Not Much to Write About

Not much to write about today..We took Sandra to school and went to the embassy to drop off a copy of the adoption decree..Grapped a few grocerys and put them away and then went back and picked up Sandra...That is about the extent of today..Oh yes..Gwen,with ywam, stopped by and dropped off some envelopes that needed to have stamps and return labels put on them and Hap and I did them in less than an hour..about 500 of them so far..I help her out with her work sometimes for the time she has taken off to help me with adoption stuff..Then weather has been breezy today and tonight Sandra has basketball practice..Still with the old home she was in..But like I said before I think the physical activity is very good for her..I can tell that she is starting to realize that Florida is getting closer..I so know that this is going to be a big change for her..and I am very thankful that we have good counselling in Florida. Also for the family that is there waiting on us...My mom was told today that she might be ready to come home in a couple of weeks..This is all working out so good..Now to find a person that her insurance will cover to stay at her house with her for a little while...Once I get home and settled then we can see what will be next...I am trying to realize today that my husband will be going home without me on Monday...I think this is going to be a hard day...But I am oh so thankful to have this week with him...and so is Sandra...Hap is reading to me now from a book to encourage me..With the words that GOD is my strength..I will rely on his strength.

The Last Wait????

Well we did it..We took Sandra to school and then went and did Hap's tourist visa..Went back and got Sandra and headed to the school courts..Had to wait for some unexpected time..Actually had to go do the work for them..But thats ok..We got it done..Then headed to passport office..We made it there at 2:00pm. They close at 3:00pm. I was told by someone else who had shown up at 1pm that they got fussed at but to our surprise(and since I had everything they wanted in an original pile and 3 copy piles..We were told we would make an appointment to come back but before it was over we were told to go to the head lady and she did everything right there and told us to go pay. Which is at a different local but same block,then go make 3 copies of everything and come back which we did..In less than 15 mins..I was running..I told Hap and Sandra just go wait and I will be back..We went back in to the passport office got fingerprinted signed some papers and first we were told 3 to 4 weeks...Then PRAISE GOD..she said call her in two weeks...It might be in two weeks!!!!This would be amazing...But no expectations...what it is ...it is...Then I will be so surprised...It is really happening..Tomorrow plans are to take Sandra to school and then go to the Embassy and drop off some papers they were wanting me to fax but I cant find a fax that will send legal size paper so we will go...That was our day..I am very tired and fighting to keep my eyes open...I will do better tomorrow...Take care...GOD bless all of you .We went to see Carlos this afternoon..He still is not driving and still have visual problems. The people in the States are contacting the doctors and trying to make arrangements for he gamma knife procedure..He has his passport and is now working on the visa...There will come a time when we are going to try and raise some money to help with his transportation to the states and accomodations...Please pray and see if this is something you might be able to help with...More info as I get it...Thank you to Dan and Tillena who have sent to money for the visa to get to the states...THey are the founders of H.O.P.E. A nonprofit to help orphanages and missionarys....Take care and we will catch up on stuff tomorrow...

He's Here

Hap made it in today..We picked him up at the border at 4:45..Came on here and started supper..It was great to see him after over 2 months..He has lost weight too..Guess we needed this to help us with our weight lose..I am not sure how much I have lost but I am down a clothes size...We have the new birth certificates..I got them this morning..How funny..We got there and last week they told me that I would need two witnesses..They didnt say they had to be mexican..So their photographers were our witnesses..Then we headed to the school court to have all her records changed..Of course the infitile photos we got were not the right ones. So we walked across the street and had some taken and had to wait an hour on those...Came back here and I got all the copies in order..and realized that Hap's tourist visa is not right either..I had to correct mine the other day..because we need them for her passport..So after we drop her off at school in the morning we will head on over to get his straight..Then pick her up and go back to the school court and pick up all the changed school papers and then off to the passport office...Praying that we will have time to do it since they close at 3..We will try or it will have to be Wednesday..THEN THE COUNT DOWN BEGINS...As soon as it comes back we are 3 days from home...OH YES!!!!!It is finally happening..Home is in sight...Please we are praying that it will go really fast...but if not 3 weeks it will be...Which after all this should be nothing....RIGHT...It will probably be the longest yet...Got to be positive..again..Thanks to all of you...I am really happy to have Hap here for a week..My mom isnt so happy to be without him but she will make it..I have asked her to be extra careful till he returns then they can get wild together....Please continue to pray for us and the end of this adventure..It has really been an adventure..and the biggest FATHOM I could have imagined...Till tomorrow...

Teenagers...Oh how I remember..

Well it has been along time..since I have had to give advice to a teenager...But time doesnt change anything..They still dont have a clue what all life is really about..We just have to do and say the best things we know and pray...Just lets me know how much I long to be home..Where I can find sound christian words and sound counsel..Not much long...Hap will be here tomorrow..YEAHHHHHH...We will go to the border about 4:30 to meet him..In the morning we have to go to the birth certificate office and then the school court to petition for her records..Then Tuesday it is passport day and then Prayerfully the last wait..I am excited...My mom is doing good..Just really going to miss Hap for the next week..Please if anyone out there reading this could check on her this next week that would be a BIG help. I will of course still be calling everyday and making sure my brother is doing ok with her..But I think she has gotten a little spoiled by my husband..Now imagine my mom getting spoil..If you know her you know what I mean..she is a character...Gotta love her...I can not wait to give her a big hug. She wants to have a cry with each other..Which will be no problem..I have the funny feeling I will be doing alot of that soon..Well the day has finished nice..Our teenage moment has passed and we are all back to normal. She is so much different than our son..With him it would have lasted days..I sure miss him too.I can not wait to get home and start some new family traditions..Sunday get together at least once a month..Hopefully it will be so enjoyable they will want to do it more often. So pay attention..Everyone is invited..Because I count everyone as family after this. Oh yes, Debbie, thank you special for spending some time with mom. She so enjoys the company and attention..I REALLY appreciate it..I hope you are doing good and let me know when your surgery is..I will be praying for you..Well I am going to close this out..Dont know what has been up but for the last two days I have had to fight through the afternoons..I just want to sleep forever..It is 8:15 and I am ready to sleep..GOD's blessing to all..and may he strengthen and keep us all..
O GOD, you are my GOD; earnestly I seek you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Slow Day

This has been a very slow day...We went to the school this morning and talked about the next month...We will be here for a little of that time..Then we went to have the photos for the Passport,school ID and visa..They did them all except the US visa..They said to come back at 1:30 but I was into doing the laundry by then...Then I layed down on the couch and took an hour and a half nap..I guess it is the heat messing with me..It was really cool for 3 days last week but today it was 60ish this morning but has climbed to 95 or more this afternoon..I am so looking forward to Hap coming on Monday..That could be another reason for the LLOONNGG day..One of Sandra's old school friends is having her Quincenara next weekend(Fifteenth birthday)..I hope Hap is ready for a real Mexican fiesta. It is now 7:30 and I am struggling to make it a real bedtime hour...It is just getting dark so maybe that will count as bedtime...I just want to sleep today...I guess considering I have made it almost 4 months without a shutdown day of sleep I am doing good...That use to be how I would handle over stress,over work, burnt out...So I think I will take tonight and tomorrow and just sleep...I deserve it..RIGHT??? Humor me people...I long for the normal life again...and all the things to show Sandra...including counselling...I talked to her about it alittle and she is like...I am OK...I told her she is very ok but we are going to have some counselling,,alone and together...She needs to know just what she is really worth and how much she has to offer the world..We have a good daughter and I am proud....I really miss Michael too...and everyone...OK enough mush....There will be plenty of time for that when I get home.....I am going to close this out...Thanking GOD for my life and strength....and for the gift of sleep...Well it is 2 hours later and I made it to 9:30...I had to write what just happen...I was talking to another mother who adopted a teenage boy from here last year with not so good results and Sandra came walking down stairs and stopped and said....With her hand to start..Hang on..."what are you doing"..IN ENGLISH!!!!!!...all I could say was... well I was reading and talking but now I am crying....What a way to end the day...I am so thankful for moments like that...She is going to do good and so am I...I know to some of you that might seem trival..But to me it was one of the most greatest moments I could ask for...Thank You LORD to an answer to prayer......

