families back here, and how much they love and think about them!
I am filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation to see how God will use us, to see GiGi back in her country of birth, to meet my new son, and to see my older 2 FINALLY get to experience this place they have heard about for years.
God bless, and I will be updating soon!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
We are on DECK!!!
We got our "on deck" e-mail on Tuesday afternoon! This means that we are most likely in the next batch of referrals and we are very close to getting our baby boy's picture and bio!! I just can't wait to see his little face and what it looks like. Will he be 3 months old, or 9 months old? Is there any info. on his biological parents, or none.....so many questions, so many emotions. It is so wonderful going through it for the second time as I know so much better what to expect....mostly from my emotions. I do not do well when I am caught off guard with a wave of emotion. The waves come quick and furious sometimes with adoption. Well, lots of the time. I know to expect the unexpected, and even that helps.
We have a place lined up for us to live at while there. We will be staying at the Ethiopia Guest home for the several months we will be living there. So busy planning, and getting ready.
The above picture is from a walk I took with the kids on Mother's Day. I just wanted to be with them and enjoy. I have to admit I had a pang of sadness knowing that my 4th child was not with me, but I know he is meant to be in Ethiopia right now and God's got him under his wing of warmth and love and protection until He sees it is time for us to go. Next year the picture will be 2 vanilla babies and 2 chocolate babies.......oh what a beautiful sight!!!! I never would have imagined my family would look like this when I was younger, and now I can't imagine it looking any other way. Isn't this supposed to be the norm? :)
Monday, April 26, 2010
New Web Site
Wow, has it really been that long since I have been here? Just in case there is anyone who still visits here, and just in case you had not heard of our new web site.....thought I would post it:
www.adoptionfathers.com
We are really no longer just chronicling our personal story, but are sharing many families stories on this new site. It was created to fill a void in the adoption community as far as support and a place for dads to have a voice. Us moms have had this blogging thing down for some time now, thank GOD for all of you. Blogs got me through our first adoption, and now reaching out and giving to others is getting me through this next adoption. Being able to share and give and potentially help someone (especially the dads out there who typically lag behind their wives in wanting to adopt) is so wonderful.
Love to all!
Andrea
I hope you will join us over there, and I will still update here as we get our referral for our soon-to-be baby boy!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Amazing story!
This is the story of a girl Pete met while on his trip. He spoke about her in one of his blog posts. She was sitting to the side in her wheelchair until they noticed she did not have a turn with the parachute. Pete said the smile on her face was incredible. As they left, he noticed she was crying, he asked an interpreter what was wrong. Pete was told she was crying tears of joy for the happiness and laughter she experienced that day. Here is her story, I pray it moves you as it moves me. Please join us in supporting children like this!
Rabia Sayid Story from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I am back in the blogging world!
Andrea posting here: Pete and I have our blogs set up together, so at the bottom it says he is posting this, but it is me. : )
Wow, it has been months since my last post! If there is still anyone reading this or following along...... thanks.
Things have been wonderful, crazy, busy, and full of God's blessings. Also, a little 2 year old who has been giving me a run for my money! Can I get a shout out from anyone else going through the terrible two's from a firey, spunky, and strong-willed little Ethiopian prince or princess.......whew! I thank God for her vigor and strength as it is a blessing and she is a survivor, but my goodness it has been a little rough. :)
Here is a brief update on our ongoing's and what God is doing lately in our lives:
Wow, it has been months since my last post! If there is still anyone reading this or following along...... thanks.
Things have been wonderful, crazy, busy, and full of God's blessings. Also, a little 2 year old who has been giving me a run for my money! Can I get a shout out from anyone else going through the terrible two's from a firey, spunky, and strong-willed little Ethiopian prince or princess.......whew! I thank God for her vigor and strength as it is a blessing and she is a survivor, but my goodness it has been a little rough. :)
Here is a brief update on our ongoing's and what God is doing lately in our lives:
- We are waiting for our I-171 so we can submit our dossier for a baby boy! Yeah....so excited and also feeling so much more prepared this time around. Then....as soon as those words come out, I realize that one can never really be fully prepared for international adoption and what may come your way. At least I know how to better expect the unexpected. :)
- We have been asking God to lead us to a bigger way to help and support the children in need in Ethiopia, and if you have been following Pete's blog, you have seen that he just got back from a Vision trip with Children's Hopechest, and we are sooooooo blessed to have found LOOK DEVELOPMENT and to be beginning the journey to finding sponsors for these children there. http://afatherseyes.blogspot.com/
- LOOK DEVELOPMENT is located in Nazret and we have a need to find sponsors for 100 children to start. So many wonderful things to share about this organization and how God has led us there, we will be sharing more on that soon!
- Enjoying our 3 kiddos and enjoying the Christmas spirit. What a pleasure.
If you are interested in potentially working with us and sponsoring a child, PLEASE post here or send me a message.
