So... Sunday, Sam and Martin wore khaki pants and matching orange and navy polos. Their shoes were brown leather sandals - almost identical, but just slightly different. They looked so cute. I say "Ya'll are twins!" Sam says "No, we're not." I'm fully expecting him to say something about them being different colors. But instead, he says "Our shoes are a little different, so we're not really twins!" It was super cute! They love each othere and are having so much fun together! Brothers for sure.
We are continuing to do great! Martin and Kamrynn-Rose had their doctor's appointments, which went great until the shots! Martin's not such a fan of needles, but he hugged the nurse afterwards and we're all good now. Sam and daddy are on an afternoon out since they were apart so long.
Tomorrow will be Martin's first day at school and Kam-Ro's at the babysitters. Both loved their new places when we visited Monday, so I expect all will go well. I will be next door to Martin at school and Kam-Ro will be with Sam. That will help for sure.
Our little family is doing so well bonding. Everyone is happy and healthy and sleeping great! We are so thankful for how well it is going. Thanks for your continued prayers.
Our agency is coming Thursday for post placement report, so we are well on our way to finalizing the adoption. Things are moving right along now. We will keep you updated!
We love you all so very much!
Kasey
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
It's a GREAT day
I never would put that it was a GREAT day in Uganda...only because it wasn't complete. Well today I can honestly say it is complete! It has been a truly GREAT day!
It was also a great night. All the kids were asleep around 9. I woke up (briefly) at 5 and everyone was still asleep. Kam-Ro woke up at 7. Around that time Kasey peeked in and Martin was awake in bed. After a few minutes we heard stirring and Kasey went to tell Martin that he could get out of bed...well when she went in it was Sam awake and not Martin. So here is what that means...Martin woke up, didn't freak, and went back to sleep on his on (not bad for his first night without mommy or daddy in the room). Then Kate got up. Then Katewoke Martin up around 8:15 to eat breakfast. So I would say night one was a HUGE success.
We then went to Kate's soccer game and daddy jumped right in to help coach. Then we went to Granbury to eat, to go Wal-Mart, and the new HEB. I know some think we are crazy, some think the kids can't handle it...the truth is they have already integrated into life and it is AWESOME. We decided if Wal-Mart didn't freak 'em out then they were fine. They acted like they had been there a million times.
I told Kasey that I think God gave us the hard part (the last 3 1/2 months) on the front in and now we are reaping the benefits! It seems like this is the way it is supposed to be...and that's because it is!
As for me I just took about an hour nap and my body told me not to get up, but alas I did because I want to sleep tonight! I have felt great, but a little tired now! I am REALLY excited about going to church tomorrow and seeing everyone! I am also excited about preaching!
I didn't really say anything about the trip so I will do it now...The first flight from Entebbe to Amsterdam was great. As Kasey said we had bulkhead seating, so lots of room and a little bassinet for her. They slept almost the whole flight.
In Amsterdam the kids played...it was great having Levy and Jude there (along with Chasity).
The flight from AMS to DFW was long (9 hrs 45 minutes) of which Kam-Ro slept about the last hour and a half. She cried SEVERAL times, but hey she's 21 months old. Martin did great.
There was drama at both landing...Kam-Ro pooped out of her diaper landing at AMS...so her clothes and my shirt went in the trash (and no I didn't streak, I had a another shirt). Landing at DFW Martin puked, but only once then was fine.
When we broke through the clouds on our decent into DFW I got SO excited because I knew the ground I saw below was TEXAS!!
Immigration took a while, but everything was VERY smooth. I told the Border Control agent that questioned us and finalized their visas how much I appreciated how these things worked in America. He said until you go to another country and see how things work you sometimes don't appreciate how they work here. TRUST me we appreciate it!
We final got out and we were greeted to Kasey jumping up and down!! Her, Kate and Sam ran to us...I held Sam (for the first time in 3 months) he has gotten so tall and no longer looks like a toddler, but a true little man! There were family and friends there and it was a blessing. My head was spinning the whole time till we got in the car. I drove because I wanted to feel normal...and I think it helped...it was crazy to have 4 kids in the car, but such a blessings!
We then went to Hammonds and several people from the church were there, it was fun just to see faces! I also wondered if I would enjoy the taste of the food in America or if I would have to get used to it again...NO PROBLEM!! I had a bar-be-que baked potato and it was SO SO SO good! And the best part was ICED TEA!!!
God has been good to watch over and protect us...and now to bring us ALL back together!
Bless you all...it is great to be home!!
LOVE YOU
brad
It was also a great night. All the kids were asleep around 9. I woke up (briefly) at 5 and everyone was still asleep. Kam-Ro woke up at 7. Around that time Kasey peeked in and Martin was awake in bed. After a few minutes we heard stirring and Kasey went to tell Martin that he could get out of bed...well when she went in it was Sam awake and not Martin. So here is what that means...Martin woke up, didn't freak, and went back to sleep on his on (not bad for his first night without mommy or daddy in the room). Then Kate got up. Then Katewoke Martin up around 8:15 to eat breakfast. So I would say night one was a HUGE success.
We then went to Kate's soccer game and daddy jumped right in to help coach. Then we went to Granbury to eat, to go Wal-Mart, and the new HEB. I know some think we are crazy, some think the kids can't handle it...the truth is they have already integrated into life and it is AWESOME. We decided if Wal-Mart didn't freak 'em out then they were fine. They acted like they had been there a million times.
I told Kasey that I think God gave us the hard part (the last 3 1/2 months) on the front in and now we are reaping the benefits! It seems like this is the way it is supposed to be...and that's because it is!
As for me I just took about an hour nap and my body told me not to get up, but alas I did because I want to sleep tonight! I have felt great, but a little tired now! I am REALLY excited about going to church tomorrow and seeing everyone! I am also excited about preaching!
I didn't really say anything about the trip so I will do it now...The first flight from Entebbe to Amsterdam was great. As Kasey said we had bulkhead seating, so lots of room and a little bassinet for her. They slept almost the whole flight.
In Amsterdam the kids played...it was great having Levy and Jude there (along with Chasity).
The flight from AMS to DFW was long (9 hrs 45 minutes) of which Kam-Ro slept about the last hour and a half. She cried SEVERAL times, but hey she's 21 months old. Martin did great.
There was drama at both landing...Kam-Ro pooped out of her diaper landing at AMS...so her clothes and my shirt went in the trash (and no I didn't streak, I had a another shirt). Landing at DFW Martin puked, but only once then was fine.
When we broke through the clouds on our decent into DFW I got SO excited because I knew the ground I saw below was TEXAS!!
Immigration took a while, but everything was VERY smooth. I told the Border Control agent that questioned us and finalized their visas how much I appreciated how these things worked in America. He said until you go to another country and see how things work you sometimes don't appreciate how they work here. TRUST me we appreciate it!
