Are You Kidding Me?

Please people
Tell me the truth...don't you just melt when you see her? Look at those little legs! Now that's what I call chilled out! We can't wait to hold you baby girl!

We got a couple more pics today and I just couldn't stop smiling! Crazy to think she'll be my daughter...correction is my daughter for the rest of our lives! Wow- kind of messes with you if you think about it too long... The point is it can't come soon enough! Pray her Guat stages move quickly (there's a bunch of em you know)

Grace and Peace
-Chris

I can't wait to feed Eliana....

My middle sister Lauren and I were so hoping to go and see Eliana this weekend! I have been praying for $1000 to fall out of the sky to pay for plane tickets, but it hasn't happened. I have felt pretty depressed over the last week....but today I had a small fun thing happen. I am trying to celebrate the small things....so here it is. The Skip Hop Palette Plate got delivered to the store I work at. Both of the owners and I got them for our little girls. I can't wait to cut up little bananas, veggies and turkey bites for sweet girl. Don't you think it is cute (and the little cups are microwavable)?!!!

Love you all,
Lindsey

Lord, Have Mercy!

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

This post has been a few days coming. I am amazed at how painful things are this side of heaven. I wanted to make you all aware of a few families that are in desperate need of comfort and hope right now! The thing I keep learning the older I get is that we are not here on earth to live a safe, easy life......it is hard, wonderful, & painful all mixed in together. This weekend my heart has been so heavy...there have been a few moments of weeping. Adoption is just hard. This weekend I felt like crawling under the covers and just saying "ENOUGH"....."I can't take it anymore."

Please join me in praying for these precious families!!!!!

kristenborland.blogspot.com .....Kristen, I am amazed by your strength! You are such an example of unconditional love. You loved sweet Amanda with all of your heart...you spoke out about her Down Syndrome....you worked to get her an amazing foster family. Thank you for risking...I am praying for the months to come. Lord, give the Borland family strength and comfort during these dark days.

adoptingariana.blogspot.com.....Will and Aileen, the moment I found your blog, I fell in love with your precious Ariana's smile. I am so sorry that she is gone. I can't imagine how painful it is to lose her so suddenly. I am praying for you and your nephews as you grieve her sweet little life. Lord, bring comfort please!

whatawonderfulworld-family.blogspot.com....I was introduced to this blog recently. Stephanie, I am praying for you as you grieve the loss of your sweet boy Samuel. Lord, please bring hope when all hope seems lost. Give them community to surround them with love.

cold-water-news.blogspot.com.....a blog dedicated to an AMAZING woman....Amber Mathenia. She is a mom of two precious kiddos from Ethiopia. Her and her husband have been serving in Ethiopia....she was killed in a tragic car accident. PLEASE pray for this family. Pray for her husband as he grieves the loss of his life partner while parenting two young children. God, give them grace and mercy right now!


Thank you for praying! Lord, I need you desperately. I can't do this without you.

Love you all,
Lindsey

My Cute Hubby and Point of Grace! :-)

The Next Stops For GOG


When: 2/23/2008
GOG Conference - Southlake
Saturday, February 23, 2008

"How You Live" Conference- Life Lessons
from Point of Grace

Guest Speakers: Chris Wheeler (obviously my favorite) and many other AMAZING PEOPLE!!!

White's Chapel United Methodist Church
185 South White's Chapel Blvd.
Southlake, TX 76092

*One Day Conference from 9am - 3pm CST
Cost: $45 - $55 for registration

www.girlsofgrace.com



MY HUSBAND, THE SPEAKER!!!!! (read his bio below)

Chris Wheeler passionately communicates the truths of God’s kingdom in fresh, simple and creative ways. His zest for life, zany caricatures, and living Biblical monologues make the Bible come to life. Add to this his beat-box skills and many various sound effects and you have a wild-haired people-magnet creating a memorable environment for the teaching of God’s word.

Wheeler, as his friends call him, has a personal life message of Grace that is inspired by his own journey through the spiritual bondage of legalism. Though his relationship with Jesus began when he was 5 years old, he often felt like God was somehow disappointed in his performance and that he could never quite be good enough for God. Through his relationship with his wife Lindsey, the encouragement of his friends, and God’s relentless pursuit of him, Wheeler’s eyes were opened to inexhaustible Grace.

Today, Wheeler wants people to know just how much God loves them and desires a relationship with them. Christianity is far more than another religion; it is the adventure of being a “little-Christ.” With energy, emotion, and deep conviction, Wheeler challenges people to become who God made them to be.His favorite quote is by missionary martyr Jim Elliot who said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

Chris Wheeler graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in Bible and a minor in family psychology. His ministry experience includes 6 summers at Kanakuk Kamps (K-7), attending the Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs, CO, serving as Student Minister within Cleburne Bible Church in Cleburne, TX and is currently the Student Ministry Programs Director for Fellowship Bible Church, Brentwood, TN. According to Wheeler, his wife Lindsey is the greatest woman on the planet and undoubtedly his best friend. They have a Pomeranian named Polly Esther who is his little shadow.

