The Bergstedt's

Orphan Sunday 2011

2011-07-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Orphan Sunday planning has begun! Check out their website and find a great way for you, your family, your community or your church to be involved! For sure plan to participate in the Orphan's Table. I truly believe this experience could change individuals, our nations and the world. (More on that in a later post.) For today, get it on your calendar for November 6, 2011 and then browse the website for ideas so you can start planning.

Dear Waiting Parents,

2011-03-13T20:00:00.001-07:00

You are in my heart and on my mind today. Maybe it is the events of the week that cause me to think of all the children going to sleep with out their parents to tell them every thing will be all right. Or maybe because we have friends that were in route to their newest daughter and were grounded because of the tsunami. Oh, to be so close to holding her in their arms and then to have to wait some more.

Friends I know what it is like to wait. To wait for a child you have never met, to wait to be chosen by a brave and amazing birth mother, to wait to bring home children you have already held in your arms and kissed but are not allowed to hold in your home... yet. For you who are waiting I want to encourage you. If it seems to much, call your agency and tell them you need a little information that will let you know that someday... . Remember those agency fees? They include encouraging words whenever you need them (but you have to ask). I remember saying to our social worker, "This is so hard. I just want to know if there are any babies being born anywhere in this great state and if any of them are being placed with adoptive families." She just hugged me and told me there were and everything was busy and business as usual for them and they had no idea it was any different for me. She assured me I could call any time because there were always exciting things going on. They do not call us because they do not want us to feel hurt or rejected if there is a baby that is placed with someone else. Rejected? I would be elated! I love to hear a good adoption story. It thrills my heart.
Yesterday I began reading a book that caused me to think again about our times of waiting.
As I read the first chapter of Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver I was once again caught up in the story of the sisters, Mary and Martha. They knew Jesus. He had been to their house for dinner, they were friends. The Bible says that Jesus loved them. When their brother got sick they sent word to Jesus to come quickly. Yes. They were tight with GOD; the one who could say a word and all things would be made well. But Jesus did not come. He loved Lazarus, yet he did not come. He did not take away the sickness. He did not prevent him from dying. Why? If he loved them all wouldn't it be an automatic, a no brainer. Heal the brother, save the sisters from grief and sadness, spare the trouble of the burial and all the details. Why? "For the glory of God." John 11:4 Then we get to the end of the story, instead of healing Lazarus from his sickness, Jesus heals him from death. Stone cold, in the tomb four days, all the way dead; and Jesus calls for him to come. Wow! Out comes Lazarus all wrapped up tight. Everyone was so amazed Jesus had to tell them to unwrap him and let him go. Now that ending is way to amazing to be discounted by those that were there.
I love a happy ending at least as much as every one else, but I'm not big on the drama. I don't like stressful movies (even if I know how they will end). I don't like thrilling roller-coaster rides. I don't even really care for The Three Little Pigs running for their lives over and over again. I like smooth sailing, quick conflict management, and sunny days. I think that is why the emotion of the story gets me. The poor sisters had to go through all of that never knowing there was a HUGE miracle coming their way. They had to really feel the pain and the loss of their brother. They had to make the arrangements and prepare his body for burial. They were even angry with Jesus for not helping them out. Real life, real stuff.
That is when I stopped to think of the times in my life when I have asked God to "heal the sickness" to avoid the pain. To take away the troubles and "make it all better." In my life recently that translated to "speed up the process and bring the kids home fast." As you wait for your own adoptions I know you get it. We had been with our kids. We knew the feel of their skin, the sound of their voices, the smell of their little bodies. Legally, they were already ours. Yet we waited. Waited for paper work, waited for visas, waited for governments. All the while wanting it to go faster. You know, Jesus did it His way, not mine. It did not go faster, I was not spared the wait. But oh, the unmistakable miracle, God's greatness is way to amazing to be discounted by those that were there.
Your story is still unfolding. Wait and see. It might be a best seller. :)
Blessing to you as you wait for your child.

The Entertainment continues

2011-02-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to keep the restless natives calm we are amping up the creativity.

Sick Days

2011-02-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, my legs hurt. Could you give me some medicine?" That was Monday morning. Now, I am sympathetic and all, but I have heard this story many times because they think medicine is a treat. Beth is just honest. She starts with the real request, "Mommy can we have some candy?" Emery is older and wiser. He knows there is no candy before snack time, ever. On this morning, I rubbed his legs, and his back, kissed his head; no fever. "No medicine, but I would be happy to read you a book." Again before lunch I heard about the sore leg muscles. Hmm. After nap repeat of morning wake up, this time a kiss on the head reviled a fever. By 1:00 a.m. it was 104 and time for medicine and a wet wash cloth. By Tues. evening the little girls and I were also feeling very lousy and Daddy was working. I felt so bad that I began searching for the NyQuil that I knew was around here somewhere. I knew I had not felt this bad in years, but when I found the stash of left over cold medicine and read the stamp: expires on 12/04 I realized it had been quite a very long while. Still, I did not feel I was due, or that it was 'about time'. No, I am sure I could have been very grateful for my health and my healthy kids with out all this. It is now Saturday night. Anna has only been feeling bad for 24 hours and still it is mild compared to the hacking, sneezing kids. Emery is feeling quite a lot better but is still "gross" (can a mom say that about her son that she dearly loves?). I feel as though I will live, but would be fooling my self to say I am well; as much as I would like to be. I can say that I have a whole new appreciation for families that always get the bugs and for families dealing with chronic illness. We have not done any of our normal fun stuff this week. We missed the 62 degree days, the big event at the Library, the zoo, several play dates and even gymnastics and Bible Study. The fun of sleeping bags in the living room is wearing off. The novelty of wearing jammies all day is getting old, our library books do not hold the key to great adventure and worlds of fun. I am reconsidering our family decision to not have TV and movies available to the children. And, most of all, I miss people. But look at these faces. Sometimes they don't even know they are miserable. They still put on their princess dresses and tell each other they are beautiful. (until the medicine wears off, then they cry and argue)

free download this month

2011-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hear it Free this Month! Adopted for Life

Dinner Guests

2010-12-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight the children all came to the table at supper time with big smiles and said, "Hi Gail. We are your friends and we came over for dinner at your house." Two of them were dressed like ballerinas and the other two a little like grown-ups caring a doll and diaper bag. I thought to myself that it would be fun to have dinner with 4 lovely friends and their little daughter so I welcomed them. The older 2 were a young couple, "Kelly and Suzie" with a little girl, not yet 2 years old, named Susan (Anna's real doll).
I am so glad I thought to invite this lovely family to my home. We all had a nice visit and they were such great parents. They were both active in the feeding and care of Susan. They communicated well with each other and seemed to attend well to her quiet requests.
The "lol" moments for me were all provided by the "dad". While sharing his bread and attending to the child, he looked at the "mom" and said, "Oh, her nose is running, she needs a Kleenex." (Just like... well, any dad.) Then when he was finished eating, and the mother was not, he said he would take the little girl. He removed her bib and started to take her out of the highchair, "Oops! It's OK, I caught her before she landed on her head." (At this time I was alone under the table cleaning an applesauce spill from one of the other, carefree guests and did actually lol.) After righting the child and holding her in his arm he exited the room stopping in the doorway to ask over his shoulder, "Where are her diapers?" Mother replied that she did not need them right now, but did need her face washed. Again, LOL.
I am not sure if this role playing was truly as funny as it seemed, or if I just need to get out more, but I was entertained.
So, now you know the latest: Here's What's Happening at our House Tonight. :)

Snow, What's Going on Here.

2010-11-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

November 18, it was sunny and 60 degrees. A little cooler than it had been, but a very nice day.

November 19, snow.

November 20, more snow!

November 22-24, below zero. Too cold to go out so we had to play inside.

Big fun and for a bonus, clean floors.

No Sea Turtles Here

2010-10-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

We read about sea turtles tonight. The eggs are left alone in the sand. They hatch alone, make their way to the ocean alone, and then try to survive alone. We are not sea turtles. We were created to be in families. It is in the heart of every one to belong, in some significant way, to someone. Sea turtles, not so much; but people need family. I believe our kids have that great desire to belong to each other. They can not be separated. They call each other brother and sister. They refer to each other as "my brother" or "my sister" when talking to others. I am sure it is this desire to belong that has made these kids; just 15 months ago strangers to each other into a FAMILY. They did not have to befriend each other, but I am so glad they did!! They do of course, have their moments (some times lasting more than just one moment), but they truly love each other and prefer one another over all their peers. We are so blessed.

Summer revisited

2010-10-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

We are having a bonus round of summer and enjoying it to the full. Last week it snowed this week:

Celebrate

2010-07-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

One year home seems so significant right now. So many firsts, so many lasts. The kids have grown and changed and so have we. There are no babies in our family now; just little kids hungry to learn. They are always exploring, nearly fearless and genuinely enthusiastic. The country in which we spent seven days one year ago is, like us, not the same. The family in which our children spent their beginning is not the same. We have heard nothing from or about them, but wait with eager anticipation for news.

I am by nature sentimental, traditional, and resistant to change. But I too am not the same. I look to the future as the great adventure my kids seem to embrace. I know that for everything there is a time and a season. Each season will have smooth sailing and bumps in the road. There will be joys and triumphs as well as times when we need more help than we know how to find. We will be encouragers and need encouragement. If there is one thing I have learned in this past year, it is that change is good. We were not designed to stay the same. We were made to grow. Just as our children have become more like us(for better or worse), I must become more like my Father; embracing His values and doing things His way.

So how does a family celebrate? In our family, our only son has a birthday just 4 days after our home coming. This year he turns 5. We only have Birthday parties for 5, not 3, not 4, not 6, not 7. Only 5. So, on a hot evening we gathered in the back yard with a few friend, close family, 50 hot dogs, a huge watermelon and lots of fun. We played, sang Happy Birthday, ate cake and ice cream, then called it a night when the rain started. I can't think of a better way to celebrate family than with a birthday party for the newest five year old. It was a blast (at least for the five year old and his mommy).

