Last Day for Liza's Raffle!!

If you've been thinking about it, or planning on entering later, today is the LAST DAY. So, PLEASE enter and help us bring Liza home!

• Only $10 per entry! $20=2, $30=3, etc.......


• A chance to win a very nice sterling silver and jade necklace


• Passing the word gets you a free entry, after you enter at least once


• You get the chance to know you've helped make a difference in a little girl's life!

*Apparently I set the time wrong on my chipin widget :( So, if you still want to enter please do so by either clicking Liza's button and donating to our Family Sponsorship Page or using our Paypal button on the sidebar. I can't say in words how much we appreciate everyone who is standing with us in this! Thank You!!

Lorenz FSP

Amanda made this awesome button for us to link to our REECE'S RAINBOW sponsorship page. Donating to our fund through RR is tax deductible and all of that money comes to us at the end of this process to be applied to Facilitator fees, travel expenses, and other in-country expenses.


Grab This Button
<a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorlorenz.htm"><img border="0" src="http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii346/graphicsbyamanda/LizaButton3.jpg" /></a><br/><a href="http://journeytoapromise.blogspot.com/2009/03/lorenz-fsp.html">Grab This Button</a>

Please grab our button and help us bring Liza home. Thanks!

Liza Dream post

One night I dreamed that I was crossing a bridge. I was holding two children in my arms and Rick came beside me took one of them and walked on a little ways ahead of me. As he walked on across the bridge in front of me I could see that the child that he was holding was a girl with blond hair, blue eyes, somewhere between 1 and three years old, and she had Down syndrome. As I looked at her she smiled at me in a way that a little girl would smile at her mommy and I knew in my heart that she was my daughter.

Above is an account of an actual dream that I had a few months ago. It's what started us on the path that eventually led us to Liza. This journey to our child has been a winding one and sometimes not so fun. We started with China in our hearts and even focused on a specific child, and then that door was closed. We looked at Vietnam only to have that door close as well. All the while I was learning more and more about the needs of orphans here in my own backyard as well as around the world and the need for families willing to accept children with special needs.

Somewhere along the way I stumbled across Reece's Rainbow and a seed was planted. I thought maybe someday we could adopt a child with Down syndrome, but we had our own plans and were busy focusing on those. I'd look at the kids and pray for them then I'd wander away for a while when it seemed like that wasn't the avenue we were taking. Somewhere around October or November I started reading some blogs of Reece's Rainbow families again. That's about the time that I really started thinking maybe instead of someday our time was now. That's also about the time that I dreamed of our daughter .

Of course I still had to try to pin my own plans on it but in the end the one child that I couldn't get out of my head, or imagine leaving behind, was the blond haired, blue eyed sweetheart who I can't wait to get in my arms!

Life is Grand

Looking for Liza's Necklace Raffle? Click Here

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Updated: Because I'm a ditz who forgot to tag five people. I knew that was way too easy.

Renee passed this on to me and I'm really loving the chance to share why my "Life is Grand". It really is, but we all need to sit down and count those blessings to remind ourselves sometimes.

The rules are to give 5 reasons why I think life is grand and then tag 5 more people.

1. We are adopting Liza!!!
2. I ran my first 5K yesterday and am SO proud of myself!
3. I ran 15 1/2 minutes straight yesterday. Maybe not a big accomplishment but for me it was AWESOME!
4. My kids are funny, sweet, loving, and healthy.
5. My husband's faith is growing and it's wonderful to watch.

I'm going to try to tag folks who are also in the adoption process to bring them a little more exposure.

1. Oatsvall Team-they are in the process of adopting two from Uganda (check out their awesome shirts they are currently selling)
2. Jones Family-they are adopting two from Eastern Europe. One with Down syndrome.
3. Spencer Family-Also adopting from EE, also a child with DS.
4. Elisabeth at No Greater Gift-just beginning the process to adopt a sibling group from foster care.
5. Jen at Home...Hands Full,Hearts FULL, Quiver Full-breaking my rule just slightly, cause I think she's pretty awesome.

Running - part 3: stats

I WAS able to run yesterday. Woohoo! And I think I have created a monster-her name is Melissa :) I believe I am now officially addicted to running. Today the kids and I went to the park and I had to keep myself from running around the walking track. I'm already planning the next 5K and possibly getting the whole family in on the action. Miss A.-aka Lovely Stepdaughter- attends a Catholic school and they have organized a race on May, 9th to benefit the school. I think it'll be fun and she'll be so happy that we supported her and her school this way.

