tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66882578500043060202024-03-21T21:12:07.886-07:00ObeyingHIMJames 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-25911428482724127892013-08-26T08:34:00.001-07:002013-08-26T08:34:52.859-07:00Back to SchoolWe had an amazing summer of golf, swimming, VBS, mission trips and travel. I am so thankful to be home and enjoy my children and be able to be the one to drive them where they need to go even though some days I feel like my car should be yellow :).<br />
In May we decided that Lizzie would go to school. John Reese and Ellie attended a Christian school here in Decatur and had precious teachers there prior to homeschooling.<br />
One of those same teachers has my Lizzie in her class right now, and it is just the perfect fit. God had to really work on my heart about this, but Reese led us to the decision, and I know it was the right one!<br />
I miss having those snuggles during the day and watching Lizzie interact with her brother and sister throughout the day as well as the many other privileges of homeschooling, but I am so thankful for the progress she is already making in first grade and also some quiet home time with my other two! AND... I get lots of sweet Lizzie love when she gets in the car after school!<br />
We now have a high schooler, middle schooler and a first grader! I love these seasons! Watching my older two grow into young people is truly a joy! Every day is not easy, but we really do enjoy each other alot!<br />
We have had Lizzie home for a year and 5 months. It feels like she has been with us forever! It is truly amazing to see how she has progressed in this short time.<br />
Some of this blog is a journal for us and some is info for other adoptive moms reading. I know I read every word of other mom's blogs when in the process and now for encouragement and information on transition, adjustments, bonding and more!<br />
So here is the general update...<br />
I feel great about where Lizzie is emotionally. She is very loving, sensitive and kind. She is very open with her emotions and communicates everything she is feeling. She responds well to discipline, great to praise and truly wants to please us. She is thoughtful with John Reese and Ellie and has a wonderful relationship with them. They do "baby" her some, but they also just play, too. Last night she orchestrated a "talent/sing long" show before bed time. She had a toy microphone and sang and son and passed it around for us all to have a turn. I love how her young and funny spirit keeps the other two young and silly! I love how they go along with her plans!<br />
Lizzie has a great relationship with Reese's parents who live near us and loves to spend time with them and have special nights to spend the night. She acts just like the other two when it is time to come home - a little happy and a little sad and a little spoiled :). Nana and Papa adore her, and we are so thankful to see that sweet relationship!<br />
Lizzie has progressed so much physically with being able to ride her bike without training wheels on the trails, skipping, balancing and ballet. Her fine motor was so delayed. She is drawing detailed pictures and writing her letters and numbers. This didn't happen quite as quickly as I would have liked, but it has happened in God's timing and it has been fun for all of us to watch and to praise her as she has progressed. <br />
Lizzie's overall health is very good. She has had so many tests run and blood drawn, and everything has come back normal. She is very small and is not gaining too much weight, but all of her tests are normal, so we are praising God for normal and praying for her to GROW! She is growing taller, but is still very small.<br />
Lizzie does miss her foster family very much and talks about them often. Sometimes she will go days or weeks without talking about them, and then something will trigger a memory. We are so thankful that she has such happy memories of being with them. She really wants me to text or email them, but she usually lets it go. We just let her talk and ask lots of questions. I always tell her that they love and miss her so much. Sometimes she is pretty funny because she will mention them when she doesn't want to do something like... "Gingi didn't floss my teeth. Gingi didn't pull my hair trying to get out tangles." Recently she was recalling some stories and saying "My mom did this or that" and she was clearly not referring to me. So I listened and went with it and a few minutes later asked her "Who am I" She said "My mommy!" I LOVE it! I really think as hard as it is to hear sometimes when she says "I want to go to Hungary." "I miss my mom and dad" I think it is soooo healthy for her to be able to communicate all of that that I am truly thankful. AND, what a huge blessing it is that she was loved and adored! An answer to prayer! God is good. All the time!<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-73409951090739776442013-05-06T12:58:00.001-07:002013-05-06T12:58:55.294-07:00End of the School YearWe have reached the end of our first homeschooling year with Lizzie. It has been amazing to watch her grow and learn. She is a fun student! She absolutely LOVES to learn everything she can about animals. Our newest reward system involves her picking several animals to watch videos of on Youtube after she completes her work.<br />
She is playing soccer and last week learned to tie during her soccer game! Her shorts have a very long string, so... while she was not playing she learned to tie. She was SO excited! She immediately learned to tie her shoes the same night. <br />
She will have her first dance recital in a few weeks. I am not really sure what she will LOVE to do, but she is really happy doing everything! Her teachers and coaches have been so kind and patient with her as she is learning how to behave, be on a team, be in a dance class - so many brand new things for her still.<br />
We are filled with thanksgiving daily that she is ours! We have been blessed beyond measure! I love the joy that Lizzie brings to others, too - she is a special, special girl!<br />
Recently, a friend commented on how smooth the transition seemed for our family to go from two children to three and how kind and helpful John Reese and Ellie are.<br />
God is good! He has worked in all of us to make this a peaceful time of transition. There are many days and moments where it is not easy and we are all still adjusting, but I am so proud of John Reese for the big brother he is to Ellie and Lizzie and for handling change so gracefully - this is a boy that does not LOVE change! I am so proud of Ellie for being so kind and thoughtful with Lizzie and for helping me so much with her. Sunday morning I went to wake them for church and found Lizzie snuggled close to Ellie in Ellie's bed - this was a first, and it was a precious sight to this Mama!<br />
A few more doctors and tests of different kinds are in Lizzie's future. We continue to see her grow and thrive, but I would ask you to pray that she would GROW!!! and amaze the next set of doctors!<br />
<br />
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!<br />
<br />
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<span id="goog_329499096"></span><span id="goog_329499097"></span><br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-20998917319658579922013-03-10T09:14:00.000-07:002013-03-10T09:14:00.152-07:00Home One YearWe returned home from Hungary with Lizzie on March 1, 2012. It is still unbelievable that we have been home a year. In some ways it seems like yesterday, and in some ways it seems like Lizzie has always been with us.<br />
