Life The Way We Do It

Court Date --- WE HAVE ONE!!!

2012-03-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

Quick post to update you on the latest

(& to take a break from the packing lists)

We received our Court Date last Monday, February 27th

OUR COURT DATE IS

MARCH 29TH!!!

What all does this travel/step look like practically?

We will leave Omaha on the evening of March 20th to head to the big AR.

The kids will be staying with family there - so grateful!

Travel looks like this:

March 22nd: We fly out of Little Rock & land in DC for the night.

March 23rd: We fly out of the DC airport on a nonstop flight headed to Ethiopia.

March 24th (on Ethiopian time now): Land in Addis & take a 6 hr van ride south to Nora's home region.

March 25th : Spend day in her home region & take 6 hr ride back to Addis

March 26th: MEET OUR DAUGHTER

March 27th & March 28th: Timed allowed for visiting with Nora - the rest of our time will be divided amoung many things but we haven't made specific decisions yet as we are waiting on the final travel packet.

March 29th: COURT & fly home

March 30th: Land in Little Rock

Purposes of this step in the process:

We get to meet our daughter -- AND WE ARE SO READY TOO!
We will go to COURT for her to become legally ours on this trip --- we hope:

We will have paperwork submitted to MOWCYA on March 6th (their time - evening of March 5th our time).

If they write us a favorable letter of recommendation, our possibility of passing court while we are there is great.
If MOWCYA doesn't write a favorable letter immediately, we may or may not pass court while we are there. The reasons they may not write a favorable letter does not pertain to us so much as it would to them wanting more information on the orphan status.
We could get to court and the judge decide they want more information of some sort, etc & that could keep us from passing as well.

We get to learn more about her home country & more about her specific region as well!

That just about sums that whole court trip up for now! I have had several people ask what that part of the journey looks like, so I thought I would just type it up. As you can tell with just this in general summary, there are still so many things "up in the air" at this point. There are many things we can take before God and ask Him to have favor on. We ask that you join us in doing that please. The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective.

Prayer Requests:

We ask for you to remember our case in prayer specifically on the evening of March 5th our time as it will go before MOWYCA and that they will write a favorable letter for us.
We also ask that you pray specifically for our time of meeting Nora. She is a shy, easily scared kiddo. We believe that God can soften her heart to trust & not be fearful of us. We are prepared for the fact that she may be, however, I want to pray for her little heart and mind to not have to suffer that time of fear. We want her to know how loved & desired she is.
We also ask that you lift up our court date specifically as well & that everything will be presented orderly and that all of our documents will be correct and present at the time of court. We pray that the judge passes our case and deteremines us as Nora's Daddy & Momma for the rest of her life on that day!!!!!!
We also ask that you begin to pray for the time between court and embassy. At the end of this trip, we fly back to the states without her, which will be hard on us and on her. There will be several weeks (average right now is closer to 6 weeks) before we will travel back to pick her up and bring her home with us. If you can only imagine all the heartache and mental confusion that could be there for her. We pray she somehow knows & is comforted in knowing that she has a Father who loves her more than we ever can that is near her at every moment. We also pray that our time between court & embassy will not be the full 6 weeks as it can be as short as 2 or 4 weeks. This would be wonderful to not be away from her so long after meeting her the first time!!!!!

Again, I hope to present a post sooner than later on what our attachement/bonding season will look like, but for now, we are trying to gather all of this steps information and prepare to travel!

Making Disciples

2012-02-17T12:47:00.000-06:00

We are instructed to meet corporately.

It is not my intent to diminish the importance of that with this post.

Court Date Prayers

2012-02-15T11:31:00.000-06:00

Now that we have received our referral, what's next?

We wait to hear what date our court date will be scheduled.

After we receive this information, we will make plans for travel.

We are prayerful that we will receive this information by the end of next week.

We are also prayerful that our court process will go smoothly.

Would you petition the Lord for these requests as well --- on our behalf?

Would you also pray for our sweet daughters heart to be prepared (softened & trusting) to meet complete strangers that will bring her home, but away from everything she knows right now.

We understand she is shy and that this could be a difficult transition for her!!!

Thank you prayer warriors!

We hope to post soon on what life will look like when we return stateside with her.

We would love to have visitors at the airport (Arkansas) when we arrive home with her. That will be great opportunity for you to meet our sweet girl & for us to rejoice with you over God placing another orphan in a family. After that, we will be returning home & will have to limit visitors heavily as she learns who her parents & siblings are. More on that, in another post :)

We HAVE A REFERRAL!!!

2012-02-03T21:37:00.000-06:00

We are thrilled to announce that

WE RECEIVED OUR REFERRAL CALL

January 31st, 2012

She is a BEAUTIFUL little girl! We just keep looking at her and smiling!!! Since she is not legally our own yet, we are limited on what we can share publicly. As soon as we can, we will share more!

Thanks so much to the many who have lifted us in prayer on this journey! We ask that you continue to pray for us and that the court process goes smoothly and that we pass without issue. We hope to be traveling for court within a 6-8 week time frame from now. After passing court, we will happily share more details with you all.

We are thrilled to finally have a face to look into!

Nora Carolyne _______ Anderson

will legally be ours in a few short months!

The Non-Official List Ranking Update

2011-11-30T21:31:00.000-06:00

I know, I know.........it's been soooo long since an update

I have had many ask me about updating, but quite honestly there hasn't been much to update about

until recently!!!

There is no "official" waiting list with our agency,

but there is an unofficial one that we have followed for quite sometime

along with most of the other waiting families.

We have finally moved up on that list and

we are tied for the

spot........

FINALLY!!!

Now, the way this list is sorted is by DTE dates and specific requests

What is a DTE date? - it is the date our dossier was sent - "Dossier To Ethiopia"

Our family and 2 others - the Wages & the Wades - had our paperwork sent out on the same day.

We all three are requesting infant girls so we are all tied for 1st place right now.

We have no way of knowing who of us will get the first referral, but we will rejoice with whichever one that may be!!!

The referral process has slowed down CONSIDERABLY,

but we have finally seen 2 infant girls referrals over the past month.

I believe, before these last 2 referrals, there had only been 2 infant girl referrals in a 7 month time span.

That is extremely slow considering the rate of referrals that were going through at the beginning of the year. However, God doesn't call us to the quick and easy most of the time does He.

We do not feel like "a wait" is a door closing but a journey for faith developing.

Please continue with us in prayer for our sweet daughter and our family as we continue to wait!

Here is a random photo of the kiddos! Several have asked to see them. This is the most recent picture I have of them all together that wasn't taken with my phone! Pitiful I know. Cerra's hair is much shorter now as she finally reached her donation length and was able to cut and donate finally!

Culture, Christianity, & The Gospel - REPOST

2011-10-13T16:03:00.000-05:00

I took time to watch this video today over at Resurgence and found it to be an excellent interview/conversation.

I would encourage you to take time to watch and process it as well.

(or at least listen to it play in the background while you work on something else)

Church isn't some place we attend weekly or something we show up to do,

it's who we are as Christians.

I pray for more growth and maturity in myself and among my brothers & sisters in Christ.

Our daily life is the example of "church" in our culture.

I pray that we become more burdened about it modeling Christ daily.

My heart has been and remains burdened so heavily

for the "typical" American gathering of the church that we see today.

May the Gospel be the center.

Homeschooling/Christian Education --- Why?

2011-09-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

We have been back in school for a bit now and loving our year!!!

The kids are doing great, we are loving our curriculum choices, the schedules are working well, and

the community around us has already started back in with the random questions and random looks as well. :) It all serves as a reminder that while homeschooling is growing at a great rate in our country, we are still the odd man out.

Every year we face the random questions from people:

"What school do you go to that you haven't started yet?"

"Where do you go to school that you are out this time of day?"

"What are you guys doing out of school?"

"Is someone sick for you guys to be out of school?"

"Why aren't your kids in school?"

............ and the list continues.

While this is our norm and we think nothing of it on a daily basis, I am challenged regularly to think about why we do this (in a positive way) when asked often any of the questions listed above.

That is a good thing to be challenged to remember.

When did we decide to do this? Why did we start? Why do we continue?

Why do we answer "through graduation" when people ask how long we plan on doing this?

This is a touchy subject. This is a violent subject when discussed among the wrong crowds (and I've been part of that also --- not fun). This is a subject debated in our churches.

I'm just always challenged to think of it more at the beginning of our year than any other time throughout the year. With that being the case, it is fresh on my mind and heart, so this post really came at a great time for me today.

I found this to be very encouraging and confirming and I wanted to share for anyone interested in reading!!!

"Education: The Forgotten Key To Discipleship"

Enjoy

Kids & Old People - by: Andrea Young

2011-09-02T19:53:00.000-05:00

Obviously I'm not writing much lately. I've been reading A LOT and setting before the Lord seeking HIM alone on many different subjects. It's been a nice place to be, near to the creator, my creator, Father. While a nice place to be, it has also been VERY challenging! I've been "doing life" with some other people and that isn't easy, but I know full well it's where God has me now second to wife and mom. It's my journey at this time, and because this is my current journey, I just haven't had much time to right leisurely. So, in it's place, I've just been sharing links to great reads and short updates on our adoption process lately.

Today, I have another link that I just LOVED reading today!

I hope you do as well:

"Why I Love Kids & Old People"

A Story of Adoption - Hatmaker Family

2011-08-18T11:25:00.001-05:00

Here is a story of a family that was called to adopt without doubt

2 children from Ethiopia.

They are also adopting through AWAA, the agency we are going through.

As the doors seemed to slam shut, they refused to let them stay that way.

They knew 100 % they had been called from God to adopt 2 children

and they were willing to fight for them.

The adoption journey is not an easy journey on so many levels for so many families.

This particular journey was a battle, and fight they did.

However, the story comes together the way it does because of God's hand in it all.

He has a plan in it all.

Here is a view from the front seat of how adoption sometimes works:

"I'm Not Done Yet"

Jen Hatmaker is is also an author/speaker if that name sounds familiar to you.

Here is the Book Trailer for her book called "7" to be released January 2012:

Recent Update from AWAA

2011-07-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

Here is our most recent update from our Adoption Agency:

As your family is in the waiting stage of the adoption process, we are writing to inform you of a change to our predicted timeframes between dossier submission and referral.

The wait for a male referral is now predicted to be between 10 and 16 months. The wait for a female referral is now predicted to be between 11 and 18 months. Wait times currently show a trend of increasing.

