The First

Confused and Wondering

2010-05-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Family life is good...Life in general is great...Just confused and wondering what people are really about...I watch facebook...I see posts from people who say I am a christian...but I see words of the world...No faith in our GOD..Giving satan all the ammo he needs to just come on into their lives and destroy it...I look around and see people who are selfish...I see people who lie...I listen to the lies they tell me and wonder how wrong am I to just let the lie go...If I say something is that being judgemental?..If I post something responding to commit they make...Is that being judgemental?..What has happened to people really walking the walk? I KNOW that I make many mistakes daily...I repeatedly ask for his forgiveness...But when I see people not make an effort to try and live by what he has asked us to do..but yet still say LORD LORD...????????????????????? I wonder where all the different church come from...How far have we really come from the truth...???I wonder where are the scrolls and words from old that Jesus studied from and the prophets of old??I wonder if we have just become people with MANY words...and little faith and trust?? I see people letting leaky roofs...and really little worries tear them down...What is going to happen when the really hard times come...???? Proverbs says somewhere that a wise person says little...but a fool talks on...As I get older I really am starting to see the wisdom in that...We have an excuse for everything...DOES GOD BELIEVE THAT???? Please LORD GOD , forgive me for my thoughts...reveal to me what you REALLY what from us...Guide me in all TRUTH..Help me to see through the words of just man and let the spirit guide me in truth...Help me to love all people without being judgemental...Let me know how you want me to handle lies and deceptions that I see and hear people do...Keep my mouth shut until your spirit tells me what to say..and then let me have the courage to say or do whatever it might be

Feeling VERY BLESSED

2010-04-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed that I just needed to write it down..My job is the best ever...and so GOD guided...I KNOW that he has been involved in this since long before it played out in the physical world..When something new comes up there he is showing me he is leading the way..I look all around and see suffering...I am sure if I were to look at my own life in the earthly way I would see suffering but I choose to see the good blessings that I have every day. Life is good...Sure we have troubles..sickness..pain...BUT I feel and know that my GOD is there with me...His plan is not seen with human eyes...But ohhh what a glorious plan he has...and if we just hold tight to him...and take the ride with faith...We will one day see this plan play out in his glorious way...The family is doing wonderful. Sure there are troubles...BUT again...GOD is leading the way.. FOcus on him...See him...Trust him...and life can be an adventure...I am so thankful for my time in Mexico..I did learn just to hold tight...GOD will carry us through...

I am Back

2010-04-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry that I have not been writing...I really do miss it...THings are great...Sandra is doing soooo good...Other than not wanting to speak english...We are so blessed to have a great daughter..She just doesnt want to speak english..I think her wanting to be perfect is the main reason..But we just keep telling her that no one is perfect and pray that she will come around...Other than that what a great kid...We are so blessed by GOD to have two great kids...Our son is doing well also...He seems to be maturing each day...He and his wife are talking about moving to Hawaii is Dec...I do not think it is a good idea but it is their lives...They both are BIG dreamers...and I know that dreams sometimes do come true...I will just keep praying..My mom is doing very well other than hurting her back two weeks ago...Pulled muscles we think...If she does not see some real improvement this week I am going to take her to the Medical doctor...We have been to her chiropractor...I START WORK ON MONDAY...Can you believe it...I havent worked out of the family mobile home park in 20 years and two weeks ago I was asked to interview with a company called Falcone out of Boca Raton...I was hired as a consultant for security and have hired 4 guys to work and be security for a closed 70 acre resort in Kississimmee and a 330 unit closed hotel also in Kississimmee...I manage the team of 4 men...Deal with law enforcement when needed and keep my boss happy by not making him have to deal with some matters...He is the big wig dealing in real estate..I am really happy and looking forward to the guys getting started on Monday...I actually started two weeks ago getting all the shirts and logos and signs and etc...I am really feeling and knowing how blessed we are for this to have come along when it did...I have been praying for a couple of years for the perfect job to come along...I really thought it was just a dream too...Like my son likes to dream...But GOD really came thru on this one...He does provide...We just have to trust...Things have been very very tight for a while...But just when it looks like something might not happen...a bill might not get paid something has always come through...THANK YOU GOD for being so good to us...::He is faithfully to us always..That is one thing that I did learn on my adventure to Juarez...To fully trust GOD with everything in our life...without the stress and worry that the world gets...or that I use to get...He will provide for our every need...We just have to keep looking to him..trusting him...casting all of cares on him...NOT WORRYING>>>>Alot of the time we just think that we NEED something when really it is just a want...We as americans have alot of wants...with very few needs....Carlos is doing ok...He has days of struggle..when he wonders why him...He is slowing getting stronger...His sister and mother are so faithful to him..and they are all so faithful to GOD...THEY SO TRUST JESUS...I look around and wonder how people can get by with out GOD>...I wlll always trust him..I am SO THANKFUL for his son that he sent to save us...Us that had no hope till he came...I am not a jew so without Jesus I had no hope...anyway if anyone still reads this please remember Carlos,Alma and Monica is your prayers...I know that they trust our Lord too....well there it is..some writing for the first time in a few months...It felt good too...

Happy Holidays

2009-12-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all...Boy have things been very very crazy..My mom spent alittle over a week in the hospital with heart failure...she had her pacemaker upgraded and has been home since Saturday..I am her nurse with a phone instead of a button..the first few days were alittle hectic but we are balancing out...She has home health care starting and she actually cooked herself oatmeal this morning...She seems to be feeling stronger each day...Praise GOD...We are going to have christmas dinner here at our house and Sandra and I have been cleaning and we will start the cooking tomorrow...We are hopeing to go to North Florida to see Hap's family next week if I can figure out how to take care of mom...I am praying that one of the ladys that stayed with her when she first came home from her long hospital rehab stay will come and help out..She just lives around the corner here and mom just needs someone to come and check on her 3 or 4 times aday and cook one main meal...She does breakfast and can do her lunch herself...But I want to make sure there is someone passing thru at least 3 times aday...GOD willing this will work out...I feel so blessed to have my family...Carlos is home for the hospital...He still does not speak..He has a feeding tube in his nose??? They tried him on some baby food today and it was a success...He is getting alittle more movement in his arms and legs...He does still understand english and recognized a friend who called but raising a hand to let his sister know he knew this man...He will SOOOOO testifiy the name of the LORD in anyway he can...With or without words..But we are praying that he will recover completely...In GOD's time...anyway...BLESSINGS to all...I hope you feel the joy of this season...With your families...May GOD bless the next year for you and may we all continue to bring glory to his name....

Happy Holidays

2009-12-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry again, That I havent written in awhile..My mom had to go back to the hospital..Heart failure..They upgraded her pacemaker and that is about all they can do..She is home as of yesterday and doing pretty good..Sandra is doing very well..I think I can see alittle homesickness for Juarez in her..But we talk about it and I figure this is normal..We did some christmas shopping together yesterday..She doesnt like to shop either..Her and I have ALOT in common..We did what we needed to do and got out of there...Now to get the house and the food and the wrapping and the etc......You know the line..We normally do a christmas eve gathering for the extended family but I just dont know if I can do it this year...I am very tired and I always do christmas dinner here at our house...I think that our special day will over ride the other this year..I spoke to a cousin and we are going to try and do the extended gathering after christmas on a sunday just as a family day...They have a new member,great grandson,to their family and we have Sandra. So soon we will have that gathering...I am trying to remember all that is happening and it is hard...Carlos continues to improve and amaze each day...He is not talking but with each day there is more movement in his arms and legs...He has a feeding tube but he has begun to swallow..Who knows..only GOD...He is able to let you know that he understands you by a hand raise...He remembers english and us..Another friend called and had his sister hold the phone up to his ear and he would raise his hand in understanding and said,by the hand,that he knew who this friend was...GOD IS GOOD..as carlos would say...and when his sister says praise GOD for what he has done she said carlos raises his hand in the air and holds it there...THANK YOU LORD...
Well I wanted to say Happy Holidays to all and I pray it is blessed and joyous for all...

Life

2009-12-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Well life has been quite.....????..It has been different this week...I have manage to purge my house and garage..I started when we arrived home from Mexico..I only have the upstairs bedroom and file cabinet to do..But have decided to wait until after Christmas for that...I feels so good to know we have what we need...and not much else..Stuff that I know we will use..I want to enjoy this Christmas and try not to get into the mad rush that seems to happen this time of year...Sandra is doing well..Except...We were involved in an accident this week that left a 14 year old boy dead...I had just pick Sandra up from school and was about a mile from the school when I saw a boy poke his head out from behind a verizon work truck..He had time to cross in front of me...I also let off the gas a little and at the same time there was a car behind me ,with more students from the school in it, that decided to pass me..Just as the boy made it across my lane and starting into the next lane the car passing me realized it but it was to late...The boy on foot was hit..The other boys in car then hit a telephone pole...We,by the grace of GOD were able to miss the boy on foot as he flew and the car, that after hitting the pole turned sideways in the road...The boy was airlifted to Tampa General but it was said he died in route...I feel so ???? for the family of the boy hit...and for the boys in the car that hit him...This was such a terrible terrrible ACCIDENT...It was just an accident..But Sandra had night mares that night and was unable to sleep..Greif counselors were at the school yesterday and called me in also..I am following up with a greif center here in Auburndale to make sure Sandra deals with this healthy...Please pray for both of these families and ours as well...My mom is doing good..We are getting ready to head to the doctor with her...Carlos was taken off life support last night and the family has placed him in GOD's hands...He still has not awaken since the first surgery a couple of weeks ago..I think...Time has blurred here lately..I am so thankful for a powerful GOD who can carry us through so much in our life time...As long as we cling to him.......

Start to a New Week

2009-12-07T04:36:00.000-08:00

We had a good weekend..Sandra had school Saturday and we had planned on going to Tampa to Lowry Park but the weather changed that..We waited until yesterday morning and headed out early and had a good day there..Weather was much better..She has school today and we have our first parent meeting with her Latinos in Action class tonight...We are all decorated for christmas and my mom too..Now to start what little shopping for that..Sandra is so easy to buy for..She isnt to americanized yet to where it is hard or costly..and if possible we are going to try and keep it that way..We tried that with our son but the world didnt help and we are praying that GOD will help with this...Carlos is not doing good..He had to have another surgery yesterday..He has a blood clot. The doctors found and took care of it but he had to be put on life support...They will check this morning and see if anything has changed..GOD has work for Carlos,I have no doubt..I just dont know if it is here on Earth on with our LORD in heaven...I except which ever...I feel it an honor to know Carlos and to have spent the time with him that I have...I pray that there will be more time to spend together...
I started cleaning out everything when I arrived home..I am so close to being finished with the downstairs I could dance...It feels so good to get rid of THINGS you dont need...I feel a freedom to enjoy life more without thinking you have to dust and clean because you have so much STUFF...Now to see if I can get my mom to do the same...After New Years me and a couple of friends are going to start on her old house and try and clean it up and out so that we can rent it out...WHAT A JOB...She has never throw anything away and gets very upset with me if I mention it...For someone who says they have no memory left..she sure can remember stuff she hasnt seen for 5 years that are still over in the old house..Stuff with no purpose..just stuff...So we shall see how that goes in the new year....I am thankful for my family and for all that GOD does for us...I am happy to serve an amazing LORD...

PRAISE TO GOD

2009-12-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that our lives are so good..Sandra is doing very well..School is going good..She is trying harder with english..My mom is doing good..We are working on her attitude about life..Hap and I are good..just tired as is Sandra adjusting into our family and life...We got our christmas tree last night and plan on having family time decorating tonight..We recieved a phone call last night at 1:30 that Carlos came thru the surgery good..What was thought and said to be a tumor turned out to be a large amount of blood..Described as chocolate syrup..He is doing good and the next few days will tell if he will have any lasting effects..But I think after what we have seen our LORD do in the last few days will continue and he will again be able to do the LORD's work like never before..He was alert just before surgery and I was told that he made a video thanking everyone for their emotional,spiritual,and financial support...When I recieve it I will try and post it...Sorry that these post have not been as deep and long as before but I do hope soon to have a routine going to where I can write more..Thank you for being patient with me...Oh yes,we are planning on taking Sandra up to North Florida to meet Hap's side of the family around Christmas..Not sure of the dates yet but that is something that we are looking forward too..Love to all...

Update

2009-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

Our life is great..Sandra is doing well..Not wanting to speak english because of her perfection issue but told me yesterday that she would try harder..School is great..I have been purging our house of everything and it really feels good..Praying to have it done by christmas so our new year will be CLEAN...I have been very sideswiped the last few days...Any of you who have been following this through our Juarez and adoption journey have heard me speak of Carlos...His is not doing well..His health really started to go down last week...The Denver doctors were ready for him and everyone thought all was in order..They went to the immigration office yesterday and were told NO..That even if the doctors and hospital covered their costs that they were no sure there would not be other costs that were not covered and that would make him a burden to the United States..and to not come back..He was taken right away to a Juarez hospital and they are going to do open brain surgery today..The family was told that things do not look good..His family gathered up what money they could..They were told that starting costs would be about $20,000..US..In Mexico the way it works with health care is you pay half up front and the rest before they will let you leave the hospital..Doesnt make much sense to keep running up the bill but that is the way it is...GOD did some amazing work fast right after the family got the final news on the visa..$5,000 was produced right away thru some wonderful christain people in Denver..and delivered to the family last night..I have called everyone on his contact list from when he was in ministry and I am deeply touch by the caring people that have responded..Amigos Ministries has set up a fund that any who want can give too..If anyone wants this info just call me and I can give it to you..The main thing is PRAYER...Carlos is an angel of GOD's and I know even if GOD calls him home Carlos will still be working for the LORD and watching all of us from a much better place...I am trying to stay busy and know that GOD is in control..Living what I believe..Walking the walk of Faith...and Trust...and believing that GOD does know best....Even when our feeble human minds want to mess with us...We must take those thoughts captive and just hand them over to the only one who can make sense of them...PRAISE GOD....

Trying to readjust

2009-11-30T04:47:00.000-08:00

I am trying to readjust to life here in the US. I am going to try and post at least every two days so that I will have the thoughts and things to use when the time comes to do with all this writing what I have thought about. All is very good with life. Still trying to find our schedule, and thin out things in the house. I started as soon as I arrived home with the purge..My husband loves to bring things in that he finds at the park or on the garbage truck..They are really good things but you can only do so much with it or your house begins to look like my did...I knew before I left for Mexcio that I had to clear things out and after returning home it made it alot easier...It was the most wonderful feeling last week to just haul this stuff off and give it to others who had a use for it..The lady at the consignment store was very thankful for the things..I did not want to even set up an account..I told her to just enjoy...I still have more and will continue to go thru things and rid myself of this mess...I am having trouble today focusing..Carlos is really weighing in my mind..and his family...Things will be as GOD wants them and we just have to except GOD's ways..I do want to please him..We are hopeing that Adriana,a girl from the old orphanage that was adopted 3 years ago, will be coming for a visit in 3 weeks..Her family has a cruise planned but doesnt know if Adrianas passport will arrive in time for her to go..If not she will stay with us for the week..Sandra is very excited about that..If Adriana does get things in order to go with her family on the cruise we will still go and visit will she is in the Orlando area..Her father mentioned the girls going to Disney..So Christmas will be great for Sandra either way..We are going to keep things simple this year..No choice after the cost of the last year..But humans have made a very complicatied season with all this anyway..Just a time to remember family and the birth of our LORD..Even tho I am not sure it is really when he was born..But he was born and I am very thankful..It,to me, is not a material time to see who gets the best or most expensive things..or to go in debt...Sandra is back to school today and I think I should stop writing for now and get somemore things done before time to fix lunch and go pick her up...I will write more later and post tonight...

Please Pray

2009-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

Carlos, our good friend and translator in Mexico is not doing well..Just recieved call from his sister that his health has begun to go down this past Thursday.Bleeding from nose, paralyzed on left side..In human eyes not good...A letter from the Denver doctors was lost in the mail..The letter should get him over the border if it is GOD's will..The replacement letter should come tomorrow and if he is able to go the visa office to get the visa..If this idea does not work the option is to have brain surgery there in Juarez to try and remove what can be removed and then chemo..The doctors there say that they think some damamge has been done to the brain already that can not be reversed...With GOD all things are possible...May it be GOD's will and not ours...

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone..We are going to by brothers to celebrate..I had Sandra lookup the meaning of Thanksgiving and the tradition for it yesterday..When I told her how many people will be at my brothers she thought it was alot..11..So I am thankful that it is not the year for 30 or so..I want her to enjoy the day without being overwhelmed...Hap and I had chiropractic appointments yesterday so we took her and she had the exam and xrays..We go back for her on Monday and I really believe that it is going to help her in a lot of ways...I had noticed that she was having midback pain for a few weeks now...During the exam they realized the extent of a fall she had as a child...She said she fell off a large,cliff was the translated word) hill..With the translator it is sometimes hard to realize the exact word but it was a pretty big fall..She has 2 deep scars on the outside of one of her knees to prove it...anyway..the chiro did extensive xrays of her back to see if there might have been an old fracture...Monday will tell if there were any really bad injuries from before...It will be good to see the relief she gets once the treatments start...Then it will be a trip to the dentist to see what lies in her mouth...She has great looking teeth but you never know...
Well its is two days later and I am just getting ready to post this blog..Thanksgiving was great..Sandra ate so much she did the typical American thing..."I am so Full" was her response...Was a great day with 12 family members...She is getting completely submergered into english..No one spoke spanish..She is still hesitate to speak..So we are getting ready to really have to push her...Today Hap is fishing and Sandra and I are going over to some friends from church. They have a teenage daughter who is also 16 and a very good person..They have a pool table and Wii games so we are hopeing that the girls hit it off..She is in need of some girlfriends her age..That speak alittle spanish..She knows alot more english than she is willing to speak and I thought that she would do it on her own but it has become obvious that we will have to push and insist...She is so ready to do everything else without any prode but not the english speaking..SO push it will be..I am so excited to really be able to speak to her in depth..She loves to talk so I know we will have alot to talk about...Please keep this in prayer as the push begins...I will continue to try and post every couple of days...Thanks for your patience as I get into a routine...

