tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50969137845141570432024-03-13T20:11:01.657-07:00Full of JoyPsalm 126:3 says, "The Lord has done great things for us and we are full of joy." This verse sums up the story of our lives and more specifically our adoption of Levi. We praise the Lord for all of His blessings and how thankful we are for our newest addition! We see more clearly than ever before, the heart of our Father, who adopted us and made us heirs with His Son, Jesus Christ!Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-73343990348185487642013-03-06T19:17:00.001-08:002013-03-06T19:17:24.435-08:00she loved him...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's sleeping in my arms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His warm body snuggled up close. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His heavy breathing is the only sound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love my boy more than words can express. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the deeper I fall in love, the more I think about his birth mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe it's because as he gets older and his personality really emerges I wonder - Does he get his dimple from her? Or his amazing sense of humor? Is she as outgoing as he is? Does her smile light up a room like his does? I find myself loving a woman I may never meet because I love the son she carried in her womb. The son she chose to give life to - she didn't have to, but she did and I love her for that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe I think about her because I am grieving her loss - and his. It breaks my heart that he will someday know the broken parts of his story. My heart aches to think of the day he comprehends the details of his past. As a mom, I want to protect him from being hurt - protect him from the feelings and questions that will likely come. I long to find ways to speak of his birth mom with grace. To honor her even while speaking the truth about how he came to be a DeCarlo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just recently I discovered that during the two and a half months Levi was with his birth mom she took him to the hospital - twice. I requested the records and though they say very little, they speak volumes. They speak of a young, concerned mother who took her newborn son to the E.R. because he was sick. She loved him. I can tell him without hesitation - "your momma loves you. She wanted you. She tried her very best to take care of you." I was overwhelmed by emotion when I realized how sweet the Lord was to give me this glimpse into his time with her and of her care for him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you, Jesus! You are so good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may never know if his dimple comes from her. But I do know that she loved him. And for that, I love her even more. </span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-62841693198391698162013-02-19T16:14:00.001-08:002013-02-19T16:18:25.496-08:00follow You into the homes of the broken....<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been thinking a lot about the parents of our first foster placement. They were a young, unmarried couple. They looked a little rough, but they were not what we were told to expect. In all of our trainings we were told to be prepared for angry parents, absent parents, parents who were under the influence, or parents who were just kids themselves. We were encouraged to be kind and respectful. We were reminded of the opportunity we had to be Jesus to these parents. In theory it all sounded good, but I wasn't sure what it would look like in reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two days after picking our little guy up at the hospital, I walked into the visitation center - alone. I was shaking and clinging to the little one asleep on my shoulder, under a blanket to keep him out of the rain. My stomach was in knots. I worried that they would want me to give them their baby before a social worker was there to supervise. I worried that I wouldn't be strong enough to tell them no. I worried that they would be angry and hostile towards me. Instead, I was met by two grieving and broken parents. His mom approached me with tears in her eyes and said, "Is that him?" as she gently pulled the blanket back. The moment she saw his face she began to weep. My heart broke and I instantly felt love and compassion for her. We sat in the waiting area for 15 minutes before a social worker showed up. They stroked the baby's head as we talked - but never once did they ask to hold him. I appreciated their respect for the situation. They asked me how he was sleeping and eating. They cried as they told me how their children came into care. It was then that I knew that we were going to walk the journey of reunification with this family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I came back two hours later to pick him up from the visit, his dad shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and thanked me. He hung his head as he apologized for not rinsing out the baby's bottle when he was done eating. At following visits they brought me clothes, diapers, and a toothbrush for their daughter. They came to the visits with toys and books in a backpack. They showed up early for every visit. And when the visit was done, they would walk me to my car and we'd stand in the parking lot chatting. I was not afraid of them. They were not angry. They did everything they had to to get their kids back. They were not what I expected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Their children were in foster care a total of 11 months. But, they are home now. They have since had a third child. Three babies in under 4 years. And yet, they are doing it. They are parenting their children - and doing it well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week I ran into their mom at the store. We talked about the kids while my oldest played in the aisles with their oldest. Their newest little guy is just a year old - he is chronically sick with allergies. His mom shared with me how nervous she is every time she takes him to the doctor. She's afraid they'll be accused of wrongdoing again. She's afraid to take him to children's hospital because it was there that they were turned in for abuse (which was never substantiated - and all charges were eventually dropped). But, she sets her fears aside and for the good of her baby, she takes him in again to get the treatment he needs. Her life is forever altered by their experience with social services. Her heart and mind are forever scarred by being accused of abusing her newborn baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I think about the forgotten in the foster care community its easy to forget about the biological parents. Certainly not every parent is like these parents - but every parent needs to know the unconditional love of Jesus. Every parent needs to be treated with kindness and respect. Here in Bakersfield, The Forgotten Initiative has been asked to recruit and train mentors for biological parents who have been reunified with their children. What an amazing opportunity to be light in the darkness. What an amazing way to live out the words of the song by Leeland - "Follow You". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Use my hands, use my feet to make Your kingdom come!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"On the cross Your blood was shed, so how could we not give it away so freely?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'll follow You into the homes of the broken, follow You into the world."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I give all myself to You..." </span><br />
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Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-25488538364732816212013-02-09T09:55:00.001-08:002013-02-09T09:57:50.256-08:00impromptu photo session<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day I realized every picture I have of Levi is on my phone and not the best quality - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My camera is a simple point and shoot - but I still think these photos are precious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love how they show the many faces of our little man! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, how I love this boy! Such a treasure! </span></div>
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Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-50576540969662366662013-02-05T16:16:00.001-08:002013-02-05T16:19:42.649-08:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">two years ago....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Two years ago today our house was a little emptier. We had just lost our first foster placement - a sibling set. Our baby boy was just six weeks old when he came to us. A few short weeks later, his two year old sister joined our home. I thought I knew what I was doing. I had been a parent before - 3 times before actually. I really thought I knew what I was doing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Those first few weeks were overwhelming. Everything normal went out the window as we opened our home not only to these little ones, but also to social workers, their birth parents, and a whole host of medical appointments. I was not prepared for how emotionally drained I would feel - all day. I was not prepared to feel so "mama bear" about our little guy's doctor's visit that went so wrong. I was not prepared to feel so much love for their parents. I was not prepared to find myself praying for their reunification - when our hope was initially adopting. I was not prepared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">And then, just seven short (I can say "short" now, but at the time the weeks felt <i>very</i> "long") weeks later, I packed up their stuff and they left. I wrote a little note to each of them and prayed over the boxes of stuff as I prepared to drive them to their new home. And I was happy and relieved and sad all at the same time. I was happy for them because they were going to a relative's. I was relieved because our house was quiet again. I was sad because I wish I had done it better. I wish I hadn't felt so weary and overwhelmed. I wish I had loved them harder. I was happy because we were able to walk through the reunification process with their parents and see a broken family restored. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Two years ago today we took a trip - just us - to regroup and prepare for the next little one the Lord would bring to our home. Little did we know then that we would wait only 19 days before we would get to meet our next placement. We didn't know on February 5, 2011 that our son was being loved by an amazing foster family until he came to us. Our house was quiet, and we enjoyed it - but we were so ready to meet our son! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">And now we find ourselves a little too comfortable again. Levi has been with us for nearly 2 years now, He is a typical two year old boy. He's busy and loud and crazy. He's also funny and smart and a total love bug! We are all still totally smitten. And while I haven't forgotten the potential craziness that opening your heart and home to a foster child can bring, I want it. I want our home full of loud, busy, sweet, and broken babes who need to be loved fiercely by Jesus through me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Last night we went to the adoption support group hosted by our foster agency. I love being there with other foster/adoptive families who understand - sometimes without a word. I love that friends can say, "we're going on the open bed list" and the rest of the group cheers, knowing that another little one will be safe and loved. I love that another mama can share her real feelings of doubt and inadequacy and we all understand cause we've all been there too. I love this crazy world we're in. So, today I say, "bring on the craziness, Lord." Our house wasn't meant to be quiet. Our lives weren't meant to be comfortable. A few weeks ago our pastor said this from the pulpit (it continues to cross my mind and still strikes my heart today), "Tiredness and inconvenience are not longer excuses not to serve. When we demand that our lives and our service are "comfortable" and on our timeline, we miss the miracles of God." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">I don't want to miss His miracles. </span></div>
