tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48192548595140121712024-03-05T23:39:24.824-07:00everyday adventureliving love and embracing beauty all along the way. erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-84817407507943289492015-08-29T20:50:00.003-06:002015-08-29T21:45:48.110-06:00on the 29th of august<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
one year ago I was sitting in my office wrapping up another long week at work, </div>
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when I opened this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgC9ublDH7BDdj7vcvbQE_ybxXy2twjm3kI6nXeocyJi3JPgV-Fsg4b8mf4R9JXlby20RtPpcXs-W_rI3jweYC8YZf08sZgv3A9xXM2vH8N10qti3pSKMuIQQlwY8I38AKPsgvPYRVqbC/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2386.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgC9ublDH7BDdj7vcvbQE_ybxXy2twjm3kI6nXeocyJi3JPgV-Fsg4b8mf4R9JXlby20RtPpcXs-W_rI3jweYC8YZf08sZgv3A9xXM2vH8N10qti3pSKMuIQQlwY8I38AKPsgvPYRVqbC/s400/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2386.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
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and my world was forever changed. </div>
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CHOSEN.</div>
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God chose us,</div>
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and we chose him back. </div>
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we chose adoption.</div>
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"S" chose adoption for the baby growing inside her. </div>
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and then she chose us. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Isaiah 41:9-10</span></div>
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"I took you from the ends of the earth,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">from the farthest corners I called you. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I said, 'You are my servant,'</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I have chosen you & have not rejected you.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">So do not fear, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">for I am with you;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">do not dismayed for I am your God:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I will strengthen you, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. </span></i></div>
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I read the email. </div>
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over and over and over again. </div>
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I immediately called Rob,</div>
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"We've been chosen. We've been chosen. A mom chose us."</div>
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he was walking with his football team on the way to practice. </div>
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I immediately heard the emotion in his voice, </div>
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overcome with joy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZz7spTOLkSklsbny892nx9exgGhrScF8fwACX21NbRD29mK2-oQP9V-u_4IJR67H42fLz7qnaqTVM5BzyTq9zAoFo05O5JwDMxoPGgXq6-NxpM89IrbH4svQl5KiEk63SmzOiQRgLsjG/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZz7spTOLkSklsbny892nx9exgGhrScF8fwACX21NbRD29mK2-oQP9V-u_4IJR67H42fLz7qnaqTVM5BzyTq9zAoFo05O5JwDMxoPGgXq6-NxpM89IrbH4svQl5KiEk63SmzOiQRgLsjG/s400/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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it is good to remember days like this, </div>
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to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout our journey to become a family of 3. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo1o5b0Qahx1gHITauPtZFZiUrQo3q1qq7zYecraPoQK6Sso3UTHFHr-Lb1fjbHk-MWWgElM-Xiaz5HW3PhygSpts0HBnzCxlXgQKTEnksfzPPPt-u5pHe_xG4Fp0PaFMCh-OFYHoJQr_/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo1o5b0Qahx1gHITauPtZFZiUrQo3q1qq7zYecraPoQK6Sso3UTHFHr-Lb1fjbHk-MWWgElM-Xiaz5HW3PhygSpts0HBnzCxlXgQKTEnksfzPPPt-u5pHe_xG4Fp0PaFMCh-OFYHoJQr_/s640/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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some days fear starts to creep in when thinking about the future.</div>
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we sense God preparing us for things and know that our family is not done growing.</div>
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we still pray and talk about what that may look like, </div>
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and how God might want to grow our family.</div>
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and I start to wonder how I will be able to do it all, </div>
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and then He reminds me:</div>
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<b><i>"I will strengthen you,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I will help you, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>I will uphold you."</i></b></div>
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the future may seem unsure in my mind, </div>
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but it is certain and settled in His.</div>
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He knows what is coming, </div>
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nothing catches Him by surprise. </div>
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He is already at work preparing us for what lies ahead. </div>
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You see, I only need to look back ONE YEAR to be reminded </div>
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of all the ways that God is at work in the details. </div>
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august 2014: </div>
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we were coming out of an intense emotional season,</div>
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and I felt hopeful yet the wait was feeling grueling. </div>
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one morning right at the beginning of the month, </div>
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I felt the Lord say to me, </div>
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<i><b>A baby is coming this month. </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6AS7OjUm4YvR4NG_9mvDss3WFUvC6j73b-kSNUJScIHkZ8wIOnbyD7Y-0kV-bZcmtTM0YRBvUT3V-RhY4HqcQup8yAs88FE7i_gQPDf8pcFsUy46HQUktqv29oS9boA8xPmRu858Nx_m/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6AS7OjUm4YvR4NG_9mvDss3WFUvC6j73b-kSNUJScIHkZ8wIOnbyD7Y-0kV-bZcmtTM0YRBvUT3V-RhY4HqcQup8yAs88FE7i_gQPDf8pcFsUy46HQUktqv29oS9boA8xPmRu858Nx_m/s400/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had no reason to believe that August would be "match month."</div>
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in fact, I had been bracing myself for a much longer wait. </div>
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I am a little embarrassed to admit that I thought this word from the Lord must mean a pregnancy. </div>
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pregnancy felt like a "sure thing" so that *must* be how God planned to make this happen. </div>
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ha. </div>
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so imagine my disappointment when half way through the month it became obvious that this was not the case. </div>
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and then August 29th came. </div>
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I had nearly forgotten about the quiet promise that God has whispered to my heart at the beginning of the month. </div>
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or maybe I just started to question whether I had heard correctly. </div>
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and then, </div>
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there it was. </div>
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once again. </div>
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His faithfulness. </div>
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His goodness. </div>
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His provision. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZLG9K5GQiAbrlhcyXE5s54Guj77pcevac-Kv6vlu1oRZsmz1KbjKQVYATVAV6uYlL69fEHUSOI3l5NO0MVyVsSeWFjeLJBKxwQA1hXdPC4bflabZfwkPDblmo5vJIXqIjfFxBkhzeyIQ/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZLG9K5GQiAbrlhcyXE5s54Guj77pcevac-Kv6vlu1oRZsmz1KbjKQVYATVAV6uYlL69fEHUSOI3l5NO0MVyVsSeWFjeLJBKxwQA1hXdPC4bflabZfwkPDblmo5vJIXqIjfFxBkhzeyIQ/s640/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2600.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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so when the world starts to feel a little shaky, </div>
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I am reminded that God knew. </div>
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the building of our sweet family of 3 did not catch him by surprise, </div>
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he was at work all along the way, </div>
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bringing redemption and breathing hope, </div>
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working out the details and knitting our hearts together with a woman who lived halfway across the country, </div>
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who was carrying a baby that she would lovingly and bravely place into our arms, </div>
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entrusting us with the task of parenting him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMLzTn-yXtxl3tluIOb1mZna61aNiVG1N5W70bm5w1CI0sXE82T_2WJGjMQ1fAOQOKNPDNNTIt9ErK1d34hF_MXri_EnTndJsIAGqaCniKn90TMUUckiXpTgUl5SjAfH_krczW7dwLPSo/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMLzTn-yXtxl3tluIOb1mZna61aNiVG1N5W70bm5w1CI0sXE82T_2WJGjMQ1fAOQOKNPDNNTIt9ErK1d34hF_MXri_EnTndJsIAGqaCniKn90TMUUckiXpTgUl5SjAfH_krczW7dwLPSo/s640/IMG_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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today marks one year that we have prayed specifically for this sweet boy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fL8UgK02jggEMY_4LKb48Fw9FKupyu8DnQ-vYP64chRI3L-YXczDuhcZr2CRCUZFUWn9Hsh6iFVEIxXVfWayTMyxmGGYEX93C-T-bXNkIL8qkJEWg5bffYr4bPtlbIGqKm_WfrgfOKP3/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fL8UgK02jggEMY_4LKb48Fw9FKupyu8DnQ-vYP64chRI3L-YXczDuhcZr2CRCUZFUWn9Hsh6iFVEIxXVfWayTMyxmGGYEX93C-T-bXNkIL8qkJEWg5bffYr4bPtlbIGqKm_WfrgfOKP3/s400/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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yesterday marked 39 weeks since the day we first laid eyes on him and held him in our arms.<br />
which means he has now been with me as long as he was with her.<br />
<b>39 weeks. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcnQNL1xaX6zC9eQWaoaaUS7hiNuJ8Fh9veILc_h1NUzn94b5EiQN03DGHgNCTG0pnMQKM47Mcs7N1M7f9cjUiKs-DMz-gMe_vJuTjDwS79LKnL0ffo-rArCO1ZlqH4j9ivpDY6HaTRne/s1600/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcnQNL1xaX6zC9eQWaoaaUS7hiNuJ8Fh9veILc_h1NUzn94b5EiQN03DGHgNCTG0pnMQKM47Mcs7N1M7f9cjUiKs-DMz-gMe_vJuTjDwS79LKnL0ffo-rArCO1ZlqH4j9ivpDY6HaTRne/s400/Erica+iPhone+Pictures+2550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And so today, as I reflect on the past year I am filled with a love and joy that makes my heart feel like it will burst wide open. And, yet, nestled right next to that love and joy is also sadness - for her and for him, for what they both lost on that day 39 weeks ago.<br />
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I've become accustomed to this place of deep feeling - both immense joy and immense sorrow.<br />
It is the way of adoption, I've found.<br />
I felt it last august 29th, too.<br />
Joy. Sadness. Hope. Sorrow. Love. and Loss.<br />
all strokes that together paint the most beautiful picture of redemption and faithfulness.<br />
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as we face the future, and what often feels so scary and uncertain,<br />
may I continue to choose LOVE over fear.<br />
may His perfect Love cast out all fear, as I walk in the confidence of knowing<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>that we are chosen </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and deeply loved. </b></span></div>
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<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-42775096439913784832014-12-22T16:22:00.000-07:002014-12-22T16:22:45.433-07:00christmas letter: twenty-fourteen editionDear twenty-fourteen:<br />
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I have sat down to write this letter multiple times, but I am struggling to find words that appropriate capture how I feel about you. How do you write a letter to a year that has brought some of the most treasured, beautiful moments of your entire life, and also some of the hardest, most painful.<br />
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You have taken us on a wild ride. You have been an adventure worth writing home about. (Yet, somehow I didn't really take time to write much on this here blog. oops. My journal is full though! And Rob is still convinced I should actually write a book about you, 2014. Maybe someday when I am back to getting more than 3 hours of consecutive sleep. For now, no promises - about the blogging or the book.)<br />
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Your days have imbedded in us a hope that will not quickly diminish and a faith that runs deep. We have learned from you, 2014; lessons that are true and important, ones that we pray will be woven in to the fabric of our family and our community forever.<br />
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Oh, your people! Your days have been shared with some of the most incrdible people! Throughout our time with you, we have forged new friendships, rekindled old friendships, and deepened current friendships. The people that have graced our lives during 2014 will not be soon forgotten. We have cherished each email and Facebook message, each card in the mail and voicemail. And we know without a doubt that there have been dozens - maybe more! - people praying for us who we may never even meet. Wow. What a humbling thought. Thank you, 2014, for creating space for these people in our lives. We are eternally grateful.<br />
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You brought our family closer - both physically and emotionally. Bonds really are forged through the fire. Thanks all the times we shared with family during these 12 months. We love having family close and are excited for Deacon to grow up knowing his cousins.<br />
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Oh, yes! Did you think I forgot the most important part?! You, 2014, are when we became parents! It was during your time with us that our world was turned upside down by the sweetest, most beautiful little boy. We are so in love and have already forgotten what life was like before him (maybe that's the lack of sleep talking again!). We have a baby in a heaven and one in our arms. The journey to becoming a family of 3 has been unpredictable & beautiful, painful & awestriking. It brought us to our son, and we can honestly say that we wouldn't change a thing. Jesus has been our Lighthouse, guiding us home. With each unexpected storm tha threatned our course, we kept turning our face toward the Light and through his grace and mercy He always righted our course.<br />
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We thank Jesus for you, Year 2014. For every tear shed and prayer offerred, we thank Him. For every moment shared with those we love, we thank Him. For every time Jesus showed up and showed out on our behalf, we thank Him.<br />
<br />
We entered this year clinging to Hope and more unsure than ever about what these 12 months might entail. As we say our farewell to one of the best years of our lives, we just keep singing praise to Our King. The one who came down to earth all those years ago so that He might dwell with us. I am so thankful that He was willing to dwell in me and with me this year. <br />
<br />
Signing off for now, 2014. We send you all our love.<br />
<br />