There are many factors that contribute to wait times. Each child’s case can vary in the amount of time it takes to be ready to be referred to a family. America World thoroughly investigates each case and it can take weeks, and at times months, to clear referrals with medical or documentation issues, or to obtain necessary governmental documents/clearances/etc. that are needed before he or she can be referred.

While we know this news is disappointing, we are encouraged to share that MOWCYA has increased the number of recommendation letters they write to 15 per day. We will continue to apprise your family of any other changes that occur, and we are praying for your family and all families in the various stages of the adoption process.

Here were the previous referral wait times: infant male is 7-10 months and the wait time for a female infant is 7-11 months.

Please continue with us in prayer for this program & most especially our daughter!!! We will be in the 11 mth time frame July 27th! We are still "on deck" and hopeful for a referral sooner than later! Ethiopia is suffering much at this time and your prayers for the country as a whole is also much appreciated. They are facing a very serious season of drought causing many deaths in country.

Links to "Sermons On Racial Harmony"

2011-06-23T13:38:00.002-05:00

Recently, in an adoption discussion, the subject arose of a family pursuing adoption and facing confrontation with their extended family. It's sad really, but it is the reality for many. This was a resource shared with them to reference that I haven't looked at in awhile but have enjoyed in the past. I haven't read all of these sermons, but I have read through a few different ones. I encourage you to utilize this resource if you are in a similar situation or if you are one who doesn't want racial boundaries crossed. Great information provided here.

SERMONS ON RACIAL HARMONY

This is a great scripturally based resource for those in the adoption world crossing "racial barriers" to adopt. Inter-racial families are a very debated subject even today (which is sad). When being obedient in God's call for adoption, it's quickly learned by many that it is accepted by some extended family members and despised by others. One must keep their focus on the fact that God calls us to obey HIM. Often our obedience to the Lord isn't comfortable or easy.

We knew when we said yes, that we needed to discuss racism as being a possibility we would face. We discussed together, before we shared the news with anyone else, that we were following the Lord in this even if we had negative responses, hateful behaviors, or discouragement from others, our choice was right and it was made. We were following the Lord in this. It was great, as we came into confrontational conversations (only the beginning I'm sure), that we were both firm in this decision. I knew John was with me and he knew I was with him. I encourage every family to have such a conversation with their spouse and children before they announce such a decision to anyone else. The confirmation of knowing you are walking in obedience to the Lord TOGETHER is a great comfort.

I've been encouraged to see the many families who walk this road and choose God first . It's a tough decision, but when God calls, we MUST obey. We have faced questions as to why another race, what is your future going to look like for this child and your other children, aren't you afraid of "insert random concerns (aka-fears) here", etc. It's just the beginning of the road. We will learn as we continue to follow. We trust that God will provide.

Encouragement to those of you traveling down this road!!

GOD is good all the time!

Motherhood As A Mission Field - linked

2011-06-23T12:23:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to an article that I believe would be wonderful for every Christian mother to read

MOTHERHOOD AS A MISSION FIELD

a DesiringGod.org post

Here are a few pictures from our home to yours of us enjoying Spring

No, it didn't pee on him!!!

They LOVE frogs

Me - I'm learning to.......at least I'm trying to like them

ON DECK!!!!!

2011-06-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

We received good news with the adoption today!

WE ARE ON DECK!!!

What this means pretty much is that our paper work isn't a file setting somewhere in a cabinet.

We've made it far enough up the list that our family file is being looked at on someones desk, and we are to the point of actually being matched up with our sweet daughter!

We are at the top of the list somewhere.

We are thrilled to have heard any good news with the recent trials in this program.

We could still be 1 - 3 months out from getting our referral, but we at least know they are in the process of placing a child with our family.

This is thrilling I'm telling you!

Thank you for your prayers and please continue!

We need them and so does the Ethiopian International Adoption Program!!!

We will keep you up to date as to when we receive a referral!!!!

Ethiopia Adoption Update

2011-06-16T11:57:00.001-05:00

For another update...we are still waiting and we are #3 on the unofficial wait list! We are asking for a lot of prayer for the Ethiopia program and specifically for the organization MOWCYA. We have not seen a referral in several weeks. They are only writing 5 referral letters a day --- for the WHOLE COUNTRY. This isn't just 5 letters a day for our agency, but for the whole country. This is down from some where between 30 - 50 cases a day. It's unexplainable really, but it is what it is. People are showing up for court and having to wait extra days for MOWYCA to get their stuff together and to the judge. They are causing delay in many areas of this process and making it quiet difficult for the families showing up for court.

Please lift these children, this program, and the families in this program specifically up in prayer.

The International Adoption Program in Ethiopia has helped benefit thousands of children.

There is some interest in domestic adoption in that country, but many children adopted domestically in Ethiopia are adopted to fill a "slave" type role and not necessarily to become part of a family.

Here is a picture of our kids meeting new friends who have now been home from Ethiopia now for 1 month!

They had a great time laughing and playing together.

It made them long to meet our sweet Nora all the more!

CONGRATULATIONS again to this family to have their sweet sons home!

Sweet Baby Girl

2011-06-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

I have pictures of my kiddos and our fun journeys over the past few months and haven't touched them really! I haven't been excited about playing with photos at all - so our pictures have set - untouched.

However, for the first time in a LONG time, I took photos for someone else!

A sweet friend here in town had a baby girl a few weeks back, and she asked me to take pictures.

Therefore, those pictures I have touched in preparation to get them to her soon!

I LOVE babies and have enjoyed looking into the face of sweet Aubrey with each photo.

Thought I'd share a few.

I'll work on getting more pictures of my kiddos up for those of you that have asked me to!

Enjoy this beautiful baby for now!!!

I love looking in to the face of little ones and wondering what God's plans are for them!

What will life look like for them?

Babies are simply amazing.

She is very blessed to have the family she does!!!

I can't wait to look in the face of my little one and wonder the same of her.

Waiting to see who God has for us and what she'll do for Him!!!

Ethiopia Adoption Update

2011-05-11T12:27:00.000-05:00

This is the latest information we have received from our adoption agency. Please continue to join us in prayer. The wait is very difficult at this time and receiving this news on top of it makes it more so. Thank you for continuing with us on this journey.

Dear John & Christina,

Thank you for your continued patience as we all wait for more information to unfold in Ethiopia. In an effort to keep you apprised of any and all updates in regard to adoptions from Ethiopia, we are writing to let you know that over the last few days our staff has seen MOWCYA writing only five recommendation letters a day. Meetings with the State Minister and other adoption stakeholders in Ethiopia continue to take place and we are still hearing pro-adoption feedback from government officials. While it appears this trend with MOWCYA will continue for the time being, we ask you to continue to join us in prayer for the officials in Ethiopia as they work to improve the adoption process.

We know that a lot of questions remain in regard to the implications of this change, specifically about its effect on future wait times to both pass court and receive referrals. While we do not have many answers at this time, America World does want to ensure that you feel supported, informed, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Waiting....

2011-04-26T14:41:00.000-05:00

I debate: Do I write or do I not?

Really nothing has changed in our "waiting" status so I struggle with knowing if I should write any more about it: wondering if it's boring news for you or if it's confirmation for you that you aren't behind.

You haven't missed any part of our journey.

I decided if it's boring, I'll just offer my apologies, sorry.

If it's reassurance that you are tracking right along with us, yeah for that!

This is where we are at with the adoption journey...............waiting!

There is one thing I know - - - she is worth the wait!!!!!

But, I am praying the referral will come sooner than later. ;)

Thank you for your continued prayers!

This Journey Is a Bumpy One - Please Pray

2011-04-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

We watched such a good week of referrals move through last week! We are unofficially number 4 in line waiting for an infant girl! It was and still is exciting. However, this week comes with concerning news about international adoption and the US. Below is the only information we have at this time. Please be in prayer for this process for the many involved!

April 07, 2011

What a Possible Government Shutdown Means for Adoptions

As rumors of a possible shutdown of the U.S. Government increase, we wanted to take a few moments to pass along some information about how this may affect America World families. Currently, members of Congress are working with the Obama Administration to pass a budget for the 2011 fiscal year. If an agreement is not reached by midnight on Friday, April 8, parts of the federal government will close until a new budget is passed.

We are working to stay on top of the situation and to get accurate information about what adoption services will be affected if a shutdown occurs. It is important to remember that, at this point, a shutdown is only a possibility and is not guaranteed.

While the information coming out of Washington is unclear, what is known is that a shutdown would result in the furlough of any “non-essential” government personnel. It is unclear exactly which services are considered “essential,” but it appears that “essential” functions are those that the government considers necessary for the protection of human life and property (i.e. national security, air traffic control, medical care, etc.).

Unfortunately, it appears that the Department of State and USCIS will be affected if a shutdown occurs. Information that we received from a recent meeting held at the Department of State indicated that furloughs will affect many staff who work with adoptions at DOS, USCIS, and embassy and consulate offices around the world. Embassies will be officially “closed” during the shutdown, meaning that embassy staff will not be able to serve the public during this time. If this happens, delays in processing paperwork and completing adoptions are likely.

If a shutdown occurs, it is unclear how long it will be until all government services are back up and running. Previous shutdowns have lasted from as little as a few hours to as long as 21 days. It is also important to remember that there are ways for the government to avoid a shutdown completely. First, Congress could pass a budget prior to the Friday deadline, which would fund all government services throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. Obviously, this is the ideal scenario. Congress also has the option of passing a short-term “continuing resolution” that would continue spending at current levels in order to buy more time to reach an agreement on a new budget.

In the event of a shutdown, here’s how we think America World families will be affected: Families currently building their dossiers could see delays in paperwork processing of USCIS approvals and document authentications. Families who are preparing to travel could likely see delays in receiving Embassy/Consulate clearance and appointment dates. Families who are already in-country would likely not be able to receive a US visa for their adopted child and experience delays in returning home until the government re-opens.

America World is in communication with U.S. government officials and will provide you with any new information we receive. Please be in prayer that our elected officials will be able to come to an agreement so that the government can continue processing adoptions.

7 Months DTE

2011-03-27T20:36:00.001-05:00

We are 7 mths DTE today!

That means that 7 months ago today our Dossier arrived and began going through the preparation process to be sent to Ethiopia! (DTE = Dossier To Ethiopia)

The average wait time for referral for a 0-12 mth old girl, right now, is 7 - 11 months.

We are FINALLY in the average wait time range.

In some ways we look at it and are amazed that we are finally here.