NEWS

2009-11-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

We are doing great..My life has not slowed down yet but I have been convicted two times in the last week to learn to say NO...I am trying and I am praying for GOD's strength to help me..Sandra is enjoying her week off from school..but is a burrito..HAHAHA.abolita..Not sure of the spelling but it means bored..but happy..We took her in this morning for her first chiropractic exam...We go back Monday for what the treatment will be...Seems as tho somewhere in her life she had a spinal injury and I had noticed she has a lot of pain in her midback since I have been around her all day...She remembers falling off a cliff when she was young and has the scars on her leg to back that up...The english is coming along..she understands ALOT but is still hesitate to speak it...That is what we are working on this week too.. This morning I had her read some of what the meaning of Thanksgiving is to help her understand tomorrow..Plus it will help when it comes time for American history in school..We are going this weekend to Fort Desoto with our boat and a friend's boat...Girls on one and boys on the other...THought that we would do the picnic thing and also have friends who have a 16 girl who we thought she would really enjoy going along with us..All adults but the two 16 yr olds..What better way to see if they click...All is great with the plans except I saw the weather forcast for Sat. and it looks cool..So we will just take blankets and enjoy the salt air..My mom is doing better..She has lifelink now so all she has to do is press a button and they will ask her if she wants us,the kids, called of 911.(but I had to really tell her that does not mean if she drops her pencil and just doesnt feel like picking it up.HAHA).If she does not respond they will automaticlly call 911..She is just having to learn that she has to do something to take care of her self..and of course I am the meany that pushes her..But it is for her good...CARLOS..I just recieved word that the doctors in Denver have written a letter to immigration and we are praying that he will either get a medical visa or humanitarian visa to go and get treatment..He has been unable to go to school since I left..almost 3 weeks and is staying at his aunts house full time for care...Please pray for him...He ofcourse says he is OK but anyone who knows him knows that he will ALWAYS be positive and trust GOD to take care of things...Oh if some of us could have that same unwaiver faith to know and except GOD's will for our lifes...Hap is loving the fact that his family is home...Michael,our son, enjoys the fact that mom is home..and of course Tyler is glad grammy is home...I so miss Mexico..I know that sounds crazy but the American pace is very very hard for me to adjust to...I think because I do not like it..We are a much to fast and now culture..It was so much easier to trust and depend of GOD without all the noise and rudeness of this country...Please dont get me wrong..America is a wonderful country..I am proud to be an american...Just confused as to what this country thinks living life is...To shot birds at someone who drives alittle slower than they think we should...To try and hit you if you pull out and they are still 100 yards away,and at the time you pull out they were only doing 35mph but speed up to 90mph...The lines in the stores, if you dont try and kill them to get in line you are pushed aside..People who only think in their box and what they want or what it is worth..MONEY,MONEY..ME,ME..WHERE IS GOD in this country that was founded on him..Trusting him...My mind does not want to adjust back to being on of THOSE americans and is having trouble finding the balance...But I will continue to trust GOD..I will continue to find love and work hard just to focus on what GOD wants from me...TO love all and over look offenses..To not judge,,to just LOVE,,,,

End of the First Week

2009-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

It is the end of the first week and what a week...We are starting our schedule today..Sandra started school today...She was very nervous..So was I..We will have alot of homework and language work when she gets home...My mom is doing well..We have two doctors appointments coming up along with me starting back with the chiropractor...and on Friday...I AM GOING DIVING...I am excited..It has been 5 months since I have had a good salt water soak..My dive buddy and I are going to Jupiter for the day..We will leave about 5am and return around 6pm..Hap will pick Sandra up from school on that day...My mom has had a home health care person staying with her 24 hours aday..But I think next week we are going to drop that down to just a night person for a couple of weeks and then back to a regular routine for her too...She was just scared but she is about as normal as I could ask for...My house is in need of a purging...When I left I knew it was time but after returning from living with nothing for 5 months it is a must now...I have way to much stuff...I have already starting giving it away and what is left I will yard sale...This will not happen overnight because it is years of build up so it will take awhile...But oh how nice when it is through...Sandra is adjusting well...Sometimes it seems like to well...But when her language understanding improves we will work on that...She will have the counselor at school with the translator to help so that will be good for now...Hap is very happy to have his family back...I have seen my son more in the last week then in the past 3 years...So the family is coming together...I will try and post every few days...I dont want to lose track of this as later it will help when I decided what I am going to do with all this info...I will be trying to contact Carlos later today...I have not heard anything from Denver so I think I need to push that along if possible...Thank you again for all the support over the last few months...Oh yea...Yesterday at church they had 30 minutes before church started as a welcome home time for me and Sandra...We got alot of wonderful gift cards and cash...Even for Publix..So this was a great surprise...Sandra was talking to a friend who was adopted a couple of years ago last night telling her how happy she was..How much she likes her new grandmother..my mom..and everything...
Ok..Today is the 15th and I just realized that I had two drafts that I had not finished so I published the other one and I will try and round things out with this one and get back to blogging...It is now the end of the second week..She has done GREAT in school this week..She even went to Saturday school..I recieved a phone call and email this Wed. telling how proud they are of her and how she has just jumped right in and it trying very hard..I still have not had a breather except for Friday..My dive buddy and I went to Jupiter for the day and had two wonderful dives...Visability was maybe 30 foot but just to be under the water was great...Came home with two lobster..Sandra isnt much of a fan but maybe I should not have shown her the pic before showing her just the tails and cooking it...Last Saturday we went over to Tampa bay and did a little fishing with Dad and a friend...The seas were VERY choppy and the fish were not biting..We stayed out about 3 hours and headed back in...I just put a coat over Sandra's head and held onto her..We were running in very shallow water so you have to go fast to stay off the bottom..She really enjoyed it..I think she will probably be a fisher like her Dad...No news on Carlos..I have a friend there trying to find out some info..I have had no response to emails...I have not heard anything from Denver either..But they could have contacted Carlos and not me...Which is what I am praying...My mom is doing very well...She had her first day alone today...The day nurse didnt show up..I clearly told them thru Monday at 8am..They even recorded the call..So when I speak to them this week about what we owe them I will be charging $15 an hour for my unexpected care...I am not cheap..heheheh...We have a lady down the road that will come in only at night for the next couple of weeks and then I think that she will do well...She is just scared...Lifelink should arrive tomorrow or Tuesday and that will really help her feel secure...She sure did get spoiled with all the care of the last few months...But she will grow up again...Hap is doing great...Sandra is great...Our family is great...Life is great...I have not seen my son as much this week but I DO plan on starting the once amonth Sunday dinner in January...Figured we would get thru the holidays and then balance out again...BALANCE???? Not sure I know what that is yet...I have to find it soon tho...GOD will have to do this one..Because I feel as tho I am falling right back into the rut again and I DO NOT want that...Hap says that I have become much more out spoken which if I use that in a GODLY way will be very good...I have to remember who I am here to please...There are alot of changes coming in the near future..So if anyone is reading this please continue to keep us in prayer for smooth transitions...I cant go into it now but as it begins to play out I will be able to speak of it then..Sometime I think GOD wants us to just trust him and not speak..I read somewhere in Proverbs that it is only the fool who speaks with many words...The wise man uses few....Love to all and I will try and start to write some each day again...

Home and adusting

2009-11-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

What a new adventure to be home...Sights,sounds,people...very odd for me so I can imagine for Sandra...We are hopeing that school will start for her on Monday..She had to get more shots to make the state of FLorida happy...and then we have post adoption things I need to start on soon...She seems to be adapting very well...Just alot of new things...She had her room set up by Monday night..We went clothes shopping Tuesday and yesterday along with the other shots the state of Florida says she had to get and the school would not except her US government physical so today we are off to do that...We both long for a down day...Today is the 15th and I just realized I had not published this..So here is this one and I have another draft I will do too...I am so sorry to leave you hanging...

At Home

2009-11-01T21:09:00.001-08:00

We are back home in Florida and everyone is in bed and I cant sleep..I am having some culture shock and very overwhelming feelings of weird thoughts..I am sure that this in normal..and I can see it is going to take some getting use too..Sandra just keep saying how bonita everything is..How beautiful..and it was dark..I think she will do ok..But I do know to that she is one to hold alot in..We will be working..At finding some counselling...How cool that Hap and Michael picked us up at the airport and 3 friends from church that speak spanish also came to the airport..As soon as we got to the house she started unpacking and was setting that room up but with in an hour she was ready to go to bed...I think she likes her OWN bedroom..after being in orphanages for 5 years...anyway I just wanted to post something to let you know that I will try and do alittle each day and see if anyone is still following..Except now we can talk by phone..but I will be journaling after this because I am really thinking of a book...just a thought...THANK YOU LORD for the friends and family that I have.....

IT IS ALL FINISHED!!

2009-10-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

It is all finished...All the papers on the Mexico side are done as of this morning..I turned in the tourist visas and only had to listen to a chewing out..and NEXT TIME HE BETTER BE HERE IN PERSON...All though we know...THERE WILL NOT BE A NEXT TIME..hehehehehe...Wait..I better watch what I say..I never thought that I would have a daughter either..THere is still paperwork to do Stateside but atleast we will be HOME..Social Security,,readoption in the States..etc..things I have to check into..I think Gladney might be meeting us at the Dallas airport when we have our layover there..They are suppose to let me know...We have one more goodbye..and it will be one of the hardest for me...Carlos..and his mom..We are still waiting to hear from the US doctors..But Carlos' doctor on this side is going to send them a letter and we shall see what happens from there...I will be in contact with him from the states...I am suppose to pick up Faith at the border at 7:30am and we are going to start the packing up and finish out the apartment...We will then head over with Sandra and then I will come back and get the furniture and do that with her over the border...I am praying...and thankful...I will finish this when we come in from seeing Carlos and his family...She did all of her goodbyes today..
We are back from Carlos' and it was as hard as I expected..I will follow thru on this medical contact that I have started...I will follow thru on all the prayers I can and ask others to pray also..I will stay in touch with him and his mom..They are both two real christian people and I am thankful for them both...Sandra is upstairs letting all the goodbyes sink in..I hear the music going...I am going to close this out...I am very THANKFUL to GOD for this time...
The LORD is my strength and my Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on HIM, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song will I praise HIM.

SHE IS READY

2009-10-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Sandra is ready to cross the border..Now I am not..I still have to go to mexican immigration in the morning and turn in Hap's and my tourist visas...I got up and went to the Embassy this morning and called before I left and they said come on..Thank God that the lady checked the visa before giving it to me because one of the numbers was wrong...SO I sat for a couple of hours while that was fixed and then came back and got Sandra and headed to US immigration to turn in the package that came with her visa...I was told maybe an hour or two...Try 4 and half..There were right at 100 people doing the same thing (not adoption but visas) and only two homeland officers working and half way thru...one went home...We did it anyway and she is ready..But we ran out of time to do mine and Hap's so tomorrow...We did some goodbyes tonight..and just a few tomorrow and we will be ready to head over on Saturday..Noe,Qwens son who comes to eat on Thursday, hung out with us tonight..We did the goodbyes and then went for pizza...I really think Noe is gonna miss us..He asked if he could come and hang out again tomorrow..and I said Yes..I am gonna miss him...He and his mom are praying that he will be able to head over by Christmas..He is such a good kid..Oh yea..The heater I bought last night will not heat the downstairs..I left it on all night and was still very cold..So I moved it upstairs for the small bedroom..I thought it would heat downstairs and the hot air would rise up the stairs but by the time it did that it was cold again. The neighbor,David,came by this morning and said these places have NO insulation so only gas will work...I just stand over the two burner hotplate and rub my hands together..It was 50 for a high today with a good wind and suppose to be low 40's again tonight.I so appreciate my central air and heat..and alot of other things I use to not think alot of...Anyway...I am so thankful that home is in sight...I do not want to ever forget this adventure...and I will continue to write some after we get home...I would not want to leave some of you hanging wondering what is going...Like we said in the beginnning...This is an adventure that will probably last a life time...I do want to give GOD all the glory for this adventure...Because I am telling you ...I can think back to where HE was the only thing that carried me along...I could have never done this on my own...SO PRAISE GOD for all the wonderful things he has done to help us bring our daughter home...She is going to be fine...

Long Worthwhile Day

2009-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

What a good long day..We got up at 5am and were out the door by 6..at the medical place by 6:30 and started our long worthwhile day...We have everything done..EXCEPT..the visa in our hand ..It has all been approved..Raised our right hands and everything..But when it went to Washington to be run through missing childrens records IT TOOK FOREVER and they did not have enough time to put the visa into the passport...So I am to call when I want in the morning and go get it and then there is a little more running to the border to turn in papers and tourist visas..Hopefully they will let me turn Hap's in..If not we will have to come back in 4 months to do that...Or be fined $200 a day..So we will pray for favor with that tomorrow..I figure some good old tears...and drama...I have been in Mexico tooooooooo longgggggg...Starting to work their way...Anyway,,we will pray....Plans are if all goes well to cross border on Saturday and spend the night with a friend and then off to the airport Sunday and home...I am praying...I am also getting ready to get some tickets and pray that they dont have to be changed at a cost...Gladney is letting us give part of what we paid in for the adoption fee to another orphangage here that has helped up so much...Ranchos Los Amigos..They staff..Which is all our neighbors..It is part of Ywam..has been a main support, emotionally, physically,etc..During my stay here...THey have been great....anyway..I am very very tired and still have to get tickets..I will try and post more details about our day tomorrow...I thank all of you for following us on our adventure...Love to all of you...
Yours,O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is YOURS; YOURS is the kingdom, O LORD, and YOURS it is to be exalted as HEAD over all...

WE HAVE IT!!!!!!!

2009-10-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE THE PASSPORT!!!!! I took Sandra to school and headed back to the house with an uncertainity as to whether or now go..I left here at 10am..Went and found the chocolate...and headed over...When I walked in I went right on back to the lady's window..Like I knew what I was doing..As I stood there I thought for sure that I saw Sandra's pic and papers on another ladys desk..Ms. Garcia walked up and said something in spanish and I said"It's here?" and she said yes and it would be ready to pick up at 2..I took out those chocolates with tears running down my face and she was saying NONONO and I was saying MUCHO GRASIAS...I left and sat in the parking lot calling everyone and suddenly my Mexico cell rang and it was Ms. Garcia saying something about an original...I said I was in the parking lot and I would be right back in...She said that Mexico City had kept the original adoption decree and they needed one to do the passport...I said I would try and make it back in an hour to hour and a half..I went straight to the school wanting to rush in and just take Sandra out but I knew she would want to talk with her friends...So I waited..What a long 30 minutes...About the time they were to start out the door I got out of the van and walked up to the door...As Sandra and her friends exited the door she is looking at me asking me what I was doing...and I said...IT IS HERE!!!! She started smiling..I started crying again..and everyone started gathering around..People I didnt even know would know what was going on were coming up and congratulating us...Then we had to go in and see her teacher with the two friends following..He talked about how proud of Sandra he was and how he knew she would do well in Florida..and of course they exchanged e-mails so he could know her progress in school there...Then the two friends wanted to get together with Sandra this evening to eat at the mall..We are about to head out...Oh yea...I brought Sandra on to the house to start getting ready ...We still dont have water...and I headed back with the adoption decree to the passport office...I was about 15 minutes out and the mex.cell rang again..It was Ms.Garcia wondering how much longer before I arrived..I told her about 15 minutes and she said she would not leave then..I got there right at 15 minutes...rushed in and gave her the adoption decree and they started to work..They said it would be about an hour which would make it about 2:30 before it would be ready...I hung out in the parking lot and went back in after about 45 minutes...I could see Ms Garcia rushing around and sticking papers here and there...THey close at 3pm...Well at 5 minutes till 3 she called me up and gave me that glorious passport...and I thanked her ever so much...See what a bag of herseys kisses can do...She could have left and went on to whatever she was going to do and I would not have gotten that passport till tomorrow...Some sugar and caffiene and they will work extra hard for you...I can not tell you the feelings that are running around in my heart...Sandra's either..She smiled most of the way home...I know she is going to be having mixed emotions...I am here for her...I know this is going to be a BIG change...But she has one LARGE family to help her thru...We both said..."This has been one long journey"..It will be right at 5 months when we arrive back in Florida...I cant believe it...Well I will finish this when we come in...We have to go..Well nothing new to write except I know there is something dead in our wall...But the water is back on...So at least it will just be the smell of the dead whatever and not us too...We have to get up at 5am..so I am closing...Thank you for all the prayers...PRAISE AND GLORY TO OUR LORD FOR HELPING ME TO DO THIS...AND GETTING US BACK HOME...
You make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I seng for joy at the works of your hands. Howgreat are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts....