So, on with the stats from yesterday. List form to make it easy on myself, I'm a slacker like that.

• My finishing time was 36:58
• I placed 220 of 261 runners
• I was 88 of 124 female runners
• I was 24 of 41 women in the 30-39 division
• My pace per mile was 11:34
• I ran the first 15 1/2 minutes STRAIGHT! I had never done that in my training. SO Proud of ME!

That's probably more info than anyone really needed or wanted but it's my blog and I'm so dadgum proud of myself I'm gonna brag if I want to. Obviously- I want to!

Nope, no pictures cause we thought we forgot the camera and then that evening remembered it was in my purse. Running is not helping my brain get in shape. That's a shame.

Running - part 2

Do you remember that I mentioned I was running? Tomorrow is the big day. Or as Austin stated, "Tomorrow is the Day I run a 5K!"

As we all know though, things never come as easy as they first seem. I woke up this morning with my knee bothering me. I've been advised to ice it, take Ibuprofen, and stay off the knee. I'm hoping it will be all better tomorrow and I'll be able to run with no problems. If you think about me please pray. I'm also hoping to be able to wear a pin that I ordered from Shelley representing Ukraine and Down Syndrome. I think this will be a great opportunity especially since tomorrow is World Down Syndrome day. I didn't know that when I signed up to run on this day but now that I do know I hope I have an opportunity to share. Maybe the pin will give me that opportunity.

GTKY

Looking for Liza's Necklace Raffle? Click Here

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I was supposed to do this a little while ago and totally let life get in the way of blogging. Shame on me! If you haven't heard of Lynette Kraft or her Getting to Know You project you should go check her out. I've loved reading along so far. Her story is amazing and inspirational. You can click the button below and it will take you there.

Liza's First Fundraiser

In order to raise some of the funds for Liza's adoption we have decided to raffle a really beautiful necklace that I received as my anniversary gift this past summer. Rick bought it for me when we went on a small vacation to Solomon's Island, Md and I admired it in a jewelry store on the island, Maertens. If you are ever in their area stop by and see them. They were so helpful to us in researching the necklace to be sure we had accurate information for this raffle. Thanks to all at Maertens!


The necklace itself is sterling silver set with light green jade. The pendant was designed by Balinese designer, Janice Girardi. It is 11 inches total length and the pendant is 3 inches. It truly is a beautiful piece and I'm not just saying that because I want you to bid for it. Even though this was purchased last year it is essentially BRAND NEW. I never wore it, I was waiting for that "special occasion". Well, this is it. Liza's adoption is a special occasion for us.

This is a close up look at the front of the pendant. The metal work is amazing! (the stone is more opaque than this looks)

This is a close up of the back of the pendant. It's beautiful even from the back.

This is the original pouch and box it came in when we purchased it. It will be sent to the winner inside this pouch and box. So, Ladies if you think it might make a nice gift just pass the link to this raffle on to your hubbies ;)

All right, now that we have what it is out of the way, let's move on to the how. Here's how this will work:

• EVERY $10 donation will get you one entry into the raffle. (So enter as many times as you want)
• Pass on this link thru a blog, facebook, myspace and then send me a link thru email or a comment and you get a second entry FREE. (You must have donated first to get the second entry free.)
• The raffle will end on March 31, 2009. So pass the word on and help bring Liza home!
  

What's Up With Me?

Big news and then big quiet. What's up with that, huh? Well, here's the deal, but to tell it I have to go into some details so bear with me.

Every month "you ladies know who" comes to visit me. She and I are not really good friends at all and lately our relationship is getting worse. She comes to visit more often than she should and she brings friends with her. Anxiety and depression. It used to be that I would have one day of one of these issues and then it would pass. Last month I battled feelings of depression and anxiety for at least three days, and it was not fun. I'm sure I was no fun to be around those few days either.

Fast forward to now. She's back and she's brought her friends with her again. Coming right on the back of committing to adopt the child that I feel sure God meant for us to commit to is messing with my head. I should be happy, right? But, instead I'm feeling anxious and depressed. It's making me doubt the decision we have made and I have to constantly remind myself of how God has worked and that this is definitely His will for us and for Liza. I keep reminding myself of where she will be if we don't bring her into our family. Reminding myself that these feelings WILL pass.

I do believe that the enemy will attack us when we are following the Father's will. I think that some of what is going on with me is just that. I just keep praying for my joy to return and for these feelings to subside. I want to be happy about these new steps we are taking. Won't you pray with me? Next post needs to be much happier than this one.