We final got out and we were greeted to Kasey jumping up and down!! Her, Kate and Sam ran to us...I held Sam (for the first time in 3 months) he has gotten so tall and no longer looks like a toddler, but a true little man! There were family and friends there and it was a blessing. My head was spinning the whole time till we got in the car. I drove because I wanted to feel normal...and I think it helped...it was crazy to have 4 kids in the car, but such a blessings!
We then went to Hammonds and several people from the church were there, it was fun just to see faces! I also wondered if I would enjoy the taste of the food in America or if I would have to get used to it again...NO PROBLEM!! I had a bar-be-que baked potato and it was SO SO SO good! And the best part was ICED TEA!!!
God has been good to watch over and protect us...and now to bring us ALL back together!
Bless you all...it is great to be home!!
LOVE YOU
brad
Friday, September 16, 2011
Here!!
So... They are here! We are still waiting- they have to go through immigration and customs so we haven't seen them yet. Martin is puking so that's no fun! Hopefully it's just nerves or air sickness. We are ready!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
In amsterdam
They are halfway here! Well... Almost! The flight was good and they have about 3 1/2 hour layover in Amsterdam. Next stop... DFW!!!!
Entebbe to Amsterdam!
They are in the air! They got bulkhead seating so that should help make it more comfortable! They should be in amsterdam around 12:45 am our time. I'll update the blog when we hear from him! Lots of excitement here!!!!!
Signing Off...
So this is going to be my last post from Uganda. In the next few minutes I am going to help some friends with their Embassy paperwork, bath the children, pack the last minute things, eat supper, and get in a car with Farouk to go to the airport...I think that about sums up the rest of the day...well there is also that whole getting on an airplane and heading HOME thing!!
Kasey is bouncing off the walls...those that know her well are probably very surprised by that :)!!
The only thing I am not excited about right now is the fact that I am about to spend 22 1/2 hrs on airplanes and in an airport once we get on the plane here, BUT it is MORE than worth it!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! My next post will be from the US! I am sure Kasey will update the flights, but you wont here from me till I am HOME!
brad
Kasey is bouncing off the walls...those that know her well are probably very surprised by that :)!!
The only thing I am not excited about right now is the fact that I am about to spend 22 1/2 hrs on airplanes and in an airport once we get on the plane here, BUT it is MORE than worth it!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! My next post will be from the US! I am sure Kasey will update the flights, but you wont here from me till I am HOME!
brad
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Time Marches On...
So before Kasey left (the first time) I made a comment something like this, "No matter what, time will continue to pass, it will not stand still." (barring any miracle from God...hey it has happened before, but I think it would have been a curse not a miracle in this instance).
Well time never stopped (early on I would I have told you it slowed WAY down), so here we are. I am on my 83rd day in Kampala, Uganda (before my flight takes off I will have started my 84th day...I am counting it!), and I at this point am taking every moment in.
Yesterday we went to Lugazi to say good bye to some good friends. It was a GREAT time. We laughed we talked, it was fun. I got to talk with bio parents and they were so very gracious and thankful...pray for them, I can't imagine how hard this is. They are coming to the airport to say bye, so we will have one more opportunity to say bye.
On the way home I had a flashback to coming to the Emmaus House for the first time after getting off the plane. Kampala at night is very distinct! I sat looking out the window. I was sitting in the same seat, same situation (Rose asleep on my lap and Martin sitting beside me), but my heart was completely different. I found myself looking at all the places and having fond memories. I told Pastor Barnard and Isaac yesterday that I am not looking back on our time here with bad memories, but with fondness. It is funny to say that now because it was such a hard journey, but God has shown me things I would have NEVER seen, been able to experience, and He has changed me in ways that I never could have been changed just being in the US! These last 3 months have been a blessing, not a curse. The have been hard, but God has seen us through. We would have never chosen it, but God used it and now we are closer to Him, closer to the people He is calling us to be, and our family will soon be united.
Kasey asked me when we changed our flight if I was going to preach on Sunday...I wonder if anyone who knows me thinks there is anyway I would stay away from that pulpit on Sunday! So for those in RBC here is your sneak peek...Philippians 1:1-11...and for those not at RBC know that this prayer from Paul is the way I feel about ALL of you!
The last experiences (for this trip...yes we are coming back) are happening...the last time to Lugazi, the last nights sleep in this bed (and it was the best nights sleep I have gotten), the last time hearing Martin wake up and say, "Can I play de game", we are going to go eat our last breakfast soon. It is amazing the joy and feelings I have for Uganda now...God has truly blessed us here!
BUT alas it is time to go home. It is time to be with the WHOLE family. It is time to see Kate play soccer. It is time to play with Sam. It is time to see Martin's excitement from being in America. It is time to see Kam-Ro in a car seat (yes that is one of the experiences I am most looking forward too). It is time to see ALL the kids together. It is time to hug, kiss, and just be with my wife. It is time to get a LARGE beverage (preferable ICED tea). It is time to sit in the same seat I have been sitting in the car and be the driver...not the passanger. It is time to have stop lights (there are stop lights here, but let's just say it is not like home) and organized driving (instead of organized...I use organized LOOSELY...chaos). It is time to not have people coming up to my window asking me to buy things (things like...posters of Africa and the anatomy (which is my personal favorite), airtime for cell phones, sunglasses, kid's toys, car chargers, sugar cane...what is funny is as I type this I may actually miss this a little). It is time to get up in the morning and have a routine for the day. It is time to see family. It is time to see friends. It is time to prepare sermons. It is time to preach. It is time to be the pastor of RBC again. It is time for so many things!!!
This part of the journey is ending, BUT the journey has just begun. Not just because we have 2 more kids now, but because the journey NEVER ends. Each step we take is part of the larger journey...the journey that God has called us to. The journey that ultimately leads us to Him. The journey that should each day be making us more like Him. The journey that when all is said and done leads us to worship at the throne of grace that we have seen but a shadow of on this earth! Take YOUR journey. Ours went through Uganda (and I have a feeling will keep making stops here)...what about yours? Is it progressing you to the Father of all things that loved you so much He provided A path (I say A because there is but one) to Himself through His son Jesus Christ? Walk the path that God has laid before you!
As they say here...Safe Journey! God Bless!!
LOVE YOU ALL & we will be home soon!
brad
Well time never stopped (early on I would I have told you it slowed WAY down), so here we are. I am on my 83rd day in Kampala, Uganda (before my flight takes off I will have started my 84th day...I am counting it!), and I at this point am taking every moment in.
Yesterday we went to Lugazi to say good bye to some good friends. It was a GREAT time. We laughed we talked, it was fun. I got to talk with bio parents and they were so very gracious and thankful...pray for them, I can't imagine how hard this is. They are coming to the airport to say bye, so we will have one more opportunity to say bye.
