"I will bring your children from the east" -isaiah 43:5

Waiting

2012-01-31T08:51:00.002-05:00

I know I have said that I am waiting before. That seems to be the natural state of affairs in international adoption. And I have really tried to be true to "God's timing is PERFECT" This Sunday in church our pastor was teaching on just that, God's perfect timing. We may question, get angry, get sad, get impatient, but God's timing IS perfect because He is perfect and He loves us. Over and over again in the bible we can now see "ohhhh that is why God's people had to wait, so that and that could happen first ..." Same thing in our lives.
So we are on week 6 waiting for our LOA (letter of acceptance) from China. Nothing can proceed in as far as paperwork and/or traveling without the LOA. So yes we are waiting. I just really wanted to give you all an update.
Oh yeah...this is one more thing I have been waiting for....

Krispy Kreme Valentines donuts...they are back and well worth the wait...like so many other things in life.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

2012-01-28T17:13:00.002-05:00

What a fun busy weekend! We had our adoption playgroup here yesterday, Chinese New Year Celebration today and violin recital this afternoon. Good night sleep tonight!

Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

For the next two weeks or so there will be tons of celebrating in China. Families reunite after many months of seperation, due to working away from home towns. Homes are swept clean of the past and lots of food is shared by all. I am sure that the celebrations have changed through the years, just as China has changed so quickly. I am sure the older generations try to hold on to traditional customs and the younger generation tries to fit into the history of China and the China of today. If you have ever traveled to China the contrast between young and old is remarkable. Literally there may be an older man carrying his goods on a wagon or on his back on a bike and next to him a zooming Porche whizzes by. The gap between rich and poor is huge.
The one child policy for the past 30 years or so has, I would assume changed family celebrations as well. No longer are there tons of grandchildren running around their grandparents feet, listening to stories of the good ole days. So many fewer children to pass on the stories of their ancestors. Wonder what the older generations think. Is it good or bad to them?

Kisses from Kate

2012-01-17T21:10:00.001-05:00

If you look on my blog list , I added a new one that you may like to read. It is written by a young Christian woman who is her early 20s. She is serving God by living in Uganda and becoming a mother to 13 orphans. Check out her blog "the journey" and her book "Kisses from Kate "

Race in our Country. Race in our home.

2012-01-15T12:23:00.001-05:00

My DH (dear husband) drove my DS (dear son) to college this weekend. He changed colleges so his housing situation has changed. The college he is now attending is in the mountains of NC. I would say the majority of the students are white, with of course most minorities represented in some number. DS and DH checked in a went up to the new room. DS was fortunate to get housing mid year, on campus housing is at a premium at this college. They called to let me know that the room was great, suite style, kitchen, living room, shared bathroom. The new room mate is an upper classmen, the space opened up because his room mate had graduated in December. DS told me where his room mate is from, he seems nice, was very welcoming all good stuff! Some where in the conversation DS or DH told me that his new room mate is black. Honestly, I don't even know what part of the conversation this bit of information came up. No big deal to DS. His two best friends growing up are black, as far as skin color my DS gets darker in the summer than his two friends. When he was a little boy my DS thought he was the "dark" one in the group. But I did begin to ponder some things about my world. I am not going to solve our countries race issues but I began to ponder my world, my family. DS's new room is suite style meaning a couple of rooms share the common area (kitchen, living room).If the other students were also black, and my son was now the minority, I wonder how he would feel. Something to think about, huh? Just a thought?
When I lived in CA, newly married early 20's one of my best friends was black. We never really talked about race, she was my friend. We had more in common than not in coomon(different skin color). We were about the same age, newly married, from NY, starting our careers , no kids new to CA. So we were friends! When we moved to our 2nd home in NC, God placed a great new friend as my "side neighbor" . Her boys were about the same age as my son, our husbands became friends, we shared lots of great times. When they moved lots of tears flowed for weeks. Did I mention she was black. I think back at our relationships and I wonder what was it like for them, they were definitely the minority in the world we shared. Was it OK for them? I had more "race related " conversations with my friend from NC, most likely because we were older and we were raising kids. Some were comical, such as my son thinking HE was the dark one. When all of our kids were learning about slavery together in school, my younger daughter starting having nightmares that they were going to take her brother away. They were all so young and innocent, just making observations based on literally the shades of skin. But really I wonder now, was it OK for my friends, I hope so. I love them like sisters. Now I am raising two (soon to be three) Asian-American girls. In our house they are not so much a minority. But in our community they are. Is that OK? When they go to high school or college will they seek out the friends that look like them. Will they make a college choice based on ethic make up? Years ago there was a study done in schools that study race in schools. They looked at the choices students made in seat choices in the cafeteria, Even after years of intergration, most kids chose to sit with kids of their own race. I think sadly, it is still like that in a lot of places. Not just schools-churches, schools and the workplace.
Even in writing this should I ~~black~~ as a description and change it to African- American? Even though my friend from CA is from Barbados should our skin color, country of origin define us?
I read books about IA-international adoption. They say it is important for our IA kids to feel OK in the "skin" and heritage. So I try to educate them in their birth countries history/culture. We go to a weekly play group that all the children are adopted from Asia. So really most of their friends do in fact look like them. Who are they though -are they Americans, Chinese, Br----ns, Christians, North Carolinians, etc. ? Who are any of us? How do you identify yourself? How do others identify you? What do you check in those little boxes at the doctors office, work or school applications? Why do we still have those boxes?
See, I told you I was not going to solve the world's race issues. I was just pondering...

2011 reflections

2012-01-01T20:31:00.006-05:00

If I wrote a post last New years Day I don't think I would have imagined that on New Years Day 2012, we would have completed paper work and be waiting for Mia to come home. I remember the first Sunday of 2011, I sat in church staring at a little girls face that looked like my girls at home yet she did not have a forever home. She was an orphan girl that had been abandoned once again. And so I felt that God was calling me, leading me to pray for this sweet, sad girl whose face stared at me through my phone. I prayed each Sunday and often throughout the week that her forever family would come and hold her close, wipe her tears and give reasons to laugh. I started to talk about her to Greg, then my kids then my mom. Asking them to also pray for her. My mom, being my "heart caretaker" because of her being a wonderful mother, took on the role of uh oh, what are you exactly asking me to pray for. I assured her I wanted her to pray that God would reveal her forever family. Through months of prayer and many doors that God had to open we have been chosen, blessed to be her forever family and so this began the first Sunday of 2011. And so now begins 2012. A year in which we will travel once again to China to be united with another daughter. A year when our first daughter will graduate college. A year that our next daughter may choose her college. A year when two little ones will continue to school at home learning together. The ABCs, and the 123s. But as exciting as all these plans may sound I know only God really knows what 2012 will hold for each of us.Isn't that reassuring! My prayer for 2012 is that our family will learn to rely ~~more~~ fully on God, and less on the world.

Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2011-12-27T18:15:00.001-05:00

I have it. I will confess. Not to cleaning. Not hoarding. Not gambling. Not shopping. It is checking my email for an update from China or our adoption agency. The estimated time to wait for our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from China is now 2-4 months. So why do I check my emails several times a day, just in case it is there?? The addiction is horrible now that iphones literally make all info or lack there of right at my finger tips. Wonder if there are meetings I need to go to? Hello my name is Jo

dy and I am addicted to checking my email for adoption updates. Who will be my sponsor out there?

Waiting

2011-12-20T08:48:00.001-05:00

So excited to be DTC (documents to China), officially! The happy dance was short lived.
I received an email from our adoption agency informing the new DTC families that the wait from DTC to travel is now estimated at 5-9 months. I was and still am so sad. So many emotions within just a few hours, but that is adoption. I should know the emotional drill by now.
But there is such a beautiful God that prepares us for the lows too. The past few weeks at church our pastor has been teaching us about what was going on before the birth of Jesus (it is now less than a week before Christmas) basically in the lives of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother. Just points that are so clear to me this morning. Elizabeth had to wait over 50 years for a child that she most likely had prayed for each and everyday until the hope was gone. She was now most likely in her 80s, well past her child bearing years. She was gossiped about and even perhaps shunned because in those days you were considered to have done something wrong since you could not conceive a child. Perhaps she had some deep dark hidden sin so God was punishing her. Poor Elizabeth. Until, ALL IN GOD'S TIMING Elizabeth did conceive-John. John, cousin to Jesus and the one who would tell 1000's about Jesus. John was literally the one the God chose to prepare people for Jesus, and he was the one Elizabeth was to deliver!!
13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So yes, I am sad that our family and Mia may have to wait a few extra months to be united BUT I do have the hope, trust and love of God that I know he has great plans for each of us.
And honestly after writing this, in this short time. I am not nearly as sad as I was. I am excited to see the plans that God has for me. Thank you, God for making this so much clearer today than it was last night.