Moving Forward Alittle More

I have my new tourist visa...They could not correct the other so I had to buy a new one even though I still had 2 months on that one...You do what you have to do..Sandra did well today in school.She had her first exam..She said she was so nervous that her legs were shaking and her palms were wet..I will know tomorrow how well she did..She is picking up speaking alittle more..She is still not speaking it much but when Hap arrives he plans on pushing her and asking for her to do it more...He has been doing it on the phone and she does it..I am so looking forward to seeing him..We will go this weekend and have all the photos for her school info,mexican passport, and resident visa. So when Monday and Tuesday arrive we will ready...Monday will be the birth certificate,school court and Hap arriving..Tuesday will be the Mexican Passport..which Hap has to be with us for that one..Then we will work on finding her immunization records and I still need to take a copy of the adoption decree to the embasssy...I know she has had some shots because she has that scar on her upper arm but I have been unable to find papers for it in all this paperwork...I am going to send Sonia at DIF an e-mail and see if she will respond..If not I will try and call her Monday morning if possible...We meet Faith today but we didnt get to drive through the mountains..She is suppose to head to Denver tomorrow but she has had some car trouble and was going to try and have some things fixed this afternoon..I am waiting to see if we hear from her again..It is not quite 5:30 yet..There still might be time...Heathers birthday is today and if we can we might meet again for supper...We are just floating and see what the rest of the day brings.....I am so thankful to the LORD for turning on the light up there at the end of this tunnel..I can see it..now just to finish the climb up there to it...Sure am glad for his safety line...I told someone that I had learned what I was made of during this time here..and that I am nothing without the LORD with me..He has carried me through all of this..There has only been one set of footprints here and they are not my size....So hopefully tomorrow will be photos for ID's,passports,visas..and I have a 10am meeting at the school to talk prices till we go home..They were ready to give me some money back when they found out that we might go to mexico city..so I think that they will charge me only for the time she remains in class..They did say that they have some classes in Florida but I heard that the schools in our area...or at least one that someone checked on for me, have special classes for spanish speaking kids who come to our area...So she will not need their classes..But it is for sure helping her learn to speak the language and get over her nervousness...Today let me know just how shy she is with the language...She was really nervous...Please continue to pray for us and the remaining time here..and for Hap's travel here and my mom while he is gone..She will miss him..She is doing well and getting stronger everyday..I am now having to make her hold off on the tears..She wants to cry everytime I talk to her..I told her when I get there we will cry with each other..
For I, the LORD your GOD, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you"

We are Moving Along

Hap will be arriving Monday afternoon around 3:30 in El Paso..Over here a couple of hours later...I have to be at the birth certificate office at 10 on Monday..I was able to do that with out him..I have to go to the education court after that and get her school records with the new birth certificate...Then we will head to the passport office for Sandra on Tuesday..I have to go tomorrow back to the Mexican Immigration office because I found out today that they messed up on my tourist visa and didnt put my middle name..So I have to get that corrected before Tuesday..I also have to have more copies and photos of Sandra made over the weekend...We also found out today that Mexico City is not an option...It will take 3 weeks no matter where we are because of the name change..So 3 and half weeks and we are Florida bound...YESSSSSS...I have something to work towards and a real time frame..Sandra has her first test tomorrow in english school. She had soccer practice tonight..I know we wont be here long but I think that the physical activity is very good for her..She also has basketball practice Wednesday...So it looks like I am going to have stuff to do which will help the time past..Gwen, a lady with ywam ,helped with the translations today so I am doing volunteer work for them like address envelopes...I do not mind at all because we would have nothing done today with out her...Oh yea,,I also have to try and find Sandra's immunization records with dif..and fax a copy of the adoption decree to the american embassy...Please keep everything in prayer..once her mexican passport is back we have 3 days here to do the medical and get the visa and pack up and move everything back across the border.....we shall see..So there is plenty to still be praying about..but I do see being home in less than 4 weeks..This is nothing after what has gone on...She is starting to show some signs of confusion..which I have found out is normal for what is ahead..The change is coming and I have been told to start talking about what she is gaining with this..They tend to focus on what they are losing and forget about what they are gaining...I am so thankful to have sound christian advice from others that have gone thru this..and it will be SOOOO nice to have Hap here for a week to help settle things into place..Like we have said in the past..she responds much better to a man than a woman..He will be able to set the boundarys much better than what I have been doing..She wants to push me..Which I dont move but when she begins to see the family dynamics it will be a big help...Father head, Mother next,,Mom and Dad agree...Next week is going to be a big learning week for all of us...It will be good and healthy..I am excited....That is about it I think..It is about 11 now..Oh yea..tomorrow is Heathers birthday..The girl who is in from Florida...I will be meeting them at the free bridge for the immigration office to get the tourist visa straightened out..Then Faith is going to the school for awhile and we will meet back up with her to do the mountain highway drive ...It is suppose to be beautiful...Heather wants to see it and I have been wanting to too...that way when Hap comes in I will have an idea of what it is and be able to take him to see it...So things will be moving the next week..I so thank all of you for thoughts and prayers..and look forward to the last few weeks of sharing Mexico with you...Then it will be off to Florida and I will probably continue to blog for awhile if you want so you can experince what is up when we get home...Thanks again for staying with us through this and praying and encouraging us during some of the harder times in life...GOD's Blessings to all...

The Adoption is Final

YEAHHHHHH...The adoption was finalized today...No more DIF!!!! They are good..and I appreciate all the work that Sonia Gonzolis did but what a great day...I am heading to the birth certificate office in the morning...Thinking that Hap will fly in on Monday to finish the birth certificate..He has to be here to finish that and start on the passport...Not so good news is that we dont know yet if we will be able to go to Mexico City for the passport..which means 3 weeks of wait.I called the passport office today but no one spoke english so I have to wait for a translator tomorrow....but after all this that is nothing...WE are almost DONE!!!!!!!PRAISE TO GOD for getting us through this...I give him all the glory for this....It is getting bitter sweet for Sandra...She is very happy but sad at the same time...I think this is harder on the older kids...but she will be ok in time...Leaving the only home she has know...all of her "family"..Friends,people who have been there for her....But she will be fine and we will be her family now...It will also help when she sees Hap I know...So just a few days and he will be here....I am excited...OK..I just did 3 hours worth of work getting ready for tomorrow..Having copies made and placing in order..We are ready...Also got a good start of paperwork for passport too..This is going to be good..Only thing is finding out if we wait or go for the passport..I will know this tomorrow...I can not wait to see my husband and watch the light at the end of the tunnel get brighter....Please do keep us in prayer..We still have her medical stuff to do..I really dont see any problems there but prayer is still good..I want GOD to see us all the way through this..and after..FOREVER...I will be so happy to see home...But sad to leave friends here too..But that was the plan the whole time...Sandra's NEW HOME...I know her mind is racing..wondering...We will be with her all the way..GOOD and BAD...We can do this...With GOD....
Shout for joy to GOD,all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to GOD, How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.

