Sometimes waiting is the hardest part

It has been almost 3 months since our last udpate.  So... what have we been doing but waiting...waiting... and more waiting. 
  Life has kept moving.  School has continued. Work has continued.  We have six children here whose lives have continued.  Essentially life has continued to move along.  Sometimes it has moved a little too fast.  And yet, there is this expectant part of us that is waiting for the call or e-mail saying, "It's time".  There is this hesitation every time we make plans, thinking, "Will we still be here?". 
  We are now waiting for the Ministry of Women's Affairs to give a letter to the court saying they approve the adoption.  How long will this take?  "It seems to be moving along a little quicker than a few months ago," is what we keep hearing.  But what does that mean in REAL time.  Nothing...
We have been anticipating, yet sometimes the anticipation gets old.
We have been preparing the rooms, yet sometimes to work is long.
We have been praying, yet sometimes the prayer seems stale.
Everyday we go through this similar routine.  Anticipate, routine, anticipate, no response, work, pray, no response, wait...

It is interesting to me that as of yet, the fource doesn't even know we exist.  I know, I know... it is best for the kids to be oblivious.  But for almost 1 year we have been working towards bringing them here and they are not even aware that something big is going on behind the scenes.  Their world is about to change... forever.  Yet they know nothing.
It is this reality that we come face to face with from time to time that keeps this journey real.  Life is about to change...forever.  Although at times is seems like this is never going to happen; it is.  God promises that His Will will be completed in His perfect timing.  Timing that is perfect for us and for the Fource- and in the way that is perfect.  Matthew 7:7-8 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you.  Keep searching, and you will find.  Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 
One day we will get the call and we will be scrambling, quickly to pack and leave.  And although that reality seems far off.  There ARE 4 children on the other side of the world with no family.  Waiting...

 

Final Adoption Fundraiser! :)

Friends, thank you so much for all that you've done for us!! We're so blessed by your generosity! This is God's story. He's planned everything, from the major things to the minor details, and we thank him for that!! As we've been preparing for the arrival of the "fource", we've been cleaning out the auction items that are left from "The Event". There is no minimum price, we're just asking you to make an offer. If you have any questions or would like to see a picture please don't hesitate to contact us! The deadline for all purchases is March 24th!

1. Kansas City Ballet Gift Certificate. Three free adult or teen classes at Kansas City Ballet School. Class options include ballet , tap, jazz, modern, flamenco, pilates, yoga, and more. Donated by Kansas City Ballet. Retail value $45.

2. Nail care gift bag which includes bottom coat, top coat, nail lacquer, and two hand lotions. Donated by Karen Claussen.

a. Steady as she rose. Retail value $20.

3. Three HVAC precision tune ups, professional cleanings, and combustion safety inspections. Donated by Rory Krueger from Krueger Geothermal Systems.

a. One tune up: Retail value $189.

b. One tune up: Retail value $189.

c. One tune up: Retail value $189.

4. Four adult admissions to Clay Cooper's Country Music Express, which entertains with singing, dancing, rope twirling, and hysterical comedy, and four adult admissions to Red, Hot, and Blue, a journey through the Big Band era of the 40's, Rocking 50's, eclectic 60's, disco 70's and an All American salute to Veterans, appearing at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson. Donated by Clay Cooper Theatre. Retail value $260.

5. Half-hour riding lesson with Tennessee Walking Horses at D & D Farms. Donated by David Davenport. Retail value $25.

6. One day guided fishing trip on Lake Granby, Colorado (near Winter Park). Expires 10-31-2013. Donated by Bernie Keefe, premier fishing guide. Retail value $575.

7. One voucher for Kansas City T-Bones Tickets good for four adult tickets to the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club. Donated by Kansas City T-Bone baseball club Monday-Wednesday home games. Retail value $26.

8. One copy of a set of 2 Christian instrumental CD's, which include piano hymns. Donated and performed by Louis Claussen. Retail value $24.

9. One insulated vacuum server (1 liter) coffee pot. Donated by Feller's Food Service. Retail value $50.

10. One blue squash book, a lovely fold up photo album. Donated by Michele Lindley. Retail value $12.

11. "The Bare Facts: 39 Questions Your Parents Hope You Never Ask About Sex" by Josh McDowell. Donated by Erin Davis. Retail value $10.99.

12. The Original Fashion Sports Watch by deuce brand. A clever and ergonomic design, this watch can be worn in a multitude of conditions from trend setting to contact sports. Waterproof, durable, and contains supreme functionality. Donated by deuce brand.

a. White-small(16 cm.). Retail value $20.

b. Clear-large(18 cm.). Retail value $20.

c. Blue-xlarge. Retail value $20.

13. Baby Roll Asleep. No need to drive your baby around in the car to fall asleep. Gently ease your baby to sleep in your home. Can also be used as a changing station or bath tub. Donated by Baby Roll Asleep. Retail value $79.95.

14. "Mallards, Final Approach" open edition framed print by Manning. Size: 29" x 25". Donated by Mark and Sandy Cunningham, Gallery Art Market/ Art Market Network. Retail value $95.

15. Salute to Heritage, artist John Fulton. John Fulton was known as a prolific painter of colorful balloons. John Fulton was alos the architect for the John Q Hammons enterprise. This painting is also #80 of 350, a limited edition. Donated by Allen & Michelle Lindley. Retail value $300.

16. "We are Loved" Short Sleeved T-Shirts $15 each.

Extra Large - 2

Large - 2

Medium - 1

Small - 3

Youth Large - 2

Aubrey and Louis for the Evergrowing Stinsons!! :)