I was thinking today how I have seen many amazing things in this world. I use the word "amazing" to mean both the good and the bad. Life has taught me that the most horrendous thing I can imagine still has an element of amazement to it, but with negative effects.
I have stood at the peaks of mountains and stared at the vast expanse of the Rockies. I have stood above the highest waterfall in America and felt the power of the water plummeting down. I have trekked through the barrenness of an Arizona desert. I have snorkeled one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. I have seen the miracle of birth. I have seen the faces of children scared by war be restored and filled with life.
I have also seen the desolation of a nation living without hope on their second hand land. I have seen the brokenness of people fending for themselves through dishonest living. I have witnessed the solemnness of someone's last breath. I have seen the failed attempt of a man fighting for something worth more than earthly treasures. I have seen the faces of children with no life in their eyes.
Quite a lot to have seen for a man of 27 years, but I give you my word it is all true. However, there is something happening in my home right now that is more amazing than all of this that I can not see. It is the work God is doing in my little girl's heart as she learns the painful process of being a daughter in a family committed to honesty and integrity. Structure and security is a terrifying thing to older children who are adopted. It requires them to lay down all the barriers they have raised to guard their hearts from pain. Often she is unwilling to take down the barriers herself, so the only option is to sometimes break through them. What makes the pain and hard work all worth it is the finished product, which is what we actually get to see. Little by little I see the result of Agape giving up her orphan behaviors and becoming the person God wants her to be. These orphan behaviors do not go gently though. As I said this whole thing is a painful process, but overall, I'm enjoying the results.
This is important for me to think about today. Agape did not have the best of days today. School was cancelled due to what was supposed to be snow. Jen and I have been fighting sinus infections for almost a week now, and Jen ended up adding an ear infection to the mix this morning. On top of that, I just finished my 6th day straight of working today with still 2 more in front of me. Needless to say, we did not have much patience for her attitude. So I thank God for giving me the grace to stand when my own strength fails me. I will put a lot of money on our fellow adoptive families knowing exactly what I'm talking about. Let us all take time to calm down and remember why we first wanted to adopt, and the power of the God who fuels us through every step of this journey we are on.
Blessings to you all.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
We are Together Called
This weekend we re-"treated" ourselves to our first adoption retreat. Not just our first, but most people's first actually.
Why?
Because, until this past weekend, there were no retreats like this on the east coast. So we can now cross off our bucket list that we attended the first annual "Together Called" sponsored by The Sparrow Fund. Mark and Kelly, founders of The Sparrow Fund, might be our new favorite people ever. We hope they make like Spock and "Live long and prosper."
You can help make that happen by doing one simple thing. Giving them lots of money. Actually, give them all your money so that they can continue to give grants to adopting families and host more fantastic events like "Together Called". I guess if I'm petitioning you to ruin your financial future for this I should probably share why this retreat was so good.
Gladly.
The retreat was held at a quaint, cozy, and lost-in-time kinda place in Leola. Our rooms were great, and the abundance of food was great too. Even greater was the people. Over 60 couples gathered together spanning as far as New Hampshire all the way to Utah. All because of adoption. I love that.
We all had our unique stories, but we had something really big in common together. We've met the orphan crisis face-to-face, and collectively have said, "You are not greater than the Love we bring." Between all the families present we had over 180 children (186 I think?), and 108 of them were former orphans from all over the world.
During the retreat we were treated to good food, prizes, fellowship, amazing speakers, and most importantly - time together.
That's a rarity in our house these days with two needy children pining for us constantly. But we were able to actually sit down and talk and enjoy each other's company uninterrupted. We realized that we still like each other a whole lot (which is a very good thing), and that we need this feeling to not be drowned in the work of parenthood. With that we are committed to making changes that will keep our marriage strong in the midst of daily life. We need it, and our children need it.
With this statement we know that Satan will try to shut the notion down quickly, but we are ready for the challenge.
On a side note. We've been pretty committed to being an open book about our adoption journey. We haven't really strived to be the best writers on the internet (we met a woman who might be that person this weekend though), we don't want to be some big blog that everyone feels like they have to read. We just want to be honest about what we go through without looking like picture perfect people. We want people to know that adoption is hard work and scary. But it is worth it, and it is necessary.
So I share our difficulty maintaining our marriage for a few reasons. Firstly, so you can pray for us, we need still need it even though we are able to hold our two children in our arms. Secondly, it's normal to go through these difficulties and not bad either as long as you address them properly.
