Trials are not enemies of faith but are opportunities to prove
God's faithfulness. -- Author Unknown

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one
to say 'thank you?' -- William A. Ward

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Pictures




I got a few new pictures last week at Anthony's first band concert. I was so proud of the kids. They did an amazing job. I didn't, however, get a picture of Prasun. Half the pictures were blurry. The 3 I'm posting are about the only good ones. BTW. I almost have a teenager. He's so big.
Well back to reality. Laundry is waiting.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Our Newest Member

Here's our newest adoption story. Not sure if I've ever told the background for our other adoptions but I'll tell them sometime soon.
This has been a crazy journey and I'm still amazed at where God pointed us and how we got there.
Patrick mentioned in passing in one of our many adoption discussions that he would like to adopt a child with Downs Syndrome. I, of course, filed that in my useful information bin in my brain. We were pretty consistent that we did want an older child. We finally got to the point that I just admitted that I had no idea where we were going to adopt from. A hard thing to admit when you've paid the fees to start a homestudy. One day I was blog-hopping, checking in on my favorite families. A family, I'm not even sure which one now. I jumped over to Reeces Rainbow and started admiring all the kids. I found an Indian girl who was listed with our favorite agency, Dillon International. I was pretty much sold at that moment. Patrick wasn't far behind me.
We now are paper-gathering and fundraising to bring home this princess. She is beautiful. I can't post pictures until she is legally ours (after court in India). I do have to address the name issue though. It keeps confusing people. Reeces Rainbow assigns names to children they list to protect their identity. They assigned our little girl the name Valerie. Her name in our family is Varsha. We have a hard time thinking of her as Valerie. So please don't be confused when our fundraiser things list Valerie and I refer to her as Varsha. It is the same beautiful girl.
I now have to make my pitiful plea for our daughter. We are stepping out in this adoption knowing that God is going to provide money. We have done this twice now. We have run through alot of our reserves and have lots of obligations already. We both also know that God is using our adoption to show others around us that we can find homes for so many orphans if people step out and give just alittle. You would not believe how just the $1 bills added up at a quick last minute craft fair added up by selling cinnamon ornaments and homemade dog treats. Then the donations with our spaghetti dinner. We had I think 5 families show up. We made another 30 plates of take out. My mom bought 50 plates (which paid for the supplies). We raised $740. We have seen our Reeces Rainbow sponsor page increase in small increments. We are at $116.50. We have 2 grants we have received. We are making progress. It will be slow, but I know that God will get us to our goal and provide for every need we have.
All this is to say, will you please consider making a donation to our fund? Even if you only donate $5, we will be that much closer to our goal. Donations made through the Chip In go straight to Reeces Rainbow. You are making a tax deductible donation. Tax time is coming.
Thank you all so much for sticking around. I'll try to take some new pictures of my beauties at home soon. These kids are amazing and they are all just waiting for their new sister to come home.

Keeping Up

I definitely have to be a better blogger. We have been plagued with computer problems lately. I no longer have a laptop so posting is different.
We have been very busy.
-Ananya was scheduled to have her hardware taken out from her hip surgery last September in January. Well, over Thanksgiving she fell and broke her leg (the top part) and had to have surgery in Pittsburgh. Fun Stuff.
-Prasun is doing so good. He never stops talking. He is walking with a regular walker and some days can use forearm crutches. He is having a selective dorsal rhizotomy next year. We are hoping this will decrease some tone (stiffness) in his legs and help him walk better. We are also praying for some other side effects like better trunk stability, better concentration and better upper body function. We don't yet know the exact date of his surgery.
-Anthony is just awesome. He's doing his school work and doing good. More though, he is developing into the greatest young man. When Ananya was in the hospital, I handed over the reigns to him while the boys were with my Grandma. I knew that Anthony could handle him with my Grandma (she has a hard time lifting Prasun). They managed for a whole day and even went to the store. He just jumped right in for me. Didn't question me? He was also very worried about his sister.
-Patrick and I are trying to figure out what the future holds. My husband has been ignited by the Holy Spirit for the plight of orphans. He is all about Orphan care and adoption. I'm so happy. It isn't about just our kids anymore. God has laid a burden on both of us to help get all these kids home. I'm excited to see where God takes us in the next few years.
-I have been fighting major discouragement. Everything adoption related seems to take WAY longer than it should. We also keep having things pop up (like emergency surgery) that are taking away the resources that we have to put toward the adoption. I don't feel like I'm getting support from some of the people I wish would support me. I had my feelings hurt by a dear friend. She seems very insistent that our adoption isn't what God wants for our family (REALLY).
I'll save some more for another post. I haven't talked much about our newest family member. She deserves her own post.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm super happy. Our adoption fund no longer has $0 in it. We are up to $6.50. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!
******Edited: We have 26.50. Thank you to whoever is donating.*************
I also sold a wreath so we are up to $12.50.
I know it seems so small but it is a step. I'm going to raise this entire adoption fund in small donations. I know that God will provide for us and for our precious daughter.
Big thank you to who ever donated. You made our day.
If you would like to donate here is the new link. Be patient please if you are misdirected, the website moved today and they are working out some bugs.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ministries