In other ways it still seems like it will be so long.

We are so ready to see the face of this sweet girl. I know I say that now, and after I see her face I will want to meet her all the more which will just make that wait time a whole different journey! :)

Oh, to be content!

I'm just so excited.........John is also!

Thanks for praying for us and rejoicing with us along this journey.

Even with all the unknowns going on with the MOWCYA at the time, we are still seeing referrals going out for sweet children. Hopeful they will continue to move these children into forever families and out of the orphanages in a safe and efficient manner!

Attack On Christians In Ethiopia

2011-03-25T10:07:00.001-05:00

As a Christian I believe fully that where people are working and living for the Lord

Satan will step up his game.

It seems that is happening in a devastating way in Ethiopia right now,

and I ask for prayer for these people.

On top of the recent adoption issues going on over there right now,

I read this article this morning:

"Thousands of Christians Displaced in Ethiopia After Muslim Extremist Torch Churches & Homes"

I do not know what the Lord has for this country,

but I do ask that you join us in prayer for these people.

I pray for God's protection over them.

Ethiopia - MOWA Update

2011-03-16T15:41:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have read our last few post about the decisions being made regarding adoptions in Ethiopia, here is the latest update from our Adoption Agency. It is good news! Please continue in prayer for this country and their orphans specifically.

March 16, 2011

Ethiopia Update

America World has received confirmation of significant personnel changes within MOWA. These changes have resulted in overall staff turnover and changes within the adoption unit. The unit is now called the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA). We are hopeful that the new leadership will not only support processing an adequate number of favorable recommendation letters, but also continue to implement policies that will best serve the children of Ethiopia. Due to the staffing changes we anticipate much transition over the next few weeks until the staff are settled into their new positions. We have continued to receive optimistic feedback and have seen how the Ethiopian government is very committed to adoption.

It Has Been A Year

2011-03-14T14:04:00.001-05:00

It has been a year:

since we said YES to the Lord
since we said YES to another child
since we learned that our family would forever look different
since we learned that our family would be forever perceived differently
since we learned that we would be a part of God's journey in a way we have never known
since we stepped out in faith with our children trusting for the Lord to provide for all needed
since I called my sister and told her to hear her joy on the other end
since we Skyped our parents to tell them we were starting a new journey
since we told friends near and far
since we applied & started the journey
since we said YES to Ethiopia
since we started interviews, reference letters, doctors visits, etc to compile a huge pile of paper
since we really started digging into life in Ethiopia and what that looks like for so many
since we started answering questions about how we would parent 4, school 4, take care of 4
since we started answering questions about having a trans-racial family
since we started answering the question, "Why Ethiopia?"
since we started answering the question "Is it almost time for her to come home yet mom & dad?"
since we've started asking more questions of other families who have gone before us
since we started budgeting tightly, saving, & receiving funds from many of you for the process
since we started trying to estimate on when this might all take place and explain that to others
since we started praying for another family that would be giving their child
since we started researching how to fix African American Hair
since we started watching story after story of orphans
since we joined a community of strangers who are no longer strangers
since we started developing a desire to meet our new daughter
since we started praying for this sweet daughter we don't know yet

SINCE WE SAID YES TO ADOPTION

Ethan drew this last week - it's Nora in our yard

What a journey to be on with the Lord. There have been ups & downs, moments of pure bliss and moments of fear, questions without answers, and questions we've researched to find answers. Still, no face for this baby girl in our home yet, but we know she is out there. We are excited to meet her!!! Thank you for joining us in this journey through prayer and support. We love you each and ask you to continue to pray. Ethiopia is facing a very tough situation right now and we pray for these leaders that can make changes to have wisdom.

Emptying Out Self To Find Satisfaction In Him Alone

2011-03-09T10:40:00.000-06:00

"Christ does not exist in order to make much of us. We exist in order to enjoy making much of Him.
Christ is not glorious so that we get wealthy or healthy. Christ is glorious, so that rich or poor, sick or sound, we might be satisfied in Him." John Piper - Seeing and Savoring Christ

Update On MOWA Prayer Request

2011-03-08T10:05:00.002-06:00

This was posted this morning by America World Adoption, our adoption agency, on their blog. Please continue to lift this situation up in prayer! It will effect many children and their waiting families. Your prayers are much appreciated at this time not only for our family but for all families involved in adopting from Ethiopia! Our God is bigger.

March 08, 2011

Prayer for Ethiopia

America World is asking all families to be in prayer for the Ethiopian adoption process. The Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWA) has stated a desire to reduce the number of recommendation letters they write each day for families in the court process. The number of recommendation letters have already started to decrease and we anticipate this will continue over the next few weeks as the court, MOWA, and other entities meet to discuss MOWA’s desire to decrease the number of recommendation letters they write overall.

Even as this continues to unfold, we know that the Lord places the lonely in families, and that the enemy does not want to see this happen. Please pray that God will break down the strongholds set up against adoption, and that His Spirit will direct the decisions being made in the coming days and weeks in Ethiopia. Pray for all of the families and children affected by decisions being made and that they will experience God’s peace and comfort through this time.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

(emphasis mine)

Specific Prayer Request from America World Adoption & The Andersons

2011-03-05T08:37:00.003-06:00

UPDATE to this post- March 7, 2011 -
This is what we received from our agency today: To follow up from the email sent on Friday, thank you for joining us in prayer. It is a blessing to know so many families are praying on behalf of the current situation in Ethiopia. We would ask you to continue to pray as court and MOWA are still meeting and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead.

As of today, MOWA has begun to write fewer recommendation letters each day for families in the court process. This is something we anticipate will continue over the next few weeks as the court, MOWA, and other entities meet to discuss MOWA’s desire to decrease the number of recommendation letters they write.

We know many questions arise from difficult news, please be assured we will continue to inform you as further details unfold and will be in touch with your family directly as we have new information.

Grace and Peace

original post below:

I wrote the post update yesterday about the adoption, and a few hours later I received this in my e-mail inbox. I ask that you please join us in prayer. Here is the message I received from our Family Coordinator:

Dear John & Christina,

We are writing to ask your family to join us in prayer for the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWA) regarding the number of cases they will be able to process each day. They have made statements that they desire to decrease the number of recommendation letters they write each day. We understand that because of these statements, the Court and MOWA are in the process of meeting to discuss and work out any potential changes or new processes regarding adoptions in Ethiopia. We want to blanket these meetings with prayer and ask you to come along side us in this.

We are sorry to be sending information to your family so late in the day but we wanted to communicate this request to you before the weekend. We know rumors and concerns can arise from any information being shared in the adoption community and our desire is to continue to primarily provide you with any confirmed information in a timely manner. Please rest assured we will continue to seek information on what is happening in the adoption process in Ethiopia and will share with you any new confirmed information we receive.

MOWA processes cases on orphaned Ethiopian children to decide wether or not they are truly orphaned before referral. This agency is HUGE to the safety of these children and in making large decisions obviously. We want them to make wise decisions concerning these children. We would never want someone to adopt our child out if we were in fact still able to care for them - so their role is HUGE in protection of these kids and we are grateful and supportive of that.

We have read an article since we received this prayer request yesterday sharing some information that could very possibly slow this process down drastically. We read this same information in more than one place. We haven't received this information directly from our agency yet (they are closed until Monday), so we are cautiously receiving this as possible truth. The article we have read says, summarized, that MOWA will go from processing 50 cases a day to only 5 a day starting March 10th. If you can imagine the effects of this on orphaned children and waiting families. The time could be extended GREATLY in this process. That has great effects on children in orphanages or transition homes waiting to meet and live with their forever families. If slows down their physical development very often (little ones for sure) and of course is even more taxing on their emotional/mental health (especially for older children). We are praying for safety for these kids, peace for waiting families, and for a middle ground to be found by MOWA that would best serve those involved!

God give us all wisdom concerning this matter and a heart of contentment over whatever it is You would have!

Adoption Update

2011-03-04T11:37:00.000-06:00

We started this journey a year ago this month. WOW - a whole year has gone by already since praying like crazy for direction, applying, talking with one another and with our children about some joys and challenges we might face in this situation, sharing with friends and extended family that we would be adopting!!! I can't believe it's already been a year in so many ways, and then in others, I'm SO ready to have a face with Nora's sweet name!

It's March and this is the month we've long anticipated receiving a referral! Referrals have been VERY slow since December, so I don't know if our referral will still fall in this month, but we are prayerful. If we do get a referral we will actually be receiving it on the shortest end of the waiting time of the current norm, so we would be very happy with that. On the other hand, we may not get one until April or even May and we must find contentment in that as well. Then again, on this wonderful journey, referrals could pick up randomly and we could have a referral next week. There are so many variables. So, we remain prayerful, longing to see Nora's face, and we ask you to continue to pray with us! Our kids are talking of her more and more. They are asking regularly when we will meet her. They are ready to meet their sister.

My specific prayer at this time concerning referral and travel, is that we just get it all done before court closers. Every year in Ethiopia, from about mid August through the month of September, they close courts and see no one! This coincides with their new year. They typically start seeing cases again the first week in October. I would love to not run into this shut down time of course :) Please be prayerful with us!

There have been several paperwork issues lately for people to pass court and that is slowing the whole process down. From our understanding, there are new requirements now for children from certain areas in Ethiopia, and the US Embassy is requesting one more piece of paperwork for them. These papers are having to be "developed" in order to comply with new requests. Obviously, this slows everyone down. We are hoping some of these new kinks will be worked out soon and that the process will pick back up!

These kids needs homes and out of the orphanages, but we also understand that it needs to be determined that they are truly orphans before they are adopted. Such a journey for these sweet children, waiting families, and our agencies in trying to work together to provide a wonderful home for these kiddos! We are grateful to be working with America World Adoption Agency. We trust them knowing they love and serve the Lord in all they do, and they love these orphaned children and want to help them find forever families!

Please continue to pray for our journey as we wait and for our sweet daughter in as she waits! I wish I could hold her and feed her and bathe her and kiss her cheeks and tell her how much she is loved. I wish I could hear her sweet sighs, and cries, and laughs, and see how she expresses them all. But, I can't. I have to trust now, that whatever earthly situation she is facing right now (which is most likely worse than any situation that any of us would like to find ourselves in), that my God, the father to the fatherless, has her in His hands in that far away country. When I think if that way it makes her seem not so far away because I'm being held in those same hands! Isn't God good!!!
Thank you for praying with us on this journey! We love and appreciate you each!