Looking forward to blogging again and hope all are enjoying the Christmas time with their family!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Considering adopting an older child? Read this
Friends of ours through our adoption agency and our Yahoo Group posted this short and powerful post on their blog. Had to share it!! Thanks Raymer's for being awesome parents.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Nice Mommy and Daddy
If you need a reason to consider adoption, particularly to adopt older children, I submit the following two stories that are brought to you courtesy of Feromsa:
1. Out of the blue Feromsa began to discuss being at Kids Care Orphanage. In this discussion he made this comment, "In Kids Care I pray, 'Please give me nice mommy and nice daddy' and now I have nice Mommy and nice Daddy!"
2. In another discussion about being in Kids Care Feromsa offered this observation, "The big kids know that people don't want them. They want the little kids. I was scared I too big."
I don't think any commentary is necessary.
To read more of their story, follow their blog here
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Nice Mommy and Daddy
If you need a reason to consider adoption, particularly to adopt older children, I submit the following two stories that are brought to you courtesy of Feromsa:
1. Out of the blue Feromsa began to discuss being at Kids Care Orphanage. In this discussion he made this comment, "In Kids Care I pray, 'Please give me nice mommy and nice daddy' and now I have nice Mommy and nice Daddy!"
2. In another discussion about being in Kids Care Feromsa offered this observation, "The big kids know that people don't want them. They want the little kids. I was scared I too big."
I don't think any commentary is necessary.
To read more of their story, follow their blog here
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Well, I asked.......
Gotta love the beach, corn rows and a cute bathing suit!!!!!
Asleep in her high chair...hee hee
She love that daddy of hers. When she is with him, I need to BACK OFF, she shake her finger at me and tells me "no no"!
We both just woke up.....I love that lovey cuddly time
"Sitting on the dock of the bay"- and fishing.....and crabbing!
So several posts ago I titled it "Lord Expand My Territory". Well, both Pete and I have been praying for some time now as to how and what He will lead us to. For a little while we wondered if we should move to Africa for a year or so and just DO. We continued to pray and we have definately heard His answer on a few things.
#1. WE ARE ADOPTING AGAIN!!!!! Yeah, we have begun the paperwork and are going back to Ethiopia for a baby boy!!! We are so excited and always knew we would be going back again to adopt another child, but it feels really good to be actually in the "chase" again. His name will be Mathew, or Matty as we have been referring to him.
#2. We are committed to finding an orphanage to sponsor and support (with our friends and family......YES THAT MEANS YOU!). We have been working and talking with Tom Davis and his team at Children's Hopechest for some time now and we are hoping that on their next trip, we will, or God will direct us to the place that we will be involved with. We will be following up with more on this towards the end of the year.
#3. We realized we would be able to do more by not actually moving to Ethiopia, but to leverage and gain as much support and help from our network here that we can make a huge difference there.....BUT we believe that money alone does not do the job, our hands and feet and eyes and arms to hold and hug and love need to be in action.........so Pete has felt called to go on a trip to do just this. He will be traveling with Tom Davis in November to Ethiopia for a vision trip. God willing he will get to see and meet the children of the orphanage that we will be sponsoring and greater than that, will be able to love on and give to as many children he can come in contact with. We laugh though, because as anyone who has been to Ethiopia knows, we think we are going to give hope and to give love and to give the word of Jesus..........while in the end we end up getting so much more. Between you and me :) I think Pete will come back even more changed and even more convicted than we are now. So, stand by as he will be creating a blog for his trip.....and anyone with referrals around that time who want some pics and love delivered to their child.....he will be visiting the Transitional home!
So, maybe this means I will actually start updating my blog again on a more regular basis. I hope~ and I hope that you follow along as we could use many prayers as we follow our passion and the mission we feel we are being ever more called to.
Now that I dropped all that on you, I am heading off to tuck 3 sweet peas into bed and pray for the 4th!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Gotcha day Celebration!!
We can't believe you have been with us only one year Gigi......it feels as if you have always been with us. I also can't believe a year has flown by so quickly. You have made us so proud. You have worked SOOOO hard with weekly therapy and have grown stronger and stronger, day by day. Almost exactly one year after coming to us you have completely caught up and are walking, talking, loving~ and are a true miracle and blessing to us! Because of God leading us to you, we now have a greater love and passion for Christ, for Africa, and for helping children. Our hearts have been opened and our eyes have seen! Every time I look at you I am reminded of how much God loves us and how much he chooses us to be His children ~just like we love you and have you as our child. God has blessed us so much by allowing us to see all your firsts:
- Your first tooth~ now you have a mouth full!
- Sitting up for the first time
- Crawling
- Standing
- Walking
- Giggling~ the kind of free belly laughing that comes when something just hits you as funny. This took some time as you were so reserved and waited to let yourself open up.
- Your first solid food~ now you eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING
- Hugging and kissing~ to watch you open up to love and affection and give it has been the best gift to us. To watch you heal from what you didn't get before us, and to learn to trust us enough to let yourself be fully loved and to give love and affection.
We enjoyed some Ethiopian food, your favorite music by Ethiopian singer "GiGi", and a family celebration marking this special week that you came into our arms forever!
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