Waiting For the Vision to be Fulfiilled

2009-10-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

I am waiting for the vision to be fulfilled...Trying to make it steadily,surely...Nothing today..I called the lady who has helped with a few other adoptions and she said if she remembers the call usually came on a Tuesday or Wednesday...SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....I am ready with it does...We have spent all day trying to stay warm..Low this morning was 43..High 62...If I remember right..Thursday will be a cooler one..I will use the worder cooler so as to believe that I am warmer than what I am...I keep juggling the thought of a NICE warm heater over in my head...But they want a lot for them..Just like fans..I have about $60 in 2 cheap fans here to leave...I just cant see the cost of a heater for a day...Is that positive thinking of what...anyway..Duck tape the cracks up again,windows and door..and keep the lights on and turn on the old trusty hotplate...and think...Warm..Sunny Florida...Its just the morning sea breeze...Guess I could boil some salt water for the full effect...OK...Sandra did excellent on her english exam Friday..she got the scores today..Perfect score...No mistakes..She was very happy..I thought something was up as she jogged toward the van when leaving school..I can see how good it was for her self esteem..Which gives me some pointers for later...We have had no water again today..But you can believe that Sandra and I both have kept our eyes on all faucets...The carpet is just now starting to dry..and the smell is not the best in the world..Oust Oust and more Oust..But then again I wonder if something might be dead in the attic..This happened once for..I know there is a birds nest up in a hole in the outer wall..Anyway..Oust...My mom sounded good when I spoke to her earlier..I have to still get use to the 3 hour time difference for this week..I laid down about 1:30 and stayed there till 3:30..The water coming back into the pipes got me up..I slept alittle and just chilled with my eyes closed....Sandra is watching TV..We have some bad habits to break when we get to Florida..But we are both motivated people so I dont see it being a problem... I still havent been able to find out what is going on around here..We have a Federali check point between us and town now..and when we headed out this morning the military had a SUV pulled about a block from the apartment with the whole corner "COVERED".. It is always men that they pull anymore..and since we dont have a man in the van we have been just driving thru..Maybe this is their new tactics they picked up when the US and South American officals came in last month for a meeting...Whatever it is I stillfeel safe..GOD is with us..Who shall we fear...Well I have managed to make it to 4pm..Just a few more hours and I can go to sleep and pass about 9 hours...I continue to pray for "tomorrow"..I will posted this later incase I write alittle more..Ok it is almost 7pm..Gwen dropped off some stamps to put on the envelopes I had put sending and return labels on..So this will help pass an hour or so..and then I am going to take a shower and go to bed under some warm covers..I am so thankful to the canadians that lived next door when we moved in here for giving us 2 fake down heavy comforters..I havent had to use anything except the one blanket so far..Except the night my bed got wet in the flood..I use those two comforters to sleep on that night..But I think it is night after next that it is suppose to be cold..so we will pull those out...Please pray with us for this to be the week we get to "moving" again..literally...
I am overcome with joy because of GOD's unfailing love, for he has seen my troubles,and HE cares about the anguish of my soul....
I keep my heart with all diligence,for out of it spring the issues of life..
As I wait on the LORD, with good courage, HE shall strengthen my Heart..

What a Peaceful Day

2009-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a very peaceful day..If not for yesterday I might use the word boring..But it was peaceful. The time here fell back an hour last night..So we are now 3 hours behind Florida until next weekend when they change..The floor is beginning to dry..We hung out the towels last night and they were dry by this morning so I started using them again..We still have some dampness but not mush sound when you walk on the carpet...So thankful no mildew here..We havent done much of anything today..Just chilled..Cant quite get use to the time yet..It is 7 and it has been dark for an hour...Makes you want to go to bed..I AM SO PRAYING that tomorrow we will have that passport...I am ready to go home...My mom is doing good..THANK YOU Celia for getting grocerys...The home nurse will over see her doing soup,cereal..etc...Celia got ham and cheese,,microwave things...My daughter-i-law,Pam said that she would take food over...Hap took over fish and shrimp earlier today and he went to a fall festival and got her two plates of food and goodys there...She will be good..She just has to know she can do this..That she is able....I miss my family...My home...My life...I have been taught alot here...I will never forget...I dont want things to be as before...I want to keep the lessons that I have been taught here..To use at home..I really think this will be the week..I think if I go back over these blogs I might see where I have written this before..So I guess if I am going to keep the lessons I have been taught here..I should say...If it is GOD's will I pray to go home this week...Please remember me,again, in prayer...I feel,,that is the key word,like I am growing weary again...I will try to keep it at a minimal this time...I know where my strength comes from..In quietness and in trusting confidence I find strength..Trusting GOD..So before I get myself weak FEELING I think I should close this out...Thank you to all who are helping with my mom..Oh yes, Debbie and David..You should have got mom up today to see you..Please do try again..Thanks for checking...TOMORROW could be the day...or maybe the next...I am PRAYING...Love you my husband and thank you for your strength...

Under Attack

2009-10-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

I will make this short and sweet..It is after 11 pm..Got up this morning..Went to do laundry..Came to apartment put away clothes..Went to Walmart..Got some grocerys...Thought we were going out to old orphanage to do speg. and gorditas..Come to find out they were coming here...Great people but unexpected 6 people..with us two..makes 8 to cook gorditas and speg. on two burner hot plate...Anna is an amazing mexican cook..Mari,Marina and Anna's 3 kids..Got call that mom went home..$14 an hour nurse I am told does not cook as my brother was told they would.Weekend,nursing service PR mouth person not in till Monday...Worked on getting someone to get grocerys for her..THANK YOU Celia...Hap and Terrell trying hard..Thank you my husband for all you do and Terrell my brother...anyway..Got cooking done here,..Gorditas were great...Oh yea, also had no running water at apartment all day...Took group back out to old orphanage..Kind enough to let us take showers there..and get 10 gallons of water till ours came on..Headed back into Juarez..5 gallons of water dumped during turn in van...Van got unexpected carpet cleaned...Went to Sandra's old home,Casa Eudes, for Kermoss..It is like a big fall festival...Kept having uneasy feeling...At 8:30 told Sandra time to go...Headed to apartment...Got out of van..Unlocking door...Hear water,I think..Open door..Water dripping from ceiling and down stairs...FLOOD!!!..Rush upstairs where I see water coming from..Realizing I am walking thru an inch of water downstairs..Bathroom sink on..Turn off..Rush back down..Sandra heading across flooded room..Holler...Electricity..She starts to jump in metal chair..Holler..NO..Go outside..I rush over,grab electic cords and put on table..Grab computer, see some water and flip upside down on table..WATER!!!!!! Evendently someone turned on bathroom sink while we had no water..We left...Water on...Flood..Mop also broke this morning while Sandra does cleaning while I am at laundry mat..We have 5 towels total..We need two to take showers..since water in back on..We start upstairs..She continues..I head down to start on bottom..finish bottom head upstairs to help her with carpet..We sopped and sopped and sopped..etc....Gave up a hour later..Will figure out best plan tomorrow if not dry..Yes,computer ok...Thank you LORD that they dont have mildrew here..TO DRY...I will still PRAISE THE LORD....THANK HIM for all he does for us...BUT I am going to bed....Love to all...

Knowing It Is Soon

2009-10-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well no news today..and it is still ok..We know that things are winding down..I really think that something will happen on Monday since nothing this week.We were just praying for the earlier of the times...Sandra did well in her english exam..No scores until Monday..Her friend at school's birthday was today so Sandra,Janet and Janelle had a little party with the three of them at Janelles house..I followed them over to her house after school and of course meet the mom at the school..I came on back here to the house and finished some work I had started for ywam and watched 3pm come and go..That is the time that the passport office closes...I am really ok with it...I have had to wear sunglasses because the light at the end of the tunnel is getting so bright..hehehe.I headed back over at 4:00 and picked Sandra up and we just came on back to the apartment..I think we both are looking forward to sleeping in the the morning..Mari and Marina and the lady,Anna,that they live with are coming for a visit tomorrow.I think I misunderstood some spanish yesterday..I knew I heard the words lasagna but I thought they were talking about how much they liked it the last time I fixed it..Evidently they were asking if I would fix it tomorrow..So that is on my to do list..But Anna is going to fix Gorditas,,So that is a nice trade....My mom is going home tomorrow..YEAHHHHHH...I hope she will find some happiness in it...I think she is scared..But she will have a 24 hour assistant with her..She will do fine...My wonderful friend Celia went over to mom's to make sure things were ready and tomorrow someone will have to go get some grocerys for her...She is going to do good...This will give Hap a break from driving into Winter Haven everyday..I told her she beat me...but I will be there soon..My brother Terrell will pick her up about 12:30 and away they will go..GOD's timing is always best..I patiently wait for his time for us to go home too..Hap is preparing already..Just slow down alittle my husband...I know he would say,,"I am just preparing the fields"...I love you..Never have found out what is going on around town..So we will just continue on like normal.If it were really something we would hear about it(last blog about the extra stops and military around)..Oh yes,,I made a mistake last night on my blog...Our GREAT nephew Steven is 19...He let me know today on facebook that I had it wrong..So there Steven I made the correction...I am going to close this off...Love to all and a very big THANK YOU for following...and I will not just drop this when I get home...I will continue till we settle....and I have some other thoughts in mind too..:)))))
I trust in, rely on,and am confident in YOU, O LORD; You are my GOD. My times are in YOUR hands....

Help For Friends..All Kinds..

2009-10-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

I just recieved an e-mail from the chaplain at the hospital where Carlos' first surgery was done in Colorado and he had spoke to the doctors and they are working on a plan to see what they can do to help Carlos. With treatment and medical visa..This is such great news..and Carlos,the angel he is..wanted to know about news with us and the passport..He knows that GOD will do something and whatever it is he trust GOD's plan...We had a good day..Same..school..I found cheap dog food..got 110lbs..and after I pick Sandra up we made the delivery..Those dogs were so grateful..Unfortunately one of the pups died thru the night..Which was not a surprise..I am not sure one of the others will make it..Malnutrition in very young pups is hard to come back from..I feel good about tyson and kajita..For now..but we did what we felt we should do..and it felt good..Something has happened here in Juarez today..The regular military check point was very different heading out into the dead zone.(the old orphanage is the last safe town).and on the way back in not only the regular one but a very unexpected one..of 6 loaded military trucks with several men out of two vehicles with one side of the 4 lanes closed..Also when I pick Sandra up there was a very big commotion 2 blocks from her school with many of all types of law enforcement..I will be check on line after this to see what precautions we need to take...I do use good sense here..Believe it or not..hehehe..No news on the passport today..SO..Sandra has to take the english exam tomorrow..hehe..She will do fine..Last night and again tonight she has started to chat a very little in english with our great nephew and her new cousin..Steven..He was thrilled and she wants to know her family..The new life if starting already for her..Tyler,the grandson, has seen her too..On the skype Monday when Lane called and we did the computer video thing..Hap is waiting for his girls to get home..He has been cleaning and preparing..My mom is scheduled for Saturday..Terrell,my brother is doing a great job getting everything set with the home care people..THANKS BUBBA..It is all coming along..Noe..and his mom came for supper tonight..THe mom is the one who lives on both sides of border..One child in El Paso and the other still waiting here to get his papers straight..They are praying for the next 30 days..SO much hope here..I will I could get some of the people I know back home to find this hope and hang on to it for dear life..It makes things so much easier..So much more peacefull...Trusting GOD...I love you my husband..and let our son know that I love and miss him very much too..and tell him thanks for checking on me...Till tomorrow..
I will be happy when the way is rough,because it will give my patience time to grow..So I will let it grow,and try not to squirm out of my problems. For when my patience is finally in full bloom,then I will be ready for anything,strong in character,full and complete...

Not Yet..and Its OK

2009-10-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well Sandra got to school at regular time..I headed straight over to the passport office..I walked in and ask for Alejadra Garcia and the man took me over to her..As I walk up and she looked up she said No..This was good..She remembered me..I handed her to note..I couldnt find a place open to get the candy this morning..She read it and said..Si....No...Si.She could call us as soon as it comes in...and NO..Sandra does not need to be with me to pick it up...I told her Gracias..and left..It did not feel bad at all..Because I know we are so close..At least we know that it will not be sitting there waiting on us to call.It was so funny when I picked up Sandra she was telling me that they have an exam in school on Friday and how nervous she is about it..Then she asked if the passport had come in..I told her no and she had this look of disappointment..I then said..I bet you want that passport to get here before Friday so you dont have to take the test..She so laughed a laugh that said "That sure would be nice"..and she laughed about it later today when I told John and Faith about it..She so does not like the way they do test here in this school.And to add to the tension of EXAM they also have cameras in the class rooms so that the school knows that there is no spanish speaking going on in class..That is a big NO NO..anyway we have laughed a few more times through the afternoon about her wanting that passport to get here SOON...We went out to start our goodbyes today..The first, Mari and Marina,the girls that worked at the old orphanage..They are good..But the dogs,Tyson and Kaheta,were not..No dog food and Kaheta has 3 pups still..We plan on getting some dog food and taking it out there in the next day or two...Tyson has been at the orphanage as long as I have been involved..since 2000..It is the least I can do for him.The girls have food..People come first on the Who gets food list and unfortunately the couple the girls live with only have enough for them and their kids and Mari and Marina..The man works some but not full time right now..They are praying that things get better...The real life in Mexico..The average people..It is just the way it is....anyway..We came on home and Faith and John stopped by on their way from the school they work at here in Juarez two days a week..John teaches PE and Faith does administation work..It is part of their outreach..It is a christian school that feeds and teaches the kids and adults in the ROUGHER parts of the city..Then we have just hung out here..My mom is preparing to go home on Saturday. Hap and Terrell,my brother had a meeting with a company called Helping Hands today..It sounds like they will be able to do what is needed..I will be able to step in when I get there with the cooking and cleaning and personal care stuff..I know that things will be fine..GOD knows our needs and he will help us...It is hard to believe that we are really getting close to going home...SOON...I need to mention my wonderful wonderful great nephew Steven..Every night he comes on facebook to chat with me and has since shortly after I arrived here..It has been wonderful to get to know him..He and Sandra actually typed a few words in english to each other tonight...I think both of them were excited that it worked.Steven had to ask is this really Sandra..and he also informed them that they were cousins, primos in spanish.(I had to look that up quickly).I help Sandra some..She knows quite abit herself..Anyway..GOD is GOOD..Steven was born when his mom was only ,if I remember correct,a little over 5 months along..Steven was pronounced dead when he first arrived but with in just a few minutes a heart beat was found.He spent the first year,actually alittle more, in the hospital with different problems...They then thought that he would never talk or walk...Well he is today 17??(sorry I dont remember exactly) years old..and types like a pro..He is in High School..He volunteers at the library..He is great..and a miracle of GOD's...I am proud of you Steven..and he gives GOD the glory for it...Who knows what tomorrow holds.....We are ready for whatever lies ahead..Up's or down's. Learning every step of the path of life..The GREAT ADVENTURE..As long as HE is there with us!!!!!!

Starting Earlier

2009-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I decided to start my blog earlier today because I forgot a very important detail of yesterday...I had the priviledge of seeing and talking to my grandson,Tyler, yesterday..His aunt caught me on facebook and asked me if I had a webcam..I knew one time when I first arrived here and got this notebook I pushed a button and there I was on the screen..Well she told me to go to skype and download the program..I did and we exchanged emails and next thing I knew that was a ring..I pushed the answer with video button and there was Lane and Ty...!!!It was so nice to see him and hear him at the same time..He kissed the screen and so did I..I hugged the screen and so did he..It made a wonderful afternoon...THANK YOU LANE...As for today..Same old same old...school..Paid some bills on line while she was in school..Did some work for ywam..picked up Sandra and went to get gas..I told the guy TOTAL..FIll IT UP!!! and he took the words FILL IT UP to a new LEVEL..We were driving home and the guys at the red light are like "You are leaking water or gas" I am starting to think I have been here to long when I heard those words in english..Or maybe I just understood..??? Who knows..anyway I stopped and looked and sure enough drip drip drip..I brought Sandra on to the house and spent 45 mins driving around to burn off enough of my FILL UP for it to quit dripping..I wont say that again..My limit from now on will be $30..Just to be sure..I am starting supper now..I found out that Sandra likes red chili sauce with chicken so I have started the chili sauce..The first batch I cooked was great..The second..You have to watch which red chilis you get ..so this time I got the first red chilis and some smaller ones to give it a good bit...I will have to let you know how it is before I post this later...Tomorrow will be the day I take my bribe..I mean note and number with a gift to the passport office..I thought a nice box of chocolate will help her remember me and our name..So it is starting...What day will it be????No more thoughts..We plan on starting the goodbyes tomorrow..She has quite a few she wants to say bye to and they are spread out..So tomorrow we will start with Mari and Marina out at the old orphanage.Sandra has starting going thru her clothes to see what she is taking and giving away..It is such a joy to see her excited to go...My mom's potential release day is Saturday..We shall see..I am back..It is now 7pm here..I have my letter for the passport office ready for tomorrow..Tomorrow is the day that I am going in with something sweet as a gift..and to ask..Is the passport back.The something sweet is so that I am remembered...I dont have any idea how I am going to react if it is..We are planning, if possible, to go out and say our goodbyes to Mari and Marina tomorrow after lunch..Nothing else special today..I did just finish a really good red chili sauce..with rice..It is nice and has a good bite....So that is my day..Just staying focused..Praying..Hopeful...Watchful...Thankful...Soing the light getting brighter and brighter...with thought of Florida and home...
I trust in and confidently rely on the loving-kindness and the mercy of GOD..I thank you and confide in you forever..You have delivered me and kept me safe..I will wait on, hope in and expect in YOUR name...

I Cant Believe What Just Happened!!!!

