a little of what we learned at "Bible School" this past week...

(I think the kids are as excited about the video as me!)

More Bay Bears Pictures!

Andrew dodged the camera at both the VBS Celebration and tonight. So, don't have many pics of him! Guess Mami's a little fanatical with the camera...but they're just so darn adorable!

We met April & Mike May & their sons at the game...we were surprised to also run into Dylan & Bro. Alvin, too! If we had known they were coming we would have arranged to get seats together, but at least we got a pic together!

Our First Baseball Game -The Bay Bears! Video Footage!

Here are the kids on the field of the Mobile Bay Bears Baseball! Tonight, they had a special event where they allowed the first 1000 children to run onto the field, introduce themselves, and then receive a hat! When they came in the stadium, they were given a small wooden bat! We were even rained out! It was a great first game! Ha, Ha!

The video doesn't show that when Diego ran out- he ran right past the lady with the mic and another Bay Bears Staffer ran after him...and then, the kids went shy on us! They would not introduce themselves. I wished I had gotten the Diego venture on tape, but here's a glimpse!

(I finally learned how to video on my camera! Yea! If this upload thing is just as easy, you'll be seeing lots more video!)

Day 3,4, and 5 of VBS!

BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL! BIBLE SCHOOL!

The children love VBS!

Day 3- Waahoo! -We actually missed Wednesday night! But hey, we know God is Strong! He is our strength...even when we feel weak, He is! Amen!

Day 4- Thursday...the kids are loving VBS! Ben went with me on Thursday. The children really love it when we are both there. I am so glad I am able to be there when they look back...and I see their smile and then they wave. I am so proud to be their Mami! Waahoo! God is Awesome!

Day 5 -Tonight! Who is Boss? A good reminder that God is in charge! Hopefully, when we pick them up, we will get some more pictures. During the week, they took up an offering. Each night the girls and boys would run to the front of the sanctuary and put in their money. The totals were given at the end of the night. There is a Boys vs. Girls contest! If the girls end up with the most offering given, Sister Missy gets to throw a pie! Throw a pie into Bro. Jeff's face (her husband, the pastor). If the boys win, Bro. Jeff will plaster Sis. Missy with the pie! According to what was shared, she hasn't been "pied" yet! Tomorrow is the big finale-so of course, more pictures!

PERFECT PEACE: The D. L. Moody Yearbook

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You! You trust in the Lord forever!

In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. As long as our minds are stayed on ourselves, we will never have peace. Some of us think more of ourselves than of all the rest of the world. It is self in the morning, self at noon, and self at night. It is self when we wake up, and self when we go to bed. We are all the time looking at ourselves and thinking about ourselves, instead of looking unto Jesus.

Faith is an outward look. Faith rarely looks within; it looks without. It is not what I think , or what I feel , or what I have done , but it is what Jesus Christ is , and has done , and will do ; that is the important thing for us to dwell upon.

Aren't we just like our children?

"Why, Mami?" "Because Andrew...because..."

"Diego, do you know why Mami asks you to hold her hand when we leave somewhere? Do you know why it's important to follow directions? Do you know why you have these consequences now?"

"Diego, there is a reason Mami and Papi say no jumping on the bed! Look at this bump! Now, You have a huge knot on your head, Diego!"

And Tatiana on an itinerary of the day: "Mami, eat, brush your teeth, get dressed and... and...then what? ...then what? and then?" "Tatiana, I don't know let's just see...ok?"

Hmm...aren't these some of the same questions we ask God? I know I've wanted to know "Why?" on several occasions! I wonder if the times I don't feel like I'm getting an explanation from the Father... if these are moments I'm getting an answer much like that I've given my own children before... "Because, baby, because." What about the things we do, because "We know better!" BUT--that's not exactly what God has told us to do? Or what about doing things "our way" because we know that we can get the same or better results, even quicker or more efficient?

Just as with our own children, God commands and expects us to do certain things...and when we don't comply- ha! Why shouldn't we get the just consequences? Why do we feel God should let us "slide" when we don't with our own children in the physical? (Of course, there is a time to give grace, but there are still certain consequences for misbehavior!) And, because we don't heed to the voice of the Father, we hurt ourselves (often) just like Diego who fell off the bed and bumped his head...and then, it's funny how we also, run crying to the Father hoping He will make it better...just like Diego did!

