Homeschool {2nd half highlights}

We officially started homeschool yesterday for the next school year! All is well so far...the first day. :)

Before we move into the new year, I must share the highlights from the past few homeschool months. I feel like I'm always behind in posting and striving to catch up. Know what I mean? Time has gone so fast this year and we have learned so much. "We" including me. :)

I couldn't teach 6 kids without my handy, dandy Bob Jones DVD Distance Learning program. All the amazing ideas and colorful DVDs...using different media helps make school fun. I couldn't come up with so many creative ideas on my own.
One of Alaina's favorite days was Cowgirl Day! Pink boots and all.
I think her favorite part is the food surrounding all the special 'days.' She enjoyed "trail mix and buffalo meat (hotdog)" on Cowgirl Day.

And I know you remember the "Circus" theme. Well, this theme continued for days...and everywhere we looked, clowns were dancing around. The highlight for Alexis and Zachary was dissecting in Biology.

And you know how I feel about dissecting. That's why I always had lab partners in highschool and college biology. They did all the work.

I was surprised at Ms. Alexis. Normally, she is so much like me in these gross areas of life but this time, she was right in there...touching the critters. Yuck. Thankfully, the critters don't stink like they did 20 years ago in my classes.

There are so many more things I could share...

Like Alexis and Zachary just finishing Pre-calculus at the age of 16 and 14. Totally amazing.

And how thankful I am to have a child like Joel B who finished school in the middle of May. Such a blessing. The rest were dragging into June...and July.

And the many field trips, parties, and P.E. classes {aka: dance, soccer, baseball,basketball...not all in the same week...just in case you are wondering} Maybe the "P.E. classes" could be a post in itself.

And now, our beloved homeschool books from the past are now flying over the U.S., boxed up with love and ready to bless other families. I adventured out into Eb*y land and have sold about $1000 of books. Talk about time consuming. But worth it. Oh how I wish that one family or even two would buy them all. No. I've mailed {about 27 so far} boxes all over the U.S...all media mail. It's been fun. Really. :) The best part is how creative I can be finding boxes that fit each book.

If you want to feel better about yourself, sell on eb*y, mail your packages as fast as possible...and then go read all the comments written about you. Awww...I feel so important...teehee. Really, though,...my buyers wrote such nice things about me. I've recently decided that 'words of affirmation' is my "love language" so make sure you all leave nice comments every once in a while. Makes my day when I get a comment or two. :) I "feel" loved.

And now the new year begins. Am I ready? Normally, not. But if I waited until I was ready, it would never happen. :)

Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

So...today is day #2 of our new school year and can't wait to share the details.

Oh yeah, summer pictures and updates might be posted before Thanksgiving..LOL. I'll try. :)

...my 'real' mommy.

Alaina was welcomed into our arms at 13 months old on May 23, 2004. We've always talked about the day we got her and our special trip to China to bring her home.

We've always talked about her nanny and she loves looking at her pictures. Since Alaina was two years old, she has talked about visiting her someday.
One night, when she was two years old, she realized she wasn't in my tummy before she was born. So we talked about her "special lady" and how this special woman carried her in her tummy for 9 months.

We talked about how this special woman must have loved her enough to make sure she was in a safe place so we could go to China and bring her home.

Then, one day not too long ago, at the age of 7 years old, she told Alexis that I was not her 'real' mommy. I was not expecting those words until she was a confused teenager. :)

She said the special lady that carried her in her tummy, was her 'real' mommy. Alexis immediately, said, "So, is Mommy your fake mommy?"

She came into the bathroom so I could brush her hair and we talked. I asked her if Daddy was her 'real' daddy. She said, "My real mommy could be single. I don't know if she was married or not." Joel kind of grinned and I said to her, "Alaina, no matter what, you have a biological mommy and a biological daddy."
Then we talked about how China has the one child policy and most parents need and want to keep their boys. They need to keep their boys to help them with their farm and work. It's very important in China to have a son to carry on the family name.

I told her that I didn't know why they couldn't keep her but it could have been because of the One Child Policy or maybe her parents didn't have enough money to feed her.

I told her that I didn't know why but they loved her enough to leave her in a safe place so she could be found and someone could take care of her.

