We got the phone call yesterday afternoon.
We have a NOVEMBER 12TH court date!
We are SO SO SO excited!!
Thank you for praying so faithfully for our family.
God is Good and His timing is perfect!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Days 1 & 2 (actually it's only 1/2)
Mission Trip - Day 1
We spent our first day at Kingdom Vision International orphanage. This is the orphanage our dear friends, the Alexanders, got their first little boy from. As our vans drove in, the kids were so excited and swarmed around. They ran up and hugged and kissed us - so so beautiful. There are 85 children at this orphanage from infant to teenager and they were all amazing. After handing out Dum-Dums and bracelets and hugs and kisses, it was time to get down to business. Three dentist examined teeth and I got to work with a sweet friend in what we affectionately refer to as the 'hygiene hut'. I got to learn (and try to say) each child's name and then we gave them each a toothbrush, toothpaste and taught them how to brusha-brusha-brusha. IF they brush their teeth it is done on Weds, but since most of them didn't even know how to hold their toothbrush I doubt it happens too often. Their eyes lit up as if we had handed them a treasure! Some of them even walked around the orphanage brushing their teeth they were so excited. Some of the team painted the hallway and toddler room -- other played games of soccer and chase and others did crafts with the older kids and still others held and rocked babies. There was lots of holding and rocking and yes, I shed a few tears too. My heart hurts for these precious children that are so beautiful and so in need of and deserving of love. And my heart hurts because I know our little girl is so close but so far and I want to be holding her. I want her to know that we are coming for her, I want someone to love on her and hold her until we can get there !! It is a heartache that I can't explain --- I hurt for these children with no one to call mommy and daddy and I hurt for our little girl that doesn't know she has a mommy and daddy!! I hope someone with a child waiting at KVI knows that we loved on them until they can get there just as I pray someone is doing for our baby!!
Well, I got half-way through the first day and I haven't even explained the sheep slaughter on this day or touched on Day 2. We'll pick up at the sheep part tomorrow.
We spent our first day at Kingdom Vision International orphanage. This is the orphanage our dear friends, the Alexanders, got their first little boy from. As our vans drove in, the kids were so excited and swarmed around. They ran up and hugged and kissed us - so so beautiful. There are 85 children at this orphanage from infant to teenager and they were all amazing. After handing out Dum-Dums and bracelets and hugs and kisses, it was time to get down to business. Three dentist examined teeth and I got to work with a sweet friend in what we affectionately refer to as the 'hygiene hut'. I got to learn (and try to say) each child's name and then we gave them each a toothbrush, toothpaste and taught them how to brusha-brusha-brusha. IF they brush their teeth it is done on Weds, but since most of them didn't even know how to hold their toothbrush I doubt it happens too often. Their eyes lit up as if we had handed them a treasure! Some of them even walked around the orphanage brushing their teeth they were so excited. Some of the team painted the hallway and toddler room -- other played games of soccer and chase and others did crafts with the older kids and still others held and rocked babies. There was lots of holding and rocking and yes, I shed a few tears too. My heart hurts for these precious children that are so beautiful and so in need of and deserving of love. And my heart hurts because I know our little girl is so close but so far and I want to be holding her. I want her to know that we are coming for her, I want someone to love on her and hold her until we can get there !! It is a heartache that I can't explain --- I hurt for these children with no one to call mommy and daddy and I hurt for our little girl that doesn't know she has a mommy and daddy!! I hope someone with a child waiting at KVI knows that we loved on them until they can get there just as I pray someone is doing for our baby!!
Well, I got half-way through the first day and I haven't even explained the sheep slaughter on this day or touched on Day 2. We'll pick up at the sheep part tomorrow.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Out the door ...
We are walking out the door to catch our flight to Ethiopia. The emotions have never been higher and I just received an email that our paperwork is officially filed with the courts. We continue to pray for God's favor in a speedy court date!!
I will update from Ethiopia as much as possible.
Thank you friends and family for your prayers --- we are off to the country that will bring us our children!