There are 2 types of ministries a church can use for outreach, both being vitally important. Domestic ministries help to save the lost within our community and country. This is the area which can save our country. Drug abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs, suicide, and homicide plague our fellow Americans. It seems like a huge problem. How can we solve it? By giving our time. The downfall of the family can be found deep in all of these situations. Churches must step up and become THE FAMILY to our "orphans" and "widows". Give our time and we can give hope. Give names to faceless "victims" and we have specific people to pray for before the Lord. We can ask to become His Hands and Feet in our community, state and in America.
We need to step up and create a new gang. One who doesn't sell drugs but pushes Jesus and Salvation. One who doesn't focus on violence but shows boys how to become men. To respect others, to care for their family, to become leaders in our community and nation. We need to show girls that there is UNCONDITIONAL love in Christ. HE will never leave you or forsake you. Show them how boys and men should treat them (with respect and care) as well as how they should act. We need to discuss how precious they are and how they will create a whole new generation of leaders.
Children are a gift from God. In our country presently, we have to step up and treasure all of the kids around us, not just our own. We have to find the LOST treasures and help them realize how important they are to us. We have to treat them like they have a huge value to us, as the church community.
The population of the United States is about 300 million. The world population is around 6.7 billion. We account for around 22% of the world population. Just by math , you can see that if we truly want to reach the lost we need to focus outside of our country. We can not say we are truly trying to reach all God's people if we ignore 78% of the world. Most of the other 78% have few if any resources to meet their daily needs. I'm talking about people starving, no clothes, no shelter, dying of preventable diseases. I'm talking about mothers watching their children die, children watching their parents die. I'm talking about people who have NEVER heard the name of Jesus. We have to jump up and be crazy for Jesus. We have to help meet all these needs.
Does the need seem too big? Does 167 million orphans sound like too many to rescue? Pray. Ask Jesus to multiply our efforts. Come together and pray without ceasing for miracles. First, we have to have a beginning for God to multiply.
We also need to remember to give our time to all these people. Sure, we have less time to give, but we must give it none the less. You can give hope to an orphan, hope that someone out there cares. We can minister to the sick and dying when they are surrounded by friends and family as overwhelmed as themselves. We can sit and pray with them even when we don't speak the same language. By making human contact, you can be Jesus's loving Hands to another in need.
Strong outreach programs are essential to spreading the gospel. We have to STRETCH, leave behind what is comfortable and stretch some more. When you think you have gone far enough, stop and pray for God to take you further. We have to find the children who are lonely and vulnerable. We have to find the single mom or dad who is overwhelmed. We have to find the young person who has taken a wrong turn in life (the drug dealer, the gang member, the prostitute). We have to find them, love them and truly treat as we would our brothers or sisters we have known since birth or our own children. We have to give them value in our life and the community of Christ. We have to lead them to Salvation.
Have to find the village that is dying of starvation, malaria, water-borne illness, or HIV. We have to bring them help. They need food and medicine, but they need it to come from someone who will look them in the eyes. Someone to hug them without reservation. Someone to grieve with them over their loses.
I believe the Church can handle all of these things. One question remains,
Are you willing to step up?