Alaina carried this burden with her for several weeks. She knows she is loved. She has memorized her story and cherishes the pictures we have. She is proud to be Chinese. She is proud to have 5 brothers and a sister. She is especially proud of her little brothers. She loves them just because.

Several days had gone by and Alaina had not talked about it. She sat beside me one evening at the table while we were eating and she began to cry. She wanted to know why her "parents" didn't keep her. Then, she said something that broke my heart. "I want to live with my 'real' parents in China," she cried.

I told her that her life would be very different if she lived in China right now. She would be speaking Chinese and eating rice instead of the pizza that was on her plate in front of her. Joel joined in and told her that she would be eating rice every meal. We then told her that if she lived in China right now, she might not ever hear the name of Jesus. I hugged her while she cried and wiped her tears.
I think I was most surprised at my own feelings. I was hurt. I almost got defensive. I told her that a 'real' mommy is the one who wipes your bottom the most. :) But I knew I couldn't react that way. I knew that her words were from a grieving heart. I knew she needed to grieve and trust the Lord in her own timing.

One night, several days later, while getting ready for bed, she again started crying and wondering 'why.' As I began to pray, God gave me words that began the healing process.

I told her, "It doesn't matter why. We have to trust that God has a wonderful plan for your life."

At her level of understanding, I shared this:

With all our hearts, we believe God is all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful. He is the beginning and the end. The Creator of the Universe. Before the creation of the world, HE knew Alaina. He knew her life. He knew she would be in our family. He also knew her heartaches. He knew she would be abandoned at birth. He knew that her biological mother would have to make a choice to release her.

I told her that God was always with her, taking care of her and protecting her before we brought her home. He knew she would soon be in our family, learning about Jesus and learning how to follow Him.

I mentioned that if she were not in our family, we would probably not have Hudson and Benjamin. And 20 of her little Chinese friends might not be with their mommy and daddy if their parents had not met her. I reminded her that God is already using her for his purpose...and that because of her, lots of other little babies have the love of a mommy and daddy now.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Oh how I wish I could remember her exact response but it was something like this:

"I get it now. You are my real mommy because God knew I would be in my family. He wanted me to grow up in my family for Him."

It's been several weeks now and I think her heart is healing. I'm sure she will continue to have questions and wonder about what her life would be like if she were still in China. But, I think she realizes that God has a wonderful plan for her life. God put on my heart to help her be confident in Him. Believing in his sovereignty and His amazing love for her, has given her peace, a peace that can only come from knowing Him.

Psalm 139

1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

When I awake, I am still with you.

More than we can imagine...

When God calls us to adopt one precious child, he WILL provide.

Sometimes He provides through grants.

Sometimes He provides, like in this video, through the church.

Sometimes He provides through fundraising: baking pies, garage sales, car washes,etc.

Sometimes He provides through blessing your business or giving you a raise.

And sometimes He provides through each of us being smarter when we spend our money (like in this video).

Sacrificing some to be blessed over and beyond what we could ever imagine.

A precious little soul is waiting for the love of a family and to hear about Jesus. If you have more love to give...don't wait. He will make a way.

Ephesians 3:19-21 (NIV)

19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

{Be blessed by reading another family's financial/ adoption story here.}

Glory

Not to us, O Lord, but to YOU goes all the glory for YOUR unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

How could I forget?

Alexis was reading my Firefighter post from a few days ago. She said, "Mom, we were in a fire once." How could I forget??? She was about 5 years old then and remembers it. Almost makes me cry to think about it.



So...I added OUR fire story to the Firefighter post. Go read it.



Praise God for his protection and his sovereignty.



This is why I blog. To journal about our life. To journal about God's protection and love for our family. I'm not the world's best blogger, but I do it for my children. I don't want to ever, ever forget and I want our children to know HIS hand in our lives.



And someday, I plan to scrapbook, digitally or the old fashion way. :) Someday.

The Sweet 16 party...

Friday evening, Alexis's cousin, AD came to spend the night and celebrate with us. Remember AD? She and Alexis are so much alike and they enjoy spending time together. AD, educated at home, has taught herself cake decorating...so she was very helpful as we prepared lots of chocolate treats for the party. We had so much fun and stayed up way too late!

Saturday, Alexis celebrated with 9 friends (and Alaina)...

At a beautiful 4.5 Star Mexican restaurant...

