tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65231371151578288852024-03-14T04:27:29.682-05:00a radical walk, a righteous lovethe journal of our life...adopting, parenting, loving, serving, laughing, crying...walkingamberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-85520929233132373402012-04-30T05:58:00.002-05:002012-04-30T05:58:36.923-05:00I have a confession...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been told many times one thing people like about my blog is my honesty and transparency...well, I hope that is true because this post comes from my very core and it is honesty at it's best, or worst.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a confession...I am selfish! I have never thought I was perfect but I've never seen this as a big sin I struggle with until this trip. I came to Russia with a bad attitude. I was sick (literally), I was tired, I was sad I had not gotten to spend my last few weeks enjoying time with the girls and Dustin because we were so busy trying to raise money and get ready, I was upset that Dustin didn't get to come with me and I was dreading the challenges I knew would lay in front of me. Do you see how many times I just said "I"? My focus was on ME and all of the negative aspects of our situation. Until today, my attitude had only gotten worse. I was excited to get Levi, but only because it meant this was finally over. After all that we have gone through and all of the hard work to get to this point I thought I would be elated and overjoyed, but instead I think I've been almost in a depressed state. I'm sure you probably got this vibe from my last post but I was still trying to sugar-coat the way I felt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night it all finally came out while I was chatting with Dustin. The tears wouldn't stop. Don't get me wrong, Levi is great! And looking through my "glass half full" lenses I'd have to say he is amazing! I think I have the most socially adapatable former "orphan" ever. He is making this transition without blinking. He has slept well almost every night, he puts himself to sleep, he follows his schedule, he eats great and when we go places he is so excited. It's like he's discovering the world for the first time (which I know he is) but instead of being fearful, he is full-force, bring it on! I was prepared for him to be scared and timid of everything from the car ride to the wind on his face. I thought he'd not sleep, not eat, have an upset tummy and cry all of the time. He has done NONE of those things! For the most part he plays, eats and sleeps. He laughs, mimics me a lot and is even picking up English words. He already knows his new name, he says "mama", "no-no" and "nana" (banana) well! Considering where he's coming from, I'd say he's a pretty cool little dude. So why would I be anything but elated? I'm selfish! I've been so focused on missing my girls and Dustin, jet-lag, feeling bad, not having good food, not having good internet connection and a little behavior issue with Levi that I've let half of this once in a lifetime experience pass me by while I was wallowing in self misery. I'm selfish. I haven't been thinking about this precious child, that all things considered, has overcome so much and has already adapted better in 5 days than I probably would in a life time! I haven't embraced this opportunity to be "the light" and focused on the calling of Christ on us through this adoption. Last night I told Dustin, "I know Satan is doing this. This adoption is such a big thing God has done, Satan is stealing my joy through Levi's little tantrums to ruin it." (I promise I didn't mean this in an ugly way! I was saying Satan was attacking us!) Of course, Dustin was like "NO he is not." But truthfully, I think he was. Just not through Levi's outburst's. (if you're wondering what I'm referring to, one thing I wasn't prepared for was Levi to throw fits. I knew they'd come but just not this soon. Well, when he doesn't get his way...like I tell him not to stick his finger in an electrical socket...he throws a fit...pretty much like any 18 month old. I was just frustrated because I didn't know how to handle it. So I was letting him do whatever and tiptoeing around him. Then last night I finally realized...this is MY SON. I should treat him like I would my daughters!) Satan was attacking my thought life, and I was letting him win. I was letting anything that didn't go my way or that I didn't like bring me down. I was pitching my own type of fit and letting it affect every aspect of this experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT I'm happy to say, I've relinquished control once again to my God who brought me here in the first place. I'm re-focused on THE reason I'm here and all I have to be thankful for! I'm giving Him the glory in this experience...I'm letting "my light shine again." :) My friend Emily wrote a comment on my last post...she must have seen through the sugar :) It said "Amber- you can find joy even there. You can
be the blessing even there- praying for you to see the grace showering down-
even there. Love you and am so very happy for Levi and your family. Love you
all." It stabbed me in the heart...but it's what I needed to hear! (Thank you Em for speaking truth over me even when it's hard!) These words came from a momma whose baby boy is about to have open heart surgery. I've never heard her once complain or have a pity party. Last night I prayed for God to make me strong and joyful like Emily, or my other sweet friend, Amy, who has been sending me encouraging notes while I've been here. Her baby girl was born last week at 24 weeks and is in the NICU but Amy also stands so strong in her faith and has a smile on her face. I pray that when things get tough, I will not crumble, but Lord make me more like these godly women...make me more like YOU. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing has changed in my circumstance. I still have 6 more days in Russia with Levi (who can be a little strong willed- JUST LIKE MY GIRLS!) by myself. We have 3 days of grueling appointments and a full day of travel back to the States. BUT I'm now smiling. Because instead I see I have 6 more days to bond with my son who is healthy, vibrant and as cute as he can be! Then we'll be reunited with Dust and the girls and our normal, crazy BLESSED lives can resume! I'm again reminded why I'm here...and it has nothing to do with ME! We were called to care for "the least of these" and to be HIS hands and feet to bring one "home." I'm humbled and honored that God gave me...the selfish one...the priveledge of caring for another one of His children!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a prayer request for all of you who have so faithfully prayed us through this journey. I mentioned my two precious friends that have been a constant encouragement to me. Please pray for their babies and families. Baby Ian will have open-heart surgery on May 8th and baby Halle Scott will be in the NICU for a while but she was having a tough day yesterday. Pray for healing over these precious little ones and peace and strength over their sweet families! Thank you!</span> </div>
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-80857593056619258312012-04-25T13:52:00.000-05:002012-04-25T13:52:43.216-05:00Adopting is totally the same but...different :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It occurred to me last night as I rocked a sweet blonde boy who was sucking his thumb to sleep...I now have a son! I've been knowing this in my head and to some degree my heart but last night as I held him while he fell asleep it really hit me "I have a little boy! I have 3 children! This finally happened!" It's amazing to me how similar my emotions have been in having the girls and adopting Levi. Until they were "here" (while pregnant and while going through the process) I felt a lot of joy and uncertainty. I had periods where I was able to truly surrender them to God, knowing they are His anyway, to times when my faith was that of an atheist and I was consumed with worry! Both processes came with a great deal of discomfort. If you know our history you know each child has a story. With Carsyn, I was on "modified" bedrest (basically house arrest) after 24 weeks, developed pre-eclampsia and spent 2 weeks in the hospital after she was born with fever...which we did not figure out it was caused by spinal anesthesia until after Sara Kate was born. Sara Kate was conceived after a year of infertility treatments, an ectopic pregnancy and 4 miscarriages. My pregnancy and delivery were ok with her but filled with fear that we'd lose her too! And of course. "the fever" started the day after she was born and lasted about a week. (this time my dr figured out it was a reaction to the anesthesia and knew how to treat it so no extended hospital stay was required. But it was decided if we had another baby general would be a better route for us.) When we felt led to adopt my first thought was "Yay! At least we won't have to go through more infertility or another c-section." If I only knew what we were in for! I think I'd take the physical pain over the emotional stress :) Hmmm, not sure! Our adoption has been filled with crazy ups and downs it seems at almost every step of the process! First we were matched with twins. After we finally got over the fear of adopting two, we found out they were too sick to be adopted and it felt like another miscarriage. The constant paperwork and strategically planned trips to Montgomery felt very similiar to infertility treatment. The uncertainty of the agency sometimes felt like talking to my dr after another unsuccessful month of trying to have a baby. BUT, then we were matched with Levi! At first, it went great although the first trip felt similar to physical pregnancy...the only other time I've been that tired(jet lag) was in the first trimester of pregnancy! Then all of the issues started in St. Petersburg with American adoptions. It was like the miscarriages all over again. Living in a constant fear...Were we gonna "lose" this baby or not? I know God is tired of my continuous internal battle of whether I'm going to really trust Him with faith that HE IS IN CONTROL or am I going to worry myself into a crazy wreck trying to do it myself until I finally surrender? (In case you're wondering, it's something I daily lift up to Him...most days He wins but I'm still weak:)) But then we went to court...it was kind of like that 20 week ultrasound...you're excited and nervous hoping for the best but the "what if" lurking in the back of your mind...our news was equilvalent to "everything looks good-strong heartbeat and it's a boy!"..we were approved! Then, the final preparations began. We came home for just a month. Again, physically similar to pregnancy. Tired from jet lag but we had to get everything done in a short amount of time. I was "nesting" but instead of getting the house ready it was get the adoption finances and documents in order! Of course, the prep was different. In this case we were doing some major "craft" work raising the money for our last trip! My days were totally filled with refinishing furniture and making picture frames and burlap crosses along with last minute document stuff and preparing for the trip...and I had major mixed emotions as I knew I had to work hard and constantly in order to make the funds needed and get everything done IN TIME but I also really wished I could've spent that time with my girls! They have been such troopers through this process! Luckliy, it appears they have picked up more of the positive ministry side of adoption than they do resent all of the time and effort spent on it. I pray that continues! We were encouraged, supported and "showered" with gifts from our friends and family (too many to name but THANK YOU-each of you will forever be a part of this special time God has placed in our lives!) just as we would've if we were "having" a baby, well actually probably a lot more! :) Then the day came to board a plane to bring our little guy home! This is one part of the adoption experience that varies greatly from the girls...I got on that plane alone. Dustin is more than my husband, he's my best friend...he's my partner! We have always done everything (of importance:)) together! He was at almost all of my dr.'s appts when I was having the girls. He stayed with me every night in the hospital when I had Carsyn(2 weeks) and Sara Kate! He has been by my side through the whole adoption but because of multiple circumstances we couldn't control he just couldn't be here for this! (Trust me he wanted to and me making this trip without him is just as hard on him as it is on me.) I am so blessed that my mom and Courtney could meet me in St. Petersburg for a few days and I am so thankful and love them dearly but it's not the same as having Dustin here. He's the "daddy." :) I miss him and the girls like crazy! Anyway, back to the story...so the night before we were to pick up Levi came with a lot of excitment but also physical discomfort. I was still feeling bad from having strep throat a few days before and I was exhausted from the month leading up to the trip and then the actual travel! I actually felt almost as miserable as I did before delivery...just not swollen! I picked out his "coming home" outfit...just as I did the for the girls. The day we picked him up was filled with chaos (no different than the either of their births- the chaos with the girl's was more medical issues and unplanned c-sections but chaotic none the less.). We had multiple appointments running from one office to another. Waiting in this line and then in that line. But finally about 4 pm on Tuesday, April 24th Levi James was welcomed into the Polk family! I will say his acutal entrance into "our world" was a lot better than the girls...no iv's, no epidural, no c-section, no fevers, no breast feeding, no recovery...we just stopped by the orphanage, his caretakers changed his clothes, we spoke with the doctor about his diet and schedule and off we went. Easy peasy...actually a little let down considering the year we've gone through to get to this point but hey, I'll take something "easy" for once :) But all the same emotions were there like the day we brought the girls home...I was so excited and so in love but also a little scared. Will I be a good "boy" mama? Will we make the transition to three ok? How will the girls feel? Will they feel betrayed? (I was really concerned about this when we had Sara Kate!) There are still all these questions going through my head. So much unknown and a little fear but then this little man looks up at me with those big brown eyes and smiles REALLY big and I forget it all and thank God for this incredible priviledge. The first night was similar to