tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928801070717228582024-03-13T19:58:27.717-07:00A Family Faith That Works Welcome to our adoption journal! Thank you for sharing not only the journey of our adoption, but also the journey of our FAITH along the way. We want our boys to know how confident we are that God chose us as their forever family and how our FAITH has grown as a result of their coming into our lives. Joseph and Askia - you were loved beyond measure even before we met you! Submit your email below to follow the journey with us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-15636150201006148602014-08-04T11:56:00.003-07:002014-08-04T11:56:50.670-07:00Request from USCIS for "more information"<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So we received notice back from USCIS for a "request for more information". Fortunately, Mary is working with our amazing and very kind attorney, Hanifa, in Ghana to pull the requested documents.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">It's been a week now since the request came in and I am hopeful that any day now they will be sending me the paperwork.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Also, in the meanwhile, Mary is waiting on the boys' passports to come in. </span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Whenever I send frantic messages to Joseph or Askia asking them about the passports or if Mary has done this or that, I always get a very calm, reassuring reply from them something like this: "no worries mum. God is in control and it is all in His time.".</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Oh how they continue to teach and inspire me. </span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">We are kind of in a holding pattern until we pass USCIS. From there we will apply for Visa's and will need to travel to Ghana for Visa interviews and to bring the boys home. </span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this journey. So many changes have occurred since we began and so many devastating losses. We continue to follow God's calling in our lives and appreciate your love and support.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">~Andrea</span>andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441526310825241490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-41736662789653837092014-05-19T03:29:00.000-07:002014-05-19T03:29:48.545-07:00Everyday God Moments ...... Yesterday's message (at HOPE) was about how God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Of course Moses thought it a daunting task and I can just imagine he tried to think of a million reasons why he was not up for the task. Nonetheless the call was too great for him to ignore and he did as God asked. <br />
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Nicole shared how long and hard the struggle was for Moses and that he did not always know the answers or the outcome during this time. BUT the one thing God did promise Moses was that He would never leave him and Moses would always know His presence in that very moment, and every moment of his journey.<br />
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It made me think about our adoption journey and how sometimes I feel the task too daunting and just impossible. But how all along the way we have seen and felt everyday "God Moments" that just reassure us we are on the right path and doing His will.<br />
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Last night I (reluctantly) went with Andy to a work reception at the Governor's Mansion. He knows how much I hate these types of things and rarely go. It was a small gathering in the garden and was only supposed to be 90 minutes.<br />
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I started talking to this very nice couple and when she asked about my children, I shared ALL of them. I don't always share with people I've just met about our adoption and I'm not sure why I even did last night but it just came out of my mouth. Darlene seemed very curious and asked me more about it. I tried to give the condensed version of "it's been a complete God thing and we were not looking to adopt". In fact we never felt like we were up to the daunting task but that the force was just so strong and the path so clear and "here we are". <br />
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She then began to open up to me about how she had always felt like God had called her to be a foster parent but she feared for years she couldn't do it while raising her 3 children and that it may be too distracting or too difficult on them. She said she had never shared it with anyone until a recent Bible Study with some other women a little over a year ago. She said she felt so relieved to have just shared it with others and that the "tug on her heart" had been so great it was difficult for her to ignore it.<br />
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Well a week later there was a need at her church for a young 17 yr old boy needing a Foster Family. Darlene said she knew right then that was her sign and what she was supposed to do. It's been a year now and she says she doesn't have any regrets at all and the blessings far outweighed the struggles. She had tears in her eyes when she shared what God had been doing in their lives ever since that day when she answered that call and stepped out in Faith. We both laughed at all the conversation was just another "God moment" where we get reassurances and feel God's "presence" in random situations.<br />
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Moses never knew all the answers; yet he knew God was always present and would never leave him. Well if it was good enough for Moses than it's more than enough for me today!<br />
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Have a wonderful Monday everyone!<br />
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~AndreaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-62965020929408294592014-05-16T18:11:00.003-07:002014-05-16T18:15:54.604-07:00Thank You!!!<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">I cannot thank you all enough for not only the donations but for the very kind messages of support. Reaching out for help is a very humbling and vulnerable place to be. And a place most of us don't feel comfortable. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">This message was a reminder that it is NOT about ME but its about two sweet, faithful boys that call me "mum". </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">I am so grateful God selected me for this amazing adoption journey. My Faith has been tested and stretched but through messages like this one, I know we are doing His will. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Blessings, </span><br />
~Andrea<br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">"Andrea, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">I have followed the Salem's blog for quite awhile allowing her heart toward the orphan to teach me God's heart. But it was your boy's comment about how difficult it was to spent such money on orphans that truly broke my heart and my purse open. For which I am thankful. But I will pray continuously that your boys will know the joy of their worth to God. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">I am truly honored to be a small small part of your journey and will continue to follow your blog. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Thank you for being open in sharing your life. And please do not hesitate to ask for help In your blog you said you hated to ask. Listen closely, dear sister... If you do not ask, I have no opportunity to be blessed. Don't keep God's blessings from me. It is His plan that these children have a large family who love and pray for them always. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Lovingly, L"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-24341186247850368002014-05-12T14:13:00.000-07:002014-05-12T14:13:18.399-07:00A litte boy's plea ......<i></i><blockquote>