Parental Rights.org

2011-03-02T12:44:00.001-06:00

If you are a parent, I advise you to subscribe to emails from

http://parentalrights.org/

I read the latest article

"High Court Finds Christian Parents Unsuitable"

and my stomach was sick.

Thankfully, this hasn't been ruled here in America............yet.

It is key we stay on top of these issues, do what we can, and spend much time in prayer.

We need to be very prayerful about how to protect our children, how to protect our role as parent, and how to protect our responsibility to reach the orphan!

We need to be prayerful about how to stand up for what God has called us to as believers.

It's going to be uncomfortable and hard.

Here is just a bit from the article yesterday:

"The United Kingdom’s High Court ruled yesterday that Christians with traditional ethical views of sexuality are not suitable to serve as foster or adoptive parents"

This is just one article of many that will keep you informed and up front on the parental rights battles we could be facing!

Pampered Chef Fundraiser Soon To Close

2011-02-24T11:59:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that our Pampered Chef Fundraiser will be closing soon!
The party will close on
MARCH 2ND
If you are still interested in purchasing you can follow the link below to purchase for our fundraiser:

Anderson Family Adoption Fundraiser Link

Thank you to those of you who have already ordered!
We hope you enjoy your products once they arrive!!
They will be processed and shipped out shortly after the part closes on the 2nd of March.

"Is This The WISE Thing To Do?"

2011-02-18T08:09:00.001-06:00

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)

Today, I'm going to work hard at asking this question, "Is this the wise thing to do?".

I pray to bring glory to God today through walking wisely and redeeming my time doing His will and not chasing after my own. I would love for you to join me in asking this today. It sounds so simple, but I tell you it's not.

In asking this of how I use time, words, food, money, attitude, etc, I am reminded of my huge weakness and need for God and his strength to reside in me and through me in order for me to accomplish is holy will to bring Him glory. I'm so in need of God's strength and direction in my every moment of every day living. I am in need of wisdom from Him and pray that I do not turn it away to seek self.

The Call of Wisdom

Wisdom cries aloud in the street,

in the markets she raises her voice;

at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;

at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?

How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing

and fools hate knowledge?

If you turn at my reproof,

behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;

I will make my words known to you.

Because I have called and you refused to listen,

have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,

because you have ignored all my counsel

and would have none of my reproof,

I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when terror strikes you,

when terror strikes you like a storm

and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,

when distress and anguish come upon you.

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;

they will seek me diligently but will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge

and did not choose the fear of the LORD,

would have none of my counsel

and despised all my reproof,

therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,

and have their fill of their own devices.

For the simple are killed by their turning away,

and the complacency of fools destroys them;

but whoever listens to me will dwell secure

and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Proverbs 1:20-33 (ESV)

I'm sure by the end of the day there will be confessions to make of how I failed and a vision that will need to be renewed by dawn tomorrow (if not multiple times throughout the day today). I do pray now, that I confess it as I fail and continue to seek wisdom instead of refusing it. May all glory be His alone if there is any success in my submission to wisdom this day. My days are numbered and pray I remember to live wisely in them...each and every one.

Learning to Read and Loving It!

2011-02-09T15:17:00.002-06:00

Homeschooling.

I'm glad we do it.

It's hard but wonderful.

It's challenging but rewarding.

It's different for every family.

It's often different for each child.

Teaching Brantley is going to be a bit different than teaching Ethan & Cerra.

I was nervous at first, learning and implementing a new style.

I have found, though, that I LOVE to watch it in action.

Watching a child learn and love it is so rewarding.

Brantley turned 5 in December and is learning to read.

He's known his letter names and sounds since he was 2, but he hasn't been ready to really do anything with them until this past 4 or 5 months.

When I saw his desire to know what words were and understand more of what was written around him, we started working on phonics/reading.

He had to read these sentences to me and then spell them out in the floor with his letter tiles.

Everyone needs on a good thinkin' cap wouldn't you say?

A little snack on the way can't hurt a man either, surely.

All necessary supplies were gathered up: a nice fluffy blanket (for a very wiggly boy), letter tiles, a thinkin' cap, and a snack.

He was getting geared up to spell out the sentences on the board when he quickly ran into a problem. There were no capital D's for some reason. This bothered him, which is a good thing, but he had to make due with what was there.

He completed his task (sans capital D's).

He marked off his hard work on the board and then read to me the sentences again.

This time he read them with a bit more pride because he had just "written" them himself.

Hard work pays off for this little boy.

It's such a special treat for his momma as well!

I'm thankful to be at home with my children teaching them.

It's rewarding in so many ways.

School Days & Smiles

2011-02-08T21:55:00.001-06:00

I want to share a picture of a sweet boy who was so proud of himself for accomplishing his goal! I'll explain what that goal was in a later post. For now, just enjoy the precious face below!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2011-02-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

I am going to try to reformat the blog so if you check it and it's completely confusing or messed up -

please have patience!

Pampered Chef Online Fundraiser Party

2011-02-02T14:34:00.005-06:00

We would LOVE for you to join us at our

PAMPERED CHEF ONLINE FUNDRAISER PARTY

February 2nd, 2011 - March 2nd, 2011

All of the proceeds will be going towards adoption!

Part of the proceeds will go towards our adoption of Nora.

The rest of the proceeds will go to the consultant's family who is also adopting from Ethiopia!

She is being generous to us and we are very grateful!!!

Please share this post with anyone you think might be interested

in Pampered Chef and supporting adoption in general!

If you don't need anything,

maybe you could consider purchasing gifts for this upcoming year.

Here are the instructions on how to make sure your purchase goes towards our adoption:

1. Go to the website: www.pamperedchef.biz/DrucksKitchen

2. February specials will be on the home page

3. From there you can click on "Shop Online" at the top right of the screen.

(read the * instructions at the bottom of the screen for step 3 at the moment)

4. You will come to a page that has you search for the party you want to purchase for

5. The party will be listed as Anderson Adoption Fundraiser

6. You can now start shopping!

7. Once you are done shopping, you click "Proceed to finalize order".

(That will take you to a page where you will enter your name, address, county (this is to determine the tax percentage), phone number, and e-mail address.)

8. For shipping, you can choose to have it shipped to "your organization" (only do this if you live near me - it will be $4.50 if you do this option) or you may choose to have it directly shipped to you (11% of your amount before tax - it may be better to go in with some people that you live close to if you do this just to save a bit on shipping).

9. After filling all that out, you click continue at the bottom right of the page and it will take you to a payment page.

Thank you to those pampered chef loves who use their products regularly and are using this opportunity to support us at the same time!

THANK YOU

* for some reason, their "shop online" feature is down and their offices are located in Chicago so they aren't in their offices at the moment --- understandable :)

So here is what you need to do if you want to shop before it's fixed:

1. Click on the "our products" at the top right

2. Begin shopping - when you find something you want, you can click on that item and it will take you to a new screen where you can select your quantity

3. To the right of the quantity box, there is a link that says "How to Purchase" - click that

4. It will reroute you to the page where you can enter "Anderson Adoption Fundraiser"

5. After selecting the fundraiser, when you go back to the item, the fundraiser name will be listed in the top right corner as the organization and then you can just continue shopping.

6. You don't have to do this with every item - just the first one

(hopefully this will be resolved soon and you'll just have to follow the original set of directions)

6. - Back to step 7 listed above! :)

Thanks for your patience while they work on this issue!

Falling In Love With God

2011-01-28T12:14:00.000-06:00

"The way to fall in love with God is to surrender to the fall."

It's the age old truth - love is a choice not an emotion

Surrender

such a strong word isn't it

Ann Voskamp

"How to Fall in Love with God"

Moments - Our Gifts

2011-01-18T12:26:00.004-06:00

they are what we have

to take them in

take in the important over the urgent

slowing down

I have had this book pre-ordered for months and it's about to arrive. I can't wait to open and dive in. I can't wait to see the truths of God poured out upon those pages that I believe will spur me on to desire more of Him, see Him more so in the ordinary, and prayerfully become more like Him in the day in day out.
My heart beats in excitement as I wait.
There is something in there that I believe fully will encourage my heart to beat more for Him.
Isn't that why my heart beats at all.
To bring HIM glory.

"One Thousand Gifts"

Adoption - Where Are We At? & Prayer Requests

2011-01-08T21:56:00.000-06:00

We have had several people ask over the holidays how the adoption process is going.

Here is the latest.

We are still waiting.

Such exciting news isn't it!

We are right where we are supposed to be.

But, what does that look like, waiting? And what comes next?

Referral: Right now, all of our information is in Ethiopia. Our agency and their government have everything from us that they could possibly need right now. The next step in our adoption process is to receive the referral. This is when we will actually see our sweet "soon to be" daughter's face for the first time ever. This is when we will find out all about her. We are hoping to receive that information around the end of February/March. Now, that being said - that is just an estimate. It could be weeks after that - we are just going off of norms here. We know God only knows the true timing. Our process has went very well so far though so we can't complain about waiting right now. It's right where we should be. Please pray for us, that we'll be patient and trusting in our Father who knows all and the timing that it should all take place. It's pretty easy right now, but we know it would be very tough if February/March came and we heard nothing.

Court: What after that? When we confirm the referral, we then wait on a court date. That could be 3-10 weeks after receiving our referral. We will fly over to meet our sweet girl, spend limited time with her, attend court (where a birth parent/legal guardian should also be in attendance), and hopefully leave with her pronounced legally our child. There could be issues that keep this from happening. We would still fly back home as planned and our agency would then have someone stand in our place as a legal representative to finish that process for us. We pray - all goes smoothly at court on our first trip and ask you to pray the same. Please also pray for us as we meet Nora for the first time that it won't be super hard on her and that in her heart she will have a peace about who we are in her life now. Please pray for us to have opportunity to visit with her birth parent/legal guardian to get pictures and to have the wisdom needed during this time to ask all sorts of questions Nora may want to know one day to help fill in this gap of her precious life. We know as she grows older she will most likely want to know about the family who loved her before we arrived. We want to give her what we can from that. This process should be around 7 days total time gone- 4-5 days in country (I think - John is all over these details and I'm just going along with him :) ) Yes, we have to leave her there this time (HUGE prayer request going in for this time period now)

Embassy: Paperwork will be finalized from this point forward in order to prepare everything for us to bring our sweet Nora home. We wait for an Embassy date while back in the states. Hopefully, once we pass court, our Embassy date will be scheduled within 4 - 6 weeks for us to return to pick Nora up and bring her home!!! Again - please pray that legally all runs smoothly and that we will travel soon to pick her up!

