Snow

Sometimes things don't go the way you expect them too.  However, sometimes that is just fine.  That's the way it is around our place today - and for good cause.

Here in Colorado you can just know that sometime in the month of October you will get the first snow of the season.  When we first moved here that first snow came on Halloween. It took me awhile to get use to the fact that you have to wear long johns under your costume when you go trick or treating.  Very strange for someone who grew up in Texas where we wore shorts on October 31st. However, as the years have past, that first snow seems to be coming earlier and earlier. And, that is just what happened today.  We first got word that the snow would fall last week.  As the week wore on, the excitement of the snow coming grew and grew in our home.

Today, it officially snowed here in Green Mountain Falls.  Not a lot by any means, but it was snow and for a 12 year old who has never experienced the white stuff it WAS alot.  Tons...according to him.  To think that we would be able to concentrate on school things was just a silly idea.  So, today our Jacob is experiencing the fun of the white stuff.  To see him all dressed up in hats and gloves and hearing him run around the yard screaming at the top of his lungs is what we are doing today in our home. The joys of adopting , the joys of bringing a child into a family so that they can experience life and the "white stuff" are so worth it.

Snow at our home

As we move into the month of November, please remember all of those who are in the process of bringing a child into their home. Times are hard, finances are tight but that doesn't mean we can stop advocating for the orphans of the world.  The whole reason we do what we do is for them - for those who might never have the opportunity to scream at the top of their lungs and enjoy all that white "stuff".

Lorrie

Remembering Anticipation

I'm sitting here this morning remembering what if felt like to be in anticipation of Jacob's arrival.  I am remembering what it was like to feel that ache, knowing my son was in an orphanage, knowing he was waiting for someone - anyone to be a father, a mother, a brother, a sister to him.  I remember the anticipation of 'the call' we were desperate for to go get him.  I remember the uncertainty - "how on earth can we do this?"  "where are we going to get that much money?".  Most of all I remember my Jesus showing up -right when we needed him and with exactly what was needed.

Now Jacob is home.  He's learning and growing, he thanks God (so do we)  for his family when we pray and thank God for the day each night.  He plays - boy does he play.  He's with his old friend - now sister Naomi.  Things are getting to be a routine again, things are also bigger, more colorful, more filled with joy and a richness that we'd miss if we did not - "Go".

I just wanted to remember today...how it felt then and how it feels now to anticipate what God is doing in this (and your) adoption story.  I know it's hard for those of you that are waiting.  But I want you to know that waiting is, in retrospect - beautiful.  Its there that you are closest to seeing the Lord pass by - He is Beautiful.  Do not loose heart, be encouraged.... watch this:

November 4th is Orphan Sunday.  Lets do something.  Help those that are adopting by praying for them, equipping them.  Let's also pray for those that have no one - pray that they will have SOMEONE - soon.

Marshall

Jacob and Camping

I was sitting here thinking - I bet you guys are wondering how things are going.  First let me tell you things are going very well with Jacob.  I can't believe how well he is adjusting and connecting with his family in so short of a time (since May).

Let me give you an example:

Camping.  Those of you who know us know that we love to camp.  Each summer we drag our hail damaged trailer (that we call the ruptured duck) out to some destination for a few days of fun, hiking, seeing something new.

Mom and Dad at Zion NP

So after Jacob got over the fact that we actually drag this box around behind the car and sleep in it.  He really got into it this summer.  My favorite trip is the one we just did...So we pull into Green River UT at night on our way to Zion.  Now then - it was dark when we arrived so Jacob missed the changes in the landscape from mountains to Utah desert.  So picture this:  he's still in his pjs and he comes out of the trailer rubbing his eyes - then he focuses.....OH MY!  We're not in Colorado anymore!  - The look was priceless!

After explaining to him that we're now in the desert (and what a desert is)  he remarked ..."oh.  Ok"  And then he was all about the exploration.

So when we camp some of us prefer to sleep outside.  Now when Jacob got here - he was a bit nervous about bears, mountain lions etc.  But he see's his brothers and me sleeping outside so this last trip he asks: "can I sleep outside with you?"  Now you may think that's not real significant but consider being a green horn in the African Serengeti and saying to your guide " I want to sleep on the ground unarmed" - most of  us might not ask that....but Jacob did!

Marshall

Life is an Adjustment

As I sit here and write, I am reminded that the days of summer are almost over.  For the first time since we have lived in Colorado the trees are beginning to turn.  Usually, the leaves begin changing to their beautiful yellow color the second week in September with the "peak" being then.  I asked a local the other day why the leaves were changing this early and they said that "they have just given up".  We have had so little rain over the year that they are are going into their dormant state to survive.  Really?  Sounds really interesting to me. Often times I wonder if we can just go into our dormant state to survive. It would be much easier to just run away and hibernate.  However, life isn't like that for us.  We must continue on and tackle those uneasy things that life throws our way.

Boys enjoying the lazy days of summer

When we stepped out to adopt Jacob both Marshall and I knew that God was calling our family to something much bigger than we could even imagine.  So, we stepped out and began the adoption process.  Thanks to all the prayers and support we have received from you, we are now the proud parents of a 12 year old Filipino boy.  We both just assumed that bringing Jacob home would be just like it was when we brought our Naomi home.  I don't know why that assumption was made. After all the many years of child development I have had learning about children you would think I would have known that every child is different and every adoption is different.  I guess my brain stopped for a second.

Jacob's adoption has been so very different than Naomi's adoption.  Just like Joshua's birth was so very different than Noah's birth. However, what a blessing Jacob is to our family.  His laugh is just precious.  Watching him run around the house chasing Naomi and speaking in their language brings joy to my heart.  (OK...at first not joy because it is super loud, but in the end joy).   I love sitting back and watching him learn all about America.  Where this is, where that is.  I often wonder how his life would be like had we not brought him home.  Would he still be the oldest kid in the orphanage? Probably.  Would he watch all his friends leave with their new family? Definitely.  Would he still be wondering if someone loved him so much to adopt him?  You bet.  We are all created to be in relationships, to be in families and to be loved.  It's really that simple.

There are children throughout the world who are waiting for someone, anyone to tell them they are loved and special.  We have friends who have stepped out to "take the plunge" into this life changing  process called adoption.  Would you commit to praying for all of those children and families who wait and who are walking this wonderful road?  The road is sometimes the most unpleasant and painful experience you will experience but in the end it is so very worth it.  Adoption will change your life - I promise.

