Christina's little corner in the BIG world

Some bits from 2010

2010-12-23T19:51:00.000-06:00

A greeting by Smilebox

Check out our Forget-Me-Not Blog...

2010-08-03T16:43:00.002-05:00

http://forgetmenotchildrenshomes.blogspot.com/

Busy busy busy...

2010-07-20T20:51:00.005-05:00

My blog has been neglected...soooo busy! A few events recently that have kept me busy...MY OLDEST BABY IS MARRIED!!! Yep! It was a beautiful wedding and oh so sweet! BUT, I did not know how hard it was going to be on a mommas heart. It's truly something that you can't prepare for. Andrew and Erica will be great together, and it's so precious to watch them ooze that 'new love!'

AND...I have ongoing work for the Forget-Me-Not Children's Program in Liberia, that has been keeping me very busy. One of the desperate needs we have, besides getting more kids sponsored, is the need for our own vehicle in Liberia. We just finished a Rummage Sale at our church...and so many from our church family showed up with wonderful donations and a ton of help! We raised just over $2000! What a great start in raising the $12,000 needed funds!

AND...we have been busy with four new baby alpacas!! One more on the way! The last month has been super insane with these new little ones! They are the cutest animals ever!!!

My baby is three!!!!

2010-06-21T14:05:00.003-05:00

A few remaining pics from our trip...

2010-06-13T20:31:00.005-05:00

Kenneth and a foster brother
Admiring Barry's smile!
Korpu and her sweet personality!
Our new deaf teacher, Monjue. Holding Melvin, one of our deaf children, standing next to one of Monjue's foster son's who is also deaf.

Day 5

2010-06-02T19:31:00.004-05:00

Barry trying out the swing!
I consider the 5 of us a great team! Myself, Josephus, Pastor Peter, Donna, Tanya.
Beautiful Patience!
The swing set that Scott, I and the kids did through several fundraising pancake breakfasts at our church!

Day 4

2010-06-02T14:08:00.003-05:00

Korpu getting weighed
Sweet Barry and his foster poppie!
Smiling Kenneth
Surprise getting measured
Some supplies we bought from donated funds!

Continued from day 3

2010-05-20T14:40:00.005-05:00

We had the honor of visiting Pastor Peter's village, where he was born, deep into the interior in the bush. This visit was a very special day, it was a day that a water well was being dedicated. Looking at the pics here, you can see us crossing the bridge where they would collect the water for all their needs. It was green and filthy! People and children were always dying from getting illnesses from this water. A couple families from the U.S., took it upon themselves to raise the funds for this well, and we were so honored to be there for this dedication! Someone said we were the first 'white' people to visit this village. This village is very poor...no school, no latrines, no drinking water (until this well). The homes are squared huts made of dirt and sticks. The people there are amazing, joyous and dancing for us! You would have thought we gave them a million dollars! It truly humbled me to be among this tribe! What an amazing day we had!

Day 3- Our trip to Cuttington U!

2010-05-06T18:10:00.008-05:00

A couple nursing students from our class!
Our group of 5! Love these ladies!
Proffesor Flomo and his beautiful wife
The students that attended our workshop.
Jospehus and I teaching 'Basic care and Therapy' for special needs children.
Our first meal of rice and potato greens, made by the guest home staff.

Day 2.Beach Day!

2010-04-28T06:50:00.005-05:00

I wanted to treat our foster families for our 'special kids', to a wonderful day at the beach. It was wonderful and the day was beautiful!

A meeting on the beach with my foster families.
Love Kenneth! This face is priceless!
Martha prepared a wonderful meal of fried chicken, rice and potato salad! It was the best meal of the whold trip!
Pastor Peter saying a prayer and preaching a little!
Josephus and Korpu. I feel so blessed to have him on our team! He has such a sweet heart for this ministry!

A SMALL GIFT CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT

2010-04-27T20:06:00.001-05:00

A SMALL GIFT CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT
Having just recently returned from my trip to Liberia, I saw firsthand how impactful the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Program truly is. Placing kids in trained loving foster family homes is so important to our ‘special needs’ children. We have been amazed at how many of our kids are thriving in their new homes, and how each one of our caregivers is carrying out their mission of taking care of these beautiful children.
However, the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Program in Liberia is in desperate need of a vehicle. Our program is growing, and the logistics of transportation for our local director in Liberia is becoming desperate. He consumes a lot of time, trying to locate an available taxi, sometimes several times a day. He visits our FMN children several times a week, as well as delivers supplies, has several meetings a week with important government offices, hospitals, doctors, as well as taking a child for regular medical care visits . He also must be available to pick up a sick child from our foster homes to take them to the clinic or hospital…this can happen very often because several of our kids are medically fragile. We are also having a difficult time with transporting large amounts of supplies that cannot be transported in a standard taxi. Therefore, a suitable vehicle is needed for this. Again, this is very difficult to find on a daily basis. Roads can be very difficult to navigate in a smaller car, due to all the pot holes, water and dirt roads that get us to the FMN foster homes. It’s not uncommon to wait several hours trying to flag down a taxi. In an emergency situation, this could be devastating to our program if we cannot get care for one of our kids in a timely matter.
Currently we send EVERY penny of our funds directly to our foster family program in Liberia, which in turn utilizes the full amount to benefit our children in need. Our program operates on a per sponsored child basis. We don’t have ANY spare funds that come in, that can cover such a need for a vehicle. We volunteer our time (sometimes can be a 30 hour work week), because we love what we do! I feel so privileged to work alongside a wonderful team that all have a heart for our FMN children. We cannot grow our program without the vital tool we need in having our own transportation.
Please consider helping us in our FMN Children’s Program Vehicle Fundraiser. We aren’t asking for a few people to give large amounts, we are asking MANY to give a little. If we can have 200 people, commit to just $30, this adds up to a $6000 amount. This would help us locate a suitable vehicle for our program. I did some checking on vehicles while in Liberia, and they are extremely expensive!! You cannot find a decent used vehicle,(used but new off the ship from oversees), for less than $5000. We are talking about a vehicle that has over 100,000 miles on it, but is in good ‘used’ shape and has some necessary options like four wheel drive and air conditioning, plenty of space to transport several foster children and large amounts of supplies. My goal is to have all the funds raised in 3 months time, starting on May 1st. Of course we will take ANY donation amount, large or small! We cherish your support of our program, and continue to move forward with great joy in growing this program. The need for our program is desperate. There is no other one program, that ONLY takes in ‘special needs’ abandoned children, and places them into a ‘trained’ foster home. We give these beautiful children a home and the ability to reach their greatest potential with the resources we have.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful support and prayers!
Christina Hoffman #651-353-5248 (Director-Stateside for Forget-Me-Not Children’s Program in Liberia)
***Please send your giving amount, with ‘FMN vehicle’ in memo line, to…
Global Orphan Outreach, P.O. Box 97, Ladysmith WI, 54848.

Day 1 or our trip to Liberia for the Forget-Me-Not Children's Program for 'Special Needs' kids

2010-04-24T06:17:00.006-05:00

Tanya and Karin
Surprise and I
Our first morning meeting
Our first meal in Liberia after a long two day travel
Trying to load all our donations and luggage into van

My Inspiration!

2010-02-19T13:21:00.010-06:00

Josiah finally has his custom wheels!!

The picture above, shows my sweet boy, smiling and proud! After so many months of waiting for his 'trainer' (walker), it has arrived! Now he just has to learn how to move, and be more independent.

For those of you who don't know, Josiah has Cerebral Palsy (full body). He will be three in May, and cannot talk, walk or crawl...yet. He has had every therapy we could possibly have, since we brought him into our family two years ago. Our hopes are very high, and our hearts are full. Having Josiah in our lives has truly changed our lives for the better. He is my inspiration and why I am so involved in helping 'special needs' children in Liberia... http://globalorphanoutreach.com/ForgetMeNotChildrensHome.html

Before we adopted Josiah, we already had our daughters (from Haiti) home for 3 years, and knew that we were 'stretched; with our oldest daughters cognative disability, and really wanted a 'healthy, normal' child. Well, it's funny when we put our request in with God, he does the COMPLETE opposite! He's done this with all three of our adopted children. Being on the other side now, God has used each one of our children to stretch and mold us, taught us not to be idle and comfortable. I can say, I love my life and adore my kids! My three bio boys were so easy and quiet, and just plain EASY!!! I vividly remember thanking God for giving me such easy boys and a comfortable life...then BAM!!! My life changed with several trials and struggles, then Panic/Anxiety Disorder, as well as depression. For those of you who suffer from any of these, you completely understand. Each time I had an episode, I felt like I was dying! It can be very scary and isolating.
After several years on meds, I took myself off of every medication (cold turkey...not recommended), and went into chemical withdrawals. BUT, God chose to heal me of all of it, and use this experience for His glory!