On the way home I had a flashback to coming to the Emmaus House for the first time after getting off the plane. Kampala at night is very distinct! I sat looking out the window. I was sitting in the same seat, same situation (Rose asleep on my lap and Martin sitting beside me), but my heart was completely different. I found myself looking at all the places and having fond memories. I told Pastor Barnard and Isaac yesterday that I am not looking back on our time here with bad memories, but with fondness. It is funny to say that now because it was such a hard journey, but God has shown me things I would have NEVER seen, been able to experience, and He has changed me in ways that I never could have been changed just being in the US! These last 3 months have been a blessing, not a curse. The have been hard, but God has seen us through. We would have never chosen it, but God used it and now we are closer to Him, closer to the people He is calling us to be, and our family will soon be united.
Kasey asked me when we changed our flight if I was going to preach on Sunday...I wonder if anyone who knows me thinks there is anyway I would stay away from that pulpit on Sunday! So for those in RBC here is your sneak peek...Philippians 1:1-11...and for those not at RBC know that this prayer from Paul is the way I feel about ALL of you!
The last experiences (for this trip...yes we are coming back) are happening...the last time to Lugazi, the last nights sleep in this bed (and it was the best nights sleep I have gotten), the last time hearing Martin wake up and say, "Can I play de game", we are going to go eat our last breakfast soon. It is amazing the joy and feelings I have for Uganda now...God has truly blessed us here!
BUT alas it is time to go home. It is time to be with the WHOLE family. It is time to see Kate play soccer. It is time to play with Sam. It is time to see Martin's excitement from being in America. It is time to see Kam-Ro in a car seat (yes that is one of the experiences I am most looking forward too). It is time to see ALL the kids together. It is time to hug, kiss, and just be with my wife. It is time to get a LARGE beverage (preferable ICED tea). It is time to sit in the same seat I have been sitting in the car and be the driver...not the passanger. It is time to have stop lights (there are stop lights here, but let's just say it is not like home) and organized driving (instead of organized...I use organized LOOSELY...chaos). It is time to not have people coming up to my window asking me to buy things (things like...posters of Africa and the anatomy (which is my personal favorite), airtime for cell phones, sunglasses, kid's toys, car chargers, sugar cane...what is funny is as I type this I may actually miss this a little). It is time to get up in the morning and have a routine for the day. It is time to see family. It is time to see friends. It is time to prepare sermons. It is time to preach. It is time to be the pastor of RBC again. It is time for so many things!!!
This part of the journey is ending, BUT the journey has just begun. Not just because we have 2 more kids now, but because the journey NEVER ends. Each step we take is part of the larger journey...the journey that God has called us to. The journey that ultimately leads us to Him. The journey that should each day be making us more like Him. The journey that when all is said and done leads us to worship at the throne of grace that we have seen but a shadow of on this earth! Take YOUR journey. Ours went through Uganda (and I have a feeling will keep making stops here)...what about yours? Is it progressing you to the Father of all things that loved you so much He provided A path (I say A because there is but one) to Himself through His son Jesus Christ? Walk the path that God has laid before you!
As they say here...Safe Journey! God Bless!!
LOVE YOU ALL & we will be home soon!
brad
Tomorrow! :)
This is Kasey posting...sorry it's so late in the day! I have had a couple of panicky texts messages from you die-hard bloggers, asking if all was ok, because there was no post! It's been a crazy busy Wednesday in both Reedy "households"!
ALL is GREAT!! The Embassy went smoothly today and Brad had visas in hand around 2:30 there this afternoon. He then went to Lugazi (the village) and said good-byes to new friends there. So, he didn't get back to the guesthouse until bedtime. By the time we talked, he was ready for bed. Martin was so excited to tell me "One more night mommy!" tonight! That was fun. They will be getting on the plane tomorrow night at 11:30 pm (3:30 pm our time) and heading home! That sounds so good!
They will fly into Dallas at 1:55 pm Friday. We are so ready to be all together. Thank you all for being on this journey. We will continue to update on the blog - maybe not daily, but often to let you know how things are going. We love you all so much!
Kasey
ALL is GREAT!! The Embassy went smoothly today and Brad had visas in hand around 2:30 there this afternoon. He then went to Lugazi (the village) and said good-byes to new friends there. So, he didn't get back to the guesthouse until bedtime. By the time we talked, he was ready for bed. Martin was so excited to tell me "One more night mommy!" tonight! That was fun. They will be getting on the plane tomorrow night at 11:30 pm (3:30 pm our time) and heading home! That sounds so good!
They will fly into Dallas at 1:55 pm Friday. We are so ready to be all together. Thank you all for being on this journey. We will continue to update on the blog - maybe not daily, but often to let you know how things are going. We love you all so much!
Kasey
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
2 more days...
That sounds so good to me!! That in two days we will be at or almost at the airport. Honestly I have not much else to say...God has continued to be faithful (but isn't He always)!
I know most of you will understand this because of the journey, but I don't think I will completely relax until we are on that airplane, BUT it is a beautiful thing that tomorrow we will have everything that we need to get on it!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
I know most of you will understand this because of the journey, but I don't think I will completely relax until we are on that airplane, BUT it is a beautiful thing that tomorrow we will have everything that we need to get on it!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Monday, September 12, 2011
God's Word says it ALL
I wasn't going to post tonight. I am exhausted! The mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual drain of this whole process hit me tonight. Satan even tried to guide me away from my nightly routine of reading Scripture over the children...which leads to my post!
You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. (Psalm 119:65 ESV)
I read 119:65 right off the bat...and nothing could be more true. God has been faithful. He has kept His Word and been with us through this WHOLE process (especially in the difficult ones). And when He said it was time to go home...He meant it and made it happen!
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. (Psalm 119:71 ESV)
119:71 speaks to me (and I would guess I could say Kasey too). God has taught SO much in this time! If we had not had this affliction...then I would not have grown in the way He wanted! I am changed because God chose us for this journey!
Not much more to say...except if you hadn't heard we are getting on a plane on Thursday and will be home Friday (waiting on the confirmation, but all seems in order)
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you!
brad
You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. (Psalm 119:65 ESV)
I read 119:65 right off the bat...and nothing could be more true. God has been faithful. He has kept His Word and been with us through this WHOLE process (especially in the difficult ones). And when He said it was time to go home...He meant it and made it happen!
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. (Psalm 119:71 ESV)
119:71 speaks to me (and I would guess I could say Kasey too). God has taught SO much in this time! If we had not had this affliction...then I would not have grown in the way He wanted! I am changed because God chose us for this journey!
Not much more to say...except if you hadn't heard we are getting on a plane on Thursday and will be home Friday (waiting on the confirmation, but all seems in order)
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you!
brad
GREAT BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!!
PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD!! The visas have been approved and we will pick them up Wednesday at noon!!! WE ARE COMING HOME!!!
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you for taking this journey with us!!! It is almost complete...now the real adventure can begin (4 kids, all in America)!!
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you for taking this journey with us!!! It is almost complete...now the real adventure can begin (4 kids, all in America)!!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We're On
As most of you read this I will be in, about to be, or just out of our visa interview. The passport and legal guardianship papers were fine!!
The bio mom can't come because she is sick. The bio dad and Farouk are on their way. Everything seems in order.
