Abundant Harvest Homestead

***Our Potential Home Fell Through***
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Well, after putting a bit on what I thought would be our home, we found out that the seller bought it through HUD and was turning it over. Lets just say in a months time. We hadn't had the Inspectors look at it yet, but the reason it didn't work out, was that they wouldn't be able to close in a timely fashion because of a stipulation with HUD.

Another couple concerns we have are A) a lien AND B) He turned the home over so fast, we wonder if he re-did the wiring and such half baked. Painting jobs are easy, but if the things unseen were replaced too quick or half-baked, we all know that our potential home could become a HUGE money pit.

I'm glad it was caught.

We're limited with time now. Mainly because one of the first time homebuyer program rules is changing due to the mismanaging of mortgages and defaults. With that, things will change a bit and will cost US more.

We also have reserves on moving in the winter-time. We've moved three times already in a year since we moved from Ohio. Now we've acquired more and moving isn't our favorite chore, not to mention doing it in the snow. So we've decided on a cutoff and then we'll sign our lease for another 6 months and start looking again in spring if we don't find a place we're comfortable with.

We're not rushing ourselves because a program is changing, nor do we have intentions of moving in the snow.

SO, back to square one again. It's all in Gods hands when, where, why, and how pertaining to a home of our own.

Honestly I'm so much more calm than I thought I would be. Oh, I had my "Woe Me" session this afternoon, where I reminded myself I'm an adult and to suck it up because Gods in control. So back to normal I went and at peace with wherever and whenever God has planned for us. He's never let us down thus far, and I know I can count on Him to guide and protect us. Today he protected us with a purchase that couldn've potentially broke the bank if we had followed through. He revealed so much to our realtor, real estate lawyer and us. Praise God!

I'll keep you posted.

Blessings

Rebekah

Home Buying Experience ***The Purchase Offer***
Monday, August 25, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Today we found our potential home. It's taken awhile to find it, though not as long as I thought it would. It's in a nice area, cute little home and has quite the open floor plan. We decided we couldn't let it go without a fight.

We called our mortgage broker, got all our paperwork ready for our realtor, called our real estate attorney, and upon acceptance, IF our offer is accepted, we will hire our own inspectors.

It wasn't the homestead I'd always dreamed of having where I'd have chickens, goats and lambs. BUT, God has blessed us abundantly and if this is the home, we'll have plenty of space for a HUGE garden. The city won't allow us to have chickens or other livestock. It's ok though. The mere fact that the home would be OURS and that we could grow food next harvest season, well, My cup runneth over!

In the end, there are plenty of rooms in our Fathers house. My gift doesn't come from material possessions here, but will be alongside Him in His house.

I shall keep you posted when we find out more.

Rebekah

Sorry it's been awhile, BUT....................................
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

pic by allposters.com

I may still be absent most days. We've been pre-approved for a home. Praise God! Now we start looking. It's our first home and while I am on edge, Gods solely in control.

we've been doing LOTS of homework and looking for homes. LOTS seem to be going quickly. We see something, then it's contingent with a buyer.

Please pray Doug and I find a suitable home within budget that God will speak BOLDLY.

It's another new exciting adventure down Gods direction for us. I'm excited and grateful He's giving us the opportunity to own our own home.

I'll be back on days when I can and can't wait to find a home of our own. Wheather it takes a month or a year, we plan to hold back and wait for the right one.

Rebekah

*** Two Sets Of Jonses by Big Tent Revival ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

****Be Sure to go to the very bottom of this page to mute the music so you can hear this wonderful song that puts life into perspective.

*** Our New Kitchen Table & Chairs ***
Monday, July 21, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

I wanted to share a picture of the pieces we purchased and kept on layaway for several months. When we moved here my agenda was to be careful with the money God gives us. If you've known me for awhile, you've probably read about our financial mis-steps based on my EXTREME spending habits and inability to learn to budget, balance a checkbook or save.