Why am I telling you this? Because going through some very tough times, and being on the other side, God always has a plan for His Glory.
When we adopted Josiah, we had no knowledge of his CP whatsoever!We only knew he had no right hand, not a big deal. When I went to Liberia to get him, he was very sick with Malaria and pneumonia, but I fell deeply in love with this baby boy! It was instant! Remember, we put in a request to God, and figured it was all good. It didn't take long to know something was wrong with our Blessing (Josiah's given name). He was not progressing, not doing a whole lot of anything. A brain scan comfirmed it for us. He had suffered lack of oxygen his first hour of life.

Fast forward a few years now. We could not imagine our lives without him. He is truly a blessing! All of our kids have a special bond and care for him, as well as anyone with a disability of any kind. Scott and I adore him to death!! He is the most beautiful and determined little guy you will meet. He cannot talk, but is extremely smart! We have every hope that he will talk and walk one day in the near future. His life could have been devestating in Liberia. There is very little hope for an abandoned child with a 'special need' in Liberia. Josiah is very blessed to have a birthmom that knew she couldn't care for him, but wanted a family for him. Our Forget-Me-Not Program in Liberia deals ONLY with 'special' kids, and places them in a loving and trained foster home. It's been a lot of work, a ton of hours working together with Donna (director of Global Orphan Outreach),trips to Liberia, tears and perseverance to get our program up and running, but it's finally established and already changing lives. When God placed this program and the need on my heart, I told him he had to find the time in my day for it. Well, he did. I feel so blessed to be the director of this program, and be so involved with the lives of these kids, as well as our caregivers and my team in Liberia. I love each and every one of our FMN kids. My life is very busy, but God continues to give me the time in the day to devote to this program. This is HIS program, and it's to be used for HIS GLORY!
Here we are again, yes in the adoption process since last April, and no special requests to God. Scott and I have just thrown our arms up and are saying, "God, just give us the child you want!" He does anyways! God is soooo good!

Haiti on my heart...

2010-01-23T19:41:00.002-06:00

I have not wanted to post anything about Haiti, well, because I just don't know what to say. The whole world knows about the earthquake, we see the pictures and read the words of those in the midst of this horrible disaster. Our daughters are from Haiti, their birth famlies are there, our sponsored child is there. I know we will not hear of there safety for quite some time. I have been reading and hearing some wonderful things happening amidst the devestation. The director of the orphanage where our girls are from, Dr. Jacob Bernard from New Life Link, was able to move all the kids from one of the orphanages, into his home. They have stayed safe and are trying to get a lot of them out of Haiti, that were in the adoption process. There are a lot of families that have been waiting years, and some that have only waited a short time...but they will be getting their children home soon!!!! This is an amazing miracle. If you know anything about Haiti and the process to adopt, this is truly a miracle!!! I can't wait to hear that ALL the children that were in the process, are finally with their forever families. And praying for the orphans that still need someone to be their family.

We continue praying for Haiti, the people and children. Please don't stop praying for this devestated country. Pray pray pray!!!

Want to come to Liberia with me???

2010-01-07T20:26:00.004-06:00

Liberia-Africa

Global Orphan Outreach is planning a spring mission trip. Travel date is tentatively the week of April 7th, 2010.

This trip is for those who are interested in becoming more involved in some capacity with one of our special projects and want to see and experience first hand for themselves- Liberia and the needs of its people.

We will be visiting Forget-Me-Not Children’s Homes and its special children, fixing up and decorating some of the foster homes, visiting a University as well as building handicap ramps on campus, hold some work shops, touring Monrovia and the Bong Cty area, taking foster families out for a “day at the beach” including enjoying a Liberian style meal of chicken and rice with them. We hope to tour some hospitals, a feeding center, check out the caustic prevention/education project progress as well as taking time to drive through the 1 million acres of Firestone. There also will be plenty of free time for personal time; spending it however you wish.

Price for airfare, transportation as a group, 6 nights accommodations (air conditioned), food, and $100 donation towards the FMN program while in Liberia will be $2600. (Funds for snacks or souvenirs –you will need separately)

If you are interested in traveling with us or want more information about this exciting trip; please contact Christina Hoffman #651-353-5248 or Donna Barber #715-415-4401

*** Passport, travel visa, and yellow fever shot required***

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T15:11:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Josiah

2009-12-14T21:33:00.002-06:00

Quilt to benefit Forget-Me-Not Children in Liberia

2009-12-13T20:57:00.002-06:00

quilt+raffle.jpg (image)

Check out what I'm doing in Liberia this week!!

2009-12-03T02:40:00.003-06:00

Go to...globalorphanoutreach.blogspot.com

Anthony

2009-11-22T18:22:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-11-20T08:12:00.002-06:00

2009-09-15T08:50:00.002-05:00

Check out Global Orphan Outreach's new website!!

2009-08-29T08:57:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to click on the Forget-Me-Not Children's Homes link!!

www.globalorphanoutreach.org

SEEKING SUPPLY DONATIONS FOR LIBERIA!!

2009-08-24T13:26:00.004-05:00

As you well know, I was in Liberia a month ago, helping get our program off the ground, and to deliver supplies to our nurse and caregivers. Well, we continue to have needs and have compiled a list of the most necessary items that are needed ASAP for our nurse in Liberia. She is working very hard on helping this program become a success. We are working on getting supplies over next month, and again on our next trip. If you, a group or a church would like to contribute any of the items listed below for the Forget-Me-Not Children's Program, that would be awesome! Here is the list of needs...

BABY NEEDS...

Pack and play/portable cribs (the kind you can easily fold up for travel)
Umbrella strollers
Baby walkers
Wind-up baby swings (needs to be sturdy to hold heavier baby, small toddler)
Cloth diapers
Crib toys
Plastic books or thick and chunky books (so they can be wiped down over and over again and not get ruined)
Washable plastic toys (no cloth)
Therapeutic toys/equipment
Sippy cups
Plastic bottles with nipples
Bulb syringes
Large bottles of lotion, hand sanitizer, baby powder and baby soap
Crib sheets
Mosquito nets

MEDICATION AND SUPPLIMENTS...

Pedialites packets
Carnation instant drink packets (for Caustic children)
Children's Tylenol, Ibuprophen, Benedryl, Anti fungal, Hydracortizone cream, and vitamins
First Aid Kit

NEEDS FOR OUR NURSE AND OFFICE IN LIBERIA...

Funds for generator
Two lap tops (internet ability, and do word documents)
digital cameras
Memory card (1GB)
Scanner/printer

You can mail any items to this mailing address...
Christina Hoffman
W8240 County Rd. KK
Ellsworth, WI 54011

After a VERY busy June and July, we finally got out in the boat!!!

2009-08-10T20:25:00.006-05:00

One of Our Forget-Me-Not Sponsored Children

2009-08-06T07:54:00.002-05:00

Overwhelmed...

2009-08-06T07:29:00.002-05:00

I haven't figured out what I want to post yet, about my trip to Liberia last week. There is still so much to process, yet the feeling of being overwhelmed with so much to do, is really weighing heavy on my heart.

The need for the kids we are focusing on, the 'special needs', 'handicapped', is soooo great! There are so many kids that are just abandoned in hospitals, clinics, villages, just because they are handicap. They are left in the hospital, with no where to go. So they wait and languish. But, our program is working on getting these children into Liberian foster homes, who have been trained to take care of their needs, and love them like their own. Who knows what the potential of these beautiful children can be!

BUT...We cannot do this without financial support. Your support can be utilized is so many different ways! Be a sponsor for a child, the nurse, or help with funding for our trips over there, (which are very important to keep the program running), help support a shipment of supplies to keep our caregivers and nurse equipped.

Please...consider being a financial partner in our program...The Forget-Me-Not Children's Homes. You can learn more about us, by clicking the link on the left of my blog. Here is the link with a quick review of our days in Liberia last week...http://www.globalorphanoutreach.blogspot.com/

My week in Liberia...