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Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-14919127733261473792012-10-21T19:16:00.000-07:002012-10-21T19:33:06.484-07:00October 21st....lots to celebrate <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exactly two years ago today, a little boy was born. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He weighed 6lbs 14oz. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little did we know on that day, that our son's life here on earth, had begun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I had pictures of that day. I wish I had pictures of his first few months of life..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I do have a few from his foster mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exactly one year ago today, a little boy became part of our family - forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On his first birthday, Levi officially became a DeCarlo!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our way to the courthouse - Adoption Day! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrating Levi's First Birthday. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little did we know how much he would change our lives! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an emotional time as we stood before the judge and he declared Levi as our son - with all the rights of inheritance as a natural born child. The spiritual significance was not lost on us, or anyone else in the room. We, who have trusted in Jesus as Savior, become co-heirs with Christ. Adopted into the family of God - with all the rights of sons and daughters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, we stood before our church family and dedicated our son to the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is a gift from God and we desire to raise him to know and serve Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three years in a row, October 21st has been a significant milestone in our lives, and in the life of one very special little boy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It sounds trite - it sounds like the thing everybody says, but truly....we can't imagine our lives with out Levi. He has brought laughs, and life, and a craziness we didn't know we were missing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His laugh is contagious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has the best sense of humor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is smart and sneaky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He says, "I love you, mommy." (at the best and most random times)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He sings, and sings - his favorite song right now is "God's not Dead." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's crazy in love with his sisters and big brother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He loves anything sports related, motorcycles, and school buses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Yep, he's all boy!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We love this little man more than words can express!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, big guy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy One Year Forever Family Day, buddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May you always know the love of our Heavenly Father and walk with Him all the days of your life.</span><br />
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Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-48525548996830750322012-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:002012-10-10T17:21:37.533-07:0017 years! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It hardly seems possible -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dominic and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary on Saturday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17 years....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmmYJ-YT818/UHXkrYHAP0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/5rMWCn7hJB4/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmmYJ-YT818/UHXkrYHAP0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/5rMWCn7hJB4/s320/photo+(21).JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were young, and naive. He had only been saved a few months. I had unrealistic expectations of marriage. We moved 800 miles away from everyone I knew. In the world's eyes, everything was against us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He has a way of carrying us when we are weak. Guiding us when we are lost. Holding us together when all is falling apart. And that is exactly what He has done and continues to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All glory to Him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were able to get away for 2 whole days. Two days, just us and the beautiful southern California weather. A much needed break from the "real" world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A much needed time to just be together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alone. Uninterrupted. Un-rushed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB1rE2e9mfg/UHXkq7K9HsI/AAAAAAAAALI/NAwSSrBFGvA/s1600/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB1rE2e9mfg/UHXkq7K9HsI/AAAAAAAAALI/NAwSSrBFGvA/s320/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>So good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dominic's mom and sister came to stay with the kids. Such a special time for them to stay up late, eat junk food, and hang out with family! I am so blessed they were here - we didn't even call to check on the kids. We knew they were just fine! Well-loved and spoiled! Just the way it should be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I think about where the Lord has taken us, where we've been and what we've been through - I am amazed. And, oh so blessed that He still uses us and has a plan for us. Its good. So, so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Anniversary, hubby. I love you more today than 17 years ago!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To God be the gory, great things He has done!</span><br />
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<br />Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-22175203354720843752012-09-21T16:44:00.000-07:002012-09-21T16:44:58.377-07:00it's been way too long<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not even going to try to catch up from where I left off. It's been way too long. I will however share where we are now and what's happening with our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was reminded again yesterday just how faithful our God is - and I can't stop rejoicing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, we hosted an orphan from Taiwan over the summer. She was 7. She spoke no English and we speak no Mandarin. She walked into our hearts that Saturday at LAX and we haven't stopped thinking about her since. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We did not have international adoption on our radar - not for our family. If we were going to adopt again, it would be through foster care, not internationally. So, when friends and family (and my social worker) all questioned "why" do they bring orphans to the US? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why are you hosting her? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Are you going to adopt her? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How will you send her back? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And a whole host of other questions, I started doubting the wisdom in signing up to be a host family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Was it good for her? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Was it a trick to get us to fall in love and adopt her? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why <i>are </i>we doing this? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We did it because there was a need, and we wanted to meet that need. We did it because a precious little girl needed a place to stay for two weeks - and I figured we can do anything for two weeks, right? We did it because we wanted to be used to share the love and truth of Jesus with a little girl who needed to hear that she was loved - by Him and by us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to say, it was an amazing experience. I had the joy of watching my children love without words. It was precious to hear them laugh and play and "talk". Each of my children amazed me with their love and servant's hearts for our special visitor, Shih-wun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shih-wun was brave and funny and kind and loud. She was gentle with our guinea pigs. She shared her french fries and candy and oreos with my kids. She blew bubbles for Levi. She learned how to sing Jesus Loves Me in English. And she sang it over and over and over again. My heart swelled as I listened to all the kids singing with her in the van - first in Mandarin and then in English and then in Mandarin and then in English - over and over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As quickly as her arrival came, it was time to pack up and take her back to the airport. And then the reality sank in - for all of us. When she woke up the next morning, she would be back in the orphanage. All the questions came racing back - how can we send her back? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were asked by the agency if we were interested in pursuing adoption? Um....yes? no? We had no real clear answer from the Lord. So we prayed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the last months we have talked about and prayed for Shih-wun.We have asked ourselves and the Lord if we are supposed to adopt her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Silence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have waited for Him to tell us to "go". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I received an email from a lady named Donna. It said </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">We are very excited to tell you that God has chosen to bless our family with precious Shih-wun." </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SHIH-WUN HAS A FOREVER FAMILY! </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am in awe of how the Lord has so beautifully orchestrated the details of her unfolding story. Donna and I were able to talk yesterday about how the Lord lead them to their daughter - miracle after miracle, I tell you. I am rejoicing - so full of praise - as I think about Shih-wun being a treasured daughter for this family whose heart is for the orphan. Their older daughter was adopted from Haiti and their son is from Guatemala. Donna said, "our family is truly a rainbow, a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like!" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The Lord is writing her story. One page at a time. We are a small, two week chapter in her life. How thankful I am to have had the chance to tell a precious child that Jesus loves her. What a blessing to see her heart gladly accept the truths of the Bible - with true child-like faith. Truly, we received far more than we gave. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">And now, we get to be part of her journey home. My heart rejoices that this once-upon-a-time-orphan will know the love of a family and even more, the love of a Savior. He is so good and so faithful!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">To God be the glory, great things He has done! </span></span><br />