Rob, Erica and Deacon<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-83633709357605379052014-08-04T20:25:00.002-06:002014-08-04T20:33:53.837-06:00against all hope, I hope. today my bible reading landed me in Romans 3 & 4.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b>against all hope, Abraham in hope</b> believed and so became</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>without weakening in his faith, he faced the facts</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that his body was as good as dead-since he was about 100 years old - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that Sarah's womb was also dead. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet <b>he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God</b>, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promise.</b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I read these words several times, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
over and over. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
then I copied them in my journal, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
wanting to press them deeply into the pages of my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
asking God to give me faith like Abraham. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
that I would hope against all hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
friends, I started my day rooted in this truth, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
with a hopeful spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and tonight I sit here feeling weary and deflated (not defeated. oh no, not defeated. just deflated.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
that's real talk. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
now hear this: I AM hopeful.<br />
truly. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
even in this moment I have hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
but I don't FEEL hopeful. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
tonight when I sat down with my journal, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the words that poured forth were different than those of this morning,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
but none less sincere, honest, or true. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
tonight I pressed words to page in hopes that the writing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
would be like a sweet aloe to my sunburned soul. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and as I was writing to Jesus <br />
I realized that others, too, may be struggling to hope against all hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
so I returned back to this space,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
this sacred and scary space,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
of vulnerability and courage, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
of connection and encouragement. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
tonight, honestly, I feel sad. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I find myself asking, "Lord, when will I get to be a mom? Is it coming? Will it ever come?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some days the aching is more intense, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the longing more acute. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
today happens to be one of those days. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am hopeful because I believe in God's promises- to me and to you. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I believe that he has called us to adopt and he has created us to parent, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
so I choose HOPE in these moment,<br />
holding fasts to words that He has spoken over me during this journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder if Abraham ever had nights like mine tonight, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
nights when hope didn't come as easily,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
when he had to choose to recite the promises over and over again in his head. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder if his heart ever felt heavy with longing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
instead of light with hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder if there were days when Abraham questioned whether he had heard God correctly, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
or if his memory was failing in his old age. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I find comfort in imagining these human moments of Abraham's,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
because it is in those moments that my story intersects his. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>-Henri Nouwen</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
when I read about the faith and hope of Abraham I am encouraged, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
both by what is recorded in the actual words about him,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and by what I read in those spaces between. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
as I place myself in the story of Abraham and Sarah,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel a warm, tender hand,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and HOPE returns. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>against all hope, I continue to hope. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>unwavering through faith. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>believing in His promises. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*posted without editing so I won't change it all. but forgive any type-o's!<i> </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-82027965433349389182014-05-19T15:38:00.001-06:002014-05-19T15:40:41.030-06:00Pour some sugar on me! Or not...(Detox Day 1)Last week as I was pursuing some of my favorite blogs,<br />
I came across a 14Day Sugar Detox.<br />
<br />
For some crazy, ridiculous reason I decided to forward the info on to the hubs.<br />
I might as well signed us up right then and there.<br />
He was all, "Yeah! Let's do it! I'm totally in."<br />
<br />
Of course.<br />
Of course, he was.<br />
Mr. Up-at-5am-P90x-Crossfit-Triatholon Man.<br />
<br />
By the time he had emailed me back with his enthusiastic affirmations,<br />
I had already come up with at least 3 reasons why it was not good timing for us to Detox from sugar.<br />
<br />
I mean, our ANNIVERSARY is in 6 days. come ON!<br />
<br />
By that evening I had come up with at least 10 more reasons why this was a bad idea.<br />
Rob, on the other hand, was still all in.<br />
The window to sign-up for the Detox group was quickly closing....<br />
....and then, all the sudden, we were signed up. (curse you, Paypal, and your easy money transfers!)<br />
<br />
As we were laying in bed discussing what we had just signed up for, I posted this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLU6YQtk5Zhjpob50ScshEeS1evVAjNdXthyphenhyphenjtiWNTGfIu49rQprJYTMiXO4pG97vPw9M9K3InfcbBcM1LttSBHVgUsqmBh4UNf3QVu3MMYH1hxMii1JCIajtLADwcxaO9zRkshNbS6_-/s1600/photo+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLU6YQtk5Zhjpob50ScshEeS1evVAjNdXthyphenhyphenjtiWNTGfIu49rQprJYTMiXO4pG97vPw9M9K3InfcbBcM1LttSBHVgUsqmBh4UNf3QVu3MMYH1hxMii1JCIajtLADwcxaO9zRkshNbS6_-/s1600/photo+2.PNG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I was in bed at 9:09pm. Don't judge.<br />
People. You guys are so encouraging. and wonderful. You really are.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, we were in.<br />
If you know me very well, you know that if I'm going to do something,<br />
then I want to do it all the way.<br />
no half-way around here.<br />
uh-uh.<br />
<br />
which was a little terrifying at first, since women were saying things about how they would rather give birth than go through a sugar detox?! For reals?!?!?! Not. helpful.<br />
Not that I've given birth before, but I've heard that it can be a little brutal.<br />
and I witnessed full body shakes during the one live birth I sat in on.<br />
Let's hope this Sugar Detox thing doesn't come to that. (cue wide-eyed terrified expression) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I was with my BF at a riveting graduation ceremony. (sarcasm font on the riveting part)<br />
and because sometimes we only get to talk during times when we should be listening,<br />
I leaned over and said: "Oh hey. Did I tell you that we signed up for a Sugar Detox."<br />
and, as any bestie would, she responded with, "Yeah. That's annoying. And really great for you. But mostly annoying for me."<br />
<br />
hahahaha. <br />
I love her.<br />
And then today she sent me this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7f0EcrzL3ar9ZT-7rvrPDv-VNcEi1wiBnR6hvNfJGwfasMd6jc0lh1TPotE_dlxfj0NyYvxsNIOdxXQt4xUkR05mGvLmOUWGmLR-0UFa3BnKkNvwdlVDNJzM2Hzp2atAlpoMxm5MlmbB/s1600/photo+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7f0EcrzL3ar9ZT-7rvrPDv-VNcEi1wiBnR6hvNfJGwfasMd6jc0lh1TPotE_dlxfj0NyYvxsNIOdxXQt4xUkR05mGvLmOUWGmLR-0UFa3BnKkNvwdlVDNJzM2Hzp2atAlpoMxm5MlmbB/s1600/photo+1.PNG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
we share an Amazon prime account (community!)<br />
and the Amazonians were suggesting she buy a bunch of healthy food stuff due to my most recent order.<br />
<br />
<i>you're welcome, SJ. </i><br />
<i>much love to ya. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
So, today is <b>DAY 1. </b><br />
I've made it through 2 meals and am headed home shortly to make meal #3 of the crazy<br />
no-gluten,<br />
no-dairy,<br />
no-sugar detox.<br />
<br />
so far I don't have a headache.<br />
but I'm tired.<br />
and I love the coconut oil/coffee blended stuff. YUM-O.<br />
<br />
and so far I'm still really glad we are doing it.<br />
next post I'll share why I am doing this and why I felt like it was time. <br />
<br />
Several people have asked about it and told me that they wanted to know how it went,<br />
so I decided to blog about it a few times.<br />
<br />
plus, it will good for me to remember how well (or terrible) this went for future reference.<br />
<br />
So, if you interested in a candid, sarcastic, and honest look at my 14+ days without sugar, carbs, dairy and a bunch of other stuff....then feel free to follow along.<br />
If you aren't...well, I promise I will only be slightly offended :)<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have specific questions or things you want me to know about<br />
leave a comment below (or on FB) and I'll be happy to share my experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-79801275643948353182014-05-11T07:00:00.000-06:002014-05-11T08:33:52.334-06:00for my momit's that time of year again.<br />
when people flock in droves to the card aisle to select something that poignantly captures their true sentiment about the woman they call MOM.<br />
when families gather around to to remember and reflect on our mothers-who they are and the impact they have on our lives. <br />
when we celebrate the tremendous sacrifice and selflessness that is involved in raising children and shaping young lives.<br />
<br />
this year I was really hoping to spend Mother's Day with my mom,<br />
but a flight cancellation yesterday prevented that.<br />
even though I won't get to celebrate with her in person again this year,<br />
I want to find a way to let her know just how much I am thinking of her this year,<br />
and how truly thankful I am for her life.<br />
<br />
this has been a difficult season over the last few months.<br />
and even though she has not always know what to say,<br />
or how to say it,<br />
my mom has stayed available and present.<br />
she has reminded me through texts and calls that she is always there,<br />
even when separated by hundreds of miles.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Thank you, mom, for your availability and presence in my life. </i> </span><br />
<br />
my mom and I have walked through uncharted territory these last few months.<br />
this type of emotion and grief is new to me,<br />
which means it is new for those who love me.<br />
in the last weeks and months, I have sensed that those who are closest to me are not sure exactly what to do with me.<br />
I am often the strong one, the sure one.<br />
How do you support the one who is usually the supporter?<br />
I will admit that I am not always the best at receiving these gifts;<br />
so I am thankful for those who have shown me steadfast love and grace.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>thank you, mom, for your love. </i> </span><br />
<br />
thank you, Mom, for<br />
giving me space,<br />
praying without ceasing,<br />
offering me comfort and kind words,<br />
sending small "happy presents," and <br />
reminding me of Truth.<br />
<br />
On this day - and every day- may you know how much I love you!<br />
Thank you for loving me, for walking with me, for being a witness to my best & worst moments.<br />
I love you.<br />
<br />
forever and always your daughter,<br />
erica lea<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-25115311276507733362014-05-09T16:15:00.002-06:002014-05-09T16:19:47.449-06:00my journey to motherhood: an adoption updatemaybe it because mother's day is this weekend.<br />
or because we finally hit another milestone this week.<br />
or maybe it is because a sweet friend left <a href="http://instagram.com/p/nx2RVPsb-W/" target="_blank">flowers & a note this morning</a> to let me know that she (& Jesus) are remembering and celebrating me this weekend. <br />
<br />
not sure what brought me to this point today,<br />
but I'm finally writing this long-overdue update.<br />
<br />
last time I logged on to this space,<br />
I shared that we had hit some significant road bumps in our adoption<br />
& had suffered a significant loss. <br />
<br />
Around that same time I sent an email to <a href="http://thehaudeway.blogspot.com/2013/07/our-people.html" target="_blank">our people</a><br />
and asked them to be praying for us as we discerned our next steps.<br />
in January our agency had presented us with the option of switching to one of their other programs.<br />
At that time we were resolved to remain in ET.<br />
However, by the time March came around, we were sensing a shift happening internally....<br />
we were frustrated.<br />
we had hit so many roadblocks.<br />
we were officially a year into the process and had yet to officially begin the wait for a referral.<br />
we were still at least a year away from a referral.<br />
<br />
<br />
together we spent a lot of time praying and asking God to help us figure out what was next:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
"Lord, do we stay the course in Ethiopia or do we switch programs?"</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Yes. Both are good things. I am with you. I will see this through. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i> </i>"God, just tell us what to do and we will do it."</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>What do you want? I am with you. We will complete this. </i></div>
<br />
<br />
coming out of that season of praying and discerning we felt that God was freeing us to choose.<br />
so often in my life I wish and pray that God would just SHOW ME-make it clear, tell me what to do.<br />
and yet, I am learning, that often He wants to do things WITH us.<br />
it feels much easier to simply say: God told me to.<br />
and sometimes-yes, God does tells us to take action (and that is not always easy), but I'm learning that often we have to get moving first.<br />
that clarity comes in the moving,<br />
that discernment comes in the doing.<br />
<br />
I
am learning that this is what faith looks like:<br />
it is taking His
hand and saying YES to a life lived both for Him and with Him. <br />
We are learning that sometimes He makes His steps clear, and that other times He asks us to simply get moving. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>all that leads us to this: </b></i><br />
<br />
at the end of March we made the decision to switch to <a href="http://ifservices.org/adoption-programs-international-family-services/domestic-adoption-services-international-family-services/" target="_blank">our agency's </a>Domestic Cross Cultural program.<br />
<br />
and while we initially felt peace and excitement over this decision,<br />
we have also walked through intense grief and disappointment. <br />
<br />
now, I recognize that this does not mean that we are walking away from Ethiopia forever and ever, amen.<br />
I do.<br />
trust me, I am holding on to the hope that we might someday have an Ethiopian baby in our arms.<br />
until then we will continue to take what we have learned from the last year+ to advocate and support orphan care and prevention.<br />
<br />
on a personal level, however, the change of paths has felt really hard.<br />
for a year I pictured little Ethiopians joining our family.<br />
for twelve months I dreamt of their big brown eyes and mocha colored skin.<br />
