Saturday, May 31, 2008

My time with Mary Beth.....

I have been wanting to post about this incredible woman and what happened at sweet Maria's visitation. I am not a writer as you all know, so there is no way to convey what happened. Chris, Erika, and I went to the family visitation time. I just kept begging God to give me the words to say.....just anything that would bring comfort. Chris kept telling me that we just say "I am so sorry". So, I got to talk with Mary Beth first. We just hugged for a long time....and cried....and I kept saying "I am so sorry" and told her what an amazing mom she was. What she said next blew me away!!

Mary Beth kept hugging me and telling me over and over....."You fight for Eliana....you do what it takes. Go and get her.....let us know if we can help you do anything." There were a lot of other words.....but I just wept. Here is a woman that just lost her adopted daughter and she is talking to me about Eliana. She was very passionate about it. She just kept saying "fight for her"!!! Wow!!!! I walked away from that night so grateful that God has put them in our lives....thankful that she gets it. She was able to step away from her heartbreaking loss to comfort me. AMAZING!!!

Keep praying for the Chapman family.....for comfort....for hope....and for strength in the next few weeks!!!

Eliana, WE ARE FIGHTING FOR YOU!!!!!!!!

Love y'all,
Lindsey

P.S. Kali's funeral is on Tuesday....Chris and I will be headed to LR! Be praying for my sister....she is trying to help make decisions and has to be worn out. I am so proud of her.

Also, PRAY FOR ELIANA'S "Birth Lady" interview. For some reason, it got rescheduled for next week. Pray that nothing is wrong with sweet girl's case!!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

We will miss you Kali.......


Kali went to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon.....please be praying for her family and my sweet sister. I am at a loss for words. We will miss her so very much!!

Love y'all,
Lindsey

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

This picture makes me sad....and the "birth lady" interview...



I have been wanting to post about Eliana for a few weeks...this is the most recent picture we got of our sweet girl!! Doesn't she look sad?! Last week, I just cried looking at this. We also had a medical update for her. She is losing weight and not wanting to eat at all. Please pray for her little body. She is almost one and is 15 pounds. I know that there are a lot of tiny babies, but the problem is that she keeps losing weight.

We also found out that her "birth lady" (what the Chapman's call their little girls birth mothers) interview is happening at PGN THIS WEEK.....we do not know the day. Please be praying that it goes smoothly!!!!! I am really trying not to stress about this too much. I miss her so much!!!!!

Love y'all,
Lindsey

P.S. Keep praying for Kali......things are pretty hard right now. Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement!!! It means so much to my sister.

Monday, May 26, 2008

A MIRACLE.....KEEP PRAYING!!!


Some of you read my last post (that I deleted).....that said that Kali was with Jesus! Well, I will give you the short version of what happened later yesterday afternoon. Once Kali was declared dead.....the family made the decision to make her an organ donor. Then, they called my sister Leah to ask her to speak at the funeral.

The doctor went in to do a few final things before starting the organ donor procedures. At that moment, he realized that there was blood flowing back through Kali's brain. He came to her parents and said all he could say is that it is a MIRACLE! KALI IS STILL ALIVE. He said she is fighting right now. We have all just kind of been stunned....and can't stop praying. Please join us in believing that she will be healed.

Love you all,
Lindsey

Matthew 9:18-26.

Friday, May 23, 2008

From Leah (Lindsey's sister)- Update on Kali


I thought that it might be nice if I could just thank everyone who has been praying continually for Kali. As Lindsey has already told you, Kali has been my roommate for the past 2 years and we have been best friends since kindergarten. She basically grew up at our house, and so naturally something like this happening to someone so close to you is devastating. She is my friend who knows every secret, every struggle, every moment of my life- she is like my sister. Kali is a fighter... I know she can make it through. She has been stable for the past 48 hours, which is good because the first 48 are usually the most crucial. I have been in contact with both of her parents and they said that today she had a really good day. The main problem to pray for right now is for the swelling in her brain to go down, because it really hasn't gone down too much. Once it goes down enough, they can bring her out of a coma and do tests to assess the damage in her brain and see exactly what brain functions she has. Right now the hardest part is not being with her. She is the hospital in Florida, and I am in Little Rock and I know while she is in a coma I can't really do anything, but I just feel a little helpless here. The doctors have said that it may be a few weeks to a month before she is awake and they can see what the damage is. Please just pray for her and her family. I know her parents are exhausted. They are helplessly watching their daughter struggle to stay alive, and not able to do anything about it.