2009-10-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just had this blog almost finished and was typing along and every bit of it disappeared...Everything,,,How funny....About 20 mins. worth of typing..Ok lest see if I can do this again..Now your gonna miss all that wonderful writing I just did..You know how it is..You cant do it twice in a row as good...Ok..It was a good day...Sandra off to school..Stopped at the grocery store..Meet up with the president of the Mexico board from IFM to pick up some blankets for a blanket drive..THey will be handed out to the poor here in Juarez before the cold weather sets in..Then I came by the house and dropped off the grocerys.John(IFM) and I had planned on him crossing the border at Caseta and me heading out from here and meeting half way out in the Dead Zone( no law area) for him to get the blankets...It is about 20 miles from where we live..I headed out the same time as John. The blankets were in a big black plastic bag..Which looked like a large bag of something not good around here..I had to cross thru one military check point. I was laughing to myself that if I got stopped and checked they would think right off the bat that they had something when they saw this bag..I could just see them taking out blanket after blanket and shaking them really good...Well once I crossed this check point without getting stopped I tried to call John to see where he was..But didnt get an answer..I tried again in a few minutes and no answer again..I thought then that he must have gotten stopped coming into Mexico..after a few minutes he called me and said that they were stopping every car that came into Mexico today and x-raying...Which held him up..By the time he got across I was almost to Caseta so he just stoppped off the road and waited on me..I pulled up,quickly got out,grabbed this large black, threw it into his van..Hopped by into my van and took off..If anyone was watching they would have for sure thought it was a drug drop...How funny..John decided after I called him and was laughing about how much it looked like a deal that he was going to dump the blankets out and get rid of the big black bag look...Anyway I havent heard anything but I am sure he is ok...I had to head right to the school to get Sandra..I was a few minutes late because of the longer drive out to Caseta..Once I got her we came home and have been here all afternoon..She let me know on the way home that she is ready to go to Florida..I am too...I think she has had enough of what we have been doing...We are ready to get back to life..She is excited for the new life...Alot different than a few months ago...They think my Mom will be ready to go home on Saturday..I tried to get somethings lined up but her insurance company told me that she will have to talk to them herself..So my brother is suppose to get with her this afternoon and then call me tomorrow and let me know what we need to do..I made a phone call contact for Carlos who gave me the e-mail for the Pastor who set up all of Carlos' surgery last time..I sent out an e-mail to him and havent heard anything back yet...Please pray..I am hopeing that I will be able to do something for him before time to leave...If not I think I will still be able to help from Florida..THis has been a day...Oh yea..and Qwen with YWAM dropped off some more work I can do..But it was not a good day to do detail work...I started and messed up right off the back so that can wait till tomorrow...Then I am going to the passport office on Wed.......We shall try and focus and get through one more day...and I know that with GOD's peace we can....
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on HIM, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise HIM...

Thoughts Building..Mind Wanting to Race

2009-10-18T10:54:00.001-07:00

I will not be impatient for the LORD to act!! I will keep traveling STEADILY along his pathway and in Due season HE will honor me with every blessing....
It is noon here..We just got in from "church".. My time to meditate on HIM..and pray. Not sure what this afternoon holds..Just focusing on keeping my mind busy. With good thoughts. Not to much thought(with work)about this week..I need to make some more calls for Carlos and calls for Mom and some home health care..Even if we dont get news on the passport I hope to get great news for Mom and her coming home this week..Thank you my husband for the words..In due time..Just needed to start this now so I could see some positive words in front of me to go back to as the days moves along..Well it is after 6pm now..Had a good day..Not much of anything...Started some homemade speg. sauce..Didnt have an ground beef so I used chirizo..which is a spicy sausage..It really turned out good..I used it with a box of tomato puree and some italian seasonings and simmered it a few hours...Oh yes...Just give me some stuff and I will make something..John was happy..He passed thru on his way to visit his boys..2 and a half years of visiting and waiting on the loss process..and some are becoming impatient after not quite a year...Adoption from Juarez is not for the weak..or impatient...anyway, Sandra had a friend over this afternoon and we watched a couple of movies..They just left and now I think we will eat and see what dark holds...Oh yea..I forgot to mention the guy who has been sleeping out in our driveway for about 3 hours now...He is alive and no blood..I think just to much beer and the driveway is about as far as he made it..At the end of our driveway there is a like carwash stall and shaded..But in just the last 30 minutes he has started to move his legs and feet so he is coming to...I am not the only one watching...All the neighbors are...Just sad to think you would drink that much and not be able to make it home...Glad he feels safe enough to pass out there...As long as he doesnt come on up the driveway he will be safe....I have my letter written for the passport office..It asks if the passport has come in..If not could I please leave my mexico cell number, and I thank you very much....Now to have it edit...I have a big hope for this week or next...and YES I know you have been hearing 2 weeks for 4 months now...BUT....Could be this time...might not be...Whatever it is something good will come from it...and alot of times the human eyes are blind to what is really going on anyway...So...I am ready for whatever the week holds...THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!

Saturday Again

2009-10-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I am losing the title skill...Slept late this morning...8:30...Pretty good for me...But I didnt go to bed till about midnight...Slept well..Headed out to laundry mat early..I knew when I pulled onto the hard main road and over the first bump that I heard a weird pop..The laundry mat is about 3 miles from the house and I pulled in and parked,got out and went around the back of the van and as I walked past the exhaust pipes I heard...sisisisisiisisisisisisisisi..I bent over thinking.."What in the world would make the exhaust pipe go sisisisisisisisis," when suddenly it connected ,the pop and look over at the tire...Sure enough there was ANOTHER beautiful screw decorating the back tire,same side as last week. This one wasnt near a nice as the first..Tire still had air..So I made a mad dash back around the van, hopped in and TOOK OFF....The tire repair shop was about a mile and half back and I was determined to get there before this tire went flat with the VW jack,,,Made it with air to spare...HAHA..Got it fixed for about $4..and headed back to the laundry mat..Got that done and came on back to the apartment..Sandra does the house cleaning while I do laundry and she does a very good job..Faith came over about 2 and we sat and chatted awhile..Sandra has been just chillin most of the afternoon..Faith and I wanted to go get something to eat and Sandra said she just wanted to stay here..She said she had been on the go all week with school and all and just wanted to have a day of NO GO...Faith and I headed on to the chinese resturant and then I dropped Faith off at the border and she walked over to visit with some people from New Mexico that came in for a weekend visit..I will go back and get her in a couple of hours..The wait to drive over can be 3 hours on a Saturday evening...So it is easier to drop a person off and have someone pick them up on the other side...That is how we have been having Hap do it when he comes...Next week is approaching..WHAT WILL IT HOLD????
As I wait on the LORD, with good courage, He shall strengthen my heart.....

Missing Family

2009-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today has been another good day..School for Sandra..I worked on making contact with more of Carlos connections from teams that come in..No humans but I did leave some messages..Also got word today that my mom might be able to go home next week..So as soon as I heard this I have started to try and find recommendations for home health care..I called our pastor and he gave me the phone number to a nurse at our church. I called and she said they are more RN's that do 2 to 3 times a week visits to check the patients but she did give me the name and number to Senior Home Care..It is the one that her company recommended...I also plan on calling Kathy..A lady who mom goes to church with who is also a Nurse and see what her thoughts are..She is away at her son's wedding out of state right now but maybe on Sunday I will be able to reach them..If any of you there in Polk county know of any suggestions please call my cell or post a note on here and I will call you over the weekend when my cell is free..289-7366....We just hung out around the apartment this afternoon...Pam, my daughter in law and my wonderful grandson Ty man called this afternoon..I cant wait to get home and just hug that boy good...He just talked up a storm for awhile..Tranformer talk, about him throwing up this morning..He just "Throwed up"..But he said he was feeling better and when I come home we are going to play transformers...He is really into them now..He can write his name..First and last...Hap said he gave Ty a book the other night and there was a place to write his name and he started and made a mistake and got very upset...I wonder if he has some of Sandra's perfection issues...HAHAHA..anyway right after I talked to him the two kids,Kristen 5 yrs.old, and her brother 4 yr.old Ian came over for a couple of hours..Helped to keep that missing the grandson emotion down some.It was so funny..I had cooked brocolli,potatoes,and beef..Sandra came and fixed her plate while Kristen was writing at the table and when Sandra opened the pot to get the brocolli all of a sudden Kristen grabbed her nose with her fingers started to gag and ran for the door..She must not like brocolli.So for the next few mins.she would hold her nose and come in for a couple of minutes and go back out..come back in..go back out.I finally asked her if she wanted some brocolli and she let me know she DOES NOT like brocolli..HOW FUNNY...We went out right about dark and counted the stars as they appeared..They just went home and I thought I would go ahead and get this started...Sandra usually has computer time around 8:30 for an hour..She has a few friends,a couple from english school too, that she chats with at night..and she also messages back and forth with Adriana, another teenage girl who was adopted by a couple in South Dakota a couple of years ago...So all and all it has been a good day..Faith is planning on coming over tomorrow to hang out with us..Probably go see a movie or take Sandra and a friend of hers to see one and Faith and I will just sit somewhere and visit...I talked to Hap today and our plan for next week is instead of calling the passport office I am going to write a letter and take it in personally. I am going to write our mexico cell number on it and ask them to call us when it comes in..If I call on Wed. and it is not in they will say call back the next week.I dont want to waste any days with it sitting there and us not calling. Plus I do not want to upset them calling and bugging them everyday and take the chance of them holding it because I bugged them...I was told today by a lady that when one of the boys at the home where she works passport came in they called the home..It was a mexico number and I am pretty sure that the phone number they asked me for on the papers was our US number..I am going to try and hold out till Wed which will be 3 weeks 2 days..Right about the time I have been told that 3 others got theirs back..3 1/2 weeks..Then if it comes in on Thurs. or Fri. I will be FRESH on their minds...Please Please Please keep this in prayer that if it is GOD's will we will be ready to see the Embassy that following Monday..Maybe even Fri of next week and then we are just 3 or 4 days from home...YES!!! If it is GOD's will..James 3:13-17...A scripture someone asked Hap to read and when I went to it I already had it yellow highlighted in mine...When the time is right we will be home....
I want to say a special hello to my FAVORITE great nephew Stephen..We chat almost everyday on facebook..He keeps me up to date with all of Haps family in north Florida and it has been very nice getting to know him since we live so far apart..He is really special and I very much enjoy our chats...HI Stephen.....

Thank You YWAM

2009-10-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to ywam for giving me work to keep me busy..They thank me..but I feel very thankful to have to work to keep busy..for doing work for a GREAT cause,the orphanage, and for good fellowship with other believers..We did the norm. Got up,got ready for school. Drove to school and I came back and regrouped on a few things around here..I headed back out a little early to stop and fill the water jug,and go by Walmart to grab a few needed items..Pick Sandra up and came back to the apartment..I keep catching myself almost saying home..I guess in a way it is home..or has been for 4 months and a few days now..Qwen came by about 1:30 and we started on stuffing the rest of the envelopes and finished them off by 4:30..I then started supper..Which wasnt much..Tostados..Noe,Qwens sone, comes on Thursdays to eat with us..She stays in El Paso two nights a week with her daughter who goes to school over there..I dont know if you remember but Qwen is the one trapped between here and Texas..She works for ywam and has for MANY years but she adopted the two kids and the girl got over and is done but she had some political trouble with the son's visa and is fighting it in court now..They are hopeful that by Dec. he will be able to go across and they can be a real live together family..So remember that in your prayers too..Noe is a great boy and has hope all will work out..Like I said..I have very good hopeful positive people around me and it has made this so much easier..Hopeful christian people..We colored Sandra's hair again today..She really notices the difference but I cant tell much..It is alittle lighter but not much..As long as she is happy with it all is well..No news on us today..Just waiting for and seek out what ever comes for each day..staying positive and trusting..I did get a message from another adopting family..They are not to happy..Their kids are in the loss process which means family is still trying to see if they can have the kids,even tho the kids have been in the system since 5 years old and they are both young teenagers now..The americans were told that it would be a few more months of court stuff and then it should be ready to start their adoption.Then about 6 months to start and finish..As we have learned..Even tho we were very blessed to have a great caseworker on this side with DIF that helped to push all our stuff thru as quickly as she could..I know some dont think much of mexico and the system but they do care..Just red tape.Us Americans know about that huh???.I know one guy who has been waiting and hopeing for almost 3 years...You have to be strong in your faith and lean completely on GOD to make it through an adoption from Juarez..Thank GOD there are some that can trust GOD to see it thru..Or there would be many kids more without homes...So that is the day..I can feel the end..and the light gets brighter every day.."I am sticking with GOD..He's all I have..He proves to be good to me and to all who passionately WAIT and diligently seek HIM. It's a good thing to QUIETLY hope for help from GOD"......From a book I refer to MANY times thru the day...GOD's blessings to all....

Hump Day

2009-10-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hump Day???? In the states I would relate..Here I am not sure but since I am really starting to have to be creative with titles for the blog each day..It seemed OK..Took Sandra to school today and about half way back to the house I noticed the check engine light was on and the oil pressure would go down when I would stop at red lights...SO I just ran all the red lights..NO..not really just seemed like something to say..No I headed right on to the shop and showed them and when I stopped for them to look at it there was a very small amount of water dripping from right at the front of the drivers door...We turned it off and then started it again and they let it run idling for 15 minutes or so and everything was ok..I was going to go to ywam prayer meeting but by the time I got back it was a little after 10 and it started at 9:30. Plus I wanted to leave by 11:00 to go get Sandra..That way if something were to happen I could get a taxi to get me to her school in time..and then worry about what to do..But PRAISE GOD all went well...The machanic had said to call if something did happen and I gave him an idea of the route I would be traveling since I would not be able to tell him over the phone in spanish..Mime doesnt work to good thru the phone...It is one of those have to see it to understand it things...I gave him my route in spanglish with hand signs..He is so patient with me...Alot of people are..and I am thankful...After Sandra and I came in I started stuffing envelopes for ywam and finish just now..6:45..in enough time to head out to basketball practice...Faith and her intern stopped by for a few minutes and Kate,a ywamer, came and helped to fold the flyers for the envelopes..Then the HEAD lady for the ywam organization came by to pick up what we had done about 4 to get the mail outs on to the post office...That is our day..I like it from time to time to have a busy day..Keeps my mind off counting days...Thank you MOM Foster for the phone call..It always makes me feel great to hear from the family...and to know that you read this and pray for me..Please tell everyone over there hello from me and I love yall..I will post this when we come in just incase there is something spectacular that happens on the way to ball practice...We are back and all went well...Not just ready for a good nights sleep...Hope all is well with everyone and we shall write more tomorrow...
I will commit everything to the LORD; I will trust,lean on, rely on, and be comfident in HIM and HE will bring it to pass...I will be still and wait patiently for HIM...

Starting the Next Wait

2009-10-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well we are starting the wait for another week..I called today and the passport wasnt back and they said..Try again next week. So we suck it up..focus..and continue to live in Mexico..I really didnt think it would be here but I still felt alittle let down..I know that we are so close..and I know I will be ok..Heard a song..and it is so true...There's a peace I've come to know...Tho my heart and flesh may fail....There's an anchor for my soul...I can say...IT IS WELL...
Sandra had a good day at school..She is learning bigger words..and asking more questions as to how words apply..She still doesnt speak it..But I have a funny feeling that when we arrive in Florida she will just take off..I told someone that I can understand her not speaking it here..It is not the language..But when she speaks it to me she does very well..It is all soaking in..She is a perfectionist..In alot of things...I stuffed some more envelopes for ywam today..Which was nice..It took up most of my time this afternoon..Tomorrow morning ywam will have a prayer meeting at 9:30 I plan on going to.. It is nice to hear english and listen to christian music in english..I think that Qwen will have some more things to stuff in the envelopes and that will help to fill tomorrow..Sandra has ??? either soccer or basketball practice tomorrow evening..and again the following evening....Please continue to pray for us..That I will continue to have this peace..I wish I had called Carlos already so I could give you some info on him...Faith is suppose to stop over tomorrow afternoon too..The weather is still nice..High 50's at night..80ish in the day time...My mom is doing good..She said her leg is getting stronger..and she is winning alot of the games there in the center..She has become quite the social butterfly..Have the funny feeling she will be alittle bored when she gets home...I will just have to find stuff to keep her busy..Hap is doing well..Having a bit of back ache but he will go to the chiro in the morning and that always helps...Hope you all have a great day...Take care..
The Lord is good to those who wait hoefully and expectantly for him, to those who seek Him. He does not willingly and from His heart afflict or grieve the children of men...

Tomorrow

2009-10-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow will be the day I was told to call. I will be very surprised for the passport to be back..But we did go ahead today and get the residencia photo for the visa..Just in case..If it is back tomorrow it will be the fastest anyone we know of or have heard of. But the lady did say 3 to 4 weeks when we arrived and as we left with a smile..call in two weeks..Today is the end of two weeks..So I figure around noon tomorrow I will call..I also spoke to a man today that had to get vaccination records as an adult for his visa and that he found a nurse who just fixed him up a paper because he knew he had them just didnt have the records..and with Sandra it is obvious that she has had some..She has the scar on the upper arm that many of you have..I dont for some reason but it has never been an issue for me..anyway..I have just been trying to stay busy today..Did some monthly bills for Florida..Got grocerys..Sandra had school..She made an 84 on her last exam which is great and she has moved on the the 3rd book since she started..I can she her confidence level growing..I asked her yesterday if she was getting nervous knowing the time was getting closer to go to Florida and she said no..Quite surprises when I think back to her first reactions...I believe she is ready..PRAISE GOD..Things are just falling into place so nicely...I checked on what was up in town with the military increase in our area and there were a few killings in the next colonia out from us..Same as before..Drug Cartel related..So all is well with us..Still havent gotten any more info on her friend and figured it doesnt matter if they arent allowed to come out here..we for sure arent going that way..Still sad to know that this city runs on fear..I plan on talking to Carlos tonight..I never heard anything back from the messages I left for the doctors..I am praying that they called him directly..
I really hate to write what I am about to write but the weather here has been wonderful..High 50's at night..about 80 with a breeze in the daytime..I have heard that Florida is terrible right now...HOT HOT HOT..I feel for you..But just go in that comfortable a/c house of yours and enjoy....I do feel for those of you who have to work in it like my husband..Well time to close out..Thanks again to everyone for sticking with us thru all of this..What an adventure..I have a friend who has been calling me short timer for a while now..(name for guys in army in naum who were going home soon) and I think I am finally starting to feel that way..
Let us take heed, and guard our lives diligently, lest we forget the things which our eyes have seen and lest they depart from our minds and hearts all the days of our lives......Things that GOD has taught us..and shown us...We must tell them to others and our children and childrens children.........