Tatiana will go to bed and ask about the following day's agenda. For the most part, I am very structured and the kid's do well with structure. BUT Tatiana wants to know exactly what her schedule will be...and if we're off, she'll remind us! But ya know, it's difficult to tell her EXACTLY what we will be doing each and everyday... How often do we want to know exactly what God is doing and expects us to do and just lay everything out there so we can see the BIG picture...? I know God doesn't satisfy the curious...I think He reveals things as we are able to comprehend or understand them; and some things are kept hidden for unknown reasons; some are surprises, good surprises, blessings!

Anyways, in each of the conversations above, I was able to reflect back on the same questions that I have had for my heavenly Father... hmm, interesting... what are your thoughts? Do you find any parenting similarities with that of our Father?

May each of us, whether with child or not, be more and more like God. And for those who are parenting, may our parental guidance mirror that of our GREAT Father!

VBS - God is Real! Waahoo!

This week the children have been attending VBS at a local church called New Vision Church of Christ. Two staff (secretary and assistant) from Andrew's school are involved with helping and running the Avalanche Ranch VBS. The kids have had a great time.

The first night focused on "God is Real." Each time that statement was made the kids were supposed to give a hearty, "Waahoo!" The Bible story that was shared was about how Rahab and her family was saved...how God protected them from "the mean people" is how Andrew describes it. It was funny to hear him talk about how the Pastor hid them under sheets from the voice behind the curtains. I got to sit in and watch Tatiana and Diego's group. It was fun!

Day two reminded us that "God is with us!" I did not stay the entire time this night so I only know a little about the Bible story shared...it had something to do with Moses and the river...and the "Senor" sprayed them with water at some point! In the end of each night, there was a time when all the classes gather back together and sing and dance to their songs. It is so beautiful to see them laugh and dance while praising the Lord! I am so grateful to those who invited us! We don't have VBS at our church, but maybe next year, we can arrange to have one!

Boys! Boys! Boys!

Thanks Jai, Pepper, & Jullian for the swim pool!

The kids love it!

San Miguel's

We went to San Miguel's Restaurant this Friday! It is a really nice Mexican Restaurant in Mobile. Ben and I have went two other occasions. When we got the tab, we remembered why we didn't come as often as Coco Loco's...it was really expensive! We usually pay like $30-35 for five to eat at Coco Loco's, and Friday, we paid $59! Yikes! That won't happen again very soon!

Whoops! Better watch what I say...

We were driving to Mobile this weekend, and...I made a comment about a lady who drove up next to us. I said something about her "goofy hair"... I did not use any ugly words, including the word stupid; I just said "goofy"...

Andrew sitting in the third seat was sure to correct me! He said "Mami, no goofy hair! No talk goofy hair! No funny!" Ben and I just looked at each other and just smiled! Andrew was right, and how proud of him were we! I apologized. I am glad that Andrew can be sensitive to others! So proud!

Just hangin' out!

Found this picture on my other camera!

Thought it was cute!

We enjoyed our time with Nataly, Jenn, and Tia Elisa.

Nataly brought us special balloons the second time we met her. It was so sweet. Even one for Mr. Ben! Thanks Bennett Family!

Chicken & French Fries!

This is a staple food in our household! The kids love chicken and french fries! Tonight, we made a special trip to Chic-fi-la (sp?) for some chicken and french fries with Nataly, Jen, and Elisa!

This will be a short post because I must get some ZZZzzz, as it has been a very long week at work! But I wanted to post some pics! I do want to also say that I just love my bloggin' sistas! You girls have been so supportive to me, and I appreciate you! Talking with Jen and her sister tonight--I just felt like I was talking to old girlfriends! It was great! I so enjoyed it! I really feel like God is using CHI and even the Yahoo and the prayer group to network people together for many different reasons...yea, there is a common thread, our adoptions, but I think it is something bigger than we may even realize now... God is good! So good!

Done!

Tonight we had our LAST post placement interview! Woohoo! (It was originally scheduled for yesterday, but our SW works for Hospice and had an emergent situation arise.) Now, we just wait for the final report to be mailed to us, and then, we put it with some pictures, the birth certificates and re-adoption paperwork. And- off to CHI and then Colombia! Yea!