We are forever changed by this process. I love looking back and seeing how God worked through so many things.<br />
John Reese and Ellie couldn't be better with her. Of course, I feared how their relationship would be affected and if they would really feel like true siblings for a while, and it is really amazing how God just makes that happen. They love her fiercely as she does them!<br />
I am thankful:<br />
Lizzie is growing and maturing<br />
She is progressing in her school work<br />
She loves to learn new things<br />
She trusts us<br />
She makes friends<br />
She constantly communicates her emotions<br />
She has a heart that wants to please<br />
She is a beautiful, precious child and I cannot wait to see how God works in and through her life and her story<br />
<br />
We are still struggling though...<br />
Discipline is hard - I am constantly struggling with how firm to be with her, and I daily fail<br />
We want her to obey and we want to have the same expectations of her behavior as we have for John Reese and Ellie - but she is different<br />
She is so active... she has sooo many words<br />
It is very difficult as a mother to determine if her actions are just plain sin or if there are insecurities because of adoption<br />
I fear hurting our bond by being too harsh - but it takes a pretty intense change in my voice to get her attention<br />
Some days are easier than others<br />
We have started a sticker chart to reward immediate obedience - and she loves that - mostly!<br />
Some days she says "I don't want a sticker!"<br />
<br />
She daily makes us laugh! <br />
Some new words/sayings:<br />
"I am serious!"<br />
"Mom, are you serious?"<br />
"Mom, do you know who loves you?" "Me"<br />
"That is so gross!"<br />
And her favorite to everybody and anybody in the family who will listen and play this game... "Hey, let's talk animals." Then we have to name our favorite big or small animals or ocean animals or African animals - talk about if they are nice or mean - what they eat, etc... And she NEVER gets tired of this game.<br />
I am honored to be her mother. I am thankful for how far we have come in one year. I pray I will look at the positives and be encouraged and not get overwhelmed with how far we still have to go...<br />
I am thankful that this is how God looks at me - that Jesus saves, but that He knows I am still being molded to be more like Him. Thankful that He doesn't give up on me or focus on the negative when I stomp my feet and want my own way! He keeps on loving, full of grace and mercy and compassion - please Lord help me do the same with my sweet children.<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-22843793562782197362013-01-30T09:28:00.004-08:002013-01-30T09:28:55.269-08:00Gotcha Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saturday was Lizzie's Gotcha Day. On that day, one year ago, we had visited with her for 3 days and she was finally released to us to spend our next 30 days bonding before officially adopting her. Though our visitation time was short, it was still difficult to leave her each day. But, I believe it was healthiest for her as she transitioned and am thankful for the way the process is completed in Hungary.</div>
Lizzie enjoyed us from the beginning; we were fun and exciting. She had not spent much time outside of her foster home in those three years. She was kind and affectionate and began calling us Mommy and Daddy and saying "I love you" immediately. This is also how she was coached by the social workers and facilitators. "Here are your new mommy and daddy and brother and sister - say I love you." And she did.<br />
On that Gotcha Day, though a new season began for me and my sweet girl. While I was constantly thankful that she was always kind to John Reese and Ellie and mostly Reese - we went through some quite difficult days.<br />
Our mornings would begin with having to wake her by opening the curtains at 8:30 or 9. She prefers to wake up on her own - we get that now :). I would begin a morning routine of trying to rub her back or give her a good morning hug and she would push me away, turn her face, wipe my kisses off and choose not to look at me. Then she would give good morning hugs and kisses to everybody else. She would avoid talking to me, not answer questions, push away food I gave her and probably more that I, thankfully, don't remember.<br />
The days would progress this way with us having some break throughs throughout the day. When every one else was tired in the afternoons, I would let her ride my back around the apartment pretending I was a dog or I would race her up and down the halls outside of our room. Encouragingly, she did always want me to take her potty and read her books at night. She grew very attached to our night time routine, although when all books were read and prayers and songs were finished, she usually wanted me to sit in a chair beside her while she fell asleep refusing hugs, snuggles, rocking.<br />
And this is pretty much the way things were for 30 days. We had lots of breakthroughs throughout those days -but we were all a little worried.<br />
God provided such peace for all of us, and I was constantly comforted and reminding Reese and John Reese and Ellie that she was resisting me because I was number 3 Mommy and she had to see if I was going to hang around even she was pushing me away.<br />
I still remember the day that we had been home a week, and Ellie and I ran to Target and she asked for me the entire time and was close to tears. I got big hugs and kisses when I got home. We were all so excited. It was such big news for us "Yay, Lizzie missed Mommy today and almost cried!" Not a conversation I expected to have as a Mama, but that's where we were and we celebrated!<br />
Lizzie has come so far in a year. Her language is amazing. Her abilities to try new things impress us daily. She is learning to read. She loves to travel. She makes friends easily. She loves church. She constantly talks with us about coming to get her in Hungary, her foster family and how she misses them and is just really open with her emotions - which I think is so healthy. And now she really does "love" her Mommy and Daddy and brother and sister - and all of her family!<br />
Physically, she has grown 4 inches and gained 6 lbs in a year. She has lost 4 more teeth and her small bowel is really not a significant issue.<br />
God is good and faithful and true! I am reminded of this constantly and again so thankful and privileged to have been called on this journey!<br />
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to Him be the glory."<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-34989468108055998612013-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:002013-01-11T15:20:00.726-08:00Christmas and moreWe are so thankful for an amazing Christmas with our Lizzie. Last year we had gifts out for her including a suitcase and a Bitty Baby, but what a joy to watch her this year. We were all so excited for her. She enjoyed shopping and choosing gifts for her brother and sister - and me and Reese, too and even used her own money to buy one gift.<br />
We packed in all we could in a month including the Botanical Garden lights, baking and decorating cookies, lots of Christmas books, traveling to see family and friends, shopping, Church Christmas programs, wrapping gifts and movies.<br />