Back to the retreat. This morning we ended the weekend with a small and quaint Bible study with about a dozen other couples. The rest had to leave earlier. The Bible study was very simple and actually summarizes what I take away from this weekend pretty well. Here are some of the verses we talked about, and my thoughts on them.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2: 1-2 - Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
2:17 - But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
3:12-14 - Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at me goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We have never been with so many other people who share our greatest passion before. It filled our cup hearing how our struggles with over coming the orphan inside our daughter are shared with so many other people. It didn't make the problem itself better at all, but helps us knowing that we are not the only ones dealing with this same thing. More importantly, God did not finish his good work in our daughter be bringing her home to us. He isn't finished with her yet, and we can't wait to see what he does with her in the years to come.
Thanks for reading, and Blessings to you all.
P.S. Please do consider making a donation to the Sparrow Fund. They are doing great work, and are deserving of any amount you are able to give. http://www.sparrow-fund.org/
Why?
Because, until this past weekend, there were no retreats like this on the east coast. So we can now cross off our bucket list that we attended the first annual "Together Called" sponsored by The Sparrow Fund. Mark and Kelly, founders of The Sparrow Fund, might be our new favorite people ever. We hope they make like Spock and "Live long and prosper."
You can help make that happen by doing one simple thing. Giving them lots of money. Actually, give them all your money so that they can continue to give grants to adopting families and host more fantastic events like "Together Called". I guess if I'm petitioning you to ruin your financial future for this I should probably share why this retreat was so good.
Gladly.
The retreat was held at a quaint, cozy, and lost-in-time kinda place in Leola. Our rooms were great, and the abundance of food was great too. Even greater was the people. Over 60 couples gathered together spanning as far as New Hampshire all the way to Utah. All because of adoption. I love that.
We all had our unique stories, but we had something really big in common together. We've met the orphan crisis face-to-face, and collectively have said, "You are not greater than the Love we bring." Between all the families present we had over 180 children (186 I think?), and 108 of them were former orphans from all over the world.
During the retreat we were treated to good food, prizes, fellowship, amazing speakers, and most importantly - time together.
That's a rarity in our house these days with two needy children pining for us constantly. But we were able to actually sit down and talk and enjoy each other's company uninterrupted. We realized that we still like each other a whole lot (which is a very good thing), and that we need this feeling to not be drowned in the work of parenthood. With that we are committed to making changes that will keep our marriage strong in the midst of daily life. We need it, and our children need it.
With this statement we know that Satan will try to shut the notion down quickly, but we are ready for the challenge.
On a side note. We've been pretty committed to being an open book about our adoption journey. We haven't really strived to be the best writers on the internet (we met a woman who might be that person this weekend though), we don't want to be some big blog that everyone feels like they have to read. We just want to be honest about what we go through without looking like picture perfect people. We want people to know that adoption is hard work and scary. But it is worth it, and it is necessary.
So I share our difficulty maintaining our marriage for a few reasons. Firstly, so you can pray for us, we need still need it even though we are able to hold our two children in our arms. Secondly, it's normal to go through these difficulties and not bad either as long as you address them properly.
Back to the retreat. This morning we ended the weekend with a small and quaint Bible study with about a dozen other couples. The rest had to leave earlier. The Bible study was very simple and actually summarizes what I take away from this weekend pretty well. Here are some of the verses we talked about, and my thoughts on them.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2: 1-2 - Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
2:17 - But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
3:12-14 - Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at me goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We have never been with so many other people who share our greatest passion before. It filled our cup hearing how our struggles with over coming the orphan inside our daughter are shared with so many other people. It didn't make the problem itself better at all, but helps us knowing that we are not the only ones dealing with this same thing. More importantly, God did not finish his good work in our daughter be bringing her home to us. He isn't finished with her yet, and we can't wait to see what he does with her in the years to come.
Thanks for reading, and Blessings to you all.
P.S. Please do consider making a donation to the Sparrow Fund. They are doing great work, and are deserving of any amount you are able to give. http://www.sparrow-fund.org/
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
To Love the Least of These
As life goes on for us I'm noticing more clearly how big the orphan crisis is in this world. It started in high school when Jen and I did missions work with orphans living at an AIDS camp in Nassau. Their desperate cry for a family was so apparent that they called us "mom" and "dad". We tragically lost contact with the children, they were aged out of the orphanage into who knows were, their picture is still up in our house. They will forever be a strong reminder of how much the least of these need us.
Since that time we have been constantly inspired to stay involved in orphan care through incredible organizations like Show Hope, Love146, International Justice Mission, and Watoto. It was no surprise to our family and close friends when we pursued adoption ourselves.
