Suterlande Hope Cundiff

Hope... "Hey, did everyone check out my new family?"







"It's exhausting getting my hair done. I think I'll just rest my eyes for a moment."






Bathtime







Papa says, "For a little more than a dollar a day, you could feed a child in need." Yes, he thinks she should be the next TA's posterchild.





I love you!











Mommy & Hope

Time out!

If a time out always results in sleep, maybe a nap would fix the problem. I'm thinking it's a good possibility. More often than not at the O when the kids are in time out they fall asleep, especially mine. Now there is one of two things happening here, either Noah is tired and needs a nap and that's why he was being disorderly, or he is so distraught over getting in trouble, he just breaks down and eventually cries himself to sleep. Regardless, it's hilarious!! Every picture I have of him in time out he is asleep. Check out this latest video of Noah in time out. I'm glad I got this. To me, it's priceless.

An amazing trip!!

Most of you know by now that I went to Haiti. I didn't post it because I was trying to surprise Angela. I think she was surprised, but my silence had her thinking I might be coming. However the look on her face was priceless!

This trip was extremely last minute. On Friday, January 26th I found out there was a possibility that I could be going. By Saturday I had a ticket and we left on February 2nd. I was so excited!! Some amazing friends gave me a ticket while others gave me spending money. They didn't know at the time, but I didn't have the cash on hand to go but the Lord provided and I was able to go tell the girls myself.

We arrived late Friday night, so I decided to wait and tell the girls on Saturday. I wanted to get it on video for their Papa. On Saturday morning I explained to Lourdesmia and Suterlande that we loved them and wanted to be there family. I ask her if she wanted this and she said, "Wi". There was very little reaction from her and I think it was because of the room full of people and camaras, she seemed a bit overwhelmed but as you can see by this picture I assumed she was happy.

Suterlande, being only 2, didn't react much either, however I was surprised by how quickly she figured it out. I was on the balcony of Angela's apartment and Suterlande had gone back into the nursury. The window in the nursery looks at the balcony. All of sudden I heard this tiny voice yelling, "Mama, Mama." Needless to say, she wasn't in there long, I ran to get her and she came running to me with an amazing smile.

I was a little concerned about Noah's reaction. Up until this point he had always had me to himself, well except for when he had to get past 30 other kids. :) Really though, we had been able to have lots of one on one time and I didn't know if he would be willing to share me. I believe, the Lord prepared his little heart and he was quite happy having sisters. Everytime I brought Suterlande in he would say, "Oh, Su, Oh, Su!" with this loving tone that melted me. As you can see by Sunday morning they were all happy with their newly formed family.

Through the week Noah and Mia had school so they would get ready, eat breakfast and come spend time with me before the bell rang. I think having Mia really helped Noah, he didn't cry but one time when it was time for school. Unlike times past when he cried everyday. When the bell rang they would give me a kiss and run off to school. They were together all the time and I loved seeing this relationship form.

While they were in school, it gave Hope and I chance to be together. After they left for school, I would go get her and keep her with me until I needed to get to work. She was so sweet. She has this precious little voice and a great smile. The more excited she gets the bigger the smile and the more her tongue sticks out. It's so funny. They all have their quirks, Noah with the stutter, Mia with the looks she can give with those big eyes, and Hope with her tongue. They are amazing kids and I'm so excited about bringing them all home.

I didn't get to meet their birth mom, which I hated, but Jean Nathan tried so hard. He was out all day trying to find her on Thursday. I did, however, get to meet Noah's mom, much to my surprise. I had never seen her before, so I was shocked when they came to tell me she was there. She didn't know I was there, she just happened to come by to drop off a paper. I gave her a photo album that I prepared for her and she agreed to get a picture taken, but she really wasn't interested in talking. She is a pretty woman and I'm glad I have this photo for Noah someday.

The Lord also worked it out and I was able to submit the I-600s for the girls in person at DHS. At beginning of the week, it didn't look possible, but we all prayed for favor with DHS and Gail decided that we would go and hope she would accept them. The meeting went great, and she accepted our I-600s and the parent appointment will be scheduled soon. I strongly believe this was one reason God worked it out for me to go. Because of this, we are one step closer to bringing all three home together.