Merry Christmas by Third Day

2011-12-19T20:30:00.002-05:00

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
And prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

Dossier to China-DTC

2011-12-16T21:47:00.000-05:00

Our agency called tonight. I was expecting an email confirmation that our dossier had been sent to China sometime this afternoon. When the caller ID on my cell said it was our agency, I have to admit that in the split second of looking at my phone and actually answering, I began to sweat. My mind went to , "oh my there must be a problem if they are calling". We have had a series of unusual delays in the paperwork so my mind went right to "uh oh" But nope, our dossier consultant, who has been great through the entire process, was just calling me to say that Fedex had just picked up our dossier. What a sweet thing for her to do!
Our dossier (paperwork) should arrive in China on December 19th. Can't imagine how international adoption was conducted prior to email, and Fedex. Literally a slow boat to China? Now it is China's turn to sift through all of our documents. Hopefully they can do it faster than the US did it this time around.
Happy dance tonight!

Mia's first Christmas gift

2011-12-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

I can't help myself.I just ordered matching suitcases for Mia, Cali & Lily. Purple polka dot, monogrammed. But SHHH...don't tell, it is a surprise. I just could not help myself!

I think I just needed some retail therapy.
Oh so cute!!! Now let's travel....

One more time

2011-12-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

Our documents were being process at the Chinese Embassy in DC and they flaggd one of our papers. Of the many pages of documents and signatures, they did not like one of Greg's signatures so they sent the paper back to the agency, they sent it to me, I brought it to Greg's office to sign, took it back to FedEx, sent it back to the agency. They will forward it to their DC courier, he will bring it back to the Chinese embassy, they will (please pray for this part ) approve the document this time around. Send it approved, back to our agency and this final document will be placed in an envelope with all of our other documents and be sent to China!!! Please pray for all of these final little but very important steps to be successful.
Then once China receives all the documents, we wait for them to look over the documents, hopefully approve everything and then issue us our Letter of Acceptance, and then,permission to travel. This next process can take another 3-6 months.
I am so excited to see when God has chosen us to travel.

Jewelry Party to benefit Mia's adoption!

2011-12-03T09:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Local Friends,
Tomorrow is the day. Please join us to grab a sweet treat and celebrate together!

Open House Jewelry Party: Drop in from 2pm - 4pm at our home on December 4th.

The Jewelry is made by Ellie Mayes. The jewelry is beautiful and unique. Ellie's website is www.butterbeads.com. She accepts Visa, M/C, Discover and Amex. If you order on line just let her know you would like a donation to go towards Mia's adoption, just so she knows.She can take custom orders! Or you may purchase the many beautiful hand made pieces of jewelery that Ellie will have on display for sale. Ellie has graciously offered to donate 20% of all purchases this afternoon towards Mia's adoption. Please visit Ellie's website or-
Join us Sunday 12/4 from 2-4pm at our home.

Come buy special gifts for the holidays or a treat for yourself, while helping a great cause! Feel free to bring friends, the more the merrier!

Hope to see you there!

One more....we think

2011-11-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

Just a little paperwork update. Of all the papers we have sent to the embassey to be approved, they are sending one back :(. In the big picture not a big deal, just another delay. They want Greg to resign a document. Then we have to send it back again ( with another mOney order) it will be done but another rediculous delay. So yes I am anxiously awaiting the mailman once again. We were in DC this weekend, perhaps we could have gone into the embassy , introduced ourselves and corrected the flagged paper. Or been arrested for trespassing! Lol!

Being Thankful

2011-11-20T21:59:00.001-05:00

Tonight I was "teaching"my three year olds in AWANA craft class the theme was "being thankful" which goes with the season of Thanksgiving. But I really tried to focus on the fact that we should all be thankful each day, not just Thanksgiving. Not just good days, not just bad, sad, happy days but we should be thankful each day simply because God has created each day and for that we should be thankful! Now I am home and I really think that although I was "teaching" this to my very captive audience of three year olds, I truly believe God was teaching me the lesson of thankfulness!

Sometimes it is hard to understand

2011-11-19T19:09:00.000-05:00

For the past couple months the girls and I have been doing some field trips with a local homeschool group. It has been nice watching Cali and Lily grow a bit in the independence, knowledge and relationships. Cali and I have kinda clicked with one mom of six children. Her sweet youngest daughter is about the same as Cali. This sweet, happy, feisty , independent,smart little girl has downs syndrome. It has been such a blessing for me to watch Cali play beside her new little friend and has never asked or looked at her new friend differently than her her other playmates. The innocence that Cali still processes is a beautiful thing to be a part of.
Lily has also made a special friend. this little girl is Lily's age and the oldest child in her family. Her mom was about 7 months pregnant when we met in September. So I enjoyed the tail end of my new friend's pregnancy. Always such an exciting time! This week she delivered her beautiful baby girl. Her sweet precious baby girl is now with Jesus. I know where she is but the pain of this family. So sad. Hard to understand sometimes the plans God has. Praying for them tonight.

Gotta love fed ex tracker!

2011-11-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

I was able to track the package that contained our last document being sent to our agency. Our dossier consultant emailed me today and told me she did receive it, and sent that along with our other documents to Washington to get authenticated. She feels that we should have all of our paperwork in China in the next 3 weeks. Then basically China does the same thing with all the paper work that the US just did. Once we get our "DTC" (date to China) delivery date I will know for sure our file is there! Barring any earthquakes and or huge snow storms(both of which slowed down our last adoptions) we should be traveling within the next 3-6 months. It seems a bit more real now!

New book to read by Kay Bratt

2011-11-15T20:45:00.002-05:00

If you have adopted,especially from China, Kay Bratt has written three books that you should read.Chasing China: A Daughter's Quest for Truth (Volume 1) is her newest release. Kay Bratt lived in China for several years. She volunteered in an orphanage. Her writing depicts her experiences while in China. Her was first book Silent Tears.

Approval arrived!!

2011-11-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

We are one step closer. The US sent our approval letter to adopt. They received the request on August 24 and we received the approval letter today November 12th. This is one of the last steps on the US side of the paperwork. Hopefully all the documents can be authenticated and translated and sent to China by Christmas. Once the papers reach China it can still take up to 6 months to travel. This time can vary so of course I do hope we can travel earlier but...God knows exactly which day they will put Mia Caili in our arms. Happy dance today!!

Mail today??

2011-11-12T09:03:00.002-05:00

I am praying that the mail man will deliver our approval letter from USCIC today. Then I will have to have it notarized and authenticated and then it (I think) will be the last piece of paper to be collected for our dossier be complete and ready to send to China.I am so ready to board that plane...
Please pray with me me for
Mia
Her foster family
My dear dear friends working in China
My patience

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-11T17:24:00.003-05:00

Today is Veteran's Day. My father proudly served in WW 2 (he was 15 years old with a fake ID) and then re enlisted during the Korean War. Today we attended a wonderful service at my daughters high school honoring those who have served our country. There were men there that may have been about the same age as my Dad would be today. Hard to believe my Dad has been gone for so many years. He passed away when I was 16. His death changed the course of my life. I still miss him and love him dearly. As a Christian, we all want to hear "well done " one day. I wish I could hear that from my Dad. I did hear that from a dear dear older gentleman this summer and when I closed my eyes I pictured my Dad.
So today I thank my Dad and all the other men and women who have served this country.

I love these almond eyes!

2011-11-06T15:22:00.003-05:00

Guess who
is looking at you?

Sunday November 6th, Orphan Sunday

2011-11-06T15:09:00.004-05:00

So here I am again, it is Orphan Sunday. Why is there a day we call Orphan Sunday? I am assuming someone started this to raise awareness for the plight of the millions of orphans around the world. For me right now I feel like I am on stand by. I read other blogs and they are so on fire. On fire to help, to adopt, to raise funds, to go and be missionaries in orphanages in far off lands. I look at my two girls and I am amazed at their resilience, strength, love. I know it all comes from God. Other wise it would simply be unexplainable. As we embark on another adoption i feel so many emotions-excitement, fear, uneasiness, frustration, sadness, happiness, love, loneliness, togetherness, overwhelmed, sure, unsure ...do you get the picture...a bit of everything...I know that Satan fills me with all the negatives and God is all good.
Today our Pastor was teaching us that all of the bumps, u-turns, struggles, valleys, are orchestrated by God so that we can see His glory in everything. Some days I feel like I am in a valley, on top of a valley, traveling on a smooth road and then on a "caution ahead" flashing sign ahead. But I need to remember, believe that it is ALL for the good of God, all of the time!
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I am glad I know his purpose for me, for right now anyway...

sweetness

2011-11-02T14:49:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we received some updated photos of Mia Caili. Although we are not allowed to share her photo at this stage in the process, I figured this cant hurt!And i love sweet fingers, don't you?