Here is the page about him:
www.girlsofgrace.com/speakers/wheeler.asp

We would love to see some of our Texas blogger friends!!!!

Love you all,
Lindsey

I think she is teething!

I just got this new picture and love it! I sent this little froggy "teething" toy with our agency....and she is using it!! Isn't she a doll?!! I love her so much....and am cracking up at her headband.

Love y'all,
Lindsey

Welcome home "Osoito".....we love you!

Yesterday was so much fun!!!! We got to meet our friends, the Moore's, at the airport to welcome home the newest addition to their family.....Elliot!!!! HE IS AMAZING!!! He is the cutest, most beautiful little boy (so is their other precioso Micah)....and boy is he strong!!!!! He is going to be a muscle man. We are so excited that he is home. We keep joking that he might someday date Eliana. We love you Scott and Amelia! We are so grateful to have y'all in our lives. We are praying for you in this new transition. Go tell them congrats at their blog!

Love y'all,
Lindsey

Please quit growing up without us!

We miss you so much baby girl! Last night, Chris and I got this new picture of her......of course we think she is precious. But, it was the first time I really felt deep sadness that I am not with her. I am watching her grow older through a few pictures. I'm sure a lot of you have or are feeling this same way. I know that she is safe and loved......but I want her to be in Franklin, TN with us. Lord, please make the Guatemalan process go by so quickly.

Keep praying, and thank you so much for your constant encouragement!!! We love you all so much.

Love,
Lindsey

Drumroll please......IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

WE CAN'T BELIEVE IT...........WE HAVE THE I-171 IN OUR HANDS!!!!! WE WILL FAX IT TO OUR AGENCY TOMORROW.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! Honestly, I started to believe that it would never come. The second I stopped running to the mailbox everyday.....it was sent to us. Thank you Lord!

Love you all.......let the journey continue,
Lindsey

P.S. We got a message on Friday that we had been approved and that it had been overnighted to us. We were beyond excited but didn't want to announce it until it was actually in our house. It got delivered yesterday (right on time) to the wrong address! Only the mercy of God allowed us to unravel the mystery.

Where, Oh Where has our Paperwork Gone.......

Here we go again.....another part of our story. Somehow our I-171H has been delivered to someone else. PRAY, PRAY we find it TODAY!!!!!!! I will tell you more of this crazy story later. I feel like we're on a very bad scavenger hunt. I know it will come though!! Just pray.

Love, Lindsey

Thoughts about Xiomara

Today has been raining like crazy....it is one of those days that make you feel very contemplative. So, I have been thinking about precious Xio. This is what we know...she should have her last and final court day sometime this month. I really don't have a lot of information...I am trying to find out. But, this court date will determine if she is handed back to the biological mom. My prayer is pretty consistent these days....I am praying that the TRUTH will come out. The court system does not always make decisions based on the best interest of the child. I have a pretty intuitive spirit....and I don't feel good about part of this. If she does go back to the mom, I am begging the Lord to protect her and change the mom's heart to have a genuine love for this precious baby. Of course, Chris and I would absolutely LOVE to be her parents. The Lord knows that too! So, His will be done.

I would love it if you could pray for her precious little life (if you want to write it in the comments.....I would love it)! Someday, I want to show Eliana and maybe Xio how much everyone loves them.

Love you all,
Lindsey

Our bags are packed (I wish)...

Have you ever had those days where you just want to be anywhere but where you are?! That is what Chris and I are talking about doing tonight....running away to a deserted island (we will make a pit-stop in Guatemala to pick up Eliana, and since we are dreaming here....we'll pick up Xiomara too). Just when we think we we have made it through a day without discouragement.....there it is knocking at our door. Some of the things are little and some are big.....but today we just can't take it. The Lord promises that His mercies are new every morning.....Lord help the morning to come quickly! We are tired. We are weary. But, we are still hopeful. We wish every blogger friend could be sitting in our living room with us making us smile.

This picture makes me smile. For Chrismtas, my sweet hubby made me this homemade plane ticket to tell me I can go and see Eliana as soon as possible. He bought a map and travel book for me....isn't he the best??!!! I pray I will be there soon.

Love you all,
Lindsey

P.S. There is an AMAZING woman that is creating something very special for me and all the Guatemommas or anyone that loves Guatemala......and she is allowing it to be a fundraiser for our adoption. I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE IT....be on the lookout!!! THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY!!!!!!!!