After our delicious Mexican lunch, we had chocolate dipped strawberries... Chocolate dipped pretzels (my new favorite)...
and Chocolate Cheesecake...

Make a wish...The party bags for the girls were loaded with chocolate candy, chocolate dipped pretzels and a chocolate dipped fortune cookie...Did her wish come true? Alexis's fortune cookie...

So appropriate for my girl who is praying for direction to travel in the near future on a mission trip.

And my fortune cookie...

{Oh, could it be the long awaited "Reluctant Husband Waver" wish? I pray so. (for those not in the adopting world, a 'reluctant husband waver' is needed when your husband is not ready to adopt again..teehee)}

And Miss Alaina was sooooo happy to be a guest at the party. She was the 'entertainment' for the party. While we were visiting the restroom, she said, "I think Lexi's friends like me. They laugh and think I'm funny." And she was hilarious! She enjoyed all the gifts and counted all of Alexis's money. She even did some modeling,too...

Speaking of gifts...Alexis got lots of monetary gifts, a special day with her friend getting a free pedicure, B*th and Body soaps, and lots of other sweet gifts.

And then SHOPPING...

Many hours of shopping at the mall...

You know...shop 'til you drop!!

Alexis, you are loved by many and are very special to us. God has given you special talents and a special heart. I knew the day you were born, that God has special plans for you. Happy Sweet 16, my girl! Before the creation of the world, God knew you...

Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

Once our eyes are opened...

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12

What is God calling you to do, today?

Haitian children still waiting...

Paperwork Lost for Some Humanitarian Paroled Orphans

Paperwork losses and ongoing negotiations block children's departure from Haiti


(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) Twenty-nine children from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage, who qualified for humanitarian parole, had their paperwork submitted to the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince last weekend. The paperwork for 11 of those children has been lost at the Embassy and needs to be resubmitted.
There is still no word on when the Haitian government will release the approximately 300 to 400 remaining children, who qualify for humanitarian parole under the U.S. guidelines, and reunite them with their adoptive families in the United States. Parents were told on a recent conference call with the Department of State, the Joint Council on International Children's Services and others that this process would NOT take weeks or months, but days.

Kim Harmon, President of the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), asked all who care about these defenseless Haitian orphans to, "Please continue to urge our government officials to press this issue so that our children are not left in this state of limbo between the U.S. and Haitian governments. Do not let our children be forgotten."

FHG is a ministry to the people and children of Haiti. Our ministry is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For previous press releases and updates visit http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/.

Haitian children are Colorado bound...

I'm so happy!!!!! Thank you, Lord for protecting these sweet, innocent children of Haiti. Protect the 82 children that will be flying to Florida and then to Colorado today. We pray that angels' wings will surround those left behind and that their paperwork will speed through the process and join their forever families soon. Lord, prepare their hearts for the love of their forever families. They have been through so much heartache in their short little lives. Before the creation of the world, you knew each one. You planned their lives...and someday they would know their forever families.

"Orphans Bound for U.S. in Two Groups
Eighty-two orphans will depart Haiti on Saturday

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) All paperwork has been completed for 82 children from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage and they have clearance to travel to the United States. These 82 children are scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince airport on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at around 11:00 a.m. on an aircraft bound for Florida. Those children with Colorado adoptive parents in this first group, will continue on to Colorado, accompanied by a medical team from the Colorado Children's Hospital. Orphanage staff and representatives of the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG) will continue to work with U.S. Embassy officials for humanitarian parole and travel clearance for the remaining eligible children. FHG hopes that these children will receive their clearance sometime on Saturday, January 23, 2010, with a departure date and time still to be determined.

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, wanted to express her gratitude to the staff of the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince for their tireless efforts in processing the paperwork for all the children. Kim reminded adoptive parents and supporters to "continue in steadfast prayer for the children who are traveling tomorrow and for those who remain in Haiti."

FHG is a ministry to the people and children of Haiti. Our ministry is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For previous press releases and updates visit http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/."

Day 3...Orphans leaving Haiti...Today!!!