During that time in our lives, my husband was going to nursing school at the University of Akron, working full time and interning full time while the first 2 years I worked as a state tested Nurses Aid. I believe things started REALLY going downhill just after the third year, when doug and I decided it was time for me to come home as "Homemaker" because he was gone so much, things in the home like meals, laundry, basic financial errands weren't able to be taken care of because I was doing doubles and he was working around the clock.

To make a long story short, I learned that year that I was frivoulous with money and only cared about my own gratification and keeping up with the Jones' at Church even though we were living WAY beyond our means. It took two years later before we ended up in a Financial Peace University Class where both Mr. Thinker and myself learned how to deal with each others spending habits, took on a REAL BUDGET, started getting rid of debt and pay for things in cash, not to mention seeking out good deals.

Majority of my home is payed for in cash with such furniture beautiful furniture pieces that were found on Craigslist. My sofa, loveseat, chair and tv Armoir alone only cost us 400.00 total. I will take pictures of each room in the future to show the deals and the looks I got at a fraction of the price.

One piece of furniture I DIDN'T skimp on however, was our kitchen table. Now don't mistake that for us purchasing the most expensive dining table imaginable. Think more along the lines of moderately priced and on layaway for over 6 months. Yup! We wanted it, we budgeted it, we saved for it for a LONG time. Not to mention that stores don't often have layaways anymore. One AWESOME thing about it was that we chose to purchase our table at a local mom and pop shop called Marty's Barn Cellar. So our money was really utilized to keep our local economy going and we still stayed within budget each month until we FINALLY got our table. We chose only 4 chairs at the time and decided we'd order two more chairs and just the buffet table not the full hutch which will again, be put on layways until Thanksgiving.

The reason we decided on a new table was one, the sets on craigslist were either pretty pricey OR they looked pretty odd for our home. We have been without a table in our home for about 6 years. Either there was no time to eat together OR we'd eat in front of the tv on our tv stands.

Growing up in my grandmas care while we (my mom, dad, and I ) lived in the upstairs apartment from her...well, It became tradition for the WHOLE extended family to come each sunday and join in for sunday brunch, holiday gatherings, and card games.

The family table brought so much love and comfort to us all. My gram and her siblings handed down so much more than memories, they handed down the key to long-lasting family relationships. Sitting at the table, enjoying meals together, good conversations, a cry or two, LOTS of card games or domino's and music flowing through the house while she was dancing to the sound of Slim Whitman or Pavarotti in the kitchen as she was doing the dishes with that ol' dishrag hanging from her shoulder. That too, has carried on in me.

So our table, No, that was a piece that will carry on to our own children. While I do not honor a piece of wood before my Lord and Savior, I appreciate the meaning behind it and that the Lord afforded us the opportunity to carry on a long-lasting Legacy, hopefully filled with many delightful conversations. I give God all the glory from bringing us out of Financial Dispair to Good Stewardship. I pray we may carry that teaching on to our children and grandchildren from times to come.

Much love to you all

Rebekah

*** I Found It!! I Finally Found an Area Rug! ***
Saturday, July 19, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

It's Called Garden Border and it fits my Country Kitchen ((with roosters)) REAL Well. I have to find one to fit underneath our new kitchen table that will still be big enough when guests are seated. It's slightly pricey, but will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. I should say it's pricey for US. While it fits within our budget, it's slightly over what we had planned to pay for it. However, alot of the 8 x 11's we've been looking for have been over a thousand dollars. That price just ISN'T an option! The price of this rug fits between what we had planned to pay and what we absolutely will NOT pay. In my opinion, it's the most affordable for the quality. So we're going to give it a month and if we STILL think it's what we want, and it's still available, we will purchase it. My hopes of waiting till fall is that they will clearance it off slightly because it's floral.

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Are You KIDDING?!
Monday, April 28, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Got a phone call from the vet today about an estimate to have our dogs teeth taken out and cleaned. I figured it'd be expensive but had no idea.

I'm glad they left it on the answering machine or I would have laughed and flipped.

