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ITY’s successful surgery! Yay…tubes are in!

We are home…and ALL FOUR little ones are napping AT THE SAME TIME! I’m working on a Wiphan video to share SOON…and I also have MORE helpful pointers and details on the “It’s a Girl Thing: Pad Party Project”. SO…that comes tomorrow:). Sorry for the delay. Babies come first at our house…so now that all is well with tubes and rest might happen–I can catch up on my “to-do” list! FIRST though—I wanted to document our morning!!!

We arrived at the hospital at 6:30am…which means we LEFT at 6am…which means we got up at 5am…which really didn’t matter because guess who did NOT sleep a wink last night pulling on his ears?! BUT he was all smiles before surgery this morning. And he even got to pick out a special prize to take back with him.

He was a HIT among the nurses–and he showed off by smiling, waving and even being a big boy and doing another breathing treatment before anesthesia. We have been doing breathing treatments every 4 hours around the clock for almost a week now…so it’s old hat to him and he will even some times HOLD the breathing mask to his little nose and mouth himself. SWEET thing! They didn’t allow Richard or I to go back at all—so we didn’t get to stay beside him while he went to sleep. His wheezing had started back, and they said it was best if we weren’t there in case breathing problems occured and they had to insert tubes…that mommy or daddy might be in the way:(. This news brought the dreaded LUMP IN MY THROAT. I held it together…and the anesthesiologist came to get him and he cried as they walked away with him…another lump in my throat.

Then we headed back to recovery and waited and waited and waited…and I endured 15 minutes (possibly more;) of Isaac’s daddy’s goofiness. If you want to be entertained–you really need to be stuck in an empty hospital room with my husband. The man isn’t right. He proceded to tell me funny stories and then finally they brought our baby back. He was very hungry since he wasn’t allowed to eat before the surgery since the night before…

My friend Tiffini who has endured many hospital visits with her sons and procedures much like we have, encouraged me in all the craziness that although you would think this would make bonding harder–it really makes you closer. I’ll agree. This was one of those moments that no one else in the world was there—and time stood still…and I just wanted him to feel better…

How I love my little man–and moments like this…really does make me realize how deep our love is for him.

We came home–and Isaac and I CRASHED. We slept until the alarm woke us up at noon telling us to go get Frank from preschool and Laney and Parker from my friend Christy who was doing carpool today. We had to run in the dance store real quick to get my niece something for her dance class–and ironically after this mornings bonding–the clerk asked me a question that didn’t throw me off…but instead made me a bit sad that she doesn’t know what adoption feels like. I was standing there with my 4 children listening and she asked about our son…

“Is he yours?”

“Yes, he is.”

“How?” (Trust me…people ask everything. And it’s most interesting to watch Parker and Laney’s faces during these ‘adult’ conversations…I am thankful that THEY get it!)

“He is adopted, and we love him so.”

“You mean, really? You love him as much as much as you love your own?” (Really–in front of Laney and Parker…this could be confusing–and I could probably get upset…but this sweet clerk doesn’t know any better–and she doesn’t know the miracle of adoption…so I just smile…and think, “Bless her heart.”)

“Absolutely. I love him as much because HE IS my own. He is my son…of course I love him just like I love all of my children…” At this, I hold him higher…and can’t help but kiss him all over the cheeks…not to show her my words are true–but because I just can’t help but kiss his big cheeks almost every moment of the day. Then…Frank interupts my fog by throwing hair bun nets and a tutu across the room. Parker is dying laughing at Frank, and Laney is asking if we can buy the tutu…which I respond with my famous, “No–hun…put that back—we’ll make one at home.” (You know ME;). And with all the craziness from my other three, I can’t help but bask in Isaac’s sweetness and offer him two more kisses—because we all know in just a year or two he’ll be right there with them.

As I drove home, I thought about the clerk’s question–and I felt so thankful to be blessed with ALL of my children. I felt a bit sad for her too that she didn’t know how much a mother loves her child no matter how the Lord chose to bring that baby into their life. But then again–who can blame her. I can remember being pregnant with Laney and being SO worried that I could never love another baby the way I loved Parker…oh the tears of worry make me smile now at my not knowing. And then she came…AND MY HEART OVERFLOWETH! Really, I just didn’t know it was possible. ONE DAY…I know Isaac Temesgen will ask that SAME question. “Well, do you mom? Do you love me just as much?” And one day Isaac Temesgen will read these words. And if I could go to coffee with that sweet clerk I would want to tell her about what she didn’t see…and for Isaac T to read this…

Sweet lady behind the desk—all you got to see in our 5 minutes together was our differences…but what you didn’t get to see was…the almost 365 days of my heart’s longing to bring him home…the tears that fell throughout the WAIT–not even KNOWING or UNDERSTANDING why I ACHED for a baby I didn’t know YET so much–yet God knew the ache was because he was born the week our journey officially began and He miraculously caused my heart to ache–and to LABOR through desire, prayer and longing for our baby…

She didn’t get to see the paper chase across town for nearly four months…the juggling schedules so I could be at every appointment…definitely more appointments and hoops than my past pregnancies…but already–I loved him so much…

She didn’t see me on my knees in December crying…only a month officially on the waitlist but I KNEW in my heart something was happening…and just a few days later our son was at Bethzatha waiting for us…God was miraculously lining up our hearts with what was happening in His world…she didn’t see how I struggled to focus on the “now” and the routines of my children already home…I was utterly distracted by my love and longing for a son I had yet to lay eyes on…

She didn’t hear my voice on the other line with Kiersten, our case worker, said, “I have a little boy I want to talk to you about…” or the tears as Richard and I were on that plane after the phone call…we had YET to see his picture and all we had was his name and a medical review that told us this 8 month old miracle wasn’t holding his head up yet–but he was smiling–and when Almaz saw his face she saw the grace and power of God…and not knowing what the future held…and BEFORE seeing his pictures…our hearts said YES!!!

She didn’t see my tears as we finally saw his face…knowing he was our son. And that already–I would do ANYTHING for him.

Oh and if she could have been with me as I walked away from my entire family to board a plane to bring him home…there was fear in my mind boarding that plane with “what if something happens”…but all the while my heart was shouting “YOU ARE WORTH IT!” Because…already…I loved him. Or the moment I didn’t know what to say when he was placed in my arms…so like a crazy mommy I bounced him up and down just hoping he wouldn’t cry. Already longing to ease his heart and mind…just wanting him to be okay and happy.