Out of the mouth of my babe

2011-11-01T21:01:00.000-04:00

After I read to the girls at bedtime and after they pray, Cali has started to ask each night, "why isn't Mia home yet?" God knows the day sweet Cali, that I can assure you!

USCIS update

2011-10-29T16:08:00.001-04:00

Well we did have our homestudy reviewed. Drum roll please...I know what you are thinking"they have 4 biological kids, they have adopted twice, they have sent in all the post adoption reports , we are US citizens, the government works for us, surely they will be approved... No problems here...
The USCIS has requested proof of evidence that our beach (vacation) home is sufficient for children. Really wow! We will need to have a homestudy update ($) and more wasted (in my humble opinion) time. This will delay our process a few weeks. I have spoken to our social worker, and adoption agency and they have never heard of such a thing.
I am following someones blog that is actually traveling to China to bring home her TWO sons from China. The incredible obstacles that popped up literally the days prior to their travel was incredible. Even as I type this there is a problem with their last flight and they are switching planes! But in all the drama , gods provisions are so evident. I am sure she did not want all the stress in the past few days but had she not and had she not share her needs, then she and everyone would not have seen the glory and power of our God so clearly! I just love it.
So no I would not say I enjoy all the bumps in the journey but would I have seen the glory of God if I thought could do it all myself??
So if you are reading this I pray that I can glorify God in my posts and still share the ups and downs of the adoption process. All I have to do is look at my sweet girls face staring at me. I hope I encourage you to take chances and follow where God is leading you.

USCIS

2011-10-25T17:44:00.000-04:00

I have figured out a simple way to explain to people about this adoption process to people who ask and then explain the stage we are at.
First we found our sweetie
Second we ask China permission to adopt her
Third we ask the US if we can bring her into this country
Forth we ask China permission to travel and adopt her
Ofcourse this has been very simplified but I think it kind of explains the process, for China any way.
Each of these steps can take several weeks or months. After 5 months we are still at step 3. Our paper work has been in a lock box at USCIS(formally homeland security) since August 24. I called (again) today and we have finally been assigned a review officer, her message said "she can not answer her phone right now...." Do you think that perhaps she could be reviewing our file right now? Could be... I will keep you posted.

Raising Funds for an Adoption

2011-10-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

Raising Funds for an Adoption

More LWB photos

2011-10-19T11:04:00.000-04:00

LWB Walk-what a blessing!

2011-10-19T11:01:00.004-04:00

God provided us with Carolina blue skies and lots of folks with the heart for the orphan. Our walkers ages ranged from in the womb (Charlotte was born the next day and might add that her mommy came in 1st place), Samuel 3 months old, to my mom-close to 80!
I just have to brag for a moment about my friend Lisa (she will not like me bragging!, but hey it is my blog) Lisa is a busy mom of 4 young children (none adopted) and works full time outside of her home. She is committed to the Lord and committed to doing His work for Him, not for any one else but for Him. She chooses to remain behind the scenes but does an incredible amount of work to make the Cary NC Love Without Boundaries a possibilty. She called me a couple of years ago and literally challenged me to put my passion of caring for the orphans to a bigger project that could include of local community, so was the birth of the Cary NC Love Without Boundaries annual walk. So to Lisa, I truly say thank you because if it weren't for you, I would not had the knowledge or the courage to have started this tradition!

Me and Lisa

Greyson & Samuel

3 of us "pregnant in China"

Charlotte in her mommy's womb,born the next day!

Click HERE for a link to the LWB Walk!

2011-10-15T14:39:00.000-04:00

Love without Boundaries Walk Sunday 10/16/2011 in Cary NC!

2011-10-15T14:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends!
We are excited for the Second Annual “5K Walk for Hope and Healing” and hope that you all are as well! According to the weather forecast it is going to be sunny and 78 degrees. Perfect walking weather!
The order of events for tomorrow will be as follows: Registration will begin under the tent behind the Amphitheatre at 1:30 p.m.. There will be a few signs on the streets to direct you in, as well as some at the venue. The address for the Amphitheatre is 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27511. Parking will be at the Amphitheatre gate entrance. Around 2:00 p.m. we will say a few words and then the walk will be underway! The path for the walk will be contained to Symphony Lake. It will be three times around to total the 5K. Light refreshments and water will be provided.
Any donations that you have received in the form of check or cash please bring them with you to the walk. We will be collecting those when you register and sending to Love Without Boundaries. The top three participants will be announced the following week and prizes will be sent in the mail. We want to be sure we allow enough time for all donations collected to be counted.
As you make your final push for donations we want to share six more photos with you of the vulnerable babies you are working so hard to raise funds for. Without your love and support so many of them would not have a chance to be in a “forever” family. So thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to work on their behalf.

We are looking forward to seeing so many of you there! Thank you again for your participation and support of these beautiful children!
As always, please continue to keep these children, as well as all God’s children who are in need involved in your prayers.

Blessings,
Jody Brannon & Lisa McNutt
Event Coordinators

James 1:27

Happy 5th Birthday Sweet Cali!

2011-10-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

Yeah for Cali, she turned 5 today! Sweet, nutty girl. You bring so much spunk into our house! Love my girls!

Mia updates!

2011-10-08T16:02:00.000-04:00

Because of new regulations, we can not post photos of our sweet Mia Caili but we received updated photos and can I say oh so pretty! Smiling, giggling, jumping, playing... Oh to my delight! She looks wonderful. The note included"they are calling her both Mia and her Chinese name and she answers to both". One of our considerations in choosing the name Mia,was trying to find a name that would be easy for her to say (both because of the cleft and Chinese). Mei Mei (pronounced May May) means little sister so I thought it would sound some what familiar to her, not thinking they would start calling her Mia but this is super. Any little thing that may make the transition smoother is welcomed!! So happy dance for me today!

Parenting Class Check

2011-10-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

One more item to check off the adoption list...12 hours of Hauge (government) mandated parenting class. Yes, that is right we had to go to parenting classes...my poor first 6 kids-we parented them without a class, how did we do it?
One more step closer to Mia...Yeah!

Finger prints check!

2011-09-30T23:08:00.000-04:00

Finger prints complete!!!! Need I say more???
Do I have to include that PB "almost" went to the wrong airport or that his flight was delayed or that all the remainder flights from NY were cancelled that day or that we could not find the USCIS office ??

No, I will just say YEAH YEAH! Finger prints done!

Finger print Friday!

2011-09-28T21:59:00.000-04:00

Please pray that PB gets home tomorrow uneventfully and that our finger print Friday goes off without a hitch. I have sent in all the additional items to the adoption agency. Now it is back to waiting for approvals, authentication of documents and then some more waiting. Hopefully all the paper work will be approved in the next month or so and be sent to China!

Just a moment to complain

2011-09-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

I would assume most people who read my blog have some interest in adoption, perhaps adopted, thinking about it or maybe you are my friends and have walked down the adoption journey with me. I am going to say now that I am going to complain but I hope that once it is off my chest I will be done with my pity party and put big girl panties back on and continue the incredible journey that God has allowed our family to be on with Him.
We have our finger print appt set and the airline ticket purchased for PB to come home from college because the US government requires that any one over the age of 18 is required to have finger prints taken for international adoption. I sent an email to our adoption agency telling them that our appt is set and casually said , "just checking to make sure this is our last item that needs to be checked off before sending all the documents to China". Well I got back an entire page of NEW requirements that the US just initiated for adoptions. Are you kidding me?!?!? Nope she is not kidding!!!!! Believe me CB and LB keep me busy busy busy but the fact remains there is a little girl across the ocean that is part of this family!!! I am so very blessed to know that she is being loved and prayed for in China. But as she gets older each day I know it will be harder and harder for her to separate from the life she knows in China to the new life as our daughter. Her pain will be my pain.
What is going on with international adoption? That is not really a question , I do know. The secular anti God world that we live in is against all things good and right. But I do find peace in knowing that we are doing what is good and right. Nobody ever said it was an easy path.
OK I am finished complainig. tomorrow is a new day and I will get that list done from the adoption agency! Good night sweet friends!