2500.00 - 3000.00 DOLLARS

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? "I" haven't even had MY teeth done yet. I love my dogs....I want them to live longer and I DO love my first dog maxwell, but his bill ASIDE from the 550.00 we spent on updated shots and bloodwork to be sure they'd be ok for surgery for HIS teeth (though they took sashas too with hopes to get their mits on her too)

Mrs. S., they said, you can put it on CARECREDIT. I wouldn't put any of it on credit. Can you imagine the interest rate on that?!

I suppose I should start shopping around. I feel just AWFUL because I love my dogs and would do anything for the care of their health...but 3k is WAY too much for a dear sweet dog.

Not feeling so well...
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Today I thought I'd just jot down my thoughts for the day. Not much of course, but I wanted to get up and get out of this funk I've been feeling.

I seem to be having issues with overtiredness. I'm unsure if it's the thyroid or some other issue. All I know is I'm whiped out and really never seem to get a whole nights sleep without interuption.

The good news here is that I've started meeting with a personal trainer just yesterday. She was impressed by my focus and spunk. I miss those days during dance training. I had alot of drive. It seems to be coming back a bit as I saw in the gym with my PT. I pray I start seeing some results. In the meantime, Today through this lethargic feeling I have to get out and walk for an hour. I refuse to walk with the dogs by myself because they seem to get too rambunctious with me. So I'll try it on my own for awhile. It'll be pretty nice because I'll be able to see the ducks and swans. The swan is in her nest awaiting a baby. I can't wait to see her.

I have several appointments to make. One being for a chiropractor. My lower back is pretty sore from the belly fat I have.

The other appointment is with a Registered Dietician to help me with my slump concerning diabetes and hypothyroid. I am having issues with boredom and would like to find ways to get around the food slump and maybe even find some hidden calories and fat.

NEXT, doug and I are going to some Christian Counseling sessions. To go alone with mind body and spirit, I feel there are some underlying issues that I need to overcome, I think both of us could use a bit of help in overcoming these obsticles so it will be a blessing to work on the overall health of us.

Which brings me to my final note. We've decided to push back our foster to adopt classes. There is WAY too much going on and one of the things we think would be a good idea is to work on ourselves, our health, our mind, spirits and our marriage. While I know it sounds a bit odd, I have so many health concerns and doug has gained a bit of weight from stress at work that we've just found it right to work on our overall health. I don't think we'd do our children any justice if we couldn't give them all of us.

I have to say it was an awful conclusion as we've both waited 7 years, but whats one more year if it means the health and well being of us all right? So with that, I'm working on losing this weight, getting off majority of my meds, focusing on my faith and my marriage as is my husband. We both came to this mutual understanding so right there was our confirmation from God. Who'da thunk it. I'm just a bit sad that I have to wait, yet again for my children. A part of me is REALLY lost without them. God is also showing me though, that I'm focusing too much on children and maybe even raising them to a level of idols. Not sure if anyone really understands, but sometimes those of us who are barren, we tend to overthink, focus WAY too much too hard on having a child when really as I've learned with our finances, He wants us to be content with what we DO have before he blesses us with more.

It's because of the above last sentence that we've chosen to take a step back and work within ourselves to be the two people God wants us to be. Then children will come when HE is good an ready, not when I say He is.

So please bare with me as I share my spirit with you. I feel pretty shot spiritually these days. The good news though is things are looking up. We have even found a church home after all these months. Our pastor and his wife are two awesome people who love the Lord and I have already learned a great deal from them and the congregation about the love of Christ and His will for His people.

With that said, I will close here.

Much love to you all as you start to enjoy the final weeks of spring and a full, lively, summer and harvest season.

Rebekah

*** A Series Of Wonderful Events *** PART II
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

We're Going to Be an AUNT and UNCLE AGAIN!!

This time my brother in law Dan and His Bride Heidi who have been married about a little over a year found out that they are expecting. We are SO excited! Thing is, it's not just one in there but TWO. Yup! TWINS! It's they're FIRST TWO children.

Hopefully I'll be sharing pics soon of the baby bump and the sonogram. They are due in November and are doing well.

Praise God for blessings like these!

*** A Series Of Wonderful Events *** PART I
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

My (BROTHER) Garrett Got married over the weekend. I can't tell you how blessed I was to see him marry the most perfect woman for him that was absolutely hand-picked by God.