I have spend hours upon hours planning, researching and preparing for two little Ethiopians to become my babies.<br />
so walking away from that has been heartbreaking.<br />
it is not a decision we made lightly or easily.<br />
<br />
I still can't fully articulate all that went into the decision or how it was reached,<br />
but I sense that we are where we need to be.<br />
I sense that someday I will look back on this journey and see God's hand leading and guiding,<br />
and that I will see more fully the beautiful picture He was painting. <br />
<br />
just know that even though I am excited about what is next,<br />
I am still grieving for what we have left behind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>so what's next? </b><br />
yesterday I mailed our Family Profile Books to Texas where they will remain until a birthmother enters the Domestic Cross Cultural Program.<br />
at that point, she will be shown our profile (along with the other families' in the program) and will hopefully choose us to parent her child.<br />
<br />
<b>how long? </b><br />
we've learned to stop asking this question. there is reason to believe within a year, but we have no control over this. and neither does our agency. so we will continue to wait and trust and hope.<br />
<br />
<b>so what has changed? </b><br />
we will be adopting an infant child of another race, not 2 like we had originally planned.<br />
the child will be born somewhere in the US, not overseas.<br />
other than that, not much.<br />
<br />
<br />
as always, thank you.<br />
thanks for journeying with us.<br />
<br />
love,<br />
e<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-50552044766923977562014-03-17T17:25:00.000-06:002014-05-09T16:19:42.918-06:00throwing open some windowstoday it is easy to be an "over-sharer."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QHDs9YWaUY9N8XJCKLYpLl3F6S_Qy4kaAKaOjU3rCTeKZYVhqJ8m9id7Nusrhj-4n1z1HrOA2uwwfLmO8kF4phMC24DYNIjxuthouWuUVGp5Ny8HvCb6DN5SsIEp6PhuoLRlZ4qL5w7z/s1600/Facebook-and-Diary-Confusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
we've all seen it happen: <br />
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</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI3szoBRI1QeHBoKK55h-cYPNdJwpdSyMUICx44vGvmqQnx-34v944uhbnsIrNTY5-IOp8NJMEThQOY5qHR9mXPEKyOAkOAdBLWRR0-R94I2tjgVMausR2vZscG4xId0vrG4hwTmTrheI/s1600/GRR3TFTN8.1-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI3szoBRI1QeHBoKK55h-cYPNdJwpdSyMUICx44vGvmqQnx-34v944uhbnsIrNTY5-IOp8NJMEThQOY5qHR9mXPEKyOAkOAdBLWRR0-R94I2tjgVMausR2vZscG4xId0vrG4hwTmTrheI/s1600/GRR3TFTN8.1-0.jpg" height="226" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
maybe you laugh when you see it happen, or roll your eyes?<br />
maybe you are like me and you cringe a little?<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(okay, calm down, everyone....not so much about foursquare and updates about where you're at...unless you've given us a play-by-play of your day...) </span><br />
it could be the therapist in me, or maybe it is my own fear and insecurities (probably both),<br />
but when I see people sharing intimate information out on the internet, I get a little nervous.<br />
I don't want to see people get hurt (read: I am afraid I will be hurt) by this over-sharing phenomenon.<br />
<br />
therefore, I tend to navigate myself toward the other end of the spectrum.<br />
my tendency is to hold things close to my heart,<br />
only sharing them with my journal and Jesus until it I have a handle on what is going on,<br />
then I will talk with my husband and those the closest to me.<br />
<br />
don't get me wrong, I have moments of brave vulnerability.<br />
and, honestly, those moments most often turned out to be beautiful moments of connection, clarity, and healing.<br />
<br />
and yet, here I am, realizing that it is time to stop holding all the cards so close. <br />
<br />
<br />
here's what I have come to realize:<br />
I need to write, and not just in my journal.<br />
I need to share my story, and not just "some time down the road."<br />
<br />
because it is in the writing that I find clarity and healing.<br />
and it is in the sharing that God will get the glory.<br />
<br />
my story is an important part of His story.<br />
what's going on in my life matters.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(which means, what's going on in YOUR life matters, too. you're welcome, in case you didn't make that connection on your own) </span><br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
yesterday morning I was sitting in church and I was S T R U G G L I N
G to focus on the words being sung and spoken. I just.could.not.focus
on Jesus, no matter how hard I tried.<br />
my thoughts kept wandering back to me.myself.mine.<br />
and when this is occurring and all the sudden you realize: "wow. I am vain," this is not pleasant.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>it's time to throw open some windows and let the Light shine in. </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
the last few months have been hard. painful.<br />
some of the most raw, fragile moments of my life.<br />
<br />
<b>here it goes: </b><br />
<br />
late December we began hearing rumors of things not going well in the Ethiopian International Adoption world. rumors began flying around the internet and no one knew who or what to believe. without going in to details, these were the worst rumors a potential adoptive parent would want to hear. yet into the chaos, God spoke peace. however, it was still really hard...and scary...<br />
<br />
around this same time we heard from our agency that our paperwork had yet to go to ET because they were anticipating additional paperwork requirements from the US side of things. (if you are really interested, you can <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/ethiopia-will-implement-pre-adoption-immigration-review-pair-requirement" target="_blank">read about the new USCIS PAIR process here</a>). the point is, our dossier was not considered "complete" and therefore we could not be registered as an official "waiting family." bummer. we went from thinking we were 2 months into the wait to realizing that we were not even ready to begin the official "wait." you can imagine how that felt...<br />
<br />
on January 29, we received an update email from our agency that responded to the internet stories. the emails were confusing, hopeful, encouraging, and unsettling (yes. all of the above). on this same day, we also received the new paperwork that we would need to complete (more paperwork?!?) AND, we were told that due to the new requirements (which, by the way, we believe to be very good for IA in ET in the long run), we would be looking at an 8-12 month wait for referrals once we were officially "paperwork ready" and a "waiting family."<br />
<br />
at this point, we felt discouraged. and scared. but we prayed about it, and decided to push forward.<br />
so, we went back to the home study agency (local, Kansas agency...not our main adoption agency)... let's just say, this part just got even more frustrating and discouraging. and last week we found out that we are looking at an addendum to our home study which could take weeks, if not longer.... <br />
<br />
so, that's where we are currently at with the adoption process. we haven't even begun working with another government yet, and we are already feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.<br />
<br />
<i><b>and in the midst of all of this.....we had a wonderful blessing and painful good-bye. </b></i><br />
<br />
on January 5, after nearly 3 years of hoping and praying, <b>we had a
positive pregnancy test.</b> it was a complete shock and incredible
surprise. we were both extremely excited. I would say that I was
cautiously excited, but excited nonetheless. we were finally
experiencing pregnancy.... thank you, Jesus. we began dreaming and planning for this little life. it felt like perfect timing- this baby would come during our adoption wait; and when they were just a few months old we would bring their siblings home from Ethiopia. yes, it would be crazy! but we were so excited!<br />
<br />
on February 14, at week 10 of pregnancy, we went to our first appointment. during the ultrasound the doctor struggled to find the baby. after a few moments, she confirmed that there was no heartbeat and the baby was measuring small. she scheduled us to come back in a week. we had made plans to eat lunch with my aunt & uncle after the appointment, planning to share the news with them...news that I had dreamed of sharing for years. we had made plans for a big family dinner on saturday, hoping to share the news with even more extended relatives. the reveal plans quickly changed. it was a heartbreaking day. in so many ways it was a really hard weekend. but we chose, in those hours and days to hope. we prayed for a miracle and continued to hope in Jesus, no matter what.<br />
<br />
and then on February 21, we returned to doctor for another ultrasound. within moments it was clear, we were experiencing a miscarriage. I had yet to experience any external signs, but internally it was clear.<br />
<br />
and on February 24, it was over nearly as quickly as it began.<br />
but it had begun.<br />
the miracle lays in the fact that <b>LIFE HAD BEGUN. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
yes, we are grieving...but we HAD something to grieve, which is a treasured gift that I refuse to take for granted.<br />
<br />
yes, we feel terribly sad...but someday we will get to meet our child in heaven, and that is reason to rejoice. <br />
<br />
yes, this adoption road is extremely difficult and scary...but someday we will bring our children home and get to share life with them, and there will be so much joy. <br />
<br />
<b>the Lord gives and He takes away. </b><br />
<br />
<i>He</i> planted the seeds of this adoption dream in our hearts a long time ago, and while we are still very unclear about what this will look like moving forward, we will continue to seek His face and say YES to these dreams. we know that He is a God of completion and that He will see us through.<br />
<br />
<i>He</i> gave us the gift of life. and while I do not understand why that life was so short, it is not my job to understand. it is my job to give Him glory.<br />
<br />
<i>He</i> has comforted me and brought me joy in the midst of sorrow. In the last weeks, I have laughed just as often as I have cried. I have felt tremendous gratitude, even in my moments of sadness. these days have held great celebration and great sorrow. yes, both, and. <br />
<br />
we grieve. but we do not grieve as those without hope.<br />
<b>we have HOPE in Jesus.</b><br />
and that hope is the anchor to my soul. <br />
<br />
<br />
Last night I read the final chapter of Shauna Niequist's book Bittersweet. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(highly recommend)</span><br />
In that chapter she writes these words:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"The most bittersweet season of my life so far is <b>still life</b>, </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>still beautiful</b>, </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>still sparkling with celebration</b>. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">There is no one or the other, as desperately as I want that to be true. This season was bittersweet. <i>Life itself </i>is bittersweet. There's always life or death, always beauty of blood."</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
we are unsure of many things right now.<br />
life continues to feel bittersweet.<br />
and in the moments of uncertainty, we anchor ourselves in this truth: <i><b> </b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><b>we know the One who loves us, </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><b>who comforts us, </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><b>who rejoices with us and grieves with us. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><b>Our life is His. </b></i></div>
<br />
<br />
we would love to have you praying with us and for us.<br />
<br />
as always, thanks for journeying with us, dear friends.<br />
<br />
with all our love, <br />
R & E<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-68845909926432764182013-12-24T09:55:00.002-07:002013-12-24T10:07:24.415-07:00advent & adoption: the art of waiting<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a child, when I would tell my mom that I wanted a new
pair of jeans or new shoes, she would often respond with “Christmas is coming!”
Even in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t matter what
point we were in the year, Christmas was always coming. Every year we can count
on the arrival of Christmas. We are always moving toward the baby born in
Bethlehem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In November we mailed off all our adoption paperwork. After
8 months of answering questions, filling out forms, mailing off for documents, we
had completed all the work that goes into preparing the Dossier. We were done.
We received word from our agency that our Dossier was officially complete and
that we were ready to receive referrals. . We were placed on the Waiting List. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waiting is not my favorite. (In my defense, I have yet to
meet anyone who says that waiting IS their favorite.) Don’t get me wrong, I CAN
wait. But I’d rather not have to. Sometimes I get frustrated with waiting.
Example: Yesterday Rob and I were driving and I wanted to watch a video on my
phone; it was taking for-ev-er to load. Instead of patiently waiting for the
video to load, I repeatedly pushed play hoping that somehow in the last 2.2
seconds it had magically completed the buffering process and would be ready for
my viewing pleasure. Nope. Okay, 5 seconds<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>later? Nope. Dang. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
genuinely annoyed that the video wouldn’t load. The way in which I waited
affected how much I actually enjoyed the video; when the video loaded and I was
able to watch it, I didn’t really enjoy the video. This had nothing to do with the
content, and everything to do with how I prepared. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How then should we
wait? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout Scripture there are stories of people who had to
wait years for God to fulfill a promise. In fact, that IS the entire story of
Scripture---an entire PEOPLE waiting on the coming of the Messiah. Waiting to
be saved, waiting for their King to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All those years of waiting were not wasted, God was still alive and at
work in the lives of His people. Over and over again, God’s word reminds us us
that God sustains us during the wait, that strength rises during the waiting,
and that JOY is coming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have HOPE because we know that HE is coming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS800t6cv43EhksEwa6p11yfseaN4BCkBnc4QrX-5ucBwJTmBPILJgtLqM3D8cdJQB2OD05cuoMUDXKjX1Iv70I2Bp1glvydQspurxXQkez5lwFu7i7LEHpVVCWxNoCs6XOcQry-5m7wn/s1600/A+Thrill+of+Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS800t6cv43EhksEwa6p11yfseaN4BCkBnc4QrX-5ucBwJTmBPILJgtLqM3D8cdJQB2OD05cuoMUDXKjX1Iv70I2Bp1glvydQspurxXQkez5lwFu7i7LEHpVVCWxNoCs6XOcQry-5m7wn/s640/A+Thrill+of+Hope.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the last several weeks, churches around the world have
been celebrating Advent. Advent literally means waiting. It is a season of
preparing for the birth of a baby. Advent is our time-as individuals and as a
community-to prepare for the arrival of our King. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Making it personal. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Advent 2013 has been unique in that I am preparing my heart both
for the birth of Jesus and the adoption of our children. I realized at some
point that I was faced with two ways of waiting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option One:</b>
Endure. Stay busy. Spend lots of time on Social Media so that I don’t have to
think about my own life. Just count down and get through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option Two:</b> Lean
in. Learn and grown. Allow this process to change me, transform me. Rely on
Jesus. Be present with the wait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the beginning of December, I wrote in my journal: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I want my kids home where I can snuggle
them, love them and teach them about Jesus. The thought of months upon month of
unknown waiting feels hard, painful. But I knew this was part of it, and I knew
it would be hard. I need to accept this reality and focus on how to WAIT WELL.