Freda also said she should get the report from the investigation, so if that comes today then everything can be finalized!
PRAY PRAY!!
It is going to a great day.
Our friends (the Cole's) are also having their interview today...so pray for them as well (Chasity, Levy, Jude...and the American side, Jonathan, Reagan and Alex)
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
The bio mom can't come because she is sick. The bio dad and Farouk are on their way. Everything seems in order.
Freda also said she should get the report from the investigation, so if that comes today then everything can be finalized!
PRAY PRAY!!
It is going to a great day.
Our friends (the Cole's) are also having their interview today...so pray for them as well (Chasity, Levy, Jude...and the American side, Jonathan, Reagan and Alex)
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Psalm 119:49
It is about 3 PM on Sunday afternoon...we just got back from church and it was a joy to worship (as it ALWAYS should be).
We had a great night (no wake ups again). I actually text Kasey about 5:30 AM (9:30 PM Texas time) and told her it was the first time I had woke up...that was awesome! God is giving good rest and allowing us to have good nights and days.
It is less than a week till we get on a plane...that makes me SO happy. I have been reminded the last few days about God's promise to me that we were getting on a plane September 17th! So last night I continued in our new family tradition, that of reading scripture over the kids as they sleep. Well what I have been doing is reading Psalm 119, which is broken up into 8 verse segments. Last night I read Psalm 119:49-56. Verse 49 says, "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made hope." God's word is first of all His written Word (and we should always stand with it as our reason for what we do), but God's Word also comes from His Holy Spirit. My confidence in us getting home this week (man that sounds good) is based not on my reasoning, rationale, etc (because let's be honest NOTHING in this process has gone according to reason (at least our reasoning), but is is based on God and what He has said.
Pray with us...tomorrow morning we go to drop off a passport and legal guardianship papers that each have misspellings. Pray that Freda (the lady at the Embassy) accepts these and that we have our visa interview tomorrow. Pray also that at that interview (which will be around 2 PM) they grant the children's visas. If that happens, then we will pick them up on Wednesday and I will cry, dance, sing, shout, jump up and down, and really any other emotion or physical response to the kind of joy I will have!!
Pray...it is (as always) in God's hands!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
We had a great night (no wake ups again). I actually text Kasey about 5:30 AM (9:30 PM Texas time) and told her it was the first time I had woke up...that was awesome! God is giving good rest and allowing us to have good nights and days.
It is less than a week till we get on a plane...that makes me SO happy. I have been reminded the last few days about God's promise to me that we were getting on a plane September 17th! So last night I continued in our new family tradition, that of reading scripture over the kids as they sleep. Well what I have been doing is reading Psalm 119, which is broken up into 8 verse segments. Last night I read Psalm 119:49-56. Verse 49 says, "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made hope." God's word is first of all His written Word (and we should always stand with it as our reason for what we do), but God's Word also comes from His Holy Spirit. My confidence in us getting home this week (man that sounds good) is based not on my reasoning, rationale, etc (because let's be honest NOTHING in this process has gone according to reason (at least our reasoning), but is is based on God and what He has said.
Pray with us...tomorrow morning we go to drop off a passport and legal guardianship papers that each have misspellings. Pray that Freda (the lady at the Embassy) accepts these and that we have our visa interview tomorrow. Pray also that at that interview (which will be around 2 PM) they grant the children's visas. If that happens, then we will pick them up on Wednesday and I will cry, dance, sing, shout, jump up and down, and really any other emotion or physical response to the kind of joy I will have!!
Pray...it is (as always) in God's hands!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Saturday, September 10, 2011
She is Right...
Kasey's last post says it all...all is well! I believe that God is getting us on an airplane next Saturday...and no passport, visa, or anything else can stop God! I have said it recently that this belief is not man made, but something that I feel like God has given to the very core of my being! The passport was something that, from a human perspective, stood in the way of that happening, but we do not wrestle against flesh and blood...I use that verse because if God has something planned nothing of this world can stop it from happening! I have to say my faith in God's promise was small (if any) yesterday, BUT as of right now I can say that God has reminded me that we are going to be home in a week (or traveling home) and all that matters is what God says!
The kids are great...both of them slept the WHOLE night last night. That was being without power from about 12:30 to 2 and a crazy thunderstorm that sounded like it was in our room...so I say they did good!
LOVE YOU ALL...see you soon!
brad
The kids are great...both of them slept the WHOLE night last night. That was being without power from about 12:30 to 2 and a crazy thunderstorm that sounded like it was in our room...so I say they did good!
LOVE YOU ALL...see you soon!
brad
Friday, September 9, 2011
All is Well
This is Kasey - So, as Brad said, we are feeling sure that all is well (I think I'm feeling it more, but I'm also not the one in a foreign country having to line it all out!)
But, I must add...Brad left out one very important detail of the day - Not only did I call USCIS, but I also called Border Control (along with the 134 callers ahead of me) and talked to "Chris"! I told my friend Bridgett that I never dreamed I would be calling immigration services and border control to make sure we can get our kids in here!! I felt like a crazy person! But...Chris, my new friend, assured me we are fine! He was a hoot! He kept stopping me in the middle of my explanations and basically saying "Let's get to the point." I found it pretty funny! Anyway, thanks for continuing to pray. I just went grocery shopping for the next couple of weeks. I'm pretty excited that the next time I go, it will be with the whole family! And yes, I did say excited in the same sentence as grocery shopping - my family loves HEB and we find it fun!
Love you all!
Kasey
But, I must add...Brad left out one very important detail of the day - Not only did I call USCIS, but I also called Border Control (along with the 134 callers ahead of me) and talked to "Chris"! I told my friend Bridgett that I never dreamed I would be calling immigration services and border control to make sure we can get our kids in here!! I felt like a crazy person! But...Chris, my new friend, assured me we are fine! He was a hoot! He kept stopping me in the middle of my explanations and basically saying "Let's get to the point." I found it pretty funny! Anyway, thanks for continuing to pray. I just went grocery shopping for the next couple of weeks. I'm pretty excited that the next time I go, it will be with the whole family! And yes, I did say excited in the same sentence as grocery shopping - my family loves HEB and we find it fun!
Love you all!
Kasey
UP and DOWN
This is at least the second time I have used this title, but it is the only appropriate title for the day.
We went to the Embassy and everything is good there. I scheduled a Monday appointment on the off chance we got the ruling and passport today & Wednesday for the 'at the latest' date.
So we go to the lawyers office because Chasity had to go pick up her passports for the boys...well after we picked up her passports and went back to the office to get the last bit of paperwork for her...I get a call. "We have your WRITTEN legal ruling". So Ronald (one of the guys in the lawyer's office) hopped on a boda (motorcycle taxi...which Chasity and I decided may be a good business to start in the US) and went to pick it up from the court.
So after we eat, Chasity takes all four of the kids so I can go get the passports. Shelia (another lady in the office) and I go to the passport office. I get Kam-Ro's and it is great...I get Martin's and his name is spelled wrong...instead of Nkeera Martin it says Nkeela Martin...I am sure this an issue of rolling the 'r' which Ugandans do.