If she could have seen the tears I cried with every poke and test upon returning home…wanting to look away but knowing I could not and instead pressing my cheek to his and reminding him, “Momma’s here. Momma’s here.”

I’m afraid if she had seen those moments…and then compared them to the scene of Frank throwing bun holders, Parker laughing at him and Laney begging for a tutu…her question might have been worded differently;). Yes, I do love them all with an unexplainable, deep God-given love…although to be honest with you clerk lady–I’m really working on my patience with the older three;). Hmmm…I think I might just have come up with a new response to raise the eyebrows of the next clerk lady who just doesn’t know.

To those of you waiting on waitlists for your little ones you have yet to see or hold…I get your heart—your longing—and I promise, in time…it will all make sense and it will be worth it. Your feelings are real, valid and for a purpose. It’s labor…yes, a long one–but God is preparing your hearts for one of the greatest miracles to ever grace your life! To those of you already home–wasn’t it worth it…and isn’t it AMAZING the love that abounds with being a mommy again…and through the miracle of adoption?! What a blessing to get to be a mom over and over and over again…I can’t imagine a better job…a higher calling or any other way I’d want to spend my time. I think I hear one stirring…so my time is up. But just in case you ever wondered…there is a deep miracle in the wait and longing and the love that God gives a momma for each child no matter how they come into her heart…and I’m just thankful my quiver is full (…oh but–Richard, if you are reading this…don’t you think there MIGHT be room for JUST one more?!)

Hope you all have a blessed day.

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Tiffany - September 1, 2010 - 4:44 pm

When those questions arise imagine how wonderful it would be to share this answer with each person. I love this post…love it. There is so much that goes into an adoption, more than a pregnancy even…and people just don’t know and I want them to know. As always, you’ve said it better than I ever could. Amazing post.

Elle J - September 1, 2010 - 4:59 pm

… and my son just walked by and said, “Hello Cutie” to Isaac’s photo in your post. =) Beautifully written. So clear. I can feel your energy and love for all of your children.

Catherine Besk - September 1, 2010 - 5:11 pm

We are currently living with my parents because CA state law requires a 3rd bedroom, since we already have 2 little girls. We haven’t been here even a month yet, and I’m going so stir crazy – BECAUSE while we are waiting for the right home, our adoption is on hold, since our homestudy has to be done in OUR home. Your last paragraph really spoke to me. It will all be worth it, and I will understand it all one day when I’m holding our precious child in my arms. A child that God planned for us before time, just like he planned our girls for us. So glad Isaac is going to be feeling so much better!
Love,
Catherine

Lara - September 1, 2010 - 5:21 pm

Thanks for sharing that. I thought of little Isaac as I was doing our adoption education course about medical issues in adoption and it mentioned ear infections as a common problem adopted babes have.

Ashley - September 1, 2010 - 5:32 pm

your posts always seem to be just what i need to hear! tonight we have our final walk-thru with the social worker for our home study, and we just launched our first fundraiser. in the last few days i have really felt the weight of the mountain before us…so sweet to be reminded of the amazing miracle waiting on the other side!

Katie Dunlap - September 1, 2010 - 6:09 pm

Okay. Tears . . . lots of tears! This is beautifully written. Thank you, Andrea, for putting into words what so many of us adoptive moms feel. I’m so glad things went well with Isaac today, and I hope he finally feels completely healthy soon!

melissa - September 1, 2010 - 6:14 pm

I am so glad Isaac T. is doing well and it went so smoothly. I am praying that much relieve is ahead of him and for you. I could not contain the tears as I read how much you loves Isaac T. and how much you have longed for him. It is beautiful! There is so much the world does not know about adoption. Wow! What a blessing we have to really experience it and get a glimpse of Christ’s love for us. Love this! Can’t wait to experience it along side of you. (:

Nina - September 1, 2010 - 6:20 pm

I was overwhelmed and moved by today’s post. I sobbed through everything after the clerk encounter. It connected straight to my heart when you spoke of the ache you felt for Isaac before you even knew him or saw his face. I struggle with this feeling, because I don’t understand it. Oh how I long for my little one….the feelings are so fresh today! These are feelings that even my closest friends don’t understand, because they have not been through it. And so often I feel so alone because of that. But then there is this whole world of people I’ve connected with through blogs and emails. If only we could transport ourselves to the same spot once a month so we could all hug and cry it out! ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you for sharing your heart, Andrea. Don’t stop writing, because what you write is SO worth it.

Jill Dupras - September 1, 2010 - 6:25 pm

it took us an entire year to complete our paperwork due to crazy setbacks and we have been waiting for a referral for almost six months. the most difficult and unexpected part has been the maternal feelings i have for our children in ethiopia. we are not adopting an infants so i know they are there probably waiting too. this breaks my heart for them because like you said, i already love them. thankfully i know the One who knows all things and can trust in Him. i have been incredibly encouraged by your journey.

Debb - September 1, 2010 - 7:42 pm

You bring such precious tears to my eyes. We are adopting and are only one month into the waiting phase. Your words are precious to me. So real. So beautiful. You have described my very own heart. I am so in love with our son (and possibly siblings!), and I have not even met him/them yet! I so wish those outside of adoption understood tall that you have said so eloquently. I pray Isaac continues to heal, and that this whole experience helped to bury deep the love and trust between the two of you!

Dawn - September 1, 2010 - 8:31 pm

So glad things went well…..what a beautifully written post! AMEN!!! Wish we could all walk around with a little video about how we waited, cried- tears of joy and sorrow and fret, and all that went on in our heads and hearts along the way. That would be powerful!!!!!!!!

Tara - September 1, 2010 - 10:48 pm

Such great news and what a great story you have to share, praying for your family

Nicole - September 1, 2010 - 11:32 pm

BEAUTIFUL!!!! We are in the paper chase and today was one of those days for us. God knew that your words would comfort someone else today, so thank you.