Being in Congo gave me my biggest taste of the orphan crisis yet. The images I saw at two of the orphanages there will forever be burned into my mind. Seeing the children lined up against the wall in the dark room we were sitting as they stared back at me with such a lifeless gaze was uncomfortable to say the least. I still wonder how much love and time it would take to bring those children back to life. The power of a family is immense, and I encourage all who are reading this to realize how much you have needed being a part of a family.
Going through the adoption process was exciting in many ways for us. Seeing how so many strangers responded to our story and supported us through our fund raising efforts. We raised a ton of money, and we are all so thankful for those who were a part of that. It helped remind us how big of a task we were called to do. We are still reminded even today how big of a task this is. Aside from living life with an adopted child, we have met many people who are themselves in the process of adopting. We even spent time Skype-ing with a couple last night who are starting the process of adoption. To see the energy they had for this was great, and we are looking forward to seeing where adoption takes them.
Adoption is the medicine that an orphan needs to be made well. We know this to be true from our own experience with Agape (it's a rough process, but it is working). Our desire has always been that God would use our story to inspire others to be involved with caring for orphans as well. He is also using so many other families in the same way.
We've been listening to a song that describes my thoughts on this well. The band Audio Adrenaline, back from an almost seven year hiatus, has returned with a new lead singer and a new album being released next month. Audio Adrenaline founded an orphanage in Haiti named "The Hands and Feet Project" inspired from one of their biggest hit songs "Hands and Feet". Even though the band holds only one original member it still carries the original passion for mission work, and more specifically orphan ministry. The album has not been released yet, but you can stream it online once if you pre-buy it. I can tell you for sure that you will enjoy it immensely. For fans of Christian music from the 90's, the new lead singer is Kevin Max of dcTalk. He has returned to the scene shedding his bad boy image while keeping the edgy sound his unique voice holds. Below am sharing the music video for the single Kings & Queens. A new favorite of mine. Welcome back kmax.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
My time how you fly.
So a fellow adoptive parent reminded me yesterday that the 23rd marked three months since our "Gotcha Day" for Agape.
Wow, three months already?
Whoa, only three months?
Unfortunately, yesterday was a more difficult day for Agape behavior wise. She was sent home early from school on Tuesday for having a "fever". We checked it at home and it was 98.8, so not really sure about that. She was not able to return to school until she was fever-free for 24 hours. So yesterday was a homeschool day. It wasn't pretty. Apparently, to her home is a place of playing and fun. Without going in to much detail, some days we just can't get her to listen. Anyway, times like those make us feel like we aren't getting anywhere in her adjustment to home life. An honest reflection would show otherwise. Here are some quick facts about how Agape has grown since she was in the Congo.
She has grown over 3 inches, and gain about 8 or 9 lbs.
She is speaking very little Lingala anymore. She can do basic communication with just English.
Her ear infection has cleared. However more work will be required in the future.
She actually enjoys coloring and painting. Couldn't get her to hold a crayon before.
She is going to school, and enjoying it. Before she would have a breakdown if she wasn't with Jen.
Those are just a few of the measurable things to mention. Her behavior is mostly better, but as other adoptive parents have noted you deal with one orphan behavior and then realize it is followed by another. Agape is a work in progress. Day by day we are peeling away her orphan heart. It will take time, perseverance, and love to totally win her over. Thankfully, we have all three.
Adoption is still difficult, but more worth doing than ever.
Blessings to you all.
Wow, three months already?
Whoa, only three months?
Unfortunately, yesterday was a more difficult day for Agape behavior wise. She was sent home early from school on Tuesday for having a "fever". We checked it at home and it was 98.8, so not really sure about that. She was not able to return to school until she was fever-free for 24 hours. So yesterday was a homeschool day. It wasn't pretty. Apparently, to her home is a place of playing and fun. Without going in to much detail, some days we just can't get her to listen. Anyway, times like those make us feel like we aren't getting anywhere in her adjustment to home life. An honest reflection would show otherwise. Here are some quick facts about how Agape has grown since she was in the Congo.
She has grown over 3 inches, and gain about 8 or 9 lbs.
She is speaking very little Lingala anymore. She can do basic communication with just English.
Her ear infection has cleared. However more work will be required in the future.
She actually enjoys coloring and painting. Couldn't get her to hold a crayon before.
She is going to school, and enjoying it. Before she would have a breakdown if she wasn't with Jen.
Those are just a few of the measurable things to mention. Her behavior is mostly better, but as other adoptive parents have noted you deal with one orphan behavior and then realize it is followed by another. Agape is a work in progress. Day by day we are peeling away her orphan heart. It will take time, perseverance, and love to totally win her over. Thankfully, we have all three.
