The Day After Christmas

It's funny when Christmas is over...IT'S OVER! They've already taken the tree down here at work. Too Funny.

Well, it was another nice Christmas. Every year I tell myself that this won't be as good a Christmas as last year...but every year it's always fun. I think it's the shopping that stresses me out...not knowing what to get. We had a great time with everyone. The furry kids had a great time too. They started opening presents before we did. They just couldn't wait any longer. They were so cute! We also went to visit Aunt Gen-Gen at Windsor Park...she was pretty good. She was so glad we came and little Aspen rode with her in her wheel chair down the hall. She just loved having Aspen on her lap. He's such a good little boy to with older people. It's really hard to believe another Christmas is here and gone.

Two Christmases without my little China girl. Next year though in 2008 would be so great to have a little one to celebrate Christmas with. Who knows....Kyrgyzstan could happen sometime next year. We could be home with a little one by Christmas. It will be really strange to have someone else to tend to. But a dream come true. We should know a lot more starting the beginning of the year. The Application was mailed last week and it's on its way to the Fullerton office. Not sure if the Home Study has been sent yet to them or not. Will find that out next week. Where the money will come from is a good question....but it will happen...A good reason to trust God and know that he will supply our needs. We think that we have come up with the name for our little Miss Kyrgyzstan... We have decided to go with Chelsey Lin...It's sort of a different name and seems to go well with our last name. We also like Chianne...so we'll see. It might not be decided until the referral arrives.

The Christmas Story - Part 2 Luke 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Real Christmas Story; Luke 1:5-58 - Part 1

5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

The story of three trees...

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: " I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. " I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world! The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.
Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain. The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.
The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.

"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world"

Busy Week

It's been a busy week so far. Actually this whole month has been crazy. It's funny that we know Christmas is coming the same time every year and we're never ready. Hummm. Where does December go to...Not that we're rushing this month away...but it sure does fly. Between the shopping...holiday parties, get-togethers with friends and family...it's just nuts! Monday we took Mom & Dad out shopping to Yorktown. It was nice they could all go out...we then went to Olive Garden for dinner.

Yesterday we had Ben, Helen Joy and Abel join us all for dinner at 703. Don't we look good with a little one.

Tonight we are going to Chalet's house for dinner... (see picture above. Chalet's is the blonde. Linda was also there along with Tina and the two of us. It was so much fun with "the girls". Dinner was great and Chalet's house is so cute.

Our dinner on Thursday evening turned out good. Everything came together great! Nothing like getting things done last minute...I think we do better. A lot more energy. Everything goes into overdrive. Hee hee. After they left we went to Target and Kohls for more shopping. Yawn. Made it home around 10:00. Then we had to clean up, feed the dogs...finally made it to bed around midnight. Life will slow down after next week. Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas Picture

Here is a picture of our kids...They did pretty good posing for the camera...even though this was one of 27 we took. This was the best picture.

First Trust Annual Christmas Party - Drury Lane

It was the 16th annual FT Portfolios Christmas Party. Always a fun time. So many people that we haven't seen...along with familes...new babies...kids that grow up...I think even though I haven't worked here that long (3 years)...I've been to just about all of the ones since Martha started here...13 years ago. Might not have gone to the first one...but have attended all the others. There were about 1,050 total there...there is a buffet that consists of salads, cheese and crackers, pasta, veggies, fried chicken, something else I don't know, and roast beef...rolls, etc. Desserts consists of Christmas cookies, Chocolate Mouse...and Ice Cream Sundaes. There's a short presentation for new people that joined...gave away 10 travel vouchers...$1500 each. And then a very cute video presention of next years' move to Liberty Place in Wheaton. YEAH! Official move will be I think 2009 Jan. Then they gave all adults a IPod Video Nano. Another adult toy to figure out. Hee hee. Last year was the North Face Jackets see above and two years ago was the IPod Nano...and it took us two years to finally get it up and running. Thanks First Trust. Great Job.

Mary's Boy Child

http://ingeb.org/spiritua/maryslit.mid

Long time ago in Bethlehem

So the holy Bible say

Mary's Boy child, Jesus Christ

Was Born on Christmas day

Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day

While shepherds watched their flock by night

They see a bright new shining star

They hear a choir sing a song

The music seemed to come from afar

Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day

Now Joseph and his wife, Mary,

Came to Bethlehem that night,

they found no place to bear her child,

Not a single room was in sight.
And then they found a little nook

In a stable all forlornAnd in a manger cold and dark

Mary's little boy was born

Refrain
Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day.