Monday, October 11, 2010

Fundraiser

We are planning some fundraisers here.
I hoping to have a spaghetti dinner by the end of the month. Yikes. 2 weeks. I'll keep you updated on that.
We are also selling wreaths. If you visit the website here you can see some of the beautiful wreaths made by Wreaths of Maine. The commission isn't huge, but I'm sure God is going to bring V home with small donations. It will become a testimony of how anyone can adopt and everyone can help orphans find homes or at least a safe place to live.
If anyone would be interested in helping me sell wreaths let me know and I can get you some information. I would really appreciate any help anyone feels lead to offer us.
Don't forget donations can be made to Reeces Rainbow for our adoption fund here. God can move mountains. He can multiple a simple $5 dollar donation to cover our adoption fees. I want our adoption paid for so I can use my new fundraising skills to raise money for other adoptions, orphans, and orphan related causes.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

A Very Special Day

Today is a super special day.
Today is our precious baby in India's Birthday.
Today V is 8.
I hope the orphanage has a great party for her. I hope she has fun at school today. I hope someone gives her a BIG hug. I hope someone tells her she has a mommy and daddy coming for her.
I pray that Jesus holds her today. That He lets her know that Mommy and Daddy are coming. She will soon have a family. She will not celebrate another birthday in an orphanage.
So from the other side of the world, I love you baby and have a very Happy Birthday!!!!
We have a sponsorship page through Reeces Rainbow. Anyone who would like to contribute to V's adoption fund can find us here.
If only 1700 people will donate $10, V can come home. I am praying that God will allow our family to bring the message of adoption and orphan care to 1700 people.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

New Journey

I haven't mentioned it yet, but we are on a new journey. I've got a new blog to document our journey. We are knee deep in paperwork again. It has been a long road to get here. Half the time, I'm afraid that it is going to fall apart again. We seem to be on pretty steady ground though. Guess where we are going?





WE ARE HEADED BACK TO INDIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I definitely didn't see us headed back to India again. It just did not seem possible. It is though.
We are meeting new friends along this journey. You see our journey started at Reece's Rainbow. Our minds have been open to a whole new world of special needs adoption. With our brief stop in trying to adopt from Ethiopia, I learned about the spread of HIV through Africa and the huge problems of poverty. I've learned how all this effects orphans. I've learned about child headed families. I still know of a little boy who is 6 waiting for a home with a large grant for his adoption (if you are interested, please email me and I'll give you the information). This information changed how I view the world. It opened my eyes to the greed of the world. Now I'm learning more about EE adoptions. See, there are lots of kids in EE with Down's Syndrome and they are waiting in orphanages. Some of the kids represented by Eastern Europe have other disabilities like CP. They all need homes. Trust me, its not a saintly thing to do to commit to a special needs adoption. Its an adventure. Trust me, I know. I've done it twice going on 3 times.
I want to close this post with a plea. Just this week, a precious angel in one of the EE orphanages died of STARVATION. This is the 2nd child this month. Several others have died this year. This is only in one orphanage. I'd like to ask everyone to consider donating something, even $5, to help stop this. These children could possibly find homes, IF we can just keep them alive long enough. Here is the information that was forwarded to me to help.

We are losing more and more of our children at the special needs orphanage of Torez due to Malnutrition! In the last month alone, 2 children with special needs lost their lives at the orphanage of Torez.
You can make a difference! You can help SAVE a child's life by giving them the food that they need to keep their fragile little bodies healthy. Please donate TODAY by contacting meganf@life2orphans.org or visiting the Life2Orphans website to purchase or donate food. Below is information on Malnutrition. For the cost of a coffee each day you can help a orphaned special needs child see his or her next birthday by keeping them healthy!

What Is Malnutrition? What Causes Malnutrition?

What can YOU do?

You can stop the pain and low mortality rate by donating NOW to special needs institutions like Torez through the Life2Orphans feed the children program! For pennies a day you can help a child with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and many other special needs conditions nourish their little bodies, so that they will not endure the pain of malnutrition. Please visit HTTP://WWW.LIFE2ORPHANS.ORG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and donate to Torez a special needs orphanage today. Your love and generosity will help save a child...We have lost too many special needs children so far (several this year) at the hands of malnutrition Please feed a special needs child’s body, heart, and soul today! Begin donating NOW...CONTACT meganf@life2orphans.org or go to Life2Orphans.org and donate online.

