Well the oppertuntiy comes but once a year. The oppertunity for we the parents to go out together, no children. Yes 24 hours of alone. Thanks to our local Down Syndrome Guild and the planning of a yearly Mind your Marriage conference,that this year lasted a whole two hours... Don't tell our babysitters though. We need the extra 22 hours to discuss what we learned at the confrence. You all understand right??So I only had two things on my wish list this year.. first eat authetic Ethiopian food. What do you know there was a lovely restraunt called the Blue Nile Cafe only moments from our hotel. Problem Gary did not really want to travel by car. We had the priveledge of this year staying at the Westin Crown Center and there are lots of great places to eat that you can walk to without having to ever go outside. I was supportive I assured him (as I called the front desk to get directions) that we could go anywhere for dinner he wanted. So after the nice lady gave me directions we jumped in the car (alone) and took the five minute drive to the Blue Nile Cafe located at City Market. It was just a little place it filled up quickly on a Saturday night which was nice because that gave us a chance to watch other people eat before we gave it a go. We had a waitress who is Native Ethiopian. This was great she was able to explain everything wonderfully to us. She even took the time to answer questions that had nothing to do with food. Very helpful Ethiopian food and education. We had the Sample Platter which consisted of 8 different vegetarian entrees and one each of chicken, beef and lamb. All served on top of Injera a soft, spongy, national bread made from teff and wheat flour. Ehtiopian food is traditionally served in communal platter and eaten using injera bread instead of utensils. Yes we ate with our fingers... sorta. You tear off some injera (with your right hand only) then kind of pinch the bread around the food and eat. The injera has sort of a sour dough taste but not to much. I don't care for sourdough and I liked it. We bought some extra and I made fake Ethiopian food for the kids the next night they all took a shot at eating with injera instead of forks.
At the Blue Nile the uniform shirt has a fork with a red circle and a line through the fork.It was a really neat experiance and really great food. We now know Gary and Morgan will not starve.The owner of the restraunt Daniel also a Native Ethiopian must have just known we were going to adopt. He asked if we had a baby picked out and told us about his trip back from Ethiopia last month. He said the plane was half full of babies (children) coming back with their new Mom's and Dad's. He sure helped us to feel good about our choice. Some have asked if we knew how the people of Ethiopia felt about white Americans coming over and adopting their children. Daniel said it was an honorable thing for us to do. Although God is all the reasurance we need. It was nice to have him to valadate our choice. If you have time be brave and try the Blue Nile Cafe. www.bluenilekc.com/reviews.html
Oh what was the second thing I wanted to do... having this oppertunity to not have to feed anyone else take anyone to the potty, or change a diaper during a meal...all alone with my husband.. for our one overnight a year... you guesed it.............. SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for joining us on our adventure.
Tiffany
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Why Why Why??? or Are you crazy?
It was the year 1999 and I was single and minding my own business - living the life of a 30 something bachelor - when in walked the love of my life... Tiffany. My how life can change! Fast forward 9 years and seven kids later and WHAM! Look at who I am now... Living on a ranch in the beautiful countryside with more animals than I want to count on the outside, seven children on the inside, and knowing God has even more blessings for me yet! After having no biological kids of my own, It was a 'fun challenge' living and establishing a nuclear family with Tiffany and her 3 GREAT kids at the beginning of our marriage. Then God began making us 'aware' of a serious problem in our community. Hundreds of kids in our state had no family to call their own. Our hearts went out to them. It seemed a perfect fit for putting action to our faith. Our faith in God is made complete by what we do.
At first we brought in kids at a safe level - through our state foster care system - no real commitment and we get to positively influence some kids lives that need to be shown a little love. God's will - a good feeling. 1John 2:17 says "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
Next we sense Gods hand in the decision to adopt of a couple of our little blessings (#4 ) whose parent could not take on their responsibility. I feel we can make a positive difference in these lives and in our world that will last much more than my lifetime - creating a legacy which glorifies God. James 1:27 states "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
THEN came #6 Maggie - a beautiful little girl with Down syndrome. Maggie makes those people around her better people - she is now 3 and we are so blessed to have her in our home. People ask "how can you do this?" and our answer is "How can we not". The Lord has made us so vividly aware of the desperate needs of children of this country and in this world. See Proverbs 31:8 ""Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute."
After Maggie, came #7 PJ. PJ also has an extra 21st chromosome or Down Syndrome. He is the cutest little boy who is quite the lover. He loves to go to therapy and enjoys the love and attention he receives wherever he goes. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him.