Proud to Be an American

2010-07-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

I still stand for the National Anthem and so do my kids. We treat the flag with respect, honor soldiers, and learn all the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. Yet, still i feel a great lack of patriotism. I mean, less than my Grandfather's generation. My Granddad was US Air Force. He flew the planes we see in pictures and museums. He knows first hand the life saving value of a properly packed parachute. He served in war and in peace. He was the "true blue, all American man." He stood 6'2", but i thought he was at least 7' tall as i stood next to him on the street that day, probably 30 years ago, with his hat in his hand and his hand over his heart. Those colors marched by as proud as could be and so was I. My Grandpa helped make all this celebrating possible and I was sure proud of that. Here we are, 30 some years later living in the same country, but some how that "stand tall" feeling is not in the crowd the way it was then. The great grandpas are not here to brag and exaggerate a little with their stories of "the way it was." I want my kids to hear the hush of the crowd when the colors are raised. I want them to never feel comfortable sitting when the National Anthem is played.

I do not really know how this "feeling" of patriotism is passed on. When they are 6,4 and 3 can they understand? I don't know, but I dressed them in Red, White and Blue and told them a few things they may not remember then let them eat ice cream because this very special day is America's Birthday and we are proud to be Americans. They will probability remember the ice cream...

"So, What Have You Been Up to Lately?"

2010-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is Anna's favorite question. She starts all phone conversations this way and often "meets" new people in the grocery store because of it. It is also the question most of you are asking when you check this sight, so here it goes.

We have been Having BIG FUN all over town. We have been to most of the parks and a few water hot spots. Emery and Anna will start swim lessons next week and Emery has lost his 3rd tooth. The kids have been home almost 11 months now and we are liking our routine. Abby can pump herself on the swings and likes to "swing to the clouds like Anna." Beth loves the playground and usually is in charge of the sand toys. On rainy days we still play outside, we eat soup and popcorn and make fun stuff with Legos, Lincoln logs and building blocks. Beth is the head cook and nanny for the bears and dolls and Abby heads up crayon and marker distribution. Our bike outings now include 2 two wheeled bikes (Abby calls them school wheel bikes) and 2 tricycles (one with a rope to help with the up-hill leg of the trip). Our driveway is often decorated with sidewalk chalk, rocks for bumpy riding and leaves and grass of all kinds to feed the "cows" they are raising on their "farm". They have abundant energy and great imaginations. There is never a dull moment around here, but we do try to enforce a quiet hour in the afternoon and earlyish bed time to help the happy attitudes keep up with the energy levels. And now what you really logged on to see: A great big thank you to Ronnie for the great pictures. Check out his blog.

Eight Month Home

2010-04-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Eight months is just about the time most babies are finding their independence and mobility; pulling themselves up, crawling all over, attracted to every open stair way. At eight months home our kids are experiencing their own independence and new mobility. Emery is riding a two wheel bike, Abby is proficient enough on her tricycle to ride on our family outings, and they are all able to play in the back yard without and adult. Abby plays at the park and climbs the slide without mommy by her side. Emery climbs the tree and jumps down like a little monkey! Emery can cartwheel and do hand stands better than I ever could and both kids love life to the full. If you are friends with us on Facebook you will know that there is never a dull moment around here. The kids are all thinking and talking faster than I can keep up and they are as bright as the Haitian sun. We have our moments and our issues,but the fits are fewer and the laughter hearty. We are doing way better than we ever expected and know that we are truly blessed.

Kids get to come home!!!!

2010-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Great news for all of my friends and Chances for Children family who are pending their adoption in Haiti: it's official!!!!! Secretary Napolitano Announces Humanitarian Parole Policy for Certain Haitian Orphans

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

There is very little information available right now, but the news from our orphanage is that the building, kids and staff are safe. We will pray for the people in Haiti and look for opportunities to do something tangible.

The "How" Of Our Adoption

2009-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

It started nearly two years ago. Now we want to tell you how God did it.

Before this all began, in the fall of 2000, I heard Steven Curtis Chapman share his adoption story for the first time on Focus on the Family. One of the things he said was, "Don't let the cost of adoption keep you from it. If God asks you to adopt, He will provide."

Only a coupe of weeks before the idea of the Haiti adoption came up for us, we were interviewed by the local news station as part of the November "Adoption Awareness Specials". The reporter asked what we would say to someone considering adoption, and I quoted Steven Curtis Chapman about the financial part of adoption. When I discovered that the Haiti adoption, was going to be about $30,000, I immediately thought, "Oh, never mind; we could never do that." In that same instant I heard myself telling the reporter, "Don't let the cost of adoption keep you from it. If God asks you to adopt, He will provide." With a deep breath and a big sigh I nodded my head and prayed, "God, that's us. We can't do it, but you can."

With in the first weeks someone paid our initial agency fees, and another fee was waived. We were given an application for a grant and were awarded $1000. Another family with a huge heart for adoption paid our in-country fees for one of the children, and someone else sent a check for the entire amount of their inheritance - with interest! We received checks in the mail and donations on our blog through PayPal from long lost friends, family members and also from people we did not know. Each time there was an amount due, the money was there. We were so excited because in only two months the Lord had provided $18,000 of the $20,000! Because of God's amazing provision, we were not even concerned about the rest.

We shared our story in church to thank and encourage everyone. God was doing what we could never imagine. Then, someone whose heart was touched by our story, wrote a check for the remaining $2000. So amazing! At the end of our wait to bring the children home, a friend decided to have a mail box shower for us. We did not need toys and normal shower things, and people are very busy in the spring; so she sent out letters asking people to write us a note of encouragement, and if they wanted, to send a gift. Every day we were showered with blessings from friends and family. Our five-year-old waited outside on the porch each day for the mail lady to see what kind of nice words people would send to her.

We applied for a grant for $4000 to help with travel expenses to go get the kids, but were denied. Joel just said, "God's going to do something great, and we will just wait." Yes! The checks that came the week before we left and the week after we got home were the exact amount needed. Then, two more checks arrived in the mail, and our post-placement bill was paid.

Oh, there have been so many other blessings; things the Lord did not have to do, but He did. Like giving us the opportunity to meet and hold the little boys that were "Not for Us".

This journey has not been easy. At times it has not been fun, and at times the sacrifice has seemed greater than I wanted to make. But, oh the joy of obedience! I hope you get to meet our kids. They are awesome. Their smiles and laughs will touch your heart. Their stories, yet untold, will in some way change the world and the Kingdom for eternity.

If you are waiting, may God bless you! If you are thinking about adopting, may God lead you. If you know someone who is adopting, may God use you to bless them.

What Remains

2009-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Love Chapter for Parents

If I spend my days building skyscrapers with blocks, assembling cool stuff out of LEGOs and creating relationships with other moms at Starbucks, but have not love, I am only the siren of the kids' ride-on fire truck, annoyingly stuck on hold.

If I have the gift of knowing which child attempted to flush the Hot Wheels down the toilet and which one pushed her sister, and if I have faith that somehow we'll survive life's emergencies, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I save all my box tops and give outgrown clothing to the local shelter, and if I surrender my body to stretch marks and under-eye circles (without the benefit of BOTOX, tanning salons or diet bars),but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient when someone isn't ready to use the big girl potty. It is kind when my husband has a hard day. It doesn't envy my neighbor who drives the new sport utility vehicle I can't afford.

It is not rude, snapping at my spouse or children when things don't go my way. It is not easily angered at perceived or real injustices.

It always protects the smallest, sweetest family confidences; always trusts God to provide my children's needs; always hopes in the freshness of tomorrow and the bright future of family; always perseveres amid hardship and doubt.

Where there are sleepless nights, they shall end. Where there are diapers, Little League and dioramas built from shoe boxes, they will cease. Where there is knowledge of baby care trends, discipline strategies and boy-girl problems, it will pass away.

Now these three remain: faith, lived out in my daily circumstances and instilled in my children; hope, of one day rejoicing with my family in heaven; and love, which covers over a multitude of less-than-perfect moments.

But the greatest of these is love. It is what remains... long after I am gone.

By Cindy Sigler Dagnan
Published by Focus on the Family
August 2007
Used without permission

Big Day!

2009-08-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ready

Set

Go!

Mommy and Abby walked Anna to school on the first day. She was ready, curious, and confident. She blew me a kiss as she walked into class and had a great day!

Five Weeks Home

2009-08-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

We have been together as a family of six for five weeks now! I just read the Post Placement report written by our social worker at 3 weeks. What a difference!
The little girls are playing together more every day.
They are holding hands and sharing things.
Every one is going to bed with out Mommy in the room and with "close the door".
The only person sleeping with Mommy is Daddy!
Anna has convinced Emery that it is really the "Muffin Man" and not the "Button Man".
Every one is loving Emery's laugh and sense of humor! What a funny boy.

We are all learning and growing every day. There are still challenges that surprise us and dinner was mac and cheese tonight, but we are getting there. Maybe this week i will make something for dinner that does not have spaghetti sauce. Any ideas? Thank you for praying! and Thank you to the Hodge's for giving up your Saturday to serve us!!! We are so very blessed.

Let the Fun Begin

2009-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

This week we have been to 2 wading pools and a spray park. Emery is a fish. He has a bath each morning asking for "big water" "Emery fish, swim." with lots of gestures and a huge smile. Today there were tear when i had to lift him from the tub so the girls could have a turn. He loved the spray park until we got in the car on the way home. Then, "no spshhh water, Mommy. Big one. Big big water. Emery Fish Mommy." The crazy thing is he can hold his breath and swim under water.
We have been enjoying the evening Thunder showers from the garage and continue to have our evening parades around the block. Also enjoying the company of a few friend again.
More pictures later. Until then, thank you for your prayers and calls. We re so blessed. Continue to leave messages as we have not yet turned the ringer back on on the house phone. :)

How Was Haiti?

2009-08-08T20:54:00.001-07:00

Hot!!! Even the Haitian’s thought it was hot. Four showers a day and cold drinking water kept me sane and the headaches never got out of control! Praise the Lord and thank you all for praying.

