Jody made it to Haiti. We did not get to see him until the UN was done with him for the day (around 4 p.m.). The kids were so excited to see him. They had to show him EVERYTHING at once!! Jody was so tired (over night flight, no sleep and then all day filling out paperwork etc.) and hungry but he was an amazing father (like always) and looked at everything and listened to every story.
Jody and I and Jody's partner, Sam went to dinner at Fabrizio's (my favorite Italian restaurant). I stayed with Jody at the hotel (he is required to stay there for 4 days in order to be close to the training center). As much as I have missed him, it was not the best idea. The bed was horrible, the pillows hard and my hot-blooded husband had the air-conditioner cranked as high as it would go. I was absolutely freezing!! We did have a nice breakfast this morning and he is back at the training center, doing whatever it is they do there.
The kids are doing great. Isaiah is finally sleeping again and seems to be on the tail end of the chicken pox. I'm praying I get to go to church in the morning but it is unlikely. He still has several pox that have not crusted over. It's been 2 weeks and I'm really missing worshipping with other believers but I can't risk exposing others to him.
My back is doing OK. Still hurts but not enough to force me back in bed. Jody was able to bring me some muscle relaxers so hopefully I won't have any further episodes.I'm hoping to get some pictures posted soon. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong but hopefully Shane and I can get it figured out soon.
Thanks for all the prayers!! They were certainly felt and appreciated.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Quick Update
Some of you may have noticed that the countdown til Jody's arrival has changed. We found out yesterday that he will be arriving Friday instead of Thursday. It's just 1 day so we are doing OK with it!
My back is still sore. But, feeling better. I was able to go to the Ibolele Hotel yesterday and swim and that seemed to help some. I still can't lift the baby but at least I've been able to get out of bed.
Isaiah has chicken pox... BAD! Poor guy is miserable. He is running a fever, itches all over and has not been able to sleep. Me not being able to lift him is hard, he justs wants to be held. We have worked out a system... he climbs onto my bed and then sits on my lap. If I'm laying down he likes to rest his head on my tummy... it's very cute!!
My back is still sore. But, feeling better. I was able to go to the Ibolele Hotel yesterday and swim and that seemed to help some. I still can't lift the baby but at least I've been able to get out of bed.
Isaiah has chicken pox... BAD! Poor guy is miserable. He is running a fever, itches all over and has not been able to sleep. Me not being able to lift him is hard, he justs wants to be held. We have worked out a system... he climbs onto my bed and then sits on my lap. If I'm laying down he likes to rest his head on my tummy... it's very cute!!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
prayer needed
On Friday my back started hurting. By Saturday morning I was in bed barely able to move. I've had problems with my back for years, a couple of trips to the chiroprator and I'm usually back on my feet. There are no chiropractor's that I am aware of in Haiti. So, here I lay... not easy with 6 kids!!!
I'm looking for a miracle!!! I need 100% healing so I can get out of bed and get ready for Jody's arrival.
Please pray!!!!
I'm looking for a miracle!!! I need 100% healing so I can get out of bed and get ready for Jody's arrival.
Please pray!!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DADDY'S ON HIS WAY!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!!! Praise God for answered prayers!!!
Jody received an e-mail today that said, "The UN has confirmed your deployment date is officially set for March 27, 2008. You will be receiving your itinerary shortly." This is huge news, we had heard that they were postponing deployment for all the officers until May 12th!!! We have been praying fervently that Jody would deploy before then and God provided. There are only 2 officers coming at this time and both were requested by name. And Jody is one of them!!!! March 27, 2008!!!!!!!
9 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you tell we are just a little excited here (Kathy, we will expect the HWBD). It was quite a celebration when I circled his arrival date on the calendar in permanent RED ink!! The kids are working hard to get ahead on their school work so they can take a few extra days off when he gets here.
God is good… all the time!!!
Jody received an e-mail today that said, "The UN has confirmed your deployment date is officially set for March 27, 2008. You will be receiving your itinerary shortly." This is huge news, we had heard that they were postponing deployment for all the officers until May 12th!!! We have been praying fervently that Jody would deploy before then and God provided. There are only 2 officers coming at this time and both were requested by name. And Jody is one of them!!!! March 27, 2008!!!!!!!
9 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you tell we are just a little excited here (Kathy, we will expect the HWBD). It was quite a celebration when I circled his arrival date on the calendar in permanent RED ink!! The kids are working hard to get ahead on their school work so they can take a few extra days off when he gets here.
God is good… all the time!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Isaiah's adoption
No news to report about deployment so I thought I'd explain where we are in the process of getting Isaiah adopted.
Even though Isaiah is living with us, he is still not legally our son. If anything were to happen that forced us to leave Haiti, Isaiah would not be able to go with us. This concerns us greatly. We are blessed to be with him and would not change that for anything. But, we also pray that his adoption gets finished quickly so that if the unimaginable happens, he could remain in our family and leave Haiti with us.
We are currently waiting on Presidential approval in order to be declared his legal parents here in Haiti. Because Jody and I have biological children we do not fit the criteria set up in 1974 for adoptive families. This law has caused more problems with the adoption process then any other... in my opinion!! I would estimate that 90-95% of the family's that adopt from Haiti have bio kids. This law was set up when international adoption was fairly new and there were few children from Haiti available for adoption. It was designed to allow couple's unable to have children of their own to become parents. The process then was much faster and easier to do so parents could still bring home "a baby". Now, the process is so long and difficult, even if an adoption is started on a newborn, it is likely that child will be a toddler before ever joining their forever families in the US. Most "first-time" parents are not willing to wait. The law has not been enforced in the past but once again it is. We waited for Presidential approval for Landon and Sutton for months and never received it. They changed the enforcement in the middle of the process and it was no longer required.
After we receive approval the next step is to apply for a new birth certificate, then passports, then final US approval and finally a visa can be granted. This is several months, possibly even a year away. We know we are blessed to be able to live here in Haiti with Isaiah, however the thought of leaving him behind in order to protect the rest of the family if something were to happen is scary. Three Angel's is an exceptional orphanage, he would be loved and cared for if we needed to place him back there... BUT... it is still an orphanage and not a family. So... we wait... we pray... we pray some more... that his adoption is completed soon. We pray that we are not forced to make the decision that would take us away from him. And we hang on to the fact that God is bigger then any of this and He has the whole situation in the palm of His hands!!
Even though Isaiah is living with us, he is still not legally our son. If anything were to happen that forced us to leave Haiti, Isaiah would not be able to go with us. This concerns us greatly. We are blessed to be with him and would not change that for anything. But, we also pray that his adoption gets finished quickly so that if the unimaginable happens, he could remain in our family and leave Haiti with us.
We are currently waiting on Presidential approval in order to be declared his legal parents here in Haiti. Because Jody and I have biological children we do not fit the criteria set up in 1974 for adoptive families. This law has caused more problems with the adoption process then any other... in my opinion!! I would estimate that 90-95% of the family's that adopt from Haiti have bio kids. This law was set up when international adoption was fairly new and there were few children from Haiti available for adoption. It was designed to allow couple's unable to have children of their own to become parents. The process then was much faster and easier to do so parents could still bring home "a baby". Now, the process is so long and difficult, even if an adoption is started on a newborn, it is likely that child will be a toddler before ever joining their forever families in the US. Most "first-time" parents are not willing to wait. The law has not been enforced in the past but once again it is. We waited for Presidential approval for Landon and Sutton for months and never received it. They changed the enforcement in the middle of the process and it was no longer required.
After we receive approval the next step is to apply for a new birth certificate, then passports, then final US approval and finally a visa can be granted. This is several months, possibly even a year away. We know we are blessed to be able to live here in Haiti with Isaiah, however the thought of leaving him behind in order to protect the rest of the family if something were to happen is scary. Three Angel's is an exceptional orphanage, he would be loved and cared for if we needed to place him back there... BUT... it is still an orphanage and not a family. So... we wait... we pray... we pray some more... that his adoption is completed soon. We pray that we are not forced to make the decision that would take us away from him. And we hang on to the fact that God is bigger then any of this and He has the whole situation in the palm of His hands!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
A day in our life...
So... it's Friday March 14th. Tomorrow was the date we had heard over and over again for Jody to be here. However, he still does not have a set day for deployment. It actually is a good thing he wasn't scheduled to deploy tomorrow. He has a subpoena for a murder trial for Monday morning. If deployment had been tomorrow, he would have had to turn it down and wait for the next deployment date. Who knows when that will be!! So, there is a silver lining to all these delays.
Things are going as well as can be expected here. It's Haiti! What can go wrong, will go wrong!
Here's an example...
Here in Haiti there isn't "city water", all water comes from private wells, collecting rain water or water truck deliveries... or a combination of all three. We do not have a well so our source is rain or trucks. The reservoir to store the water in is under the house. It is very hard to get to; the only access is a 3ft X 3ft hole in the wall, 8 feet off the ground. In order to get to it you must get a ladder or stand on the concrete block that holds the water pump.
The water pump is used to pump the water from the reservoir into a 200 gallon tank on the roof. That way gravity takes over and the water can then be accessed through the faucets in the house. If there is no water in the tank... there is no water in the house!The water pump only works when we have electricity. Which in Haiti isn't often... usually in the middle of the night. So, either Shane or I have to get up every hour to check to see if we have electricity in order to turn on the pump. Most night we are lucky and it comes on around 10 p.m. We turn on the pump, fill up buckets in the house (we ALWAYS run out of water half way through the day because 200 gallons of water for 10 people just doesn't last very long!!) and then go to bed. Some nights we are not so lucky... a few nights ago, I got up at 11, 12, 1, 2:30 and finally at 4 we had power. I went out and tried the pump... nothing!! It would not turn on!!! At this point I am beyond tired and have no idea what to do. So... I simply go back to bed.
The next morning, I call Jimmy. I tell him what happened and he tells me there is no way for him to check it unless we have power. So we plan on him spending the night so when we get power he can work on it. That night, his birth mom calls him and she is very sick and needs to go to the hospital. He goes to get her and is gone all night.
So another day with no water. What this means is in order to wash clothes, wash dishes, wash bodies... we have to scoop water through that 3X3 opening with a medium size coffee can, put the water in a larger bucket and then carry it upstairs to the house. One 5 gallon bucket takes about 30 minutes to get. One 5 gallon bucket can usually wash one sink full of dishes or 2 children. Or maybe a half of a load of laundry. We usually have 4-5 sinks full of dishes, 7 children and 6 adults (the staff all bathe here which is customary in Haiti) and dozens of loads of laundry!!! That is not taking into consideration... floors to mop... bathrooms to clean... etc. Not having water is... just not fun!!
So... yesterday Jimmy rents a generator and comes over to fix the pump. He can't figure out what is wrong. Now what??? Our next door "neighbors" happen to be a Calvary Chapel Church ran by an American. Jim is a very nice man and has offered on several occasions to help if we need anything. I sent Shane over to get him. He brings a few guys with him and within a few minutes our water pump is repaired! Praise God!!! We use the generator to power the pump and fill the tank... we have water!!!!
Later that night, we get a water truck delivery. Shane goes down to pay for the water (costs around $50 US for 3000 gallons). The guys are obviously upset about something. Shane comes and gets Jean Bernard to translate. One of the guys slipped while getting the hose out of the reservoir and put his elbow right through the PVC pipe that runs from the reservoir to the water pump!!!! That's right, we get the water pump fixed and still can not use it.
So... for today we have a little water... not much but a little. Once the tank on the roof is empty... we are back to the coffee can!!!!We are the lucky ones really... at least we have access to water. The majority of people in this country do not!! They will walk for miles to a "public" area and fill up bottles, buckets, whatever they can carry. Then walk miles back… to do it all again the next day.
I really do not want people to think I'm complaining... not at all. I actually find it quite amusing. I know I am so blessed to have the ability to access water, it's just so outside of what we are used to in the states that I wanted to share how life in Haiti is. Even for the fortunate, the rich, the privileged.
