Shala Bartley & Ethiopian Adoption

Oh, you gotta check this vid out

2009-09-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Finally a New Post

2009-08-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Well, my followers, I am finally posting an update. There has been so much happening...selling a house, moving to an apartment, going to ET, coming back from ET, getting settled into a new lifestyle, and not having internet service at my new apartment...so, therefore, no posts. Here are a few pics and videos for your enjoyment. Saraia Genet has had a lot of first...new foods, swimming, lots of toys, slipper slides, play time with cousins, and soon to go to daycare and children's church.

Meeting Saraia Genet for first time:

All families in ET picking up their children:

Saraia's first time swimming on August 22, 2009:

And, videos of Saraia since she's been home:

Outta Here

2009-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Before I forget and head out tomorrow morning at 8:30am, I wanted to make sure that everyone knows that I am finally headed to ET to bring Saraia Genet home. Here's the scripture over the last few days that gives perspective and brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it: "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). Jesus didn't leave us as orphans, and we have the wonderful privilege and opportunity to be like Jesus today and give love, hope, and a home to a child who has been "left to be found." Saraia Genet is "found." Three other families are traveling at the same time to pick up their children who have also been "found." What a great and joyous responsibility we have and are embarking on!!!

July Update Pics

2009-07-30T11:37:00.001-07:00

Highly Likely

2009-07-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

I received word yesterday that it is highly likely that Dad and I will travel to Ethiopia on 8/8/09 thru 8/14/09 to get my daughter, Saraia Genet. If that happens, then Metcha Day will be on my birthday (8/10), which means that I will meet my daughter that day, resulting in Gotcha Day being the day after, which is the day that I will actually pick up my daughter for keeps. What an awesome Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy...

2009-07-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

...17 month birthday today, Saraia Genet. I'm looking forward to coming to get you soon!!!

Love,
Mommy

New Pics - July 2009

2009-07-20T13:29:00.001-07:00

Engaged!!!

2009-07-08T08:55:00.001-07:00

Yep, that's right. Finalizing an adoption and getting engaged at the same time. Traveling in August to pick up baby girl. And, getting married on November 21, 2009, at 1pm in Oklahoma City. And, finally, moving to New Haven/Hamden, Connecticut, after that. Wow! What a year 2009 will have been when it's all said and done.

Chris and I got engagement photos taken a couple days ago. Here are a few samples. More will be forthcoming within the next few weeks.

June Update Photos from AWAA

2009-07-07T07:55:00.001-07:00

Photos from Another Family in June

2009-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

May Update Photos from AWAA

2009-07-07T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Hallmark Card Photos

2009-07-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Here's another set of pics of Saraia Genet. I sent over a recordable Hallmark card at the end of May with photos pasted inside the card. The family who took it said that they would close it, she would reopen it, and just look at it and wouldn't let it go. At bath time, the nannies tried to take it from her and she wouldn't let it go. Ah!!!

Introducing Saraia Genet Bartley

2009-07-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the day! She is officially, legally my daughter, my Ethiopian Princess. And here is the meaning of her name - Saraia means Princess, Genet means Heaven, Eden, Paradise. So, she not only is my Ethiopian Princess, but she is my Heavenly Princess. Hurray!

Here is how I was introduced to her:

And, here are a few pics taken a couple weeks later by a family who went to pick up their child (more pics to come later):

Hurray!

2009-06-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

They found Saraia's birth mom. Now they can petition for new CD. Should be beginning to mid-July. :)

Just Rec'd Add'l Info about Hold Up for New CD

2009-06-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Email I rec'd today:
I just wanted to touch base to let you know we are still working on a new court date for you. The court requested an additional document today that we need to obtain for A** before they will issue you a new date. We will be working on that document over the next few days. It will likely be another week to week and a half before we have your new court date.

One Year Today (Or Is It Nearly 1.5 Years?)

2009-05-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I submitted my dossier. But, it was one year, five months, and three weeks ago that I officially began the adoption process. Hopefully, the process will be finished soon, and baby girl will be home in her forever family.

Twice Down, Third Time's a Charm?

2009-05-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

I received the phone call from Anna from America World shortly after 11:30am today. Once again, I did not pass court for the second time. She did say that the judge has been very open throughout the case, so that did my heart good to hear (Proverbs 21:1). She has been favorable about the investigative reports, but requested that the investigator close the file and open a new one (whatever that means) in the search for the birth parent(s) and/or other relatives. I should find out next week about a new court date, which Anna thinks will happen middle to the end of June (which is when I thought my first court date might have happened originally). It is nice to have had this process started early enough, in hopes now that I pass prior to court closure in August.

Thanks everyone for your prayers, love, and support.

An Update from Family in ET

2009-05-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

A family posted this today. I wanted to share it with everyone. Definitely makes a mommy smile. :)

Shala...your little girl is a doll! We gave her the card with your voice recording and she just sat and stared at the pics of you. I would close it and she would open it again. She is such a sweetheart. When we left her, she still had the card in her hands...and even when the nannies were trying to give her a bath, she would not let go of it.

Brief Thoughts & Updates

2009-05-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

1. Baby girl turned 15 months old yesterday.
2. Quilt fundraiser is complete today. Both quilts sold.
3. Got call today that I received another adoption grant.
4. Court is tonight while we sleep. I am anticipating the "you passed court" phone call tomorrow.
5. I am trying out some new recipes today - just for the fun of it.
6. GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

REMINDERS

2009-05-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick shout out to everyone to remind you that tomorrow, May 28, is the last day to bid on the fundraising quilts via eBay. To find out how, scroll down to the Tuesday, May 19, blog posting.

Also, tomorrow night while we are sleeping, court will be happening in Ethiopia. Please pray for favor with the judge. (I will post the outcome on Friday, so be watching.)

Thanks so much for your prayers, love, and support.

Power of Attorney Updated...Check

2009-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today, was another not-so-nice, emotional day. Only one out of nine families who went to court in ET last night passed. The ET government decided to change the rules again and not tell anyone. Imagine that. :)

With that said, I received a call from Anna with America World and she let me know of this dilemma, plus updated me on the issues pertaining to my adoption case...basically, they are working to make sure everything is in place - doing all they can do. The main hold up in court last night was that the Power of Attorney documents that had been being used for the past ten months, were no longer current and the judge wanted them brought up to date. With that said, she called to let me know that affected me, and she wanted me to be able to get the new paperwork submitted so that it doesn't hold up my court date - next week, May 29. Of course, that meant that it had to be to the Virginia office no later than 9am this Friday, May 22. So, I printed the paperwork, took it to the notary (at my church/work), then on down to the Secretary of State I went for authentication, and it is now on its way via FedEx. So, check, one more thing done. Plus, an additional $40+ in fees and postage, but that seems like such a small drop in the bucket compared to everything else.

UPDATE: How to Bid on Silent Auction Fundraiser

2009-05-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

If you have or are going to bid on the quilts in the SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER, I've decided that the easiest way to make that happen is through eBay. If you'll just pop over there and click on the link(s) below to make your bid, I would greatly appreciate. (If you are local, in Oklahoma City, the shipping and handling charges can be refunded to you.)

Tulip Quilt (Item #300315970956) - now bidding up from $300
Mary Engelbreit Quilt (Item #300315972454) - now bidding up from $250

Thanks so much. Once again, all proceeds go to help bring baby girl home from Ethiopia.

Bid on Engelbreit Quilt

2009-05-19T05:07:00.001-07:00

There is now a bid of $250 on the Engelbreit quilt. Anyone for $300? It's for a great cause.

The tulip quilt bid is at $300. Do I hear someone increasing this to $350?