2009-08-04T07:41:00.002-05:00

I will post more later...as I have time. But for now, follow this link...

http://www.globalorphanoutreach.blogspot.com/

1 more month...

2009-07-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

Before our Andrew is done with his schooling in Ohio!!!! I can't wait to have him back home!

A Dream and Africa!

2009-07-11T07:38:00.003-05:00

It has been such a joy to be able to be directly involved in helping set in motion, the Forget-Me-Not Children's program/homes in Liberia. We already have children in our care there, and will soon be getting more. My good friend and I , will be heading to Liberia very soon, and set in place protocols, staff, homes, etc. Also, we are taking as many supplies as we can this trip. We have been collecting donations as they come in, and are almost prepared. The cost of the trip is a big undertaking itself, and are still trying to raise funds for this. The only way we can do something like this, is with the help of others. If you would like to help defray some of our travel expenses, or learn more about the program,please click on the link here...

http://www.globalorphanoutreach.com/forget_me_not/index.html

and click on the "get involved" button.
If you want to be involved by sponsoring one of our children, that would be awesome too! If you are paying by check, put in the memo line, where you want your funds to go to.
We appreciate any financial help...without it, the Forget-Me-Not program would not be possible.

S'more, Love's Kindergarten graduation, Haircut time!

2009-07-08T20:17:00.003-05:00

May

2009-05-29T15:04:00.001-05:00

Spring babies, concerts, birthdays...

2009-05-15T14:36:00.003-05:00

Wow! We have been busy! Just a few of our happenings here...

Some updates...

2009-05-01T19:18:00.002-05:00

A lot has happened this past month...
My dad and step mom are now officially living on our property with their HUGE RV! They are a couple hundred feet away from our front door. What an amazing blessing this change has been to our family. I get to have coffee some mornings with my dad, my step mom comes in and surprises me with the dishwasher cleared out and my laundry washed AND folded!!!! I AM SPOILED!!! I LOVE IT! We also have them over for dinner Monday through Thursday. It is soooo cool to have my kids around their grandparents almost everyday. I have dreamed this for my kids for so long. I grew up only seeing my grandparents maybe once a year. I didn't want that for my kids. They do still get to see their other set of grandparents every couple months too though. So that's a great bonus too!

My oldest baby, Andrew 19, was home for Easter break. It was great to spend time with him. I really miss him. The kids really miss him too. But, they did spend some good quality time with big brother!

Have been spending a lot of time with my 'bonus' teenager! She came into our lives last summer, lived with us for awhile, and is starting to make some great positive changes in her life. She's learning about family life and Jesus! She is also my biggest helper with Josiah. I can trust her with all the kids, and leave! Yep, she's that brave to take on this whole clan! I can't wait to see what God does in her life!

We are anxiously waiting on the arrival of three baby alpacas! Any day now! And...75 meat chicks! That is the boys' project this summer! I'm trying to stay away from THAT one!

Fabulous news on our 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home! I will have to post details later on that! Please keep the prayers coming for all the beautiful 'special needs' kids!

Some other great news is about our house we have listed for sale. We didn't sell it, but we did rent it out for a year, and they are hoping to buy it after that! So that financial burden has been lifted! Thank you Lord!

Josiah has been making some great progress these past few months. We are hoping to have him walking in his walker by the time he turns three. I am still his main source of mobility, when he is not army crawling all over the house! He's got some serious biceps! He is also in the toddler terrible two's!! His lack of communication skills really makes it frustrating for all parties involved. We have been working on signing, using pictures, and some sounds that he can use. Poor baby sometimes can't get his point across without throwing a little tantrum. I'm really hoping that we have a breakthrough with his verbal skills or signing soon.
He has been staying healthy, which is so great to see. He is such a sweet, funny and determined little guy! It was really hard when he was so sick for those six months! It's all good now! He was also approved for state medical care, which will cover everything that our insurance doesn't cover. It really adds up quick when you count all the dr. appointments, surgeries, etc. I must say that our county programs, are by far, the best I have ever heard about. They come to US with ideas and services offered for kids like Josiah. WE don't have to go looking for it! We are so blessed to be in such a supportive community who really want to get families who have special needs kids, into programs and hooked up with services that can benefit all of us! HUGE HUGE praises here!!

Oh, and not ready yet to make any announcements yet! Ha!

CHANGES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON!

2009-04-03T14:13:00.001-05:00

Any guesses?

Big accomplishment!

2009-04-02T07:34:00.004-05:00

Last night I thought I would try to sit Josiah by himself, and see how long it took him to topple over. Well, we just played, and played, had a few times where he actually caught himself falling and would counter balance with his trunk muscles. HE SAT FOR 30 MINUTES WITHOUT ONE TOPPLE!!!! Yahoo little Joe!!
This is a huge thing for him! I can't tell you how proud I was of our little guy!!!
Gotta get a pic next time!

Beautiful day for a race!

2009-03-19T08:12:00.001-05:00

CHOICES...

2009-03-11T14:16:00.002-05:00

Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

‘when not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they’ll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'we're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the

plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment & in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all teammates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, r un to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

(This was forwarded to me by another adoptive mom)

Serious help needed...

2009-03-09T19:18:00.002-05:00

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I am involved in helping with a new orphanage/home for 'special needs' kids in Liberia. We are trying to raise funds to be able to start taking kids in that really need us. We have, at least 10 kids in need of our home, RIGHT NOW. I recieved some very sad news today. One of the children that we were going to take in, and hopefully adopt out, passed away last week. His death could have been prevented, with all the proper care and staff in place, our place, the Forget-Me-Not Children's home. It really makes me so sad to hear this, and try to portray the importance of a home like ours in Liberia. What's really hard, it knowing the need and knowing people can contribute. Maybe skip that $5 coffee, bottle of wine, dinner out, and contibute that money for a project that will save a life. This is not some petty request, this is a heart plea. We are ALL going through tough times financially. I am living that! We own two homes, not something we can afford right now, still trying to sell our other home, or rent it out! But that doesn't change the need. As a matter of fact, the need is worse because so many are choosing not to give. We all know how the trickle effect works, and unfortunately, the end of the trickle is a child dying.
I am asking you, please, contact me through my email if you feel like you would want to be a monthly sponsor, give a one time gift, or have us speak about the Forget Me Not Children's Home, at your church or group. You can contact me, or log onto www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the Forget Me Not link (on the left).
We need your help, but the children need you more!!! Please pray over this!
Thanks for reading!!

Being BOLD!

2009-03-01T07:51:00.004-06:00

Boldness is not something I am comfortable with. I don't like to stand out in a crowd (kind of hard when you have kids of various colors!), I don't like to speak in front of more than a half a dozen people, if there is a corner...I may be in it, I would rather write out my thoughts and hand someone a piece of paper!! Speaking up and out is something I am having to learn in this 'wonderful' stage of life. One thing that I don't have a problem with though, is advocating for adoption. So many people think that you have to be something special to adopt. I will be the first to admit that YOU DON'T! I do feel that a lot of people God calls to adopt, some just go with wanting to help...and God takes it from there. There are also people that don't feel or want to adopt, and that is just fine in my 'small' opinion...BUT I feel strongly that EVERYONE needs to be some tool in helping the 'widows and orphans' of the world. This can mean so many things...being a support for an adoptive family, being a constant prayer warrior for an adoptive family, being a 'relief' worker for mom and dad for date night, coming along side families and organizations that work directly for these beautiful children. There are so many opportunities that truly do help children, orphans of this fallen world, without adoption. Sponsorship programs are everywhere. Churches should all have an adoption grant program to relieve some of the financial burden of adoption. Churches need to be the 'help workers' for these families. Individuals can help coordinated meals for a 'newly' adopted family. Sometimes just asking a family if they need anything, really makes my heart sing. We are all in this together, so therefore, we should all be tools for each other! And yes, financial help is a VERY big tool!!!
More on this later...

We finally have a healthy household. We have been dealing with the flu, RSV, sinus infections, colds, etc. Josiah ended up having to go in for surgery because of his sinus infections! Four months of fevers and infections on his little body, have really taken a toll on him and me!! Hopefully we are done!

Gotta go get ready for church!

The baby on the farm...

2009-02-19T08:04:00.002-06:00

More pics!

2009-02-08T20:14:00.002-06:00

Our beautiful Blessing!
Birthday girl!