So I am thinking we are going to have to get a new passport and honestly I was VERY VERY VERY discouraged...well after talking to the lawyer, travel agent, and Kasey the USCIS, there is some hope that this won't be an issue. The truth is no one will probably even recognize the problem, BUT I want a for sure everything is OK. So Monday I am going to take the rest of the paperwork to Freda (the lady that does the US visas) and see what she says.
I told Kasey I just wanted something that was SO easy in this process. When I got the call today from Rebecca (our lawyer) I thought this was the one thing that is going to go completely right...maybe it still will...despite the fact it is wrong (at least the name on the passport)
To top that off...they spelled Rose's name wrong on the legal guardianship decree...which the lawyer said is not a big deal!
Keep praying...things get screwier by the minute!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
We went to the Embassy and everything is good there. I scheduled a Monday appointment on the off chance we got the ruling and passport today & Wednesday for the 'at the latest' date.
So we go to the lawyers office because Chasity had to go pick up her passports for the boys...well after we picked up her passports and went back to the office to get the last bit of paperwork for her...I get a call. "We have your WRITTEN legal ruling". So Ronald (one of the guys in the lawyer's office) hopped on a boda (motorcycle taxi...which Chasity and I decided may be a good business to start in the US) and went to pick it up from the court.
So after we eat, Chasity takes all four of the kids so I can go get the passports. Shelia (another lady in the office) and I go to the passport office. I get Kam-Ro's and it is great...I get Martin's and his name is spelled wrong...instead of Nkeera Martin it says Nkeela Martin...I am sure this an issue of rolling the 'r' which Ugandans do.
So I am thinking we are going to have to get a new passport and honestly I was VERY VERY VERY discouraged...well after talking to the lawyer, travel agent, and Kasey the USCIS, there is some hope that this won't be an issue. The truth is no one will probably even recognize the problem, BUT I want a for sure everything is OK. So Monday I am going to take the rest of the paperwork to Freda (the lady that does the US visas) and see what she says.
I told Kasey I just wanted something that was SO easy in this process. When I got the call today from Rebecca (our lawyer) I thought this was the one thing that is going to go completely right...maybe it still will...despite the fact it is wrong (at least the name on the passport)
To top that off...they spelled Rose's name wrong on the legal guardianship decree...which the lawyer said is not a big deal!
Keep praying...things get screwier by the minute!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Embassy
Last night was great. Martin woke up around 4 and was awake for about an hour, but never whined, cried or anything...he was able just to lay there and fall back asleep...VERY encouraging! Kam-Ro didn't wake up the whole night.
We are heading to the Embassy this morning with Chasity and her boys to make sure we are on tap for the Embassy next week. I am going to set appointments for Monday and Wednesday and we will see if we have papers ready today!
LOVE YOU ALL...keep praying us home (that sounds so good!)
LOVE with Faith
brad
We are heading to the Embassy this morning with Chasity and her boys to make sure we are on tap for the Embassy next week. I am going to set appointments for Monday and Wednesday and we will see if we have papers ready today!
LOVE YOU ALL...keep praying us home (that sounds so good!)
LOVE with Faith
brad
A First...
So I just laid Martin and Kam-Ro down for the first time as officially my (our...don't want to leave Kasey) children. At the ruling today the judge said, "I am granting legal guardianship, with the stipulation that you do reports every 6 months on the welfare of the child for the court." The whole time I am nodding and saying, "Yes, your lordship" (that is what they are referred to as). He said, "You keep saying yes, but we have had people who have not done them. So when you come back for more children and if you haven't done them, I will deny your request" The whole time he was smiling and laughing and so was I. I was also thinking...we need to get these home before we think about more! It is funny to have to have a court tell you that they are your children (when we have known for so long), but hey that is the process! And here is the rest of it...
Our lawyer said they are going to work to have the paper ruling tomorrow...if that happens and we have time to get the passports then we should be at the Embassy for our exit interview on Monday. If we can't get all that tomorrow then we WILL (I have confidence in what God is doing) be there on Wednesday. It will take 2 days to process the visas so then by Wednesday...at the latest Friday...we will have visas in hand!
Continue to pray for the Orphan Investigation (which probably is done by now) and the Interview. Both should have ZERO problem, but again I want everything we do to show our dependence on God!
I think this is funny too. The 2nd time I talked to Kasey Farouk was around and I gave him the phone. He said, "Glory be to God...I don't have many words...but I will dance for you" He proceeds to start dancing, Livingston (who was standing with us) and I start laughing...very fun moment! I think dancing is a MORE than appropriate response!
Thank you all for your CONTINUED prayers...the journey isn't over, but this makes us officially parents of 4!!!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Our lawyer said they are going to work to have the paper ruling tomorrow...if that happens and we have time to get the passports then we should be at the Embassy for our exit interview on Monday. If we can't get all that tomorrow then we WILL (I have confidence in what God is doing) be there on Wednesday. It will take 2 days to process the visas so then by Wednesday...at the latest Friday...we will have visas in hand!
Continue to pray for the Orphan Investigation (which probably is done by now) and the Interview. Both should have ZERO problem, but again I want everything we do to show our dependence on God!
I think this is funny too. The 2nd time I talked to Kasey Farouk was around and I gave him the phone. He said, "Glory be to God...I don't have many words...but I will dance for you" He proceeds to start dancing, Livingston (who was standing with us) and I start laughing...very fun moment! I think dancing is a MORE than appropriate response!
Thank you all for your CONTINUED prayers...the journey isn't over, but this makes us officially parents of 4!!!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
THEY ARE OFFICIALLY OURS
That is right as of 2:20 (Uganda time) we were told that we are officially the guardians of Nkeera Martin and Nabaale Rose!!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The day following the night that was not so good
I like creative titles...it is obvious I have run out...
Today was a good day. Kam-Ro and Martin were both VERY good. The only hiccup was during nap when Martin turned off the DVD player and the rule is if you turn it off, daddy is not starting it again. So he pouted for a little while, but AMAZINGLY when Kam-Ro woke up and it was snack time (and I TOTALLY ignored him, even turned my back to him) he eventually came over very compliant and didn't have another problem the whole day.
The other good thing is that he is going to bed tonight just like any other night the last few weeks...just pray that nothing wakes him up. He was VERY tired going to bed, so as long as nothing stirs him in the night we should be good. The power is off, but the last few days it has not stayed off for more than a couple of hours. It has about 4-5 hours till they would shut off the generator, just pray it is back on by then!
God has still been teaching me in these last few weeks, but they have been things that will come out in time, mostly having to do with RBC. Here is something he taught me yesterday and I didn't get a chance to blog about...so here it is...
