Hi Everyone:
News is that our 2nd DNA test was performed at the first of this week. Results should be back to the embassy by the first to middle part of next week, and then the US Embassy will issue our "pink" slip with our appointment date and time. We anticipate the travel to occur within 9-12 days of the issue of our pink slip. So, that puts us with an estimated time to leave of 12/14-12/17. Please continue to pray for a speedy "pink".
Our Social Worker went to Guatemala last week with another family who was traveling to pick up their little one. She was able to spend some time with Sarah Beth, and reports that she is pulling up, which means the walking won't be far behind. How exciting! Whew, I've got some serious baby proofing to do around here. Also, she says that she is pleasant, seemed to get along well with the other children, etc... Here are some of the pictures she took for me!
Enjoy,
Lori
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Pondering the ways of God
Hi to everyone,
I never cease to be amazed at how many of you there are who seem to be following us in this amazing journey of faith we call life. Many of you, whom I have never met, faithfully read this blog to learn what's going on in our little piece of the world. Welcome again, I'm so glad you are here.
Awhile back, Todd and I were talking and I was telling him then (and I know you guys in our Sunday School class have heard me say this already) that according to our timeline, it looks like Sarah Beth will be coming home at around 13 months of age. So what's such a big deal about that?
Our first child Kathryn Grace, died when she was 13 months and 15 days old.
I am absolutely amazed at the fact that God would work these details out in such a way that He would show Himself so amazingly clear to us - in all of our paths as He so beautifully directs our steps. "A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
We have never doubted that this was what we were supposed to do, at just this time in our lives. We have every certainty that God created Sarah Beth and placed her in Guatemala for the sole purpose of directing our steps to travel many miles to bring her home to our family, but the amazing "little" detail of her age makes this even sweeter to me. I feel as though He is redeeming for us the days we've lost in such a precious way that has made us draw even closer to Him.
The same God who created the heavens and the earth, and who loves us intimately has seen fit in His awesome wisdom to show Himself strong and faithful throughout my life. And, this child of God stands completely in awe of HIM. I just wanted all of you who read this to know that.
Indeed, I, like David, can say -
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; that my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."
Psalm 30:11-12
As if it weren't enough that He gave us our precious 2nd child, Anna Kate and healed her through the miracle of open-heart surgery, He has indeed blessed us again. May I always be anxious to give Him praise, and never silent about His amazing love.
If any of you have stumbled across this blog, by "accident", please know that you've arrived here for a reason. If you do not personally know Jesus Christ (not just know about Him), I would love to introduce you.
God's richest blessings to you all as you prepare to celebrate the season of Christ,
Lori
I never cease to be amazed at how many of you there are who seem to be following us in this amazing journey of faith we call life. Many of you, whom I have never met, faithfully read this blog to learn what's going on in our little piece of the world. Welcome again, I'm so glad you are here.
Awhile back, Todd and I were talking and I was telling him then (and I know you guys in our Sunday School class have heard me say this already) that according to our timeline, it looks like Sarah Beth will be coming home at around 13 months of age. So what's such a big deal about that?
Our first child Kathryn Grace, died when she was 13 months and 15 days old.
I am absolutely amazed at the fact that God would work these details out in such a way that He would show Himself so amazingly clear to us - in all of our paths as He so beautifully directs our steps. "A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
We have never doubted that this was what we were supposed to do, at just this time in our lives. We have every certainty that God created Sarah Beth and placed her in Guatemala for the sole purpose of directing our steps to travel many miles to bring her home to our family, but the amazing "little" detail of her age makes this even sweeter to me. I feel as though He is redeeming for us the days we've lost in such a precious way that has made us draw even closer to Him.
The same God who created the heavens and the earth, and who loves us intimately has seen fit in His awesome wisdom to show Himself strong and faithful throughout my life. And, this child of God stands completely in awe of HIM. I just wanted all of you who read this to know that.
Indeed, I, like David, can say -
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; that my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."
Psalm 30:11-12
As if it weren't enough that He gave us our precious 2nd child, Anna Kate and healed her through the miracle of open-heart surgery, He has indeed blessed us again. May I always be anxious to give Him praise, and never silent about His amazing love.
If any of you have stumbled across this blog, by "accident", please know that you've arrived here for a reason. If you do not personally know Jesus Christ (not just know about Him), I would love to introduce you.
God's richest blessings to you all as you prepare to celebrate the season of Christ,
Lori
Monday, November 26, 2007
On the Home Stretch!!