One more step

2011-09-17T21:15:00.000-04:00

We have our little check list of details that need to be checked off in order to bring Mia Caili home.
Recent items to be checked off-
1. We got our finger print appt, yeah! New requirement, PB and TB need to have their finger prints since they are over 18, even though they are in college. So we have to fly PB home from college for a day. Weekends do not work since government offices are closed weekends.
2. We went to one session of the parent/adoption education class. We are required 12 hours so 6 down and 6 to go. We drove 1 1/2 hours from home for the class. The info was actually very well addressed and the day was well worth the time and drive!
So two more things to check off, but neither one actually complete and so the list goes on...
But it will all get done.

Three years ago!

2011-08-31T10:19:00.002-04:00

Three years ago, my have you changed!

2011-08-31T10:14:00.000-04:00

Our sweet Cali was handed to us today for a 24 hour harmonious period. Well 3 years later I can say not every moment is not harmonious but every moment is RIGHT!
It is right that she is part of a family, our family,
right that she has 5 sisters(4 home, 1 waiting in China) and 1 brother,
right that our family has shades of different colors,
right that for her gotcha day lunch she will want Chick fila,
right that she her roots are from Southern China and she grows in the south of America,
right that her face, once thought of as a curse now lights up a room,
right that her giggle that was once silent now makes everyone giggle too.
Thank you God for making it right.

How can we help?

2011-08-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while people ask me how they can help in our adoption or adoption in general. I know not everyone is called to adopt but you all know that I believe all of us are called to help the orphans of the world. First and foremost I would say pray for those who have no family, no warm bed, no one to hold them in the night. Support families who are called to adopt. Do not pass judgement on what may look different than the "normal" two child family in the USA. Another way is to financially support incredible organizations that are in the "trenches" helping these kids.
Half the Sky
Love without Boundaries
Show Hope
These are just a few great organizations. Check out their web sites.
If you want to know how you can help us specifically...There is a $5000 donation that we are asked to donate to Mia Caili's orphanage. This money goes to care for those children left behind. They need to be fed, clothed, educated and hopefully to training to their caregivers. I have had the incredible honor to visit Mia Caili's orphanage (it is the same as Cali's) and they really do care for these kids. There really was preschool for the younger kids, it was clean and they really do care about the kids. They are trying to improve the lives of the children there. Since we were there in 2008, Half the Sky is working there to teach the staff how to care for the little ones and educate the older children. If you would like to help us with the orphanage donation, you can send us a check and we will deposit it to our account that will be holding these funds until we travel. WE really need your prayers more than anything but if you want donate towards the orphanage donation, you will be a blessing to our family and the children left behind.

I 800A

2011-08-22T18:31:00.000-04:00

It is in the mail. Our I800A has been sent off the homeland security,USCIS, the wizard of Oz behind the curtain. Whoever the packet is going to, please look at it, approve it, schedule our fingerprints. Another piece to the puzzle. One more step closer to our sweet Mia Caili.
Funny notes for today...
We went to Walmart to pick up some stuff. Did you know that footy pajamas are in the stores. Well they are. Cali and Lily both got a pair and wore them all day. Yes it is still 90 degrees. Yes we went on errands, no they did not get out of the car. When we picked Greyson up from school she asked the girls why they were wearing their PJs. Lily informed her that it was "wear your pajamas to school day!"

Paper work update....finally!

2011-08-15T21:40:00.001-04:00

I haven't written any updates about the adoption because well there was not too much to write about : (( But finally I can see some advancement of the collection of papers stacked on the dining room table are moving! They are being certified, authenticated, homestudy was just approved and checks are to be written. Yes did I mention checks. That is just another piece to the puzzle. There have been new regulations put in place by "the Hauge" that makes this process several months longer than our previous adoptions. You really can't fight it but I just have to say some of it is ridiculous! But we are getting there. Once all of our papers are in China which I would think will take another 2 months, it will then take another 4-6 months for China to review all the documents and then allow us to go to China and bring Mia home.
I went to an awesome adoption conference this past weekend. Great speakers and super worship music by Geoff Moore. Did you ever watch someone sing who looked so happy so then it made you happy? It was just him on stage with his good friend playing guitar. I hope it inspired some people to adopt and others to continue to support adoption through prayer,financial contributions and foster care.
I loved the quote "adoption is tragic beauty" you can't really deny the fact that adoption includes tragedy. Someone has been given up, abandoned...due to
many circumstances, could be poverty, disease, unwed mother, shame, politics.. Many reasons but all tragic. But the beauty comes when we can see the gospel come alive. Just as we were adopted out of our diseased flesh and soul, we became a new creation in Jesus Christ so do these children when they have a family to call there own. There is the beauty! I am honored, literally, to be a part of this beautiful plan designed by the greatest artist of all.

Missing in the picture

2011-07-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

As I have mentioned before I never pictured myself with 7 kids. Maybe 7 kids in my class but not in my nest. But God had different,better plans. I made myself a family collage for mother's day. On the frame it is written "life takes us to unexpected places...love brings us home", when I found it I thought perfect! I spent that weekend carefully arranging our family photos. Some old, some new. Placed it on the shelf. I was happy, satisfied.
At that point I had already known about Mia Caili . I knew there was beautiful little girl waiting for her family in Xiamen,Fujian, China. I was praying for her since January. Praying that her family would come and bring her home and she would no longer be an orphan. Honestly I prayed some during the week but on Sunday when I was still sitting church, I dedicated that time to sit and be still and pray for Caili. I got up at the end of the service and walked out with the other 1000s of folks who were walking out of church that same Sunday somewhere in the world. Even walking out with the 100s at our church I felt like my private time with God and Caili was over. Back to the hustle and bustle of life. But that quiet time was precious. Wow, that was stray walk from the post...any how where was I?
Mia Caili is not an orphan any longer but she is missing from my collage (temporarily) . When I take our beach photos there is someone missing. I imagine her running with the girls or being thrown up in the air by her big sisters and brother. I look at my Mother's day collage and some how now I am less satisfied because some one is missing. God is not finished with the collage yet. God is not finished with any of us yet, now that is exciting!

Mia Caili

2011-07-01T16:57:00.002-04:00

That is it her name is picked out. Mia Caili (pronounced ki lee). Her name in China is Caili so we are leaving it as her middle name. It is kinda like half Cali and half Lily. Mia Caili has the same birthday as my mom. She turned two in May. She is from the same orphanage as Cali. She has a cleft lip and palate. Her lip has been repaired in China. Her palate is open and will require surgery when we bring her home. I wish I knew when we were traveling but there is an incredible amount of paperwork that needs to be completed. And then approved by both China and the US. I am hoping to travel in December but the reality is it so hard to anticipate some of the things that need to fall into place in order for us to get on that plane. I am blessed to know that Mia Caili is being well taken care of right now. She is currently in foster care and is brought back to the orphanage each day for "preschool". Since Cali has come home, a fabulous organization called Half The Sky is operating the preschool. I better get to schooling Cali and Lily so that their little sister is not ahead of them in school : ). Please continue to pray for all of us...lots of changes ahead!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-01T10:05:00.001-04:00

Cali has a slight obsession with birthdays. I have tried everything.last year when it was Lily's birthday I actually bought two cakes, one for Lily one for Cali. This year we had a big gymnastics party for Cali. At lily's birthday, offered Cali to open her presents with her and Cali still ended up in tears. At least once a week Cali asks "whose birthday is next?" In our family there is always a birthday coming up! We were at the grocery store yesterday and there were lots of decorations and cakes for July 4th. Ofcourse Cali wanted to know"whose birthday is it?" My answer it is "America 's birthday! Cali you are American!" Cali says, "I am from China!" yes my dear you are from chinaand you are Chinese-American. Will that always be a struggle for my girls? Am I Chinese , American, Chinese-American, American-Chinese?

I lost my foot!

2011-06-27T22:49:00.001-04:00

Cali is a funny kid. She sometimes looks at the world in a different light then the rest of us. I am not sure if there are still some language gaps or she just thinks differently but in either case she makes me laugh out loud sometimes. I was getting her her the car tonight and she says something that sounds like "I lost my ele foot" so I think , did she have an elephant toy that she left at my mom's house. So I ask Lily, did Cali have an elephant toy? "nope" . But Cali insisted she lost her ele foot. Now I need to try to think like my sweet Cali. Well she was trying to say she lost her other foot. Which translated for today means she lost her other shoe...hope that made you chuckle

Open The Door!

