We participated in an Christmas ornament swap with Harrah's Make the Wait group. Thank you to Cyndi and Dean for the beautiful ornaments.
Ornament Swap
We participated in an Christmas ornament swap with Harrah's Make the Wait group. Thank you to Cyndi and Dean for the beautiful ornaments.
December 2008
It was three years ago this month that we made the decision to adopt from China. Looking back we would never have imagined that our journey would take so long. But we continue to have faith and believe that God has a plan for us. Although sometimes it seems that so little has happened in the last three years, so much has. We have made friends and done things that we may not have if we already had our child. Most of all we have learned that what we do with our blessings is much more important than counting our blessing. This holiday season we hope you too are blessed and choose to do great things with those blessings.
If you shop on Amazon, we ask that you do so via the Love Without Boundaries link on the right. If you clink on the Amazon link at their bottom, a portion of your sale with benefit China's orphans. You may also consider making a donation or sponsoring a child. We are blessed for the work they do.
You are probably wondering what date China is on- February 19. We will update December's referrals (hopefully) this week.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
September
We have been continuing to keep busy here. After returning from a fabulous vacation with family and an in between trip to one of our favorite spots on earth, Destin, Florida, it was back to work for another school year. No complaining here, I thoroughly enjoyed my summer. I also enjoyed each and every minute I got to spend with my nephews. I just love this picture of Dave, and it would be even more perfect with a little hand reaching up to his. Once again, I pray that our next trip to the beach is with our little one. (Oh yeah- picture taken with my brand new camera). The latest update is...last week China matched children to their families through the date February 6, 2006 and they arrive sooner than expected. We are taking a Chinese Culture and Language class at our local university.
Infinite Patience
January 2006 Log In Dates are now complete. That leaves February, March, April and May. So, we are getting closer. I have linked some blogs for families who received an August referral (on the right). I wanted to share an inspirational thought for the week:
Patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us. Romans 5:4-5
We hope you are enjoying the breaktaking moments of the Olympic games and the beauty of our child's birthcountry as much as we are.
We're Still Here
Today makes 26 months that have passed since we were logged in and our wait began. We've been having a wonderful summer, relaxing and enjoying the things we love to do. There hasn't been much to update on our journey but we have faith that after the Olympics things may move along. We have been watching the Travel Channel's China episodes, and embracing the opportunities to make a difference in our child's birth country. Most times I do not understand why it has been so difficult for us to share our lives with children. Yet at times we are reminded of our capabilities. We were overwhelmingly blessed last week to receive an email informing us of how what we do have can and did share our lives with some very special children. The email informed us: "We are in the process of setting up a foster care program there and, through your generosity, we were able to purchase an incubator just in time for their newest arrivals—two tiny babies that were born in April. The staff at Shangqiu wanted us to pass along their sincerest gratitude to you for your generosity." The photos that were attached reminds me that this is the place in our journey of life that we belong. With that in mind to keep to keep this blog active I am going to try and use my love of taking pictures to post via a picture a week. Now I must buy that digit camera. ( The new layout is a work in progress, something else I'm learning this summer.)
Today makes 26 months that have passed since we were logged in and our wait began. We've been having a wonderful summer, relaxing and enjoying the things we love to do. There hasn't been much to update on our journey but we have faith that after the Olympics things may move along. We have been watching the Travel Channel's China episodes, and embracing the opportunities to make a difference in our child's birth country. Most times I do not understand why it has been so difficult for us to share our lives with children. Yet at times we are reminded of our capabilities. We were overwhelmingly blessed last week to receive an email informing us of how what we do have can and did share our lives with some very special children. The email informed us: "We are in the process of setting up a foster care program there and, through your generosity, we were able to purchase an incubator just in time for their newest arrivals—two tiny babies that were born in April. The staff at Shangqiu wanted us to pass along their sincerest gratitude to you for your generosity." The photos that were attached reminds me that this is the place in our journey of life that we belong. With that in mind to keep to keep this blog active I am going to try and use my love of taking pictures to post via a picture a week. Now I must buy that digit camera. ( The new layout is a work in progress, something else I'm learning this summer.)
618
618 today's date, and the number that appears often before Dave. He believes 618 is connected to us and our adoption. So, today when I was at work Annie,who works in the cafeteria, shared the dream she had this morning (618) with me. She told me she saw my daughter in her dream and that she is beautiful. She was wearing a red dress and had little bows in her hair. You see I do not know this woman well. Several weeks ago, my car was in the shop and Dave dropped me off to work early. Well, the only open entrance to the school was through the kitchen and the janitor hadn't come in to turn the alarms off yet. So I had to sit and wait. Annie and Anna sat with me. She asked me if I had any children and that is when I briefly told her we were in the middle of an adoption from China had has already taken 2 years. She commented about families that she knows who had adopted. Was this God's way of sending us a message?