Our Kids: Our children will be staying with family here in the states while we are gone. Please pray for us and them. Being so far away from family now, we are more used to being together now more than ever! Keeping some kind of routine during this time will be so important for them. It is easier on them period and we'll be coming back quiet tired and not needing to have to completely redo life to get "back to the norm". This can be hard when you are staying in someone else's home so we ask for prayers about that as well. This will be tough on us all!!! The kids agree it's worth all the tough stuff and tears to get their baby sister home though! They are willing to make that sacrifice, but that doesn't make it easy on them. And, we could be traveling during some of their birthdays. They have been GREAT about it all!!! We hope to be able to have internet connection without issue to, at the least, be able to stay in touch through email with them. They will be our first priority to connect with while gone of course, but if internet capabilities are working as they "could be", we'll post on the blog some as well!

Recently: Referrals have been MUCH slower than they were in October & November. In December & January there were very few referrals over all. VERY FEW!!! We ask you pray with us that whatever is causing the delays gets resolved quickly so children can be placed in their families and out of orphanages as soon as possible.

Thank you family & friends for your prayer support and the donation of your time to do that on our behalf! WOW - how blessed we are to be lifted up by you. We need it more than we could possibly let you know!!! We know you are there for us at a moments request to lift us up in prayer and that brings much peace to us! You may get called upon more frequently as the journey continues. We don't know what this road will look like, but we know we are following God down it so it's the right road. We see His light shining leading to our sweet Nora. We hear his gentle whispers saying continue and have faith. We feel his presence near bringing comfort to two of His, adopted already, who haven't a clue but are trying to trust that we'll know what we need to when we need to. Thank you so much for being those people that we can depend on to pray. We can not imagine walking through this life without one of you! Thank you also to those who have generously donated of your finances. You have helped us get so close to reaching our goal! We can't thank you enough. Anytime we come to mind, please lift us up. Please be praying for Nora as most likely her little life has started outside of her mothers womb at this point. She's living 1/2 way around the world in a 3rd world country with no idea of what her future holds. We pray for her nourishment, cleanliness, health, safety, and all of that for her family in Ethiopia. We pray also that her heart is already being softened to receive these "complete strangers" as her mother and father and brothers and sister!!!

In The Bleak Midwinter

2010-12-14T12:18:00.002-06:00

Beautiful Hymn For The Christmas Season!!!

1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, 
 earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; 
 snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, 
 in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2.Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; 
 heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. 
 In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed 
 the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3.Enough for Him, whom cherubim, Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels, fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

4. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, 
 cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; 
 but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, 
 worshiped the beloved with a kiss. 

5.What can I give him, poor as I am? 
 If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; 
 if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; 
 yet what I can I give him:  give my heart.

Raw Milk Hot Cocoa

2010-12-11T17:33:00.001-06:00

I know it's sounds so counterproductive

Starting with such a wonderful whole food and adding chocolate and sugar

(and a few other treats you'll see below)

And it very possibly is

But it was a GREAT warm treat on this blustery cold winter day!!!

Aren't those snowmen cute and snuggly

and ummmm --- round

(I don't think it's an accident they were on the outside of my doctored up hot cocoa cup - they helped me remember to only have 1 cup)

Ok - so I did start with RAW milk and then I added the cocoa & sugar

and then...........I threw in a few marshmallows

THEN.....yes, there is more

You may be looking thinking "No you didn't"

and all I have to say is oh YES I did

(next time I'll leave out the marshmallows & just add this deliciousness

I honestly forgot I had made it for berries this morning until after the mallows were in)

It was homemade organic heavy whipping cream does that help that part out at all?

Ok, so really, since it's all down and gone now it doesn't matter if it helps or not

but I am hear to tell you.........

IT WAS WONDERFUL WARMTH TO THIS SOUTHERNER

TRYING TO PULL LIFE OFF IN THE MIDWEST!!!

In all seriousness

HAPPY SNOW DAYS & BELOW FREEZING TEMPS

Demonstrators of the Faith

2010-12-10T08:46:00.000-06:00

"Too many Christians today emphasize guarding the truth, but downplay living the truth. One of the best ways to guard the truth is to put it into practice. It is good to be defenders of the faith, but we must not forget to be demonstrators of the faith."

Warren Wiersbe

I pray this encourages you in your walk with the Lord today

It is better to give, than to receive...

2010-12-07T13:07:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty sure I posted this some time in the past year ... but it's worth the repeat:

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die

so that you may live as you wish."

Mother Teresa

We need to faithfully embrace the heart of giving,

release the expectation of receiving,

and watch what God will do through that

to reach the poor, widows, and the orphans!!!

This is the prayer I have for my family

After all, that was the heart of Christ wasn't it

He humbled himself and came as a servant

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:45 ESV)

"He made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross."

(Philippians 2:7-8 ESV)

"though he was the Prince of Heaven, he had become poor" - the Jesus Storybook Bible

Merry Christmas

'Tis The Season

2010-12-06T09:34:00.000-06:00

Celebrate Christ

2010-12-03T20:51:00.000-06:00

We can celebrate Christ

by giving to HIM

for His birthday celebration

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "
(Matthew 25:40 ESV)

Orphan Sunday - November 7, 2010

2010-11-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

It's so crazy to type "Orphan Sunday" to me as I don't see is as an event but as a lifestyle,

but I get the whole gist of it being an "event" to

raise awareness and call others to support an orphan so that it may become their lifestyle

--- and that, I totally get!!!

God tells us it's our duties as believers.

How are you taking care of the Orphan?

You can check out "Cry of the Orphan" on how you can become more involved!!!

There are orphans here and orphans overseas that need you.

God says it's your responsibility to meet that need.

I pray you get involved - somehow!!!

And, let me say this --- it's not a "fad", it's a call to obedience of what the scripture tells us we are to do as believers --- so it's not wise to set back and wait on the "fad" to pass

so you don't have to get dirty or sacrifice.

It's an all day, everyday, for the rest of time --- truth.

I know.....it's been awhile!

2010-10-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's been awhile since I've updated!

Honest truth --- I don't like to post without a picture and my camera has been in the shop!

It's on it's way home though so maybe I'll get back to posting a bit more frequently then.

so for todays random photo to complete the post......

They grow so fast!!!

I was looking at a photo of some friends kids the other day and commented on how little they were - it made me think of these photos of my little ones and how little THEY were!

We are blessed to have these three!!!

(Ethan was 4 1/2, Cerra 3 1/2, and Brantley almost 1)

T-Shirts for Adoption

2010-10-05T12:07:00.002-05:00

We have some friends of our in Arkansas selling t-shirts to support the adoption of their little one from Ethiopia! John & I have our shirts and encourage you to check them out as well.

THEY ARE NOT JUST ADOPTION FOCUSED SHIRTS!

They are $15 each so if you are looking to add to your wardrobe --- check them out here!
You will be helping this sweet family:

"The Wallace's"

This is their kiddo advertising to bring his sister home!

They say - "Live Simply, So Other Can Simply Live"

I LOVE THE SHIRTS!!!

iPad Giveaway -- the WINNER is (drum roll please)

2010-10-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to

Josh & Carrie Drye

We are so thankful for every one who donated.

We cleared a total of $1,509.34!

The video below shows the drawing!

THANKS AGAIN FOR HELPING US BRING NORA HOME!!!

This has been fun!

Win an iPad - help bring Nora home!!

2010-09-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

We are giving away an iPad!!!!

2 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!!!!
Deadline October 4th, 2010 - 8:00 pm CST

16GB Wifi version of the iPad is up for grabs here. So, here's the deal. Starting now until Monday, October 4th we will be taking donations for tickets for a drawing for this iPad. A $10 donation will get you one entry into the drawing, each increment of $10 will get you another, and a $50 donation will get you six!!! Buy 5 get one free. What a deal!!!!!

So here's how to do it:

1. Click on the Paypal Donate link above and donate to us (we'll know how many chances you donate by the amount of the donation). If you choose this route, please enter a contact number in the memo line so we can call you to let you know if you win & double check your address before shipping out the iPad.

2. Give your money to Christina or I and we will fill out an entry form for you. (This one is for the Omaha people).

3. Give your money to Lindsey Watson (for all of you Arkansas Folks) for an entry into the drawing. Lindsey will make sure we get the entries up here (Omaha) in time for the drawing.

The drawing will be held on October 4th at 8pm CST. We will contact the winner by phone (if you give us your phone # - otherwise we'll announce it on our blog & facebook)

on October 4th for the big announcement.

Please tell all of your friends, post it on your Facebook, Blog, or Tweet it to your heart's content.

Your $10 (or whatever amount) donation may just win you an iPad, and most definitely will help bring home Nora Carolyne from Ethiopia!!!

Best Wishes!!!

Sunset

2010-09-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

Sunset from our front porch in Arkansas

So glad God chose to make things beautiful

Goodnight All

J.C. Ryle on "The Duties of Parents"

2010-09-20T11:18:00.001-05:00

"A true Christian must not be a slave to what’s currently ‘in-fashion,’ if he wants to train his child for heaven. He must not be content to teach them and instruct them in certain ways, merely because it is customary, or to allow them to read books of a questionable sort, merely because everybody else reads them, or to let them form bad habits, merely because they are the habits of the day. He must train with an eye to his children’s souls. He must not be ashamed to hear his training called odd and strange. What if it is? The time is short—the customs of this world are passing away. He that has trained his children for heaven, rather than for the earth—for God, rather than for man—he is the parent that will be called wise in the end.”~ J.C. Ryle

This is one of the many quotes I read this week. Another friend of mine linked to an article that contained several quotes from J.C. Ryle that I thoroughly enjoyed. Some of them met my heart right where it is at and others challenged. It was a great read and I would recommend ANY Christian parent or grandparent to read through the quotes and ponder them, reference scripture that lines up with them, pray then the scripture found.

Here is the link with the rest of the quotes

Training Your Children in Godliness

Holy, Holy, Holy

2010-09-10T11:48:00.001-05:00

Worship him with us today --

will you?