Anticipation is a crazy thing! I have FULL confidence in God bringing about all the things over the next week and half that it will take to get us on a plane September 17th and back home the 18th! As I think I said before this is a confidence (and faith) that I feel like is from God Himself. Every time I think about it, it is like God is standing right before me assuring me this is HIS WILL! It is an assurance stronger than any I have ever had...it is not man made...it is from God. NOW saying all that, there is still anxiety, stress, and anticipation that comes from waiting for these things to come to pass, that is only human nature.
So my thought was what about Jesus (which is never a bad thing)...what about the fact that as a boy in the temple with the religious leaders (hypocrites, whatever) He knew He was going to the cross. When He called Judas as a disciple he knew that this was the guy that was going to betray Him. When He walked into the temple, He saw the people that would incite the riot and the ones that would yell, "Crucify Him!" What about the fact that from as early as Jesus could remember (I mean that in the human sense of being able to process information), He knew He would go to the cross. What stress to live with! What an incredible burden to carry! What an incredible Savior! So although mine and Kasey's (and so many of you walking this journey with us) stress is real and it is GUT WRENCHING at times...Jesus! That's all that needs to be said! "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect as been tempted as we are, YET without sin!" Hebrews 4:15
LOVE YOU ALL...keep praying...tomorrow is a VERY big day!
brad
BTW - Hebrews 4:16 goes on to say, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." I consider this a time of need...and how awesome that we can draw near to the Father!!
Today was a good day. Kam-Ro and Martin were both VERY good. The only hiccup was during nap when Martin turned off the DVD player and the rule is if you turn it off, daddy is not starting it again. So he pouted for a little while, but AMAZINGLY when Kam-Ro woke up and it was snack time (and I TOTALLY ignored him, even turned my back to him) he eventually came over very compliant and didn't have another problem the whole day.
The other good thing is that he is going to bed tonight just like any other night the last few weeks...just pray that nothing wakes him up. He was VERY tired going to bed, so as long as nothing stirs him in the night we should be good. The power is off, but the last few days it has not stayed off for more than a couple of hours. It has about 4-5 hours till they would shut off the generator, just pray it is back on by then!
God has still been teaching me in these last few weeks, but they have been things that will come out in time, mostly having to do with RBC. Here is something he taught me yesterday and I didn't get a chance to blog about...so here it is...
Anticipation is a crazy thing! I have FULL confidence in God bringing about all the things over the next week and half that it will take to get us on a plane September 17th and back home the 18th! As I think I said before this is a confidence (and faith) that I feel like is from God Himself. Every time I think about it, it is like God is standing right before me assuring me this is HIS WILL! It is an assurance stronger than any I have ever had...it is not man made...it is from God. NOW saying all that, there is still anxiety, stress, and anticipation that comes from waiting for these things to come to pass, that is only human nature.
So my thought was what about Jesus (which is never a bad thing)...what about the fact that as a boy in the temple with the religious leaders (hypocrites, whatever) He knew He was going to the cross. When He called Judas as a disciple he knew that this was the guy that was going to betray Him. When He walked into the temple, He saw the people that would incite the riot and the ones that would yell, "Crucify Him!" What about the fact that from as early as Jesus could remember (I mean that in the human sense of being able to process information), He knew He would go to the cross. What stress to live with! What an incredible burden to carry! What an incredible Savior! So although mine and Kasey's (and so many of you walking this journey with us) stress is real and it is GUT WRENCHING at times...Jesus! That's all that needs to be said! "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect as been tempted as we are, YET without sin!" Hebrews 4:15
LOVE YOU ALL...keep praying...tomorrow is a VERY big day!
brad
BTW - Hebrews 4:16 goes on to say, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." I consider this a time of need...and how awesome that we can draw near to the Father!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Old Habits or Anomaly
Well last night was a similar night to before Kasey got here. Martin woke up at 4:30 and we talked, battled, hugged, and eventually calmed down around 6. Something woke him up, Kasey thinks it was a bad dream and I think she was right. He jumped out of bed a couple of times screaming (both those times I comforted him). The other times were just not wanting to lay back down, but eventually he did.
I said it was similar because in all honestly it was not near as bad. It was a battle to get him to lay back down, but it was different. And once he calmed down and obeyed he was fine.
I don't know what I feel, whether it was an anomaly or if old (bad) habits are rearing their head. We are 12 nights removed from Kasey being here, so that could be playing a HUGE part. It could be that he had a bad dream. I don't think it was the same stubbornness as before, but it still was stubborn. So that is where we are this morning...not a place I find comfort in, but honestly I do have hope for this not to be the next 10 nights.
We are up and at em (honestly I don't know if that is how you write that phrase) and 1 day away from our positive ruling from the judge! I am also going to email the Embassy lady and try to nail down our appointment for the 14th.
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you for your prayers and encouragement! God Bless!
brad
I said it was similar because in all honestly it was not near as bad. It was a battle to get him to lay back down, but it was different. And once he calmed down and obeyed he was fine.
I don't know what I feel, whether it was an anomaly or if old (bad) habits are rearing their head. We are 12 nights removed from Kasey being here, so that could be playing a HUGE part. It could be that he had a bad dream. I don't think it was the same stubbornness as before, but it still was stubborn. So that is where we are this morning...not a place I find comfort in, but honestly I do have hope for this not to be the next 10 nights.
We are up and at em (honestly I don't know if that is how you write that phrase) and 1 day away from our positive ruling from the judge! I am also going to email the Embassy lady and try to nail down our appointment for the 14th.
LOVE YOU ALL...thank you for your prayers and encouragement! God Bless!
brad
Waiting...
That seems to be what we are doing these days...waiting! We are waiting on our ruling Thursday, we are waiting on actually getting the ruling in writing (which again takes a couple of days), we are waiting to get the passports (which we can't get till after we get the written ruling), we are waiting on the Embassy Interview (which EVERYTHING else has to be done before it can happen). A lot has to happen in the next week and half, but God is in control and I firmly believe in His provision and that He has already said yes to all these things...we are just waiting to see the fruit...and I fully believe that will be in time for us to be on a plane on September 17th!
Our night was great again, full nights sleep! The day has been lazy to this point. We have another new friend here, Nate, who is going for his embassy interview today (since they were closed for Labor Day, they are getting him in today).
I also just got a call that our friend Chasity just got a call from the lawyer and she doesn't have to go for her ruling today, because the judge has already approved it! Praise the LORD! This is the same judge we have...so maybe we will get a similar call!!
Continue to pray, because our dependence is on Him!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Our night was great again, full nights sleep! The day has been lazy to this point. We have another new friend here, Nate, who is going for his embassy interview today (since they were closed for Labor Day, they are getting him in today).
I also just got a call that our friend Chasity just got a call from the lawyer and she doesn't have to go for her ruling today, because the judge has already approved it! Praise the LORD! This is the same judge we have...so maybe we will get a similar call!!
Continue to pray, because our dependence is on Him!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Monday, September 5, 2011
Crafts, Pictures, Jerseys, etc.
So today we went shopping! There were a few things Kasey wanted me to pick up...so I did! Kate wanted bracelets for her friends, so I did that! And Sam wanted me to bring him something...so I go it! I also got my 2nd Ugandan Crane soccer jersey...I now have yellow and black!