Bobi Bobbitt - September 1, 2010 - 11:45 pm

I have been feeling very discouraged lately about my longing to adopt (that it just may never happen)… I really needed to hear this tonight! As always, thanks for being so real! Love, Bobi

Shannon - September 2, 2010 - 1:11 am

Such sweet moments with Isaac and I’m so glad everything went so smooth. Thank for this post! You ALWAYS seem to speak right to my heart. I am so desperately wanting to be finished with the paperwork and homestudy and be on the list but I know there is much to be learned in the process. But my heart aches and I wonder about him and we talk about him everyday and pray for him each night. I thought being pregnant felt long! This is truly a lesson in patience! So thankful for the gift of words the Lord has blessed you with…you bless so many others with your writing and encouragement! P.S. You look beautiful at 6:30 in the morning!!

Karen - September 2, 2010 - 2:25 am

I love this post. It is so true that the people with all the outside questions, they haven’t seen our journey and our adoration for our child, nor have they felt the calling from God the way we did. What a very gracious response you had to this woman!!

Megan - September 2, 2010 - 3:04 am

Oh I LOVE this post, and I love your heart Andrea! I hope I have the patience one day that you do with ignorant questions. Thanks for the encouragement today….I’m definately feeling…exhausted? in this wait.

Makenzie - September 2, 2010 - 7:43 am

Love this post Andrea! I really wish everyone could read these words and understand waht adoption is all about!

Becca - September 2, 2010 - 11:59 am

I’m so glad everything went well – and I love your words about adoption! I cant wait to meet him tonight ๐Ÿ™‚

Meg - September 2, 2010 - 10:49 pm

Lots of friends in common have referred me to your blog and I’m so thankful. We, too, are adopting from Ethiopia and I get so much encouragement from reading about you and your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing!

Lately…

We are living life to the fullest…and then some here…so lemme catch up on the as of late…

FIRST…our little man slept through the NIGHT for the FIRST time last night! So proud of him:) Makes me want to do a toe touch…but I could never do that…but look who can:)

Every day he gets stronger. He isn’t always digging our PT outings…but we are seeing improvement…and we, proud parents, just had to share this…

Our other little man–Frankie baby…has taken one for the team and at 21 months he started his first year of preschool so mommy and little brother could go to PT, OT and FT appointments and get stronger while he plays. This was VERY hard for this mommy…but he LOVES it. Frankie-baby had his FIRST day last week. They only went for a couple of hours and this week he will go the full 9:30-12:30 hours just 2 days a week. He walked in both days last week VERY proud…and our buddy Jack had the honor of escorting him in (the sentimental thing about this…is that Jack ALSO escorted Laney in on her first day!!!) Here is my little heart going to preschool last Wednesday for the FIRST time!

We of course had to do the annual sign picture…which I always put together their FIRST day with their LAST day (at age 5…oh–I can’t bare to even THINK of that one)

And…HE’S OFF!

I thought I’d cry…but I held it together—they say that happens by #3;)

Instead of running from the door–our Frankie baby KNOCKED ON THE DOOR! Gotta LOVE that kid!

THEN on Thursday—we discovered that Isaac has trouble hearing as he failed his hearing tests in both ears. The ENT wants to do surgery ASAP for tubes–SO please keep Isaac in your prayers as he will have surgery at 7:40am tomorrow. After his ear discovery–it all made sense why he hasn’t wanted to talk on the phone. We explained to him that Frank could make all his phone calls for him—and he agreed to let Frank be his translator…so he called Magdalyn Rogers to make sure she knew he was okay…because we knew…of all people…Mag pie would be worried about him;).

To say it was frustrating NOT to hear his Mag-pie’s voice is an understatement…

We talked about the fruits of the Spirit and self-control…long-suffering…and his favorite of course was the love part:) He calmed down and was able to finish his conversation being translated through Frankie baby…I mean, he had A LOT to say…

And I have to say–the sweetest part was when Mag-pie apparently told Frank that she wanted to SHOUT something to our little man…

Don’t you wonder what she said?!

It must have been sweet because THAT is really what made him touch his toes:)

And then he thanked Frankie baby for translating…which Frank WAS happy to do…KIND of;)

SO…tomorrow is our BIG day! Please pray for all the legistics of working out pick up and drop offs for the kids schools to coordinate easily and smoothly–and most of all for Isaac to be calm and to trust me when I take him in. Pray the surgery is successful and relief for our little guy quickly follows. Pray the tubes stay in well and do their job. THANK YOU!

Last but NOT least…we had our 1st baby’s 6th birthday party this weekend (is our craziness wearing you out YET?!) He wanted to have it at Chuck E. Cheese—and since we also call that place germville, Isaac and Frank stayed back with Nana and Papa (his FIRST time to have a sitter!) so he would be well for tomorrow. The doctor gave us strict orders to do breathing treatments around the clock all weekend and to keep him away from germs—so we did our best so we’d have a clear chest on Monday for clearance. It was HARD for this momma to part with him for the first time–but my first baby needed his momma there too to celebrate. Here is a sneak peak of our birthday fun…

Africa hearts were well represented at Chuck E. that night! Henry (pictured in the far right) is expecting his little brother from Uganda this Fall!!! We are praying Charles Tucker home this Fall with all we have!

My bestfriend Kelly (who I met in the SEVENTH…yes 7th!…grade) and her son Luke…

So much fun!!! We ALSO had my niece’s birthday the same day…and you-know-who of course got into stickers and candy…

Here’s one to go on. At my sister’s home–I couldn’t find Frank or her youngest Anna Kate. I looked around the corner–and they had taken a candy basket and were getting as much in their hands as they could. When Anna Kate saw me SHE TOOK OFF running…she has the same personality as Frank;). They are QUITE the pair, huh?!

Ok…guys–come back tomorrow for a peak at a really cool story about what God is doing at Wiphan and how YOU can be used to make an impact! Now THIS has kept me up ALL weekend…I’m SO pumped and can’t WAIT to share!

AS IF this post isn’t long enough—my friend Staci shared this article with me this morning from the Boston Globe. Now, these days as a mom for you might be CRAZY. They might be HARD. But this article summed up for me really how PRECIOUS they are…so no matter how crazy or hard…I hope this reminds you how dear these crazy days are…and how much you will one day miss them.