I Think

I think we recieved good news today. DIF called and said that they had sent the Embassy the information. I am to be at DIF at 10am to pick up our final resolution on the adoption. Then I am to go to the Embassy and take some papers..If I understood right I think we will be ready to finish up...I must be in shock..because I could not understand for sure..But by two, Florida time, tomorrow I will know...That means,if I understood right, that we could be heading to Mexico City next week...I want to be really excited but I am not...Not until I double check tomorrow...But I am pretty sure this is what is happening...Tomorrow I will know...I dont know if any of that made sense either...Oh well,,,tomorrow...As for today..I took Sandra to school then met Faith and Heather at Starbucks. Faith had to work today at the school here in Juarez. Heather and I went to Central Park and walked around for a couple of hours...Then we picked up Sandra and came home..Heather is a massage/physical therapist so as my gift she worked on me some...IT WAS GREAT..I have missed seeing the chiropractor so this was great for my tight shoulders...Faith came back at 3:30 and we headed to the mexican chinese place for some good food for Faith and Heathers birthdays..Faiths was today and Heathers is Friday...We just got in and I am pretty tired..I guess it was the shock of the news and the massage/stretch session..I talked with my mom today and I can tell she is ready to see me..The last couple of times I can hear her about to cry when we say goodbye..I will be so happy to see her and let her know I am back..to help her recover and get home.I can see nervousness in Sandra...Anticipation of the unknown..She is happy...but sad...I can not imagine the thoughts in her head...This has not been easy for any of us...The wait has been hard...I know that I have grown through this and so has she...Hap has..Now to just finish and get started on the life we have told her about..Something I am sure she was beginning to wonder if it would ever really happen...
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry boy, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our GOD. May will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

Refocusing

Well it is almost 4pm. No call today..Thats ok..Maybe tomorrow..I am thankful today for a book I started last night while being unable to sleep. "In A Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" It talks about how our bad times could be times where GOD is growing us..So while I am in this pit with a lion on a snowy day, I will make the best of it..Seeking what GOD might be teaching me today. Sandra is almost over her cold..Has one of those throat coughs from the nasal congestion. She did well in school today and came out saying,in english, "I am hungry" "I am very hungry" and a few other phrases..She is going to do well..My mom is in better spirits today..which I am thankful for. Hap is doing good. He just called and is getting to spend some time with Tyler,the grandson. I sure miss that little one too. Heather,the friend from Florida, will be here in the morning so that will help pass the day. It is also Faiths birthday..We are going to a mexican chinese resturant for dinner tomorrow afternoon..This place has the best chinese I have ever had. They serve it family style at your table..I am really looking forward to that..I forgot all about the place until Faith mentioned it a couple of weeks ago..A few years ago when I was serving on the board for the orphanage we had one of our meetings there and it was amazing..Good friends and good food for tomorrow..Maybe even good news..We shall see..I just wanted to share a part of the book that I am reading. It is talking about how we can get focused on our situations or circumstances.and a suggestion that could help... Paul and Silas are in stocks in a Philippian Jail. They have been arrested for casting a demon out of a fortune-teller, and her master was angry because she made him alot of money. They were arrested, beaten, and put in the dungeon. The writer(of the book I am reading) says that if he were Paul or Silas he would be physically, emotionally,and spiritually spent.(Like we are after facing some of our lions in a snowy pit) Their back is still bleeding from the beating. Would we be upset that GOD didnt keep us out of this mess. After all,they were preaching the gospel. Paul and Silas could have sit there and complained but instead they choose to worship GOD in spite of their external circumstances. Worship is zooming out and refocusing on the big picture. Worship is forgetting about what's wrong with us and remembering what's right with GOD. Like hitting the refresh key on your computer. It restores the joy ..It recalibrates our spirit..It renews our mind..Is it easy?? Absolutely not. Nothing is more difficult than praising GOD when nothing seems to be going right. It proves that our worship isnt't circumstantial...So today I have tried to put this to work..Refocusing on what is good..not on what appears to be bad..It could be an appointment instead of a disappointment..Make good use of the time...P.S. Debbie, where did you get an idea for lasagna in a crockpot and how??

This is Going to be Short

I am going to make this one short...I have made it through the day...It has been a weird day..Mentally..I am drained and hanging on...Praying that things will be for the good this week..I thank you very very much Cousin Debbie for your words...It really does help to know that people are really out there.and praying..I guess things are starting to wear me down abit...I am going to focus and get myself back up and doing things to get my mind balanced back out this week....I think it is anticipation that I must not handle well..and when I think back to childhood I can remember anticipation of going to the Orange festival almost giving me a heart attack it felt like...So...I am an adult now and much healthier mentally than I have ever been in my life so I know what I have to do...First is focus on the LORD who will give me all I need to do what needs to be done..Second to focus on why I am here...Third to know that all is going to work out...Fourth to get out and burn some of this energy off..A young friend from Florida arrived today to spend the week with Faith first and also hang out here with us some..She will be here on Tuesday to spend some time with me..We use to walk out at circle B alot when she lived in Winter Haven..She moved over to Orlando a year and a half ago , but she can push me good and I know where an area for us to walk this out is. So Tuesday when we drop Sandra off for school I plan on spending our time walking hard...I have not power walked in over 3 months now..Something I had been doing daily (4-5 miles aday) before I came here for 2 years..I am looking forward to it...That should get rid of alot of this anticipation and get me balanced back out emotionally...I will figure out something to help get through tomorrow...So for now I will close. I love all of you...and to my dear,wonderful,amazing,caring,devote husband..Know that I love you more than anything on this planet.I thank you for all the work you have done to take care of my mom...and I so look forward to the day that you come and we can finish here and go home..

Same Words, Different Day

Just wanted to know if anyone is still following along or if you have gotten to the point,like me,that it seems I write the same thing over and over..If you would like to respond or write something please feel free..If I remember right there is a little word,comment,at the bottom of the area I write in..I would love to read others words right now...Sandra was invited to join Casa Eudes this morning in a soccer game against another girls home...We meet with the others at the old home she was in and then I got to drive the whole group to the game..It was fun..We lost..I think it was 8-1..But the other team had giants..with legs that reached the sky...But they had fun and cheered at the end as if they had won...If I understood right there is another game Thursday evening they want Sandra to play in..So if GOD willing we will be there..She is a good player...Helps build her confidence for them to want her on the team..Plus the activity is good for her..Her cold is better..We are cleaning up now for our night[afternnon] out with Faith and Ivonne. I am not sure what time we will be in so I wanted to write some now just in case...Last week we were in by 9:00..That is late for us..I am trying to stay busy so this antsy level of energy doesnt rise to high..Well I guess I should close this out..I just spoke to my mom and I so need to get home to her..I worry about her sometimes..and this is one of those times..If any of you know her please give her a call or stop in to see her...She sounds like she might be wanting to get a little depressed..Well I will close for now..I will finish when we get in...Ok we are back and it is 9pm again..must be our magic number...Nothing new to add..The girls watched a movie and Faith and I walked over to a resturant Barriqua's..Sat on the patio and had a nice meal..It is thundering and lightning but very little rain..This whole week we have had rain at night but just lights and sounds tonight..Strange thing I have noticed here..the lightning runs horizontal..I am use to the up and down in Florida..real cool to watch..Sandra is a little jumpy so it makes me wonder how she will do in our Florida storms...Fine with mom and dad around...Hope everyone has a great night...GOD bless everyone....I love you my husband..

