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!