With A Grateful Heart

This blog title has been running around in my head for several days now and I thought I was just going to write about thanksgiving. But I have a few other things that I have experienced and am so grateful for over the last week that I thought I would share those as well. 

I am reminded often to be grateful for the things that have been entrusted into my care, for the experiences I get to have, for the relationships that I have with others, and for the opportunities to share God love and promises with others.  So with a grateful heart.....

*Celebrating 91 years of life!

We were blessed to be able to spend the afternoon with my grandpa on his birthday (and only 3 weeks to grandma's). The kids & I and my sister headed out of town and celebrated with cake, visiting and lots of laughter! I love that the kids can bring smiles to their great grandparents faces and bring delight to them. I am so grateful that we have 6 out of 8 grandparents living and that the kids are able to make memories with them as well!


*Riley passed the framing inspection for our house!!

Both upstairs and basement! So now that means we can move onto electricity. We have been so grateful for the support of friends through this building process, stopping onsite to encourage and assist my husband and to help. We have had some close friends take time off work (and they both own private businesses) to come help;  and once again, to get the power in we have a friend helping!! Beyond blessed and grateful for these moments in time!!!

*I had a great day at work today and I love what I do!! I am a pediatric physical therapist and I absolutely love working with families and their children. I recognize too that this is not only a job but a place that I get to be His hands and feet. My kids sometimes get pretty envious that I get to play with toys all day! I am so grateful for my job & my career....

*Thanksgiving was so good to be with family. We got to spend Sunday with my family and headed out to  the ranch on Monday (no pics...sorry).

thanksgiving supper...yum!

And it is always a good time to be reminded of what we are thankful for. My kids and my husband are A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!! I am so grateful for them. Noise and all. Believe me, I didn't talk for about 10-15 minutes after supper tonite - they were having so much fun wrestling on the floor with dad and screaming in delight!!

hopscotch!

ready for almost any sport!

hangin' at the new house!

AND

Our adoption of our 5th child is on the move again! The agency has now moved through the accreditation and will begin referrals again in the next several months!! My husband has wrote a great post on his blog so you can check there for further details. I am so grateful that this small step is such a big step for the little ones that get to go home to their families.

And is not without ALOT of hard work by people that rarely get the credit they deserve....the agencies, the social workers etc. ...it is a culmination of so many people's hard work, advocacy, wisdom, patience and resolve and we are grateful that they continue to do their jobs so well and work so hard on behalf of these children. 

For this, I am grateful. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 

   his love endures forever.

Blessings,

Candra

Expanding our family

As we expand our family to 7 or 8, I thought I would share with you ou story thus far....we continue to be amazed at God' faithfulness and timing in our family and look forward to welcoming another little one(s) into our family...

We knew without a doubt about an hour after we welcomed little man into our family that we were not done expanding our family. To be honest, I thought four would be perfect. We still fit into a minivan and life would be good! It was good and continues to be good but it is not done. 

Anyways, we decided that we would not talk about it for several months and just enjoy having little man home and adjust as a family of 6. We didn't last several months but we did wait a little bit and then began to pray about what God desired for our family. 
Just a little background history...before we began our first adoption, we really felt called to adopt a sibling group or an older chid. Upon discussion with our social worker and with our province, they encouraged us not to interrupt birth order and to request within our referral a chid younger than our little princess. We completely respected their opinions and felt comfortable with it and so we did...& of course that story is complete with little man joining our family! It is very cool to reflect back and see God 's hand at work through our first adoption...

So as we prayed and talked about what our next adoption would look like, we again felt drawn to an older child and possibly a sibling group. God really impressed on my heart during this time His words to " care for the least of these" in His name. To welcome a child, who in reality has a very small chance of being adopted given their age, into a loving family and to share the gospel with them and also those watching us walk through this crazy and exciting adventure....


My husband read through the entire adoption act of our province (that in itself deserves some credit!) to ensure that legally we could go ahead with this request. We talked at length with all the powers that be (government, social work, agency) and this time, there was no suggestions to change our request. We were a little shocked to say the least, as we totally thought we would have to work hard and advocate for this. But everyone got on board and supported it 100 percent!!!

As an aside -In our experience, it seems that in the world of adoption, children older than the age of 2 have a very difficult time being adopted. Age 2. They have essentially aged out of a system, where the "ideal" ( for many valid reasons) is a baby...attachment and bonding can be much easier when the child is a baby, there may not have been as much trauma if it is a baby and of course, then many memories and "firsts" that happen in the first year are so special. 
We have been blessed beyond measure to experience these years with our 4 children and would not trades them for anything. But in the scheme of things, 2 or even older is a very small part of their entire life. And we felt that with our parenting an 8 , 6,3 &2 year olds, we had at least some of the skills(we hope!) to welcome an older chid into our family!!!!

So needless to say our prayers were answered and we were given the go ahead to continue. We updated our home study and profile and got everything to our agency just before Easter...and now we wait. So, to let you all in on who our next little one(s) will be!!!! 