I wish I would have used a video camera while driving through the lights at the Botanical Gardens - oh my - Lizzie was hilarious "Look, look - pretty, pretty - wow!" All at a very loud and high volume :)<br />
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We have begun our second semester of homeschooling, and Lizzie amazes me each day with all she is able to learn. She is sounding out words, identifying some sight words, great with math and loves to sing and play games. I didn't homeschool John Reese and Ellie for kindergarten - so this is really fun - and also challenging at times - mostly to get her to sit still and pay attention. But - oh - how rewarding to be the one with her when things "click." It is a precious blessing that I am able to do this and I am truly thankful.<br />
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There are a few new people checking in on this blog as more and more people are becoming interested in Hungarian adoption - some due to the recent (and sad) ban on Russian adoptions.<br />
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I am so thankful that God led us to Hungary because that is where our daughter was. We loved our time in Budapest and miss it every day. At this time last year we were packing our suitcases to leave - what an exciting time for our family. I am glad we went to Hungary, but I am mostly glad that we obeyed.<br />
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I cannot imagine our life without Lizzie.<br />
It is not the same, and it is not easy -but God is good and our days are filled with much laughter and joy and peace!<br />
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Every day is not easy and there are things I never have had to deal with and don't always know how including:<br />
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"I already had a mom. I miss Gingi. I want to go back." Now, that may sound alarming, and it is not anything you can prepare yourself to hear as a mom, but the truth is I am thankful she has happy memories and misses her foster family. And, when she says she wants to go back, she doesn't mean without us, she is just homesick for the home she had for three years. We talk and pray and she moves on.<br />
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It is not always easy for me to deal with her "delays." Though it is so clear she is very bright and capable and her delays are caused from lack of exposure - I still am weak at times and compare her to other seven year olds or remember what John Reese and Ellie were able to do at these ages and I kind of panic wanting to "catch her up." But that is not her story or her journey, and I know that God will use this time in her life to teach us both many lessons.<br />
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I am older! She is very energetic and talkative, and, at times, I am worn out!<br />
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She is so tiny, and, at times, I have fear about wanting her to be a "normal size." But God constantly reminds me that he took care of her for six years - He's got this!<br />
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And that's the biggest lesson I have learned over this year - I am here to be used by God - not to fit Him into MY plans! I pray I learn to live like this more each day.<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-52931617196580238572012-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:002012-11-30T15:10:46.120-08:00Prayer Prayer Journal Entry Nov. 2011<br />
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Please, please Lord let her love her brother and sister equally. Please let her immediately accept them and adore them as they already do her. Please let her not be MEAN to them as she adjusts.<br />
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Prayer Journal Entry Nov. 2012<br />
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Thank you Lord that it seems like they have always been siblings. Thank you so much for these sweet bonds that exist between all three of our children. It is amazing to watch. Thank you Lord that Lizzie loves them equally and enjoys different activities and special times with John Reese and Ellie.<br />
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Wow!<br />
God is so good! I do not always prayer journal. As a matter of fact, from the time we got Lizzie home until recently my prayer life has been more of survival/thanks/and please remember so and so. And every time I think of someone I need to pray for, I just do it right then because I know the thought might not come back to me for a while. I want to go back deeper with God, and this season of bringing Lizzie home has filled me with peace and contentment and a truly thankful heart. But I just haven't had a lot of words, and those I have had have not made it on paper.<br />
So... I am journaling this to remind myself of His goodness and faithfulness, not mine!<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-47900390438402043762012-09-29T14:42:00.002-07:002012-09-29T14:42:39.270-07:00Reflecting on God's Amazing GraceAs I sit here and watch Reese work in the yard and see the changing colors of the leaves and pumpkins on the front porch, I remember so vividly the way I felt at this time last year. I was beyond ready for our Lizzie, and we were not receiving any news that led us to believe that we would have a referral soon.<br />
I so badly wanted to take in the moments with our family of 4 and not wish any moments away, but I was just desperate to get to our girl!<br />
<b>Two years ago</b> this month, I had a conversation with a friend about their family adopting a little girl from China with special needs. (Also thinking in my mind, "Wow that they could do special needs - no way could I and especially not Reese - and our Lizzie does have some medical needs that cause her to be labeled "Special Needs") - God is amazing and so much bigger than we can imagine.<br />
She shared that God placed this on her heart before he did her husband's and she just began to pray for him and within months they were pursuing adoption.<br />
I was standing in my church parking lot and was totally overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions.<br />
From the moment we were told Ellie would be Ellie - Reese just knew our family was complete. There were days that I was totally overwhelmed with having two children two years apart, but there were soooo many days that I felt like we were not finished and that somehow we would have another child.<br />
I would walk by our guest room (that room is now Ellie's and the "guest room" became Lizzie's) and pray that if God didn't want it to be empty that somehow He would show me His plan and why I had these desires for a third child, when Reese was so sure.<br />
I prayed for a submissive heart and spirit and God was faithful.<br />
It never dawned on me to pray for Reese's heart to be opened to adoption. He said "no" and I certainly didn't want to manipulate him. He was (and is) such an active Daddy that I didn't want him to feel stretched.<br />
But that afternoon in the parking lot - it was like God whispered - "It's time to pray." Within weeks of that day, I knew we would adopt a daughter. I prayed beside my bed one Saturday morning (after finishing Mary Beth Chapman's book - Choosing Joy) and as I was praying God gave me a vision of our Lizzie. It was the back of her and she had dark curly hair and was in pajamas and I thought she looked about 3 or 4. On that day - she was 4.<br />