The team that went was amazing! They worked so hard and a new family was formed. God continues to amaze me at the ripple effect that He has created from our adoption. There also was another anouncement of a family in this area adopting from TA's. So we are currently up to 11 kids coming to the Evansville area. That is one third of the kids currently at the Orphanage. All I know is God is awesome!!!!

I missed seeing the Superbowl with Jeremy, but we were able to go to a Hotel and watch via Satelite TV. I was beside myself with excitement. For those of you that don't know football is kind of a bid deal at our house. So I proudly watched the Colts win the Superbowl and continued to beam as they gave all the glory to God! Who would have thought that I would watch the Superbowl in Haiti, not I. I was totally prepared to miss it, but thrilled I didn't have to. I called Jeremy during and after the game so we could celebrate together.

Well many more things happened but I think this is all I will post for now. Obviously the best part for me was, enlarging my family. Mia talked to her Papa and sisters over the phone and she loved every minute of it. Chances are they didn't understand much but Mia thought it was great!! Thank you everyone for all your prayers and the many e-mails we have received congratulating us. We are excited at what God is doing and look forward to updating you on each step!

Noah, I haven't forgotten you!!

I realize the previous posts have been mostly about the girls. I haven't forgotten our Noah. I miss him. I miss everything about him. I can't wait to find out how he reacts to the news of his sisters. I have been praying for him, that God would prepare his heart. Hopefully he will step right in to the roll of little brother/big brother. I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I have a great little video of Mia and Noah playing in my room from my December trip. They were doing cartwheels on my bed. Noah would say Bravo, L-L-L-Lourdesmia, Bravo! It's so awesome how God worked without me knowing it. I didn't see it coming, though looking back I think I should have. I created a new picture page for him, with all of his family on it. He will get it after they watch the video.

I remember like it was yesterday, the day I met Noah. He was so quiet for days. He would just sit on my lap and watch everything. He was afraid of my video camera. To tape him, I had to sit it on the dresser and hope we were in the picture. Not anymore, he's all about showing off for the camera now. I have really seen him come out of his shell and I would love to take the credit for that, but it wasn't me. I truly believe it was from the love he receives from, of course the nannies, but mostly from Angela. The love and attention she gives these kids have really affected them in a wonderful way. So many of them have gained confidence and opened up over the course of the last ten months and I'm convinced they wouldn't all have done that without her. So again, thank you Angela!! Noah though a tad spoiled(still laughing over the vaccinations video, "YouYou, YouYou!!!" www.sissyloveshaiti.blogspot.com), is an amazing little guy and it's because of you allowing God to work through you and literally pouring the love of God in these kids.

I am leading a trip in April and I'm trying so hard to figure out how to do all I need to, but also spend time with my kiddos. I have decided I will stay at the O, because, honestly, I'm not brave enough to take all three to St. Joe's and try to manage them on my own. Yes I realize I have three children now and have had lots of practice, but here I have the help of speaking the same language fluently, I have toys, gadgets and let's not forget electricity. So yeah, I'm not leaving the O. Maybe for a visit, but then it's right back to my safe haven of nannies helping me. LOL!!! Jeremy keeps saying, "So now we get to bring one of the nannies home too, right?" I would in a second, but picking just one would be hard. I have sooooo many favorites and I'm thinking it would be illegal. Oh well, it's a wonderful thought.

So anyway, Noah I haven't forgotten you. I love you so much and I can't wait to see you again!!!!

This time next week.....

This time next week our girls will know all about our plan to adopt them. We are working on a video of the family to send with the group that is going next week. Lourdesmia and Noah have seen pictures of the kids, but we thought a video would be good for them to see. They are planning to use their limited Creole to talk to them and I am planning to tell them we want to be their family and ask if they want that too. It's all going to be video taped so Jeremy, the kids and I can all see how they react to the news. I've been praying that the Lord will prepare the hearts of all three of them. Noah is used to having me to himself, however the last time, we had Lourdesmia come in my room and play too. I can see how God was working already.

I have been so amazed by this whole adoption journey. God has worked in such incredible ways. The way He led us to Noah, the ripple effect that has occurred here in the Evansville area, the relationships that have formed and been strengthened, the provision we have all experienced, and now this with Lourdesmia and Suterlande. We are in awe!! The details have been coming together in a way that only God could do. You know the scripture that says, "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." There have been situations in the course of all of this that fit this scripture to the tee, but God has a plan and He called us to this. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." Also in Psalm 37:5 it says, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass." So that's where we are, we are committed, trusting and believing He will bring it to pass.