2011-06-21T11:14:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when things are going along God knocks on your door. You open it slightly, maybe out of curiosity. Then walk away. Then He knocks a bit louder and opens the door a bit wider and still I look and think hum,interesting. Then a few weeks again, a knock then again a few months later until finally I say "Oh, You were talking to me?" I guess I didn't know you were talking to me, or I guess I did not know what exactly you wanted me to do about her. Until the last piece of the many pieces of the puzzle and I got a call that literally said, "Jody, we have a file with your name on it!" And so the story, our story, her story continues. If you have not guessed by now we are adopting...again. Please don't role your eyes...I see enough of that in my real life. I rolled my own eyes about this too , at some point but then I prayed for God to open the door or close the door and I will be obedient to Him. And He burst that door wide open so here we go again. This will make seven children for us, never in my plan to have seven children. I know we are not the perfect family nor and I the perfect mom. One day I was really feeling like the "very not perfect mom" and a commercial came on about foster care and it said, "These kids do not need the perfect parent, they need you". So yes I know we are not the perfect parents with the perfect kids but we are the parents and the family that has been chosen, blessed, given the privilage of, given the honor of adopting this little girl. And for that I am thankful. I can honestly say (and for those of you who know me from my teenage years) can attest to that I have regrets. But I have be forgiven, we are all forgiven. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ. For that I am thankful. One thing I have never regretted is is the gift of my children. But I know that if I did not obey God about this adoption that I would live with the regret for my lifetime. The paper work is incredible, the financial commitment is large, the adjustment may not be easy but the blessings will far outway all of these obstacles. Why do I feel like I need to explain all this,not really sure. Guess I don't want to see your eyes roll in person. Maybe because one of my prayers through all this would be that you, my friend, also listen and do what God is knocking on your door and telling you what He wants you, his adopted child, to do for His kingdom.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

Today brings me such joy and yet sadness. I am so thankful for the gifts that each of my children are to me. They are unique and beautiful ,created in God's image. The possibilities are endless, follow your dreams, follow your heart, my prayer for all of you is to follow Jesus.
My sadness is with those who are sad today because they feel empty without children. Please if you have ever considered adoption, please be assured that you will love adopted children no different than biological children. God has a plan , perhaps the stork has a different delivery method. Do what is right, do what is good.
I will also be praying for those mother's who have given life to these children and then given them to adoption. Most Mother's in China will never know the fate of their children. All I know is that these moms literally risked their lives to complete the pregnancy and placed their child were they could be found. How could I thank someone for that? Do what is right, do what is good.

Did she kiss me?

2011-05-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while Lily hits me with a question that makes want to sob right there on the spot but I know that God has given me the responsibility of protecting Lily and holding her heart so delicatly so even when I want to sob, I wait until I am alone.
So today Lily asks me, "Do you think my Chinese mommy kissed me when I was born?"
Me, "Yes, My Lily I know she kissed you when you were born. She is such a blessing to us"
Lily," Do you think she knew that you were a mommy who needed me?"
Me, "Yes, my dear Lily"
Oh how my heart aches for Lily, she looked sad today asking me those questions. I ache for a mother who has no idea what has happened to a daughter that she once kissed.

Mother's Day

2011-04-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

Why is it that when I read Mother's Day stories in magazines I always tear up? I was reading a story today about a family that had 4 children and then adopted a 9 year old daughter. The story was not about adoption it was really about being a mom. In it the writer says "just like to be surrounded by the ones I love and the ones who love me back. For me that is motherhood" I couldn't agree with her more. I love being a mom.

WANTED: This Video Says it All

2011-03-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

WANTED: This Video Says it All

Pray for Japan!

2011-03-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

Not much more I can say except....pray for Japan...so sad..

More IA News

2011-03-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

Just as I feared in my last post, IA will be severely effected...this article is about Ethiopia...
Click in the pick title "More IA News" and it will send you to the article

Recent news

2011-03-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

If you have adopted from China and keep up with current events/trends/news articles then you may have seen some recent articles about baby trafficing in China. there have been articles before but these articles have some outrageous claims on the number of adopted children that have actually have been stolen then trafficked for profit. these reports have upset me for obvious reasons,since we have two adopted daughters from China. The writers of one particular article claims huge numbers of stolen children without the proof to back his claims.
These claims may have results that some may not realize
-the focus maybe shifted from helping the children left behind
-adopted families will carry unwarranted shame
-orphans will never be adopted because families will fear that they were stolen and they will remain orphaned
-people will stop donating to awesome organizations like Show Hope,Love Without Boundaries,Half the Sky and others
-China will close it's doors to IA
-those working in the world of adoption will be doubted and scorned
I am not a fool I know there is corruption in the world of adoption. For some it is a business.But honestly I have met the most gracious, generous, Jesus loving people in the world of adoption. If shame shrouds adoption as it did it past,children will be the ones to suffer, either because they are left in the orphanages or because those who are adopted will be judged by something they had nothing to do with,there beginning. It seems that in everything pendulums swing from side to side, whether it is in the church, education, politics, fashion, and now adoption. Years ago adoptions were kept secret, shame and guilt was the result for many. I know that adoption is the call for all of God's children. HE adopted us and HE calls us to adopt. I pray that man does not corrupt what God calls the true religion. James 1:27
I am wondering what are your thoughts? Adoption for me is so very personal, my adoption in Christ and His gift of the adoption of our two daughters.

Intro-2

2011-02-22T20:22:00.001-05:00

Intro-2
Click on this link to an interesting film that is being made. Just the click makes me think, squirm and a bit sad for the angst that may/will lay ahead for our daughters.I so pray that their identity lays in Christ alone and not being Chinese and or American. Tough days may lay ahead.

Happy Chinese New Year.. a few days late

2011-02-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

"DH" = dear husband!-see last post!

2011-02-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

Questions to ponder

2011-02-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

DH and I went out for dinner last night. Our conversation was good and one topic that we discussed was adoption,shocker I know. We already knew the final answer is "God's plan" but we discussed how strange it really is that he and I have adopted two children from China. Really there is no "manly" rhyme or reason to it. Some folks tell how they were always facinated/interested in Asian culture, some had others connections to China so for them China was a logical country to adopt. But not us. We had talked early in our marriage about adoption but really a Central or South American adoption would have been more logical.DH is from the west coast so his exposure to Hispanic culture was everyday. His best friend is of Mexican heritage with a large loving vibrant family.Greg spent many days in their home. We both love Spanish culture and the language. So why China?
And on the flip side why has China allowed so many of their children to be adopted into the US, many into Christian families? Why is this door open for us? How long will the door stay open? There are always rumors of international adoption (IA) being closed. But not for us. We have the most beautiful girls in the world that we call our daughters.But why, what is China thinking? After all the years of isolation? Oh, I do not know. I read and read to try to grasp some answers. Both for me to understand and because I owe it to my girls.
But in the end I do know the answer-GOD. He always has a plan. Could I have ever imagined this for us? No, but it is so right!
Guess it is human nature to ponder the what ifs or whys...

LWB Walk for Cleft Medical mission Trip update

2010-10-25T19:54:00.002-04:00

The day was just incredible. God was glorified in every way. There were babies, toddlers, teens, adults and grandparents all coming together to help the least of us. James 1:27 tells us that taking care of the widows and the orphans is true religion, yesterday I saw true religion ALIVE. God is ALIVE! We serve an awesome, LIVING God. I am so thankful for the encouragement I got along the way as Lisa and I planned this day. The skies were the beautiful Carolina blue that we who live in North Carolina brag about. All of us raised OVER $10,000!! Can you believe ?!? I was not at the registration table so I did not see the donations being collected until the end of the day. But, I must tell you about one donation that was left on the table. It was a small tin princess bank with a white ribbon attached. The note on the ribbon said, "I hope all the children feel better soon" The bank was stuffed FULL of this little girl's money.Sweet pure giving!!
Thank you Lord for loving me and allowing me to serve you.