Keep praying... we want Daddy here SOON!!!!
Things are going as well as can be expected here. It's Haiti! What can go wrong, will go wrong!
Here's an example...
Here in Haiti there isn't "city water", all water comes from private wells, collecting rain water or water truck deliveries... or a combination of all three. We do not have a well so our source is rain or trucks. The reservoir to store the water in is under the house. It is very hard to get to; the only access is a 3ft X 3ft hole in the wall, 8 feet off the ground. In order to get to it you must get a ladder or stand on the concrete block that holds the water pump.
The water pump is used to pump the water from the reservoir into a 200 gallon tank on the roof. That way gravity takes over and the water can then be accessed through the faucets in the house. If there is no water in the tank... there is no water in the house!The water pump only works when we have electricity. Which in Haiti isn't often... usually in the middle of the night. So, either Shane or I have to get up every hour to check to see if we have electricity in order to turn on the pump. Most night we are lucky and it comes on around 10 p.m. We turn on the pump, fill up buckets in the house (we ALWAYS run out of water half way through the day because 200 gallons of water for 10 people just doesn't last very long!!) and then go to bed. Some nights we are not so lucky... a few nights ago, I got up at 11, 12, 1, 2:30 and finally at 4 we had power. I went out and tried the pump... nothing!! It would not turn on!!! At this point I am beyond tired and have no idea what to do. So... I simply go back to bed.
The next morning, I call Jimmy. I tell him what happened and he tells me there is no way for him to check it unless we have power. So we plan on him spending the night so when we get power he can work on it. That night, his birth mom calls him and she is very sick and needs to go to the hospital. He goes to get her and is gone all night.
So another day with no water. What this means is in order to wash clothes, wash dishes, wash bodies... we have to scoop water through that 3X3 opening with a medium size coffee can, put the water in a larger bucket and then carry it upstairs to the house. One 5 gallon bucket takes about 30 minutes to get. One 5 gallon bucket can usually wash one sink full of dishes or 2 children. Or maybe a half of a load of laundry. We usually have 4-5 sinks full of dishes, 7 children and 6 adults (the staff all bathe here which is customary in Haiti) and dozens of loads of laundry!!! That is not taking into consideration... floors to mop... bathrooms to clean... etc. Not having water is... just not fun!!
So... yesterday Jimmy rents a generator and comes over to fix the pump. He can't figure out what is wrong. Now what??? Our next door "neighbors" happen to be a Calvary Chapel Church ran by an American. Jim is a very nice man and has offered on several occasions to help if we need anything. I sent Shane over to get him. He brings a few guys with him and within a few minutes our water pump is repaired! Praise God!!! We use the generator to power the pump and fill the tank... we have water!!!!
Later that night, we get a water truck delivery. Shane goes down to pay for the water (costs around $50 US for 3000 gallons). The guys are obviously upset about something. Shane comes and gets Jean Bernard to translate. One of the guys slipped while getting the hose out of the reservoir and put his elbow right through the PVC pipe that runs from the reservoir to the water pump!!!! That's right, we get the water pump fixed and still can not use it.
So... for today we have a little water... not much but a little. Once the tank on the roof is empty... we are back to the coffee can!!!!We are the lucky ones really... at least we have access to water. The majority of people in this country do not!! They will walk for miles to a "public" area and fill up bottles, buckets, whatever they can carry. Then walk miles back… to do it all again the next day.
I really do not want people to think I'm complaining... not at all. I actually find it quite amusing. I know I am so blessed to have the ability to access water, it's just so outside of what we are used to in the states that I wanted to share how life in Haiti is. Even for the fortunate, the rich, the privileged.
Keep praying... we want Daddy here SOON!!!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Still no news
We still have not heard from the UN about a date for deployment. Please, pray we hear soon. It is getting harder and harder to be separated and to maintain 2 households!
I will post as soon as we have news.
I will post as soon as we have news.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
fun morning in paradise...
Ok, we have to leave for church in less then an hour. But, I had to share a true "Haiti" story!!
So, I got up with the roosters before the sun. Happens every morning, nothing new there. Kids also woke up, again nothing new. We ran out of water yesterday and could not get a water truck until today. So, no baths. Everyone smells... oh well, life goes on.
So, after getting the kids settled I realize I have to go to the bathroom, ok, so again nothing new, don't we all need to first thing in the morning. I have to be sure to shut both my bedroom door and bathroom door or someone will come in. No big deal except I really prefer to pee in private. I take care of business and realize we need to get moving or we may not make it to church on time. I turn the knob on the door to leave the bathroom and nothing happens. I assume the kids are on the other side playing a trick on mom. So, I ask them to let go... no response... so I ask them in a slightly louder, sterner voice to let go... and again no response. Well, by this time I'm not enjoying this game and raise my voice louder, only to hear Dylan come running from the other room, asking me, "Mom, are you calling me?". Yes, you did just hear an audible sigh!! I am locked in the bathroom!
Great, now what.I have Dylan go get me a knife and he slides it under the door. I try and try to pry the door open, with no luck. Ok, plan B... Dylan turns the knob at the same time I do. Again nothing. On to plan C. By this time all the kids are gathered in my room laughing and yelling, "Mom’s stuck in the bathroom", which at this point is sounding pretty good. Away from the noise!! Ok, plan C... go wake up Shane maybe he can help!?!?!?!?
So the kids run downstairs to wake up Shane... poor Shane... waited up until 1:30 a.m. to let Jean Bernard in. Jean Bernard went to the Dominic Republic to perform with his dance team. Anyway, it is only 6:30 or 7 at this point, Shane has only had a few hours of sleep and now 4 of his 8 siblings are all screaming at the same time at him about mom being stuck!He comes upstairs with 1 shoe on ready to slay the dragon for his mom. He figures he will just kick the door in. Typical male response. I remind him, that if we do that we must buy a new door. Reason prevails and we continue to work on the knob. After another 30 minutes or so, kicking the door in is sounding better and better to me. But, I really do not want to spend the money on a new one.
I finally get Shane to go get a small screw driver and bring it around to the window. I have to remove the knob in order to get out. BUT, whoever installed the door did not think clearly. The locking mechanism to release the knob is on the inside of the door. I can't get to it with the door shut!! So, now Shane sends paper clips flying under the door. I am finally able to get the handle part of the knob off in order to reach the screws. Once those are off, the entire thing falls in my hands EXCEPT the locking bolt which has broke off and is wedged in the door!!!! Great, now what?!?!?!? Well, Shane was able to get his fingers into the hole and push the piece out!!!! I was free at last!!!
My poor son, takes one look at me and says, "I'm going back to bed" and walks away.
Ah, the joys of living in Haiti!!!! Anyone want to come visit?????
So, I got up with the roosters before the sun. Happens every morning, nothing new there. Kids also woke up, again nothing new. We ran out of water yesterday and could not get a water truck until today. So, no baths. Everyone smells... oh well, life goes on.
So, after getting the kids settled I realize I have to go to the bathroom, ok, so again nothing new, don't we all need to first thing in the morning. I have to be sure to shut both my bedroom door and bathroom door or someone will come in. No big deal except I really prefer to pee in private. I take care of business and realize we need to get moving or we may not make it to church on time. I turn the knob on the door to leave the bathroom and nothing happens. I assume the kids are on the other side playing a trick on mom. So, I ask them to let go... no response... so I ask them in a slightly louder, sterner voice to let go... and again no response. Well, by this time I'm not enjoying this game and raise my voice louder, only to hear Dylan come running from the other room, asking me, "Mom, are you calling me?". Yes, you did just hear an audible sigh!! I am locked in the bathroom!
Great, now what.I have Dylan go get me a knife and he slides it under the door. I try and try to pry the door open, with no luck. Ok, plan B... Dylan turns the knob at the same time I do. Again nothing. On to plan C. By this time all the kids are gathered in my room laughing and yelling, "Mom’s stuck in the bathroom", which at this point is sounding pretty good. Away from the noise!! Ok, plan C... go wake up Shane maybe he can help!?!?!?!?
So the kids run downstairs to wake up Shane... poor Shane... waited up until 1:30 a.m. to let Jean Bernard in. Jean Bernard went to the Dominic Republic to perform with his dance team. Anyway, it is only 6:30 or 7 at this point, Shane has only had a few hours of sleep and now 4 of his 8 siblings are all screaming at the same time at him about mom being stuck!He comes upstairs with 1 shoe on ready to slay the dragon for his mom. He figures he will just kick the door in. Typical male response. I remind him, that if we do that we must buy a new door. Reason prevails and we continue to work on the knob. After another 30 minutes or so, kicking the door in is sounding better and better to me. But, I really do not want to spend the money on a new one.
I finally get Shane to go get a small screw driver and bring it around to the window. I have to remove the knob in order to get out. BUT, whoever installed the door did not think clearly. The locking mechanism to release the knob is on the inside of the door. I can't get to it with the door shut!! So, now Shane sends paper clips flying under the door. I am finally able to get the handle part of the knob off in order to reach the screws. Once those are off, the entire thing falls in my hands EXCEPT the locking bolt which has broke off and is wedged in the door!!!! Great, now what?!?!?!? Well, Shane was able to get his fingers into the hole and push the piece out!!!! I was free at last!!!
My poor son, takes one look at me and says, "I'm going back to bed" and walks away.
Ah, the joys of living in Haiti!!!! Anyone want to come visit?????
Thursday, February 28, 2008
GREAT NEWS!!!
Jody got word that deployment has been approved at the earliest possible convenience!!!!
They are currently working on travel arrangements for the group coming to Haiti... we should know soon the exact date!!!!! I told Jody that tomorrow sounds good to me! I could get the tickets for the group in 30 minutes if they would let me. But, alas I do not work for the government so it will probably take days... maybe even weeks... to cut through the red tape on something that can be done on the internet in a few minutes.
We also decided that should be my new ministry here. I will be the "official" travel arranger and greeter for the Police Officer's and Mililtary personal coming from the US. Unfortunately, there is no position with that job title available.
Gotta go get school started. Shane has a lit test and Kynsley and Dylan need to get caught up... we got a little behind last week.
Sleep would also be nice... I was up with babies most of the night... they weren't sick just wanted to play... at 3 AM!!! This Momma does not do 3 AM!! I think we will all be napping today!
They are currently working on travel arrangements for the group coming to Haiti... we should know soon the exact date!!!!! I told Jody that tomorrow sounds good to me! I could get the tickets for the group in 30 minutes if they would let me. But, alas I do not work for the government so it will probably take days... maybe even weeks... to cut through the red tape on something that can be done on the internet in a few minutes.
We also decided that should be my new ministry here. I will be the "official" travel arranger and greeter for the Police Officer's and Mililtary personal coming from the US. Unfortunately, there is no position with that job title available.
Gotta go get school started. Shane has a lit test and Kynsley and Dylan need to get caught up... we got a little behind last week.
Sleep would also be nice... I was up with babies most of the night... they weren't sick just wanted to play... at 3 AM!!! This Momma does not do 3 AM!! I think we will all be napping today!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Random thoughts
Things are going better here. I almost feel like myself again!! I haven't posted in awhile because I have not been able to get blogger to work.
The kids are doing great. We've had a few adjustment problems but for the most part the move has gone better then I expected. Sutton seems to be having the hardest time but that is normal.
I have pictures etc. to post but I can't seem to get it to work (ahh... internet in Haiti). I also have a cute video of Isaiah WALKING!!! That's right at 14 months old he is FINALLY trying to walk.
Jody is still not sure when he will be deployed. He did get an e-mail from PAE that said they had "heard" that a possible deployment date of March 15 is being considered. I also stopped an American police officer yesterday at the Caribbean Market (yes, I do talk to every cop I see!!!). He knew Jody's name from the deployment list that was sent to him. He had also heard mid-March. So we are hopeful that it will be soon!!!
Thank you all so much for your prayers the past few months. This move has been difficult but possible thanks to God's hand in all of it and your intercession on our behalf.