This vision was crucial to us following His plan because in all the years that I had discussed adoption with friends or with Reese - I would say "If we adopt (Reese shaking his head - no, no, no) then I would want to get the tiniest baby - I want to go somewhere to get a baby." I LOVE babies! I love everything about a newborn - the smells, the wrinkles, the toes, the yawns!!! LOVE IT!!!<br />
But, God showed me a little girl that I would mother - and I knew it was from Him.<br />
I was concerned that I was a bit emotional after reading Mary Beth's story - but I just knew it was HIM.<br />
So... when I went to Reese with all of this that was going on in my heart and mind - I said, "And the biggest reason that I know this is God, not me - is that she is not a baby - I think she will be older."<br />
Last November 23, we received the referral pictures of our Lizzie, then 5 almost 6 - and for about a month, everyone around me rejoiced. Ellie's first words were "Oh Mom, 6 is better, then it's like we can be friends!" Precious girl. But I must admit that while I KNEW she was ours, I was completely OVERCOME with FEAR! Fear about her past and how much of it was spent NOT in our family, fear that she would be old enough to NOT like us, fear about all she could have been exposed to, fear she would not like homeschooling (she was in kindergarten) and really alot of FEAR that I couldn't love her like I needed to because I wouldn't have those years to "baby" her and carry her around and hold her.<br />
Well this precious, independent daughter of ours has spent many hours in my arms and on my hip, she loves to play "baby" and even asks me to feed her sometimes. She is thankful for everything we give her, she is happy and considerate AND she is active enough to keep up with the big kids without a nap, and can take long hikes and bike rides and stay up late for movie night!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_jZb1n41o0OtOFtDNpHY0OYrhx1HO7rOK4s1UH4Agim4hO02180Vjo32UCNX-Mfd43yEiza1S1f_-LHJ-rX78d54ik6sFcUo3LEztp-6VeXKWzKMOcv-jjsVqFUedyG1NO5YTFV9JJo/s1600/100_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I have fallen completely, head over heels in love with my new daughter. The sweet smell of her breath and she falls asleep with a strand of her hair and her thumb in her mouth, her sweaty toes, her pretty little neck, her messy hair in the morning, her contagious joy.</span></a></div>
She has won my heart and I am so thankful! And, I know that I am able to love her like this because and through the love of Christ.<br />
And.... wow, that He loves me like this - and so much more! That He adopted me into his family as a 12 year old with some pretty special needs - I can't imagine my bio information if He were to have been emailed.... She is moody, picky, can be rude, very selfish, from a dysfunctional home, allergies, acne, needs braces... :)<br />
I am so thankful for the beautiful gift of adoption ... of His grace.<br />
"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves. It is a gift of God." Ephesians 2:8<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-69390752423342776932012-08-28T11:03:00.005-07:002012-08-28T11:03:53.677-07:00Homeschooling Three - the Truth!We have started school and I am thankful to be back into routine. Lizzie is able to sit for a couple of hours at a time - sometimes we don't sit that long, but glad she can do it.<br />
She is learning the Days of Creation, her numbers, letters and so much more! She is taking it all in very well, and we are so pleased with her progress.<br />
She will gasp each day as she recognizes a letter she knows or sees something on a walk that we have learned about. She is so full of excitement! What a joy she is to us. She says "God made the sun, the moon and the stars and then adds whatever she is seeing... snails, snakes, rocks, worms!" She is getting the important stuff!<br />
Our life is full and busy and not always so easy. Homeschooling three is a challenge, especially keeping her quiet while the big kids work, but we are making progress in that area, too.<br />
Lizzie started dance and Children's Choir last week and moved up in her Sunday School class. I am so thankful that she can do all of this at our church and we don't have to move her around alot.<br />
She will also start preschool on Thursdays next week. <br />
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I mostly keep this blog as a scrapbook to her to record her first year home, so I am careful to be honest, but also not to share the "yuck!" I have recently felt conviction about FB and blogs only showing the cute, sweet memories with our precious children when there is so much that happens in a day with kids that is not cute or sweet.<br />
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Please know that our days are filled with that, too. There are days when I think - "There are places for these kids to go - why on earth do we have them all at home?" There are days when I want to go to Starbucks and Target all by myself and come home to a clean house without toys and school books everywhere. The kids argue and complain - somedays over too much work, somedays because they do not like their hair (not John Reese), somedays over bedtime. Some days we are just grumpy or rude or selfish - all of us - at different times - which makes for a long day!</div>
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But... I am truly blessed with these I have been given and pray that God will use me and guide me and fill in for all the things I miss or mess up!<br />
And... there are sweet, sweet moments each day that I have the privilege of watching because we are all here!<br />
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Morning exercises!<br />
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First day of dance<br />
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First day of school<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-18528792097357720042012-06-25T13:45:00.003-07:002012-06-25T13:46:02.149-07:00PraisesI finally spoke with the GI doctor last week. After undergoing more bloodwork and a series of tests to determine some malabsorption issues, we are starting a B12 nose spray once a week as her levels were somewhat low - not alarmingly - he said :).<br />
And, though she is not completely absorbing certain sugars, as long as we are all ok with the digestive issues, it is not causing her any harm! Again, he was just amazed at how great everything looked.<br />
The biggest thing is that there are fewer worries if she is growing and gaining weight. She definitely looks bigger and healthier - but there's not a big difference in her height and weight ... yet! So, we will pray for her to grow and to be a healthy little girl!<br />
She amazes us everyday with her language and also with her absolute wonder.<br />
Yesterday on the way into church she said, "Mommy, pretty." I said "Thank you!" She said "No...outside" I said, "Yes it is a beautiful day. She said, "Yes, beautiful day!" Though I thought the compliment was for me - so much better that it was for Him!!<br />