Love without Boundaries 5k/Walk-Sunday 10/24

2010-10-23T21:26:00.001-04:00

Dear Walkers!
We are excited for the First Annual “5K Walk for Hope and Healing” and hope that you all are as well! According to the weather forecast it is going to be sunny and 78 degrees. Perfect walking weather!
The order of events for tomorrow will be as follows: Registration will begin under the tent behind the Amphitheatre at 1:30 p.m.. There will be a few signs on the streets to direct you in, as well as some at the venue. The address for the Amphitheatre is 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27511. Parking will be at the Amphitheatre gate entrance. Around 2:00 p.m. we will say a few words and then the walk will be underway! The path for the walk will be contained to Symphony Lake. It will be three times around to total the 5K. Light refreshments and water will be provided.
Any donations that you have received in the form of check or cash please bring them with you to the walk. We will be collecting those when you register and sending to Love Without Boundaries. The top three participants will be announced the following week and prizes will be sent in the mail. We want to be sure we allow enough time for all donations collected to be counted.
Thank you again to all of our Corporate Sponsors, it means a lot!
We are looking forward to seeing you all there! Thank you again for your participation and support of these beautiful children!
Blessings,
Jody Brannon & Lisa McNutt

Walk for Hope and Healing

2010-09-14T19:23:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,
If you are local please join us:
Date: Sunday October 24,2010
What: Walk for Love Without Boundaries Cleft Mission Trip to China!!!
More details to follow....

Click on Pink title "walk for hope and healing" above to go to link for information!!

Not just Cali has changed in 2 years!

2010-08-30T06:28:00.003-04:00

Could it be two years?

2010-08-30T05:34:00.004-04:00

So two years ago we were flying from Shanghai to Fuzhou to meet our newest daughter/sister. Tylar could not travel with us because she was just starting college. It was hard to leave her. What if something happened to her, what if something happened to us. I had to let it go, give it to God. While we were gone her car broke down in Maryland and towed home. An expense and experience we were not counting on. She started her first couple of weeks of college with out a hitch. We were in China. Lily's world was about to turn upside down. Cali's world was about to turn upside down. The insomnia that most expectant mom's experience before giving birth, I really feel God is preparing the woman for the nights that she will be up with her new born. I experienced insomnia before we traveled to adopt Cali. Humm, should have known God was preparing me for the months or years ahead. The first few months home were a killer. We were sleep deprived from jet lag and Cali and Lily were learning to be sisters and friends during the day but they had no interest in being sisters or friends during the night when both of them needed their mommy. I am getting ahead of myself. I have sweet memories of the trip to Fuzhou, China. I hope to return one day. Cali still keeps me up some nights and I fret over her, just like all mom's do over their babies. There is something different about her, she is independent,spunky,tough,loving,mad,happy,sweet and sassy. Guess all these things make her who she is. Could I have overcome the things she has in her 3, almost four years. Humm, not so sure. These children that have been adopted have quite a story to tell, I am blessed that God chose me to be part of Cali's story.

Summer is coming to a close

2010-08-15T18:47:00.003-04:00

Cali has enjoyed her summer. She proudly proclaims she is a "fish!" She can swim from end to end in the pool, has conquered the waves, held a sting ray, watched the baby and mama deer at the beach and mastered the bicycle. What a great summer she had! Too bad it is winding down (although it is still well over 90 degrees). But the rights of autumn are here. Her big sisters and brother are heading back to school. Two years ago this week I was nervously packing and repacking with the anticipation of traveling to China to adopt Cali. It is a time of such emotion for me. It is a time that God draws me so close. A time when time stands still for just a bit. I love you Cali.

Time goes on..

2010-07-20T18:22:00.004-04:00

The past few months have brought events to our immediate family that none of us could have imagined just a few short months ago. The photo attached was taken this past Thanksgiving. Greg was on call so we could not go the beach, as we had done for the past several years. We were a bit disappointed but we decided that we would take the opportunity to get some new family photos of Greg's side of the family. In the past 3 years Greg's brother had three children and we brought home Cali and Lily. I some how convinced, maybe forced Greg's mom into some of the photos (she hates herself in pictures). For Christmas I made Greg's mom a great photo book from snapfish with the photos from that day. She thought it was silly at first but it became a cherished gift. In April, Greg's brother (center photo, big smile) was killed riding his motorcycle. He left behind his two year old twins, and 3 year old son.Greg's mom, Estelle was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 3 weeks ago.We had her funeral today.Greg grew up with his mom and brother, he misses them today.
I am going to say some things that may offend some one reading this, because in all honesty I do not know many of you who read this blog. Please know that it my intention NOT to offend but really share. My dad and brother both died when I was a teenager. It was an awful, dark time in my life. We were raised in a catholic home, but I can say I had no relationship with Jesus. It was a dark,dark, lonely place to be.Both Greg's mom and brother were buried in a catholic service. Here is the place where I may offend... I see so clearly now how I became so dark after loosing my brother and father. whom I loved very, very much. Listening to both priests recently, two different churches, I heard them both to say, pray that you are good enough, pray that those who have preceded you in death will work to get you into heaven, pray that your prayers can be heard so that they can get into heaven. Well, as a teenager and me today I will NEVER be good enough, I will NEVER be able to pray some one into heaven and I hope no one is "working" in heaven for me. Getting into heaven is between me and Jesus. It is knowing that HE died for me, He loves me (even when I do not love Him), It is about Jesus and nothing else. Listening to these two funerals brought me back to an ugly place but I am rejoicing that I am no longer there, I am a new creation in Christ. I am still sad for what may have been, for three little boys that do not have an earthly father. I am sad for my husband to have lost so much so soon. I am sad for my children to have lost a very special uncle and crazy grandma. But I am also happy that they are no longer suffering and that I can rest in the arms of Jesus.

Great Friends, Great times!

2010-07-07T22:13:00.003-04:00

It is always so much fun to get together with our special friends. We live 100's of miles apart but that can not keep us apart!

Lily and Cali turn 5 ?!?!

2010-06-23T09:07:00.003-04:00

Poor Cali she so wants to be the same as Lily. Lily's birthday was this week so that means Cali wants a birthday too! Poor kid, you have to wait until October and then you will only turn 4!

One wish

2010-06-11T19:05:00.003-04:00

My daughter GB asks me funny questions from time to time that stump me for some reason. Last week she asked me what my favorite flower is. Well I love to garden so believe it or not I could not think of an answer. Even the next day I could not come up with an answer. Today's question was if you could have one wish... before I could answer she looked at her friend and said"this one is easy" I answered, "just bring one more baby home from China" She said to her friend, "I told you". GB did say,"could it be a brother this time". I really would not care if it were a boy or girl but am i CRAZY just thinking about it. What is wrong with me. I just can not get all those kids who need mommys out of my mind and ultimately my heart. It makes me sad. Today walking on the beach a couple stopped me and told me of their adoption journey some 11 and 13 years ago to Russia. It is like we who have adopted all speak a common language. One that is so easily understood, especially for those of us who have adopted "later in life". For now I will be satisfied praying for and cheering on my friends that are in the midst of their journeys. Thank you God for laying this on my heart.
PS GB's favorite flower is a day lily. I still can not think of just one favorite!

Boys are home

2010-06-07T08:17:00.003-04:00

Greg and Peter are home from their trip to Oregon. It was a celebration of Peter graduating high school and Greg turning 50 this summer. They had a great trip. Really sweet to see them spend that time together.

First summer pics and new family photo

2010-06-03T20:37:00.004-04:00

My good friend's husband took some photos for us at our home last week. Just to get the entire family in one location these days can prove difficult. We had an event at our house and RA graciously came and took tons of photos to record the night for us. He did a great job on a crazy night! I have to admit I think my favorite photo is the one of me and my mom. She hates getting her photo taken so she always proves the be a stubborn subject. RA got a great shot of the two of us that I know I am going to treasure. Thanks RA!!!!

Little changes

2010-05-22T09:47:00.002-04:00

We often go to the same small Mexican place to eat. We have been going there for years. A couple of nights ago the sweet waitress remarked how Cali has changed so much in the past year or so. I asked her, how so? She said, "oh I remember how she would cry so much during dinner and you just had to hold her. Now look at her, so happy and eating, eating,eating." I guess it is those little changes that happen each day that sometimes we need to be reminded. She has changed so much, almost into a new creation. Oh I know she is still the Cali that God created so beautifully as she was knitted in her mother's womb. But as she grows into the beautiful girl that God planned for her I find it an honor to be a part of God's plan and little changes!