Referrals again... December 9-14, 2005

Well today we had referrals come though... They have completed the log in dates of December 9 thru the 14, 2005. There are still 3 more log in days left in December I think. Hurry up...I'm tired of 2005. I want to see something happen after 05 is complete. Lady Bugs represent good luck for China. One time long ago there were a lot of lady bugs and at that time tons of referrals came out...from then on lady bugs were "good luck" on the adoption front.

No Water - Frozen Pipes

Well today we woke up to no water. At first we thought the toilet had broke...but then there was no water in the bowl...so we tried the facet and nothing. We had this happen before when the temps were below zero. Today the temps were around 4-6 degrees. Burrr. Since we hadn't listen to the news and weather...didn't realize it was going down that low. So from now on we will turn the water on a trickle when temps fall below 20 degrees...just to be on the safe side.

First Real Snow of the season...No Water

For those in the midwest, last night was our first real snow fall. It started around 6p.m. and finally stopped this morning...with some lake effect this morning. It does help to have a little snow around...It really does feel like December now. Everything just looks so more festive with the snow. Driving in it is another story. We had about 4 or so inches from this storm. Right now it's sunny and skies are clear. But more snow is predicted for Thursday evening.

"WAIT"

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . . And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait? I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe, We need but to ask, and we shall receive. And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate, As my Master replied again, "Wait." So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut, And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . . and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens and darken the sun. I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be. You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.You'd not know the joy of resting in MeWhen darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of loveWhen the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,The faith that I give when you walk without sight.The depth that's beyond getting just what you askFrom an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will seeThat the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.And though oft My answers seem terribly late,My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
by Russell Kelfer

Our New Church - Construction Pictures

These are updated construction pictures of our new church (Wheaton Bible Church). Completion is supposed to be done July 2008. This is a lot further for us to go now since our other church was just down the street practically...this will add about 15-20 minute now to our drive. Should be interesting when the girls arrive.

This has been in the making for many years....and has finally happened. It's hard to imagine that we won't be at our church next year for Christmas. This will be our last time at this church to celebrate Christmas. Who knows also what other new things will be...It's time for a little girl next Christmas. That would be the neatest thing ever.

Also, Pastor Bugh will be married in two more weeks. He is marrying Dr. Rhonda Williams. We are all just so happy for them. Rob lost his wife in 2006 due to cancer and Rhonda lost her husband to cancer in 2005. Both families were very close and did just about everything together. Back in January they started going out together and got engaged in August. This is truly a match made in heaven. With so many people praying... how could they have not gotten together. God sure works in mysterious ways. Both Carol Bugh and Dr. Tom Williams were wonderful spouses. They are truly missed for sure. I really never got to know either that well. Rhonda will make a wonderful wife for Rob. Rhonda is a pediatrician so I plan on taking my SuAnna to visit her.

Happy Birthday to Our Callie Girl.

Pictures of Callie and also a picture of her and her sister Daisy Mae dressed up in their China outfits. We love you. Happy Birthday my little sweetie.

Saturday Dinner

We had a great time together. The dinner really turned out good. We did a lot of running around on Saturday to get everything accomplished. We cleaned up our place and it was all decorated by Saturday afternoon.

Jane (right)use to be my boss when I was in Marketing at FTP. If it wasn't for Jane...I'd probably not be working here. Barb (left) works in the computer area writing programs. We had been meaning to have them over for a while and finally got around to it. Even the dogs behaved. Training is paying off.

Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone.

It was an uneventful day. Just spent most of the day doing stuff at home. Need to get things organized...put away, etc. We are starting to put our decorations up and everything is all over the place. But we have made progress. Should be done by tonight so we can start other things then for company tomorrow.

Thanksgiving evening we spent with the group...the dogs were great.

The Peanuts Gang

Last night we watched Charlie Brown and Gang in two shows that I don't think we've seen before. One was their Thanksgiving show and the other was one when Charlie Brown went to Camp. Really cute!

Can you name the characters: Not sure if I can.

The Bachelor Show - A surprise ending

For those that watched the goofy show The Bachelor...it had a real surprise ending on Monday. No one really expected it to end the way it did. For those that don't know much about the show it's a "reality show" about a guy that has to choose from 25 women narrowing it down every week and then to 2 and the last show he's supposed to propose to one.

