A little girl who was adopted from China in October of 2006 is very sick and needs our prayers. Her name is Brea. Click on her name and you can read more about her. Thank you for praying.
Becky
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Joy in Africa
I was watching James Robison on Friday while I was eating breakfast. He was showing film footage of people in Africa where his ministry goes and digs water wells. He showed some of the terrible water holes that people had to get water from and presented facts about the number of deaths in Africa due to waterborne illnesses. I almost broke into tears when they showed water gushing up out of a new well and little children jumping up and down with joy as drops of water splashed over them. I decided we should start to support that ministry.
As I was still watching the broadcast, I was opening yesterday’s mail, one of which was from another foreign missionary ministry that we had made a modest donation to. The letter inside thanked us for the support and went on to describe how they were working in China, helping Chinese Christians to serve their nation. I almost choked up again, thinking that perhaps this ministry in China might come into contact with the family of the daughter we are adopting. I realize that there are about 1.3 billion people in China, but I am struck recently more and more with an awareness of how we are all connected in some way with people all over the world. I believe that the Gospel of Christ and His love in action is the only force that can and eventually will, unite all of the world.
Ronnie
As I was still watching the broadcast, I was opening yesterday’s mail, one of which was from another foreign missionary ministry that we had made a modest donation to. The letter inside thanked us for the support and went on to describe how they were working in China, helping Chinese Christians to serve their nation. I almost choked up again, thinking that perhaps this ministry in China might come into contact with the family of the daughter we are adopting. I realize that there are about 1.3 billion people in China, but I am struck recently more and more with an awareness of how we are all connected in some way with people all over the world. I believe that the Gospel of Christ and His love in action is the only force that can and eventually will, unite all of the world.
Ronnie
Saturday, February 17, 2007
HELP For The Wait
When we started out on this magical mystery tour all we really wanted was to hold her hand. I know that money can’t buy me love, but felt sure that when she experienced all my (our) loving, that she would love me (us) do. We just wanted to travel across the universe, say hello goodbye, get our little oh darling and get back to where we once belonged. I should have known better.
We worked eight days a week, on the paper chase, and some hard day’s nights. There were times that I thought you’re going to lose that girl. A day in the life was helter skelter at times, but we’re getting by with a little help from our friends. I guess that when I’m sixty four it will seem just like yesterday. Hey Jude, it may actually be yesterday at this rate.
I read the news today, oh boy. Maybe now we can say here comes the sun, unless they have another revolution. I’ve got a feeling that something is changing. To our little child I say, got to get you into my life, and please mister postman don’t be late when it’s time for us to get a ticket to ride. I pray let it be soon that we come together and this long and winding road leads her safely to our door.
Ronnie with help from Paul, John, Ringo and George
We worked eight days a week, on the paper chase, and some hard day’s nights. There were times that I thought you’re going to lose that girl. A day in the life was helter skelter at times, but we’re getting by with a little help from our friends. I guess that when I’m sixty four it will seem just like yesterday. Hey Jude, it may actually be yesterday at this rate.
I read the news today, oh boy. Maybe now we can say here comes the sun, unless they have another revolution. I’ve got a feeling that something is changing. To our little child I say, got to get you into my life, and please mister postman don’t be late when it’s time for us to get a ticket to ride. I pray let it be soon that we come together and this long and winding road leads her safely to our door.
Ronnie with help from Paul, John, Ringo and George
The Long and Winding Road
Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still. -- Lou Erickso
John Lennon: Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon: Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Friday, February 16, 2007
A Good Inheritance
What do we want for our children? I have been reconsidering this recently as we endure the long wait from LID to referral. Do we want them to be popular, to become famous, wealthy, or successful? I never gave much thought to these things when our children were being born. Becky and I were young, in love and had our hands full with the day to day of working and parenting. We only knew that we wanted them to be happy, to grow up loving God, and to become loving, compassionate people.