From the Boston Globe August 22, 2010
By Beverly Beckham

Iโ€™m glad Iโ€™m not a young mother shopping for school clothes and new backpacks, studying the bus schedule, filling in the calendar with โ€œNo school dayโ€™โ€™ and โ€œEarly release,โ€™โ€™ scheduling gymnastics and dance lessons, switching gears and mindset, getting ready to give my children back to the world, bidding this long, hot, summer goodbye.

I never liked September when my children were young. It meant the end of something, not the beginning. Every year, when they walked out the front door and down the walk to wait for the school bus, a little taller and a little wiser than they were just 12 weeks before, my heart ached because I knew that when I got them back again in June, they wouldnโ€™t be who they were now.

Children grow in the summer, too, I know, but itโ€™s different when school starts. They seem to grow faster then. Everything seems faster.

There is a song from โ€œBig: The Musicalโ€™โ€™ that sums up the bitter sweetness of raising children. Itโ€™s called โ€œStop Time,โ€™โ€™ and the first time you hear it, it stops your heart. โ€œNobody warns you of this parentโ€™s paradox. You want your kid to change and grow,โ€™โ€™ the song says. โ€œBut when he does, another child youโ€™ve just begun to know, leaves forever.โ€™โ€™

Even when you win, you lose. Thatโ€™s the truth of the song. And thatโ€™s the truth about kids. You love your children at every stage exactly as they are. You love the way your baby fits snugly in your arms, the way he opens and closes his tiny hands, the way he sighs and leans into you when heโ€™s sleepy. And you want to stop time. But you love it when heโ€™s bigger, too, when he sits up all by himself. And you want to stop time, then. And when he learns to crawl. And when he walks and talks. And look. Heโ€™s starting kindergarten. And heโ€™s learning to read. Can it get any better?

It does. It gets better and better. Parenting is filled with bests and a million happy tears. But itโ€™s filled with lumps in your throat, too, and yearning for what was because even as youโ€™re snapping pictures and head over heels in love with the moment that is, a part of you misses the moments that are not anymore. The infant your child was. The 2-year-old you pushed in her carriage all over town. The 5-year-old who said โ€œpinuterโ€™โ€™ not computer. The 6-year-old who raced in from school every day eager to show you what heโ€™d colored and learned and made.

September whisks kids away and entertains them and beguiles them, but returns them not as they were but changed and in a different size. Thatโ€™s why parents cry as they wave goodbye. Because first grade becomes fifth grade becomes high school becomes college even as you watch.

How is this, I wonder, that a day alone with a colicky baby and an I-donโ€™t-take-a-nap-anymore 2-year-old can feel like a year? But 18 years can go by in a blink of an eye? How is it that both my daughters, who just yesterday were upstairs trying on their new school clothes, are this year dressing their own children ready for first grade?

Theyโ€™ve bought new clothes and a lunch box and a backpack. Just as I bought new clothes and a lunchbox and a backpack for them, just as my mother bought new clothes and a lunch box and a green cloth book bag for me.

Itโ€™s a big step, first grade, the first in a journey that will take their children physically, emotionally, and spiritually to places they cannot begin to imagine. And not only will their children change, but the world will change, too.

The kids are excited. Weโ€™re all excited. A stop-time moment is on its way.

But time wonโ€™t stop. It wonโ€™t even slow down. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™ll pay attention and take pictures. So weโ€™ll never forget the day. So that even when itโ€™s passed, it will remain.

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Shannon - August 31, 2010 - 5:48 pm

It’s so good that he is getting PT so early. You’ll be amazed and grateful in very short order!!

april - August 31, 2010 - 5:51 pm

andrea, i SERIOUSLY cannot get enough of his belly and butt, they are the biggest and cutest butt and belly on a baby i have seen! so adorable! yay for him bearing weight, praise the Lord! :0)

Dawn - August 31, 2010 - 6:26 pm

Love those pics…. ๐Ÿ™‚

OK the article made me want to cry…..My baby is in 5th grade- NOT FAIR…yesterday she was a cutie pie 14 month old…time goes tooo quickly. Treasure it all!!!

Becca Harley - August 31, 2010 - 7:09 pm

we are praying for you all tomorrow – love you guys!

Brantley Freeman - August 31, 2010 - 7:55 pm

Yay! So happy for you guys! What a huge improvement for little Isaac T!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

Kris - August 31, 2010 - 8:37 pm

I’ve had 2 kids go under for ear tubes. I’m assuming people have told you what to expect, but since I didn’t see mention of it on your blog…just be prepared for some tears afterwards. Coming off the anethesia is tough at this age. They can be upset (seriously, brace yourself) for as long as an hour. Stay strong and hold him through it and he’ll be acting himself again by midday. The tubes will be awesome and he’ll be much happier. I don’t regret doing it with either of my kids, and my 3rd will get hers this Fall as soon as the infections start again. (Thanks, as always, for your blog – been a reader for a few months now – adopting from ET next year!)

Andrea - August 31, 2010 - 9:09 pm

Enjoyed your post and loved the article. I dread school only because the time it takes them away!!

Megan - September 1, 2010 - 12:33 am

Wow, that’s a lot for a day! =) Very fun and crazy…just the way we like it. Praying for ITY tomorrow getting tubes….recovery was not so fun for me, and I know surgery was always hard on my mom. Prayign for you too friend! Let us know how it goes. Thanks for posting that post from your friend…I often do wonder if its going to change when my Lil Man gets older, if he won’t be as fun….but it has shocked me so far that with every day I love him even more and I am so proud of him and really enjoying the moment. Glad to hear from “experienced moms” that it continues to be that way!

Kristin - September 1, 2010 - 6:18 am

Tears streaming after that article! I feel like I was just in 1st grade- where did these kids who stole my heart come from? Praying for Isaac this morning and hopeful that he can call and hear Mag Pie after the procedure…

jenn - September 1, 2010 - 8:49 am

PRAYING for you all this morning!! I’m hoping IT gets a much deserved break from the ear troubles! We did tubes in December and they have been a huge blessing for our little guy Sam!! When you are having a long, hard day…just think…there are plenty of us reading the blog wishing and hoping for those days…we know they are coming and we can’t wait!!!