Please let me know. Details are in May 16 post.

Bid on Tulip Quilt Increased

2009-05-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

There is now a bid on the table for $300 on the tulip quilt. Do I hear anyone increasing this bid to $350? It's for a very worthy cause. :)

What about beginning the bid on the Mary Engelbreit pattern. Do I hear $250?

Please let me know. Details are in post below.

Still Raising Funds...Can You Help?

2009-05-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give you an update on the SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER. Yesterday was the original ending of the auction for the two quilts; however, we have decided to extend it another two weeks - until about 6:45pm Central Time on Thursday, May 28 (which, prayerfully, will be the night before I pass court!!!).

With that in mind, I am reposting the quilt photos below. Also, the beginning bid on each is $250, and there is already a $250 bid on the tulip pattern, so please bid up from there. These can be shipped anywhere in the continental United States. Please bear in mind that just the material in these quilts cost about $400 each, plus they are hand made by a precious lady in my church. So, regularly these quilts would sell for anywhere from $500-$1,000 each. With the tulip pattern, you also get four pillow shams (she found more that she had made) and two throw pillows. Please specify if you are bidding on the tulip pattern (queen size) or the Mary Engelbreit nine block teacup pattern (full/queen size).

Please, please, please help me finalize the raising of funds for bringing my daughter home from Ethiopia. The overall process has cost about $25,000, but what is the price on the life of a child who needs a loving, Godly home? Priceless! (Sounds like a commercial.) :) I am still a little bit short, therefore, all proceeds from this auction will go toward the travel expenses of me going over and what it takes to bring her home, as well. [And, even if you can't bid on these quilts, would you please pass this information along to anyone else who might be able to help?]

To bid, please see my post dated May 19 on how to bid on eBay. Thanks.

You Know You're Doing Something Right When...

2009-05-13T07:26:00.001-07:00

...you receive the following post from "Anonymous."
(Side note: Those adopting and having blogs about their adoptions have their names out there for the world to see, but Anonymous here didn't leave his/hers):

Question from Anonymous:
I don't understand why a white family wants to adopt an Ethiopian child. Can't you find children in the US to adopt?

Here is my initial thought about Anonymous' comment (and trust me my heart is thrilled and overjoyed because Anonymous asked this), according to Matthew 5:1-12:
1Now when he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Here are my other thoughts for Anonymous:
1. Every child, every orphan, needs a home - regardless of race, religion, color, background, etc.
2. If a black family wants to adopt a white child go for it. If an Asian family wants to adopt a Ukranian child, go for it. Each child needs a loving family. According to James 1:27 we are called "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
3. My two questions to Anonymous are: What are you doing to help an orphan? With over 143 million orphans in the world today, what part are you playing or are you willing to play?

Didn't Pass...

2009-05-12T08:03:00.001-07:00

...new court date is May 29.

Now, that the tears have dried up a bit, here is additional information. The judge requested them to try again to locate her birth mom. They don't have a lead so they did additional police investigations and reporting, but it wasn't enough. The judge requested that my agency try again to locate the birth mom, so we need to pray for a lead (that would be simplest way to complete this process). If they can't locate her, then there will have to be quite a bit more police investigations and a police officer will have to show up in court. However, where the police for this is located is in southern Ethiopia and they typically won't travel to Addis Ababa without a court order, which could then delay things even more. So, please continue to pray, and thanks to all for your encouragement today.

Please Remember

2009-05-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

While we are sleeping tonight, court will be taking place in ET for my daughter. Please pray for all documents to be in place, all parties to show up in court that need to, favor with the judge...!

Also, please remember to bid on the Silent Auction Fundraiser below. Materials in the quilts are worth at least $400, plus being hand made. Would normally sell for $500-$1,000+. All proceeds go for travel to ET.

Update on SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER!!!

2009-05-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

There is one bid of $250 on the tulip quilt with shams & throw pillows. Please continue to bid. Also, need someone to begin the bid on the 9 block quilt. Thanks. (All proceeds go for travel to bring my daughter home from Ethiopia on June 9.)

SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER!!!

2009-05-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, my peeps. A wonderful lady at Victory Church donated two quilts to help raise funds for travel to Ethiopia - the final leg of my adoption journey. Pics are below. The 9 block pattern is full/queen size. The tulip pattern is queen size w/ 2 shams & 2 throw pillows. Starting bid on each begins at $250. Please bid via comment or email me at shala.bartley@victorychurch.tv and let others know of this, and when bidding, please notate which quilt you are bidding on. All monies go toward finalizing the adoption process. Bids will be received through Friday, May 15. (Payment will be able to be made via Paypal, money order, or cash. Shipping & handling charges will be extra and can be arranged once sale is final.)

Court Date Received

2009-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

I received notification yesterday of my Ethiopian court date which is set for May 12, only two days after Mother's Day. And, and as one of my friends yesterday so nicely pointed out, it was only 13 days away, less than two weeks, at that point. Wow! God is certainly expediting the process now and I believe that He is going to redeem the first year plus that I haven't been able to spend with my daughter. I truly am standing in faith that He is going to make up for what may appear as "lost time." It is never lost to Him. He holds time in His hand. And, according to Jeremiah 29:11, "He knows the plans that He has for [baby girl]. Plans to prosper her and not to harm her. Plans to give her a hope and a future." And, that goes for me, as well, as a parent. Incredible!

Thoughts about Adoption...

2009-04-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

...based on a message I shared on Monday, April 13 (the day before I got the referral call). So, to commemorate one week of knowing who my daughter is, I thought I would share it with you here:

Was thinking in praise and worship a few weeks ago about adoption and so thankful that it doesn’t take long to be adopted by God into His family.

That’s what Easter is all about. Jesus making a way for us to come back to God the Father. To be adopted into His family. Simple for us – all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Why is Easter so special? Because it is the day that the Lord finalized our adoption. We just have to call out to him to accept it.

Romans 8:22-24 (New International Version)
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?

Ephesians 1:5-7 (Amplified)
5For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [[a]because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]--
6[So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,

Adjectives about being A.D.O.P.T.E.D.:

A.ccepted – a place to belong – to receive willingly
D.esired – wished for, to long or hope for
O.pen-hearted - the hearts of the parents are open and ready and willing to love
P.aid in full (bought with a price) – but not to be thought of as a slave (Galatians 5:1 NIV - 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.)
T.reasured – of great value
E.xpected – to look forward to, to anticipate the coming of, hope - faith
D.estined for LOVE – destined to be part of family, destined with gifts/talents/abilities, destined for greatness

So thankful it is done as we call on His name, and we don’t have to wait one day, 10 1/2 months, 3 years trying to complete the adoption. It is done. It is finished!!!

For All the Wonderful Women in My Life (past, present, & to come)

2009-04-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

I picked up a book last week at a place called The Painted Door here in Oklahoma City. The title reminded me of a group of girlfriends that I have here in the city that get together on a monthly basis (or at least used to) to cook for each other, share awesome stories, and just have fun girlfriend time. Then, I flipped it over and read the back and it talked a bit about the author's adopted son. I was hooked! So, I wanted to share it with you.

The book, entitled The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women by Suzy Toronto, is uplifting and inspirational. And, it has caused me to laugh out loud - yep, it's true. It talks about mothers (of all kinds - birth, adoptive, foster), sisters, and friends. Here is a poem that I would like to share with all the adoptive moms out there today (and I hope you go and purchase your own copy of the book and enjoy it with your circle of girlfriends):

She Who Is an Adoptive Mother

A miracle occurred when the infant
Was first laid in her arms.
She was transformed from a woman
Into a goddess known as "mother."