Adoption is still difficult, but more worth doing than ever.
Blessings to you all.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Christmas Letter 2012
Hey people! Yes we still love our blog, but we love our children more and they have needed more of our attention lately. A quick post for you to read is our Christmas Letter for the past year. Definitely our most favorite Christmas Letter ever. As you might remember, every year we set aside some of our Christmas savings and donate to a cause that we feel strongly about that year. This year we decided to bless some families still in the process of adopting from the Congo with a financial gift. You may also remember that we design and make ornaments to send with our physical copies of the letter. This years ornament was themed around the idea that the world has one less orphan. So here is the letter. Hope you enjoy. Below I've also shared our Christmas card that I designed myself.
"Oh, wonderful 2012! What a year! It has brought many smiles, tears, trials, and triumphs. The theme of this year for us has been - without a doubt - fulfillment and faithfulness. We have seen lifelong dreams and brand new surprises come to life in our home and in our hearts, and God has been faithful through it all to fulfill every promise he has given us. So many plans have come full circle, and this December finds us overflowing with thanks, awe, and rejoicing as we look back over this past year and reminisce about how far our family has come and the memories that were made a long the way.
"Oh, wonderful 2012! What a year! It has brought many smiles, tears, trials, and triumphs. The theme of this year for us has been - without a doubt - fulfillment and faithfulness. We have seen lifelong dreams and brand new surprises come to life in our home and in our hearts, and God has been faithful through it all to fulfill every promise he has given us. So many plans have come full circle, and this December finds us overflowing with thanks, awe, and rejoicing as we look back over this past year and reminisce about how far our family has come and the memories that were made a long the way.
First and foremost, children have finally entered the Shultz household, and our lives have definitely reached a new level of awesome/crazy! As most of you know, this year God has blessed us with double the fun: 2 children who make every moment interesting.
Introducing....
Justice Aidan Shultz! Born June 17th, 2012, 6 lbs 4 oz, 21 1/2 inches, at 9:05 pm. Currently the little man-child (as I call him) is about 17 lbs and 28 inches. Besides being on a strict schedule of GROWING, his days are spent bouncing, bouncing, bouncing in his jumper. He almost never stops moving and is definitely the epitome of a “busy” baby. He gets that from his momma! At the same time, he is also a pretty easygoing dude, happy anywhere, doing anything, with anyone. He gets that from his Daddy! He is full of smiles and laughter, and he definitely keeps US laughing! A few of his favorite things - besides bouncing and teething - are swimming, dancing to Toby Mac, going for hikes (in the Ergo baby, of course), being held by Auntie Emma, and playing with his big sister Agape. She makes him happier than anyone else can! Justice was the very best unplanned surprse we have ever recieved, and he just fills our home with joy and energy every day.
Agape May Mado Shultz! Her “gotcha day” in Congo was October 21st, her homecoming was November 2nd, and her 7th birthday was on December 7th. So many milestones in such a short time! Although her entire world has changed almost overnight, she is adjusting very well, learning a lot of English, and making lots of new friends. Our girlie is a spunky, spirited, joyful, drama-mamma who loves to sing, dance, and be silly. She definitely has a quick wit, the heartiest laugh we have ever heard, and also a very nurturing side. Her favorite things to do are go swimming and play with Justice, and she LOVES music! She also absolutely ADORES her new extended family, and especially loves her many sets of grandparents (they spoil her well). She has her rough days, and we have already had our first big hospital scare (a severe seizure reaction to some immunizaion) but overall, she is doing GREAT. We have been so blessed to finally have her HOME with us! This has been the best fulfilled promise we have ever recieved and it is obvious that God meant her for us and us for her. :)
I (Jen) have had an interesring year, to say the least... becoming a mom twice over in a matter of a few short months is a little crazy! This spring I finished my education at Liberty with a BS in Elementary Education, and completed my student teaching at Bethany Christian School. It was wonderful to be back in the classroom with some awesome students and teachers! It was even more wonderful to finally be DONE my schooling! Then it was time to give birth, enjoy the summer of baby “firsts”, and travel to Congo in the fall to bring home Agape. The highlight of my year, besides children, has definitely been a return to running and lifting weights. I used to love these activities in high school, but have not had time to pursue them regularly since getting married and being in perpetual full time work/ college mode. The pregnancy spurred me on to be more active again, and I have loved the blessings of long runs in Nottingham Park and around our community, and time spent at our local YMCA. Highlights and accomplishments include: running 10-12 miles daily up until the day before going into labor, hiking in the New Hampshire mountains at 1 month postpardum, running my first 5K and coming in 1st for my age group, and just plain feeling healthier and stronger than ever before. Major props go to Dan for supporting all my hours on the trail and in the gym, to my dad for treating all of my injuries, and to our favoritest baby-sitter ever, Miss Elizabeth Keeler, for her mad skills in keeping my kids happy, safe, and entertained while I run. Oh, and we can’t forget the awesome staff at the Y and its Kids Korner. We go just about every day, and it has been a huge blessing for the whole family: fitness center, play room, classes, swimming... something to keep everyone active all year long. Life is good!