Let me start by telling you that I became friends with Garrett AND my husband Doug in college after a mutual friend of ours (Robyn) tried to introduce me to this college club called Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I was in Biology class and said the Lords name in Vein and Robyn, like her whitty self, pointed right at me and said "Oh YOU LOVE the Lord too?!" Knowing full well I didn't know Christ at all. She invited me to this Christian Club in college and I kept saying NO WAY! Your a freak. She brushed off my comments and kept talking to me in biology class. Soon she found me with a coffee in my hands and asked if she could meet with me at the local coffee house. I said yes. She brought the WHOLE group of brothers and sisters in Christ.

That day, I had absolutely NO IDEA how God would bless my life starting with the people in that group. I was seeing a british man who I had planned to marry because I loved his family so much (not the right reason to marry I would say). I had planned on going to England and never coming back during the millenium.

During the fall and start of winter God started churning my heart. I began having discussions with these two STUBBORN guys that kept arguing their points with me. I wanted NOTHING more than to knock them a good one because they didn't agree with me.

Slowly and compassionately these two men began to teach me about this Heavenly Father who loved me so much, who wasn't anything like the Lord I had been taught to LITERALLY fear, but one who loved me so much, He had his arms stretched wide enough to help me through any obsticle that would come my way.

I recall sitting in the Basic office with Garrett and Doug saying...well if THIS is true then why, OR how do you know it's true...it was written by man, OR I will NEVER beat my kids EVER! (pertaining to the spare the rod and spoil the child). They explained the meaning and intention by God of that verse and helped me to understand that it wasn't about abuse at all, but about loving correction.

Back to Garrett, about the same time God was pulling Doug and I together, Garrett felt an awful loneliness, though he almost NEVER shared it with everyone. He did share with doug and I...maybe a couple other friends as well. He was just searching so hard. The woman he wanted HAD to love the Lord and hand over her whole life to the Lord. The kind of beauty he was looking for went WAY beyond outside appearances, He loved her even before he knew who she was. Though he longed for her for MANY years, patiently, sometimes impatient, but for the most part patiently awaiting the arms of his bride.

Garrett, from our little group became a sibling I'd NEVER had. I am an only child, but God lovingly gave me a brother. I cherished my friendship with my brother. Even during those times I was trying to figure things out with who would soon be my own husband. Garrett gave me insight to God, my friendship with Doug and even met my grandma who passed a couple of years ago. My gram knew He was special to me, she too, knew garrett as MY BROTHER. Not a romance relationship, but someone I trusted and loved as a sibling who would tell me the truth (as he often did) and be there for my husband and I.

Garrett being friend of both me and my husband, was in our wedding. It felt so comforting to see him help my mother and my mother in law light the unity candle. It was as if God planned it all along. I wouldn't have any biological siblings.....but I would have a BROTHER in Christ who would be forever my friend. I NEVER had to feel alone as most only children did, but I would have MANY brothers and sisters in Christ.

I called Garretts parents to find out if he had married or had children already (we hadn't seen each other for about 4 years (we'd been in Ohio for 6 but we met with him one year when we were in NY visiting family). During that time, Garretts mom and I picked up where we left off several years ago. Talking about Garretts events and one in which he was to be married. She expressed how God worked to find THE woman for Him. The chain of events took him from graduating with a degree in teaching to a small Christian school where, GET THIS, her dad was a pastor.

Things worked out, though just like doug, Garrett took forever so it seems, to FINALLY ask her out. Once it happened though, the connection grew. It was the string that God tightened and will know bind their hands together in the covenant God intended for them both.

BEFORE they married, Garrett asked to meet with us at dinner. I was pleasantly surprised when He brought His fiance` who had a class, but somehow found the time to make it along with Him.

My first thought when she walked in the room was how outgoing and loving towards Garrett She was. Evenmoreso, how good and loving HE treated Her. She began to talk and I began to listen intently on how everything happened. I began to notice just HOW MUCH she fit Garrett PERFECTLY. It was TOTALLY God here. They compliment each other SO much and I couldn't help but be so proud of both of them for obeying Gods will over their lives.