For so many years,
She had stifled the pain of empty arms,
Believing this moment would never come.
So she focused elsewhere on making a
Difference in the world,
Seeking fulfillment as best she could.

But now a newborn baby lay in her arms.

She thought she'd known the depths of love...
She thought she'd seen the heights of success...
She thought she'd experienced true joy...
But nothing compared to this.
All else faded when she gazed into
The face of the miracle
She thought could never be hers...
A child to call her own.

Real Mothers

2009-04-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a a copy of an email that I received. I don't know who to credit, though. Enjoy!

---

Subject: Mommy to Mom to Mother

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother......

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Mom doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She's clueless.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman?!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom thinks about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Decorated Office & Care Package

2009-04-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Once I got the call on Tuesday, I was in the office on my phone nearly all afternoon with my door closed making phone calls. While I was in there, some little mouse snuck in and decorated my office door without me knowing it. Here is the look:

And, now, today (Friday), my first care package is being mailed to a family who will take it next week to "baby girl" in Ethiopia. The only item I forgot to commemorate is the blanket, but here are the other items that are going, along with my prayers and love:

Referral Call!!!!!

2009-04-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Got the call. One year old beautiful girl! Will post more later.

A Poem for Today

2009-04-13T08:41:00.001-07:00

Once there were two women
who never knew each other.
One you do not remember
the other you call Mother.

One became your guiding star,
the other became your sun.
The first gave you life
and the second taught you to live in it.
The first gave you a need for love
and the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,
the other gave you a name,
One gave you the seed of a talent
the other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,
the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
the other dried your tears.

One gave you up--
it was all that she could do,
The other prayed for a child
and God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me through your tears,
the age old questions through the years,
Heredity or Environment--
which are you the product of?
Neither my darling-neither
just two different kinds of love.

Anonymous

No One Knows...

2009-04-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

"...about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36 NIV).

Are you familiar with that passage in the Bible about the return of Jesus? Not to take it out of context, but just to draw a parallel to my life and the adoption process - that is what it is like waiting for the adoption referral phone call. I keep being asked when it is coming. I keep wondering when it is coming. I could contact my family coordinator, and she probably doesn't know yet. So, really, no one knows, but I take comfort in knowing that God knows.

Also, to take it one step further...as we wait for Jesus' return, we are to be ready at all times. So, it is with adopting. You must be ready when the phone call comes. You must have things in order, or at least be armed with a plan.

So, I don't know when it will take place, but I can rest and take assurance in the knowing that it will come in God's perfect timing. (Trust me, I am working to truly believe this deep down inside.)

Today Marks 10 Months

2009-03-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm 10 months paper pregnant today. Will today be the day?

I don't know if today will be the day that I receive the adoption referral call, but today will be the day I choose:
*Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, & self-control
*To do the right thing...the Godly thing
*The right thoughts and attitudes
*Not to let my emotions and feelings rule my life
*To love and pray for my baby girl without knowing who she is
*To prepare a life with and for someone I've never seen

Today is the day I choose life, life in abundance...God...His Word...His plan...His timing...His good, pleasing, and perfect will for my life.

All Hail Queen Shala, May Your Reign Be Short!

2009-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

(nothing like titling this as if I am talking about someone else)

Today has been an exciting day on the adoption front. Several families passed court in Ethiopia, which means they will travel within the next few weeks to be united with the other member(s) of their forever family.

Also, several referrals went out today, which ended up making me Queen. In other words, I am in the number one slot of waiting for an adoption referral. What a way to start a weekend! Why do I want my reign short? Because the shorter it is, the sooner I know who baby girl is, and can begin finalizing the work to bring her home.

Such the Blog Slacker

2009-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

To all of you out there who happen to read this blog, :)

I do have stuff to share, but haven't sat down to write it all down. Hopefully, I will one of these days. I'm hoping the referral call is going to come soon, as I am in the "unofficial" top four list. So, that's about it for now.

An Exciting Week

2009-03-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Life in Oklahoma City has been wild this week. What a ride I've been on.

For instance, my insurance company recently decided that they were no longer going to underwrite my policy because I had three layers of shingles on my house. I've owned this home for nine years, and this has never been an issue and I haven't had any roof issues. In light of that, I had a roofing company at my house for two days this week, and get this, there were actually four layers of shingles on the house. At this point, I didn't know if my insurance company would pick up any of the cost. You see, I submitted a claim, just in case, because I had never had anyone on my roof since I've owned the house. I figured that it was worth a try. Well, at the close of the re-roofing, I opened my mailbox to find a check that would adequately cover the cost of of the work. Go God!

Then, yesterday, I received the "on deck" email from AWAA, my adoption agency. Basically, this means that I am being officially recognized by them as one of the top 10 or so waiting families. According to my calculations, I think I am actually in the top eight.

So, needless to say, there have been major ups this week, major downs this week, and today is going beautifully.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Oh, and remember to set your clocks forward one hour tomorrow night. Let Daylight Savings Time begin!

What Kids Say They Appreciate...

2009-03-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

...from "Lists to Live by for Every Caring Family," compiled by Alice Gray, et al.

1. We were often spontaneously hugged - even apart from completing a task or chore.
2. They would let me explain my side of the story.
3. They would take each of us out individually for a special breakfast with Mom and Dad.
4. My mother always carried pictures of each of us in her purse.
5. Mom and Dad would watch their tone of voice when they argued.
6. My parents made sure that each of us kids appeared in the family photos.
7. They were willing to admit when they were wrong and say "I'm sorry."
8. I saw my parents praying for me even when I didn't feel I deserved it.
9. My folks wrote a special "story of my birth" that they read to me every year.
10. They attended all of my open houses at school.
11. My mother and father would ask us children our opinions on important family decisions.
12. My mom had a great sense of humor, but she never made us kids the brunt of her jokes.
13. My parents wouldn't change things in my bedroom without asking me if it was okay with me.
14. When I wrecked my parents' car, my father's first reaction was to hug me and let me cry instead of yelling at me.
15. My parents were patient with me when I went through my long-hair stage in high school.
16. My mother would pray with me about important decisions I was facing, or even that I would have a good day at school.
17. We would have "family meetings" every two weeks where everyone would share their goals and problems.
18. Even though I didn't like it at the time, the chores my parents made me do helped me learn responsibility.
19. When I was down about my boyfriend breaking up with me, my father took extra time just to listen to me and cry with me.
20. My parents never acted like they were perfect, and they never expected us to be perfect either.
21. My mother would let me explain my point of view on issues - even when she disagreed with me. She always made me feel that my opinion was important.
22. My parents didn't compare my abilities with those of my older brother or the other kids at school. They helped me see my own unique value.

Garry Smalley and John Trent
Selected list from "Love Is a Decision"
Selected from a list of 100

A Quote to Commemorate 9 Months & 1 Day of Waiting

2009-03-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

"When motherhood becomes the fruit of a deep yearning, not the result of ignorance or accident, its children will become the foundation of a new race" (Margaret Sanger).

Gift from Mom to Baby Girl

2009-02-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a photo of a baby afghan that I am making for my daughter, Saraia Joy. The yarn is compliments of her Great Grandpa & Grandma Bartley (who have both passed away). The yarn was found at their house as it was cleaned out. I am still working on it, but it'll be finished prior to her arrival home from Ethiopia.

Beautiful Inscription

2009-02-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

For all of you adoptive parents out there, I hope that this short quote will be a blessing to you. It was inscribed on a gift that a sweet, dear friend gave to me recently. It is just beautiful.

"baby girl: Someday, she'll have her own hopes and dreams, not knowing that once upon a quiet time, you closed your eyes and dreamed to have her in your life."