We also had to get 2x2 pictures of the kids for the Embassy, so we got that taken care of too!
We then had lunch and now we are down for naps (well Kam-Ro is and I am not far behind!)
The night was great...the beginning was a little rough because there was VERY loud music playing at the hotel behind the guesthouse. Kam-Ro struggled a little going to sleep, but not too bad. Martin fell out of bed while I was talking to Kasey outside, but got back in and never made another peep...till 7:15 this morning! It is so good to have good nights of sleep and be past the terror that was. I now feel like the norm is a good nights sleep and that the anomaly will be a rough one!
Thank you guys for all your prayers. Tomorrow is our friends the Cole's ruling for their 2nd child, so pray for them. Ours is Thursday! Then we will be on to the Embassy next week. I believe God has already taken care of this and we get to see the fruits of it over the next two weeks. But continue to pray, not because I am worried, but because our dependence is on God for the outcome, not a judge or even the US Embassy! So pray for the ruling, the orphan investigation (which is the standard investigation by the Embassy to make sure they qualify to come into the US as orphans on the IR-4 visa), and that we receive the visas on time! I am FIRMLY CONVINCED of God making all these things come to pass! Praise the LORD in advance for having us all on a plane September 17th!
LOVE YOU ALL
LOVE with Faith
brad
We also had to get 2x2 pictures of the kids for the Embassy, so we got that taken care of too!
We then had lunch and now we are down for naps (well Kam-Ro is and I am not far behind!)
The night was great...the beginning was a little rough because there was VERY loud music playing at the hotel behind the guesthouse. Kam-Ro struggled a little going to sleep, but not too bad. Martin fell out of bed while I was talking to Kasey outside, but got back in and never made another peep...till 7:15 this morning! It is so good to have good nights of sleep and be past the terror that was. I now feel like the norm is a good nights sleep and that the anomaly will be a rough one!
Thank you guys for all your prayers. Tomorrow is our friends the Cole's ruling for their 2nd child, so pray for them. Ours is Thursday! Then we will be on to the Embassy next week. I believe God has already taken care of this and we get to see the fruits of it over the next two weeks. But continue to pray, not because I am worried, but because our dependence is on God for the outcome, not a judge or even the US Embassy! So pray for the ruling, the orphan investigation (which is the standard investigation by the Embassy to make sure they qualify to come into the US as orphans on the IR-4 visa), and that we receive the visas on time! I am FIRMLY CONVINCED of God making all these things come to pass! Praise the LORD in advance for having us all on a plane September 17th!
LOVE YOU ALL
LOVE with Faith
brad
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Church...
Today was the next to the last time that we will be with our Ugandan Church Family. While that is sad in some respects (because we really do love the church...and I mean that with Kasey included), the truth is I am SO READY to be back in the role of pastor and even as much as that is the case to just be with our 'immediate' church family in Rainbow. During church this morning I found my mind drifting to some of the things God has shown me specifically for our church. I haven't mentioned this before, but God has shown me some things for our church (I know some of you from Rainbow are excited to here that...some of you may not be, but I assure you of this, the things that God has shown me are 1)Biblical 2) From God!)...but I won't spoil the surprise (or better yet surprises).
The truth is my heart is in America right now! God has allowed my heart to shift back to our earthly home and begin to see how all this time here is going to affect me, our family, our church, and community! Praise the LORD for knowing best and taking us where we need to go to be most effective for HIS KINGDOM!
The kids are great as well! They are sleeping great and are very happy! I can't wait for all of you to get a chance to meet them!
See you soon & LOVE YOU ALL!
LOVE with Faith,
brad
The truth is my heart is in America right now! God has allowed my heart to shift back to our earthly home and begin to see how all this time here is going to affect me, our family, our church, and community! Praise the LORD for knowing best and taking us where we need to go to be most effective for HIS KINGDOM!
The kids are great as well! They are sleeping great and are very happy! I can't wait for all of you to get a chance to meet them!
See you soon & LOVE YOU ALL!
LOVE with Faith,
brad
Saturday, September 3, 2011
College Football
One of the things that has helped this journey is little glimpses of home. Well one of them is college football. I love opening up espn.com and seeing college football scores plastered all over the front page. NOW I would really love to be home watching...and the fact that it is dark outside and the scores are from the noon games is a little weird, but it is still college football!
We have a had a good day here, the kids are down and I think both are asleep...despite the party going on outside (there is an Wedding Introduction going on and they are PARTYING).
Martin today has been VERY affectionate (as the last post said & it has just continued). We started a new calendar today (the last one was for when Kasey came) to show how long it is till we come home (September 17th). It is weird to think that is a definite date. Most of the time here has been spent in unknown, but I 100% feel that it is firm, and there is comfort in that! I told Kasey I am 84% of the way through my time here (71 down 14 to go). The other CRAZY thing is that between Kasey and I (being that Kasey was here 15 days before me) we will have spent 100 days in Uganda! That sounds so weird!
Continue to pray for this Thursday, September 8th, which we will get our POSITIVE ruling. And for next Wednesday, September 14th, when we WILL get approved for our two kids to come to America! This is God's and He has brought us this far...He will see it through!
LOVE YOU ALL!
brad
We have a had a good day here, the kids are down and I think both are asleep...despite the party going on outside (there is an Wedding Introduction going on and they are PARTYING).
Martin today has been VERY affectionate (as the last post said & it has just continued). We started a new calendar today (the last one was for when Kasey came) to show how long it is till we come home (September 17th). It is weird to think that is a definite date. Most of the time here has been spent in unknown, but I 100% feel that it is firm, and there is comfort in that! I told Kasey I am 84% of the way through my time here (71 down 14 to go). The other CRAZY thing is that between Kasey and I (being that Kasey was here 15 days before me) we will have spent 100 days in Uganda! That sounds so weird!
Continue to pray for this Thursday, September 8th, which we will get our POSITIVE ruling. And for next Wednesday, September 14th, when we WILL get approved for our two kids to come to America! This is God's and He has brought us this far...He will see it through!
LOVE YOU ALL!
brad
What's Up Today
Well I didn't post last night because honestly I was a little discouraged and I wanted to get past it before I posted (I will explain in a minute). Then this morning we left pretty quickly after breakfast to go to Garden City, let the kids play, and eat lunch.
So here is what happened. Our travel agent informed us that we wouldn't be able to fly out on September 16th, so we had a decision to make...either leave on the 17th or pray that the visas get done within a day and shoot for the 15th...well we chose the 17th. I know that some of you are saying go for the 15th, but something inside me last night (after I pouted for a while) said it is going to be better to leave on the 17th...so that is the flight that the kids and I are going to be leaving on. The worst part is not being pushed back a day, but that I don't want to miss another Sunday, BUT I think this is going to be best. I really feel like I am going to be more exhausted mentally, physically, etc. than I think I am, so preaching the day after getting off a plane is probably not the best idea. So having a week to recover is going to be the best thing! So I know some of you feel the way I did last night, but after truly thinking and praying about it I think this is God's provision!
