Kaeleb's name in Pinyin

Hai (ocean, sea)
海

Zi (Catalpa – a type of hardy tree)
梓

Hao (grand, heroic)
豪
I've searched several times for Kaeleb's name in Pinyin so we would know the meaning of the characters, and I've finally found it. This is one of the things we want to preserve for him as he grows and begins to ask questions. If you'd like to know how we chose his American name, refer to this post.

Catching up

I have to admit, I'm really bummed we won't be leaving for China next Monday, but it hit me today - we will go to China! Don't know just when, but we will go. And I have to pack for everyone in this house - 3 for China and 3 to be farmed out to a gracious family who will even feed the college kid when he comes home :) Maybe I'll start packing Saturday. Here's a recap of our weekend: We traveled to Kansas for a funeral, and we were so close to some friends we just couldn't NOT stop and see them, even though we only had about 45 minutes before they left for their CNY celebration.
Clayton was a hit with the two youngest.

Lots of story-telling going on here! Thanks, C&T, for letting us barge in on your Saturday!
Then Sunday afternoon was our local stock show. Daddy and two of his girls.
She probably needs a leash :)
Kolton showing his doe Boer goat.
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a home body. I don't like to be so busy that we don't spend time as a family, and I can't stand the chaos that busy-ness creates. I don't like to get so far behind that I don't know where to start! But it happens occasionally, and that's life. Tonight after enchiladas I forgot the mound of laundry, the dirty floor, and we baked Valentine's cookies. I love these times! (I hope everyone has clean clothes for school tomorrow.)

And Daddy stuffed our grant support letters, while being serenaded by the lovely Miss Kambry.

On a more serious note, my mom is finally over the flu and back at the hospital. My dad is capable of an hour or so of lucid conversation each day. He knows the decision he needs to make for the Lord, but he just won't budge, yet. I pray that God will remove the callouses and open his heart. I pray the seeds that have been planted would soon reap a harvest.

This and that

Where, oh where, is our TA? Apparently CCAA did not mail out TAs when they closed for Chinese New Year, so it will be at least February 18th or later before we receive it. Then Lifeline will request a Consulate Appointment, and we'll be given the next available CA. We don't know if this will delay us by a week or a month. So, I didn't get what I wanted ... but God is still God, and He knows exactly when I will hold my son.
Three beautiful sisters!
Kambry hamming it up at the Chinese New Year celebration.

Update on my dad: Today when I walked into his room he was carrying on a normal conversation with his aunt. I couldn't believe how clear he was. It makes me think the brain injury is healing, slowly. Within an hour he became slightly agitated and disoriented, trying to get out of bed and pull at his IV. So the good moments are really good, and the bad moments are ... well, less bad. He seems to be stronger in his upper body but he's really thin. My mom has the flu that was going around the hospital, and so far my dad hasn't caught it. Please continue to lift them up to the Great Physician.

Pray for my mom

It seems the physical strain of caring for my dad in the hospital since Jan. 2, taking care of the cattle, and everything else, has taken its toll on my mom. She is home with the flu. I'll spend the day in the hospital with my dad, so please pray for both of my parents today.

The great debate

We have debated whether to include our letter of support for our latest grant on the blog. We finally decided it might be helpful to others who are in the process of seeking, applying for and responding to assistance organizations. We have been so blessed by the grants we've received, and God has certainly humbled us over the last four years, helping us understand that as Christians it is a blessing to give and receive in His name.

The purpose of our blog is to:

1) glorify God and boast only in what He has done; and

2) encourage others to follow His call, no matter the obstacles, real or imagined. So below is our letter of support for Lifesong for Orphans.

February 10, 2008

Dear Family and Friends ~

Many of you know that God miraculously introduced adoption to us in 2003. Since then He has blessed us with the homecoming of our two daughters from China, Kayden and Kambry. Now we are waiting to travel once again to bring home our son, Kaeleb Jon, residing in Foshan Nanhai, Guangdong, China. Kaeleb is 20 months old, and we hope to bring him home in March! We’ve been praying for him since August, 2007 when we began petitioning for him, and we are thrilled to call him our son.