This is a six week show and the Eleventh season...but has not really had a good track record. Only one other Bachelor show has ended up in marriage and that's taking 2.5 years to develop. All others have ended with most guys ending the relationship even before the show is done airing. How can anyone find true love in this type of setting?...It just doesn't work that way in real life. It's sort of like a "summer romance"...it doesn't really ever last. Everything is perfect...why wouldn't anyone fall in love in that case? But real life isn't that way. It takes time to really fall in love.

So back to the show on Monday and what happened. The hour show had everyone watching...since the previews had said this was going to be the most shocking Rose Ceremony ever...everyone of course was curious. We all knew it had to be different that the other endings but not sure how. It started out with The Bachelor spending time with the two girls...each different evenings. Of course each girl went all out to try and win his love. He then brought each of them home to his family to meet. Even then he was still very confused as to who he would pick. I think he should have known this by now. They never do... Anyway, when they get to the Rose Ceremony...the first girl arrives in her Limo and is escorted to where she is going to meet the "bachelor" for him to propose or send her home. Of course it's some georgeous setting. After saying everything...he tells her he has to say "good-bye" because there are things that she doesn't have. Not really sure what that could have been...since he only knew her 6 weeks. It's just so hard to see them hurt. Thinking that this could be "the one". Then of course everyone things that the next girl he will propose to...Well, that's the change...he doesn't He said good bye to the other one too. Sending her home with zillions of questions. It wasn't your story book ending for sure. It was just so sad to see both girls get their heart broken. Especially when they had so much hope in what he was telling them. I really think he had commitment

problems...just couldn't settle down. By 34...you'd think he would have found someone. That has to say something. So another season of the Bachelor is history. Now we all look forward to the next season in the Spring. NOT! Why would any one put themselves through that just to find the perfect person. They just don't exist.

How often do you ask God to hurry?

"O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.
Psalm 141:1-2 NLT
"
The Second Thanksgiving "The year was 1623. The Pilgrims had been in the New World for two and half years. The first Thanksgiving of 1621 was only a memory by this time because this summer's drought was jeopardizing everything. Not even the Indians could remember anything like it. The settlers had planted more corn than before, but without any rainfall, there would be no harvest. Daily they had prayed that God would send rain, but he hadn't answered. As the psalmist did in Psalm 141:1, they were begging God to hurry.Finally, the settlers set aside an entire day for prayer and worship. As they went for worship, the "heavens were as clear and the drought as like to continue as it ever was," yet when they left the meeting, "the weather was overcast, the clouds gathered on all sides." For the next 14 days there were "moderate showers of rain," according to Edward Winslow, one of the Pilgrims.The Indians watched and were amazed at how the God of the new settlers had answered their prayers, and that year, after the harvest, a second Thanksgiving was celebrated with the Indians joining in as well."Hurry up, Lord," we often prod, wondering why the Almighty doesn't seem to be in as much of a rush as we are. Sometimes we need to set our watches to his clock.

The 10 reasons we wait... #10

...To get to know many new friends. On Saturday evening we met friends for dinner that have adopted from China back 4 years ago. Dave, Jan & Emma. A year ago we had met them at our local grocery store. We had so much fun on Saturday...maybe because we don't get out that much...but just being out and talking about adoption made it fun. There's always something new to learn that's for sure.

We first met them at their house to pick up things that Emma had out grown. I'm sure we will be able to use them down the road. Totally adorable dresses. We then went to one of many restaurants that opened recently in our town. It's a Stir-Fry type restaurant. Really great food. Pretty healthy too...except for the cheese cake we ordered afterwards. :) Because it was a fairly new restaurant it was pretty crowded also. It's so hard to believe that our town has developed so many new restaurants in the past couple years. I think for the longest time we had maybe two. And one wasn't opened for dinner. Now it's hard to find a parking place.

More of what's happening with Vietnam

Since my last post I've been able to get a little more information to try and understand all this with Vietnam and US. It's been really complicated to understand in some ways...Ask 5 different agencies and get 5 different answers. "Yes, we're not accepting any more applications" to "We are still taking applications"...etc. Things have to be renewed...license, etc. This will all take place by next March 2008.

I received an e-mail from someone from one of the agencies...and she did explained it better than others had...below is what she wrote.