Some of our tricks:)

FIRST—for all of you participating in the “Pad Party” project—I’m still working on emailing the pattern to all of you. So far…we’ve had probably close to 80-100 ladies respond…I’ve lost count–and that’s a GREAT thing! Here’s the dealio. We are setting the final deadline for pads to be mailed in for October 1st. We have 2 seperate ship locations to make shipping cost effective for you–so when you are completed with your project, email me and let me know where you will be shipping from–and I’ll send you the shipping address. We are SO thankful for all of you helping…and with SUCH A HUGE response–I am confident we will NOT ONLY have enough for our Korah and Wiphan students—but we will be able to do outreach to BOTH the Korah and Wiphan community!!! Just think how THIS ADDITIONAL outreach is going to bless those living in Korah and the Wiphan compound!!! THIS IS HUGE! AND WE ARE THANKFUL! (Thank you for being patient with me as I respond to the many emails and questions relating to this project…and thank you Sarah for answering the ones I can’t!)

SECOND—this week, Wiphan will be launching an amazing project that is going to BLOW YOUR MIND. It is literally keeping me up at night (when Isaac is not;-) and the more I consider the orphans of the world—the less I am concerned about the silly little problems of fairy land (aka-my life). I have food. I have shelter. I have a bed. I even have an alarm for goodness sake—and I also take all of these things for granted. OR at least I DID. Until I started working on this NEXT project. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR THE LORD TO RAISE UP 400 FAMILIES TO JOIN ME IN ONE WEEK FOR THIS NEXT PROJECT. It will cost each of these 400 families $45…what some of us pay for a babysitter or a night out. I can’t WAIT to tell you how $45 is going to change the life of OVER 400 families. I can’t WAIT to see who those 400 families are that the Lord brings forth to join us…and make a lasting impact and literally SAVE a life! I hope to have everything ready by WEDNESDAY to share. Please pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts of 400 families to join us—for a one time gift of $45. I know the Lord can do this—and I believe He will!!! Please pray that this need is quickly met—and that in one week we can make a phone call that need has been met and the little ones and widows that live in 400 mud homes lives will be forever changed…

THIRDYou just have to see our latest tricks. NOW…for you physical therapists out there–I KNOW this is NOT how he is “supposed” to sit up…but he is doing it none-the-less and he is going from on his belly to sitting. Now…if you ever wondered exactly what hypotonia looked like…here you have it at it’s best! Richard is convinced his hypotonia is going to make him a better athlete…I told him he’d be a great gymist and Rico Suave quickly corrected me that he’d be a better golfer. Regardless…our boy is going places people;). And of course you have to see his precious wave…again:)

Hope you all had a great weekend!!! Please pray we get clearance tomorrow for surgery on Wednesday to get tubes!!! We are set for tubes on Wednesday as long as his chest is clear! Hoping and praying we get the go-ahead tomorrow!!!

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Elle J - August 29, 2010 - 3:26 pm

Can not wait for you to tell us about the Wiphan Project. =) I think Isaac is adorable; that adorable smirk and laugh, kissable face. How do you get anything done with this added cutie-pie in your mix?!!

Alison - August 29, 2010 - 3:50 pm

I can’t wait to hear about the new project! We are in!!!!

april - August 29, 2010 - 4:17 pm

So excited, i heard back from our pastor’s wife that the idea sounds great and she is going to talk to me about it tonight after church. The only problem I see us having is getting them to you before Oct 1st because we might not be able to schedule it at our church and get it done beforehand. Will there be any other opportunity between Oct and Dec to send them in? Thanks!

Tisha Alexander - August 29, 2010 - 4:30 pm

OH GOSH, he is so adorable!!!!! He has come for far in such a short time. Good job momma!!! I pray he gets the all clear for tubes and I can’t wait to hear about the project!

Bobi Bobbitt - August 29, 2010 - 5:41 pm

Can’t wait to hear about the upcoming project… COUNT US IN!!!! bobi

Makenzie - August 29, 2010 - 11:08 pm

What an adorable video! I love seeing that little toothy smile!

Megan - August 29, 2010 - 11:32 pm

Wow, that looks SO uncomfortable =) Can’t wait for the WIPHAN project!

amy beyer - August 31, 2010 - 8:02 am

love your heart andrea.

Chrystal - August 31, 2010 - 12:11 pm

I could just EAT HIM UP! ๐Ÿ™‚ LOVE HIM!!! (and) count US in on project #2.. so excited to see what is in store. ๐Ÿ™‚ Praising God for all the good He is doing through Wiphan, using wonderful people like *YOU*. Have a wonderfully BLESSED day, my friend. ๐Ÿ™‚

SO many things to be thankful for!

As I near the end of what just might be the craziest week of my life (it was a crazy one!) I am reminded that I have SO many things to be thankful for!

I am thankful…
1. Approximately 75 ladies are joining us to make a difference in Korah and Wiphan with Project 1: A Pad Party! If you are are wondering, “What the heck?!” Read my last post. If you emailed me requesting the pattern–you should have gotten a response from me by now. If you have not–please contact me through my contact page and request it again. It’s been a crazy week and I THINK I got in touch with everyone that wants to help–but I am sure I missed someone–so please contact me if that is you! I definitely think we have enough ladies helping…and I am SO excited to have you all join us in this way!!!

P.S. For those of you sewing and coordinating a pad party—DEADLINES and shipping. We have some travelers going in September, October and November to Addis—and we have travelers going to Wiphan in December. Let me talk to Sarah Titus about dates—but my inkling now is choose the date that works best for you and contact me when you are ready to ship. If you life on the west side of the US you will ship to Sarah. If you live on the east side–you will ship to me. We would like to have as many pads as possible for each travel group so they can be spread out in luggage. I will get more firm dates next week and share:).

I am thankful…
2. That Isaac has OFFICIALLY been in my arms as of today for TWO MONTHS!!! Happy 2 month gotcha day to my baby boy!
Man, it seems like yesterday I was in Ethiopia—but it also seems like FOREVER since he’s been home!!! I feel like we have bonded well…and we have definitely been through the ringer! In 8 weeks we’ve been to the pediatrician enough to earn our own parking space, to the ER, physical therapy, OT, urologist, radiologist…we’ve had 2 ultrasounds, 3 x-rays…blood tests, allergy tests, couldn’t count the viles of blood…or tears shed by both him and his momma every time he has to be held down and I press my cheek to his and just say over and over “momma is here”. Finally, I think we are at a turning point! THIS week alone we ended up having EIGHT (8) doctor visits for Isaac! CRAZY. BUT after 3 visits today…and breathing treatments around the clock…I think we’ll finally be clear enough for tubes on Wednesday! We are hopeful that relief is around the corner for Isaac!!! We are up most of the night every night since antiobiotics don’t really ease his ear pain–so Wednesday…we say, “Bring it on!”

