A new direction, but still seeing God's work

I had to take a step away from the blog and adoption scene for a bit. I wanted everyone to know that miracles happen everyday. While it seemed as though the world had stopped in one area of our lives, it was full steam ahead in others. This spring and summer has proven to be a busy, challenging, and exciting time with work. We also have added another miracle to our family. Baby number seven was delivered at the end of April and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful natural birth and adorable bundle of joy than we have been blessed with with our baby boy. For now, our family is complete and I will be busy being mama to my beautiful children. Slowly, we are returning to a new normal among work, late nights, breastfeeding around the clock, karate, soccer, and homeschooling.

We have learned many things over the last year. First and foremost, God's will may take you places you never expected and may make twists and turns that test your faith and forge you into something greater. Among the negativity and lost friendships, new friendships and hope can spring forth. I pray that though our adoption could not proceed, God continues to show us how He is working in these children's lives, and that we are able to continue to be some small part of God's plan.

For those that still occasionally follow this page, thank you for your support through it all. I am planning on taking it in a different direction. I am working on expanding it and sharing many aspects of my life. I hope that I can help others by sharing my experiences with adoption, but also in homeschooling, nursing, travel, running, gardening, and even the stories of chickens and children! My life has already been so blessed and so full. Please check back in from time to time and join in the tears, joy, and hilarity of it all.

Spread the Word! God isn't done leading us!

I have an overwhelming urge to continue our journey through domestic adoption. However, now that Joshua is due in 10 weeks, it isn't the best time to start all over. So......

I am heeding God's command to help the orphans by using my blog. I know I have probably lost a lot of people that had been checking my blog, but I hope that enough of you are left that you can help! As soon as I can figure out how to get links set up on my blog, I will start adding links to wonderful families who are adopting and need our help. I will also add links to other blogs so that you can all share in the beauty that surrounds the adoption journey. I KNOW, these families need our support; both emotional and financial. There is also so much we can learn and experience through their journeys of love and redemption.

Please spread the word, let people know that our work is not done. We will press on. God hasn't stopped calling us to follow Him.

Thank you.

What now?

I had stepped away from the blog for a while because it has been a very hard time for me. I do not compare my hurt though to those that may never find homes due to events that have transpired. I admit that I still have a very hard time thinking about or being faced with anything "Russian". I simply have to pray when these emotions well up inside of me; and know that there are very kind people throughout the world as well as evil. I have to concentrate on those that are kind.

I have no idea what lies ahead for our family. I have to believe that the purpose of our journey was not simply to have bitterness; toward the Russian government, the adoption agency that was so unprofessional and heartless, or the agency that we found Ivan through and their hurtful actions. I have seen such love from others and have to remind myself that that is what God wants me to focus on. I must find a peace and concentrate on what God has in store for us.

For now, we have begun helping another family that is adopting from Guatemala and that has allowed for healing. We are also only 10 weeks away from welcoming our son, Joshua, into the family. This mama is feeling her age and is anxiously awaiting his arrival.

I have had a stomach virus and then bronchitis since December 26th. I am finally beginning to feel better and pray it is indeed going away.

At the moment, I am on an extremely rare business trip and am missing my babies and husband. Two weeks of "me" time is odd for a hands-on, home-schooling, 24/7 mother and wife. Praying I will be with them within the next week or so. I have to brag on my family though. My husband is doing a fabulous job doing everything on his own, and my two oldest boys are such big helpers to papa, and love their baby brother so much. A big thank you to my wonderful friend for helping watch the boys while my husband goes to his own classes. (1.5 semesters and he has his degree. I am so proud!)

My God is big. He is guiding us. We will continue to live our lives for Him.

Thank you.

I am still numb, but processing it all. I still find myself checking for news. That, I guess, will take a while too. I assure you that had the ban not taken affect, we would still be on the journey. Each family has there own reasons for staying the course or changing directions. Each circumstance is different. We just feel that God is not leading us to fight Putin, the Dumas, and European court at this time. We feel that we can better serve, by serving other adopting families at this time. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you that have supported us along the way. We love and appreciate you all. Thank you to those with kind words of encouragement now. It is incredibly hard. It will take time. Thank you for grace. Christopher and Laura