We just finished up our second social worker visit.  We have one more visit and then we can file the necessary paperwork to "legally" adopt our son. We are thinking the court date will be sometime next spring.  Until then, we  will continue to abide by the Philippine adoption law that states we cannot post any pictures of our son.  What  a happy day it will be in the Worthey home when we can say " welcome home Mr. Jacob, welcome home". And, by all means, show all of  you our newest member of the Worthey crew. Pictures, pictures and more pictures!

I wanted to share with you all one of my favorite adoption videos ever. I first saw this when we were stepping out and taking the "plunge" with Naomi.  I have posted this one before but it is so worth posting again.  May you be as blessed by this video as I am every time I see it. Enjoy.

http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/Day4_Slideshow/Ethiopia_Day4/

Lorrie

And Summer is Almost Over?

I can't begin to tell you how quickly life has flown by these last few months. Jacob has been with us for 3 months today!  At times it seems longer than that and other days I sit and things seem to drag on.

Our life really began to get crazy when we got back from the evacuation.  I mean, things were crazy during the fire, but when we got back things REALLY  went out of control.  First off, during our annual Fun Valley camping trip Naomi came down with a tooth ache.  On top of that she developed a fever.  So, what does a mom do?  Call the dentist.  I got on my cell phone, stood with one foot in the air and attempted to call our dentist while we were out in the boonies.  We were able to get Naomi an appointment for the day we returned from our week long trip.

So, on that Thursday we went to the dentist and would you guess what he told us?  Naomi needed an emergency root canal. Actually, she needed TWO emergency root canals.  WHAT? I asked...she is only 10 years old.  10 years old or not ,years of neglect of teeth will only lead to emergency root canals.  So, after spending an hour extra in the dentist office I finally found someone who would actually do root canals on a 10 year old.  The only problem was that they had never done a root canal on a 10 year old!  Crazy for sure..
Naomi and I went in to get the first root canal done that afternoon.  After 3 hours and a lot of crying she left the office with just a temporary filling.  I was told at that time we would need 3 more visits just to finish up both root canals.

On August 1st Naomi came down with a fever of 103.7 degrees.  We called the dentist, he started her on penicillin and that was that.  The next morning, August 2nd, her temperature went up to 104.9.  Now, Naomi has had high temps before but this one was extremely high even for her!  We went directly to the emergency room where they took tons of test.  No strep - yeah!  No obvious infection - yeah!  But....her blood glucose levels came back at 186.  According to what I have heard, they should be anyway between 70 and 120.  We ran more test to find out that her white blood count was down to 2.0 - should be between 4.0-12.0 and her sodium, potassium and nitrate levels were out of this world!

We have had a leukemia scare, a heart scare and have been at a loss as to what all of this means. This last Friday Naomi was put "under" and the dentist pulled her last rotten tooth.  When all was over he told us that the tooth was so infected it was only being held in place by her wire that we put in two years ago!  Not good at all...As of Sunday Naomi is fever free, running around here like nothing ever happened and is actually eating solid foods.  It's a great day in the Worthey home!

So, that is what has been happening.  Summer is almost over.  Jacob has spent these last 90 days in a very crazy family.  But, isn't that what a family is all about? Hanging in there and taking care of things as they come.  As  most of you know, we Homeschool our children.  I just wanted to say to everyone that the Worthey's will NOT be officially in school just yet. After all the crazies this summer we just need a little time off. I am really hoping for some much needed rest, relaxation and a few weeks without any tooth drama.

Naomi showing us her beautiful teeth!

Lorrie

Finally is all I can say

First Pinoy Snow Sighting

Finally is the word for the day. Finally, I can sit down and write a WAY past due entry in our blog. Finally, I get the chance to catch you all up on the happenings in the Worthey Crew. Finally, I have a few minutes to myself to do what has needed to be done for a long time! Honestly, you know you need to do something when you wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking of your blog and having this overwhelming guilt.

I wanted to take these moments to catch all of you up on what has been going on with our family since Jacob has joined us. As you know, we got back into the states on Mother's Day - May 15th. Since then we have had many doctors visits, teeth issues and a wildfire in our backyard. To say that things haven't been normal is an under statement for sure.

We found out this week that Jacob is missing two of his permanent front teeth. Yep, no sign of them in his mouth. So, that means we head to the orthodontics to discuss treatment plans. Fortunately, we have sometime and his smile isn't too bad. More than likely, he will be put in braces to try to bring the front teeth together so that we can eventually get some fake ones in there. The good news about that dentist visit is that he only has three cavities. That is extremely good news for us considering when Naomi came to us she had severe dental issues.

Speaking of our sweet Naomi, she had to have an emergency root canal. 10 years old and is already dealing with something that many adults never have to deal with. Did I mention that she needs two root canals? Oh, did I mention that most pediatric dentists don't deal with root canals? And, did I mention that the only way to get this procedure done is by being put under AND that doesn't happen in the office setting until you are 14 years old? So teeth issues have been the majority of things taking our time around here. We are waiting for a phone call from the many dentists who have seen Naomi. They are consulting with each other as to what to do. Hey, when all of this is over and done with Naomi Worthey will be the known name around the Colorado Springs dentist offices. I really think there are four different dentist working together to figure out the best plan for our sweet Naomi.

So, you ask, how is Jacob doing? Honestly, with everything going on with the fire, with the job of being the Mayor and being evacuated it has been difficult. We have had to tell him over and over these last two months that "things don't run like this" normally. No, we don't stay up till midnight with 5 different families in one home. No, we don't eat dinner at 10:00pm. No, we don't run around and play all day everyday. There is work to be done and life isn't all about playing.

We have been off schedule for sometime now and are ready for the structure we all need. We never would have imagined how things would be. However, we have been back in our home for 19 days now and Jacob is beginning to fit right in. We are beginning to function as a family and we are beginning to see him come alive. Yes, it has been hard. Yes, it is a learning curve and yes, there are times when we don't see the progress we would like to see, but it is all so worth it.

I have come to learn that you never move ahead in life when you stay where you are. If you never step out and do something different or hard you will never reap life's full joy. It is during those trials when you begin to grow into the person God created you to be. That is what it is like around here these days. We are growing, learning and watching our Jacob being molded into family life. Such a sweet thing that is.

Finally, we are a family.