I AM THANKFUL HE IS HOME! HE IS GETTING THE BEST CARE OUT THERE…AND WE ARE ALL DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE HE IS PROGRESSING AND COMFORTABLE! It breaks my heart to think not every child gets this care…or to think how he would be feeling if he were not home…or how long he felt like this before we got him home. AND THEN…I’M MORE THANKFUL!!! SERIOUSLY—look at those big eyes…SO happy and bright…I can’t imagine how happy he will be when he is finally is rid of ear infections!!! I just look in his eyes and melt…when he sleeps in my arms I hold back tears…thinking, “You are finally home! You are getting the care you need and deserve! Precious baby boy–how I love you!”

I am thankful…
3. For good friendswho make it possible for us to thrive being home with Isaac…to make it to all of his doctor visits and not worry about the other three kids because they are HAPPY with your friends!!! We went swimming on Wednesday with the Elphicks—who I must say is one of the answers to the question I often get, “How are you doing this right now with all the doctor appointments?” My friend Christy has held on to my kids during this CRAZY, SWEET but also trying time—more times than I can count…and she even texts me to make SURE I have sitters lined up for Isaac’s doctor appointments for the other kids. I love friends that make it easy for you to ask for help when you need it. Yes, today–I am so thankful for good friends! (I’m also thankful our kids love each other’s kids so much!!! AND they go to the SAME school! AND they help with Wiphan!)

Let me say this—NOT EVERY FAMILY IS CALLED TO ADOPT. Some are called to CARE FOR families who are called to adopt and foster—and it is the ministry of these families love, support and service that make our obedience to the Lord possible. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER…and I am so thankful for families like the Elphicks who have loved us well. AND GET THIS–we have ONLY known the Elphicks for a little over a year…yet they have served us as if they ARE FAMILY to us. For those of you reading this that do NOT feel called to adopt or foster—how might God use you to make it possible for other families to follow Him and thrive doing so??? The Lord may be calling many of you to love orphans and widows by actually caring for families who adopt! The widow who had to relinquish her baby…who became an orphan…will one day see in heaven how the Lord made it all possible. AND…it will be some of your faces and hearts—who supported families adopting—that she sees one day! SO THANKFUL today for families who follow the Lord in serving families called to grow through the miracle of adoption!

I am thankful…
4. That I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world… It is near to impossible to get a family picture now (set the camera on timer to try and get pictures for our post-adoption paperwork)! YES our lives are absolutely crazy right now…but we are having so much fun in between the crazy:).

I am thankful…
5. That Frank loves being a big brother
He NOW has someone to play with…OK…so maybe Frank still likes to be the baby—but Isaac doesn’t care and loves Frank just the way he is!!! And Frank REALLY DOES love having someone to play with…

I am thankful…
6. We are making precious friendships with families in our area who are also called to grow their family through adoption…and from AFRICA! SO…to end our crazy week…we invited lots of families over to cookout, chill out and unwind together! The kids had SO MUCH FUN!!!!(Isaac hit the hay EARLY…he was tired after his crazy day at PT, setting up ear stuff and xrays to make sure we were ready for next week!)

We are so excited about these some old and many new friendships in our area!!!

SO many things to be thankful for this weekend!!! NOW…off to bed…and a BIG day tomorrow celebrating our 1st baby’s 6th birthday party with friends! We have THREE birthday parties to attend tomorrow…one being my niece…another a dear friend…and then ending the night with Parker T’s! It’ll be crazy…and the only one chillin’ will be Isaac as he rests up at our house and Richard and I take turns staying with him. We are bound and detemined to keep him germ free and well so he can have tubes on WEDNESDAY!

Thanks AGAIN for everyone volunteering to join us in making a difference across the world! We can’t WAIT to start putting kits together for the women/girls of Korah and Wiphan!!! I have an AMAZING opportunity for you to help BOTH girls and boys to share on Sunday!!! Working on last minute details now—but this one is AMAZING!!!! Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

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Megan - August 28, 2010 - 2:09 am

WOW! That is a busy weekend, and LOTS to be thankful for. I had a stressful week too….but just one big thing, not like you. Just blogged about it on mine….

Tara - August 28, 2010 - 8:35 am

Yes want to help! And praying for you VERY busy friend, we met at agci picnic, I’m mahlets mom, what a cool idea, try to take care of yourself along the way, you are a great mom, praying for the tubes wed

april - August 28, 2010 - 10:51 am

i love this “thankful” post with the pics! so precious! So glad you brought to our attention the pad thing! I am so excited to share it with the ladies at our church and I hope they get on board with me!

Tiffini - August 28, 2010 - 9:52 pm

Andrea, I think I have the pattern, but can you send it to me again to make sure I have it right. We are putting together a sewing party with church gals, too. So excited to be involved!!
So glad that you are making it through these long days. It is a wonderful thing to see your baby getting healthier and stronger…

Tara - August 30, 2010 - 2:55 pm

Hello again, having a pad party, need all the how too’s

Project 1: It’s a girl thing…

To prepare you for our first project–this morning I ran across this…and thought it was perfect to share…

It reminded me how we take the simplest things for granted…like when I see a cute pair of shoes at Target. I…put them in my cart. Some times I think twice, but most of the time I justify…a good deal…and I “need” them.

Shoes is one thing to think I “need”…

Every month, I have to deal with what most girls deal with…a monthly cycle. Sorry if that’s too personal to say–but it should come as no surprise to you. I take for granted that every month I stock up on the things I need…and I can get them in any size, weight and style I would like. And not only that–I complain about my cramps. I complain that I am a bit inconvenienced and I remind my husband that he is lucky to be a boy and he doesn’t have to endure such hardship each month.

SO…let me ask you this—what do you think the women and young girls of Korah do during this time? What will it be like for the hundreds of girls who are (praise GOD!) being sponsored to leave Korah this Fall and go to a boarding school? What will they do as they try to sit in class during this time? What do the woman and girls we support in Zambia do?