We are so excited to see what God has in store for our family. We are still a little overwhelmed that God saw fit to bless us with 6 amazing kids. We pray we are able to raise them to become the Godly men and women He created them to be. I know with His help, we can. Thank you all for being so supportive. We have truly enjoyed hearing from each one of you and appreciate the many words of encouragement.

Well, where do I begin?

You know how sometimes when we are in the middle of something it's hard to see what God is doing, then all of sudden you get one of those, "oh my gosh, I see it" moments. Well this is exactly what happened to Jeremy and I this past weekend. I'm not going to go through all the details of the weekend except to say, it involved some time with our Heavenly Father seeking His will for our life and the lives of two precious girls.

As most of you know the adoption of Noah has been one of waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting, and for me many times of "Lord, I don't get it, what is going on?" If I knew all of the issues that had risen were for a purpose it would be easier, but I never would get any answers just a simple, "Trust Me." So trusting we have, in hopes that at some point it would all make more sense.

Well on Sunday January 21st, the Lord made it clear to us one possible reason for the waiting. He revealed to us through a series of events and prayer times that Lourdesmia and Suterlande were to be our girls. Yes you heard right! We have decided, no I should say we have agreed, the Lord decided, to adopt Lourdesmia and Suterlande the girls I posted about a few weeks ago in my Have I mentioned I love this girl post. We are in a whirlwind of planifications and have swiftly began to work on changing some of our paperwork to bring our girls home. God had a plan and it may seem like a crazy plan but to us it's a great plan. Our God is awesome!!!

So first I would like to introduce you, to Lourdesmia Grace Cundiff, AKA Mia.


Next, I would like to introduce you to Suterlande Hope Cundiff, AKA Hope.


On April 16th I will arrive at Three Angels and will be greeted by my Noah, Mia and Hope and I can't wait to see how I will manage. I will be out numbered but overjoyed!

Poor guy!

I know what you're thinking, he looks happy. Well, don't be shocked, but he really isn't. LOL!! Obviously, a little sarcasm. Sorry!

This was Noah's reaction to his first ever immunization. All I have to say is, Angela(YouYou), better you than me. Just kidding, however, I have to admit I was dreading all the pokes he will get when he gets home. Hopefully this will eliminate a few of those. Sorry, my little man, I wish I could have been there to hug you when it was all over.

Well.....

I'm not sure what to post. I have blogger's block. Apparently it's contagious, thanks Miss Fairfield. So how about some more pictures from my trip in December.



Daddy's little girl!



Special moments between a Father and son.





Sisters!



Pote'm



"I'm a miracle girl!!"



Natasha and Suterlande playing.



"Didn't our Mama do a great job buying us Church clothes?"

I've got peace like a river.....

Do you remember the old hymn, I've got peace like a river? That's how I finally feel. As many of you know, this adoption has had many bends and a very slow current, but I can finally say I have total peace. I have NO idea when Noah will get to come home, but I have totally put it in God's hands and I have peace.

I thought I had put it in His hands before, but in reality I had put it in His hands as long as He would do it the way I wanted. When it wasn't happening I thought I had failed or that I hadn't had enough faith to get it done. Really, I just was asking for Him to do it my way and never once took into consideration that He might have a plan greater than mine. Imagine that!

I realize that as a parent we should want our children with us. We should miss them. We should pray that the adoptions would process quickly, but all in all we should just trust. Trust that if it doesn't happen quickly then there must be a plan that we don't see. There must be a reason. When we try to control things or get them done our way, then that puts things in our hands. When we turn it over to Him COMPLETELY, it is then and only then in His hands. It can't be in both. For the first time in this adoption I have completely put it in His hands. I continue to pray for the adoption process and for the various government employees, both US & Haitian, to have wisdom and a desire to do their jobs well, as well as to have a heart for the children and want to see them home with their families. This obviously would be for the good of all Haitian adoptions not just Noah's.