Contact has been Made

Yes!!! The embassy and DIF have made contact..This is a major thing..We have waited 3 weeks for this..and it has happened..I called Ms. Perez this afternoon,hoping to not upset her,and she said she has talked with Sonia. That they are very busy at DIF. That they are in court most of the time..Which I already knew but was more than happy to listen and hear her say it..and that she thought she should have what she needs sometime next week..Which in turn means that we will get the article 5 and can finish this up...YES...I needed that for the weekend..I have waited, since talking to Ms.Perez Tuesday ,to know that contact was made...Once I get the call from her I can get Hap's ticket and we will be on the home stretch..It is hard to believe we are really getting close...Now we pray and wait again..
Moises, the little boy from the old orphanage is at his new home now..He arrived this afternoon..Now we should be the next to have this same great news traveling the waves of technology...I can just see the phones buzzing..Sandra is across the border...Sandra just arrived in Dallas...They just arrived in Tampa/Orlando.Sandra is at her new HOME!!!!!!! I so look forward to the day..Now to keep these emotions in tack till then..We are hanging out with Faith tomorrow..Sandra and Ivonne(old friend from school) are going to the movies and Faith and I will do something..Then Faith will spend the night and Sunday morning Heather another friend from Florida is arriving for a visit...She is more Faiths age but she is also a good friend of mine..From church..So hopeful her being here and us staying busy will help keep my mind off the wait of the week..Knowing that I will soon see my dear husband again...I love you Hap....Please everyone pray with us this weekend...That GOD will hear our pleas and next week will be the week...My mom is doing ok...I can tell she misses me..I miss her alot too..SOON..Then we can get her out of the rehab place and home where she belongs...It will all work out..When the time is right...Thanks for hanging in there with us...Till tomorrow...GOD's blessings to all...

Good News for Others

I just recieved a text that Moises, a boy from the old orphanage, just crossed the border and is on the way to his new home in Kansas..I am very happy for him...They had been at it 2 years..He is younger and had to go thru the loss process which takes alot of time sometimes...Just happy to know that another child has a chance..Helps to lift the spirit..At the same time it makes me hope more than ever that we will be next. And very soon. I so miss my husband and home..Sandra is feeling a little better today. She made it to school on medicine..and has been on the couch since we got home..I hope she will feel better tomorrow..I went and got her some Vicks vapor rub and she is using it faithfully...She looks so miserable..If she is not better in a couple of days I think I will get her some antibiotics..You can just walk into the pharmacy here and get amoxicillin..I will give her a chance to fight it on her own first..I didnt speak to anyone today..I told Hap that I will give it till tomorrow afternoon and then I think I will call the embassy again. I so dont want to have them angry with me..But I need to hear something from someone..I still havent heard from the agency..I sent another e-mail today..I am starting to think that maybe our caseworker is out of the office again..Maybe tomorrow..It has been a long day..Carlos is still not doing real good..Hopefully the people who helped put things together last time have made contact with him..I think it was last night they were suppose to call. I recieved word from another that was involved today and said that if he did hear from the one guy that she would see what she could get going for him...So much going on here too..He is a good guy..Please keep him in your prayers..I think I will cut this one short...I catch myself wanting to whine..It will be better tomorrow..Thanks to all again for your prayers and thoughts..They really do make this easier..I know that it will be in GOD's time..I am just growing weary today..So I guess I should grab my bible and gain some true strength...I so want to please him...
O LORD, GOD of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! Be gracious to me, O LORD, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you ,O LORD, do I lift up my soul. Not to us but to your name is all the glory, for you are faithful. Our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth and all that is in it..Praise the name of the LORD GOD...

Mexico's Independence Day

Today was Mexico's 199 year of independence..There were parades..One here in our colonia..I went to the store this morning and was early enough to get around them as they were lining up.Fireworks tonight..that start at 11:00pm.I dont think we will make it...Sandra has been sick today..Thankful she is feeling better now and didnt have school today..Her throat was sore..glands swollen alittle in her neck,and running a low fever..She has just layed in the bed and watched tv today..I had planned a week or so back to cook Carlos lasagna but when he became ill I put it on hold..Realized today that the cheeses were about to go out of date so I put together 3 large pans. I gave one to each neighbor..and we have one for Sandra and I that we will share with the girl who moved in next door..I dont have an oven so it paid off to fix for everyone that way I get to use their oven...I have very good neighbors...all ywam....On my way back from the store the grim reality of Juarez slapped me in the face at each stop light and sign...29 dead in 14 hours.Read the headlines of the papers sold there...How sad..Most at rehab centers that they go into for help,soon to realize that once drug cartel always drug cartel..Most rehabs here are christian based so hopefully they realized the truth before they left this world...I feel completely safe..All killings are drug related or law/military...Violence and fear have such a grip on this city...Which has most scared to come to help the people here..It has been here for years..Just in the last couple of years has it become media fed..SO SO Sad...Ywam and other organizations are joining in prayer for this city...So add this to your prayers too..please..It is sad to see the people live in FEAR the way they do..Fear of shootings..fear of military..fear of the police..fear of each other..FEAR is reigning here and it breaks my heart to see it...I pray that GOD will take back control of this city and that the people will give him the thanks and glory for it..
Or course there was NO NEWS on the adoption today...Not even from Gladney..which I didnt understand..I was wondering if maybe our caseworker is out of town..It has been almost a week since I heard anything from her..I think..Now that I said that I am going to check..but I know it was at least Thurday of last week..Hopefully tomorrow we will here from everyone at one time...OH YES!!! Thanks for remembering us and standing by us as we continue to wait to finish...
Please LORD, come to this city with power and teach the people who they should really fear..and remind your people that You gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control..Thank you for giving me strength each day to finish what I have come to do.Thank you for my wonderful Husband who is depending on you too.. be with us forever..Grant us mercy...In your name,,,

Is It Hump Day Yet??

Sure felt like hump day today..Problem..Hump day is a holiday here..No DIF open..Dont know about the embassy. But I will know in the morning. I thought I would call and give Ms. Perez Sonia's e-mail address just in case she hasnt made contact yet..Sandra doesnt have school tomorrow either..I am not sure but I think we both have a bad case of Lazy Butt this afternoon..I have just wanted to sleep and cant seem to do it..So my plan is to go to bed early. We were invited to a party with the ywam crew at 6:00 but I dont think we are going to make it..I dont feel up to much conversation tonight. I really like all of them but I am just having my first real off day..I feel like I could sleep forever..We dont have to get up early tomorrow,so I am hoping that I will be able to sleep in..Usually I wake up anywhere from 6 to 6:30..This morning I woke up at 5:30 but went back to sleep until 15 till 7..Maybe that is what is wrong with me today..Sandra is back down on the couch too..She just finished asking me AGAIN when Hap will be here...I have to say the line.."We are waiting on the embassy and DIF to get together now...and that I am tired of waiting too"..I need some good fresh Florida air to clear the head..a little longer..Wish she had asked me yesterday when I felt better and could have given an uplifting answer..But this is me today and sometimes a person just has an off day..Pretty good to have gone this long without one. I have had those emotionsl burnt out days or the let down days but this is the first just out of it day...Tomorrow will be better...
Faith just stopped by and lucky her I fixed supper..Was a nice break for Sandra and I both..Sandra got to share her school work with Faith which is nice..Oh yea...I was introduced to Sandra's classmates yesterday as "MY MOM"...That was a wonderful feeling..She doesnt call me mom but to others she says her mom...Strangers anyway..It is a great start..and today she rolled out some sentences in english that were perfect..from class..I thought she would be perfect when it started...Thats our girl..I dont require perfection..and neither does Hap..So hopefully some of that in time will rub off on her..We are all human..With a big GOD that understands...
In you oh LORD, We put our trust..May all glory be to you..
Why are you cast down,O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in GOD; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my GOD.