It is so neat to reflect back on our first meeting with the Social Worker when we were first doing our home study, and then, in just over a year having our final meeting! I remember spending time with her expressing my dreams and desires of having a family...and tonight, just reflecting on that and seeing the goodness of God right before me...Ah!!! He does give us the desires of our hearts! In His Time!

Ya know, I never understood--WHY? Why couldn't I get pregnant? Why was it so easy for my sister and not me? We were supposed to get pregnant together? Why did I have to wait so very long? Why me? Why not me? So, many whys? But now, I have some idea that at least some of those "whys" had to do with the three little Colombians that sit before me! And Thank You, God--for this is so much more than I could have even thought to ask for! It has been a wild ride! There have been challenges along the way, and Ben and I have learned to depend more on each other and rely ultimately on God. There have been those special moments that we never want to forget...the hugs and kisses that come each day... the lessons we have learned about ourselves and even our walk with God as the children reflect us in their daily walk... It is really neat to see how they've picked up so many of our habits so quickly. They make us smile!

Thank you, Father...for You had this in mind even before I could ask the first Why? You held my tears in Your hand when I cried out for a baby, a child... You knew the plans You had for me. Your ways are not like ours. Help me to remember that in the future when we face challenges those things You have blessed us with and the promises You've given our family, and that You will never leave us nor forsake us!

Even when we don't understand....why.

This is why...

And, this is why....

And, this is why!

Father's Day

Well, today...started out kindof funny and ended somewhat predictable! We were having a breakfast for the Fathers, Sons, and Young Men this morning at church. I was assigned to bring a casserole! I absolutely hate cooking, but the recipe seemed pretty easy! I started mixing the ingredients last night, because it is supposed to sit overnight in the fridge... Well, once I did that, I thought, "Wow! That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be..."

Then, this morning when I woke up to put the casserole in the oven, I reread the directions. Ha! No wonder it was so easy and required little effort-- I missed 3 important little words "cooked and drained"---the sausage! Whoops!

What to do? I asked Ben to go get more sausage and my plan was to cook that and drain and just mix in with some eggs and cheese. I went ahead and cooked the casserole. It appeared the sausage was cooked, so I went ahead and took it. I wasn't able to take the plain sausage and eggs, because our great dane, Ellie, snuck in the kitchen and without making a peep, ate them up!

Luckily, at the breakfast, my casserole was placed in the back and only one serving was gone! I tried to warn the person who took it...I called out their name, but they didn't hear me, so I didn't pursue them...I tried, right?

Well, when Ben came back from the store, we gave him his presents... He got a plastic guitar that is representative of the electric guitar on order, a picture frame edged with rocks (Rocks were given to me for Mother's Day!), mints wrapped in gold, blue, and red representing the 3 colors of the Colombian flag, a metal sign/plaque that says "Rejoice in the Lord", and a digital keychain that has pics of the family downloaded on it!

Church service went well, and then we came home and ate and all had our Sunday nap! I tried to do some scrapbooking, but the couch looked really comfortable, and I ended up taking a snooze! Later, tonight, Ben went to visit his family. Me and the kids stayed behind to pick up the house, do baths, eat supper, and I tried to teach them how to play Connect Four!

Well, now off to do more house cleaning! Our SW is coming tomorrow b/w 530-6pm for our final post placement report, and I'm on call tonight from 11p-7a (hope I don't get any calls!) so, need to go tidy a wee bit more! Hope everyone out there had a fabulous day today!

The Princess of Monteria!

We met her! We met Nataly tonight!

And...Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Elisa, Nataly's Tia!

It was such a blessing to get to meet both Nataly and her mom. We have prayed earnestly for Nataly-even while she was still in Colombia...and then we followed her as she began her new life here with her Forever Family on a blog...

It is so neat to see the child I've prayed for...oh my goodness--She IS a Princess! She's a doll! She's so beautiful! She has a radiant smile...at first seems timid, but then comes out of her shell... Her English is GREAT! She's smart! Oh, it was so neat to sit across the table from her tonight...and just think...this was the baby I prayed for...She is really special! I know she has added much life to her family and they are all blessed. Thank you, God for letting me be a part of their story! We have been blessed by you both, Jen and Nataly!