Monday, February 11, 2008
A post about...nothing
I have been sitting here with the computer in my lap for over an hour. I know I need to blog and update everyone on what is happening in our lives here in Haiti, but the honest truth is... I have nothing to say!
I feel the last few days I have lived in somewhat of a fog. I've gone through the motions, bought and prepared food, bathed children, home schooled, watched a few movies, went out to dinner with some new friends. Nothing exciting. I just feel somewhat numb to things. I'm sure it will pass but for now... no words of wisdom, no funny stories, no great pictures. Matbe tomorrow, maybe next week.... maybe....
I feel the last few days I have lived in somewhat of a fog. I've gone through the motions, bought and prepared food, bathed children, home schooled, watched a few movies, went out to dinner with some new friends. Nothing exciting. I just feel somewhat numb to things. I'm sure it will pass but for now... no words of wisdom, no funny stories, no great pictures. Matbe tomorrow, maybe next week.... maybe....
Friday, February 08, 2008
Saying Good-bye
I finally have internet. I had hoped my first post would be a happy, fact filled one about our life in Haiti. But, that is not the case.
Last Saturday we recieved horrible news that Jody's father died in his sleep. It was very unexpected. Doug Wooten was the only man besides my own father that I have ever called "dad". He was not Jody's "real" father but the pain is not lessened by that fact.
We met Doug through his son and daughter in law, who happened to be our best friends. I was drawn to the Wooten's by their love for Christ and open hearts. They accepted as one of their own and after Jody made a comment about being an "orphan" since both of his parents had passed away, the Wooten's told him he was no longer an "orphan" because they would be his parents!
Dad's presence always filled a room and when you needed him, he was always there! If you were brave enough to ask him about his opinion about something you better be prepared for the truth, no matter how painful it might be to hear! He loved my children like they were his own flesh and blood and every one of my children loved Papa so very much.
Today, Jody will play drums at a memorial service in Dad's honor. A service that will celebrate his life not mourn his passing. Although, the pain is still there. We know without a doubt that Dad is in heaven, probably golfing with Jesus rgiht now! No pain, no suffering, only rejoicing!! And that we will see him again!
Please pray for the entire Wooten family, Jody's "brother" Aaron, his wife Sarah and children Riley, Aricin and Kael, Jody's "sister" Andrea and her husband, Josh Sanderson and children Ethan and Emma, Jody's "sister" Amy and for Diana, Jody's Mom. Their loss is tremendous and their pain at times unbearable.
Last Saturday we recieved horrible news that Jody's father died in his sleep. It was very unexpected. Doug Wooten was the only man besides my own father that I have ever called "dad". He was not Jody's "real" father but the pain is not lessened by that fact.
We met Doug through his son and daughter in law, who happened to be our best friends. I was drawn to the Wooten's by their love for Christ and open hearts. They accepted as one of their own and after Jody made a comment about being an "orphan" since both of his parents had passed away, the Wooten's told him he was no longer an "orphan" because they would be his parents!
Dad's presence always filled a room and when you needed him, he was always there! If you were brave enough to ask him about his opinion about something you better be prepared for the truth, no matter how painful it might be to hear! He loved my children like they were his own flesh and blood and every one of my children loved Papa so very much.
Today, Jody will play drums at a memorial service in Dad's honor. A service that will celebrate his life not mourn his passing. Although, the pain is still there. We know without a doubt that Dad is in heaven, probably golfing with Jesus rgiht now! No pain, no suffering, only rejoicing!! And that we will see him again!
Please pray for the entire Wooten family, Jody's "brother" Aaron, his wife Sarah and children Riley, Aricin and Kael, Jody's "sister" Andrea and her husband, Josh Sanderson and children Ethan and Emma, Jody's "sister" Amy and for Diana, Jody's Mom. Their loss is tremendous and their pain at times unbearable.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Carsen headed to Michigan early today. I miss her already!! She was such a huge help while she was here.
I also find a house today that I like. It is more expensive then the one we are in now but it also has a pool and is on a half acre. And has a stove and 2 refrigerator's!! No more cooler!!!!
I wont be online very often for awhile. When Carsen left she took her power cord with her leaving me without one. Shane's broke right before we moved so I gave mine to Jody to use (he has Shane's laptop). It was only going to be a few days until Jody got here so I figured we could go without until he got here. But now, it will be late March. I'm going to order a cord tomorrow online and hope to have it brought down to me by someone coming to Haiti in the next few weeks! Anyone available????
I need to go deal with grumpy kids now!
Thanks, friends. For praying for us. If you ever find yourself in Port au Prince and need a place to stay please let us know!
I also find a house today that I like. It is more expensive then the one we are in now but it also has a pool and is on a half acre. And has a stove and 2 refrigerator's!! No more cooler!!!!
I wont be online very often for awhile. When Carsen left she took her power cord with her leaving me without one. Shane's broke right before we moved so I gave mine to Jody to use (he has Shane's laptop). It was only going to be a few days until Jody got here so I figured we could go without until he got here. But now, it will be late March. I'm going to order a cord tomorrow online and hope to have it brought down to me by someone coming to Haiti in the next few weeks! Anyone available????
I need to go deal with grumpy kids now!
Thanks, friends. For praying for us. If you ever find yourself in Port au Prince and need a place to stay please let us know!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Quick update
It’s hard to believe we have only been here for 6 days. Things are a little crazy but it feels so good to be “home”.
The house we are renting does not have a stove or a refrigerator so we are living out of a cooler and were cooking outside with charcoal until Saturday when I bought a two-burner electric stove. A stove and frig were going to be our first purchase but not any more. We found out this week that the owner of the house has a buyer for it and since we do not have a contract (our request, we wanted to do monthly until we knew for sure that Jody would be stationed in PAP) we have to move. I will start looking for a place tomorrow. I’ve already heard of a few places that are available so hopefully we will find something soon.
Jody made it safely to Virginia Friday night. He sounded good on the phone and seemed to be excited about getting this phase of his life started. He was able to work out his leave for most of the year. There is still a 3 month period that isn’t covered (long story) but we are confident that God will provide a way. He always does!! He was told however that his deployment date has been moved to Mar. 31, 2008. He will go back to California after training is complete and work until his deployment date. He is planning on coming here at the end of Feb. to visit.
The kids seem to be adjusting to the move. Isaiah seemed the happiest as soon as we landed; he got in the warm weather and was giddy! It was really cute to see him respond to Jimmy. We could tell he knew who he was and missed him.
Sutton has been her usually self. It was quite an experience when we arrived at the orphanage though. The Nanny’s heard she was there and 3 very excited, screaming, jumping women met me half way up the stairs. They grabbed Sutton out of my arms and nearly knocked me down the stairs in the process. Poor Sutton had no idea what was happening to her, all these women yelling and crying, kissing her and taking her from me. She was a trooper though, and went with it. No tears, just this look on her face like “Mom, what are these crazy women doing to me?”
Landon had it a little easier. He was behind me and they didn’t see him until most of the commotion died down. He was smothered in kisses and hugs but seemed to love it. He is also adjusting to the move.
Dylan and Kynsley both loved meeting up with their friends at the “O”. Steven and Dylan were playing the piano together within a few minutes of our arrival. Kynsley immediately went to Belle and Mia and did not want to leave the “O”. She has asked repeatedly if they can come spend the night. I’ll have to talk to the board of directors and the adoptive families to see if it’s OK. It would be so fun for all of them to have a big slumber party at our house.
Shane is doing great. He has taken on the role of “safety guy”. He makes sure everything is locked up tight at night and always answers the gate. He has colored coded all the major keys (there are at least 30 different keys to this place, does Haiti not re-key locks???). He also has been getting the fire started for dinner every night. He has been such a huge help.
Having Carsen here has defiantly made it easier!! Her Creole is way better then she gives herself credit for. Without her I’m not sure I could have done it! She has been helping me unpack, translating, helping with the kids and doing college through on-line classes!! I know she is more then ready to start the next chapter of her life but I sure do appreciate her being here.
I’ve been able to hire a Nanny for the kids, a housekeeper and someone to do the laundry. I’ve never had a “Staff” before so this will be quite an experience.
Well… kids are having a meltdown and I really need to shower!! I’ll try to post more soon. We still don’t have internet so it may be awhile between posts.
Thanks for all your prayers. God is good…all the time!!!
The house we are renting does not have a stove or a refrigerator so we are living out of a cooler and were cooking outside with charcoal until Saturday when I bought a two-burner electric stove. A stove and frig were going to be our first purchase but not any more. We found out this week that the owner of the house has a buyer for it and since we do not have a contract (our request, we wanted to do monthly until we knew for sure that Jody would be stationed in PAP) we have to move. I will start looking for a place tomorrow. I’ve already heard of a few places that are available so hopefully we will find something soon.
Jody made it safely to Virginia Friday night. He sounded good on the phone and seemed to be excited about getting this phase of his life started. He was able to work out his leave for most of the year. There is still a 3 month period that isn’t covered (long story) but we are confident that God will provide a way. He always does!! He was told however that his deployment date has been moved to Mar. 31, 2008. He will go back to California after training is complete and work until his deployment date. He is planning on coming here at the end of Feb. to visit.
The kids seem to be adjusting to the move. Isaiah seemed the happiest as soon as we landed; he got in the warm weather and was giddy! It was really cute to see him respond to Jimmy. We could tell he knew who he was and missed him.
Sutton has been her usually self. It was quite an experience when we arrived at the orphanage though. The Nanny’s heard she was there and 3 very excited, screaming, jumping women met me half way up the stairs. They grabbed Sutton out of my arms and nearly knocked me down the stairs in the process. Poor Sutton had no idea what was happening to her, all these women yelling and crying, kissing her and taking her from me. She was a trooper though, and went with it. No tears, just this look on her face like “Mom, what are these crazy women doing to me?”
Landon had it a little easier. He was behind me and they didn’t see him until most of the commotion died down. He was smothered in kisses and hugs but seemed to love it. He is also adjusting to the move.
Dylan and Kynsley both loved meeting up with their friends at the “O”. Steven and Dylan were playing the piano together within a few minutes of our arrival. Kynsley immediately went to Belle and Mia and did not want to leave the “O”. She has asked repeatedly if they can come spend the night. I’ll have to talk to the board of directors and the adoptive families to see if it’s OK. It would be so fun for all of them to have a big slumber party at our house.
Shane is doing great. He has taken on the role of “safety guy”. He makes sure everything is locked up tight at night and always answers the gate. He has colored coded all the major keys (there are at least 30 different keys to this place, does Haiti not re-key locks???). He also has been getting the fire started for dinner every night. He has been such a huge help.
Having Carsen here has defiantly made it easier!! Her Creole is way better then she gives herself credit for. Without her I’m not sure I could have done it! She has been helping me unpack, translating, helping with the kids and doing college through on-line classes!! I know she is more then ready to start the next chapter of her life but I sure do appreciate her being here.
I’ve been able to hire a Nanny for the kids, a housekeeper and someone to do the laundry. I’ve never had a “Staff” before so this will be quite an experience.
Well… kids are having a meltdown and I really need to shower!! I’ll try to post more soon. We still don’t have internet so it may be awhile between posts.
Thanks for all your prayers. God is good…all the time!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Nou La
We're here. And yes we're all still alive.
Everyone at the O looks great.
We've started unpacking and are doing pretty well.
I've become the family translator. I have a feeling that Dylan and Kynsley will take on that role very soon.
Well, I've got to go, a pile of homework is calling my name.
Again, thanks for the prayers!
Everyone at the O looks great.
We've started unpacking and are doing pretty well.
I've become the family translator. I have a feeling that Dylan and Kynsley will take on that role very soon.
Well, I've got to go, a pile of homework is calling my name.
Again, thanks for the prayers!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
We're in Florida
We sleep here tonight and then fly out tomorrow morning.
No one is dead.
That's about all I can think of.
We're all alive and almost there. Those of you who have ever traveled internationally with loads of children and baggage know that this is an accomplishment.
P.S. I got to speak in three different languages today. That was cool.
