Welcome Home Africa Orphanage

I found this video on Youtube today. I think I've seen it before, but had not posted it. So for all of you who'd like to see where we're headed...THIS IS IT!

Have YOU bought into the lie?

I can call whenever I want!

That's what our laywer's secretary said. :o) Makes me very happy. I talked to her yesterday and she had called the judge's office in the morning and asked to pull my file. The judge's secretary said for her to call back tomorrow (today) afternoon. Hopefully, it will be UNSEALED today! Whoop! That's our prayer. Then the changes can be made! YAY!

I was reminded this morning that God has not brought me to this place to leave me exposed to the elements. He stretches out His wings and they cover me. His wings are for protection, they are wings of help, and refuge. God had wanted to gather Israel under His wings like a mother hen her chicks, but they refused. I do not want to refuse. God is my refuge, my help in time of need. He is my strength. He is my provision. It is not I who provides for myself, but the Lord. I will trust in Him.

Good News + 2 Prayer Requests

I spoke with Mandy today. One of the new missionaries that has gone over to Welcome Home will be teaching Daniel (and Jeremiah, I think) sign language! She knows ASL and will be teaching him the basics. :o) That means once we're over there, the missionary can let me know what she's taught him and we'll be able to talk easily. Once home, we can pursue hearing aids. Yay!

Jeff called the lawyer about 5 minutes ago, and I have updates! All adoption records are sealed. The request to unseal my records is on the judge's desk. The lawyer's secretary has a pop up reminder on her computer to call every 2 hours to check to see if it has been unsealed. Once it is unsealed, they will send a courrier over to retrieve the documents. The changes have already been made on another form which can immediately go back into the unsealed file and back to the Judge. At that point, he can either decide to make the corrections without a hearing OR have another hearing. Since I was an adult when I was adopted, the attorney thinks it will be no problem for the judge to sign off on the changes. Once they're signed off, I believe I can get the file and take it to Vital Statistics in Austin myself.

**PLEASE PRAY this will all happen speedily.**

God CAN make a way for this to occur lickety-split. ;o) I know these things.

I know all things are working on His time table and not mine. His ways are higher than mine. His thoughts are higher than mine. He knows absolute best. Period.

Our refinance is coming along nicely. Our home was appraised at a much higher value than we had expected! That means we will have enough funds to renovate the house and get our 3rd bedroom, shed, fence, etc. easily. Our house payment will stay about the same, YAY! We had hoped for lower, but we're happy with the same payment with more living space.

All that's left for us to do: get insurance worked out, and classes. We've been stalling on those two things until my certificate gets ironed out.

PRAYER REQUEST #2: There is a new judge. He is very gruff. He has been approving the adoptions but is very diligent in going over every last bit of paperwork, and grilling the applicants (that'd be us) in the court room. Mandy says he's very good at his job, upholds the law, etc. but is like a tom who marks his territory with his stamp of approval. We will also have two court dates instead of one. He chooses to see the children independently of each other. That requires extra trips to "K city". Pray that we will have favor in the eyes of the judge, for kindness, meekness, and respectful actions on our part. I have a feeling that we will be tested with many frustrations while there. My hope is that Jeff and I will treat all we meet with Christ-like kindness, love, grace, integrity. I do not want us harboring bitterness or sarcasmn in our hearts because it will show on our face and in our tone of voice. I want a genuine love for the people and honor for all the gov't workers to flow freely from each of us while we are there.

just.waiting.

Did you know that waiting hurts? Well, it does. I know our littles will be home when God deems it time, but I tell ya, this waiting is going to be the death of me. Which is probably a good thing... you know, the whole dying to self part.

The whole adoption decree/birth certificate debaucle is still debaucle-ing. Can I make debaucle into a verb? I just did. So there. ;o)

On happier notes~ we've received Jeff's passport! It took about 10 days. Wowzers! That was fast!

I was called last week by a sweet young lady from Lifegate telling me that she and her 5th grade class raised $59 at a bake sale in our honor!!! Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? This is the 3rd group of children that have given money towards our adoption. It just makes my heart sing to witness how the Lord is working in the lives of His little ones. :o)

Guess that's about it for now. TTFN.