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<br />Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-231754316655054642012-05-12T20:50:00.000-07:002012-05-12T21:00:43.796-07:00where to start?<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my...time has sure been flying by. Things around our house have been busy, busy, busy. I am not even sure where to start. This is going to be one of those random posts - bear with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's see...um....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed some time outside, hiking together. We always enjoy times like this so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We really need to do this more often! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated the resurrection of our Lord!</span></div>
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(<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My beautiful kiddos - Easter Sunday!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and then this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess we shouldn't be surprised with 3 sisters in the house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(He keeps us smiling!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We delivered the first of many Journey Bags to the Department of Human Services. After my presentation speech, the social workers all clapped and thanked me. Truth is, without the generosity of so many believers this would not have happened. I have the honor of delivering the bags, but so many others have their reward in heaven - the many, many people who stuffed bags full of beautiful clothes, blankets, and thoughtful things. It was a humbling and exciting day! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QarbiT_zoBM/T68rRJqasbI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/5ekoccZamsA/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QarbiT_zoBM/T68rRJqasbI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/5ekoccZamsA/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the mist of all the other craziness we broke ground on the addition to the back of the house. (we are adding nearly 500 square feet) In an attempt to save money we are doing as much of the grunt work ourselves as is possible. Today we decided saving money is not all its cracked up to be....but, we pressed on and pushed through and got our part done. Now the rest is up to the professionals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After taking down our pergola - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dominic broke out our existing patio. He started with a sledge hammer and crowbar....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but quickly realized he needed a jack hammer. It was a lot of work - a lot! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The three of them spent most of the day watching Daddy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The forms are up. The concrete is being poured on Monday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know you have great friends when they are willing to spend the day in the blazing sun demolishing the outside of your house! And tearing out your overgrown bush and shoveling 9000 pounds of dirt. Thanks Brent and Julie and kids! You're the best! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was blessed to be able to attend The Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit at Saddleback Church last week. But, that is a post for another day. Suffice it to say, I am still processing all that I learned and heard. What an amazing two days chock full of encouragement and support. To top it all off I got to meet Jami, the founder of The Forgotten Initiative, in person. It was truly the cherry on top! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all the busyness, Jesus is revealing Himself to me. He is ministering to my heart in the deepest places - I would not trade these days for anything. He is moving, friends. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-7070194008544487012012-04-17T18:25:00.001-07:002012-04-17T20:04:18.004-07:00amazed<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today, I stand amazed at all that the Lord is doing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umnkU1SsdDc/T44WzgLLp1I/AAAAAAAAAIA/hq8xv68UuQw/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umnkU1SsdDc/T44WzgLLp1I/AAAAAAAAAIA/hq8xv68UuQw/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> (Just a few of the Journey Bags and packs of diapers that will be delivered next week!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My entryway is overflowing with Journey Bags packed for little ones in foster care.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(not a bad problem to have!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bags stuffed with "things", but more importantly filled with prayers and love. Just one way for the body of Christ to be His hands and feet - such a tangible and meaningful way to show His love to those who feel forgotten. I trust the Lord will bless the lives of everyone who has given of their time, their money, and their heart to care for the least of these. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Sunday morning our pastor was sharing about the opportunity to pack a Journey Bag with our church. He spoke of the well-known verse in James. "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of the Father is this, to visit widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." He shared of the word used in African bibles meaning widows and orphans. I wish I could remember the actual word - but, I can't. But I do remember the meaning - "those without a covering" - and certainly foster children can be described as "those without a covering". The fatherless, the least of these, the orphan. And we are commanded to care for them - to cover them. With our prayers, with our love, with our time, with our things...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They truly are in distress. They truly need us to <i>visit</i> them. Literally and figuratively. May each bag be a visit from the very heart and hand of Jesus to these little ones and those who care for them. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To date 150 bags are being filled. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">O.N.E. H.U.N.D.R.E.D. F.I.F.T.Y.!!!! </span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am beyond excited to deliver these to the Department of Human Services! I am anxious to bless the social workers who get to hand these bags to families and children. I am thrilled to think that in the moment of their distress, 150 little ones will be visited by the hope and love of Jesus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>To God be the glory, great things He is doing!</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One a side note - the interview with Air1 and KLOVE for TFI has been scheduled for next Thursday the 26th at 10:00 am! I will have 25 minutes to share the heart and vision of TFI. Please pray for me - that the Lord would fill my mouth with His message! This is truly an amazing opportunity. </span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-7561495981510951782012-04-03T14:01:00.000-07:002012-04-03T14:01:52.210-07:00faithful God<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a busy couple of weeks. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emails, meetings, running the girls around, etc...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like I am treading water and sometimes I let it get to me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't you love how He is always right on time? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is always faithful - even when I am faithless. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Faithful God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was just lamenting to a friend yesterday about how I felt the need to do more to get </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Forgotten Initiative "out there." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was feeling discouraged </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by the lack of support I sense from pastors I have talked to. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to see the "likes" on our facebook page growing in number everyday, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but its not happening as fast as I think it should. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Struggling between knowing that the Lord is <u>more than able</u> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to inspire His people </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and the responsibility that lies one me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to be proactively putting myself and the TFI message out there. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the Lord lovingly reminded me that He is in control.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night at our adoption support group, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was handed a bag full of baby boy goodies to fill a Journey Bag. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I got home to an email saying that 24 more bags are being filled, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a Girl Scout group is going to pack Journey Bags as a service project, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a lady who works for Bright House is hosting a drive at work </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for items off our shopping list!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>He's got it!</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't need to fret. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't matter how many "likes" we have (or don't have) on Facebook.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His heart is for the fatherless and He is blessing this ministry. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, <b>12</b> bags from a dear friend and her co-workers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>24</b> bags from a ladies bible study </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>56</b> bags from Rock Harbor Church</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3</b> more from individuals wanting to take part...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and this is just the beginning!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have the opportunity to share about TFI at another MOPS group on April 12th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More bags will be handed out at our church on April 15th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been invited to speak at a friend's church on Sunday April 29th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lots more opportunities to speak to MOPS groups, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">women's bible study groups, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and small groups have been offered, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">just need to set the dates. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may not be able to see it all, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but God is moving and working behind the scenes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to see the forgotten in Bakersfield ministered to by His love.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you, Lord for reminding me of your faithfulness. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even when I am faithless, You remain faithful. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He is doing!! </span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-59276369056619640582012-03-25T13:43:00.000-07:002012-03-25T13:43:23.794-07:00tonight's the night!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello friends! <strong>Tonight</strong> the Air 1 interview I taped a few months back will air on two radio stations - <u>KLOVE (88.7) @ 5:30 and again on Air 1 (89.5) @ 6:30</u> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is so exciting! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twenty five minutes of sharing the Lord's heart for the fatherless. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twenty five minutes of encouraging the body of Christ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to do something to meet the great need, both here and abroad. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twenty five minutes - that's a lot of time. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lived for so many years unaware, or ignoring, the needs right in our own backyard. Right here, in Bakersfield, CA. Then as we have journeyed the adoption road, to be made so aware of the dire need of so many orphans around the world. It can be overwhelming. What can one person do? Surely little 'ol me can't do much to make a dent in the enormous need. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me assure you - everyone can do something. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We may not all adopt or foster, but we can all do something to bring the hope and love of Jesus to a child in need. I am praying for those who hear the message tonight. Praying that their hearts would be stirred to do something. Praying that in the twenty five minutes of air time, many would hear the Lord say to them, "this is what I want for you!" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lord Jesus, speak to your people! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are able, listen in. If not, join with me in praying that we would see God raise up many to care for the least of these. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">(A great prayer guide is available at <a href="http://www.cryoftheorphan.org/Overview.aspx" target="_blank">Cry of the Orphan.</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for praying!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done!</span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-48236114303410376892012-03-16T17:05:00.000-07:002012-03-16T17:05:46.184-07:00the forgotten initiative<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the whole reason I started this blog in the first place was to announce that a wonderful ministry called <u>The Forgotten Initiative</u> was coming to Bakersfield. So, its only right that I update you all now on how it is going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In short, the Lord has been working and moving and opening doors for us to serve the forgotten in our community! We have begun our first project ~ Journey Bags! These backpacks will be packed by people all over our community and given to children who have been removed from their homes. It is thrilling for me to watch the Lord give vision and inspiration to many whose hearts are burdened by the great need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will also begin gathering donations and volunteers to makeover the visitation rooms at two separate locations! Such a great opportunity for every member of the body of Christ to use their talents and resources to tell the families and children in foster care that they are special and loved by Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, the Department of Human Services asked us to put together teams to mentor birth parents that have been reunited with their children. This is so exciting to me - they are giving us the names of the broken, hurting, and lost in Bakersfield and asking us to get into their lives. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, Lord, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">may the gospel be spread throughout this city! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May many come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. </span></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could tell you all that is happening, but my mind is mush and it would take much more time than I have to type it all out. Your prayers for TFI and all who are serving the foster care system are so appreciated. Remember the precious little ones who are displaced, through no fault of their own. Please pray, too, for the relatives who so often take care of these children when they are removed from their homes. In my conversations with DHS, it has been brought to my attention that so often family members take placement of their relatives and just how needy these families are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is my deepest prayer that through the tangible things we do, all would know that Jesus loves them. He died for them and has a plan for their lives -each and every one of the social workers, the children, the foster parents, the biological parents are so very special to Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May His name be made famous in this city - and in cities across the United States as more TFI advocates join the family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in learning more about The Forgotten Initiative - look <a href="http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/#mission" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or follow us on facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tfi.bakersfield" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, this song has been playing in my head like crazy lately - the lyrics are the prayer of my heart for myself and all who name the name of Jesus. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lord break our hearts til it moves our hands and feet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the hopeless and the broken, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for the ones who don't know that You love them, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bring Your love to life inside of me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-35177379902274305202012-03-12T14:10:00.000-07:002012-03-12T14:10:50.692-07:00well, that was awkward...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was Nic's comment after a stranger approached us at Walmart and began questioning our family dynamics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, Nic hasn't been around for the last year since Levi joined our family. He hasn't had multiple opportunities to hear people's comments or respond to their questions. He is only here a short while - and while he is totally in love with his little brother - he isn't quite sure what to make of the unfiltered questions, comments, and stares we get when we are out together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Levi first came home, I was keenly aware of the "looks" our family got everywhere we went. At first I was self-conscience about it and dreaded the idea of anyone asking questions. It didn't take long before I didn't even notice anymore. Oh, I am sure people still looked and wondered and many asked, but I didn't care. He was our son and I would gladly accept the "is he your's" questions, because by golly, Yes, he is our's! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward a few months...and I am left wondering how to answer these questions. Not for my sake, but for his. He is still young enough not to understand, but those days are passing quickly and soon, very soon, he will not only hear, but understand what is being asked/implied. How do I respond? I never want Levi to feel like being adopted is something to hide or be ashamed of. Yet, does every curious stranger need to know his personal story. Where does his privacy fit in with answering the questions of a stranger? I have been wrestling with this for a while now. I asked it at our last adoption support group. It will be the topic for next month's meeting - hopefully with some good answers/advice from the social workers and other families. Then just last week, I read the very same questions from another adoptive mom on her blog. What a comfort to know that I am not alone - yet, there is still the very real issue of facing these situations on a regular basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I was reminded of a quote I read on an adoption blog, </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our family has the privilege of telling the story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of <b><u>God's redemption and grace</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">every time someone questions our family dynamics." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The questions and their implications don't have to be about me, or even about Levi - the answers can <u>always</u> be about God. It is a <u>privilege</u> to share what the Lord has done for us and Levi. I pray that whatever the question, whatever the awkward comment, whatever the motive I would be able to point people to Jesus. I hope that the uniqueness of our family would give us many opportunities to share the gospel and be a light for Him. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the time the young African American man at Target asked me about Levi. When I told him that we had adopted Levi, he said to me (very sincerely and humbly), "So you love him and stuff? Like, you hold him and carry him around and stuff?" It saddened me to think this young man would have to wonder about an adoptive mom's love for her son. I don't know what his experiences were/are. I don't know why that was the question he most wanted answered, but I pray that my response caused him to think differently about foster/adoptive families and more importantly that he heard of Jesus' love that day. Our encounter was brief, but I pray that it made a lasting impact on his heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will most certainly always get funny looks, prying questions, and well-meaning strangers who are trying to understand our family situation. I want what we say and how we respond to be the example for Levi as he grows. We are not embarrassed or ashamed of his story. It is a story that points to the Lord's grace and protection - one of answered prayers and God's plan for a little boy and the family that loves him to pieces! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done! </span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-26062003873419867132012-03-09T13:07:00.001-08:002012-03-10T07:48:49.283-08:00ramblings<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a busy couple of weeks.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2xOIYXxf5M/T1pvhoE6V7I/AAAAAAAAAHY/cB9BJZR3Q8M/s1600/IMG_3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2xOIYXxf5M/T1pvhoE6V7I/AAAAAAAAAHY/cB9BJZR3Q8M/s320/IMG_3215.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nic is here from Oregon. So good to see him and spend time with him. It has been way too long since he has been here. The girls LOVE their big brother and Levi thinks "Nee" is the best ever! He runs to him calling, "Nee, Nee, Nee" arms up and full of smiles. So special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated Lexie's 11th birthday. Our cake bakin' girl made her first 4 tiered cake ever! Complete with different flavors, frosting, and piping. Lexie is growing up to be so much like her daddy and big brother. They know no stranger, love to eat, have great senses of humor, and are all around easy to like!</span><br />
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</span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzoi7-iBSs0/T1pvdaP5mWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/iS8A-J1Ax4Y/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzoi7-iBSs0/T1pvdaP5mWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/iS8A-J1Ax4Y/s320/IMG_3242.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next was Kenadie's 13th birthday. Yikes - we officially have a teenager. I am looking forward to these years being great! Kenadie is soft to the things of the Lord and truly desires to live for Him. What a blessing it is to watch her grow in her love and understanding of the things of the Lord. On her birthday she and I went shopping for her first "real" make-up. The light, shimmery eye shadow and lip gloss look lovely on her. She is beautiful. She is growing up for sure. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's see...what else has been eating up our time? Oh yes, after 10 years of driving our Toyota Sienna, we decided it was time for an upgrade. We searched, and searched and feel blessed to have found another Sienna for a great price. It is white (which I love - my only other choice would have been red - I love anything red) and has 8 passenger seating. Great for all the extra kiddos we cart around. I love that we have room for another little one should the Lord call us to foster/adopt again. Right now we can not take anymore because, according to the state of CA, our house is full. We are looking into adding a den and 4th bedroom to the back of the house. Exciting stuff!</span><br />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the weather is way too beautiful to stay inside and waste time on the computer. The kids have eaten, Kenadie is finishing up the dishes, Lexie just took her Reading Test, and we are headed to the park! Love these spring days in Bakersfield!</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-80180435203173038192012-02-28T09:02:00.001-08:002012-02-28T09:05:22.093-08:00proud of my girl<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every Sunday after church we have lunch at my parents' house. Dad cooks, mom cleans up, and my kids and my brother's kids play the afternoon away. It has been this way every Sunday for the 11 years we have lived here. I love that my kids will grow up with memories of special days at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The plaque on the door of their house says, "Grandpa and Grandma's Place, always time for kids." And that is the truth. All 8 grandchildren love being there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A couple of Sundays ago the weather was beautiful and the lemon tree in the backyard was loaded down with lemons, so the girls asked if they could pick some and make lemonade. They worked hard squeezing the gigantic lemons into a pitcher. Eventually they had made enough lemonade that they decided to have a lemonade stand. They made signs, got a "money box", set up a table and waited for customers. My parents live at the end of a cul-de-sac. (not many drive-bys). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The little girl from across the street was over for the afternoon and since she knows the neighbors she started going door to door selling the little cups of homemade lemonade. In her excitement, the neighbor girl told some folks that they were selling it for "the old people." She had $2 that somebody had donated - they didn't even want a cup of lemonade. Immediately, our girls (Lexie and my two nieces) said, "You can't do that. That is a lie. We weren't giving it to old people, we were going to split the money up." (I was standing just a few feet away so I had the privilege of listening to the whole conversation.) The neighbor girl is not being raised in a Christian home - she saw nothing wrong with telling people a "story" to get them to buy a drink. But our girls - oh how proud I am of them - they told her to take the money back. She didn't want to. So without a second thought our girls decided to <i>really</i> donate the money. They began chattering back and forth about ideas of who they could give the money to - how they could use it to bless "old people" or kids in the hospital. And just like that, it was decided. They would donate the money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When it was all said and done they had raised $14.25. My nieces had raised $10 a few days earlier and Lexie wanted to give her $6 too. So now they had $30.00 to donate. (as I type this, Kenadie (who was at youth camp when this happened) just gave $5.00 too!) Grand total - $35.25! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few days later my sister-in-law called the Children's Hospital here in town to ask about what they needed. She finally heard back from them today and guess what! They girls are going to be on the news tomorrow morning! We will be heading to IHOP where news crew will be to interview the girls. IHOP partners with The Children's Miracle Network by having Pancake Day. The serve free pancakes and ask that people would donate to The Children's Miracle Network after they eat. The timing of their lemonade stand and Pancake Day just happens to be perfect - no surprise to the Lord or to us! The girls will have a few minutes to share their story and then they will hand the money over right then and there! They are over the moon excited! They get to be on TV!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best part of it all is that the Lord is rewarding them for doing the right thing. He is showing these girls at their tender ages that He is pleased with them and He delights in blessing them. They are learning the great truth - It is more blessed to give than to receive! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I wrote that last night...it is now Tuesday morning and we just got back from IHOP. The girls were interviewed live on one TV channel and recorded for another. They even got to be interviewed on a local radio station. And the whole family ate free pancakes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The lady in charge of Children Hospital here in Bakersfield and I had the opportunity to talk a bit after the interviews were over. She marveled at the timing of it all and I was able to share that the Lord is always right on time! She said their $35 may as well be $3,500 - she is so blessed by their generosity and hopes that others will be inspired to give as well. It is a reminder that every dollar counts. No amount is too small. It makes me think about all those who have given to help families bring home a little one from another country. Or those who will pack a journey bag for a foster child or send a birthday card. Or those who sponsor children in far away lands. We can all make a difference. We can all be that little boy who shares his lunch with Jesus - and watch Him bless and multiply it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope my girls always remember the day Jesus honored their honesty and desire to do what was right. I hope the lesson learned today is not "don't lie" but rather the Lord delights in blessing His children. He went above and beyond to show 4 little girls that He loves them and is pleased with them. As a mom, I am so blessed to have witnessed the whole discussion between the girls that day. I am so proud of them for doing what was right. And I love that the Lord blessed them the way He did today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(a good mom would have remembered her camera and video camera...hopefully we can get a copy of the broadcast or find a link to it on their website)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done!</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-30992395985293634012012-02-24T16:34:00.000-08:002012-02-24T16:34:01.387-08:00one year ago<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is a special anniversary for us in the DeCarlo family. One year ago today we first snuggled our little guy. One year ago today I sat in my van talking to a woman who will always have a special place in my heart. Lacy, Levi's foster mom and I chatted about Levi as I sat in the parking lot of the fairgrounds in Visalia. My girls were inside watching a horse show and I was huddled up in my car (it was a cold, gray day). I remember Lacy telling me, "there's just something about him." At the time I didn't really understand what she meant. He was, after all, only 4 months old and I couldn't quite figure out how different could he really be from other 4 months old? It didn't take long at all for us to see that Levi has been blessed with an endearing personality. Everybody who knows him, and plenty of strangers too, are drawn to him. He's a flirt, and a ham and he loves laughing and making people laugh with him. There really is something about him! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had stared at Levi's picture - the one my social worker sent to me - for a week, waiting for approval from the county to have him placed in our home. You see, as soon as his foster parents knew he was being moved to adoptions, they wanted him to be with his forever family as soon as possible. They knew how special everyday is with little ones - and they wanted him to have every opportunity to bond with his family. I am so thankful for their hearts. They loved him while he was with them and handed him over to us knowing that was best for him! How selfless. Such a beautiful example of sacrificial love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before Levi, the Whitbey family had loved a little girl for nearly a year. She was reunited with a family member. After Levi, they had another baby boy whom they loved and treasured for 6 months before handing him into the arms of his adoptive family. I love the Whitbeys for what they do for these little ones. They truly have the heart of Jesus. Fostering isn't easy. Loving a little one, knowing they won't be staying, must rip your heart out. And yet, this family continues to do the hard thing. Someone once told me, "It's never wrong to love a child." For a day, for a year, for life. Precious Whitbey family, the Lord is pleased with you - thank you for loving His little lambs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I does my heart good to remember how faithful the Lord has been to us and to Levi through this journey - rejoice with me as I remind myself of His goodness! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~It was January 2010 when I began to feel the Lord prompting me again to foster/adopt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~I prayed for 6 months that the Lord would add to our family through adoption </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~I prayed that this would not just be "my thing" but that Dominic and I would be united</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~We were finally certified in October 2010</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Looking back now, it is so cool for me to see the Lord's perfect timing - all those months I prayed were the exact months that Levi was being carried in his birth-mom's womb. He was conceived in January and born in October. While I didn't carry him in my womb - I carried him in my heart and in my prayers for those 9 months. Isn't that just the way the Lord works? Preparing us as He prepared Levi to enter the world!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~My song while we waited was "Our God" by Chris Tomlin. Every time it came on the radio I prayed, I dreamed, and I prayed some more for our little one. Months later, at a Harvest Crusade I was blessed to hear Chris Tomlin perform it live while Levi clapped and danced in my arms. I was moved to tears as I held him, thinking about how perfectly the Lord had heard and answered all my prayers. The private ones, the fears, the doubts, the requests that he be protected from whatever he was being exposed to...And there he was, in my arms - every prayer answered beyond what I could ask or think! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Tomorrow will be one year that Levi has been home with us. His foster parents brought him over at 4:00 in the afternoon - it was a Friday. We videotaped the car pulling up, Levi being taken out of the van, and the three of them walking up to the front door. We have video tapes of the girls' births - this was for us, his birth video! Such a treasured memory. Once inside, he snuggled up with Lexie and fell asleep. The next few months feel like a blur of bottles, burp clothes, sleepless nights and the best dimpled smile from a little boy we all love like crazy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~October 21, 2010 - not only did we celebrate Levi's first birthday, we were doubly blessed to celebrate the finalization of his adoption. Just 8 short months after coming home, he was officially our son - forever. With all the rights of a natural born child. What a beautiful reminder of what has been done for us as children of God. That day in court, the judge repeatedly called Levi by his given name. I winced every time - didn't he know that we were changing his name? Should I speak up and say something? Over and over he referred to him by his "old" name. But then, at the very end, the judge said, "With my signature I declare that he is no longer (insert old name) but shall hence forth be known as Levi Joseph DeCarlo." And with that the courtroom erupted with cheers and claps! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, Lord for the new life you have given Levi. Thank you Lord that You have done the same for all those who know Jesus as Savior. You have given us a new name, an inheritance with your son Jesus, and brought us into your family! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some pictures of Levi through the year! Our little man, how we love you. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord has done great things for us and we are full of joy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalms 126:3</span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-28272794804020046122012-02-20T12:58:00.000-08:002012-02-20T12:58:45.657-08:00an invitation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been thinking about this post for awhile. I have been thinking about our responsibility as Christians - our calling. I read so many blogs about adoption and the message is the same eye-opening, convicting, inspiring message on all of them. "God's heart is for the orphan! He instituted adoption! Our very identity is found in the fact that we are adopted into His family - co-heirs with Jesus." To all of this I say "AMEN!" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then there is the feelings of guilt that all too often follow. If I know these things to be true - if I really believe and agree with them, why am I not doing more. Why isn't my house full of once orphaned-now adopted sons and daughters!? </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Once our eyes are open we can not pretend we don't know what to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">knows what we know and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This verse is used so many times on adoption blogs and while I know the intent, it can sadly bring condemnation. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"There is therefore now no condemnation </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Conviction is from the Lord. It is Him gently saying, "I have a better way, a better plan. This is not My best for you. Do it My way and see how blessed you'll be, child." Condemnation is <u>not</u> from Him. It is satan whispering, sometimes yelling, in our ear, "You are not good enough. You are not doing enough. Just look at "her", she is so much more godly than you." This is an easy place to go in the adoption world. Everywhere you look other families have adopted more children than you - kids with special needs, teenagers, the hard cases. We've adopted one -one, cute, easy baby boy with no special needs. Isn't there more we should do? There is definitely more we <i>could</i> do. Right? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I fully believe we as Christians are called, no commanded, to care for the orphan. I am completely convinced the orphan crisis <i><b>is</b></i> our problem. I do pray more Christians would step out in faith on this journey - but not out of some sense of false spirituality or fear of judgement. From a heart that says, "Lord, what do YOU want for our family? How can we follow you fully in this life? I want to take up my cross and deny myself because I know your way is so much better than mine. Break my heart with the things that break Your's." Lately I have come to realize that this verse is as much an invitation as it is a wake-up call. We <i>will</i> all stand before the Lord one day to give an account of our lives. I long to hear "Well done good and faithful servant" (don't you?) But more and more I am aware that He is saying to us, "Do you want more of Me? Do you want to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams? Do you want to experience a deeper walk with Me? Then follow Me. Seek first My kingdom! Act on what you know and what I am whispering in your heart."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we have walked this journey the last year, we have been more blessed than we could have imagined. I can't begin to express in words how glad we are that we took that first scary step and then the next and then the next to find ourselves where we are today. The Lord has been reminding me lately that when we seek His will and follow Him when says, "this is the way, walk in it," it is the most exciting, best place to be. I wish I could adequately express how deeply blessed we are and how exciting it is to have a front row seat as He works and moves to accomplish His purposes in our lives. He is inviting us, all of us, to be His hands and feet and in the process to have our socks blessed off! <b>That</b> is exciting to me! I want that! Not out of some sense of guilt or condemnation, but because there is nowhere I would rather be than in the center of His will!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, His heart is for the orphan. Adoption is His idea! And when we get on board with His plan its a wild, crazy, blessed ride! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, Lord, I say "yes" - I accept your invitation. Help me to know Your will and walk in Your ways.</span><br />
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</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-42329079702436106842012-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:002012-02-19T20:24:46.536-08:00a new chapter<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This weekend marks a new chapter for us as parents - we have entered the world of jr. high, youth group, winter camp, and we are just 2 short weeks away from Kenadie's 13th birthday. Exciting days are ahead, I'm sure! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dominic and Kenadie are at Camp Sugar Pine near Yosemite for winter camp until tomorrow! I think Dominic was as excited as Kenadie to be going! He never went to youth camp as a teen, so he was really looking forward to the experience, and especially spending the weekend with Kenadie. Yesterday they left camp at went to Yosemite. (I think a family trip up there is in our future!) He loves the mountains - so he thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dominic called this afternoon - it was great to hear that Kenadie is loving her first youth trip. I have been praying that the Lord would meet with her in a very real and personal way. She is tender and open to the voice of the Lord, so I trust that He is ministering to her heart while she is there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the first of many youth trips, I'm sure. I just love that she is happy her dad is with her. He told me today that he has tried to give her her space - like not sitting by her at meals, but she chooses to sit with him. :) That blesses him, (and me!) Who said teens are too cool for their parents? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The rest of the gang and I have spent time with my parents - it has been a relaxing weekend, but I am ready for Dominic and Kenadie to be home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So much more on my heart, but I will save that for another day. For tonight, I am praying for a revival in my own life and in the lives of Christians around the world. May we about the Father's business until He comes for His people! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He (Jesus) told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">By His grace and for His glory! </span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-45114961460067419422012-02-18T16:20:00.000-08:002012-02-18T16:21:04.549-08:00love my boy<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just want to say, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">LOVE THIS BOY! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(That's his "silly face!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He does it on command - </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so of course </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dominic and the girls are constantly telling him. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Do your silly face!")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is just so much fun!</span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-15355413279077613372012-02-16T17:08:00.000-08:002012-02-16T17:09:35.775-08:00greater things are still to be done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next week, I get to meet with the Director of Outreach for </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child Welfare Services and her staff. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an amazing opportunity! </span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thrilled beyond words to have this open door </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to speak to those whose job it is to reach out to the community </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on behalf of the children in foster care. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be asking them how we can help. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we bless and love on the </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">forgotten in Bakersfield? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thrilled to have already seen the hearts of God's people stirred to action!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was rejoicing with Dominic last night </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">about those the Lord has already </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">raised up to be part of The Forgotten Initiative. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is exciting to think about all </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the Lord can and will do through His people!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is the God of this city - </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">greater things are yet to come </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and greater things are still to be done in this city! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One family, who is in the process of adopting two little boys, has already </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">started talking about ways they can involve their teenage daughter and her </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">high school friends in packing journey bags for teens in foster care! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE that! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watch this video (put together by Jami - our founder). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will be inspired - I know I was.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_323911663"></span><span id="goog_323911664"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/31494211">http://vimeo.com/31494211</a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so hoping that we will have the opportunity to re-decorate the rooms </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that children and their parents meet in at their weekly visits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is desperately needed - </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a video of some room make-overs put together by other TFI advocates and many volunteers to bring a little sunshine to the visit and waiting rooms in other communities. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MK7gXSD9Tp8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are just a few of the many ways </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we can be part of bringing the love of Jesus to the </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Foster Care Community. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we not take the command to care for the fatherless seriously? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He loves every single child - the orphan, the foster child. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He created them - Jesus died for them! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Tuesday at the end of our time with the MOPS group, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the leader, Lynn, read a letter. It is taken from scripture written </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">as a love letter from God to His children. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She said, "Look at that little boy's sweet face (speaking of Levi)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">as I read this." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends, it was moving. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will leave you with the words of our </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heavenly Father - </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(As you read them, think of the many, many children, who, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">through no fault of their own, find themselves in foster care)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>My Child,</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">You may not know me,<br />
but I know everything about you. </span><br />
Psalm 139:1</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I know when you sit down and when you rise up. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 139:2</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am familiar with all your ways. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 139:3</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Matthew 10:29-31</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For you were made in my image. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Genesis 1:27</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In me you live and move and have your being.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Acts 17:28</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For you are my offspring. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Acts 17:28</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I knew you even before you were conceived. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Jeremiah 1:4-5</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I chose you when I planned creation. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Ephesians 1:11-12</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>You were not a mistake,</b><br />
for all your days are written in my book. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 139:15-16</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>I determined the exact time of your birth<br />
and where you would live. </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Acts 17:26</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">You are fearfully and wonderfully made. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 139:14</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I knit you together in your mother's womb. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 139:13</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">And brought you forth on the day you were born. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalm 71:6</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">My plan for your future has always been filled with<b> hope. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Because I love you with an everlasting love. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Jeremiah 31:3</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My thoughts toward you are countless<br />
as the sand on the seashore.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Psalms 139:17-18</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">And I rejoice over you with singing. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Zephaniah 3:17</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.fathersloveletter.com/flltextenglish.html (to read the full letter)</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To God be the Glory, great things He has done! </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
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</div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-79981021062910391552012-02-14T17:25:00.000-08:002012-02-14T17:27:09.174-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't think of a better way to have spent my morning than sharing our adoption story with a bunch of moms at a MOPS group here in town. Norma (our adoption social worker) invited me along and since I can't resist the opportunity to talk about adoption and foster care and TFI, I happily accepted! What a blessing. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I thought about what I would say today I couldn't help but reflect on the love I have been given by my heavenly Father and how walking this adoption road has given me a clearer understanding of the how deep His love is for me. I thought about how much we all love Levi and how adopting him has given us many glimpses of God's heart for His children. I thought again about missing the blessing of loving Levi had we not obeyed God's call. I thought about how God's timing and plans are perfect - I pray I was able to adequately express these truths as I shared my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took Levi along, and while I don't expect him to always want to be on display as the cute adopted kid, he stole the show today! I held him for the majority of my talk and he waved, smiled, snuggled, and babbled. He loves my earrings - and if they are even remotely round he calls them "basketballs". (He says it adorably, too, by the way.) So, right in the middle of my presentation, he calls out "batem-ball". Of course, all the moms laughed and oohed and aahed. He's quite the ham - so he continued to talk and wave and coo at the baby in front of us - He enjoyed every minute of the attention! Love that boy!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards, one mom came to me and said, "I want to do whatever I can to be part of The Forgotten Initiative. How can I help?" Praises! I love making these connections. I love seeing others' hearts stirred by the heart of the Lord. I love being a voice for the fatherless. Another lady asked if she could contact me because she and her husband are considering adoption and she has lots of questions. Love it! Yes, yes, yes! I love talking about adoption. I love knowing other Christians are stepping out and walking this road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't usually do much for Valentine's Day. So, spending the morning talking about all the Lord has done for us this past year was the best possible way to celebrate this day of love! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope your day is blessed - hope you and yours find yourselves full of the love of the Lord! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done!</span><br />