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First picture is the day we met her...<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-57071257966671873062012-06-12T20:16:00.000-07:002012-06-12T20:16:01.280-07:00The PrincessJust wanted to post a few pictures of our little princess! Lizzie is doing great. Her English surprises us every day. She did VBS last week and LOVED every minute of it. She learned the songs and the motions and requests the CD EVERY time we get in the car! She ran the 1 mile run at Cotton Row. And was so proud of her blue ribbon.<br />
She loved the balloons here Memorial Day weekend and cried all the way home the first morning because she wanted "more bloons!" It was just a big meltdown - which is never fun for mom and dad, but so different this time around - because she rarely does that - and she needs to be normal. It really shows she is secure with us - which is a great thing.<br />
We love this precious child more each day and are so privileged to be her parents. We will dedicate her this Sunday morning - what an honor!<br />
We stay so busy just enjoying being a family of five that I rarely have time to stop and be amazed at all God has done - but there are moments each week where He just stops me - so I can SEE that he is really A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!<br />
"Mommy, I love you big, big, big!"<br />
"This is MY sister and My brother!"<br />
"Daddy, you are so cute!" :)<br />
"If God is for us who can be against us ...whatever happens I know I can trust He is in control"<br />
"Mommy, I like this song."<br />
"Jesus is ALIVE" - yes He is!<br />
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<br />The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-36165543946012651192012-05-05T11:50:00.000-07:002012-05-05T11:53:08.619-07:00Medical Update and MoreWe finally had the Upper GI and Ultrasound at Children's on Wednesday and also had an appointment with the Pediatric GI doctor. We are praising God as that day is over and the results are really amazing.<br />
Everything looked great on both tests. She does have some gallstones that we knew about. These are from her early IV feedings and are not causing any pain or problems so they will be left alone for now.<br />
<br />
<br />
She does have some reflux, BUT... Dr. Mestre's words were "I know she has the diagnosis of Small Bowel, but I don't see that a significant part of her intestine is missing." This is the unanswered question we have had since we received the referral. Lizzie was born at 26 weeks and weighed 1 1/2 pounds and basically due to complications with the premature birth, part of her intestine died and had to be removed. We were not able to find out how much when we received the referral and were hoping that since she had not had any recent hospitalizations and was growing and seemingly healthy, that it would be ok. <br />
We are so relieved and in awe of her medical care in Hungary and God's amazing provisions for our sweet girl!<br />
Because she does still have some tummy issues we will spend three more mornings at Children's doing some tests to see if it is lactose, sucrose or fructose that she may have a hard time digesting. And... she will have to have a little more blood work.<br />
Lizzie is learning to trust us more and more and while I cannot stand to put her through these appointments and tests, she is recovering well as her bond with us is growing.<br />
It is just very different than with children you have been with since birth. We are working so diligently to build a bond with her and show her that we will love her and protect her always, yet she has so much fear that we are having to hold her down for these tests while she screams hysterically.<br />
The funny thing is that as soon as it is over, it is over and she will even laugh about it and mock cry when she retells it.<br />
She is doing so much better with me. She is letting me be "Mommy" and it is so precious. I love being able to hold her and scratch her back as she falls asleep or wipe her tears and kiss her when she is sad.<br />
We are still continually thankful and amazed at God's plan in bringing her to our family.<br />
She is a perfect fit!<br />
This week she:<br />
*Constantly said she is sad (with a smirk) because Poppy's car is broken! It is broken and duck-taped, if you haven't seen it!<br />
*Prayed out loud in the car while looking at the night sky "Thank you God for the sun, the moon and the stars"<br />
*Sang "Our God is Greater" at the top of her lungs - in the car, in the potty, in the bath...everywhere!<br />
*Made John Reese and Ellie kiss and say "sorry ..now" when they fussed during school!<br />
*Told Jake to "look in my eyes, Jake" when she was getting on to him for jumping out of her lap<br />
*Ran a mile on the trails while we rode our bikes beside her<br />
*Pretty much mastered writing her name and has written it on her drawings without me telling her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpPqFIF5nzV3mQn0yr5hmj75WV2w9yK3q1jT7oMno_Ke6yrn1Jglu8T1yZoVEl5LtHD9DUXRB0vO9abR0LuTjEXCMrbgORz881df_M5suEQqIjmcgezSHvmMWw_F5sgCJXeDl82wjZXk/s1600/100_6957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpPqFIF5nzV3mQn0yr5hmj75WV2w9yK3q1jT7oMno_Ke6yrn1Jglu8T1yZoVEl5LtHD9DUXRB0vO9abR0LuTjEXCMrbgORz881df_M5suEQqIjmcgezSHvmMWw_F5sgCJXeDl82wjZXk/s320/100_6957.JPG" width="320" /></a>*Used "Lizzie" more than "Sugi"<br />
*And... answered when I asked her if she wanted to be called Sugi or Lizzie "No... princess!"<br />
And she is our little princess and His - a child of the King!<br />
<br />
Love to you all and thank you for caring and praying and rejoicing with us!<br />
Lisa<br />
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Easter Sunday was precious. Every time she sees a cross she says "cross - Jesus loves you!" That is what she said on the video while holding the cross from resurrection eggs. I have no idea why the video didn't work!<br />
She loved having her picture made on Easter morning.<br />
She loves her new pink scooter!<br />
Today she learned how to paint!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKD4NG9aWV_taObAZHUgFtrhqYb4niz-Bacetq5cn1vN2avQzbKtX1ECOO9_xZuwFzi_Po8A4Bz39-i7SNibt24t5BkBTUwokTbfzOfDP5Ab0WqRvSqYyBgSgO5Jey0D7o-lYx5kBCVo/s1600/100_6785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKD4NG9aWV_taObAZHUgFtrhqYb4niz-Bacetq5cn1vN2avQzbKtX1ECOO9_xZuwFzi_Po8A4Bz39-i7SNibt24t5BkBTUwokTbfzOfDP5Ab0WqRvSqYyBgSgO5Jey0D7o-lYx5kBCVo/s320/100_6785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>She really loves life! And we love having her in ours!The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-74118030590596020632012-04-05T04:47:00.001-07:002012-04-05T04:47:34.291-07:00Lizzie video - attempt #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM8H_xBN-vgfwa6y4dFFjKqYijOC81cwX_FxIAtNpoSDLcnOo3zVAwu4zS09mJCEuM8ZUENhbiCJWkjfR4OSdQjY7NE4T_rhH72FE27dquV_W9bv7JQEeXRm7BJOCAx5B9wMcepKD1eM/s1600/VID00032.MP4"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv23.nonxt5.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D6762eb99759d5551%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1333647993%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D85EAE2ADEB036E9A5714A890BACD44D6D2A6AEC4.B42E4280F7303249BC9D4E93E481BC8EAAD8AE0C%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv23.nonxt5.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D6762eb99759d5551%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1333647993%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D85EAE2ADEB036E9A5714A890BACD44D6D2A6AEC4.B42E4280F7303249BC9D4E93E481BC8EAAD8AE0C%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-13094052810273997782012-04-04T19:55:00.000-07:002012-04-04T19:55:21.123-07:00Happy Easter - He is RisenThis week has been full of Easter. We have made bird's nests, a bunny cake, decorated eggs and are waiting for butterflies to hatch from their chrysalis. We have studied about Peter and read about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We have talked about the cross and the blood and the sacrifice<br />