Dan has been busy working his job as a stroke nurse at Christiana. He enjoys his work and the people he works with, and THAT in itself is a huge blessing! He is also on the Quality and Safety Unit Council at work and really loves all the different roles that his job provides for him. This has been his first full year without being in school, and he has been loving it... although he is already starting to talk about going back to pursue his Masters! Nursing is just a perfect fit for him. He also ran his first 5K this year, and has enjoyed his time out on the trails of Nottingham as well, challenging himself to run farther and faster. In between working, running, and keeping me sane, Dan has enjoyed watching Captain America and The Avengers, perfecting his barista skills at home, and working on his photography. With Justice being born and Agape coming home he has had a lot of new material to work with! Dan has also been writing a lot of our adoption blogs this year, and his perfect blend of humor, sarcasm, and heart have often blown me away. He is passionate about adoption, his children, and seeing social justice fulfilled in the world around us, and this is spoken loud and clear through his posts. (I am so proud of my husband) Otherwise, his days are full to overflowing with being the best friend, hubby, and dad that our family could ask for, and he is still my favorite person EVER. :) Plus, he presses the absolute BEST cup of fair trade coffee you have ever had and makes some slamming pancakes... if you ever need a good hearty breakfast and coffee that will keep you buzzing all day, please stop on by!
As a family, we have shared some amazing trips and experiences. Dan and I went on a short “babymoon” to St John in January, and spent a few days hiking and snorkeling all over the island (which is 75% national park!). It was jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and so wonderful to get away together one last time before the days of diapers, bottles, and meltdowns were upon us. Afterward we visited my mom and Bill in Florida (where they “snowbird”), toured the everglades, and saw manatees who were wintering with their calves. Beautiful! And awesome to see my newlywed mom so happy. :) In the summer we went with my family to a gorgeous secluded lake in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A week together in the “quirky” lakehouse provided us with many adventures, stories, and laughter. The solitude and natural surroundings were unbelievable, and it was a rejuvenating and precious time hiking, swimming, boating, and making memories. Then in August we had the priviledge of seeing my long time bestest-best friend Kady get married to the man of her dreams. It was an HONOR to serve as her bridesmaid, and I could not be happier for them!!!! In September we took a quick camping trip to Lakewood in Myrtle Beach, our annual favorite family vacation. Then in October we travelled to Congo, Africa! Otherwise, we have just been enjoying our first ever summer and fall with NO COLLEGE since getting married 7 years ago! Fun! The downside to that is, of course, that we are now paying student loans, but that’s just life. :) We filled this summer and fall with “firsts” for Justice, took every chance to head to the beach for a day trip, and ate waaaaaaay too much ice cream from the Strasburg Creamery. (Ummm... nevermind. On second thought, there is NO such thing as “too much ice cream”) Now we are on to family bonding and enjoying “firsts” for Agape... first Christmas everything has been really fun! The Christmas trees and the lights at Herrs have been her favorites! We are excited to see what 2013 has in store.
And now that we are home with our daughter, we have turned our focus from supporting our own adoption to supporting the adoptions of others who are still in process... Agape has lots of friends that still need to be united with their families! So we are unwaveringly dedicated to striving for “1 Less” every new day: 1 less orphan. 1 less hurting child. 1 less family waiting. And when there is 1 less of one thing, that means there is 1 MORE of another: 1 more sister or brother home. 1 more child loved. 1 more family complete. 1 more chance for God’s kingdom to be fulfilled right here on earth!!! Adoption is the Gospel. We have been adopted as God’s children, and nothing can ever stop his love for us. And because he loves us, so we can love others!