Two Years
Well, 2 years has actually washed away since our paper work was sent to China. Referrals were made for June and they include LID's through 1-20-06. We are praying that once the Olympic games are completed in August we will see more dates being referred each month. The following link is an update from Half the Sky regarding China's children and the earthquakeaftermath, and HTS's director who will have the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch to represent China's orphaned children. Due to the dangerous conditions that currently exist, the children will no longer be able to run beside her.
Well, 2 years has actually washed away since our paper work was sent to China. Referrals were made for June and they include LID's through 1-20-06. We are praying that once the Olympic games are completed in August we will see more dates being referred each month. The following link is an update from Half the Sky regarding China's children and the earthquakeaftermath, and HTS's director who will have the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch to represent China's orphaned children. Due to the dangerous conditions that currently exist, the children will no longer be able to run beside her.Earthquake Aid
As you may have read in some of our previous posts, Love Without Boundaries (LWB) is an organization that Dave and I have support as much as we can. We received an update from them today regarding the tragic situation in China right now. Please find it in your hearts to help if you can. One of these babies may even be ours.
A Message from Amy Eldridge, Executive Director of Love Without Boundaries
Hi everyone,
I know all of us are stunned and heartbroken by the tragedy of the earthquake in China, and I wanted to give you an update on what LWB is working on, specifically about our relief efforts.
First of all, we were not in any position to provide immediate assistance such as food or blankets because we do not have staff on the ground in Sichuan. When we have been contacted by people who want to give to the rescue efforts, we have been referring them to groups like Americares or Children's Hope International. These groups are right there trying to get food and water to the victims. Because many roads were damaged, it has been difficult to ship in supplies.
LWB is collecting funds and plans to use these donations for projects that will provide more long-term relief. 100% of donations received will be used for relief efforts. I am saddened to report that our directors in China have contacted many officials and have been told that a huge amount of children have now become orphaned. Our China medical director spoke with a doctor in Sichuan who said that in his hospital alone there were 163 newly orphaned children.
One of our board members is actually in Beijing right now and has met with the CCAA. We wish to pledge our support to a specific project that LWB can be closely involved with. We know that many charities are raising funds which will be used by the central government for relief efforts. We are recommending Half The Sky Foundation for these types of donations. Because many groups and foreign countries are already helping in that way, LWB has decided to work on a smaller project that we can be closely involved with so that we can report back to our donors on how their funds were used. Since we know that there are two very real needs in China involving this horrible earthquake--immediate assistance for food and water and also a long-term need of help for the children who have now become orphaned--LWB has decided to raise funds to help in both ways. One immediate need that we have been asked to help with is providing baby formula to the regions in need as many babies currently have no access to the formula they need. Through our nutrition program, we are able to get significant discounts on baby formula due to the amount we purchase. We are placing the first emergency order today, which will be shipped to Chongqing Civil Affairs and then distributed to babies in need.
One long-term project that we are working on is outside of Chengdu. We are working with a local physician there who has already met with provincial Civil Affairs about setting up a temporary children's shelter, for those children who have either become orphaned or have become displaced and are unable to locate their families. Of course we will pray that every child who enters this shelter will eventually be reunited with his or her family, but, if they are not, LWB would like to help them in the long-term by providing shelter and possible future foster homes. Civil Affairs asked us how many children we feel we can help and house. They are worried that if the project is announced that more children will be sent to us than we can handle. We are waiting on final details for this project as there are many logistical details to work out with helping more long-term. Our staff in China are in close contact with officials in the region to come up with the best plan for the children who are currently still in the hospitals there. As we receive more news on how we will be helping long-term, we will pass it on to you.
The magnitude of this devastation and feeling of sorrow is so very deep, and I know all of us are wanting to do something to help out. We are fully committed to helping children who have been hurt in this tragedy, and we are so grateful for your support. Together we can work to touch the lives of children who have suffered such a loss in a very real way.
Amy Eldridge
A Message from Amy Eldridge, Executive Director of Love Without Boundaries
Hi everyone,
I know all of us are stunned and heartbroken by the tragedy of the earthquake in China, and I wanted to give you an update on what LWB is working on, specifically about our relief efforts.
First of all, we were not in any position to provide immediate assistance such as food or blankets because we do not have staff on the ground in Sichuan. When we have been contacted by people who want to give to the rescue efforts, we have been referring them to groups like Americares or Children's Hope International. These groups are right there trying to get food and water to the victims. Because many roads were damaged, it has been difficult to ship in supplies.