Malnutrition - Individuals are malnourished, or suffer from undernutrition if their diet does not provide them with adequate calories and protein for maintenance and growth, or they cannot fully utilize the food they eat due to illness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the gravest single threat to global public health especially in the area of special needs children in Eastern Europe Poor diet may lead to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, among other essential substances, sometimes resulting in scurvy - a condition where an individual has a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients (very often with orphans) - special needs children living in institutions, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons are severely prone to scurvy According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, it is estimated that over two million people are affected by malnutrition (subnutrition), and a high percentage are the children in orphanages and institutions.

Poor diet may lead to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, among other essential substances, sometimes resulting in scurvy - a condition where an individual has a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients (very often with orphans) - special needs children living in institutions, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons are severely prone to scurvy.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, it is estimated that over two million people are affected by malnutrition (subnutrition), and a high percentage are the children in orphanages and institutions.




The World Health Organization (WHO) says that malnutrition is by far the largest contributor to child mortality globally, currently present in half of all cases. Deficiencies in vitamin A or zinc cause 1 million deaths each year. WHO adds that malnutrition during childhood usually results in worse health and lower educational achievements? While malnutrition used to be seen as something which complicated such diseases as measles, pneumonia and diarrhea, it often works the other way round - malnutrition can cause diseases to occur.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:


Malnutrition is "Faulty nutrition resulting from malabsorption, poor diet, or overeating."
Undernutrition is "A form of malnutrition resulting from a reduced supply of food or from inability to digest, assimilate, and use the necessary nutrients."
What are the signs and symptoms of malnutrition?

Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
Breathing difficulties, a higher risk of respiratory failure
Depression
Higher risk of complications after surgery
Higher risk of hypothermia - abnormally low body temperature
The total number of some types of white blood cells falls; consequently, the immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of infections
Higher susceptibility to feeling cold
Longer healing times for wounds
Longer recover times from infections Longer recovery from illnesses
Reduced muscle mass
Reduced tissue mass Tiredness, fatigue, or apathy
Irritability
In more severe cases:

Skin may become thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold
Eventually, as fat in the face is lost, the cheeks look hollow and the eyes sunken
Hair becomes dry and sparse, falling out easily
Sometimes, severe malnutrition may lead to unresponsiveness (stupor)
If calorie deficiency continues for long enough, there may be heart, liver and respiratory failure
Total starvation is said to be fatal within 8 to 12 weeks (no calorie consumption at all)

Children - children who are severely malnourished typically experience slow behavioral development, even mental retardation may occur. Even when treated, undernutrition may have long-term effects in children, with impairments in mental function and digestive problems persisting; in some cases for the rest of their lives.

What are the causes of malnutrition?

Malnutrition, the result of a lack of essential nutrients, resulting in poorer health, may be caused by a number of conditions or circumstances. In many developing countries long-term (chronic) malnutrition is widespread - simply because people do not have enough food to eat.

Poor diet - if a person does not eat enough food, or if what they eat does not provide them with the nutrients they require for good health, they suffer from malnutrition. Poor diet may be caused by one of several different factors. If the child develops dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) because of an illness, or when recovering from an illness, they may not be able to consume enough of the right nutrients. Many special needs children suffer from this!

In poorer, developing nations malnutrition is commonly caused by:

Food shortages - Food shortages are a significant cause of malnutrition in many parts of the world

REMEMBER - "TOGETHER CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE" PLEASE HELP THE SPECIAL NEEDS ORPHANED CHILDREN OF TOREZ TODAY!

PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING. I KNOW THERE ARE TONS OF GREAT CAUSES OUT THERE. I'D LOVE FOR MORE OF THESE BABIES TO FIND HOMES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE CHILDREN AVAILABLE VISIT REECESRAINBOW

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Be thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be ready toreceive greater.
-- Thomas à Kempis

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Rejoice in knowing that you belong to God and that He is
conforming you to the image of His Son. See every event of this
day as part of that process. Yield to the Spirit's prompting,
and take heart that God will accomplish His will.

-- John MacArthur

Friday, August 13, 2010

All Is Not So Well Everywhere..