A New Truck for Daniel

This little guy makes me sad. I don't like how his little head is tucked under. :o( My mission is a smile. I hope to get that sooner than later. His truck is tireless,too....not that a boy really NEEDS a truck with a tire but I'm sure it drives much better.

Jeff and I were in SA on Saturday. After we got our paperwork from the social worker, she was in town and had our file, we stopped in to check out the Goodwill on De Zavala.

I had been thinking of lots of toys I wanted to get for the boys this past week and came up with a wee list. One in my mind, that I hadn't shared with anyone but God. We both saw the Goodwill, and thought, "Hey we're here. Let's stop in."

We walked in and I have to say, this was the nicest Goodwill I've ever been in. I mean, it's still Goodwill. Don't picture Neiman's...but the selection was better than Seguin.

I found a small toy shelf and on it was that LIKE NEW Little Tikes Dump Truck. $1.99. !!! Thanks God! What ever child had that truck either didn't use it much or had so many other things he couldn't use it. It looked like it was straight out of the box. I had hoped to find him a dump truck! :o) I also wanted some wooden blocks to put in the truck for dumping/building purposes. We found an old Jenga game, $1.99. See that plane? I wanted a plane so badly, so we could 'roll play' once home our adventure to America, Mommy, Daddy, brothers, ... family. The plane is Playmobil. We had just looked at a Playmobil plane online not 2 days before, $50. This plane with pilot and co-pilot all in great condition, $1.99. I snatched it up. I wanted something more 'educational' and we found a Tangoes,jr. It's a Tangram game. Like new, people! $3.99. The pieces are magnetic so they won't slide off. We also found some play clothes in excellent condition for $.99 a piece...shorts and collared shirst and T's....A Children's Place, Arizona, Parisien Kids. They did not smell bad! They smelled like fabric softener. $20 bought them quite a bit of stuff. Thanks God. Now they have some play clothes and toys. :o)

And Daniel has a new truck...

Leann and Anna

So. Just who are Leann and Anna, you ask? They're the ladies who sit behind the front desk at the library and check your books/videos out and take all your money in overdue fines. :o)

They just learned yesterday that Jeremiah and Daniel are coming.

J and D,

They're SO EXCITED to meet you, boys! They've asked to see pictures of you two.

Every Wednesday, Leann reads at Story Time. We can walk across the street to our library, listen to a story, have a little snack, and make a craft. I think you'll like it. Your brothers, Joshua and Caleb, used to go when they were little and they thought it was the funnest day of the week! :o)

One Happy Family

(Just for the record: as soon as this blog can go public, it's being imported to Typepad. Just sayin. Blogger makes me angry. Yes. Blogger. Not any sin within me. It's Blogger, 100%. I need line breaks people! Is that too much to ask!?!!?)

Y'all know I'm kidding about that sin part, right?

As part of our adoption process, we have to make a family story book. We had to photoshop in Daniel and Jeremiah. Since Jeff sort of knows how to do that he took over that job. I just put everything together once it was done. Let me just say for the record --this is a different record than the previous one mentioned--we are going to LAUGH about this book for years to come people! At one point, I was on the verge of tears. Poor Jeremiah looked like he had a bite taken out of his little head!!! Aye. :o) Sorry J, we love you...we can get a little silly around here.

It has to be simple for the kids to focus on us and not cute artwork. Imagnine ME not doing anything CUTE to a scrapbook. I'm all about simple, but this one consists of a picture and a caption. Period. But don't you worry your pretty little head, I'll make up some CUTE family story books for each boy. :o) Cuz that's what I do.

Joshua and Caleb each wrote a short, personal note. Now they're begging to buy something fun for their brothers... :o)

Baby Pictures

Daniel

Jeremiah

***

Needing a lift after all this paperwork meltdown.