having a newborn. I rocked him to sleep because I don't know yet what he "likes" but I thought for sure he'd like the attention and close time together...he did :) I let him sleep with me because I didn't want him to get scared in a strange place. Every move, every cough or deep breath woke me up and I checked him to make sure he wasn't hot or cold and was "breathing ok" :) Just like I did with the girls! The best part about my "new baby" is he slept 12 hours the first night "home." I really hope we can work with that through the jet lag when we return to the States! We have had a good day too. We are working through a little language barrier and figuring out his likes and dislikes. He definitely isn't shy about letting me know when he's not happy :) But he is also super open and bubbly most of the time playing with us and showing affection. He is a GOOD eater! I mean like record breaking good! He is also quite the ladies man. He was flirting with pretty girls as we walked down the street and in Pizza Hut. Overall, he is making this transition pretty easy on me. I just can't imagine what is going through his little mind. One thing is for certain, he has this natural instinct to know I'm someone special to him. It's like when my girls were born...they just know that I am "mama"...but the cool thing about Levi is he is already saying it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please keep us in your prayers over the next 10 days. It's going to get lonely being in a strange, not "kid-friendly" city when my mom and sister leave in 3 days. I'm already in tears I miss Dustin and the girls so much and when I think about all I have left to do next week after the paper work in St. Petersburg is processed on Wednesday, I want to throw up...just being honest :) I saw the line I'll have to be in to get Levi's passport and it made the Shelby County DL/Tag office in Pelham look like a well-oiled machine (we're talking 4 hour waits in a hot, smelly immigration building.) AND THAT will just be the beginning of the adventure I'll have next week with my new toddler...alone :) Prayers appreciated! I'm praying for God to capture my mind so I'm in some sort of chocolate eutopia until 9:00 pm on May 5th about to land in Birmingham, AL and hug my family all together for the first time! Hey, it could happen...with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE :) I mean...I'm watching one of His miracles sleep right now :)</span> </div>
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-80122610895503497892012-04-24T06:45:00.001-05:002012-04-24T06:45:15.321-05:00Today is THE day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An exerpt from my journal this morning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is so bizarre! I'm sitting in Russia, waiting outside a notary office for the official documents to be signed making "Dima" Levi James Polk. I am filing for his new birth certificate...a piece of paper stating we are his parents! This is so surreal. I'm hoping in just a few hours I will pick him up from the orphanage and never let him go. He will be ours! I say hoping because I'm still not feeling great and if I have another "weak-blackout-neasea spell" like I did yesterday then we are going to wait until tomorrow to get him. So far I'm okay, not great but not about to pass out either:) It's just such a strange feeling. This adoption has consumed our lives for a year. Every decision we make (from financial to how to spend the day) has been based on this process. We have worked so hard. We have raised a crazy amount of money, which we honestly thought was impossible. We have spent everything we have and taken out a loan in faith that this was the right thing to do. We have sacrificed many "wants" and time with family and friends for this moment to be possible. We have cried, we have laughed, we have filled out literally hundreds of documents, we chased the papertrail from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, all the way to Oregon and then to Russia, we have traveled all over the world. Since May of 2011, adoption has been our life. It has consumed our time, money, thoughts and prayers. We embraced the chaos and lived in it for as long as we had to to bring Levi home. And that moment has finally arrived. We are ready for the transition of bringing this sweet boy into our home and all that will entail. I'm just not sure I'm going to know how to adjust back to life before adoption. If you've ever adopted you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, I can't even begin to explain what the experience is like. To be able to spend free time (or just actually have "free time") at the park or the zoo with the girls, to be able to go out of town without fear that we'll get a call about some document that is needed or travel dates, to be able to budget again and not watch every penny that we spend, to have a week where not every single day is filled up with things to do, to just be mommy and wife to my family...these are just a few things I'm looking forward to. When Carsyn was told after the court hearing the judge let us have Levi her response was "Does that mean my momma doesn't have to do anymore paperwork?" This coming from a 6 year old bystander of the past year just about sums up our adoption...totally consuming!</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now here we are. The moment we have prayed about, the day we have begged God for, the time we have felt led to by something much bigger than ourselves or this child...the calling of God on our lives and the desire of our hearts; to care for the orphan. In just a few short hours there will be one less fatherless child in the world! I'm not sure why I've ever doubted this moment would come. God loves adoption and He will bless it! Just because things didn't always happen the way I felt they should or in my timing, I've known all along this is His will for our lives and we would one day be united with our son! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Today is THE day!</strong></span></div>
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-69984105396325349982012-04-16T19:17:00.002-05:002012-04-16T22:38:11.953-05:00I have never kept a journal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never kept a journal or a diary...and this is why! I'm terrible at it :) I get so busy and distracted and totally forget to update it. For those of you that have followed this journey from the beginning...I want to apologize for my lack of consistent communication. I would like to say I'll do better but I'm about to bring my THIRD child home...so realistically I know it's probably going to get worse :) (To my friends that keep a consistent blog with multiple kids, I'm envious and would love some time managment tips :))</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the last update was the night before court. Well, A LOT has happen since then so here's the short version....we were approved! Levi is officially our son and we get to pick him up on April 24th! Court was pretty intense but to be honest I think we were so prepared for the worse that it was easier than we expected! I must tell a story on Dustin...I know he'll be embarrassed but it made me so proud I have to share! He was asked in court about parenting and interaction with his family. He replied "I follow the teachings of Christ from the Bible in how I interact with everyone and let it guide how I raise my children and treat my wife." Keep in mind this was in an environment where we still aren't sure what they thought about our faith but it was certainly the topic we were asked the most about! I was so proud to stand beside him as he proclaimed his faith in Christ without fear. In the end, it all went well and the judge even smiled when she told Dustin, "Mr. Polk you will now have a son" (because he mentioned during questioning how excited he was to have another boy in the house.) :) I must mention, however, that while we are overjoyed at bringing Levi home in just under 3 weeks, we are very concerned for the other families that are still waiting for court dates in St. Petersburg. Please pray for them and that the current issues will be resolved ASAP and they can continue in the process to bringing home their children!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last trip, I will leave on April 21st. I say "I" because Dustin will not be able to make this trip. There are multiple reasons that played into this decision but mainly it was because we wanted Dustin to be able to spend some time at home when Levi gets home and we really couldn't swing it financially for us both to go. He is making a great sacrifice by staying home and I'm so thankful he will be here with the girls. (I'm already crying over leaving them again for so long!) I'm grateful that Mawmaw (Dustin's mom) is coming to take care of him and her "precious" granddaughters while I'm away! The cool part is my mom and sister are going to get to come to St. Petersburg for a few days and help out with little Levi. I'm really looking forward to getting to visit with Courtney since she is now living in Bosnia and I'm so thankful that my mom and dad rearranged their trip to make this visit happen, I am amazed and overwhelmed by how much our family have stood by us through this process and done everything they could to help (WAY above the normal family duty)! We are very blessed to be loved and supported so well by our family. Words can't even begin to express our gratitude and love in return....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I'm nervous about traveling for two weeks in Russia with a new toddler without my "Dust" but if you knew the WHOLE situation and how everything had to fall just right for him to HAVE to stay home you'd see this is obviously God's plan...and I think I know why. Dustin is my weakness :) I feel like I have grown so much in my faith over the years but the one area I always fail when I face a struggle is I immediately turn to Dustin for comfort and guidance instead of hitting my knees in prayer to the ONE that really can fix it! On this trip God has ensured He will be my number one (His rightful place) instead of Dustin because I can't just pick up the phone and call when I need to talk. I can't cry to Dustin when I have my momentary "freak out" I will have to truly rely on my God...the One I too often misplace on my list of confidante's. I'm actually looking forward (although a bit nervous) to the short adventure on my own. God has shown me time and again He is the one that will always be there and I know this will be no different! I'm sure this will be a great time of growth for me....but, of course, I would always appreciate prayer to help me get through it :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fly out April 21st. If all goes as planned I will get Levi on April 24th. We will be in St. Pete until May 2nd and then take a train to Moscow. We fly home on May 5th...I think Levi and I will actually land in Birmingham around 9:30 at night on May 5th...he will actually be home. I can't believe this time is approaching. Such a relief, joy, and elation it will be...please keep us covered in prayer until that moment. THEN IT WILL FINALLY BE DONE! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so thankful for all of your prayers....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below are some pictures from our last trip...St. Pete and a 24 hr. layover in Paris. (If you want to laugh, HARD, ask us about our night in Paris! Seriously, they could make a movie about our French adventure :) ENJOY!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzE0_NlJIyY/T4yxhy3n59I/AAAAAAAAAGU/yGTvrnNHLYE/s1600/spilled+blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzE0_NlJIyY/T4yxhy3n59I/AAAAAAAAAGU/yGTvrnNHLYE/s320/spilled+blood.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">St. Petersburg- Church of the Spilled Blood</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myWqZcgLLOE/T4yxzeFFAPI/AAAAAAAAAGc/xYUyOyvtQMQ/s1600/frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myWqZcgLLOE/T4yxzeFFAPI/AAAAAAAAAGc/xYUyOyvtQMQ/s320/frozen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Petersburg- Frozen canal...it was COLD!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNTp7L1JeaA/T4yyIYAePqI/AAAAAAAAAGk/tPgG9gjgjg8/s1600/new+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNTp7L1JeaA/T4yyIYAePqI/AAAAAAAAAGk/tPgG9gjgjg8/s320/new+friends.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New Friends- celebrating after court!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97C_iOhyxCU/T4yyb-vZjpI/AAAAAAAAAGs/eDuHSyOuXOM/s1600/congrats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97C_iOhyxCU/T4yyb-vZjpI/AAAAAAAAAGs/eDuHSyOuXOM/s320/congrats.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our door after court :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ_drBSFEOA/T4yzSvxEQnI/AAAAAAAAAG8/TP85fXTUHnM/s1600/Notre+Dame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ_drBSFEOA/T4yzSvxEQnI/AAAAAAAAAG8/TP85fXTUHnM/s320/Notre+Dame.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paris- Notre Dame</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeDDLqBfmis/T4yz2a2yITI/AAAAAAAAAHE/O6yjY7_VFz8/s1600/eifle+tower+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeDDLqBfmis/T4yz2a2yITI/AAAAAAAAAHE/O6yjY7_VFz8/s320/eifle+tower+big.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paris- A really big tower :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIbF83MlDeE/T4y0FOtYS9I/AAAAAAAAAHM/60q7YiSBlYE/s1600/eifle+tower+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIbF83MlDeE/T4y0FOtYS9I/AAAAAAAAAHM/60q7YiSBlYE/s320/eifle+tower+close.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paris- Eifle Tower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLaCxCpDlUc/T4y0UJ71UdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RfOpfH_JzsU/s1600/us+in+paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLaCxCpDlUc/T4y0UJ71UdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RfOpfH_JzsU/s320/us+in+paris.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Polk's in Paris-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all we had was a cell phone camera :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-10078623738506557262012-03-21T10:59:00.001-05:002012-03-21T11:00:40.743-05:00This is the day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow morning at 11:00 am (early Thursday-2:00am for most of you) we go before a judge asking for the privilege of being Levi's parents. We believe this was God's plan before we even knew that sweet boy was on this planet. We trust we will have a favorable outcome and get to officially call him our son!