As for the kids: it was amazing! Emery was ready and did not even want to show us his bed but only find his new bed in our room. Abby was not ready, but we held her, returned to her room, let her hug her favorite auntie and held her again. In less than an hour she was not crying with us. At bed time she defiantly wanted to go back to her bed, but we went for a walk, talked and prayed. I explained to her that God had put us together and He would take care of all of us. She acted like she believed me, smiled and laid her head on my shoulder. She slept well and was walking to me with big smiles the next day. They both have the greatest laugh. We took them to Mama Duncan’s swimming pool one day and they both loved it. Emery can not swim, but has no fear of the water and thinks he is a fish.

Monday was our day to go to town with the kids for the Visa appointment. A staff member went with us to the appointment and it was quick and easy. A couple of signatures and a quick look at our passports and we were done. The kids passports/Visas were to us on Wed. along with all of our other documents making it even harder to wait until Friday to go home. The kids were anxious to “fly” and we were very ready to take them.

Our suitcase with our family’s clothes and personal items was not at the airport with the other bags when we arrived. Despite emails, phone calls and a few people going to the airport, we still do not have our bag or any hope for it. While packing all the donations and things I put the dress clothes we needed for our Visa appointment in a bag with donations and had the “great idea” to split up the underwear. Thank you Jesus! We each had 3 pair of unders and the clothes for our Visa appointment. Other than that, it was what we wore on the airplane. We washed the clothes in the sink each night and they dried quickly. I found a little knit dress in the donations to use for a night gown. We were able to use the orphanage clothes for the kids while we were there and then all wore our Visa appointment clothes home. Guess we learned a thing or two there.

Before we flew out on Friday we were able to meet the kids’ birth parents. They were wonderful people. We were able to assure them of our love and care for the children and they were able to share with us their great love for them and to entrust them us and to God. I am sure that the pictures taken will be greatly treasured by the kids as they grow and by the parents as they continue. There was a pastor there with them and we were glad to see his heart to bring comfort and counsel to the family.

We are home now and learning and growing together. The kids have both gotten a new tooth and Anna has lost one, gained the new one and has another loose one now. We eat together at the table as a family, say please and thank you, excuse me, and I’m sorry. Baths are big fun and so is playing outside. Yesterday Anna got out the dress up clothes. Emery wanted her white “wedding” dress so he could be a princess. Anna convinced him to take the pink wings instead. He donned the wings, declared himself a butterfly and raced outside. Returning in only one minute to announce they “no work. “ Emery no fly. Emery no butterfly!” We asked him to tell us what he did, how he knew they did not work, etc. He told us (while laughing at himself) that he jumped off and fell, “no fly”. We all laughed and then wondered aloud why a boy would think he could fly. Have you ever seen a boy fly by? Nor have I.

Fun Times

2009-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

We are taking tons of walks to the school and to the park, or just around the block. Emery asks for the park because he wants "Emery tractor in sand box". We have 2 red tricycles. Our two oldest children are very competitive and both want to be first or at least keep up with the other. I now know the top speed of a little red "motocycle". I just laugh out loud to see those four little legs pumping as fast as they can. Running head to head, Emery's bike is a little bigger so he has the advantage there, but Anna is more coordinated and determined so she gets the upper hand by a thread. The little girls are into touring with comfort: feet propped up and lounging in the wagon or little car, being towed by their parents. That could only be made better by adding snacks to munch on while the parents do the work.

Saturday morning's trip to the park led us past 12 or so garage sales in the 5 blocks to the park. I kept wondering what Emery was thinking about these people putting all their stuff outside to show everyone. He, however, did not seem to notice. I was not thinking what all the Americans sitting with the stuff would be thinking about our normal little family on a walk to the park, but as luck and culture would have it, I did not have to wonder. Someone just said, in their out loud voice, "Oh, here comes the parade." Then I thought we should throw candy to them. No, wait; We have the kids, they should throw candy to us. Either way, no candy. But we did have fun times at the park and the parade continues mornings and evenings somewhere between Avenues B and D and 17th and 20th streets. If you see us, wave but don't throw anything.

A letter to read before we play

2009-07-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

As we begin to branch out from our immediate family and our own back yard, we ask that you would read this letter and be mindful of these things as we continue to adjust in the next weeks and months.

Dear Family & Friends,

If you can believe it, the time is finally here!! The precious children God has chosen for our family are home! We know that each of you receiving this letter has, in some way, supported, loved and prayed for us. Because we know you care for Emery and Abby and our family, we want to share with you some information that we hope will best equip everyone to assist us in laying the strongest and healthiest foundation - emotionally, physically and spiritually.

In many ways, Emery and Abby will be like all other children; we will parent like other Christian families as we bring our children up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord. But there will be a few, initial differences. For years now, we have researched bonding and attachment in children, especially those coming home through adoption from an institutional orphanage setting.

We are confident of this: God’s design is PERFECT! His plan for parents and children is a beautiful and meaningful picture of His love for us. Attachment between a parent and child occurs over time when a baby has a physical or emotional need and communicates that need. The primary caretaker (usually mommy) meets the need and soothes the child. This repeats between a parent and child over and over to create trust within the child for that parent; the baby is hungry, cries in distress, mom nurses & calms the baby - which teaches him that this person is safe and can be trusted. By God’s very design, an emotional foundation is laid in the tiniest of babies, which will affect their learning, conscience, growth and future relationships. The security provided by parents will, ultimately, give children a trust for and empathy towards others.

Children who come home through adoption have experienced interruptions in this typical attachment process. The loss of a biological mother and family can be a major trauma on their little hearts. The good news is that we now, as Emery and Abby’s parents and forever family, rebuild attachment and help them heal from these emotional wounds. As our children come home, they are overwhelmed. Everything around them is new and they will need to learn not just about their new environment, but also about love and family. Our children have not been in a family for over a year and even their first family was in crisis; not strong and stable. The children were hugged and loved by so many different people in the orphanage that they have become somewhat indiscriminate in their search for guidance and affection. The best way for us to form a parent/child bond is to be the ones to hold, snuggle, instruct, soothe and feed the children. As this repeats between us, they will be able to learn that we are their parents, their safe place and their primary love relationship. We are, essentially, recreating the newborn/parent connection. Once Emery and Abby start to establish this important bond, they will then be able to branch out and enjoy other, healthy relationships.

Emery and Abby will have, what may seem like, a lot of structure, boundaries and close proximity to us. Please know that these decisions are prayerfully and thoughtfully made choices based on immense amounts of research and instruction from trusted adoption mentors. We will be doing what we believe is best to help them heal from the interruptions in attachment as effectively as possible. Why are we telling you all of this? Because you will actually play an awesome and vital role in helping our children settle in, heal, and lay a foundation for the future. There are a few areas in which you can help us:

The first is to set physical boundaries. It will help us immensely if all adults limit what is typically considered normal, physical contact with Emery and Abby. This will (for a while) include things like holding, hugging and kissing. Children from orphanage settings are prone to attach too easily to anyone and everyone - which hinders the important, primary relationship with parents. Waving, pats on the back or high fives are perfectly appropriate and welcomed! Our children should know that the people with whom they interact are our trusted friends.

Another area is redirecting the children’s requests to have physical needs met or instruction given by anyone (including strangers) to having us meet their needs. The orphanage often had so many visitors and caretakers that the children looked to any adult to meet their needs and tell them what to do. A child struggling to learn to attach may exhibit indiscriminate affection with people outside of their family unit. It may appear harmless and as if they are “very friendly” but this is not best for them at this time. Please understand that we want nothing more than to have our children hugged, cuddled and cherished by ALL of you. But until they have a firm understanding of family and primary attachments, we would be so grateful if you direct them to us if you see that they are seeking out food, affection direction, or comfort.

We are incredibly blessed to have so many loved ones around us. We couldn’t ask for a better extended family & circle of friends for our precious children. Thank you so much for your love and support over the past many months. If you have any questions please feel free to ask at any time! We love to talk about our kids.

In Christ’s Love,
Joel and Gail

A Few Pictures

2009-07-24T11:37:00.001-07:00

No time for well thought out posts, just some pictures. (I know that is what you really want anyway.)

Home just in time for...

2009-07-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Emery!! Our big boy is four years old today. After a not so fun, but tolerated, trip to the doctor and much needed domi (sleep), we will celebrate the Bergstedt way. With ice cream!

I will try to post a well thought out overview of our trip and pictures of the kids and family after they are in bed (if I am still awake).
But for now:
1) It is going better than expected.
2) My mom is here to hep with every thing so we can cuddle kids and teach them to be a family (we could not do it without her help!).
3) All those hours of workshops, book reading and research were worth it.
4) God's faithfulness is seen in every moment of our days and nights!

Want a Sneak Peek?

2009-07-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Our plane arrives home in Billings on Saturday, July 18th at 12:40 p.m.!

Going To Haiti to Get Our Kids!

2009-07-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

We are off to Haiti to get our kids!! We are leaving today and will be home Saturday the 18th to unite our family of 6 under one roof!!!!

2009-07-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Don't know when, but

2009-07-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to see their little fingers and toes up close and in person!

Almost Time

2009-07-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

We are finished with immigrations and ready for our Visa appointment. The appointment was automatically scheduled (for Tues. the 7th). Normally this would be fine, but just recently there was a change for our organization and they are no longer doing the appointments for us. They are requiring the parents to be at the appointment in Haiti and stay until the visas are issued and picked up. We let them know that we would be able to be in Haiti as early as next Friday, the 10th, and they will decide when we come and how long we stay. We will wait to hear from them and then book our flights.

Waiting--Thanking--Trusting

2009-06-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

God's time is always perfect. We will wait with grateful hearts. Grateful that our children are safe and fed. Grateful that we are healthy and happy. Grateful that we are not facing tornadoes and floods. Grateful that we love each other and our marriage is strong.