Lord, what does it mean to wait well?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let me show you,” he whispered into the moment, inviting me
to lean into him as I learn how to wait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here’s what I’ve been doing during Advent:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Create
space for myself to feel and to think</b>. The primary way I created space was
by setting aside time each day to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Gift-Unwrapping-Story-Christmas/dp/1414387083/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387904706&sr=1-1&keywords=the+greatest+gift+ann+voskamp" target="_blank">THIS </a>advent devotional. It has been a
good way to slow down and focus on Jesus. Also, the reflection questions at the
end of each day are excellent for creating mental and emotional space to
process. I have loved journaling my way through Jesus’ family tree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lean in
to Jesus and allow myself to be known.</b> I am really good at leaning in to
others and allowing THEM to be known, or running to social media as a way to
avoid thinking or feeling my own thoughts/emotions. I have been intentional about
connecting with Jesus and my husband during this Advent season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent time with family and friends. I
am trying to be aware of when and how I am using my phone, and if there is
something that would be healthier to do instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other day I told my mom: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On the outside it doesn’t look like I am ready for Christmas, but in my
heart this is the most ready I have ever been.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the outside, I am not a mom but in my heart I am becoming
one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Waiting is ACTIVE. There is something in me that is coming
ALIVE during the wait. </em></span><span style="color: black;">Praying that as you wait, you will lean into Jesus. As you wait, you will grow in His strength and know how much He loves you. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em>The greatest gift ever given came at Christmastime.</em></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get ready, y’all, </span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!</span></strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></span> </div>
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-73212432665983010072013-11-07T08:21:00.000-07:002013-11-07T08:31:26.115-07:00finding healinglife has felt heavy lately.<br />
so heavy, at times, that it has left me paralyzed and speechless.<br />
those who interact with me on a daily basis may or may not have noticed,<br />
because in the midst of this heaviness there is still joy.<br />
I still smile, and laugh, and talk about God's goodness.<br />
and all of that is real. and true.<br />
<br />
yet internally there is often another wave of emotion,<br />
it ebbs and flows throughout the day,<br />
this one is full of longing and sorrow, discontent and unrest.<br />
<br />
I am learning to be okay with these ebbs and flows,<br />
to allow them to move through me, around me.<br />
<br />
I am working on allowing them to push me toward Jesus,<br />
to lean into His embrace when I feel the needy to steady myself.<br />
<br />
I have hesitated to share these words here,<br />
nervous to speak them out into the open.<br />
then I re-read <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/10/if-you-need-a-therapy-that-really-calms-the-heart/" target="_blank">these words </a>by Ann Voskamp<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">"<b>Venting hurts your-self, Biblical lamenting heals your-soul</b> — bravely expressing pain while unwavering in the unrelenting goodness of God."</span></i></span></div>
<br />
and I remembered.<br />
I remembered how often I have encouraged others to bravely share their pain,<br />
to create space to lament.<br />
I have remembered all the times that I witnessed healing through the expressing.<br />
<br />
so I will lament.<br />
I will cry out to my Jesus as David did in the psalms.<br />
and I will allow others to hold space for me. <br />
because my soul needs healing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">"Thanks to God is what that calms the wild heart." </span></b></em></div>
<br />
and I will give thanks.<br />
I will continue to remember the unrelenting goodness of God.<br />
this morning I began by writing out things I am thankful for.<br />
from the simple things--like flannel sheets--to the more profound--<br />
like the patient love of a Heavenly Father.<br />
<br />
<i><b>I believe that it will be in the lamenting and in the thanking that I will be healed.</b></i> <br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-50647376661857001712013-09-18T20:35:00.000-06:002013-09-18T20:44:11.032-06:00why is different so scary?sometimes I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. <br />
anyone else have this problem? <br />
one delay tactic that I often use is to read the news in bed. <br />
I feel like I am being productive while still allowing myself to lay horizontal a few minutes longer. <br />
also, I'm convinced that it gets my brain stimulated therefore helps with the actually waking up process. <br />
<br />
whatever. it works for me sometimes. <br />
<br />
On Monday morning I opened one lazy eye and read this headline:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/16/showbiz/miss-america-racist-reactions/index.html?iref=allsearch" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Miss America crowns 1st winner of Indian descent.</span></a><br />
<em></em><br />
I'm not that in to Miss America, really, but remember, I was putting off getting out a bed, <br />
so I decided to take a gander. <br />
<br />
I saw the picture of Miss Daluvuri's surprised face as she was crowned the winner. <br />
You know the face. <br />
yeah, that one. <br />
the one that we all know she practiced over and over again at slumber parties growing up. <br />
Oh, come one, we all did it. <br />
Yes, even <strong><em>I</em></strong> did once upon a time. <br />
it was 6th grade. <br />
I was a tom-boy trying to fit in. <br />
they were putting on a pageant at the party and they wouldn't let me just be a judge anymore. <br />
I caved. <br />
get off my back already!! <br />
<br />
anyway, back to CNN's breaking news:<br />
<br />
as I perused down through the article, <br />
my indifference turned to sadness.<br />
and then anger. <br />
as I clicked over and read the hateful twitter onslaught that ensured after the crowing, <br />
I began to write the mother of all responses in my head. <br />
in this eloquent and articulate essay, I detailed all the reasons why these comments were ignorant and untrue.<br />
I had a really convincing argument going about how we are ALL all "immigrants" and "foreigners."<br />
it was good. in my head, I had it all mapped out. <br />
<br />
then I realized. <br />
it's not about immigration.<br />
it's not even really about race.<br />
or ethnicity.<br />
<br />
it's about FEAR.<br />
these responses were based in fear. <br />
fear of that which is different than us. <br />
fear of someone who looks different.<br />
who has a different cultural heritage.<br />
these people were SO focused on the differences, <br />
that they couldn't even see the similarities. <br />
and that was because there are terrified. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and then I went to teach a class yesterday. <br />
and I saw it again. <br />
<br />
<br />
I had asked my class to discuss a topic with the person sitting next to them. <br />
as I prompted them to divide up and begin discussing, <br />
I saw it. <br />
it was all over the face of one of my students. <br />
fear.<br />
this student was cloaked in fear; physically he had turned his body away from the person sitting next to him, making it impossible for this other student to engage him in conversation. <br />
and the other student saw it, too. <br />
and he FELT it. <br />
<br />
fear. <br />
rejection. <br />
and, I'm guessing, a multitude of other feelings came with that, too. <br />
it did for me. <br />
<br />
but mostly, I just felt sad. <br />
really sad.<br />
<br />
I saw these two young men. <br />
who I happen to know and think are really great young men. <br />
they look very different on the outside. <br />
yes, one is white. the other black. <br />
they come from very different backgrounds-rural Kansas and big city California. <br />
in so many ways they are different. <br />
but that's what makes it so great. <br />
because in as many ways as they are different, they are similar. <br />
and with each difference there is an opportunity to enrich the life of the other. <br />
to teach, to learn, to share, to connect.<br />
<br />
why do we let difference become so scary?<br />
<br />
why do we allow difference to keep us apart?<br />
<br />
we're missing out on so many opportunities to grow, to learn, to share, to connect in deeply meaningful ways. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
as I prepare to parent children who will look very different from me, <br />
I would be a liar to say that I have not struggled with fear at times. <br />
I have. <br />
Sometimes fear starts to creep in to my mind and heart, <br />
and I buy in to that lie that whispers:<br />
<em>what if you can't relate to them because they are different than you?</em><br />
<em>what if they despise you because they don't look like you?</em><br />
<em>what if you can't parent them well because the come from a different culture?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
those are lies. <br />
lies told by the enemy to keep us from connecting with one another. <br />
from loving one another. <br />
from seeing the beauty in one another. <br />
<br />
I refuse to listen to those lies. <br />
<br />
when I got home tonight, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Skin-You-Live-In/dp/0975958003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379556845&sr=8-1&keywords=the+skin+you+live+in" target="_blank">this book</a> was waiting on my front steps. <br />
it's a beautiful book about "coffee and cream skin" and "marshmallow treat skin" <br />
and "butterscotch gold skin" and "pumpkin pie slice skin."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8XvrN8UnHDhkitgPcK00lBQW2nVHfIyhOANUsnbtskgkpOJ0v5x2khEGAvALo-AoHbtIYWLQ_TFVVejZUVqlhnCRgnXWolO8pDUI8MgaoX3ZXPhxdTCkb0rE4WwDtEq1pl4s11Evtf3Y/s1600/SkinYouLiveIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8XvrN8UnHDhkitgPcK00lBQW2nVHfIyhOANUsnbtskgkpOJ0v5x2khEGAvALo-AoHbtIYWLQ_TFVVejZUVqlhnCRgnXWolO8pDUI8MgaoX3ZXPhxdTCkb0rE4WwDtEq1pl4s11Evtf3Y/s640/SkinYouLiveIN.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
it's beautifully illustrated to capture the message that you're more than your skin ("you're all that you think and you hope and you dream") but that each of us should be thankful for our skin for it "holds the YOU who's within."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87N2hnRQGytHnFpsK5gOcJjx5MrggEZpeSSOdlxd_ebQT_G3A8lCcXOVRiz831rb6KCXih-s5oi63TGlBe-_BDo5nYvtxUSuNbt0l2my2NUUVL-V9dNgtmiJaz4Muto9IFbXRQETe6z4_/s1600/Skinyoulivein2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87N2hnRQGytHnFpsK5gOcJjx5MrggEZpeSSOdlxd_ebQT_G3A8lCcXOVRiz831rb6KCXih-s5oi63TGlBe-_BDo5nYvtxUSuNbt0l2my2NUUVL-V9dNgtmiJaz4Muto9IFbXRQETe6z4_/s640/Skinyoulivein2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-78578674635539549972013-09-09T16:43:00.001-06:002013-09-09T16:48:47.002-06:00Adoption Journey Update 2.0On June 25th I posted <a href="http://thehaudeway.blogspot.com/2013/06/adoption-journey-update-10.html" target="_blank">this update. </a>We had just completed our Home Study and were optimistic that we would be "paperwork ready" by the time school started.<br />
<br />
Yeah. About that.<br />
<br />
Rob and I have both started back to school.<br />
Me at Tabor. Rob at Hillsboro High.<br />
We are still waiting to hear back from <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=63b363fc4cbfb310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ecab18a1f8b73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD" target="_blank">USCIS </a>with our i-600a approval.<br />
<br />
So, basically we are still at the same place as our last update.<br />
Which I know doesn't sound that encouraging.<br />
<br />
BUT.<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The truth is that we feel very encouraged about what God is going. </span><br />
<br />
While August did not involve sending our dossier to Ethiopia as we had hoped,<br />
the last 6 weeks have been <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>FULL of GOODNESS. </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">we see God at work. and it is GOOD.</span> </b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbzReQ1Fi2F45oSYWiUE1prj2gevK4nKippvhbul5_ruEfT7WaUDt_VsUKrzSoa_11tuD9_q2MQBczIybSWoahXf1YcDWT5DONWm4NYtmdYgVTBUNNf4rnNF0z3itKpcjIM25ruC7WqGJ/s1600/Noonday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbzReQ1Fi2F45oSYWiUE1prj2gevK4nKippvhbul5_ruEfT7WaUDt_VsUKrzSoa_11tuD9_q2MQBczIybSWoahXf1YcDWT5DONWm4NYtmdYgVTBUNNf4rnNF0z3itKpcjIM25ruC7WqGJ/s640/Noonday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My dear friends Sara<b> </b>Jo & Amanda hosted a <a href="http://hollywimer.noondaycollection.com/" target="_blank">Noonday Collection</a> Party. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our ambassador Holly was WONDERFUL. So down-to-earth, kind, and fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a wonderful morning of fellowship, beautiful jewelry, advocacy and more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PlVzcebgLP6bz_HvO3jiv4alhUOhmq23oFltE7hB7-yrhwMyrRzUQk4o36MxbJ_CjHZ1lxcgg9Zmk3GUiyEqSUdhjEtIC2P6TcL7SiQFcKa_tvkhrZhHW0DPte0NakFh2M4HEOmbJmER/s1600/ndbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PlVzcebgLP6bz_HvO3jiv4alhUOhmq23oFltE7hB7-yrhwMyrRzUQk4o36MxbJ_CjHZ1lxcgg9Zmk3GUiyEqSUdhjEtIC2P6TcL7SiQFcKa_tvkhrZhHW0DPte0NakFh2M4HEOmbJmER/s400/ndbracelet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got a couple fun pieces, too.<br />
The story behind this yellow SHALOM necklace is powerful.<br />
a story of redemption.<br />
of hope.<br />
lives touched by grace and the means to provide income.<br />
every time I wear it I will remember sweet Shalom,<br />
the ugandan child who is with her mom and adoptive dad. <br />
supported by this business. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNkN6dEryfPN6-Lg0x6p9ebE0JZdk79vLIHnxJt-KqjcFQqODpVsi-VKd6YdoL36tPLSsgKhN0-_sj1snSuYylzCOsir33Yt2yZ43R4YEQ4Ww1JcTJWtcvGAjCLUG9rFkcDPBh7-9gVph/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNkN6dEryfPN6-Lg0x6p9ebE0JZdk79vLIHnxJt-KqjcFQqODpVsi-VKd6YdoL36tPLSsgKhN0-_sj1snSuYylzCOsir33Yt2yZ43R4YEQ4Ww1JcTJWtcvGAjCLUG9rFkcDPBh7-9gVph/s400/necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go check out there new Fall line <a href="http://hollywimer.noondaycollection.com/" target="_blank">here. </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Noonday supports vulnerable families in countries around the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And they host parties as adoption fundraisers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
15% of proceeds from our party went straight back toward our adoption. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beauty for all. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>- -- -- - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week we held a big fundraiser meal </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the local Farmer's Market. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdZ_yDT5wowsS1pSYXREd6H0d5SLkFP6-KgGye0pl9Vj1hAXoB4alUP1_XtncD4CZxn2eXsh3TTyhXJUVL-f06PhZxXoMaj99x1RVvWtA60sdic-vY1SdPIMnbPNzkT86ORRqJeL_wmyd/s1600/Gma+cooking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdZ_yDT5wowsS1pSYXREd6H0d5SLkFP6-KgGye0pl9Vj1hAXoB4alUP1_XtncD4CZxn2eXsh3TTyhXJUVL-f06PhZxXoMaj99x1RVvWtA60sdic-vY1SdPIMnbPNzkT86ORRqJeL_wmyd/s640/Gma+cooking.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my beautiful grandma came to help us prepare a meal for 200 people. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 types of pasta.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 different sauces. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
garlic bread.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and cookies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cookies upon cookies. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyeifqlNrO4zTdcn2zXNUrWakUIGvPMnyamAi8_xhywcBs_vi7KcpM_A_RCKrz62lVioYL9IW3uWgEiJf9A8f8Q-q_d1ypv-RslVVTPmpEUvhcgRNs4mZ87XKXTr2JS4VeQ8qA9ZyhD6j/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyeifqlNrO4zTdcn2zXNUrWakUIGvPMnyamAi8_xhywcBs_vi7KcpM_A_RCKrz62lVioYL9IW3uWgEiJf9A8f8Q-q_d1ypv-RslVVTPmpEUvhcgRNs4mZ87XKXTr2JS4VeQ8qA9ZyhD6j/s1600/cookies.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0mHpjAwPln_9XBBzJaZA8a_DRsk5P7HODeJ4lBJ3fIlzeBlQ1XlguB6uQ8tdTz8g-Hq1vpRHZBwJBZ2hduOgLERlEreuYkCSe4mQ9isSKngNV2R6WMAUxmVkysRCzxgAX3AWurgb2-ak/s1600/Africa+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0mHpjAwPln_9XBBzJaZA8a_DRsk5P7HODeJ4lBJ3fIlzeBlQ1XlguB6uQ8tdTz8g-Hq1vpRHZBwJBZ2hduOgLERlEreuYkCSe4mQ9isSKngNV2R6WMAUxmVkysRCzxgAX3AWurgb2-ak/s1600/Africa+Cookies.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but aren't they cute?!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rob bought the cookie cutter from <a href="http://www.solehope.com/" target="_blank">Sole Hope.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(another great organization serving and loving the "least of these")</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbzReQ1Fi2F45oSYWiUE1prj2gevK4nKippvhbul5_ruEfT7WaUDt_VsUKrzSoa_11tuD9_q2MQBczIybSWoahXf1YcDWT5DONWm4NYtmdYgVTBUNNf4rnNF0z3itKpcjIM25ruC7WqGJ/s1600/Noonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we made over $2000 profit from this meal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was incredible. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our friends helped us plan the entire thing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they cooked, baked, and organized. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they sent out an invitation to our community and church asking them to get involved. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were blown away. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and blessed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so blessed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, while August seemed slow on the paperwork side. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was really busy in other areas. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there is more coming. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will be having a booth at the <a href="http://hillsboroartsandcraftsfair.org/" target="_blank">Hillsboro Arts & Crafts fair</a>. <br />