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</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-26116244700227368062012-02-10T07:31:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:31:54.510-08:00more connections<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I was invited to a press conference with our adoption social worker. Norma is passionate about adoption and serves on several committees and boards here in Bakersfield. She is sweet and quiet, but boy does she have connections. Let me tell you, she is amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The press conference was for Safely Surrender awareness - a program where birth mothers can surrender their newborn baby without fear of shame, blame, or names. Since 2006, 25 babies have been safely surrendered in Bakersfield. Anyways, Norma invited me to tag along so I could meet some important people. First, let me say, the press conference was moving and emotional. Several people shared personal stories and the mayor made a proclamation that February is Safe Surrender awareness month in Kern County. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afterwards, I was introduced to quite a few people as "the west coast regional representative for The Forgotten Initiative." I have tried to explain to Norma that that title is Dominic's joke, not my actual title. In an effort to make me seem really important, that is what Dominic jokingly refers to me as. And Norma insisted on introducing me as such! (just a bit overstated) How embarrassing! At any rate, I was able to meet Antanette - she is the Director of outreach for the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division. Talk about getting straight to the top! She was warm and pleasant and invited me to speak to her staff about the vision and ministry of TFI. Too cool! This is exactly who I needed to meet and exactly who I needed to talk to about TFI to begin advocating here in Bakersfield. You go, Norma! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Antanette's secretary called me 2 days later and I am scheduled to be at their staff meeting Wednesday morning February 22 at 9:30! With that in mind, and because it is so important, we are having our first Bakersfield TFI prayer meeting - Tuesday the 21st @ 7pm - at my house. Everything we do with The Forgotten Initiative must be led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you can't be with us, please join in praying for the work the Lord wants to do through us in the foster care system in Bakersfield. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really expected it to take several tries and lots of phone calls to get to talk to someone who could give me ways that the body of Christ could serve the foster care community here. I came away from the press conference rejoicing in the way the Lord worked (again) to open doors for this ministry. The timing of the press conference, my invitation to go, Norma's connections, and the welcome reception from Antanette are all more evidences of the Lord working behind the scenes to pave the way for TFI! Praises! His ways truly are higher than ours - and when He is at work, hang on and get ready to run!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God be the glory, great things He has done! </span><br />
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</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-82550798631431982062012-01-31T17:35:00.000-08:002012-01-31T17:35:36.249-08:00update<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep thinking, "This has to be God. None of this is a coincidence. Surely the mighty hand of our Father is orchestrating these things!" And I get a front row seat as He works on behalf of those He loves. So cool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me explain....first of all the interview, which went great by the way, is a free 25 minute spot that airs on two radio stations in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. Air1/KLOVE spotlight non-profit organizations giving them air time that they could never pay for. First, Mardi (foster parent coordinator for Koinonia) shared about Koinonia. She did a beautiful job and was a faithful voice for the fatherless. I already loved her, but hearing her speak with such passion and clarity causes me to love her all the more. Then it was my turn. Kurt, the interviewer, introduced me as an advocate for TFI and gave me 5+ minutes to share about the mission and ministry of TFI as well as our personal adoption story. I could have gone on for much longer than that, but I am thankful for the time I had. I surprised myself by getting emotional as I talked about Levi. I am not a crier, but I was on the verge - my voice was all cracky and I had to force myself not to give in and fall apart right then and there. The whole time was powerful and we could sense the Lord's presence as we spoke. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mardi and I came out of the interview rejoicing that we had the opportunity to be used this way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the interview, Kurt asked me if I would be willing to do a 25 minute segment by myself solely for The Forgotten Initiative! To which I whooped and hollered and jumped up and down. OK - truthfully, I was doing that on the inside. Outwardly, I was a bit more dignified. I told Kurt I would love to. We should be taping that interview next time he is in Bakersfield (in the spring).</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you believe it? I mean, I know I shouldn't be surprised, God is in the business of doing great things! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">To God be the glory, great things He has done!</span></div>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-50567778568778800902012-01-31T08:06:00.000-08:002012-01-31T08:08:12.022-08:00Air 1 Interview<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is the day of my interview with Air1. I am not really sure what to expect. I hope I am not making too much of it - I mean, it could be a short 30 second commercial. I find it hard to believe that a radio station would give its time away to do a spot on a local foster agency, but then again, we serve a big God who works in big ways. I am convinced the timing is not an accident, not 3 months ago or 3 months from now, but right as I am launching The Forgotten Initiative in Bakersfield. So, if the timing is perfect, then I trust that length of the interview will be too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I have been thinking a lot about our journey these past few days. About our first little ones that were with us for 7 short weeks, and then getting the call for a little guy, just 4 months old. We had time to think and pray about taking placement of Levi - a whole week. In ways that made the decision harder. I agonize about most decision (not one of my better qualities). I tend to think and rethink and over think things til I am wound up in circles and I can't make heads or tails of anything anymore! A week after getting the call about Levi we went to meet him at his foster family's house. I prayed and prayed that the Lord would allow there to be a love connection between us. We visited, snuggled, and played with him for an hour or so. When we left, I said to Dominic, "Well?" All he said was, "He's cute!" We didn't talk about our decision at all the rest of the night. The next morning I texted Dominic (yep, that's how our life changing decision was "discussed") and asked him what to tell our social worker. He texted back "yes". And that was it. He came home that afternoon! The Lord certainly answered the "love connection" request and all my thinking and rethinking didn't matter anymore. He was our son from the moment he laid his little head on my chest and fell asleep that first night at his foster family's house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first few months with Levi were great - and hard. He barely slept. I mean, we celebrated if he slept longer than 30 minutes at a time. I was up with him all through the night. He was restless and resisted laying close and still in bed with me, yet he cried and fussed in his own bed. As night time approached I could feel myself getting anxious and my stomach would begin to churn just knowing how long the night was going to be again. During the day he was happy and content, but again....no sleep. "Naps" were 20 minutes at best. It took months and patience and lots of lovin', but today, he takes 2 good naps a day and sleeps through the night! Not that sleep is everything, but to me it is one way I know he is settled here, he is secure and he knows he is safe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as I think about this interview I wonder, how do I express the wonderful miracle of adoption in a sentence or two? How do I share all the Lord has done in our lives this last year and a half in a quick interview? I am known for my many words, so today I pray, "Lord, fill my mouth with <u>Your</u> words - let <u>Your</u> heart be made known." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for your prayers - I'll let you know how it goes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By His Grace and for His glory!</span>Becky Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04443969071576799714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096913784514157043.post-40807493295422311852012-01-27T15:19:00.000-08:002012-01-27T15:19:38.171-08:00another piece of the puzzle<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, friends its official. Or rather, I'm official! Business cards and The Forgotten Initiative brochures were delivered yesterday. Time to start advocating for the needs of the forgotten in Bakersfield. I am jazzed! So ready to be part of bringing the love of Jesus to the foster care community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been so exciting to watch the Lord perfectly place the pieces of the puzzle together. From the desire to be a voice for the fatherless, to making the video for our agency, to "happening" upon Jami's blog and learning about TFI - it has all been His leading, His preparing, His timing. Now, one more exciting piece of the puzzle - I get to spread the word about The Forgotten Initiative on Air1! On Tuesday, I will head to our agency where I will get to share our foster/adoption story, our vision, and all about TFI. Certainly not a coincidence that our agency was approached by Air1 and offered this amazing opportunity! Just another piece of the puzzle. I love watching the Lord work and move. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please pray that the Lord's heart for the fatherless would be revealed as I talk with the interviewer. That the words I speak would not be mine, but His, and that many would hear and be moved to join the TFI team. Above all, please pray for those in the foster care system - that all would know the love of Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am filled with a sense of awe as I think about being used this way. Who could've known that 15 years ago, when we first started talking about adoption, we would end up here in this place at this time?! Even more unimaginable is the crazy love we have for this little boy we met just 11 short months ago! We started and stopped the process to be certified 4 times before actually going all the way. What was once a lingering desire has become the most blessed thing we have ever done! I am so glad we stepped out and obeyed the calling He had for our lives. We could have missed the joy of loving Levi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To God be the glory, great things He has done!</span><br />
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