(I believe it was after we returned that I was online with our CHI Prayer Chat that I mentioned to the group, "Has anyone here considered Nataly?" Nataly was pictured with several other children in that month's Noticero. Well, Jenn spoke up, and ever since then, we have prayed specifically for her and her family! And God heard our cry! Jenn received approval a few months later, I believe, and then went to Monteria to adopt her...before Jenn traveled to Colombia, she sent us a picture of Nataly, and I had it photocopyed at Staples and each of the children had their own color copy of Nataly's pic. The picture was on their bedside table or dresser, and they prayed nearly every night for her! It was such a blessing for us to finally get to meet her!)

Here are some pics we took:

The children were so excited in the car on the way to Mobile about meeting Nataly. When we finally met up with them at Olive Garden, they didn't speak to one another initially...My three began playing around and pokin' Jenn, and as we finally sat down the kids began speaking to one another. Andrew and Nataly talked some... Tatiana would interject a few words here and there... I really enjoyed sharing with Jenn. Ben was also there and shared his thoughts about our adoption experience. Diego entertained us throughout the dinner with his chuckles. The children exchanged gifts. We were able to pick up some cool buys at Disney for Nataly, but I'm not sure that they won't be too big...but at least she can grow into them! Her facial responses to each were so precious! She gave hugs afterward! So sweet! She also brought us gifts! And wrote us each a letter! How special! Thank you, Nataly! The kids got in the car, and Andrew said, "Mami, I love Nataly!" Aww...and then, Diego chimed in, "I love Nataly!" They had a great time! Tatiana had earlier mentioned that they were both princesses. They are! We got some beautiful babies, Jen!

We hope to meet up with Jen, Nataly, and Elisa sometime this week while they are visiting in Orange Beach! They were all really fun and easy to talk to! I had a thought--we could have an unofficial Southern Colombian get-together!!!

FARC Desertions - NPR (3/28/08)- a little dated, but nonetheless-good info!

FARC Desertions Hit Record High
by Juan Forero

Day to Day, March 28, 2008 · Colombia's Marxist FARC rebels have been engaged in a seemingly endless guerrilla insurgency for more than four decades. But within their ranks, there's a record number of desertions.

Click here to listen to the story (about 5 mins long):
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89186915

Old Navy & Colombia

This evening, Tatiana, Diego and I went to Old Navy to check for any sales...I was scanning the clearance racks when a Hispanic male approached me and asked how old Diego was. I told him and then he seemed to be comparing sizes to him. (As if he were buying clothes for someone Diego's size) And I just told them Diego's sizes, and said, "but he's from Colombia, and he's a bit smaller than some around here." And he and the female woman with him, said, "Ah, Colombia!"

I said, "Yes!" with a big smile. They didn't say much else...but then I saw them at the register later and we struck up a conversation...These two people were from COLOMBIA!!! I was like- no way!!! And anyways, it was a cool moment. It was a man and his neice...She still has two sons in Colombia age 12 and 18. Not sure exactly how long she'd been in the States or what her plans were, but the man said he intended to go back in a month to Armenia. We talked some about our upcoming trip to Cali! It was so neat!!! We've only met one other guy from Colombia here in Mississippi, so that was wild! Anyways, just wanted to share...

Also, we have our LAST post placement this coming Monday! Yeah! Then, we will be finished! The birth certificates are in at the Lawyer's office. We have to go pick them up and then apply for the kids' passports...whew! Much to do still!

Powerful Prayer concerning the Esther Anointing...

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
The Esther Anointing - A Word for the Praying Church 3/2/99

Behind closed doors I prepared you. I carefully allotted you hidden assignments, ones that would build courage and valor. — Assignments that built faith against the odds. I raised you to be gracious in your manner and I gave you My greatest favor. Even so, who would have guessed that in your veins flows the blood of royalty? Who would have guessed I would have chosen you for such an hour? For behind closed doors you were anointed. Behind closed doors you were prepared. In secret I raised an intercessor, a deliverer. The measure of your authority, your vote, has been kept secret even from you.

The enemy has secretly plotted to kill and destroy and annihilate. I have exposed the plans just in time that you may take your rightful place. Rise to the occasion queen daughter. For I have given you the anointing of Queen Esther. Come forth My beloved and speak to the King. I have given you the power and the authority to intercede on behalf of the many who can not speak for themselves. I have strategically placed you in My kingdom for such a time as this. Have courage, speak forth the Words of the Lord. Be strong, be valiant and fight for those who can not fight. Be My deliverer and put a stop to this enemy plan.