Don't get me wrong, I want him home. I wanted him home months ago. I miss him everyday!! I miss his little laugh, his quirky run, his eyes, and the look on his face when he would come inside during recess and see me across the room, the way he would call to me saying Mama and if I didn't answer he would then say Meeshell. I think if you have never adopted you don't realize the connection. Many people think of it in terms of when he gets home he will be our son, but he became our son the moment the Lord began to lead us to adopt. I remember telling Jeremy I didn't understand how I could feel a love for someone I didn't know, but that is how I felt. When God spoke to my heart about adoption He deposited a love at that moment for Noah that was unexplainable. He is just as much our son as Camden is, he just happens to live in a different country. Jeremy and I both miss him and want him home, but we know without a doubt that God has a plan. Whether Noah comes home tomorrow or five years from now nothing has changed. He is and forever will be our son! God led us to him. God called us to adopt him. God will see it to completion. It will be in His timing and it will be perfect!

A great friend of mine that is also adopting from Haiti said yesterday, "when God called me to this, He said to make her mine, He didn't give me a time." This is so true!! He promised us nothing, except that He was going to deliver our Noah from his destruction. He didn't say it would be fast. He didn't say it would be easy. He didn't say anymore than that. He didn't tell me this road would be one that would change my life in more ways than I ever imagined. He didn't tell me I would fall in love with a little country that I wasn't even sure of where it was at first. He didn't tell me that I would have such joy every time I traveled there. He didn't tell me I would love every child that I came into contact with and would fight for their right to have a great life. He didn't tell me I would become a different person in the midst of all this. He didn't tell me our adoption would start a ripple effect and would allow Him to work in ways that we never dreamed. He didn't tell me any of this, and if He had, maybe it would have scared me. I don't care that He didn't tell me, I'm just thankful that He did it!

Someone ask me the other day how my trip was, I said "oh it was great. I love being there." He said, "Really?" with this great look of such surprise. I said, "Absolutely. I would go once a month if I could." God has given me such a heart for those kids that when I'm away I miss them so much, all of them. I am so thankful that there are several coming to this area, so I can see them grow up and be a part of their lives after they are home. And not just the kids, I love the staff of Angel House, they truly are amazing people. Jeremy and I now have six adult Haitian children. LOL!!

I'm sorry. I know this has been a long post, but I wanted to report there's nothing new, currently, with regards to the process, except that I've got peace like a river!! Thank You Lord!!

Have I mentioned....I love this girl......

Her name..... Lourdesmia(pronounced Loodmia). She is amazing and in her short little five years has been given up by 2 mothers. You see when I went in March another woman on the trip told Lourdesmia she was going to adopt her. Lourdesmia loved this woman. Her face lit up when she came into the room. She had a "Mama Blanc". Well as I'm sure you have figured out it didn't work out and unfortunately Angela had to break the news to Lourdesmia. So for the second time her heart was broken and aching for the love of a mother. Despite this, she is an amazing little girl that still loves with everything she has.

She was my sidekick on this last trip. I probably have more video of her than Noah or at least close. She rarely left my side and when I had to do something without her.....well, let's just say she wasn't thrilled. Her sister Suterlande is a doll as well. She really opened up this time and every time I went to the nursery she came running with the biggest smile. Lourdesmia loves her sister too! She really watches out for her. It's so sweet to see.....

I would adopt them in a second if I could, but currently that's not possible. I pray for her all the time, and I pray their parents find them soon. They have been at the O for quite sometime now and Lourdesmia has seen many of her friends go home to new families. I can't imagine how her little heart must feel every time people come to the O. It does happen where people will come for a mission trip and leave parents. It's awesome when it happens and I'm sure in her mind she wonders if it will be her this time. However, I wonder, will she believe it or will she be afraid it won't work out, like the last time.

Lord, I ask you to send Lourdesmia's parents to her soon. Lord, mend her heart and prepare her for their arrival. Create in her a trusting that only You can create and allow her the unconditional love of a Mommy & Daddy.

Anyway, have I mentioned....I love this girl......

More from Haiti.....

Well, it's 4:38am and I can't sleep so I've been sorting pictures sending Snapfish albums and decided this would be the perfect time to post some new stuff from my trip.

I was so excited when I arrived at the O. Noah gave me this big smile and came running to me. This was much nicer than the trip in June when he remained mad at me for the first few days. We had a wonderful visit. Everyday, he would come in at recess and run straight to me for a hug. It was awesome! He has grown sooooo much. And talks.....and talks......it's so cute. I loved being able to understand him. Fortunately, I had learned enough Creole to make out most of what he was saying. OH, and he has the best stutter. I realize this may mean therapy in his future, but for some reason in Creole it's really cute.