Things of the Day

2009-10-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

The day is starting to wind down..It is 6:30pm..Supper is ready and we shall see if Sandra likes some REAL southern cooking tonight..It is very hard to find fresh GOOD veggies here..Normally just broccoli,carrots,some cauliflower,I think those are green beans,..of course plenty of tomatos, iceburg lettuce,avocados,any kind of pepper, wilted celery,garlic,cilantro,leeks,many fruits,,especially melons..anyway..I found cabbage and got a head and I havent seen regular american ham so I got spam and carrots and cooked it all together...It taste GREAT to me..I am just pretending that the spam is HAM...She came down earlier and her nose was looking funny as if to smell something she wasnt sure about..I will wait to post this till right before bed so I can tell you how she did..I do have a back up for her..CHICKEN and potatoes that are leftovers...anyway..I got up at 5am and headed over to get Carlos..My heart aches for him..He is trying hard to keep going..We made it to where he is doing his internship at a nursing home..He said that it is so hard to go there because the people who run it are actually mean to the people and they do not like them being nice to them..Carlos couldnt be mean or unkind to anyone there..But it is his last day there..I am sure when they werent looking he showed the love of GOD to them..Thats our Carlos..Even sick.I was unable to speak directly with anyone in Denver today but I have left messages about seeing if one of the doctors and the hospital that did the surgery before could write letters to immmigration here to try and help Carlos get the medical visa..Praying that we hear something soon..and I am sending out emails to his contacts from the years he was a missionary here to see if anything else surfaces...Sandra and I went to, so hard for me to call it church, anyway,,just another good day for me to be reminded of just what JESUS did for us all..afterwards we headed back to the house..She has a friend who has been coming over on Sunday afternoons for a few weeks now but we recieved a call that the family of this friend had a threat given to their family this past week and the Dad did not want them to come away from the family alone to get here...I havent been able to get details yet but until I understand it more she will not be around them either..Not sure what happened last night but on our way home there was a road block a couple of miles from the house in an area that has never had one in my time here..They just stopped each car and looked in with flashlights and then this morning when Faith headed out to cross the border the next little colonia from ours was full of military and policia and yellow crime tape..I need to check to see what is going on..It is unusual for it to be this close..Better to be informed so we know what to look for..But we have excellent protection..The best of all...GOD..then the military comes through on a regular bases..I still feel safe..
Well she liked supper...She is a good eater..I am thankful..My mom was doing good today..Hap sounded great and our son and his family came through for a visit this afternoon..Tyler man can write his name now..I look forward to see him..I will probably just squeeze him to death..NOT REALLY but I sure do want to hug him really bad..I have been told that he asks about me..I had thoughts of him not remembering me but was told that he just asked about me last week..That was sure good for my heart..I am doing to close..I need to get to bed early tonight..Blessings to all and 2 days till THE CALL...
May the GOD of our hope fill us with all joy and peace as we wait and pray for the good things to come...

Saturday.....

2009-10-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday and I thought I should start this early. It is only 1:30 here, 3:30 central Florida time. We have a night out planned with another adopting family that is here from Austin,TX. They are adopting two teenagers and the 13 year old girls birthday is in 10 days they wanted to celebrate with all of us today..Carlos and Faith are going to join us..So we will have 8 of us..The family left their other 2 children at home this time. But all is well..I did laundry this morning and Sandra cleaned while I was there..So clean clothes and clean house makes for a good day..Carlos asked if I could drive him to his school clinic in the morning. He needs to be there at 7am..and I am more than happy to help out..He missed a couple of days due to not feeling well last week so this is a make up day..We hope to hear more news from him on what is going on tonight with what plans on next to try and get him the gama knife procedure.
Ok it is now 10pm. We just got back from our night out with the other adopting family, Krendi and Jason,Isamar and Rafa...Carlos' sister called me on our way to meet krendi and said that Carlos was just being strong for our benifit and she did not believe that he should be going out to eat with us..He has been sleeping most of the week and was asleep then..I fully agreed with her...So Faith, Sandra and I went to the Mall to see about the visa photo and the store was closed..So I will work on that tomorrow..Then we headed on over to Krendi's hotel and meet up with them...Jason,Krendi's husband, was going to take a look at Faiths laptop..She has been having trouble with it and he is a computer whiz..Visited for alittle while and then walked over to Barrigas,our favorite place to eat real mexican..We left there about 8 and drove over for them to visit Carlos. He does not seem well..I will be calling the docs in Denver tomorrow to see if there is some way that they can write letters to the immigration place here and see if that will help get the medical visa..So please keep this in prayer...He did say that someone here did some research and found info for him on this procedure..It is in Guadulajara..It would cost $20,000. Life or death..Letter from the state Doctors...$20,000 here...Please pray...Faith is spending the night since we got in so late..It can take 2 or 3 hours to cross the border back to the states on Saturday night..I will head over to get Carlos at 6 in the morning and she will head back across then.....That is a quick run down of the day..I really need to get to bed myself so I can rise early to go get Carlos..Hope all of you have had a good day and that tomorrow will be full of good things for you...GOOD NIGHT....and a special goodnight to my wonderful husband...Even tho you will not read this till tomorrow...Know I love you very much and it will not be long now till we are home and starting to live a somewhat normal life again...Wait, has it ever really been NORMAL??????...

Still Feeling Blessed

2009-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a good day all in all..We both slept better last night..Got up at regular time..Had a better breakfast than normal..I have found that unless I setup and serve a balanced breakfast that Sandra will be a normal teenager and go for the junk. So this morning we had fresh banana milk and whole grain cereal bars. The banana milk is just a banana in the blender with milk.Their milk here taste almost like cream and I have not seen anything but whole).Really tastes good. Although Sandra still has to have a small spoon of sugar in hers..I took Sandra to school and got all the way back to our dirt road..Just as I pulled onto the rode there were 3 cars blocking the road..I guess one was broken down..I stopped and noticed white dust,I was hopeing dust, gushing out from under the van..I just kept thinking that maybe it was windy and the exhaust was pushing up the very dry road dust..Well I started to move again and when I slowed down for the bumps I noticed it again..Well my real mind started saying ok..It is not dust like I was hopeing for..so I pulled on into the drive way and as I slowed for the next few bumps it was obvious that it was smoke..I parked and pulled the hood latch and by then KNEW that it was smoke..I was very happy when I opened the hood, after touching it to make sure it wasnt really hot,and could smell that antifreeze smell and see some green liquid in areas around the motor.(Happy that it was not like fire smoke).I could not see where it was coming from but it was not on the ground under the front so I was praying that it would just be a small spray from a hose..About that time my neighbor came out and he said he thought it would be best just to hop back in and get it to the shop where I have had it worked on and let them check it..So off I went..I did run one redlight..No one was coming from either direction and the white smoke would have let anyone know why I did it...I got to the shop and showed them ( no one speaks english) that the hood was not hot and popped the hood to show them the green liquid and by then there was a small puddle under the front of the van..They gave me a ride back to the apartment and I called the neighbor who in turned called the shop to ask what they thought and how long..They thought the same as I and said 3 or so hours..Well Sandra gets out of school at noon and it was 10am by now..Thank you GOD for good neighbors..Ale, who is the woman back quite a few post whos pic I posted with her husband and two kids,said that she would take me to get Sandra but we would have to pass an hour in town so she could pick up her kids from school too..We went and walked around a small mall and got her kids. She then dropped us off to pick up the van and we came home..Only $40 and they cleaned the van again inside and out...I tell you I am blessed here and by the people around me..
I want to THANK my family back in Winter Haven,Aunt Sarah and Debra(Hap told me you were there and mom says you come almost every week),Debbie and David and the members of Church of Christ in Inman Park for helping my soul to rest knewing that you are there for my mom...You will never understand what a big help you have been to me and my mental state while here..and the help you have been to my wonderful husband and my brother.THANK YOU for helping us while mom has been in rehab from her falls.Your visits,time and patience have been a true blessing to us.
It is 5:30 now..We plan on just chillin' this evening..There are two couples that are adopting coming in tonight so I expect the weekend to be busy..and we still have to get those pics for the embassy just incase they say everything is ready to go on Tuesday..But like I have said before..It will truly be a BIG surprise if it is there..I really expect it to be the next week..Whatever it is..I am blessed...
To you , O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my GOD, in you I trust; you will not let me be put to shame. In deed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame. Make your ways known to us. Lead us in your truth and teach us..For you are GOD alone..and we will wait all the day long.

4 More Days

2009-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

4 more days till THE CALL..I am excited just that the Lady said I could call in 2 weeks..Even tho I would be VERY surprised if it is there and would probably scream something that would sound crazy to the normal world..But I do not fear looking alittle crazy...Today has been another good day..Sandra off to school..Came home to some other adoption news from a family struggle to know whether to keep going or stop..There are never any words to say in this situation..I am glad I am not in their shoes..and sad that they are..The boy ran from them last year and has been begging to come back..But there is so much paperwork they have to do because the laws have changed since they begin..and other issues that only they themselves can answer..They are in my prayers...Qwen called and need some help with some of her work so she came over and we worked until I went after Sandra and Qwen stayed and we finished when we returned..Then when she left she had some more envelopes to be stamped and sending labels and return labels put on..I finished that..Mark, with IFM,and the man of the wonderful couple that has let us use their van all this time stopped in for a visit..Nice just to sit and visit with such good people..with a heart of ministry here in Mexico..Once he left I have started supper..Noe,Qwens son, comes on Thursdays to eat supper with us..After that we have soccer practice tonight..A FULL wonderful day..There are 2 different adoptive families coming in this weekend so I expect it to be a mentally draining weekend with questions and concerns to be talked about..But if I can help them with what we have been through I will...Because I understand as only those of us who have lived this can understand..We should have some sort of support group for families adopting from Juarez...Sandra has an exam tomorrow..She has been studying on the computer for it..This Quick Learning school is very good and informative..They talked to me today about one on one teaching but it was pretty pricey..plus she will have a good system when we get to Florida...I tried to call the Embassy today about Sandra's shots..to no avail. So I plan on trying first thing in the morning about 7:30 when Mrs.Perez gets to work and see if we can be doing that ahead of time...Then we still have the visa photos to do before Monday too...I can feel the end..and it feels GREAT..Even tho I was talking to Qwen today and realize the pain I am going to feel when it is time to leave for a couple of things that I will be leaving behind here...I guess that is just a taste of what Sandra is going to feel...I think it is about time for me to start to focus on ways to help her with this change that is a coming...Please remember us in your prayers....
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning..(and remembering that a day to GOD can be a very long time)Placing a HUMAN timeline on GOD's time
I am overcome with joy because of GOD's unfailing love, for he has seen my troubles, and he cares about the anguish of my soul...
Please add a family attempting to adopt to your prayers..They can not seem to realize that this is not a human timeline that you can give to kids that have been through what our kids have been through..That we have to give them HOPE..Not words that do not build up..But that cause more harm..Not negative human words but a GOD filled hope that it will happen and that we as adults and their new parents can handle..I love these people dearly..

Life in Juarez Today

2009-10-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

GOD guards me, keeps me in perfect and constant peace because my mind(both its inclination and its character)is stayed on HIM, because I commit myself to HIM, lean on HIM, and hope confidently in HIM..
It has been a good day..Tho as we started to leave for school this morning I noticed the van felt funny after moving only about 15 feet..I got out to find we had a flat tire..There was a nice big screw decorating a spot in the tire..Looked very nice but the tire didnt like it to much...I backed up to a level spot and got out the, I would say jack ,but for a 15 passenger van what I was looking at was not going to work..But since it was in the van and the only thing I had I started..First just on the ground then with a block..First tried on the side with the frame, then in the front with part of the front suspension..Then I walked over and knocked on our neighbors door thinking that maybe it was just that I was a woman..Felt better when I realized..IT WAS THE JACK..He was kind enough to run around the corner to the ywam base and bring back an air compressor and he aired it up as I tightened back up the lug nuts and away I went to the fix your tire store..Which was just up on the hard road a mile or so..They had a wonderful floor jack and power gun to remove the nuts..and it was fixed in 15 mins..after about an hour here...and only 40 pesos..which is less than $4...While I was doing that Sandra looked up the school on line and she can review each days class and practice online...Pretty cool..We also called the school and told them our problem...She also missed Monday because of the power steering..All is good...She has basketball practice tonight..Soccer practice tomorrow night..Then another family that is adopting is coming in on Friday..So this week is passing quickly...5 more days and I can call the passport office...YES!! I almost finished filling out her visa and citizenship papers today..We still have to get the photos for that done..When we did all the other pics for the passport and school courts they were unable to do the residencia photo for some reason I didnt quite understand but we plan on gettting that done before Monday..JUST IN CASE..I recieved a phone call from my wonderful mother-in-law yesterday that really touch my heart..She told me how much my blogging helps her..I have had others tell me that too..and it helps me to know that what I am doing here is helping others ..Not just me..That the same scripture that gets me thru a day helps someone else too..I have also given our agency's contact info to a lady who lives here who knows ALOT about the process on this side to see if they might be interested in hiring someone to help them here in Juarez..Plus it would help to supplement this persons income..Things are not the best here with the economy either..If I were going to live here for a REALLY long time I would approach someone with the knowledge I have gain thru this...It takes ALOT of work here(plus knowing how to work the system) and I cannot imagine some family with NO connection here being able to do it..If it were not for the fact of the people I have known thru the years I do not know if I could have done this. There are so many little details that no one would know had they not gone thru it..Either knowing the tricks and details or tribling your time to do it..So much knowledge.Both with adoption process and life..I need to find away to use it somehow..I have a few ideas rolling around in this head..I do plan on doing something with these thoughts....
I take heed, and guard my life diligently, lest I forget the things which my eyes have seen and lest they depart from my (mind)and heart all the days of my life. I teach them to my children and my children's children..
We just came in from Sandra's basketball practice..not soccer. That is tomorrow night..Please remember a girl name Nancy in your prayers..She lives at the home where Sandra was..I noticed her the first time we went there..Never knew her story until last week..She is 22..Does not look over 16..Lived with her mother here until they found the mother dead one day. No more family except an uncle in New Mexico but Nancy is unable to get a visa to go live with him for some reason.So she shall spend the rest of her life hovering around Casa Eudes I pray..DO NOT want to think any other thoughts.. Nancy has a mental handicap..It is obvious..anyway very sweet..and quiet..but when we arrived tonight as usually Nancy came and hovered around quietly..I noticed something just didnt seem right..I asked her if she was ok and she said no and started to weep quietly..We can not communicate any further but please pray for her....All I could do was to gently rub her back...It is everywhere here and in the world...

Feeling Better

2009-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know I had a great night sleep and feel much better this morning..Working on a cup of coffee and then to something to eat..No worries..Just happens sometimes when you start to eat just anything..Guess I got a little brave and took a chance on something out of my area..

It is Well

2009-10-06T09:56:00.001-07:00

There's a peace I've come to know..Tho my heart and flesh may fail..There's an anchor for my soul....I can say....IT IS WELL....
Thank You so much my husband for your confidence in me...I love you so much...and as I have told you..I dont understand why it is harder for me to deal with myself and emotions when I am with Hap..I can remember when my Dad died..Hap was getting ready to go to Northwest Mexico to do some construction with a group and he was going to cancel..I told him to go on..6 hours after daddy died..That I would do better with him gone..He is the only person I guess that I feel I can really let down this weird guarded thing that is in me...and I did say "person"..GOD really knows me..I noticed while Hap was here that I struggled more with some emotions..I was SO glad to see him..PLEASE dont get that wrong..He is my human protector.My love..My friend..My bestest..HEHEHE...GOD is my everything....I am starting to sense the end getting closer..I hope this is a good thing..We still have the medical to go..No one has records of her vaccinations..She does have the scar on her upper arm..So this is one thing to be praying about..She will have to do the adult medical because of her turning 16 while we were still here...I know that GOD will see us thru this too...He has done all the rest..and given me the strength to do what the human hands needed to do....I am very good.....and very thankful I can vent and be honest here..Who would have ever thought I would write as much as I have done here...Letting others see some of my deep thoughts that pass thru this brain and heart...
I am so glad I wrote most of this earlier today..I had a little trouble with my stomach last night..and it has hit me again for some reason..I took a walk just before dusk and started to feel that sick on my stomach feeling...I came back and laid down on the couch and tried to let it pass...But ended up throwing up..The mechanic yesterday gave us some very good salsa that I think must have had something that I am not able to handle..even after 4 months..Either the water that was used or some of the vegs...anyway..I am going on the bed so that I will be better in the morning...Please dont worry..I am ok..Just part of being an american in a foreign country again...But not bad for the time I have been here to have made it this far without it...Sandra will get to enjoy the rest of that good salsa..Gotta go lay down..I will put a quick note in the morning to let you know I am ok...Blessings..

