Our Permanent Visa Has Been Approved!

Long story short...it was actually approved on October 5th but wasn't posted until December! I guess that is to be expected when we've waited 20 months! We quickly contacted the social worker that has been working with our case...but were told that she couldn't meet with us until the following week. Then, at the meeting, she informs us that she can't set up our first interview until December 20th. When we told her that we had hoped to be in Guarapuava before school started in February, she said there were no guarantees. This was very frustrating considering it was last December that she told us that once we had our visa, the adoption process would be very simple and only take a few days. Anyway, we were pretty disappointed but sat down afterwards and gave everything to the Lord again, trusting in His perfect timing. About halfway home, we were rounding a sharp curve and a car went left of center into our lane. The car in front of us swerved as the other car hit the back of them and started coming directly head on towards us. Mike swerved to the right as we were pelted by the debris from the collision and just barely missed being hit. Two men, a woman, and two children got out of the car in front of us after we both pulled over. I went to hug her and told her that I thanked God for protecting all of us and her eyes just filled with tears as she clung to me. After everything was resolved with the driver of the other vehicle, Mike and I were reminded again that He is in total control! It was beautiful to see how wonderfully He cares for us and protects us. Thank you for your prayers for God's perfect timing of our adoption!

HAIL AT CLM?!

Last week, we experienced something that has never happened at CLM...without even rain in the forecast, we were pummelled with hail for almost an hour! Although we've seen hail here before, it has only lasted for a few minutes before the sun pops back out and quickly melts it away. This time, however, we had enough to have an "iceball fight," make "ice angels," and build an "iceman!" (If you have time, check out the video that others have posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW8bQNG0F4Q). Everyone had a blast while it lasted but unfortunately, there was quite a bit of damage done to some homes and businesses in the colony and crops that had recently been planted. Thank you for praying for those who were affected.

Saying Goodbye

Our last night with the Columbus team was chaotic but fun...imagine playing Bunco with 28 people, with only a few people who understood how to play?! Throw in three kids under the age of five, 30 minutes of explaining directions, Rice Krispie Treats, prizes...there were lots of laughs but also a few headaches by the end of the night! We are so thankful for Sue, Colleen, Teresa and Lauren...their generosity and servants' hearts blessed us beyond words.

The Fun Continues!

After the kids enjoyed a short swim in the pool, we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for dinner and enjoyed time with them near the fire.

A Day at the Park

We are enjoying an unusual weekend at CLM...only seven of our 24 children were here today! Geovane and Patricia are visiting their aunt and uncle and nine of our adolescents went to a weekend retreat at Turvo with Viktoria, Kevin and Elaine. We took the remaining 13 kids to the park this morning to have our Sunday morning children's service and a picnic lunch...and then six of them left to spend the day in Turvo with Fabio and Edit. With the team from Ohio here with us, it made a wonderful adult-child ratio--we actually outnumbered the kids! We praise God for this special day for them and pray that the Holy Spirit ministers to our teens at the retreat.

The CLM Team

These pictures are a testimony to God's faithfulness. For years, we have prayed for God to send more missionaries to CLM...and we are now enjoying the "problem" of having all of our missionary homes occupied! Last October, Jake and Amanda returned to serve and in 2010, Edit and Fabio, Katie and Andy, and Kevin and Elaine joined the CLM team. Last month, Patrick returned for another five month stay and this week, Teresa, Lauren, Sue and Colleen are back for another two weeks. It is a blessing to be a part of the awesome work that God is doing, "changing the world, one child at a time!" Thanks so much for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support!

Visitors!

Thank you so much for continuing to check out our blog...even when I've been SO negligent at keeping it up-to-date! :( How long can I use the "new mom with three adolescents" excuse?!?! I promise to do better!

Patrick has returned for another 5+ months and he has jumped right back in to CLM life, without missing a beat. His parents, Ted and Sue were able to come with him for a two week visit and they have captured Patrick's passion for the kids and the ministry. They had a rough start with a flight delay, that turned worse when the airline lost three of their bags. They were troopers and didn't let it affect them, as they made the most of each day with our precious children. Please pray that this special couple is able to return soon...and that their missing luggage will be found!

Katie's sister, Emma has been with us for three months now and will return to the states tomorrow. She has been an enormous blessing to Andy and Katie, helping to take care of their newborn son, Joseph. Please pray for safe travels for her.