James 1:22"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
So now on to Africa to bring in one (or two) young children to allow them to grow in the fertile soil of our home and country. We have been blessed with a wonderful loving environment to raise kids up to their greatest potential. So so many need a stable, safe home with a loving family. 1John 3:17 says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"
Our family has chosen this path which at times is not an easy one. We have of course denied ourselves some of the selfish pleasures of living in America. We have instead chosen to give our time and resources to the mission... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:35-40.
So I hope to have given you the answer to 'Why?' . Am I crazy? Well in the eyes of the world - of course I am. And at times I reevaluate our mission with God's will. I try not to worry knowing that is not of God. Philippians 4:6 says " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I would not trade that selfish single life for the one I have for anything in this world. I want others to join us. Please consider adoption. There are 120,000 adoption eligible kids in America that desperately need a loving home. There are 4,500,000 orphans in the one country of Ethiopia.
Focus not on the things of this world (career, cars, vacations, homes, sports, hobbies, TV, education, 401k, etc., etc., etc.) But set your mind on the things above - What would Jesus have you do? The harvest is great yet the workers are few... Come join with us in this field - Please support us. These rewards will not perish! Please pray for us - hard and often!
Big Dad
At first we brought in kids at a safe level - through our state foster care system - no real commitment and we get to positively influence some kids lives that need to be shown a little love. God's will - a good feeling. 1John 2:17 says "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
Next we sense Gods hand in the decision to adopt of a couple of our little blessings (#4 ) whose parent could not take on their responsibility. I feel we can make a positive difference in these lives and in our world that will last much more than my lifetime - creating a legacy which glorifies God. James 1:27 states "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
THEN came #6 Maggie - a beautiful little girl with Down syndrome. Maggie makes those people around her better people - she is now 3 and we are so blessed to have her in our home. People ask "how can you do this?" and our answer is "How can we not". The Lord has made us so vividly aware of the desperate needs of children of this country and in this world. See Proverbs 31:8 ""Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute."
After Maggie, came #7 PJ. PJ also has an extra 21st chromosome or Down Syndrome. He is the cutest little boy who is quite the lover. He loves to go to therapy and enjoys the love and attention he receives wherever he goes. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him.
James 1:22"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
So now on to Africa to bring in one (or two) young children to allow them to grow in the fertile soil of our home and country. We have been blessed with a wonderful loving environment to raise kids up to their greatest potential. So so many need a stable, safe home with a loving family. 1John 3:17 says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"
Our family has chosen this path which at times is not an easy one. We have of course denied ourselves some of the selfish pleasures of living in America. We have instead chosen to give our time and resources to the mission... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:35-40.
So I hope to have given you the answer to 'Why?' . Am I crazy? Well in the eyes of the world - of course I am. And at times I reevaluate our mission with God's will. I try not to worry knowing that is not of God. Philippians 4:6 says " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I would not trade that selfish single life for the one I have for anything in this world. I want others to join us. Please consider adoption. There are 120,000 adoption eligible kids in America that desperately need a loving home. There are 4,500,000 orphans in the one country of Ethiopia.
Focus not on the things of this world (career, cars, vacations, homes, sports, hobbies, TV, education, 401k, etc., etc., etc.) But set your mind on the things above - What would Jesus have you do? The harvest is great yet the workers are few... Come join with us in this field - Please support us. These rewards will not perish! Please pray for us - hard and often!
Big Dad
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Step one Complete????
The First Step... What is the first step? The first step is what some refer to as your first trimester "First Paper Trimester" of our adoption pregnancy. Yes I am tankin on the pounds . Pounds of paperwork that is. The first step consists of writing and then telling your life story to the Social worker of your choice .We chose the lovely Rachel Crews. We worked with her when we were blessed with Maggie. She is great. Step ones means you will need to gather birth and marriage certificates. Figure out a budget and your net worth.(nice economy to be doing that) Get all the Dr's to quickly fill out physical forms for everyone.The best thing was we can now say that we have seen the inside holding cells of our local police dept. Not because we were arrested but because this is where they do the fingerprinting necessary for international adoption. So yes Gary, Samantha and I are all "IN THE SYSTEM". Last week we thought all right we are done with step one the Homestudy is complete. So off to INS approval we think. But NO Tiffany's fingerprints were rejected. Was this because she has a record? Had she been living a lie. NO it's becaue in our fine little town the guy doing the fingerprionts also is a public school bus driver and was in a hurry. So again we are waiting. .So although we have made many trips to Rachels home to drop off paperwork so as not to waist even one hour. Here we are waiting. We hear this is the name of the game. Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait. A game many of you will certainly understand when I say Tiffany does not hurry up and wait very well. Surely God has a reason for this and in time we will understand.