Lorrie

So Many Things and So Little Time

Man, the last few weeks have been such a whirl wind around here.  Today is the only day I have had to actually sit down and write.  It has been so busy!  So much has happened can't wait to tell you....

Our view from Padra Burgos Castle Resort

Well, our trip to the Philippines was a success!  We spent 2 1/2 weeks over there and , needless to say, we were really ready to get back home.  What a blessing it was to be in Jacob's country - on his turf- for those 2 weeks.   We all began bonding with him during that time.  For those of you adopting older children from another country I really suggest spending that extra time with your child in his country.  It makes a HUGE difference.  

It is always an adventure in the Worthey household and traveling with the whole family to another country is almost comical.  Trying to get 5  kids through security, immigration and on an airplane with luggage takes some kind of  skill.  Marshall and I both decided that this was no "vacation".  It was definitely a "mission" we were on.  We also came to the conclusion that a "vacation" doesn't happen when you travel with your children.  From the moment we stepped off that airplane life changed.  Watching Naomi being in her birth country was really eye opening.  Neither one of us knew how she would respond going back and seeing the same people and places that had been such a huge part of her life.  While she enjoyed giving hugs and running around the orphanage, she still had it in her that she was a Worthey and her home was with us - in America.

Naomi enjoying the plane ride

Words cannot describe what it was like walking into the orphanage and seeing our son for the first time in a long time.  His hugs, his smiles and his laugh touched our hearts.  To watch him show his new brothers his room and share his life with us made everything just perfect.  Within 12 hours of being with his new family our Jacob jumped into a swimming pool for the first time,  ran around a hotel lobby and  learned that he could venture a little further off than just "the yard" of the orphanage.  Seeing life for the first time is how I describe it.

There is no way possible to share everything with you in this post so we will continue writing about our experiences in the Philippines, our life since we got back and the adjustments and blessings of having five children in our home in future blogs.  For now, there are children beckoning me to go out and "enjoy the sun" with them.  Better go until next time.

Lorrie 

Worship, Birthdays and Blue Bell

Jacob's Favorite Zoo Animal

So many firsts this week.  Eyes full of wonder as they contemplate everything new.   Sunday we went to worship and oh it was great.  Great to go back to the throne to say to the Lord:

"YOU DID IT!!!"  Just like you said you would, just like you enabled Israel to cross the Jordan,  to march around walls and watch them crumble - You did it Lord just as you promised!"

The next thing was to watch Jacob as everyone said "hey Jacob!" - while he's thinking "uhhhh how do they all know me?"  What a great day - on Sunday we felt like we were finally home. So just a bit of advice - If God tells you He's going to do something - believe and then duck!  Because it is going to happen.


Sunday was also Jacob's 12th birthday.  He never had one like this before - first the Zoo and then a meal of Dad's adobo (a Philippine staple) and  then gifts and cake with blue bell ice cream.  This morning he told me"that was the best birthday ever".  It's fitting, the first birthday with a family, "coming home to a place he'd never been before".  I am in AWE of my Father.

Naomi - A Blue Bell Queen

So you probably want to see pictures.  Well, we can't per our adoption agreement for another 11 months.  So I guess you'll just have to come worship with us next Sunday.  Come and worship the one who does what He says he's going to do, the one who 'meant' you and me and Jacob when he said "Let there be". We invite you to 'be' with us today.

The Worthey's

Rocky Mountain High

The Cover of John Denver's Album by That Name

Jacob woke up yesterday morning in a place he'd never been before - home. Now I hate to quote John Denver but I keep thinking of that line in one of his songs:  "...he was born in the summer of his 27th (11th) year...coming home to a place he'd never been before..."   I watched him as he was amazed at all the new things - really, his eyes were the size of silver dollars all day.  As I watched him lost in wonder, I wondered what he was thinking as he experienced new smells, new sights well ... new everything.

My goodness what a day.  The first of many.  The best thing I saw was he and Naomi, his old friend headed into the woods to get a primer on outdoor play in Colorado sunshine.  If you think you can't adopt an older child...think again.

Marshall

Back on line...

Padre Burgos

I bet you were wondering where we have been!  We're now back in Manila.  The last day in the Philippines. For the last week we have been as far south in Leyte as you can get at a place called Padre Burgos.  After retrieving our precious package in Taclobon (and ensuring everyone was healthy - thanks for the prayers as Naomi recovered as you prayed).


We journeyed South across the most beautiful country  - imagine....jungles, rice patties, ocean - blue of a kind you've never seen. we were awed by the beauty of this country that gave us two of our children.  We stayed at a place called Padre Burgos Castle and it was the perfect place to just sit with our Jacob and let him absorb that he finally has a family, a home.  It was a wonderful and fulfilling time for us as a family - Jacob left that place very much part of our family.  As we snorkeled, swam, explored and just laid on the beach there something wonderful happened...Jacob became part of us, he became what we knew he would be....son and brother.  It's like he's always been here.       

Visiting Everett

We  returned to Manila on Thursday, 10 May.  Another beautiful drive through this exotic and beautiful country reaching the airport in Taclobon around 3 PM.  Funny thing about that airport -  as you wait everyone is facing the same way in seating very similar to  movie theater - so we did what came naturally to us - moved to the only available space (the front) and became the show.  Lots of wondering who these 2 Filipino kids are with this obviously foreign family - it was funny.  We boarded the plane - whisking us home.  As I watched Jacob look out the window - I knew it was both hard for him and exciting at the same time.  There are people, good people that we know (and have grown attached to ourselves) in Taclobon that love this boy too.  He has friends in the orphanage and many tears were shed.  I wish I could understand the deep water that was stirring in his heart as we flew away from Taclobon.

Who the Artist Saw this AM

Yesterday we paid a visit to my uncle Everett.  The first visit from family since he left Texas in 1940 to be stationed in the Philippines.  At the US cemetery there is a memorial to those who's bodies were never recovered and I found him.  I could not help but think that he was smiling as he saw one of his family with his family - and low and behold two of them are Filipino.  Naomi told me later - she "asked God to say hello to him" for her.

I'm not even trying to understand the depth of all we have experienced - I'm just soaking in it - taking it in. So here we are in Manila watching as a local artist by the name of Alberto Magsumbol sketches the two great gifts given to us by this great country. As I reflect, I just Praise the Lord who made us all...who was, and is, and is to come....  Have a blessed day.