Our referral request is an older child ( 6 or under) and we are open to certain medical needs...and if there is a sibling group of 2 that matches our request(ages etc.) we will be expanding to a family of 7 or 8!!! 

There is one other thing I want to share with you...but also as a reminder for me as I reread this at some point.
Some people have asked " what about your kids...what do they think of it?" Our kids have been excited with this idea from the beginning. Lately, my 6 year old son has been praying for this child(ren) every possible chance he has. how cool is that. There is no jealousy, frustration or questioning about why. They know why. We have tried to process them through this, have had many discussions with them, have prayed for them and with them often. They know what it means to be be His hands and feet. To advocate for the orphan. To love without receiving anything in return. They amaze me.
I am not oblivious to the fact though that when these one or two little ones become a part of our family forever, it will be hard hard work. It is hard (but well worth it)work now. And I get it wrong a lot of the time. But they forgive easily and extend so much grace to me as their mom. Kids need to know they are loved, they are safe, they are secure and they are valued. We all need that! With 5 or 6, that becomes even more of a challenge. But we are up for it. And our kids are up for it.

So I could keep going on and on, but I will stop there. I hope this has been an encouragement and a further explanation for some of you who haven't heard the whole story....

To our newest little one(s)...mommy & daddy and your sisters and brothers are praying for you daily! May you experience joy in your day today and we look forward to meeting you and playing with you soon...love from us!

Blessings,
Candra

Just a step

orphan care and adoption have been at the forefront of my mind for quite a while. I won't lie. I really desire to go serve overseas for a short time and care for and just love some chidren. I would have gone yesterday! But there is that oh so important word "timing". I feel like the time is soon but not yet. so I continue to pray and wait, and be encouraged by so many people who are living out " serving the orphans and widows" . Now don't get me wrong. I am not sitting idle, just waiting for a lightning bolt or something. I don't believe that God always works that way. I know that I need to step somewhere. Like Peter getting out of the boat. 

He got out. 

I need to step out. 

So currently our family has several things on the go:
1. We have just become prayer warriors to 2 little guys waiting to be welcomed into their forever family. They captured out hearts the moment we laid eyes on them! Too bad neither of us are 3- which is required in order to adopt them! Check out my husband's blog for more details!
2. We are in the final stages of wrapping up RUN 143 and planning for next year. Start training! 
3. We currently sponsor a beautiful little boy through a great organization and support several entrepreneurs through KIVA.
4. We are in the middle of our next adoption.

Stepping out into the unknown. giving of our time and our resources. investing and caring for orphans and widows. To me, it sometimes seems small. But it is important as I hear how it is impacting people. And how it is impacting our family to step out further. To Trust in God and to rely on Him even more.

And I say this all not to be boastful but to encourage you that even when you think you can do nothing, there is always something. Enjoy these words & be encouraged...

Isaiah 58: 6 - 12


 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: 
to loose the chains of injustice 
   and untie the cords of the yoke, 
to set the oppressed free 
   and break every yoke? 
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry 
   and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— 
when you see the naked, to clothe them, 
   and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, 
   and your healing will quickly appear; 
then your righteousness[a] will go before you, 
   and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; 
   you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
   “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, 
   with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry 
   and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, 
then your light will rise in the darkness, 
   and your night will become like the noonday. 
11 The LORD will guide you always; 
   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 
   and will strengthen your frame. 
You will be like a well-watered garden, 
   like a spring whose waters never fail. 
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins 
   and will raise up the age-old foundations; 
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, 
   Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.




And i will share more about this in my next post. Stepping out into the world of 5 ( or possibly 6!) kids and why are we adopting again? What does it look like for our family? And a little more of my heart...

And to end, here are some random pics that have made me smile this week!

my newest ballerina

learning to crochet from the best!

playing with daddy!

the kids think they have the most super coolest dad
in the whole world - and I tend to agree!
This is part of what was on the menu yesterday....blue rice!
Super. cool. dad.

Blessings,

Candra

Sick but good.

This last week has been LONG!!! Riley was away teaching a class on Biblical Leadership at a bible college. He loves teaching it and always has such an amazing time while he is there; I am so thankful that he has been given opportunities like this. But that wasn't the long part. Riley is away about 5-7 times a year for various board meeting and ministry related things, and the kids and I support and encourage it 100 percent. I am usually super organized when he is gone so the time flies by. 
This time I got sick. On the first day. I haven't been sick in about a year and given that it was back to school/ back to daycare I knew a full on cold would happen sometime. It decided to show up the day Riley left. By Tuesday 4 out of 5 of us had it. By Thursday....all of us. It is not surprising, as I know that when we are being obedient to God's calling in our lives- we often face trials and it requires perseverance, trust, and leaning on him to get us through it. So we made it...barely. Through swimming lessons, ballet, school, work, daycare and birthday parties. I have 4 amazing children who did so well together this week, helped me out, slept through the nights, played together and taught me so much about being and living in the moment! 

