Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Not This Time.

So much has happened today. I woke up today counting down the sleeps until I leave for Africa. It went from 3 more sleeps to 1/2 day in the matter of an hour. I got a call from Ethiopia this morning. I knew in my heart something was wrong. The babies are sick, really sick. As I was praying about what to do a package came. Inside was Marion and Emmanuel's photo albums. (Marion was our baby girl in Liberia who passed away before we could bring her home) Addy's Hope mailed them back with our old dossier. Why Lord? Why did I get these now? It was then that I knew God's direction.
What a gift those albums were to me. So clear. The answer staring right at me. As I looked into Marion and Emmanuel's eyes everything inside of me screamed, "NOT THIS TIME."
I remember getting the call that Marion was sick. I remember the helpless feeling. I'm here she's there. I didn't have a passport, they weren't even legally ours yet. But yet, I was her mommy and she was alone.
But not this time. I will be there. I will be by my babies side. They will not be alone. I have my passport, they are my babies and I am their mommy.
So I leave tomorrow.

In His Peace,
Steffany

35 comments:

Laura Lu said...

You are a beautiful mom! I've been praying you through today and I am thanking the Lord for giving you clear direction whether you were to go. I can't wait for you to hold them in your arms and pray the blood of Jesus over them!

Love you!!!!

Incognito said...

I have been sending out the prayer requests girl. We are going to pray you through the rest of this adventure. We won't stop praying!! I lift you and Adam and the twinners up. God, protect you all in travels and health, bring you home together once and for all! Love you lots girl! Can't wait to see you all VERY SOON! Give the babies hugs from all of us here in Texas!

ALSO...if you need me to stay an extra few days to help out while you adjust with jet lag and get the kids to the doc, just let me know when you get back.

Hugs, Love, and blessings!!!

Ginny said...

I will be praying for you and your babies.

Mrs. Hammer Time said...

Lots of prayers for you and the babies. And love. xxoo

Adam said...

I am so in love with you my bride. Go now and I will be hot on your trail.

Brandi said...

Heck yeah we'll be praying! I'm so glad you are going. so glad you'll be holding them soon. You are their mama!!!!! Oh Jesus, hold them till she gets there soon, then hold all of them! Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

Love you,
Bran

Emily said...

Praying for you and your babies!!!!!!!!!!!

Sean and Lisa said...

Covering each of you in prayer and rejoicing in your growth and confidence as the mama. Go with God and know that we have your back.

Kathy Cassel said...

Praying for you!

HollyAnn said...

Praying for you! God heal these precious babies. Give this mommy safe travel and let her see her babies well and playing when she arrives in Ethiopia!

Love you girl!
HollyAnn

Major Mom said...

God-Speed Sister. You go and be the mommy they need. Rock them, hold them, love them like they would have never imagined. I just know once they have you things will be just fine. I am praying for you and for them.

Jeremy and Kamina Johnson said...

I am touched through you sharing your journey! Go. Be safe. Be strong. Praying for you!!!

Bergmama said...

Please know I am praying, praying, praying for your twins and for your safe travels!

Love,
Jill

Kim said...

Good for you what a good word of redemption.

God speed.
love Kim

Anonymous said...

Stef left D.C. this morning. I spoke with her yesterday evening and she was excited & seemed completely full of the Lord's strength. Please pray that she will be able to get the babies into a hospital as soon as she gets there. Those babies are very sick with fever, chick pox & dehydration. That isn't life threatening in America, but in Africa it is a death sentence for a baby who doesn't get medical treatment.

Thank you all so much for your prayers for my sister. She is such an amazing woman and I'm so glad you have all gotten to see that and be touched by her like I have.

Praise the Lamb who sits on HIS THRONE!!!

Leah

amy smith said...

oh my. my prayers are with you as well. not this time indeed.

Brandi said...

I think you may be landing right about now! I'm aching to know how you are. . .praying for today. .for your sweet babies!

Love you,
Bran

Salzwedel Family said...

Praying for His many blessings to be poured out on you during this trip.

Natalie said...

Hello,
I found your blog through another one(i cannot remember which one)
I am so touched by your post. I will be praying and will come back to see the good news.

what an awesome mom you are!

Natalie

Adam said...

HERE IS AN UPDATE !!!
Steff is in Ethiopia safe and has probably met the kids by now. I'm in the Dulles airport waiting a few hours before flying out to meet them.
Steff called me this morning from a phone at the agency to let me know she was met at the airport with roses by the agency, and that she had an appointment later today to meet the twins. She was excited and at peace letting me know, she was informed, that the kids are doing better.
PRAISE GOD! !!!!!
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PRAYERS!!!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adam said...

Still haven't heard from Steff this afternoon? or whatever time it is. It's 7 here in Washington DC. I'm totally anxious to hear from her again in the next two hours before I board.
I'm sure she's completely enraptured with the children. Wow what a thought that we are leaping into this wonderful unknown.
It's a rush!

crispy said...

I am praying for God's grace on this family. I am so proud of you guys for following God's lead on this journey.

Prayers for good health. Prayers for grace. Prayers for peace. Prayers for travel mercies. Prayers for protection. Prayers for unknown needs that will arise.

(((hugs))

-Cris

Laura Lu said...

YAY, Adam--you are going to be there in no time! Thanks for the update...I've been dying all day wondering how she and the babies are doing. Praise God that they are doing better! And I love it that she was greeted with flowers...WOW! I can't wait for you to get there and hold them in your arms!!! Please post photos!!! We're begging you! :) Praying that your flight goes smoothly. You've waited for this flight for so long!

Laura Lu said...

Oh and Adam--If it's 7:30pm in DC right now...it's 2:30am for Steff. I hope you hear from her before you board!

Mrs. Hammer Time said...

YEAH!!! Hope you have a very safe flight, Adam! I am so excited for you guys! Yes! Photos please!!!

Anonymous said...

UPDATE!!!!! I quote Adam's text message #1 "Just heard message from Steff. Says kids r' poster children '4 please help starving Africa. May weigh all of 7-8 lbs. each. But now we have them! Plane is leaving..."

Text #2 "Pray for kids. They are seriously tiny & lacking nutrients, but God has His hands on them!"

This is all I know for now. On our knees....Aunt Leah

crispy said...

Still lifting you and those precious children up in prayer. We are here to support you when you need it.

-Cris

Laura Lu said...

Thanks so much, Leah. We'll cry out to the heart of God for their babies. Poor little things...they were already so tiny at 16 and 18lbs. Oh bless their little hearts and heal them, Lord Jesus!

Anonymous said...

I am crying here. Oh my goodness. I am praying and praying for those precious babies.

Can't wait to hear more. Love to you both.

Emily said...

Praying they quickly gain weight! Zeke was only 12lbs when he came home at 11 months and withing 2 months he was up to 20lbs! You are amazing people!

Easter will always have a special new meaning for you all!

Mrs. Hammer Time said...

Praying so hard for those babies!!!
XXOO

Laura said...

Prayers coming your way. Prayers that God is moving you. He loves you. He loves all of your children. We love you all so much. Oh my I cannot wait to meet them. I cannot wait to hug the two, four, six, EIGHT of you. Oh what joy and elation. Many hugs and kisses. Thanks for the texts and the updates!

Laura said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deb said...

Steffany, I just posted above and now read this post. I'm in tears and on my knees praying for you and your children. Praying for a healthy miracle. So glad that they are holding on to you and you to them.