You may wonder what has prompted us to adopt, especially when we have three beautiful biological children. God so clearly directed us that we knew this was His plan for our family, despite the fact we had no resources to complete an adoption. We spent countless hours in the Scriptures, wondering why God would allow us such blessing when we are not equipped for such a task, when we realized adoption is where God’s heart is at, and we could do nothing other than surrender to His call. We believe adoption is a physical picture of what God has done for us ~

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

…He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will … Ephesians 1:5

In the difficult times of waiting over the last four years, God has surrounded us with His love, revealed the truths of His Word and given us peace beyond understanding. He has reminded us that while a child needs a parent’s love, more than anything he needs to know Jesus’ love. He has brought Scripture to life through the adoption process, and He has proven that He is our provision!

The biggest challenge for us is not opening our hearts and home to another child, but it is in finding the finances to make this happen. We estimate our total cost for adoption fees, document preparation, home study, airfare, travel and post placement to be $28,000, money we certainly don’t have. But we know God is faithful and wants us to trust Him completely. By God’s grace, we’ve been able to apply $6,000 to this process.

It’s been difficult (because of our own pride), to make our needs known to the Body of Christ, but we realize it’s Biblical for us to do so. We appreciate your friendship, support and encouragement, and we would like for you to pray and consider helping us complete this adoption. There are two ways you can help:

Prayer ~ Please pray that Kaeleb is being loved and cared for as we wait to bring him home, that God would prepare all of our children for the transition to come, and that He would give us wisdom, discernment and insight as we raise Kaeleb to know Jesus Christ.

Financial support ~ Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us pay the remaining $22,000 in adoption costs to bring Kaeleb home?

Lifesong for Orphans (www.lifesongfororphans.org) has graciously given a matching grant of $4,000 to help bring Kaeleb home. If you would like to be a part of God bringing Kaeleb to Himself through our family, you can send your tax-deductible gift between now and April 2 to the address below. Lifesong is a trusted organization administering the funds on Kaeleb’s behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of all funds received.

Please make checks payable to Lifesong for Orphans. Please write C Johnson Adoption in the memo portion of your check. (*Note: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong which retains full discretion and control over its use.)

Mail checks to:
Lifesong for Orphans
P.O. Box 40
202 N. Ford Street
Gridley, IL 61744

Thank you for investing in the Kingdom through prayer and finances. It will be an investment with an eternal return! Most of all, please pray this entire journey would glorify God and fulfill His purposes!

In Christ,

Clayton, Connie, Kuyler, Kolton, Kenzie, Kayden, Kambry and Kaeleb Johnson

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy New Year!

According to Infoplease:

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4706 begins on Feb. 7, 2008.
Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.
A Ratty Year
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddah asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking.

Our family has 1 Rooster, 2 Dragons, 1 Pig, 1 Ox, 1 Sheep and 2 Dogs!

For we adoptive parents waiting, CNY holds another significance in that the CCAA is closed for a full week and we'll be counting the days to February 15 when they reopen for business. When you've been waiting as long as many of my friends have, every week counts!

Another great thing happens today ~ the long awaited premier of Ni Hao, Kai-Lan! Nick Jr. will air the first show at 10 a.m. CST. Kayden has been waiting for this! She's learned to count to ten in Spanish from Dora, now she hopes to learn to count to ten in Chinese!

Another grant!

This is what it takes ...

... and this is what we had. Yet we just knew in our hearts, even after questioning our resources, that God intended for us to bring our son home. He has challenged us to step out - no, leap out - on faith that He would provide what we need. As always, He is faithful. We just received a call from Lifesong for Orphans that they are awarding us a matching grant! So many times I just put the pen down, thinking I couldn't do any more paper work, yet somehow I found the strength to trudge through it all. We are still a long way from our end goal, but I have faith that God is going to provide ALL we need, nothing more, nothing less. It's amazing to watch Him work it out!

Nesting

Not to be confused with packing :) Seriously, if you came into my house you'd never know we might be leaving for China in 12 days. I haven't even begun to pack, but I'm certainly "nesting." I've got list upon list of behind-the-scenes things that need to get done before travel - or that I just don't want to do after we get home as I try to keep up with two 21-month olds! I will be disappointed if our TA doesn't arrive this week, but I think I'll have enough to keep me busy for a few more weeks. Meanwhile, I'm thinking about getting the luggage out of the attic :)

I told you God was big!

CIS is my friend! I have an appointment next Wednesday, February 13th! God is good!

Oh, the drama!