</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please pray specifically that we will have a favorable decree allowing us to be his parents after our hearing. Pray for wisdom, strength and courage for Dustin as he will be the main spokesman for our family. Pray above all God will be glorified through this process and through the "joining together" our family with this precious little one. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!</div></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-103523976683253502012-03-12T17:19:00.000-05:002012-03-12T17:19:52.536-05:00Momma's gettin' crafty!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, they say in times of desperation you find a way to do what ever it takes to take care of your family. I think this may be proof that this statement is true :) As I mentioned in the previous post we are in need of more funds to be able to complete our adoption. For years I've had friends and family tell me I should sell some of my "creations" so I got the little wheels in my head turning and worked my tail off (along with my amazing mother and husband) for a week to produce enough items to sell for the benefit of our adoption. We have opened a booth at Encore Resales in Pelham, AL to sell some of my "crafts" to raise extra money to help bring Levi home. This is something I never thought I'd have the guts to do...and I certainly never thought I'd be getting it going the week before we leave for court in Russia! But everything sort of fell into place and I had to see that as God making a way for us to raise the money we needed! Please support us in this effort to open up our home and hearts to "one of the fatherless." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in some cute stuff for a great cause please go by and visit our booth, Polka-tots. It's in the very back, down the middle isle, of Encore Resales. If you see an item listed but would like a different color or size (or do not live around the Birmingham area) I can custom make any of the items you'd like and ship it. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of the fun things you'll find at Polka-tots:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLq_zqQNEk8/T15pxsW7EFI/AAAAAAAAAFU/PeEXwtila2U/s1600/booth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLq_zqQNEk8/T15pxsW7EFI/AAAAAAAAAFU/PeEXwtila2U/s320/booth.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is our booth!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzwWx5iy8_s/T15rD5d09NI/AAAAAAAAAGE/LNguwXRDvqY/s1600/sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzwWx5iy8_s/T15rD5d09NI/AAAAAAAAAGE/LNguwXRDvqY/s320/sign.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiffany blue chalkboard</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqqqbg38dV4/T15p7FPMU6I/AAAAAAAAAFc/YQ8eQZIeKeo/s1600/white+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqqqbg38dV4/T15p7FPMU6I/AAAAAAAAAFc/YQ8eQZIeKeo/s320/white+frame.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distressed white frame</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRYLIdlxFYU/T15qFC26DqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Y8VEmayLEbc/s1600/wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRYLIdlxFYU/T15qFC26DqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Y8VEmayLEbc/s320/wall.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frames and shadowbox shelf</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3037hHUwFw/T15qSAbqLPI/AAAAAAAAAFs/833KZPQfNrk/s1600/white+candlesticks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3037hHUwFw/T15qSAbqLPI/AAAAAAAAAFs/833KZPQfNrk/s320/white+candlesticks.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White candlesticks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S450B5FlJZU/T15qbp-QdbI/AAAAAAAAAF0/0GkSQMpuxWs/s1600/candlesticks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S450B5FlJZU/T15qbp-QdbI/AAAAAAAAAF0/0GkSQMpuxWs/s320/candlesticks.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiffany blue candlesticks and white table</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPmxcQ8vP6g/T15qnImv0-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/Ls7qTREmML4/s1600/disply.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPmxcQ8vP6g/T15qnImv0-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/Ls7qTREmML4/s320/disply.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weathered wood frames, beaded wineglasses, pottery</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are also selling burlap door hangers (pictured below) which can be made to order with your choice of colors. They are $20 (add $5 for shipping if not local). I have several more furniture pieces I will be working on when we come home from Russia. If you are looking for something specific let me know and I'll refinish whatever you are wanting in the colors you'd like. We are very thankful for everyone that has already purchased a cross or visited our booth. We are so blessed by you! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1dRDVHPmQw/T15t-GmnmVI/AAAAAAAAAGM/xI8-LyCKJxA/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1dRDVHPmQw/T15t-GmnmVI/AAAAAAAAAGM/xI8-LyCKJxA/s320/cross.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crosses for Levi :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To place an order or for more information please email me at polkadoption@gmail.com. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-67657681734980779852012-03-07T23:49:00.000-06:002012-03-07T23:49:31.932-06:00ASAP :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you remember what I asked everyone to pray...very specifically...after our last court date was canceled??? I'll give you a hint: it was a list of 4 things and I wrote it in the post "I need a favor" on February 6th. Remember? Let me "jog" your memory:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) For our family (Dustin, Amber, Carsyn, Sara Kate & Levi) for comfort, protection & peace. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) For a court date <strong>as soon as possible</strong> in March.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) To have Levi HOME in Alabama not later than May 2012.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) For the people in Russia-leadership (our judge specifically), citizens, orphans.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I have prayed this everyday since then and I know many of you have also! Well, God heard our cry and the prayers of so many on our behalf! We have a new court date on March 22nd. This is great news...but here is why it is miraculous news...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first court was canceled due to the upcoming Russian elections. We were told everything was on hold until after the election.The election was on Sunday, March 4th. We were told we would not hear anything until next week (March 12th) because the courts would take time to reconvene. I was still hopeful they would somehow "squeeze" us in for March so we could bring Levi home in early May. I begged God to make this happen. I asked Him repeatedly for a court date AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in March. They called us on Monday morning, the DAY AFTER the election to let us know our new court date of March 22nd! It doesn't get any sooner than that! Praise God!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please keep praying for us! Items 1, 3 and 4 are still very important :) ...and we haven't actually gone to court yet so pray for that part of the process too! We leave March 17th and we have a lot to do in a short time. Please also pray for provision. We are hitting a crunch with our finances for this adoption. We had raised/saved/borrowed right at the amount we needed to complete everything but now with the delays there have been some additional expenses and we need to raise about $5000 before the end of April. Please pray...but I know God will provide! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are so thankful for this great news but even more so for all of our prayer partners that have lifted us up to get to this point. We are so very blessed...</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-39159646017219631222012-02-23T16:23:00.000-06:002012-02-23T16:23:57.727-06:00kNOw More Orphans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I would love to adopt but I just don't think we can afford it." </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I wish I could help care for orphans but I don't know where to even begin."</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I don't think God has called me help orphans, but I'm glad you are passionate about it."</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are comments I hear ALL of the time! Since we've been so open about our adoption and have shared as much of the process as we can with anyone that wants to be a part of it, pretty much everyone I encounter knows our story and wants to talk about adoption (which is WONDERFUL). What I don't think people realize is all of the above comments have come out of my mouth at some point in my life :) In fact, they were thoughts I was still struggling with this time last year when we were really wrestling with the idea of our own adoption. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I want everyone to know is WE couldn't afford it...WE didn't have a clue where to begin...and God gave us the passion to adopt but he CALLED us ALL as followers of Christ to care for orphans :) I'm so thankful we felt that "nudge" to be obedient in adoption after hearing a wonderful teacher and leader in orphan care/adoption ministry. So I want to make sure all of our friends, supporters, encouragers and prayer warriors are aware of a great opportunity in Birmingham to hear several great leaders in adoption/orphan care ministry and learn more about the worldwide orphan crisis and ways we can help!</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference is called kNOw More Orphans and it will feature speakers Russell Moore (the author of Adopted for Life, a MUST read) Rick Morton (co-author of Orphanology, also a MUST read), David Nasser (who needs no introduction :) ) and several others I'm not as familiar with but I'm sure will be blessed by. Worship will be led by Rush of Fools, Shaun Groves and a precious group called His Little Feet. It is on March 10th at Hunter Street Baptist Church and tickets are only $28 (and that includes lunch and a t-shirt). If you've ever wondered if you should adopt or wanted to get involved in helping orphans but don't know how or just have questions about what scripture teaches us about caring for the "fatherless"...I'm sure you'll find some answers here. This is a great ministry and I hope everyone that is able to support them will do so. The website to register is www.knowmoreorphans.org or watch the below video for more information. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to see you there :)</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/35353476"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://vimeo.com/35353476</span></a></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-72211985271534012252012-02-15T08:20:00.000-06:002012-02-15T08:20:30.923-06:00my birthday wish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"In life God uses the sum of our experiences to minister to other people. If anybody can speak the truth, it's a guy who's been where another person is going. Otherwise, it's just a guy giving advice. People who can draw from a well of experience tend to speak from a different place. In Psalm 42, King David is in the wilderness. He's speaking out of his own hurt and honesty, but he also knows that God can use this wilderness time to be glorified. He puts his soul on notice: Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Ps. 42:5) David knows that his situation is temporary, so it's time to move on and give the glory to God. He knows that trials happen, but God is sovereign. He knows that as soon as he gets to worshipping, his mind will be off of the temporary and on the eternal. He knows this because he's been here before. When you're in the middle of a wilderness, <b>remember that God ordains us to go through certain trials so that the validity of our testimony can speak into the lives of others.</b> He uses our scars as beauty marks-badges of honor that can be used as roadmaps for others to further His Kingdom." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Nasser</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marks another year of my life. While I want to celebrate because of the MANY blessings God has given me, I'm instead longing for the one I don't....to have our WHOLE family together. But this is temporary so today I will worship my God who is the maker of joy and contentment. In this, I'll turn my mind on things eternal and not my trouble in this world :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't ask for a better gift today than to have everyone that reads this blog to be praying for our adoption and our family. This prayer is my birthday wish..."to "join together" sweet Levi with us, his adopted family. Give us the honor of raising this precious child in Your word and to model for him what being a Christ-follower looks like. Use us to accomplish the story you wrote before creation and make one less orphan alone in this world. And I ask in this next year of my life for You to guide me in how to care for more of the fatherless. Not only grow that passion but give it vision; show me how to love a world that's broken, how to be your hands and feet, how you want to use me </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to see this world be changed...By the Power of Your Name. Amen"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankful for another birthday and an amazing family to share it with...</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-39071217635949496262012-02-12T13:52:00.000-06:002012-02-12T13:52:07.823-06:00Where I should be...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we SHOULD be boarding a plane. We should be anxiously anticipating our arrival in St. Petersburg on Monday. We should be beyond excited about our visit with Levi on Tuesday...a great way to spend Valentine's Day! We should be nervous about court on my birthday Wednesday. We should be hoping to get another visit with our OFFICIAL son again on Thursday before we board a plane back to the States that night. We should be dreading the LONG flight home after a tearful goodbye but at peace knowing that in only 30 days we will return to pick him up and bring Levi home FOREVER...