30 Days

....the number of days until we go to Haiti. The number of days until I get to spend more than just a few hours with Cadonia. The number of days until Woody gets to actually see his daughter for the first time. It seems like such a long time but I know when we get there the time we have with her will fly by. But still, I am looking forward to getting to know her better. I have been thinking alot about her this week, especially with Mother's Day being this past Sunday. I have been thinking about all the things that I do know about her, which isnt much. I know the following:

1. Her birth certificate says she is 5, and will be 6 in October. (I don't believe that)

2. She says she is 8.

3. She like Fruit Loops.

4. She like dogs.

5. She has 7 siblings.

6. Her favorite color is red.

7. She gets car sick.(the times she has been to the beach with groups from Knoxville she has gotten sick) Poor Girl!

8. She is totally adorable and won my heart quickly.

I can't wait to add to this list in.....you got it, 30 days!

Haiti on my mind

I was able to speak and sing at my parent's church a few weeks ago and then again at my sister in law's church for the night service. I spoke about my trip to Haiti and the work we did there and then about meeting our sweet Cadonia. I think since I came home from Haiti I have been so focused on getting our paperwork in for our adoption that I haven't thought as much about the people of Haiti as much as I would have if I didn't have this mound of papers to get turned in. But since Sunday I haven't been able to think about much else, the sweet people of Haiti and the life that they lead. Nothing, Nothing, NOTHING prepares you for the things you will see. The amount of devastation is unimaginable. Yet the people at both of the churches we attended have a love for Christ and a freedom of worship that most people in American may never know. They truly praise Him in the storm. Would you praise Him in this storm? *80% of the people live on less than $2.00 a day *Bowl of rice and beans cost about $1.50 *1/2 are unemployed with no job opportunities *Home to the 2nd largest slum in the world-300,00 people living in 3 square miles with no running water. *There are 1/2 million child slaves in Haiti *1 in every 3 of Haiti's children will die before the age of 5. Challanging us all to be more thankful for what we have, where we live and all that God has blessed us with. Since I have been home He is teaching me to be more responsible with the resources He has given me, whether that be money, time or possessions. I want to make a difference in my world with all that he has given me.

Talking to Cadonia

We got to call the orphanage tonight and talk to our sweet girl. Just the sound of her voice makes me smile and cry at the same time. We found out that Ricot had already talked with her about being

adopted. I asked if she remembered me and she said yes, Stephanie. She sounded very excited when Kevin asked her if she wanted to be adopted and come home to live with us. It was so good to hear her sweet voice.

I told her that some of our friends were coming to see her next week and that we would be sending her some presents. She said yes, she wanted a new dress and a baby doll. I have so enjoyed shopping for her and can't wait to see her in each and every outfit. I just wish I were going on this trip so I could see her face when she gets her gifts. We are not going to get to go until June which seems like a long time away. But in the mean time I will busy myself getting through this mound of paperwork!!! The sooner we get through it, the sooner we will have that sweet voice filling our house.

Holding My Breath

I feel like I have been holding my breath for the last few days. We found out Monday that Cadonia has only been in the orphange for the last 5 months. So before that she was with her parents and possibly siblings. In order for us to proceed with the adoption, her parents have to sign over their rights.

Ricot was able to talk to them on Monday about the fact that we want to adopt her. They were apparently excited that someone wanted to adopt her but were hesitant about signing over their rights. I know that they are told when they come to the orphange that this is a possiblity but I 'm not sure they are ever ready to hear that news. To think that yes, your child may be offered a life that you could never give her but that you also may never see her again has to be heart breaking. So they asked Ricot if they could think about it for a fews days so I know they love her but this is when I began holding my breath!

Knowing that God set us on this path I have prayed this week that he would see us through. That as hard a decision that Cadonia's parents have to make that they would let us bring her here to be a part of our family and that he would ease their pain in making this decision.

It seems like everytime I picked up my bible or a devotional God was giving me the perfect scripture. These are a few of them:

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverb 16:3 Commit your work to God, and your plans will be established.

Thankful for these verses that I have held onto this week as well as family and friends who have been so supportive.

So tonight I let out a deep breath and a shout of thanksgiving when we received the call that her parents agreed and that we can continue this great adventure of bringing Cadonia home.