I hope they are getting it -I hope I am getting it! I want to get it! I want to do the fun activities because I want them to remember this as a precious time in our life as a family. If there is no Easter - there is no point in all of this.<br />
He conquered death - He rose again - He is our Savior and Mighty King.<br />
Wonderful, Merciful Savior<br />
Precious redeemer and friend<br />
Who would have thought that a lamb could rescue the souls of men<br />
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For those of you confused - we had to remove our blog while we were in Hungary due to some privacy issues.<br />
We returned home on March 1 with our Lizzie and have been enjoying getting to know her and adjusting to our family of five over this last month.<br />
We spent 6 weeks in Hungary, and though it was really cold and we all got homesick - we miss our special time there as a family with no commitments or interruptions! It was a precious time of bonding, though it wasn't easy.<br />
Lizzie was so precious with John Reese and Ellie and warmed up to Reese, but after an initial sweet response to me, she became pretty angry with me and was very resistant to my affection. We prayed and cried and I kept on loving her and loving on her just like I do and did with John Reese and Ellie, and as soon as we got home, it was over! Hallelujah!<br />
The ice had melted, the anger was gone, and she is letting me be her Mommy!<br />
God is good, and I am thankful for the process we have gone through together.<br />
<br />
Lizzie had her appointments at the International Adoption Clinic and also the Pediatric Gastroenterologist yesterday. It was a long, hard day for her and us. She had to have 8 viles of blood drawn to determine what immunizations she has had. She has tiny veins and a HUGE fear of needles and doctors, so put that together and it equals a horrible 20 minutes! But she was a happy girl when we left. Our second appointment was just a consultation, but we did learn that upcoming testing will not require putting her to sleep! I am so thankful.<br />
The doctors were both amazed that she is so healthy after such a hard start.<br />
One doctor commented that she would not be alive in many Eastern European countries as they just don't have the money for the expensive medicines and treatments to keep a premie alive! Lizzie was born miles from Romania and lived just 10 miles from Ukraine! But God kept her in those borders of Hungary, and He kept her alive.<br />
What a reminder that she is a miracle! <br />
<br />
We have been working on new words and she is a quick learner. I have been telling her for a couple of days that John Reese is her "brother" and Ellie is her "sister." Last night she said, "Good night brother John Reese, Good night sister Ellie, Good night brother Jake (dog)! She keeps us laughing!<br />
And, I have to note that yesterday morning while I was in the shower, she came in the bathroom and said, "Hey, Mommy, I love you." Wow - that was the first time she has said that without us saying it first or at bedtime! Melted my heart.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO39p__wcxVeLKqucBE6f2f_x1ohDlEYgu90EiNYRpETivVPIafpISGunPfXu1vOK4Ur5VF5eimIUIo45sFvVO2bRaSwlSOcerKD3K6si6EMP92lXmfWl2NBJ-XOioR9fJSApIwoxYNM/s1600/100_6578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO39p__wcxVeLKqucBE6f2f_x1ohDlEYgu90EiNYRpETivVPIafpISGunPfXu1vOK4Ur5VF5eimIUIo45sFvVO2bRaSwlSOcerKD3K6si6EMP92lXmfWl2NBJ-XOioR9fJSApIwoxYNM/s320/100_6578.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Hebrews 10:36 "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu1ArHBJI-O-8If_LFWOapsda1gOlY6oJ_8pOkqP13t_cdyeUMkITq86ynM6XZiEj1pkeN7u4m_3tg2yq2bsDGG_IpqLe-shtLCb2oGL_AGngo40Lq2t5ZagyNNCnL7WYlA-Hj5RYTOg/s1600/100_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu1ArHBJI-O-8If_LFWOapsda1gOlY6oJ_8pOkqP13t_cdyeUMkITq86ynM6XZiEj1pkeN7u4m_3tg2yq2bsDGG_IpqLe-shtLCb2oGL_AGngo40Lq2t5ZagyNNCnL7WYlA-Hj5RYTOg/s320/100_6588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNjtCWADYupIDkVayP6YNKzg560HL7-TU6neFpa3l6uQj7zaEOyCOtlmlnJQbxE7VyLCC1dCi5iHuCCSRSm8o_ttLXPbSzVvXdZb1LEWpnG5XDoSGFvQyqnq821sdCBfX_3BhICFE_LM/s1600/100_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNjtCWADYupIDkVayP6YNKzg560HL7-TU6neFpa3l6uQj7zaEOyCOtlmlnJQbxE7VyLCC1dCi5iHuCCSRSm8o_ttLXPbSzVvXdZb1LEWpnG5XDoSGFvQyqnq821sdCBfX_3BhICFE_LM/s320/100_6602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-47484418643972509062012-01-23T08:47:00.000-08:002012-01-23T08:47:15.586-08:00Meeting DayGod is so good! Today was a day I had dreamed about for over a year and thought about daily even from 1-2 a.m. today!!! George came to the hotel to get us this morning at about 9:30 and said that the social workers were not ready so we had some time to run to the Tesco -like Costco - and look around and see if we needed anything. That was an educational experience in a good way - but I was dying to get out of there and get on our way to meet Lizzie - Sugi (Shugi). We were in a 9 passenger van and it was full. We had a driver, translator, George, the 4 of us and 2 social workers.<br />
It was about a 40 minute drive to her house and John Reese could read the GPS and tell me when we were close! My legs were shaking getting out of the van and Ellie said "We are here Mom, really here!" We all nine went to the door of this small home and went in. That part is quite a blur as there was a foster mother, foster father, their daughter (about 20 yrs old) Sugi and 2 MORE social workers!!! They all began to speak at once it seems telling Sugi to take us to her room. She did. She is very tiny and was obviously watching for us. She looked a little shy at first but wanted to smile and as soon as we got into her room - just us and the translator - she asked for the photo album we had made for her. She turned to the page with Jake on it and asked why we didn't bring him? We had the translator explain that he couldn't fly on an airplane and she thought that was very funny!<br />
She then asked why she wasn't on the front of the album since she was in our family! It was very sweet.<br />
She was immediately warm and comfortable with us. We played with stickers and colored in a Hello Kitty coloring book from Ms. Kris! (Ellie knew you would love that, Ms. Kris)<br />
We brought her a stuffed dog which she LOVED!!!! She played with it and loved on it throughout the visit.<br />
We were there for about 2 1/2 hours and just played and visited. She said "Ellie" and "John Reese" once when the translator asked her to and once when I asked her to. The translator told me that she asked me "Mommy, do you want me to make a picture for you?" She made pictures with stickers or colors for all of us and passed them out. She smiled the whole time! We all did! It was truly perfect. John Reese said that his face hurt from smiling so much.<br />
The kids were great with her and she LOVED them. She gave lots of hugs and kisses and did not want for us to go!<br />
Please pray for all paperwork to be completed and for her to be with us very soon - this is looking really good!!!<br />