No one is dead.
That's about all I can think of.
We're all alive and almost there. Those of you who have ever traveled internationally with loads of children and baggage know that this is an accomplishment.
P.S. I got to speak in three different languages today. That was cool.
Monday, January 21, 2008
It's Official
Carsen here. I'm updating for Mom as she runs around frantically trying to pack the rest of the stuff. Dad is on the computer setting up his UN stuff. Yep, that's right, he got the job! My mom, myself, and all the kids are flying out to Haiti tomorrow. Dad leaves to go to his 10 day training in Virginia on Friday. (Next week, I fly to Michigan.)
It's been crazy around here! However, ear infections are all cleared up, tubs are packed, and all furniture is in storage. We have to leave our house at 3 am tomorrow to make our 7 am flight in Sacramento. We have no beds, so it should be interesting. Pray that the children turn into quiet, attentive, little angels overnight and that all of our patience levels grow exponentially.
I just want to say that none of this would be possible without viewers like you...
oh wait.
None of this would be possible without the Lord! Praise Him for he is good and His love endures forever!
Thank you all for your prayers. :)
It's been crazy around here! However, ear infections are all cleared up, tubs are packed, and all furniture is in storage. We have to leave our house at 3 am tomorrow to make our 7 am flight in Sacramento. We have no beds, so it should be interesting. Pray that the children turn into quiet, attentive, little angels overnight and that all of our patience levels grow exponentially.
I just want to say that none of this would be possible without viewers like you...
oh wait.
None of this would be possible without the Lord! Praise Him for he is good and His love endures forever!
Thank you all for your prayers. :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Another update...sort of!!
Well...
Jody got the phone call for his interview. He's not sure how it went. The guy asked him a few questions and that was it. He was told he should know something by Monday or Tuesday.
I'm going to be really honest here. I have some real fear in my life that I can not let go of!! Fear that at times seems to want to take control. I feel strongly that Jody will get the call from the State Department on Monday and his leave of absence will be granted. But, there are times my mind (ie. Satan) plays tricks on me and starts to say What if...
What if Jody isn't offered the job??
or if he does get offered the job...
What if he isn't granted his leave of absence?
It scares me....Really, really scares me!! I DO NOT want to spend 6-12 months away from my best friend, my support, my husband. I was asked today at church if I was afraid to be in Haiti and the answer is no, it's not Haiti. It's being without Jody that scares me. I'm a better mother, a better friend and a better person over-all when I'm with him. My stress level is always manageable when I know he will be home soon. I need him. PERIOD!! The kids need him.
BUT, I'm trying to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father, I know that God has called us to this. I'm not sure what He will teach us being separated but I know without a doubt that He is the one asking us to go. If Jody doesn't go, there has to be a reason. And God will get us through it, no matter what we want or think or do as long as we stay focused on Him! He is in control and not me. I'm trying really hard to stay strong in my faith but it's not easy.
We had a great sermon on faith today and one thing pastor said really stood out to me. He said,
"Faith is the statement your life makes about God." I want my life to speak clearly that I trust God, that I love God and that I follow Him even when it hurts!! Being separated from Jody will hurt, hurt really bad. And during the dark times, during my weak moments, times that Satan loves to get a hold of me, I have real fear! Fear that makes me question, "Is my faith strong enough". I pray the answer is YES!
Jody got the phone call for his interview. He's not sure how it went. The guy asked him a few questions and that was it. He was told he should know something by Monday or Tuesday.
I'm going to be really honest here. I have some real fear in my life that I can not let go of!! Fear that at times seems to want to take control. I feel strongly that Jody will get the call from the State Department on Monday and his leave of absence will be granted. But, there are times my mind (ie. Satan) plays tricks on me and starts to say What if...
What if Jody isn't offered the job??
or if he does get offered the job...
What if he isn't granted his leave of absence?
It scares me....Really, really scares me!! I DO NOT want to spend 6-12 months away from my best friend, my support, my husband. I was asked today at church if I was afraid to be in Haiti and the answer is no, it's not Haiti. It's being without Jody that scares me. I'm a better mother, a better friend and a better person over-all when I'm with him. My stress level is always manageable when I know he will be home soon. I need him. PERIOD!! The kids need him.
BUT, I'm trying to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father, I know that God has called us to this. I'm not sure what He will teach us being separated but I know without a doubt that He is the one asking us to go. If Jody doesn't go, there has to be a reason. And God will get us through it, no matter what we want or think or do as long as we stay focused on Him! He is in control and not me. I'm trying really hard to stay strong in my faith but it's not easy.
We had a great sermon on faith today and one thing pastor said really stood out to me. He said,
"Faith is the statement your life makes about God." I want my life to speak clearly that I trust God, that I love God and that I follow Him even when it hurts!! Being separated from Jody will hurt, hurt really bad. And during the dark times, during my weak moments, times that Satan loves to get a hold of me, I have real fear! Fear that makes me question, "Is my faith strong enough". I pray the answer is YES!
Friday, January 11, 2008
An update... sort of
The last few days have been quite stressful around the Gray house. As you can see from our countdown there isn't much time left until the kids and I leave for Haiti. As of right now, we still do not know if and when Jody will be deployed.
Jody did receive word today that he will be contacted sometime in the next 48 hours for a phone interview to determine if he is a suitable match for the next training and deployment (training starts Jan 25th). At least we know he is still being considered! BUT, it is going to be an interesting 48 hours as we wait for that call. Please, continue to pray for us. We really need it right now! Thanks!
Jody did receive word today that he will be contacted sometime in the next 48 hours for a phone interview to determine if he is a suitable match for the next training and deployment (training starts Jan 25th). At least we know he is still being considered! BUT, it is going to be an interesting 48 hours as we wait for that call. Please, continue to pray for us. We really need it right now! Thanks!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Scary Early morning wake-up
So the headlines on MSN read, "Winter storm hits California" and boy they weren't kidding!! Friday morning I woke up to the sound of a freight train coming through my house!! Only, it wasn't a freight train but the wind! I have never heard wind like that before, I seriously thought our bedroom window was going to break in on us. The wind, rain and thunder also woke Isaiah, Dylan and Landon up. It was around 5:45 am. I got up with the boys and turned on some cartoons, but unfortunately the power went out about 5 minutes later. As the boys and I sat in the dark I glanced out my back window and noticed a flickering light. At the same time the power came back on so I didn't think anything about it. UNTIL, I went into our bedroom to get a sweatshirt and smelled smoke. I went back out to the family room and looked in the yard again. I did see what looked like a reflection off the back of my neighbors jeep that looked like light flickering. I opened the back door and realized I DID smell smoke. I put some shoes on and went out front. My neighbor was standing in the middle of the street watching a fire that was burning on the side of his house. OH MY GOSH!! I made sure he was OK and that the neighbor on the other side of him was also out of the house and safe. As I headed back into my house to wake Jody I saw embers landing on our roof!
I woke Jody up, then went to get Carsen and Shane up to help get shoes and jackets on the little kids in case we needed to evacuate. Within minutes the fire department arrived and the fire was put out. It appears that a tree between the 2 houses was hit by lightening and caught fire right next to a gas line. When the tree collapsed it caught the gas line on fire as well. Praise God that the fire department was quick to respond and the fire was put out as fast as it was. And that it was raining as hard as it was, which kept our roof from being ignited!! It could have been a horrible situation!
About an hour later, we lost power again and it was out for 3 hours. It was a long, cold morning with not enough sleep! But, we were protected and are now safe and sound!
I woke Jody up, then went to get Carsen and Shane up to help get shoes and jackets on the little kids in case we needed to evacuate. Within minutes the fire department arrived and the fire was put out. It appears that a tree between the 2 houses was hit by lightening and caught fire right next to a gas line. When the tree collapsed it caught the gas line on fire as well. Praise God that the fire department was quick to respond and the fire was put out as fast as it was. And that it was raining as hard as it was, which kept our roof from being ignited!! It could have been a horrible situation!
About an hour later, we lost power again and it was out for 3 hours. It was a long, cold morning with not enough sleep! But, we were protected and are now safe and sound!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
I truly DO NOT like people who whine, so if you are anything like me you may want to skip this post. I plan on whining quite a bit.
First, a question... who thought it was a good idea to have 2 full weeks off of school in the middle of winter, when it is raining (and even snowing), when it is too cold to spend the day outside??? It could not have been a mother of 7 who is trying to pack 20 years of married "stuff". Especially one who is trying to put everything into 3 categories, 1) storage, 2) Charity and 3) 16- 50 lb. tubs to take to Haiti.
The charity part is pretty easy for me, we have wanted to purge for years. It's the tubs and storage that are causing all the problems. A lot of the stuff I need to take or put in storage we still need to live for the next 3 weeks. Things like our beds, couches, the TV, the dressers which all need to go in storage and sheets, towels, kitchen stuff, which all need to be packed for Haiti. Then I have to decide what do I take?? What can I buy there?? What can I live without?? How do you move a family of 9 to a third world country with only 16 tubs??? When I start whining about it, I feel a little guilty. I know there are missionary's all over the world who would LOVE to have 16 tubs of their own belongings. I know I'm being very "American" in my thinking, people live with way less then we can take with us all the time. I KNOW!!!! But, it doesn't seem to stop the war being waged in my head!
On top of it all, the kids are home from school, several have colds (me included), Isaiah has double ear infections and when we leave Carsen will be heading to live in a state I've never been, going to school somewhere I've never seen and I will only see her when she has the time. The next 3 weeks are probably the last 3 she will ever live with us. I'm profoundly sad about this fact. I mean, I know it's what we are meant to do. Raise them up right so they can go out and do the things God is calling them to do. But, it still stings a bit! She is my firstborn; she is my "baby". It was actually easier for me to send her to Haiti for 7 months. I knew she would be coming home, I knew I would see her regularly. But, this isn't just a new chapter in our lives; this is a whole new book!! Her book, not ours. This is the time in every mother’s life that we work so hard to get to yet dread it when it happens.
And, it doesn’t help that Jody still has not received official word about the job. His stress level is pretty high, making mine even higher!!
OK, I think I’m done whining now. Sorry to inflict that on all of you. I actually feel a little better!! Now, it’s back to packing, UGH!
First, a question... who thought it was a good idea to have 2 full weeks off of school in the middle of winter, when it is raining (and even snowing), when it is too cold to spend the day outside??? It could not have been a mother of 7 who is trying to pack 20 years of married "stuff". Especially one who is trying to put everything into 3 categories, 1) storage, 2) Charity and 3) 16- 50 lb. tubs to take to Haiti.
The charity part is pretty easy for me, we have wanted to purge for years. It's the tubs and storage that are causing all the problems. A lot of the stuff I need to take or put in storage we still need to live for the next 3 weeks. Things like our beds, couches, the TV, the dressers which all need to go in storage and sheets, towels, kitchen stuff, which all need to be packed for Haiti. Then I have to decide what do I take?? What can I buy there?? What can I live without?? How do you move a family of 9 to a third world country with only 16 tubs??? When I start whining about it, I feel a little guilty. I know there are missionary's all over the world who would LOVE to have 16 tubs of their own belongings. I know I'm being very "American" in my thinking, people live with way less then we can take with us all the time. I KNOW!!!! But, it doesn't seem to stop the war being waged in my head!
On top of it all, the kids are home from school, several have colds (me included), Isaiah has double ear infections and when we leave Carsen will be heading to live in a state I've never been, going to school somewhere I've never seen and I will only see her when she has the time. The next 3 weeks are probably the last 3 she will ever live with us. I'm profoundly sad about this fact. I mean, I know it's what we are meant to do. Raise them up right so they can go out and do the things God is calling them to do. But, it still stings a bit! She is my firstborn; she is my "baby". It was actually easier for me to send her to Haiti for 7 months. I knew she would be coming home, I knew I would see her regularly. But, this isn't just a new chapter in our lives; this is a whole new book!! Her book, not ours. This is the time in every mother’s life that we work so hard to get to yet dread it when it happens.