Hap is Back in Florida

2009-10-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone with Hap and he is back in Florida..He was at the airport and claiming his bag..Already miss him..But have had a busy day...Haps ride was going to be here at8:00am and when that time came and went I called and woke them up..It all worked out great anyway..I drove him to the border and dropped him off and he walked across..It was good that it happened this way because the line was a 3 hour wait..He would have not made his flight had they drove across..God's way is best if we would just slow down and pay attention...I then took the van to the shop and they gave me a ride back to the apartment..I got online to find a friend out of Texas that is adoption 2 teenagers in not so good spirits..So I just let experience and GOD lead the words and for the next 3 hours I wrote and she read...Praise GOD she is doing much better this evening...International adoption is NOT for the weary or faint..You better hang on for the ride of your life..and that is just the beginning on this side of the border...You dont just become the all American happy family when you cross back over with these kids...It is years of help and effort to get these kids to understand what a good family and life can mean...But it is so worth it..They have so much love to give..It just takes time and love in return..with alot of understanding...and I am only beginning...But I remember our son..He was adopted at the age of 2...and it was years with him...But he is fine now and a great dad himself..and he was from the states...Then you add in the culture difference and it is more...So what is the first 1 and a half of trying and working just to get them over to the other side...I know of 3 other people..one is on 3 years..another 2 years and another 2 years...We have been blessed big time...and then you start for the next...10 or so years on the state side...So hang on...The ride is just starting...But I would not change a thing...and soon many of you will see and know what I am talking about when you have the honor of meeting our daughter in person...Sandra Elizabeth Foster...Legal now...She took on the Elizabeth for me..It is my middle name and my mom's and grandmother and greatgrandmother..On my mom's side..and 2 grandmothers on my Dad's side..I am very honored...Hap's visit was well needed..A great reminder of what is waiting for us back in Florida..Sandra seems better too..I actually heard her telling a friend on the phone earlier about her Papa being here this past week..She will still call me Sharon and Hap Hap when she is talking directly to us..But when she talks of us to others it is her mom and dad...The rest will come in time...I sleep great last night...8 and a half straight hours...But know that the next time it happens I will be thinking of you who have this problem on a regular bases...I just cant imagine it...Well love to all...GOD's blessing and strength...

The Last Day for a Short Time

2009-10-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well today is Sunday..Hap's last day here..We got up and headed to church..When we came out I noticed fluid under the front of the van..I have had to add power steering fluid every week or so..But when we got in to drive..There was no power steering..Like the old days of no power steering or power brakes..Thank GOD Walmart was only 6 blocks away..We got some fluid and added it and made it 4 or 5 miles and out again...When we made it home Hap and I got under the front and seems that one of the lines coming out of the pump has broken..So it is back to the shop in the morning..I hope..Which means Sandra will have to miss school again..But I cant take the chance of taking her and it not being ready by the time she gets out..Faith will be here early to take Hap to the airport so we will just see what the day holds...I am not complaining..I am very very thankful for this ride...and thankful that I can take it to the shop...I managed to get a few hours sleep last night..and did not want to get up..I have a new appreciation and feeling for those of you who can not sleep..much less with pain..over years...and it could also be what someone else mentioned about all the things that have been going on...I never dreamed that it would be the adventure it has turned out to be..what a fathom...FATHOM..I want the full effect of that word to stand out...I can remember Hap and I talking a few years ago about living here full time and working at the orphanage..That was during a time we thought that the park would sell..But then the market dropped..and I mentioned to my mom about bringing her with us and she put her foot down..Both feet..and I dont think my son would go for it either...Of course I would have wanted to move the entire family here with us...But GOD did not open those doors..and he has lead us in a whole different direction in the States with our new daughter...something that we are excited about and eager to start...Well I am going to cut this short tonight and spend the last few hours with Hap...Please remember to pray for his trip home tomorrow...and of course for us..I also pray for all of you ....Oh yea...I wasnt to bad today in my mood..Just alittle tired most of the day..It is 6:30 and I have already had my shower and am going to get an early start on unwinding tonight...But I do still have to call the mechanic and get things lined up for tomorrow...Love to all...

2 Nights Sleep Problems......HELP!!!!!

2009-10-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well it is after 11 at night...This is my second night of being unable to sleep..I struggle thru the afternoons to stay awake..Then 10pm comes and I am so ready to go to sleep..I go to bed and dooze off...and BLINK...15 mins later I am wide awake...Take a sleep aid...dooze off and BLINK...15 mins later I am awake...I take a passion flower...Now I wait to see what happens..Only problem with this is what am I going to be like in the morning when it is time to get up..The sleep aid is unisom..Passion Flower is an herb..I pray to not have that hang over effect...I am not sure what is up...I have NEVER had this trouble in my life...I love my nights and sleep...and I love to wake at dawn to watch the wonderful start to the new day....Please pray for me...This is so weird...I wonder if it is Hap being here doing something to my brain...Out of my time here this had only happen 2 times before...Pretty good for 4 months...But this 2 nights in a row...I am going to have to be on my guard tomorrow to not be a witch...I do not like this....I figured you all like to know what is going on so I turned on the computer and have started to write...Margie..I know that you have this problem..What is your secret..Any others out there with some suggestions...Hap said read..But out of 2 rooms there is someone in each one enjoying their sleep..Guess I could go hide in the bathroom...But I understand that sitting on the toilet could cause back problems...and considering that I use to see my wonderful Chiro once aweek..I dont want to suffer from that here..I do miss the chiro..Funny..after 4 months here in the last 2 days they have just started to show the sleep number bed...Which is what I have a home in Florida...Could this be my selfish spoil American self surfacing...I plugged my ears tonight when it came on and Hap laughed...Unfortunately Hap mouthed it for me so I had to close my eyes...This is the second blog tonight so dont forget to read the one before this one..because this is starting to sound like I am rambling...Ok..I am going to find a book and I will let you know soon if any of this has worked...
Ok..I have read some...Gods words...I feel the passion flower taking effect...I am ging to try again...I think this might be it...and I will have a great day tomrrow...I will stand strong in the lord..and use his words to help me thru the day..and night now....

Soccer Day

2009-10-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today was Sandra's second soccer game..They actually played a team of boys..The final score was 13-3 with the boys winning. After the game the coach wanted them to practice more so some of us adults played the girls...It was the most exericise I have had since I have been here. Other than moving in here..I had on sandals too. But I only knock down 3 girls and tore off half of my big toe nail...One problem the girls had was they would get the ball and just try and handle it while the other team would run up and take it away from them...Well I help to show them that they better get the ball and kick it quick..It was alot of fun..Then we came back here and just chilled this afternoon..We were suppose to go to one of Sandra's friends 15th (Quinceanera) birthday party tonight but it is outside and it only got up to 73 today and has misted rain all day..Sandra decided that she and I would just Ivonne out one evening next week and skip the party..I have already experienced the big 15 party for 4 girls when I first got here..They usually last till early into the morning..So Hap will not experiece it this time..He isnt to disappointed..Tomorrrow is his last day..Faith is suppose to be back from Denver tonight and is coming over to hang out tomorrow.We hope to get to go to the ywam base orphanage for a visit..There are 3 kids from the old orphanage that we know there and it would be great to see them...I wish I had the pics from yesterdays ride thru the mountains...As soon as I get them I will post a couple to show you what we saw...Their road building is quite abit different than ours in the States..and so is their look out points...Really freaky constuction that I did not trust much..Hap insisted that I walk out on one..I did...with my eyes closed..and unknown to me that John had his video going.....Alot of fun..Well in 2 more days the first week will be gone..of the 2-4 week wait...It has been very nice having Hap here with me too..I am going to miss him..But we know that all is good and praying that the time will speed by...I have asked the adoption agency about getting back some of our money ..We paid $2000 extra required humanitarian aid donation..I told them that I think I should get this money for doing the time to contribute to this aid...I have gained alot of knowledge about the process on this side that will be worth alot to them down the road...I have recieved no word back yet...But if not...I have a few plans of my own when this is over...along with a couple of other people...Well GOD's blessings to all..Hope to have more news soon.

Mountains

2009-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of mountains..First the mountain of school work for Sandra..While she was at school Hap and I labeled a mountain of 500 envelopes with mailing labels,return labels,and stamps for ywam..Then pick Sandra up from school and ate our lunch and started on 2oo hand made cards for the orphanage Rancho los Amigos. The ywam base orphanage..We finished just in time for John,a good friend and missionary with IFM, to arrive and we headed to the scenic drive thru the mountains here in Juarez..Beautiful considering it is dirt and rock but what a view of the city of Juarez and El Paso Tx..Then we went to Barriqas..a nice mexican resturant here that I love..and then arrived back here about 8:45 just in time for John to go very fast to Caseta,which is thru the DEAD ZONE as it is called in the no law land..He made it fine even tho the border crossing guards asked if he was crazy for doing it...Like I said yesterday, It is sad the fear that the people here live in..I understand border guards and law enforcement and military..because they and their families are the targets as well as the drup cartel and families...Anyway..It was a wonderful day..We have a soccer game in the morning and the friend of Sandras 15th birthday party tomorrow night..with laundry in between..So we will be busy tomorrow too..It is nice to have full day...I am thankful that GOD has given Hap,Sandra and I this time together...and dont want to think about it ending...but...We will deal with that later..Well Hap just layed down so I guess that is my clue...God's blessings to all....

Just a Quick Note

2009-10-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

THere are two post for tonight..I just want everyone to know something..I am struggling mentally..I am going to need anything that any of you can say or write over the next 2 to 3 weeks after Hap goes home..I am only what our LORD is giving me at this point..I am not saying that I will lose it if you dont..But please help me after Hap leaves with any words,scripture or whatever GOD lays on your heart to say..Hap understands now...My hardest times of the day are between 4 and 8pm Florida time...It is a time that I struggle with every day..I want to just lay down and sleep thru this time...I am trying to push thru it and trusting the LORD to give me the strength that it takes...He has been very very faithful to me and I will praise his name..At times I feel like I am serving prison time...Even tho I do know and know that Sandra is worth this...Just to know that we can be her family...To change one life with our love,,but I am growing weary...We just hit the 4 month time..Please remember me..I know you know what I mean when I say that the mind is a battlefield at times...Human emotions,,Knowing GOD's truth...just a struggle of mind thoughts...But I TRUST our LORD and Savior to be with me and carry me the rest of the way thru...I said..there have only been one set of footprints here..and they are not my size...He has been so faithful to carry me as a lose lamb..Under his wing..In the safe of his place...and I long to pour out my heart...and say that I love him..Pour out my heart...and say that I need him...Pour out my heart...and say that his faithful...Pour out my heart...and say that I need...You LORD......

The Day is Over

2009-10-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well we had another day together and it was nice..We talked to the embassy and Hap will not have to come back for the visa..That means as soon as the passport comes in Sandra and I can finish up and head home..What a day of rejoicing that will be..Makes we want to sing a song..But we will wait..We took Sandra to school this morning and then Hap and I headed over to the YWAM base and had a time of singing and prayer with their group..It is so nice to get to be in a church like setting with english..YWAM and most of the chuches here are getting ready for a 40 day prayer for the city of Juarez and the violence here..They are challenging churches and youth groups all over this city,the US,and the world to join with them in 40 days of prayer to corp. pray for this city..It is so sad to see the damage that all the killings here has caused..Families without homes..Before the violence on average 600 homes a year were built...by groups of people coming to help the needy..This year only 160 have been completed...Business are failing,people are hurting because of the fear that has spread by the media...I have not once felt unsafe here..I KNOW that GOD will take care of me...and if it is my time I am ready...So if you feel like joining thousands of prayers that will go out over the next 40 days...Please join with us as it starts tomorrrow at 9am Mexico time...11am Florida time..for an hour every day that GOD will take back control of this city from the killings...THat people will lose the fear that they live with everyday...That groups will begin to come back and help the poor of this city....Sandra had soccoer practice again tonight...Saturday is the game...I am happy that Hap will be able to come with us this time...Tomorrrow John,with IFM, is coming over and we are going to head up into the mountains here for an adventure...It is beautiful I have heard and I am excited that Hap will get to be there with us for this...We plan on going out to eat with him after that...Then Saturday is the soccer game...Sunday after church Faith is coming to hang out..and then....MONDAY,,,the day my husband goes home without us...I am already feeling how hard that is going to be that he is returning home without us..Please pray for me and Sandra that we will be strong...and that the next few weeks will be a short a possible..I will admit..This has been getting harder and harder to find something to keep us occupied...But I know that it is just a short time more before we will be home...I need prayer...Hap is understand how hard this is after he has seen our LIFE but I know that GOD will give me the strength to finish...Well it is after 10pm and I still need a shower....GOD's blessing to all of you...until tomorrrow...IN HIS LOVE AND STRENGTH...

Not Much to Write About

2009-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

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????

2009-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

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..

2009-09-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T16:37:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

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??

2009-09-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-09-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T19:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

..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

2009-09-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

,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!!!

They have arrived!!!

2009-08-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

I recieved notice today that Sandra's papers were electronically forwarded to the US embasssy in Juarez from US Citizen and immigration...What good news..We have taken a big step forward. Some people are already asking "When will you be home?" "How long till Mexico City". I could step out there and tell you that the paper timeline guides say this or that the adoptions agency says that but I am not going too. It took me awhile after arriving here to stop with the I am going to do this stuff or this is going to happen in this much time..Took alot of let downs before this stubborn person finally said..It will be when God lets it be..Scripture says...James 4:13 "Come now,you who say, "today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend some time there and do this and sell that. You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? for you are a mist that apppears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, If the lord wills, we will live and do this or that. Also proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. I hope to live by this lesson learned for the rest of my life,,Lord willing..I can tell you that Sandra has a new life in her after the news..I can tell you that once the embassy makes contact with childrens services here they will contact us and give us the art.5 which is their ok to finish the adoption on the Mexico side..It should be almost finished anyway. Then we go to get the adoption decree and take it to the office of registry and get a new birth certificate..Then we are off to Mexico City to meet up with a guide and translator to drive us to do her passport.The Mexican passport is only for a week..THen she will have an american visa..Just the $$$..Then back here for a few more days to finish the medical and visa and pack and come HOME!!!!Hap will have to be here for the birth certificate and with us to get passport..I have a hope to be home by the end of Sept..A hope..Time will tell..I want to be so excited but another part says no..This is great news but there is more..No expectations..Just do each day the best we can..and know we are closer than yesterday. And THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL...

One Day Closer

2009-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

We have been in a holding pattern for almost 6 weeks now. We have been here almost 3 months. We THOUGHT that we would be in Florida to begin the"Family Life". But it has not happened. Things have started to occur that would not have had we been HOME..So Hap and I talked and asked advice from others and we are going to start living here. Unfortunately with a Dad via internet and phone. So please add that to your prayers. We are going to set up a schedule. Have set times that things happen. Have rules and expectations. We extended some grace in the beginning because we THOUGHT it to be for a short period. But I have begun to see things that need to be handle now and can not wait for Florida. We have a very good daughter. But we need structure and regular times of this and that. I have found a great english school but that is not until the 14th..Which we are praying we will have started the work to be heading to Mexico City by then..I have feelers out for other options of english help and plan on going to the good school tomorrow and talking with the principal again to see if a little money would help to get her in early. She got to chat with a friends daughter who is her age today by phone that speaks spanish and will be in the same school as her when we return home..I could see a change then..Then the girls father talked with her and I think this is going to help alot to go ahead and have her start relationships with the people we know there that speak some spanish..So if you are a part of our group and can speak good spanish please feel free to call on WEEKENDS when my phone is free and introduce yourself..We are having to watch our $$ because the cost of this is going well beyond our thoughts when we began. Now with the cost of english school or tutor here and the cost of Mexico City and all we are cutting back on alot. I know and trust that GOD will provide.. I have thought that when I get home I might look into starting to clean a couple of houses a week for a little extra cash..SO all you working people..I do a good job..We are praying and hoping that Sandra's papers will show up at the Embassy this week..I am praying for first of the week..Then we can get the physical going and start winding down and getting plans for Mexico City..Please pray with us..That GOD will grant us some mercy with this..I am good but I can tell that I am starting to wear down. I have excepted the fact that I have been living here.Kind of hard not to if I stay in reality..I am ok with that and any thoughts that tries to enter my mind I am taking captive, as a friend calls it..I have come along way now and the rest should be easy compared to what we have come thru thus far. With the strength and peace that GOD has been so gracious to give me...Hap is doing good..We have for sure found a new and strong trust and faith in the LORD thru this..I so want to get Sandra started to learn our Lord the way we do..I know she has had some teaching but I also KNOW that some that taught did not walk...It was words and the actions taught that it was worthless..This is a thing that will not happen over night or in a month or so...This is something that over time she will see...and learn..So...Oh yea,,,The soccer game last night was fun..The half time show was the best..Mascots dressed in their weird outfits doing an obstacle course race..How funny..The other interesting things we learned is that when the home team would score[thank you it was only 1 point] beer would start flying..The first point, I see the score point, the crowd roars...I see massive amounts of what looked like rain but I smell the strong odor of beer and splash we are wet...We find out afterwards that this is tradition that whatever drink you have in your hand when the hometown team scores sails into the air...First thing I thought was "Sure hope I dont get stopped on the way home because they would for sure think we had been drinking"...Then figured since it is the police' home town team they would know the tradition...So..All went good. We had a good time and it was fun to see how a different culture plays sports..We also saw riot police totally encircling the field every 15 feet in riot gear..No problems that we saw..But I know on TV I have seen it get ugly. There was also a gorge between the stands and the field that you would have to take a giant leap to clear..It was FUN..and different..Well I will close this down for tonight..Going to bed and starting my new day tomorrow..Praying for GOD to guide me and strengthen me for whatever the day has in store...Love to my husband and family..We are wishing we could be counting the days till you arrive Hap,but we can mentally know that each day is one day closer....
Preserve me, O GOD, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, You are my LORD, I have no good apart from you..