Pics!

2009-02-08T20:05:00.002-06:00

Snowboarding with the alpacas!

A lot going on...

2009-01-26T07:49:00.004-06:00

Josiah is growing like a weed! Between his therapy and dr. appointments, we had botox injections for his hamstrings in both legs. It seems to be loosening his legs up a bit. He now loves his adapted walker because he can move by himself in it. He is getting the walking motions down, he beams with pride knowing he is doing such an awesome job. He has a whole house full of 'cheerleaders'!!
Because Josiah can only say one word, "hi", he is learning all different signs, (sign language), and doing very well. We have been dealing with chronic sinus infections, so we may be off for another scan for his sinus' if this round of antibiotics doesn't work. By the way, I hate antibiotics!
We are still working on independent sitting. He still does not have enough streangth in his trunk muscles to securely hold himself up.
He really does well with his creeping around at lightning speed! His bicepts are huge!

With the VERY cold weather we have been having, our outside play has been very limited. When it does warm up, (above 10 degrees), the kids go sledding down our hills. We had the whole family out on the hills on Loves 6th birthday. Even grandma! Our hills are steep and fast! I bet all those 'Florida' people just envy us! Ha ha! (I would trade our snow for warmer weather any day!).

We are loving our alpacas! They are so fun to be with, very calming and funny! I really don't mind the twice a day barn chores, even in the -0 degree weather we were having. My time out in the barn is a very good stress reliever. Plus, I always remind myself that very few people are out in this stinkin cold weather, so I may be the only one at that time, enjoying the view God has provided. Our views are just amazing! Since our house is straight up a steep hill, we have views in all directions, for miles!! Our God is just amazing!

More pics!

2009-01-13T19:54:00.002-06:00

Have a beautiful and Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-26T21:14:00.001-06:00

Josiah Blessing!

2008-12-15T08:39:00.004-06:00

Josiah's pic in the hospital in Monrovia and then home one year!!!
What a difference a year makes!

0 degrees!!!! That is supposed to be the high for today...IF we can get past the -30 wind chills!!!

Things are starting to get a bit more busy the closer we get to Christmas. Our Josiah had his 'gotcha' day last week. I still can't believe he has been home one year! What a sweet blessing he has been to our family!
Our oldest son will be coming home from college this week, and grandparents coming into town for the week. Our house will be full and joyous!!

Forget Me Not...

2008-11-24T08:57:00.003-06:00

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

WHATSUP!!

2008-11-22T16:02:00.004-06:00

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.

Just some thoughts...

2008-11-20T08:16:00.002-06:00

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).

Forget Me Not...

2008-11-11T08:10:00.005-06:00

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!

Alpaca farmers are we...

2008-10-30T13:03:00.004-05:00

Today was our first official day as alpaca farmers! We brought our herd home yesterday and have been keeping a close eye on their adjustment here. The girls seem to be pretty happy, loving their pasture and barn. Our stud boy is a little lonely with a pasture to himself, so we will be adding another male to be his buddy. Barn chores were easy this morning, soooo peaceful out there. Just watching our herd is so calming and peaceful. I can see why being an alpaca owner can be such a great job.
This dream started almost two years ago. I pitched this "idea" of being a small farm owner, to my husband. I researched different animals and came to the conculusion of alpacas, due to their easy maintainence, breeding and fiber market.
We've owned our animals for a year and a half, but had to keep them at our breeders farm until ours was ready.
I still can't believe they are finally here!

Volunteering for Daddy's birthday...

2008-10-24T14:07:00.003-05:00

The kids did some volunteer work for the "Feed My Starving Children" program. Scott wanted this as a present for his birthday. Great job kids!!!

Vote!

2008-10-17T10:44:00.003-05:00

I took this from one of my yahoo groups. I am not Catholic, but this video is for ALL followers of Christ!

http://www.catholicvote.com/

Our barn!

2008-10-08T14:52:00.003-05:00

Fall...

2008-10-08T14:15:00.002-05:00

I love Fall!! The colors are amazing and the crisp cool air is so refreshing. I am able to see views for miles from our upstairs bedroom. The views are getting quite colorful...but...another vivid reminder that winter is coming, (yuck).

Some updates...
Our barn is up and is beautiful! Fencing is going up this week. Maybe our alpacas will be living with us by the end of the month?

Josiah's MRI results are not in yet. I'm not concerned or worried, but it would be nice to have an answer on the possible brain trauma that is causing CP symptoms.
Physical Therapy is going great! Most weeks there is noticable improvement in his motor skills. We do work with him all the time, so he does get quite a bit of therapy. He is almost stable enough to sit on his own. He is able to, but will tip over on either side. His "creeping" is improving, and his strength in his trunk and legs is allowing him to be able to stand with assistance for small periods of time. We utilize a "trainer." It's basically a walker that has a lot of stability for his upper body. We will be getting a "stander" also, to work more on those trunk muscles for his stability. We do a lot of hand therapy on his good hand. He is opening and grasping more than he ever was before. His good hand was not getting utilized much because of the tightness. His little hand he does a lot with. He can pull and push, and even turn book pages with it. His feet are still pretty tight and flexed most days. A little work out and rubbing seem to loosen them both up pretty well. Medication has been recommended to reduce his "all over body" muscle tone. It has been proven to allow the body to move better and to train the muscles to do what they need to do, when the brain tells them. I'm still on the fence with the decision to put Josiah on such a strong med. I'm seeking more peace on this decision.
He still is such a charmer and knows how loved he really is. Sometimes when I am rocking him, I am just overwhelmed by this beautiful gift from God!

Homeschooling the boys is going slow...keeping Alex on task is proving to be tough. He would rather play all day. This kid is in motion almost all day! I'm hoping by month 6, he will be settled into our school schedule.
The girls are in our public school system. Love is the social butterfly, telling us "everything" that "everyone" has said or done. She's smart, but talks ALL THE TIME. As a matter of fact, she is not allowed to talk at meal time until her food is gone. Her mouth is constantly going! Thank goodness her teacher has such a godly attitude towards this...ummm...positive trait? Edline is doing okay with her LD teacher and regular classroom schedule. She is a little overwhelmed toward the evening. Something as simple as a letter sound, color, shape can be very difficult to remember. Her reading has really improved though. I would much rather see her reading than anything else. We had her teacher drop the science and social studies/history. This is something that has too many concepts and retension learning, for her to even grasp. So we are spending more time on just the basics.

Andrew is doing well in college. We talk almost daily, which really helps me. I'm really missing my baby, (yes he's 18, but always my baby)!

Africa has been so close to my thoughts lately. After having our friend from Liberia here, another whose visiting Liberia now, I am really missing it.
There are a few things that are "in the works", that will always keep Liberia close to us. One of these days I'll be able to share, not just yet!

Well, gotta go, laundry is calling!

Watch this!!!

2008-09-29T12:20:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0r_FbARIn8&NR=1

2008-09-27T10:50:00.004-05:00

Water slide!
Alex turns 9!
Cruising out of N.Y.
Our friend from Liberia, driving a boat for the first time, with Alex in tow!
Josiah sitting up!

September...

2008-09-27T09:03:00.003-05:00

This month has flown by...but for good reason! We have been OVER THE TOP busy!!

School started...my mom came to visit...Scott and I went on a cruise...Josiah had more dr. appointments...a friend from Liberia stayed with us for a little while...barn getting built...Alex turns 9!...still trying to sell our other home (asking for prayers for this please)...and all the other every day/week things we have going on!! I think October will be a much slower month, I hope.

A little update on our Josiah...
We went to Gillette for his CP appointment. We really didn't learn too much more than we already knew. The Dr. said if she was to diagnos him from his over all "tone" from his muscles, then yes he has CP. We will be getting an MRI of his brain to "try" to see any brain injury. This is not a sure bet that anything will show up. For his physical, he was tight all over, so the doc was able to see him at his "worst" (as far as his muscle tightness). Medication was recommended to release some of the tightness so we can get him moving better and controlling the muscles the way his brain is wanting him to. Increase therapy to two times a week, include speech, OT, and get a swallow test to rule out anything there.
As far as how therapy is going now, he is doing great. He is almost sitting independently, almost able to crasp with is good hand...still working on the finger pinch, verbalizing with more sounds...working on the word "hi". He can understand verbal commands well, very interactive and expresses his emotions very well...even throwing a tiny tantrum once in awhile. We can tell he is working through the 'normal' baby/toddler stages. This is such an awesome accoplishment, show us that his cognative abilities are great! Yeah!!