:o)

A Glitch updated

We've had our first glitch. I'm sure there will be more throughout this process, and it will probably be frustrating for me. I am trying to remain calm and still before God knowing full well He is who He says He is.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

I've been thinking this morning, that the above verse is probably better suited to this whole process than the one I put in the banner above. 1 Thess 5:24 is not in context up there. That verse is talking about when the Lord calls you, He is faithful to sanctify you. He will do it. I am here to say. He's doing it. He's sanctifying me this very moment. How you ask? Let me tell you.

My birth certificate that was issued after my adoption is wrong. ARRrrRRrrrRg. There's nothing for me to do except get it fixed which requires a trip to Houston and a trip to Austin. This process could go quickly or not. The State could see their error and fix it or require a legal name change...in which case my maiden name would be the same as my married name which means I would not have the same last name as my Dad who adopted me. See how this is crazy?

In reading over the adoption decree last night, (and I am totally confused at this point) it may have been recorded incorrectly as well. If that's the case, I don't know what happens! Am I readopted? Or does the lawyer just amend the paperwork? I just don't know.

UPDATE**

It is in fact my adoption decree. How it all reads on all the documents is my married name is my adopted last name. Which obviously incorrect, as one cannot be married when they're a child. SO! We wait. The Lawyer is looking into it. He says the fixing process is not a big deal. However, I have no clue how long it will take. I've asked if there's a way to expedite the process. I also have no clue how this much will cost. But it really doesn't matter the cost, it really must be done. All my records need to match for more than the adoption. It's a good thing this was found now and not later!!!

Today, I'm headed back to our courthouse to show the clerk all I have and see what she can make of it.

Please pray that this whole mess can be straightened out simply and quickly...while I remain still in the confidence that He is God. He is my GOD, whom I serve. He will work on my behalf in a way that best glorifies Him.

J and D,

"Be still and know that I Am God." Psalm 46:10 God is in total control. Daddy and Mommy have faith in that very fact!

~Mommy

Disappointment

On Saturday, I emailed the orphanage director with a prayer request. I asked her to pray about taking Josh and Caleb with us to Uganda. Everyone stateside says, "Take them!" We say, "We want to!" However, when I asked her to pray about us taking them, I also asked the Lord to guide us with her answer. Not only did she pray, but her husband, and several board members. They all said, "No". She gave some reasons. I am sure I could cause a stink and force my way. However, I did ask the Lord to guide us through her answer. So now I must trust the Lord that He did indeed guide us for the best. I am very disappointed. They both want to go so badly. I think it would be wonderful for them. But God thinks differently and I must, beyond a shadow of doubt trust He is for our good and not evil. He is. He is for our good.

Jeremiah and Daniel,

Please know your brothers wanted to come to Uganda to meet you. They wanted to see where you have lived for the first 4 years of your life, to see your homeland, culture---although I don't think they realize what that means exactly. :o) It was a way for them to get to know you better and to understand from where you come. They are very excited for you to come home.

~Mommy

Stamp of Approval *Updated*

Whew. We had our homestudy today. WOWZERS folks. It was looooong. Our social worker who is very friendly and personable loves to visit!

She started with the boys and asked all sorts of questions just to get to know them better. She asked how they felt about the adoption, Joshua said he will be excited once his brothers get here. Caleb said he is really happy and scared all at the same time.

Caleb donated some of his gift money to the adoption. I was so humbled. He really wanted to give us some of his money. He is such a generous boy.

*Update* I forgot to mention (due to jello brain from the HS) that two families from church helped fund a good portion of the HS + the $$ we scraped together. God is good! Thank you friends--you know who you are!

Lots of processing to do and I am just wiped out from it all. We are so happy all went well and look forward taking the next step.

AW Tozer

"God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible.

What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."

***

Do you do this? Just plan things you can only do by yourself. I sure do. I think that is one thing our adoption has made me realize. How often to I really depend on God to provide, act, etc. on my behalf because I can't? Not often.

God's Faithfulness

I don't think I really understand how to be faithful. I can succeed to the best of my human abilities to be faithful, but I don't think I really 'get' true faithfulness. This I know.

God gets faithfulness. He's perfectly faithful, 100% of the time. He always has been and always will be and is right this moment, faithful...to ME.

That verse up there, in a lovely shade of azure, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" is true. It is a sure thing. There are no maybe's or if's or then's...it just IS.