We are praying for a few very specific things at this time. Already the Lord has provided 1/5 of our current financial needs. We are applying for a grant to help with the rest. Last weeks prayers were answered and this weeks requests are in His hands. Several children are coming home and we know ours will soon. In the mean time, Anna passed her swimming class with flying colors and Beth is loving summer and pretending to go the farm with her grandpa each day. The girls and I are going to visit my parents and brother's family for a few days. Great fun in the Flathead!

Happy Father's Day to my great Dad, to my wonderful father-in-law, and my amazing husband! You guys are the greatest gifts any mommy and little girls could have.

The Waiting Place

2009-06-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

We are waiting for June 26th when our USCIS birth parents interview will take place. After the interview, we will receive immigration approval and then a Visa appointment will be scheduled. Our children will have a medical exam and will attend their visa appointment. Then, once the visa is issued and printed, we will be notified that we can travel to get our kids.

One Year Ago

2009-05-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago today that we got a call and emailed pictures introducing us to the children that would one day be ours. Although they have not yet even entered our home, they are very much a part of our hearts lives and family. They have filled our thoughts and dreams and soon they will fill our beds. We are looking ahead to they day we are together as a family with longing and wonder. To hold and smell and hug them. To learn the sound of their voices and the pattern of their breathing. What will they love? What will make them laugh? Will they sleep in in the morning, or rise with the sun? Will they like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? What an exciting (and slightly terrifying) transition awaits.

It was also one year ago today that the Christian community held its breath and prayed as the news came of the loss of Steven Curtis Chapman's precious little daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today. God be near as their Abba Lord.

May God bless you as you celebrate today for all it's memories and hope for the future.

April Update

2009-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who have joined us in praying for joy and contentment for little Ronese. This month's report was so different from her winter reports. Keep praying! It is reported that she has gained nearly a pound and "smiles, waves or laugh in response to positive adult interaction. She is also showing interest in new and other activities. Initiates play with others. Wants to do favorite activities over and over again." We are so happy to hear this. It is so hard to wait when you know your child is always so sad.

Wiguerson's report was much the same. Smart, happy, polite and playful. We are very thrilled at the possibility of spending the summer playing together in Montana! Thank you for your prayers and support of our family. We will keep you posted on the progress.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today we got the news that we (our kids) have passports! The promise that some day, in the not so distant future we will race to the airport and get on the plane to go get our kids! Also, we traded our Subaru for a mini van today. A few more weeks, a few more steps and... Yea!

Wait

2009-05-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Everlasting God

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Happy Birthday Ronese

2009-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Oh precious little one, how we miss you today. Your first birthday was tragic for you and the beginning of a year of waiting. 365 days later you are still waiting and have no way to know it is getting closer. We are celebrating your growth, your survival and your strides. We wish so much that you could be with us. We would hold you and sing to you. We would even let you have icecream! Know that you are loved beyond measure. We are praying for Joy and Contentment in your heart. Jer. 29:11

Good bye MOI

2009-04-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Our papers were signed out of MOI on the 21st! We are now applying for passports and preparing for the American side of things. This quick turnaround in MOI has once again given us hope that we could have the kids home in time for a 4 year old birthday party for our little boy!!! Wouldn't that be fun to have a birthday party without pink frosting. Now it is time to face the car shopping reality and find a minivan for our 4 Little Monkeys and their carseats.

Purse Party

2009-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Haitiancreations.com We had a purse party last night and you can too. The Purses are beautiful! They are made in Haiti by Haitian women enrolled in a sewing school. They sell their purses and by the end of their schooling have the opportunity to buy a sewing machine to start their own business. It was so fun to look at all the bags and try them on. Everyone chose something different than I thought they would. It was so fun to see the bags, know a little about the ladies who made each one and the Banana Flambe was good too. If you are interested in ordering a purse or having a party, just click on the website and go for it!

MOI

2009-03-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yea! Our way-too-long-in-Second-Legal is over. I emailed our agency rep and happened to ask if she knew if we were in MOI yet. Yes! came the answer, March 19. Crazy that we celebrate starting another wait, but Second legal is where the adoption papers are signed and I am so happy to be out of that and into MOI!!! After MOI is passports, USCIS and Visas (approximately 12 weeks after MOI... I think). Also, this step comes with a whole ream of paper work for USCIS. I love adoption paper work.

Waiting Better

2009-03-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today I will share my heart and a part of my journey. You may not understand. That's ok. It is where I am, who I am, and what is on my mind.

In this life there is a delicate balance between "Let go and let God" and "pray without ceasing." I do not claim to have found that balance, but I know it is there and some days I get close. Having previously adopted we know about "the wait." What I knew about this wait before we began was that it would be humanly impossible for me. I knew there would be no way I could meet our kids, tell them good bye, and wait for the process to come to a slow and unpredictable culmination. I knew, after enduring the hardest waits ever, that once the kids are here and the family is together and doing life the wait would be a distant memory. But like child birth, the joy of the children never totally erases the recollection of the agony experienced getting them here. Also like child birth, the children do not come without the wait. Knowing this I agreed to this unimaginable wait clinging to the knowledge that God alone would help us through. I also enrolled in a Bible study on the book of Esther. I figured she not only survived, but honored God and saved her people from annihilation; there must surly be something I could learn from her.

I must say that in the beginning I was doing ok. That is, I had a good perspective and was pacing myself and bracing for he long haul. That is until we met the kids, left them in Haiti, and had a miracously short stay in Parquet. That is when the waiting got very diffucult. Someone once said: "A mother is only as happy as her saddest child." When we left Haiti we left our saddest child there without a mother to cling to. After 3 1/2 months of praying for very fast paper work so she could be home and I could take care of her, I changed my focus. I am asking Jesus to hold her close and give her joy and contentment. "Yet will I praise Him." I know that it is all in the fullness of His time; that he knows and loves our children more than we could know; that "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength" and if we wait on government offices and monthly updates our strength will be depleted. Still we wait and at night I now sleep.

The latest report says our children are doing well. In fact, Ronese was seen smiling at the other babies and is alowing the nannies to comfort and care for her. Oh, we are now 4 months in Second Legal (and counting), but I am sure MOI is just around the corner. We are so full of anticipation for "the Day!" But for today I wil enjoy this new picture. Hope you do too.

News

2009-03-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Our monthly reports state that the kids are doing great. Ronese has been seen smiling at other babies playing near her and Wiguerson is helping and sharing. Yea! Good job. We are all working on smiling more and sharing better. The report sates that their files are "in preparation for MOI." We think that means they are still in Second Legal, but are hoping that "in preparation" means someone is working on it.

'Stand by for news'

2009-02-28T22:45:00.000-08:00

Haiti's Carnival vacation is over and every one should be back to work for a normal month of March (before the big Easter break early in April). So, we will "stand by for news."

"The rest of the story". Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died Saturday in Arizona, according to ABC Radio Networks. He was 90.
I grew up listening to Paul Harvey's Noon News and Comment. Still try to catch it if I am in the car. I think I will miss that familiar voice.

Nine months since referral

2009-02-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Today marks 9 months since our referral. We went into this knowing that it would be "longer than the normal gestation period". But today seems significant anyway.

This weekend we celebrated adoption by attending 2 different fund raising chili dinners. They were so fun! (For all of Kristi's friends who want to know: Yes, cinnamon rolls were served with the chili.) One of the fund raisers was for a local lady who is adopting a little girl from Haiti! We were so excited to meet her and introduce ourselves. Her little girl is the same age as Wiguerson and hopes to be home this spring. We are already looking forward to playing together.

I know adoption is not for every one, but supporting adoption is and it was very encouraging to see both places packed with people who love and support adoptive families.

January Update Photos

2009-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Don't worry Mom and Dad. We are very happy here.

Happy Birthday Beth

2009-02-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

Beth turned two today! She is so fun. We had a great time celebrating last night and again today with her birth family. I LOVE open adoption! After her little party last night, the girls woke up this morning promptly at 6:46 just like every day. We heard Anna inform Beth that today is her birthday again. After a little conversation between sisters it was time to call in the parents to get her "out please". Her breakfast request was for an other cupcake "for my Happy Birthday". How could your deny such a cute little girl such a sweet request when spoken with a soft little whisper right in my ear followed by the most precious smile of the morning. I don't know, but I did. No more cupcakes. She loved every present and had enough hugs for everyone. "Happy, Happy to you" Beth Alexandra. We love you very much!

The Year of the Ox

2009-02-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

Talk about more kids and more fun, last night was the celebration of Chinese New Year with other families who have adopted from China. There were around 50 children and their families gathered to celebrate and play together. This was Anna's glory hour. She played and loved being with her summer play group friends again. Beth was impressed with all the "Annas" and wanted a turn on the stage for the talent show. We had great food and great fun.

More Kids - More Fun

2009-01-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

Anna and Beth think every one either has or is getting a new baby. They do not care if you are not pregnant because you could just "get more kids for your family." Last week Anna asked the lady at the fabric store if she had any kids at her house. "No, my kids are all grown." Anna just looked at her and said, "Well, when are you going to get some more?" She laughed (sort of). Anna lives with a basic belief that she states simply, "More kids, more fun!"

Although we have not heard that our adoption papers have been signed, we decided to tell the girls about it because EVERYONE knows and asks. Anna was very excited. She knew that her friend and his baby sister lived in the orphanage and when we told her they needed a family she asked repeatedly in rapid fire succession if we could be their family. We told her that we asked "Haiti" and they said yes but it will take a long time to do all the paper work. She then moved right to wanting to know if she could go on the air plane to get them. Sorry, but no. The next issue was where would they sleep and could the babies sleep by each other and me and my friend could sleep by each other so I could look at him at night and check on him. Yes, that would be great. Two weeks later, "Mommy, when can we get some more kids in our family?" Me: "Remember we talked about the 'Haiti kids'?" Anna: "Yea, but you said that will take a long time until I am almost 6. We should get some more kids first, before they come." Maybe she is just social, or maybe it was her first year in the orphanage, but she really believes that more kids are more fun. I hope this great desire for siblings lasts through the teen years.