LWB is collecting funds and plans to use these donations for projects that will provide more long-term relief. 100% of donations received will be used for relief efforts. I am saddened to report that our directors in China have contacted many officials and have been told that a huge amount of children have now become orphaned. Our China medical director spoke with a doctor in Sichuan who said that in his hospital alone there were 163 newly orphaned children.
One of our board members is actually in Beijing right now and has met with the CCAA. We wish to pledge our support to a specific project that LWB can be closely involved with. We know that many charities are raising funds which will be used by the central government for relief efforts. We are recommending Half The Sky Foundation for these types of donations. Because many groups and foreign countries are already helping in that way, LWB has decided to work on a smaller project that we can be closely involved with so that we can report back to our donors on how their funds were used. Since we know that there are two very real needs in China involving this horrible earthquake--immediate assistance for food and water and also a long-term need of help for the children who have now become orphaned--LWB has decided to raise funds to help in both ways. One immediate need that we have been asked to help with is providing baby formula to the regions in need as many babies currently have no access to the formula they need. Through our nutrition program, we are able to get significant discounts on baby formula due to the amount we purchase. We are placing the first emergency order today, which will be shipped to Chongqing Civil Affairs and then distributed to babies in need.
One long-term project that we are working on is outside of Chengdu. We are working with a local physician there who has already met with provincial Civil Affairs about setting up a temporary children's shelter, for those children who have either become orphaned or have become displaced and are unable to locate their families. Of course we will pray that every child who enters this shelter will eventually be reunited with his or her family, but, if they are not, LWB would like to help them in the long-term by providing shelter and possible future foster homes. Civil Affairs asked us how many children we feel we can help and house. They are worried that if the project is announced that more children will be sent to us than we can handle. We are waiting on final details for this project as there are many logistical details to work out with helping more long-term. Our staff in China are in close contact with officials in the region to come up with the best plan for the children who are currently still in the hospitals there. As we receive more news on how we will be helping long-term, we will pass it on to you.
The magnitude of this devastation and feeling of sorrow is so very deep, and I know all of us are wanting to do something to help out. We are fully committed to helping children who have been hurt in this tragedy, and we are so grateful for your support. Together we can work to touch the lives of children who have suffered such a loss in a very real way.
Amy Eldridge
Powerful Earthquake Rocks Central China
For the second time this year, China has experienced a terrible natural disaster. This time an earthquake. Many of you are wondering how this effects those living in China and their orphanges. Our agency has reported that our families who are in China now are safe and in Southern China.
Rumor Queen has been closely following the situation and frequently reporting on the China Adopt Talk website. I have copied one of her posts:
May 13th, 2008
As I reported yesterday, HTS (Half the Sky) reports that they have had contact with the Chengdu, Chongqing and Yibin orphanages and that all is well. The children were all evacuated until the tremors passed, the buildings suffered no great damage, and no children were injured. This morning they note that the children have once again been removed from the Chengdu orphanage due to the aftershocks.
Half the Sky reports that they will be working with The Ministry of Civil Affairs to help the children impacted by the earthquake. They already have a working relationship with the MoCA, and it turns out that the MoCA is responsible for disaster relief as well as being over the CCAA.
Neither the MoCA nor HTS have been able to reach the orphanages in the most affected areas: Mianyang, Zitong, Deyang and Aba. They report that each of those four institutions house about 100 children.
Jenny Bowen at HTS notes that help for children may well be needed outside welfare institutions, and they have been given assurance by the MoCA that they will be able to deliver aid where it is most desperately needed. They intend to help provide temporary and long term care to the children affected, including emergency shelter, food, and medical care for children orphaned or separated from their families. They have set up an Earthquake Fund, if you’d like to help them then go to their website: http://www.halfthesky.org/
LWB (Love without Boundaries) is also involved and is posting updates about individual programs as they get the information. As of now they report that the children at the Deyang SWI are safe and that there was minor damage to the building. They say that the Mama’s Wish teachers and students have all been accounted for and are safe. Also, all of the children in the Zhaotong Foster Care program are safe. They have a disaster relief fund set up as well.
As I reported yesterday, HTS (Half the Sky) reports that they have had contact with the Chengdu, Chongqing and Yibin orphanages and that all is well. The children were all evacuated until the tremors passed, the buildings suffered no great damage, and no children were injured. This morning they note that the children have once again been removed from the Chengdu orphanage due to the aftershocks.
Half the Sky reports that they will be working with The Ministry of Civil Affairs to help the children impacted by the earthquake. They already have a working relationship with the MoCA, and it turns out that the MoCA is responsible for disaster relief as well as being over the CCAA.