</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it appears that was OUR plan...God had a different plan. A plan we don't know yet. A plan we daily pray over. A plan I daily cry over. But a plan we trust will be perfect because the God of all creation...the creator of my life, of Dustin, Carsyn, Sara Kate and Levi... wrote it. As I watched my two precious girls yesterday I couldn't help but think "He created such blessings through a plan that was NOT my own (if you know the story behind each of them you know their conception and birth's were vastly different and neither were anything like I planned them to be) yet here we are and I wouldn't change a thing." It was HIS perfect plan. </span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I am not the only mother that has looked at her child and thought "Surely this wasn't THE PLAN?" I have several friends right now dealing with the illness of a child; unsure of how it will all turn out. I know deep down they are seeking comfort, peace and answers to the change in the plans they had for their family. I think back to Mary. What she must have been thinking as she saw her SON...the savior of the world but most all, her baby boy...being beaten and mocked, suffering as he hung on a cross til his death? At that moment she must have thought "This can't be what God intended." Even Jesus himself in "the Garden" of Gethsemane asked if their was any other way. He "struggled" with a plan that He wouldn't choose BUT He trusted His Father's plan was best. Now, looking back 2000 years we KNOW there was never a more perfect plan. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am right where I SHOULD be. It still hurts and I still struggle everyday with worry and fear. But when I look at Levi, I trust in the cross (the most unconventional plan ever). God captures my heart over and over again through this trial and I'm always reminded He is in control, He is faithful, He is sovereign! Faith, Trust and Hope...we have all of these things in the most High God and I have no doubt there will be a day I will look back and see there was never a more perfect plan for my family.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankful He has allowed me to be part of His plan....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please remember to pray for our family and our adoption process everyday at 11:17 am...or whenever you can! We are so thankful for your prayer!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always found comfort in music and lately God has used it to "calm me down" on days when I just want to lose it. This song is beautiful and if you listen to the words it brings to light just how human AND holy Jesus really was....and the guitar in it is amazing :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lord, please make me more like you! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-76231716604642893282012-02-06T16:14:00.000-06:002012-02-06T16:14:18.151-06:00I need a favor....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"BUT WHEN HE ASKS, HE MUST BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT, BECAUSE HE WHO DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA, BLOWN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND. THAT MAN SHOULD NOT THINK HE WILL RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM THE LORD. HE IS A DOUBLE-MINDED MAN, UNSTABLE IN ALL HE DOES." JAMES 1:6-8</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a blessing it is that God puts us in the right place, exactly where we need to be when we need to be there. Not so coincidentally I am doing a bible study right now in the book of James. As I study my lessons I can't help but hear Beth Moore say in the intro video "you never know what life will bring in the course of a study." And my goodness did I ever think we'd be in this place right now? Absolutely not! How providential and sovereign is the God we serve...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was reminded of the above verse today in an email from my friend Amanda. I have to admit this weekend was tough and if I'm honest with myself I have prayed with a spirit of defeat...of doubt. And if anything describes the way I've felt the past few days it's "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." But no more...I know God will bring Levi home to us. And I will be praying with expectance that this will happen. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of you have asked what you can do or how can you help? The answer simply is nothing BUT PRAY! This is my favor. If you want to help us during this time of uncertainty please pray with us everyday at 11:17 am...or anytime in between:) I chose 11:17 because it happens to be the birthday of a sweet little boy we are quite fond of :) (wink, wink!) And if you want to go a step further, please comment below or message me somehow that you will be joining us in prayer each day until we have a court date. You have no idea how much this encourages me. Every time I hear "we are praying for ya'll" it takes the sting out just a little bit more. Here is what I'll be praying for....pray with me or however God leads you but please pray in belief on our behalf :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) For our family (Dustin, Amber, Carsyn, Sara Kate & Levi) for comfort, protection & peace. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) For a court date as soon as possible in March.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) To have Levi HOME in Alabama not later than May 2012.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) For the people in Russia-leadership (our judge specifically), citizens, orphans.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The very last verse of James 1 is the verse that is commonly used with regard to adoption but I think it 's an appropriate reminder of where our focus needs to remain...His glory!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and the widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankful today for so many people praying and encouraging us through this journey, but most thankful for my "other rock." I can't imagine walking through this with anyone else. You always know exactly what I need. I love you the most! :)</span></div></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-8970125313642361212012-02-03T13:14:00.000-06:002012-02-03T13:14:14.151-06:00Indian Giver<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So when we started the adoption process I told my mom someone should make a reality show about adoption so people that haven't gone through it could get just a glimpse of what is involved. There have been many moments over the past 9 months that I've thought back to that comment and thought "NOPE if people were experiencing every minute of this with us then no one would ever want to adopt and there are too many kids that need loving homes." Today is probably the worst day of this process so far but God knew it was coming and he sent an 'angel wearing flannel' to encourage and comfort me yesterday for the coming "storm." :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was having lunch with Dustin and the girls at Chick-Fil-A yesterday when I noticed a very elderly women walking in the parking lot towards the restaurant. I thought "Awe, sweet lady" to myself as I always do when I see older people. I'm not sure why but in my mind I think most elderly are probably lonely and sad...and that's probably not the case most of the time. I guess I just think that if I lose Dust and have seen my life pass me by I'll be sad and lonely...I don't know. Anyway, I didn't really pay any more attention to the lady as she left my field a vision. A little later I was looking around through the chaos of the kids area in Chick-Fil-A and noticed she was sitting directly behind me, just gazing out the window. Because I refuse to eat alone I think everyone else must want company too :) so I struck up a conversation with her. "It's a beautiful day today!" She perked up and smiled and said "Yes. It's like summer. If I'd known I wouldn't have worn this flannel shirt!" Without me saying another word she went on to tell me she was 84 years old and she has a 4 year old grandson. "That's right." she said. "He's my grandson...not great grandson. You see he was adopted from Guatemala." She told me the whole story of his adoption and how there were many uncertain times during the process because the country was beginning to shut down while her daughter was in the middle of the process. And then she said "But you know what? GOD IS GOOD AND HE IS IN CONTROL!" I sat in disbelief as she told her story. I was only half listening because in my head I was talking to myself. "WHO IS THIS LADY? Am I in the presence of God? Is this an angel? What do I do? Do I cry? Do I interrupt and tell her about our adoption and the scary uncertain news we received just the day before? She probably already knows...she was obviously sent to encourage me. Do I fall at her feet? Would everyone think I'm crazy?" I was paralyzed in unbelief. I did nothing at first. Then I shared with her about our adoption of Levi and how we'd been told the day before that things in Russia are getting tense. There is a lot of political tension in that country right now and adoption is a target of one of the new leaders about to win the upcoming election. I told her we have a court date but we were nervous because nothing is certain right now with all of the political pressure and turmoil. She said "well, I'll be praying for little Levi and you just remember God is in control. No need to worry!" And with that she gathered her things and said "Well, have a good day." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a bizarre and sweet encounter to say the least but I knew it was a gift from God. I immediately told my mom and my sweet friend Amy about "the angel in flannel" God sent to me at Chick-Fil-A. She had soft white hair, wrinkles, a sweet smile and the most precious child-like voice. I had not told her a single thing about me or my life but she brought the message I needed. She encouraged and comforted me with just a simple story and most importantly she reminded me "God is good and He is in control." And I believe God sent her at just the right time. He knew at that point I was already having to constantly give my worry over our upcoming court date and the overall outcome of the adoption to Him AND HE KNEW ABOUT THE NEWS WE'D RECEIVE TODAY...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today our court date has been canceled. No one likes an "Indian giver" and personally I think this is the most cruel birthday gift someone could ever take from me! :) No adoption decree's will be issued until after the courts resume(March 12th) after the election is over on March 4th. This is scary on so many levels. This is so much deeper than our adoption, our judge, our case. This encompasses levels of government leadership, power struggles and ideologies that will effect millions of people. Even with the enormity of this challenge staring us down there is that sweet soft, child-like voice from yesterday saying "But you know what? GOD IS GOOD AND HE IS IN CONTROL!" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several sweet friends have asked me if "I'm okay?" The truth is no I'm not okay :) BUT I trust that God is good, He is sovereign, He is faithful to us and He loves me, my family and my Levi more than I can ever imagine. We are hopeful we will get another court date sometime the end of March. We are begging God to let us complete this process and bring our son home! Please pray with us...</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-9914029738314069262012-01-26T17:26:00.000-06:002012-01-26T17:26:42.058-06:00Happy Birthday to Me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 15th is my birthday....and it's also the day we will make Levi an OFFICIAL Polk!!! We get to spend Valentines Day with our baby boy and then go to court on the 15th. We are so excited!!! After the week we've had, this was totally unexpected. I guess I just needed to be willing to humble myself and accept "the other way" and love a person I viewed "unlovable" before God would allow us to move further. Why do I always have to do things the hard way? :) Although...I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present! Please continue praying! This walk isn't over yet :) But we've definitely just made a HUGE leap forward! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday in my moments of doubt, this precious pair of knit boots my sister sent Levi from Bosnia kept coming into my head. I've kept them in my kitchen since they arrived and every time I see them I pray for him. It is a sign of my faithfulness to go get my son! It was almost as though that image was God saying, "you can't stop walking to Levi until he is wearing his boots." I know this sounds silly but when I walked in the kitchen today and saw those little green and blue knits boots all I could do is say </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you God for your faithfulness"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and, of course, cry :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-32214101086294632432012-01-25T21:45:00.000-06:002012-01-25T21:45:44.891-06:00Game on!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it appears we will continue in our paper trail until the judge is satisfied enough to give us a court date. This could be tomorrow, this could be in 2 months. We really have no clue as this is "uncharted territory." Today has been a roller coaster of emotion! But at the end of the day here is what I'm taking away...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~God IS faithful...and as a reminder in my moment of weakness HE played Never Once by Matt Redman (see my previous post if you've never heard it) on the radio. Instead of just balling my eyes out...I was laughing through my tears. I was sad and disappointed but so comforted by the reminder through a song I literally couldn't stop laughing and told God out loud "Ok I get it. You're here. This is Your plan." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~We will not give up. Beyond the seemingly endless paper trail in our near future there are other details, "what if's" and possibilities that come into play that I can't get into on this blog that will also affect the future of our process. But regardless of the challenges that we may face the bottom line is if Carsyn or Sara Kate were stuck in an orphanage half way around the world, we would do everything we possibly could to bring them home. It is no different for our son! We said in the very beginning we would "walk until we can't walk anymore." The path is still wide open, it's just becoming more of a hike than we anticipated :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Change my prayer. I've been praying for our process, for Levi, for us but I am not praying for the judge. To be honest since we found out about her in December when the initial "issue" arose I've had a hard heart towards her but I've also felt a nagging to somehow "reach" her for His glory that I've been flat out ignoring because of my frustration. I have no idea who she is, what she believes or anything else about her but until today she wasn't on my list of "people I like." Well, as a believer I'm suppose to love her and I've felt a strong sense to be praying for her, and not in relation to how she affects us. I'll be praying for our judge until we see her face to face. Maybe it's through prayer that we will "reach" her...because I really can't think of any other way we possibly could :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Never challenge Satan out loud! After the first phone call I received today with the news that there was more documentation to be chased down I was ok. I cried with disappointment but was really able to trust God's sovereignty over the situation. I guess I must have gotten a little cocky because I sent out a text to several of my "prayer girls" saying "...if this was easy I might wonder if it was right but obviously we are in God's will or the devil wouldn't want us to give up. He is messin' with the wrong momma! Ya'll pray, I'm trusting God will be glorified through our delay. What's a few months compared to eternity? :)" It's like I said "Game ON" and Satan replied "alrighty then!!!" Well, it wasn't 2 hours later, after more disturbing news, I was wondering if we should continue in this process at all! I was feeling defeated and ready to give up! I can't believe Satan took my challenge so quickly:) I had just said that's what he wanted and I refused to let him win...wow I'M SO WEAK! Luckily, God intervened and reminded me this adoption is for His glory and for Levi. The inconvenience, additional cost, and frustration is very minor in comparison to the whole story! But I will never chance a verbal challenge against Satan again...I think I'll leave that battle to God :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please continue to pray for us daily. If you see me running around like a crazy person, just know I'm trying to accomplish the near impossible in a very short time frame :) Pray for our family, pray for Levi, pray for a speedy court date, pray for no more delays and no additional cost...and pray for an un-named, unknown judge 10 time zones away that her heart will be softened to the love of Christ. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite verse as a child kept popping in my head today:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In everything, seek Him and He will direct your paths!" Thankful today for sweet reminders....</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-71817492278141101622012-01-24T22:12:00.008-06:002012-01-25T11:10:55.833-06:00Faithful...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning I attended a "MoM's" brunch. It was wonderful! Sweet ladies of all ages and stages of life, great food, worship, excellent speaker and best of all, free childcare :) It was two hours of mommy time and the blessing of a wonderful story, but I thought that was it! I had no idea just an hour later the testimony of the sweet mommy of five, and fellow adoption adventurer, would be ringing in my ears as we got more news from our agency. It always happens so I'm not sure why I'm still amazed when God brings something across my path- a person, song, story, scripture- that will soon resonate with me so strong in my own circumstance that I'm moved to tears of joy and thankfulness for that "word" to prepare me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the news we received today is good but not great because we are still dealing with a great deal of uncertainty...our case was heard today before the judge. She asked for another document before we can go further. The agency and our social worker scrambled to "deal" with the situation. It will be reviewed again in the morning (their time). We are hopeful this will result in a date for court with no additional requirements. Of course, this could go another way. We could get bogged down in more paperwork and delay the process even further. It's all in the hands of this judge...or so was my initial thought. Is it ever REALLY all in a human's hands? Obviously not! It's in God's hands. I know this! It goes back to elementary school "He's got the whole world in HIs hands!" Remember? :) Or as I was reminded today at the brunch..."God is faithful" this is His character and it doesn't exclude my adoption:) It's not in a judge's hands, it's in our loving Father's hand's. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sweet lady that shared her story at the brunch this morning made a statement that I think will stay with me forever. She said "God didn't ask us to walk this journey to make us suffer, he chose this path for us to glorify Himself." When we first started this process our commitment was first and foremost to glorify God. He has definitely been glorified through this process but it wasn't always because I was faithful to give Him glory. He'll be glorified regardless of my flawed, selfish desires. He knows my heart wants my baby boy home with us right now BUT He also has a plan much bigger than my family and knows the best way for this adoption to be completed. With the testimony of another mommy that has walked this path fresh on my heart, my immediate reaction to our news this afternoon was "God you are faithful. If it means we wait a little longer, if it means hours more of paperwork and visits with our social worker and state government, I'll be humbled to be a part of the story you're writing for Your glory!" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm begging you all for prayer :) In 'real-time' you will probably be reading this just before, during or just after our judge has reconsidered our case. Please pray specifically for favor and a court date very soon because we have even more documents that are approaching their expiration date. I have complete trust In God's plan but I also know He wants us to ask for "the desires of our heart." So tonight I'm praying my desire for this to be finished with no more issues and Levi to be home very soon is aligned with His desire for me...and if it's not then I pray God will change my desires in accordance with His will. I know He will hear our prayer army and I can not tell you how comforting it is to know so many are praying us through this time. I'm so thankful for you all!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praising God for His faithfulness...no matter the outcome from the courts </span>:)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If we are faithless, He remains faithful- for He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:13 </span><br />
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</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-15565309283758388272012-01-20T17:55:00.000-06:002012-01-20T17:55:28.676-06:00An update from my heart...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why have you stopped blogging?" This is something I am frequently asked. The truth is...I'm BUSY and exhausted :) Physically, mentally, emotionally. My infrequent updates aren't intentional I'm just usually running non-stop all day until the girls go to bed and then if I sat down long enough to type an update I'd fall asleep! (Maybe a little exaggeration there but not much...Dustin can vouch for this :)) And most days I don't know what to say. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot I WANT to say. It just takes a lot of energy to figure out what I SHOULD say. This may sound sad or pitiful, and the truth is if there is one way to describe how I've felt that past 9 months it would be broken. BUT it's good...really good! I've learned more about faith, grace, love and depravity since beginning this process than I have in my entire 30 years prior to it. Broken is beautiful! Exhaustion from soul-searching and much prayer is wonderful! Laying on my face in tears before the only ONE that can fix "it" is total comfort. Notice I have never mentioned easy :) But all of that to say, most day's I have to prioritize what gets my energy and lately the blog has suffered from my "adoption exhaustion." :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So "WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE ADOPTION?" A question I get asked multiple times a day...and I appreciate it every time it gets asked! While I feel like a broken record sometimes it is such a blessing to have so many people around us that CARE and want to know what's going on and how to pray for us! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is where we are:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent the week of Thanksgiving (last blog post) with our precious little boy! I know I mentioned before but in case you missed it I'll say it again...HE IS PERFECT! The trip was amazing! Everything went as smoothly as it could have...until we traveled home. The trip home was just shy of awful and unfortunately, things with our adoption process haven't really improved since! But as my 'eternal optimist better-half' says, "It could be A LOT worse!" I know he is right but as I've mentioned before on this blog (more than once) I have a tendency to pitch a fit when things don't go exactly as 'I-I-I-Me-Me-Me' have planned (usually it's a fit just inside my head and heart; although the poor man at United Airlines got to hear a real fit throwing after we returned home...but that one was totally justified :)). So, of course, when we returned home from Russia with certain expectations of how the rest of this process would go, any diversion from that plan wasn't welcomed :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first week home Dustin and I stayed in a 'zombie-like' state from the crazy week we'd had and the crazy jet lag that came with the trip. Once recovered we got on the task of getting the little documentation we had left to prepare for court done and other preparations necessary for Levi to come home. Keep in mind this was also prime Christmas season festivities time! Class parties, programs, church functions, travel and family fun! It was a busy time to say the least. I know everyone reading this can relate...even if you're not in the middle of an adoption :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening of Dec. 23rd we were all dressed up and ready to go spend time with some of our best, most dear friends that we never get to see! I was excited...we miss the Lewis' and Weaver's SO MUCH! That's when the call came. Even though we were walking out the door to meet our friends I answered the phone. It was our agency and we had been told we would probably get our court date that week so I was happy and anxious answering the phone to find out when we'd be heading back to Russia for court! Imagine my disappointment when instead I hear...well, there has been an issue. For the sake of our situation I can not go into detail with what happened but just know the "issue" created another 3 weeks of paperwork, meeting's with our social worker and trips to Montgomery. This "issue" was beyond our control or the control of our agency, it was totally unanticipated (never happened before) and affected every family adopting in our region, not just us. However, I can say our agency and social worker are AMAZING! Without their support and help (working during Christmas!!!) we would probably still be sorting through this mess! But they are just as passionate about getting Levi home ASAP as we are and knew the longer we waited getting the additional documentation done, the longer it would be before we get our baby boy home! For privacy reasons I can not share the name of either organization on this blog until after our process is over, BUT if you or someone you know is interested in adopting please email me and I'll send you all of their contact information. Our agency and social worker are truly God sent!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Tuesday of last week, our "updated" file was submitted for translation and will then be re-submitted to the judge for approval. We are praying we will find out our court date by the end of this month and there will be no more "issues." At this time, we are praying to have Levi home in March. Please cover this in prayer also! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You did not receive Christmas cards from us this year...we didn't send them. This was actually, at first, my way of "acting out" since Levi wasn't home yet. In one of my pity parties I decided we weren't sending Christmas cards this year if our whole family couldn't be on them! I made ONE just for us...with Levi on it...and that was it. I was sad my baby boy wasn't going to be here for Christmas...after all this is the 2nd Christmas of his life we missed. I had the "right" to be upset, right? Then a few days later I was reading the Caringbridge site of precious little boy I have followed for 5 years through his diagnosis and battle with cancer and then sadly his death just this past year. His mom wrote "For Christmas this year we are adding new traditions, changing some and then some we are avoiding altogether because they are too painful (for example, you will not be receiving Christmas cards from us this year since our whole family can not be on it.)" OK, WOW! I'm pouting because my son isn't home...yet! What if my story was the same as this precious mother? Please don't misunderstand...I believe God's plan is perfect and I hope(pray) if that is ever my situation I will be able to handle it with the same faith and courage that this family has but why am I wasting precious time right now pitching a fit over something that may not be ideal, but it's not tragic. It's a new life being added to our family...a blessing, just not in MY timing! God is being glorified through this adoption. During our last "issue" we saw Him do some things in the lives of 3 other people that wouldn't have happened if we hadn't had our "issue." We could see His hand in our situation even though we may have been a little inconvenienced, God was using that "issue" (and our response to it) to affect other people. So why do I hesitate and have those initial moments of childish outbursts (even though they may not be outwardly the ONE that matters sees it!) instead of just trusting His plan and giving Him glory through the "hiccup?" This life isn't about ME...even though I seem to need a daily reminder of that :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adoption has shown me the "yuck" I am filled with. No matter how much I pray, study and serve, without the grace of my Savior I am nothing! My head knew this before we started the adoption but now my heart is convinced. I see the abundance of my unworth yet I am loved more than I could ever deserve! If it wasn't for my own adoption through the cross, I would always be a filthy, snotty, little child desperately seeking the approval of the world! But because of the sacrifice Christ made for us, I am justified...even when I pitch a fit because I don't get MY way :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so thankful for His love, but mostly for His grace! Thankful with ALL of my heart...