And, it doesn’t help that Jody still has not received official word about the job. His stress level is pretty high, making mine even higher!!
OK, I think I’m done whining now. Sorry to inflict that on all of you. I actually feel a little better!! Now, it’s back to packing, UGH!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Exciting News
It is official.... we are moving to HAITI!!
Jody has not received "official" word when the training starts but has been told "not to make any plans after Jan 25, 2008" and "to be ready to go at that time". We feel confident from the conversations Jody has had with the people in charge of hiring and deployment that Jody will be in the next training and subsequent deployment. We took a Leap of Faith and are finalizing our move. Whether or not Jody is deployed immediately, Isaiah has to be back in Haiti by Feb. 13, 2008 when his medical visa expires which means we all have to be back. We agreed when we pursued the medical visa that even if the job fell through the kids and I would move to Haiti when Isaiah went back and stay there until his adoption is done. We feel strongly that it would not be fair to him to put him back in the orphanage after living with his family for 3 months.
Tickets are purchased for the kids and I (we leave on Jan 22, 2008), a house is rented (well, almost, we are working on finalizing it now) and the packing is in full swing.
Things are coming together but we still need prayer! We appreciate the prayer that has been offered for us, it is making a difference and we can feel it! All the prayer warriors in our life are keeping us afloat and we thank you!
Jody has not received "official" word when the training starts but has been told "not to make any plans after Jan 25, 2008" and "to be ready to go at that time". We feel confident from the conversations Jody has had with the people in charge of hiring and deployment that Jody will be in the next training and subsequent deployment. We took a Leap of Faith and are finalizing our move. Whether or not Jody is deployed immediately, Isaiah has to be back in Haiti by Feb. 13, 2008 when his medical visa expires which means we all have to be back. We agreed when we pursued the medical visa that even if the job fell through the kids and I would move to Haiti when Isaiah went back and stay there until his adoption is done. We feel strongly that it would not be fair to him to put him back in the orphanage after living with his family for 3 months.
Tickets are purchased for the kids and I (we leave on Jan 22, 2008), a house is rented (well, almost, we are working on finalizing it now) and the packing is in full swing.
Things are coming together but we still need prayer! We appreciate the prayer that has been offered for us, it is making a difference and we can feel it! All the prayer warriors in our life are keeping us afloat and we thank you!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dylan
Today Dylan turns 9! It's so hard to believe he is already 9 years old. I remember so clearly the day I went to pick him up from the hospital with the social worker. He was less then 24 hours old and so sick! BUT, I knew the moment he was in my arms that God had placed us together for a reason.
Dylan has been such a blessing to our family!!
Happy Birthday, Dyl-pickle, butter bean, D.J., Dylan James Gray!!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Happy 1st Birthday, Isaiah
Today Isaiah turned 1!! What a big boy he is!!
Last night we took him to Red Robin for dinner and he had his first taste of ice cream!! YUM! YUM!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Traditions
One of the Gray family Christmas Eve traditions has been to open one gift before bed. Every year the kids tear open their packages to discover new (mostly matching) pajama's!! This year was no different.
We also are trying a new tradition this year. Every year it seems like someone's present gets lost or misplaced. Or worse, thrown away with the wrapping paper. So this year we decided to try giving each child just one present. Well... one box of presents is more like it. We wanted every box to be the same so the size of the box was dictated by the largest gift (a doll stroller for Sutton). The boxes are huge. But, they do like cool under the tree!!
I'm not sure how well it will work in the morning, but I'll let you know!
Merry Christmas from the entire Gray Family!
Jody, Gail, Andrew, Jimmy, Carsen, Shane, Dylan, Kynsley, Landon, Sutton and Isaiah
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Leap of Faith
How often I struggle to take a "Leap of Faith"! I hear the call... I feel the call... yet I do not listen! I put out excuse after excuse to justify why I am not following Jesus' call on my life. Most of the time those excuses are very valid in a worldly sense. Lack of money, strength, understanding are all valid worldly reasons to not respond, reasons to doubt! To doubt that "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". To doubt our God.
Jody and I are at a turning point in our lives. We need to take a "Leap of Faith". We know this is what God has been calling us to do for at least a year now. YET, we still have so many doubts. Some very valid. Quite honestly we do not have enough money to move to Haiti. We have not saved the way we should have, some of which was out of our control (needing to stay in Haiti for 3 weeks because of problems with Isaiah's passport) but most totally within our control (like eating out too much, over spending etc.). We need $3000 more to move and we don't have it! We have no idea where it is going to come from. BUT... God does and we need to have Faith! We also have not found a place to live. A very valid reason to doubt. Being homeless in Haiti really is not an option. We do not know where we will live. BUT... God does and we need to have Faith!
It feels like time is running out. Isaiah must be back in Haiti by Feb 13th. We are waiting on final confirmation but have been told that Jody will start training Jan 25 or 27 and be deployed to Haiti Feb. 5 or 6. That is only a few weeks away, yet we do not have any real plans. We do not know what is going to happen. We have so many doubts and those doubts are starting to take control. We know that God is in control. "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."
Knowing that God is in control and everything will work out for the good is a lot easier then living it!! It's time for us to live it, every day, every minute, every second! That is our prayer! Will you join us in praying??
"Heavenly Father,
We have made so many mistakes and are unworthy of your mercies, yet you give them to us everyday. You have provided all that we have yet we do not remember from where it all came. Lord, we need you to open our hearts and minds to your will. Help us to have faith in your ways and to let go of the doubts that come from doing things our way. Give us the patience to wait on your timing and to not worry needlessly about where the money is coming from or where we will live. For our sakes Lord, please reveal to us soon the plans you have for us. Show us Lord what you want us to do in order to move to Haiti. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to serve you and your children. In your precious and loving sons name, Amen!"
Jody and I are at a turning point in our lives. We need to take a "Leap of Faith". We know this is what God has been calling us to do for at least a year now. YET, we still have so many doubts. Some very valid. Quite honestly we do not have enough money to move to Haiti. We have not saved the way we should have, some of which was out of our control (needing to stay in Haiti for 3 weeks because of problems with Isaiah's passport) but most totally within our control (like eating out too much, over spending etc.). We need $3000 more to move and we don't have it! We have no idea where it is going to come from. BUT... God does and we need to have Faith! We also have not found a place to live. A very valid reason to doubt. Being homeless in Haiti really is not an option. We do not know where we will live. BUT... God does and we need to have Faith!
It feels like time is running out. Isaiah must be back in Haiti by Feb 13th. We are waiting on final confirmation but have been told that Jody will start training Jan 25 or 27 and be deployed to Haiti Feb. 5 or 6. That is only a few weeks away, yet we do not have any real plans. We do not know what is going to happen. We have so many doubts and those doubts are starting to take control. We know that God is in control. "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."
Knowing that God is in control and everything will work out for the good is a lot easier then living it!! It's time for us to live it, every day, every minute, every second! That is our prayer! Will you join us in praying??
"Heavenly Father,
We have made so many mistakes and are unworthy of your mercies, yet you give them to us everyday. You have provided all that we have yet we do not remember from where it all came. Lord, we need you to open our hearts and minds to your will. Help us to have faith in your ways and to let go of the doubts that come from doing things our way. Give us the patience to wait on your timing and to not worry needlessly about where the money is coming from or where we will live. For our sakes Lord, please reveal to us soon the plans you have for us. Show us Lord what you want us to do in order to move to Haiti. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to serve you and your children. In your precious and loving sons name, Amen!"
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
She's home!!!!!
Carsen is home and currently sitting in front of the fireplace playing with her siblings. They are thrilled that she is home. It's nice to have someone else be the human jungle gym!!!
Quote of the day:
Mom, "Hey, buddy how did you sleep?" (speaking to Landon after he woke up from his nap.)
Landon, (after some serious thought), "with my eyes shut."
Quote of the day:
Mom, "Hey, buddy how did you sleep?" (speaking to Landon after he woke up from his nap.)
Landon, (after some serious thought), "with my eyes shut."
Monday, December 17, 2007
Prayers needed
Please pray for Carsen and Angela. The next 24 hours are going to be very difficult for both of them as they say good-bye to Angel House, the staff and the children. Also, pray for the staff and children as they must say good-bye to Sissy and You-you on the same day!
Please pray for Sutton and Isaiah's birth mother. She gave birth to a pre-mature baby on Friday. Carsen said the mother reported the little girl is doing OK but Carsen did not see her. I do not know the birth mothers intentions for this child, but I do know her situation has not changed since placing Isaiah for adoption. We are praying if she must place the child for adoption that God reveals a Christian family (that would be willing to have contact with us) to be the child's forever family. We are not in a position nor do we feel called to adopt again but do want the children to know each other. Sutton and Isaiah also have 2 older sister's that are still with the birth mother who need prayer as well.
Please pray for Sutton and Isaiah's birth mother. She gave birth to a pre-mature baby on Friday. Carsen said the mother reported the little girl is doing OK but Carsen did not see her. I do not know the birth mothers intentions for this child, but I do know her situation has not changed since placing Isaiah for adoption. We are praying if she must place the child for adoption that God reveals a Christian family (that would be willing to have contact with us) to be the child's forever family. We are not in a position nor do we feel called to adopt again but do want the children to know each other. Sutton and Isaiah also have 2 older sister's that are still with the birth mother who need prayer as well.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Out of IBESR
We got word on Thursday that we are out of IBESR!! Now it's on to Parquet. For those of you that do not understand "adoption jargon" this is very good news!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Isaiah's doctors appointment
Isaiah saw the urologist today. It was a great visit. Dr. Stratte believes that both of Zi's testicles have descended. He DOES NOT NEED SURGERY!!! Praise God!!
One of his testicles is considered "abnormal" and will need to be monitored. It is possible that he may need surgery at a later date but there is nothing that needs to be done right now. Dr. Stratte doesn't need to see him for another year! So he is cleared to travel back to Haiti with us.
We haven't bought tickets yet for the move since we were waiting to see when Zi's surgery would be. We will be moving forward with our plans and will keep everyone posted!
Thanks for your prayers. God is good... all the time!
One of his testicles is considered "abnormal" and will need to be monitored. It is possible that he may need surgery at a later date but there is nothing that needs to be done right now. Dr. Stratte doesn't need to see him for another year! So he is cleared to travel back to Haiti with us.
We haven't bought tickets yet for the move since we were waiting to see when Zi's surgery would be. We will be moving forward with our plans and will keep everyone posted!
Thanks for your prayers. God is good... all the time!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Not feeling the Christmas Spirit
Today I hung our stockings. It is always one of my favorite things to do at Christmas time. BUT, today it was hard. I have been having a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I'm not sure exactly why, my daughter is coming home, Isaiah is already home, Andrew and Ciji are going to be here, so why am I sad?? I finally realized it is because Jimmy wont be here!! We are spending another holiday without him. Not because he doesn't want to be with us, he truly does!! But, because he CAN NOT be here. He is a Haitian citizen not an American. He is bound to the country he was born in. He does not have the freedom to just come for a visit.
In our hearts and in God's eyes Jimmy is our son yet he has never been in our house. He has never seen where we live. For a very long time neither did Landon, Sutton and Isaiah. But they are now. There are many, many family's waiting on adoptions to be finished in order for their children to come home to them. But, in the end they will be home. Jimmy doesn't have that option. He is too old to be legally adopted by us. He will never be a "Gray" legally in the US. It hurts to know that if something were to happen to one of us, he couldn't come to be with us. He can't just get on a plane and be here in a few hours to visit.
It is possible for Jimmy to get a visitor's visa but it isn't easy!! We really believed that we would be spending this Christmas in Haiti. We truly believed that we would get to spend this Christmas with Jimmy. Andrew wouldn't be with us, since Ciji shouldn't travel to Haiti while she is pregnant but they could come if they choose to. It's a choice not a restriction. We didn't bother working on a visa for Jimmy because we thought we would be there! Now its too late. It takes months to get an appointment at the Embassy and most of the time even with an appointment they ask for something more. And it's very expensive! Between the passport, the US government fee's and the refundable ticket (that costs twice as much as a non-refundable ticket but you have to have a refundable one in case your visa is denied) you must buy before your appointment to prove you have a return flight, it costs a bundle!