I had a great visit with Angela. I am so thankful I was able to spend so much time with her. We had a great time, or at least this we did. I love watching her with the children. She truly loves them and it shows. It such a relief having her there. I know without a doubt the children are being cared for the best they can be. Thank you Angela for all you do! You are a blessing and I value our friendship more than you'll ever know. I miss you my friend!

One other aspect of my trip that I thoroughly enjoyed was meeting Elias, Angela's brother. He loved playing with the kids and when he wasn't playing with them, he was making planifications of when he could play with them again. We laughed so hard my stomach hurt. All I know is Mama & Papa Fairfield did an amazing job with these two. I hope to meet them someday as well. Oh, and Elias, Jeremy is still laughing at the Skip impersonation. He couldn't believe how much you sounded like him. Thanks for all your help so I could talk to Jeremy via your cool headset. It was great being able to hear his voice. I hope to introduce the two of you without the use of headsets or typing someday, but until then.....I'm writing for to tell you Hello! :)

Well, I think that's all for now. It's after 5: and I'm going to try and get some sleep before the kids wake up. Once again, I'll post more later......

Pictures from an amazing trip!!

"Hey this is my Papa on here."

You've heard of "smelly cat" right? Well, some of the kids might refer to Zimbolo as...."scary cat". In reality everyone was scared, the cat and the kids!

One amazing trip, one amazing girl......and I don't mean me.

The calm before the storm...... Noah isn't crazy about going to school. He seems so happy, but it's only moments before the storm hits.

Something doesn't look quite right here. Oh I know, the toenails on the bottom are not painted. Yep, that's what it is.

Slowly, slowly..... she's not looking ...... slowly...

Lord, send Lourdesmia a Mommy soon! I love this girl. That's all I know to say.....

I'll post more later.

In Haiti!

Well, I'm sitting here waiting for Elias (YouYou's brother) to fix the wonderful little set up I had been using to talk to Jeremy. So I thought I would post quickly. I'm having a ton of fun. The kids, of course, are all great. They have all grown so much. I love playing with them. We have really had a blast this week. I arrived on Monday and we have colored pictures, painted fingernails and continue to explain to the boys that polish is pa pou gason yo (not for boys). The girls have also "cooked" for me and it was very good. They have had so much fun playing with a new dish set. They loved it!! Lourdesmia said she fixed spaghetti pou tout moun (for everybody). I told her li bon (it's good). My Creole has improved thanks to the kids. Lourdesmia and Angela were my teachers today. Teaching me the names of animals as well as many other things. Hopefully I can continue to learn and know more next time. Today was funny....Angela all of sudden looked at me with those big eyes and said, "Ou pale Creole?" (You speak Creole?) I wanted to say, "what do you think I've been speaking all week, pig latin?" But I didn't I just said, yes, a little. It was so funny!

Well I'm going to quickly post this before we lose electricity. Love to all and I will post pictures soon.

Tomorrow's the Day!!!

Well, it has been a crazy couple of days. It's Saturday and I leave tomorrow. The enemy was attacking yesterday, but we triumph over him through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I was making good time yesterday, finishing up some Christmas Shopping so I'm not overwhelmed with a bunch when I get back. I was meeting Jeremy for lunch and then going to head home and finish laundry and packing, when I received a call from my sister and she was crying..... My brother who turned 40 in May had a heart attack. All of sudden there were so many uncertainties all I could do was shake. So we sat in Los Bravos, Jeremy and I and the kids, held hands and Jeremy prayed. A calm and peace came over me and I knew it would all be ok. Well.....praise the Lord!!! My brother's heart cath went amazing and they didn't have to do anything. I believe the Lord answered our prayers and took care of it Himself!!
Thank You God!!! I'm so happy to know I can go to Haiti and enjoy being there without having to be concerned about my brother. Also, my brother had been making some poor choices, but through this has realized and already been telling one of his buddies that he needs to change his life. THANK YOU LORD!!!! Once again God turns what the enemy meant for harm into something good. Praise the Lord!!!

So now I'm taking this brief moment to say thank you for all your prayers over my trip. I'm back to full excitement and preparing! I love you all and I can't wait to post upon my return!!

Still Counting Down........

