Noah Wilbert Cundiff

Yes, he will sleep anywhere. It's funny, he actually makes this table look comfortable.






What a handsome boy!!











Ok, so we were taking pictures during church. Is that a bad thing?






My sweet boy.







Great friends!












"What, she's leaving?"










"Figures, I knew she would leave again."

LourdesMia Grace Cundiff

I think she is happy with her new family.







Isn't she lovely!







"Mom did my hair. Don't tell her but I think she needs more practice."






Look at this beautiful sunrise.







Mommy & Mia







Ready for bed.











See, I told you she was ready for bed.

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......