Today, I had another example of God's faithfulness regarding the adoption of two wee boys HE has CALLED us to. Wanna hear it?

The husband of a friend (who is also pursuing adoption but has not made it public just yet) called our social worker and somehow had the price of the homestudy lowered by $200. $200!!! That is the Lord at work people! :o) Isn't that the coolest?! I sure think so.

I've decided to keep record of all the cool things God does for us through this adoption. I think I'll make it a sidebar item. K? So it can be found quickly. There are already two others and a few in the works. The rules I am following, thought, are "Cool Things He Has Done"...not about to do. Just so I can keep track easily. K? We good? Good.

Jeremiah and Daniel,

Someday you'll read this journal and I hope you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that GOD placed YOU right here in the middle of our hearts and home so that you would have a family. A family that loves you very much. God chose it and made it happen because He loves you both that much.

Love,
Mommy

4+2=6

While making our gingerbread house this year, I added two more gingerbreadmen. :o)

Support Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

The Dodson Family (Jeff, Laura, Joshua and Caleb) greets you! We are pleased to announce a new turn of events in our family. The Lord has laid on our hearts the desire to adopt two little boys from Africa. Surprise! :o)

Their names are Jeremiah (4) and Daniel (3).


Jeremiah was abandoned about 2 years ago in a local hospital. He has lived at the orphanage for 2 years. When he came to the home as a baby, he was very sullen and withdrawn. You can see by the photo above that his smile has traveled to his eyes. God has placed him in a loving environment where he is taught about Jesus everyday and cared for by a “Mama” (a local woman from the village) during the day at the home. He is close to aging out (age 6) of the orphanage. Once that happens, his country will consider him a permanent orphan and become ineligible for adoption.

Daniel was also abandoned about 2 years ago on a roadside near a school. The school children were dismissed at the end of the day, and Daniel was found. He has lived at the orphanage ever since. He has the same “Mama” as Jeremiah. They are considered brothers and will be adopted together. Daniel has moderate hearing impairment. His left ear has little hearing and his right has about 50% hearing. He will need a hearing aid once he gets to the states. I’ve not seen one photo of him smiling. I am assuming it is partially due to his hearing loss. It has been suggested that he should learn sign language while he can still hear just in case he loses the rest of his hearing. Lord willing, he won’t lose any more! Thankfully, I know some ASL, and what I don’t know, I can learn.

These boys need a forever family, loving home, a couple of brothers and some cats! :o) That’s US! The Lord has been faithful to give us encouragement through good friends and His Word.

“In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

“He who calls you is faithful who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 4:24

I (Laura) have first hand experience. At the age of 24, I was adopted. Even though my circumstances were vastly different than those of Jeremiah and Daniel, I can say with all confidence there is a distinct feeling deep inside to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am wanted. I consider my adoption day as one of the most special days of my life.

Taking care of children doesn’t have to be costly, however, the adoption process is. Some of the expenses include documentation, classes, medical, legal and travel expenses. We will need to travel to Africa for an extended stay of 5 weeks for court dates, transitioning the children to our care, and finally, bringing them home. :o)

Would you please keep our family in your prayers? We serve a very BIG GOD who provides for all our needs in ways we cannot begin to imagine. We are confident He will.


In His Service,
The Dodson Family

*****

Jeremiah and Daniel,

This is the letter Mommy and Daddy sent out to all our friends and family asking for their prayer support. You have no idea that you have a family right now. :o) We are praying for the Lord to move mightily on your behalf and for His name! Our hope is that through our adoption, many will see the goodness of our God. He cares for you both! He is working right this very moment to bring you into a forever family who loves you very much. I cannot imagine how our very big God is going to work, but I trust that He will. We hope to meet you very soon.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Adoption Is Greater Than The Universe - John Piper

A contact on facebook sent this video clip to me. I knew of this girl, now woman, back at Howard Payne. Our paths at school never really crossed, but I knew who she was.

She and her husband adopted a boy from Korea. She is part Korean.