Excerpt from "Lists to Live by for Every Caring Family"

2009-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy this "list" and can incorporate some of the suggestions into the life of your family.
---
Things to Do with Your Kids

Read. Turn off the computer, the TV, and the CD or cassette player. Discover books.

Explore. Museums, historical sites, and nature locations such as parks, beaches, mountains, and--yes, caves--are great.

Invent. Cook, sew, build, invent.

Travel. Go somewhere you've never been before.

Learn. Learning new skills or improving a weak area can put your youngster ahead next year.

Play. Life is pretty serious, even for kids, so there's nothing wrong with having some fun. But do it as a family.

Work. Learning to carry out responsibility is one of the most important lessons a kid can learn.

Walk. Walking can be fun. It also gives you one-on-one time apart from the telephone, your schedule, and the noise of the TV.

Invest in others. As a family, paint an elderly widow's house or put a roof on the church. Reach out and do something for someone else.

Touch God together. Take time on that backpacking trip to focus on the beauty God has created. As you build a fire and watch the stars, listen to your kids.

Harold J. Sala
President of Guidelines International Ministries
Condensed from Guidelines for Living magazine

Check This Out...Alumnus of the Month!

2009-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was recently honored as the Southwestern Christian University Alumnus of the Month. Click on the image below to see a larger copy of the article.

Eight Months - A Letter to My Precious Baby Girl

2009-01-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Saraia Joy,

It has officially been eight months since I've submitted my dossier and been on the wait list to receive you home, but you have been growing in my heart even longer than that, and you are already "my princess" (as your name means). The past two nights I've had dreams about who you might be right now. But, that gets me to thinking and praying about all the potential, possibilities, and gifts that God has already placed inside of you. I pray for you. I pray for your destiny. I pray that you will become everything that God (not me) has called you to be. Not to be on the performance treadmill, but fully obedient to the will of God.

I pray you come home soon, yet I know that God's timing is perfect. Whoever you are, wherever you are, I want you to know that I already love you. Through this journey of you coming into my life it has given me a greater understanding of God adopting each one of us as His children. What an incredible story!

I love you and look forward to meeting you face-to-face very soon.

With all my heart,
Your Mother

Look what Mum made

2009-01-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

Mum just finished making this gorgeous twin size quilt for the spare/child room bed. She is also going to make a matching baby quilt (with smaller squares). I'm so excited about that, too. I'll post that when it's done. I am blessed with an incredibly talented Mother.

Another Referral

2009-01-22T18:36:00.001-08:00

Yep, that's right. Another infant girl referral was given out today. If my calculations are correct, there have been a total of 18 referrals given out so far during this month of January. Yeah! Which means, here again, if everything that I know is accurate, I am number six on the waiting list for an infant girl. Oh my...the time is drawing closer. I am thrilled to bring her home soon and give her a loving home.

On a different note, I found out last week that my Dad will be traveling with me to pick her up. How exciting for her Grandpa to be the second family member to meet her. Plus, he loves missions work, and hasn't been out of the country in many years. This will be a wonderful experience.

An Update from the AWAA Blog

2009-01-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009
More January Referrals

January continues to be a busy month with more exciting news for families in our Ethiopia program! Please find below the list of these children and the DTE dates of the families.

Age and Gender of Child
DTE Date

4 Male Infants
04/11/2008
04/18/2008

2 Female Toddlers
04/18/2008
07/25/2008

1 Seven year old boy
07/25/2008

Currently the wait time for a single female infant is 9-11 months. The wait time for a single male infant is closer to 9 months. This trend is based on recent history, but is subject to change.

In the year 2008 America World placed approximately 60-70 Ethiopian children with their forever families. We are hopeful for what the Lord has to bring to this program in the year 2009! We appreciate your prayers for the families in this program waiting to be united with their child(ren).

Super Cute...

2009-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

...twin size fleece blankets that fold up into pillows (made for my nephew & niece for Valentine's Day). One day, I'll get to do projects like this for my daughter. :) And, cutsie throw pillows to match.

A Touching Video - Celebrating Pro-Life Month in January

2009-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Need Help Staying Warm this Winter?

2009-01-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Then, I have a deal for you. For those of you who are coffee drinkers, I have an offer for you that in turn will help me raise funds for the adoption process. I have partnered with Elemental Coffee Roasters, here in Oklahoma City, to offer you some incredible coffee. I sampled it for my wake-up-time this morning, and it was truly incredible. I have 12 oz. bags of freshly roasted, when you order it, Yippe I A Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee for only $10 per bag (which is a discount to you even from their website). If needing to be shipped, please add $5 shipping/handling to your order. Please let me know your quantity and we'll work out payment arrangements via cash or check. (Also, please specify whole bean, drip, or french press grind.)

I look forward to sharing this wonderful coffee with you. Blessings and continue to make it a great year!

---

Here is Elemental's description of the coffee bean:
A departure, yes. Yippee I A, you might say, is our wild child. It’s the one you can expect to be completely unexpected. In our desire to keep you guessin’ (and, okay, to keep you coming back for more…), we present this little element of Elemental surprise. Specific characteristics will vary from bean to bean, but know this: it will always be a truly interesting coffee. So do us a favor and find someone interesting to share it with, okay?

Crazy, Busy Week but Updates Are Finally Here for You

2009-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

I want to say "hey" to all of you my fans and followers out there. 2009 is off to a great start. Lots of transitions happening around here.

First, the Single Experience at Victory Church, of which I am the Associate Pastor over, is taking on a new look this year. We are taking Mondays off in January 2009 to get ready for our first Monday night Single Experience Rally on February 9, 2009, but we're still have Friday SEvents. Our next one is bowling, which is a week away. I am so excited and thrilled. I love to bowl. I just have to keep a reign on my competitive nature, when it comes to that. :) Yes, keep reminding me to love on people - I'm the pastor and need to set the appropriate example. Of course, I am human, too. So, we'll see which side wins. (I'm somewhat kidding, of course.)

On the adoption front, which is probably the real reason you are reading this, there have been 10 referrals given out this week. Which equates, from what I can tell, to me moving up to the #8 spot waiting for an Ethiopian infant girl. One of my good friends from upstate New York moved into the #4 slot waiting for a baby girl - I am so excited for her. We are hoping that since it is so early in January maybe more referrals will be given out this month. That would be incredibly awesome! Please keep praying. I know God's timing is perfect.

There are other things in my life, too, that I wish God would hurry up in making happen. I just have to keep trusting God and keep hiding my heart in Him. He's God and I'm not. I've got to stop trying to act like God, and just rest in and follow Him completely.

My love to all you. Happy and Prosperous New Year! May it be your best year yet.

A Few Postings Wrapped into One

2009-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

7 Months & the 4 Letter Word
Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Time to update all of you again. It has officially been 7 months since I submitted my paperwork to AWAA. And, in times past, it has only taken 7-9 months for a referral of a baby girl to come. However, when I entered the Ethiopia program, there was a large influx of families doing the same. Therefore, the wait (that lovely, 4 letter word that describes a lot of life, yet no one really likes) will be longer than originally expected. I am still around 13 or 14 on the list for a baby girl, and about 1-2 referrals of baby girls have been being given out each month.

On a different note, thanks to all of you who supported the Fall & Christmas Fundraisers that I put together. The response was incredible. Here's a brief account of what people purchased. I was able to handmake around 100 pies, plus around twelve dozen cinnamon rolls or dinner rolls.

