Author Archives: admin Okay–if you need to laugh…then this is the post to read:) Look carefully. What does NOT belong in this picture? Do you see something that does NOT belong in a bathroom? ‘Cause this is Rico Suave’s side of the master bath…and I think he has lost his hosting mind. I went in last night to […]  My parents are amazing. Just truly amazing. They have embraced and loved T as they have all their grandchildren. Every now and then, Nana and Papa will invite just ONE grandchild to their house. They get ALL their attention and love. Papa and Nana asked if they could have T for a weekend…and they didn’t […] Thank you for documenting your journey. As a soon to be foster mamma I find your experience and wisdom invaluable!! Don’t be surprised if she displays a wry smile and says, “MIPS MIPS UNACCEPTABLE!” She may leave off unacceptable as she is still struggling with pronouncing that one. T is a delight. Our hearts are forever richer. And yes, I immediately noticed and appreciated (we won’t discuss tears ;-)the significance of this orphaned child seeing to it that each and every goat got a treat. She circled the pen until she could get past the dominant, more aggressive animals to see that every single one was taken care of. Thank you so much for sharing your story. God asks that we have faith the size of a mustard seed so I’m confident that He can grow her into a wonderful young lady and one day a godly mommy because of the example you have given her! Some of you may wonder what is up with hosting an orphan from an orphanage for 5 weeks through programs like New Horizons for Children. What is the purpose? Why is our family hosting? Maybe some of you have wondered, but not been bold enough to ask as you can clearly see how the Lord […] Sounds like such a great program!! I’m interested to hear of any other ones you know of, too (ones that come highly recommended) –Very cool!! Thank you for this information! I am definitely going to import it into my facebook for others to see! My husband and I went through a time of fear over our adoption: would the birth country REALLY grant us custody of these kids (you foster them for 3-6 mos in country)? Through prayer and soul searching we came to the realization that love and family and sharing Jesus is NEVER wasted and any day you are loved and cared for is a good day! I pray “T” gives her life to Jesus and that God will continue to move in her life. I pray she changes the world! I pray God gives you and your family the strength and grace to love her well! Karen Twombly Hi. I recently ‘happened’ across the site New Horizons for Children (NHfC). We are very excited to share in this way! However, I have a few questions and would love to have answers from someone that has already experienced this opportunity. In researching, I found your site. Hopefully you can help. Questions regarding NHfC: 1) Is the child allowed to take gifts home? Are their restrictions? 2) Are we to provide dental and eye exams? (I saw this with another org.) 3) Is insurance provided for the child by NHfC? 4) What should I be concerned with for the home safety check? 5) Is the child ‘ours’ for the entire visit or are their obligations to NHfC or others? (On other hosting sites I found mandatory day camp and Saturday group meetings. Doesn’t leave much.) 6) Where does the chaperone stay? Are they from the orphanage? Are they Christian? I so Greatly appreciate your time! Thank You! Alysha We hosted this summer from China with New Horizons! I came across your blog while doing a search for something completely different. We hosted a teen boy while we have 3 girls under 12 years old. Hosting is certainly NOT for the weak and takes much prayer preparation! We would absolutely host again- we were able to see the amazing difference it made in his self-esteem and understanding what a family is all about. Our prayer is that when the Holy Spirit calls his heart, he’ll be able to recognize God b/c he has already experienced the love of a family. Some people don’t understand how you can host and then let them go, but it is no different than a mission trip to an orphanage, you are just ministering to one orphan than many. So glad to hear that your experience went so well and I hope to see you on the NHFC facebook board sometime!  We had ANOTHER great day! I think I’m on to something;). Our T really thrives most when she has us one-on-one. When my babies slept through the night for the first times when they were little, I always tried to “recreate” whatever helped them sleep well…fuller bellies, shorter late afternoon naps…AND after seeing how well […] I have tears rolling down my cheeks, Andrea. What a beautiful post and a beautiful day! You have made so much progress with T! The picture of her looking up at the whale speaks volumes, doesn’t it?! I hope you get some rest this weekend! What a beautiful post! It sound like a fabulous day and I’m just in awe of your patience and HUGE heart. Love love love!! I’m slowly discovering this NEW HORIZONS program. We just began our adoption process… but I can’t wait to read more about this journey of yours!! xoxo  One thing I have learned about our princess–is she needs 100% of this momma to really feel loved. Soooo…momma bird had a babysitter today from 9am to 4pm so I could totally focus on giving quality time to our biggest love. I waited for her to wake up–but at 10am…not rising yet…so I did what […] Oh how I am enjoying reading these daily installments. It’s going to be such a sweet thing to go back and reread. Just like how it’s so easy to forget the little things with a newborn, because it’s such a blur. It’s like a God approved soap opera for me I swear! 🙂 You are doing such an awesome job with her. I prayed for you yesterday. I do have to ask where the life jackets were!? 😉 -Just a blog stalker from Alaska Wow! You are in inspiration! Thank you for sharing daily hOw God is working in your life and in T’s. “He isn’t safe…but He is good…and Im gonna trust Him.” I needed to hear this specifically tonight, thank you. I love these. I think you should print out all the images you take of her and your family while she was there and make a little scrap book WITH her that she can take home. 🙂 Oh, Andrea, I am in tears! Thank you for sharing how the Lord is moving in your family and in sweet T’s life! You are absolutely doing the right thing! She deserves to feel like a princess. Structure works but when foster parents get too rigid it robs these kiddos of having a little choice in a lifetime when so many of the choices have been taken from them. You are helping her to see that she is worthy by your treatment of her raising her self confidence. You are showing her how to love her own little birdies if she becomes a mother even in harsh circumstances. You are teaching her how to trust and how to give and receive love! You are getting it right 100% Praying for you all… Seeing her sitting in that chair getting pampered brought tears to my eyes. The way you are loving her and totally dependent on Father for His grace and strength is such an inspiration. Yes, she’s going to change the world. |
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by admin
You go, girl! chill bumps after this post…you are livin’ large. I know our God is so proud. Keep on ‘just livin.’
girl, you are GOOD. I about jumped up from my desk to go hop on a plane and run over to your pool and find that momma and that little boy and…well, I don’t know what actually.
But, oh my goodness, I gasped out loud when I read your pool story. And, I cracked up when I read your pretend response… {thinking that would probably have been my real response, but you’re full of much more grace:-)}.
I also can relate to the hubby & his tomatoes. It’s just something we cannot understand and I’ve given up trying. 🙂
and I LOVE seeing how Princess T was, once again, blessed by your example. God knew exactly what He was doing bringing her to your house this summer {and allowing us all to be blessed by reading about your experiences}.
thanks for sharing, as always!!
Wow! From amazing image of God’s love for us with scrubbing to an amazing image of God’s grace by not biting that kid and his mom! 🙂 You are a terrific mom! Thank you so much for sharing the life you’re living!
WOW (re: pool convo)
we need to get together sometime, A.
my pastor’s preaching at T4A! =} (Tony Carter, East Point Church)
and i hope to bring along my new husband….
You REALLY are inspiring!
You have so much grace. And…self-control 🙂
Your pretend responses at the pool and heirloom tomatoes made me giggle 🙂
andrea,
i’ve been reading all your posts about t. and they have all touched my heart. but this one? wow. so beautiful.
and your responses to the lady at the pool? i hope i can be so eloquent and kind in mine.
~natalie
I’ve never cried when I read the story of someone cleaning their toilet before. But I did today. Blessings upon blessing to your family.