Like what I say matters :) In the scheme of things, I really have nothing to complain about, but it's been a day. A month and a half ago we were re-fingerprinted by CIS, just in case we aren't in and out of China before March 7, when our prints expire. One year ago we were also printed and for the first time in 4 years my prints were unreadable, likely due to the amount of paper I handle as a court reporter. Live and learn, right? So at the time we were printed I repeatedly told the technician I was concerned about my prints, we don't have time to waste. He repeatedly told me he was the best there was :) Yeah, well, my prints didn't clear, and it took a month and a half for CIS to let me know. So all I need to do now is get city, county and state criminal checks done (for the 6th time since 2003, and like I've had time to commit any crime) and wait for an appointment with CIS to present the clearances, sign an affidavit and receive a new I-171H, extending our fingerprint expiration past March 7. Sounds easy, right? Well, we requested an appointment in late October, received the appointment December 18, and received word I didn't clear February 4. Just to be clear, this mama is not waiting that long on a piece of paper to bring my son home! I made a few phone calls today, put a few miles on the car, and will have all 3 clearance letters before Friday. Now, I just need to hear from CIS. Of course, should we get our TA this week, this will be a moot point - yeah! So to turn lemons into lemonade, if I have to drive to OKC for another appointment, it will be my "shop to pack" day! I recently told a group of adoptive moms that being in the adoption process continually for four years apparently has not brought out the best in me, at least when it comes to beauracratic inefficiencies. My God is bigger than all this, and He has already planned the time I will hold my son, and to that I will cling in my weakest moments today!

One more thing ... Visas are here!

Yes, our Visas arrived today, right on schedule! Poor FedEx guy has to stop for a picture taken by the obsessive waiting mom!

A few updates

This is one way to keep baby sister in the group picture - strangle her :) We celebrated Chinese New Year with our local FCC last night. I'll share more pix later. Here's what I know today:

1) My dad will be transported via ambulance at 1 p.m. today to a hospital closer to my parents' home.

2) Pastor Doug spent 1 hour with my dad last night, and since he's out of state at a pastoral conference we haven't gotten to speak with him yet.

3) We are still waiting for travel approval :)

4) We received a letter from Shaohannah's Hope, declining us for grant assistance. As disappointing as that is, my God is a big God, and He will provide in ways we don't even know.

5) We have been given the opportunity to apply for another grant today, and that application is already being processed! What's the saying, where one door is closed, another is opened.

6) We will not grow weary in running the race(s) God has set before us. Col. 4:17 ... See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.

And we think the kids enjoy the new car. BTW, since so many of you have asked, it's a used suburban, and we all fit nicely, praise the Lord :)

Col. 4:3

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."

Please pray for Pastor Doug as he visits my dad Sunday afternoon and evening. The seeds have been planted, now may the harvest be reaped. We have seen a general "softening" and humbling in Dad in the last month he's been in the hospital. We are praying he will realize that even though he will lose this battle with cancer, he can still be victorious because of Jesus.

Since there is nothing more the doctors can do for his cancer, Dad is being transported to a hospital near my parents' home on Monday. That will be so much easier for my mom. She can "escape" to work, or even home for the night. We're praying she can find peace in these days as Dad becomes weaker and more confused.

One year ago ...

... we got the call we'd waited nearly two years for! Thursday, February 1, 2007 just before noon our social worker called and said we had an 8 month old daughter named Xiu Fu Jun residing in the Chongqing Municipality. And that was all the information we received until translation was completed the following Monday, February 5. Our SW called again with all the details, and sent our referral, including pictures, via email. Within the hour, we hopped in the van and drove to Tulsa to sign our LOA!
What a glorious day! Daddy, Kayden, Mommy, Denise S (China Director), Rebecca H (Social Worker).

Little did we know the next two months would be filled with "waiting weekends." Wait the weekend for TA. Wait the weekend to confirm our CA. Too much time to pack, repack and prepare for travel. But we built lasting relationships with our travel companions, and this summer we'll celebrate our first anniversary! We had no idea God would pour out His blessings so abundantly. Kambry Hope, you are an answer to many prayers! You melted my heart one year ago, and you melt my heart today! If you'd like to see pictures from our journey to Kambry, including "Gotcha Day" April 2, 2007, you can view our website here.