Although I do not most of you personally, reading your comments has been so encouraging. Like most of you, I believe in a God that protects us while we are weak, and is our strength when we have none. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Even as I write this, tears streaming down my face, I know that the Lord has a plan. And while I may not understand this plan, Kali is his child, and he has a perfect plan for her life. Thank you again so much for your continuing prayer for Kali and her family. I will keep Lindsey updated so that you guys can stay updated too.

Leah Daniels
(Also, please continue to pray for Erika and the Chapmans.)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Grieving and praying.....


There are not a lot of updates on Kali....just keep begging God for a miracle. It is so hard to comprehend what has happened to her....she is just always so full of life. My sister, Leah, is doing the best she can. She is having to talk to tons of people and is getting phone calls non-stop. The next 24 hours are crucial for Kali. Pray that her brain would not swell and that the bleeding would stop. Pray for her mom and dad that are there with her. Continue to lift up the other families involved. It just makes me sick to my stomach.


By now, most everyone has heard about the dear Chapman family. This is one of my best friend's Erika with the two youngest Chapman girls. She was their nanny for a long time....and became part of their family! I can't explain the depth of grieving she is experiencing right now. Please lift up Erika as you pray for the Chapman family. All of this just feels like a nightmare.

I laid in bed late last night just stunned.....it just feels so heavy and dark. Thanks to Deanna, Katie, and Rachel who listened to me vent. I know that life is fragile...but it is times like this that magnify it. Last night, I began to grieve so many things in the midst of these tragedies. God is good even in this....so hard to wrap my mind around that concept. But, I CHOOSE to believe that today. I love you all friends.

Love,
Lindsey

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Urgent prayer for Kali (my sister's roomie)!!




Hey friends,
This is a really hard post for me to write. My sister's roomie and dear friend, Kali, was in a deadly car crash this morning at 9 a.m. in Tallahassee, FL. Her and 6 other friends were headed to Disney World for a vacation. 3 of the 7 people were declared dead....and Kali is hanging on for life right now as I type this. She has a fractured skull...and bleeding in her brain. Please get on your knees right now and pray for a miracle. Pray for the 3 families that have lost their precious kids....and for the other two that are in critical condition with Kali. This breaks my heart!! Pray for my sister, Leah....this is devastating for her.

Love you all,
Lindsey

Below is a news story: (please don't post about them "not wearing seat belts"....that will make me mad right now)

The Tallahassee news story

UPDATE: Another one of our dear family friends, the Chapmans, lost their little girl today in a horrible accident. It is the most tragic thing.....what a broken world. Why Lord? Why ?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's Time to Start Writing!


Ok folks,
We, along with all of the families currently adopting from Guatemala, NEED YOUR HELP!

The best mode of communication at this point is for individuals to contact their Congressperson in the House of Representatives. If enough people begin making a fuss, then they will contact the State Department and look into doing something about the human rights violations and atrocities being committed by these PGN "interviews." At this time there is no formal letter to sign or specific words to use. Just be yourself and tell them you're concerned about the interviews being conducted in Guatemala's PGN. Talk about how it doesn't seem right to you. Ask them personally to look into the matter. Don't stop until you hear back from them. Ours is a government that is designed to represent the desires of the people...so let's tell them our desires. We want these interviews to stop and for Guatemala to allow these adoption cases to be completed.

Here is a website I found that allows you to figure out who your Congressperson is and also allows you to easily email them.

House of Representatives

If this mode of action doesn't get any attention we'll try something else.
Thanks for being our community.
Keep praying constantly that God would have mercy on all this mess!
Grace and Peace

-Chris

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Our Time In The Springs


Can you even fathom a more perfect backdrop for a wedding? That's right. Our friends were married outdoors right at this spot on a cliff and this was the view behind them...Pike's Peak in the back with Garden of the God's in front! Wow- it honestly made you feel little and reminded you of God's greatness.


Look how cute we are! My baby was the best Brides Made there...sorry ladies but I know what I'm talking about on this one!


