As you all know, our little Josiah has Cerebral Palsy. It was almost a year ago that I flew down to Liberia to finish up our adoption. He was in the hospital with Malaria and Pneumonia, and had a few pretty scary episodes of not breathing well. While he was in the hospital, I had the opportunity to pray over an infant baby girl. She was there with severe malnutrition and having a very difficult time breathing. Of course I prayed for her healing, but her healing took place in Our Father's arms. She had passed during the night and is now resting in perfect peace with Him. With the limited medical facitilities and care in Liberia, this is such a common, everyday occurance. This baby girl left a lasting immpression on my heart.
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
WHATSUP!!
We are still trying to sell our other home. This will start being a huge financial burden if it does not sell in the next couple months. We will have an 'extra' tight Christmas this year. Clearance racks and thrift stores have been my best friend this past year. I love bargain hunting, always have. It's almost like a treasure hunt for me...trying to see how far I can stretch a $20 bill. My most recently prized purchase, is a pair of 'farming boots' that would have cost over $50 bucks, but I got them for $3! Today I found a few more pair for Scott and Anthony for $5! (Okay, stop laughing)!
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Just some thoughts...
There has been a lot going on in our lives lately, but I'm still trying to absorb some of it. I would humbly ask for prayer.
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Forget Me Not...
Forget Me Not Children's Home, is an orphanage for "special needs" kids in Liberia.
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
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