For our ornament this year we have painted a “1 less” ornament. For us, this means that every day we are working toward 1 less orphan. Each one of you who supported us in the past year through prayer, donations, and encouragements has been a part of OUR “1 less”!!! Now, this ornament can be a reminder to spend a little time each day creating your own new “1 less”: 1 less lonely person, one less person hungry, one less extra coat in your closet... and 1 more person kept warm on a cold night. You get the picture! The Kingdom of Heaven is all about creating 1 LESS hurting soul by being a conduit of God’s LOVE everywhere you go. This is how Jesus lives, and this is how we want to live too! For each ornament we are giving this year we are sending $ in your honor to a family who is in process to bring their child home from Congo. Now go out and “pay it forward” by doing something to love those God has put around you today!
BLESSINGS on you and your family in 2013, and we pray that we will see you, talk to you, and meet up sometime throughout the next year. If not, please catch us on facebook as Dan N Jen Shultz or at our blog (which we occasionally keep up with) shultzadoption.blogspot.com. As we all embark upon a new year together, may God be with you all!!!! MUCH LOVE!
PS HUUUUUGE shout-out to everyone who helped us bring Agape home. Whether you prayed, donated, gave encouragement, or watched our bud Justice while we were in Congo for two weeks (the HARDEST part of the whole trip was leaving him behind) we could NOT have done it without YOU!!!"
Monday, December 10, 2012
There is a reason
Many of you know that Agape recently spent a few days in the hospital for a long episode of uncontrollable shaking and weakness. To make the story brief, she had many tests done that were all negative. Thankfully Agape recovered on her own, and she is back to herself again. No real conclusion as to why it happened, but we do believe that it may have been a rare reaction to some of the vaccines she received the day before the shaking happened.
I have a friend who has recently experienced a similar scare with a loved one. When talking with my friend we struggled with the harsh reality that bad things happen to good people, and we can't always understand why.
People I tell you this for sure. There is always a reason. This reason has nothing to do with a distant god that cares little for our well being, and actually enjoys our plight. This couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't explain why Agape had to go through so many needles, tests, and discomfort, but I do realize a few things relating to this situation.
If Agape had this happen to her a few months earlier, or if we hadn't picked her up from the Congo yet, she would have gone through this alone. If she was able to go to a hospital no one would have been by her bed, and the diagnostic testing would not have been nearly as reliable.
The next night after Agape was discharged we went to see a TobyMac concert in Philly. Agape loved it! The lights, the music, the friends, her face gave her away, she was having a blast. During the intermission of the concert a pastor came out and shared about an organization that provides food to people who are starving. Here is what he shared:
There are 7 billion people in the world right now. If you take 100 people that represent the socioeconomic standing of the entire world and put them in a room this is how it breaks down. Of those 100 people, 50 of them will die of hunger, only 7 of them have access to the internet, and only 2 can decide if they go to college. Obviously, America is represented by the "2" people. Most of the world does not live like us.
I can't say for sure why Agape had to go through what she did last week. I'm not sure why anyone ever has to go through any sort of tragedy, but I am reminded of one thing that I know if true. We have the power to make a difference in this world. Whether it is your neighbor across the street, or the orphans of Africa, they need us in their times of trouble. One Bible verse comes to mind that states this thought more clearly than I ever could.
Proverbs 3:27-28 - "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you."
What I love about this verse so much is that it is not so much about worship in the sense that Americans tend to think. It's not about a church service with singing, praying, and preaching. It's about being present in the needs of our world around us, and giving ourselves to make it better.
To make this happen it is going to cost us people. What is it going to cost us exactly?
Your comfort.
Do you really need that new iPad for Christmas? A 64 GB iPad with the data plan costs $829 (excluding the cost of the monthly data plan). With that same amount of money here is what you can also do:
13 small animals to a farmer - $101
Safe water innovations for clean drinking water - $50
Clothing for children - $75
1 year of school for 2 orphans - $70 x 2 = $140
Backpack and school supplies - $22
Life saving medicines and supplies - $60
Bicycle for a girl - $85
15 fruit trees - $90
Feed a family in the USA for 1 week - $112
Vaccinations - $41
Ship and deliver a wheelchair - $50
Grand total = $826
Actually that is LESS than an iPad. All these I mentioned above are things that people in the world need in order to live, and they can't get them without our help. You don't have to spend lots of money to adopt a child to do something great. Any one of these things from World Vision will change someone's life for the better.
So with this I encourage you all to open your eyes to the world around you, and do something to make it better. If you need any ideas on how to do it you have 11 suggestions right here.
Blessings to you all.
I have a friend who has recently experienced a similar scare with a loved one. When talking with my friend we struggled with the harsh reality that bad things happen to good people, and we can't always understand why.
People I tell you this for sure. There is always a reason. This reason has nothing to do with a distant god that cares little for our well being, and actually enjoys our plight. This couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't explain why Agape had to go through so many needles, tests, and discomfort, but I do realize a few things relating to this situation.