We got to 'talking' today and she gave me some wonderful encouragement and some warnings. It was great! And, this video. She sent it this a.m. but for whatever reason ;o) I didn't get it until tonight. Tonight is when I needed to watch it. I've been wondering "How" and "When" + all the etceteras of God's provision. I was having a pity party moment. Then I watched this. I laughed. I cried. :o)

welcome

In talking with Melissa at church last night, she gave me an idea.

Since I am not allowed to blog publicly about the adoption, but still feel a deep desire to post and have friends/family keep up with the process, why not make my private blog invitation only?

I will probably not keep this blog updated as much as my other, Offerings.

Welcome Friends to Dodson, Party of Six. Enjoy your stay!

nice day}at ease

What a nice afternoon. We met up with some friends at the park for some playtime. One of the families there adopted two children from the same African country and orphanage that we're using. God is so good. He gives me what I need in order to move forward. Watching their family work, puts me at ease. I know they love one another, the kids are adjusting, everyone is happy. :o) Just what I needed to witness.

odd

The other night, well, morning, I was dreaming. I have no clue what the dream was about. During the dream, there was a Voice that spoke clearly. The Voice overrided (overrid?) what was happening in the dream. The Voice was one of authority. It said, "It's all paid for." I woke with a start, and asked, "Lord? What was that? Was that You?" ??? I knew the Voice was talking about the adoption. And just so you know, that has NEVER happened to me before. Ever. Ever. So, I'm just one big question mark right now. I'm not sure what it was, if it was just part of a crazy dream, or more significant than that. I just don't know. But I figured I better record it just in case it was significant.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

***

I was reminded of this verse today. It was a verse that the Lord brought to mind last year while I was working fulltime outside the home. It brought much comfort and peace during my day. I am so thankful the Lord allowed me to see this verse today, and remember the impact it had on my response to His faithfulness. He is the one who is faithful. Far more than I ever hope to be!

{the house files}

Pics taken and uploaded to the store for processing. :o) I love this feature. I don't have to make two trips to the big box. Just one! And do you know how happy that makes me??? Verrrry. Now I can cross another item off my list...and the rest of the list is really up to Mr. Hub except the pet vaccination records. :o) Smiiiiiiling.

Conformity

**Update** I jumped off.

I jumped on the 'decorate-your-blog-bandwagon' through Cutest Blog on the Block. Talk about easy peasy. Lots of the designs are cutsie...I'm not so much. I think this one is a bit more classy than cute...

Of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with adoption. :o)

Jeff and I had a good talk last night before bed. It really helped me put things in perspective. I have such a godly man for a husband. God has been so good to me.

Jeff asked how he could help me and I shared a few things with him. He has been learning to lead and I've been learning to follow. :o) It's making all the difference in our marriage, especially now when there's so much to do and so little we can control...what am I saying?!?! When are we ever in control? God in His Sovereignty knows what is happening and I need to trust Him fully and not rely on myself.

Now, I must go finish picking up around the house so I can take some pics for our files. :o)

{only 7 left}

Only 7 documents left to complete our Home Study file. Most have to be done by Jeff. Then we move on to WH, our agency, documents. Also, the i600a for the both of us, fingerprinting...and gobs of money to dispense to all these wonderful folks who are helping us move along the winding path of adoption.

Jeff and I went up to the front of church today to pray with friends. I've been stressing about accumulating all this paperwork for the files and yesterday pretty well topped the chart. Today has been much better. I think it helped to check some boxes off the main list after church this a.m.

In order to take that curve, we'll need money and lots of it. About $13,ooo. Most goes to WH, and then some to immigration, passports, and other stuff... Lord?

Quietly Waiting...not so much

"Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

.

Lamenatations 3:21-26

***

So. I had a big hairy freak out while making blueberry muffins this a.m. ??? Jeff was telling me about an idea he had, and I flipped.

.

"I can only think about one thing at a time right now. Please let me just think about one thing!"

.

"What is it that you want to think about?"

.

"Blueberry Muffins!!!! Ok?!?!"

.

"Oooohkaaaay."

.

:o) or maybe ;o(

Aye. I'm better now. God is teaching me to rely on Him 24/7...I'm a slow learner.