Praising God for this opportunity and praying that HE is glorified in all we do and say.
I will update from Ethiopia as much as possible.
Thank you friends and family for your prayers --- we are off to the country that will bring us our children!
Praising God for this opportunity and praying that HE is glorified in all we do and say.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
9 Days and the emotional roller coaster starts!
We (Craig and I) leave for our first trip to Ethiopia, a mission trip, in 9 days. We are blessed to be part of Ethiopia Smile - a group of 66 dentists and non-dentists going to Ethiopia to be the hands and feet of Jesus (more about the trip www.teamalexander.blogspot.com). My heart can't even begin to grasp what we are going to experience - and I am so excited, anxious, grateful and yes, a little unsure.
I have spent a majority of tonight crying at the thought of saying 'bye' to my 4 precious children here in Texas - I can't even get a handle on the tears. I know this is an ordained trip - God has been at work from the beginning and I know that He is a good God. But I have a mama's heart that loves deep and is going to miss my little crew here at home SO MUCH!!!
In the back of my mind I also can't quit thinking about courts opening in ONE week (yes, I'm counting) and what that means for our court date. We will be turning around to travel again once we receive our court date for sweet A - will that be in a couple of weeks, 6 weeks, a couple of months?? Only God knows!!
This is a time of transition, stepping out in faith, and trusting the One and Only True God. I know He is teaching me that I am NOT in control -- the adoption process has been and continues be a refining experience like no other.
The easiest thing for me to do in the next couple of weeks would be to run, turn and avoid the emotion that awaits, but I know that Christ gives me the strength to face all of the emotions head-on, to go directly through the hard stuff - the fun stuff - the joyful stuff and the sad stuff - and know for certain I will be better on the other side.
So, if you think of us, we ask that you pray for the following:
- travel safety
- timely (quick) court date
- my emotional stability
- God's glory to shine at all times during this trip
We will do our best to post updates during the trip.
I have spent a majority of tonight crying at the thought of saying 'bye' to my 4 precious children here in Texas - I can't even get a handle on the tears. I know this is an ordained trip - God has been at work from the beginning and I know that He is a good God. But I have a mama's heart that loves deep and is going to miss my little crew here at home SO MUCH!!!
In the back of my mind I also can't quit thinking about courts opening in ONE week (yes, I'm counting) and what that means for our court date. We will be turning around to travel again once we receive our court date for sweet A - will that be in a couple of weeks, 6 weeks, a couple of months?? Only God knows!!
This is a time of transition, stepping out in faith, and trusting the One and Only True God. I know He is teaching me that I am NOT in control -- the adoption process has been and continues be a refining experience like no other.
The easiest thing for me to do in the next couple of weeks would be to run, turn and avoid the emotion that awaits, but I know that Christ gives me the strength to face all of the emotions head-on, to go directly through the hard stuff - the fun stuff - the joyful stuff and the sad stuff - and know for certain I will be better on the other side.
So, if you think of us, we ask that you pray for the following:
- travel safety
- timely (quick) court date
- my emotional stability
- God's glory to shine at all times during this trip
We will do our best to post updates during the trip.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tapestry of Life
Life and routine has returned to a majority of families. Today was the first day of school for public schools. But here at the Porterhouse, we have 2 more weeks of summer. Our summer has been hot and chaotic and hot and crazy and, did I mention HOT? With the drama of moving, settling in to our lovely new home, and finalizing adoption plans, we haven't had a chance to just relax , refresh, and spend quality family time together. So the next 2 weeks are dedicated to that. We plan to see movies, do some puzzles, eat good food, indulge in ice cream, and take a mini-vacation to the lake house. Craig is going to take a few days off, we are going to unplug and just enjoy being together with NO boxes to unpack, NO landscaping projects to finish, NO schoolwork to organize but instead LOTS of sun, boating, wake boarding, surfing, swimming, fishing, laughter and fun!!