So for one more year, Jimmy's stocking will hang on the mantle yet he will never see it. He will not get to experience a Gray family Christmas morning. He will be in Haiti without his mom and dad and siblings. But, he will be in our hearts.
Jimmy, as we celebrate Our Savior's birth, know that you are in our hearts and on our minds. We will continue to pray that we will get to spend next Christmas with you!! We love you and miss you oh so much. Thank you for allowing us to be your family!
In our hearts and in God's eyes Jimmy is our son yet he has never been in our house. He has never seen where we live. For a very long time neither did Landon, Sutton and Isaiah. But they are now. There are many, many family's waiting on adoptions to be finished in order for their children to come home to them. But, in the end they will be home. Jimmy doesn't have that option. He is too old to be legally adopted by us. He will never be a "Gray" legally in the US. It hurts to know that if something were to happen to one of us, he couldn't come to be with us. He can't just get on a plane and be here in a few hours to visit.
It is possible for Jimmy to get a visitor's visa but it isn't easy!! We really believed that we would be spending this Christmas in Haiti. We truly believed that we would get to spend this Christmas with Jimmy. Andrew wouldn't be with us, since Ciji shouldn't travel to Haiti while she is pregnant but they could come if they choose to. It's a choice not a restriction. We didn't bother working on a visa for Jimmy because we thought we would be there! Now its too late. It takes months to get an appointment at the Embassy and most of the time even with an appointment they ask for something more. And it's very expensive! Between the passport, the US government fee's and the refundable ticket (that costs twice as much as a non-refundable ticket but you have to have a refundable one in case your visa is denied) you must buy before your appointment to prove you have a return flight, it costs a bundle!
So for one more year, Jimmy's stocking will hang on the mantle yet he will never see it. He will not get to experience a Gray family Christmas morning. He will be in Haiti without his mom and dad and siblings. But, he will be in our hearts.
Jimmy, as we celebrate Our Savior's birth, know that you are in our hearts and on our minds. We will continue to pray that we will get to spend next Christmas with you!! We love you and miss you oh so much. Thank you for allowing us to be your family!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I will get to see my girl!!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to hear "Sissy", "Sissy", "Sissy" from 6 little mouths and she will be here to respond.
Just 12 more sleeps...
And there will be one more person fighting for the shower!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to sit in front of the fireplace with my "skinny-minny" with no body fat, watching a very realistic and very gross medical show, just because she LOVES them.
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to wake my sleeping young adult with "the good morning song" (sung by me, slightly off-key and very loud, VERY early in the morning).
Just 12 more sleeps...
And the sibling bickering is increased by one!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And my nest will almost be complete once again! (Too bad, Jimmy isn't coming with her, then it would be complete! But, that's a whole other post).
Carsen, we miss you and are counting down the days until you get home! It has been way too long for your siblings to go without seeing their Sissy. Love ya' Poohbear! Just 12 more sleeps!!!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to hear "Sissy", "Sissy", "Sissy" from 6 little mouths and she will be here to respond.
Just 12 more sleeps...
And there will be one more person fighting for the shower!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to sit in front of the fireplace with my "skinny-minny" with no body fat, watching a very realistic and very gross medical show, just because she LOVES them.
Just 12 more sleeps...
And I get to wake my sleeping young adult with "the good morning song" (sung by me, slightly off-key and very loud, VERY early in the morning).
Just 12 more sleeps...
And the sibling bickering is increased by one!
Just 12 more sleeps...
And my nest will almost be complete once again! (Too bad, Jimmy isn't coming with her, then it would be complete! But, that's a whole other post).
Carsen, we miss you and are counting down the days until you get home! It has been way too long for your siblings to go without seeing their Sissy. Love ya' Poohbear! Just 12 more sleeps!!!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The Gray family is growing, AGAIN!
That's right... the Gray family is increasing in numbers once again. BUT, we are NOT adopting another child!!!
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Jody and I found out that we are going to be grandparents!! Yes, you read that right, GRANDPARENTS! Andrew and Ciji are expecting a baby in July.
When we committed to adopt Isaiah we said that he would be the last baby until grandchildren... Well we did not think it would happen quite so soon!!
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Jody and I found out that we are going to be grandparents!! Yes, you read that right, GRANDPARENTS! Andrew and Ciji are expecting a baby in July.
When we committed to adopt Isaiah we said that he would be the last baby until grandchildren... Well we did not think it would happen quite so soon!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Jimmy and Carsen...
... what's missing from this picture?
YOU ARE!!!!
We miss both of you so much and wish you were here with us.
Kynsley making cookies!!
Zi getting ready for a walk.
Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Gray family,
Jody & Gail,
Andrew, Jimmy, Carsen, Shane, Dylan, Kynsley, Landon, Sutton and Isaiah
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Another day...
It started at 4 a.m. but it's OK because we went to bed at 8 p.m. last night. 8 uninterrupted, glorious hours of sleep, what could be better???? I'm not sure if Zi slept that long since my amazing, wonderful son, Shane had the baby monitor in his room and may have got up with him, BUT I DID!!!
Oh, if only he would do this at night!!
AND.... Zi is now playing in the den with his brothers and seems to be somewhat back to normal. He woke up hungry but happy. It is only 6:30 a.m. so I'm not going to say yet that the colicky baby is gone but today certainly has started off better then the last few days.
As far as pictures go... we only have a few. I've been too tired and cross-eyed to even think about taking pictures! I will try to do better now that I've had some sleep.
Isaiah at the Miami airport!!
Getting ready for church, leaving for church, after church
Yes, we actually attempted church, not the smartest thing to do with a sick child!! He slept through Sunday school but then woke up with a fever so we never made it to the service.
Oh, if only he would do this at night!!Tuesday, November 20, 2007
lets see if I can finish this before the baby wakes up....
OK, so we are home. Zi and I arrived in Redding at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Zi did not like the plane or the airport or anything about the trip at all. Probably had a little something to do with the 104 degree fever, the double ear infections and bronchiolitis (one step below pneumonia). Not to mention the giardia and itchy skin that is being irritated by the very cold dry weather here!
Zi has not slept more then 3 hours at a stretch (all during the day of course) since we have arrived home. Needless to say it has not been the easiest transition for any of us. The other kids are being troopers and even Sutton is handling his arrival well. It is like having a 24 lb. colicky newborn with teeth and an excellent set of lungs. I really think when we went through customs they replaced my easy going, fun to be with baby boy with something quite different!
Isaiah is on antibiotics for the ear and lung infection, Flagyl for the giardia and is covered regularly with Burt's Bees body butter for his skin. He is on the BRAT diet and actual seems to be getting better.
We also got news that Jody was chosen for the mission to Haiti beginning Nov. 28th!!!!! Yes, you read that right NOV 28th!! After much prayer, we have decided to turn down this deployment and his name is on the list for the Jan/Feb. deployment. It was not an easy decision to make, since we know God has called us to serve in Haiti but do feel it is in every one's best interest for us to wait. There is so much going on right now that Jody would have to go by himself at this point and the family would have to join him later. Being separated for the holidays and during Zi's surgery is just not something we feel we can handle at this time!
Well it is now 7:15 p.m. and I'm finally finishing this post. It has been another long day and I'm praying for at least a few hours sleep. And hoping tomorrow is better!
Zi has not slept more then 3 hours at a stretch (all during the day of course) since we have arrived home. Needless to say it has not been the easiest transition for any of us. The other kids are being troopers and even Sutton is handling his arrival well. It is like having a 24 lb. colicky newborn with teeth and an excellent set of lungs. I really think when we went through customs they replaced my easy going, fun to be with baby boy with something quite different!
Isaiah is on antibiotics for the ear and lung infection, Flagyl for the giardia and is covered regularly with Burt's Bees body butter for his skin. He is on the BRAT diet and actual seems to be getting better.
We also got news that Jody was chosen for the mission to Haiti beginning Nov. 28th!!!!! Yes, you read that right NOV 28th!! After much prayer, we have decided to turn down this deployment and his name is on the list for the Jan/Feb. deployment. It was not an easy decision to make, since we know God has called us to serve in Haiti but do feel it is in every one's best interest for us to wait. There is so much going on right now that Jody would have to go by himself at this point and the family would have to join him later. Being separated for the holidays and during Zi's surgery is just not something we feel we can handle at this time!
Well it is now 7:15 p.m. and I'm finally finishing this post. It has been another long day and I'm praying for at least a few hours sleep. And hoping tomorrow is better!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Phillipians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." NIV
This truly is my favorite scripture. God revealed it to me right after my father passed away. It has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, times when I wasn't even sure if I was going to get through another day. I like the way The Message Bible phrases it:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
So often I turn to God during the toughest times in my life, yet so often forget to look towards Him to help me get through the everyday struggles, the strife and discontentment I bring on myself. It's easy to turn to God when you have hit rock bottom, where else can you turn? But ,what about those times when things just aren't turning out the way you think they should, or when you have done something so stupid you know you deserve to be right where you are at, times when your problems seem so minor compared to cancer, world peace, malnutrition etc. Is it as easy to turn to God then?? It should be but I know for me it's not. Instead, I worry, I fret, I allow the worry to become the center of my life. If God can handle our biggest problems, can't He also handle the little ones, the ones we have made for ourselves??
So, today instead of worrying where the parts are to the crib, instead of worrying where the money is coming from to go to Haiti to get Isaiah, instead of worrying about the lack of clothes we have for him, instead of worrying about how his presence is going to effect the other kids, instead of worrying about all the little things that have been eating away at me for the past week, I'm going to allow God to shape my worries into prayers, letting Him know my concerns and then take a deep breath and relax.
God is in control, not me. Holding my breath, getting tense, freaking out does not help God be in control, not one little bit. It probably just makes Him shake His head and think, she has so much to learn!!
So, if you see me today or talk to me...can you remind me to do just that, take a deep breath and relax. And I'll try to do the same for you!
This truly is my favorite scripture. God revealed it to me right after my father passed away. It has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, times when I wasn't even sure if I was going to get through another day. I like the way The Message Bible phrases it:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
So often I turn to God during the toughest times in my life, yet so often forget to look towards Him to help me get through the everyday struggles, the strife and discontentment I bring on myself. It's easy to turn to God when you have hit rock bottom, where else can you turn? But ,what about those times when things just aren't turning out the way you think they should, or when you have done something so stupid you know you deserve to be right where you are at, times when your problems seem so minor compared to cancer, world peace, malnutrition etc. Is it as easy to turn to God then?? It should be but I know for me it's not. Instead, I worry, I fret, I allow the worry to become the center of my life. If God can handle our biggest problems, can't He also handle the little ones, the ones we have made for ourselves??
So, today instead of worrying where the parts are to the crib, instead of worrying where the money is coming from to go to Haiti to get Isaiah, instead of worrying about the lack of clothes we have for him, instead of worrying about how his presence is going to effect the other kids, instead of worrying about all the little things that have been eating away at me for the past week, I'm going to allow God to shape my worries into prayers, letting Him know my concerns and then take a deep breath and relax.
God is in control, not me. Holding my breath, getting tense, freaking out does not help God be in control, not one little bit. It probably just makes Him shake His head and think, she has so much to learn!!
So, if you see me today or talk to me...can you remind me to do just that, take a deep breath and relax. And I'll try to do the same for you!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Praying for our family and friends in Southern California
The current fires raging in SoCal could threaten many of our family and friends. Here is what we know as of today.
Jody talked to Andrew last night, he is fine and currently is not in the fires path.
My grandfather was in LA yesterday and was on his way home to Escondido. As of yesterday he was not in the mandatory evacuations but the fire was getting closer to his neighborhood. My foster brother Rod and his family live a few miles from grandpa so if he needs assistance getting out Rod is there to help.