The Worthey Clan

Wouldn't you know it....It happened. We have a sick little one.  Miss Naomi woke up today throwing up and with a fever.  So we once again covet your prayers.  Please pray for her speedy  recovery and for the health of the family.  Pray for Jacob today.  His party to say goodbye to his caregivers and the other kids in the orphanage is today.  Naomi is sad to be missing it (and I am too as we need to nurse our  little Naomi).


POSTSCRIPT - I'm writing this about 6 hours later... Little Naomi is fine now.  Thank you for your prayers!

We love you guys

Marshall

A song borrowed from Hannah...

Yesterday we were re-united with Jacob.  Do you believe it!  God did yesterday -exactly what he said he would do.  He said he'd do it all - and he has. There is no way I can write how we feel about what he has accomplished.  I can't help but think about Samuels Mom this hot Filipino morning:

Naomi Returns to the Orphanage

Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.  "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.  "The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.  "The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.  The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world.  He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. "It is not by strength that one prevails;  those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. "He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed."

Exalting him this morning, humbled and still taking in the fact that - I'm the Dad of 5 (Five), Cinco, Fumpf, children....  

Exalt him this morning - or evening - because he accomplished this through his people - you.   

Manila and the Unexpected

Manila.  I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to describe this city to you.  I'm sitting in the lobby of our hotel looking outside.  Jeepneys wizzing by playing chicken with each other, motorcycles always with two riders, ingenious, homemade tricycles - the like of which you have never seen.  It's an amazing place.

Robinsons Big Honkin Mall!

As we sat down for breakfast yesterday,  we were spotted through the window by some local vendors.  Now I know how a trout feels as a fly fisherman attempts to lure him out.  It was really funny, as we ate - they kept smiling, beckoning us to come out and sample the wares.

Yesterday we went to explore- with the vendors following us for 3-5 blocks - must have been trying to make a quota..   Now then for those of you who have been here  you know. But for those of you who have not picture this: a family of 6 walking around, through and almost over traffic (real sidewalks - no)  exploring.  Past the street vendors - purveyors of all kinds of stuff - knock off sunglasses, hats, guitars and many other things.

We wound up at the Mall....Huge.  Like the Mall of America looks like Delaware kind of big.  Now I'm a geographer and pretty good with direction - but we came real close to never getting out of that place.  So we come across these three guys - obviously Americans - so we go say hello.  We had a great conversation with them about what it's like for them to live here in Manila, how they got here and how to pronounce 'Taclobon'.  These guys, one a retired Marine, another retired out of Federal service and another a retired NFL player that played for the Broncos - no kidding.  What a neat bunch of fellas.

Americans once here - fall in love with the people here.  We met all kinds, expats, hipsters, some shady - most not - just trying to get by in a busy city.  What I remember most though is sitting outside the hotel last evening with the family as it was cooling down.... A little boy, no more than 5 walked up, alone and asked for something to eat. Naomi gave him her soy drink, he turned and slowly walked away.  The need is great.  The call is real.   - Look around you now.  You are blessed.

We fly to Taclobon today - the city where our son is.  We covet your prayers - for him and us.

Marshall

Mabuhay!! From the Philippines!

We're here. We started at about 430 in the AM in Colorado and got here last night at 10PM.  LOOOOOONG Flight and uneventful - exactly the kind we'prefer!

So we're up it's about 9 AM here in Manila and - we're Hungry!   Thank you for your prayers and we'll post more later.

From Impossible Call to the Airport.

Twenty four hours from now we will be on a plane.  The plane. Do you believe it? I'm chasing my tail this morning making sure nothing at work burns down while I'm gone.  Out of office replies, setting up meetings for when we return, verifying, checking flights, rides, and reservations.

Leaving with our precious Naomi

But you know what?  I'm choosing to stop a second right now and tell you what God has done.  This was an impossibility when we said yes to the "Go" call.  But yet here we are with a pile of bags, a son that wants to take a stack of 12 Narto comic books and has misplaced his I Pod.  We're here with a daughter about to be reunited with her "beeeest friend" (read the first post) and soon to be brother.  A whole family that said yes to an impossible "Go".

We want you to keep reading - we're going to be posting from Manila first, then from Leyte over the next 2 weeks.  Watch and see what the Lord is doing. Listen, if you don't know him. If you've doubted that He is who He says He is - watch over the next 2 weeks -keep reading.  If I know Jesus -you're about to see a parable of the good news acted out.  We want you to see it. And we want you to give him the credit for telling us to do the impossible and then giving us everything we need (through many of you) to 'Go'.

If you are reading this thinking about adopting an older child that everyone else has abandoned, passed over or rejected, if you are considering taking a step to love those the world calls 'un-lovable' and you think you can't - think again.  Because if you are even thinking about it...I have a bit of truth for you....The fact that you're thinking about it...and have 'been thinking' about it....well, listen to what the Lord says about that:

"...for it is God working in you to will and to act  (in you) according to his good purpose..."  Phil 2:13.

That means that the very thing we're thinking about doing is well.....something we should do.  And if you've been following us - you know that God has broken down walls, parted waters and enabled us... to 'Go'.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us (and you), to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21.

-Pray for a straight path for us and for safety.  Above all pray for Jacob's heart to be prepared for us and that the Lord would receive all the glory for what he's doing.

Salamath,

The Worthey's

Blessings Come at the Most Unexpected Times

Blessings often come when you least expect them.  That happened to us yesterday.  As you know, we found out that our children's passports expired within six months of when we will be in the Philippines.  According to Philippine law, you must have at least that amount of time left on your passport to be allowed to enter the country.  So, to take care of that little issue we had to come up with $500.00 on top of the very expensive airfare we paid to book our tickets for next week.  Needless to say, we were feeling a little overwhelmed.

God shows up when we are overwhelmed.  Yesterday, out of the blue, we were blessed with a check for $300.00 to "cover our passports".  Those were the actual words written on the memo line.  Money just for covering our passport fees. What a blessing that was.  God showed up at just the right time.  His ways are always perfect and His timing is always best.

Throughout this whole adoption God has taught us so many lessons.  One of the biggest lessons we have learned is to step out even when it seems impossible.  Marshall and I have grown so much in our faith throughout this whole adoption.  If you want to witness a miracle start doing something that will change your life forever and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.  Make that something that stretches you, and causes you to ultimate dependence on someone other than yourself. Step out on faith and do something hard.  God will get the ultimate glory from your faithfulness to Him.