<i>"mum some times i think i should cry because i dont know my light and right i dont when i am going to be with u forvere and i cry everyday de one i think about, its a long to see him and i think some times i lose hope God because mission inposible if i will never be to (usa)and i see u and de family my mind tells me that i have found what i want in my life may lord be with u. be with family, take u to highiet level love u mum"</i></blockquote>
<i><br />
</i>This was my message from Askia yesterday. I hesitated to share it on here but his message has been tugging at my heart ever since I read it. I wanted to share with you why I am so deeply in love with these two boys. <br />
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When I explain to him we are working with new attorneys and getting funds together to send to them for a new court date, this is what he says:<br />
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<i></i><blockquote>
<i>"Sorry it not easy spend money on ophance like us"</i></blockquote>
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Oh but you are SO worth it Askia - in God's eyes and in our hearts!! Mum and dad will NOT give up on you sweetie.<br />
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~ Andrea<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-25680723927765451782014-05-08T05:46:00.002-07:002014-05-08T05:47:13.097-07:00Praying for guidance and obedience<br />
It's been a little while since I posted any updates. I can hardly believe it's been over a year now that we have been on this adoption journey. <br />
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With all the craziness of our everyday lives, I've actually been wondering if God really knew what He was doing when He called Andy and I to be Joseph and Askia's parents 16 months ago. I understand God doesn't make mistakes but seriously I am wondering "HOW God?" <br />
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I got a call from Joseph two weeks ago asking me if he could pray with me over the phone. Joseph knew I had been under a lot of stress at work and knew I had been working a lot of long hours. And he just wanted to pray with me. He asked if I minded if he prayed in Twi. "Of course not" I told him. That boy poured out his heart to God and even though I couldn't understand a word he was saying, i heard "mum" several times and I could hear his heart, his plea and his Faith!! <br />
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And that's when I realized no matter how doubtful or unprepared I feel I am, it is not all about me and my fears. God is answering Joseph and Askia's prayers. And if He still feels Andy and I are capable of this mission than I have to believe He is going to work out the details. I am still asking for your prayers for our understanding and for our obedience.<br />
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Unfortunately, I just found out that the attorney I met with (in Ghana last May) never filed any of the papers with the courts even though we paid him his required fees. Fortunately Andrew (our Ghanaiian Angel living here in Connecticut) has been assisting us and just recently put us in touch with a new law firm in Ghana (that are his friends) and assure us they will file and complete the necessary paperwork to secure a court date and finalize the adoption Yes, all very good news and we are so very fortunate that Andrew entered our lives last November. Ironically, it was exactly a year after the boys had entered our lives through that blog post - that previous November. Huh, I just realized that. I love God moments like that. :-)<br />
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As kind and wonderful as this new firm is, we will be required to come up with the required fees again for them to file the necessary paperwork with the courts and Social Welfare in Ghana. We are hopeful that we will be able to get back some of the money we paid the first attorney but the costs are still very high. It's a very difficult time for us personally right now and I would just ask for your continued prayers as we navigate this journey and know just what to do for our family - both here and across the world. <br />
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~Andrea<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-201972910362417712014-01-24T18:20:00.002-08:002014-02-15T12:20:04.916-08:00An angel named AndrewI've been hesitant to share too much about my last couple of phone calls from Nana and her husband because quite honestly I just wasn't sure how serious they were and really how much they could do for us. But I feel like I need to give God the praise in all of this because there is clearly no other reason any of this is happening.<br />
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So last week I received an email from Nana asking me to call her as she and her husband "had an update" for me with regards to our adoption. Of course I called but really had no expectations at all. I believed they wanted to help but I really had no idea what they were capable of or what kind of connections they had. So I remained reluctantly optimistic. <br />
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Nana answered the phone and quickly suggested I speak with her husband who could explain recent events better than she. Her husband says hello like we're old friends. He apologizes for not calling sooner but says he wanted to wait until there was some real progress to report back to us. He goes on to say that his lawyers have met with the our attorney in Kumasi as well as the Director of Social Services in Kumasi. He tells me his lawyers are petitioning the court on our behalf and that if they don't make any head way in Kumasi, they will go straight to the Court in Accra. <br />
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He spoke with such authority and confidence. I was so taken aback at what this 'stranger' was saying to me, I was speechless. All I could say was "How can I ever thank you, re-pay you. I don't even know your name." "First", he said, "my name is Andrew and you don't owe me a thing." "God brought us together. I have the means to help you and that's what I am here to do for you." Of course I am near sobbing at this point. Rarely am I at a loss for words but clearly there are no words in my mind that convey what my head and heart are feeling at this moment. I mean, this man is giving of his time and resources to help a total stranger. Only God makes such a thing like this happen.<br />
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I continue to tell him how thankful I am and I have no idea how I can ever re-pay him for his kindness. He reassures me that it is no accident his wife called PoshTots that day and it was no accident I answered the phone. In my heart I know this is the only thing that makes any sense at all. And for a split second, I pictured God up there in Heaven chuckling at the look on my face as Andrew and I put all of this together. "Silly girl", says God, "don't you know I part seas and move mountains". "This is nothing for me, ye of little Faith," "Oh, but I do have Faith," I say. And I know this is all You, God!!! <br />
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As I sit here tonight trying to figure out exactly "how, if and when" all of this will work out, I am turning it over and learning to Trust. If not for myself, I will Trust for two amazing boys on the other side of the world who desperately want a family of their own. Joseph and Askia, my loves, I promise I will not give up on you. You have a mother, father, two sisters and a brother who love you so very much and pray daily for you to come home. <br />