I found this on another blog and I know people have to see this. Special needs children don't just disappear when they are not adopted. This will be the fate of them. If a child can not function in society alone then they have to be cared for. Alot of countries don't have the system in place to take care of the disabled orphan.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

All Is Well

I just wanted to post a little update.
Anthony is working nicely in school this year. We had a month of basic history and science. He is learning new words each week, reading through the Bible pretty well, and generally doing good. We added language arts to the mix last week. It was a rough start but I'm sure we will adjust in the next few weeks before we start his larger science curriculum.
Ananya and Prasun are doing well. Prasun loves going walking but it has been so stinking hot that we don't get it done nearly enough. We have had almost 21/2 months of >100 degree days. It is just too hot to get out and stand in the sun walking. Ananya is doing great with her walking. She is gaining lots of muscle which will help.
They are both just crazy and wide open most of the time. They love going places, reading books, and just playing around. I'm not looking forward to school starting back. I just don't want to have to deal with the take them and drop them off, then go back and switch kids. I like having everyone home. I know what I need to be doing. I'm not as scattered.
We are trying to finally get our homestudy finished. Its probably a little more than half done. I just mailed a bunch of papers today and have 3 more to fax and send. After this the homestudy should be done.
I'll soon have another blog and some extra links. We are working on an adoption now. I'm hoping to file our I-800 soon and start on the application and dossier with Dillon again. We have looked hard and finally found an adoption path that will work for our family. God definitely surprised us.
This adoption journey has been so long already. We went to an information meeting about foster care in May 2009. We did the foster care classes in August and September. Since about October of 2009 we have been down several paths and found no road to travel. We have been denied and refused our greatest desire, to be parents. I'll be truthful with you. It hurt. Alot. We have faced racism. I can't even begin to describe the frustration. It basically felt like people telling us we would never understand how a child could feel if they were discriminated against when that was exactly what was happening to us. It made me feel like people were saying I was worthy to be a parent and the child/children were better in foster care or in an orphanage in a third world country. Let me repeat that so you get the full hurt. These kids are better left in foster care or in an orphanage in a third world country than to be in our home.
Yep. A slap in the face. 2 of these boys are STILL in the same situation. Neither have a forever family. Both still have a place in my heart and our home if we can get the situation to work.
For now we are moving forward though. We are taking another path. We are hoping for an older daughter. We are going to pray and file our immigration information and then we will pray some more as we fill out the applications and paperwork, then we will pray while we wait and fundraise to bring her home.
Its all good. God has a plan. Its definitely not my plan. I'm sure it is much greater. I'll just keep going and eventually I'll see some of the picture.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Parenting

Watch this video.

I just watched this video. I'm disturbed by its content as well as by the sentiment. I just don't know what people are thinking. Within our country there is this huge sense of entitlement. But to think that every minute of your life is going to be pure JOY and HAPPINESS. That I don't get. I know that the hardest times in my life make me a stronger person, a more compassionate person, sometimes a completely different (and better) person. If I had never struggled, then I wouldn't have ever experience complete joy. Our 2 adoptions, the hardest period of waiting, have made me a much better person. I've learned patience (10 times over). I've learned to pray. I've learned to lean on God. I've also learned who my real friends are. Homeschooling my kids is an experience that also challenges me. In starting, I've had many times where I've been stretched. I'm a much better parent now than I was 4 years ago. I feel like me and Anthony are so much closer too.
I don't understand how the people in this story came up with the information that parenting often times has little positive, often a negative, impact of a married persons life. WHAT!!!!!!!???? Patrick and I would not know what to do without our kids. We would not have as much joy and happiness and satisfaction. Most of the things we would do without our kids are things that God could care less about. I mean really. How helpful for the kingdom of God is it to travel (on cushy vacations) or to eat at extravagant restaurants? Would we serve others more if we didn't have kid? Probably not. Our kids are what drive me to serve. I want the world to be a better place for my kids. Also, by investing my time, money, and blood sweat and tears into my kids, I'm serving the world. I'm raising a bunch of servants, not for me bu for the kingdom of God. I'm raising kids that not only want mom and dad to be proud, but want for their true Father, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings to be proud of their works. I'm trying to raise the next generation of leaders. A generation of Followers of Christ.
Is there anything better I could be doing with my time? Nope. This is the most important job. My kids are my legacy and my pride. I can't think of anything better to do with my time. But then again there is 1 behavior that I model and promote in our house. I don't want my kids to look to themselves ever for what will best for them. I want my kids to first look up and ask God and then look around and see what needs done. What does their family need from them, what do their neighbors need from them, what does the world need from them? What use of their time will bring joy to God? I don't try to make every moment a teachable moment. I do what I want my kids to do. I model a life of living for Christ. Our house is not child centered. Our house is God centered.
Maybe that is how the world is going wrong. I think it is an injustice to raise your kids giving them everything. I think you should be showing them what other people need. No wonder mom's want more ME-time. They spend all their time in Bobby and Suzy time. If a parent is spending all their time glorifying their child then when do they have time to glorify God?
I'm praying for our country. I'm praying that people of my generation will begin to see the blessing of children. I'm praying for children to be raised to see farther than themselves. I'm praying for more people to spend their time wisely because you only get one life. When its gone all that left are memories and without kids, who will remember you? Have you lived your life so that God will notice? Its not a competition but I'd sure love for Jesus to be proud of my actions today, no matter how big or small.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Our "New" Year