In teaching my children this morning the history of this hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", I had a time of worship. We talked about the seraphim surrounding the throne of God proclaiming "Holy, Holy, Holy" regularly and never growing tired of it. Can you see & hear the beauty of it echo through your mind. Stop - think about it --- listen & look. I was brought to tears. I cried while I continued to teach it. I quit looking at His whole being time to time, and I instead focus on what He can do for me. A lot of us do though don't we - shift our focus because we grow weary, become selfish , and choose to focus on self instead of God. Just imagine if we sang like the angels. The seraphim at the throne singing over and over "Holy, Holy, Holy" because they are focused on the God they are singing about!!! It hasn't grown old to them because they still focus on HIM. It's not about the latest and greatest artist, style, hype to them --- it's about God!

I read this, this morning, by Joni Eareckson Tada and loved the way it was simply put, so I want to share it with you today:

"The Bible says that the seraphim call out day and night, "Holy, holy, holy." You would think they would get tired of repeating that, but they don't. That's because God is so great and glorious that no one-not even the highest order of angels-can ever run out of reasons to praise Him. There's always something new to discover about God! The longer you look, the more beauty you see. Again and again God keeps revealing new aspects of His beauty and His holiness and His love."
(from the book: Hymns for a Kid's Heart)

I ask you to join me and look at Him from a different angle today! You may catch a new glimpse and worship Him.

What a way to spend your Friday, in worship before your Father.

"Holy, Holy, Holy"

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Dossier IN Ethiopia

2010-09-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

We've been away from the computer quiet a bit over the past several days and haven't had opportunity to share with you that our Dossier did arrive safely in

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Yesterday at 10 am!!!

EXCITING!!!!!

Here is what it's travel looked like from AWAA to Ethiopia:

Shipment Travel History

Help

All shipment travel activity is displayed in local time for the location

DTE 8/27/10 - It's Outta' Here!!!

2010-08-26T13:49:00.000-05:00

We are so thankful to report that we have a confirmed DTE (Dossier To Ethiopia) date,

barring no international delays.

AUGUST 27, 2010

Yes we are DTE 8/27

TOMORROW!!!

Our Dossier will be sent to Ethiopia and we will be put on the waiting list there!

Then, we wait for a referral.

The average wait time right now is 4 - 11 mths

It's so exciting to be this far in the process!!!

Thanks so much for your prayers.

Please remember if you feel led to donate to our Adoption Fund - you can do so through the donate button at the top of our page or you can mail it directly to us.

We are down to a few months wait now. We may not have much time between referral and travel which is when we will have to have our next big payment ready - - - so if you've thought about donating - now would be a great time as we continue to prepare for that "random" phone call that will change our world!!!

Thanks for the donations so far !!!

You can track that progress through the thermometer on the side of our page.

Corporate Worship as a Family - Who says they don't get it?

2010-08-23T19:58:00.000-05:00

We worship corporately as a family. My post is not to convince you to do so or tell you how we are right and you aren't. It has nothing to do with that. It is however to give encouragement to those considering it.

I remember being there wondering "if we could do it"! I found great encouragement from a lady that I consider a dear friend, and I was so thankful for her during this time of transition for our family. This is all new for us. Honestly, I wish we had done this from the beginning- but it is what it is. We've been worshiping with our church family as a family for about 6 months now.

We've had many discussions with our children over messages heard & principles taught and we've greatly enjoyed the same lessons. It has been better than leaving church saying, "what was your lesson about this morning", and them replying, "I don't know", and us working through the worksheets given to us at the end of a service to try to figure out what they were supposed to have gotten so we could go from there. I'm not trying to talk bad about any persons, I'm just stating the truths of what many of our afternoons looked like before and saying that it was frustrating.

It's moved John to a whole new level of accountability as leader of our home and father of our children as well. When the kids ask questions about the message, and believe me they ask questions about specific points or examples, he's the one accountable for answering those first. Do I answer them as well, of course, but not usually until John explains first his understanding and convictions of the teaching and leads his children in the way he would have them go as their father and spiritual leader at this time. I want to be in support of that and this has helped me move into a more supportive roll of my husband.

Anyway - we have heard a variety of comments and heard a lot of statements like "do they learn anything", "how do they get anything from it since it's taught to adults", "oh, are you pew training", "why do you do this" and various others. Now, not all of these have been asked or stated with disdain. Some have come with serious desire to gain understanding because they are interested themselves.....not all by any means ... but some. (Which, on a side note, did you know the Sunday paper is written on a 8th grade reading and comprehension level........that might help put things a bit more in perspective for what we deem prepared for "an adults level of understanding".) Because of the questions & comments I thought I would share with you what our children have gotten out of a couple of different sermons from church to be an encouragement to those of you interested in corporate family worship.

Our kids have a piece of paper and pencil on Sunday mornings. So for those of you who think we bring them and let them doodle you are right, but it has to be about the sermon. They can right notes or draw pictures.

This is from yesterdays sermon which was about slaves/masters, employees/employers,

Ephesians 6:5-9

doing everything as though you are doing it for the Lord

Cerra's Translation (7 yrs old) : The bible verses we read this morning said that we are supposed to do our best always for God if someone is looking at us or if they aren't. The way we do that is take what he teaches us in His bible and we live it out through our lives. This is the only way I knew how to draw that coming out of us - by taking it and putting it first before ourselves and that's what this girl is doing here.

You think she got it?

This next Picture is about a video series we went through a few weeks back by Dave Ramsey

Last night I pulled this out of Ethan's bible when I was tucking him into bed. I said, "Hey E, you remember what this was about?

Ethan's Translation - weeks later (8 yrs old): Yeah mom, that was when we went through that Dave Ramsey series on video, you remember, about Life, Money, & Hope. He was talking about how we are supposed to spend money and about how it's God's and he wants us to spend it wisely. This is a picture of God with everyones money laying around him because they gave to Him like He wants them to because that is what pleases him.

You think he got it?

Brantley's Translations (4 yrs old): - no pictures because his hands are usually full of goldfish inserting them into the mouth that we are trying to keep quiet :) -----but he's listening. How do we know - because he also tells us what he's learned from the teachings while John & I are talking to the older two or he'll just bring up something all on his own.

For example - one day on the way home he talked about God returning and how he wished he could see that because he thought that would be awesome. (we were studying Revelations). He also commented on wishing he could see God's army because he knows it HAS to be the strongest army ever. (I'm pretty sure he followed this up with some gun noises and people falling down). He talked about the Dave Ramsey series and how we can't just do what we want to with our money because God has a plan for it. At the beginning of our study on Ephesians he was discussing with us how he wanted to be a Christian and asked lots of questions about the gospel.

You think he got it?

There are things we cover as a family and that we are responsible for as a family, but the church assists us in the weekly teaching. We've talked about the gospel with our children before, but Brantley was particularly drawn to this again because of a message at church. We talk about how to spend our money, but Ethan has a vivid memory of this teaching at church that will stay with him about our money not being our own, and Cerra has heard us teach "whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do do it all for the glory of God" before, but this picture came to her mind during that teaching at church this past Sunday and will stick with her as a reminder.

We work together as a family with the churches assistance to develop in our children a deeper understanding. They left having learned a lesson all on their own from an "adult" sermon" at the ages of 4, 7, and 8. It's our job as parents to make sure it isn't doesn't just remain a seed - but that it get's watered.

Cerra's Surprise Reveal

2010-08-21T19:33:00.002-05:00

Enjoy the cuteness...

Dossier to Ethiopia

2010-08-21T19:29:00.001-05:00

You know that LAST PIECE OF PAPERWORK...

2010-08-18T14:17:00.002-05:00

I am holding it in my possession!!!!

SO EXCITING!!!

The I171-H has arrived to the Anderson house.

Hope to have our Dossier mailed out this evening!!!

Thanks so much for your prayers along this journey!

Please keep them going.

We mail this to our agency and they will mail it to Ethiopia.

We then get on a referral list at that point and wait!

We wait to get a referral for our precious baby girl!!!

Nora Carolyne (insert african name here) Anderson

--- we can't wait to meet you sweet girl!

Stop Big Government's Takeover of Your FAMILY.

2010-08-12T13:16:00.001-05:00

Every parent should take time to read this and take what action you can.

Stop Big Government's takeover of your family.

I received this link today from HSLDA who helps fight hard for families to keep the rights they should have. They are a legitimate legal company very plugged into the threats to todays family.

It's worth your time.

Please, Donate Your Gadgets to Help Raise Adoption Funds

2010-08-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

We are hosting an online gadget drive through Gazelle to raise money for Adoption of our Ethiopian Daughter, and would love your support. You can visit our drive webpage at http://theandersons.gazelle.com

A gadget drive is a new way to fundraise that turns your used electronics (laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras & more) into cash to support a cause. Contributing to our drive is simple. Just visit our drive webpage, find the value of the gadgets you would like to donate, and send them to Gazelle (shipping is free). The value will go to support Adoption of our Ethiopian Daughter.

If you would like to donate, please go to http://theandersons.gazelle.com - also a Just Love Nora store, to learn more about our drive and track our progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email, and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

Thank you for your support

Korah - ETHIOPIA

2010-08-04T11:56:00.001-05:00

The village of Korah is a small village just outside Addis Ababa, the capitol city of Ethiopia. The village was founded over seventy five years ago by people inflicted with leprosy, seeking treatment in Addis. Three generations later, over 100,000 people live in Korah, most of whom have leprosy, HIV/AIDS, are prostitutes, widows or orphans. Their extreme poverty has forced many of the villagers to forage through a local trash dump to find enough food to survive each day.

This video will show you more about that.

The Village of Korah from ReFocus Media on Vimeo.

Let's do not just shake our head in disbelief or sadness.

That's not enough.

Let God use it to change our hearts to become more like his.

It's easy to "cry" for them. It's hard to help them.

I'm not just talking about the people of Korah.

We are called to serve not to sit.

We are called to do so by faith.

As believers in Christ, were is our faith placed?

Where are we investing our time, talents, & treasures?

Are our investments Kingdom minded?

By faith, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Israelites, Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, & the Prophets - yet they didn't receive what had been promised here --- God had something better planned. They were Kingdom minded. They are worth studying again if it's been awhile......they for sure are not just "children's stories". God used them to do hard things....they didn't just sit or weep from the outside.....they got in.

They got in deep.

They got in beyond what they could handle

so that it required faith.

That scares me sometimes.

Why?

Because I lack that kind of faith in so many ways.

I pray that I mature in my journey to love the Lord with all my heart soul mind and strength.

I pray the I begin to serve more like Christ.

And I pray that I submit, by faith, to the leading of the Spirit to reach out to and love my neighbors as myself.