Next week our family will get on an airplane for a 23 hour flight to the home country of our adopted children.  There will be many emotions going through each of us as we walk back through the same doors we did two years ago when we met our daughter.  As I reach down to hug my new son, I will remember the many blessings given to us throughout this journey.  Because so many of you have faithfully prayed for us and faithfully given our family financial gifts, our son will finally be "home."

We will walk this same sidewalk in a week to get our son 

                                                             
 May God pour out His mighty blessings on you because of what you have done to help bring one more child to his forever family. I know many new blessings await....

Lorrie

Passport Class 101

Adoption has opened our eyes to so many things.  Things we were really unaware of before we took the "plunge" into this exciting world.  This week we learned so much more...

Our adoption agency called this week asking if we had our travel plans laid out.  As you have read from previous posts, there were several things hindering our travel plans. One being the election, the other being the fact that when we got "the call" it was over Holy Week in the Philippines.  If you are not familiar with the Philippine culture let me just tell you that during Holy Week everything - I mean everything - gets put on hold and doubles in price .  An airline ticket that might cost you $1200.00 goes up to around $2000.00.  If you are lucky enough to find a hotel room at all you are going to pay high season rates.  So, you obviously don't want to travel to the Philippines over Holy Week. After the realization that we were not going to travel right away we began looking a little further out in time.  We finally found a flight that worked with our schedule and it was around the price we were hoping for.  So, we booked that flight and began the process of looking into places to stay.  Let me just say that trying to figure all of this out has been stretching both Marshall and me so much.  Trying to book hotel rooms, flights from Manila down to Jacob's homeland, and drivers has been very stressful.

However, there was more stress to come - in another form.  Back to that phone call from our adoption agency.  Our sweet wonderful adoption consultant just happens to ask.."are your passports up to date"?  I reply back saying "sure- the kids don't expire until October 29th".  There was silence. 

 "Lorrie, let me check on something".

 "OK"  more silence on the phone. Now come the dreaded words.

"You guys are going to need to get the kids new passports".

"WHAT?" "Seriously"?

"I just checked and the Philippines won't allow you to enter the country if you don't have six months left on your passport."

I seriously could have hurt someone right then and there.  Fortunately, I was in the car and there was nothing within reach for me to attack. So, I did the next best thing - laughed.  I have found through the years that if you are faced with something like this you can either laugh or cry.  I chose to let my laughter fill the car. Naomi thought I had seriously gone over to the other side.

We are heading to Denver on Monday praying that we can get expedited passports for our children. We have been going through documents today trying to find all the needed forms.  One would think you could just bring your old passport as proof of needing a new one.  Of course, our government makes everything much harder than necessary.  We have to have the original birth certificates, and documentation that we are heading to the Philippines.  So much to do...  And, of course, there are the fees associated with the passports.  The fee for a passport normally is around 100.00 per person.  Now, add the fees associated with getting it made in a few days and we are looking at around $200.00 per person per passport.  Can everyone just say "ouch" right now?

Yes, our eyes are opened to so many things we never thought possible.  Adoption isn't easy. Adoption isn't cheap.  But adoption is so very worth it.  What a joy to say that we have gone through all this "stuff" and have been given the greatest gift of all - a life.  A life that will be forever part of us.  A life that will bring us so much joy - in ways we can't even begin to imagine. So, all the passport stuff we have to contend with is just that - stuff.  And we are one day closer to giving our son the biggest hug in the world.

Lorrie 

Step Out and Do Something Hard

Sometimes all you need to do is step out and attempt something that seems totally impossible.  That's what happened to me this week.  I was elected Mayor of our town. Yep, the people spoke and here I am.  The funny thing about it is I never thought, in my wildest dreams, I would be given the opportunity to do something like this.  But, the timing was right and I stepped out.  Now, the fun begins!

Adoption is like that as well.  You might think that "we could NEVER do something like adopt".  You might be thinking,  "I am so thankful God called them to do that, its such a wonderful thing". OR,  "Our finances are not where they should be and we are just so close to paying off our truck and our house." What amazes me the most are those people who really think they have NO money but yet are able to send their children to private schools and have their house almost paid off.  Seriously, NO money?  You might think that I am sounding a little to harsh or mean.  Well, maybe I am.  Let me just say...there will never be a "good" time to change a life.  There is never a perfect time to adopt.  If that is what you are waiting for, it will never come.  My suggestion to you is to do the hard thing.  I loved the saying we use to say in MOPS.  God doesn't call the equipped.  He equips the called.  So true with everything in life.  If you wait until you are financially set or when you have added on that extra room in your house - quite simply, you will miss out;especially when it comes to adoption.

Our Jacob waits for our arrival.  He knows that a family, whom he spent less than 12 hours with, is coming to get him and bring him home to his forever family.  I can only imagine what must be going through his mind as he goes to bed each night and wakes up each day with us not being there.  I  watch our children anxiously counting down the days until we are able to get on the plane and walk through the doors of the orphanage where they first met their sister.  The day is drawing near.  We are leaving on the 26th of April.  That is the day when the airline tickets went down from $1500.00  to $1100.00 a piece.

Easter egg decorating at the Worthey home

We have been given the "go" - paid for our plane tickets and for some reason the majority of those we know honestly think that we "are done".  Well, the truth is,  we are far from being done. We still have hotel rooms while in the Philippines, gifts for the workers and the children at the orphanage and meals for our family. We are far from not needing any assistance.When Marshall and I began this adoption we said, "Lord, use us to touch other lives."  We have said from the beginning that any "extra" that we are given would be used to help others who might be looking into adoption, but don't have the funds for the "first step".

 Here is where the stepping out comes in.  Maybe you are in a "hard" place. Maybe you can't afford to give hundreds of dollars to our family, but from a personal place, I know that all of us have an extra $10.00 to give. So, that is what we are asking - praying for.  Would you please join us in bringing Jacob home and possibly touching another child's life?  It is Easter weekend.  The time when we celebrate our risen Savior. A time when we reflect on all that our Lord has done for us.  A time to make a difference in the life of a child.  From the beginning of this adoption we knew that God had called us to step out - to do something hard. He also called us to ask for help from His people-you. So, we continue asking.."would you be able to donate $10.00 to bring Jacob home? It might be hard for you, but as I have learned this week, stepping out and doing something you never thought you could will change your life.