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~ AndreaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-88783498840475146362013-12-28T12:17:00.003-08:002013-12-28T12:26:09.981-08:00An un-expected phone call .....So I have not updated here in a while. Unfortunately we are still just waiting for the Director of Social Welfare to open cases back up again so that we can request a court date in Kumasi. <br />
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In the meanwhile, we talk to the boys at least once or twice a week. They are hopeful and happy and continue to ask when we will be coming back to see them. <br />
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I have been feeling so helpless lately; not knowing who to turn to for help or even what to ask.<br />
So two weeks ago, I was working, had just received a text from Mary assuring me she was still checking in with Social Services regularly but that there was no change. I literally hit my knees in my office and wept and asked God to please just help in any way. And I asked Him what it was I was supposed to do. I just couldn't believe He had brought me this far for this adoption to fall apart.<br />
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This was on Thursday November 12th. Within 15 mins of my text and prayer, I received a phone call from a customer. I was helping with the Customer Service Lines at PoshTots because we were short staffed on that day. I answered the phone to a very polite pregnant woman asking about a cradle. After a couple minutes, I had to ask where she was from because I recognized that beautiful accent. "I'm from Africa", she replied. I asked "where in Africa". Of course my heart sank because I knew what her reply was going to be. "Ghana", she says. I then proceeded to tell her about my connection and visit to Ghana and how much I loved her country, the people and two young boys in particular.<br />
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She then asked me what "region" I stayed in when there. I said the Ashanti Region. She then tells me she is from Kumasi and her father still lives there. He is a physician and owns a hospital. I am in tears and she is clearly shaken up too. She tells me she never calls companies and prefers to shop online. She said she had a strong urge to call and talk with someone that day. As I explained I typically don't answer the CS lines, I only answered that day because we were busy. Clearly, God is laughing while the two of us are bantering back and forth and this crazy connection. <br />
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Okay, so let's fast forward to today. Nana has since contacted her father, who has contacted two lawyers who have also gone to the orphanage to meet with Mary and see the boys. I just received an email from her yesterday with pictures of the boys and Luvis and Vasty too. You see, because her fathers friends had difficulty getting Mary on the phone, they drove to Offinso to meet Mary in person and discuss our situation with her. I am teary just typing this again. I just cannot believe how incredibly generous this was.<br />
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I thanked Nana over and over again for all she and her father had done. She then proceeded to tell me that her father had offered to sign an affidavit of support for the court as he is very well known and respected in Kumasi. I just don't even know what to say other than God is still at work here and I still remain HOPEFUL!!<br />
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Below are the pictures that Nana's father emailed me of his visit at the orphanage. It breaks my heart to see the kids so sad and solemn. Also seeing the conditions of the orphanage just make me so sad too. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers!<br />
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~ Andrea<br />
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So many of you who are living this experience with us have been wanting to help. We are so amazed at the true love that is surrounding us on this journey. We feel it and we thank you all. What we truly need is financial support for the enormous costs associated with this mission. Everything from our Ghana Attorney to Travel to Government Fees is expensive!!
Some very good friends of ours, Deborah Clark, Maria Elder, Lynn Hurley and Kelly Evans, are organizing an "Adoption Yardsale" for us in the parking lot of PoshTots on Saturday, June 22nd. If you have any items you would like to donate for our sale, please let one of us know. We are happy to pick up donations or you can message me about where and when to drop off.
If you can't make it to the sale on the 22nd and are interested in making a donation, here is how you can help by <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/93nnwg" target="_blank">donating here via Visa, MC or Amex through GoFundMe</a>
All donations <b>over $50</b>, will automatically be in a drawing for a <b>1 week stay </b>at <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/220183">PoshCasa</a> on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in <b>CapeCharles</b> (value $2200). Drawing will be on July 1st!
Thanks for everyone's continued support and encouraging messages. Having such a supportive group of family and friends has been such a blessing and we are truly appreciative!
<br />
<blockquote>
"A hundred years from now,
it will not matter what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in,
or the kind of car I drove,
but the world may be different
because I was important
in the life of one child." Forest Witcraft </blockquote>
~Andrea
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-90772422522079498082013-06-05T19:12:00.000-07:002013-06-05T19:12:38.369-07:00Reflections from Ghana<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoG_T11Aby5KAbZZx3vreQleM2stqZJpZubmjh2IMH5SzX0bqhOsfdXbsCp8k12pajzuul68GxvPh8FHvx6Uqgg6QzTyMoHntJ7FNUtWi1WhKasbEAqvfMQKdFfywr3XiYScA6hu-A14/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoG_T11Aby5KAbZZx3vreQleM2stqZJpZubmjh2IMH5SzX0bqhOsfdXbsCp8k12pajzuul68GxvPh8FHvx6Uqgg6QzTyMoHntJ7FNUtWi1WhKasbEAqvfMQKdFfywr3XiYScA6hu-A14/s320/IMG_5796.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VkGuN2vt0rUeHb2gNMv0fjoLSQX6bj1FWEODsKZTTu2N5nO6Yp8f0kZcx2xiEYH6KH_cK1FNlRhZ61TshyWPzgqWV_bXvF2nXb1_KBVHVWZSa2v6oOF4SjEM7s5rL6aPa6kqMwCvh08/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" 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It's been a bittersweet past few days as Evan and I get back into our normal routines at work and school. We are both missing our newest family members and all the other new friends at the Offins Children's Center.
Before I left, I purchased an inexpensive phone for the boys to use to call or text us until we are together again. We've heard from them several times; asking how we are and telling us how much they miss us. This is the hard part as we wait for the next step in the adoption process.
I've had a chance to sort through the pictures on my camera and have loved seeing and remembering the special moments of our visit and seeing the sweet, joyful faces of our friends. Just looking at them again reminds me of just how really special the people of Ghana really are. As challenging as it was at times, it's clear we were happy and loved our time in Ghana and at the orphanage.
I'll update more about the adoption process and where we are in the next couple of days. For now, I just wanted to enjoy the pictures and the faces in them.