Man of Many Talents

My wonderful husband will have his 41st birthday this Saturday, October 9th. We've known each other since we were 10 years old and have been best friends for over 25 years. He is an amazing man and the best gift that God has given me on this earth. After 20 years of marriage without children, it's been wonderful to watch him for the first time as a father over these last six months. I have discovered that he has many other hidden talents, too. A few weeks ago, one of the four cakes we needed for Geovane and Adir's birthday party was destroyed. Mike took on the challenge of fixing it, creating an elaborate volcano...and we discovered that he is a master cake decorator! He recently put together his first 896-piece 3-D puzzle of a castle that I can honestly say I wouldn't have been able to assemble if I had the rest of my life to try. Last week, he decided he wanted to build a boat for the boys...and voila, we have a fishing boat from scratch that looks like it was professionally done! Please pray for Mike as he navigates his new role as Dad, and continues ministering to the children and staff at CLM.

A Special Connection

Pastor John and his daughter, Amy, Rhoda, and her daughters, Lindsay and Chelsea were only here for a short time, but made a lasting impact on the CLM family. The team from Columbus arrived with suitcases packed full of gifts for the kids and missionaries. Besides painting CLM's dining room, the team took the missionaries out for dinner, and had a special night for all the kids with cupcakes and ice cream. They immediately reached out to the children and you rarely saw any of them without 4 or 5 kids in tow. I had a wonderful time sharing with the ladies on the team and were so blessed by their encouragement and love for our new family. Praying for your quick return!

Goodbye to the Gouges

Can I say again how much I HATE saying goodbye? Our time with the Gouges was incredible...which made their leaving that much more difficult. We had waited so long for them to come and their six weeks here with us went way too fast. Mike and I realized how much we had missed the intimate fellowship with close friends and praise God for the opportunity to walk this adoption journey together. They are currently in Rio de Janeiro and will be heading back to the U.S. tomorrow. Please pray for their safety, their bonding as a family, and specifically for Donei as he begins his new life as Donei Michael Gouge.

Believe Me Now

After a very, very difficult week, full of challenges and disappointments, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me through this song (by Steven Curtis Chapman) that He is still in control.

I watch you looking out across the raging waters
So sure your only hope lies on the other side.
You hear the enemy, closing in around you
I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand
And believe in Me?
Believe me here
Remember all the times, I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
I am for you
So believe me now...
I am the one who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the one who spoke the words and raised the dead
I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
Do you remember who I am?
Will you believe me now?
Believe me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
And I am for you
So believe me now
Believe it's true
I never have, I never will abandon you.
The God I've always been
I will forever be
So believe me now
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you've endured
My words are true and my promises are sure
So believe me now

I pray that these words speak to you as they did to me today.

Happy Birthday, Lindsay and Luana!

Our oldest daughter, Lindsay, turned 15 on August 11th. Although we tried to limit the presents we bought her, I think she was overwhelmed by the gifts she received from us, our family and friends back home, the Gouges, and from CLM. Over a two week period, gifts and cards arrived from the U.S. for her as we made sure she knew how thankful we were for her birth! :) When I shared that I thanked God for her birth mother and father, I think she was taken back by my candidness that without them, we would not be blessed with such a beautiful and precious daughter. I praise God for this special moment with her and pray that the Holy Spirit helps her to grieve the losses she's had and look forward to the wonderful future that He has promised.

Luana turned 9 on August 16th. She has been at CLM for over two years and is one of the most precious little girls I've ever met. The judge recently told us that she will soon be released for adoption. Please join with us in praying for her forever family.

Time with the Gouges

What a blessing it has been to spend time with the Gouges! We knew that we were going to have fun with Steve, Tammy, Alyssa, and Stephanie but we didn't realize the impact they would have on our new family. As we have interacted with our dear friends that we've known for over 15 years, our children have seen a side of us they hadn't known. For those of you who have spent time in a foreign country, you will know what I mean. Speaking a different language affects how you interact with others...and Mike and I have been much more reserved here than we normally are! Our children have also been able to watch the Gouges interact and see the dynamics of a healthy family. I praise God for this precious time together and the powerful impact that adoption has had on our families and our friendship. Please pray for all of us as we continue to adjust.