As the saying goes -

I'm not where I want to be, but I do thank God

I'm not where I used to be.

May I continue to move forward

so that my legacy starts something like this

"By faith, Christina......"

in order to bring God glory

50 lbs of Carrots - Granny said I take after Grandpa as she giggled!

2010-07-29T22:23:00.000-05:00

It's true - 50 lbs of carrots sounded like a great idea at the time of ordering.

They are organic and I got them for a GREAT price.....ok!!!

I visited with Granny Pete Friday afternoon while the last canner load was on the stove top and the kids were resting (and probably phoning the authorities about child labor laws).

I told her I had ordered 2 flats of Strawberries (whole different story) and 50 lbs of carrots.

She chuckled out loud and said, "You got that after your Grandpa GT. He never brought anything home in small batches, and he'd have me canning into the night trying to get done." Then she told me the story about the bushel of peppers he brought in off the construction site one time. It's a story I've heard before, but enjoy hearing every time she tells it. I love hearing her speak and laugh and reminisce about a man she was madly in love with the day up until the day he passed away.

She loved serving her husband. She loved serving her family.

I love that I grew up seeing that.

She had WALLS lined with canned foods......I loved looking at all those walls barely understanding at the time how much work and how much love went into them

Now.......I'm beginning to understand.

Thanks for leaving that legacy Granny,

and thank you for teaching me the importance of carrying it on.

(mom, you'll have to make sure she reads this)

I have been raised by a long line of "canners", and I intend on training my crew how to do the same. Why not start early right!

We set up a good work line and had our process rolling! Obviously they had everything under control as I was away snapping photos of these wonderful memories and moments I'm SURE they'll thank me for one day! (There were no pressure canners heating up at this point or knifes involved (well there was the potato peeler) so they were totally safe)

As you can tell - I started out with the idea that I would just let my Food Processor do the slicing for me. I didn't like the slices and it was waisting too much carrot for my liking - so I decided I would cut them myself! Yes - I had then moved onto the second crazy decision ......but then I remembered I could use my handy dandy tool Grandma got me.....the Ulu! The picked it up for me while in Alaska last year. It worked perfect and made the slicing go as easy as could be, for 50 lbs of carrots!

Ok - so this is how our line up went (well part of it) I didn't photo EVERYTHING as I was a bit busy .... but here is the basic line up of the kids anyway - I was so proud of their hard work

I cut the tops and bottoms off

(didn't want to mess with keeping them separate from the slices later)

They each took turns peeling.....it was the coveted job of the day!

They had heated discussions over this job seriously so we had to divide out the carrots!

Here is a wider picture to show more of the process.

Brantley was scrubbing them and Ethan was piling them up on the towel to keep them all from rolling off. We had to have a 3rd job for all to remain involved ok!

They each rotated jobs, but Ethan & Cerra were the main peelers.

This is them after being peeled and washed by the professionals!

Looking great!

Wait - those aren't carrots?!? I know , I know --- this is what I did while they were working.

I gazed longingly at my roses thinking about how wonderful the man is that brought them home to me --- they had the carrots all under control for the time --- a girl has to catch a break while she can!

Ok - so sometime after they got all these things peeled, cleaned, and stacked - I got them sliced! I don't have pictures of that part to prove it........but I do have this photo to show that it did happen and how it all ended:

This is actually a photo of the finished product Saturday....after the second batch. The entire first batch I sliced. The majority of the second batch I sliced as well but I did quarter a few.

Yum right?

NO - they DID look yummy the first few times I touched them, but by the time I was done I could care less if I saw another carrot for awhile! But, I do know, come December, I'll be loving them cooked in with a roast or in a warm pot of soup! They'll be very yummy then!!!

Whew....1 bag down Friday and this was the 1 bag to go on Saturday,

but we did get them all done!

And I am thankful for all my help

Just Because Their Family in Arkansas Want to See Their Cute Faces

2010-07-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

This giggle......makes me giggle!!!

He was trying hard not to smile...

In front of the capital building

Ethan, who usually hates the camera, decided to GQ it right on up

I love every minute of it!

He wears this hat of my Grandpa Wayne's and loves it

There ya go Grandad, Granny, Gran, Pop, and Aunt Z

I'll try to get better about keeping pictures up here!

And, I'll try to make some random posts soon of our summer time photos!

We love and miss you each!!!

Dossier Cover Sheet & Power of Attorney - CERTIFIED

2010-07-29T18:33:00.000-05:00

One step we have to take before sending in our Dossier is to have the Secretary of State certify 2 different documents, the Dossier Cover Sheet & the Power of Attorney. The purpose of this is to say that the people who have notarized them are recognized legally as legitimate notaries. You can mail them to the Secretary of State's office with a cover sheet or take them yourself. Since it's only a 45 minute drive, we decided not to risk losing them in the mail and just made the trip.

John was in Ohio Monday, so the kids and I loaded up and made the journey to Lincoln. The process went very smoothly and was easy! I'm thankful for help in directions on exactly where to park and enter so I wasn't walking all over the capital building with 3 littles ones in tow.

The kids did great for me and we had a good day out!

I love these guys and can't wait to meet Ms Nora

so we can take some picture with her all up in the middle of them as well!!!

Counting Stars - Andrew Peterson

2010-07-27T10:10:00.001-05:00

Here is my plug for the day -

This album has just released! Here is a link to a review by Donald Miller of this specific cd.

We own it and it's excellent!

I will agree 100% with Miller on this cd when he says:

"These days, musicians are releasing what should be a record of b-sides with one or two decent songs. I don’t blame them. There’s not much of a commercial reason to stick a bunch of hits on one album. But Counting Stars is not such a release. From the first track, I stopped working and turned it up and leaned back in my chair. It felt like a record I’d heard before, something immediately familiar. It’s the record you are searching for for a long night-drive in the country. It will make you want to cut the roof off your car so you can see the stars"

I will have to say that this is true of all of the albums that I own by Andrew Peterson.

You can click the above photo to purchase this cd since I'm sure you will fall in love with it's wonderfulness!!! :)

Biometrics Appointment DONE- early!!!

2010-07-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

Biometrics Appointments

are DONE

Simple post

but full of EVEN MORE AWESOME

information!!!

As you know by our previous post we were scheduled for August 13th. We had read several posts on an adoption group wall where people had been able to go in before their appointed time.....so we thought we'd contact the offices to see if that was possible. There is NO direct line into those offices, so we contacted the National Benefits Center in Lee Summit, MO by email to ask about it. They assured us a lot of offices did that if they had openings so it wouldn't hurt to try. So, this afternoon, we took off down there. The kids & I left the zoo and picked up John and headed back downtown to check it out. We walked in and we were greeted by a very friendly security guy who lead us right where we needed to go. The ladies in the office were more than happy to oblige to our request. We filled out the little bit of paperwork necessary there, gave them our ID, waited about 10 minutes, and DID OUR FEDERAL FINGERPRINTING!!!!

YEAH!

We are so excited to have this step complete!

1 step closer to completing the Dossier

Biometrics Appointment Scheduled

2010-07-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

We received our letter today saying that our Biometrics Appointments

are SCHEDULED for

August 13th, 2010!!!

Simple post

but full of AWESOME information!!!

Adoption Fundraising

2010-07-15T23:56:00.001-05:00

We have updated our 'Adoption Fundraising" page

with more specific adoption costs and goals

We have also added a donation thermometer to the sidebar

to share with you how you are helping bring Nora home!

Below is a clip from that - please check the fundraising page on our blog

for more specific information

Thank YOU for your Donations

We have posted a "Fundraising Thermometer" in the side bar to share with you how much we have received as donations towards our goal. We trust the Lord to provide as we go, knowing that this is all His plan. We trust His leading in our lives as we are very prayerful about our budget and spending especially during this time. He is calling us to sacrifice during this time and we want to answer the call in obedience. We also trust His leading in the lives of others to share what He would have each share!!!
We are thankful for every penny - - - EVERY amount counts!!!
You can donate through the donate button on our home page
or by sending a check in the mail.

Please email me at christinaanderson14@gmail.com
if you prefer to send a donation through the mail.

We can't wait to watch Him work through this!!!

Please be prayerful about our journey as we come to mind!We have been called to reach an orphan by providing a family and a home.

How have you been called to reach out to an orphan?

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

ps - if you know of anyone getting rid of "baby" things (6-18 mths) - please let us know as we have given all of our things away to others over the years and we'll be needing to collect back up :)

Home Study FINALIZED!!!

2010-07-12T11:26:00.000-05:00

We are excited to share with you that

we found out about 10:45 this morning that

our Home Study has been FINALIZED!!!

We are SUPER EXCITED that this step is complete and we can move on to the next!

What does the future of our process look like - here is a brief summary of the steps left to take.

I'm doing this from the top of my head so I could possibly forget something, but it should be close:

We send our Home Study off to USCIS (United States Citizen And Immigration Service) - what that means - In order to adopt a child overseas and bring that child back to the United States, the child must be found eligible to be adopted under U.S. law. Because adoption laws vary from country to country, it is possible to adopt a child abroad who does not qualify to immigrate to the United States. That is why a child must also be found eligible to be adopted under U.S. law. It allows the child to move with you to the United States. The federal agency responsible for determining whether a child is eligible to immigrate to the United States is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS’ rules for the eligibility of an adopted child to immigrate to the United States differ for children living in Hague Adoption Convention countries and those living in non-Convention countries. Children in Convention countries must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee; children in countries non-Convention countries must meet the U.S. definition of an orphan.
They will request Federal Fingerprinting be done (this could take several weeks to process)
We wait to fingerprint/USCIS processing to be complete to receive the approval document - I-171H
After receipt of the I-171H, we will have our Dossier certified by the Secretary of State in Lincoln - we will probably drive over and have this done as opposed to mailing it.
Mail our Dossier (and copies of Dossier) out to America World
They will mail our Dossier on to Ethiopia for translation and approval there
We will be put on the wait list (estimated 8-11 mth wait time)
We will be referred to a child - reply to the referral
We will fly over on our 1st trip after acceptance of referral for court
Come back to the states WITHOUT her (going to be so hard to do)
We will fly back over on our 2nd trip to pick her up and bring her home as our daughter!

Hopes this helps many of you better understand what is left to go as you continue to pray for our journey and pray about how you may help us on this journey!

We love you each and are so excited to have the support of SO MANY of our close friends and family on this journey.