~ Andrea
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-70209522412336562252013-05-24T02:08:00.000-07:002013-05-24T02:08:31.296-07:00Life in GhanaI'm on Day 6 here in Ghana and am starting to settle in. My morning regime is pretty simple now. I throw a wet washcloth on my face and tie my hair up in a pony tail. I still refuse to give up my mascara. ;-)<br />
<br />
We have gotten a lot done in the past week - a visit with the lawyer and a visit with the boys' family members and "family representative". Part of the adoption process is that Social Services investigate the boys' situation and background to determine they are in fact orphans and that it is in their best interest to be adopted into another family.<br />
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Joseph and Askia were taken to "Antie Mary" (orphanage) 11 years ago after their father died and their mother became unable to care for them. Their grandfather, Thomas Osei, tried his best to care for the children but because of his health and age, he was unable. He made the decision to bring them to the orphanage. <br />
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After meeting with him yesterday, it is apparent he loves these children and did the best he could for them at the time. He was very vocal about his appreciation for all that Mary had done for his grandchildren.<br />
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Thomas is a retired Catholic Catachist. He is a very friendly, happy, jovial man with a great sense of humor. It's been my observation that most Ghanaians (men especially) keep a stern, serious look on their faces. It drives me crazy because they have such beautiful smiles and are actually very friendly and kind. I guess it's a macho thing. ;-)<br />
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Thomas also spoke great English and I loved the fact he greeted Evan directly with a big smile. We all agreed we could understand where the boys got their friendly, happy disposition. <br />
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Evan is doing great here. I worry about him getting enough to eat but I've discovered an International Market in Kumasi, where I grabbed some generic "Oodles of Noodles". He also puts Peanut Butter on Granola Bars and Tuna out of packs we brought from home. <br />
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Today we are taking all the boys to Kumasi for the weekend and will stay at Treasure Land Hotel for a couple nights so they can swim in the pool and get a change of scenery. For Joseph and Askia, this was their very first night ever out of Offinso and first night in a "hotel". And even though they told me they could swim, I'm pretty sure that was their first time in a pool as well. Boy will they have a lot of "firsts" coming up when they get to America. I can hardly wait to see their faces when we take them to our pool and to Cape Charles.<br />
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My journey here in Ghana is quite an eye opener and as hard as it is, I am glad I am getting to experience life through the eyes of my boys. I have such a greater understanding of where they come from and such a greater appreciation for my life in America. And the irony in all of it is that these people are so full of Joy and Love and appreciation. I never once sense they are bitter or resentful. And even the ones not coming to America; yet knowing their friends are going, are genuinely happy for their friends. There is no jelousy or competition here. <br />
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These sweet children and sweet people of Ghana are truly "gems" and I am forever grateful I have been able to get to know each of them. <br />
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Going into this Memorial Day Weekend, I think of my family heading to Cape Charles together and am so sad to not be going. We are missing you all terribly and look forward to all being together soon.<br />
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~Andrea<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-40329845936464741082013-05-20T17:28:00.001-07:002013-05-20T17:29:26.140-07:00I Hate Cliffhangers<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"><i>So, technically, we have not completed processing, because Andrea is there NOW as part of the processing, to be granted a court date. Wow. I hate cliffhangers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;">This clarification just in from US State Department:</span></span></div>
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Ghana</div>
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May 20, 2013</div>
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<b>Alert: All Adoption Cases with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are Subject to Suspension</b></div>
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The Government of Ghana has temporarily suspended processing of all adoption cases, including intercountry adoptions, pending Ghana's review of its current adoption procedures. All adoption cases which have not received final approval by the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are subject to this suspension.</div>
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At this time, adoption cases which have completed processing with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare, and are either before a Ghanaian court or have a completed adoption order, are unaffected by the suspension. Urgent or emergency cases subject to the suspension can be referred directly to the Ghanaian Director of Social Welfare in Accra for consideration.</div>
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The U.S. Embassy will continue accepting orphan petitions and approving qualified visa applications of those cases not subject to the suspension.</div>
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-56950846585906493212013-05-20T11:06:00.000-07:002013-05-20T11:06:10.580-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-21049564837379804382013-05-19T04:48:00.001-07:002013-05-19T04:54:32.372-07:00We made it to Ghana!!After a very long journey - nearly 24 hours from Richmond, Virginia to Kumasi, Ghana - we are so very happy to be within hours of meeting Joseph and Askia for the very first time. I can't imagine what they must be feeling right now; as I know Evan can barely contain himself with the anticipation he is feeling.<br />
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Mary just texted to say they would come after church service. I understand that could mean a few hours. I'm sure those boys are squirming through this service today. ;-) Since they are in Offinso, it will take a little over an hour for them to get to us by car. <br />
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We are staying at a hotel in Kumasi called Treasure Land. The people here are definitely a "treasure". As I type this blog post, "Colby" is helping Evan with his homework in the lobby. Part of his assignment was to map out exactly where he is going in Ghana. This is one Geography lesson he is sure to never forget!<br />
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I must mention that before Colby began the Journal Assignment, he had also prepared our breakfast and spent at least 30 minutes chasing lizards with Evan. The lizards in Ghana are much faster than American and Jamaican Lizards we have determined. Everyone here is getting a kick out of the little white boy running around; determined to catch these speedy little creatures. They have underestimated his perseverence; I have assured them.<br />
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At breakfast this morning, the only other couple in the "restaurant" was a young Canadian girl sitting with a local Ghanaian having breakfast. Of course I had to introduce myself since she was the first white skin I have seen since leaving the Kumasi Airport.<br />