Now, This mystery womans name? Danielle. Danielle's beauty is FAR beyond her outside appearance. She is a beautiful girl by appearance, but if you talk with her, you'll find so much love for Gods people and those who need Christ as well. She's compassionate, loves the Lord and fits exactly what Garrett has been waiting for, for SO many years.

The couple married this weekend with such a lovely wedding and reception. They're wedding was an opportunity to minister to those who didn't know Christ, to explain what Marriage TRUELY means and the role they'd both be playing as ONE in Christ.

I have NOW gained a dear sister. Garrett added a sister to my life and Danielle couldn't have been more perfect! I pray now that they continually walk together with Christ, pushing through the trials and tribulations, learning about one another, reaching out to one another and creating those roots deep to set the foundation for what will be THEIR family unit.

God bless You both. I love you both truely and can't wait to get together again soon.

Rebekah

***Latest News on our Foster To Adopt Journey***
Friday, April 11, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

We've been working diligently to prepare our home for kids to placed here with us. It really is starting to come along nicely. We have nice living room furniture, our table and chairs are due in within the next two weeks or so, bought a bunk bed for 100.00 on craigslist and NOW are waiting to purchase the mattresses and bed linens.

I moved the treadmill downstairs to the basement, got rid of an old chair that was odd looking, moved OUR bed over a bit more, took things out of the childrens closet...filled it with cute baskets filled with bath towels specifically for the kids, bought new white bath linens for US to put in the bathroom closet, and deep cleaned the upstairs AND the downstairs.

I bought some of those safety knotches for the cupboards, moved chemicals either down in the basement or the highest shelf in the bathroom, and as far as safety is concerned, I'm looking for a safety gate I can use on the top of the stairs so toddlers won't crawl out of bed and want to run down the stairs at night. (I'm so freaked out that we'll have a toddler and I'll sleep through them getting into something) We'll also need fire extinguishers for each floor and two fire ladders for each room THEN we're done ((laying down from exhaustion.Haha))

Our classes start soon and run until the first or second week of July. We have a homestudy, a fire inspection and lead testing to be done. Apparently we should have placement by November. In my head, I honestly didn't think it would take so long. I'm SO glad we've started NOW.

We're not stipulating which sex or race the child should be but have decided we'll let them know we'd like infant to 4 years old (we had teens in Ohio and would like to have young ones while we're still young enough, THEN add some older ones later on) with any child over 4 years of age on a case by case basis. We want to be open to Gods plan and figured if we worded it that way, we'd have a bit more information on any older children coming in and a bit more say on who can be placed with us if it's written in our file.

At the same time, my parents are moving into their FIRST home since the 80's when they lost everything because the business they worked for, filed bankruptcy and everyone who worked there lost Everything they worked so hard for.

It blesses my heart to see them so excited! It really hurt their spirit during those rough years and while they'll have a mortgage way into their 70's, I pray they enjoy all that God has given them.

In the meantime, we've been trying to help mom go through junk, get rid of it, pack, move things upstairs, and had high hopes to help them move next week. Doug took a personal day on top of his day off AND the sellers pushed the closing back another week during the weekday when neither doug nor I can help them. I'm an only child so no sisters or brothers to help out. I'm trying to see what I can do though. I'd hate to have them do it alone. At least they hired movers though.

So, as you can see, we have been busy, busy! I look forward to posting again REAL soon.

Love to you all!

***Official Invitation into the Foster To Adopt Program***
Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

It came just the other day. We'll be attending for 11 weeks starting the end of this month and have been told we'll have a child no later than November....or so we hope!

We have a crib, dresser and bunkbed set in the room. If we get older children, the crib can fit into our bedroom in an area that fits PERFECTLY for a crib.

We could fit two children comfortably and three kinda makes it tight. Very exciting that we'll have children soon! What an answered prayer. God is good. It's taken over 7 years and MANY trials and triumphs. But God is good and knows EXACTLY the right time.