"Dancing in the Mine Fields" - Andrew Peterson

2010-07-09T11:56:00.001-05:00

Posting this for you John Mark Anderson

12 yrs down and I pray many more to go

"that's what the promise is for"

I love you

love, me

(click the photo of Andrew Peterson below for the video to start)

For those of you who have never heard Andrew Peterson I encourage you to check out his new cd

"Counting Stars"

It releases the end of this month - July 27th

You can listen to it at the link above

Family Worship

2010-07-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

I have been enjoying our summer break with company, canning, playing with my kiddos, etc.

Because I've been trying to focus on enjoying our "down time", I haven't written much personal information here recently. Hang in there, I will add some more Anderson Family Updates one day, but until then enjoy what I do have time to link and share with you.

The information I link has either stood out as a great encouragement to me or is filled with a great challenge for me.

I hope it will be the same for you if you have time to read!

Here is a link (click the photo below) to a post I really enjoyed on Family Worship.

We do family worship in our home and we are always looking for ideas and reading others testimonies of how they do it. Ours may look similar to some and quiet different form others. Our purpose is not to make ours look just like someone else, it is to teach our children scripture in order to use their life to glorify God but I do enjoy learning from others. So as I share this link, I'm sharing it as great suggestions that I found interesting, not saying this is THE way it has to be.

Hope it's great encouragement to you!

I hope it isn't only read by those with children, but also those who are newly married with no children, very married with no children, or are empty nesters. Time together in the word isn't just for parents and children but husband and wife as well!

Enjoy

Wiphan - A Beautiful/Worshipful Ministry

2010-06-28T09:48:00.002-05:00

I hope you enjoy learning about this ministry as much as I have and that you are blessed by the testimonies of this wonderful outreach as they train, care for, and share the gospel.

This is a ministry that I've recently ( in the past 6 months) been introduced to and have grown to respect. You can go to their website WIPHAN to read their story and find out more about them!!

They are selling cookbooks right now

so if you are interested in purchasing a new cookbook ---

check it out!!!

Now - I know many who stood in line (for hours) to purchase a cook book from a wealthy American woman and have her sign it, for their own sake - to say they owned her cookbook ---

I myself have it on my shelf (although I proudly ordered from Amazon and have no personal signature) ......

So, that being said, I hope, if you are really looking into purchasing another cookbook soon, that you will at least look into this one that will help African widows & orphans trying to better themselves

From what I understand there are a lot of fresh foods recipes

and not so much "canned" goods and casseroles

A click away

I'm going to try it

How Thankful & Blessed

2010-06-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

John Anderson - you are my best friend!

I love you more than words can say!!!

While I walk independently from you, in my own personal relationship with Christ, I'm also blessed & honored to be able to follow Christ through your leadership on this journey we call life!

LOVE YA MEAN IT!!!!

Love, Serving, & the Washing of Feet

2010-05-07T08:58:00.002-05:00

Serving widows and orphans is part of possessing a pure and undefiled religion

Religion, pure and undefiled, is not found by simply attending church

Often times - we think of "religion" as the title of our faith

as meeting together during scheduled services

doing good works periodically to keep a good face

but that's not it

Serving is required according to scripture

^{James 1:27}

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

For those of you who know we are adopting, reading that scripture

may lead you to think that's what this post is going to be about

but it's not

This past week while in Arkansas

I had an awesome time of

service, confession, humbling, worship, praise, love

at the feet of my Grandmother

It was indescribable, and I want to do my best to share

Not because of anything I did

But because I'm thankful I got to experience it

I experienced this scripture ringing true in my life

It truly was worship

I want God to receive glory for what He gave in that moment

I want you to know He wants you to have a moment similar

I want to be an encouragement to you

I am SO thankful for the Spirit's presence being so near

I felt the love of Christ and pray Grandma did as well

It brought me joy yet sadness

peace yet tears

I knew God had a plan of using this time

Pure & Undefiled Religion is DOING something

SERVING widows & orphans

keeping ourselves unstained from things of the world

Not being a certain denomination

it's doesn't have to be "Old Time Religion"

it can be very new for each of us

"the Son of man came not to be served but to serve" Matt 28:20

Christ exampled serving to us & then told us to model it

plain and simple

John 13:14&15

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example,

that you also should do just as I have done to you.

While in Arkansas last week we decided to stop by and see Granny Pete on the way up to moms one afternoon. We had left mom's school room headed home so we all stopped by. The kids couldn't wait. They love Granny Pete!!! But, she met us at the door weak, very weak, leaned in the door frame. The kids didn't notice. They just barreled on in squealing her name & hugging her around the legs as tight as they could, and she was leaned against the frame patting them all on the back as best she could.

She was sick.

Something was wrong.

I directed the kids on through the house and we went on out back to look at her flowers she had planted that morning. Mom spoke with her about making a trip to try to catch her doctor in office and if he wasn't there to take her on over to the hospital. She "kind of" agreed. She didn't object totally anyway!

But this woman, doesn't want to go anywhere if she isn't

"in any condition to be seen out in public". I have seen healthy people look worse in Target and she feels like she has to get ready to go to the hospital. I had left the kids to play a bit and come in to help mom with Granny. She stepped to the bathroom to "wash up", brush her hair, put on some make up, etc. She come out of there looking completely different than she did going in - still very weak/sick - but she was "fit to be seen" now! :) Oh this lady!

During that time I just did what mom told me. Checked the stove, hauled her suitcase on out to the vehicle (just in case she had to stay overnight) , gathered her things to go into her purse, got her keys, etc. I went ahead and got the kids to get buckled in the van to wait on me. Granny would go with mom in her truck.

This is where the opportunity comes.

Little did I know I was about to have scripture flood my mind like it did. Little did I know my mind was going to be flooded with precious memories with this lady. Little did I know I was fixing to encounter God like I did in a moment of worship in my Granny's kitchen floor.

Granny set down at her breakfast table, and began to pull a foot towards her lap. I asked what she was doing. She had been planting flowers that morning in her sandals --- she wanted her feet clean. I asked if I could have the washcloth she held in her hand to wash her feet. She objected at first but I insisted. She didn't object to it long - she didn't feel good at all. As I raised her foot and began to wash it with that cloth I immediately thought of Christ at the disciples feet - they had been in sandals (or barefoot) in dirt also. He was their "Lord & master" and had lowered himself to the floor, wrapped himself in a towel, and washed their feet. What an example. There I was, just a grandchild before her grandmother, but I had been given an opportunity to serve her.

There I was before a lady who has spent years investing time in me.

Memories flooded in of the times she'd served me: all the pie tins & spoons she gave that we created mud pies in, brought inside to share, and she cleaned up afterwards; all the fishing trips we'd made up to their pond getting filthy and tramping it all back through the house with pride of our catch; the tadpoles caught in jars full of muddy pond water proudly displayed on her kitchen counter that she had to wipe down later; the swimming pool trips "unplanned" in her back yard where we all just swam in Grandpas tied up undershirts that she washed for us over and over; the meals she had cooked and fed to us year after year that she cleaned up after and was proud to do so; the late night games of Rook where Grandma washed who knows how many dishes after we left from everyones snacking; the pallets she washed after our overnight stays; there are so many more. She loves her family and friends......and to this day LOVES to serve them!!! She knew this scripture and walked it out. She knows what it is to be a servant and takes joy in it, she exampled it to my mother, who in turn exampled it to me.

"for I have given you an example, that you ought to do just as I have done to you" are the words of Christ with his disciples

He showed them the way to serve and said to do it

Grandma & mom have shown me the way to serve - they have put this verse in front of me visually, and have said go do it Christina, and here I was with them both with an opportunity to serve them each in different ways. I was to help Grandma with her feet and to help mom with her mom.

I had tears in the brim of my eyes while I was looking down at Grandma's feet running that cloth over them. She didn't see because she was half laid over the table so weak and so tired. These feet that I held were feet that had walked miles innumerable, feet that walked happily along with Grandpa while he was still with us, feet that had walked the floors at night while taking care of all 6 of her children, feet that had chased after all 11 of her grandchildren, feet that had chased after many of her great grandchildren, feet that had worked in many a garden, feet that had made many trips from the kitchen to the table to serve in one of her favorite ways, feet that had walked her in and out of church for years, feet that had taken her to serve & visit her family, neighbors, & friends meeting what needs she could meet, feet that had carried her to serve in ways I've never heard about I'm sure of it---I most certainly knew they had served year after year.......I wasn't just washing her feet.......I was having a time of worship. I was thanking God for Christ's example. I was thanking God for her example. I was thanking Christ for my mom's example.

I have been blessed in so many ways.......

the least I could do for her was wash her feet.

I had just experienced what it meant to have"pure and undefiled" religion......

.and it was wonderful.

I was honored to help put her sandals on her clean feet.

I was thankful that God had shown Himself to me at the feet of my Grandmother.

I was thankful to add that to the list of memories that have come from time with her.

We have the blessing of going through the adoption process right now, and I am thankful and so excited about.

But, serving the widows is just as important.

In fact scripture talks about the responsibility we have in taking care of the widows.

We are told this in 1 Timothy 5:4

"But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God."

It's not merely a choice,

as children & grandchildren, to take care of the widows in our own families.

We are clearly told to do it here - and by the way it doesn't say it will "be our thing" - it says we must learn how to do it.

We are told to step up and do it before the church is involved

I know every moment of service won't be full of the emotions that I just experienced

but I am so thankful for the time I had that day

We often encourage & offer help to those who adopt and bring a homeless child into their family or visit orphanages to care for children there. And we should, it's obedience to God's Word. But, do we offer the same amount of help or encouragement to someone who is mowing their widowed neighbors yard, or picking up groceries for their widowed parents, or vacuuming their floors, helping in their gardens, just giving them company?

Do we look for the widows in our families as we should to visit them?

Do we look for the widows in our communities as we should to visit them?

I am including myself in the we!

I want to pay more attention and serve better in this capacity in the ways that I can serve.

(this is a picture of us visiting her in the hospital - Brantley was teaching her how to color on his ds - he tried to convince her she shouldn't participate since she was sick - but she insisted that people tend to color better when they are sick since it's about all they can do-she loves these kiddos!!!)

Obviously- they put Grandma in the hospital and she stayed for a few days.

She did pretty good the day after they had put her in and we enjoyed a visit with her, but the next day was a pretty tough day for her. None the less - she went in on Tuesday evening and was released Friday morning only to come home and make a cake for one of her

Grand-baby's 1st birthday.

Why?

She loves to serve her family!!!

We love her!!!