So praying that this week we will advance on in our paper pregnancy.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Why adopt from Ethiopia?
Why adopt from Ethiopia?
Probably the most compelling reason we chose to adopt from Ethiopia is that we ran across these statistics from another blog and were just utterly broken for these children. Read the list below and just let their situation sink in....and then pray for this country and all the little ones who are precious in His sight but are having unbelievable times surviving.
1. One in ten children die before their first birthday.
2. One in six children die before their fifth birthday.
3. 44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old
4. 60% of children in Ethiopia are stunted because of malnutrition.
5. The median age in Ethiopia is 17.8 years.
6. 1.5 million people are infected with AIDS (6th highest in the world).
7. 720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS alone, and there are 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia.
8.Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any country in Africa.
9. In the 90s the population (3%) grew faster than food production (2.2%).
10. Drought struck the country from 2000-2002 (first year no crops, second year no seeds, third year no animals).
11. Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school.
12. 88% will never attend secondary school.
13. Coffee prices (Ethiopia’s only major export) fell 40-60% from 1998-2002.
14. Ethiopia’s doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000.
15. In 1993, after 30 long years of war, Eritrea broke from Ethiopia and became an independent nation leaving Ethiopia landlocked without any major seafaring ports.
The above infromation was Stolen from the adoption blog of our "followers "Mike and Sandy Mayfield who have also been called by God to adopt a child or children from Ehtiopia as well.
Yet we agree wholeheartedly with the words they have written and we add Jerimiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you. ....
Perhaps you are a part of Gods plan to prosper one of the little ones in Ethiopia.....Either through prayer, through financial help or perhaps God is also calling you to go to Ethiopia and give even one a forever familiy.
Probably the most compelling reason we chose to adopt from Ethiopia is that we ran across these statistics from another blog and were just utterly broken for these children. Read the list below and just let their situation sink in....and then pray for this country and all the little ones who are precious in His sight but are having unbelievable times surviving.
1. One in ten children die before their first birthday.
2. One in six children die before their fifth birthday.
3. 44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old
4. 60% of children in Ethiopia are stunted because of malnutrition.
5. The median age in Ethiopia is 17.8 years.
6. 1.5 million people are infected with AIDS (6th highest in the world).
7. 720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS alone, and there are 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia.
8.Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any country in Africa.
9. In the 90s the population (3%) grew faster than food production (2.2%).
10. Drought struck the country from 2000-2002 (first year no crops, second year no seeds, third year no animals).
11. Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school.
12. 88% will never attend secondary school.
13. Coffee prices (Ethiopia’s only major export) fell 40-60% from 1998-2002.
14. Ethiopia’s doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000.
15. In 1993, after 30 long years of war, Eritrea broke from Ethiopia and became an independent nation leaving Ethiopia landlocked without any major seafaring ports.
The above infromation was Stolen from the adoption blog of our "followers "Mike and Sandy Mayfield who have also been called by God to adopt a child or children from Ehtiopia as well.
Yet we agree wholeheartedly with the words they have written and we add Jerimiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you. ....
Perhaps you are a part of Gods plan to prosper one of the little ones in Ethiopia.....Either through prayer, through financial help or perhaps God is also calling you to go to Ethiopia and give even one a forever familiy.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Myths and Truths of Down Syndrome
TRUTH!!!
85-9o% of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome while still in the womb are ABORTED!
Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth: One in every 800 to 1,000 birth is a child with Down Syndrome condition. This figure represents approximately 5,000 births per year.
Myth: Most children with Down Syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: 80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. However, as the age of the parents increases, so does the incidence of births of children with Down Syndrome condition.
Myth: Children with Down Syndrome are severely retarded.
Truth: Children with Down Syndrome have an I.Q that falls between the mild to moderately retarded range. Children with Down Syndrome can be educated. However, educators and researchers have not been able to verify and document the full educational potential of Down Syndrome children.
Myth: Most people with Down Syndrome are institutionalized.
Truth: In recent years, Down Syndrome children are seen in the public together with the families, going about their educational, social and recreational activities. Some adults with Down Syndrome have also seen to work in café and fast food chains.
M yth:Adult with Syndrome are unemployable.