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Turns out she has been living in Kumasi for over a year working at the Agriculture Center here. Muriel is her name and she appeared in her early 20's. She shared with me a couple places to go for local fabrics, soccer jerseys and some local bags. She reiterated how loving, friendly and safe the area was and how much she loved Kumasi and its people. It is a very Christian area and a lot of worship and Bible Studies going on she said. As we ate, we could hear the music and singing from at least 2 churches near by. <br />
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Last night, at the same "restaurant" (which felt more like my grandmother's kitchen with a few more tables in it) a group of 4 local Ghanaians sat down at a table next to us. I assumed they were coming in to watch a game on TV and would be ordering cocktails/beer and out socializing on a Saturday night like many American guys at a hotel bar. After politely welcoming us to the area (it's pretty apparent we are visitors), they ordered a round of Sprite and Coca Cola's, held hands and prayed before their Bible Study.<br />
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As I sit here in the tiny lobby, I am looking at Evan sitting at an outside table with Colby and another local young man helping Evan with his map and assignment. It's the cutest thing ever watching them together. Evan just ran past me to go grab his Science Book I am loving this Home School thing!! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-9668624280378106362013-05-18T08:25:00.002-07:002013-05-18T08:25:31.693-07:00A Destiny Decided By Hours....from Andy Imagine this: 14 years old, lived in an orphanage your entire life, your country finally opens for international adoption a few years ago, seeing other younger children find families, knowing that you may be stuck simply because the timing did not work out for you. You treasure your education, appreciate any meal.....you posses infinite hope in spite of unimaginable hardship.<br />
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And then one day, a single picture of you and your little brother finds its way in front of the eyes of a single perfect soul somewhere literally on the other side of the planet. You learn that this person is trying to rescue you. Without even hearing her voice, to you, she is already, "Mum". Yes Mum.<br />
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Now imagine this: a contemporary American family with three awesome kids, two working parents, one complicated weekly itinerary and zero margin of error for monthly cashflow. So many blessings, so many distractions, so many challenges......so many reasons NOT to make our life any more complicated.<br />
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Yet, here we are. Andrea and Evan on a flight to Ghana to see Joseph and Askia for the first time.<br />
In spite of the announcement from Ghana suspending international adoption, it seems that our status is barely on the right side of the cut-off date. Literally by one day. Wow. Think of how that one day changed the destiny of these boys, our family and yes even you- our friends. There are still many obstacles before us. More mountains to move in this very complicated and red-tape infested process.<br />
We are simply taking it one step and one day and one crisis at a time. Through faith.<br />
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Why are we doing this?<br />
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When I tell people that we have 3 biological kids and we are in the process of adopting 2 older boys from Ghana, the surface reaction is usually something like " wow, that's awesome, you guys are amazing humanitarians , blah blah blah" . However, I sense that their thought bubble is often saying "seriously, do you know what your getting yourselves into?" In fact, this was MY initial reaction to the concept. Honestly, we really don't know what we are getting ourselves into.<br />
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All I know is that I love my wife, I love my family and that our whole life together has been blessed and rewarded for over 26 years through a willingness to take bold action. We acquired a crack house and renovated it ourselves by hand. We got a gas station and turned it into an institution. We bought a 5 bedroom riverfront house in 1994 with NO MONEY and NO CHILDREN. Our life has been defined by crazy faith.<br />
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To pull this off and bring these boys here; to give them hope, a family and a future ....we will need your faith too.<br />
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Love trumps Greed.<br />
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Andy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-26874808537420459792013-05-14T18:27:00.001-07:002013-05-14T18:48:42.040-07:00"Alert: Government of Ghana Suspends Intercountry Adoptions"So after several hours waiting in line at the Ghana Embassy yesterday, we were told the soonest it would be ready for pick up would be Monday after 1!!! But we are supposed to leave on Friday. Clearly this would not work. I quickly hopped on our Ghana Adoption FB Page for advice. Thankfully someone quickly replied saying that there was a Ghana Consulate Office in Houston and they provided a quick turnaround. We made the decision to take our chances on Houston. <br />
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Prayer answered. A very kind woman by the name of Dianne assured us she would turn it around same day once she received our application and passport. Andy and I hurried to the UPS Office down the street to send it Next Day Air to the Houston Consulate to an "angel" named Dianne. <br />
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On the way home from DC, we stopped for lunch and to pick up some last minute items for Ghana. We have to assume this would be road block was diverted for now and we are back on track for our Friday departure. After all, Dianne assured me she would turn the Visa around same day. <br />
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I'm back in my office by 3, emotionally drained but optimistic all will be fine and this was just a minor hurdle.<br />
My bigger problems now lie at work. We are in the middle of a major site re-launch and a couple of large design projects in NYC and Miami. I have a great, dedicated, supportive staff at my office but I hate to leave them with so much going on and me so far away with little or no internet connection. <br />
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By 7:30 I am now emotionally and physically drained and it's all I can do to make it home to a relaxing bath, dinner and bed! And now this ..... Andy reads the headline to me from the Ghana Adoption FB Page. The same page that had delivered my angel earlier in the day is now reporting this news?!? <br />
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Andy and I look at each other in disbelief. Is this the sign that it's now time to abort our "orphan rescue" mission? After all the headlines sound pretty clear. All this work we have done and now the country is cutting off the opportunity of a forever family for these poor boys? I just couldn't talk about it anymore and crawled into bed praying that God would give us a sign as to what to do. <br />
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I guess Andy needed the rest to come to a conclusion this morning. The fact this message comes just days before we head to Ghana to start adoption proceedings is just typical for an "Edmunds' adventure". Of course you will still go, he says. We've come this far. They surely can't mean us when they make this kind of announcement!! <br />
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<a href="http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_alerts_notices.php?alert_notice_type=alerts&alert_notice_file=ghana_1" target="_blank">Alert: Government of Ghana Suspends Intercountry Adoptions</a><br />
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Until the next chapter ...... prayers appreciated!!<br />