One day Becky opened a Bible to show me a scripture that she had read that day which seemed to have tremendous meaning to her. We had been married about ten or twelve years, our daughters were around the ages of ten, twelve, and fourteen. Becky said that she wasn’t sure that she fully understood the scripture, but she felt that it described her feeling about her life. It is found in the book of Psalms, chapter sixteen, verse six: “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes I have a good inheritance.” I have remembered that scripture through the years and it has come to mean very much to me also. It has special meaning to me now as we, in the autumn of our lives approach the adoption of a precious little girl. Now I ask, "What do we want for our little girl"?
The scripture’s last five words are key, “I have a good inheritance.” Before anyone assumes that this is referring to riches and wealth, we need to hear the words of Christ in the gospel of Luke chapter twelve, verse fifteen…”for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” I can affirm that although I am far from rich in material wealth, I have a good inheritance, and I believe that “the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.” It may help to understand these words better if we look at the preceding verse in the book of Psalms chapter sixteen, which is verse five. It reads: O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot.
What these verses mean to me is that I am happy to be who I am, where I am, and with what I have. I can say that I am thankful for the inheritance my parents left me, an inheritance not of abundant possessions, but of spiritual life, a healthy attitude, and hope for eternity. I realize that not every person has been blessed to have parents like mine, or a secure childhood like I had. Becky’s home life was one of turmoil in her childhood. She changed schools five times during her first grade. Eventually her parents divorced and Becky went back and forth between parents and grandparents for several years. Her greatest feeling of security was when she was with her grandparents, from whom she received most of her spiritual training. In her maturity Becky enjoyed closeness with both of her parents and now with her stepfather.
The phrase “the lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places” may have been referring to the way that the Promised Land was divided and allotted to the tribes of Israel. The modern day equivalent would be to say, “I am pleased with my lot in life.” The secret to being satisfied with our lot in life is found in verse five, to paraphrase: the greatest portion of my inheritance is God, and He maintains my lot. I believe, and Becky agrees that the events of our past, some pleasant, some unpleasant, some very wonderful, and others very difficult, have worked out for good by the Grace of God. He has formed our character through these events. He has taught us how to live, and how to treat others. What a blessing to know that we belong to Him and that He has set our boundaries.
What I want for my children and my grandchildren is for them to be able to say, “I have a good inheritance. God is first in my life and He directs my ways. I am blessed to be who I am, where I am and with what I have.” With help from the Lord I will do all that I can to make my children and grandchildren’s lives secure and happy, to further their education, to encourage them to believe for great things, to teach them compassion, and understanding, but it is only by His Grace that they will enjoy the fullness of that inheritance.
No one chooses their parents, their nationality, or the times in which they are born. These things are decided by a higher power, some may say fate, and others may say God. Our Chinese daughter has come into this world and is now without parents or family. The China Center of Adoption Affairs will match her to us, and our agency will coordinate our joining together. I believe that the mighty hand of a loving Creator will oversee these events. My fondest hope is that one day, when she is grown, our daughter will read that scripture: “the lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places, yes I have a good inheritance” and say yes, I am happy with my lot in life, God has set my boundaries and guided my steps.
Ronnie
One day Becky opened a Bible to show me a scripture that she had read that day which seemed to have tremendous meaning to her. We had been married about ten or twelve years, our daughters were around the ages of ten, twelve, and fourteen. Becky said that she wasn’t sure that she fully understood the scripture, but she felt that it described her feeling about her life. It is found in the book of Psalms, chapter sixteen, verse six: “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes I have a good inheritance.” I have remembered that scripture through the years and it has come to mean very much to me also. It has special meaning to me now as we, in the autumn of our lives approach the adoption of a precious little girl. Now I ask, "What do we want for our little girl"?
The scripture’s last five words are key, “I have a good inheritance.” Before anyone assumes that this is referring to riches and wealth, we need to hear the words of Christ in the gospel of Luke chapter twelve, verse fifteen…”for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” I can affirm that although I am far from rich in material wealth, I have a good inheritance, and I believe that “the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.” It may help to understand these words better if we look at the preceding verse in the book of Psalms chapter sixteen, which is verse five. It reads: O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot.