We have friends in Ramona (entire city of 30,000 evacuated on Sunday) that we have not been able to contact, Rod and Lisa we are praying for you!
Jody lived in Poway for 30+ years before we moved to Northern California, he has numerous friends still there and we are praying for their safety. He also worked and played alongside most of the fire fighters in that area and again we are praying for their safety!
We also know a few family's affected by the Stevenson's Ranch fire, our prayers are with you as well!
As I get more information I will keep you posted.
Jody talked to Andrew last night, he is fine and currently is not in the fires path.
My grandfather was in LA yesterday and was on his way home to Escondido. As of yesterday he was not in the mandatory evacuations but the fire was getting closer to his neighborhood. My foster brother Rod and his family live a few miles from grandpa so if he needs assistance getting out Rod is there to help.
We have friends in Ramona (entire city of 30,000 evacuated on Sunday) that we have not been able to contact, Rod and Lisa we are praying for you!
Jody lived in Poway for 30+ years before we moved to Northern California, he has numerous friends still there and we are praying for their safety. He also worked and played alongside most of the fire fighters in that area and again we are praying for their safety!
We also know a few family's affected by the Stevenson's Ranch fire, our prayers are with you as well!
As I get more information I will keep you posted.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Update from my recent trip to Haiti
I've taken a break from introducing all the kids to share with you what is currently happening with Isaiah. We found out right before I went to Haiti that Isaiah was going to need surgery. He has an un-descended testicle. Normally, the necessary surgery to correct the problem would be put off until he was over 1 year old. Because of our move to Haiti soon after Isaiah turns one the urologist feels it is in his best interest to have the surgery now. I put together the necessary paperwork to obtain a medical visa for him with the hope of bringing him home with me last week. However, because of holiday's in Haiti and a delay getting Isaiah's birth certificate from our file at IBESR we were unable to get the visa.
The staff at Angel House is currently working on getting the birth certificate and his passport so I can fly back to Haiti and apply for a medical visa. We are praying that the Embassy will issue the visa based on the fact that we will be living in Haiti for at least one year and would need to leave Haiti in order for him to have surgery. We also need the visa to be issued as soon as possible because with Jody's current insurance Isaiah will be covered as soon as he arrives in the US. With the insurance that is offered while we are in Haiti, Isaiah must first be legally adopted in the US in order to be covered which would delay his surgery even longer.
Although this condition is not live threatening we know it is for Isaiah's best long term prognosis not to wait for this surgery to happen. Waiting could cause an increase in him developing cancer and an inability to produce sperm.
Please, join us in praying that we can bring our baby boy home as soon as possible. We now believe that God postponed our move to Haiti because of Zi. If we were already living in Haiti it would be nearly impossible for us to afford to get him this surgery until later!
One other thing... because we were not expecting Isaiah to come to the US until after we had lived in Haiti for quite awhile we are not prepared for him here. The weather has changed and we have no cool weather clothes for him. We also do not have a car seat. We have registered at http://www.walmart.com/ and http://www.target.com/ if you would like to help us with our needs. We also LOVE hand-me-downs!! He is a size 12 months ands wears a size 4 shoe!
One other thing... because we were not expecting Isaiah to come to the US until after we had lived in Haiti for quite awhile we are not prepared for him here. The weather has changed and we have no cool weather clothes for him. We also do not have a car seat. We have registered at http://www.walmart.com/ and http://www.target.com/ if you would like to help us with our needs. We also LOVE hand-me-downs!! He is a size 12 months ands wears a size 4 shoe!
Thanks everyone!!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Carsen
Carsen Michelle Gray was born July 22, 1988. She is my first born, I was only 19 when I gave birth to her. God has blessed us with an amazing, beautiful, talented, messy, loving, stubborn and wonderful child of God.Carsen has spent most of her life making us laugh. She loves hard, lives hard and laughs hard. Carsen is a very talented writer (see her blog http://www.sissyloveshaiti.blogspot.com/) and a great actress. She can weave a story on paper then bring it to life on the stage. She is as stubborn as her father and mother.
Carse
n has dedicated the last 4 months of her life to the children of Haiti. Sissy (as all her brothers and sisters call her as well as the children and staff of Angel House) gives of herself freely and without expectations. The children adore her! It is evident in the smiles on their faces and the joy in the voices as they call out to her.
n has dedicated the last 4 months of her life to the children of Haiti. Sissy (as all her brothers and sisters call her as well as the children and staff of Angel House) gives of herself freely and without expectations. The children adore her! It is evident in the smiles on their faces and the joy in the voices as they call out to her. (Sissy and Annabella)
I
n December when she returns to the US, she will continue her education to obtain a degree in nursing. I have no doubt that she will return to Haiti to continue to give of herself once school is done.
n December when she returns to the US, she will continue her education to obtain a degree in nursing. I have no doubt that she will return to Haiti to continue to give of herself once school is done.(Carsen helping Brit drain a wound)
I'm very proud to call her my daughter! She is the daughter I always dreamed of having and more!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Jimmy
Jimmy Louis (Gray) was born on Nov. 16, 1982. I met Jimmy in December of 2004. I knew as soon as I met him, he was meant to be a part of our lives. Jimmy had just moved into Angel House when Father Micheal passed away. Jimmy had been living with Father Micheal since he was a small boy and considered Father Micheal to be is dad. Over the next few months Jimmy became more and more a part of Jody and I's hearts and lives. I'm not sure exactly when we began to think of him as our son but it didn't take long! God had a plan when He brought Jimmy into our lives that's for sure. Although he is not a "Gray" legally he is as much our son in our hearts, and we believe in God's eyes, as our other children are.
Jimmy graduated from high school this past June and is waiting for his diploma to be issued (it takes 4-6 months in Haiti to get the legal diploma). Once he gets it he will start applying to colleges in the US so he can further his education. He currently works as the accountant for Three Angel's and is a very valued employee there.
We are truly blessed to have Jimmy as a son. He has a loving and caring heart. He looks after his siblings when they are in Haiti. Our life would not be the same if Jimmy was not a part of it.
(Thank you Todd Burnett for the amazing pictures of Jimmy!)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Andrew
I've been spending a lot of time lately explaining our family to people. Because not all of our children live here in Redding with us, most people are confused by us saying we have 9 kids. I thought I'd take the next few posts and introduce you to the whole family. I will start with the oldest and work my way through all 9 of them!!
Andrew Thomas Gray was born Sept. 7, 1982, he is 25 years old. When I married Jody, I knew he was a "package deal". I wasn't just marrying Jody, I was also agreeing to be Andrew's step-mother. Man, I hate that word!! I never wanted to be thought of as the step-mom and I try not to refer to him as my step-son, he is simply my son!
Andrew was 4 when Jody and I got married. It hasn't always been easy but I'm happy to now call him my friend! We don't see him nearly as often as we would like to but when he does visit we always have a great time!
Do-do (as the kids like to call him) lives in San Diego. Andrew can thank Carsen for the nickname, she could not say Andrew when she was little. We would spend hours saying to her "ANDREW" and she would nod her head and say "do-do". After awhile we just gave up!
Andrew is a metal fabricator (I think, that's what it is called!!). He works on high-rise buildings and other metal structures. Although he works long hours, he seems to enjoy his work.
Andrew and his girlfriend Ciji (pronounced see-gee)
Andrew and Carsen (and yes, he really is that tall!!)
One of the things I love the most about Andrew is his love for animals. He is one of those rare people that can make friends with even the most stand-offish cat or meanest dog. Andrew is loving and giving and his siblings adore him!
We love you, Andrew!!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Our first week of homeschooling
I have said many times that I could never home school, that my children would not live through the first week. I am happy to tell you that Shane is very much alive and actually may have learned a thing or two this week!
I will also admit...I actually really enjoyed it! Of course, I am home schooling probably the "easiest" of my children (no offense to the other 8, but Shane really is the most easy going kid in our family). We got through algebra, science, civics, literature, theology, spelling, grammar, art, music and even PE (although, I did absolutely nothing for PE, except drive him to football practice and cheer him on during his game on Saturday, which they won 20-6). Shane took 3 tests and did really well.
I'm not naive enough to believe that it will always be easy, but at least I know, with God's help, it is possible to do things that I believed were impossible for me to do.
I will also admit...I actually really enjoyed it! Of course, I am home schooling probably the "easiest" of my children (no offense to the other 8, but Shane really is the most easy going kid in our family). We got through algebra, science, civics, literature, theology, spelling, grammar, art, music and even PE (although, I did absolutely nothing for PE, except drive him to football practice and cheer him on during his game on Saturday, which they won 20-6). Shane took 3 tests and did really well.
I'm not naive enough to believe that it will always be easy, but at least I know, with God's help, it is possible to do things that I believed were impossible for me to do.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Zi is on the move!
It's official... Isaiah is now crawling.
Not really sure how I feel about that, I mean I know he needs to crawl and then walk and then run and so on, but I really liked him not being mobile.
I liked him not being able to get into everything and I really liked him being content to just sit in my lap and be held. After all, he is my last baby (please, God, please, he is my last baby, right???) and I was really enjoying him being... well... a baby!
BUT, I am thrilled that he is developing and growing and it shows the amazing love and care he receives from the staff and volunteers at Angel House.
Not really sure how I feel about that, I mean I know he needs to crawl and then walk and then run and so on, but I really liked him not being mobile.
I liked him not being able to get into everything and I really liked him being content to just sit in my lap and be held. After all, he is my last baby (please, God, please, he is my last baby, right???) and I was really enjoying him being... well... a baby!
BUT, I am thrilled that he is developing and growing and it shows the amazing love and care he receives from the staff and volunteers at Angel House.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Moving!!! Well sort of.....
Jody got a call from the recruiter yesterday. The state department has decided to postpone the October training. It seems that so many of the current officers in Haiti have decided to re-new their contracts that there are only 3 positions open at this time. The state dept. figured out that it is not cost-effective to hold training for only 3 people.
The next training is scheduled for late January with deployment in early Feb. That training has 20-30 openings as well as the 3 not currently being filled. Jody was told that his chances of getting into that training are excellent.
So.... our plan right now is to postpone the move for the whole family until the end of Jan. The thought of us being separated for 4 months is not something we want to do nor do we feel that God is asking us to. No date for the move has been set yet but we are looking at the last week in January. As things get closer we will keep everyone posted.
We really appreciate all the prayers regarding this move. We asked that God reveal to us by Oct. 1st what we should do and once again, He answered. We know without a shadow of a doubt that God has plans for us in Haiti and we are content to wait on His perfect timing of when it will happen.
We are still waiting on the new owners of our house to realize they are the new owners! Please, pray they realize it soon! We would very much like to have the house sold before the new year!
The next training is scheduled for late January with deployment in early Feb. That training has 20-30 openings as well as the 3 not currently being filled. Jody was told that his chances of getting into that training are excellent.
So.... our plan right now is to postpone the move for the whole family until the end of Jan. The thought of us being separated for 4 months is not something we want to do nor do we feel that God is asking us to. No date for the move has been set yet but we are looking at the last week in January. As things get closer we will keep everyone posted.
We really appreciate all the prayers regarding this move. We asked that God reveal to us by Oct. 1st what we should do and once again, He answered. We know without a shadow of a doubt that God has plans for us in Haiti and we are content to wait on His perfect timing of when it will happen.
We are still waiting on the new owners of our house to realize they are the new owners! Please, pray they realize it soon! We would very much like to have the house sold before the new year!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Moving or not moving????
That seems to be the main question I get lately. I can not remember a single day in the last few weeks that someone hasn't asked me that!!!
And the answer is.....
We still don't know!!!!
OK, so this is the story. Jody has been told by the company that does the recruiting for the US State Department, who contracts with the UN to place US officer's in Haiti, that he is exactly what "they" are looking for. Who "they" are we are not sure!?!?!? Jody has submitted all of his paperwork (47 pages of info) to the company who in turn submits it to the State Department. We have no idea if that has happened yet or not. We have been told that the State Dept. are the ones who decide who goes to the training and when. They also decide who will be deployed (if the person has passed the training which consists of writing assessments, physical agility testing, firearms qualifications and a lot of briefings that are all "hush-hush") immediately or will be deployed at a later date.