We will bring her back here with us tomorrow and if the weather permits visit a zoo! She LOVES animals from all we can tell - so we can't wait for that! The weather today was sunny and 40. God is so good and in all of the details.<br />
Please pray for the foster family as they are really grieving.<br />
The social workers all seemed very pleased with the visit. The one with us - Elizabeth :) - said that it went beautifully and she could tell we had experience with children and that also John Reese and Ellie did very well!<br />
We are so thankful for all of you and your love, support, encouragement and prayers.<br />
We serve a Mighty God.<br />
This is how we began our day:<br />
Mighty is our God<br />
Mighty is our King<br />
Mighty is our Lord<br />
Ruler of everything.<br />
Glory to our God<br />
Glory to our King<br />
Glory to our Lord<br />
Ruler of everything!!!The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-54303799438935030942012-01-22T04:28:00.000-08:002012-01-22T04:28:00.936-08:00Arrival We arrived in Budapest on time and had a great night's rest. We met George this morning and he and a driver drove us to Niyerghaza - pronounced Nearcasa. It's hard for all of us to believe that this is real!!! We feel very safe and comfortable with George. It is obvious that he has a heart for adoption and is excited about us meeting Lizzie tomorrow. We love our little hotel for the week. It is charming and comfortable. <div>He said that we would learn more tomorrow morning about Lizzie's six years and then would meet her tomorrow afternoon. He encouraged us to keep her busy and not worry if she is a little sad. He said again that her foster mother "likes her very much." He is obviously a little concerned about this, but we are so thankful that she is loved. We are all excited and feel a peace about being here in Hungary. The people we have met are very kind. The country is beautiful. The weather is great. We need to keep praying about the weather for this next week as we travel back and forth to visit Lizzie as George said that they do not clear the roads.</div><div>The time difference is 7 hours, so hopefully about 5 a.m. (your time) Monday, we will meet our new daughter and sister. We love all of you and appreciate the prayers! </div><div>Have a blessed Sunday!</div><div><br />
</div>The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-30703287477825955322012-01-12T12:53:00.000-08:002012-01-12T12:53:49.626-08:00Going to get our Lizzie!The day has finally arrived. Airline tickets are purchased, hotel reservations are made, Lizzie's foster family knows we are coming, George is working on our court date to get temporary custody, and in 11 days I will see her sweet face!<br />
I am overwhelmed with the emotions of this long awaited day. I am amazed at God's goodness and assured of His timing - which is always perfect!<br />
We will leave next Friday, January 19 and will meet Lizzie on Monday, January 23. We are so thankful, so humbled that God chose this path for us.<br />
I have watched God change the hearts of those I love dearly to not only accept this plan, but be excited about it. I have watched Him move mountains to get us to our precious daughter.<br />
Lizzie will soon be an orphan no more! Will will soon get to begin sharing with her the love of our Savior, our Lord, who adopted us into His family because of His great love and mercy!<br />
<br />
To God be the glory great things He has done! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice, praise the Lord, praise the Lord let the people rejoice! Oh come to the Father through Jesus the Son and give Him the glory great things He has done!<br />
Love you all!<br />
Your prayers throughout this journey are precious gifts to us!!<br />
LisaThe Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-72812353513551743362012-01-09T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-09T16:55:05.723-08:00We Got It!!!!We received our Provisional Approval from USCIS today! This means that now all we have to do is wait for George to say "come on."<br />
George is traveling to Hungary as I write this and Jana is e-mailing him to let him know that we received this so that he can make our travel plans.<br />
God is good and amazing! So thankful to be on this journey!<br />
The kids started packing their bags and Lizzie's bag last night. With a little encouragement from some precious friends - they decided to get ready and that God would honor that and say "go."<br />
I love it and am so blessed to be a part of seeing Him work in such mighty ways.<br />
Reese has set our official travel date - and the kids are believing that he can make it happen. We know that God can make it happen!<br />
I will post as soon as I know!<br />
Thanks again for the prayers, excitement, love and encouragement!<br />
LisaThe Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-21729451416959967072012-01-06T11:24:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:24:12.581-08:00Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEosW_a2F6M1UZs2LdBGTBeBfVifnXJpIgKz3HlMWeNy-xtaD0r2Gnn1hCr2WDEfLY6rz_cBM6s0L_MAbSSfElpaUX6gPbkZsy7218FbS893gevccrjwnaBAt1GncQ97ViEPlHG_65oeQ/s1600/101_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEosW_a2F6M1UZs2LdBGTBeBfVifnXJpIgKz3HlMWeNy-xtaD0r2Gnn1hCr2WDEfLY6rz_cBM6s0L_MAbSSfElpaUX6gPbkZsy7218FbS893gevccrjwnaBAt1GncQ97ViEPlHG_65oeQ/s320/101_5565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1MrdzF-Ec7NjJeTyFa5RvY-ePFr7BHD1fPvi_8RefDWNinLn0rsxDQHy8lF3S36l-5jZvmb5hWrBt-m1_zh6_zVZTCRisrmMg3j8VT_9mV6kQtbkgbvaSGVqSWvQbTErkOqHO-X6ezg/s1600/101_5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1MrdzF-Ec7NjJeTyFa5RvY-ePFr7BHD1fPvi_8RefDWNinLn0rsxDQHy8lF3S36l-5jZvmb5hWrBt-m1_zh6_zVZTCRisrmMg3j8VT_9mV6kQtbkgbvaSGVqSWvQbTErkOqHO-X6ezg/s320/101_5551.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4CrWDI3HKADBs_HxNVWTREae1PsepQFCGZb2x7ccvaeOYAk71QrIhFJxq3mEIZqaBQ5qarGM9Et4RiP5pdFgYqlWRmdOapADHleeHVeSMXQ5bT7Yiia2qgbUOZ67uOh1G5jLSP420FY/s1600/101_5555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4CrWDI3HKADBs_HxNVWTREae1PsepQFCGZb2x7ccvaeOYAk71QrIhFJxq3mEIZqaBQ5qarGM9Et4RiP5pdFgYqlWRmdOapADHleeHVeSMXQ5bT7Yiia2qgbUOZ67uOh1G5jLSP420FY/s320/101_5555.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We had a precious Christmas as we celebrated the birth of our Savior. I feared that I would be sad to not have Lizzie home with us yet, but God gave us all a peace, and though we wish she were here, we focused on Him and each day He has given us. We went ahead and did "Santa" for Lizzie as she will not have another birthday or Christmas until next December and it just felt right! The kids were excited to see her things, too!<br />
I hope to be posting VERY soon that we have our travel plans. We are still awaiting our provisional approval from the USCIS - praying for a joyous trip to the mailbox today :).<br />
Believing God that we will travel this month! Thank you again for your excitement for us and also your prayers!<br />
LisaThe Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-34665133250251798782011-12-12T20:01:00.000-08:002011-12-12T20:01:09.169-08:00UpdateJust a little update to say that we are falling more and more in love with our Lizzie's picture each day and it is heartwrenching not to be with her! We are so thankful for God's faithfulness along this journey and we know that He will continue to provide - step by step.<br />