Our 'moving in' is going very slow. The weather has been so nice, that we are outside a lot. The cold will come soon enough, so hopefully I'll start unpacking some things when we are stuck in the house!

I miss our oldest terribly. We do talk almost every day, but it's still not enough for this mom! There is such an emptiness there. He is doing well in Ohio, just a little home sick.

Our next project wil be putting up our fencing for our alpacas. Who knows how long this will take.
The four kids and daddy are filling up bags of nutritional bag meals at the "feed my starving children" program. Scott wanted the kids to volunteer their time as a birthday present to him. Thank goodness their was no complaining this morning for having to get up early.

Pics for August

2008-08-30T20:07:00.003-05:00

Getting my last hug before leaving my baby in Ohio!

Look who wants to drive!

Andrews school pics.

My baby left the nest...

2008-08-25T07:43:00.002-05:00

After 18.5 years, my oldest baby has left our nest. (Well, at least for a year). We drove the LONG drive to Cleveland, Ohio, moved him into his college apartment, got him set up for what was needed for living on his own, then left for the LONG drive back. I am so sad right now. It is tough seeing my child all grown and moving onto this next chapter in his life. I know he will be home on breaks, but it's hard knowing I just can't see him anytime I would like. I know moms must go through this, eventually. It just doesn't make it any easier. I'm just a sad mom right now...

On a lighter note, Josiah did great on the drive. He was the only other "baby" we took along for the ride. We didn't get much sleep from the last 4 days, so we are all exhausted. But Josiah has done amazing! All the other kids were farmed out to grandparents and cousins. They all had such a great time, I don't think we were missed much:)

As soon as I get my camera loaded, I will be posting some new pics. We are still just so busy with so many balls in the air right now. I will be posting better, once school starts.

Snip-its of updates...

2008-08-13T14:24:00.004-05:00

*Still trying to get our new house organized and finding it almost impossible! We do love our home and the beauty that surrounds us. I still have to pinch myself. Took a short hike with the kids and found we have wild grapes everywhere, a huge apple tree, and poison ivy! Plus patches of wild flowers everywhere. Still can't see all our property until Fall, it's just too thick with bushes and trees, then maybe we can get to our little creek.

*Still working on getting our other house sold. Really need prayers here! Getting it sold quick would be such a huge blessing!

*Trying to prepare for our oldest going off to college in ohio in another week. I get teary eyed thinking about it.

*Our girls are now enrolled in the local school, and will be homeschooling our boys. Haven't purchase their curriculum yet!

*our barn will be going up mid Sept., fencing will have to wait until then. Alpacas will be moved in soon after. CAN'T WAIT!

*Josiah's follow up on his hand was fine. He has one bone possibly growing in his little wrist/palm and his other "normal" hand is progressing with therapy. (He is very stiff and has limited grasp in his normal hand). Next month will be his big appointment at Gillette to get a proper diagnosis, (possible Cerebral Pulsy).

Probably could report more, but have been progressively losing brain cells throughout the summer busyness!!!

2008-07-18T09:38:00.002-05:00

I don't recommend moving without 'patience!'

2008-07-18T08:36:00.004-05:00

And it became clear that I lost mine somewhere along the way! Gone, Nada, Zip, zero!!! It was no help when ALL my kids were having behaviors that were not pretty...disobediance, defiance, not listening, argumentative!! I know that the changes we are going through is bringing all this on, but it's been a lot to deal with. YOU TRY UPACKING A BOX WHEN THE BABY IS WHINING FOR MOMMY'S ARMS TO HOLD HIM, ANOTHER IS SPILLING WHATEVER LIQUID IS AT THEIR FINGERTIPS, SOMEONE NEEDS A SNACK, THE DOGS ARE BARKING AT OUR NEIGHBORS COWS, AND SOMEONE IS ASKING YOU TO HELP THEM WITH WHAT 'THEY' ARE DOING!!
Well, we survived, things are settling down here, SLOWLY. Our other house is clean and listed for sale. We could use prayers for it to sell fast! I have resolved that the unpacking will be VERY slow. That's okay though, I am in my dream house, and we are not going anywhere soon!
For those who have a cognative disabled child, this has been another new learning experience for me with my oldest daughter. This change has sent her into regression with her language, coping skills, and behaviors. And, with the changes in the house itself, it's like reteaching a blind person where all their new rooms are, walls and furniture placement. After she has tripped, fallen and ran into existing walls and furniture, I think she is adjusting to the change in environment.
Josiah has been way over-the-top needing his mommy. Let's just say, my back is killing me!! He is pretty heavy after just a few minutes of carrying around. He is slowing adjusting to his new environment too, and is loving his new house.
Something that I have not had the ability to post about, it the realization that my baby has Cerebral Palsy. It has been starring me in the face for so long, but all the "stuff" around me has been a distraction. It has been almost like I wasn't ready to see it yet. There was the hope that he was just "behind" because of his malnutrition, but this can't be the case anymore. He displays too many symptoms. I could not love Josiah any more than I do now. He has been such a sweet addition to our family. I am so overjoyed to be his momma and to be able to raise him, love him and help his to reach his full potential. My heart aches for all those children in Africa with CP that are left in the gutters, or sitting in wheelchairs with no hope. It truly has changed my heart for cp kids. Josiah is not displaying cognative disabilities, it's just his body won't cooperate. He has clonis in his feet, hypertonia in his legs and arms, hypotonia in his trunk muscles. He is not able to sit on his own without a lot of support, he can move around now with his "creeping" so this has helped him be more content on getting to what and where he wants. He still cannot grasp with his hand very well, so this limits his feeding skills to crackers. He is still on baby foods and formula, but is learning to drink from a cup. I call him my "toting" baby. Thank goodness for strollers and backbacks. If he's not in the mood to be on his belly for "creeping",he's either on my hip, in the stroller, or in the backback.
Josiah has another appointment with Gillette at the CP clinic. It will be nice to get more support. His therapy has gone amazingly well. Margaret, his therapist, comes here once a week, packing a ton of supplies. He loves working with her, and works hard for a solid hour, on top of what we do with him.
Having Josiah in our home has truly changed how we all perceive others limits. It has been a great learning experience for my kids, who adore their brother. I can honestly say that I would adopt another CP kid anyday! He has the most determined personality, a joy to be with and can be soooo funny! I thank God for such an amazing blessing on my life. Josiah just melts me when he looks at me with those big brown eyes!
It's been an emotional rollercoaster this past month. Just when I think I can't be stretched anymore, God stretches!!!!!!
For those of you that feel inclined, I could use the prayers!
On this final note, I love my new home and all the potential it brings for raising my kids on the farm. We are just enjoying all the learning that nature is providing.

New pics...

2008-07-17T08:47:00.005-05:00

Just a few of our new home. It's still a BIG mess, but we are enjoying our beautiful home and land!

Front of our home...

Our views

Just some of our flowers

Our long driveway

We have moved!!!!!

2008-07-11T14:36:00.002-05:00

This will be short...but, yes, we have officially moved to our dream house. Scott is still working on the other house to get it listed for sale by tomorrow, but we are "mostly" moved in here. It has not been fun with all the packing, moving, unpacking, tempers flying everywhere, everyone,(all 8 of us) whiny, crabby, off schedule, etc. You get the picture. BUT...I love my new house! It is like living in a dream, our views are amazing! You can see for miles...pluse we are straight up a steep hill, so we are pretty secluded. We did manage to clean our the pool so the kids started swimming in that yesterday. Our pasture needs a really good cutting so we can explore our woods. We will be putting up our barn and fencing soon too!
Once we are a little more settled in, I can report more. Oh, camera broke, so no pics for awhile.

A quick update on Josiah...