Rejoice

2009-08-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Satan's greatest weapon against us is discouragement. If he can cause us to give up, he wins before the battle even starts. Will I go on my own strength or in the strength of the LORD? We know the answer..On the LORDS...I think back to the days that I was so discouraged and how hard those days were...I am so thankful that on those days I grabbed my bible and read and read and read...It literally was what keep me going..and words from other believes who would quote GOD's words to me...Psalms was the main book I keep going too..David, in the middle of what appeared to human eyes to be bad, would rejoice and praise GOD ...I PRAISE GOD now and in the weeks to come..No matter what comes before me I am thankful and joyful because I know that GOD is in control..Almost all the people I know that are adopting are being hit hard with what seems to be discouragement..BUMP after BUMP..None of our adoption alike..Yet all from the US and Jaurez..There are no rules, no certain way..I ask that you continue to pray for all of us..That GOD will lift us and carry us thru..and when those days of discouragement hit, that GOD will remind us that he has it covered and is working out a grand plan that we dont understand..That he will give us the strength to KEEP GOING forward regardless of what it looks like..Rejoice and be glad for this is a day the LORD has made..........................Today was good. We went and checked on two english schools..One was great and very cheap..The other was weird..They wouldnt even let us see the classroom..It was a restricted area..NO WAY..So if we are still here in 2 weeks she will start class for 4 hours aday..and I am going to talk to them again this week and see if she can come in before then and just sit thru a couple of the classes..Tonight we are going to meet with Faith and her sister Deb and go to a soccer game..The Juarez indios..It should be very energy filled and fun..We are leaving here shortly and I am not sure what time we will be back...I want to thank all of you for thoughts, words and prayers during all this...I know I keep saying it but I could never say it enough...I love you my husband and I know that the day for us to get to see each other is appproaching...Let us not get discouraged..But rejoice and praise the GOD of all..The only true GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful for This Peace

2009-08-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for a feeling of peace today..We got our van back this morning..Even the mechanic,who is a pastor, blessed us..No charge..So I went and purchase somemore cell minutes for the mex.cell and started trying to get thru to the embassy.Then by the grocery store to get some stuff to fix speg..Our neighbors here have done so much for us I wanted to fix supper for them..Then I stopped by a school that said on the sign" American Institiute of Language"..Classes de ingles..Well the lady behind the counter spoke very little and gave me the number to the teacher..I call him and he didnt understand a word I said..SSOOO..That is not the school for us..After we got back here..I started trying to call the consulate again and to my surprise the lady we have tried to get for 2 days answered and I was so surprised I couldnt talk for a few seconds..I finally got the words out of my mouth and she said she had heard of us, I hope thru the adoption agency. They were suppose to send a fax, but that our papers had not arrived there yet from the National Visa Center..So we will pray that they will arrive there the first of the week and then we will be moving again.She took my cell number and said as soon as it arrives she will call me..A very nice lady..So we wait again..But it's ok..I have had some very encouraging words from friends and family, cuz Judy, that have really lifted my spirit..I know we are doing what we are suppose to do..Just learning and being molded while we wait..Learning that everythings is ok..GOD has his kingdom in control..And I AM a part of that..and PROUD to be..Read something today that said:
We dont't go looking for troubles, but we certainly can make use of them. "Bad Times" are our fuel for transformation..they make us stronger,nobler,wiser, and more worthy of serving GOD in an ever-increasing capacity. Tomorrow Carlos, our translator is going to go with us to check on another english school in the morning. Then tomorrow evening we might go to a soccer game with Faith and her sister Debs..Debs is leaving next week and moving to Denver..So we want to spend a little time with her before she leaves...Again, thank you to all who pray and encourage us..Love to you all and may you feel the peace that surpasses all....IN HIS LOVE,,,
P.S. You know the words my husband,,feel my heart..FOREVER..

Tribulations

2009-08-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

We rejoice in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance, character; and character hope.....perseverance=rugged strength. Do you become more positive or more discouraged? Wiser or bitter? I must realize that the pressures of this world only help God's process along..If I let them. Molding me into what is more pleasing..
Today started with washing clothes and trying to reach the US embassy..The laundry went well. The contact with the embassy..inched..forward..I talked to two humans..One gave me two phone numbers..The other tried to connect me with the lady I need to talk too..no answer..Then other man gave me the direct number but had no luck all day with getting her on the phone..But in the mean time I spoke to someone who had the lady's fax number so I gave that to our adoption agency and hopefully they managed to get a fax with our questions thru today..I didnt heard anything as of 5:30 the agency's time so maybe in the morning.I will also continue trying to get thru starting very early in the morning by phone...My plan was to go to the embassy tomorrow if we hadnt made contact today BUT......On the way to check on an english school our vehicle died again..Thank GOD I asked for a phone number for the man who owns the shop and we were able to call him and they came and towed us back to the shop..I havent heard word on that either and it is almost 6pm here..We will try and call in the morning..I am SSOOO thankful I had Sandra with me..They dont speak english at the auto repair shop. But I have other tricks up my sleeve if I had to make it work..I told Sandra I am so thankful that I went yesterday as soon as I picked up the van and got grocerys and went to the laundry mat this morning..We were out of food,[remember we only have a very small frig so we shop for frig food about every 3-4 days] and all of our clothes were dirty because I do laundry on Monday and something else happened and it didnt get done..There are other options for laundry. I can remember when I was a young person doing laundry in the bottom of the tub by foot...(That is another story. But one that if I told you might understand how I have been able to get by down here 36 years later.Those of you who know about my teenage years already know what I am talking about.)...But no worries we are good for a few days if it takes awhile to fix the van..Thats our day..We will be praying that the van gets fixed and we can start fresh on school for next week..My mom is back to the rehab center and sounded good. I do miss her and I KNOW that she misses me..I will be so thankful when I can go see her..She has been thru alot..Without me for the first time in alot of years...I am so proud of Hap and how he has stepped up and done all that he has done for her and for us..Public Thank you to my wonderful husband..I LOVE YOU!!!! More each day..and THANK YOU GOD that you gave me, for my only husband, the man that you did...

Crab Grass

2009-08-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well I found my comparison for what has been going on here..A friend wrote on Facebook today....I hope I am not the crab grass in your lawn of life...I responded with..I like crab grass..It keeps all the dirt from showing in my yard..When suddenly it hit me...That is exactly what has happened here..My spiritual life was like crab grass,covering all the dirt in my spirit life. when I arrived here GOD pulled up ALL the crab grass,leaving my spirit life bare like dirt..He has cultivated the ground ,me, so that the deep rooted grass of him can resprout and is watering daily with tears. Tears full of minerals[the word] that he has and is supplying...Life and hurry had helped that crab grass to choke out the true pure living green grass that GOD wants to grow in all of us.The grass that should spread out, multiple and thrive.....
Today has been interesting..Waited for the van until about 3:30 this afternoon..When I got there to pick it up..What a surprise..It had been washed inside and out..even the tires armoralled..It runs so smooth it is hard to tell it is running..And what a blessing when I was told the cost..Thank you to people who want to bless others LORD..During my waiting day,I call the embassy and spoke to a great man who gave me some info and a name and number for a lady I think call help us get thru this part of the process. I need Gladney to send me a form they have. I want to hand deliver it and meet this lady and see if I can get details and leave phone numbers for myself so we wont be wasting anymore time..Tomorrow I will get the laundry done first thing and then check on two english schools and contact Gladney about FedXing this form to me..Then Friday I hope to see if going to the embassy will work..So if you think about it pray that I will have the right words and that GOD will touch these people that they might be understanding with us and our process. My mom is doing well. The test this morning showed some diverticulitus and they have taken her off cumidin for good.It was causing her to bleed excessive.She has recieved I think Hap told me 3 units in 24 hours..Another great things..She sounded like she was feeling better and we hope she will be able to return to get more of her therapy tomorrow..After Hap has had a word with them about us not knowing she had been taken to the hospital..I truly think we are on the home stretch..Praying that if we do have any trouble it will be simple to get thru..If not we will do what we must..Have also been getting things lined up for Mexico City..I pray for Sandra that the english school will be productive tomorrow and that by Monday we will be able to start her somewhere or that someone will step forward to tutor her at least 3 or 4 days a week till we leave..She needs some struture like I need to get busy with finishing this adoption..We are stir crazy..Tho I must say that this down time has given me alot of time to read and study..and draw closer to GOD..
It wont be long my love before we will see each other..Sandra and I so need to be with you.

Quick Note

2009-08-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

My mom just came out of test at Winter Haven Hospital. It is diverticulitus?. Spelling not sure...But they found 2 pockets that were not real bad. They believe that it is the blood thinner cumidin that is the problem. They are taking her off it. Giving her 2 more units of blood and I think she will be find..We are VERY happy about the cumidin. This is a very dangerous blood thinner and she has been on it a couple of years..One reason her first fall almost killed her. She bleed out bad from this medication...THANK YOU LORD..for this good report, and a big thank you to those of you who care....

I will Stand FIrm in The LORD....

2009-08-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well the paper was for real. It was Sandra's first approval to become a citizen. Now I find out that I am on my own. It is now up to me to see what is next. I was told to call the Embassy every other day and see what the procedure is..Well I called a lady I meet here and was given the personal phone number for a man at the uscis here that should be able to point me in the right direction. I know her papers can take up to two weeks to have a electronic file ready. By the date on the paper that came to the house it will be one week tomorrow..So I hope to call tomorrow.We still have to do the medical,get the interview to ok her visa, finish the adoption with Mexico and get birth certificate changed and then Off to Mexico City..Have some plans in the works for that too..The van was picked up here this morning and this afternoon they called and said they hope to have it ready tomorrow around noon. Between $200 and $300 us dollars..We will trust the lord..I can see light..Alittle more than last week..My mom is back in the hospital. She has had a bleeding problem for 6 days now and got to the point she needed a transfusion today. So while they have her there they are going to do a colon Test tomorrow..If I didnt want to sound stupid I would try and spell colonoscopy..I dont think that is right anyway at test.I can be wrong with spelling.We hope it is just the cumidin level got to high..What is upsetting is that I tried to call her 3 or 4 hours this afternoon..Hap had been there late this morning and finally at 7pm your time I called the nurses station and was told "Didnt you get the message" she is at Winter Haven hospital getting a transfusion and probably will be staying..Terrell, my brother recieved no call.Hap recieved no call..They had all 3 of our cell numbers..Hap plans on meeting with them tomorrow to see what happen..I want to extend grace to these people..But they need to follow the plan that they were told..I pray that Hap will be gentle in spirit when he talks to them..I must say that I must be growing in the fruits of the spirit..love, joy,peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,self-control..alot of what I didnt pratice much before I arrived here..I would try but something always found a way to break me..I have had nothing but time and trials to teach me these things here..I do not want to sound like I am boasting..I am thankful that I have had this time..Hard and painful,but very thankful if it were the only way the LORD could slow me down long enough to learn..I do miss everyone very much..I pray to be home in Sept..That is my hope..I want to do a big family gathering since we missed ours at Easter anyway..So Webb and Castleberry group get ready..How about a cook-out...I will see what I can come up with somewhere easy for all of us..Maybe with the boat or canoes and kayak. Then it will be the Fosters turn and the rest of the Castleberrys and Wards in North Florida...Then dont worry I didnt forget the friends...I so thank all of you from my heart for your continued support of me and my family..I dont know what I would have done without some of you..And I found out that Debbie is on my side of the family .You who were wondering know what I am talking about..Thank you ...Please pray for us..It is something that Jesus asked us to do for each other..and I and my family SO need all of GOD's grace..
Dear Father, I lift up my soul. O my GOD, in you I trust. Let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; Make me to know your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me.For you are the GOD of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. I will be strong, and my heart take courage,for I will wait for you..I am yours to do as you see fit..My heart trust what ever you ask from me...I am yours...

A Day Of Things

2009-08-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Got up early this morning to take Noe to school at 6:45. Made it back to the house and last night I had recieved a phone call from another american couple who are adopting that their soon to be son need money before 1pm. They live in Austin and he is still here so we headed over to help.. Made it back here about 12 and got the laundry together to go to the lavadoria and made it to the end of the road and the van quit..I was blocking 2 lanes, but here its cool. People are use to it so they just starting finding ways around. I managed to crank it and made it about 50 yards and again it quit running..I sat there a while and cranked it up again and managed a U turn and was headed back towards our road..Made it the next crank to the corner of our road where I decided I had better call for help..Thank GOD Faith was crossing the border not far away and came and followed me the 3/4 of a mile down the dirt road to the house...With numerous stops to do it.. She then took me to pick up the boy I was responsible for today as his ride..When I got back I spoke to a neighbor who knows a preacher who does side mechanic work and he is coming over at 8 in the morning..We will pray that it isnt very costly..We still have to finish this adoption, fly to mexico city, pay a guide while there $450. $80 anight to stay there for 5 to 7 nights then fly back here to finish the adoption and then fly home...GOD will provide we are trusting...BUT THE NEWS...I am not positive but Hap recieved a notice at the house today saying that Sandra has been provisionally approved and papers are going to NVC for processing...If this is true..We are getting very close..I am going to try and verify tomorrow with Gladney..I havent heard anything from them since Wed or Thur. of last week..I sent 2 or 3 email today and a phone call so I do expect to hear something tomorrow..I will hold my excitement until I know for sure but I will be honest..I cried tears of joy when Hap read the paper to me. So I pray that tomorrow night I will be using lots of !!!!! points and CAPITAL letters in my blog...Found a couple of english schools, but with the van quitting today it will be after it is fixed before I can check it out..Also have people who are talking to some women they know who are teachers who might be interested in night work and weekends..Please keep that in prayer...I so pray that these papers are real. I so pray that I can start to look ahead with some idea, real idea, of a month I might come home..My mom is doing alittle better..They think that her cumidin level got to high and it was cause her to bleed..We shall keep an eye of that the next couple of days..Since I told Sandra today that we THINK her papers are moving I can see a difference in her..I think she was beginning to wonder if it were ever really going to happen...THANK YOU LORD..ALL GLORY TO YOU...I am really thankful that I have had this time to look deeply at myself and see where GOD wanted me to give things up.. I have experienced things here in this time I would NEVER had been able to do in any other place...I actually got to thinking tonight about the bonds I have made with some wonderful people here that I am really gonna miss...But like I said before..There is alot of work to be done here..So much..and when we get settled and the doors are open I look forward to coming back to do outreach work again...This is a huge city and there are orphanages in every area..numerous..and very very poor people with real need..I know that we have them in the states..But this place captured my heart years ago..and Then there is Sandra..She wants to help her people, the orphans..and I will stand with her and help her to do that....GOD's blessings to all..I love you Hap..soon...Dear LORD, thank you for all your have done with us..May our words and medi

I'm Back--(on-line)

2009-08-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

I wish I could write I' back in Florida..Soon..I told someone when I know we are about to finish up, everyone will know..So if you hear something like the sonic boom of when the space shuttle comes back and breaks the sound barrier but you know the shuttle isn't due back, It will be me giving a SHOUT of joy that we are on our way..The computer went down Fri. Somehow during the merge of Alltel and Verizon our account with the aircard got stuck between..Hap thought he paid the bill from calling the phone number on the bill from Alltel that came to the house,even got a confirmation #. But when I FINALLY got thru to ALLTEL,because none of the #'s to reach them will reach them. They all switch you to Verizon..They have no trace of the confirmation # or the payment and had turned me off. They cant explain it. Verizon cant explain it..So they are doing an investigation..WHO KNOWS..So watch out if you were an Alltel customer who is getting switched to Verizon. Nothing new here. No news on Friday. I think I wrote that before the computer went down. I have had a very rough couple of days..Today is better. Maybe because I feel a hope of something happening since it will be a work day for all The people who are holding our lives in the papers tomorrow..I am praying hard. I am looking for an english school for Sandra. Hoping to have some lined up tonight. I only have one so far,and we not sure they are still open. I havent heard back from the two main people who would know the most about it. But I will be checking with them tonight. My mom is having some trouble again with somethings. But I am also hopeful that it is nothing and a few test will straighten it all out. We are hanging in.. Like Hap's comment said, We know that GOD is doing something here. We do not know what and would not understand if he told us..He is to above our thoughts or minds for us to see the big picture. We can all choose to be part of his big plan. We feel we are following what he wants to do with us. We have to be strong regardless of how painful it is. We have to trust him. We have to let this bring glory to him and him alone. We will rely on him for our strength, patience, peace, wisdom, courage, grace, lives.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

what else

2009-08-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hi this is Hap Sharon's computer is down,she will be back up and running as soon as she can

Battlefield of the Mind

2009-08-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

I did not feel like writing anything tonight but I have commited to this and I should do it...... We have decided to find a school that will start to teach Sandra english. DIF thought a couple of weeks ago, when they came for a visit, that she should start regular school. We think it is a waste of time. She needs to start learning english so that WHEN we go home she will be better prepared for school in Florida. I am praying that we will find a few to go and check on Monday. Plus it will cost as much to enroll her in regular school as it would for a month of english classes. More money. GOD will provide. Also on the regular school thing, when our papers start moving she would be missing school anyway or only go a couple of weeks..We would rather have a couple of weeks of english than Mexico school. She will have plenty of time to catch up when we get home..Carlos is checking on a few and talking to a friend of his,Lilly who also was a mexican witness for us, to see if she knows any or would be available to go with us monday or Tuesday to check out the schools. She speaks good english. Sandra and I both are getting stir crazy..It will be good for her to have some time away from me and be around more kids her age. No more therapy here..We had the last day today..I am glad..She needs something more than what she was getting here..When we get home..Thats it..No other thoughts that I care to share..I have had a couple of days I wish not to re-live..Emotions and truth fighting in my head...I pray that tomorrow will be different..NEW DAY..
Hap, you know my thoughts and feelings for you..I know you understand..Tomorrow will be a new day......................In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come. Thru JESUS,,,,amen