PS: I just went to Kambry's site and read what I wrote the day we were homeward bound from China. Here is an excerpt:

This is a bittersweet day for us. We are thrilled to be going home. We miss our kids, our beds, our friends and family so much. But China captured our hearts 2 and a half years ago. This is the birth country of 2 of our children. As we wave goodbye, we leave a part of our hearts here once again. If you could see Clayton talking to the Chinese people, you would understand. He is very much at home in China. He has been able to share some 'good news.'
With the stringent new regulations imposed upon prospective adoptive parents, we are nearly certain we won't be able to adopt again. There is too much finality in that. My heart breaks for the children who may never have a family. We know there is a Father greater than any earthly father, and I hope they will one day know Him. We look forward to coming back for our daughters' birthland tour in about 7 years, but in the meantime we pray God has something huge in the works.

Ha! I'd say He had something huge in the works. Just look at the sweet angel at the top of this blog. I've said it before and I'll say it again, His plans are far greater than anything we can even imagine! This post was a little longer than I planned. So again, our two year wait and complete travel journal is here.

One item checked off the list

We bought a car yesterday! Okay, so it wasn't this car (we could adopt 3 more times for the price of this car!!), but it's somewhere between a bus and a minivan :) While we wait for TA we have a long list of 'to do' matters. Now one of them is checked off!


Did I mention we're all a little weary around here?

Look at these adorable clothes I found for Kaeleb at Old Navy - on sale! Probably all too big, but better big than small.

Visas by next Monday!

Yeah, our passports have arrived at the embassy and will be picked up by the courier Friday, visas included! Our LOA should be in China today. Now the question, will CCAA issue our TA before closing February 7 for Chinese New Year? I know what my timetable would say ... but I will wait on the One whose timing is always perfect.

I don't like to report conflicting news in the same post, but we will spend the day in the hospital. My dad is getting physically weaker with more pain and confusion. Right now my mom's goal is to have the doctor prescribe something to keep him comfortable and move him to a hospital closer to home. My heart is sad, but my hopes are still high that God would grant him yet another lucid moment to make the most important decision of his life. I also pray for my mom, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Another "new" picture

Wow, look at this cutie! That's my boy at 10 months. Thank you, ET, for passing this precious picture on to me.

These shoes were made for walkin' ... and this is probably as still as they will ever be! We went shoe shopping after church Sunday because suddenly everyone needs new ones - yikes! I found these cute shoes, though probably too big, for Kaeleb. I plan to do lots of clothes shopping in China, but I need to take one pair of shoes just in case.

As for my dad, this week the doctor will evaluate his progress or lack thereof and we'll make plans for the long term. Miraculously, he has finally slept two nights in a row! I don't know if the sleep aid has finally kicked in or he's just wore out, but I'm grateful my mom has gotten to rest with him. While he still seems to be very strong in upper body, his legs are very weak and he hasn't been able to transfer to a wheelchair for a few days. We are overwhelmed by the number of people lifting him up to the Father! I know our prayers are being heard, and I still believe God will give him breath until he accepts Jesus!

On the road again

Most of us in the adoption community have at least one shipping/delivery nightmare story. We have two! I can now safely say FedEx has seen the light and all is well :) Our LOA was shipped next day express from our agency in Alabama yesterday. I became concerned when I couldn't track the package for today's delivery. Apparently out here in the boonies we don't have Saturday delivery, despite the fact we've received numerous shipments on Saturday, but none as precious as this package. I admit, I am resourceful and persistent. What's more, we tracked the package to the OKC depot, but we weren't allowed to pick it up without the shipper's consent, and even then there was no guarantee the staff would cooperate and pull the package. Once again, Karla saves the day! We went to the depot, armed with Karla's cell number, the tracking number, and the name of the FedEx rep that approved the request. At first attempt, there was no budging, but when Clayton explained that this was the paper allowing us to bring our son home from China, things started happening! The staff was more than willing to locate the package, allow us to sign the document and return ship within 30 minutes. The same thing happened in 2004 with Kayden's referral. The two most important packages of our lives - I'd say they were worth jumping through hoops to get to! And this is why we chose to drive to Tulsa to sign Kambry's LOA last February :) Bottom line, the LOA is on its way to Alabama, guaranteed Monday delivery and should be in China on Wednesday. Next step, TA! Thank you, God, for being in the details!

Change is in the air

Well, before I start the millions of posts about Kaeleb's SWI, our travel, etc. I need to take care of business. I decided to lighten the blog and increase the font size for posting and viewing ease while in China. I'm sure I won't be well rested! I'm not completely sure I like the colors, but now I know how to change them. I'm also concerned that I won't be able to post on blogger as easily as I did on our website. I'm still debating whether to set up a "Kaeleb" site.