Oh, we did tell her the kids names. She has been calling them “my friend and his baby” or “the Haiti kids” because we did not want to confuse the issue with different names and were not ready to go public with their new names until we exited IBESR and visited them. (We had Beth in our house for eight days before we knew we were adopting her and the name change was difficult for Anna and Beth still gets called “Baby” by all of us a lot.) Anna knows their Haitian names and uses their new names. She understands because she knows her Chinese name. In case you missed the names in a previous post, they are Emery and Abby. Beth thinks they are at our friend's house. Every time we go there she asks, "Where Abby?" We tell her she is in Haiti and she just says "Oh." I often wonder what goes on in her little head. :)

Babies Babies and 2 More Babies

2009-01-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

What a fun week of visiting all the new babies around here. Welcome to the world Jax, Luke, Hope, and yesterday twin girls! Congratulations girl friends!
I am praying for you and your families. Screen your calls, take a nap whenever you can and don't be afraid to serve pancakes or cereal for dinner.
Love you all.

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

2009-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Register online now for the
Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit V

April 30 and May 1, 2009
at Irving Bible Church
in Dallas, Texas.

Summit V is an opportunity to worship God by learning about how He is caring for orphans around the world through His people... and how YOU can join Him.

Detailed breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities have been designed to equip the lay person, the church pastor & the orphan care worker with tangible steps they can take to love the orphan in their home, in their church, and through trusted organizations.

Don't miss our keynote speakers including Dr Tony Evans,
Dennis Rainey, Russell Moore and Rob Mitchell.

Hosted by Irving Bible Church: a Christian Alliance for Orphans Member

Mini Vans

2009-01-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Ok all you mini van drivers out there: we need advice, opinions and words of wisdom. We currently own a Subaru Forester. We love our car and also know there is no way around the mini van with four kids all in car seats. We bought our car in May of '05 intending to drive it for 7-10 years. We get good gas millage, free oil changes and love the 4 wheel drive. Our Subaru has 71,000 miles, new breaks and newish tires.
I know nothing about mini vans. Can you drive them 200,000-300,000 miles like the Subaru? With 4 car seats is it important to have bucket seats in the middle, or can you crawl around that short bench? Do vans have 4 wheel drive? Are all vans crated equal or do some rise to the top? Do they come with that little soccer ball decal or do you get that later? What do you think?

November 22 update

2008-12-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

'Wiguerson's file is out of IBESR and Parquet. His adoption decree is in preparation.'

I thought this was such an encouraging way to say that we are in Second Legalization. It sounds like everything is progressing and on schedule. Really, Haiti is on holiday until January 7, and nothing is happening at all. But it still sounds encouraging and these cute little pictures help too.

Happy New Year!

Anna Playing School

2008-12-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Anna is fascinated with school. She asks what the kids are doing there all day and talks about it with her friends. My mom is a teacher and Joel and I are both former teachers. She spent much of her life on the college campus with us and loves Sunday school, so she has been to lots of schools and thinks they are great. Yesterday she wanted to build a school out of blocks with a BIG lunch room and a real slide and swing. Then she brought the kids to school on the bus, took them to lunch and recess in a line, each took their turns on the slide and went back inside to their desks. The teacher stood on a little platform and preached to the kids. (She also thinks the professors at our University "preach" to the students.) Then it was picture day and each kid got an individual and group picture with a real camera, then home on the bus. She had blast.

-22 degrees

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

I never thought there could be a day when I was glad we were not bringing our kids home now, but today is that day. I was born and raised in Montana. I have lived on the Eastern side of the state for a long time. I have had lots of below 0 days in my life and I am cold! I am wearing P.J's under my sweats and 2 sweat shirts and I think it is cold. I can not tell you how badly I would feel if little Abby and Emery had to come from the tropical winter temperature of 89 degrees to our "cold spell". I do not think today would be a good day to come home. However, the weather will change in a week or so and that would be perfect. I guess for now we will just wait to get out of second legal and be very thankful that they are warm today. (I do however think an extended stay in Florida to wait out the cold would be a good option if we could be together. But alas, ...)

Potty Press News

2008-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

So the first day started with no one getting enough sleep and lots of crabbiness (mommy too). After a long morning nap with a diaper, we were much more successful in the afternoon. By Thursday afternoon we ventured out and had success with dry pants and pottying in a public rest room. I know some of you are grossed out by public rest rooms, but Anna's necessity has cured us of that. We just wash well and do the best we can. I would not say she is a pro yet, but we had an all morning outing including a 45 minute nap in the car and lots of fun to be had and dry all the way.

Beth's Big Day

2008-12-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day for potty training for Beth. She is 22 months and 2 days. She has a new package of 6 pairs of panties like her sisters, a box of Bunny Grahams, a borrowed "potty bear",' enough watered down juice to make a grown adult frequent the bathroom and a ring for the toilet so she wont fall in. I am armed with "Potty Training in Day", a chair for the bathroom, a stack of magazines i do not care if I read and the knowege that by 10:30 or 11:00 a.m. I will not care if she is still wearing diapers to Kindergarten. I have done this once before and remember thininking that I hate the bathroom and even soft carpent and toddler music does not make it fun. I also remember that no matter how long the day was, it was better than changing diapers for ever and that little tiny panties are cute and that girls love to wear them. So with this in mind, and plenty of diet Coke in the refrigerator, I am ready for the challenge ahead. I will let you know tomorrow how it all turns out. :}

Papers on the Move

2008-11-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

I know so many of you are praying with us for God's speed in our adoption process. Thank you. We have indeed been blessed again with a very short stay in Parquet (court). We are on our way to Second Legalization were the adoption documents will be signed. We know that this process is unpredictable, but we trust the Lord with each step and know that he already knows how it will go and loves our kids more than we ever could. So today we celebrate another step closer and ask you to continue praying with us for the paper work, the kids, and the people of Haiti.

We are really looking forward to MOI when we can begin to talk to Anna and Beth about it, but for now: shh.

When I Grow Up

2008-11-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

When I grow up I want to be just like Phyllis Fischer. She was the daughter and niece of the two "little old ladies" in our church when I was growing up. They lived with her and she cared for them. Of course as a kid I thought they were all "old", but sweet as pie. I saw Phyllis the other week and she looks awesome! She will soon be 80 years old and is just the same now as she was 20 years ago. She was, until this week, still the full time care giver of her just turned 106 year old mother. I want to be 80 and be caring for others. I want to be 80 and look this good. I want to be 80 and be this kind and loving. I want to be 80 and have this kind of smile that comes from deep within: to have weathered the trials of life and survived the heart aches only to proclaim that God is faithful and good. I want to be like Phyllis Fischer when I grow up!

We are Home!

2008-11-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Our experience in Haiti was great! The kids are all so healthy and Happy. It was plenty hot during the day but cooled off at night. We were able to file our paper at the embassy quickly and got to see the transition house where the kids go first before entering the orphanage. We asked Gina all the questions we could think of and got to see much of Port a Prince.

We had so many answered prayers and miracles that I can not tell you on this blog, but email and I will give you all the details. Ronese does not like her picture taken and did not really want her routine interrupted. She is very little, but healthy and strong. Wiguerson is a wonderful, gentle and caring big brother. He has the greatest smile (unless there is no one behind the camera... as in the first picture). He knows the names of all the animals and liked to read books with us. He talked a lot and loved to show every thing to his friends. He wanted to be with Joel every second and loved just being with him.

There is something unexplainable about spending 3 days with your children and then telling them you have to leave and will come again "someday". Kind of like Jesus in John 14.

The Box Drive Arives

2008-10-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

After three hurricanes and MONTHS of trying, we are pleased to announce that the Box Drive is in the hands of the Creche and being consumed by our children!!!

The final count of supplies that arrived on October 21, 2008 were:

KIRKLAND/ENFAMIL FORMULA = 646 CANS
VEGETABLE CANS = 261 CANS
FRUIT CANS = 341 CANS
PEANUT BUTTER = 281 JARS
TUNA FISH = 409 CANS
BEANS = 147 BAGS
RICE = 143 BAGS

A huge thanks to all on the October Group Trip who helped with the endless loading and unloading of these containers on the way to Haiti and when arriving in Haiti. It was a MONUMENTAL TASK getting them to Haiti!

The kids were genuinely excited!

THANK YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING AND FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!

200 pounds of donations

2008-10-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering what 200 pounds of donations would look like. Here it is:
33 pairs of PJ's
25 bottles of medicine
30 boxes of Mac and cheese
24 boxes of crayons
5 huge bottles of vitamins
6 packages of pads for the nannies
76 cans of Pediasure
75 cans of formula
6 glue sticks
2 printer toners
1 Chutes and Ladders game
diaper pins
a few other things

Adoption and Bonding Workshop

2008-10-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

There is a 2 day workshop being offered for adoptive families in Kalispell on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. It is cheep, continuing ed. units are available, and i have talked to other people who have taken classes from the presenters and they said it is worth it. If you are interested in attending you can get the brochure and registration form from

Andee Dunick

Training Coordinator

Intermountain

406.422.7529
andeed@intermountain.org
or I can email it to you.

Anna is Five

2008-10-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

It has been 2 days of Birthday bliss complete with a Sears Portrait photo shoot in her beautiful pink princes dress, ice cream sundaes with Papa who shares her birthday, and a very fun party with 11 kids at the Women and children's shelter. So much fun was had that everyone is in bed by 8:00 tonight.

We have a little snow!

2008-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

In Haiti it is 88 degrees, feels like 103. Here 31 and still snowing.

WE ARE IN IBESR!

2008-10-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

We got Wiguerson's September report and the last line at the bottom of page 4 said, *Wiguerson's file is in IBESR.*

We did not get Ronese's report, but assume that we go in as a family. Other good news, *He starts to approach his sister, he is aware that Ronese is his sister.* This is the first report of them spending any time together. We believe they should be together as much as possible and are so grateful for this progress!

Collecting Donations to Take to the Kids

2008-10-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be going to Haiti! We will be taking 200 pounds of donations to the orphanage. So far we have a few cans of baby formula, 30 pairs of new P.J.'s 24 boxes of crayons, glue sticks, and ink toner (we did not want our paper work delayed because the printer was out of ink).