Holding On

2009-08-20T19:58:00.001-07:00

I am holding on, to a very thin thread today. Another one of those days that I know I am suppose to be hearing something but this buzz in my head seems to deafen me. I have waited all week to hear if the paper for her visa has been sent. I have heard nothing. I think that the despair is trying to take over. I NEED to be home. WE need to be home. Starting the life that we have worked so hard to get too. But I am still here. Dealing with issues that would not have happened had I been home. Finding out that I am dealing with more people that cannot understand the word "trust". Something I have found frequently in this culture. Maybe I just get around the wrong people. Maybe GOD puts me with them for a reason and my emotions are blocking what I should hear. But I KNOW that GOD is faithful. I know in his time I will be home. I am trying to see if what I am dealing with is just me being on the brink of BURNT OUT, or if it is selfish emotions, or if it is human logic . PRAYER will be my only answer..and I wait for that also. PLEASE keep US in your prayers. I am going to make it thru this I know. By the grace of GOD and with his strength..I SO need him to carry me right now. I did recieve word about going to Mexico City when the time comes for her passport. Not the best news..$80 anight lodging. Food. Airline flights $1000. and $500 for our guide to help to do the work..We are stretched now..But at this point my thoughts tell me anything is worth getting to Florida as quick as possible. Our daughter needs to start this new life we have talked about and that was suppose to have happened already. Please excuse my emotions today. I need GOD to come and give me the comfort that only he can give. I have abandon my home, family[son,grandson,mom], and life. Sandra is well worth it but where is this going to end. On facebook today I wrote some of my journal from being here in Mexico and it went !!!!!!?$$??!!??!?$?????????????$!!????????!??????????$$??!?????????$$?????!!!$$?????????????????????????$$!!!!..__-??!$$$?????!????!???????!????????!$??????!!?????????????$$???? That just about covers each day. Each mark represents a day. ........................I just got a message from GOD..I feel so humbled suddenly and ashamed of what I have written....Sandra just came up to me out of nowhere and hugged me tight. That is only the 2nd or 3td time this has happened since I have been here..I must shut my mind and fingers right now..And thank GOD for the sign...I SO needed that...THANK YOU LORD for the reminder of what we are doing..and that my pain will end in your glory...

Learning and observing

2009-08-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Each day that passes I feel the urge to be home growing..I am sure that this is normal. There are issues that are arising that we need to deal with in "THE FAMILY" setting. Issues I know she will handle better with Hap than I. She know about a dad,not a mom. She relates to men better. Even tho past relationships have not been good ones. She has never had a mom, just a grandmother that I plan on digging deeper into because all I know now is that it was not good. She and I do well. We have a bond that grows each day. But when it comes to certain things she needs Hap to be the one to push. I can tell that with each day she trusts me more and more which is an accomplishment..I am very happy for that. I am "really" seeing her personality and who she is..I like it..I really look to the time where we can communicate on a deep level..I so want to understand her mind. I look for the time that I can open up my whole heart to her with my words. We are connecting on a deeper level I believe than if we could just talk..Pretty cool to observe.. School is to start here in a week or two. I really dont see why I should enroll her for 2 weeks. It is costly to start a kid in school here. No wonder there are so many kids that dont get that education. Uniforms, shoes, books, supplies..Was talking to someone that it could cost $300-$400. Plus when the papers past the NVC we will be doing medical exams and interviews..Missed school. Plus what she gets here will not benifit her in Florida..I was thinking of an English teacher instead..But I still have to answer to DIF..We shall see. Today Faith and her sister Debs came and we all went to visit Grandma Mary at Rivers of Mercy orphanage. Nice place..I could tell being in the building was freaking Sandra out some so when she asked to go outside I thought best. When I looked out she was chatting with the little girls. The oldest there is 9. After we left she said how one day she hopes to help the orphanages here in Juarez,which is a very normal thought pattern for the kids I have stayed in contact with that have been adopted. Once we settle in with family life, we hope to become connected again with outreach here in Juarez. We believe it will be good for Sandra too.. After we left we went for pizza. It had been 2 or so weeks since my girl has had pizza and she was starting to have that "Gotta have pizza look". It is one of her favorites. Nothing planned for tomorrow. I hope to push her with some english. That is one thing I know that she will relate to better with Hap than me. I have seen how John can get her to do it better than I. Also Carlos. That man thing I was talking about. Anyway, all is good.No word today on if the paper has gone to NVC. I will be sending an e-mail first thing in the morning again to see if Beth at Gladney has heard anything. GOD has been very faithful to give me the peace to do this. The knowledge to know he is with us and in control. To be more gentle, and having more loving understanding of people...Makes all this much easier. ..I read somewhere that
Gentleness, sympathy and loving understanding is developed by the daily practice of bending submissively to life's hard and difficult experiences without bitterness, or resentful resistance or self-pity.
P.S. I look you my husband and it is getting closer to that time.[look,typing error. but Hap responded so I have to leave it. I was thinking about looking forward to seeing him and loving him ]

Here I am, Once Again

2009-08-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am. Tuesday is almost over..We havent done much of anything today. I had to work on the air cooler..It is a fan with a pump that pumps water over a hay type filter,then pulls air thru it and makes it feel cooler..For some reason it has not been wanting to pump the water..So last night I started working on it..Gave up about 10 and went on to bed and got up this morning and started again..I finally went and bought some WD40 and sprayed it around and it has been working ok since..Thank you LORD that the weather is alittle cooler at night so we slept pretty good. I know that we have a few more weeks. It has been alot easier to except this than when I first arrived..I will never forget that feeling of realizing that it was going to be alot longer. That was a hard one to except. I would not change anything even tho this has been the hardest thing I have ever done. GOD has been changing me. I will be the first to admit I needed refining..Still will till the day I die..Guess that is what it is all about..continued refining..Because we will never be perfect..I still believe that this time here was meant to be. Time for my daughter and I to bond..time for me to realize that life in Florida will continue without me, and that everything will be OK..I was a control freak..Looking back I can see it..Anyway, I am glad for the change in me, thankful. Tomorrow we are going to meet up with Faith and go see Mary, a lady who worked at the old orphanage for a short time. I have been meaning to go see her but it just didnt happen. So when Faith mentioned that she was going tomorrow I decided it is time. Plus time is running out for Ivan, the adopted runaway, to contact his adoptive parents if he wants to go back to the States. Word has it that he might be in the area that Mary works in. She is at another orphanage being the Grandma. So, sorry there is no exciting things to tell today. No heavy emotions flowing..Just a day, to think and meditate on life and GOD..One of the best day...I was about to write that I look forward to the day I can write and tell all of you that it is over...But it will never be over..I have things in me I pray will last a life time..

It was the Day

2009-08-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the day. Sonia,at DIF, sent the paper to Gladney who in turned faxed it over to uscis. Now, with in a couple of days Sandra's papers should be on the way to the National Visa center where a file will be set up. 1-2 weeks..Then that will be forwarded to the embassy here in Juarez where they will review it and issue her Preliminary Visa..1-2 weeks..So we are looking at 2 to 4 weeks..I can do it..Then we start winding up with the medical exam,hopefully during this waiting time..Finish the adoption with Mexico, get the new birth certificate, and hopefully head to Mexico City to get the passport 5 days or alittle more, back here to finish at the embassy and pack up and WE ARE FLORIDA bound. Hap will have to be here when things wind down and to Mexico City..So time frame 3 to 5 weeks more..I honestly couldnt say exact times.That is in GOD's hands..We are going to do what GOD puts before us..Acceptance with Joy..These emotions sometimes are hard to deal with..Just have to zone into time with the spirit. So we are all getting excited..Now we continue to pray and know that the light down the tunnel is getting brighter everyday..My Mom is doing good..God has truly amazed me on the journey..I have been stretched, melted, molded, etc..Someone said something about hang onto your faith..There is no effort involved with that statement. I have found my relationship with him stronger than ever in my life..He has shown me things here that I would have never seen in the States or in the comfort of my home. I am thankful and look forward to what the future holds for us all. I know that we still have some hoops to go thru..But I know that it will be as GOD plans it..and I pray to please him in the way that I handle whatever he sends my way..The work is not over. I will probably have more HUMAN days, but I believe this is when GOD can really do a work in us..It is how GOD made us. We started today to prepare Sandra for the new life in Florida. She is nervous but excited to begin. We told her that it would be different than what we have been doing here..Just consider this her summer vacation..Because life is going to begin. A new life filled with adventures and dreams..Thank you LORD for all that you have been doing with me here. Forgive my human weakness as they have surfaced. Thank you for your strength and peace during those times..Your righteousnes, O GOD reaches to the heavens. You are my rock and my refuge..You know my heart, continue you work in me...Thru the name of JESUS,,amen

Could It Be the Day

2009-08-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Could tomorrow be the day that everything starts to move again? We sure are praying. It has actually been a strange weekend.[In a good way] First the e-mail on a Saturday morning from the caseworker at Dif, Then an e-mail from our caseworker,Beth, at Gladney today..YEAH..We will know tomorrow..If all comes together tomorrow then Sandras papers for her visa will start moving this direction again..John, IFM, came by today and he and another lady, Gwen, who is also adopting have put together a process sheet that I plan on sending to Gladney. It give little details of what all to have ready at the birth certificate office and passport office..Like 3 copies of everything, order to have it in, etc..Very detailed which will help to save people alot of work and running around..Including us. So there is the adoption news..We have just hung today. I did all my Florida bills and learned that it is alot easier for me to do snail mail that e-pay..Maybe not now that I have registered with everything. Sandra is actually doing really good today. She spoke more english today then before. Now I am not saying she just puts out a whole sentence but 3 or 4 words. She will do good speaking it once we are in Florida. Like I have said before she is like a sponge. Soaks it up and just a little squeeze and out it all comes..Hap is going to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully get some antibiotics. We have a friend at church who is a doctor and he said he thought it would be ok just a good dose of 10 day antibiotics..He hasnt felt good and there is still redness and swelling he said. Please keep him in your prayers also. Well I will be done for tonight. GOD's blessings to all and a very heartfelt THANK YOU from the FOSTER Family for all your thoughts and prayers..

Is It True?

2009-08-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

I slept good last night. Always do. Thats one thing about me. I have no trouble sleeping. Even tho I was discouraged when I went to bed. It has been "alittle" cooler here in the day time..100ish..so the nights are alittle better..I got up at 7 and fixed coffee and turn on the computer and to my total surprise there was an e-mail from last night at 9pm from Sonia at DIF,mexico, saying the paper was ready and that she would send it Monday. Oh how I pray this is true. Then Sandras papers can start moving again and we will be moving toward home again. I will be e-mail Sonia tomorrow night to see if I can pick up the paper or if she is faxing it or e-mailing it. Just a reminder to please get the paper out Monday. Its been a good day. Just doing stuff. Grocerys, defrost the little freezer, cook...The freezer needs to be defrosted at least every 2 weeks cause it gets covered in ice. It is one of those thigh high friges..with the LITTLE freezer..But it works..I am not complaining. I am very thankful for what we have to use here.
Hap has had me a little worried the last 2 days. He lower leg started swelling and is very red and warm. He said he thinks he ran a fever for two nights while sleeping. He had a few antibiotics at the house he started and I have asked him to go to the doctor Monday. Special pray for healing on his leg. I know you read this Hap, so GO TO THE DOCTOR because now everyone knows. I do not need to be worrrying about him while I am here. So I will let you all know if he is taking care of himself on Monday. Anyway, we are doing ok. Seeing somewhat of a light at the far part of this tunnel. I know we are getting closer and that is a very good thing.
I want to THANK all of you again who send the encouraging words to me. Like I have said before there are no words to tell you what they mean to me in my heart. They help me to keep going. Knowing that there are people who really care and do really pray for us..GOD's blessing and peace to all...
Cease from sighs and murmuring, sing his loving grace. This thing means thy furthering,To a wealthy place. From thy fears he'll give release, In acceptance lieth peace. {Little poem from a book I have been reading}

The Need to Be Together

2009-08-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

I so look forward to the day we go home to Florida. We heard nothing today. Maybe it is good or maybe it is bad. WHO KNOWS..It could mean that they are working on the 2 sentence letter for uscis. It could mean they are not going to do it. WHO KNOWS. In the space between Sandra and I sit. There Hap sits. From some I have to hear "You arent ever coming back, they have you down there and they arent going to let you come home" "What do you look like now? Its been a long time since I've seen you." I must carry on. I miss my family, I very much miss my husband and home. He is trying his best[and doing a great job] of holding things together there and taking good care of my mom.[she is 83 and quite a character] I am here being a mother to a girl who only knows what a dad is. I am trying to show her what a mother is. I just had to answer the question I have answered 20 times in the last 5 weeks,"When is Dad coming" with the response,"I dont know, we are waiting on papers.He will have to sign papers soon. If he comes and the papers arent ready and then returns home and gets the call to come right back it cost alot of money." There is also a chance ,to save time, that we will fly to Mexico City. More money..I just have to stop thinking sometimes. Alot of the time. I just sink into the zone of the spirit, the only thing that gives me peace. We so need to be together as a family. She needs her Dad, the love she can really relate too. She relates to me and has bonded with me but she needs to see us[Hap and I] work as a unit of one. Our team. The family. I am praying soon that things will start to wind up. I so need my home. I pray that GOD will let us come home soon. That he will continue to give me the strength I need to do this. He is faithful and has been faithful all this time. I can honestly give GOD ALL the glory for what is going on. I would not have made it this far had if not be for the strength and faith he gives me. All I do when things are tough is turn to GOD and turn and look at Sandra...Can you tell today has been alittle hard..I just read back over this and I feel like I have probably written most of this before. Sorry for the repeat but it is the emotions that flow.. Give ear to my prayer, O GOD, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan...But I call to GOD, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. I will trust in you...

Brain Blog

2009-08-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

What a day. Started with news that DIF responded right away that they did not recieve faxes. So Gladney sent both request letters e-mail. We are thankful that Sonia got right back with them. Now we pray that she will e-mail the letter back tomorrow or that I can pick it up..We shall see. We went out to the old orphanage with lasagna to eat with Mari and Marina and the family that they stay with. It was bitter sweet my first visit there. Old memories coming back of all the good. Memories of my involvement before the orphanage was even moved out there. Long before the last director..Seeing all the work that all the groups including our church just sitting there wasting away because of politics and underhanded schemes..The reason Mari and Marina are there is the OWNER of the property has asked the family that Mari and Marina stay with to be there sometimes to cut down on theif. 70 whole pesos for 3 days work...Anyway, we went back again this time expecting to visit in the same way as the first..But to my surprise I had 5 very unexpected guest. The old cook,her 17 year old daughter, her 20 year old daughter and boyfriend and their baby of 5 months. I could tell right away that Anna, the Lady who was so kind as to take Mari and Marina in when there was no where for them to go,was uncomfortable. Didnt ask why..We made it thru this..Hearing all the new news of Lupe's daughters both being pregnant. Not married..But so is life here in Mexico with the culture. In the past Hap and I had always tried to help them when they worked for the orphanage but now with the cost of this adoption we do not have the funds to help....They were also other americans that helped with this family..But we can only do so much..Which brings me back to something that has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now..I have known personally 3 kids who turned 18 and were put out of the orphanage system. That is the rule. At 18 you can no longer stay. Out of all the organizations that come down here and fund orphanages and do outreaches,For many years, why hasnt someone thought about this throwing them out, unprepared to survive as adults in a very harsh world. I am going to do some research and see. I have already talked to a couple of people who do not know of any such organization here in Juarez. What a waste. They are all just thinking of the immmediate need of a place to be safe, food in your mouth,and teaching them of the lord..But what about turning 18 and being prepared to make it in this big world. Mari and Marina are two of them...PRAISE GOD for Anna and her husband who are christians and merciful and have kept them with them..Even tho 2 of their kids are living with Anna's mom some distance from here because her husband has been struggling to find work..The job problem is world wide..This couple pays rent at a place because all they own is a small piece of property with 2 rooms,and water. No electricity,no septic tank..They have found it in their hearts to keep these two sisters who have no one and no preparation in the orphanages that they were in growing up to learn a trade to survive..Thank GOD he has servents..But I have already been talking to one organization that says if this family is truly in need they would consider helping..I just have to dig and see. I feel a connection to Anna. I just have to pray and wait. I am thankful that GOD has opened my eyes again to the needs in Juarez that brought us here in the first place..THere is alot of work here in Juarez..Just have to find ways and people who will find it in their hearts to help..GOD wants us to take care of the poor and fatherless..Well welcome to Jaurez,,Take some time to pray..As little as 25 dollars a month goes along way to help support someone here..I can also put to gether work teams to come and help people in the colonias with really needs.I also know of a nonprofit who money can be sent to for specific causes here in Juarez. So much work , My own and what GOD lays on my heart...Now we wait for tomorrow,,and maybe word that the papers are ready or already sent..WE PRAY..
I love you Hap and look forward to you coming down and renewing you heart for the causes here. Maybe even our first vacation as a family with Sandra to Mexico City..What ever GOD gives us it is with joy and acceptance..Thank you for being the GODLY man that you are..Man,, Have we come along way of what in 30 years...PRAISE GOD...