Well our night was GREAT! Kam-Ro only woke up a couple of times and she quickly went back to sleep. Martin was a little antsy going to bed (nothing compared to before Kasey came back), but still made me wonder a little...well he went to sleep quickly and woke up once. When he woke up he propped his head up with his hand, but I said lay down Martin and almost immediately he was back asleep. Kam-Ro woke up around 7:45 and Martin not till about 8! So I am VERY rested!
Today was fun. The kids got to play at the playground of Garden City. After lunch, Martin climbed up in my lap and laid his head on my shoulder and just let me hold him for a few minutes...he has never let me hold him like that...then he leaned back and gave me a kiss...it was awesome!
So the day has been good! Hope you have a great Saturday as well! Pray for this week...Thursday is our ruling. Then we will be going to the Embassy for our interview on Wednesday, September 14th. Pray for God's provision over all those things! He is in control and we trust Him to finish what He has started!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
So here is what happened. Our travel agent informed us that we wouldn't be able to fly out on September 16th, so we had a decision to make...either leave on the 17th or pray that the visas get done within a day and shoot for the 15th...well we chose the 17th. I know that some of you are saying go for the 15th, but something inside me last night (after I pouted for a while) said it is going to be better to leave on the 17th...so that is the flight that the kids and I are going to be leaving on. The worst part is not being pushed back a day, but that I don't want to miss another Sunday, BUT I think this is going to be best. I really feel like I am going to be more exhausted mentally, physically, etc. than I think I am, so preaching the day after getting off a plane is probably not the best idea. So having a week to recover is going to be the best thing! So I know some of you feel the way I did last night, but after truly thinking and praying about it I think this is God's provision!
Well our night was GREAT! Kam-Ro only woke up a couple of times and she quickly went back to sleep. Martin was a little antsy going to bed (nothing compared to before Kasey came back), but still made me wonder a little...well he went to sleep quickly and woke up once. When he woke up he propped his head up with his hand, but I said lay down Martin and almost immediately he was back asleep. Kam-Ro woke up around 7:45 and Martin not till about 8! So I am VERY rested!
Today was fun. The kids got to play at the playground of Garden City. After lunch, Martin climbed up in my lap and laid his head on my shoulder and just let me hold him for a few minutes...he has never let me hold him like that...then he leaned back and gave me a kiss...it was awesome!
So the day has been good! Hope you have a great Saturday as well! Pray for this week...Thursday is our ruling. Then we will be going to the Embassy for our interview on Wednesday, September 14th. Pray for God's provision over all those things! He is in control and we trust Him to finish what He has started!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Thursday, September 1, 2011
POWER, POWER, POWER
Well in the last two days we have had a whopping 4 hours of power (not provided by the generator). So last night they turned it off at 12:15, so I was awake a lot of the night ready to talk to Martin...the problem (and this is a problem I will take every night) was that he never said a word. A couple of times I think he woke up and rolled over and a couple of times he popped his head up, BUT never had a problem. My prayer was for power and for him to sleep all the way through the night...in my opinion, God answered the better one!
Kam-Ro woke up a couple of times, but quickly went back to sleep, so that was all good as well.
Our travel agent is working on our flights for September 16th...I think it is awesome that two weeks from today I will be waking up on the day that we are leaving! I told Farouk yesterday, "I love you people (you people is the way they refer to others here, so that is not rude), but I am ready to get home." He said, "You have been here too long, you must go home..." and smiled that great Farouk smile and gave me a hug!
I think the next two weeks will be a time of reflecting, it has been a wild, crazy, hard, encouraging, stressful, growing experience (and that is just the start of the adjectives to describe it).
Can't wait to be home! Can't wait to be with ALL the family! Can't wait to be with our AMAZING church family at RBC! Can't wait to preach! Can't wait to see what God is going to do on the other side of this journey!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
Kam-Ro woke up a couple of times, but quickly went back to sleep, so that was all good as well.
Our travel agent is working on our flights for September 16th...I think it is awesome that two weeks from today I will be waking up on the day that we are leaving! I told Farouk yesterday, "I love you people (you people is the way they refer to others here, so that is not rude), but I am ready to get home." He said, "You have been here too long, you must go home..." and smiled that great Farouk smile and gave me a hug!
I think the next two weeks will be a time of reflecting, it has been a wild, crazy, hard, encouraging, stressful, growing experience (and that is just the start of the adjectives to describe it).
Can't wait to be home! Can't wait to be with ALL the family! Can't wait to be with our AMAZING church family at RBC! Can't wait to preach! Can't wait to see what God is going to do on the other side of this journey!
LOVE YOU ALL
brad
The day that was...
Well another day is almost over...I consider the day over when the kids are both asleep and that is in process. Martin seems great going to bed...he even said earlier today, "Power on, Martin sleep good!" The fact that he recognizes it makes me happy because it makes me know he is processing and coping! He really has made 170 degree turn...I know it is 180, but I also know we still have some more work to do, but it is AWESOME to see! He really is a GREAT kid! He and Kate are a lot alike...I say that because he is goofy funny, just like his big sister (and I love it)
Kam-Ro is also a GREAT kid. She is SO funny. Her personality is a lot like Sam's (for those of you that know him, you know his wittiness and how funny he is without trying). She gives these awesome looks that just make you laugh and sometimes she will put her finger on the side of her face right next to her eye and shot you this look (priceless). She has also come a LONG way. She can handle being told no now...most of the time. And her fits are now very short!
Looks like we are shooting for travel on the 16th of September. I know the 14th seemed good to go, but the 16th does two things...ONE there are no available flights on the 14th so the earliest we would get out is the 15th. TWO I am willing to wait the extra day, because then if paperwork is not finished in the court (and thus we can't have out Embassy Interview on the 12th, and get the visas by the 14th) we can have our visa interview on the 14th and know that the flight will work!
The kids are asleep, well I know Martin is and I think Kam-Ro is because she is totally quiet!
LOVE YOU ALL!
brad
Kam-Ro is also a GREAT kid. She is SO funny. Her personality is a lot like Sam's (for those of you that know him, you know his wittiness and how funny he is without trying). She gives these awesome looks that just make you laugh and sometimes she will put her finger on the side of her face right next to her eye and shot you this look (priceless). She has also come a LONG way. She can handle being told no now...most of the time. And her fits are now very short!
Looks like we are shooting for travel on the 16th of September. I know the 14th seemed good to go, but the 16th does two things...ONE there are no available flights on the 14th so the earliest we would get out is the 15th. TWO I am willing to wait the extra day, because then if paperwork is not finished in the court (and thus we can't have out Embassy Interview on the 12th, and get the visas by the 14th) we can have our visa interview on the 14th and know that the flight will work!
The kids are asleep, well I know Martin is and I think Kam-Ro is because she is totally quiet!
LOVE YOU ALL!
brad
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