Ok, classic story... Our first night in town, we were supposed to attend a Cookout with the whole bridal party. We got pretty vague directions and began driving about this very nice neighborhood trying to find the house. Lindsey called the family hosting the cookout and they told us it's the house with all the cars. We pulled up to this house and the sign on the door said "Come On In." So we did. We walked into this house and though there were tons of cars outside, no one was on the first floor. We proceeded downstairs where we heard all the people. Downstairs we found over 50 people enjoying a very nice cookout. We didn't see anyone we knew right off so I told Lindsey to just "keep moving." We mingled through to the other end of the house and realized we now had to turn back. It was then that I began to notice that the majority of the people at this party were High School girls and parents. I then noticed that the table cloth was all tennis balls and that there were tons of tennis racket bags in the corner piled up. Then the hostess of the party walks up to us. Lindsey asked if this was a cookout for the wedding. The lady had no idea what we were talking about! I told the lady "I think one of my wife's worst nightmares just happened." The lady was so sweet, she offered us some food. I told her we really did have a party to get to but that if the food there was lame we'd be back. She walked us back up to the front door and once outside Lindsey and I busted out laughing! Once we arrived to the real wedding cookout word spread fast about the couple from Nashville who went into the tennis party instead! It made for a nice conversation starter when meeting the rest of the bridal party!


This is "Balancing Rock" in the Garden of the Gods! Again, how cool is God! He made this huge rock balance perfectly on a little spot, just cause he can!


Cool hugh!?! I found this in Manitou Springs, CO!


While in Colorado Springs Lindsey and I got to make a return visit to Focus on the Family Institute! Lindsey and I both attended The Institute but it was before we met and during different semesters! This place was a major marker in both of our lives spiritually, so it was fun to finally get to go back together!

Over all the wedding and the trip to Colorado was great! We were so honored to get to be a part of Hunter and Meridith's weekend!

In Guatemala News...
Please keep praying earnestly for a break through in Guat. What they are making these precious birth mothers go through is totally incomprehensible to me. It's just wrong. Can you imagine making the most difficult choice of your life...to give your baby up for adoption, and then be brought back in and told you are less than a dog for doing that and that you should take your baby back? Pray that all of this harassment stops, that PGN opens again, and that we get to bring Eliana home!

Thanks for being such a great community!
Grace and Peace
-Chris

Saturday, May 17, 2008

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!

Here is a new update that we got from our agency today:


Dear Guatemala Families,
I'm writing to ask all of you, if you haven't already, to contact your local and federal congressmen for help. I spoke with one of my facilitators today who informed me that the birth mother interviews are horrible. He confirmed that the officials at PGN are putting a lot of pressure on the birth mothers to change their mind regarding the adoption. Most birth mothers are holding up under the pressure, but some have asked for their children back. (None of ours at this time.) When Guatemala promised all of us that your cases would be grandfathered in under the old system, the old system did not include birth mother interrogations by PGN. I know this is alarming news, and I don't want to scare anyone needlessly. However, I also want to make sure that you all are advocating for yourselves. I'm still believing that God is going to see us through this situation. Please continue to pray and ask for guidance. I'm being told that once the interviews are completed, PGN will not be releasing cases quickly as previously stated. This may just be rumor but PGN must be stopped!! They are violating the birth mothers civil rights and also putting adoptions in jeopardy. Please pray for these birth mothers. They have made a difficult choice for their child to have a better life, but in some cases are being told that they are no better than dogs for placing their child for adoption! I have spoken with all 3 of our facilitators this week. I am told by one facilitator that all of her interviews so far have gone well with no issues. The other 2 facilitators have not had any birth mother interviews yet. They will begin next week. I'll keep you posted as I hear about any specific birth mother interviews for your birth mothers having been completed.


__________________________

Friends,

I am begging for y'all to be praying!! This is such hard news to hear. I can't imagine what those families are feeling tonight that lost their children because of these interviews. Be praying for their hearts!!! PRAY FOR A MIRACLE.....that someone would step in and DO SOMETHING!!!! This is not right. When Chris and I get back to Nashville, we are going to create a letter that all of you can send to gov't officials. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We can't do this alone. Thank you for your constant support and love.

Love you all,
Lindsey

P.S. I can't wait to post pictures of our time in Colorado. It is AMAZING here!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

I love my new diaper bag!


Another perk to my job.....AMAZING DIAPER BAGS!!!! The FedEX guy came into the store today, and I knew instantly that is was THE BAG!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! It is super cool......looks vintage.....reminds me of Antigua.....and it is so me. Thank you Petunia Pickle Bottom. :-)

P.S. On a less shallow note, Chris and I are headed to Colorado Springs tomorrow for a wedding!! We love you Mer and Hunter!!! :-)

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A few reasons I love my job....

This might sound funny, but I love my job at the maternity store. I love the platform it gives me to talk to women about the importance of the life inside of them....and that my adoption is just as important in God's eyes (and mine). I literally tell every single girl about our adoption....usually about Eliana and X. Some of them look at me funny....like "why in the world are you working here"....a few say "well, God bless you" or "that is such a good thing to do." I get to tell them that to me....this calling to adopt my child (or children) is just as strong of a desire as it is for them wanting to give birth. We haven't tried to have our own biological children....because God has given us this path. I love every minute....even the hardest parts. I love that at the end of this road is one (maybe) two of the most amazing little girls I have ever laid my eyes on. Thank you Lord for this gift. I don't want to take it for granted for one second.