2008-06-22T20:59:00.003-05:00

The big news...Josiah is finally "creeping" or doing the "army crawl!" This is very big for him. He can now move around from one toy to the next, or go get something that interests him. Now it's offically time to baby proof the floor, the kids got the lecture of keeping anything off the floor that can go in Josiah's mouth and choke him. It's so great to see his progress. He came home with such little abdominal and back muscle tone. He is now using those muscles and now working on his side muscles to get him to sit on his own. He is still so wobbly and unstable, but progressing! He also has glasses, which make him look so smart, (not that he isn't!!). He has started sleeping better at night, just up once for a bottle and then again around 6, (yuck). He's very attached to me, still a little insecure when I leave his sight, but will go with daddy and not cry. He is still sweet, happy and funny!!! The kids adore him and are the best helpers! He has PT (physical therapy) once a week, and OT (occupational therapy) one a month. We do his physical therapy ourselves,the rest of the time. He is still very stiff in his hips and shoulders, muscles still tight in his legs, but are getting better. He is continuing to build muscle tone in his abdominals and back, and his lower lip is getting better with muscle tone also. His speech will hopefully start progressing when he is able to move around more. We are always working on various movements to help him progress. Josiah is growing nicely. He is getting long, and is getting heavy! (21 lbs).
We will be going back to Gillette for his follow up on his little hand. He can do almost anything with his little hand, except "hold" things. We will also be getting a brace for his other hand because of the tightness, he is not able to "finger pinch" or hold things in his hand for very long. We will also be making an appointment for his feet. He will probably need foot braces to straighten them out and correct the curve, this will also help with the tightness in his legs.

We are moving in less than ten days and we still haven't packed yet!! It' s a little crazy here, so I probably won't be posting for awhile!

Busy...but here are some recent pics....

2008-06-21T20:00:00.001-05:00

Graduation party day!

2008-06-03T09:40:00.002-05:00

Josiah turns one!!!!.

2008-06-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

To the hospital and back again...

2008-05-23T19:54:00.002-05:00

After Josiah had his surgery, almost two weeks ago, we headed back to Children's hospital for IV fluids. (He was dehydrated and in pain). We did get to come home because his fluid intake was getting better. Three days later, he started going downhill with fluids again, and I could not keep his pain under control. He even stopped swallowing his own spit because it hurt to swallow, so oral med were out, then tylenol suppositories did nothing). Soooo, to the our dr. we went, with my other daughter in tow, (who ended up with an ear infection too). My dr. took one look at him and said he needed to be admitted back to Children's. So, we stayed for two days in the hospital on IV fluids and pain meds, and are finally home and hopefully over the "pain" hump. Josiah is taking pain meds fine orally, he is drinking regularly and even eating fine! In two days he went from a lethargic, feverish, booger faced boy, back to our happy and smiley little Joe!
God is good!
Now his 1st birthday is tomorrow, so off for last minute preparations for that too!
Sorry to say, I can't wait for June! May is wayyyyy to hectic!

A lot to report, such little time....

2008-05-15T08:31:00.002-05:00

Josiah had his adenoidectomy on monday, we stayed for the 23 hours in the hospital, got no sleep or rest. Now that we are home, he is not doing so well. I will be taking him back to the hospital for IV fluids if he does not start increasing his fluids today. He is lethargic, but also on pain meds. The dr. did say these few days will be the worst, AND THEY ARE!

Our big news...we finally found a property for our hobby farm. It's 10 acres, a bigger home and not too much farther for Scott to drive to work. I fell in love with this house over a year ago. God told me a year ago that this was our house, but "me of little faith", I spent the past year looking and looking, thinking that the house would never be ours, the owners were not coming off their original price, then they accepted another offer from someone else, so I thought it was out of the picture. Well, God pretty much just plopped that house in our laps, and now we are closing on it the end of June!!! God is soooo faithful! Now we are in the midst of packing and getting this house ready for sale!! YUCK!!
All the kids are so excited to be moving. This house has everything I had dreamed about. Two story home, 4 BATHROOMS, character, 10 beautiful acres of pasture, woods, hills and even a creek!

Another busy thing this month, our son will be graduating!!! We have been busy with end of the school year activities. We are having family coming in from all over for his graduation. It will be awesome to have so much family here, (they are spread all over ). This will be the first time, since I was little, that. so much family has been together at once. I still can't believe my baby is graduating!!

Josiah's first birthday is also coming up in another week! The big "1"!

Our summer will be busy with summer school, building our barn and putting up our fencing. Hoping to have our alpacas with us towards the end of the summer!

To top off the end of the summer, my hubby and I will be going on a cruise!! All expense paid, (it's a "daddy's girl" thing!). We will be sailing from New York, up to Canada/New England. I have never been that far east. My wonderful mom will be taking on the "mommy" role here at home! I know, I am so blessed! She is always so willing to jump right in and take care of the kids when we go on our yearly trips!

Not sure when I will be able to post next. I am going to be pretty busy, but will try to get updates out.

God Bless!

The most beautiful baby boy in the world!!!

2008-05-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

(Note the rag ready to catch the drool)!

Some fun pics...

2008-05-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

Sleepy boy!

Handsome boys

My oldest and youngest baby

Andrew and his prom date!

Girls messy hair day!

Pandigirl!

2008-04-30T07:53:00.002-05:00

Ta da! Our newest Cria!

Wide eyes!!!

2008-04-29T19:17:00.002-05:00

Poor Josiah, his eyes had to be dilated for two full days in order for the eye dr. to get a good diagnosis. But, prognosis is...no glasses or surgery...for now. We will be making trips to the eye dr. every 6-8 weeks to make sure his eyes don't deteriorate quickly. He will need glasses or surgery in the future, he's just too little to keep glasses on right now, plus he gets sensory overload when anything like hats, sunglasses, towels, etc. are placed on his face or head. He literally starts thrashing and eyes tear up! Poor baby. To combat this, I do a lot of deep tissue massage on his head and face.
We also may be looking at braces for his feet. I will be making another Gillette appointment for the summer. He is getting a little thumb brace to help correct that tightness.

Oh, we have a new cria! (That is a baby alpaca). She was born last week, and is adorable!

Just a little update from our busy household!

Helping our Josiah...

2008-04-18T15:21:00.002-05:00

We had our meeting here with all the specialist from our county program, it went very well. The results of his delays seem a little overwhelming on paper, but once we started on goals for the next six months, it seems very doable.
He is between 5-7 months behind in various areas. He will be turning 11 months this next week. He is still my toting baby! He is either on my hip, on my back, or propped up pillows and blankets. I do have plenty of helping hands most of the time. It is great having so many children willing to help their little baby brother. It is also easier with a baby at this stage in our lives, as far as so many willing hands.
As little as Josiah can do right now, he has shown some progress with a few motor skills. We are constantly doing physical therapy of some sort, with him. This week he was able to stay in the crawling position for a minute, once we placed him there. This is pretty big, since his trunk streangth is so low. I have been doing message on both his feet a lot, and we are working on correcting his thumb posture on his hand so he can learn the finger pinch method of picking things up.
Looks like we will be going in for another surgery for his adenoids. His breathing is so congested and stuffy all the time, just getting worse. We are just waiting on what the pediatric eye specialist has to say about surgery on his eyes. It would be nice to get these surgeries done at the same time.
In the meantime, he is such a gem! Always my smiley boy, big wet kisses and hugs, so funny to watch him discover how to make others laugh! I cannot put into words how much I love my baby boy! He is such an amazing gift! At times I am so overwhelmed with what God has given me. What an awesome God to serve, what a calling I have as a mom!!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store down the road!

A few updates...

2008-04-07T09:22:00.002-05:00

Josiah has been evaluated by our county for services, and it looks like we will get quite a bit of help to get him caught up. He has been such a trooper through all the dr. visits and evaluations, everyone comments on how "good natured" he is. He is such a sweetheart! We are excited to see how God will work in his life!

I went to an alpaca convention this weekend, ALL BY MYSELF! I even stayed overnight at a hotel! I learned a ton about our alpacas and can't wait to get them on our farm, which by the way...WE ARE STILL LOOKING!!!!!
It is getting a little frustrating with the hobby farm search. I spent at least 20 hours a week looking, driving, at hobby farms. It has been over a year now, and we are still looking!

Spring is finally here! The birds are becoming active with their singing, and the weather is getting very nice to be out in. (I hate the cold)! I can't believe that May is just around the corner, and my Andrew will be graduating! I can't believe my first baby will be going to college and on his own. I still don't feel old enough to have an 18 year old! It's really a weird feeling!

I know I don't have much to report, but wanted to put a fresh update.

It's Official!!

2008-03-27T09:05:00.002-05:00

Our readoption hearing was on Tuesday! Our baby is offically a Hoffman! Wahoo!!

My oldest baby and youngest baby...