Wow, time is going pretty quickly! I leave in less than a week and this time next week I will be preparing to board the plane for my flight to Haiti. I'm so ready to see our son, my friend, and all the kids, nannies, Jimmy, Nathan, Alix....... They have all become such a part of my life, though we are miles apart they are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.

I'm trying to take so much stuff. Today or tomorrow I will begin the whole packing, repacking thing of trying to fit as much as you possibly can with out going over 50 lbs. into a tote, but taking as many supplies as possible. Let the games begin!!! LOL!!! I have so many plans, too, for while I'm there. Just fun things I want to do with the kids. I am taking different colors of fingernail polish so I can take the older girls to my room and have a polishing party. I'm going to buy some Christmas coloring books and crayons for some down time of just coloring. A friend from church gave me a Sit-n-Spin to take, I can't wait to show them that. It's going to be so much fun. Of course I'll do some work too, but I'm really looking forward to just spending some quality time with the kids and taking some amazing pictures of them ALL.

Well I guess that's it for now. I have tons of work to do this week before I leave so Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to work I go......

Counting down!!! 13 days.....

Well, it's Tuesday, November 28th and I now have less than two weeks before I will be in Haiti. I'm trying to do a tremendous amount of Christmas Shopping right now, so my darling husband won't have to be concerned about it.....and so I won't have a ton to do after I get back(only 5 days before Christmas).

I'm looking forward to my arrival. I remember when we arrived in June Noah was mad at me, but I got some great reactions from the other kids and I can't wait for those smiles and hugs this time. Hopefully Noah will warm up quickly and not be too mad at me.

I plan on taking more pictures than I ever have. My camera is able to hold over 1000 pictures on the card Jeremy bought me and I plan on using most, if not all of them. I want to bring back sooooo many pictures for all the parents that are not going, as well as capture some great pictures of the kids still available, so when their families find them, I will have pictures for them. Pictures mean so much when you are so far away. It truly makes me feel like I'm not missing near as much. It's like I'm still able to see him growing and changing.

He needs prayer.......

My poor darling husband....... Last night we went out to eat as a family and we were discussing my upcoming trip to Haiti. All of sudden he realized I was going to be gone for 9 days. I'm not sure how he has missed this fact. We've talked multiple times about when I'm leaving and when I'm returning. He "supposedly" reads my blog, which I specifically have the dates in my previous post and say I will be with Noah for 8 whole days!! All I know is you should have seen the look on his face when he realized this small detail. It was sad. Poor guy. In fact he even mentioned that he thought I wasn't even going to be gone a full week. So anyway he needs prayer, not because he missed this info but because he will be with the children for that long without any you know what...............oh just pray he doesn't kill them.

LOL!!! Sorry I couldn't resist Hon! I love you and thanks for letting me go!

M'ap ale Haiti!!!

I am sooooo excited to report, to those of you who don't know yet, that I am going to Haiti again!!! YEAH!!!! I can't wait to go!! I will be traveling with my friend and fellow adopting parent, Angela and her mother-in-law. We leave December 10th and will return on the 19th. I can't wait to go!! Oh wait I said that already. Well did I say, I can't wait to go!! Oh yes I did. Ok well anyway, I'm so ready to see our boy again! I can tell from the pictures that he is getting so big and changing so much. I'm ready to hold him and love on him for 8 whole days!!!! Yes I do know how to add and subtract, it takes 2 days to get there. We leave the 10th but won't arrive until the 11th around 12:00.

I'm just as anxious to see my wonderful friend, Angela (aka YouYou). I'm so thankful God put her in our lives and I'm looking forward to spending some time with her, not via e-mail (though I'm thankful we do have that).

This trip will be unlike the others in a way, because this time I get to stay at the O. I'm really looking forward to being there with the kids in the evenings. Before, we were always back at St. Joe's by 5:00 to freshen up for dinner, so I always missed the evening routines and bedtime. I also am looking forward to having the extra time with all the kids. I love these kids and cherish the times of just sitting on the floor playing, singing songs, holding them......ah I can't wait!!

Also, I have taken on a new responsibility with Three Angels Children's Relief. They have asked me to be a Committee Board Member acting as the Missions Coordinator. I'm so excited to take this on. I love working with Gail and Gretchen and look forward to meeting and getting to know Joe and Shannon. We have exciting plans of more mission trips and are determined to continue improving the living conditions as well as plan fun activities for the kids. God is awesome in how he has used this adoption to not only bless our family with another child, but has connected us with Haiti and the amazing people there. I'm looking forward to fulfilling this role with His help. On this trip, I will begin to take notes and create lists of things that need done over the next year.

