Voice for the children

Today, I read three posts from newly adoptive parents advocating for children not yet placed. Leslie, whose newly adopted daughter had heart surgery today, had this to say in a post early this morning, just hours before her daughter went to surgery:

"I can tell you that as I stood there swaying with her and looking into her eyes, I have never felt any closer to the heart of God. I know many of our friends and family are praying as I had asked you to consider how God might be speaking to your heart about adoption. Oh how my heart swells when I think about just ONE MORE child knowing that LOVE of not only a Mommy and a Daddy but the LOVE of our Heavenly Father through the hands and feet of His people. Imagine with me: we often think of hands and feet in terms of mission work both local and abroad, doing a kind deed for an elderly neighbor, working with youth who may be neglected at home, delivering food to those in need. These are all wonderful acts of service and we should all be a part of these opportunities that surround us everyday. What if you had the opportunity to be God's hands and feet to a child not just for one night a week or during a special holiday time? What if God called you to the be His hands and feet AND HEART to a child forever? What if I told you the GIFT you would receive would be unlike any other? Pray on and pray hard! He will guide you in this mission. And if He is calling, HE WILL PROVIDE."

Yesterday, Jill posted a profile of "Grady", a 13 year-old boy in China, who will soon age out of the system if a family does not adopt him soon. Today, she mentioned in her post the future hope of someday being able to adopt another special needs child.

Trina, mother of 6, who just recently adopted a son from China, was already looking at more profiles of special needs children in China. In her post today, she expressed hope that these children would soon be matched with families.

And, so, I make another appeal to those of you reading this blog. There are millions of orphans in the world. Some in your own county, others all across the globe. Sadly, not all of them are adoptable, but so many are available and waiting. Waiting for a family... a home... something to call their own. Perhaps, they are waiting for you? Adoption is not for everyone, but if you have room in your heart and home for one of these children, won't you consider if adoption might be for your family?

I am not sure at what point we actually decided that we would pursue adoption. I think we both knew we would, long before we committed to it. I'm not sure what we were waiting for, but it is a big decision. Whenever I would hear an appeal for these children, I knew we should do something. If you, too, feel this way, let me ask you, "can you love these kids"?

How's Ben?

Some have emailed to inquire how Ben is doing. He has been to the pediatrician the past 2 Mondays and showed a modest weight gain both times. This past week, he was almost back to his birth weight. The doctors are satisfied with his progress and he doesn't need to go back until his regular one month check. So far, he has been a pretty easy-going baby-- which is just what we needed, considering that we doubled the number of kids in our family in just 3 months! (Kelly-- I hope we have NOTHING in store for the rest of the year!) Thank you all for your prayers-- we still welcome them. I will try to get some fresh pictures up soon.

lady bug helmets

Lily is now much more comfortable in her classes at church. She has transitioned from "B-I-E... nooo" to "B-I-E yaaay"! She has some great teachers, so this helps. Thanks to Miss Linda, Miss Beth, Miss Denise, and Miss Jody for continuing to be understanding and patiently working as team members with our family. Today, in Miss Jody's class, Lily made this lady bug helmet. I thought she was too cute to pass up a photo opportunity!

"hot" date?

I probably don't date my wife enough, but I had one planned for this coming Friday night that I thought was a good one. However, Ben's early arrival put the kibosh on that.

Jen enjoys dinner and a movie. Problem is, most of what Hollywood produces is not worth supporting, at least in my opinion. This Friday, the movie Fireproof opens in theaters. Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea, is a film that portrays wholesome values and is actually made not just to entertain, but with the purpose of strengthening marriages. You can read a review of this film at Plugged In Online.

I am told that the opening weekend is a major factor in determining the long term success of a film, so I am disappointed that we cannot attend the film for it's premiere. I am hoping it will be well attended to send a message, to those who notice, that wholesome films can succeed. So, while my wife and I won't see you there, if you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out Fireproof and let me know what you think of it!