stay tuned for more info soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks, again, for journeying with us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and allowing us to journey with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rob and erica</div>
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-82909134530018967552013-08-13T09:08:00.004-06:002013-08-13T09:09:04.137-06:00steady my heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0ip40j82ws?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
my prayer this morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even when it hurts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even when its hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">I will run to You. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-18959524086307841182013-08-05T14:46:00.000-06:002013-08-05T14:46:25.693-06:00we're home!<div style="text-align: center;">
after 23 days and 22 nights,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4500 miles on the highway,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and countless beautiful moments </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are h.o.m.e.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DOHCpjuEAN_s4kQjnLSLbFCVSYaOqprW5ys_rlInY7UqGMxz_L5ZXvKedYmu9SJtLN9UXGgiYkTP_Du8s5J9UVotCHDzHfmwATpAJD0NECnGGnNu3fm0tHTyUREgBvyMKUV_UgU3OdHw/s1600/8-3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DOHCpjuEAN_s4kQjnLSLbFCVSYaOqprW5ys_rlInY7UqGMxz_L5ZXvKedYmu9SJtLN9UXGgiYkTP_Du8s5J9UVotCHDzHfmwATpAJD0NECnGGnNu3fm0tHTyUREgBvyMKUV_UgU3OdHw/s640/8-3-13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...our trip looked like this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-camped 2 nights in southern Colorado-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-camped 2 nights at the Grand Canyon-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-spent 1 night/18 hours in Las Vegas-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-spent 1 night with Rob's parents/1day at the beach with Rob's family- </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-spent 2 nights/1 day in Bakersfield visiting family/friends/memory lane for Rob-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-camped 1 night in Sequoia National Park-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-camped 2 nights in Yosemite National Park-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 1 night in Monterey, CA/drove down Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy)-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 3 nights with friends in San Luis Obispo, CA-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-celebrated the wedding of Kenny+Seleena-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 1 night in St. George, UT-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 3 nights in Denver with friends-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 1 night in Ft. Collins, CO with my dear, sweet friend-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-stayed 2 nights in Holyoke, CO to celebrate the marriage of Brent+Brittany-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then we were home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />and it was good. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good to be gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good to be together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good to be home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good to have space. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
goodness all around. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am eager to share stories, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pictures, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lessons from the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but, did I mention that our basement imploded/flooded while we were gone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yeah. somewhere between Utah and Colorado that happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, I'll get to those pictures and photos eventually. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll probably use editing pictures and posting blogs as a *healthy* avoidance of the millions of other things I need to get done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can't wait to share more soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until then</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I should work on unpacking this mess. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAtq2vvTHW-Ixnb-V9u21Q-r9jiLLSJ-NCW2eU9q5Frb72Zb3D7wifkA_NTmGaN9jIeSj1peAqy5MyxIXwMijXY9IX5Mskvvq6yHhjWsQU_ZL5gQG6DBM7bQq9DlyipqCp6amhJVJRSyH/s1600/roadtripcarpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAtq2vvTHW-Ixnb-V9u21Q-r9jiLLSJ-NCW2eU9q5Frb72Zb3D7wifkA_NTmGaN9jIeSj1peAqy5MyxIXwMijXY9IX5Mskvvq6yHhjWsQU_ZL5gQG6DBM7bQq9DlyipqCp6amhJVJRSyH/s320/roadtripcarpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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love, </div>
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E</div>
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<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-86443509828718726412013-07-11T06:43:00.001-06:002013-07-11T07:05:24.518-06:00winner, winner<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">....and the winner is....</span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em><strong>the Orrange family!</strong></em></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Brent & Courtney,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Thanks for loving us and supporting us on this journey. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #351c75;">You were some of the very first people that we came to with our news about adoption. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">You have given us so much wisdom and encouragement. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">We love you guys!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">enjoy your gift cards. ;) ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">____________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">and a HUGE <span style="font-size: x-large;">THANK YOU </span><span style="font-size: small;">to each and every person who entered. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">We are now $1650 closer to being able to bring our 2 kiddos home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">we are humbled and blessed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">thank you for joining us on this adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">so much love. </span><br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">a special THANK YOU to my mother-in-law</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">who put this entire raffle together </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">and donated all the gift cards. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Cindy-you really are the BEST. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I am SO incredibly thankful that you're in our corner. :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">we both love you bunches and bunches.</span> <br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">and today we're off to our appointment at the Immigration office!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">biometrics, here we come!!!!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Continuing to take steps toward having them home!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">woohoo!</span></strong></div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-90422800152162650032013-07-08T13:44:00.001-06:002013-07-08T13:50:26.032-06:00our peopleI knew when we embarked on this adoption journey, <br />
that it would change me. <br />
Other who have gone before us have said that it is one of the most transformational processes of their life--if not THE most transformational. <br />
<br />
We are only--I hesitate to use this word, because it seems to minimize the significance of the last few months, and it has not felt like ONLY, but for lack of a better word, I continue--5 months into this process.<br />
but already I can feel the change stirring, rising in my heart. <br />
<br />
Already I am learning much about myself, my husband, our God, and<strong> <span style="color: #351c75;">our people.</span> </strong><br />
<br />
You guys know what I'm talking about when I say "our people."<br />
Those people that have your back. <br />
That know-maybe even before you do-that you need something. <br />
The ones that laugh at your ridiculousness and cry when you hurt. <br />
The people that are right there, by your side, in the thick of it, figuring it out right along with you. <br />
These are your people. <br />
<br />
We have been blown away by the people who have gone out of their way to let us know that they are praying for us and cheering for us. <br />
We have literally been speechless and shocked by the sacrificial giving of so many of you. So blessed and so humbled. <br />
We have been reminded of God's goodness through the love of HIS people, OUR people. <br />
<br />
Honestly, the most difficult and humbling part of this process so far<br />
has been trusting God with the finances. <br />
Surveys have shown that many more families would pursue adoption if it were not for the large financial investment that it required. <br />
I totally get that. <br />
I do. <br />
It's scary. <br />
<br />
I am daily surrendering this. <br />
DAILY.<br />
<br />
Fundraising is not my favorite thing. <br />
In fact, launching the fundraiser last Monday triggered 24 hours of anxiety. <br />
no lie. <br />
or as the Kardashians would say, "Bible."<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes. I just admitted that I sometimes watch the Kardashians. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
But here's what I'm learning in the midst of this whole thing:<br />
it's not about me. <br />
it's not about you all will think of me for writing this, or having an online raffle, or even for adopting internationally. <br />
it's not about my manipulating or controlling things. <br />
it's just not. <br />
<br />
if anything, <br />
it's about inviting people to share in the joy of what God is doing. <br />
it's about allowing others to give and to be blessed for their generosity. <br />
it's about allowing our lives to be blessed by the kindness and generosity of others. <br />
This process is about obedience and surrender and joy, and allowing other people (our people!) to come along side us on this crazy journey. <br />
And through it, we get to come alongside THEM, too. <br />
That's what is so great. <br />
Relationships are built, strengthened, rekindled. <br />
We are blessed and in turn we get to bless others. <br />
<br />
pretty cool stuff. <br />
<br />
So, with that in mind, I'm trying to have a different perspective on this whole "fund raising" ordeal. <br />
<br />
For those of you interested in joining the fun & helping us get that much closer to bring home our kiddos, <br />
there are still 2 days left to enter our raffle and have a chance at $200 in gift cards. Click <a href="http://thehaudeway.blogspot.com/2013/07/giftcard-raffle-200-winner.html" target="_blank">here</a> for more info. <br />
<br />
thanks for being our people.<br />
we can't wait for the day when we get to introduce our kids to you. <br />
<br />
with all our love, <br />
R & E<br />
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-5758254363233250182013-07-01T10:49:00.002-06:002013-07-01T11:00:42.067-06:00Giftcard Raffle! {$200 Winner}<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy July 1st, y'all!</div>
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(and Happy Canada day, too!)</div>
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It is really hard to believe that 2013 is already half over. </div>
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WHAAAT!?!</div>
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As I mentioned in our adoption update post, we are hoping that our dossier is ready to mail to Ethiopia by the end of August. Woohoo! That would mean we are completely paperwork ready. </div>
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In order to send our dossier at the end of August, however, we have to be ready to make the next big program payment. So, with that in mind, today we are launching </div>
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a <strong>Big Giveaway featuring some of our favorite thing/places to shop!</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>By entering the raffle, you could win $25 to EACH of the following places!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">That's $200!!!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6VzprE9Xekxrffb0jR8oopIQcAwXs13p5Q6FGugZxVpoX2z7NWTWX71ORlDErmfZPo-GJDtRzoqZ_SugsdTfF6uSJ4jOFaF_Xcp23j_2T3yRDOganc5EploIzLXrxTEiES4MyYBWCxgO/s1280/raffle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6VzprE9Xekxrffb0jR8oopIQcAwXs13p5Q6FGugZxVpoX2z7NWTWX71ORlDErmfZPo-GJDtRzoqZ_SugsdTfF6uSJ4jOFaF_Xcp23j_2T3yRDOganc5EploIzLXrxTEiES4MyYBWCxgO/s640/raffle2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">back to school shopping?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">birthdays?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">vacation planning?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">there are all kinds of ways you could spend that money!</span></div>
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Here are the details on how to enter:</div>
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-<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1 entry for each $10 donated through Paypal</span></strong> (link in top right of blog).</div>
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-<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1 entry for each time you share the link to this fundraiser via social media</span></strong> (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram). Limited to ONE entry per day. Must leave a message via blog or facebook, or link Rob/Erica to post that you shared so I can verify. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on July 10th!</span></div>
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Our goal for this fundraiser is $3,000! I'll keep you updated along the way!</div>
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That's 300 people giving $10</div>
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OR</div>
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150 people giving $20</div>
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Thank you!!!</div>
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Happy Raffling! :) </div>
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<a class="rafl" display="" eb63d0="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" id="rc-1eb63d0" rafl="" www.rafflecopter.com="">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1eb63d0/</a>" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</div>
<br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <div style="text-align: center;">
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Feel free to use photos below to SHARE! :) </div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-76635097580110810272013-06-29T11:24:00.000-06:002013-06-29T11:30:18.007-06:00swim-bike-run<div style="text-align: center;">
last sunday we woke up before the sun to drive to El Dorado State Park for a triathlon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlusOfaBNiCpLz2_POMQSoa5BoiEFfEfduLcUrcySSk9Uz2oaZ2aRb_AIMHS20cVxB_ufasVlJfgyWO1ds7ohUM17O7Uv69GYADGaXEvLc_DiS3eEAZKxzw6ogIZma4P96Hzic9gJZSQ5/s1600/startline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlusOfaBNiCpLz2_POMQSoa5BoiEFfEfduLcUrcySSk9Uz2oaZ2aRb_AIMHS20cVxB_ufasVlJfgyWO1ds7ohUM17O7Uv69GYADGaXEvLc_DiS3eEAZKxzw6ogIZma4P96Hzic9gJZSQ5/s640/startline.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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for those of you who have not experienced race day, </div>
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the idea of getting up at 4:30am to go</div>
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swim 3/4 a mile,</div>
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bike 13 miles,</div>
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and run a 5K</div>
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probably sounds nuts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA1bK2iye6mdv98CTyoqo9UxMbuzmRkAofuUUb5wO_EY1I75lNblMn2My_JAwOwVIm16Fpy5gUeVGW8wH5fXZWraVIIJgLSSAAfhknkPhlK2BPZX_TbLM6oYp5TJPMiYuk31zKG7GcAF2/s1600/warm+up+edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA1bK2iye6mdv98CTyoqo9UxMbuzmRkAofuUUb5wO_EY1I75lNblMn2My_JAwOwVIm16Fpy5gUeVGW8wH5fXZWraVIIJgLSSAAfhknkPhlK2BPZX_TbLM6oYp5TJPMiYuk31zKG7GcAF2/s640/warm+up+edited.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL9c5dZjQdvNDbtXJGdLTUStCkVkWmF_RArZX5wioySKnF_pUzS8DX2LRmXxyVzZJOsJMjYbzzTA7cPOiw3NxMxqIBbSmSOgJBpAd0loc1msXaOnHbdgGb0PzdL9f0_MClNFjHf5ATQdT/s1600/outofthewater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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but then you get to watch athletes of all ages and skill levels</div>