"A Difficult Day... A Race Against Time
Blocked roads, heat and missing paperwork complicate orphans departure

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) Because of State Department procedural requirements, on the morning of January 21, 2010, 114 children left the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage for the U.S. Embassy. Of the 114 children, 111 were the orphans eligible for humanitarian parole to the United States and three were orphans who have Canadian/Argentinean adoptive parents and may also qualify for evacuation. Eighty-seven toddlers and children traveled in a bus and twenty-seven infants traveled in a van, accompanied by orphanage staff, representatives from the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), and members of the press. Dead bodies, debris and abandoned vehicles in the roads made movement very difficult. Temperatures inside the vehicles became extreme and began to make the younger children sick. After 2 hours of little progress, the difficult decision was made to return to the orphanage.

After returning the children to the orphanage, staff members returned to the U.S. Embassy and received permission to process the children's paperwork without the children being physically present. Humanitarian paroles for some of the orphans have been completed, however additional documentation was needed for others. The United States Customs and Immigration Service has pledged to work through the night with FHG staff to ensure that all required documentation will be available Friday in sufficient time to allow all 114 orphans to depart Haiti for the United States. Air Transportation from Haiti is being arranged for the evening of January 22, 2010.



Kim Harmon, President of FHG, stated she is "overwhelmed and amazed by the dedication and willingness of individuals within the U.S. Government to assist in meeting Friday's deadline." She continued to call for "everyone to pray, especially for the health of the children."



FHG is a ministry to the people and children of Haiti. Our ministry is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

For previous press releases and updates visit http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/."

CCAI to the Rescue...in Haiti

Letter posted on the Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI) website. They must have delivered the items on Tuesday...just in time. This is why we love them so....

"Dear CCAI Supporters,
We landed at Port-au-Prince International Airport at 13:59 pm yesterday and hand delivered your contributions to the orphanage staff and volunteers in the form of water, formula, medicine, food, and $10,000.00 cash.

Maison des Enfants de Dieu, an orphanage that has been caring for about 130 kids, was badly damaged by the powerful earthquake that hit the poor Caribbean nation last on January 12, 2010. Although no children were severely hurt, their dorms were devastated beyond repair. The older children have been living under five tents and the babies are being cared for in the trunk of a big truck. Fox News and CNN managed to reach the orphanage three days after the quake, but their reports of the terrible conditions did not lead to the immediate and adequate aid of food and water that they desperately needed.

On 1/17 at 18:24, Patrick, an American missionary from Denver sent us an urgent message, pleading, “We need water, food, medicine, and charcoal quickly!!!” We immediately contacted one of our long time supporters who had offered their family private jet for emergency use the day before. They wholeheartedly supported our request to use their plane to send supplies to the orphanage. We spent the next five hours storming several Wal-Marts and Walgreens purchasing formula, medicine, food, water, and charcoal. At 5:30 am, over 2000 pounds of supplies were loaded onto the jet and the plane took off at 6:33 am Denver time.

Five and half hours later, at 13:59 pm, we successfully landed at the war-zone like Port-au-Prince International Airport in the midst of many dozen landing and taking-off aid aircrafts and helicopters from around the world.

We were totally surprised as soon as we opened the gate. Five orphanage staff and volunteers including Patrick and his wife, Kim, were right there, ready and waiting with a SUV and a truck! We had no idea how in the world they were able to drive and park right by our plane.
We have never in my life seen people so excited, so thankful and tearful, nor who hugged so hard!

We unloaded the supplies as quick as we could and covered the truck with tarps. We offered them an advise we received prior to our departure from another pilot who has been transporting aid to Haiti the day before: Cover the supplies with tarps and let a couple of guys lie on top of it pretending dead so supplies will not be high-jacked on the way back to the orphanage.
At 16:00 pm, we left the airport with seven completely exhausted American and Belgium doctors who had been working in Haiti non-stop for over three days! A free ride in a fancy private jet could provide a little physical and emotional comfort to these heroes.
A huge thank-you to all of you unsung heroes who took action to care and to love. Thank you for entrusting us with your loving donations.
Please visit www.haitiadoption.org to view our Haiti trip photos.

For The Haitian Children,
Josh and Lily CCAI Co-founder"

Visit their site to see more sweet pictures. http://www.chinesechildren.org/

Day 2.. Orphans leaving Haiti

The orphanage made it to the U.S. Embassy yesterday. The update didn't give any details of their journey or where they were during the earthquake that happened yesterday morning. Sadly, the U.S. Embassy turned them away due to confusion. So it sounds like they all went back to the orphanage area. I thought maybe they would stay near the U.S. Embassy. I would love to know if they had to take all of the 133 children back...walking another 2 kilometers.