Here's an example of the way one of my days went. The Saturday before Christmas, I got up and made 4 pies. I went to my church and with the Single Experience baked over 1,000 cookies for 8 police precincts (our Adopt-a-Cop on Christmas Eve outreach). While at the church I got several more orders for pies - totally was not anticipated, but yeah! I came home to my parents being in town. With their help, I was able to make up another 18 pies (that is 22 in all for the day), plus we made three homemade pizzas. Yep, that was all in one day. I was so tired, and yet exhilarated that we had made it all happen.

Closing Out 2008
Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Well, 2008 is coming to a close, and what a better way than to mail off a large adoption payment that is due mid-January. God is so good. On the payment, very little had to be charged to a credit card. That is thanks to God, good planning and budgeting, and people supporting the Adoption Fundraiser above.

It's Really 2009 - WOW!
Thursday, January 1, 2009

At 34 minutes past Midnight, I had the most startling discovery. This is the year that Saraia, my daughter, will come home from Ethiopia. Oh my goodness. How wild to say. I've been telling people that it will happen in 2009. Well, 2009 is now here. This is the year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Merry ChrisTmas...

2008-12-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

...Everyone!

Please remember this truth from John 3:16-18 out of The Message, and allow it to sink into your heart this ChrisTmas season:

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Be Encouraged Today :)

2008-12-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

Psalm 42 (the Message)
1-3 A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
I want to drink God,
deep draughts of God.
I'm thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, "Will I ever make it—
arrive and drink in God's presence?"
I'm on a diet of tears—
tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
people knock at my door,
Pestering,
"Where is this God of yours?"
4 These are the things I go over and over,
emptying out the pockets of my life.
I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
right out in front,
Leading them all,
eager to arrive and worship,
Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
celebrating, all of us, God's feast!
5 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I'll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He's my God.
6-8 When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
sing songs all through the night!
My life is God's prayer.
9-10 Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God,
"Why did you let me down?
Why am I walking around in tears,
harassed by enemies?"
They're out for the kill, these
tormentors with their obscenities,
Taunting day after day,
"Where is this God of yours?"
11 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I'll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He's my God.

Psalm 121 (the Message)
1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.

This Time of Year

2008-12-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

For me, Christmas time holds nostalgia. I love the memories of the way Christmas was as a child, or at least the way my mind and heart remembers it. I enjoy watching Christmas movies and getting goose gumps because everything turns out alright in the end. I wish that I could be the heroine (the person, not the drug) :) in the movie that gets her beau, walks downtown in the moonlight and under the mistletoe, rides at night in the one-horse open sleigh through the snow, skates on the perfect outdoor ice skating pond in the middle of nowhere Vermont, and walks down Main Street in the quaint town, looking at the Victorian style houses arranged in their Christmas lights.

But as I've gotten older, there also can come a bummer-feeling and sense of dread. I love all the things that I have done in my life and most of the relationships I have, but I still long for more. I long for a husband. Is that so wrong? God made us for companionship. I long for my soon-to-be-daughter adopted from Ethiopia to come home. I long for my home to be filled with the laughter of family. Many of these things have not come to pass, yet.

Yesterday, I was on My Space, and many of you know that I am not a huge fan of it but I do get on there from time-to-time. One of the questions to complete is, "Who would you like to meet?" You know, I couldn't think of anyone in particular, at least not with a specific name. I did, however, (in jest, and with some truthfulness) type in "my husband" and then quickly erased it. I know that for many single adults, this time of year, especially, brings up those kind of feelings. People are together with family. Some singles have already lost their parents, obviously don't have a spouse because that's why they are single, may or may not have children, and friends can sometimes be quite busy with their own families. It is not only a difficult time for singles, but for others who feel lonely even though they may be surrounded my people.

So, today I am wondering how I can make a difference in the life of someone else, and in the process have a great feeling inside because of giving to others. What can I do to avoid the dread, not remember the times of getting gilted and hurt around Christmas time, and build more Christmas memories for the future? It's not all about me - I sometimes wish it was, but it isn't. :) This Christmas where should my heart be? What should my actions say? Let me ponder this, and I hope you do the same.

P.S. This is mostly a post rambling thoughts for the world to read, but I hope that it challenges you to think and process what your part to play is in all of this.

Book Release

2008-12-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

I just found out some exciting news from some friends of mine here in Oklahoma City. They are releasing their first book about their adoption journey; the foreword is by Tom Davis of Red Letters Campaign. Please click on the image below for more information.

Christmas Videos that Will Touch Your Heart

2008-12-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Steven Curtis Chapman Shares about Hope & Peace in Loss

Steven Curtis Chapman's Music Video, The Miracle of Christmas

Marc & Sherry Lewis' Christmas Daughter

Christmas Baked Goodies

2008-12-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Here is the newest Adoption Fundraiser flyer for Christmas (click on the image for a larger, more readable view). Please let me know if you are interested in making a purchase (only available in the Oklahoma City and Topeka, Kansas areas).

Attitude of Gratitude (even during times of waiting)

2008-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone, hello! I am back from Haiti. Trying to settle back into my life in OKC. Yeah.

Thanks to everyone who prayed and sent their thoughts while I was in Haiti. It was a great and rewarding experience. I truly miss my kids. This past Wednesday night at Victory Church (www.vc.tv), we had our fourth adult worship recording. During it, they showed video footage from Haiti. Yep, it sent me to crying all over again. I didn't realize how much I miss everyone there.

On the adoption front, I looked over the list this morning of those waiting for an infant girl from Ethiopia. It appears that I am #15 or #16 on the list (two of us submitted our dossier on the same day). There have been some transitions taking place in the America World offices. My current family coordinator and her family are moving to Ethiopia to work in country, which should better the process there. Also, the adoption fees have increased to assist the Ministry of Women's Affairs in Ethiopia with processing paperwork better and quicker, plus a few other fees in order to better the program, plus to catch up with inflation.

All in all, things are good in my world. I am having success with my Fall Adoption Fundraiser. Every little bit on income helps with adoption expenses - that's for sure.

If I don't write again before Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful time with your families. Remember that "gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow" (Melody Beattie).

Fall Holiday Fundraiser

2008-10-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

If you or anyone you know is interested, please let me know. Perishable items can only be delivered to Oklahoma City, OK, and Topeka, KS, areas. Coffee can be shipped anywhere for the price of the coffee, plus shipping and handling.

Quotes for Today

2008-10-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
-Jacob A. Riis

The mind is the line of scrimmage in the Christian life, and whoever controls the line of scrimmage controls the game.
-Steve Farrar

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Adversity introduces a man to himself.
-Author Unknown

Still in Haiti

2008-10-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I've posted anything. Yes, I am still in Haiti working at Hope for Haiti - Danita's Children. Thanks to everyone for your prayers. Robenson is doing better, out of the hospital, but had to stay in Santiago, Dominican Republic, for a couple weeks to be sure all is well. He and Mommy Danita should be coming home to Haiti this weekend. While he was in the hospital, another boy, Andre from the orphanage, was taken at night, too, to Santiago because of a high fever and other symptoms. He is home now. Also, a school boy fell one the school playground and broke his femur so he was sent to Santiago for surgery, and one of our worker's daughters drank gasoline and was transported across the border to Dajabon. It has been quite the ride. This has been the largest/longest attack during a short amount of time since Danita has been in Haiti for 10 years. Please pray that the medical clinic would be built and quickly.

Thanks to all who helped get me back here. It has been a great experience. I have been one of the lead Mommies at the girls' home. 28 children under my care. Yes, I went from none to 28. I love them all - their precious faces, smiles, hugs, and kisses. Granted, there have been some discipline issues to deal with since there are so many, and kids getting minorly sick (stomach aches, sniffles, etc.), but that is part of it. It is highly rewarding.