Wanted to let you know that we cannot post pictures of her. As far as I know we cannot do that until we are home from Hungary.<br />
When we go we will be gone for 6 weeks and all 4 of us are going. We hope to travel in January.<br />
On Friday, we officially accepted the referral! We are now waiting for some final documents to be translated and then for our I - 800 to be sent to Texas for approval from the US Govt. We have been told this process takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks. We are praying for the 2 week plan! :). Then our facilitator in Hungary will make our final travel plans Still praying that we could have travel plans by Christmas. It would be a miracle - but God is in the miracle business! Another matter for prayer - the weather. Our facilitator - George - does not want us to come and be stranded anywhere as the first week we are there we will be staying about an hour from where Lizzie lives and will commute each day to spend time with her. Again - if God can connect a family from Decatur, AL to a little girl in Hungary - He can handle the weather issue - He made the weather! <br />
I have so many thoughts ... this is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life - yet I wouldn't trade this year for anything, and I cannot imagine the blessings in store for us as we become a family of five.<br />
For any of you considering adoption - pray HARD! God will lead and make it so clear - but clear doesn't mean easy.<br />
I am so excited to be at this point - how many times I prayed - if we could just get that referral - then I would have peace. And I do... mostly. However, fear continues to creep in and sometimes even panic - about all of the unknowns. Some days I walk through my house just saying "Peace, peace, I need Your peace!" I am praying for a peace that passes all understanding for little Lizzie as her world is about to be turned upside down. I pray for peace to fill me and for God to take away my fears and help me to live each day trusting Him - trusting Him when I wonder if she will be mean to John Reese and Ellie, if she will like us, if she will be angry, if she will let me comfort her, if she will like homeschooling...But then I remember that I serve the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords... and I am filled with His peace, but, to be really honest, then it starts over - peace, fear, panic, PRAY ... peace...<br />
I am blessed beyond measure and give thanks in all things - even the fear and panic.<br />
Thank you for your prayers along this journey!<br />
In His grace,<br />
LisaThe Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-72401177904243222502011-11-29T18:07:00.000-08:002011-11-29T18:07:46.894-08:00God's promise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL3fnydnzwNyt6P09ZKhQ9VHJA4xW-g2BBiQ9LrsFm7Jw-Ueh4vLl5dol8_-Inm-RK4CjaeW6muMc2LNOQVw2_ERusTPxhvLNg7OvdCwfMfaWP7p4mq_RA4WRWyfM1-FvVxe6cir_z_M/s1600/101_5435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL3fnydnzwNyt6P09ZKhQ9VHJA4xW-g2BBiQ9LrsFm7Jw-Ueh4vLl5dol8_-Inm-RK4CjaeW6muMc2LNOQVw2_ERusTPxhvLNg7OvdCwfMfaWP7p4mq_RA4WRWyfM1-FvVxe6cir_z_M/s320/101_5435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is what I saw out of my front door within hours of receiving Lizzie's picture!The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-60116219208178725692011-11-29T17:57:00.000-08:002011-11-29T17:57:25.897-08:00God is good! Lizzie is coming home!We have received a referral for our precious daughter. We are thankful and excited and humbled by God's goodness and grace. She is 5 years old and will turn 6 on Friday, December 2. She has dark blonde curls and brown eyes and is so precious. We are falling more and more in love with her as we stare at her picture!<br />
She had a rough start in life, weighing only a pound and a half. She is definitely a miracle!<br />
We hope to go get her the end of January!<br />
God has clearly directed this journey in our lives and there is nothing I would change. (Ok - maybe the fingerprint issue - but there were lessons to learn there as well!)<br />
It hasn't been easy and takes so much faith. I have been stretched beyond where I thought I could stretch, and I know the journey is only just beginning. Walking by faith is scary. This really has been like walking through a dark forest with only a flash light in front of me- step by step and trusting God.<br />
God's word has become such a comfort to me and I truly crave it now and have a hunger to know Him more each day.<br />
I am so thankful for my husband whose faith is so BIG! Where I doubt, he is confident. Where I fear, he is fearless. <br />
I love that God - and only God- can help us love more deeply as He molds and shapes us. Walking through this process of faith and prayer as a family has already been an amazing blessing! I can't imagine all God has in store for us when we become a family of 5!<br />
Ephesians 3:20-21<br />
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory.... forever and ever! Amen.The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-61621340289808919442011-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:002011-11-10T12:15:14.834-08:00Blessed"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. for the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who WAIT for him!" Isaiah 30:18<br />
We are blessed to wait, to learn patience and trust and faithfulness at a level I never imagined. We began this process exactly one year ago. I would have promised that I just couldn't wait a year - and I couldn't have in my own strength.<br />
Please continue to pray for paperwork to be processed in Hungary for children to be available for adoption, please pray that Lizzie is in this group! Please pray that George will be burdened by getting our daughter to her family. I pray that he will not be able to get her off his mind and will do all in his power to make this happen soon!<br />
One day - I am going to post really big news on this blog! And I will be screaming so loudly my neighbors will hear :).<br />
Thanks for waiting and praying with us!<br />
LisaThe Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688257850004306020.post-17326581288636603862011-10-23T10:49:00.000-07:002011-10-23T10:49:26.604-07:00Please PrayGeorge is leaving Hungary again to return to Canada. He continues to watch as children have their paperwork processed to be able to be adopted. We continue to pray that Lizzie is in this group and that her paperwork would be processed quickly and that we will know something soon.<br />
Thank you all for checking in with us - asking if we have news - and mostly for PRAYING! Prayer works, and won't it be so precious to tell our Lizzie that so many people prayed her here. We are so thankful that God has led us on this journey.<br />
God is good. His timing is perfect. He keeps his promises.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"I trust in God’s unfailing love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> for ever and ever.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14720" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For what you have done I will always praise you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> in the presence of your faithful people.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And I will hope in your name,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> for your name is good." Psalm 52:8-9</span>The Hamnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099297820275285725noreply@blogger.com0