So, this morning, they will go back to the U.S. Embassy and only take 109 with them. I'm so sad for the ones that will be left behind...the children that are not 'matched' with families. I had no idea that 109 children have families waiting on them..forever families. That is exciting!! But...what about the 18 left behind. How are they feeling about all of this? Do they realize that 109 of their 'orphanage brothers and sisters' have been 'chosen' and they have not?

Lord, touch their little hearts. Give them courage and help them know you are there. As the 109 travel back with their nannies, cover them with your protection and peace that can only come from you.

You can read all the details from the email that I received. Continue to pray.

"Orphans Intend to Depart Haiti... Again
Confusing and complicated orphan process delays orphan's departure

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) On January 20, 2010, staff from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage accompanied by representatives from the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), attempted to obtain humanitarian parole from the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince for 133 orphans. The orphanage staff and FHG representatives were turned away because of confusion about photo requirements for each child. Additionally, they were informed that humanitarian parole would only apply to approximately 111 of the 132 children from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu orphanage. These are the orphans who have a "United States qualified referral" dated prior to the earthquake on January 12, 2010.
In accordance with specific instructions received today, orphanage staff and FHG representatives will depart for U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince in the early morning of January 21, 2010, with the 109 children eligible for humanitarian parole. We anticipate they will receive authority to depart Haiti via air by the early afternoon and will provide further information on the actual schedule as soon as we have it. Three of the remaining 24 children are being adopted by parents in Argentina and Canada and are waiting for those countries to announce their evacuation procedures. The remaining 18 children at Maison des Enfants de Dieu orphanage will remain in Haiti since they have not yet been referred for international adoption. The orphanage receives request each day to accept new orphans, however their ability to accept children orphaned since the earthquake is very limited. Orphanage staff today reported they were out of diapers, low on food and they remained concerned about security at the orphanage.

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, underscored her call "to all who care about these precious children to pray earnestly for their safety and that the complicated humanitarian parole process can be successfully completed tomorrow. We are thankful to the Lord for where He has brought us and for everyone's tireless prayer and work to accomplish His will in bringing these children home soon. We pray that the wait will not be much longer and continue to work to that end."

FHG is a ministry to the people and children of Haiti. Our ministry is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti."

My heart hurts...

My heart is so heavy after reading the update from For His Glory. I'm totally confused about our govt not helping these 133 children. How is the staff going to carry at least 20 babies and toddlers a mile and a half...through dangerous areas? Our U.S. Embassy is not greeting them with water, food and care? Then, they will take "cargo jets" to the U.S? Lord, help us. Read details below...

"Orphans Intend to Depart Haiti
Orphans begin procedures to depart Haiti at U.S. Embassy
(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) On January 20, 2010, 133 orphans from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage will begin the difficult process outlined by the U.S. Department of State for humanitarian parole and onward transportation to the United States. In accordance with instructions received from the State Department, as relayed by the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) at 8 p.m. today, orphans along with orphanage staff members have been instructed to arrive at the U.S. Embassy as early as possible on Wednesday morning. JCICS warned that no food, water or facilities would be available for the children while processing at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince.
JCICS further relayed that orphanage requests to the U.S. Embassy for security and transportation for the children have been denied by the State Department. The U.S. ministry associated with this orphanage, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), was also asked to stop requesting security, transportation or even water at the orphanage location. Following discussions with staff and board members in Port-au-Prince, the difficult decision was made that all 133 children, including approximately 60 children under the age of 3, will begin early in the morning of January 20th to walk the over 2 kilometers to the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince. This decision was made due to the limited staff available and the increasingly dangerous security situation at the orphanage in Port-au-Prince. The staff will carry as much water, food and baby formula as possible with them for the orphans while processing at the U.S. Embassy. JCICS relayed that once processing is completed, the orphans will travel to the United States on "cargo jets to locations that are not often known until an hour or so before the flight leaves."

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, acknowledged that "this arrangement is far from ideal for the safety and well-being of the children. We are calling to all who care about these precious children to pray earnestly for their safety tomorrow."