If Agape had this happen to her a few months earlier, or if we hadn't picked her up from the Congo yet, she would have gone through this alone. If she was able to go to a hospital no one would have been by her bed, and the diagnostic testing would not have been nearly as reliable.
The next night after Agape was discharged we went to see a TobyMac concert in Philly. Agape loved it! The lights, the music, the friends, her face gave her away, she was having a blast. During the intermission of the concert a pastor came out and shared about an organization that provides food to people who are starving. Here is what he shared:
There are 7 billion people in the world right now. If you take 100 people that represent the socioeconomic standing of the entire world and put them in a room this is how it breaks down. Of those 100 people, 50 of them will die of hunger, only 7 of them have access to the internet, and only 2 can decide if they go to college. Obviously, America is represented by the "2" people. Most of the world does not live like us.
I can't say for sure why Agape had to go through what she did last week. I'm not sure why anyone ever has to go through any sort of tragedy, but I am reminded of one thing that I know if true. We have the power to make a difference in this world. Whether it is your neighbor across the street, or the orphans of Africa, they need us in their times of trouble. One Bible verse comes to mind that states this thought more clearly than I ever could.
Proverbs 3:27-28 - "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you."
What I love about this verse so much is that it is not so much about worship in the sense that Americans tend to think. It's not about a church service with singing, praying, and preaching. It's about being present in the needs of our world around us, and giving ourselves to make it better.
To make this happen it is going to cost us people. What is it going to cost us exactly?
Your comfort.
Do you really need that new iPad for Christmas? A 64 GB iPad with the data plan costs $829 (excluding the cost of the monthly data plan). With that same amount of money here is what you can also do:
13 small animals to a farmer - $101
Safe water innovations for clean drinking water - $50
Clothing for children - $75
1 year of school for 2 orphans - $70 x 2 = $140
Backpack and school supplies - $22
Life saving medicines and supplies - $60
Bicycle for a girl - $85
15 fruit trees - $90
Feed a family in the USA for 1 week - $112
Vaccinations - $41
Ship and deliver a wheelchair - $50
Grand total = $826
Actually that is LESS than an iPad. All these I mentioned above are things that people in the world need in order to live, and they can't get them without our help. You don't have to spend lots of money to adopt a child to do something great. Any one of these things from World Vision will change someone's life for the better.
So with this I encourage you all to open your eyes to the world around you, and do something to make it better. If you need any ideas on how to do it you have 11 suggestions right here.
Blessings to you all.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Learning to Sing
Tonight.... was beautiful.
I want to remember it, so I need to write about it and share it with you.
Tonight started off as challenging for 2 reasons. First, I spent the morning sick in bed. Just feeling pretty nauseous and wiped. (Now my sister and grandmother are also sick... must have shared germs at Thanksgiving, yum!) Second, Dan is working the night shift, so I was on my own for afternoon, dinner, and bed routines for the kids. We usually double-team it to cover both kiddos simultaneously at bedtime, so I had to get a little creative to make tonight flow for both Justice's bottle feeding and Agape's bed routine. I am still feeling pretty wiped, so I was ready for bed before any of the kids were, but we still had to do bottles, teeth brushing, and books. The usual.
This is when it got sweet. Agape and I sat on the floor and did an I-Spy book while I fed Justice on my lap. Then it was time to climb into bed to read our nightly Bible story. Usually I climb in next to her to read. Tonight I put Justice on the pillow beside Agape so that I could hold the bottle in one hand and the Bible in the other... and hope to avoid excess air bubbles for Justice while not losing my place for Agape. Basic momma work.
Midway through the story Justice finished and I removed the bottle. Instead of protesting the end of the milk supply, he immediately rolled toward Agape, snuggled his face into her chest, and fell asleep without a single wimper or complaint. Agape put her arm around him and snuggled right in as I finished her story.
The part of the story that I was reading went like this:
"Jesus knew that God would always love and watch over the world he had made - everything in it - birds, flowers, tree, animals, everything! And most of all, his children. Even though people had forgotten, the birds and the flowers had not forgotten - they still knew their song. It was the song all of God's creation had sung to him from the very beginning. It was the song people's hearts were made to sing: "God made us. He loves us. He is very pleased with us." It was why Jesus had come into the world: to sing them that wonderful song; to sing it not only with his voice, but with his whole life - so that God's children could remember it and join in and sing it, too."
... I think my children are singing...