Thank you so much for all of your continued support and prayers! We love you all!

Fundraising Concert

The kids had this amazing concert last night to raise money for the adoption expenses. They sang songs, read stories, danced, Camden had a harmonica solo. It was a huge success, everyone loved it. I'll let the pictures speak for them selves.




The only problem was, we were the only ones invited. I'm still not sure how that has helped the Noah fund, but at any rate.......Great job kids!!!

Passing time......

It always helps pass time when you stay busy, right? So we have been busy, busy, busy!!! We've recently stripped wallpaper in our downstairs bathroom and painted it, painted our entry, Jeremy built me a coffee table and end table (he's so handy), we went bowling with our friends, went shopping for winter coats for the kids and managed to go to church, homeschool and watch some football. This was all in one week. Do you think we are staying busy? I do!!

Bathroom Make-over!

Table

Bowling!!


So....... we can't wait to add our little guy to all this family fun!! We miss you Noah and can't wait to bring you home!!!

Nou renmen ou!! Nou manke ou tre anpil!

Just for fun.....The Cundiff's as we wait!!!

No updates at this time concerning the adoption so I thought I would post some pictures from, "The Cundiff's as we wait!!!"




This pictures were made available because my wonderful husband bought me this really cool camera for my birthday! Thanks, Hon!! I love it!!!

Pictures from the O

The Orphanage has created a blog for the parents to see new pictures periodically and possible little updates of the children. These two pictures were posted recently and I wanted to share them with you.

Noah and Jonas (AKAs Nowah & JoJo) Although it looks like Noah is telling Jonas to go away, he was actually trying to show JoJo where Angela was.






Playdoh time. This picture was taken yesterday morning. It's awesome to know what they are doing in their day.


Thank you Three Angels for creating the blog. I'm sure I speak for all the parents in saying, it truly helps as we wait to bring our children home!!

Anticipation

This may seem like a strange thing to some, but I'm going to post it anyway. I had an incredible time with the Lord yesterday. I spent some extra time praying and as I prayed concerning our adoption, I was overwhelmed with a sense of joy! If you have been reading my blog you know that I have been really missing Haiti and Noah. I mean rrreeeaaalllllly missing!! Well yesterday I just felt this, as I said, overwhelming joy, and I know in my spirit I will be going soon. I don't know exactly when or how, but I KNOW it will be soon. God has given me such a peace over it and an excitement, an anticipation. In fact, I have begun to pack my bag. I feel like we are nearing the end of a pregnancy and you pack your bag for the hospital, not knowing for sure when you will go, but you want to be prepared when the time comes, well......I'm packing my bag.

You might think, you're nuts.....there's no way you could be going that soon...... Well Mark 9:23 NKJ says, Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” There are other translations of this verse that I love, like NIV 22b-23 But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." The Message, Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." ..........Lord I believe!!!!

Noah, manman ou ap vini!!

Just a few things to report....

Well guys, there's not much to post right now. We are still waiting to receive a letter from DHS stating Noah is indeed an orphan and advising us to proceed with the adoption. I phoned yesterday to our USCIS (Immigration office that operates under Department of Homeland Security)to see if they had received anything from DHS in Haiti concerning our Orphan First Petition. Unfortunately, they called this morning and said they haven't received anything yet. I'm bumbed. I was hoping it was on it's way to us. Hopefully they will have it soon and we can move on!

Also, we may not have many more posts with stories of Noah or many more pictures of him. Unfortunately, due to some complaints, Three Angels may have to ask Angela (You-You) to stop sending us those little personal updates. I'm saddened by this, as those little updates help pass the time and really create a feeling of involvement in the lives of our children, even though we are so far away. They are probably going to go to one picture a month and height/weight updates, which is better than nothing at all. I am thankful for the blessing those little updates were while we had them.

Speaking of height and weight updates, Noah is getting taller but thinner. The latest report shows him weighing 25 lbs and 98 cm tall. (98 seems awfully big, so apparently he has grown quite a bit since we were there in June.) I could tell in the latest pictures that he has begun to lose that baby look and just looks like our handsome little boy!!

Prayer.......

