So, My News

The facilitator that we are working with in Ukraine has been trying to get to A's orphanage for a while now to talk with her.  I sent some photos of our family for her to share with A and she took some cookies and candies for A and her friends.

So, today I received several photos and an email that read, "She is such a nice girl!!! Everyone in the orphanage loves her, she has a very positive nature, she is very friendly and sweet.  She remembers you and recognized (Yulia) Peyton and ........ she definitely wants to be a part of your family, no doubt."

How is that for some news?!  I am overJOYed that she is choosing us!  That we get to be her mom and dad; her family!  And, well, I think she looks a little like my husband.  God is good like that isn't He?  He is in all the details!

So, well, the waiting is just so hard!  Sending prayers up for her that God will give her peace in this waiting time and that she would be comforted in knowing that she is wanted and loved so much already!

And, not sure if you noticed when you looked at her picture but yeah, I see a big heart!

~Tina

Winner

Today is the 15th of September and time to draw another name from our Puzzle Fundraiser.  I will get right to it; the winner is NS and she wishes to remain anonymous.  I will be sending her a beautiful bird whistle that we bought in Ukraine.

Here is a picture of our whole puzzle and what pieces have donors names on them so far.

The Bracelet Fundraiser ended on September 4th and we raised $145.

The T-shirt Fundraiser ends tonight.

I want to thank everyone who has given to our adoption and all prayers being sent up for us.  We are believing God will provide.

I am hoping for some awesome news tomorrow and I will share when it comes in.  Stay tuned as you won't want to miss it!

And now, some random photos of our kids.  What a JOYous time of my life this is.  I wouldn't trade it for anything and how thankful I am that my husband works so hard to provide for us.

Cash is playing trumpet this year.

Caleb loves creepy, crawly things.

And, of course, Carson was born to be a cowboy.

We have had a few turkeys hanging around
our house but I'm still soaring with the
eagles.

~Tina

Her Joy

This video I am sharing is one that I treasure.  Caleb is running out with joy in his heart.  This was his reaction just 1 week after meeting us in 2012.  He was so excited that we were there for him!  How many of his friends got a mom and dad before him?  How many times did he have to watch the love between his friends and the mom and dad that he longed for?  I'm not sure but it was finally his turn.

 

http://youtu.be/XY9PEYB2qIs

Now, can you imagine what A will go thru?  She is not 5 1/2 years old like he was, but 15.  She has waited so much longer for a mom and dad to see her for the treasure she is.  She has been beaten down by a life that no child deserves.  Because she is small for her age, she got picked on a lot while we were there.  Oh how my heart broke to see her get hit up side the head and just take it.  We would stand up for her but the kids didn't care.  They had a pecking order and she was at the bottom. We saw a glimmer of hope though when we spoke up and we were pretty smitten with her by the time we left.  That was a very hard day for me.  I never thought we would see her again.  But God knew and my heart couldn't let go.  Here is a picture she drew for us while we were there.




I hope, whatever her reaction is when we get there, that she knows she is going home to a big family that already loves her.  And if she wants to run and jump in my arms, well, I wouldn't mind it so much! : )  I just can't wait to see her joy!

~Tina

PS ~ an update on our progress - the home study is still in progress but hopefully will be done in a few weeks; I have several of the required documents as done as I can get them for now; the Bracelet Fundraiser is coming to a close this week; the T-shirt Fundraiser will last until Sept. 15 and the Puzzle Fundraiser is ongoing until we travel, with drawings on the 15th of each month.  Thanks to all who have donated and are supporting us!   And, if you want to get an email that tells you when I post an update on here,  go to the right hand column and enter your email in the Follow By Email link.