Cinderella in Nashville Show Hope 5/2010

2010-05-17T20:26:00.003-04:00

Sherrie and I met in Nashville to support Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman's Show Hope production of Cinderella. We had an incredible weekend. Some really funny moments like when the clerk at the food counter said he could not tell us apart. We must have looked confused because he said it again and said well, you are twins! Funny since we are not biologically related. Although we are sisters in Christ which makes us true sisters through adoption!
The production of Cinderella was beautiful and funny! They took the classic and put a comedic spin to it. Steven and Mary Beth Chapman came out before the show began and shared their hearts. But again, funny moments like Mary Beth ribbing her husband about being too old to play prince charming. That sort of thing makes them so "real". The show closed with SSC singing with a group of children-SO WONDERFUL!!!I will admit that Sherrie and I were a bit giddy when we met Mary Beth. We did talk for a few minutes and mostly likely sounded a bit cooky but we just really wanted to let her know how much she is prayed for and thought about. We went to the after party and met Steven Curtis Chapman and again, what a "nice, nice" person. I mean it may sound silly to say but when I talked to them I just walked away with the feeling that I would just want to "hang around with them". When I told Greg he said, so are they coming to the beach this summer with us. Hum, I did not get a chance to invite them but they are sure welcome any time. I so hope that working at MBHOH is in my future. When my kids saw the photo of me, Sherrie and Mary Beth they said we all look alike. I said that is funny everyone said that about me and Sherrie, they said no ALL 3 of you. Hee HEE.I think we all look alike because we all share the love for our children and for God's orphan children. Once that feeling has taken hold of your heart there is no letting go. Thank you Chapman family for all you do to further God's kingdom. Mary Beth, I consider you a sister through adoption.

Spring Time

2010-05-17T20:13:00.004-04:00

Spring is a time of new birth. We have watched birds hatch, flowers bloom and trees come alive. This spring Peter will be graduating high school and beginning a new chapter in his life. I do pray that he will always rely on God and know how much he is loved. Cali is continuing to explore and learn new things. She is quite independent and strong! She loves to learn. On that note, I have decided to home school both Cali and Lily. I am excited and looking forward to teaching the girls. I have loved to both teach and learn. I am thankful each day.

Spring Soccer 2010

2010-05-17T18:14:00.003-04:00

Well another soccer season is coming to an end. It is most likely our 15th soccer season as a family. It is always nice to make new friends and watch the kids grow. When I signed Greyson up for her team, one of the moms commented that she was happy to have Cali and Lily back "on the team" too! Sweet memories.

Happy 4 Years 4 my Lily!

2010-04-19T20:11:00.003-04:00

My sweet sweet Lily was placed in my arms 4 years ago today. The love that I felt was unmeasurable. I was so very very thankful that God had chosen me for her. The time has gone way too quick for me. If I could slow down time I would. But I will enjoy each day because I know we are not promised tomorrow.
On a side note from the previous post about her "adoption" a few days after that conversation she said, "I don't want to be adopted, I just want to be a plain old Brannon" but on the other hand...today was her special anniversary day to be a bit spoiled and I think she really enjoyed the "specialness" of it.

Where you adopted?

2010-03-31T11:29:00.002-04:00

As we raise our internationally adopted children, we try to educate them and prepare them for those "questions" by their peers. Never know when that will happen but we do try the best we can...
This was an exchange the other day between Lily (4 years old) and another girl (5 years old)
The girl starts off...
"we have different skin"
Lily,"yes, I am tan because I am from China"
Girl,"were you adopted?'
ME-I cringe a bit a casually lean so I can hear the answer and see if I have to intervine.
Lily"Yes , i am adopted, I did not come out of my mommy's tummy. That sounds so gross and disgusting"LOL
That was the end of their adoption conversation. OK I know Lily has some of the facts mixed up a bit. Yes I know she was born. My bio kids also thought it was gross when they found out how they were born! LOL. But any how, I was so happy that Lily was able to answer the questions and be OK with it. The other girl may now have some funny questions to ask her parents at the dinner table about being "born".

2010-03-25T20:40:00.003-04:00

Did you ever have a moment when the things that God has done for you or your children that you may have never known is revealed to you because of a set of circumstances that only HE could have orchestrated. When Cali was in China she lived with two foster families. Each one unique and needed. Each one provided by God just when she needed them most. There are many times that I look at Cali and I just wonder what ifs, I pray that I can right her wrongs,I wonder about her surgery and who may have held her or no one at all, was she cold, was she hot, was she prayed for? Some of those questions have been clearly answered for me. She was in fact held, she was prayed for and she was loved. Before I knew that God had chosen her to be my daughter He was there to protect her and sent others to her before I could. How can I thank some one for that. I do not know. I will be praying for them and I pray that God will give me the honor to help him as He allowed them to help Cali.

Disney 2010

2010-03-25T20:35:00.001-04:00

We had a great time with great friends and family!

New Blog to follow

2010-02-10T15:38:00.004-05:00

Check out the newest addition to my blog list. It is about an American family that has been living in Haiti for the past 9 months. Wow, what a time to be there!

I just added another one, I have not had a chance to read all the way through but the woman is ministering in Haiti and she is from Cary. Totally a God thing that I found both these blogs, what is God reveal to me. So exciting....

Before the chicken "pops" hit

2010-02-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

I have already apologized for exposing our friends at play group to the chicken pops. Here is just a couple of oh so cute "before the pops" photos!

Chicken pox in the house!

2010-02-07T10:08:00.002-05:00

For those of you who have older kids before kids were vaccinated with the the chicken pox vaccine and you kids got chicken pox, you wondered "where did they get the chicken pox" Well...I do know where Cali got the chicken pox, from ME! :-((((
Last week or so I got shingles. My two older kids had the chicken pox, so I knew they were safe. The next three had the vaccine, so they were safe. According to Cali's titers (sp?) she had the chicken pox in China so she should have been safe but....good morning today a nd Cali has chicken pox. Please pray that is not too severe..Thanks!

Thank you Greyson!

2010-02-04T08:33:00.006-05:00

When you have many children the unexpected is bound to happen and everyone has to pitch in to help. Yesterday was one of those days. Madison had a doc appt and Greyson was out of school because of a snow day. Normally I would have dropped the little girls off at my mom's house but since Greyson was home, I left the girls with her. The doc's appt took 4 hours, to my surprise. Greyson did a great job with the girls so I wanted to recognize her and thank her. I know my sweet Greyson checks my blog so...Greyson thank you for...yesterday and everyday, for your servant's heart, you have come a long way my baby!!!!! I love you!!!!!!

Snow Shoe, WV

2010-02-01T11:17:00.003-05:00

We had a fun time in Snow Shoe, WV. Peter and Greyson skied and Lily loved tubing. Cali likes things better a bit warmer and slower than the tubing. She and I went down once and that was it. I give her credit for trying but she made it very clear she was not going to do it again. We had fun watching all the other folks. We had some snow a few days later at home, which made Lily proclaim that Christmas had finally come. When I was taking down all the Christmas decorations Lily was sure Christmas was not over since it had not snowed yet. So now I can officially put all Christmas decorations away for next year.
My two little girls are growing up. I had not made a real fire in the fire place since the winter before we brought Lily home. Then came Cali, just could not trust their curiosity around the fire. Since we had temps in the teens and we were stuck home because of the snow and ice, I decided to make a fire. I love the smell and tending the fire.
A friend of mine is India now helping out in a special needs orphanage. Her blog is on my list if you would like to peek into her world. She has an incredible heart (she was Cali's "mid wife" during her "delivery" to us). She is just falling in love with the kids over there. Her blog is called Precious in His Sight

Where will they go?

2010-01-20T13:18:00.002-05:00

Dear Lord,
I know you have a plan and you are in control. That is one thing that I LOVE about being saved by YOU. I no longer am in control, I am free to rest in your arms. Please Lord where will all those beautiful orphans of Haiti go? Who do you want to hold them, where are their forever families. I can not stop thinking about them....

Love Without Boundaries

2010-01-20T13:09:00.002-05:00

Check out Love Without Boundaries...
Ofcourse this is very personal to me since Cali is a beautiful Cleft child.