Neither the MoCA nor HTS have been able to reach the orphanages in the most affected areas: Mianyang, Zitong, Deyang and Aba. They report that each of those four institutions house about 100 children.
Jenny Bowen at HTS notes that help for children may well be needed outside welfare institutions, and they have been given assurance by the MoCA that they will be able to deliver aid where it is most desperately needed. They intend to help provide temporary and long term care to the children affected, including emergency shelter, food, and medical care for children orphaned or separated from their families. They have set up an Earthquake Fund, if you’d like to help them then go to their website: http://www.halfthesky.org/
LWB (Love without Boundaries) is also involved and is posting updates about individual programs as they get the information. As of now they report that the children at the Deyang SWI are safe and that there was minor damage to the building. They say that the Mama’s Wish teachers and students have all been accounted for and are safe. Also, all of the children in the Zhaotong Foster Care program are safe. They have a disaster relief fund set up as well.
May Update
Referrals of children to their families are made once a month, and that has been occuring within the first week of each month. This month's CCAA Status reads: Reviewed through: December 31, 2006 Placed through: January 12, 2006.
I have added some of the May referral under May Babies. I have also linked some journey to follow of families currently in China under In China Now.
I apologize
I apologize that I haven't been a very good blogger lately. There is just not much happening on this journey. Although it is disheartening to watch how slow referrals are being made, I know that this is part of some bigger plan for us. So, for the past few months we have been embracing life. I have spent many, many hours working on the National Board Teacher Certification process and growing professionally. Dave has spent many, many hours of training physically and mentally to compete in a body building competition. He took second place twice and most importantly removed it from his list of things I should do in my lifetime. We then spent some much needed quality time together on Sanibel Island collecting shells, where we met an amazing little girl named Alyssa (the granddaughter of our friends). We also spent time doing one of my favorite things in life- hanging out with my nephews, including Evan who is now 1 month old. So, as this journey continues we count our blessings and continue to prepare for the day we meet our Chinababy.
If you want to follow families traveling this week who will meet their children on May 7th, I have updated the links on the right. Just click under May Families.
A Quilt for Chinababy
We have created another blog to share each of the baby's quilt squares and wishes we receive. To make it easy to access I have put a link under A Quilt for Chinababy, on the right. Click on Chinababy Quilt and it should link you directly there.
Year of the Rat
The Year of the Rat started on February 7.
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.
Not a Celebration for All
Chinese New Year has begun. Preparing has not been a celebration for all.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2008-02/04/content_6441621.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2008-02/04/content_6441621.htm
Happenings
Since our last post so much but so little has been happening for us on this journey. Thank you to all who donated to Love Without Boundaries, they collected many donations and won the challenge, and $50,000. What a difference that will make for so many babies. We started collecting squares for our quilt, and I am going to start another blog to share each square as we receive them. More families received their referrals of their baby. The CCAA referrals covered up to December 28, 2005. We received a letter from the director of our agency stating that CCAA has had many changes including a director who retired and many contract workers being laid off (they are the people who review the dossiers and match babies with their families). We had a cyber shower for a family in our Make The Wait group and a book exchange. Please pray for the Ford and Brask families as they travel to China later this week to meet their daughters on February 18. Also, please keep China in your prayers as they battle a severe snowstorm. And lastly many prayers are need for my social worker and dear friend Robin who lost the love of her life last Saturday.
Help Us Make a Difference in the World
Since we are true believers that when and what happens in life happens for a reason, we have realized that there are so many small ways we can make a difference in life. We've decided to make 2008 a year of living life and helping others to do the same. We have realized how fortunate we are. So when we received a wish list from Love Without Boundaries we didn't think twice about helping them by purchasing an incubator to save the life of at least one child in this world.
Love Without Boundaries is a worldwide group of volunteers who have realized that people with a pure love for helping children can truly make a difference. Their daily mission is to brighten the lives of orphaned and impoverished children in China.
LWB is in the process of collecting donations that could ultimately win them $50,000. There is a contest on Facebook now that is supported by the Case Foundation.To register a donation, someone only has to give $10.
"We are going to do another one day heart surgery challenge on Tuesday, January 22nd (ending January 23rd at 12 noon PST). I know we can fund the rest of baby Yang's surgery that day. This will give us all time to contact all of our friends and family and get them signed up on Facebook so they can donate on that day. Thanks so much for your support! It will also give us one final week to get as many individual donors as possible so many more kids can receive the gift of life through the $50,000 prize. Let's all try to find an extra $10 by January 22nd and know we all came together to save baby Yang's life." LWB
If you can assist in this challenge, your $10 will make a difference in the world.
Thank you for all your love and support.
Unbelievable!
The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before October 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 19, 2005.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 19, 2005.
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