I've also been able to help administratively. As most of you know, that, too, is my niche.

Life is good. I'll return stateside on November 5. I hope to see everyone shortly after that. My love to all of you!

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-10-05T04:43:00.001-07:00

From an email from my pastor's wife:

I [Pastor Jennifer] received a call tonight from Danita Estrella [www.danitaschildren.org] that Robenson, her oldest child (16) has been stricken with malaria and has had a fever up to 106 degrees. Karris and a Haitian doctor had to carry him across the river after dark this evening to get him across the border and into a cab to be driven 3 hours to Santiago to the hospital to meet Danita who was already in Santiago. Please pray for Robenson to be completely healed. Also pray for protection for her children and staff from malaria. This is the 2nd person in 2 weeks to be stricken with a severe case of malaria. Pastor Shala will be journeying over there to help Danita in the girl’s orphanage during this crisis. Please keep her in your prayers.

Also, more information from an email from Danita's staff:

Urgent!!
Please pray...

for Danita's Children and our orphaned child Robenson. He has been stricken with a serious case of malaria and the doctors have told Danita it is likely fatal, though we are believing for his complete healing.

Robenson is our oldest and our first orphan, having been with us now for ten years. We just lost another of our children, Rose Carline, this week to tuberculosis. Please pray with us that Robenson will be healed.

Also pray for Danita and our missionaries. This is a very, very difficult time for them and your prayer support is URGENTLY requested.

We also got word that some of the property on which we intended to build the medical clinic on is being taken from us by the Haitian government. With all of this and Rose Carline's death earlier this week, this is clearly an attack from Satan. What Satan intends for evil, God will turn for good.

Please join with us to intercede for Robenson. Time is crucial!

"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." James 5:13

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." I Cor. 10:4

Haiti Updates & 4 Months of Waiting

2008-09-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

It has been four months of waiting since DTE of 5/30/2008. I don't have any more information than that for those of you wanting to know. :)

On a different note, as many of you are aware, I recently went to Ouanaminthe, Haiti, to visit an orphanage that our church supports there. It was a very rewarding time with Danita Estrella and the kids at Hope for Haiti. The Single Experience at Victory Church raised money to provide new shoes for the children at the orphanage. We raised enough for every child, all 75, to have a new pair of shoes. To view the photos and videos of the trip, please click here. It was so great to be able to love on the children that range in age from 2 to 16.

If you are interested in knowing more about the work at Hope for Haiti, please check out these videos:
Hope for Haiti: The Journey Begins
Hope for Haiti: Description of the Need

Happy New Year 2001

2008-09-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, that is correct. Today is the new year according to the Ethiopian calendar, and yes, they recognize it as the year 2001. I encourage you to reflect, as you would the American new year, on what changes for the better you can make. What would God have you do? Who does He want you to become? Pursue Him today. Progress on the journey today. Make it a great day and year!!! Have a blessed one.

3 Months, 1 Week, & 3 Days...but who's counting?

2008-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

So, I've been going to post something since the three months mark hit of waiting for a referral, but it has been soooo crazy busy here that I am just now getting to it. :) Yep, three months has flown by. I hope the remainder of the time goes as quickly. I am nearing completion on the nursery, and just got the curtains finished this morning. Here are photos. Enjoy!

Shower & Birthday Weekend

2008-08-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend has definitely held lots of excitement. On Friday, August 8, I had my first adoption shower. Forty plus people were in attendance, and I was blessed with amazing gifts. If you click here, you can view photos from the shower. I was able to borrow a traditional Ethiopian dress to wear, so you'll see that in the photos. And, my parents were able to come down and enjoy the weekend with me.

On Sunday, five of us at the church celebrated our birthdays (all are on August 10, how amazing is that?). That included many more gifts. Totally unexpected.

Everyone at my church has been sooooo amazing. The love and support is just incredible and felt deeply. Thanks to everyone!

Tulsa, Here We Come!

2008-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

I debated on which logo to put first here, but I decided that the Running Hope aspect of my next half marathon, the Tulsa Route 66 on Sunday, November 16, was more important. I will be running to stay in shape (or maybe I should say to get back in shape), to keep myself occupied throughout this waiting process (today marks 2 months since DTE), and to raise awareness of the need to help orphans throughout the world (it is estimated that there are over 143 million orphans today).
In anticipation of the half marathon, I began training this week. I've made it a couple days so far. I have been working to eat better, too. I want to have fun doing this. I would love to PR, but I don't know if that is a possibility this time, since I haven't been running or exercising consistently. I need to review my Running Logs and find out what my current PR is. Anyway...anyone want to join me? My dad and a friend from Kansas are going to participate. Possibly another friend from Tulsa, as well. Anyone else?

Be blessed and be healthy!

Shoahannah's Hope Grant Received

2008-07-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

I know that most of you out there reading this blog already know this, but I want to reiterate that God is good. I received notification yesterday that I was given a sizeable donation from Shoahannah's Hope. This doesn't knock out the final adoption costs completely, but it does aid in the cost and is a huge blessing!

Adoption Shower

2008-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! My first adoption shower is coming up on Friday, August 8, at 7pm at Victory Church in Oklahoma City. If you are interested in coming, want more details, or just need to RSVP, please contact Julie at julieternes1234@yahoo.com. You can also view my registries by clicking on the links at the left side on this blog.

Africa Quilt, Cheetah Changing Pad, & Crib Set (all handcrafted gifts for baby Saraia)

2008-07-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

June Update from AWAA

2008-06-27T19:43:00.001-07:00

10 referrals of children ranging from 0-10 were made in the month of June.

The family who recently received an infant girl referral had a DTE (Dossier to Ethiopia) of October 15 2008.
The family who recently received an infant boy referral had a DTE (Dossier to Ethiopia) of November 21 2008.

Based on the new referrals the wait time for an infant girl and infant boy as well as toddlers is currently 7-9 months.

32 children have come home with their adoptive families in 2008. America World families have received 35 referrals since January of this year. 7 of these children were from the Waiting Children list.

Four Weeks

2008-06-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

It has officially been four weeks since my dossier was sent to Ethiopia. Which means, I am four weeks into the 7-9 month process of waiting for a referral; nearly one month down, and only 6-8 months to go. So far, time has flown by. Maybe that is because I am still working on getting the house in order. I began working on Saraia's (aka baby girl, my daughter from Ethiopia) room today. It needs some help. Hopefully, by the end of next week (working on her room as I have time) it will be painted, all the furniture will be in place, the crib set (beautiful, handcrafted crib set that was given to me by a friend), and the beginning of decor will be in place. I just keep praying that the adoption will happen in God's timing. I keep praying for the birth mother. And, I keep praying that all that needs to take place prior to her coming would happen, whatever that is.

Motorcycle Sold!

2008-05-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sold the motorcycle today for the full asking price. PTL! I woke up one morning this past week praying that God would send the right buyer and sell the motorcycle for the right price, and quickly (within the next week). I kept praying this, rather than worrying about it. What a concept! And, today, it was sold. I am thrilled. I have room in my garage again, have money to help toward adoption expenses, and have a load off my mind. God is incredibly good!

Vacation Faux Pas & DTE

2008-05-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Been on vacation this week. Well, actually, I vacated the office, but forgot to vacate the home. Been painting, and painting, and painting. Is there a class out there on vacation etiquette? How one is supposed to take time off, relaxing and enjoying life, taking time to just "be"? A what to do and what not to do class? J/K. In all seriousness, the painting is looking fabulous and I'm nearing completion on that end. There is a team of people who will probably come over in about a week and help me refinish my wood floors, of which my house is mostly made up of. That will be so incredible!