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THIS?

Well, let me tell you what they do. They squat. They wait for their week to end. On their heavy days, some roll up newspapers and make their own tampons. Many get infections. The infections make their parents and husbands think they have STDs and they endure being left or abused. Some use a single piece of old clothing–and when it’s soiled–they rinse it and use it again…although it’s still wet—it’s some what clean.

Did you know that in Africa the dropout rate for for young girls in school is 40% when they have no sanitary supplies? BUT when they are provided them–it rises to just 8%?

What can we do about it?

This is the plan: To provide EVERY girl going to school from Korah and every girl and widow at Wiphan 10 washable pads each + 3 pairs of underwear.

There is no way to continue to provide disposable–so we will be providing pre-made overnight pad for approximately 300 women and girls…so that means we need 300 overnight pads and 2,700 regular ones. Each young lady will be able to wear 3 or so a day, wash them out and let them dry–while she will still have a handful more for the following day…and the next…and so on.

NOW…this is where YOU come in. Because each pre-made pad can run around $10—you do the math and that $30,000 in pads. OUCH. SO…we are asking YOU–to HELP US MAKE THEM!

For the month of September and October–we are asking women across the country to join us in making a difference. We have a pattern and instructions you can follow (Thanks for the wonderful Red Tent Project lending us theirs!). You can make it fun—and invite your Sunday school women, small group and friends to help! (I promise if you can’t sew—you can still be used…if you can use scissors—YOU might just be the one to keep the coffee brewin’ while the others sew OR you may be able to cut the patterns and get the fabric ready for the sewers to roll!)

We want to ask you to pray about heading up either a solo project on your own OR heading up a sewing party to help us get as many pads as possible. If we get enough for Korah and Wiphan—then we’ll be donating the rest to the women in the Korah area and Wiphan compounds. If you are interested in joining us in this project–please contact me through my contact page for details how you can get started. (Please be patient with my response time though–it may be later tonight before I can respond as we have a big day today for Isaac at the ENT).

If you don’t have time to sew OR time to host a party—but you would like to give financially toward the hefty overnight pads that we will be purchasing for each girl (the overnight pad for each girl will be the only thing purchased) OR you would like to donate toward someone who DOES want to sew but needs to be reimbursed for fabric costs–then feel free to scroll down to our “nets fundraiser” post and donated through Paypal there. In the notes section please write “sanitary pads”.

One thing at a time folks!!!

And tomorrow I’ll share more about how we are going to run our pad party. Hey…we call it what it is;). I’ll also post details about how to make the pads–what you will need–and how much you will need of each thing. I will also include deadlines, where they need to be shipped to when completed, etc. Today–please pray about helping in this project. Brainstrom throughout the day WHO you could ask to join you.

Finally—stay tuned for “Opernation Silent Night” which will not only provide the orphans at Wiphan a safe night’s sleep…but also spare their lives in more than one way!!! Stay tuned!!! Isn’t it so MUCH FUN to make a difference and be used for His glory?! And as always—feel free to share these projects with your world of friends and family!!! It’s going to be amazing to see the difference we make when we come together as the body of Christ and just roll with it!!!

Hope you all have a happy Thursday!!!

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Elle J - August 26, 2010 - 11:43 am

I support creativity … sounds like a much-needed project!!

Kristy Filbrun - August 26, 2010 - 11:50 am

Please send me information! I would be happy to make some!!!

Marcy - August 26, 2010 - 2:23 pm

I would love to help with this project. My sewing machine is out and ready!

Carrie Kiser - August 26, 2010 - 2:29 pm

Please send me information. I will get a group of women together.
Blessings.
Carrie

SleepyMom - August 26, 2010 - 2:45 pm

You really need a “like” button for us to click on at the end of these posts!

Deborah L. King - August 26, 2010 - 3:10 pm

I want to help. Please send me info.

Judy Fleming - August 26, 2010 - 4:17 pm

Thank you so much for sharing. The simple things we take for granted. This really touched my heart and I so want to be a part of this project. I’m not sure how to get started but I will definate stay focused on this website.

Gini - August 26, 2010 - 4:17 pm

Oh! Loving the practical side of helping. Can’t wait to hear more! ๐Ÿ™‚

Rebekah - August 26, 2010 - 4:20 pm

I posted this topic on my blog Tuesday and have had so much interest! I believe the goal will be exceeded! Praise God!

Sarah Hurst - August 26, 2010 - 4:37 pm

Please send me the information too! I would love to have a “pad party!”

abby - August 26, 2010 - 5:07 pm

I would love to sew some of these…please send me the pattern!

Makenzie - August 26, 2010 - 7:34 pm

I’m in! Time to put my sewing skills to good use! Sending you an e-mail now!!

Ia - August 26, 2010 - 7:43 pm

I would love to help make them.

jodie - August 26, 2010 - 8:01 pm

I would love to help – please send me the pattern! My mom and I will be doing it…we’ve been looking for something like to do. Thanks for letting us know of the need!

Leigha Singleton - August 26, 2010 - 9:33 pm

hi,
my name is Leigha Singleton and I would love to share in this project. I teach a group of jr./sr. high girls at church and this would the perfect project for us and i’m even teaching on poverty and how we can make a difference. i just said to a friend who co-teaches with me that i wish i had more hands on projects for the girls instead of just talking at them all the time. thanks for making us aware and allowing us to bless and be blessed.
i have two babies from ET, one from colombia, and a biological child, you expressed beautifully many of my same feelings reguarding “ownership” of our children.
Leigha

Billie Hobbs - August 26, 2010 - 9:37 pm

I will be glad to make some. Send me the pattern, etc., please. I will also let my cousin in Virginia who has a weekly bible study at her house know about it and they can also make some.

Blessings to you, Andrea,

Billie

Andi Heath - August 26, 2010 - 10:02 pm

I’d be glad to sew some–please send me the pattern and info!

Erin - August 26, 2010 - 10:48 pm

I would love to be a part of this. Please send me more info. Thanks!