I stretch out My scepter to you. Step forward into your place. What is your request? I will give it to you. Speak and hold nothing back. What is your petition My queen?

At last Queen Esther replied, "If I have won your favor, O king, and if it please Your Majesty, save my life and the lives of my people. For I and my people have been sold to those who will destroy us. We are doomed to destruction and slaughter..." (Esther 7:3-4 TLB)

Sandy Warner SWauthor@aol.com

The Esther Anointing.

Have any of you heard of the Esther Anointing? This Sunday at Church someone was preaching and began to prophesy over a young man in our fellowship that he had an "Esther Anointing" over his life. He went on and on...

Well, anyways, I was intrigued by that phrase...an Esther's Anointing. I had never heard of that before. I kept thinking about what was said...and started to research it on the internet and ask people about it...

So, tonight, I asked Ben about it. Ben had to leave as service began because Diego chose to skip out on Children's Church and stay behind with us, but then became disruptive--so he missed all what the speaker had to say concerning this...Anyways, immediately, Ben asked "Why? Who said anything to you about that? What makes you ask that?" I'm thinking that was a strange response...then I told him about the service. And he said something even more interesting. He said earlier, before service an intercessor had came up to him and told him she had been praying for us, and then she began to tell him that she felt I had an Esther Anointing. Ben agreed and began to state my heart for the orphan child...and she said yeah, but there was something more, and she just wasn't released yet to say...

Hmm, so that's interesting, wouldn't ya say? So, what is an Esther's Anointing?

Support Adoption With A Father's Day Treat!

The Very First Picture! & How Our Story Unfolded

This was the VERY first picture we received from CHI. When we received the referral, Sara DeMerchant, from CHI called and said she had just emailed me the picture and we will soon be getting more information mailed to us.

Some history about our adoption and the process we went thru:

• We requested a sibling group of 3
• We requested 3 girls (My desire was to have at least one little girl to name after my grandmother, Mary Geneva. I was going to name her Genevieve Marie, a twist off of Nana's name.)
• Before our dossier made it to Colombia and was translated, Lucia had sent word that there was a sibling group of 3 girls available, but they were a few years older. We were asked if interested, to increase the age on our Home study.
• After some prayer, Ben did not feel these were our children and we declined to increase the requested age at that time. We did pray for these children -praying that God place them in the right home and that they be sheltered and cared for until then...
• A few weeks later, we received another call from Sara with info about our unofficial referral. The only info she knew was that it was 2 boys, 1 girl from Florencia, and their ages.
• About a week later (a long week!) we got the above photo and a few more days or so translated info on the children with additional pics (see earlier post).
• Ben met me at work so we could open the email together from Sara. As the picture opened, we saw only Andrew and his lips!!! He and Ben have the same lips! Then as the picture downloaded we saw that the children look a LOT like Ben! Only God could make a match like that!
• Before we got news of the referral, someone in our church said they had a vision of our children and it wasn't 3 girls, it was 2 boys and a girl! Sara began sharing the news and made a comment, I know you really wanted 3 girls, but I really think you will...and I just interrupted her and said, no, no! And told her what the lady at church had said...God is so good!
• We needed nearly $9,500 for adoption expenses/fees on April 10th before we got our referral on April 27th; by May 21st, we needed under $3,500! By our travel date on June 2nd, we had all the money needed plus a little spending money; Praise be to God!
• We flew to Bogota to Florencia. Stayed 17 days in Colombia!
• Touched ground with three new US Citizens! And life hasn't been the same since!!!

Worship & Speaking Truth - Andrew

(A picture from the park; Taken within our first year as a family.)

So, we started using some of those Integrity Home Worship DVDs...and well, I'm trying to encourage the children to begin singing out and so, I sing out more so than I would normally at church...well, when there was a break in worship as one song ended...Andrew said, "Mami, no sing good. Papi sings good!" Ha! Papi wasn't there when we were doing this! Papi does sing loud at church and sometimes with the Worship Team or while in the pulpit...I thought that was too cute! He's so right, "Mami no sing good!" Aren't ya glad as a child of God even when we might be tone deaf or so totally off key that it pleases our Father to hear us sing praises to Him? My prayer is that it be a sweet fragrance to Him, and that my children learn to lift their voice to our God, our Father!