Love you all,
Lindsey

P.S. An amazing woman came into the store today named Lena....we were talking about my story of adoption....and hers as well. Thank you Lena for your words of encouragement!! This godly woman stood in the middle of the store and just prayed over me. The Lord knew I needed that today!!!!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

To One Amazing Momma!



I've got to take a moment to tell the world what an amazing Mom Lindsey Wheeler is! All this waiting...all this praying...all this hanging on...all this longing and aching and blogging has only proven one thing- Lindsey is one fierce Momma! She has what it takes!

This is her 1st Mother's Day to be a Mom, and I'm so proud of her! She is so strong, so courageous, so compassionate and so willing to sacrifice whatever it takes for her baby girl! I am loving watching her "nest" as she sets up Eliana's room, and gets the house ready! By the way get your cameras ready because I can already tell Eliana will be one of the best dressed kids at the playground! Lindsey has found some of the most "To Die For" (or TDF as she would say) outfits that you can imagine!

Lindsey, Thank you for setting such an incredible example for our little girl of what a Godly woman is. Thank you for your Faith and Hope...and for letting me borrow yours when mine gets weak. Thank you for fighting for our Eliana. Thank you for just being you! I'm so excited to take this adventure of parenting right alongside you!

I love you with all my heart!
Love,
Chris

Friday, May 9, 2008

Carry you to Jesus.....

Click on the link below:
Jerry, Stacie & Allie's Blog

Please check out this video that one of our favorite blog friends made for all of our sweet kiddos!! It made me cry....that is not shocking!!! I have a lot of thoughts that I will share with y'all tomorrow.

Thanks for your encouragement....I REALLY, REALLY need it right now.

Love y'all,
Lindsey

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The National Day of Prayer for the Orphans of Guatemala.....















Many of you already know about all of the turbulence going on in PGN right now. ALL ADOPTIONS ARE SUSPENDED FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH!! Things are getting messy. There are so, so many unanswered questions right now. WE HAVE TO PRAY!!!!My friend at JuJu's Crew is calling for a day of prayer (and fasting) for all of the children in Guatemala right now....for those that are stuck in PGN and for the thousands that are without families. PLEASE VISIT HER BLOG to read more!!

More importantly, take today to pray for these kiddos. My heart literally breaks thinking about the kids that didn't make it through the old adoption system. Lord, please protect their little lives. Bring people to love on them. Please bring our babies through PGN quickly....we need a miracle.

Love you all,
Lindsey

*These pics are some of the children that are waiting to come home!!*

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Happy 10 months Eliana!!!


Are you kidding me??? You are 10 months old today....10 months that your mommy and daddy have been praying non-stop for you....10 months of dreaming what it will be like to have you home....10 months of talking non-stop about our little girl in Guatemala (people have to be sick of us by now).....10 months of staring at your pictures a thousand times over....10 months of tears and joy.....it won't be long baby girl. We are so proud to call you our daughter. You are so beautiful in every way!! We love you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Baby girl.....


There is so much I want to tell you from today. Your daddy and I spent all day at Fellowship's Art festival!! It was an awesome day....the sky was a perfect blue. We saw tons of families from church with their kids all around us....and it made us miss you....I know, shocker! I got to spend time talking to some INCREDIBLE families that are adopting precious kiddos. I can't wait for you to meet Macy....she is so cute and tiny like you. Also, there is a little boy named Zion that will for sure be your fast friend. I spent time just enjoying the art work and dreaming about what it would be like next year. I can't wait to just walk up and down the halls with you on my hip. I carried two pictures of you everywhere I went today (because I am so proud of you). I loved Heather's reaction (Zion's mommy)....she just couldn't let go of the pics. She said you look just like daddy.....God is so cool!!! You are about to turn 10 months old. Yikes, I wish time would stand still until we could pick you up and bring you home. But, I am praying for you hourly baby girl. I miss you so much!!! I miss your laugh. I miss your little sassy looks. I miss your smell. I miss dressing you up. Basically, I miss you. You are my little angel.

Love you,
Mommy

"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief."
Prov. 14:13

Friday, May 2, 2008

"LET ME OUT OF PGN!!!"



"I WANT TO GO HOME!!!! I miss my mommy and daddy!"