We will be gathering supplies until the 4th of November. Here is a list of items still needed:

Updated: October 3, 2008

Food
Beef Jerky Large Bags 10
Soy Sauce Bottles 10
Kraft Mac and Cheese Boxes 30
Rice Vinegar Bottles 10
Powdered Milk Boxes 5
Cream of Celery Soup Cans 30
Crackers Boxes 10
Tang Juice Mix Cans 10
Egg Powder Bags 5
BBQ Sauce Jars 10

Formula & Milk
Enfamil Enfacare Small Can 30
Enfamil ProSobee Small Can 15
Enfamil Lactose Free Small Can 15

Pediasure Individual Bottles 60
Pedialyte Large Bottles 10

Cleaning Materials
Baby Wash Large Bottle 5
Selson Blue/Nizoral Shampoo 8
Hand Sanitizer Bottles 10
Q-Tips Boxes 10
Baby Wipes Packages 10
Baby Oil Bottles 10
Industrial Size Garbage Bags 5
Shampoo Bottles 10

Office Supplies
8.5 x 14 paper Reams 2
8.5 x 11 paper Reams 4
Liquid Corrector Individual 5

School Supplies
Finger Paints Sets 10
Old Maid Card Game 2
Chutes and Ladders Game 1
Dot to Dot Books 10

Medicine Cabinet
Acetaminophen Infant Drops Large Size 5
Ibuprofen Infants Large Size 5
Ibuprofen Children Large Size 5
Acetaminophen Children Large Size 5
Children's Multivitamins Large Bottles 5
Baby Oragel Tubes 5
Children's Cold Medicine Bottles 10
Children's Liquid Allergy Bottles 10

Special items:
Energy Efficient Box Fans http://www.amazon.com/Lasko-3733-20-Inch-3-Speed-Box/dp/B00002ND67/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1211866072&sr=8-1
Individual Fans 2
Outlet Covers for Electrical Outlets 60
New Boys Short Sleeved Collared Shirts Size 5 and 6 - 10
Aunite House Lip Gloss Individual Gloss 10
Aunite House Condition Bottles 10
Auntie House Maxi Pads Boxes 5

September Pictures

2008-10-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

We got the kids' September update pictures. We did not get any reports, but that is OK with me because I do not want another report that says they are still not in IBESR.
It looks like Ronese is standing by herself. Also, check out our boy's hair line. He really does look like a Bergstedt/Adams. I searched and searched for appropriate pictures of our dads and brothers so we could have a "name that head" contest, but could not find what I wanted and did not want to offend anyone. I am sure no one would take offense as I also have the same hair line if the wind blows my bangs the wrong direction. :)

Still Not in IBESR

2008-09-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

We did get our August updates on the kids. Ronese has taken her first step! Wiguerson is active and loves to play with his mates. Good thing, because we have one here who is also active and always looking for a mate to play with.

We have been matched for four months and the kids have been in the orphanage for five. We are still waiting to get to the first step. We had hoped that because we meet all the country's qualifications (at least 35, married 10 or more years and no biological children) and because our dossier has been there a while and our children are biological siblings, that we would be one of the "easy" and "faster" families. It does not look like that is the case at all. We were not "in" before the storms so I think we are experiencing a "rain delay" and hoping to be out on the field soon! (That was my one sports reference for the year. Just thinking of you, Kyle.)

Pray for sunshine.

Four years ago...

2008-09-21T12:48:00.001-07:00

She was the smallest, the cutest and the funniest baby in our group in China.

She is still all that and so much more! We are so glad God made us a family. We love you Anna Kathryn.

Still Flooded

2008-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

As I have searched for pictures and information on the flooding in Haiti I have been learning some important lessons about "temporal" and "eternal". It is hard to find up to the minute info about the state of the country or its people, but i have been piecing together information and my world view is expanding. First, as we watched the new coverage of the devastation in Texas, it was beyond any small inconvenience or suffering i have experienced in my sheltered Montana life. But, as the woman shared how grateful she was for the large box of food and water she had been given after having gone one whole day with out food, i tried to comprehend what it is like in Haiti. There they have not had sufficient food or water for months/years and now no hope of a redcross box; just a new day to start figuring out what is next.

One of the ways I have been trying to learn what it is like in Haiti is to read the blogs of those who are there. This is one of my favorites. If you can have "blog friends" (people you care about and pray for that do not even know you are on this planet with them), these people are some of my closest "friends". They have taught me so much and I admire their courage and pray for them. This is what they had to say a day or s ago about the flooding in their part of Haiti.

*It amazes me as I walked down the river bed to the our old school in Raymond, how strong, resilient, and beautiful the Haitian people are. A stream, that used to be about 10 feet wide a year ago...is now a river that is closer to 80 feet in some areas. I remember driving down the road and there being huge trees, banana trees, corn, plantain trees...everywhere. Raymond area wasn't some desolate tree stripped area...it was a green valley with life. Now it's slowly turning into a huge river bed of rocks. As Danny and I walked, I could remember homes of our students everywhere. They have all been washed away some with bits of foundation left and other not even the ground is there any more. But the thing that amazes me is that people would still come out and greet us with smiles and hope. Most of these people are in two catorgories: 1)Their home was swept down the river and they can't even rebuild because there land is a river bed. 2) Another storm comes, their home can be next.*

Why is this kind of home better in Haiti? Because nothing is permanent. Why do I feel bad for a family raising 6 kids in a house like this in Haiti? Because I only know what I have lived and I like my bed and the "play room" in the basement and... that brings me back to the lesson about the temporal and the eternal. "Oh dear Jesus speak to me!"

Distraction

2008-09-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to do something productive and time efficient, I am learning to do my scrapbooking on the computer. Although it has some great applications i do not find it nearly as therapeutic as real scissors and paper. So, there is no real hope of replacing the tubs of supplies and a big mess on the craft table with a neat little lap top.
(Shift + click on pictures to enlarge them.)

Some aid is on the Way

2008-09-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here is part of a Washington Post article:

The latest storm, Ike, killed at least 61 people on Sunday, including more than a dozen children swept away in the town of Cabaret, north of the capital of Port-au-Prince. But the greatest misery was in the northern city of Gonaives, which has been repeatedly flooded, leaving its residents without food or clean water for days. On Sunday, the last bridge to the city collapsed, preventing the delivery of supplies. Though water levels reportedly receded somewhat yesterday, runoff was still pouring toward the city from the country's deforested mountains. "After 25 years spent working in Haiti, and having grown up in Florida, I can honestly say that I have never seen anything as painful as what I just witnessed in Gonaives," reported the public health activist Paul Farmer, "except in that very same city, four years ago." Disaster has become chronic in Gonaives: in 2004 some 2,000 died in mudslides following a tropical storm.The latest storm, Ike, killed at least 61 people on Sunday, including more than a dozen children swept away in the town of Cabaret, north of the capital of Port-au-Prince. But the greatest misery was in the northern city of Gonaives, which has been repeatedly flooded, leaving its residents without food or clean water for days. On Sunday, the last bridge to the city collapsed, preventing the delivery of supplies. Though water levels reportedly receded somewhat yesterday, runoff was still pouring toward the city from the country's deforested mountains. "After 25 years spent working in Haiti, and having grown up in Florida, I can honestly say that I have never seen anything as painful as what I just witnessed in Gonaives," reported the public health activist Paul Farmer, "except in that very same city, four years ago." Disaster has become chronic in Gonaives: in 2004 some 2,000 died in mudslides following a tropical storm.

The U.S. Navy dispatched an amphibious ship to Haiti, where it arrived yesterday with a badly needed complement of helicopters that can carry aid to Gonaives and other flooded areas. The U.S. Agency for International Development also pledged $7 million in relief, and Venezuela said it was sending 20 tons of aid. But Haitians will need considerably more help to recover: not just emergency supplies of food and medicine but help in reconstructing homes and in carrying out public works projects that could prevent such flooding in the future. The Red Cross, Oxfam and Direct Relief International are among the private humanitarian groups working to provide relief in Haiti; Partners in Health sponsors a community health-care network. They need help. As President René Préval told the Miami Herald, "this is Katrina in the entire country but without the means that Louisiana had."

We continue to pray for all of the people in Haiti as we can not even comprehend the disaster and desperation the storms have caused. Additionally, we are concerned for the biological family of our children as they are from a coastal city north of Port-au-Prince (the red star).

Flooding in Lamardelle

2008-09-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Worried Parents and Agency Representatives:

We received news from Gina today that there has been heavy flooding in Lamardelle (the village where the CEJ orphanage is). Attached you will see pictures Gina sent along. One shows how washed out the road is. In another picture you can see how the water levels on the sides of the roads where people can sometimes be seen washing their clothes or bathing are completely flooded also. Finally, there is a picture of the water outside the metal gate at the orphanage, the actual compound is not as flooded, or at least does not appear so.

Here is some of what Gina wrote: “The white river since Tuesday night has flood the village. Access is impossible via vehicle only can get through with donkey. Lucien has been able to get some food and supplies to the crèche via donkey. The children are safe but stuck inside the compound. The village people are without food and drinking water.”

The Duncans, including Mommy and the staff at FEJ have been distributing relief packages to the village as they have been able, but certainly the need in Haiti is only increasing with these storms.

Please know that thanks to the many donations of many of you and a lot of your efforts (and those of April), the creche has many supplies already in storage there, primarily in the way of food, medication, and urgent supplies. Please know that the Duncans will always do everything they can to make sure the children’s safety is maintained. As you have read, they have used donkeys as a means of transportation this week as needed. This only goes to show how much life in Haiti is impacted by things that don’t affect most of our lives in the US nearly as much.

Along with the children that are constantly in our minds, hearts and prayers, please keep the village of Lamardelle, the creche staff, and the Duncans there too. We know how eager each of you is to bring your respective children home, and how long the process is even when there are no “acts or disasters of nature” to worry about. Unfortunately, this hurricane season has slowed things down further for obvious reasons. We are hopeful that things will subside soon in Haiti and that we will be providing you with news of progress and good health.