Today I wanted to request prayer for me. Hopefully this doesn't seem selfish, but I am having Haiti withdrawal. I was able to go in March and in June and haven't been back since. This may seem crazy to some, but I love going!! I, of course, love seeing Noah, but it's not just him. I love being at the Orphanage, sitting on the roof at St. Joseph's, seeing the Nannies, playing with all the kids. I miss all of it! If I had the money and the ok from the board, I would leave on the next flight out. I have such a longing to go back. I know without a doubt God has connected me with this little country and I know He has a plan for me to do more than just adopt a son, but currently I am limited by finances for the most part.

You are probably thinking, ok, enough already, what's the prayer request? I guess my request is that the Lord will help me to be content until I'm able to go and to take away this acheful longing I have. Also that the Lord will provide us with the finances we need to help Three Angels in the way we desire to.

Thank you to everyone who continues to read my blog and for always keeping us in your prayers!! Love you all!!

New Pictures.....

He looks so big!! I miss him so much!!!

Li rele Noah!

He knows his name and this is the proof. Translation: Angela asks Lourdesmia what his name is. Lourdesmia responds (obviously) Wilberk. The rest is history. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I'll continue to keep you updated on our adoption as I am updated.

Love to all!!

More answered prayers....

Our DHS appointment was yesterday. I am so happy to report both parents were in attendance and no DNA was required. Basically they have said Noah is indeed an orphan and available for adoption, however we have to wait until we receive the official letter stating so. At that time, we will begin our Haitian side of the process. We are so excited!! It was amazing to get such good news. The birth parents are officially done. God is so awesome!!!

We also heard that when Gail arrived at the O, he came running up to her and gave her a hug. She said, "Hello, Wilbert." He crossed his arms, frowned at her and said, "No, Noah!" Soon I will put the video on here of him saying his name, it's so cute. He is adamant about being called, Nowah! (No I didn't spell it wrong that is how he says it. Too cute!

Just a note of encouragement.....

This morning I was listening to a Pastor talking about staying in faith. I think, too many times, we allow circumstances to suppress our faith. Maybe we are believing God for something and when circumstances begin to point in the opposite direction we begin to waver in our faith. We begin to say, "well I guess God didn't want that for me." Or, "it must not be God's will for me to have it that way." Too many times we give up when the enemy throws circumstances our way. In Daniel 10 the angel of the Lord told Daniel, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me." We see here that the angel was trying to get to Daniel, but was withheld 21 days. Sometimes, there are battles going on that we don't see. These battles may delay our receiving. This is something we need to remember and determine that we will continue in faith. Ephesians tells us, "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." The enemy will do everything he can to keep us from receiving what God has for us. We must stand in faith, having done all, to stand. This scripture also reminds us that we are the ones fighting. It says "we" do not wrestle against flesh and blood..... we are the ones wrestling. We are the ones who are suppose to put on the armor of God and fight for what God has provided for us.

You may be saying, what has He provided? Well the bible says, he was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, He bore our sicknesses, by His stripes we were healed, He became poor that we might be rich. Jesus suffered severely to provide these things for us. I imagine it saddens Him when we don't walk in all He provided.

Mark 5 gives the account of Jairus pleading for his daughter's life. To me this would be a perfect opportunity to be in fear and give up on what you are believing God for. "And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." ......................
While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." He needed Jairus to stay in faith concerning his daughter. Why else would he command him to not be afraid and believe? You'll notice also if you read on, that he only took a few with him and when he arrived at Jairus' home he made everyone leave that was mocking Him. He only allowed those who were in faith to stay. If anyone, Jairus had a right to be afraid and to doubt, but Jesus said, "Do not be afraid; only believe."

My final thought comes to you today from Hebrews 10:22-23, "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Whatever you are believing God for today, hold fast to His promise and know, that you know, that you know He is faithful!!!!

Still Praying......

Well our DHS appointment didn't happen. On Tuesday our appointment had to be rescheduled. The birth mother was unable to attend due to caring for a sick relative so we are rescheduled for October 10th. We are praying both parents will be in attendance and that DHS will not require DNA testing(only because this would cause additional delays). After this appointment we hope to be ready to go to First Legal which is with the Haitian government.

Thank you again for your continued prayer support!

Praying again....

As you know, today Nathan is scheduled to take DHS the additional documentation they requested. We are praying they will be satisfied and not continue requesting more items. Thank you for continuing to pray with us.