So tomorrow starts a new school year for us. I've decide to just keep us moving forward and year-round school. Don't feel sorry for my kids though because it simply gives us a chance to move more slowly throughout the year. I also am wanting to cover the 3 years of history that we have left before Anthony starts high school. I have 106 weeks until I have a high schooler. That's pretty scary. We finished up our last year kind of strong.
I've spent the last 3 weeks planning. I've spent the last 2 weeks preparing to start schooling our little ones at home. I have 8 weeks to see what we can accomplish when we aren't distracted by doctors appointments and therapy sessions.
I'll give you a glimpse of what we are going to be doing.
Ananya and Prasun:
We are going to be learning 1 letter of the alphabet each week. (As a side note, anyone know why I've heard you shouldn't teach the letters in alphabetic order?)
We are going to start with the letter A this week.
I've gotten all of my material from Confessions of a Homeschooler She is so creative and put together a wonderful assortment of activities for each letter that I don't have to do anything. I'm all about using the creativity of others and not reinventing the wheel. I must say that this worked out well because my kids are so ready for the information but are so slow developing the fine and gross motor skills of most kindergarteners. Her things allow me to work on counting and other math skills as well as fine motor skills.
(My confession of the day is that sometimes I'm not creative at all and just need someone to tell me how to start.)
We are also going to be doing lots of walking, pulling up, transitioning from walkers to sitting, and sitting in regular straight-back chairs. All of this is our "therapy stuff" to help the kids function in normal world environment.
Anthony:
This poor child. He is going to get s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d this year. I want him to see what he can accomplish when he tries. Also we are going to work on developing some great character traits like selflessness, charity, hospitality, positive attitude, and reinforcing manners.
I'm starting our year with a BIG project. For the next 90 days, Anthony will be reading through the ENTIRE Bible with me. That right. I'm challenging the 12 year old to read the Bible in 90 days. (You can check out all the information here. She has links to a reading schedule. I just use my regular Bible and Anthony is doing the same.) I'm excited to see what Anthony gets from this challenge. I'm praying God will speak to his heart during this time.
We are also starting year 3 of our My Fathers World cycle. We will be studying Roman history up to Reformation. In mid February we will start Exploration to 1850 and that will take us to about October 2011 when we finish with modern history. I'm starting this month with just Bible, (light) science and history. We are building a paper model of the human body. We will be studying anatomy and then astronomy. We are adding a more mature science program soon so alot of this will be just an overview and some fun activities.
Well I'm going to run and relax for a bit before bed. I've got a little more Bible reading to do before tomorrow morning. I'm excited to get started. I've read the Bible in 90 days at the first of the year and it was a great experience. Let me know if you are joining the fun. I could set up a small group or something.
Happy 4th!!!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

New Pictures





We got new family pictures taken as you can see. I'm pretty happy with them. I feel like we are missing a few kids. I do however like how our shirts turned out. These are our homeschool colors. Blue and Red. I'll have to write about our mascot sometime.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Monday, May 24, 2010