On the Home Front

2008-09-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

The girls are busy and loud and tons of fun. Beth is talking lots and holding her own. Anna has started "home school Kindergarten." Not because we are homeschooling, but I needed a better way to "teach me something" than my spur of the moment creativity was providing.

Today I was asking her if she remembered what CD a particular song was on. She said, "I think it's on "This is My Father's World.'" I thought out loud, "hmm, I don't think so because that CD is all hymns." Her instant reply, "and we need hers?"

I think I am figuring out our communication gap. I do not enunciate vowels well and she does not hear consonants well. Thus the constant "what you say'n ta' me?" for all of her third year of life.

Where is the aid from the global community?

2008-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Gustav is gone, Hanna has hit and more storms to come. The children in our orphanage are safe, but the rest of Haiti is in need of help. Why did I find this on BBC and not the nightly news? I have heard it said, "Only God can save Haiti." It seem that no one else wants to try.

Donation List for November

2008-08-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

We just received the list of things we will be helping to gather for our trip to Haiti in November. We are very excited to meet the children and to fill our bags with things that can not be purchased in Haiti.

For those of you who wanted to see the list, I have posted it here, or you can find it at http://chances4childrendonations.blogspot.com/ along with a cute picture of one of the children waiting to come home.

November 2008 Trip - Remaining Items

Please email me directly or leave a comment if you wish to purchase any of these items as a donation to the children. The items will be packed in the luggage of the adoptive families and hand delivered to Haiti. We will be taking four 50 pound bags of supplies to the kids when we go.

If you wish to make a cash donation to support the purchase of any of these items, please email aprilrconnors@gmail.com and she will provide you with directions on where to send your donation for your tax deductible receipt.

Food
Beef Jerky Large Bags 10
Soy Sauce Bottles 10
Kraft Mac and Cheese Boxes 30
Rice Vinegar Bottles 10
Powdered Milk Boxes 5
Cream of Celery Soup Cans 30
Crackers Boxes 10
Tang Juice Mix Cans 10
Egg Powder Bags 5
BBQ Sauce Jars 10

Formula & Milk
Enfamil Enfacare Small Can 30
Enfamil ProSobee Small Can 15
Enfamil Lactose Free Small Can 15

Pediasure Individual Bottles 60
Pedialyte Large Bottles 10

Cleaning Materials
Baby Wash Large Bottle 5
Selson Blue/Nizoral Shampoo 8
Hand Sanitizer Bottles 10
Q-Tips Boxes 10
Baby Wipes Packages 10
Baby Oil Bottles 10
Industrial Size Garbage Bags 5
Shampoo Bottles 10

Office Supplies
8.5 x 14 paper Reams 2
8.5 x 11 paper Reams 4
HP Laser Jet Cartridge Q2612 HP 12A Toner Individual 5
Glue Stick Individual 5
Liquid Corrector Individual 5

School Supplies
Finger Paints Sets 10
Color Crayons Sets 24
Old Maid Card Game 2
Chutes and Ladders Game 1
Dot to Dot Books 10

Medicine Cabinet
Acetaminophen Infant Drops Large Size 5
Ibuprofen Infants Large Size 5
Ibuprofen Children Large Size 5
Acetaminophen Children Large Size 5
Children's Multivitamins Large Bottles 10
Baby Oragel Tubes 5
Children's Cold Medicine Bottles 10
Children's Liquid Allergy Bottles 10

Special items
Diaper Pins Sets 5
Energy Efficient Box Fans http://www.amazon.com/Lasko-3733-20-Inch-3-Speed-Box/dp/B00002ND67/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1211866072&sr=8-1
Individual Fans 2
Outlet Covers for Electrical Outlets 60
New Girls PJs 4T Short Sets 10
New Boys PJs size 2T/3T Short Sets 10
New Boys Short Sleeved Collared Shirts Size 5 and 6 - 10
Aunite House Lip Gloss Individual Gloss 10
Aunite House Condition Bottles 10
Auntie House Maxi Pads Boxes 5

Wednesday of the storm

2008-08-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY UPDATE

The rain is still pretty strong, but everyone is well and just waiting the storm out. Things at the creche are stable and the kids are doing fine. It is hopeful that things will be back to normal tomorrow.

Hurricane Gustave

2008-08-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Gustave is in route to Haiti and other surprise destinations in the gulf. In preparation for the storm, the orphanage was stocked with provisions like clean water, food, candles, etc. Though scary, hurricane season is a reality in Haiti, and they’ve been through this once or twice before. Gustav hasn't technically "hit" yet, but they have been experiencing strong winds and heavy rain since yesterday.

Also, the August trip to the creche was canceled due to the hurricane. But not before the parents were already in Florida. I know that there were families on that trip that were going to meet their children for the first time. How frustrating it must be to get so close and be sent home without even a moment with your child. We will be praying for those parents as well.. We know the children are as safe as they can be and the staff is working hard to keep their lives as normal and free of worry as they can.

Also on that flight that was canceled, were the 86 tubs of food from the food box drive. We are excited to have received such a great outpouring of formula and rice etc. Now we will pray for its safe arrival after the storm.

July Updates

2008-08-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

This report was prepared on July 27th.

Wiguerson has grown one cm and 6 ounces. They said he loves playing with his friends and he behaves a lot better at school. He follows the teacher attentively and as a result his speech skills are developing well by repeating every single thing like the colors, animals, fruits and vegetables.

Ronese has gained 3 lbs 4 oz. She can stand by herself for 5-10 seconds and is able to walk with a walker, but does not do it very long. They report, "She is gay, she has good balance of the head and the trunk, but she does not have good balance when she tries to stand up. She presents a handicap in her right leg, her legs are not tied." She is getting therapeutic exercises for her legs with goals for standing alone in 4 weeks and walking alone in 4 months. I have noticed similar things with other children there and one of the parents is a pediatric physical therapist so they have received some training and they have little walkers for the kids to use. Beth and Anna had a push and ride toy instead of a real walker.

We are excited to go visit and check on them ourselves. November seems so far away, but I know it will come faster that we imagine.

The slap occurred in the bathroom...

2008-08-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Because there is nothing to report with our adoption and this story reminds me of a low budget movie, I decided to give it one more post. The good news is the drama has not stopped paperwork and files are still exiting Parquet. Here's the Miami Harold's take on the story.

Self control is an international problem.

2008-08-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what this will mean for those who's paper work is in Parquet (hopeful it will mean a new and faster person). I just thought the slapping part was funny and wanted to share. So, if you do not follow the Child's Voice blog yourself, you can read the entry here:

Monday, August 11, 2008

Parquet News, Mr. Gassant has been fired by Preval

Hello, I am posting for Vera because she doesn't have an internet connection.

Claudy Gassant (the man in charge of adoptions at Parquet) was fired today by President Preval. Here's what happened: Mr. Gassant had an argument with the Petionville's Chief of Police and ended up slapping the Chief of Police. As you can imagine, slapping the Chief of Police doesn't go over well. As a result President Preval called Mr. Gassant into his office and fired him and the Chief of Police is taking Mr. Gassant to court.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Yep, We Have Cute Kids!

2008-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! I almost did not recognize our boy without his signature yellow shirt. ;)

Greetings from Haiti

2008-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Some of the parents just returned from Haiti. Here is our info from one of the moms:

Ronese and Wiguerson: They seem to be adjusting so well. Wiguerson likes to dance! He is super cute and seems to be molding in with the kids. He smiles a lot! Ronese is a pretty little girl....I am sorry she didn’t like the camera very well.... Wiguerson loved getting his photo pages and was very proud of them. The Auntie in the photo happens to be my favorite and is in his room. Her name is Nicole. We love her so much that our daughter will have her middle name.

Follow Up on "Nightline" about buying children

2008-08-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the post from "A Child's Voice International" regarding the effect of the Nightline program from a few weeks ago.

Parquet Meeting:
I am not sure if the main reason that Parquet had a meeting with orphanage directors last week was soley because of the Nightline News Report that the reporter did on "buying children" (remember from a few weeks ago?)...but that seems to have been at least one reason as to why Parquet officials (Gassant) had announced that no more adoptions were going to be processed.

However, during this meeting, it was determined that the reporter could not have been able to take a child out of the country, especially to the United States, and that calmed things down a bit.

Realistically, what would have probably happened to the reporter if he had actually obtained the child, he would have most likely been arrested by the police men who were supposedly corrupt. They would have collected any bribe money and then would have arrested the person trying to leave with the child...because that is how it works in Haiti. :-)

Adoptions are going to be continued to be processed throughout the summer.

UNICEF & IBESR Meeting:
Also, UNICEF had another meeting with IBESR officals with some orphanage representatives present. As usual, UNICEF was expressing its concerns about women selling their babies to orphanages for adoptions.

(Remember, in December 2007, I had a meeting with UNICEF where the gentleman that I met with said the same thing, told me that he had proof about this happening, but never produced it.)

Well, one of my friends who is an orphanage director asked UNICEF that if they are so sure that is happening and know of where and when it has happened, then why have the UNICEF officials not called the police, reported the incident and have the persons arrested. Wouldn't that make UNICEF an accessory to a crime? Hmmm....

What UNICEF does not seem to understand is that most children adopted in Haiti to international families are not babies. There are so many children in need of families, including babies, that there is no need to pay for a child. But, UNICEF does not seem to understand that. So, the "urban legend" of the child buying continues.

Tour of Haiti

2008-08-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting tour of Haiti with beautiful pictures. Learn more and see the country from home. Then, let us know what you think.

Happy Birthday Wiguerson!

2008-07-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

3 years old!

What fun it will be to celebrate boy birthdays at our house. For this year the card we sent with Anna's sticker decoration and personal signature will have to say it for us, but next year.... !

Happy Birthday little guy! We love you. We will travel in November to sign papers and give as many hugs and pushes on the swings as any two kids could want!

June Update

2008-07-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

We received our first updates this week.

Wiguerson is weighing in at 29 pounds and is 87 cm tall (about 35 inches).