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~ Andrea<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-9142374752546689432013-05-13T03:34:00.001-07:002013-05-13T03:34:15.760-07:00"Let Go and Let God"Yes, easier said than done at times. I tend to worry too much about things that are out of my control. But if we are following His path, He will meet our needs. May not be in my time and as I would handle it but that's part of letting go.<div><br></div><div>The entire adoption journey up until now has been a walk of Faith. So we will continue that walk today; even if it leads me to the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC. I so do not feel like making that drive this morning. I am only in my office 4 days before I leave for 2 weeks. I have so much to do and the absolute last thing I want to do is drive this far and sit all day waiting for Evan's Visa. I have requested twice but each time they have sent it back asking for more information. At this point, I have no choice but to go in person since we leave on Friday. </div><div><br></div><div>I am sitting here this morning complaining about my "misfortune" and "hurdle"; yet maybe I need to change my way of thinking and look at this as a very clear message that this is my path today. At times I get frustrated because the path/choice seems unclear, it really does always unveil itself when I pause and listen. </div><div><br></div><div>By the same token I need to see the "uncomfortable" trail as a blessing that I at least can see it and know where to go. And that's what I shall do today. So DC, 4 hours in my car and possibly hours of sitting in an Embassy Waiting Room, here I come. I will open my eyes and ears to the message and lesson that lie ahead today.</div><div><br></div><div>God - please make this day simple in that they issue Evan's Visa without any problems. </div><div><br></div><div>~Andrea</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-32585938353092213382013-05-10T18:56:00.000-07:002013-05-10T19:35:38.252-07:00He is either everything or He is nothing at all .......<br>
A very dear friend told me that today. And I so needed that reminder. <br>
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So it's official. Evan and I fly to Ghana a week from today! Still so much to do and so much I am worried about while I am away but I know I am not alone in any of this. <br>
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Last week we were honored to have Carrie, her three children and Mary, the Orphanage Director and "grandmother" to the 74 orphans at the Offinso Home for Children in Ghana spend some time with us in our home. Carrie is the one who put that original post/plea out there on Adeye's FB Page talking about the boys and their desire for a forever family. She and her family live in South Carolina.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnbnDqOYoc2qY7FwtZ5EzL56eO4XIB0kno_wsVPpVKSSic6I_C-b3Lg_xK8piKzYdDakcGDqh4Zl9Ppl4spKtqSFCzSafRiOJm0pYaXFFbC7n9jVT-KNA29Y0bR2jNJFXiV4bpThXdu4/s640/blogger-image--626729628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnbnDqOYoc2qY7FwtZ5EzL56eO4XIB0kno_wsVPpVKSSic6I_C-b3Lg_xK8piKzYdDakcGDqh4Zl9Ppl4spKtqSFCzSafRiOJm0pYaXFFbC7n9jVT-KNA29Y0bR2jNJFXiV4bpThXdu4/s640/blogger-image--626729628.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Mary was in the US briefly; escorting a sweet 18 month old boy to his new family in Michigan. Allison and Tim Nelson are now enjoying life, as they never knew before, with a handsome, busy little boy named Eli, who was brought to the orphanage after his mother died suddenly.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LNDMn7R3vhQ3VewleDFJS4sTii19K57eQyIK-3JAIpKVUquKvWoOxH8g9AMqKOR_NqwCMLcBuCAAlAiNciIrI3rURQWFFrBS6-aVuiMEr0hXsuiCPsiRKAaLPk11q5Ghm_epCUFgrag/s640/blogger-image--841369582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LNDMn7R3vhQ3VewleDFJS4sTii19K57eQyIK-3JAIpKVUquKvWoOxH8g9AMqKOR_NqwCMLcBuCAAlAiNciIrI3rURQWFFrBS6-aVuiMEr0hXsuiCPsiRKAaLPk11q5Ghm_epCUFgrag/s640/blogger-image--841369582.jpg"></a></div><i>This is Joseph with Eli in Ghana.</i><br><div>
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We were so fortunate to spend so much time with Mary and get to know her. It's evident she loves these kids wholeheartedly and has devoted her life to their well being and care. It's so reassuring to know that Joseph and Askia have always been loved. Mary brought letters the boys had written to us. In them they express their gratitude and tell us how anxious they are to see us in Ghana. <br>
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Having gotten to know Mary a little better has certainly made us all feel more at peace about the upcoming trip, I think it especially made Andy feel better about our traveling so far away. Mary has assured us she will have one of the older boys (from the orphanage) pick Evan and I up from the Kumasi Airport and drive us to our hotel. Evan and I will spend the first night in Kumasi and on Sunday we will meet Joseph and Askia for the fist time. <br>
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As Evan and I are getting prepared for this unbelievable adventure, I find myself an emotional mess this week. I am sad about missing Madison's very first prom and just being away from them for so long. It definitely helps being able to take Evan with me. I am also an emotional wreck at work finding myself worrying about everything and everyone while I am away. I actually cried in a meeting today discussing priority lists for product loading. <br>
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I have to remind myself I am not alone in this and God is in control and NOT me!! I need to let go of my fear and worry and have FAITH. Someone shared this with me this morning and I liked it. I will remind myself of this when I am feeling overwhelmed and out of control. "I have enough. I am enough and I do enough."<br>
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Tomorrow we will start packing our suitcases and preparing our hearts for the trip that will forever change our lives. <br>
<br><br><i>~Andrea<br></i>
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<br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-25419628770557192872013-04-25T13:52:00.001-07:002013-04-25T17:40:25.648-07:00Struggling.....So hear it is April 25th and I am expected to be on a plane in less than a month (May 15th to be exact) to Ghana to meet our boys for the first time and spend time with them.<br />
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So many emotions these past couple of weeks about leaving. We were advised to plan on a 2 week "bonding period" and then we would come back a few weeks later for our court date. After much family discussion, it was agreed that Evan would go with me on the first trip. Andy and I agreed we couldn't both leave our kids for two weeks but I can't bear to be away from my whole family for two weeks. So, as a family, it was decided Evan would join me. <br />
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Evan is thrilled at the thought of spending 2 weeks with his brothers and all the other kids at the orphanage. He sees this as an adventure and let's face it, 2 weeks away from sisters and school is most appealing to a 9 year old boy! Although, he had to agree to be "home schooled" by me during our 2 weeks away. Thankfully, his principal blessed our trip and agreed it would be an incredible opportunity for Evan.<br />
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Now the struggle......<br />
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So I woke up this morning feeling very strongly about putting this out there because I know that when He does work this out, it will be in His time and the reason and timing will not only be a lesson for me but will be a testimony to others. <br />
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We have gotten to a place where finances are preventing us from taking that next "leap of faith". The flights alone for two to Ghana are $3200. right now. Up until this point, the money has always come just when we needed it. I know it will now too. I'm just getting a little impatient. The longer we wait to book our flights, we risk the prices going up.<br />
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I wondered if this is a sign we need to postpone the initial trip. I just don't know but for some reason, we cannot take that leap to book our flights just yet. I've had a few offers from friends wanting to initiate fundraising for our adoption but I just have not felt comfortable doing that for many reasons. I feel like there are so many families out there that need it worse than we do. <br />