On the adoption front, I am officially DTE today. For those who don't what that is, DTE means "Dossier to Ethiopia." This is the official date one uses to figure out how far into the process one is - how long until one receives a referral of a child.

Have a blessed weekend!

Oh, Glorious Day

2008-05-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

According to my inside source at USCIS, they mailed my I-171H on Wednesday. So, as can be expected, I was watching, yet trying not to watch, the mailbox today. The mailman was about an hour later than usual this afternoon. But, he came, and there was that beautiful piece of paper. Needless to say, I was running around trying to make copies, get it notarized (the notary, a different one than I had used previously, said what an honor it was to get to be a part of the adoption process), get it authenticated at the SOS, and then was off to FedEx Kinko's. All while shaking and driving like a maniac. I was also in the middle of working on my house (mudding, painting, pulling up nails and staples because of redoing the wood floors) so I was in my grubbies. I've attached a photo of what I looked like when I finally dropped off the adoption package at FedEx Kinko's (had the guy the guy manning the station take the photo - he was so great). It is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning so that it can be reviewed on Tuesday afternoon with the other dossiers. Now, it is another 7-9 month wait until the referral of my baby girl, and then another two months after that until court is finalized and I get to travel to Ethiopia to pick her up. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Oh such a wonderful and memorable Memorial Day weekend!!!

Más o Menos

2008-05-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know that's Spanish not Amharic. But, really, I "more or less" have good news from USCIS. My source on the inside sent me this text today (he was being a detective for me and my case):

The lady that reviewed your file. Approved it on the 15. Now its in underwriting. Should not take much longer.

Woohoo! I hope to not do too much mailbox watching this week, but you know I probably will be. :)

On a different front, I am showing my motorcycle tomorrow to sell it. Please pray that it sells quickly for a great price. I need it to go for two reasons. 1. To simplify my life. 2. To help pay for the adoption process.

Human Pincushion

2008-05-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, as you may have guessed, I got seven shots today. Okay, so five of them were vaccinations, and two were at Starbucks (yum, coffee). But, that equals seven, right? Such fun.

I got word today that I will be able to visit the orphanage in Haiti that my church supports at the end of September. For that, I am truly excited.

As for USCIS, right now they still have not delivered the I-171H for the ET adoption process, so I am still waiting. I keep telling myself that God is good and that His timing is perfect, but sometimes I still wonder, even though deep down inside I know it is true.

The Latest Info on My USCIS Case

2008-05-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

From an email received today:

The case is currently being reviewed by the officer. Once a decision is made you will be notified.

Thank you
USCIS-OKC

---

On a different note:

I got word today that I'll probably be going to Haiti for a little over a week during the summer or fall to help at an orphanage that my church (Victory Church in Oklahoma City) supports. I am very excited about this prospect.

Mother's Day

2008-05-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

Celebrated in March in England, and May in the United States. Yet, it is really should be an everyday occurrence. Grateful for the gift of life given by our birth mothers. Grateful for a home of love given by the mothers who have raised us.

Well, this year I am an expectant mother. Not in the sense that I will personally be giving birth, but I am pregnant with the hope of my adopted daughter coming home within the next year from Ethiopia.

If you have never known the true love of a mother, I pray that God steps in and reveals to you that kind of love. Love directly from Him to you, and love from Him through a Godly woman in your life.

God bless you this Mother's Day!

USCIS Update

2008-05-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Good news today. I decided to send the following email last night to USCIS to see where things stood, and to see if I would get a response. They say it takes two days, usually, to get a response. I got one first thing this morning. Yippee!

My email to USCIS:
I am writing to verify your receipt of my home study addendum submitted by my home study provider this week. I am hoping that this resolves any discrepancies my case may have, and that my I-171H will be forthcoming soon. Please let me know if there is anything else you may need from me. I am hoping to be able to complete the adoption process soon, and hope for a quick response from your office to this end.

USCIS email to me:
We did receive your paperwork and your case is awaiting officer review. It should be reviewed within the next week. Once a decision is made we will notify you as soon as possible.

As Promised

2008-04-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, the bathroom remodel is done. Okay, with the exception of painting the door, but that will be done. So, here are before, during, and after photos. (Keep in mind the lighting isn't great for taking photos, so they look a bit yellow, and you have to tilt your head sideways because I can't figure out how to upload them to this blog in portrait mode.) I am so thrilled to have this project completed. Yippee!!!!!

Mesir Wat

2008-04-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

I tried making Mesir Wat (Ethiopian Lentil Stew) this afternoon. It tasted good, although not the same as what the Ethiopian restaurant serves. I guess I need more practice at getting it right.

Crazy Saturday - home & adoption info

2008-04-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy busy Saturday working on the house remodeling. I think I have managed to have nearly every room in the house torn up. Such fun!!! :) Still finalizing the bathroom. (Seems like it'll never be done, and I'm sure you're probably thinking the same.) Touched up some paint in there this morning. Just finalizing the painting of the cabinet doors (had an issue with one of them) and then it will be done and I can move on from that room. Trust me...I'm ready to do so.

After that, I have taped and mudded the new sheetrock in the hallway and living room, and filled all the many nail holes in the walls. Then, I flexed and flaunted my muscles (j/k) as I pulled up the carpet in the kiddos room so that I can refinish the wood floors and place down a nice big area rug that I have picked out at Target. As well as doing other minor stuff around the house.

I then proceeded out the mailbox to find a letter from USCIS saying there is a discrepancy with my case and I need to have my home study provider send an addendum, so that means still no I-171H, but it is progress.

I hope your week has been truly blessed. Remember to hope and trust in the Lord. He is the only one who doesn't disappoint.

Accused?

2008-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been "accused" of not posting a blog recently. Well, "accused" is probably too strong a word, but basically I was reminded that I hadn't put anything on here for a bit. I keep thinking about doing so, but just haven't had much to update.

I am still waiting on that final piece of the puzzle called the I-171H, which is a piece of paper that I need from USCIS (Immigration). All paperwork is copied and ready to go in a FedEx box. It is just that pesky little piece of paper. I keep praying and hoping that it will come. It will, I know. God's timing with the adoption I trust to be perfect.

The home remodel stuff is coming along nicely; however, I look forward to getting it done and getting all the tools, paint, and stuff out of the middle of my living room, hallways, kitchen, bathroom, and child's room. (See photos below of kitchen.) Once the bathroom remodel is done, which should be at some point this week (yippee!), I'll upload those too. You'll get to see before, during, and after photos. Prepare to be amazed!

On a different note, a few months ago I had considered training for and running another marathon. However, with the adoption and remodel projects, plus work (I think you get the picture), I opted out of the marathon. But, my training partner is still training and the marathon is a week from tomorrow on Sunday, April 27. I am thrilled that he has stuck it out and is doing it. It will be his first full marathon. Having done half several times, plus his incredible gutsiness (is that really a word) in training, he will be awesome out there. I wish him well.

Life Is Good...Eternal Life Is Better. Be encouraged, my friends, today.

Nothing to Report

2008-04-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

It has been a fairly quiet week around here. No happenings in the adoption world. I am still waiting for my fingerprints which will be happening this coming week.

For now, I have been working on the house. Trying to complete my home remodel projects. The kitchen, nearly two years in the works, is coming to a close. That is exciting. The bathroom will be next on the agenda to be completed. It, at least, was only begun last fall, so the turn around time on it has been much better.

I did figure out how to put the crib together this week, so that is finally done and I can move on from that. I had it all together except the up and down side. Since it is a hand-me-down, and a nice one, I didn't have the benefit of it coming with instructions. But, I had a brainstorm this week on how it should work, and voila, it did!!!