We wish all of you a wonderful weekend with your family rejoicing in the knowledge that our Lord is risen - He is alive!

Lorrie

The call and the battle.

We got the call today.  Do you believe it?  We're good to travel! After the celebrating Lorrie started looking into airfare to get us over there and back with our Jacob...

Wow. We were hoping for fares in the 900.00 range - no such luck.  Try 1400 dollars - cheapest we found today. My goodness so close but so far!   So slowly what should be a joyful day spiraled into a not so good day I got home to what was supposed to be an 'easy fix' of the bathroom sink and guess - what.  Not so easy.  Prior to that I got some other news that was not so helpful.  And then, without realizing it - 4 hours after getting the news we've been praying for - hoping for all this time - I'm in a terrible mood.

For you Python fans:  I was guarding my heart like these guys

Then it hits me - John 10:10 says "the thief comes only to steal kill and destroy"  Guess what -he came to steal my joy today and I almost let him.  Forgive me Lord.  So you know what? I am choosing this moment to have "the joy of the Lord as my strength".  I will not yield this joy the Lord has given us to my enemy and yours.  I'm laughing at myself because when I realized this today - I was almost surprised.  Why is it that we are surprised when our enemy steals from us,  works to destroy us, to kill all we love?

We are at war (read Ephesians) and we get attacked.  Particularly when the Lord is about to do something miraculous.  So you know what?  I chose today, right now to trust in he "who is able to do immeasurably more than we could hope for or ask" to do what he said a year and a half ago - to bring Jacob home.

Pray for us, fight with us and watch with us as we wait on the Lord's provision to get one more - out of an orphanage and into a family.

Marshall

Twenty Years and Counting

Marshall and I just celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary.  It is amazing to look back at our life journey thus far.  First of all, neither of us really knew what a marriage was suppose to look like since we both came from divorced families.  When we were dating we would talk about what NOT to do in our marriage.  I know now  that those conversations were really something that would guide us over the course of our life.  No one expected our "sudden courtship" to last.  You have to know that the day I met my mother-in-law is the day she found out we were getting married.  Marshall was also told that "Lorrie won't last in Colorado...she will be way too cold."  So, everyone really thought that we would not survive or at the very least be living in cement city.

Secondly, neither Marshall nor I really ever planned on having more than 3 children.  I knew when we got married that I wanted three children. Marshall came from a family of three and I just had a younger sister.  So, going into our marriage we were planning on having three kids.  What a huge blessing it was to have been given our two boys and then our little Hannah.  Two boys and a girl - complete...or so we thought.

Marshall and I on our honeymoon in Colorado Springs -1992

Fast forward twenty years.  Little did either of us know that we would be celebrating our twentieth while waiting on "the call" to get our fifth child.  And, neither one of us ever in our wildest dreams thought about adoption.  So,  here we are twenty years into our marriage and on the adventure of a lifetime.  I have heard the saying that "you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take."  Life has taught us both that you must go for it.  We have stepped out on faith and God has been faithful.  We have stood at the base of mountains and have been given the courage to go up them.  And, we have been blessed with an amazing  marriage and five wonderful kids.  Well, 4 1/2 for now.

I have no idea where God will take us in our next twenty years.  However, I do know that whatever adventure I am on, if I hold onto the promises of God and have my wonderful husband beside me, anything is possible.

Here's to the next twenty sweetheart...I love you!

Lorrie

Change is coming

Things have been quite busy around the Worthey home the last few weeks.  There is never a dull moment for sure!  To begin with, I have some exciting news not dealing with the adoption.  I am running for Mayor of our town.  Now,  you must realize, that  we live in a very small community - around 900 year round residence which equates to about 500 registered voters.  Doesn't seem like a heck of a lot of people, but here is the catch.  We haven't had an election in over 15 years.  You see, the officials just work their way up the ladder and no one ever challenges them or runs against them.  Until now. Wouldn't you know that when I found out that no one was going to run for Mayor and my opponent thought he would just "slide" in I had to give it a run.  So, the last few weeks have been crazy around here for sure! Being that we have been through an adoption before and fully understand this very last part of the process, I consider it a gift that I have something else to keep my mind on.

What our town looked like WAY back in the day

We received word that Jacob went for his visa appointment on March 7th.  One week ago to the day.  I still am not fully aware of why it would take a full week to issue that Visa paper, but it is taking that long - and longer.  We should be getting "the call" anytime now. When we got "the call" with Naomi it was early in the morning before the children were awake.  You have to remember that the Philippines is a good 12 hours ahead of us so if our agency receives word it will be overnight.  If we don't get a call by 12:00 noon more than likely it won't come at all that day.  Words can't describe what it is like waiting for that call.  You have to do something to keep your mind off of it or you will drive yourself and all of those around you crazy!

So, what will it look like when we do hear the phone ring and get  the word that our son is expecting us?  Well, first off we need to really begin packing.  Yep, we haven't done that yet.  I need to get organized around here for sure.  We will have one suitcase each, pack one full of clothes for Jacob and have one full of gifts for the people at the orphanage.  Let's see...6 plus 1 plus 1 equals 8.  And, that doesn't include the backpacks each of the children will have as carry on.

I almost forgot to mention the fact that we have to begin looking for airfares.  The dreaded airfare.  The expensive airfare.  Yuck!!  Anyway, we are praying that when we begin that search that God provides exactly what we need.  Please pray with us that the fares are reasonable.  We are praying that each fare is below $1,000 each.  We would then only need $7,000.00 instead of  $14,000. Sounds a little better doesn't it?

There is so much to do, so much to plan.  I often wonder what Jacob is thinking.  Is he excited? Scared? Unsure?  What is going through his mind as he waits for us?  His life is about to change in a very big way.  Now that will be something to blog about in the future.  For now, please continue to pray for our family during this time.  We are so very close. So very excited.

I found a picture of Naomi taken just hours after she left the orphanage with us.  The look on her face says it all.  What was going through her mind as she left everything she had ever known?  I wonder what Jacob will be thinking.

Thoughts are worth a thousand words

God bless you. We keep you close to our hearts and cannot wait until Jacob knows that.
Lorrie

Am I Still...Depraved?

Friends shared this with us this weekend.  What is the gospel if not this?  We're believers but are we...depraved? I was and sometimes am still.  Be open. Consider. Please watch and open your heart to change.  