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push themselves physically and mentally, </div>
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and COMPETE against themselves and one another....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRwHxE4i5hi1QUuQmKbJyZtJCMzAdIfzSjpbgSNeAp19KsCi4jGPi7BIiyfcAn78An_q4_HLZuKLVsrg-m97fFxaCtLI8qMAZvdIdbVyOUIVU5-kD3gVnetC62d8uGVlq8SsdDwE7xu8X/s1600/robswim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRwHxE4i5hi1QUuQmKbJyZtJCMzAdIfzSjpbgSNeAp19KsCi4jGPi7BIiyfcAn78An_q4_HLZuKLVsrg-m97fFxaCtLI8qMAZvdIdbVyOUIVU5-kD3gVnetC62d8uGVlq8SsdDwE7xu8X/s640/robswim.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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okay, you're right, it still sounds a little nuts. </div>
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but we do it anyway. </div>
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so apparently we're not the only crazies!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL9c5dZjQdvNDbtXJGdLTUStCkVkWmF_RArZX5wioySKnF_pUzS8DX2LRmXxyVzZJOsJMjYbzzTA7cPOiw3NxMxqIBbSmSOgJBpAd0loc1msXaOnHbdgGb0PzdL9f0_MClNFjHf5ATQdT/s1600/outofthewater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL9c5dZjQdvNDbtXJGdLTUStCkVkWmF_RArZX5wioySKnF_pUzS8DX2LRmXxyVzZJOsJMjYbzzTA7cPOiw3NxMxqIBbSmSOgJBpAd0loc1msXaOnHbdgGb0PzdL9f0_MClNFjHf5ATQdT/s640/outofthewater.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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there are ALL kinds of people joining in on the <strike>fun</strike> madness. <br />
seriously. <br />
ALL kinds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE35rUeWWvWlyqRNqu72QcCjcZFsnyC5xwZlHZnKgjKDsb-V0y3XIoGVoAkURWPhEyNDdD4Kfotwwk7pVyvxTkhOb6EAHO44MRyEU-fGF6_WXRpV4OoKscIcop736nwOXNCgIHYwmhdT4W/s1600/transitiontobike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE35rUeWWvWlyqRNqu72QcCjcZFsnyC5xwZlHZnKgjKDsb-V0y3XIoGVoAkURWPhEyNDdD4Kfotwwk7pVyvxTkhOb6EAHO44MRyEU-fGF6_WXRpV4OoKscIcop736nwOXNCgIHYwmhdT4W/s640/transitiontobike.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he came out of the water in 2nd place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love watching him swim!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then he transitioned to the bike. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he didn't feel great about his bike miles, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it was windy and he is still figuring out all the ins & outs of his road bike.<br />
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
look at that smile :) impressive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcRQiQCurAeUaV7FbrqnXe7iFUOxvliIgi7W0U8rv2gBdNd9H08nxXYUepjUWdgVLq7M-Pcn96lEwvDY-B6XtDWkmy2wZ_32NRHu-rNE3h-uOBC22CuiBnDMxbsMlgOqZK7FCQJmIdJDJ/s1600/fanclub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcRQiQCurAeUaV7FbrqnXe7iFUOxvliIgi7W0U8rv2gBdNd9H08nxXYUepjUWdgVLq7M-Pcn96lEwvDY-B6XtDWkmy2wZ_32NRHu-rNE3h-uOBC22CuiBnDMxbsMlgOqZK7FCQJmIdJDJ/s640/fanclub.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he had quite the fan club for this race. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his dad, sister and niece were there along with my mom and grandma. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GO ROB!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
his smile has usually faded by the time he hits the run. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's not his favorite, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but he still looks good doing it! ha. </div>
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sharing his medal with Melonie. </div>
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what a great uncle. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Good job, babe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm always so impressed by your dedication to training</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and your will to compete. <br />
you're awesome. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who knows, you might actually inspire me to join you sometime. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>might.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-56280473191042267662013-06-25T11:10:00.002-06:002013-06-25T11:10:55.159-06:00Adoption Journey Update 1.0Well, it has officially been 4+ months since we announced out loud that we had decided to grow our family through adoption. We have been so incredibly encouraged by all the ways that people have reached out to us in the last 4 months--emails, messages, phone calls, cards, buying coffee, offering to help with fundraisers, giving generously, praying and praying. We are SO thankful! Honestly. We genuinely believe that it will take a village to make this happen--so thanks for being our village. <br />
<br />
Because so many of you have decided to journey with us....we wanted to take some time to update you on what the journey has looked like and where we are headed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>February 16-17:</strong> We announce to our families that we are adopting.<br />
<strong>February 27:</strong> We send an email out to our closest friends and family announcing the news; the news trickles out in the coming days and weeks. Our not-so-secret secret is OUT. :) <br />
<strong>March 8:</strong> We contract with International Family Services (IFS) and receive a mound of paperwork to begin working on. <br />
<strong>March 26:</strong> We contract with Catholic Charities to complete our Home Study. We mail in our fingerprints and other paperwork to begin that process. <br />
<strong>May 23:</strong> HOME STUDY visit! After two months of working on paperwork, our social worker visits our home to complete the Home Study process. <br />
<strong>June 12</strong>: Our Home Study arrives in the mail! It is signed and officially DONE. We immediately mail off our I-600a to USCIS and begin waiting for their pre-approval to bring our kiddos into the home!<br />
<br />
<br />
So, that brings us to Today:<br />
<ul>
<li>waiting to hear back from USCIS (Immigration Services). Their website says it takes 2.5 months for them to process our petition, though we've heard from others that it can go more quickly. If the website is accurate, then we should hear back from them at the end of August. This will be the final piece of paperwork for our dossier (French word for the big packet that is sent to both the US and Ethiopian governments)!!!</li>
<li>continuing to gather all the necessary pieces of paperwork that must be notarized, certified and included in the dossier. We are getting close!</li>
<li>applying for grants and planning fundraisers. When our dossier is ready to send in, we must also be ready to pay the 1st half of the agency fees. We have already seen God at work and we have complete faith that this will happen through us working some extra hours this summer, fundraisers, grants, and God inviting people to give generously. We have already been so blessed! <em>We are going to be having a giveaway fundraiser within the next couple weeks, so stay tuned!!!!</em></li>
</ul>
So, there ya have it! We are moving right along. Thanks for journeying with us! <br />
<br />
<br />
For those of you who are committed to praying for us, and would like to receive emails with prayer requests, please send me an email at <a href="mailto:erica.haude@gmail.com">erica.haude@gmail.com</a>. <br />
<br />
with love, <br />Rob and Ericaerica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-38736208470218022302013-06-06T21:08:00.001-06:002013-06-06T21:21:20.033-06:00oh, expectations<div style="text-align: center;">
this week was our first week of summer break. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
together, at least. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rob officially started a week before me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but he stayed busy catching up with things around our house</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and making me lunch each day while I was at work. sweet, huh?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9oLmXlzRSeyKD24PGD2FJFOjixiDlhiBKWDl4dRGg887oMV7KzdnGGSfu15SM8mOWzjld4cR3gjOP7uPo0wiq-dNg7ie3oA0bwo4R_8HFfW1vSy3EdoExMdqD3rMnrwpH1INyfQul0Al/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9oLmXlzRSeyKD24PGD2FJFOjixiDlhiBKWDl4dRGg887oMV7KzdnGGSfu15SM8mOWzjld4cR3gjOP7uPo0wiq-dNg7ie3oA0bwo4R_8HFfW1vSy3EdoExMdqD3rMnrwpH1INyfQul0Al/s640/IMG_1338.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
so, this week we had big plans. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as in: overhaul-our-kitchen plans. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is Thursday at 9:30pm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wanna know what we have managed to accomplish in the last 4 days? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nada. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well, I take that back. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came home Tuesday afternoon after a few hours in the office to find rob <strike>spastically</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
scraping popcorn plaster off the kitchen ceiling. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was obvious to me that this was a spur of the moment decision because he had done ZERO prep (camera and computer sitting on the table, no drop cloth down, nothing). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now, this is NOT like my husband, so I knew something was up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were both struggling to manage stress.<br />
we just do it differently. <br />
apparently, he randomly starts scraping ceilings...:) <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the point of my telling you this, was that I wanted to honestly & accurately report that we do, in fact, have <u>something</u> done on the kitchen project: a 2x2 foot square of scraped ceiling in one corner. <br />
ha!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyOmPVjKc9ErS_TwzOfLqsBQLneviGgQ-KTNOJl1w8miFSmfVDeUwSz-9uKoaG3OJDn3HCmVQErKKPtbtLKkwAxuaXUklmLSG4XXRVi2igxsGJPuDB8Rbwg6PhEgRCMmjqtEeDJB3NxF5/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyOmPVjKc9ErS_TwzOfLqsBQLneviGgQ-KTNOJl1w8miFSmfVDeUwSz-9uKoaG3OJDn3HCmVQErKKPtbtLKkwAxuaXUklmLSG4XXRVi2igxsGJPuDB8Rbwg6PhEgRCMmjqtEeDJB3NxF5/s640/IMG_1344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
back to the beginning on the week when I was all "yay summer! woohoo! we are going to get a lot done!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this enthusiastic attitude about summer lasted approximately 4 hours before I burst into tears.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this is after tearing up once or twice earlier in the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
guys, I'm not kidding here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or being overly dramatic. <br />
Monday sucked. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
granted, I spent Monday working on adoption grants, which are NOT fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
totally a blessing. we will be extremely thankful and it will be totally worth it if we are given support for our adoption. <br />
and we know that the <strike>interrogation,</strike> thorough questioning is absolutely necessary.<br />
but this makes it no less terrible for the person filling it all out. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the whole analyzeeverythingaboutyourlife and caluclateyournetworth and reexamineexactlyHOWMUCHyouareinvestinginthisadoption is just not fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which lead to breakdown #1 of the day/week. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(please, refrain from telling me it will "all be worth it" or "all will be okay."....I know this. I do. I really really do. I believe it. but I still have days where I get overwhelmed and cry.)</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plus, some days I just the ache of wanting kids is just a little worse than others. <br />
just keepin' it real.<br />
<br />
I may have blamed Monday on the grants initially, <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but honestly, after a few days I realized (once again!) that it really is about EXPECTATIONS. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had the expectation on Monday that I would just blaze through the adoption grants and get them all ready to mail as soon as we have a copy of our home study. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had the expectation that we would make some substantial progress on our kitchen this week; enough that there would be a noticeable difference at the end the week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had the expectation that I would sleep well at night, wake up early to work out, start my day with Jesus & coffee, and then cross EVERYTHING off my to-do list for each day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
uh, no. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when will I ever learn?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
last night as I crawled into bed I said to rob,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm afraid that this summer will fly by and we'll have nothing to show for it."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I named it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I'm a big believer in NAMING things. there is power in words, people.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I named my fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm afraid of missing out. losing time. not accomplishing everything on my list. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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this is not a new fear. or a new issue for me. </div>
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this suck-the-marrow-out-of-life way of living is very much a part of my personality. </div>
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and it is GOOD.</div>
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until it causes me to miss out on life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD8BxcEdmXR5rbNTkLJD22X3YQzafx9mwk0UHcaux7t3hDABTAfzXUfthUy73MAVHMv6v7O-AN3yPxcekqJjQ2Gl3KHVT-K7D0WWP-W_AN3kEUrudSWLfteW7dbzLvYDhzggo9XJw02_0/s1600/IMG_1348edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD8BxcEdmXR5rbNTkLJD22X3YQzafx9mwk0UHcaux7t3hDABTAfzXUfthUy73MAVHMv6v7O-AN3yPxcekqJjQ2Gl3KHVT-K7D0WWP-W_AN3kEUrudSWLfteW7dbzLvYDhzggo9XJw02_0/s640/IMG_1348edited.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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I have been beating myself up all week about how much I have NOT been getting down. </div>
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so after I finally NAMED it and spoke it aloud last night, </div>
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I spent time this morning re-examining my expectations.</div>
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and taking a fresh look at my week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcKW3_9xu9k8tLJ5_y7VrhmJBDLbwXOK1TVmqyRaK6oxRyhDW3okdAMuQZMmp3tzP2HREWIoWyeqFPVk4U1nQCS9K78-5cnqe3_jFZl6kcTOgBdQJL8jMxhJCo721Qe_jW_0b6SSjTP3Q/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcKW3_9xu9k8tLJ5_y7VrhmJBDLbwXOK1TVmqyRaK6oxRyhDW3okdAMuQZMmp3tzP2HREWIoWyeqFPVk4U1nQCS9K78-5cnqe3_jFZl6kcTOgBdQJL8jMxhJCo721Qe_jW_0b6SSjTP3Q/s640/IMG_1345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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our summer list includes finishing adoption paperwork (dossier, grants, fundraising plans), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
working on several house projects (finish kitchen, paint laundry room/spare rooms, get the kid(s) room(s) ready), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and spending time doing things we love (swimming, reading, traveling, bbqs with friends, games, etc.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oK-jGeOGnYnMj6WRLvvR0AJW-Zp322SJhgXMJ43QbbStD73iIXKtOVrs1IWyZxcSbqaNTfhPvZ60_kNF1y1C2F6A4U0ctYZZXo1Vha5ma-Xzqe7Kk-9acHu8Q61R4uTSuKeLh2aAksQL/s1600/IMG_1352edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oK-jGeOGnYnMj6WRLvvR0AJW-Zp322SJhgXMJ43QbbStD73iIXKtOVrs1IWyZxcSbqaNTfhPvZ60_kNF1y1C2F6A4U0ctYZZXo1Vha5ma-Xzqe7Kk-9acHu8Q61R4uTSuKeLh2aAksQL/s640/IMG_1352edited.JPG" width="426" /></em></span></a></div>
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<em><strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this week we have:</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*learned more about the dossier process and wrote letters to the Ethiopian government and orphanages *spent several hours working on grants and are steps closer to having some ready to mail *hung out with friends-chatting and playing games *read books in the hammock *bought supplies for the kitchen project *researched and rethought kitchen projects *spent a day with one of our favorite 10 year olds doing some really fun things, including washing our vehicles *cried together because we ache for our kids to come home *been encouraged by friends who are walking similar paths and are teaching us how to do so with grace and honesty *ate meals outside *and took pictures of flower in our yard </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(like how I tied these random pics into this post...;)!?)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></em> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI14NsSLX4gJqtlq-1QzS6SyXde0lsGifw4o12MywvKhWG_ykCH-dfN0-RXwwLssLkUr0YWvuo5DFXr9B1jvz721EkOnKqH3213aKfrFmCDmpLYaMo4y5CPdFnVR2OLnmRKJUqwWzYBLS/s1600/IMG_1355edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI14NsSLX4gJqtlq-1QzS6SyXde0lsGifw4o12MywvKhWG_ykCH-dfN0-RXwwLssLkUr0YWvuo5DFXr9B1jvz721EkOnKqH3213aKfrFmCDmpLYaMo4y5CPdFnVR2OLnmRKJUqwWzYBLS/s640/IMG_1355edited.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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so, while our kitchen does not look any differently than it did at the beginning of the week</div>