I need to report on my dad also. He doesn't seem to be improving mentally. It breaks my heart. I'm a mess of emotions right now. My mom is hurting, my dad is out of it, and my boy is waiting. I've got to get a grip! I'm leaning on God's promise that He won't give me more than I can bear. Thank you for joining us on this amazing journey we call life!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:12

Does it get any better?!?

Yep, that's right! Our China Director, K, just called, and we officially have LOA! We should have it in hand, signed and returned by tomorrow! Once CCAA has our LOA, we wait for them to issue TA (Travel Approval), and then we request CA (Consulate Appointment). TA usually comes 2-4 weeks following LOA receipt, then CA is generally known within 48 hours. China, here we come! Wow, first pictures of my boy, then LOA! It can't get much better at this phase of the game!

Our "solid" boy!

Here he is! He's been prayed for and cuddled. He's so lovable! Thank you, AW, for blessing us with new pix! Just look at those kissable cheeks!

1st Grant response

Singing praises today! We received confirmation that God's Grace Adoption Ministry has awarded us a $2,500 matching grant! So, if we can raise $2,500, GGAM will match to a total of $5,000! That would make a dent in our adoption costs. Praise the Lord for His magnificent provision!

From the hospital

Somebody, throw me one of these :) Just kidding. First, the good stuff. Since Clayton and I are in the hospital all day and night with Dad, we brought lots of paper work. We've completed 2 more grant applications, a financial statement, and a projection for our new business. Oh, we still have to do some on-line adoption courses.

Now for the not-so-great stuff. Today started out pretty well. Though Dad was restless and couldn't sleep, he wasn't combative. This afternoon he went from drowsy to c-r-a-z-y. Suddenly he's working cattle, which includes pushing them in the chute with his feet! The poor nurses have had to restrain him, and it just kills me. But he doesn't recognize anyone and is so combative it's necessary. We did have a chance to chat with him about the Lord, and he just won't make a decision. We will continue to pray to the God who changes hearts!

As for Kaeleb news, yesterday we mailed a care package to him, and it should arrive within 2 weeks. It's possible we'll have new pix of him by Friday! I can't wait!

Can you say ....

Okay, we don't have it in our hands yet, but we know it's being processed! Whether it will be signed by CCAA and mailed before or after Chinese New Year we don't know. The CCAA virtually shuts down the first two weeks of February to celebrate Lunar New Year. To say that we are sweetly surprised, and shocked, and scatterbrained is an understatement! Praise the Lord for good news! Kaeleb, your daddy and mommy are coming to get you!

So glad to report good news!

What a difference a day makes! Dad's oncologist prescribed a sleeping pill, and it worked! Both of my parents slept last night, for the second time in nearly 3 weeks. I even spoke to my dad on the phone this morning. While I know his status can change in an instant, I am grateful for the sweet moments we have. My mom wants to go to work the last 3 days of this week, so each of us kids will take a day and night shift in the hospital with Dad. My day is Wednesday, and I am praying for clarity and rest. My mom really needs hope to cling to, and we serve a God who offers just that. And speaking of work, mine is suffering so I'd better get to it. Thank you for praying unceasingly.

A tough fight

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:17-18.
Suffice it to say the last few days have not been good. My mom is losing perspective and hope. My dad hasn't rested but one night in 2.5 weeks. When he doesn't sleep, neither does she. And I can tell you that sleep deprivation can tarnish what little perspective you may have! There have been very few brief moments of clarity, and the rest of the time is filled with nonsensical stories, delusions and agitation. My dad's brain injury seems to fall somewhere between Alzheimer's and a stroke, and my mom feels trapped in the middle. To spend hours in his hospital room is depressing, and to consider his condition is paralyzing. Beyond that, I have no comforting words to offer my mom, but can only give her relief by allowing her to "escape" for a few hours at a time. It's like my dad is trapped in this living hell, somewhere between insanity and pain, but complete insanity would be a relief and he's not allowed to go there. I know my mom is praying for healing, but I contend that would not bring the most glory to God. In my dad's mind that would be his own doing, that he beat the odds. I believe God desires others to grow nearer to Himself, and whatever it takes for that to happen, He will allow, as He deserves all the glory. Yes, bad things happen to good people, but that's not the point. We aren't guaranteed a trouble-free life, even when we are obedient. In fact, it's those struggles, trials and circumstances that are opportunity for growth, and allow us to accept our own dependence. We can have joy, even in the worst circumstances. Why is my dad in so much torment? Why must my mom go through this? I don't know, and I may never know. But I know this is not the end of the story. What if this life were all there is? Thank goodness it's not! God gives us a prize at the end of the race, if we'll just accept it. He's done the hard part, giving His only son for our sins, and all we have to do is choose to accept His gift. Yes, I am a sinner; yes, I need a Savior; yes, Jesus is my Savior and Lord; yes, He died for my sin and was raised on the third day; yes, I trust in Him and I will spend eternity in heaven. Oh, if only I could impart that to my dad. He has been given boundless mercy and grace, and now he needs peace.