Still Waiting ....but close

Naomi Jammin at A Daughter's Heart

Oh sooo close!  He's in Manila now - right now.  He's going to get is visa next week!  That golden ticket, that awesome little stamp in a passport that will speed him home!  Finally.

We are so close to celebrating!  So close to dancing, laughing and rejoicing over Jacob finally getting a chance to bring what only he can bring to our family - and more importantly to the world. Like all of us he has something that God himself put in him, something only he can bring to all of us that we all need.

In fact we're so close to celebrating that - we might be doing a little dancing on this fine Colorado day.  In fact, one of my favorite bands has a song that talks about "waiting" (click here for a funny video of it).  Now in the song, he's waiting for something different - but I'm so happy to be so close - this catchy little toon fits me perfectly today - "I keep waiting for my baby to come back home". So why don't you just click the link and do a little dance with us!

Marshall

What will it be like?

My Son Josh - Contemplating Canyons

I was just thinking tonight...what is it going to be like - the moment I embrace my son.  Did the Lord have this anticipation when he embraced me?  I will get to ask him someday.  But I rounded a corner tonight and saw him there (in my mind of course).  What will he do or say to inspire that one spontaneous embrace?  Will it be a joke? A dance? A mischievous something? I don't know - and don't care...but soon he's mine.  To love. To teach to marvel at what God does in the sky - in people - in...everything.


In GLORIOUS anticipation...

Marshall

Eyes Now Opened

We have always known that this adoption is something bigger than what we can even know.  Today we got to see just a small part of what God is doing here.

I have always wanted a full house - lots of kids. You see, I come from a very small family - one other sister - and I have always known that I wanted to have more than just 2 kids. I know first hand what it is like when you have a disagreement with your only other sibling and don't talk.  You have no one.  I didn't want that for my children.

There was one issue with all of this - Marshall was done...finished with children.  He had watched me go through three very hard deliveries and didn't want to see his wife in that situation again.  So, for many years - 6 at least -I kept the longing for more children a little secret between God and me.  Really hoping that it would just go away. The problem was every time I went to a MOPS Convention and Compassion International showed their video about the children who needed homes and were left as orphans my heart literally ached.  Not in the normal way at all.  So...in December of 2006 I approached Marshall and told him.." honey, I really think there is another child out there somewhere for us.  I think we should adopt."  Much to my surprised he said "OK". I must say that for a month or so before this my friend and I had been praying for our husbands heart towards more children would change.  God did it!

Into the water with a new family

It has been an amazing journey God has us on.  Not only has God given us a precious gift - Naomi- He has given us a heart that is so very huge for the orphans.  Not just here in our town, or the states, but for ALL orphans throughout the world.  God has opened our eyes and  once they are opened you are forever changed.  There is no way you can go back to what it was before.  So, in faith we stepped out and just found out about this little boy whom we call Jacob.  By faith we put in our application and waited to find out if Jacob was still waiting for a family.  By faith we started a blog and reached out to people for help.  God has been faithful!  Praise to Him!  Not only do we have all of our adoption expenses covered, we have met some wonderful new friends who are either going through or have gone through the adoption process.  But the greatest news is that God has spoken to the hearts of people who, through reading our story, are stepping out in faith and opening their hearts to the orphans of the world.  One story - many lives changed.

God has just started working in our life.  We are forever changed - our hearts are forever open. I don't know where we will be in a year or so.  But, what I do know, is that we will continue speaking out on behalf of those who have no voice.  We have learned that all you need to do is to follow whatever it is He is calling you to do. He will provide and lead your path.  If all we have done by writing this blog is given you eyes to see than it is all so worth it.

I wanted to share an adoption video that spoke to me during those beginning days of our journey.  Enjoy, and may your eyes be opened as well.
click here to watch the video that God used to change our hearts toward the orphan

Praying that you all have a blessed week sharing your life with those close to you.

Lorrie

A Call - but not the REAL one

It finally happened.  I had an adoption nightmare.  Yep, Marshall was out of town and I had the dream I had been dreading.  I knew there was a possibility of it happening, but I was really hoping it wouldn't.  The nightmares first began when I was eight months pregnant with our children.  I was SO very ready to give birth that I began having these dreams every night.  Dreams that I went into labor at the worst possible time or that our child would be born with 3 heads or something like that.

Last night I had a dream that Marshall and I had received the call to go get Jacob, however, when we ended up at the orphanage we were given five - that's right - five children all who were considered to be the "worse of the worst".  In my dream I was telling our adoption agency that we really didn't want five children and that they had been so good to us when we had adopted Naomi.  Their reply was..."well, you did such a good job with her that we thought we would give your family five."  I remember just trying to tell these children that they were loved and special and that God had a plan for them, however, I was mortified to have five children all at once.

I should have known when I awoke this morning  that something was up. I mean, I had prayed last night before bed that God would give us a sign and tell us when we were going to the Philippines.  I mean, our life has been on hold for a long time and all of us are getting sick of it.

I had just poured my first cup of coffee this morning when the phone rang.  We have caller ID so when the children and I saw that the call was from our adoption agency we yelled.  Our adoption specialist said that we have another update - not the update we really want she said.  We found out that Jacob has his medical appointment AND his visa appointment scheduled.  But....it isn't until March 3rd and 7th.  Really? Not sooner?  Lord - why so late?  I know your ways are perfect and your timing always works out, but why so late?  As it looks now we will be traveling sometime during the last of March.  Right during Spring Break and the High season in the Philippines.  Please don't get us wrong - we are so very excited and ready to have Jacob join our family.  Past ready.  However,  why in the world do we have to wait so very long??  Everyone knows it is better to travel before March and April.

So, today, we are excited that we know the dates our son will be one step closer to joining his family. What a huge blessing that is.  Please join us in rejoicing in the news and praying for God's total provision to bring His child home to be forever loved and never abandoned again.

Lorrie

13 Months and Counting

As you can see, things have been slow here on our blog.  Quite honestly, neither Marshall nor I know what to talk about these days.  We are in a period of waiting and waiting and waiting.  There isn't much else to say.  For those of you who have birthed your children, you know what I am talking about.  Those last days - the last trimester- of a pregnancy seem to go on and on. You feel as though you have been pregnant for years and just can't wait to give birth and return to some sense of a new normal.  That is the same feeling going on here - except that we really have no clue when we aren't going to be "pregnant" anymore.  The last weeks are so hard in an adoption.  The whole thing begins to wear on you something fierce. So, the Worthey family continues to run to the phone whenever it rings and check e-mail many times throughout the day in hopes that there is some news.