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(unless you look closely at one corner. ha.)</div>
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my expectations have been adjusted. </div>
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</div>
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my worth does not rise or fall with how much I accomplish each day. </div>
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the value of my day is not in how many things are scratched off my list. </div>
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the value of my summer will not be measure simply by how many grants I get done or how many rooms get painted, there is so much more that this summer has to offer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SfzLYbudxks4oJH4V3WK7ZjXVZCqSeyT7h-sFQngItUs8ob8TskpPyLVb-N0LDqt-zVneULSnt9BJYJwVHexjwTJkFekIUJdsRPrXxVBanJP9Xs-lC1XIHiUeyLzzhyS2Oy08Wv0aehF/s1600/IMG_1368edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SfzLYbudxks4oJH4V3WK7ZjXVZCqSeyT7h-sFQngItUs8ob8TskpPyLVb-N0LDqt-zVneULSnt9BJYJwVHexjwTJkFekIUJdsRPrXxVBanJP9Xs-lC1XIHiUeyLzzhyS2Oy08Wv0aehF/s640/IMG_1368edited.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I want to breath into what this summer has to offer. </div>
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AND I want to be okay if there are days that feel like a total wash. </div>
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because those days will come, too. </div>
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I want to find joy and satisfaction in each day I am given this summer (and life in general), </div>
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no matter what I accomplish or do not accomplish. </div>
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If I'm able, by the grace of God, to accomplish THAT then I'll have one beautiful summer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9oLmXlzRSeyKD24PGD2FJFOjixiDlhiBKWDl4dRGg887oMV7KzdnGGSfu15SM8mOWzjld4cR3gjOP7uPo0wiq-dNg7ie3oA0bwo4R_8HFfW1vSy3EdoExMdqD3rMnrwpH1INyfQul0Al/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> and even if I don't. </div>
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I have a feeling it will still be great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyOmPVjKc9ErS_TwzOfLqsBQLneviGgQ-KTNOJl1w8miFSmfVDeUwSz-9uKoaG3OJDn3HCmVQErKKPtbtLKkwAxuaXUklmLSG4XXRVi2igxsGJPuDB8Rbwg6PhEgRCMmjqtEeDJB3NxF5/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<em>How do you handled expectations?</em></div>
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<em>How do you measure whether or summer was "a good one"? </em></div>
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<em>Anyone else have moments/seasons like this?</em> </div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-64809683587028046902013-06-01T09:00:00.000-06:002013-06-01T13:54:04.565-06:00listening<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>I've learned that the first art of listening is shutting my mouth, </strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>stilling my mind, </strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>and quieting my soul.</strong></span></em> </div>
<br />
if you have followed adoption circles this month<br />
(or orphan care cirlces or, <em>ahem, </em><a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/" target="_blank">Jen Hatmaker</a>), <br />
you may have come across a post or two about adoption ethics. <br />
<br />
<br />
Before you scroll down and start leaving me comments about your opinion of infant adoption, sibling adoption, older child adoption, special needs adoption, transracial adoption or Jen Hatmaker.....wait....<br />
my readers don't leave comments!<br />
ha! what was I worried about?! :)<br />
I kid, I kid...<br />
but really, let me start by making a disclaimer:<br />
this post is not about adoption ethics and I also really happen to respect Jen Hatmaker. <br />
<br />
the reality is that her post--and a series of other posts---had me "fit to be tied" this month, <br />
as they say 'round these parts. ;)<br />
<br />
and, honestly, it wasn't so much what was being said, <br />
as how the enemy used those voices to <strong>steal my joy.</strong> <br />
the enemy likes to do that, ya know; take something true or good and twist it. <br />
<br />
and if I'm not careful, I let all these other voices (blogs, books, opinions, stories, videos, etc.) become REALLY loud. <br />
I give them center stage and find myself spending hours listening to what they have to say. <br />
and if I am not balancing this out with THE voice, <br />
it can get ugly. <br />
<br />
reeeeally ugly. <br />
<br />
read: ready to throw in the towel/jump ship/recalculate the route. <br />
<br />
and there was a point this month when I was there. <br />
in that place. <br />
overcome with doubt and fear. <br />
the enemy was using the second-guessing and analyzing that was happening in blogland,<br />
to instill chaos and despair in my heart. <br />
<br />
I'm guessing there are a few of you out there that have had this happen. <br />
when you start to listen to what is being said around you instead of listening to what you know is true.<br />
maybe people are voicing their opinion about you, <br />
your family, <br />
your decisions, <br />
or something that you feel really strongly about. <br />
<br />
and you know what is truth is but it's hard to remember, <br />
or maybe you aren't sure what truth sounds like. <br />
<br />
for me, I know truth. <br />
I know that God called us to adopt. <br />
I also really believe that God affirmed our desire to adopt a young child.<br />
but then people start sayin' stuff. <br />
and then I start doubting.<br />
and then that doubt grows into fear. <br />
<br />
you ever have this happen?<br />
yeah? <br />
<br />
me too.<br />
in fact, this is where I was at about the middle of May. <br />
<br />
in fact, I started an email to our program director from IFS. <br />
subject: "looking for reassurance:<br />
basically, I planned to ask her to reaffirm that we were not about to traffick children through adoption. and that we were not perpetuating corruption. and, please SOMEONE tell me that we are doing the right thing?!?!<br />
but as I started the email, <br />
I felt that little tug/nudge in my heart,<br />
and my sweet Father saying, <em>why don't you take some time to listen to me. </em><br />
<br />
boom. <br />
<br />
I had turned up the volume on all the other voices, <br />
and in the process I began to frantically look for affirmation in places that would still leave me doubting. <br />
and in the process of all this worrying and freaking-out,<br />
I had managed to drown out THE voice.<br />
(and, no, I'm not talking about the tv show.)<br />
<br />
this is not new for me. <br />
unfortunately, I'm a bit of a slow learner in this department. <br />
but I'm thankful that this adoption process is refining this in me. <br />
I'm learning to listen, <br />
because if I don't learn to listen to The Voice of Truth,<br />
then I'm going to get completing lost and overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
I know that this whole "listening to Jesus" thing can be a little ambiguous for people.<br />
in Christian-lingo we like to refer to this as the "still, small voice."<br />
and maybe that is the best descriptor out there. I don't know. <br />
but I do know that He speaks. <br />
that he WANTS to speak to us. <br />
if only we will just listen. <br />
<br />
the way this played out for me this month was that I got my journal and I sat.<br />
pleading.<br />
confessing. <br />
begging for God to speak.<br />
to show up and help me figure out what was true. <br />
<br />
and, friends, He did. <br />
after a couple hours<br />
and several pages in my journal<br />
I was once again reminded that what we are doing--this adopting international thing--this adopting two young Ethiopians--THIS thing is in response to what God initiated. <br />
we are responding to what HE began in our hearts, <br />
what He asked us to do. <br />
<br />
and the peace that came from hearing that from Him would not, COULD not, have come from any of the other voices around me. <br />
yes, my husband was able to calm my nerves and remind me of Truth.<br />
yes, I had some really dear friends remind me of Truth and support me on some rough days.<br />
but those voices could not calm my spirit the way THE Spirit did. <br />
<br />
so, my question for you today is <em>Who are you listening to? </em><br />
Is the voice(s) that you listen to Truth?<br />
Do you need to take some time today/this weekend/this week to seek Truth?<br />
He wants to speak to you and He promises that his Voice will give you "peace that transcends all understanding."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
oh, and two days after I deleted that email to Randi (our program director) she posted <a href="http://randisadventures.blogspot.com/2013/05/things-i-wish-you-knew-thoughts-from.html">this.</a> God is good. <br />
<br />
Happy June, ya'll!erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-25002129669775142032013-05-31T14:00:00.001-06:002013-05-31T14:24:37.825-06:00tour de May<div style="text-align: justify;">
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it's been silent on here this month (more on that tomorrow),</div>
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but it has been far from silent in our world.</div>
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<b>we started off May with our first 1/2 marathon as a couple</b><b>. </b>when I first signed up for this race, my goal was to run it sub-10min/mile pace. for someone who has only run 10miles+ 3 times in her life, this was a strong goal. but by the time race day came around, I was seriously doubting myself. I was just hoping to finish, honestly. training was <i>rough.</i>the adoption journey has been emotionally draining at times + mother nature decided to give us extra doses of winter this year = not a lot of motivation to run on some days. I am a TERRIBLE treadmill runner. terrible. (read: whining, complaining, and quitting early). but, folks, I DID IT! Together, with my supportive/studly husband, we finished in 2 hours and 8 minutes (9:45 pace). and it felt really good. I am ready to keep trying to get faster. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWVWzKU44P5NlfB9bVm8PYBfZYVwf3ITJVkfMzgjS_JnjAuhWDINlY9acjp9muDRZOHhurItbgb0jdsXCu-noxXQnxxbIi43fhyNM2qy6eBLpYQlD8_U6p_6jro-yJs9gLueZ5Xyc8H8w/s1600/halfmarathon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWVWzKU44P5NlfB9bVm8PYBfZYVwf3ITJVkfMzgjS_JnjAuhWDINlY9acjp9muDRZOHhurItbgb0jdsXCu-noxXQnxxbIi43fhyNM2qy6eBLpYQlD8_U6p_6jro-yJs9gLueZ5Xyc8H8w/s640/halfmarathon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next weekend we went back to Wichita to watch the STUCK documentary. Wowza. Brutiful, as they say. Watch it. The next morning, Rob headed to KC for a bachelor party, and <b>I spent the afternoon at the park with these two cuties. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwsWLkyMDYRiuV8WANRWl20IXDbIn0PA6x-6UydDbE8QI99EIc1AGw_VqSYWQqI3lnwLdUHUR98YlZJ6vnyi3OeK0STiHEHrK52eAv1OfbE__vZ1Dyq0xV0IaBFqDQd1ZR1WSkmgbDH4d/s1600/kidspark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwsWLkyMDYRiuV8WANRWl20IXDbIn0PA6x-6UydDbE8QI99EIc1AGw_VqSYWQqI3lnwLdUHUR98YlZJ6vnyi3OeK0STiHEHrK52eAv1OfbE__vZ1Dyq0xV0IaBFqDQd1ZR1WSkmgbDH4d/s640/kidspark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
then I headed to spend the night with a dear, dear friend. We ate yummy
food, drank yummy wine, and talked non-stop for 6+ hours. It was
wonderful. <b>I woke up at her house on Mother's Day</b>. On mother's day
morning, we went to pick up her precious daughter who is extremely special in my life and has been since before she was born. we share a really special bond. When she saw me (she was surprised) she said: "What are you doing here!?!!" Which was quickly followed up with, <i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Well it IS mother's day and you are like a second mother to me!"</b></span></i> I
can't even type the words right now without getting teary eyed all over
again. a message straight from God for my aching heart. love that girl. so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
may has been hard on the adoption front (more on that tomorrow), but we have also had some really exciting things happen, as well. on the 3rd weekend of May, we made our <i><b>3rd</b></i> <i><b>trip to Wichita </b></i>to meet and hang out with other Ethiopian adoptive families. it was so great (no pics on here! oops! next time!). the rest of that weekend was spent at graduation parties and getting our house ready for our HOME STUDY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4mZzB4LQ5hDJK10USjnLrySsL9_04fEaTs-rOVlpzsyrx5yULDzdJnNXefwPVsECkGi7eqQidwUFuc5A-vQ5ueJ_PkakCXLFmqgyrMcKkekKzpllqsJMDXwuufz6iKuodYJcb47P8oKD/s1600/springcleaning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4mZzB4LQ5hDJK10USjnLrySsL9_04fEaTs-rOVlpzsyrx5yULDzdJnNXefwPVsECkGi7eqQidwUFuc5A-vQ5ueJ_PkakCXLFmqgyrMcKkekKzpllqsJMDXwuufz6iKuodYJcb47P8oKD/s640/springcleaning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes! <b>Our Social Worker came to visit this month</b>, which was a really good reason for us to deep clean the house--windows sparkling, floors mopped, grass mowed, fresh flowers in a vase. Some good ol' spring cleaning! And after our visit and some revisions, we are just days away (fingers crossed) from having our Home Study signed, sealed and delivered. </div>
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Our social worker visited us the day before we celebrated <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>5 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nR-lf4Ue_EDPKMhofQGGexCjI21l0MhgzpqbI3h77Sj34o2YQMYt9gtfctATc0Oa9mndZTisNn4dtb_SFsGAwT8XzjL4l_RBhtApUatN3XIKl5wwGqMNioGrcxLYYUf4vgmZpNZuTLuO/s1600/5years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nR-lf4Ue_EDPKMhofQGGexCjI21l0MhgzpqbI3h77Sj34o2YQMYt9gtfctATc0Oa9mndZTisNn4dtb_SFsGAwT8XzjL4l_RBhtApUatN3XIKl5wwGqMNioGrcxLYYUf4vgmZpNZuTLuO/s640/5years.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we got married we both would have guessed that we would have a least one baby in our home on our 5th anniversary, <b>but instead we have two growing in our hearts.</b> We spent our actual anniversary at home- we grilled kabobs, made chocolate fondue and watched our wedding video. very relaxed. then the next morning we road tripped north to Kansas City! we ate bbq + sushi + Ethiopian food, drank starbucks + mixed drinks + tried local coffee shops, and simply enjoyed being together. it was great to be in the city together.<br />
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I love this guy so much. We have had a really wonderful 5 years together--just us. These 5 years have been a wonderful gift. We have grown SO
MUCH during this time--as individuals and as a couple. We have
established a really strong foundation and had a lot of fun. We are
excited to see what the next 5+50 years of marriage will bring.</div>
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after our weekend away, we made a spontaneous decision to drive back down to Wichita to spend Memorial Day poolside with my family. just can't get enough of these blonde cuties, can you?! me neither :) </div>
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so that does it!</div>
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whew!</div>
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a quick trip back through MAY.</div>
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see why I didn't blog? I was too busy driving to Wichita :) </div>
<br />erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-23688531649230891722013-05-03T16:23:00.002-06:002013-05-03T16:23:58.907-06:00technology fail. this week I ordered a new phone<br />
because my old one randomly stopped working<br />
(okay, it did have a cracked screen, but it worked fine for several days)<br />
and then I dropped it again,<br />
and it came back on!<br />
MAGIC.<br />
ha.<br />
<br />
well, the new phone (with Siri!) was already on it's way,<br />
and so I think I'm going to just keep it.<br />
<br />
last night I was activating the phone,<br />
and oh-so-proud of myself for figuring out all by myself.<br />
<br />
but, you guys,<br />
I've done something.<br />
and I can't figure out how to fix it.<br />
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these are both screen shots from <b>my phone. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtEhQO22uaORoXMAGeVuLfb96sFw4ZYqYUrrYauiDd-6AynZxn1ViwzpSs4aHYkkP1P3Wt-uUWNgrMlA-TFl-0kUBUoVSpGmCZCJLZqUYtB1dqfM0dTQF3OYp1rrWYkfaS1g4zb9oipNd/s1600/photo+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtEhQO22uaORoXMAGeVuLfb96sFw4ZYqYUrrYauiDd-6AynZxn1ViwzpSs4aHYkkP1P3Wt-uUWNgrMlA-TFl-0kUBUoVSpGmCZCJLZqUYtB1dqfM0dTQF3OYp1rrWYkfaS1g4zb9oipNd/s400/photo+1.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI26BJJoElFuCuUdUhsYnCSTFCdFirLkf2eTxGvvRgxPTqs5UWK5QIOeupo0Vrud7xgPYf2CXL-Vwi8CLhUZmzMe1x8V7TfKrDtV0gQI3lOW1MC4bbfsiALKnOxwipItoXIYzQ8Z2bMWj/s1600/photo+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI26BJJoElFuCuUdUhsYnCSTFCdFirLkf2eTxGvvRgxPTqs5UWK5QIOeupo0Vrud7xgPYf2CXL-Vwi8CLhUZmzMe1x8V7TfKrDtV0gQI3lOW1MC4bbfsiALKnOxwipItoXIYzQ8Z2bMWj/s400/photo+2.PNG" width="266" /></a><br />
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<br />
everytime I send Rob a text it comes to me!<br />
and vice versa!<br />
<br />
ahhhhhh!<br />
<br />
what have I done?!<br />
<br />
any techies out there?<br />
help?<br />
please.<br />
<br />
Happy Friday, ya'll!<br /> erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-9674201915814276222013-05-02T17:00:00.000-06:002013-05-02T17:00:03.161-06:00rollin' with it.a few weeks ago we had a string of several really warm days.<br />
and then the weather took a drastic turn and the temperatures once again plummeted.<br />
on that cold morning, I remember thinking to myself:<br />