Lisa Nowka - August 26, 2010 - 11:41 pm

Please send me the pattern and any suggestions for hosting a party. I would love to help. Blessings, Lisa

michele - August 27, 2010 - 8:53 am

I would love to make some. Send me the pattern and info and I’ll get my friends to help. Also I should be taking my first trip to ET in Nov. so if you want to send a bunch of pads that are ready to go I will hand deliver them. We are going to go to Korah and it will be easy to pack! By the way, I am friends with Melanie (also live a block away) if she isn’t too busy with Ava I’m sure she would want to make some too. I’ve heard lots about your sweet son! Congrats!!!

K - August 27, 2010 - 9:09 am

Hi Andrea. I happened upon your blog while looking up info on adoption. The Lord laid adoption on my heart a few weeks ago so now I am just praying and waiting on the hubby- does this happen to anyone else? Where one person is ready and willing to take the leap of faith and the spouse is just not sure? So discouraging. Anyway, I would love to help with this project! Awesome to be able to help out with such a need! I am not sure I will ever look at my monthly cycle the same after reading this post! jknaleven@hotmail.com

Christina - August 27, 2010 - 11:27 am

Andrea – I’m not a super sewer but I know some basics. I would love to have some more information about this to make sure I could to the project. I think I can , I think I can, etc!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ I know I want to and will do my best to gather a group of ladies to get several made for this project! Look forward to gaining more details of this project!!!

Shannon - August 27, 2010 - 11:33 am

We just had a wonderful group of women from our church get together for “dresses for Africa” so I have no doubt they’d be willing to help with a pad party! Looking forward to the instructions and we’ll get planning!

Bobi Bobbitt - August 27, 2010 - 11:47 am

Hey Andrea! What a great idea!! I want to be a part of this project so please send me more info on how to get started, I do not sew, but I will try to get a group together that does and we can throw a “pad party” at my house or church!!! Thanks for heading this up!!! (: Hope ITY’s ENT visit goes well today!

kristi johnson - August 27, 2010 - 1:50 pm

i can cut things..or just give money…I can’t sew ๐Ÿ™‚ can’t wait to help, kj

Kristen - August 27, 2010 - 2:37 pm

Please send me the pattern.
What a wonderful idea. Great way to serve the Lord and serve these girls from afar.
What a blessing you are.

Casey Chappell - August 27, 2010 - 2:53 pm

Count me in. I’d love to get that pattern and the details on when they need to be done. :o)

Mary - August 27, 2010 - 6:37 pm

I would love details on making these and where to send them and ideas for a party! Wonderful idea!

Katie Dickinson - August 27, 2010 - 7:36 pm

kdthreads is on board for sure!
http://kdthreads.wordpress.com

Nikki - August 27, 2010 - 8:18 pm

I can get a group together to knock some of these out… please send us the info! ๐Ÿ™‚

april - August 27, 2010 - 9:22 pm

i am very interested in this, where would we access the pattern? i want to talk to my pastors wife about this! :0) when would you need them by?

Ellen Childress - August 27, 2010 - 11:23 pm

I would love to make some and think I can get a group of ladies from our church to help. Get me the info.

Shay Potter - August 28, 2010 - 1:19 am

I am interested in hosting a pad party! Please email me the information. ๐Ÿ™‚

Michelle - August 28, 2010 - 9:09 am

Please send me the info, I’d love to put my Singer to good use!

Angela - August 28, 2010 - 12:29 pm

I’d love the pattern as well. I bet I can get some ladies from church together for a sewing party!

Juanita Browne - August 28, 2010 - 7:33 pm

Thank you for sharing this… My girls & I would love to help…& encourage others in our community to help as well. Could you please email me the pattern, info., etc.
Lord Bless You!

jennifer mcmurray - August 28, 2010 - 9:13 pm

please email me the pattern!

Beth - August 29, 2010 - 12:42 am

Please give me additional information about participating in this wonderful project. How many, pattern, where to ship them by what date, all the details. Peace.

Wendy - August 29, 2010 - 12:59 am

please send me the patter and where to send the pads once made – I would love to help out.

Janet - August 29, 2010 - 10:53 pm

I’d love to sew some pads, and I have some friends to help me!!! Count me in! Send me more info and an address to send my goods to!! ๐Ÿ™‚ Awesome!

Chrystal - August 30, 2010 - 10:41 am

Oh my goodness.. COUNT ME IN. When GOd first started breaking my heart for orphans, He opened my eyes to the people of the Korah Dump. They are on my mind SO much. I have often thought about this very subject with woman/girls that live in poverty and wondered how on earth they did it. I’m SO IN. Thanks SO much for allowing US to be a part of what you’re doing.

Reagan - August 30, 2010 - 3:36 pm

I’d love the pattern. I know several girlfriends that would love to do this. Thanks for passing this along!

Holly Haus - August 31, 2010 - 1:55 am

Please send me the pattern. My Mother, Sister and Daughter meet weekly for sewing and we would be honored to contribute our time to this wonderful project.

Emily B - August 31, 2010 - 8:35 am

I was hoping you could send me more information about this, I’d love to get the ladies in my church involved. Thank you.

Charisa - August 31, 2010 - 6:21 pm

Hey Andrea!

I just saw this and would love to help! I am going to attempt a teen girl sewing party!!!

If you still need help…let me know and send me the info..

PS..I don’t comment much anymore but I still keep up and LOVING the whole family!

Angela - September 4, 2010 - 9:19 pm

Andrea,
I’d love to quote some of your post in a post on my blog about the upcoming “pad party” I’m hosting for this project. Would that be okay with you?

April - September 5, 2010 - 7:09 am

Can you send me the info too? I’d like to get my mommy’s group to do this. Thanks!!!

Suzi Redman - September 13, 2010 - 5:33 pm

I’m in the process of getting a group of gals together to do this project!!! Would you be able to send me the info and directions for it?

Thank you!!! WONDERFUL project!

-Suzi
suzi_little@hotmail.com

Annalien - September 20, 2010 - 2:30 am

Hi there, I live in South Africa and although sanitary pads and tampons are definitely more available here than in some of the other African countries, there are thousands upon thousands of women here that cannot afford it. Would it be possible to obtain the pattern from you? Our church already has a “girl” project going to supply basic toiletries each month, but I think this can make a real difference as it is something that can last.

[…] challenged ladies from all over the United States to join us in. You might remember the post here: It’s A Girl Thing. We sent the kits to BOTH Korah (in Ethiopia) AND Wiphan (in Zambia). While we haven’t gotten […]