Court in two days...

*photo by jontintinjordan

...trying not to think about it THAT much. Freaking out inside a little.

I've been doing SO WELL playing it cool. Until now. All of a sudden that restlessness I grew so familiar with while waiting for Jonas has overtaken me once again. The inescapable feeling of desperation to bring A* home has overwhelmed me today.

I think it has something to do with visiting with a friend of mine today and talking about A*s health issues. It's making me sick to be so far away, so helpless to help him.

If we pass May 27th I have pictures and video to show you. Seriously, I can't wait for you to see him!

Destiny Food Direct

I just learned about this organization: http://www.destinyfoodsdirect.com/

It looks really cool.

I'm going to try an order. I'll let you know how it turns out.

FUNdraiser Friday: Jolly Good Decals

Kelly from My Jolly Family has all kinds of fun decals. Head over and take a look.



*It's my goal to highlight a fundraising effort of a family who is adopting every Friday. There's always a parade of wonderful items. It's a fun way to shop from the comfort of your home AND help unite children with their forever families.

If you'd like to have your fundraiser featured email me with the details. Jen@the graftedtree.com

Our Little Guy

We received an update on A*. We knew he was small. Now we know just exactly how small he is.


A* weighs a feathery light 28 pounds. He stands in at 31.9 inches tall. At approximately 4 years of age A* is close in size to his brother Jonas at 26 months of age.

It's hard on a momma's heart to see words like wasting and stunted attached to her child. I really want my son home so we can work on getting him growing nice and strong.


Many children experience a quick turn around with proper medical treatment, nutrition, and love and affection from parents. It's termed the Lazarus Effect because of the dramatic improvement. Children who were on the brink begin to flourish.


It's our prayer A* will experience rapid growth upon coming home, too.


May 27th. That's our day in court. Please pray with us we pass and that the US embassy conducts a speedy investigation, issuing us an ambassy appointment quickly.

FUNdraiser Friday: Glass Tile Pendants

It's hard to say no to cool jewelry, especially when it helps to bring an orphan home. Michelle is offering these glass tile pendant beauties over at her fundraising blog. Don't forget to drop by her Life a Bit Sweeter blog to say hello!


*It's my goal to highlight a fundraising effort of a family who is adopting every Friday. There's always a parade of wonderful items. It's a fun way to shop from the comfort of your home AND help unite children with their forever families.

If you'd like to have your fundraiser featured email me with the details. Jen@the graftedtree.com

FUNdraiser Friday: White Family

The White family has a store set up at Cafe Press where you can find all sorts of great items. Head on over and check out their STORE.

I really like the journal. What a great place to write prayers for special kiddos in need of a home.




*It's my goal to highlight a fundraising effort of a family who is adopting every Friday. There's always a parade of wonderful items. It's a fun way to shop from the comfort of your home AND help unite children with their forever families.

If you'd like to have your fundraiser featured email me with the details. Jen@the graftedtree.com

MAY 27th!

That's the day our case will go before a judge in Ethiopia. Please join us in praying for a favorable outcome the first try.

Jonas has been asking lately about A*. He keeps saying, "A* coming home?" I keep reassuring him, "Soon, baby. Brother will be here soon." He even points to A*'s bed and says his name over and over again. I can't wait for the brothers to meet each other!

Heck, I can't wait for all of us to meet.

DOUBLE HELP!

Oh.My.Goodness.

Some AWAA friends of ours had their home destroyed by a tornado WHILE THEY WERE IN IT. You can read about the ordeal right here.

They are in need right now. They have insurance, but not great insurance. They have a lot to clean up and the insurance won't cover the debris removal. Their home will be rebuilt but the contents still need to be replaced.

If you can give please DO!

Go to Paypal and send any amount to vandruff.family@gmail.com

Help!

Cayolyn Twietmeyer and Project Hopeful do a LOT to help others. This time she and her family need a little assistance of their own.

The Twietmeyers brought home Selah in summer 2008 and are finally able to bring her brother and sister home. They are traveling THIS FRIDAY May 7!! There have been many unexpected last minute travel expenses for these long awaited and beloved children. Some friends bought an Ipod Touch to raffle off. They need around $4000. Please consider a donation in any amount to the Twietmeyer adoption fund for the sole purpose of bringing home Andarge and Eyerusalem. Go to Cayolyns blog to donate!

Please help spread the word by reposting on your blog and Facebook.

On Food and Nearness

I've gotten a diagnosis. There may be more coming, but for now Oral Allergy Syndrome , or OAS, accounts for some of my food allergies. I also tested positive for other allergies to a variety of foods other than the common OAS foods.

I am being referred to a GI specialist to see about intestinal allergies. I may have to have a colonoscopy. I'm not super thrilled about that. I've never been under anesthesia. My nerves twitch a little at the idea.

Medical food was also mentioned. I'm okay with that, actually. I figure at least I'll be getting more nutrition that way. I know I must be desperate if drinking my meals through a straw no longer seems like a bad option.

I can honestly say I take no delight in food anymore.

Don't get me wrong. I am thankful for every bite I get! Every time I am sick with hunger and I am able to satisfy that need I remember those who will never be able to; those who will die that way. It is truly humbling.

So, yes, food is a blessing.

But, delightful? Not anymore. Not after what it's been doing to me since last August.

Needless to say, not being able to eat raw fruits and vegetables, and being allergic to many of them alltogether, throws my diet a off balance. There are many days I am unable to take in enough calories. The pounds have been melting off.

It's been difficult, to say the least, but I'm thankful I'm beginning to gain some answers. My immunologist also told me that internal allergies could be the root cause for my other crazy symptoms, like sudden drops in blood pressure, racing pulse, etc.

I hope the GI specialist will be able to inform me whether or not I truly have these mysterious internal allergies I know so little about at this point. I'm not excited at the prospect of having more allergies but having more answers is always nice.

Healing would be better.

I resolve to trust in the Lord and follow Him either way.

I still don't understand all that God is doing with me, but that's okay. I love Him. I trust Him. And, when my trust weakens I know I can rely on Him to strengthen my faith and carry me through.

Earlier today I was struggling with my health and my emotions. I was praying and drifting in and out of sleep when I suddenly gained a burst of energy. I came to my computer to discover someone had posted a link to a blog. I followed the link, read THIS story, and was beyond encouraged; I was filled with joy, awe, and praises for the King!

I wasn't encouraged because I think, somehow, God's answer to my question about healing is "yes" because it was yes for Chrissie, but because He allowed us to see His glory in such a seemingly dark place, am impossible situation.

What an amazing testimony Chrissie and her family have been given. To God alone be the glory.

And that is what this is about- God's glory. No matter what form it takes, this life, for me, is ALL about His glory. I KNOW I will get to see the fullness of His glory some day. I see it in part already.

That is enough for today.

I am greatly blessed by the presence of Jesus in my life. I know He is NEAR me even in my affliction.

...... It is good to be NEAR God.