<br />
Because God has had His hand on every aspect of this adoption process, I know He is still right here with us and He will see us through to the next phase of our journey. One of my dear friends told me this morning that He puts us through these hurdles so that when we get through them, we are more grateful and He is more glorified. <br />
<br />
~Andrea<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-69567385131405619542013-04-18T20:06:00.000-07:002013-05-10T20:05:23.683-07:00Keeping the Faith<br />
<br />
So after worrying how in the world we will handle four weeks in Ghana, I am reminded that God is in control and He will not give us anymore than He knows we can handle. <br />
<br />
Andy and I seriously began questioning how we could manage the 4 week requirement; even if we split it up. I made a decision not to worry too much about this yet. I just have to believe God would not have brought us this far for something like this to deter us.<br />
<br />
After emailing Mary to explain just how difficult this requirement would be on our family, she came back to us a few days ago suggesting we come for two weeks middle of May and return for court in June or July. So even though the return court date and length of visit is a little uncertain at this time, I can rejoice that the original 4 week requirement is now only 2 weeks. This is manageable and we are grateful for this.<br />
<br />
We have also decided that instead of my going alone, Evan will go with me for the two weeks. It will be an amazing opportunity for him to experience and he will enjoy bonding with his brothers. Madison and Emma agree this is a good plan. Their acceptance was important to us as we wanted this to be a family decision. <br />
<br />
After getting the blessing from our school today, we will begin looking for the best flights right away. <br />
<br />
My lesson in all of this has been to learn to let go of fear and not let fear control me. "Our course has been charted. All is well. Today I will relax, breathe, and go with the flow."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-12874398397452381352013-04-11T18:39:00.002-07:002013-04-11T18:39:58.722-07:00Some un-settling news from Mary.<br />
So today I've been expecting to hear from Mary with our May court date and instead got this: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"DEAR ANDREA AND RUTHANNE,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">TODAY I MET WITH THE FAMILIES OF THE KIDS, THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE LAWYER. AFTER A LENGHTY DELIBERATION THE OUTCOME WAS THAT ADOPTERS HAVE TO BOND WITH ADOPTEES BEFORE THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE SENT TO COURT. THIS IS THE NEW GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE. I AM THEREFORE ASKED TO TELL YOU TO COME TO GHANA. YOU HAVE TO PLAN TO STAY NOT LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS. SO WE DECIDED THAT BECAUSE I AM COMING TO AMERICA AND WILL NOT BE BACK TILL 13TH MAY. SO YOU CAN PLAN TO COME 15TH OF MAY. YOUR STAY SHOULD BE FOUR WEEKS. THE MAN OR WOMAN ALONE CAN COME.THERE IS NO NEED TWO OF YOU IE HUSBAND AND WIFE COME. AFTER YOU GO BACK THEY WILL ARRANGE FOR JULY FOR THE INTERVIEW. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THEY DONT DO THIS AND YOU COME FOR COURT YOU MAY BE REFUSED THE ADOPTION DECREE.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND ME. I HAVE FORWARDED ALL THE DOCUMENTS AND YOU WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY THE LAWYER AND SOCIAL WELFARE WHEN YOU COME IN MAY.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">MARY"</span></blockquote>
<br />
I am going to try not and panic yet. I am going to pause and turn this over to God. Four weeks is pretty unrealistic but this journey thus far has been one FAITH. I was just reminded of that from one of my very dear friends tonight.<br />
<br />
On a lighter note, Evan thinks this is great news and doesn't understand why I see this as a problem at all. He says he will go with me and play with his Joseph, Askia and all the other boys in the orphanage for 4 weeks. He sees this as a break from his sisters and a party in Ghana! LOL <br />
<br />
Clearly life is easier when we view it through the eyes of a child.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-72098886341930495582012-11-29T19:30:00.000-08:002013-04-12T18:42:31.584-07:00Pennies - oops I mean dollars - from Heaven!Up to this point, a lot of paperwork, hours of online adoption classes and very little financial commitment. Yes, I know it's coming but Andy and I have spoken very little about it. I"m afraid that talking about it will lead to a conversation and reality check about how we can't afford this and the financial strain it will put on our family. <br />
<br />
So when the Social Worker called saying she would be in our area meeting with another family and could reminded me yesterday that we need to pay her the fee (for the home study) in full when she arrives, I was caught a little off guard. I mean, I knew it was coming but I had sort of been in denial. Up until this point, we were following the path laid out before us but so far the path had been pretty easy. But now I was being asked to come up with a large sum of money in 24 hours. Now is when the rubber hit the road. How serious are we?? <br />
<br />
When I casually (okay mumbled) to Andy about the money the night before, he reminds me of the impending financial obligations we have coming up in less than a month; not to mention Christmas is weeks away. "Honestly, it would be financially irresponsible at this time", Andy says. I know he's right but I'm sad and even worse, I hate having to tell "Kirsten" the night before we are not quite ready to start the interview process. Even though I know she's in Richmond for another family anyway, I am embarrassed and disappointed having to make that call.<br />
<br />
So since I am a bit of a procrastinator I decide I will tell Kristen when she comes in the morning and hope that perhaps she'll go ahead with the interview since she's here anyway. I'm just not seeing this as an obstacle or a closed door like Andy may be thinking this is. <br />
<br />
So I'm sitting in Panera grabbing coffee with a friend early this morning. While waiting I hop onto our online bank account to transfer Andy's paycheck into our "bill pay" account; except on this day I notice his deposit is off quite a bit. It is EXACTLY off by the EXACT amount we were expected to pay the social worker in EXACTLY 3 hours. <br />
<br />
So after calling Andy in a bit of a panic, we were surprised to learn his end of year bonus came a few weeks early this year. There was nothing either of us could say. We knew exactly what that money was meant for and there was no doubt what we would do with it immediately. Gulp ..... God IS present and in this situation and there is no denying it on this day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-65534774053171853842012-11-27T19:10:00.000-08:002013-04-10T20:01:05.185-07:00Social Worker's first visit <br />
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Email message to Carrie, Christy and Adeye. </div>