Prayers

I know I don't keep this blog updated. I'm sorry. My life is crazy most of the time. It would probably help if I let my feelings out here.
I'm going to ask you guys to pray for some of the things (actually children) on my mind.
Please pray for:
-A little boy in NC foster care who is hard to place.
-A little boy in Ethiopia who needs a chance.
-A brother and sister living through a disruption, integrating to a new home.
-2 brothers who will probably be separated if adoptive homes can be found because of their needs.
-A little girl who will soon go through a disruption
-3 sisters waiting for a home so they can finally live together again.
-A little girl born missing parts of her brain and the family that adopted her.
-For a family preparing for an adoption and a funeral... as they pray for a HUGE miracle from God for healing of their new precious baby on the way.
-For me. My heart is broken again almost everyday. I find a new child that needs a home. I know that we can help a child. I pray we can help more. I feel small. Insignificant. The problem is so HUGE. What can I do to help? I pray for direction.
Lord, which way do I go? What steps do I take? Which path is for us?
I don't even know on most days. I'm so confused. I feel a calling, I just wish I knew where that calling was.
Kay Warren named it. I'm GLORIOUSLY RUINED. I am. I mourn for the death of HIV infected people in Africa. I mourn for the orphans it creates. I mourn for the death of the orphans, by starvation or AIDS. I mourn for the loss of innocence and childhood of so many children in America. I mourn for the lost opportunity of so many parents in this country to raise great children. To experience parenthood as I experience parenthood. I mourn everything the world is losing by not taking care of the orphans around the world. I mourn the loss of an entire generation of strong men as leaders because they have no fathers to lead them.
So here I sit in my RUINED (I'm happy to be RUINED) state. I pray that God will push me. Push me in the right direction. I'm laying out my fleece. I'm willing to sacrifice. I willing to give. I'm willing to teach, preach, and lead my children. I'm willing...

A Letter to A Social Worker

Dear Social Worker,
I first must say that I appreciate what you do. I adore that you help families bring children home. It is an important job.
Please understand that all the plans you have for your life are not the same as those plans my family has.
Please understand that my family is not super super special. We are just like you, but we have different goals.
Please realize that just because you can't imagine living my life does not mean it is horribly difficult for my family.
We homeschool. It isn't a horribly draining experience to homeschool. We have bad days. I'm sure you do too.
Lots of families homeschool multiple kids. It isn't impossible. Actually it is quite rewarding.
If you have not lived even a day in my shoes, then you don't know what we go through. If you don't have the desires that my family does (for a large family, to homeschool, to continue to adopt) then you really can't understand. You won't get it.
Please realize that if we aren't starting from the same place, you aren't going to see the world that I see. You aren't going to feel the pain that I feel.
If orphans don't keep you up at night, then you really aren't going to understand.
What I have to ask of you today is to step out. Step away from everything you think is possible and just imagine our vision.
Thank you for your time and dedication to helping build families.
The Phillips

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Progress or Should I Say MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!


This is a picture from last year, but it shows what Ananya can do herself now. Last night, at the ripe old age of 5, our baby girl pulled herself up to standing. Of course, in all Ananya glory she did it in her bedroom without anyone watching. Patrick walked in to get her and she was standing. Now to get the full force of this you have to understand that she has never attempted to do this herself. She doesn't even like when we make her stand up before we pick her up. She loves to walk but wants you to do the hard stuff. I will say it again. Ananya will not let anyone know she can do something until she has mastered the skill. The same thing happened with walking in her walker. One day she needed some pushing, the next minute she was almost running. She amazes me and I thank God everyday for such a stubborn little lady.
As a side note, they started using electro-stimulation on Ananya's right leg today to try and help get the thigh muscle to start working. She isn't using it at all and we decided to push her alittle further. I'll keep you updated.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Amanda

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Psalm 150

He moves when we don't expect Him to. He knows the doors that we face. He speaks right before we stop believing. He shows His love through His grace. I praise Him in the sanctuary. I praise Him with the temple and dance. I praise Him with the trumpet and symbols. Since I'm breathing I'm gonna praise Him again.


I absolutely love this song and listen to it on almost a daily basis. It lifts me up or just pulls me out a foul mood which of course doesn't let God shine through for others to see. I wanted to share it's words with my friends who are going through a difficult time.