We were blessed Friday night to spend a gorgeous hour at a new play park as the sun was setting and in the moment I whispered thank you God for the good things that he gives us and how much He loves us, even when life is tough. 
Riley was home a half hour later and even though we are 6 for 6 for being sick, and it has been a LONG week- it was worth it. God has been teaching me some tough but good things and keeping them in my face so I don't forget about them. He taught me about encouragement through my son. He taught me about generosity and compassion through my daughters. And he reminded me that I am his daughter. Loved beyond measure and he will take care of me - even when I am sick......

Links

So, I am so sorry I have been so quiet on the blogging front. I have so many posts started, so many thoughts running around in my head and yet no coherent ones!

I am continuing to think & pray about my role in how I can serve orphans and widows in our world. How I can be the hands and feet of Jesus. And I am learning and have been encouraged by many things recently. So the quick post is just a few links to check out....

 Idiot builder

This is my husband's blog and you are just gonna have to read it if you want to figure out the name! He is an incredible writer and has shared some of his thoughts about orphan care and adoption in his recent posts...check it out to see what our family is up to these days.

Amazima Ministries

I have been following this amazing woman of God for a couple of years and this is the NPO she has developed. She has 14 girls that all call her mommy! How awesome is that! She is coming to Catalyst to speak this year, but alas, we are not able to go.....

Visitng Orphans

God does not ask us to care for orphans & widows. He demands it. This organization allows people to experience it, sometimes for the first time. I am hoping to go in the next year or so...pending our adoption! Anybody wanna join me???

RUN 143

The dates have been set for 2012!!! Mark it off in your calendar!! Run, join us, START TRAINING NOW!!!!  We raised an incredible amount of money this year and look forward to VERY soon, seeing it be given to the family, the baby homes and Adoption Support Centre!!! See you all next year...

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Candra

reflection

Tomorrow I will share why this song has impacted me so much, but suffice to say that He is more than enough...

when things are changing

when I am waiting to become a mom for the 5th (&/or 6th time)

when I am wanting know what is next & how I can serve more

when I try to rely on my own strength and know that I cannot

when we are living simply

I trust in Him

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Candra

God is good

life has seemed rather hectic these last few days. But tonight I have had some time to reflect. I find it so much easier to do this when everything is taken care of in the house. And tonite it is...My husband surprised me and got a one time top-to-bottom houseclean today and it is so so good. It is one thing (I will admit!) that gets put to the bottom of the list. I am a good tidier...a thorough housecleaner - not so much. I guess I did not get those genetics as my mom & grandma are/were amazing at this! Anyways, it is peaceful and I was reminded that God is good. Amidst all the seemingly craziness there have been many, many, good things this week. And I thank God.


I thank God that I got to take my kids to the zoo! It was a last minute decision and it was awesome!!! WE had a great time seeing all the animals, riding the train and playing at the playground!

 I am thankful for quite moments with our family...reflecting on the beauty that God has placed all around us! And I am thankful that my kids have a daddy that takes them off the beaten path to explore. They were so excited to be "hiking"!

I thank God for his goodness through my daughter, who just turned 8!! Wow. We celebrated with a teaparty with her choice - blueberry cheesecake! And she was shocked to receive Kanani - her newest doll. And 30 degrees for her party - can't beat that!

teaparty fun - decorating cookies, nail painting, making jewelry!

nails done!!

Happy Birthday #8!!

with Kanani

I thank God for education and a new school for the kids. The started this week at a new school. I am praying ferverently that Both kids, but particularly our oldest, will find good, quality friends. This is hard, espcially for one who likes to watch and observe first....I know He has all things in His hands but sometimes a momma's heart just want to move things along!
And as for this guy, he has had a great start...in a class of 28 kids (yikes) of which 18 are boys (doulble yikes!!) He thinks it is awesome!

i don't think I am old enough for this!!!

first day of school!!! Oh how little princess wishes she was 5!

I thank God for opportunities. Our house build is an incredible opportunity. We have been humbled to be in this situation - to build a house, to gain a bit more space and to be able to have the space to expand our family! Basement was poured today and siding is over 1/2 way! Soon I have to start actually helping with choosing things.....

siding...love it!!

I Thank God for his stirrings and His leading....
For those of you who read this blog, you know that my heart is for orphans in our world and for adoption of these little ones. I am praying through how this may become more tangible in my own life.  Hopefully a missions opportunity in the nearer future?? Any others interested?!? I am reading "Father for the Fatherless" right now, which as been an incredible read thus far.

I  Thank God for our 5th child....
I know I haven't written a lot on this blog about our next child, but I will soon, I promise. I have been feeling more of an urge the last few days to bring this child home. Right now, that is not possible. Many things have to come into place with processes and governments (policy & procedure). If you would, pray with me that these fall into place, and be honorable and just, and that many children would be able to join their families.  I know there is a child that God has to join our family. And He loves him/her more than anything...and so we place our trust in that promise. "I will never leave you or forsake you".

Thanks for listening/ reading. It has been a good night. And I am thankful.

Blessings,
Candra