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<a class="_50dv" href="https://www.facebook.com/andrea.h.edmunds" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="_s0 _rx img" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn1/572413_518833063_301291359_q.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></a><a class="_b9" data-hovercard-instant="1" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6292880107071722858" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: default;"><abbr class="_35 timestamp" data-utime="1354053194.8" style="border-bottom-style: none; color: #bfbfbf; display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle;" title="November 27, 2012">4:53pm</abbr></a><strong class="_36" style="display: block; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 1px 0px 4px;">"<a aria-controls="js_41" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_41" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=518833063" href="https://www.facebook.com/andrea.h.edmunds" id="js_42" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Andrea Holland Edmunds</a></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Friends - PLEASE keep Andy and I in your prayers this week. Social worker coming Thursday to meet with us. I am so behind with getting my paperwork complete before she gets here. She wants me to have the bio's and half of the online training completed.<br />I had so hoped to work on it over holiday but had my mother (who has dimentia) with me the whole time and between her and spending time with the kids, I did not get to it.<br />In addition, we have to give her $$ on Thursday before our first meeting. The timing is really not good for us. Several unexpected things have come up and in general, December is always very tight between Christmas and taxes. :-(<br />I am trying not to stress. I know we will pull it together. God has ALWAYS come through for us and I have to think this is just a roadblock that is perhaps testing our faith.<br />I am trying to be positive and not worry too much.<br />I would still ask for your prayers that Andy's faith won't be tested too much that he starts getting cold feet.<br />Thank you. Stay tuned.<br />It's almost 5:00. I am swamped at work and had every intention of working on this today at the office. It hasn't happened as of yet. I know it's just a "moment". It will pass. Just needed to vent and knew you all would understand."</blockquote>
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<span class="emoticon emoticon_wink" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yj/r/Np-o_jtB5_X.png); background-position: 0px -1109px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;"></span></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-23299795986735594682012-11-16T18:45:00.000-08:002013-04-10T19:06:35.246-07:00Are we sure we are doing the right thing? What if ....<br />
Andy and I have been collecting all the required information for our Home Study - filling out forms, writing bios on ourselves, asking friends for personal references and started our online adoption training classes. <br />
We had told ourselves we would continue "walking the road" towards adopting these boys but the minute we felt the door close, we would not "force" it and would accept this as a sign that we just are not being called to adopt these boys.<br />
<br />
All while going through this very tedious process, we both have been really questioning things like: will they fit in with our family, what are their personalities like, what if there are attachment issues, what if ......<br />
So, we thought this would be a good time to go visit the orphanage and secretly meet the boys under the guise that we are volunteering. <br />
<br />
Message to Carrie:<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<strong class="_36" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 1px 0px 4px;">"<a aria-controls="js_15" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_15" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=518833063" href="https://www.facebook.com/andrea.h.edmunds" id="js_16" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Andrea Holland Edmunds</a> November 16, 2012</strong>Hey Carrie - Been so busy traveling lately but still plugging along with application. Andy and I did our physicals last week. The agency emailed me that they got our paperwork and are sending fingerprint cards for "clearance". Not sure what all that means but at least we are on our way (with Home Study).<br />Were you able to speak with Ms Mary about our visiting? If I had a definitive answer from her, we will look more seriously into booking a flight.<br />Thanks for checking in on me. Actually in a very emotional state today for some reason so it was nice to hear from you. I'm sure it's because of traveling and just being tired. Going home now to "be still"!"</blockquote>
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<br />
It's clear from my message to Carrie that I am feeling a little bit of stress and questioning all of this. Andy and I agree that if we can meet the boys in person, that way we will know for sure that either we are doing the right thing or we will walk away from this crazy idea now.<br />
<br />
Ha! We are about to be reminded very soon not to question God's plan but rather to follow and trust Him!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-81929640131980766682012-11-05T18:22:00.000-08:002013-04-10T20:01:39.647-07:00A Church Called HOPE<br />
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Message to Carrie:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"So I took the kids to a new church yesterday and had no idea it was Orphan Sunday. I sobbed in church. Called my husband the minute I got to the parking lot (he was out of town on business) to tell him that God was definitely speaking to me this morning. He got a little choked up; admitted he had had a similar experience with someone the night before. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Needless to say, our first round of paperwork - application, check, etc - is ready to send off to the agency doing the home study. As soon as they fix our copier in my office, I will send it off. Hopefully tomorrow.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I spoke with Adeye on Sunday and she suggested maybe Andy and I could visit the orphanage - obviously not let on to the boys that we are potentially adopting. I actually am looking into building a playground in an orphanage either in the states or elsewhere. Would Ms Mary be open to that? What do you think? Have you been able to ask her about getting their social backgrounds yet?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Please know that with each day we are feeling the tug more and more and following God's call. Of course we are also having some apprehension - will they be a fit, will Oleman get along, are there any emotional issues with him being older and such a big change. blah, blah, blah. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">THANK you so very much. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">A"</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">So at the same time I was at HOPE, Andy was speaking at a class at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. As he walks into the classroom, he introduces himself to the first student he sees, a handsome dark skinned boy, with a distinct accent. Andy can't help but ask where the boy is from. "Ghana", he says. Gulp.....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">So when we said that we would really need to hear God in this decision, God also knew he would need to show up loud and clear for us. Little did we know this was just the beginning of many similar signs and affirmations. Oh God is so good and so present if only we are listening. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">~Andrea</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292880107071722858.post-62588474573379270522012-11-05T17:53:00.000-08:002013-04-09T19:06:41.060-07:00Reaching out to Christy<br />
<br />
Even though Andy wasn't the totally on board with the idea, I went ahead and decided to reach out to Christy, had shared the post on Adeye's FB wall. I have no idea where this is going; I just know I am somehow being drawn to these two angels. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"Whew....okay we are all smitten with their sweet faces and the most recent pics Carrie sent last night. My husband and kids are super intersted and excited to see if we are the right fit for their needs. What should our next steps be? I asked Carrie the same thing last night and will await her response but should I start the homestudy here in my area? Also, I realize there are a couple other families interested in the boys too. I just want them to find the right family for them and understand it may not be us but I want to be open should this be our calling. Thank you Christy!!"</span></blockquote>
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Send! There I did it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650044486597925364noreply@blogger.com0