What these verses mean to me is that I am happy to be who I am, where I am, and with what I have. I can say that I am thankful for the inheritance my parents left me, an inheritance not of abundant possessions, but of spiritual life, a healthy attitude, and hope for eternity. I realize that not every person has been blessed to have parents like mine, or a secure childhood like I had. Becky’s home life was one of turmoil in her childhood. She changed schools five times during her first grade. Eventually her parents divorced and Becky went back and forth between parents and grandparents for several years. Her greatest feeling of security was when she was with her grandparents, from whom she received most of her spiritual training. In her maturity Becky enjoyed closeness with both of her parents and now with her stepfather.
The phrase “the lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places” may have been referring to the way that the Promised Land was divided and allotted to the tribes of Israel. The modern day equivalent would be to say, “I am pleased with my lot in life.” The secret to being satisfied with our lot in life is found in verse five, to paraphrase: the greatest portion of my inheritance is God, and He maintains my lot. I believe, and Becky agrees that the events of our past, some pleasant, some unpleasant, some very wonderful, and others very difficult, have worked out for good by the Grace of God. He has formed our character through these events. He has taught us how to live, and how to treat others. What a blessing to know that we belong to Him and that He has set our boundaries.
What I want for my children and my grandchildren is for them to be able to say, “I have a good inheritance. God is first in my life and He directs my ways. I am blessed to be who I am, where I am and with what I have.” With help from the Lord I will do all that I can to make my children and grandchildren’s lives secure and happy, to further their education, to encourage them to believe for great things, to teach them compassion, and understanding, but it is only by His Grace that they will enjoy the fullness of that inheritance.
No one chooses their parents, their nationality, or the times in which they are born. These things are decided by a higher power, some may say fate, and others may say God. Our Chinese daughter has come into this world and is now without parents or family. The China Center of Adoption Affairs will match her to us, and our agency will coordinate our joining together. I believe that the mighty hand of a loving Creator will oversee these events. My fondest hope is that one day, when she is grown, our daughter will read that scripture: “the lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places, yes I have a good inheritance” and say yes, I am happy with my lot in life, God has set my boundaries and guided my steps.
Ronnie
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day Little One
Somewhere out there, somewhere in China, wishing you were here, hoping that someone will hug you today, that you will know that you are loved, that you are chosen, that you have a home and family waiting for you.
Dad
Friday, February 9, 2007
Top Ten
Top Ten Reasons You Know This Wait Has Lasted TOO LONG !!!!!
10. The lucky bamboo you bought on your LID is nearly touching the ceiling.
9. USCIS fingerprint tech knows you by sight
8. Librarian warns you've exceeded recheck limit of books about China.
7. You can actually eat a meal with chopsticks.
6. You can name more Chinese provinces than U.S. capitols.
5. Had to get more hard drive storage for China adoption pictures
4. "Chinese for Dummies" CD is worn out
3. Friends have stopped asking, "have you heard anything?"
2. Catch yourself worrying that it looks like the Red Couch is fading.
1. You have made Rumor Queen your homepage !!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. The lucky bamboo you bought on your LID is nearly touching the ceiling.
9. USCIS fingerprint tech knows you by sight
8. Librarian warns you've exceeded recheck limit of books about China.
7. You can actually eat a meal with chopsticks.
6. You can name more Chinese provinces than U.S. capitols.
5. Had to get more hard drive storage for China adoption pictures
4. "Chinese for Dummies" CD is worn out
3. Friends have stopped asking, "have you heard anything?"
2. Catch yourself worrying that it looks like the Red Couch is fading.
1. You have made Rumor Queen your homepage !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Aching for Christmas
Last December about three days before Christmas, Sunnie, my granddaughter, brought me a game piece that was a multi-sided die with letters of the alphabet on it. When rolled or dropped one letter would be on top. Sunnie wanted to make up a game to play, so we started rolling the dice and then thinking up three words about Christmas that started with the letter we rolled. We went through several letters fairly easily, and then I rolled an A. I said "angels" and then went blank. I said, “Sunnie, I'm stumped, what begins with an A concerning Christmas?” With very little hesitation Sunnie said, “how about ache?” I wasn't sure that I heard right. "What did you say?" She replied, “You know, ache, like when you're aching for Christmas to get here.”