"The information which you heard about the risk of Vietnam might close its adoption program to the U.S. families is correct.

The 3-year adoption commitment between Vietnamese and the U.S. governments will end in 2008. There are several meetings being held to discuss on establishing the new one. However, the chance of Vietnam closes its adoption program to the U.S. might happen if the U.S. does not show a better respect to the host country. The Vietnamese government is not happy with the way how the U.S. Embassy has been doing their investigation on the children without the permission and co-operation from Vietnam. I hope the situation will get better when two sides can get together to figure out a better way to run the program.
Up until now, there is no official announcement of closing the adoption program in Vietnam. We are still helping the families who are currently in the program as well as receiving new applications.
With better knowledge on the preparation for adoption dossier to Vietnam, Amy can help you answer more questions and assist you through the process.
If you have any questions or concerns about the adoptions in Vietnam, please do not hesitate to reach one of us"

So to be on the safe side...we just might wait until March...so we really know things are settled and agencies are accepting application again. If that's the case...we would maybe stick with the same agency we started with. A lot just aren't accepting new application right now or any time soon. The fact that this particular agency could have taken the money and not said anything...and then things could have been on hold. This will also give us a better idea of how things are progressing in China...By March...they could be up to Feb for referrals. Sure wish I would have been in that month. :(

Not good news from Vietnam

The news from Vietnam isn't good. Yesterday we spoke with our agency regarding sending the contract and money to them. From the conversation with Judy T...it looks like things will be on hold with Vietnam adoptions until March 2008. This was not good news at all since this was one of the only other places for singles to adopt from. There will be a meeting the end of this month and there should be more information after that...then another meeting in March. So until then...there's nothing we can do. We were so much hoping that things were going to work out for Vietnam and next year we'd be traveling there. But right now it's not looking like it at all. So it looks like right now we'll be heading to AZ/CO next year. But right now anything goes!

Don't Worry...Be Happy

This picture was taken a while ago outside our kitchen window. This reminded me of how God wraps his loving arms around us to protect us during the storms in life.

Under his wings I am safely abiding,Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust him; I know he will keep me, He has redeemed me, and I am his child.

Refrain

Under his wings, under his wings,Who from his love can sever? Under his wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.

Under his wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to his rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing, There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Refrain

Under his wings, oh, what precious enjoyment! There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er; Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me, Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore

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Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?

Matthew 6:28
Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin.
Matthew 6:31
So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ Matthew 6:34
So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. Psalm 91:6

Photo at Herrick Lake 2007

A few weeks ago we did a photo shoot with all the dogs. We've wanted a picture of all of us somewhere in an outside setting. It was a perfect day. The dogs were pretty good except when they saw another dog. We had a great photographer...I will post his website on here shortly. He's local and does a great job.

From left to right: Martha, Gracie, Snowball, Aspen, Callie, Daisy & Mary.

More Halloween Pictures

Brother & Sister - Aren't we cute?

Playing the Waiting Game-Why do I doubt?

Have you ever waited for something that you've really, really wanted...a vacation...a new car...Christmas when you were younger? It just seemed like it would never get there. I remember counting the days till Christmas when I was younger and wondering when it would get here. Those last couple days seem like forever, didn't they? Anyway...that's the way I feel with my waiting for my referral for my SuAnna. On Monday, Nov 5th when referrals came out...it was just so hard to see that they hadn't gotten as far as I had hoped for. Still another 4 log-in days to get through December.

But I know that this is supposed to be...to many things have told me that already. So why do I doubt? Maybe because it's not in my control...I have no idea what each month will bring. The hardest thing is...we have no clue about this adoption. It could be next year...it could be two years. I came across a few verses today that seemed to fit this waiting game.

He who began will not quit....
"And I am sure that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
Philippians 1:6 NLT

Let this encourage God's holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus.
Revelation 14:12 NLT

I have heard your prayers, says the Lord, and the answers will come according to My will and purposes. But, you are striving about the details, which will cause you to become anxious. You must rest in the movement and flow of My Spirit, for surely those things will come to pass in due season and in right order. Again, I say, rest. Rest in the assurance that I am with you and that I will help you along the way. I am bringing you along a path that you have not traveled before, and the enemy would love nothing better than to cause you to become disoriented. Resist the temptations that he brings to turn back, and keep pressing on. Truly, the journey is worth the trouble. Matthew 6:27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"