Great Sadness

During the course of our many adoptions we have experienced several lost referrals.  Although it was frustrating, I never really felt grief or sadness about loosing a referral.  We knew for whatever reason God had a plan for our family and we were trusting in Him.  This week we experienced a different kind of loss.

Many of you do not know that we have actually been in the process of adopting TWO children.  We could not announce our referral of Daniel until we were given approval by China to adopt him.  Daniel was 10 months old and also had Down Syndrome.  Friday I received a call from our adoption agency, our baby Daniel had passed away.  I never expected to feel so much sadness.  Although we had never met him, he was already a part of our family.   We loved him.  Many tears have been shed.  The one thing that brings us peace is knowing that Daniel is now in the arms of his Heavenly Father.  We can’t wait to meet him some day in Heaven.

If you have a blog would you mind grabbing our sponsorship button on the right sidebar and posting it on your blog?  We really covet all your support and prayers.

Another picture of sweet Lily

Now that we have pre-approval we can send our Lily a package. 

 I love being able to send our new kids a little something from their forever family.

Somehow it just makes it feel a little more real.

Treasures

Yesterday, we were in the path of the storms that went through Kentucky. Due to the very high risk that we would have a significant tornado outbreak we packed up and headed to a friends house with a basement. We were very fortunate to not have any tornadoes in our direct vicinity.

We had several hours warning so we had time to pack necessary items and some treasures. After packing the medication, diapers, pediasure, wheelchair, etc. . .

I packed up my most treasured items in the car.

*picture by Nina Mullins Photography

Next I grabbed this folder!

This folder represents two children in China.

I could not leave them behind.  

As I was packing up I noticed our son putting a few things in my bag.

I did not take time to see what they were.

When we arrived at our destination I went to get something out of the bag

 and found this in the bottom.

I have a few things I could learn from my 6 year old son!

Where to begin? 

Back in October I followed a link from a friends facebook page. 

I called JUST to ask some questions. 

Husband and I talked and prayed. 

God confirmed our decision in some big ways!

WE

HAVE

PA(pre-approval) from China

God is Cool Like That

We had a very busy day scheduled for today.  We had four appointments before noon.  This morning Jacob woke up at 3:30a.m.  I had to fast to get blood work done, so a mama without breakfast & coffee is not a happy mama.  Needless to say the morning did not get off to a great start.  We were at the hospital by 8:15 for my blood work(just routine).   Finished up, got some papers notarized, and had 30 minutes before our next appointment.  I should add I was dragging eight kids along with me on this adventure.  Knowing how I get when I am hungery I decided to stop by and get a donut and coffee to tide me over before lunch.  After pulling in I realized I had used the $20.00 I thought I had in my purse.  No coffee and donut for me.  On to the doctor's office for my physical, yes with all eight kids. 

We got on the elevator and a lady steps on with us.  She said that she had seen us getting out of the car in the parking lot.  She said she was driving through the parking lot when she saw us and wanted to come in and tell us how blessed we were.  She had no appointment in this building but she rode with us up the elevator and met all the kids.  She asked if she could give me $20.00 to get the kids a special treat today.  After she got back on the elevator my daughter Grace said, "you must have prayed for $20.00".  I told her I did not verbally pray for $20.00 but God knows our hearts desires and sometimes blesses us by giving us are desires.  So after the doctor's appointment we ALL got donuts before heading to our next appointment!

What a wonderful blessing and opportunity to talk with my kids about God's goodness!

Steven Curtis Chapman and the Maas Family

Last night we had the opportunity to volunteer with Show Hope at The Songs and Stories Tour in our home town.  We received a big surprise when I mentioned that our son was on the PR material for Show Hope.  Here he is standing in front of the banner with his picture.

 
The next thing I know we are standing on stage with Steven Curtis Chapman and he is introducing us to the audience.  How cool is that!  Here is a little video clip that my mom, who just happened to be attending the concert, took while we were on stage. Sorry the video is turned sideways.  I love at the end you can hear my dad say, "those are my grandkids".  He is a proud Poppy!




Afterwards we spent a few minutes talking with Steven Curtis Chapman and took a quick picture.  Our family has truly been blessed by this ministry and it was quite an honor to participate in the evening.  Oh, and yes in the video we announce that we are adopting again!!

If you are not in a position to adopt right now but you have a heart for orphans please consider a sponsorship through Show Hope.  You can make a difference in an orphan's life.