And, there you have it. That is the update for now. Blessings!

An Incredible Update from AWAA

2008-03-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

90 Day Rule
The number of days an abandoned child has to remain in an orphanage before being eligible for adoption has been reduced from 90 days to 60 days. We are happy with this new law as it allows children to unite with their forever families even quicker.

One Small Step for Man...

2008-03-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

...or Shala, in this case. :) Today, I am another step closer to sending off my dossier. I was able to make it again to the Oklahoma Secretary of State office to have more documents authenticated, and copies have been made and are ready to be sent. Now, all I have to do is wait to be fingerprinted at USCIS, which will then result in obtaining my I-171H - in other words, the final document I need in order to send my dossier to AWAA.

On a different note, this Friday I will get another round of shots. I am not exactly excited about that, but it will be worth it when I get to bring my daughter home from ET (Ethiopia).

Thanks to everyone who continues reading this blog, and is praying for me, my daughter, and the process it will take to bring her home.

Weddings, Work, & Fingerprints

2008-03-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been quite the happening week all the way around, not just in the adoption area. I am performing my first wedding ceremony tonight. My folks are down helping me with some home improvements this weekend, as well.

On the adoption front...I went to the Oklahoma Secretary of State yesterday to get thirteen documents authenticated for Ethiopia, which leaves me with only four more, I think. And, most importantly, I received notification today of my fingerprinting appointment at USCIS. It is scheduled for mid-April; I am glad to be on their books. So, things are happening.

Now, if I can just catch up on some sleep. Will need to do that prior to "little miss" arriving, as she, I'm sure, will interrupt my current sleeping habits. :)

Biblical References to Ethiopia

2008-03-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Bible is full of references about Ethiopia? You should check them out. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Job 28:18-20 AMP
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; for the possession of Wisdom is even above rubies or pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot compare with it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. From where then does Wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?

Acts 8:26-40 NLT
As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.
And as a lamb is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
He was humiliated and received no justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

A Way to Contribute Financially

2008-03-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, I am currently in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. I am excitedly working through the mounds of paperwork to bring my daughter home!

As many of you also know, the cost of adoption is overwhelming, around $20,000 for my child. I know providing love and a family of faith for a life that would otherwise be spent in an institution is worth the financial sacrifice involved.

My Adoption Association, America World, has a program called the “Eternal Family” program to help bring my daughter home. The Eternal Family program allows friends and family to participate in charitable giving towards the adoption of my child. Of course, I present this to you as an opportunity and not an obligation. Checks are made out to America World Adoption Association and sent directly to the office at: 6723 Whittier Ave., Suite 406, McLean, VA 22101. I’ve included a separate sheet (see below) that should be completed and included with the check when it is sent to America World. (Or, you can contribute online by clicking the link at the right.) You will receive a receipt from America World for tax purposes at the end of this fiscal year. I look forward to bringing my daughter home from Ethiopia, possibly at some point this year.

My adoption journey is one of faith. I humbly ask you to join hearts and hands with me in this journey and pray for this little one as she joins my family.

In Christ,
Shala J. Bartley

---

Name of Adopting Family you are requesting to support:
Shala J. Bartley

Please record your name, or organization’s name, full address, phone number, and the amount of your contribution in the box below. Be sure to include this form with your check. Checks can be made payable to America World.

America World is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; therefore, all donations are considered tax-deductible contributions in the year they are given. The funds donated are not refundable to the donor or to the family. The maximum amount of donation money for a family’s adoption expense is determined by household income (with a cap of $10,000). Any amount above this will be used to fund other families or America World projects. In order to fully comply with the law, America World retains discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. Contributions become part of a fund used to assist families with their adoption expenses. While we cannot guarantee that all funds donated by you will be made available to your designated family, America World does work to honor the wishes of donors.

Name:
________________________________________________

Address:
________________________________________________

City, State, and Zip Code:
________________________________________________

Phone Number:
________________________________________________

Please circle the Amount of Contribution:

$20 $50 $100 $200

$300 $400 $500 $750

$1000 $2000 $3000 $5000

$__________ Other

Never Forgotten...Not Abandoned

2008-03-06T20:39:00.001-08:00

Have you ever felt abandoned, forgotten, like no one remembered that you existed? Maybe you're frustrated because you are relying on someone else to provide you with something, and it is outside your control to make it happen on your own? Well, that has been my week on the adoption front, as well as other areas of my life. My hands were tied this week. Waiting for the final approval on my home study so that it could be send to USCIS, and so that I could begin applying for grants and loans to assist with the financial costs of adoption. Well, the good news is that approval came through today, and I am well underway in applying for grants, loans, and completing my dossier.

In light of my struggle of "feeling" like no one remembered me, even though I am surrounded my wonderful friends and family who care about me, I wondered what my daughter (if she is even born yet) senses in this regard. An orphan who, for whatever reason, is being raised in an institution until she comes home to me. One who may think she is abandoned and forgotten, but she is not. She is already being prayed for and loved on this side of the world.

And, there is an even greater adoption process that has occurred. Greater than any bond between a human family. God has chosen and adopted each of us into His family, if we will accept His love, grace, and forgiveness. Yet, regardless of our response, He still loves and will continue to love us unconditionally. We are His children. We can become joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8, Galatians 4, Ephesians 1). We may "feel" at times that we are alone, but know that God never abandons us, never leaves us, is always with us. He is always true to His word which says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). You can trust Him to be faithful to His commitment.

Hague Treaty Update

2008-03-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

Here is an update from America World as to how the Hague Treaty will affect adoptions through them. Currently, Ethiopia is still open, but is considering signing the treaty, as well. (For more information about the treaty and countries involved, please click on the title above.)

Hague Accredited!
America World is pleased to announce that we received notification on Friday from the Council on Accreditation that they have granted us Hague Accreditation. As you know the United States will implement the Hague Treaty on April 1st and our accreditation enables America World to continue to process adoptions in Hague countries (China and El Salvador, specifically). We thank God for His continued guidance and blessings on this agency as we seek to fulfill his call to help orphans. If you have any questions about the Accreditation please feel free to address them to your Family Coordinator or Program Director.

Woohoo - Making Progress

2008-02-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been quite the eventful week. From finally getting in for my lab work and physical exam - took me about a month because of being a new patient. To receiving my first round of Hep A & B shots. Yes, I was a good girl. No crying. :) So, treated myself to Starbucks. Finished my home study. So, now I can begin putting feet to things again. Several items of paperwork were hinging on my home study, which was hinging on my physical exam. I have officially been cleared as healthy and able to raise a daughter, at least based on my physical condition. And, with God's help, direction, and wisdom, I will do just that.

Updates from AWAA Website

2008-02-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

These are a couple updates from February 2008 on the America World Adoption Agency website:

February 22, 2008
The following is an excerpt from an update that Rachel Ward, America World’s Social Worker, who recently moved to Ethiopia, sent to Duni Zenaye, AWAA’s Africa Program Director:
“Last Friday we picked up 6 new children from the orphanage; 3 little babies and 3 girls between the ages of 4 and 6. We now have 17 children total! It’s definitely fun to have a full house and our current children were happy to get more children to play with! (thank goodness for earplugs…they start playing EARLY!) It has been very cool to watch the children adjust to us…initially many of them were scared by our white faces kissing on theirs! If we don’t serve any other purpose around here, at least we can help them become accustomed to what they will be seeing a lot of once they are in America!”

February 1, 2008
America World received 3 referrals the last week of January. Rachel Ward is now in Ethiopia and is the new addition at the Transitional Home staff in Ethiopia.