Ben is home

Just a quick post to let you know that Ben was discharged today. We still need to keep a close watch on his weight, but it's just good to have everyone under the same roof tonight.

two hospitals, worlds apart

Ben, slightly jaundiced, and Jen came home last evening. We took Ben to the pediatrician's office for a check today, and his weight became a bigger concern than the jaundice. He had lost some weight at first, but started to gain some back before being discharged. Today the pediatrician said that his weight was of great concern and that he needed to be admitted to the local children's hospital, until he starts to gain adequate weight. It begs the question, "if the weight was so critical this afternoon, why was he discharged last evening?"... but what do I know? So, what was supposed to be our first day together at home as a family, finds myself again manning the "home front", and my wife sitting in another hospital room with little Ben. While I think this is fairly routine, it is obviously still concerning, and we would appreciate your prayers for Ben, but also for Jen. She has been at home a total of about 18 hours since last Friday afternoon-- she seems to be doing OK, all things considered, but I know she's running low on sleep and high on stress!

But, I can't tell you that without also sharing this: At this very moment, a girl named Susannah lies in a Chinese hospital, struggling for survival. Her American forever parents, currently in China, agonize for her while the wheels of bureaucracy grind ever slowly. I can't begin to retell their story and relay their concerns, but this little girl is in grave difficulty. This family needs encouraged and Susannah needs a miracle. Perhaps you have already heard their story on another blog, but you can find it at www.roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/. I know they would appreciate your words of encouragement and your prayers.

Four on a couch

The three siblings met their baby brother on Sunday. It was decided amongst them that Zachary should hold Ben first, since he faithfully prayed for months for a baby brother and a baby sister.

He holds the baby brother, while the little sister looks on. (I'm not sure he realizes this day could have a lot to do with those prayers, because not all that long ago, I didn't imagine this picture!)

Dylan was itching to get his turn, but I was proud of him for letting his younger siblings hold Ben first.

Lily is very excited about having a little brother. She loves to call him "Xiao Xiao's baby".

Our blessings... four on a couch!

Here's Ben!

Benjamin Jeffrey joined our family at approximately 12:30 AM, Saturday, September 13, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. He appears to be a very healthy boy, and for that we are thankful. His three siblings are all anxious to meet him... probably tomorrow.

"B-I-E...nooo"

A few children's Sunday School songs have recently become meaningful in our home. For Lily, "The B-I-B-L-E" has become significant. She doesn't know most of the words, but she attempts the spelling part-- it usually comes out, "B-I-E". Her favorite part of the song, though, is shouting "BIBLE!" at the end, although her timing is sometimes a little off. She doesn't know most of the other songs, so she sometimes throws a "BIBLE!" in the middle of "Jesus Loves Me", or "Jesus Loves the Little Children", just for good measure. Because her English is still very limited, "B-I-E" has come to represent "church" for her. For the first weeks, Jen or I sat with her in her classes, but we are now leaving her. Although she does fine, she is apprehensive about going to church and expresses this with the phrase, "B-I-E...noooo".

Recently, as I was with Lily in her class, I was struck by the appropriateness of "Jesus Loves the Little Children". For those who may be rusty on the lyrics to children's songs: "Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world; red, yellow, black, and white; they are precious in his sight..." On this particular Sunday, there were only 2 children in the class: an American girl with blond hair, and a Chinese-American girl with raven hair. These 2 little girls sat side-by-side, but were very different in appearance and geography. Yet, they were a living representation of the message of this simple song--through the eyes of Jesus, there is no difference.

15 years ago...

This past Thursday, I heard on the radio that it was 15 years ago that New York Yankees pitcher, Jim Abbott, pitched a no hitter against the Cleveland Indians. What's so special about that, you ask? Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. For more information, visit the official Jim Abbott web site: http://www.jimabbott.info/biography.html.

"Find something you love, and go after it, with all of your heart."-
--Jim Abbott

The Lily Song

Jen found this on another adoption site and I had to include it here. When you click the link, a new page will open. When you are finished listening, don't use "close window". Use "back" to return to this blog page.

THE LILY SONG