Well, it seems that we are on the home stretch! I got news today that our new birth certificate and passport for the baby have been issued, and the authorization has been given to take the 2nd (and final) DNA test!
What's next? As soon as they draw the DNA test, it will be sent to the United States for processing to verify that this is in fact the same child intially tested when we accepted our referral. The 2nd DNA test does not involve the birth mother. I do not know a date for when the test was scheduled, but it could be any day now!!!
Once that's done, I understand that it takes about 1 week to get the results back to the US Embassy in Guatemala. After they receive the results and review them, they will issue our "pink slip" giving us the date and time of our Embassy appointment!
We will be having a baby very soon! Thanks to you all for your continued prayers and support, don't stop now...
My next update, will hopefully be to let you know that we are "PINK!!!"
Lori
What's next? As soon as they draw the DNA test, it will be sent to the United States for processing to verify that this is in fact the same child intially tested when we accepted our referral. The 2nd DNA test does not involve the birth mother. I do not know a date for when the test was scheduled, but it could be any day now!!!
Once that's done, I understand that it takes about 1 week to get the results back to the US Embassy in Guatemala. After they receive the results and review them, they will issue our "pink slip" giving us the date and time of our Embassy appointment!
We will be having a baby very soon! Thanks to you all for your continued prayers and support, don't stop now...
My next update, will hopefully be to let you know that we are "PINK!!!"
Lori
Now, if we just had a baby...
Well last weekend we finished getting everything ready for the baby's room. This past weekend, I've begun washing clothes, blankets, and other baby things preparing for the arrival of our newest little one.
Being that it's been nearly 11 years since I did this last, it has been exciting, frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. How many diapers does a baby need per day? What the heck do they eat when they are 1 year old and have about 6 teeth? How many outfits should I pack to make sure she has enough clothes while we're there? I can't seem to remember these little details, and there are so many much larger details I simply must remember to pack - documents for the embassy, on and on it goes.
Anyway, I am sure it will all come back to me when the time arises, and I'll make do just fine. In the meantime, if you can think of anything I need to know, kindly remind me :O) !
Enjoy the pics of the babies new room. It's in my favorite color "green apple" green and white gingham with white polka-dots. The walls are a nice yellow, and we've got a fun child's border at the top of the room that's in pink, green, blue, yellow and white. This was once Anna's playroom when she was smaller so it is bright and cheery. The colors in the photos don't seem to transfer very well, but at least you can get the idea.
Continue to pray that we hear good news soon about our 2nd DNA test.
God bless,
Lori
Being that it's been nearly 11 years since I did this last, it has been exciting, frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. How many diapers does a baby need per day? What the heck do they eat when they are 1 year old and have about 6 teeth? How many outfits should I pack to make sure she has enough clothes while we're there? I can't seem to remember these little details, and there are so many much larger details I simply must remember to pack - documents for the embassy, on and on it goes.
Anyway, I am sure it will all come back to me when the time arises, and I'll make do just fine. In the meantime, if you can think of anything I need to know, kindly remind me :O) !
Enjoy the pics of the babies new room. It's in my favorite color "green apple" green and white gingham with white polka-dots. The walls are a nice yellow, and we've got a fun child's border at the top of the room that's in pink, green, blue, yellow and white. This was once Anna's playroom when she was smaller so it is bright and cheery. The colors in the photos don't seem to transfer very well, but at least you can get the idea.
Continue to pray that we hear good news soon about our 2nd DNA test.
God bless,
Lori
Saturday, November 24, 2007
When Queens Ride By
Hello Everyone:
I just wanted to let all of you ladies know about an absolutely amazing short essay you simple must read, and I'm sure even a few of you men would enjoy this wonderful tale. It is called When Queens Ride By. Simply splendid - you won't be disappointed! I was planning to buy the little booklet, when I found it printed free online.
Click the link below to read, it'll only take a couple of minutes.
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Biblical_Womanhood_and_Christian_Living_14/When_Queens_Ride_By_9510095.shtml
In Him,
Lori
I just wanted to let all of you ladies know about an absolutely amazing short essay you simple must read, and I'm sure even a few of you men would enjoy this wonderful tale. It is called When Queens Ride By. Simply splendid - you won't be disappointed! I was planning to buy the little booklet, when I found it printed free online.
Click the link below to read, it'll only take a couple of minutes.
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Biblical_Womanhood_and_Christian_Living_14/When_Queens_Ride_By_9510095.shtml
In Him,
Lori
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