First Contact of the Week

I made the first contact for this week this morning to the US consulate..Ms.Perez says she has heard nothing from Dif..I told her that DIF had not recieved any request and she said she had proof she sent a request...she said she would try and reach them today..I also e-mail Dif to give them the consulates direct phone number..again..But its a start..So I will decide who to bother tomorrow and how..Sandra had a great first day at school today..She really enjoyed it and came walking out with 3 other girls after class..So she has new friends..and she came straight home and starting getting ready for tomorrow...I went to the laundry mat and got all the clothes ready...I guess I will have to get a couple more shirts to get her thru school here...and then a private jet to fly just her clothes back to Florida..haha..Our neighbors have invited us to a Mexican Independance day party tomorrow evening...This is their 199 year celebration...I am not sure if we are going yet...We will see how tomorrow starts out..Sandra didnt seem to excited but I think I would like to go which means she would go...It is around the corner from our apartment at the Ranchos amigos..ywam base..There is an orphanage there with some of the old kids from the Casa orphanage that we worked with for so long ...It would be nice to see them..We will just wait and see...Oh yea..I made contact with one of the men who knows the people who did Carlos first surgery..They are going to call Carlos tomorrow night and go from there...Praise GOD...Please remember to pray for Carlos and that the docs who helped before will be able to help again..The next week will tell..He is still not driving and he and his mom are staying at his aunts still...My mom is better today..SO we do have some good news aready for the week..Now I hope this doesnt sound selfish..But I pray for us to hear something terrific too..I do want to go home..Enough about that..You all know this part by heart now..I know GOD will take care of this when the time is right...I am so THANKFUL for my husband..for all he does for our family..and my mom..I know his mom misses him...and as soon as we get home we are going up there too...Dont worry Mom and Dad Risher..You are not forgotten..I love you. I know that mom Risher prays every day for us..If it werent for you I would have the wonderful husband I have.....Thank you LORD for the wonderful friends and family that we have..and please remember us this week and give us mercy to finish here and go home...IN JESUS NAME..........

Please LORD..Let this be THE WEEK

I am praying that this will be the week...The week of knowing something..Sandra starts school tomorrow..So at least it will be the week for that..But I am praying that it will also be the week of great news...Sandra has to be a school at 8:45..It starts at 9:00...As soon as I return I plan on 3 hours of nothing but trying to contact Lily Perez at the consulate...They should know something..I want this to be the week that they remember our name..The week that they tell me to get Hap's ticket and we can beginning finishing...So it will be the week of something....I am trying not to get to excited..but I want to be positive...I need something solid to go on...Nothing new today...Just a regular Sunday...My mom has had a stomach bug for 2 days and is better today..That is something good to start the week with..I am excited about Sandra starting english school..I cant wait to hear her start speaking more english..she understands so much..We really do good but I so look forward to the day we can talk deep..I had an old friend send me the song..by Casting Crowns..I will praise you in this storm..today..That is a great song..every tear I cry you holds in your hand...You never left my side..Though my heart is torn. I will praise you in this storm..I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from..My helps comes from the LORD..the maker of heaven and earth...I will praise you in this storm...Storms are helpful..They get rid of weak or dead trees...They clean the air and everything exposed to it...They water the earth..They give us water. I can say that this storm has trimmed alot of the dead away..I have had a good cleaning and thankful for the water to help the growth of life along...
I have a hope to be able to write something of adoption news tomorrow...Please remember this in your prayers for this coming week...I love you Hap...and know that soon our family will all be back in the same town...together again and ready to start some new family traditions.....

Getting Ready

Well Sandra is getting ready for Monday. I didnt sleep good last night,first time since I have been here, but I headed out early this morning to go to the grocery store. When I came back Sandra was cleaning and mopping like she usually does on Mondays..I ask what she was doing and she reminded me that she will be in school on Monday..So I know she is getting excited to be thinking 2 days ahead...I am happy that she is going to have something to occupy her some..And help her with the changes coming..I am not sure what happened here in Juarez yesterday or last night but today was the first time the military was actually just walking out from the sides of the road at red lights and taking people out of their cars and trucks and patting them down and searching the autos...Usually they have road blocks or 2 trucks with surround you and take you off the road..At one of the major intersection they were at all over the corners of this red light and when the light would turn red they just walked up to two trucks,one in front of me and one beside me and took everyone out and patted them down and then started the search of the vehicles..In the mean time the light changed and I found my way out and kept going..Glad I didnt have any men in my vehicle..All were men that they took out..It is a different world here...We have been searched numerous times but never any trouble..They have always been nice..Never been patted down yet either..Time will tell..anyway..Faith is on her way over and we are all going out tonight. Sandra is meeting a friend at the movies,we will take her home afterwards..Faith and I arent sure what we are doing..But I know we will find something to do..She is a true friend here..I have missed her in Florida the last 2 years but she does wonderful work here and I have enjoyed getting to spend time with her..So I thought I would go ahead and get this ready to blog out before we go..I will wait until we come back to post just incase something new comes up...We're back and its only 9pm..The girls saw a movie and Faith and I went to a Great American Land and Cattle...It was good...Texas roots..Good chicken..Enjoyed just sitting and talking for a couple of hours...Hope everyone has a good night...Love you bunches my husband...GOD's blessings to all....

There Must be Some Mexican Blood.....

There must be some mexican blood somewhere in my bloodline because I made a red chili sauce tonight that would make you want to hurt someone to get...Sandra had seconds...I really didnt want to write that since my husband is back home starving but I had never tried it before and it was great..I have been trying quite a few mexican foods but this was great the first try...I did avocado sauce a few days ago and it was good too but not like this...My green salsa, I am still trying to master.and my red...????.I am going to ask the lady who owns the little tienda by our apartment for her recipe..She has given us some twice now..It has a real nice bite to it but I cant figure out the combination of ingredients...So I will ask...I thought that was what I was making tonight but half way through I realized it was different..My husband, I am just trying to make it perfect so when I get home you will really enjoy it..We will make sure you have good home cooked meals when we return..But I do want to thank those who have been kind enough to feed my husband while I have been away..He cooks good but after working all day who wants to have to cook too..Especially after 29 years of marriage and not having too..He is a great man..
No news today...So Monday I will dig down and really start to see what is going on..I pray that things happened today that we just didnt find out..But only time will tell..The lady at the Embassy has been gone and only returned Thursday..and Sonia at DIF said she would try and reach her..I could not get thru to the embassy and I hope to hear something from DIF over the weekend..Sonia responds on weekends too...My mom is doing real good..She is talking about being able to go home about the same time I come home..I told her that we both have something to be working toward..She has made it to walking with a walker now..No more wheelchair..They are trying to get her balance better.....Thank GOD my Dad planned well back before he died. He started paying on an excellent insurance that will cover home health care too..Her home is right by ours so I think things are going to go fine..We can have someone with her 24 hours aday to start till we see how she does..and I will be right beside her...God has brought all this together this way so I am sure that we will be ok..We will work out the details when the time comes...She has learned that she has to be careful..She thought she could do as she pleased before all this..but she has learned the hard way to pay attention to things now..and take safety serious..
This adventure is closer to the end than the beginning..I am thankful but weary..thankful that he has guided me thru all this..Thankful for the growth that Hap and I have gained..For the bonding time I have had with Sandra..for GOD to grow me and Hap in ways he saw fit...to be for Sandra and our son what we should be...and for each other.and for others around us....I have a renewed thankfulness for my husband..Absence makes the heart grow fonder is ever so true..another day closer..To home...
Love is the Judge-what comfort this
O shrinking heart to thee, Thou art dear workmanship of his, and perfect thou must be. He knows each lesson thou must learn; How long to let the fire burn.
He knows thy blemishes and how
to purge away the dross, Not overlong will he allow
The anguish of thy cross. Love is the Judge, and he doth see,The surest way to perfect thee.