I still pray for our dear children whoever they'll be. I pray too for our hearts as I am equipped to let them go if I must, but I DO know our "forever child/ren" are out there no matter how long it takes!

***Got the letter of acceptance***
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Hi everyone!

I'm SO sorry for not posting in awhile. LOTS of things going on over here. We purchased our sofa, loveseat and chair combo for only 400.00 on craigs list. It looks BEAUTIFUL in here. I can just Imagine what it will be like to invite people for a Bible study or just a nice time together. The place is coming along nicely. NOW, if I can only find a nice round table that seats 4-6ppl in a dark wood, that would just have a finishing touch. I'm also in need of a few more primitive decorations to fit my decor. Once it is all finished I'll start taking pictures to show everyone.

The childrens room is coming along so nicely. The crib and the dresser, the new pictures on the wall, I even bought 60 stuffed animals that are in NEW condition for just 35.00. I have pre-washed and fluffed them just for my own sense of peace and have put the ones I'd like in the childrens room.

NOTHING like a BIG teddy bear to calm the spirits of a child who fears the unknown.

I plan to give the rest away to other Foster-to-adopt families that we'll meet along the way. I think those stuffed animals will bring great joy to a child who need comfort.

I also just found the ((made in America)) wooden puzzles. I have been concerned about the lead issue in childrens toys. So I'm good with books, stuffed toys, wooden playtoys and puzzels, music, etc. Things to get the imagination going. I also plan to fill a toychest up with play clothes like pretty dresses, balarina outfits, princess tiaras, mens suit type things in case we have boys.

I can't describe HOW much we're excited to have a child in our home. My only fear is the loss I'll feel when the ones that are here in transition go home to their parents. It will be a bitter sweet moment. I DO believe that children should go back to their birthparents if they have learned to be a structured family and home for them. It will be why we will be a "safe haven" while the moms and dads work on it, however, foster to adopt is exactly our plan. We want to adopt our forever child/ren. So somehow I have to find the strength from God to be able to keep a level head in case I actually lose whoever comes in our home. Doug has taken it seriousely in reminding me that there IS a possiblity that we could lost the children we have in our care. I think he too is being cautious because a nurse that works with him has stopped fostering in our county because after 4 times of her same children going back and forth to the birthparents custody, they have decided it's time for mom to have them. His nurse friend was devistated and has decided to move out of state with her fiance. When he heard the story he thought of me, how attatched I may get, and also after our last fostering experience through an agency in Ohio, he wondered how I'd deal with the beauracracy of the fostercare system. I absolutely loved the teens we had, but found the system to be frustrating when it came to their care. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians in my opinion. Most children in the care of the system are drugged beyond need because they want them calm and easy to care for. The agency we worked for in Ohio rec'd stipens for the girls.....while they were drugged beyond belief, the underlying conditions were overlooked. Either way, it was an independent agency and not the county, but I hear it can be similar. I suppose only God can get us through the hard part.

In the meantime, we're excited because we're recieved the letter of acceptance, knowing our background check has been done and we have the go-ahead for the second part. We should be recieving the invitation letter to the 11 week classes within the next two weeks.

In the meantime, we're trying to finish the needs.....we need a twin size bed, car seats, booster seat for our table for toddlers, High Chair, stroller, monitors for the room to hear whats going on when we're in our room and much more. I NEVER knew there were so many types of 1 product.Haha

So I'll be here, on and off, but I'll be around.

Much love to each of you.

Rebekah

***Advocate for Children in the Fostercare System***
Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Click on permenant link and stop the auto-song to listen to this video

The children in the fostercare system need stability, LOTS of love, and for someone to advocate for their needs. Wheather you choose foster-to-adopt, or to be a stepping stone for them to reunite with their families in a SAFE environment, OUR children need YOU. Please think about opening YOUR homes to children who need a safe, loving, place to stay while in transition OR open your arms to adopt those who need a "forever family". Children, no matter what age, shouldn't fall through the cracks of the system when there are SO many people out there to lend a hand and a heart.

Please consider Fostering OR Foster-To-Adopt in YOUR local county. You may be just what the child needs to persevere through the system.....Even better, The child just may add to YOUR family and bless YOUR heart.