Liza Gets A Mommy

I am still in a little bit of a state of shock and having a hard time believing this is actually real.

Yesterday morning Rickydoodle starts texting me. Out of nowhere he says, "Liza is kinda cute". Of course my answer to this was, "I know! So should I tell Andrea we are coming for her?" And after telling me twice he was driving and couldn't reply he finally replied with, "Ok you do that."

I almost fell off the kitchen stool I was sitting on. My hands started shaking and I had to make him confirm it to me and make sure he wasn't just joking. During all of this Noah missed the bus and I had to take him to school. I'm embarrassed to show my face there again because I pulled right out in front of this big SUV with the PE teacher and the Principal watching me in disbelief.

Now comes the real adventure.

Most people know that international adoption is expensive and even though Liza has special needs the cost to bring her into our family is going to be a leap of faith for us. I have a few ideas for fundraisers that I hope will be successful, we plan to be frugal and put as much as we can towards this, and we just pray that God will open up His storehouses and make a way for us to complete what He has already opened doors to. If He can change Rick's heart overight I KNOW he can finance this adoption! Of course, we welcome any donations that anyone would care to make. We should have a family sponsorship page set up with Reece's Rainbow shortly and I may set up a chip-in accout too. I really need advice from all of you have been here before me.

I still haven't asked Rick what made him change his mind, I guess I'm afraid it's a dream and I'll wake up if I ask. Silly, huh? Honestly God has totally amazed me. He is doing a HUGE work thorugh this not only for Liza but for us as an entire family. I just know this in my spirit. I can't wait to see where this road is going to lead us.

Praise God who is worthy of ALL Praise!! I have a daughter!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Things I Ponder: 3-1-09

Today I discovered that the little one I found through Reece's Rainbow's name means "God's Oath". I have been trying to convince Rickydoodle since before Christmas that we should adopt her. I even hung her ornament on our Christmas tree in a prominent spot and then took a picture of it for posterity. I am so praying that he will gain the faith to believe that if God wants us to be her family He will make a way. Rick struggles in this area. Maybe it's a man thing, but it's hard for him to look past what we see in the natural to what God can make happen.

So, you say, what's that got to do with her name. Well, the name of this blog is Journey to a PROMISE because God promised me a child almost four years ago. Oath and promise mean essentially the same thing.

These definitions were taken from Wikipedia.

"An oath (from Anglo-Saxon āð, also called plight) is either a promise or a statement of fact calling upon something or someone that the oath maker considers sacred, usually God, as a witness to the binding nature of the promise or the truth of the statement of fact. To swear is to take an oath."

"A promise is a transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use."

"Both an oath and an affirmation can be a promise. One special kind of promise is the vow."

I know that "Liza" is most likely not her real name but an alias they've given to her. That doesn't really matter to me because I only know her as Liza and I don't think it's coincidence that she has been so heavy on my heart for these past couple months and that the only name I know her by means "God's Oath", which is the very thing I have been clinging to for about four years. Just something I'm pondering these days.

Music and Life: Austin, Noah, Johnny Cash and CDB

In our house we love to laugh at the dinner table. I've mentioned it before. Too bad Ricky was sleeping tonight cause this one caused some of us to bust a gut. He wasn't amused...again.

Recently in Music Appreciation class Austin was introduced to the song,"Devil Went Down to Georgia". As a good Southern girl, and fan of CDB, I am a little ashamed to admit that he doesn't remember ever hearing this song before. I'm blaming it on the idea I once had that it was wrong to like a song that talked about a boy making a deal with the devil. I have since come to the conclusion that "the d" gets his butt whooped so it's ok. I'm sticking with that. But, I digress.

So, back to the point. Austin was introduced to the song recently and tonight during dinner preparation and at the table we were discussing the song and who's heard it and who might sing it. Someone mentioned that Johnny Cash sang it ( we corrected that later) and that sent my boys off on a small foray into song writing. It was quite hilarious and I HAD to share.

Here's how it went down:

Austin: "Ew Ew! Noah and I made up a remix about this song!"

This is when they both started thumping their chests in rhythm.

Boys: "The Devil went down to Georgia. He was looking for a soul to steal. When he saw Johnny Cash playing a piccolo, and he said "let's make a deal". And as he rosined up his bow he said, "Play that funky music white boy!""

Maybe it was only funny to us or you had to be there. We thought it was hilarious. Skippy and I cracked up so hard I'm surprised we didn't both choke on our soup.