<i>What winter outfit would you like to wear one more time this year?</i><br />
I carefully selected the sweater and boots,<br />
thinking to myself that I would get one last good wear out of my favorite sweater before I packed it away for safe keeping.<br />
<br />
<br />
HA. HA. HA.<br />
Okay, joke is on me, Mother Nature.<br />
I bet you think you're sooooo funny. <br />
<br />
<br />
Because here I am, several weeks later,<br />
<b>wearing that very same outfit.</b><br />
<i> </i>I have wool socks on today! WOOL!<br />
and I wore my winter coat to work today.<br />
with a cute beanie, I might add :)<br />
<br />
why so bundled up, you ask?<br />
because it looked like a full on BLIZZARD this morning when I was leaving for work.<br />
<br />
<br />
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am I happy about how cold it is?</div>
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nope.</div>
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can I control the weather?</div>
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not last time I checked.</div>
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so, like I used to tell one of my clients--who reeeaaaaaally struggled with accepting things that she couldn't control---</div>
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<b><i>sometimes you just gotta roll with it.</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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and then, I'd do the "Rolling with the Homies" dance from Clueless. </div>
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if you were not in middle school or high school during the mid 90's,</div>
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you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.</div>
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SO, for you viewing pleasure....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WJ6tNNqgyRg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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did it make you smile? </div>
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it used to make D smile too. </div>
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she be all worked up about how someone did something that she didn't like</div>
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and how she was gonna show that someone what she really thought about that something and on and on and on...</div>
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and then I'd start dancing.</div>
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and she'd start smiling.</div>
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and we'd talk about how to just roll with it.</div>
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so, today I'm rolling with it, homies :)</div>
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I'm rollin' with this crazy weather.</div>
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with my sweater, wool socks, boots, and a nice cup-o-tea.</div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-8988578993275299522013-05-01T17:30:00.000-06:002013-05-01T16:03:12.951-06:00life lately<br />
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<br />
it's all cloudy and chilly out today.<br />
so, in honor of today's weather, I'm inviting you to coffee...<br />
<br />
won't you pull up a chair and stay awhile? :) <br />
<br />
if we were going to sit down for a cup of coffee this afternoon,<br />
<br />
I would probably ask you if you were coming from out of town,<br />
if the answer was yes, then I might subtly drop a hint for you to swing by Starbucks or your local coffee shop for an extra hot caramel macchiato.<br />
(tell them to make it as hot as possible before they scald the milk...that's the way I like it..k, thanks.) <br />
<br />
I'm a bit cut off out here, ya'll. :) <br />
<br />
<br />
Once you sat down and got cozy,<br />
and I took a quick sip of my scalding hot drink,<br />
I'd ask you something like <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"What have you been up to lately?" </b></i></span><br />
<br />
and because you are polite, you'd ask me the same thing. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/images--covers/500%20h/978-1-4143-7064-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" id="irc_mi" src="http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/images--covers/500%20h/978-1-4143-7064-4.jpg" style="margin-top: 60px;" width="425" /></a>to which I would respond.....<br />
<br />
<i><b>Lately</b></i> I've been reading a lot....mostly about adoption (but I'd save that for another <strike>post</strike> conversation)....<br />
I'd tell you that this weekend I took break from all the adoption blogs and books, and read <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Atonement_Child.html?id=ZPoL1RuihD8C" target="_blank">The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers.</a><br />
<br />
I'd admit to you that I stayed up waaaaaay too late one night reading this book on my oh-so-awesome Kindle. and then I'd tell you that it made my heart ache deeply for all the women I know who have faced decisions about abortion. I'd mention to you that I value those who come alongside these women and love them well before, during or after they have made this decision.<br />
<br />
I'd tell you that the part of the book that got my blood boiling was how
so many of the "Christians" responded...boiling...because I see it
every day...all around me...and I recognize the tendency in myself, if
I'm not careful to remain humble and focused on Jesus. <br />
<br />
I'd tell you that theologically, there are things in the book that make me raise an eyebrow, but hey, it wasn't mean to be a study of theology, but a STORY-a beautiful story about forgivness that spans years and generations, about hope, redemption, healing, and an unconditional love that does not judge. <br />
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<a href="http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu256/orbispics/mile10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" id="irc_mi" src="http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu256/orbispics/mile10.jpg" style="margin-top: 118px;" width="480" /></a>I'd also probably bring up <a href="http://storylineblog.com/2013/04/22/talking-points-for-the-pro-life-movement/" target="_blank">this blog</a> written by Donald Miller last week, where he challenged the current Pro-Life strategy, and I'd tell you that I whole-heartedly AGREE with what dear Mr. Miller asserts.<br />
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I'd tell you that<i><b> lately</b></i> I have not been doing as much running as I would have like, but that I did complete 10 miles before work yesterday!<br />
Which made me feel strong and gave me a confidence boost going into this weekend.<br />
I'd tell you that I ran the whole 10 miles without music because my phone was completely broken, but that I really enjoyed running without music.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTw5cM3_jMRwe7Xzc1y5w9YTbULKP9vyaD_tf0DPgV1lLdXbrfjpBtE1r2j_eErLei7APMRebEgWVPQdYAI7W9NLIGGCkqfGbwwKtJ61AwVtsbiIbUA1kb2oIuUvJ36OsnOnAYe6g13bY/s1600/10-miles-per-hour.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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I'd share with you that it was beautiful to watch the sun come up in silence, and then I'd tell you that I'm hoping I will keep up the motivation even after the half marathon is over. :)<br />
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While we were on the topic of music, </div>
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I'd tell you that I've been listening to a lot of bluegrass, indie-pop, and country music <i><b>lately.</b></i></div>
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especially country. </div>
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<br />
Hey. Don't judge.</div>
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You can take the girl out of the country, </div>
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but you can't take the country out of the girl.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/87c918ea7a619e9303e7c27c548a6512/tumblr_mk8w2udW4K1rfy66uo1_500.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" id="irc_mi" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/87c918ea7a619e9303e7c27c548a6512/tumblr_mk8w2udW4K1rfy66uo1_500.png" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="536" /></a>Country music makes me all nostalgic,</div>
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& it gets me REALLY excited for summer.</div>
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I'd tell you that country music</div>
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is like a soundtrack of my childhood summers.</div>
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I'd share memories with you.</div>
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Memories of long days on the farm,</div>
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riding horses, </div>
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getting animals ready to show,</div>
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running through sprinklers, </div>
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water skiing on the lake with friends, </div>
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sitting around campfires, </div>
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crashing the local wedding dances at the VFW & 4-H building,</div>
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cruising around town with the windows down. </div>
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ah, sweet summertime. </div>
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If you were lucky, and the caffeine had kicked in, I might even break into song:</div>
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</div>
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<i>it's a smile,</i></div>
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<i>it's a kiss,</i></div>
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<i>it's a sip of wine,</i></div>
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<i>it's summertime.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5238400/il_fullxfull.124068618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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I'd tell you that I actually really love to ride in the car with my feet on the dashboard,</div>
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and that it drives my husband a little crazy.</div>
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he let's me do it anyway. cuz he love mes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I'd tell you that we are planning a 3 week road trip to CA and CO for weddings.</div>
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and that we're planning to "rough it" as much as possible. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I'd tell you how thankful I am for my husband,</div>
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and that I get to do life with him. </div>
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I'd tell you that lately I have been reminded that </div>
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God really, really blessed me when he brought Rob into my life.<br />
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd tell you that I'm reminded daily that being connected to people is important,</div>
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to family,</div>
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to friends, </div>
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to strangers.</div>
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I'd tell you that this is why we LOVE to have people stay with us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and why we continue to operate our house a bit like you would a Bed & Breakfast.<br />
that even though it takes work,<br />
we love to have people stay with us <br />
(I'd tell you about how we had a total of 7 visitors this weekend in a mere 48 hours).</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd tell you that I'm extremely thankful for friendships,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like yours,</div>
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and then I'd tell you one last time how THANKFUL I was you came by for coffee.</div>
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<br /></div>
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:) </div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4819254859514012171.post-15083947781352377762013-04-26T13:53:00.003-06:002013-04-26T13:57:52.265-06:00beautiful things. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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sometimes life feels hard. </div>
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the reality is that there are hard things in life:</div>
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hard things to figure out,</div>
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to understand, </div>
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to face. </div>
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it's broken. </div>
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but is also really, really beautiful. </div>
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life is full of joy, beauty, and all kinds of lovely things. <br />
but it is also full of pain, heartache, grief, and all sorts of <i>hard </i>things. </div>
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this week I've been thinking about the hard things that lie before us. </div>
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the reality of adoption is that we will experience extreme joy as we bring children into our family, <br />
but we will also need to be prepared to walk with them through some hard things. <br />
adoption is born out of loss, pain, and grief. <br />
there is a birth mom that will say goodbye to her baby.<br />
my babies will have a story that begins before I was around, <br />
and they will endure things that are hard and I won't be there to protect them. <br />
their path to becoming our children does not come without cost. <br />
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This week I have grieved for them. <br />
I have grieved for their first families. <br />
I have even grieved for us, for me. </div>
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I skyped with a dear friend yesterday, and I said to her<br />
"sometimes I just don't want to do hard."</div>
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it's true. </div>
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I get a little nervous when I think about what lies ahead. </div>
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it feels really unknown. <br />
but then, I remember how BIG my God is,</div>
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and that he has called us to do hard things, <br />
because He did hard things. </div>
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and He promises that His is present with us in the midst of hard things. <br />
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I got asked this week why I chose to go into counseling. </div>
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My answer was that<i><b> I believe in healing and restoration</b></i>, </div>
and that it is an honor and privilege to get to walk with people as the find <br />
freedom and joy in the midst of really hard things. <br />
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I met with a student this week-<br />
they are COURAGEOUSLY facing some really, really hard stuff.<br />
going
places emotionally and walking through things that have been locked
away a long time.<br />
This week they said to me, "sometimes I just want a
little slack, ya know. Why does it always have to feel so hard?' <br />
As tears welled up in my eyes, I had no answer. no words.except this:<br />
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I told her that I heard her. </div>
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that she wasn't alone.<br />
and then I told her that I had HOPE.</div>
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that she would not stay in this place of extreme brokenness.<br />
that together we would face the hard things,<br />
and find freedom and beauty and love and value. </div>
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Often it takes walking through the hard to be able to appreciate the beauty. <br />
As we walk through the hard, we find freedom and healing. <br />
If we never experienced hard, then we would not fully grasp the lovely things lying on the other side. <br />
I told her that I believed that things redeemed were often the most beautiful things;<br />
things once broken that are transformed into something lovely. <br />
I told her that that healing is worth the effort, the time, and the work. </div>
and, you guys, I believe it. </div>
in my core, I believe it. <br />
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and THIS is why we will adopt,<br />
even though I know that there will be <i>hard </i>things.</div>
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out
of the hard stuff will spring forth<br />
relationships,<br />
bonds,<br />
stories,<br />
experiences<br />
<b>and a life that is more beautiful than anything I can
imagine. </b></div>
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so, we will press on.<br />
into the hard places, <br />
and the hard spaces.</div>
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<b>we will do hard things. </b><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth;<br />burst into song, O mountains!<br />For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."<br />Isaiah 49:13</i></span></b></span></div>
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erica leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08998862161328721991noreply@blogger.com2