The Issue

For unknown reasons, Asia has the highest incidence of babies being born with cleft lip in the world. Due to cultural beliefs in China that children born with cleft bring shame to a family, thousands of children each year with cleft are abandoned and end up as orphans. Sadly, many cleft babies in orphanages pass away due to an inability to feed, mainly caused by ineffective bottle propping and busy orphanage caregivers being unable to hand feed failure to thrive infants. We have personally seen hundreds of cleft babies struggle in an orphanage setting, often with fatal results. In 2008, we realized that by creating specialized Cleft Healing Homes for these fragile children, we could save lives every day. Many of the babies who enter our homes are in critical condition, often weighing just 8-9 pounds at 8 months of age. We believe so fully that no child should pass away simply from being born with cleft lip. Every orphan deserves a second chance at life and a family to love them.
The Plan

LWB was the 1st foundation in China to set up a healing center specifically designed for orphans with cleft. Our two current homes, staffed with specially trained nannies, have saved many babies’ lives. LWB provides cleft lip surgery to the children in our care as soon as they reach the required weight, and then we advocate for each child to find a permanent home through adoption. Our dream is to open a Cleft Healing Home in every province in China so that no orphan with cleft would have to struggle to survive. Winning one million dollars would allow us to open additional regional centers, providing TLC and medical care to the most vulnerable infants. In addition, we would work towards decreasing the stigma surrounding this special need in rural villages through community outreach. With education and support, we believe we could actually stop children from being abandoned, preventing children with cleft from becoming orphans.
The Outcome

The outcomes of this innovative project are clear. We would save the lives of orphans with cleft, as in our current homes, children who have arrived in critical condition are now thriving. We will also shorten the wait time for surgery and increase the adoption rate, as 95% of the children discharged from our homes have their adoption paperwork filed with our advocacy. We believe our cleft healing homes will make a long term impact on the surrounding communities in China, as we work to show the world that every child, regardless of their needs, deserves love. We know overcoming the stigma surrounding children with cleft will be a gradual process, but we believe it is an essential goal. As we open more life-saving centers, more orphanages can know there is a safe haven to send their children who are failure to thrive. LWB has local staff and hospital partnerships already in place throughout China, allowing us to begin implementation of this project immediately.

Cali's yearly cleft clinic appt

2010-01-08T09:59:00.002-05:00

We met with the cleft team at UNC Chapel Hill today. It was a long day but Cali did incredible. We met with the plastic surgeon, oral surgeon, speech, social worker, psycologist,dentist, ent, and Cali cooperated so well. I was most curious about the speech assessment but the speech pathologist said she was right on for her age. She did add that in some of her words she has retained a Chinese acsent (sp?). They again talked about her lip revision and bone graft but it is in her future, maybe the next 2-5 years. So all is good on the Brannon front...

Did it hurt?

2009-12-29T17:46:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while one of my kids does something or says something that throws me for a loop this was one of those conversations-remember she is only 4....
Lily-Did it hurt when I came out of your tummy?
Me-(After the initial saddness of the question)No, Lily remember you were born in China. You were not in my tummy.
Lily-Whose tummy was I in?
Me-A lady in China.
Lily-What was her name?
Me-I do not know.
Lily-Was it Xi XI (she was our guide for both adoptions)
Me-No sweetie, remember she was our helper in China
Lily-Oh yeah, that's right and then Lily runs off to play.

I try my best to always answer her questions as honest as possible and as age appropriate as I see fit but wow it is hard. I am so thankful for my Lily and how I wish I cane take all of her pain away BUT what an incredible opportunity she has to be part of literally two worlds in one life time. One day we will visit China again for her to see where her roots began.

Christmas Wishes 2009

2009-12-23T10:15:00.003-05:00

Dear Blog Friends,
Not sure how much time I will have to get on the computer in the next couple of days but I did want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. As usual this time of year brings so many emotions.
I think of Mary. Such a young girl she was when that angel appeared to her. How frightened she must of been yet so obedient. Where would we be if she turned away a child that was not "hers"or "planned"? We would all be lost with out a savior to call our own.
I look at my girls from a far off land that only God could have chosen for us. They have come so far in this year that they have shared together. They have grown to be sisters and Lily says best friends.
I look at all 4 of my teenagers and the paths that they are embarking on. The road is not always smooth or easy but it their road, their journey. I pray that through out this coming year that they continue turn toward Jesus,our perfect father.
I pray for those during this Christmas season that are lonely, sad, cold and feel alone. I pray that they search and find the comfort, joy, warmth and eternal life that Jesus shares with each of His children.
God Bless you all this Christmas season!

Little Girl

2009-12-18T15:18:00.002-05:00

Little Girl written by greyson

There you sit opening your presents
With family and friends around
While across the world there's a little girl
The room is filled with crying babies
Needing a mother
They think that a mother would be the best present ever
One little girl thinks about Santa
While the girl on the other side of the world thinks about how grateful she is to have a mother
After the season one by one
All the mothers lined up to get their precious babies

This poem was written by my sweet Greyson. What a great Christmas gift from her heart. I love her from the moon and back!

Thanksgiving Day Photos

2009-11-27T08:54:00.003-05:00

Happy Thansgiving!

2009-11-26T08:52:00.002-05:00

God you are so good to me. You love me when I am not worthy. You comfort me when I am sad. You have given me the children I have always prayed for. You are the perfect father that I long for. You have given me a husband to hold me. I am so sorry for all the times that I am not good to you. I am sorry that I am not worthy of you. I am sorry that I am not always the mother and wife that you have made me to be. I am thankful that you found me long before I found you. Thank you for forgiving me and shedding your blood so that I can be forgiven.

Thankful Day 24

2009-11-23T09:33:00.001-05:00

I am thankful that Tylar surprised us last night for a visit. Lily had a really hard time letting Tylar leave to go back to school. I am so thankful for the love that I see growing in my family each and everyday. God has blessed me more then I could have ever imagined.

Thankful Day 23

2009-11-19T20:44:00.005-05:00

In Chinese families they sometimes name their children in their birth order. Tylar therefor is "first daughter" Being the first came with perks and responsibilities. She had me to herself for a couple of years. When Peter was born she was an amazing big sister. Poor kid we kept adding to the bunch, I think sometimes she wondered why? She is now in college and doing great. When her one of her sisters calls to say "I miss you" she comes home for dinner. When Madi got hurt she made to the hospital before the ambulance. She took it upon herself to give the many people in the waiting room updates. When Peter is having a hard time he retreats to Tylar's apartment. When she had to write a college essay about a special relationship in her life, she chose to write about her and Lily's bond. My prayer for her is to always know that God has created her to be beautiful inside and out. Let people see that shine through you. Today I am thankful of the woman she is becoming.

Thankful Day 22

2009-11-18T20:39:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading Lucky Girl by Mei-Ling Hopgood. I am thankful that I got a chance to read this book. It is a memoir of a woman that was adopted as an infant from Taiwan in the early 1970's and her journey in finding and building a relationship with her biological family. She writes with such ease that I really enjoyed her story. There are ofcourse some sad chapters in her family's past but she sheds new light on several issues especially for those of us who have adopted children. I am so thankful that she was willing to share her story.

Thankful Day 21

2009-11-16T09:43:00.004-05:00

Today I was reminded of a very special person who has become my friend. Her name is Erin Hunlock. She worked with the special needs adoption program at our adoption agency. She was the one person who God had sent to bring Cali into our lives. Our agency has since closed due to the increasing slow down of adoptions in China but Erin is embarking on a new and wonderful journey to once again help the least of us. Please follow her journey and help her do the work that God has called each of us to do.
So today I am thankful for people like Erin. I am especially thankful that she is in my life and that I can be a small part of this journey with her. Please be part of it too!!!
http://allrpreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/

Thankful Day 20

2009-11-13T12:56:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my husband and son. They are away together this weekend looking at colleges for Peter. I just spoke to them and they sound great! Honestly I am a little sad that my boy will be a few hours from me next year...but I am so very thankful that he is so excited for his next journey. My prayer for him is that he knows in his heart that God has great plans for him and that he has the confidence to know just how much God loves him.

Thankful Day 19

2009-11-11T14:38:00.002-05:00

God puts us each in a place that He wants us to be. Sometimes I am not sure what or where He wants me. And sometimes it is so clear. Today I am not so sure where He wants me, but I am thankful that He does have a plan for me because I would be lost with it.

Thankful Day 18

2009-11-08T07:40:00.003-05:00

This week I needed some shopping therapy. I know that is not right but I needed it. When I did get a couple of hours free I ran over to the mall. Well I tried on tons of things, or that is how it felt and guess what happened. I literally got stuck in a shirt. Yes that is right I pulled this shirt over my head and then I could not get it off. So there I was alone in the dressing room,in my undies, stuck in a shirt that I did not even like. After several minutes of wrangling with the evil shirt I got it off and threw it to the ground. I was promptly declared the winner of the match. Today I am thankful that God released me from the bondage of that shirt,literally and spiritually.
PS No pictures for this post,it would not be too attractive.