Pam this is for you. I know that you are going to be a much stronger woman when the rain comes (blessings raining from heaven).
Leviticus 26:4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Amanda

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Reading

I've been doing alot of reading lately. Most of it being non fiction and I just wanted to recommend some reading to other moms out there.
First, for those with teens or almost teens. Do Hard Things. I'm going to make this homeschool reading and discussion. I'm reading through it first to get an idea of what it is before I have Anthony read it. Its changing my views on my role as a parent alittle. By setting standards that are way higher than is normal, I can help Anthony to shoot for bigger goals for himself. We'll see how it goes.

This book has me thinking about myself. I do try to live for others. I'm still way too self-centered. The first chapter opened a big door for me. I'll have to talk about it later but it is huge.
This book, well I just found it at the library. I enjoy reading some books about special needs parenting. I like the first hand experiences. Hearing how others have overcome the challenges. I don't care what the special need is either obviously.
I found this book at the libray. Some friends had mentioned it and the bright colors just jumped out at me. Its kind of sad because that is how I chose books alot of the time. Just walking by and I'm like "well that looks good".
This is my newest series. I'm a sucker for a series. I just read the first book. I'm hoping to pick up the next book Thursday on our way past the library.
Some of my reading is just fluff. (Well not completely, I've started reading more Christian fiction so at least I'm being inspired.) I'm trying to read more books of substance. If you have any suggestions, email me or leave me a comment.
Also, if you know of a good online bible study let me know. We don't have a church right now and I've finished my Bible in 90 Day challenge. I've got a 365 day devotional bible to start but I think a little more intense study would be good.
I'm going to go now. I'm nursing a cold right now. The sore throat is going away, but the headache and runny nose are just starting.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Amanda

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Birthday Girl


A little late but better than never.

My Birthday Girl
Dearest Ananya,
My how the last 3 years have gone by in an instant. Now you are 5. That can't be right. Not my baby girl. But you are growing whether your daddy and I are ok with it or not. I marvel every day at the things you accomplish. I've never seen such strength in such a little package.
I hope that you one day you realize how much we love you (it can only come from having children of your own). I can't imagine life without you and don't know what we did without you.
Your smile is infectious. Your therapist will forgive you for making them deaf with your scream with just a smile. Your brothers let you hit them and pull their hair, just because you are Ananya. We won't even discuss how you get away with anything when Daddy is in charge. Even I melt when you say "Momma" or tell me you love me. How can I not melt? It has taken a Herculean effort and lots of time for you to understand how to use your mouth.
I love your passion. For Dora, for music, for books, and for your Daddy. Remember the time you fell off the porch bouncing in excitement because Daddy was home. Didn't even cry, just sat up and started screaming again. I mean really, your Daddy was home.
Now your sitting on the floor reading "10 Little Monkeys" all by your self.
I can't wait to start school with you. We are starting soon. You love to learn new things. The computer is your favorite. I wasn't joking when I told your teachers that if we aren't careful that you would be reading Tolstoy and we wouldn't know that you know how to read. You are so smart and you hide it. Even from me and Daddy.
Ananya, I'm so glad God has blessed us to spend the last 3 birthdays with you. It has been a true gift.
I hope that you will always be strong willed. Grow in faith in God and stand firmly in your beliefs. I hope one day you can be my best friend (after we fight it out during the teen years). You are and always will be a bright light in our house. You show the rest of us true strength and perseverance.
Stay strong baby girl.
Mommy loves you.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Digging Out





We had 6-8 inches of snow over the weekend. It doesn't sound bad to most but around here its bad. They don't do much to the roads. Also we have a ton of ice because it usually warms up just enough to make alot of messy ice. I camped out at work all weekend and so Sunday I was happy to get home.
Hope everyone is having a great New Year. Ours is interesting to say the least.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Changes

Now that we are through Ananya's surgery and almost through all the recovery, we are seeing some of her spirit. She is almost back to where we started from. That is amazing. People told me that we would be able to see the whole picture in 6-9 months. It has been alittle less than 4 months.
Prasun also had his second round of botox in December. He didn't have to have casting done this time.
I'll post video of both of them walking last spring and now. Ananya is about the same, but again is only 4 months from her surgery. Prasun's walking is about 70% better. He can also navigate in the house. He turns around and everything.