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*** I Would Die For That ***
Friday, February 29, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Click the permanent link blinkie, Pause the auto-song and listen to the video song. Definately Pro-Life, and here's why.

*** Where's my cinderella? ***
Friday, February 29, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

My Heart, Today I’m missing someone. I’m not sure who she is, where she is, or who her brother will be, but my heart is empty. I know they're coming, I’ve just longed for them for so long, that I can’t quite grasp their character, in a sense I've been dreaming for so long, The dreams have become so much of my days even through my prayers, I long to know those little personalities that will fill the room above as I type. Who will she be, my daughter, What kind of a man will my son be? Oh dear God! I love you so much! You have gotten me through for these past 7 years, I know you’ll help us to the children you will hand-pick to be our sweet prince and princess. Until then, will you please hold them close to you. Protect them from the hardships they will have to endure until they find my arms.

For majority of my life, I haven’t done things the way most have. Some have taken the easier roads with less construction in the way, and there are days I have taken the road less traveled, which can have many hills to climb. While some have had victory one way, I’ve had it another. I can’t say as though life has or will always be easy, but I certainly know it hasn’t been dull and in the little things, there has been much joy. While I may never have a baby shower, a normal birth experience that most women will have, my birth experience is one through another human being. My excitement of a baby shower is that of planning the room for my children who may be older, unlike even some adoptive mommies, I may not even get to choose to know the sex of our child/ren. While I miss out on some things, I most certainly will gain once my son or daughter becomes a part of me, not by blood, but in mind and spirit as well as on paper. It may take a couple years, which is not like many mothers, but I will reap the harvest in it’s due season. My cup truly runneth over and I give unto the Lord my children’s lives to be all that He wants them to be.

As I journey through the next few weeks, months, maybe even years, I encourage you to come along with me. Share in the joys, learn from the trials and bask in the Victories won.

Blessings to you all

Rebekah

*** Foster To Adopt*** The Preparation 2
Monday, February 25, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

This is what the room looks like thus far. It's coming along nicely. Doesn't look as empty, but still needs more decoration. I have in my mind what the end result will look like. Praise God we have time before the room is filled with children.

Now we're in the market for a used bunk bed and a cute little table with chairs. We already have a bookcase that a friends aunt is going to sell us at a good price. We are excited.

The Lighting of the camera makes the contrast of the dresser and crib look so different in color, but they are the same. The Fish fabric on the window is fabric I was thinking of using for curtains. I'm unsure if this is what I'll use or not for the window. I have a border mom also bought me. I'm contimplating which is more important as they would clash together. SO the fabric could be used as pillows instead. Will keep you posted.

Foster To Adopt ***The Preparation***
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

How exciting! We've now moved to the preparation stages. I can't tell you the barrel of emotions going through my mind right now, from excitement, to fear, from PURE JOY, to wonder, from sadness and dispair for our children, to Hope and Commitment right to Unconditional Love.

I've had to prepare my heart for the unknown. Wheather it be girl or boy, white, black, hispanic, asian, or a child with special needs. My heart is longing to be there. To enjoy every lasting minute and overcome in Victory every trying moment. To teach and be taught. To love and be loved. To lose a child only to have that child gain their birthparent back wholely and ready to provide for their child. To be blessed with the presence of a child long awaited and prayed for, for the past 7 years of my life. PURE Joy! I realize that there will be several children here to find safe haven for only a short time. But I await with many years of patience, the day my son/s or daughter/s walk through my door as just that. My child forever. Add the word adoption to that if you like, but overall, my child/ren are MINE. They were not conceived under my heart, but BY my heart and in it since the day God gave me the desire to be mommy.

Yes, I'm preparing my heart for the unknown. Good times and bad. Joyful and sad, I await.

We're actually on a new stage right now to keep my focus while at home. I am Decorator, furniture finder, and deal-maker. Today I accepted our first deal. A crib and a dresser for our empty childrens room. I can't imagine the thought that will go through my mind as we finally put furniture in the room, prepare it for our child/ren and have it finished.