Truth: As society’s acceptance and understanding towards adults with Down Syndrome children increases, businesses around the world are employing young adults with Down Syndrome for a variety of positions.
Myth: Adults with Down Syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationship leading to marriage.
Truth: Many adults with Down Syndrome are able to socialize and form ongoing relationship such as courtship and marriage. Although women with Down Syndrome can have children, but the chances of getting a Down Syndrome child is 50%.
Myth: People with Down Syndrome condition can never be cured.
Truth: As the medical research advances, it was identified that the gene on chromosome 21 is responsible for Down Syndrome. Scientists believe that there is a possibility in the future to improve, correct and prevent the varies problems related to Down Syndrome.
85-9o% of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome while still in the womb are ABORTED!
Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth: One in every 800 to 1,000 birth is a child with Down Syndrome condition. This figure represents approximately 5,000 births per year.
Myth: Most children with Down Syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: 80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. However, as the age of the parents increases, so does the incidence of births of children with Down Syndrome condition.
Myth: Children with Down Syndrome are severely retarded.
Truth: Children with Down Syndrome have an I.Q that falls between the mild to moderately retarded range. Children with Down Syndrome can be educated. However, educators and researchers have not been able to verify and document the full educational potential of Down Syndrome children.
Myth: Most people with Down Syndrome are institutionalized.
Truth: In recent years, Down Syndrome children are seen in the public together with the families, going about their educational, social and recreational activities. Some adults with Down Syndrome have also seen to work in café and fast food chains.
M yth:Adult with Syndrome are unemployable.
Truth: As society’s acceptance and understanding towards adults with Down Syndrome children increases, businesses around the world are employing young adults with Down Syndrome for a variety of positions.
Myth: Adults with Down Syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationship leading to marriage.
Truth: Many adults with Down Syndrome are able to socialize and form ongoing relationship such as courtship and marriage. Although women with Down Syndrome can have children, but the chances of getting a Down Syndrome child is 50%.
Myth: People with Down Syndrome condition can never be cured.
Truth: As the medical research advances, it was identified that the gene on chromosome 21 is responsible for Down Syndrome. Scientists believe that there is a possibility in the future to improve, correct and prevent the varies problems related to Down Syndrome.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Our Family as we are
Here is a pic of our beautiful family. Somehow our favorite photographer - Brandi - through the magic of digital manipulation, got all of us not only to smile but to look at the camera at once - it makes Tiffany cry...
Friday, December 26, 2008
Here We Gooooooo !
December 14, 2008 was anything but a typical Sunday...
It was the date I had given my family as to my answer to the BIG question... To go or not to go? After much prayer, consideration, and searching God's will, well the answer was clear. "Lets go get him".
"Him" was a little one year boy in Africa - Ethiopia that is, which somehow has survived with a heart defect and an extra 21st chromosome otherwise known as Down Syndrome. We have already been blessed with 2 kids with the very special chromosome (Maggie and PJ). He has yet to be 'officially' named - but I am leaning toward "Spud" - my wife winces at that. We have started climbing the mountain of paperwork and have even submitted our fingerprints to our local police department - very entertaining. We are all very excited to get on with this life adventure. I must admit I am confident of our direction, yet a little anxious also. We have adopted from of our state foster care system, and even an out-of-state adoption. Africa is certainly a little bigger trip full of more uncertainties and questions.
So we begin our quest for "Spud" and are so very excited for our days ahead - I hope you enjoy our story - hopefully one with a happy ending.
Gary (Big Dad)
It was the date I had given my family as to my answer to the BIG question... To go or not to go? After much prayer, consideration, and searching God's will, well the answer was clear. "Lets go get him".
"Him" was a little one year boy in Africa - Ethiopia that is, which somehow has survived with a heart defect and an extra 21st chromosome otherwise known as Down Syndrome. We have already been blessed with 2 kids with the very special chromosome (Maggie and PJ). He has yet to be 'officially' named - but I am leaning toward "Spud" - my wife winces at that. We have started climbing the mountain of paperwork and have even submitted our fingerprints to our local police department - very entertaining. We are all very excited to get on with this life adventure. I must admit I am confident of our direction, yet a little anxious also. We have adopted from of our state foster care system, and even an out-of-state adoption. Africa is certainly a little bigger trip full of more uncertainties and questions.
So we begin our quest for "Spud" and are so very excited for our days ahead - I hope you enjoy our story - hopefully one with a happy ending.
Gary (Big Dad)
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