Can you imagine trying to choke out these words while seeing your two children - your dearest heart of hearts - all snuggled together like this. After all of the hoping, praying, struggling, fearing, fundraising, crying, sacrificing, and trusting in God to get your daughter home safely to join your family. After the surprise and struggle of an unplanned pregnancy in the middle of all of the adoption craziness and uncertainty. Last year I did not know either of these children... one was still a faceless hope and one was just a brand new formless surprise. Now, just one short year later, it was truly like something out of a dream. Jesus was present in the bedroom tonight. His grace and love were palpable. As we keep singing each day, "Yesu azali awa, na bisou" - Jesus is here with us.
Agape wanted Justice to sleep with her, but I had to tell her no. She was sad about that but didn't fight and gave Justice a nice kiss goodnight, saying "goodnight Buddy-bud." (She ADORES him!) Then I hugged and kissed her and told her - just like I say every night - "Goodnight Agape, I love you" As I was getting up to take Justice to his bed I heard her say quietly "I love you too."
I love you too.
This may not sound like much, but can I tell you how amazing those words sound to me? ... because this is the first time that she has said them in response to my goodnight. This is the best thing that my momma heart can hear. (Plus, it was in English!)
I turned around to see her smiling.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a moment that I will never forget. Many more battles still to fight, but the war is already won, thanks to the Singer.
Love wins.
Every time.
And now, I am singing too...
I want to remember it, so I need to write about it and share it with you.
Tonight started off as challenging for 2 reasons. First, I spent the morning sick in bed. Just feeling pretty nauseous and wiped. (Now my sister and grandmother are also sick... must have shared germs at Thanksgiving, yum!) Second, Dan is working the night shift, so I was on my own for afternoon, dinner, and bed routines for the kids. We usually double-team it to cover both kiddos simultaneously at bedtime, so I had to get a little creative to make tonight flow for both Justice's bottle feeding and Agape's bed routine. I am still feeling pretty wiped, so I was ready for bed before any of the kids were, but we still had to do bottles, teeth brushing, and books. The usual.
This is when it got sweet. Agape and I sat on the floor and did an I-Spy book while I fed Justice on my lap. Then it was time to climb into bed to read our nightly Bible story. Usually I climb in next to her to read. Tonight I put Justice on the pillow beside Agape so that I could hold the bottle in one hand and the Bible in the other... and hope to avoid excess air bubbles for Justice while not losing my place for Agape. Basic momma work.
Midway through the story Justice finished and I removed the bottle. Instead of protesting the end of the milk supply, he immediately rolled toward Agape, snuggled his face into her chest, and fell asleep without a single wimper or complaint. Agape put her arm around him and snuggled right in as I finished her story.
The part of the story that I was reading went like this:
"Jesus knew that God would always love and watch over the world he had made - everything in it - birds, flowers, tree, animals, everything! And most of all, his children. Even though people had forgotten, the birds and the flowers had not forgotten - they still knew their song. It was the song all of God's creation had sung to him from the very beginning. It was the song people's hearts were made to sing: "God made us. He loves us. He is very pleased with us." It was why Jesus had come into the world: to sing them that wonderful song; to sing it not only with his voice, but with his whole life - so that God's children could remember it and join in and sing it, too."
... I think my children are singing...
Can you imagine trying to choke out these words while seeing your two children - your dearest heart of hearts - all snuggled together like this. After all of the hoping, praying, struggling, fearing, fundraising, crying, sacrificing, and trusting in God to get your daughter home safely to join your family. After the surprise and struggle of an unplanned pregnancy in the middle of all of the adoption craziness and uncertainty. Last year I did not know either of these children... one was still a faceless hope and one was just a brand new formless surprise. Now, just one short year later, it was truly like something out of a dream. Jesus was present in the bedroom tonight. His grace and love were palpable. As we keep singing each day, "Yesu azali awa, na bisou" - Jesus is here with us.
Agape wanted Justice to sleep with her, but I had to tell her no. She was sad about that but didn't fight and gave Justice a nice kiss goodnight, saying "goodnight Buddy-bud." (She ADORES him!) Then I hugged and kissed her and told her - just like I say every night - "Goodnight Agape, I love you" As I was getting up to take Justice to his bed I heard her say quietly "I love you too."
I love you too.
This may not sound like much, but can I tell you how amazing those words sound to me? ... because this is the first time that she has said them in response to my goodnight. This is the best thing that my momma heart can hear. (Plus, it was in English!)
I turned around to see her smiling.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a moment that I will never forget. Many more battles still to fight, but the war is already won, thanks to the Singer.
Love wins.
Every time.
And now, I am singing too...
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