Thank you LORD!!!

I recieved an e-mail today tell us that the adoption decree is back from Chihuahua and could be ready as soon as next week. I am trying to reach the embassy and making sure all is ready for us to sign the final papers on the adoption. They have to issue article 5 before we can..But I do believe that it will be in the next couple of weeks..Then Hap can come and we can get to Mexico City. 5-7days. Then back here for a few days...and then...HOME...I have a great hope..We ARE very close to being finished..So please join with us in prayer that the visa papers with go smoothly and we can be home soon. This is the best news I have heard in 6 weeks...Even Sandra is getting excited. Nervous but excited..and eager for Dad to get here..as am I..I am thankful for the time here..I have learned alot..Gained alot..and know that it will not pass..I am thankful.Even tho it has been quite an adventure..So I am hoping that in the next day or first of next week I will be able to tell you that I have Haps ticket and he is on his way..We havent told my mom in case something happens I dont want her to feel the down of again...My famous word..But without again I might not have seen and had the experiences I have..So I am thankful..We went today and bought Sandra a couple of things for school..I think she is excited for that too..She is really nervous about the new life that is finally happening..The one thing I KNOW she is happy about is to be out from under DIF..It is one thing that all the kids are thankful for..She didnt realize until just in the last 2 weeks or so that DIF will never have a say about her again..I do believe that they try their best..The girls that I have really come to know that work with the people..The two that have to hear all the irrate americans come in screaming about their ways...Something I have tried to tell others behind me..It does no good to push..The girls in the office are not the ones who give permissions and approvals...They just do the paperwork and deal with us adoptive parents..But there are a couple of people there that have no busy dealing with kids..Their way is to come up with something really crazy and try and get the kids to say it is true..Sandra has told me a couple of stories and so have a few other kids that are older..The younger ones have said some things but I dont put alot into..They sometimes mimic what they hear...This country is different than the US..But it is their country and not the US. Well I am tired and think I will close this off..We are working on contacting the doctors that did Carlos brain surgery before..We have already had one organization offer to help with some money if he comes to the US..He is alittle better again today..He is so positive with his outlook..It is encouraging to me to hear him..Please dont forget to keep praying for us and carlos...and I hope to have really good news soon...
It shouldnt be long my husband..and we will not have to be apart this long I pray ever again..We love you..Oh yes,It is Moises whos adoption is done..He is heading to his new home the first of the week..Someone had asked which kid from the old orphanage.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our GOD. Many will see and fear,and put their trust in the LORD..

Love

The reason for all this...is LOVE...First:To love GOD with all my heart,soul,mind and strength...Second...To love all people..as ourselves...The love I long for in FLorida...Love for my husband,Michael,Sandra...Love for my family...My mom,and the list could go on..I have to focus on the final goal of this adventure..and when I do..I gain strength and encouragement...If I walk what I believe it tells me to "Do all things without grumbling or questioning." I could also say all day "I love you" but again I read.." Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." To give up our life for another...So what is a few months of MY LIFE.. for a child. I have to think about,, What if my mom had not adopted me??? What if we hadnt adopted Michael?? This is what we are suppose to do..and we just have to hang on awhile longer.."Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them".."Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things"..We will survive..Emotions like to make you think sometimes that you might not..But that is where you have to pull up your faith..and know that all will be OK..As long as we continue to trust in the one who sent us...and WE DO...
I just took a break to check my e-mails and I recieved an e-mail saying that another boy from the orphanage that we met Sandra in just got word that he is going home to Kansas on Monday with his new family..His adoption and US papers are done..I just gave Sandra the news and the smile on her face was priceless...How can we let discouragement get us down...We will be next for this wonderful news..and from the expression I just saw...It is going to be an amazing day...Thank You GOD for giving us a glimpse of what is to come..
Please remember Carlos Galaviz in your prayers..He is a good friend,and our translator...He is some better today..The doctors who did his first brain tumor surgery were Americans from Colorado. He is going to give me the contact info tomorrow night and we are praying that they will be able to help him again..

Time and Time Again

Nothing positive today..Just an e-mail from DIF [mexico child services] saying that the adoption file is in Chihuahua and she hopes it will be back by the end of the month. The embassy didnt call. They are waiting to hear from DIF so they can work on her visa. We are trying to adjust for another possible 3 weeks or so..We cant go to Mexico City until the adoption file is back..So please pray again with us for speed with these papers..I am in DISBELIEF over all of this..But when I look around it is real...Hap did not take this any better than me..I had to go for a long walk..He just needs some time..The only thing that I can do is look at Sandra and know it is worth this..and pray that GOD will give us peace..and help us deal with the emotions again..Again...That seems to be a word that I use or think alot..But I know we will make it thru it...It is just unbelievable..SO...How was your day??? Feels like what I should be saying..Just rambling thoughts going thru my head...Faith came over tonight and we are watching a movie..I started this blog earlier but the emotions havent changed much..I called tonight to check on Carlos and things are still not much better..He said ???Maybe a little???? I spoke to his sister and she said that it is not a medicine that he needs it is a procedure..Called Gama Knife..Some sort of laser...She said that the doctor here said that there are spots that "might" have changed some since his surgery a couple of years ago..He needs some serious prayer..I know that back when he worked for numerous ministrys that it was one group that he worked with alot out of Colorado that helped him with his surgery.[brain].I am still trying to gather facts so I am sorry I am so vague..This really has been another struggle in my heart. Carlos has been a very big help to us..and a wonderful friend...Please also pray for him and his family during this time...Well we now have another visitor..a puppy that was with one of our neighbors friends..He was chained up to the neighbors vehicle and it started to rain and Sandra got real concerned..She went to tell his owner who is visiting next door and I told her the pup could come on in out of the rain and hang out..The owner stepped out and said that he would only be another 15 minutes...Our neighbors wife has very bad allergies so I know that the dog would not be welcome in their house...Wish we had asked its name.. anyway...I sure hope I can feel better tomorrow...I love you very much my husband...Please know that I am ok..I do miss you but I know everything is ok..We have come along way and GOD has lead us this far...Who are we to do anything else but follow.....We will be together soon..Thank you for being there for my mom..and holding our home together there...I LOVE YOU....