We have a fishy nightlight, my mom just bought fishy border. I have chosen a gender neutral theme with gender neutral colors. Bright Yellows, Greens Oranges and reds. Happy Colors, warm and comforting. Both boys and girls would feel at ease. Mind you, with only one extra room we'll only have either all boys, or all girls. While I am excited about girls and feel more in tune because I am one. There are more boys needing homes and I will not deny a child based on gender. I pray that God will give me wisdom, patience and whatever else I need to be sure I can be a positive example in their lives. I know Doug will be great! He's sensitive, kind, gentle, loving, affirming, loves sports, loves music, loves animals and is such a blessing to me, I just know He'll have SO much to teach the children and I daydream of the joy I'll find watching them interact with each other.

Praise God for knowing my hearts desire. I've longed for this for so long and at times never thought it would come. He is so good at timing though. Gentle nudges when I need stern guidance, but unconditionally loves me in every way!

As We prepare for the unknown, I'm taking on Gods role for me as Homemaker. I've learned over the past few years how to budget, coupon, wheel and deal and just overall learn stewardship for the home while doug as the head of household works hard to provide for us. God has blessed us both with complimentary roles and in doing so, we're learning so much on how well our strengths help us work together.

Take a look at my latest adventure in making a deal. I was contacted by someone from Craigslist about a crib and dresser. She asked for 125.00 origionally and said she'd wait to post them on the board until she heard back from me. I asked if she could do any better and she is giving us both items for 110.00. What a deal!

So what do you think??

We'll give ourselves some time and then start looking for a bunkbed. We have to be ready for children of different ages. While we can make concrete decisions as to age, we are unwilling to pass up a child because they're older. Right now what we've thought about is infants to age 4 with any child above 4 on a case by case basis. It is not in stone that we NEED infants and toddlers and we will not pass the opportunity to keep siblings together. We once fostered teens through an agency and are well equipped to handle them, though we would like to be open to Gods will.

Praying everyone is doing well and we look forward to keeping you updated as things start happening.

Foster to Adopt Cont'd
Monday, February 11, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

The phone rings and it's the caseworker in charge of our application. I have questions. My head spins with anxiousness, my my heart is filled with excitement, love and so much affection. Will I be able to focus on "the child"? The states first priority is to reunify them with their parents. I respect that. I understand that a childs "home" should be with their mother. I pray for the birthparents. Wondering if they will do what it takes to be there for their children. To love them, guide them and give them structure and a future.

I fear loss, knowing that if the child goes to their mother, I may never see them again. YET, if I gave my all, I would've given them what they needed while mom and dad worked on their own lives to give their children a safe future.

I fear sadness. Sadness that comes with the deep sorrow of abuse and neglect. The kind our children will have to go through in order for us to one day adopt them. I die inside. I would give my chance to adopt, if only they didn't have to go through such tragic loss.

Compassion for another, as I feel deep sorrow for the birthmother. My great blessing will one day be her greatest loss. Wheather she knows it or not in the moment, I know one day, she'll feel the loss that any mother would feel if she lost a child. Dear sister, I pray for you! My heart breaks that you were unable to give your child what he/she needed at the time, but I promise, I will care! The day we adopt your child, will be a day I never take for granted. He/She had been prayed for and loved for over 7 years. I weep for my children, I have hope for them to know their Lord, and that they will have a future resting solely on Him.

Today we spoke with our caseworker. Our questions were asked, Her questions were answered and Come 22nd of April, We prepare to be fosterparents with hopes to adopt in the future. 11weeks later, we'll be fully certified.

Please pray with us for our child/ren. For right now, they are somewhere dealing with neglect or abuse. Pray for all the birthparents out there struggling to "get it together" with hopes to reunite again with their children to give them a more stable future. Pray for those birthparents,who just can't give their children what they need right now. That God will fill their loss and give them comfort for the journey ahead. That they will find the Free Gift of Salvation and will have Jesus to help them through their great loss.

In the end, it's about our children. Nobody really wins when a child is hurt. I just pray I can give them all the love and direction I have within me.

Rebekah