</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-46872065675463672332011-11-25T13:18:00.000-06:002011-11-25T13:18:31.814-06:00Thankful in St. Petersburg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Thanksgiving 2011 was not our typical family gathering and meal but is one we'll definitely always remember. We spent time at the orphanage, ate a late lunch/early dinner at a fabulous Indian restraurant, took a nap and then got to talk to the most beautiful girls in the world via Skype. It was different but good...we missed family and the wonderful food but I asked Dustin if he even remembered what we did last year for Thanksgiving. He smiled and said "Usually it's just a blur because we are running from one house to another." Many times we need a change from 'the norm' to really appreciate just how great what we have is! I think this was a nice change this year, especially because we did get to visit with our special little guy...and we officially gave him his name!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of our Thanksgiving in St. Petersburg I've decided to do a list of what I'm thankful for THIS WEEK...I'm always thankful for my Savior, my family, health, and the many other blessings surrounding me. This is a list of things I'm thankful for but it took me being half a world away to realize it :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) A name...FINALLY! We have been going back and forth over this sweet boy's name for months but on Thanksgiving day it was time to put it on paper for his new birth certificate and at the very last minute we agreed on his full name, LEVI JAMES POLK. James is a family name passed down to Dustin from his grandfather and Levi means "joined in harmony." And that's exactly what is happening...he acts like we have always been his parents. We are so ready for the honor!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Fellow believers around the world. Being in a strange country where everyone is talking in a language you can not understand there is a great comfort when you enter an elevator with a solemn looking man who begins to stare at the Bible you are holding and after a minute reaches for the chain around his neck, revealing a cross and then smiles and says "Christo!"....and a bunch of other stuff I totally didn't understand but know He was excited about Christ:) Such a sweet encounter!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Fur. I never saw fur beyond a fashion statement until coming to St. Petersburg but wow, the cold wind and dreary, icy rain will cut to the bone quick if you aren't dressed just right. I'm so thankful for my fur lined boots, hat, and gloves...and thankful this trend is popular in Birmingham so I could find the right attire for the trip. Who knew it was cute AND practical in some parts of the world :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Cinnamon. It wasn't until this trip that I realized how much I like cinnamon in my coffee. All of my favorite Starbuck's drinks and creamer flavors have cinnamon in them. I ordered a cappuccino from our hotel cafe and it was surprisingly good. I didn't expect it to be because they used just milk and espresso but then topped it with cinnamon, I added some sugar and it was just like my "Christmas in a cup" from Starbucks :) When it comes to coffee in my world, cinnamon = perfection!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Window's that open. It may be frigid outside but inside it's about 80 degrees...not an exaggeration! And that is in every building we enter, including our hotel room. So crazy enough it is below freezing temps and we have our window open! But it occurred to me yesterday, I don't open my windows up enough at home. I think that is going to change :) Even though it's cold, the fresh air is nice!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Russia is on Polk time. :) We've heard some people say one frustrating part of being "in country" is no one is on time or in a hurry to do anything. Well, it's funny because it seems here we are always right on time and the pace is very comfortable to us. But then again, in the States we are ALWAYS late and running behind. It's been nice not to feel rushed or be late to any of our appointments. So maybe Russia just runs on "Polk" time...or vice versa :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) A heated floor...I've heard of these but I've never experienced one! WOW, it makes getting up early in the mornings, exhausted from jet lag so much better. Just the bathroom tile is heated so when we come in from the cold I'll go sit in the bathroom on the warm tile. Another quirky memory I'll probably never forget from St. Petersburg :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) An agency we can trust. We have been very pleased with our agency up to this point but we had no idea just how wonderful they actually are until we got here. The staff in Russia may be even sweeter and more organized than the ladies in the US...something I didn't think was possible! Again, I'm very limited by what I can share in this area so I'll just say it's no coincidence God led us to them and I hope to continue our relationship for a long time to help them find families for the many children in need.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special people caring for my children...this is two parts: family and total strangers. First having my mom watch our girls while we are 10 time zones away has given me a peace that I'm so grateful for. Dustin's parents have also helped. Having that comfort of knowing they are being better cared for (or should I say more spoiled:)) with Motty and Maw maw than they are with me makes this experience so much more enjoyable. I always thank God for our family, but this week I think I've prayed more and thanked God more for them than I have in a long time...I have a renewed appreciation. The other people in this category are total strangers. We do not speak the same language and will never have a relationship but I will be forever grateful for the wonderful caregivers, doctor and social worker at orphanage #??. When I think Russian orphanage I think sad, scary, and cold. This facility and these ladies are anything but that. They are like precious grandmother's loving and caring for their babies. This is not just their job, it is their heart. They have cared so well for our son and have brought him through his first year of life as a healthy, happy, beautiful baby boy when ALL odds were against him at birth. These precious ladies will always be in my heart and in my prayers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And lastly...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Conviction and passion...in our case, for orphans. I was recently asked again what made us want to adopt. Sometimes in the craziness of this process I forget how it all started...with a passion God laid on hearts many years ago to care for the orphan and a conviction the beginning of this year to do something about it!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our adoption coordinator shared yesterday that the most wonderful part of her job is getting to interact with the children in the orphanage. She sees them frequently and they get to know her pretty well. But the hardest part of her job is they also know when she is there it's because she is finding a home for ONE of them. She said she cries every time one of the children looks up at her and asks "Have you found me a mommy and daddy?" And most of the time she must respond, "no, not yet..." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've ever considered adopting or just had the thought cross your mind that maybe you would want to open your heart and home to an orphaned child, please cover it in prayer and seriously consider that may have been the Holy Spirit moving in you and not just a fleeting thought. We are told to care for the fatherless, not asked. It isn't something we are called to do, it is something we are commanded to do. Whether it be your own adoption, supporting someone else adopting or giving to and volunteering in orphan care ministry both domestically and internationally. Please don't let anything stand in the way of caring for these precious children. We never thought we could afford it and we weren't looking forward to the crazy process we'd have to go through...and to be honest none of that has changed. But somehow, here we are! We've never heard of a couple that said they had the money to adopt, but we've also never heard of anyone that wasn't able to bring a child home because of a lack of funds. God will bless adoption...He will provide the way. Just step out in faith and obedience. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">James 1:27</h3></div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Pure & genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans & widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.</div><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So thankful from the bottom of my heart....</span></div></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-26743350612752646082011-11-20T09:53:00.001-06:002011-11-20T09:57:34.260-06:00these are the days of our lives...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is the day... not "the" day... but the day we travel to Russia. There has been a lot that had to happen before this day could come. GOD amazes me every step of this radical walk. There are days I think He must be the biggest 'jokester' because of the hoops we've had to jump through. Some days I wonder if Satan asked if he could "play" and GOD said 'go ahead and have your fun but it won't stop them from marching on.' Then there are days I wondered if we were crazy and if this was really something we are suppose to be doing. :) But ultimately I remember no one and nothing can stop the will of God. His will for us is to glorify and serve Him. His will for us is to share His love and message with the world we've been assigned. About 2000 years ago he used a baby boy to accomplish that. And TODAY, he is using another baby boy to keep HIS message going. I am humbled to be getting on a plane today...a step closer to meeting one of God's most precious gifts.... OH GLORIOUS DAY!</span></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-12748404526026068782011-11-15T08:21:00.007-06:002011-11-15T08:28:19.884-06:00...but don't tell anyone!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you remember the agony of being told something when you were younger and then being told..."But you can't tell anyone!" When I was about 5 my mom bought my dad a new fishing rod as a gift and made the mistake of telling me about it. Needless to say it didn't stay a surprise...if you've known me for more than a minute you know staying quiet is not my strength but yet I'm in a situation now where sharing "the news" can negatively affect something very important to our family! Imagine the struggle my big mouth has had over the past 6 months!!! Isn't it funny how God frequently puts us exactly where are our weaknesses must be made strong? I can't tell you how many un-posted entries there are on this blog. I was given the great advice early in this process to journal along the way so even though I can't publicly share everything now, I'll have all of the details of this incredible journey in print to one day share with anyone willing to listen :) But today I'm happy to be able to report...we will be spending Thanksgiving in Russia with our sweet baby boy!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We leave this coming weekend and we'll be there a little over a week. This will be our first trip. We will have to go back two more times before we get to bring him home. I dare not give an estimate of when that will be...just pray instead for travel mercies, protection over our ENTIRE family and provision to complete the adoption. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last few days have been pretty crazy around our house...who am I kidding? The last few MONTHS have been crazy around our house! But yesterday the verse from John 16:33 came into my head. "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." As I read it I thought..."Oh no Lord, what are you preparing me for now." The day went on pretty normal. I found my typical adoption related obstacles and frustrations and then got a call from the girls school letting me know Carsyn was really sick (tummy/fever virus)...which I should have totally expected given all that we have going on this week. Nothing overwhelming just regular "stuff" to distract my attention from the all of the good we have to be thankful for. The day ended with a visit to the Secretary of State's office in Montgomery to have even more documents apostilled before this trip. As I walked in I saw that the office I normally go to was dark...or course, my immediate reaction was "no they can not be closed after I drove all this way." And if you're familiar with the journey we've been on through this adoption you would understand that yes, in fact, that would be very typical of the experiences we've had :) But no, they were open. Just the lady (let's call her Ms. J) that normally helps me was out. As another sweet lady helped me I asked about Ms. J...I was looking forward to seeing her. She has been an encouragement to me every time I've visited for an apostille. I learned that she was out because her mother had passed away very unexpectedly. After a few minutes of hearing the details of what happened and the grief Ms. J is experiencing John 16:33 popped into my head again. I asked the lady to please share this verse with her the next time they speak but she was so encouraged she immediately put it in an email and sent it on. As I was leaving I thought about how awesome it is that God puts people in our path to uplift us. He has used Ms. J to encourage me and ease some adoption related frustrations in the past. I had no idea why that scripture was laid on my heart until I heard about my sweet sister in Christ that is in such pain and needed the encouragement..."take heart! HE has overcome the world."