We have also been told by UN officer's already in Haiti and the recruiting company that if the candidate is taking family with him, it is better for the family to be in country prior to the candidate arriving. It makes the transition easier according to them. BUT, the State Dept. does not tell the candidate until 2-3 weeks prior to the training if they have been selected to go!!
So.... that means that the kids and I would have less then 3 weeks notice to pack up the house and move to a third country and get settled in a house. That's not even taking into consideration the price of tickets purchased on such short notice!
We decided several weeks ago to go ahead and buy tickets for the kids and I to go, knowing that the next scheduled training is Oct. 25th. We have tickets to travel on Oct. 11th. The problem now is deciding whether or not to go and take our chances that Jody gets deployed immediately following training (we did not know when we bought the tickets that there was a possibility of a later deployment or that Jody would not be told until the last day of training when is deployment will occur!!!)
What we need know is PRAYER!! Please, pray that God reveals to us (and the people in charge) when it is time for Jody to go soon!! We feel very strongly that it is "WHEN" not "IF" we are going. We also need a miracle that our house will sell immediately. It will be very, very difficult to pay rent in Haiti and a house payment in the states.
We still have so many decisions to make and we can not move there unless we have a plan for housing etc. We do not want to be irresponsible with our money and rent a house prior to knowing we are going for sure but waiting to the last minute is really not an option either.
We are asking that everyone who feels called to do so, keep this matter in prayer.
Thanks so much!!
I've also decided to change the way people comment on our blog. We have many family members and friends who do not have blogs of their own who would like to post. They will now be able to post under "Anonymous" but all comments will be monitored by us. They will not appear on the blog until after they are approved. I simply ask that if you are using the "anonymous" setting that you include at least your first name. If any comment is sensitive or hurtful we will not approve it to protect those reading it (which includes our children).
And the answer is.....
We still don't know!!!!
OK, so this is the story. Jody has been told by the company that does the recruiting for the US State Department, who contracts with the UN to place US officer's in Haiti, that he is exactly what "they" are looking for. Who "they" are we are not sure!?!?!? Jody has submitted all of his paperwork (47 pages of info) to the company who in turn submits it to the State Department. We have no idea if that has happened yet or not. We have been told that the State Dept. are the ones who decide who goes to the training and when. They also decide who will be deployed (if the person has passed the training which consists of writing assessments, physical agility testing, firearms qualifications and a lot of briefings that are all "hush-hush") immediately or will be deployed at a later date.
We have also been told by UN officer's already in Haiti and the recruiting company that if the candidate is taking family with him, it is better for the family to be in country prior to the candidate arriving. It makes the transition easier according to them. BUT, the State Dept. does not tell the candidate until 2-3 weeks prior to the training if they have been selected to go!!
So.... that means that the kids and I would have less then 3 weeks notice to pack up the house and move to a third country and get settled in a house. That's not even taking into consideration the price of tickets purchased on such short notice!
We decided several weeks ago to go ahead and buy tickets for the kids and I to go, knowing that the next scheduled training is Oct. 25th. We have tickets to travel on Oct. 11th. The problem now is deciding whether or not to go and take our chances that Jody gets deployed immediately following training (we did not know when we bought the tickets that there was a possibility of a later deployment or that Jody would not be told until the last day of training when is deployment will occur!!!)
What we need know is PRAYER!! Please, pray that God reveals to us (and the people in charge) when it is time for Jody to go soon!! We feel very strongly that it is "WHEN" not "IF" we are going. We also need a miracle that our house will sell immediately. It will be very, very difficult to pay rent in Haiti and a house payment in the states.
We still have so many decisions to make and we can not move there unless we have a plan for housing etc. We do not want to be irresponsible with our money and rent a house prior to knowing we are going for sure but waiting to the last minute is really not an option either.
We are asking that everyone who feels called to do so, keep this matter in prayer.
Thanks so much!!
I've also decided to change the way people comment on our blog. We have many family members and friends who do not have blogs of their own who would like to post. They will now be able to post under "Anonymous" but all comments will be monitored by us. They will not appear on the blog until after they are approved. I simply ask that if you are using the "anonymous" setting that you include at least your first name. If any comment is sensitive or hurtful we will not approve it to protect those reading it (which includes our children).
Monday, September 10, 2007
New pictures of Isaiah
Here are a few new pictures of our little guy. . . although, he isn't all that little. Isaiah, also known as Zi, is currently 8 1/2 months old and already weighs 18 lbs and is 26 1/2 inches long!
Isaiah after his bath!
Hanging out on Sissy's bed.
Zi's first tooth!
A very unhappy Zi, after mom took away his chocolate cake!
Zi in an Indiana Toyota shirt, is that a "sign"??
Zi's beautiful profile.
Thanks to Anne, Angela, Megan and Carsen for the great pictures!
Isaiah after his bath!
Hanging out on Sissy's bed.
Zi's first tooth!
A very unhappy Zi, after mom took away his chocolate cake!
Zi in an Indiana Toyota shirt, is that a "sign"??
Zi's beautiful profile.
Thanks to Anne, Angela, Megan and Carsen for the great pictures!
Friday, September 07, 2007
The joys of a simple life
We have recently been "simplifying" things in our life in preparation for our possible move to Haiti. Most of the extras have been cut out and the clutter is gone. Some amazing things have happened as a result. The family has started spending more time together doing simple activities. Tonight after dinner we went outside to "cool off" since we are using the air conditioning less to prepare our bodies for the heat in Haiti. It was a beautiful night!
Jody read to Sutton.
The other kids all jump
ed on the trampoline together then played football in the grass.
ed on the trampoline together then played football in the grass. It was a wonderful evening which reinforces to me that we really do not need mass amounts of toys, movies, games etc. for our children to be happy. A few books, a football and a tattered trampoline were quite enough!
Praise God for quiet evenings at home (well as quiet as it can be with 5 kids!!) and the joy that comes from watching them interact!
p.s. Sorry the pictures are so dark, it was getting late and the sun had started going down.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
I have been very quiet on the blog for the past few weeks. I have been struggling with some issues (sin) in my life that are too painful to share. I truly believed that I needed to put on my happy face and show the world that I was fine. In reality I have not been “fine” or anything near to fine. I also believed that I was alone in my struggle and that no one could possibly relate to my pain. A feeling of judgment and condemnation has also been present. I have been leery of sharing my pain on the internet. I have no idea who reads my blog, but I’m sure there are many who are not believers. I have worried that my struggles would give an excuse to those who do not believe in Jesus as their Savior, to not place their trust in Him. But, since this is my way of communicating with so many of my friends and family, and those same people have to know something is wrong by my silence and are worried about me, I felt it was time to come out of hiding and lay my heart out for all to see.
Thankfully, for me and my family, God has opened doors to healing. He has shown us that we am not alone in our suffering and that although there will be those that judge us or condemn us, they are not the ones who matter. The only One who matters is our Heavenly Father and if we ask for His forgiveness with a true and pure heart, He is quick to forgive and our sin will be washed away! What a glorious and wonderful thing Forgiveness is!
Since, I now know I am not alone in my pain, I felt called to share some scripture that has ministered to my heart in a hope that my pain may be used for His glory. For without God, I am nothing! And my sin would be my eternal damnation. But, by the power of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross I am cleansed! Yes, there are earthly consequences to our sins but those do not take away the forgiveness God grants to us. Instead, God gives us the strength to press on, to make amends to those we wrong and to give us the strength to forgive ourselves. Praise be to God.
Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 103:11-13 (NIV)-
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him
John 8 (NIV)-
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Whether the sin is adultery, gossip, anger, addiction, envy, or any other sin, the meaning of Jesus’ words are the same, He does not condemn us of our sin but frees us from it! He gave his blood so we could have eternal life. It is only with forgiveness that healing can begin.
“Thank you, Jesus for the Grace You give to me. Help me to live each of my days striving to be more like You. Help me to know that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes but with my eyes focused upward to You, I will be able to get through those times. Forgive me my sins and lead me towards a better understanding of why I do the things I do and teach me Your ways so I will do those things no more! Remind me when I become judgmental that I am as sinful as anyone else, help me to love other sinner’s as You love me. Teach me be a comfort and not full of harm, to be understanding and not judgmental, to be a help and not a hindrance. Teach me to always turn to You in my deepest despair and allow Your healing presence to wash over me. In Your Holy and Precious name I pray! Amen”
Thankfully, for me and my family, God has opened doors to healing. He has shown us that we am not alone in our suffering and that although there will be those that judge us or condemn us, they are not the ones who matter. The only One who matters is our Heavenly Father and if we ask for His forgiveness with a true and pure heart, He is quick to forgive and our sin will be washed away! What a glorious and wonderful thing Forgiveness is!
Since, I now know I am not alone in my pain, I felt called to share some scripture that has ministered to my heart in a hope that my pain may be used for His glory. For without God, I am nothing! And my sin would be my eternal damnation. But, by the power of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross I am cleansed! Yes, there are earthly consequences to our sins but those do not take away the forgiveness God grants to us. Instead, God gives us the strength to press on, to make amends to those we wrong and to give us the strength to forgive ourselves. Praise be to God.
Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 103:11-13 (NIV)-
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him
John 8 (NIV)-
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Whether the sin is adultery, gossip, anger, addiction, envy, or any other sin, the meaning of Jesus’ words are the same, He does not condemn us of our sin but frees us from it! He gave his blood so we could have eternal life. It is only with forgiveness that healing can begin.
“Thank you, Jesus for the Grace You give to me. Help me to live each of my days striving to be more like You. Help me to know that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes but with my eyes focused upward to You, I will be able to get through those times. Forgive me my sins and lead me towards a better understanding of why I do the things I do and teach me Your ways so I will do those things no more! Remind me when I become judgmental that I am as sinful as anyone else, help me to love other sinner’s as You love me. Teach me be a comfort and not full of harm, to be understanding and not judgmental, to be a help and not a hindrance. Teach me to always turn to You in my deepest despair and allow Your healing presence to wash over me. In Your Holy and Precious name I pray! Amen”
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Haiti here we come!!!!!!!!
The kids and I are moving to Haiti!! I'm not sure the country is ready for us.
We took a huge leap of faith and bought our tickets yesterday, we leave on Oct. 11!! Much later then I hoped but with Shane's knee injury and the price of tickets being what they are, we knew we needed to wait!! We did find such a great deal on tickets, it's worth the wait!
We still do not know when Jody will be deployed or where he will be stationed in Haiti once he is. We do not know where all the money is coming from for the move. BUT... we do know that this is what God is calling us to do, we are trusting in Him completely. He will provide! He will be glorified! He will be praised!
Please, pray for us as we wait on God's provisions. Pray we are able to get everything we need to go. Pray we are able to spend quality time together before we leave. Pray for strength for Jody as he is separated from us.
Also, pray that Shane's knee heals quickly so he is able to fulfill his need to hit people in a constructive, culturally acceptable way and more importantly so he does not require surgery!
We took a huge leap of faith and bought our tickets yesterday, we leave on Oct. 11!! Much later then I hoped but with Shane's knee injury and the price of tickets being what they are, we knew we needed to wait!! We did find such a great deal on tickets, it's worth the wait!
We still do not know when Jody will be deployed or where he will be stationed in Haiti once he is. We do not know where all the money is coming from for the move. BUT... we do know that this is what God is calling us to do, we are trusting in Him completely. He will provide! He will be glorified! He will be praised!
Please, pray for us as we wait on God's provisions. Pray we are able to get everything we need to go. Pray we are able to spend quality time together before we leave. Pray for strength for Jody as he is separated from us.
Also, pray that Shane's knee heals quickly so he is able to fulfill his need to hit people in a constructive, culturally acceptable way and more importantly so he does not require surgery!
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