I had almost forgotten what it felt like when weeks seemed like months and a month seemed like an eternity. I had forgotten what it was to ache for something to come to pass. Waiting for our little girl from China is the closest I have come to that feeling in many years. I can tell from reading the blogs of the many waiting families that they are experiencing this feeling more keenly than I am. Perhaps many of the young waiting moms feel almost pregnant. Its not that I am not impatient, it is just that when you’re my age and as busy as we are, that the time flies even when something is delayed. I am starting to reach that age when we truly realize that time is THE MOST precious commodity that we have. Partly because we don’t know exactly how much we have and because it has finally become clear to us that we have a limited supply of it.
I guess it is the aspect of the limited time that we have that makes me most impatient to get our little girl. Even though we look forward to the trip to China and all that we will see, if I could have my way, she would already be here. If we could have her teleported here like in Star Trek, that would be even better because it would be faster. I expect that China will be awesome, but it’s not China that I want to see most, but the little girl waiting there for us. So, I suppose that for the first time in a long time, I am aching for something to get here.
I had almost forgotten what it felt like when weeks seemed like months and a month seemed like an eternity. I had forgotten what it was to ache for something to come to pass. Waiting for our little girl from China is the closest I have come to that feeling in many years. I can tell from reading the blogs of the many waiting families that they are experiencing this feeling more keenly than I am. Perhaps many of the young waiting moms feel almost pregnant. Its not that I am not impatient, it is just that when you’re my age and as busy as we are, that the time flies even when something is delayed. I am starting to reach that age when we truly realize that time is THE MOST precious commodity that we have. Partly because we don’t know exactly how much we have and because it has finally become clear to us that we have a limited supply of it.
I guess it is the aspect of the limited time that we have that makes me most impatient to get our little girl. Even though we look forward to the trip to China and all that we will see, if I could have my way, she would already be here. If we could have her teleported here like in Star Trek, that would be even better because it would be faster. I expect that China will be awesome, but it’s not China that I want to see most, but the little girl waiting there for us. So, I suppose that for the first time in a long time, I am aching for something to get here.
It's Been a Long Wait
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. Confucius
If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand. Confucius, The Confucian Analects
Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of thy desire. Arab Proverb
If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand. Confucius, The Confucian Analects
Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of thy desire. Arab Proverb
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Sweet Little Faces
Here are some links to several sweet little faces who will soon be united with their "Forever Families".
JOELLE
ELLA
JESSICA FAITH
NATALIE
JOELLE
ELLA
JESSICA FAITH
NATALIE
Thursday, February 1, 2007
ITS REFERRAL DAY AGAIN!!!
YEAH! Today the referrals ( child matches) arrived in the USA from the China Center for Adoption Affairs. This month they matched through October 13, 2005. That is pretty good. They have been doing about 1/2 a months worth of Log In Dates each month soooooooooooooo IF they continue at the same rate we could see her sweet little face as early as JUNE!!
Down to earth again. Acutally we do not think they will continue to match as many days each month because the last of October 2005 and all of November 2005 Log In Dates are really big, meaning that there are lots of families logged in for those dates. Our thought is that we could be matched in the batch the should arrive in early July possibly late June. There is no exact date each month they are mailed just whenever they are complete which is generally about every 28 to 30 days.
Check back tomorrow for some links to some sweet little faces!!!
Becky
Down to earth again. Acutally we do not think they will continue to match as many days each month because the last of October 2005 and all of November 2005 Log In Dates are really big, meaning that there are lots of families logged in for those dates. Our thought is that we could be matched in the batch the should arrive in early July possibly late June. There is no exact date each month they are mailed just whenever they are complete which is generally about every 28 to 30 days.
Check back tomorrow for some links to some sweet little faces!!!
Becky
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