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving home something the lady told me about Ms. J kept re-playing in my head..."She is so disappointed because it just didn't go like they expected." How many of my expectations haven't been met since this adoption began? Since we received our referral? Since we received our travel date? Since yesterday? :) Am I adding to my own grief everyday because I set expectations for the way things "should" work out instead of just seeking the ONE who has overcome the world? John 16:33 was for me :) The 'trouble' we will experience isn't always life changing like the death of a loved one...it's recording a password incorrectly causing yourself hours more of work. It's not being able to find enough crisp new bills after visiting 10 different banks. It's having a holiday that shuts down many of the offices you need important documents from in an urgent manner. :) Trouble isn't just tragedy, it's the daily frustrations of life that distract us from our peace and joy in Christ. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So friends...let me tell you what is "troubling" me so you can specifically pray for us: :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-being apart from our children (both in Russia and in the US)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-the "stuff" that must be done before we travel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-a sick little girl and fear that she'll share her germs with the rest of us</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-my back "issues" (yes it is still bothering me!) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-raising the additional $5000 we need to cover our adoption expenses</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your prayer support means more to us than you know. If you'd like to also support us financially, I've added a page on the left of this that gives details on how you can make a tax-deductible donation. Also, the fundraiser we are doing on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://ironbowladoption.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;">http://ironbowladoption.com/</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is coming to a close on November 25th. If you'd like to give by voting for your favorite school or passing on our site to your fellow Auburn or Alabama fans, we'd be so appreciative. (BTW, there is a new update on the website about an extra incentive to donate... go check it out!!!) We have felt so loved and encouraged through this process and as this walk is coming to an end, all I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and KEEP PRAYING!!! :)</span></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-45312957570773057602011-09-19T07:32:00.000-05:002011-09-19T07:32:20.776-05:00Polk...party of 5!!!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right! We have a referral :) We actually had recieved his information and pictures when I wrote the last post but we had not "officially" accepted him yet...although that was just a formality I didn't want to post the good news until we were certain!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not allowed to share many, well actually pretty much any, details about our little guy yet. But trust me when I say HE'S PERFECT...and I'm not just saying that as his mommy! He is a beautiful baby boy and BIG! God has protected our sweet 'little man' as he waits for us BUT now it's time for him to come home! He has two big sisters that are ready to love on him...well, he has one that is definitely ready for him to be home. Sara Kate is still not sure if she's ready to give up her position as baby of the family :) We could not be more happy and are so excited to move one more step forward in this process. We will have to travel to Russia three times before the adoption is complete and we are able to share more specifics about our sweet baby boy but I promise as soon as we can, WE WILL! It's killing me not to be able to show everyone his picture. I'm so excited I want to put it on a billboard and shout the good news everywhere :) It's the EXACT same feeling I had when my girls were born...I love how with every stage of this journey God has shown me the love of a parent really does grow from the heart, and not in the womb. Adoption is such a special gift. Such a beautiful picture of God's love and grace over us, HIS adopted children. This "walk" is so much more than just bringing a baby into our home...it's "the walk" we all begin when we call Him Father. Love Christ and love others...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are probably some questions you have that we can't answer...not because we aren't allowed but because WE don't have the answer yet. The most common...when will we get to bring him home? We don't know! When will we travel for the first time? We don't know :) but hope to know in the next few weeks! I'll update the blog as things happen and post as much information as I can. If you have questions, send me an email. I can share a lot more on a personal level than I can "publicly." Please keep praying for us. An adoption is never final until it's FINAL! Please pray for no surprises or delays in the process. We do know God's timing is perfect but we also know we are to ask Him for the desire's of our heart...so please pray with us for our baby to be home as soon as possible. (I've selfishly chosen the date of Nov. 17th. and although I know that is almost impossible, I also know ALL THINGS are possible for God.) I trust His timing, even if it's not mine :) Please continue to pray for His provision of funds and His protection over our baby boy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so blessed! Even though it wasn't always easy, I praised God as I was "throwing fits of disappointment" earlier in this journey. So I'm completely humbled to praise Him tonight in the joy of knowing our son is just a few more steps away! God is sovereign and His plan is perfect...as soon as I saw his face I knew God created this precious boy to be my son. Thank you God for your gift once again...thank you with all my heart!</span></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-65603965389995229982011-09-12T22:35:00.000-05:002011-09-12T22:35:16.359-05:00UPDATE...finally:)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just wanted to give everyone a quick "adoption related" update...it's been a while, i know.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I apologize for not keeping everyone informed but as with all adoptions our information changes constantly and I'm very restricted (legally) by what I'm allowed to share publicly. As everyone that has followed our journey from the beginning (April) already knows we were told about a set of twin brothers almost immediately. While it wasn't our intention to adopt two we decided we weren't going to limit what God had planned for us. We prayed A LOT and felt a strange peace about adopting two, even though the expense was more than we ever could've planned for. We committed to "walk until we can't walk anymore." We believed if these brothers were meant to be our sons, God would provide a way. Even though we have not "raised" all of the money we needed, we have been offered "last resort" alternative financial options that gave us access to adopting two. We saw God open several doors for us that seemed it was apparent we were following His plan. We opened up our hearts and lives to many, many people through this blog and in our community. We were able to share the love of Christ with strangers that we never would have met if we had not known about the twins in the beginning. However, for about two months now we have been on a roller coaster of not knowing exactly what was going to happen. We always thought money would be the barrier to us adopting two but it turns out circumstances beyond our control will be keeping us from the two baby brothers we thought would be our children. Without sharing too many details, I'll just say due to medical reasons, the journey to our twin boys is over. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sounds sad...but we are totally at peace with it. (of course, we've had our moments but we are good now:)) Our agency offered to find us another set of brothers (twins or young enough to fit our family dynamic). But after much prayer and discussion, we decided to ask them to re-submit our paperwork for one sweet baby boy who will soon be our son:) It was never "our" plan to adopt two and as Dustin said "I don't want to try to make this happen now. We felt God leading us in that direction but the door has now been closed. If He wants us to adopt two, it'll happen regardless of how many our paperwork says." So going back to our commitment in the beginning "to walk to the twins," we can't walk anymore. The door was not shut, it was slammed:) We both feel a peace about adopting one. As a very sweet friend told me last week... God is sovereign. When this is all over we'll look at our son and know it all happened exactly at it was suppose to and it'll be good! (And she knows what she's talking about! :))</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO...that is the update. We are super excited to be moving forward and can not wait to bring our baby boy home...praying sooner rather than later. And we are still fundraising. I think at last count we are in need of about $10, 000. If you'd like to purchase a Southern Belle shirt we still have a few left. You can also make a fun donation to www.ironbowladoption.com or you can send a "tax deductible" donation to Fellowship Church (put "adoption" in the "for" line). For more information about our fundraising, you can send me a note at polkadoption@gmail.com. We are so thankful for everything you have all done for us. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and prayer we've received. We are so blessed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart...</span></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-68176116825592715782011-08-24T13:25:00.001-05:002011-08-24T13:27:26.023-05:00Throwing the flower girl's head piece...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you remember what you were doing ten years ago today??? I do! I was throwing my flower girl's head piece our florist had just delivered across Mrs. Shirley's dining room table. Not my proudest moment :) Normal wedding stress and a bit too much 'baby's breath' sent me over the edge into a "bridezilla" moment. Can you say spoiled brat? Absolutely! I'm so thankful that even then I had godly women in my life to keep my materialistic and sometimes shallow soul grounded :) After I finished pitching my little fit about the 'oh-so-important' ring of mostly baby's breath to adorn the flower girls head; my mom, Mrs. Shirley and my bridesmaids were there to join hands and pray me back to reality. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking back I see how silly I acted about something that really didn't matter at all. I'd like to think I've grown and matured over the past ten years but if I'm honest I really haven't. True, I probably wouldn't throw a head piece across the table today...that's just because God has improved my self-control and given me greater conviction. But in my heart I still pitch fits about life's little disappointments. Just yesterday I had to "check myself" over the Southern Belle shirts. When they arrived, the shade of yellow I was expecting wasn't quite the shade that was printed. But is that really important? Well, I actually let it upset me for a little while. Luckily, I have grown to a place where God can quickly get my attention and remind me above all HE is my priority. Yes, the yellow was a little off...and yes, Southern Belle even offered to re-print all of the shirts, but what is the eternal aspect of this situation? While I was very "nice" when talking with the SWEET lady about my concern over the t-shirts...what message does it send about my ministry if I ask her to reprint 250 shirts just because I wanted a lighter shade of yellow??? As soon as I got off the phone with her I regretted even bringing it up...still a brat at heart:) Maybe a more "mature brat" but a brat all the same. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See I've come to realize, while I really do detest baby's breath and I'm not a fan of the 'golden yellow,' that's not really what caused me to act like a two year old. The root cause was it didn't meet MY expectation...MY plan. I know there are circumstances in life where quality, details and personal taste are important, but never at the expense of how we represent Christ to the world...and more importantly how we represent ourselves to Christ. And I think you'll find, like me, most of our "fits" happen when OUR plans get disrupted. Total surrender is such an easy concept but so impossible to do. But how much sweeter would our lives be if we would just embrace the grace and love of Christ and give HIM control over every aspect of our life. Life's disappointments may not seem quite so bad if we keep our focus on Him who gave us this life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, this does mean that ten years ago today we were preparing for the day that I would marry the man that my mother prayed God would bring into my life. For the man God specifically made for me. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm not an easy gal to live with :) My emotions are crazy and my needs and wants change daily...but God created a man to ride the emotion roller-coaster with me and adapt to my ever changing wants and needs in Dustin. He is my perfect partner. He makes me a better wife, mother, friend and Christ-follower. Dustin, August 25th of 2001 was the best day of my life and I pray we will read this 50 years from now and laugh hysterically at the crazy times we've had, crazy children we have raised and the crazy life we have lived all for the glory of God! I love you :) Happy (early) Anniversary!</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3xqDeZm2uI/TlU8rA4pz6I/AAAAAAAAAFA/EpltHgpQJ0Q/s1600/wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3xqDeZm2uI/TlU8rA4pz6I/AAAAAAAAAFA/EpltHgpQJ0Q/s320/wedding.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look how young we look...and skinny! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are definitely happier now :)</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned, the Southern Belle shirts have come in. If you have ordered one, I'll be getting with you soon about how to get them delivered. If you didn't pre-order but would like one let me know. We do have some extra's in each size! They are $20. Here are some pics of the final product (and despite my little freak out over the yellow...they turned out precious!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZSgeb-6iAU/TlU8vmBgUCI/AAAAAAAAAFE/l3S04aSdvjk/s1600/carsyn+shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZSgeb-6iAU/TlU8vmBgUCI/AAAAAAAAAFE/l3S04aSdvjk/s400/carsyn+shirt.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southern Belle's know no matter how motherhood </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">comes to you it is a gift from God!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left"><br />
