Give.A.Way

Check out this AWESOME Give.A.Way to help build a Safe House for the children of Ghana. There are a few ways to enter:

1. blog about it
2. for every $20 donated your name will be entered once
3. spread the word on Facebook or Twitter

Thank you ahead of time for helping us help the children of Africa!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Miss Helen!!!

Almost 8 months ago, we brought home this precious little girl who spoke no English. She was shy and withdrawn.

Today, she is an incessant chatterbox and full of life. She brings so much laughter into our home and is definitely "our baby". All the kids adore her!! She can make us laugh and also give the sweetest hugs at the same time.

Last week, the kids and I all went birthday party shopping for her. I put her in the cart at Wal-Mart and off we went to the party aisle. As she chose her Princess plates and napkins, Princess pinata, Princess wrapping paper, I put it all in the back of the cart. When I turned back around, I saw MY PRINCESS with arms overflowing. She had gotten everything out of the back of the cart, put it in her lap and her little arms were stretched wide open as she declared to everyone in the store, "I AM GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY. I WILL BE FOUR. I AM ALMOST FOUR. I WILL HAVE A BIRTHDAY." Just picture her waving at everyone in Wal-Mart and declaring her birthday to them all. (Her first birthday even though she would be turning four.)

For those of you that know Helen, you know she LOVES to be held. She loves for one of us to be holding her. She loves to snuggle her face into our necks. She loves to just be close. Well, a few nights ago I was combing her hair and she stepped back from me, put her hands on her hips, and stated, "I'm almost 4 now, Mom. I think I'm almost too big for you to carry." Then she left. I chuckled to myself.

This morning when she woke up and realized it was her big day, she was glowing! She enjoyed pancakes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, special time at the gymnastics center and a whole lot of loving on her special day! Her siblings loved doting on her and giving presents and taking care of her. At dinner, we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Then I told her that her special day would be over when she woke up in the morning. With the most serious expression she asked, "Can I have two days, Mommy?"

Every day is special with Miss Helen. Thank you, God, for such an incredible blessing in that sweet child!!!

Adoption Fundraiser

Eighteen months ago, God started us on the most incredible journey of our lives. The journey to two of our children.

We fundraised and were able to bring them home 7 months ago.

Now, we cannot imagine our lives without them. It seems like they have always been a part of us. Before they came home, we longed for them to be with us. Every day I feel more and more blessed to see them walking through the house, giggling and playing with their siblings. God has shown us so much joy through these two children and taught us so much about life. I am just so thankful I didn't miss out on this. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the love God has shown me through all of my children.

The next part of our journey? Two boys that only He could choose.

We are saving to bring them home now. This is where you come in, though. We are doing our first fundraiser.

A 31 gift party! Click here for the catalog. Then click here to order OR send me an email to 4oleary@msn.com. You can either have it shipped to my house or straight to you. Just let me know what is most convenient for you! Don't forget to check out the great specials they are running for July here.

Thank you so much for being a part of this next journey God has brought us on and for helping us bring our boys home!!!

Be Still.....

As I sit in the unknown of the adoption world this week, I am reminded to be still. Be still and know. Be still and know that I am GOD - Psalm 46:10

He is paving the way. He is writing the story. He is in control. Will you join us in prayer for our precious boys in Ghana and for all the orphans there tonight? Changes are coming. They are being made and it is up to us to FIGHT for them. Help us FIGHT. FIGHT with prayer.

Precious Hands

These precious little hands run through my mind all day. I am anxious to hold both of our boys very soon. I am anxious to get my arms around my sweet baby boy again, to strap him on my back "Ghana style" and just take off. I am anxious to meet my precious 7 year old son who has only met his daddy. I am nervous about meeting him for the first time. I am anxious to hear his little voice say, "Mommy" in person instead of on the phone. These precious pictures

and my sweet Jesus keep me going every day. He gives me the strength to wait another day to see their little faces and hug them tight. He gives me all I need every day. Now the trick is learning to ALWAYS rely on Him. Still learning...still learning.

Samuel and Helen's adoption timeline

11-30-09 international application approved

1-5-10 submitted agency fees to int'l agency

1-8-10 began homestudy

2-9-10 homestudy finalized

2-10-10 I600A mailed

2-13-10 accepted referral of siblings

3-8-10 received fingerprint appt. for March 22

3-10-10 walked into USCIS office and got fingerprinted (Praise God!)

3-25-10 mailed dossier to int'l agency

4-6-10 dossier arrived in Ghana

4-22-10 received I171H approval letter from USCIS

4-27-10 representative traveled to Volta region to try to schedule court

5-10-10 received new pictures of our sweet children

6-24-10 we were told we MIGHT go to court next week :)

7-21-10 granted a court date of Monday, 7/26

7-26-10 court postponed until 7-27

7-27-10 OFFICIALLY A FAMILY OF 7, We passed court! Thank you, sweet Jesus!

8-28-10 traveled as a family of 5 to meet our two Ghanaian angels

8-30-10 filed our I600 in country

9-8-10 took our sweet babies back to their foster home

9-9-10 arrived back home, but left our hearts in Ghana

10-18-10 I600 approval

10-22-10 granted a visa exit interview for 11-1-10

11-7-10 visas are ready!!!!!

11-9-10 Sydney and I fly to Ghana

11-10-10 Samuel and Helen in my arms FOREVER

11-16-10 reunited as a family of 7

Love Orphans - For Easter

I was so challenged and inspired by a guest writer on this blog tonight. So here's the Easter challenge. Go to FEEDING THE ORPHANS to Love Orphans because He first loved us.