Worry test #1

When you receive an e-mail from your agency that is titled "Not Good News," you know immediately that there is a problem! So, here I am.....fighting freaking out and then remembering what I wrote just yesterday in our blog.....don't worry! The e-mail is written below:

Dear Guatemala Families,

I just received notification from JCICS that PGN has stopped processing all cases stating that the cases must first be registered with the "Central Authority" which does not exist. The last information we received was that the Guatemalan government was trying to decide if registering a case with PGN would qualify for the central authority registration. We did not ever hear resolution on that and now we are being told this discouraging news. Please continuing praying that this situation will be resolved quickly. Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to begin contacting your local congressman again for support. I know that JCICS and the US State Department are trying to find a resolution right now. I will let you know as soon as I hear more news.

____________________________

I know a lot of this probably doesn't make sense because honestly, I am still confused. This is what I know......all of you that already love Eliana and the many other waiting kiddos in Guatemala......PLEASE BE PRAYING THAT WE GET IMMIGRATION APPROVAL TODAY OR MONDAY!!!! I AM PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE (IT HAS BEEN OVER 10 WEEKS FROM THE LAST THING THEY RECEIVED)!!!!!!!!! I am ready to FLY TO GUATEMALA to hand deliver papers. Also, pray that somehow this mysterious Central Authority would be created ASAP.....so that we can all be registered by January 31. THIS IS CRITICAL!!!!!!

If any of you know your congressman, now is the time to call again. Be praying non-stop!!!! The Lord is mighty in battle....that is what I am clinging to this morning.

Love you all,
Lindsey

Why do I worry?

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:25-31

2007 was a year that was full of twists and surprises! Honestly, it was a year of huge change for me emotionally and spiritually. I have been walking through very dark days over the past 3 and a half years. Even though I have begged God for answers....and walked through a pretty deep depression....I can truly say that I would not change any of it! God allowed 2007 to be a year so full of healing. I have come alive in ways that I never knew possible!

In June, I could not wait for Chris to get to experience the Guatemala that I have loved for years and years. We were so excited to walk this journey together!!! Not only did he love it, he's clearly been given a passion equal to or greater than mine. Did we expect to walk away from Guatemala changed forever? I had no idea what God was up to. He began opening our hearts to becoming parents. We are both close to 30 years old but have always felt like we would wait a few more years until we had kiddos. Well, the Lord said, "NOW"! Again, there is always going to be a little fear in the unknown. But, I had no idea what was in store for us. Honestly, we still don't. I have said this before, but I will say it again....we just want to be obedient. We pray constantly for Xiomara and Eliana. They are the Lord's little girlies. As much as I want to hang on to them with a closed fist....that will not help anyone. So, Lord, I am again proclaiming that they are yours!! I don't want to worry. He is the ONLY One that knows the answers....he knows the time line.

So, here we are in 2008. I am excited....and a little scared! I think this year is going to be big!

Love you all,
Lindsey

P.S. Thank you, thank you for praying for Bulldog! He is such an example to us of a childlike faith in an adult's body! Also, CONGRATS to the Moore's on baby Elliot!!! We love you guys with all of our hearts.....I can't wait to hold him when you get back from Guatemala (we might pitch a tent at your house)! We miss you.

Sometimes very little matters

On Saturday morning my brother was rushed to the emergency room in Little Rock, AR. To shorten a long story, The Bulldog's sodium level totally bottomed out. This caused him to not know who he was, where he was or even how to play connect four (his favorite)! This was also the cause of his seizure. The doctor told us they had to raise his sodium level very slowly because rushing that process can cause swelling in your brain and lead to a stroke. In addition, my brother is not a fan of needles, iv's or anything else associated with being messed with in the hospital. I kept reassuring him it was ok, to which he would reply "it's not ok."

By the grace of our good God my brother went from nearly dying in a totally unconscious state to beating me in connect four in less than 24 hours! Give glory to God! Thank you for your continued prayer!

It is wild how sobering experiences like this are. It is such a reminder that very little of the things I usually care very greatly about really matter at all! While he was on that hospital bed all hooked up I didn't care about eating, or even sitting. I didn't answer my phone or think about where I left the rest of the world- all I wanted was for my brother to live. All I could pray was for God to have mercy.

My brother is a beautiful model of the simplified life! He knows how to love God, love people and play games! That's him. To him the world is black and white- either you know Jesus or you don't...and if you don't The Bulldog's going to tell you about Him!

By the way, The Bulldog has great faith concerning our adoptions. He believes with us that we will receive these girls...and he can't wait!
The Bulldog has also requested that we hold a special service to "Uncle-ize" him! Don't worry, when that ceremony goes down we'll tell you all about it!

My brother is the best big brother in the entire world!
What a gift!
-Chris