A Day of Our Life in Juarez

Sounds like a soap opera..But all of this is very real..We went and signed Sandra up for english classes today. She starts Monday. We are very excited and so is she. I wish we had known last month when the other class started that we would still be here...Wait..No looking back. This is very good and has happened now when it was suppose too. We were thinking,,you know how when you plan something and then something else comes up and messes things up..Well we are hoping that now that we have committed to the english school that we will get the call to "come on down" to the embassy and finish this adoption..It would mean that we lose $$$$ that we really cant afford to lose, but at this point if it means coming home..we are doing it..GOD will provide..We then went for a visit to her home she lived in when we arrived here in Juarez. It was a nice visit. Even tho I cant really talk to anyone..Just listen and answer somethings I understand but then they dont understand all of my response..Then I become the mime..acting out my answers..It is funny..She was alittle slow in her goodbyes which in turn was a God's timing thing. We left and needed gas and pulled into one of our regular places and it was covered in Military and police and as the guy was getting our gas he was telling us that it was just robbed at gun point about 20 mins earlier..Thank you Sandra for dragging your feet. Couldnt understand any fine details just thankful that I have learned to not rush things like I use too..Just kinda go with the flow and know all will be ok. Then we made it home and fixed supper and have just been chillin' and chatting on facebook to one of Haps great nephews..He had some "very" serious health issues from birth but is a remarkable teenage now..Every time we go to visit he is very shy and has never really talked with me..But we have hooked up on facebook and I so enjoy sitting and chatting with him..I said next time we visit I am taking my notebook and when he gets shy on me I will just have him go to another room and get on a computer and we will visit facebook style..Hello to you Stevie if you read this.. We were suppose to have supper with Carlos,our tranlator and very good friend, tomorrow night but when I called to verify the time I was told something that made my heart heavy. Carlos had brain surgery 2 to 3 years ago for a tumor. He has done well with occasional headaches and eye trouble. He got up yesterday and was getting ready for church and his vision started to go blurred..It got worse as yesterday progressed. He made it to school today. [He is in nursing school] But didnt do well so he went on to the doctor.[With someone having to drive him to school and doc] The doctor has told him that he needs a new medicine that is not available here in Juarez.That he might find it in two other places in Mex. one being Mexico City. His surgery was done in the US with the help of a special visa ONLY for the surgery so all follow up things have been done here..and I will say the care here is not like the US. He and his mother are being taken over to his aunts house for awhile so they can help with whatever they can. He has 3 big exams at school tomorrow and with the same gentle spirit that makes you love him..He is trusting GOD for whatever the out come is. Unless things with his eyes get better tonight it will have to be read to him because he is unable to see to read too. Please, I know I ask for alot of prayer. GOD has told us to pray for one another..I am going to continue to ask and hope that others will join with us for Carlos over the next few days. All things will work for the good of those who love the LORD. If there is anything that we can do to help Carlos we will..Like getting his meds while we are in Mexico City for our work. The days to come will tell..Thats about it for today. I hope all of your had a wonderful Labor Day weekend..We will be praying also about getting some really good news this week..The time IS approaching..and we are prepared for whatever it holds..Thank you LORD..I have written this poem out before but I can read it every day and never tire of it..
In acceptance lieth peace, O my heart be still; Let thy restless worries cease and accept his will. Though this test be not thy choice, It is his--therefore rejoice.
In his plan there cannot be Aught to make thee sad; If this is his choice for thee, take it and be glad. Make from it some lovely thing to the glory of the king.
Cease from sighs and murmuring, sing his living grace, This thing means thy furthering to a wealthy place. From thy fears he'll give release, In acceptance lieth peace.
Soon my husband,,soon..!

We Pray

We are praying and believing that this will be the week that we have great news..I have so much hope..I can feel that we are getting closer and closer each day. That is also reality..haha.. I also am praying for a renewal of my spirit..I am wore down..in spirit..physically..mentally..But I am OK...Not to worry..Just being honest..and thankful that I can do that too..The weather has cooled down abit the last few days...mid 90's...which is wonderful after the summer heat here...I am excited for Sandra..Tomorrow we go to register her for english classes..She is nervous which is normal too..I look forward to the day she and I can talk deep deep conversations together..I am glad there is no hidden cameras here because I am sure I look really silly sometimes making my point to her or even strangers out in public..But I usually get the point across..My mom sounded really good today..I talked to my son,Michael and his wife Pam today too..I have let them know that when we get home that we are going to start a tradition of one Sunday a month getting together to eat..This experience has made me appreciate my family more than ever..I was reading a psalm today and it said...
For you, O GOD, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. I will come into your house with offerings; I will perform my vows to you, that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
I have uttered alot of words to GOD while I have been here..Pleas,questions,praise..
I will never forget FOSTERS FATHOM...Life long lessons..I never dreamed when I labeled this blog..Fosters Fathom, that we would really have a deep understanding of the word Fathom..I was just flipping thru the dictionary looking for an important looking word for the title..I am not a deep word speaking person as many of you know..In the F's..so it looked good with Foster..WOW, did GOD have a whole other idea in mind..and here we are 3 months later...Growing in ways we never imagined..Thankful..humbled and looking for what the future holds...for THE FOSTER FAMILY...
I love you Hap, and we are counting the days and praying that it will be very soon that we get to see you..I MISS YOU!!!!
Thank You again to all of you who have lifted my spirit while I have been here..You know who you are..Even just a few little words go along way for me...THANK YOU...for all the prayers...For taking food over to Hap..For visiting my mother..for remembering me..I will be honest again..There have been times when I would feel like I would never be back and everyone would forget me...and then up would pop a few words either here or e-mail or facebook or phone...Thank you for walking thru this journey with us...

Special Request

I am asking everyone to pray for a teenage boy named Ivan Hawes..We have known him for 9 years..He was adopted 2 years ago and went to the states.[adoptions are completed in Mexico and then paperwork for US to be a citizen by reason of adoption]Back then adoption work totally different than now..with the new I-800. It took alot of time and running back and forth. When everything happened at the orphanage last year he went over the deep end..He had been in this orphanage all his life. He ran from the US and came back here to TRY and fix things..He was only 13..He has been on the streets here for almost a year now with his adoptive parents not completing his US paperwork to be a citizen..He keep some contact with his parents in Washington State..He has asked to come home. 2 weeks ago he was picked up for trying to help people run across the border..A way for one to make money to survive here. He had called and asked to come home before this. He has been calling and saying he will do whatever it takes to come home to him adoptive parents..This has been one of the things that has kept my mind busy here and my heart hurting.. I just felt the need to ask others to pray for him..He is a good kid..Just mixed up and needs a REAL touch from GOD...