2008-03-25T07:23:00.002-05:00

My son rides his motorcycle in 35 degree weather!

March Pics...

2008-03-25T07:10:00.002-05:00

The elephant in the room...

2008-03-16T13:35:00.002-05:00

Friday, we took Josiah to the Adoption Clinic at the U of M for a more in depth overall checkup. Besides already have surgery, seeing an eye Dr., and nose Dr., and getting a good blood work up, I was not convinced we knew everything at this point about Josiah's health. I have been "secretly" concerned about his delays and muscle tone in his legs and feet.
Both our girls went there. We found out soooo much information, and that's where Edline got her several diagnosis. They have a great panel of dr.s.
Well, Josiah is a solid 3 months behind. I was hoping for him to make better strides in the past three months home, but they have been slow. He has attached amazingly well. That is the most important! He is soooo happy, content, silly and just plain a joy to have in our family. He is such a precious son. God truly was so good to me. He saw my heart yearning for a baby boy, and granted me such an amazing gift...Our Josiah Blessing.
Anyways, back to his delays. Josiah does seem to be hypertonic in legs, feet and his shorter arm. (Although, his shorter arm is ALWAYS trying to grab everything, so I'm not too concerned there.). I will be getting a referral for a physical therapist for his legs, also to get him moving more. He cannot sit straight yet, cannot creep, crawl, turn over at will, hold things in his normal hand properly. He has low tone on his abdomen and back. We were shown excercises for us to do with him to start getting those things working. We have already been working him so hard, poor baby. He will not be getting any standing time, (leg use or feet use since these are established and on the hypertonic side). And, even though we went to an eye Dr., we will be going back to a specialist for his crossing eyes. He also has low lip tone. I love his lower lip, but tired of the drool just pouring out. We must use 4-5 bibs, just for drool!!
All of this does not make me nervous. The possible reasons behind his delays and tone is what concerns me. I have had the possibility of CP in the back of my mind for awhile. It could also be just the delays that come from malnutrition, and he can eventually catch up. We won't know for awhile. Therapy will be able to show us a lot.

Changing subjects...
I was knocked on my butt by a sinus infection a few weeks ago. It was awful!! Thank goodness I had such great help, the most being my dh getting the kids off to school for me.

Our new puppy is keeping us busy. He still will have an accident once in awile, but he has done great with potty training.

Still looking for a hobby farm, or land. A little frustrating!! We'll get there, I was just hoping before summer. Doesn't look like that will be happening.

All the kids are doing great. The weather has been sunny and warmer. Can't wait for Spring and camping! Summer is even better, of course!

An adoption friend is in Liberia, as we speak, spending time with her new son. They will be home in over a week! I'm so excited for her and her family! Congrats Julie!
There have been a few other families that have been able to come home with their kids. It's a great feeling being able to hold your kids and bring them home!

I can't wait to see what God has planned for my heart for Africa!!

New pics...

2008-02-27T09:58:00.004-06:00

Our new family member, Frost (aka.."Trouble, Mischief, No No").

Walmart Delivery!

Our adorable Josiah!

Tagged?

2008-02-18T19:52:00.002-06:00

I am not so "up" on this blogging thing, but I got "tagged" by Donna. From what I am guessing, I'm supposed to give you some information about myself that you all don't know. So here it goes...

1. I did own a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, up until my son took it over last year. I can tip over pretty good!!

2. I DO NOT like chic flicks! Hate them! Or, any other movie that makes you cry, or get the warm fuzzies! I love war movies, action and semi violent movies. Love detective/mysteries also. Love CSI!

3. I can't stand adult feet! They are yucky! My husbands uses his as weapons if he wants to bug me! He knows not to put his bare feet on me. Baby and kids feet are cute, but once they become adults, don't put them near me!

4. My dream car is an old volkswagen bug...1950-1972? I love those bugs! But, my car of choice for now, is my big red Ford Excursion. I own the road when I'm in my truck, (technically it's an SUV).

5. I have lived in 9 states...California, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wow, huh?

6. I trust very few women. (Hmmmmm?)

7. I would love to be a body builder. Don't laugh! I was getting seriously into it in my mid twenties. Well, you know, age, kids, kids and more kids, oh and the animals, and husband, kindof fill my time. My 18 y.o. son is taking that role on now.

Is seven enough? I seriously can't think of anymore great tid bits worth blogging.

Did I raise a few eyebrows at least?

It is sooo cold here...

2008-02-11T08:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, going to church, it was -8!!!! That doesn't even count the wind chill, which was probably -30! Now would be a good time to move south!
We put another offer on a foreclosed small hobby farm. It would be so nice to get our alpacas on our own land, and raise a few other animals. This would be downsizing our house, but we would also get a nice barn and pasture, and a big sledding hill! Being almost mortgage free would be awesome! I'll let you know if we get this one.
Josiah is doing great! He is so happy and funny, but 90% of the time, I have to be in eye shot for him to feel secure. He screams if he realizes I'm not home, or in the room. It gets hard on Scott. I would say the Josiah is definitely attached to me, but it's an insecure attachment. I still don't think he realizes that I will be back, when I leave the room. His sleep is not much better. I am hoping that this next month, we will see more of a secure attachment with Josiah, and better sleep habits.
Andrew, our 18 y.o., is looking at a school in Ohio for his technical training in power sports. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together, including the finance part!
School for the kids is going great! My homeschooling 6th grader is loving staying home. He is also my biggest help right now. Love will be starting kindergarten in the Fall. That is really hard to believe.

I am in the middle of reading the book, "There is no me without you." It's about the orphans of AIDS in Africa. It is heartwrenching to read about these little lives affected, and the desperation that goes on in the path of this disease. It breaks my heart to read about the babies and children left without anything. Makes me want to adopt again! But a lot of reasons give me the heart tug to want to adopt again.
One of these days, I hope to be directly involved with helping orphans, especially the ones that have special needs. I truly feel that God is leading me in this direction.

These past few weeks I have been dealing with some "heart" issues, (not related to parenting). At times I have no words for God in this area. A song with the lyrics..."give me words to speak, don't let my spirit sleep. I can't think of anything worth saying, but I know that I owe you my life..." is what I am concentrating on. Sometimes it's okay to not be able to say much to God. He doesn't want empty words anyways, he wants the heart. At times, it's just a "thank you God." I pray that this "heart issue" may be resloved soon, it's tough at times carrying this load.

Christina

The guinea pig is fine! The cat did not eat it!

2008-02-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.(From, "God's little devotional book.")

2008-02-09T17:21:00.000-06:00

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Adversity sometimes comes to rob you. Instead, let it motivate your faith to be even more daring!!

p.s. I would love to read a "hi" from some of you blog stalkers! Pleeeeeease!

Too funny!

2008-02-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

My son walked into his room yesterday, to find this in the guinea pig cage! LOL!!!

Recent pics!

2008-01-31T09:26:00.000-06:00

Bath time!

Andrew's Honors band concert (He's in the back middle). We are so proud of him!

Love, the birthday girl turns 5!

Gameboy time!

Fun weekend!!!

2008-01-28T08:36:00.000-06:00

Well, us moms had a wonderful time at the slumber party!! There were eight of us adoptive moms, and "in process" of adoption moms. What a nice time to gather with women that have the same heart for adoption, have been through "the fire", or are now going through the "fire" of the process. We laughed A LOT!!!! Yes we did have food, chocolate, and "other" stuff!! Didn't get much sleep though. My older body is not used to staying up til 3 a.m.!! UGH! It will take me a few days to recover since Josiah doesn't sleep through the night yet.

Changing the subject...our offer on the house we wanted to buy, was turned down. Yes we are disappointed, but we know there is a hobby farm out there for us.

My boys adopted two guinea pigs this weekend. They are so sweet and cuddly. One will be having babies soon, so that will be a good experience. I guess I can incorporate that into homeschooling somehow.

I will post pics this week. I promise.

Starting to get our schedule back...

2008-01-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

This will be a quick update...

After a few rough days after Josiah's surgery, he is doing fantastic now! He looks so adorable with his nice flat tummy. He is still working his way back up to drinking his full bottle amounts. His throat was really sore from the tube.
We are starting to settle back into our schedule, but still lacking in sleep! At my age, it's a little harder to not have the sleep I need! But, Josiah just smiles and it's sooo worth it!

Praying now for our offer to be accepted for a house and acreage we have had our eye on for awhile.