SWEETLY BROKEN

I have loved this song since it first came out. May it be a blessing to you! Don't forget to turn off my music at the bottom of the page before starting the video.

Juggling

This is me :) Oh, it's not so bad! Yesterday was a good day in the hospital. There weren't a lot of sensible conversations, but I'm learning to participate in the nonsense :) I finally had a good visit with the oncologist, and he helped me understand a little better what's going on. Melanoma tumors are vascular, and Dad's brain tumor is in a critical spot, behind his optic nerve. Even though the cyberknife may have killed the cancer cells, the tumor is still present, or at least debris from the tumor is present. A month after the cyberknife procedure something began to bleed in the area of the tumor, whether it was the tumor itself or another area of the brain, we don't know. We only know the results: confusion, belligerence, agitation, etc. This brain injury is much like a stroke, and the extent and progress of healing is unknown. The doctor assures me that everything that can be "fixed" is being fixed. There is no explanation for Dad having one day of physical weakness and exhaustion, one day of belligerence, a few hours of clarity, ramblings about unusual things like designing vehicles for better air quality, banking and stock market, goat farming in Mexico, or like yesterday, one day of all the above (he was in the bank yesterday). His potassium was low, and while that generally isn't a cause for confusion, he is thinking much better since it's been regulated. PT had Dad on his feet for 3 brief moments yesterday. The exertion led to agitation and confusion, during which time I repeatedly told him where we were and why he couldn't get up. Eventually he became so tired he slept nearly 2 hours, and then woke up somewhat refreshed. After a short conversation about the invention of shopping carts, he began to watch a classic Western movie and was quoting lines from it! Finally, last night both my parents had a restful night, and he was ready for breakfast this morning. After my mom and I got off the phone, he insisted she call me back to tell me that he loves me! Today might be a good day! We'll go back to the hospital as a family tomorrow. Please continue to pray for healing, clarity and opportunity! BTW, my husband rocks! I had left a recipe and ingredients on the counter, and after the kids' basketball games he made the best chicken pot pie I've ever eaten. I'll have to share that recipe!

One step forward, more back

I hate to post contradicting updates in one day, but it is what it is. Physical therapy was able to get Dad up on his feet for a few seconds at a time today, but within the next minute he couldn't remember he'd stood up. His memory is gone. Is it the next phase in the cancer, the next phase in his brain injury? We can no longer blame the drugs as he isn't on anything but anti-seizure meds. He is restrained and agitated but physically exhausted. I just felt I needed to paint a truer picture of what's going on today. Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears.

Answered prayers

My dad was moved out of ICU last night, and his meds have been reduced. PT is going to get him out of bed today, for the first time in 2 weeks! His thinking seems more clear, and his communication better. I'm going to spend the day with him tomorrow, so please continue to pray for our time together! God certainly doesn't need me to do His work, but if He wants to use me, I will avail myself. May God bless every faithful warrior who has interceded for us!

...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isa 55:11

Adoption Related good news

We received a phone call from one of the organizations we applied for adoption financial assistance, Life International . We had a phone interview, our application request is going to the director today, and we should receive notification within a few weeks. We applied for a matching grant, whereby if approved, we would try to raise the maximum dollars to be matched by LI. It's a huge praise for us to be prayerfully considered.

To lighten the mood

Kuyler packed up and went back to college. We sure did enjoy having him home!
Kambry chooses her ride! She's telling us "all done," using her baby signs, after making a huge mess with cherry applesauce.


Maybe Mom can hitch a ride and blow this joint ~ naaaahhhh! I wouldn't want to miss all this fun! Medical update later ...