</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hP4iU1nkFKg/TlU81mOU6tI/AAAAAAAAAFI/a7RJ3UZ5ytk/s1600/girlsshirts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hP4iU1nkFKg/TlU81mOU6tI/AAAAAAAAAFI/a7RJ3UZ5ytk/s400/girlsshirts.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My cutie pies modeling the "shirts to help us get our brothers"</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-3031670472106846902011-08-04T00:38:00.000-05:002011-08-04T00:38:30.503-05:00baseball paci's and school supplies<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's that time of year...the first day of school! Well, in our little family, it will be the "first" first day of school. Carsyn starts kindergarten next week. How is that possible? I've read many tearful Facebook posts from my Mississippi friends sharing in my "letting go" anxieties since their "babies" already started school this week. You know, when you were a kid you heard grown-ups say, "they just grow up too fast" and you thought they were crazy. Elementary school seemed like an eternity. But now on the other side, as a "grown up" I totally understand what the adults were talking about. Life really is short and we don't have enough time with our babies...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this big event looming in our near future, I've found myself ultra nostalgic and "clingy" with my girls. I had a few hours alone today and thought I'd take advantage of the free time to get Carsyn's school supply list knocked out. Today may have not been the best timing to surround myself with the reminder that my "baby" is now a big girl that needs school supplies:) I was already a little emotional because earlier I had received an email I'd been looking forward to for several months now. After countless hours and month's of paperwork, several trips to local government entities, multiple attempts to obtain proper clearances and documents, hundreds of photocopies, a couple meetings with my favorite notary and social worker:) and a morning in Montgomery at the Secretary of State's office, our file for the adoption is finally complete and on it's way to Russia! This is BIG news. We are one step closer to bringing our boys home. As I walked into Walmart, this good news was on my mind. After finding all of the normal school supplies, I went on to find the items listed that were not in the "school supply" section. One was baby wipes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walked through the baby section toward the wipes and noticed the pacifiers...referred to as "paci" by my girls. I stopped. I'm at crossroad right now with Sara Kate. She turned two this summer. We've had a lot going on the past few months. We've made multiple long road trips, we are getting ready to transition her to a "big girl" bed and we are getting ready to add two more children to our family. I haven't felt like now is the best time to take her paci away. However, she is getting older and she is very attached to it. We have lost all of her paci's but one! So, I've decided we aren't buying anymore. Once this one is gone, it's gone. BUT she has chewed a hole in it and I'm afraid she'll chew it off and be very upset during our five hour ride back to Birmingham. So I stared at the cute pink paci's hanging on the shelf debating whether to buy a pack "just in case." Then I caught myself looking at the super cute "boy" paci's that were designed like various balls. There was a baseball and a football paci. My mind wandered to thinking "Oh so cute...I should get these for the boys." AND THEN IT HIT ME...by the time we get them home they will probably be too old to take a paci. We are already missing so much of their little lives. The tears started to flow. And with the reality of how fast Carsyn has grown up so fresh on my heart, another minute away from my babies is just too long. I pray the rest of this adoption will go by quickly so we can love on our baby boys and not waste another minute without them. So if you were at the Ocean Springs Walmart today, that was me...I was the crazy chick bawling on the paci aisle:) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moral of this story...enjoy and make good use of the time we have with our babies. Even grown babies. I'm sure my mom and dad agree as they prepare to send my "little" sister Courtney off to the mission field, it doesn't matter how old your child is, it's never easy to let go of your "baby." Whether it's to kindergarten, college, their spouse or to the world to spread the love of Christ. With such a short window of time, we must daily impact our children for His Kingdom...we must daily impact the world. God uses our children to remind us so many things. It's no doubt He uses our babies to show us Psalm 39:4-5 "L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span>, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered- how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Make the most of every breath...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the evidence of us making the most of our last days of summer:)</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gblliGReNT4/TjomqCoomgI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ZdeUmga2vmE/s1600/carsyn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gblliGReNT4/TjomqCoomgI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ZdeUmga2vmE/s400/carsyn" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carsyn with our new friend, Irina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCgHnAclMlE/TjomyUKBSeI/AAAAAAAAAEw/xGV4JSOc9aM/s1600/sara+kate" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCgHnAclMlE/TjomyUKBSeI/AAAAAAAAAEw/xGV4JSOc9aM/s400/sara+kate" t$="true" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can something so cute have such an attitude??? :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nfpa0xfT8E/Tjon99jXdEI/AAAAAAAAAE0/hu3QqxtaO6o/s1600/saratutu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nfpa0xfT8E/Tjon99jXdEI/AAAAAAAAAE0/hu3QqxtaO6o/s400/saratutu" t$="true" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Sara Kate, it's been the "summer of the tutu."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPFBvNSaKu0/TjopDVI5nnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/olT7iF3lKrw/s1600/carsyn+bubbles" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPFBvNSaKu0/TjopDVI5nnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/olT7iF3lKrw/s400/carsyn+bubbles" t$="true" width="298" /></a></div>Carsyn is in "bubble heaven" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRPq1pXqEvg/TjomuHziONI/AAAAAAAAAEs/6mc72UT28U0/s1600/girls+sleeping" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRPq1pXqEvg/TjomuHziONI/AAAAAAAAAEs/6mc72UT28U0/s400/girls+sleeping" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just nothing more precious...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PppuEDeueUg/TjopZR9r4mI/AAAAAAAAAE8/0IlfJ8iDAaQ/s1600/file" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PppuEDeueUg/TjopZR9r4mI/AAAAAAAAAE8/0IlfJ8iDAaQ/s400/file" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>"IT IS FINISHED..." :) </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-90252567421303099022011-07-22T17:34:00.002-05:002011-07-22T17:38:33.701-05:00You can never have too many...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>CUTE T-SHIRTS!!! :) </strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please support our adoption fundraising by ordering a super cute Southern Belle T-shirt. They are on a teal blue shirt, with bright yellow and hotpink accents and black writing. They are "just fabulous" and I can't thank my sweet friend, Heather Allen, enough for organizing this fundraiser for us! The shirts are $20 for adult sizes and $15 for children's sizes. The design is below...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPPXGVhN9Tk/Tin0XJMohQI/AAAAAAAAAD4/apP8pultgv8/s1600/tshirt2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPPXGVhN9Tk/Tin0XJMohQI/AAAAAAAAAD4/apP8pultgv8/s640/tshirt2" t$="true" width="448" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to order, you can leave comments below with the size you'd like and I'll email you payment options. You can also send an email to </span><a href="mailto:polkadoption@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">polkadoption@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to place an order or on my Facebook page.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been asked a few times if we are still doing the Iron Bowl Adoption fundraiser. We definitely are! It'll run until the week of the Iron Bowl! We are hoping to have an exciting announcement very soon regarding this fundraiser...(hint: "stay tuned" for exciting developments.) If you'd like to vote for Alabama or Auburn to win our allegiance, go to </span><a href="http://www.ironbowladoption.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.ironbowladoption.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and donate :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adoption is a rollercoaster...we have great days, we have not-so-great days. We experience victory, we experience defeat. But the one constant in this process has been the support of our amazing family, friends, church and community! We couldn't do this without you...thank you from the bottom of my heart~</span></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6523137115157828885.post-10537312569154904462011-07-18T08:59:00.000-05:002011-07-18T08:59:07.679-05:00Be joyful with little and plenty...of vacuum cleaners :)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How on Earth have I managed to blow up two vacuum cleaners in less than 12 months??? OK the first one was kind of my fault. I didn't clean it out enough but I didn't realize the machine was so "high maintenance" until it was too late. However, I still haven't figured out what happened to the second one. I was just vacuuming and as I was about finished with the entire house the piece where the filter fits in on the side literally fell off onto my breakfast room rug...leaving behind remnants of melted plastic on the rug! I have NO IDEA why it melted off but I was SO irritated to have to buy another vacuum. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first vacuum cleaner I LOVED! It was compact and light weight and had amazing suction! I was really sad when it bit the dust :) Not only was I upset because this vacuum made my cleaning endeavors easier but also because the timing was terrible. It quit working the week before the adoption fundraiser/yard sale we had back in April. A time when we became totally focused on saving and raising money for our adoption. A vacuum cleaner wasn't in the budget...and still isn't. So imagine how excited I was when the day before the yard sale my sweet neighbor shows up with a bunch of items to donate and one of them was a perfectly working vacuum.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time I was grateful but didn't see the significance of "a need" being met at just the right time. The most recent vacuum cleaner fatality that occurred at the Polk house was last week, the day before we were set to leave for "home" on the coast. We had a precious missionary coming to stay in our home and I wanted to make sure everything was spotless for her. This was the day my "new to me" hand me down vacuum cleaner melted to pieces. But I didn't let it get me down. :) We have tried to remain focused on glorifying God throughout this process and trust that because we've remained faithful in giving to others, He will continue to provide for us. If I let myself dwell on the money it would take to buy a new vacuum, I'd have gotten really mad! You see, buying cleaning equipment irritates me as much as buying tires! If I'm going to spend hundreds of dollars on something, it should at the very least help somebody OR be pretty or shiny or fun or have a high heel :) A machine that sucks up dirt doesn't fit any part of that description!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great visit at "home" with family and friends. We capped off the week by saying good bye (for now) to some very dear friends that are moving across the country...three time zones away...to California. Luckily, they will be "behind" us so Amy and I can still have our 9 am chats only it'll be 6 am her time:) You know that feeling you get in your stomach when you know you are about to have to do something you really don't want to but you have to...well when I walked up to their "seminary sale" Saturday morning to say "goodbye" that's the sensation I had in my gut. So how awesome is it that to ease the sadness of the situation, there was a vacuum cleaner sitting there waiting for a new home? :) After a tearful goodbye, I drove off in my "mommyvan" with my "new to me" vacuum cleaner sitting in the back. And then it dawned on me...God did it again! I have now needed a vacuum cleaner TWO times since this adoption started and without asking around or putting any effort at all into finding a cheap enough machine to get by until we are operating on a "normal budget" again, God has met that need. Significant? Not really...unless you consider $500 will pay for a home study review fee, or Registration fee, or Post-Placement fee, or two Visa's, or a Russian Medical Exam, or both boy's passport's, or 50 documents to be apostilled, or half our USCIS fee, or half of a round trip flight to Russia, or half of our "gift" to the orphanage...OR a vacuum cleaner.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God reminds me daily every $500 or $50 or $5 we save or raise is significant in this process. And if we are faithful to continue supporting other ministry, even when it's very tempting to focus all of our resources on the work we've been called to right now, He will be faithful in providing for us. NOW do you see why I'm so excited about a used vacuum cleaner? :) Phil. 4:12</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!</span></div><br />
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</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959903653361330687noreply@blogger.com1