Fitting to see this bus while in the Philippines

In the last few days I have been looking at other adoption blogs.  It amazes me how similar other people's story is to ours.  Basically, all of us have the same thing going on; waiting for the call and then praying for a miracle in one way or another.  And, above all else, there are children who are waiting for their forever family - just like our Jacob.  And as they wait and we wait there are those who continue to be oblivious to the need.  The need that they can make a difference.  The greatest news is that YOU can make a difference and what a difference you can make!  You don't need to be rich or live in the largest house on the block or even make the most money in your neighborhood.  All that is needed is a heart to do what is right.  It really is that simple.

The day we finally met Naomi

Marshall and I want to thank each one of you.  Because of you we are able to get through the day.  Because of you we continue to share our hearts and because of you we are nearing the end of this journey and beginning a new one. You have been faithful to God and to His command to provide for widows and orphans. You have been faithful to our family.  For that, we will always be grateful.  Thank you for continuing to share our story with your friends and family.  Please continue praying as we are weary and getting so tired.  More than just about any other time, we need encouragement.  Please keep it coming.

Lorrie

Waiting...

I'm writing today because I want you the reader to understand waiting. Waiting to bring your child home.  If you've been following the last few weeks you pretty much can gather that we're still waiting on 'the call'.  We've been doing much waiting lately.  Honestly I don't know what to say when people say "how's it going?" or "any news?"  The answer as of late is either "hanging in there" or "not really".  So I wanted to see what God has to say about waiting.  Here is what I found:

• "Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts." Proverbs 8:34

• "And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." Romans 8:23

• "...keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life"  Jude 1:21

• "For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness." Galatians 5:5

So we are watching, eagerly waiting for Jacob's "adoption as a son" and "anxiously waiting" to show Jacob - who has been waiting 11 years - mercy.

Today as you read this please consider helping us show Jacob "mercy".   Some do not define adoption as a mission but do define a two week trip to serve 'on the mission field' as missions.  Well it is but... Please understand I am not minimizing the need for these short trips - they are awesome and the Lord uses them to change lives often.

However, I have really been struggling with this narrow perspective - mission... is bigger than this. I have been struggling with the inability of some to understand adoption and see it for the mission field it is.  Think about it this way... Paul's 3rd missionary journey...he spent 2 and 1/2 years in Ephesus alone.  I would submit that mission = presence.  Being present.  When we brought Naomi home, and when we bring Jacob home we have been and will be present - until the Lord returns.  

You don't have to adopt - but you can help those who are willing to be obedient to what the Lord has asked of them. He equips and enables thru his people - and if you know him...his people = you.  Until then we are waiting.  Waiting on the Lord...Waiting on the call.

Marshall

Not The Call We Had Expected

If you have been following our journey for long you know that right now we are in a holding pattern.  Just about everything concerning the adoption journey is hard, but, for whatever reason, this time around seems to be much harder than the first time.  Maybe it is because we have already met this sweet boy .  It might be because he is older and has watched his friends come and go at the orphanage.  For reasons unknown  for sure, it just seems like all we do around here is wait for "the call" to come.

And, this week a call did come - not the call we wanted though.  On Wednesday afternoon we got a call from our adoption agency.  Just to let you know that whenever the phone rings around here the kids go crazy trying to see who the call is  from.  And, of course, they saw that our adoption agency had called.  The message on the machine said that there was some news - not the good news we want - but there was an update. "Please call my cell phone if you get this after hours."  She tried to reassure us that it wasn't horrible news - just an update.

As you can expect, hearing the news was hard. We were told that the Philippines had sent an e-mail saying that they were waiting on some official document from Jacob's orphanage.  In plain terms it means that they need the original document, not a copy.  As soon as they get that document, they said, Jacob's visa appointment can be scheduled - sometime in February is what they are hoping.  Human error.  Ugh...  So, if Jacob can get his appointment scheduled sometime in February, we could be flying sometime in the middle of March; although, it could be in April or May or even later.

We don't understand the reasons why we have to wait so long.  We can't possibly understand God's ways. We know that He is our provider and has shown His goodness to our family.  He has called people, many we don't even know, to send us funds to help cover expenses.  It is God who has called people to continually pray for our family during this time.  He is the same today as He was when we began this journey.

Naomi holding her father's finger before
she boarded the airplane

As you might expect, flying in March and later is more expensive than if we were able to fly in January or February.  Everyday the cost of airline tickets is going up.  We cannot purchase our tickets now because we have no idea when we will be traveling.  It hurts my heart to even look for tickets at this time, as I can see the price rising and there is nothing we can do.  Or is there?  We can continue to trust in our Lord's provision.  We can continue writing on this blog, sharing our story and asking you all to get the word out about Jacob.

If there ever was a time to ask humbly if you would support our family, the time is now.  How wonderful it will be when Jacob can see all the names of the people who helped him, prayed for him and loved him so much to bring him home-to his forever family - never to be abandoned again.

Lorrie

Broadcast from the Dark Side of the Moon

Waiting.  No word yet.  No phone call. No email. Waiting. Silence...

I am having a hard time waiting to get 'the word' and the silence that goes with it.  If any of you remember the Apollo missions there were those times when the astronauts had to orbit the moon and loose contact with earth when they were on the dark side of the moon.  Guys at mission control hear the last transmission and then...static. Static for what seems an eternity.  For me waiting for the call is like that but measured in days, weeks, perhaps months(?) not an hour.

It's frustrating too.  Our 'part' the paper work everything that we can do is done.  We have no choice but to wait.  I would almost prefer those battles with some nameless bureaucracy to move things along - you know slaying dragons that are in between me and my son.  Silence.

I'm having a hard time with it - this silence.  I wonder what Jacob is doing.  Does he know we're coming? Does he have his book?Has he got his passport? His Visa?  What the heck is going on over there????  But one thing I do know is that Jesus is here waiting with me - at least in the intellectual sense of "knowing".  But it's not any easier.  Maybe it's not supposed to be easier.  Maybe it's like waiting for a flower to bloom or waiting for Spring. Or maybe it's what the Apollo astronauts were waiting for...to emerge from the dark side of the Moon and hear the radio crackle to life..."This is Houston do you read?"

Marshall