FHG is a ministry to the people and children of Haiti. Our ministry is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.


JCICS STATEMENT

January 19, 2010 8 p.m. est

UPDATE: Haiti


It is once again my job to be the barrier of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all of your calls to your Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.

Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgment.

It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.

This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.

As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the save haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families.

Rebecca"

Keep praying.

Update from Haiti...Sherrie

An Update From Sherrie Fausey

"Hello from Jacksonville. I am (now) in Jacksonville but not feeling very well. I'm exhausted. The concrete dust has taken a toll on my breathing and I am running a fever. I have a cough, total laryngitis and cannot talk at all.

Some structures are OK. Many houses fell down. Many more are standing but were damaged and are unsafe. Thousands of people have died. Many are hurt. By the grace of God and a miracle, I am alive. I was walking in my room when the earthquake hit. I tried to run but fell down into the hall and couldn't get up. I crawled into the bathroom, put a little plastic table over my head, and watched my room fall off the building. Had I been sitting in my room, I would not have gotten out. The noise was terrible and concrete was falling all around me. I praise the Lord that I got out with just a few little bumps & bruises. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!! The house is totally destroyed. The back third of the house fell off. It is a miracle anyone got out. The children all ran outside. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!! They are OK except for Peterson who died instantly when the house fell on him.

We had about 150 people sleeping in the yard Tuesday evening. Pastor Cenor came by Tuesday evening and I asked him to sing & pray with the people in the yard. They thanked the Lord that they were alive. 9 people accepted Jesus. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!! The children have a praise time every evening. They thank the Lord for everything they have. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!

There were many injured people in the yard Tuesday evening. One little girl had a big gash in her leg and was losing a lot of blood. Karen Bultje was able to take them to the Sisters of Charity who still had a building and medicines & bandages. Then the little girl was brought back because everyone slept outside because there were frequent aftershocks, some pretty strong. Karen gave us some Ibuprophen to give the injured. The children are eating. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!

We found boxes of Feed my Starving Children rice mix. Then someone gave us cases of Poptarts. They like Poptarts. They are sleeping in the yard of the construction site. Tuesday night the slept on the ground, but by Wednesday we had started to find some mattresses. It is cold at night. By Friday we were finding blankets and sheets. It is very cold at night - especially sleeping outside on the ground. The wind blows fine concrete dust all the time. We have worked very hard scavenging whatever we could from the rubble. We are all exhausted. We got our medicines out. Sometimes there were aftershocks and the building was shaking as we were working. A doctor with the Restavek Assoc. came by and asked for medicines. She went off Thursday and Friday with a laundry basket full of medicines and bandages to help people.

We have taken in more children. I don't know how many because we had no paper to make a list. Some school children are staying there while the family stays with relatives in the countryside. I expect to get multitudes of children. Please pray that we can help the children who lost parents in the earthquake. It is very important that we try to keep going. We need to continue the feeding program and medical program.

The children in 4th - 7th grades still have classrooms. They need to continue. They need some sort of a normal life. Please pray that we can continue feeding and caring for children.

We got some stuff out of the house. Most of the clothing is ripped & covered with concrete. The children need shoes. Please help us. The wall around the construction site fell down and needs to be rebuilt. We need to finish the 2nd floor of the construction site to make space. Right now, we are very crowded. We will have about 20 boys in 1 bedroom. We need to build a school kitchen and an orphanage. We need clothing, shoes, and everything for daily living. For right now, cash will be better than people collecting things. You can donate on line at http://www.christianlightfoundation.com
Thank you for your prayers. The Lord took care of us.

God bless you,Sherrie

Sherrie Fausey
Christian Light Foundation
PO Box 23881
Jacksonville, FL 32241-3881
Please be sure to include my name on any donations.
http://www.christianlightfoundation.com "

Haitian Orphans...Forever Families

I've been so heartbroken about the tragedy in Haiti. I've been following as much news as possible. Thankfully, I know of two great organizations that are helping. One is Christian Light Ministry located in Florida and I know this organization well. You can make donations on their website. Remember my post about Sherrie? This is her organization. Sherrie, her staff and the children are working to move all salvageable items from the school to the new building. The new building that the team worked on in June 2009 did not suffer any damage except for the wall which completely collapsed on one side. Thank you for praying for them.