I am thanking God for His provision in so many little details - little things that may not mean much if I try to explain them, so I won't try - but, trust me when I say HE has made Himself known in our lives and HE has made it clear how much HE loves us. I am more aware now than ever before of God's sovereign hand in my life. I need to remind myself frequently that living in this specific house, homeschooling my 4 amazing kids, Luke's baseball team, art school, church, friends, sweet baby A, precious boy F, gymnastics, museum school, the amazing people at YWAM Ethiopia, our homeschooling community, our adoption community ... not one thing is a coincidence or 'luck' ---- it is all from HIM. Only HE can knit the threads of our crazy family together into such a beautiful, comfortable, amazing tapestry that we are blessed to call life.
Adoption update:
Ethiopian courts are closed for rainy season. The doors are locked and nothing will happen for 5-6 weeks. Once they open we are prayerful that we will receive a court date quickly (see prayer request below). After we receive our court date, Craig and I will travel and get to spend time with our baby girl, and attend court. When the judge determines our paperwork is in order and that he/she is comfortable with our family adopting baby girl A we will have officially passed court and baby girl A will legally be a Porter (and we can finally share her gorgeous pic). At that point we will reluctantly leave our little girl (for just a short time), return home and wait a few weeks to receive our embassy appt. Once we have an embassy appt we will ALL travel and bring our baby girl home -- 6 plane tickets there, 7 coming home!! I am giddy just thinking about it!!!
Prayer request:
Will you join us in praying very specifically that once courts open, we will receive a VERY early court date? It is our prayer that we will be able to take a family picture with Baby A for Christmas. I want so badly to buy her a sweet Christmas outfit that matches her sisters and walk into our church on Christmas Eve as a family. Thank you for surrounding our family in prayer!
I am thanking God for His provision in so many little details - little things that may not mean much if I try to explain them, so I won't try - but, trust me when I say HE has made Himself known in our lives and HE has made it clear how much HE loves us. I am more aware now than ever before of God's sovereign hand in my life. I need to remind myself frequently that living in this specific house, homeschooling my 4 amazing kids, Luke's baseball team, art school, church, friends, sweet baby A, precious boy F, gymnastics, museum school, the amazing people at YWAM Ethiopia, our homeschooling community, our adoption community ... not one thing is a coincidence or 'luck' ---- it is all from HIM. Only HE can knit the threads of our crazy family together into such a beautiful, comfortable, amazing tapestry that we are blessed to call life.
Adoption update:
Ethiopian courts are closed for rainy season. The doors are locked and nothing will happen for 5-6 weeks. Once they open we are prayerful that we will receive a court date quickly (see prayer request below). After we receive our court date, Craig and I will travel and get to spend time with our baby girl, and attend court. When the judge determines our paperwork is in order and that he/she is comfortable with our family adopting baby girl A we will have officially passed court and baby girl A will legally be a Porter (and we can finally share her gorgeous pic). At that point we will reluctantly leave our little girl (for just a short time), return home and wait a few weeks to receive our embassy appt. Once we have an embassy appt we will ALL travel and bring our baby girl home -- 6 plane tickets there, 7 coming home!! I am giddy just thinking about it!!!
Prayer request:
Will you join us in praying very specifically that once courts open, we will receive a VERY early court date? It is our prayer that we will be able to take a family picture with Baby A for Christmas. I want so badly to buy her a sweet Christmas outfit that matches her sisters and walk into our church on Christmas Eve as a family. Thank you for surrounding our family in prayer!
Friday, August 6, 2010
It's official!!
We have officially accepted a referral for a one year old little girl. She is GORGEOUS and I can hardly wait until we are allowed to share pictures of her.
Craig and I with his office manager who has notarized more documents for us than one person should ever have to!! A HUGE thank you!!
We are prayerful that we will be able to adopt a toddler boy in 6-12 months. Next step, court date this fall!!
Thank you Lord, YOU are Good!!
Now we're at Joe T's to celebrate (because that is where we always celebrate)!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Stay tuned ....
Exciting things are on the horizon - I am hoping to have a wonderful update to share in a few days!!!
Jeremiah 29:11-12
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
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