My week will be ending with a girl's slumber party here!!! I'm so excited to be having a few of my fellow "adoptive/online/friends" over for a pj party!

Surgery update

2008-01-19T09:24:00.000-06:00

Josiah Blessings surgery went pretty well. Both dr.'s said it was more extensive than they originally thought. His hole in his muscle was 4X the size of an average hernia. They took a lot of skin off his belly, and he now has a three inch scar across it...OUCH! His little pee pee had to have a little work and will be swollen and pink for awhile...DOUBLE OUCH!! They also had to do a quick trach from his breathing problems at the beginning of surgery. So he also has a very sore throat!
Our poor baby is miserable.

We were in the hospital longer than anticipated because we couldn' t get his pain under control, and his O2 levels weren't very good.

Yesterday was long and hard. Josiah has been in so much pain, he cried a lot and we also had to hold him constantly, keeping on top of his pain med before he was really in pain.
We have had a long night and are zombies today. He has improved a bit, but now we are trying to keep him hydrated, even though he doesn't want to drink anything because it hurts.
We could use prayers please!

A few updates...

2008-01-17T10:02:00.000-06:00

We have had the fever and coughs filtering through our household. I think we are finally through with that!
This week, Love turned 5! I can't believe how time has flown by! I look at Blessing, who is almost 8 months, and remember that Love was his size at 19 months when we brought her home! She is so darn smart, and sometimes has these conversations that sound like you are talking to a fourteen year old, along with the attitude too!

Josiah was seen at Gillette hospital last week for his hand. He doesn't have any finger bones, but they are hopeful that his wrist bones will start growing in the next 6 months. He has such good movement in his little palm, that they seem to think this will only get better. He uses his little hand a lot now, using it for punching, scooping, pushing, balancing, etc. He is really not limited.
He will be having surgery tomorrow for his umbilical hernia, and circ. Unfortunately, he has so much skin that has been stretched from his hernia being so big, they are having to remove a lot of that skin. He will not be able to have a belly button at this time because of this. Believe it or not, his hernia expands to the size of a small baseball when he is crying.

Next week we go in for consult on his two lazy eyes, and next month it's in to the nose dr. for consult on his "snorting." The snorts are too cute!!

I promise some more pics within the next day or two! Just really busy!

It's not about me!

2008-01-06T19:52:00.000-06:00

Looking back to this time last year, we were just starting the paperwork to adopt from Liberia. We started wanting to adopt a 16 y.o. boy we had heard so much about, from another orphanage. Due to some things that were going on at the orphanage that were quite scary in our eyes, we decided to pull out of that program.
Now, I can't imagine our family not having our little Josiah Blessing. He is truly pure joy!! It doesn't matter that I'm not getting sufficient sleep, because he just looks me in the eyes and smiles soooo big! He just melts my heart!
I truly feel that God has given me such a gift. All that I went through with our girls after adopting them from Haiti, was so very hard. Not only for me, but my husband and kids too. God used so many opportunities during that time though, to show me that this wasn't about me. This has been my "spap out of it," phrase since then. I use this a lot! "It's not about me!"
There may be so many diffent reasons that this transition of bringing Josiah into our family, is so much easier and enjoyable...But I am so grateful to God for giving me my girls for our first adoption. I grew so much as a parent because of them, and continue to "tweek" my parenting skills because of them. Well, my teenager I can say the same for too!

I am so blessed to have my family. I wish I could record all the beautiful moments that my family has given me. Seeing all my other children love so tenderly, this new little one that we have been praying for, is absolutely priceless! He is already so spoiled!

For all the adoptive parents that may be going through some very tough times right now, as they are all adjusting to their new life. I have been there. It was only 3.5 years ago that we added our daughters from Haiti. I have cried and wondered "what have we done?" I have questioned my sanity and ability as a mom. I have mourned the dreams I had. But, God saw me through every single moment. The more I cried out to Him, the more he revealed to me. I love my girls dearly. They are a part of me, and I would fight to my death for them, just as I would any other part of my family. The process was slow and hard, but the reward has been amazing!

My heart aches for the orphans of this world. No baby or child should ever have to be without a loving parent, especially a mommy. All children need to be loved.
God has given our family three wonderful children through adoption. You can change a life, one child at a time.

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day!

2007-12-28T09:25:00.000-06:00

Many Blessings...Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-24T22:06:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2007-12-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

Our beautiful kids!
Andrew(18), Anthony(12), Alex(8), Edline(7), Love(4), and Josiah Blessing (6months)

Bring on #7! Just kidding honey!!

2007-12-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

Josiah is such an easy baby! I could not have imagined an easier transition, a happier baby, and a perfect fit he is into our family. He truly fits like a glove!

It's been 3.5 years since we brought home our girls from Haiti. I can honestly say that, that was such a hard time for me as a mom. I had to do a lot of attachment therapy for both girls, and reteach their little brains how to cope in various situations. There were daily tantrums, sleepless nights, attachment parenting ALL THE TIME, food issues, surgeries, attitudes and some huge defiant behaviors! On top of trying to be mom to my three othree other boys. I wasn't able to spend much time with my bio boys for those first 6 months. But, all it was worth it in the end. Our girls are secure, very loving, respectful, and healthy. God really stretched me in so many ways!
So, for our next adoption, I was prepared for anything! Including disabilities.
God truly gave us such a wonderful gift with Josiah Blessing! I seriously could not have even imagined it being this good! Josiah is one of the most happy babies I have ever been around. He is forming great attachments with us, always being within eye shot of me, and always rewarding us with smiles. We did take him to church on Sunday. It was great to see that he started recognizing the difference between strangers and our family. When I was in Liberia, he smiled at everyone. Now, he is more reserved in smiling at strangers, and looks to me for assurance. I love that!
His daddy and siblings are so in love with him! I love all the helping hands I have. Having 5 other kids to help is awesome!
No I'm an not thinking about a #7! I was kidding!

2007-12-17T10:59:00.001-06:00

Liberia trip, part 2

2007-12-17T10:11:00.000-06:00

Went to bed late Wed. night. I had to change rooms in the hotel, and ended up with a fabulous room! I only wish I could have had this one all week! If anyone is staying at the Cape Hotel, request room #302!
Had breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the ocean. I am getting so anxious to finally have my baby boy! My driver shows up on time, and go to the office. Wait for Sydney and Prince to walk to hopspital together. They are needing a few medical reports for the Consulate. Meet his dr.,greet Blessing and his nanny! He looks ready to go, we just have to wait for the bill. ($125 for the six days!). He finally gets discharged!! I am never letting you go little one!!
It's off to the Consulate again to give the medical report and to show off Blessing.
Alma let's me know that Blessings visa should be ready tomorrow by 11!
We go back to the hotel and relax and socialize with the staff and Manager. Blessing charms every single person he comes in contact with! He is such a joy!
I enjoy a huge plate of Liberian rice on the terrace with Blessing charming the staff, and thinking how much was done this week to get to this place. God has been so faithful and given me so much streangth and peace this week. I don't know how anyone could live a life with out our wonderful Father God! I would be completely lost and wondering.
Blessing slept through the night, (due to all the meds he was on). We had a wonderful breakfast, exchanged emails with some staff members, then it was off to the Consulate again. Visa wasn't ready til 2:00, so Tama, Chris and I had lunch at my hotel, checked out, said goodbye to staff. Picked up visa, went to office, no time for orphanage, and off to airport. I was so hot and covered in sweat from running around all day, I needed a shower! Airport was fast, but the employees were pretty rude to me. I never did get all my boarding passes, which later caused some headaches in Brussels. Flight was great, Blessing was an angel, (7 hours), charming everyone in our path! Thank God for the wonderful Brussels air and AA employees. They bent over backwards to get us our boarding passes, that weren't in the computer. We ended up getting a whole row of seats for the 9 hour flight! How awesome!
Blessing was an angel the whole time, we went through immigration, handed over our paperwork, and got out of Chicago before the big storm!
Friday night!! We are home! My beautiful children and husband, all waiting with signs and open arms for us! What a beautiful picture of God's love! So many blessings to be thankful for! Scott did a great job of being dad and mom all week, and Love did great at Jennifers house too!

Liberia has changed me, moreso than Haiti did. I know God has plans for our lives doing something for Liberia. I can't wait to know where He leads!
God Bless,
Christina