The other organization is For His Glory Ministry, also in Florida. Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI), our China agency, is helping this organization find families for their orphanage in Haiti. CCAI donated $10,000 and is also collecting donations for the orphanage. You can send funds to For His Glory or to CCAI.


Currently, there are children that have found their forever families through this fairly new program with CCAI's help. The orphanage collapsed during the earthquake and the children are outside living in tents and the smaller babies and infants are living in a box truck. Heartbreaking pictures.


"WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, today announced a humanitarian parole policy allowing orphaned children from Haiti to enter the United States temporarily on an individual basis to ensure that they receive the care they need—as part of the U.S. government’s ongoing support of international recovery efforts after last week’s earthquake. " You can see the rest of the document here:
Department of Homeland Security Press Release

So... the problem is these babies cannot be united with their families until they evacuate. Here is a note from Kim at For His Glory from their website:
"Kim is asking all families to please contact your local media. Tell them that the orphanage that Geraldo Rivera was at during his two hour special last night is your orphanage where your kids are. We need to CONTINUE to get the message out that these kids need to come home. And we need the public to join us in being loud with our government that this is what needs to happen.
And we need everyone to contact their Senators and Congressmen, and ask everyone you know to contact them as well. It is a federal holiday, but call and leave voicemails, emails, etc. We have to keep pushing, letting everyone we can know that we are there, and we need help, and we need to get the kids out. Thanks for your help!"
Again, you can find the website here:
For His Glory Earthquake Relief

Two days ago, the Red Cross and UN soldiers brought food and water. For many days, the orphanage didn't have drinking water. The babies are all alive, Praise the Lord! But they cannot continue to live outside in these conditions much longer. Please pray, call your congressman, and your local media.

As devastated as the earthquake has been, I see God's hand there, protecting these precious orphans. Not a single one was injured. Normally, if I understand the program correctly, most parents were probably planning to bring home their children next year or possibly even two years from now. Only God could do such a miracle....and allow these precious children to be with their forever families now. I saw an encouraging CNN video today! You must see this video...but make sure you have your tissue box handy.

And I heard from a friend at church that her son was one of the pilots who helped bring home many precious Haitian children to the United States today. What a blessing for him to have been used by God in such a time as this.

Keep praying.

Continue to pray for Sherri in Haiti

Update:
Praise the Lord! Sherri and her helper Julie have been located and are healthy and safe. Sadly, her house did collapse and they were able to get all the children out but one. They are now staying at the newly built school where the structure was able to stand the earthquake. Sherri's ministry to these children is more than amazing. I'm so thankful she is there for the children and is able to love them through such terrible situations. If you have not seen her video about her ministry, you can take a look here.

We still have not heard from Sherri or her helper Julie in Haiti. Nobody knows if the children from her school are safe and alive. Please continue to pray for them. Praying, if they are hurt, God will bring someone to them quickly.

Haiti...praying for Sherri and Julie who are missing.

Sherri is in this video sharing about the children and families of Haiti and their mission work there. Please pray for Sherri and her helper, Julie who are currently missing. If they are hurt, pray that God will bring help to them.

Some have estimated that the death toll could be 100,000 people. The reports are that the streets are being lined up with those who lost their lives. Please pray for God's grace for the precious people of Haiti. Pray for believers to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the many hurting Haitians.

He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble - Psalm 46:1

angels...

Our wonderful pastor of music, requested our youth dance team to 'dance' (dramatize, entrepret, act as angels...LOL) in the Christmas Cantata. I have to say, it turned out way more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Dana, Alexis and I started working on choreography in August..non-stop, meeting two days a week. Honestly, in the beginning, I was on my knees asking God to help us create something for His glory. I felt totally out of control and really felt like we were not going to be ready.

I could share so many amazing stories how God has used these girls. They are not 'professionals' but their hearts are His and His light shines through them.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (New International Version)
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses,...in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Right away, I know God wanted Dana and I to feel totally inadequate in ourself and totally dependent on Him. As the girls began running down three aisles of the church with 'wings' spread, I was blessed beyond measure. Tears. I didn't see 6 teenage girls. I saw 'angels.' Click on the pictures to enlarge them...and see all the detail. Words cannot express... Alexis is in the center.

Luke 2: 8-14

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."