He has good appetite, his sleep is perfect. he is very awake and happy. He has completely adjusted with everybody at the crèche; he takes part very well with any kinds of activities that take place in his room. He starts school this month, he is very happy to be in the preschool room in order to learn and have fun with his schoolmates. He tries to repeat everything and sing the preschool songs as well. He is very active. (hmm this little sentence reminds me of Anna's little report from China.)

He is a very good child and adapts with people easily but sometimes when he plays with his friends he does not want to stop. (Also sounds like Anna. "Mommy, we should have more kids in our family. More kids -- More fun!" Probably explains the "perfect sleep".)

Ronese is now weighing 13 lbs 12 oz. She is 65 cm long (about 25 1/2 inches)!

Her eating is ok, she has good sleep and she is often solemn. She has started to adapt with the children, she plays and smiles with them. She is reserved.

We are so happy with her growth and know that as she begins to feel safe and loved she will continue to grow and adapt. We value so much the food donations that are carried to the children each month. Thank you to every one who gives so our children's nutritional needs can be met.

Something We Can All Do To Help

2008-07-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

We have all been wondering what will happen if it becomes unsafe to travel to Haiti. The parent visits with 100 pounds each of food for the children could not travel. The answer is to stalk the pantry with the formula and essentials to carry the kids through. The question is how to get extra when we are already taking what is needed. Here is the answer! A gift of free shipping.

We have been offered the most generous opportunity from the Soles United program. Soles United is the first-of-its-kind recycled footwear donation program. When people give their worn-out crocs^tm shoes to be recycled, they are turned into new shoes and donated to people in need around the world. http://www.solesunited.com/

Their next stop…YOU GUESSED IT…Haiti…where they will be delivering 10,000 pairs of shoes that will be distributed throughout Haiti by Melky Jean to YéleHaiti, Wyclef's foundation. http://www.yele.org/

Soles United contacted the airlines and confirmed with C4C that they have room for 2500 pounds of food to be sent to our children at the creche on this trip. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! What a great opportunity!

Anyone can participate. Here's how it works:

1. Follow the link to the Chances for Children Donation Blog
http://chances4childrendonations.blogspot.com/
2. Click on the flier to make full size
3. Fill and mail your box before July 18, 2008
4. Email me if you are committed to a box, we are keeping track of our goal of a minimum of 200 boxes
If you have time to help with this project it would make a difference!!!

Pictures!

2008-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

It was so good to see pictures of the kids.

This bright yellow shirt made it easy to find our boy in all of the pictures. :)

A huge thank you to the moms who took these pictures!

This wide-mouthed holler makes me think he will be able to hold his own with his big sister.

News From a Traveling Mom

2008-06-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

"Your babies are sooo cute!!! Wiguerson is going to be a dancing king. I have video and photos of him bustin' his moves!!! Ronese is a sweet quiet baby but she smiles a lot. Ok we are going to eat but I wanted you to know I have spent time with your kids and they are wonderful!!!"

We were so excited and relieved to get this email! We have been praying for their little hearts to be filled with joy.

No New News Yet

2008-06-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

There is a group of parents leaving for Haiti on Friday. They are going to visit their kids and sign some paper work. We are anticipating that our turn for this type of trip will be in the fall sometime. Each person that goes to the orphanage takes two 5o pound suitcases filled with formula and other essential food and supplies that are unavailable to our children in Haiti. This is all part of the donation program set up to provide the best possible care for our kids. Other orphanages that do not have this support have to give the kids flour paste to fill their little tummies. I am so grateful for the nutrition our kids are receiving. We are gathering formula for our turn already. This effort is organized and maintained by one of the moms and the link to the site is at the right.

We have not received any updates on our kids yet, but hopefully the visiting families will be able to bring back a little information or maybe a picture or two if the kids are in the main orphanage. When the children first come, they are brought to a transition house to be cared for. They make sure they are not sick and do not have any parasites that could be shared with the other children. Because of the lack of clean drinking water nearly all of the children in Haiti have some type of parasite and skin rashes etc. are also common. With 70 children living together it is important for each child to be healthy.

Keep praying for our kid's transition and for their little hearts to know the Father's love.

Easier Than You Think

2008-06-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

While at the zoo today, I met this nice mom and we visited while our kids played on the slide. (I know, we went to see the new Russian Bear and the Tiger, but the slide is still the last stop before going home.) She said having 4 kids is easier than 2 and having them close in age is so helpful because they really like to play together. She assured me that "It will be easier than you think, there is a little more laundry and food, and picking up. But really, it won't be hard." I had to think she must know a little of what she was talking about. Her oldest is eight and her baby is 12 months, the other 5 are somewhere in between. All seven kids were so cute and fun and well behaved. She was dressed, showered, had packed a full picnic with all the food groups and had even remembered a comfy lawn chair for herself. I was impressed! She assured me that five year olds are very helpful (something we do not see a lot of at 4 yrs old.) and are so proud of their siblings. She recommended grocery shopping at night while the kids are in bed for the first several months while we all adjust. "It is peaceful alone time and you do not have to hear all the comments from strangers about 'all those kids'". Good tip, it took hours to get through Costco when Anna was little because everyone wanted to talk to her. So, i guess i will not worry about having 2 two year olds or 4 pair of flip flops to find in the sand box. We will just thank the Lord for His plan and timing and count the days until our family of six is sharing a picnic together.

LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!!!

2008-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today we faxed our referral acceptance and financial agreement to Chances for Children and I am overjoyed to tell you that we have all of the money needed for our in-country fees!!! It has been so amazing to be a part of what God is doing with this. So many individuals have given so generously in answer to the voice of the Lord. We are overwhelmed by His goodness and strengthened and encouraged by the generous and sacrificial obedience of so many people. It remind me of that little Vacation Bible School song, "My God is so Big, so Strong and So Mighty. There's nothing my God can not do!"

Referral!!!!!

2008-05-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, two of the new children are for us. Our request was for siblings 3 years or under (So Anna is still th oldest), at least one boy. Our referral: Biological siblings, little boy 2 years 9 months and baby sister 12 1/2 months. This is so perfect. They are now in the orphanage getting the nutrition they need. Ronese is almost 13 months and gained 2# her first two weeks in the orphanage. She is 12 pounds and 21 inches. Wiguerson is 33 inches tall. His birth day is July 22 and he will be 3 years old. Their biological parents are living but unable to provide food for their family. I do not think any of us can understand the reality of this living in a country like ours. We live in a town that has at least six McDonald's restaurants.

We are very excited for our family and very sobered by the reality that has caused this to take place. I have included the only pictures we have of the children and a map of their birth place. (To enlarge the pictures hold down the shift key and click.)

Fun Facts: All of our children were born at home
All of our children have brown/black eyes
Anna has 18 teeth
Beth has 12 teeth
Ronese has 6 teeth
Wiguerson has 20 teeth
Daddy has "lots'a teeth"
and so does Mommy

More Blessings

2008-05-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday we received our first on line donation through our blog. Friends from half way around the world gave with a few mouse clicks. That is so cool. Sunday we were given an encouraging card and a check from friends at church. Then, just minutes ago we got an email notifying us of an other gift from our blog's donation button, again from a friend on the other side of the world. We know this is truly God's plan and His provision. We are so amazed! If you are keeping track, that is $230 toward our in-country fees.

Also, stay tuned for the news we have all been waiting for...

Update!

2008-05-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we found out that there are 5 new kids at the orphanage. We do not know anything about them or if any of them are "our kids". There are 13 families waiting for referrals and we are one of them. They said it will take a week or so to get the medical exams and history complete for the kids and then they will start making referrals. There are 6 kids at the orphanage waiting for the US embassy to give them their papers so they can come home, and the papers in the other offices are moving again. This is all good news for waiting parents as the waits have been long and the offices were closed for a couple of weeks.

On Tuesday night we found out that Chances for Children had received $8000 toward our in country fees and on Wednesday morning we found out that a check for $2000 is being mailed to Chances today. If you are keeping track, that is $10,000. That means we need only $3000 to cover our in-country fees due at referral. Praise the Lord! We will keep you posted.

Good Mail

2008-05-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Anna and I have a silly tradition, each day we make an enthusiastic trip to the mail box. Now that we live in a house with the mail box attached next to the front door, the ritual is a little sillier than it once was when we had to cross a very busy street and hike our steep driveway in order to retrieve whatever treasure might await. Still, each day I call to Anna and ask if she wants to get the mail. She still comes running, hollering questions of what the mailman might have brought to us. We open the door, reach in, and open the "good stuff" first. The green envelopes from Claudia are her favorite. My favorite are anything with our names and a stamp. Stamped mail is always best. Beth loves anything Anna gives her with the excited "oooh, Bethy! Look, it is for you!" (usually an add for internet or Direct TV)

This week the "good mail" included a letter from Shaohannah's Hope notifying us that we would receive a grant of $3000 toward our adoption expense! Praise the Lord! For those of you keeping the running total we now only need $13000 for our in-country fees. I know that sounds like a lot, but if you ever watch "Antique Road Show" you will see that it is only one special vase or paining away. Of course we have not found that vase yet, but who knows, our church youth group is having a yard sale in a few weeks... :) We are not worried, we know that God knows and every gift and grant are His to give.

Hope you get some "good mail" today!

April News Letter

2008-04-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is the latest news from Chances for Children, our agency in Haiti.

A Few Home Comings

2008-04-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Great news for 2 families! The family that was stranded in Haiti is on the way to the airport now with their 14 month old baby who shares Beth's birth date (arrived home safely Saturday, 4/19). The other family is from Billings. They arrived from Uganda on a flight at 10:30 p.m. with their 2 babies. Anna and I were there to hug them and witness the miracle! This is the most amazing story of God's love and a family's perseverance. If you want to be inspired check out their blog.

Let's Pray Together

2008-04-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Many of the families adopting from our orphanage have decided to pray for Haiti each day at noon EST (that is 10:00 a.m. MT time) and each night at sunset wherever we are. It is nice to know that we can stand together in prayer with people we do not know, but do know a little of their hearts. If you would like to pray with us, join right in wherever you are!