Friday, January 11, 2008

Random Updates

1. Adam is in Los Angeles again to work on the film Red Canvas. It will be his second home for the next 3-4 months. Words can not express how much admiration I have for my husband. God has planted in every man's heart the desire to be a hero, warrior, and to live a life of adventure and risk. Many men unfortunately have given up on their dreams. People have asked if it's hard to have him gone and scary to think of the time and money sacrifices that have gone into this project. Well , yes it is hard and scary, but isn't that what life should be. I would only be worried if we were tired, bored and complacent. Life is an adventure, taking risks means your living out of your self placed box. And fear? Well, there is no place for it.
2 Timothy 1 :7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2. My mom's best friend who I mentioned in an earlier post, went home to the Lord before Christmas. She was diagnosed with cancer only six months ago. She left behind a husband, her son in highschool, an older son and several grand children. I will miss her. She has been in our lives for years. She along with my mom were both survivors of brutal pasts. When we first started seriously pursuing adoption, I went to her for support. She was an African American woman who was a strong presence in her community. I wanted to get her feedback on transracial adoption. Her words will always stick with me. There was a time when she strongly opposed it, she knew a professor who adopted trans racially then after witnessing the power of love and how it transformed this child she grew to realize that a loving home is better than no home. She was my strongest supporter. Elizabeth referred to me as " her white angel baby who was sent to help her people." We would talk about how a total reform needs to happen. That is a whole other post. Prejudice is alive and well my friends!

3. On Christmas day, we opened a package from momma Jo and inside were the most beautiful handmade scarves , one for each kid; including the 12 year old boy we were to adopt from Missouri. When I saw his name on the scarf, I broke down. I think I cried for an hour. I cried for Grandma Jo who made it in faith that he would be with us at Christmas, I cried for my children who grew to think of him as a brother, I cried for my broken heart; a mother's heart who grieves her child and finally I cried for him. My tears poured out for all he may never know.
We had a chance to see him a week or so ago. It was harder than I can even begin to write. I longed to hold him. We took him to lunch and shopping. We hope to take him to church with us on Sundays, his new foster mom isn't a believer. Please pray for him and that God will continue to pursue him.

4. We mailed our dossier to our new agency. I'm trying not to think about it. You know when you feel like you've been pregnant forever and you finally decide this baby will never come....
Well, I guess I've adopted that strategy, maybe if I don't think about it, it will actually happen. We were told that our child/ren will be home in three months. I don't know who they are, but am believing and walking forward in faith.

5. The money was raised for the Uganda Orphan Children Rescue Christmas project. This blessed me beyond measure. People were saved! It doesn't get any better than that! Orphan Fund was so touched by the reception they got from the people they are going to keep supporting them. And by the will of God I will too. What an awesome testimony to what God can do through willing hands.

6. I'm going back to blonde next week. Wish me luck!

15 comments:

Kim said...

wow! You are right, you know our lives are woven together with the people we love and respect and even the ones we don't, we have been shaped by each of them.

Anonymous said...

You should give him the scarf. Tears of sorrow....

Laura Lu said...

bless your heart..you are an amazing gal!!!

FYI--brunettes have more fun!

Incognito said...

I agree with Leah! My heart aches for you and all you (and your family) have endured this past year. Your faiths is so inspiring to me and keeps me going through some of my own issues! I am so excited for you guys! 2008 has so many possibilities and its just the beginning! I am praying for Adam, praying for your kids, and praying for the kids that don't know you yet, but are so blessed to have you love them!

And...brunettes DO have more fun! But, if you insist on going back to blond, why don't you guys come here and I will do your hair-I'm a stylist you know!! We can all hang out! It would be SO MUCH FUN!!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a sad/busy/beautiful time in your life. The scarf part totally had me in tears.

I hope and pray this part of your adoption journey will be a smooth one. You sure have been through enough.

Emily said...

I like your comment on life being an adventure with risks! Sometimes its hard and it hurts, but in the end its always worth it!

Sean and Lisa said...

Steffany you are an amazing woman! I just love your perspective about living! You are right christianity+obedience=adventure!!
I'm believing your children home in 3 months! Nothing is impossible with God.
Can't wait!!!!
Lisa

junglemama said...

Sorry about the scarf thing. I would've cried too. It is hard letting go. Can you still send him the scarf?

Ginny said...

Loved this post Steffany. I am looking forward to hearing news of your new adoption.

steffany said...

When we saw him a week or so ago we gave him the scarf.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I am inspired by reading your blog. I am anxius to hear about how your adoption unfolds. 3 months! WOW!

Brandi said...

That story about the scarf is a real tear jerker. . oh my! What a sweet woman and a sweet gift from Jesus on Christmas!

Love you,
Bran
PS Can't wait to see pics of you as a blonde! I'm thinking total model session with a friend!

HollyAnn said...

From a recovering failed adoption mommy.....don't keep yourself from thinking about it too much! You don't want to miss the journey....I wish I had done more thinking about Toben before now! :(

Adam said...

I love you so much my amazing wife! Thank you for all the strength you bring me and so many others!
Lisa, I really dug your "life math equation" you posted above. It is so true.

I also think the idea of a model photo session after the return to blonde goes down would be a fabulous idea. I think we could make that happen! Everyone must please continue to encourage Steff to do that!!!

Laura said...

I like your hair! Mine, by the way, is short and sassy now! I am glad that you gave him the scarf. I know he will treasure it. Hugs!