Up Again and Sitting Still

The computer is running good. Thanks to Faith..Thank you GOD for good friends. I have been very happy with the notebook. It is an Acer Aspire One. When the problem happened it wasnt even 3 months old but we called the company and they told Faith where to go to get a download and then she brought it over here and plugged it in and up it came..I am so thankful for this computer..It is the only connection I have for some people. The adoption agency also contacts me thru e-mail so it was very important to get it up and going again..You cant always rely on the phone here and the bill could get outrageous.Then my neighbors, who are all with YWAM, came and said they had a computer I could use if need be..I am telling you that YWAM people are amazing. I could not ask GOD to send any more helpful people. They invited us on Thursday to prayer meeting from 9:30 to 12:30. It was great to have some worship and prayer in english and spanish. I have missed church alot. There are NO english churches that I have found. No one knows of any..Today we went with Faith to a nice city park that is set up to walk around. It had a couple of big ponds with ducks and a fountain. It is hard to find a safe place here to walk but this one was set up with plenty of security and military. The mayor of the city has asked the military to stay on longer here in Juarez. They say that it is one of the most dangerous cities in the world right now. I dont see that. I think you have to be careful no matter where you live these days. There are places back home that I wouldnt want to just turn my kid lose to walk around...I am so hoping that we hear something this next week. Tuesday was the last time we heard anything. We just wait. I am ready to see Hap and Sandra is ready to see her dad..It has been 2 months since we have seen him and I really miss him..and home. We will go on Monday and get her signed up for classes[english]. They start the following Monday,14th. This will be very good for her. We have had trouble finding things to keep us sane. Especially me..I am a very active person and this is the most of nothing I have done is years.. It is also not healthy for her to just sit and have no schedule or regular routine ...We have tried our best but I will be honest...This has been very hard on us both..Just waiting...for her and our new life..We are looking forward to Mexico City..and hoping that Faith will be able to go with us..She has known Sandra the same amount of time as us..She worked at the orphanage where we meet Sandra,so she was with her on a daily bases until last year when it closed. She is very helpful with tranlations of things that Sandra and I cant do alone. We shall see what we are suppose to do as the time approaches..Money and her schedule..Will it work? I so long to go home. I long to be back in the comfort of home with my husband. To be able to see my mom, my son, my grandson,my daughter in law..My friends..I tell Sandra about Florida. I show pictures but sometimes it seems like a dream to me so how do I expect her to picture it. Soon..I know I will be home..
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..

I Am Back Again

It is very late and I just got the computer repaired..Nothing in the way of adoptions news..Praise GOD for good friends who spend an hour or so on the phone getting repair details and down loads and then travel across the border to bring them to you...I will start with the bloggers again tomorrow..Nothing at all has been going on here except a wonderful 2 hour prayer meeting yesterday with the ywam people and some great worship..In english and spanish...VERY VERY much needed...They are are great group of people..Oh yea ...We were loaned a REAL refrig from a new neighbor today to use until we leave...we can have ice and more than 2 days worth of meat now...We have moved up...and are very gratiful to GOD for this blessing...Thank you for waiting for me...I am going to go and visit for a while with my friend who just saved our computer...I will catch you all up..In HIS LOVE,,,sharon

not again

Sharon's computer is down again,it could'nt hold out just a few more weeks.Faith and her are working on getting it back up. Prayerfully we won't have to buy another one. Time will tell,the lord can do anything even fix a computer.Hap

The Greatest of All is LOVE

..We have a new neighbor moving in. That will fill all 4 apartments that are here. She is 26 yrs old. Works with ywam also. She is bilingual. I am so blessed to have good neighbors. I did speak to another english school but they have not called back to give me a price. The best english school that doesnt start until the 14th called and said she could come for a free 3 hour sit in class that I think we will have her do next week. No news from the embassy today. That's ok. I am content to know that we made a move this week toward home and family. I am truly thankful for the time I have had here. I KNOW that I have been changed.. I read something today that made so much sense for christians.....It is not what happens TO US that is as important as what happens IN US when we are in trials of life..We are going to have troubles..I want those who watch me and know that I say I am a christian, to see me be a christian..Trusting GOD..Letting go of fear and worry..Having a solid trust and FAITH in the one I say I follow..The one who says..."Fear not for I am with you"..Living a life that shows I belong to him..To hear him say.."Well done" when I stand before him one day. I know that we ALL face personal problems and family problems. I just want to encourage you by saying that GOD can take any crisis and grow us or person and change them. People who are stumbling need our help. ..Be patience. PRAY for them to want change. PRAY that they see only Christ as the solution. PRAY that you will stay out of it.. Continue to let them see us seek GOD for every need. Continue to be good examples of a true child of GOD.I am not saying support the negative behavior...That is where GOD works..Just love them...The two greatest commandments of all are..!. To love the LORD your GOD with "all" your heart, with "all" your soul,with "all" your mind and "all" your strength..2. To love your neighbor as yourself...I say these things because I know of some of the struggles that some of you are going thru.You are in my prayers..and I have found an unbelievable hope while here that GOD is so great to grow us when we really are seeking him.. I havent said it in awhile so I am going to say thank you to everyone again for your prayers and thoughts. I find great joy when I think of the ones I know that read what I write.Please feel free to comment anytime.I love to hear from you too...I do not want anyone to think that I take that for granted..I am truly thankful. My mom is doing very well..She walked with a walker all the way back to her room today from therapy..This is great news..We both so hope that she will be ready to come home when I am. We can really have all the family back together...Thanks for caring for me and my family. Hap is doing well..He is excited at the thought of coming..and we are excited at the thought of having him with us..To put this family together when the perfect time of GOD arrives...
I love you and miss you..and Sandra sends the same..DAD..Please tell Michael how much I miss him and Tyler and Pam..and I will say this publicly that when I return home I want to start doing a Sunday dinner once a month..That is one thing that you do see in this culture is family together...I want to start something that we should have done long before but was to wrapped in the american way of work and kill yourself all week and the weekends are mine..I am so thankful for my family that I would give up all to start this time of family once a month..and I am..I want to show you and the others that I do appreciate and love you all as part of my family..

More News Today

,The day started slow..Gathered lasagna ingredents again for the translator.He has the craving again..Then stopped by an english school again to see if anyone could speak english..They said manana,tomorrow..So I will check again tomorrow.The best school doesnt start till the 14th and we do not know where we will be with this adoption then..Sandra needs something to be doing now..I am going to go and talk to the principal again about maybe letting her come and just sit in on class.She worked some with me today and she knows alot..She just needs to be with others in her position to take off with the langaunge..Faith came over to hang out and spend the night and just before we left to go take Sandra and a friend to the movies my phone rang and IT WAS THE US EMBASSY..They wanted me to know that they did recieve our file and have started to try and make contact with the DIF office..She hopes to hear back very soon and then she will call me back..This is so exciting to know that we are moving baby steps towards the end..Sandra is excited..But I still will not put a timeline on it..I have been here 3 months and now can say I have lived in a different country...Sandra will fly for the first time when we go to Mexico City, which will be a FUN first family trip together..Hoping that maybe Faith, who is also a missionary, might be able to go with us.She hasnt had a break in awhile and groups will start back up in Oct. We will pray and see what comes up..She would be a big help in helping with the language barrier on the way thru the airports..I hope to find someone who might want to bless her somehow for her work here and help us with the cost of her coming with us..A break after all her work would be a huge blessing to her..She is such a joy and such a worker of GOD's..Her heart is here and with the people of this city..She is planning on staying for awhile more..She has been here 2 and half years and really misses working with the kids of this city.She is with IFM just over the border stateside and is the leader of interns who come in for short term missions trips.She has been with them since last year when our orphanage closed. IFM also funds and helps orphanages here in Juarez.. But her heart is to work with or have an orphanage of her own.Only GOD knows the plans and timing for her..She has had alot of support drop over the financial problems in the states..but GOD has been faithful to keep her and provide for needs..Just when she least expects it..She walks the walk of faith..Perfect fit with her name..Anyway..I hope to shout for joy some really good news this week..If not, next week maybe..Whenever it is I am thankful for the growth time I have had here..Purification time..
We give thanks to you, O GOD; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. Sing aloud to GOD our strength; shout for joy to the Lord..I give thanks to your HOLY name..I give thanks to you alone...MY GOD!!!