Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Latest
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Practicality List
Here's an example of our summer "Practicality List." It is still FAR more than any human being truly needs, and we've had to accomodate extras into the list for barn clothes vs. going to town clothes. We really know how to get clothing dirty here, but critters and farm mud will do that.
Jeans - 2-4 pair
khakis - 1 pair
Capris/shorts - 2-5 combined
socks - 7 pair
undies - 7 pair
T-shirts - 5-7
long sleeve T's - 3
Sweatshirts - 3
Sweaters - 2
skirts - 2 (boys: 0, obviously ;)
dresses - 1-2 (ditto above)
button up shirts - 1-3
tights - 1-2
Shoes: 1 play/barn, 1 mud boots, 1 Sunday, 1 sandals
So now the object of the game is to narrow this list a little further, and adapt it for winter wear. Space is precious!
The fun of making these lists: I almost never buy clothing. Our 'shopping days' consist of great hand-me-over bags! (thanks for the new term, Heather F.! Sounds so much more dignified than 'hand-me-downs.') Sometimes I have to search Goodwill for a particular item. Even more rarely, I head over to Meijer to purchase something new...and then it had better be on sale or clearance priced. Usually, I realize a need for something and just wait a week or two. Often it shows up in a hand-me-over bag... exactly what was needed!
So, God not only provides in big, awesome ways. He faithfully supplies ALL of our needs. We've never gone without what we truly needed.
I used to hoard clothing a bit... feeling that it was a treasure that I might just need for the next child in line. I've learned to be free and generous with hand-me-overs, and avoid stacks of boxes and bags. We still save a few things, but not much! Clutter is a BIG enemy in a large family, and we fight it everyday.
I wonder what the girls will think of all this abundance.
Jeans - 2-4 pair
khakis - 1 pair
Capris/shorts - 2-5 combined
socks - 7 pair
undies - 7 pair
T-shirts - 5-7
long sleeve T's - 3
Sweatshirts - 3
Sweaters - 2
skirts - 2 (boys: 0, obviously ;)
dresses - 1-2 (ditto above)
button up shirts - 1-3
tights - 1-2
Shoes: 1 play/barn, 1 mud boots, 1 Sunday, 1 sandals
So now the object of the game is to narrow this list a little further, and adapt it for winter wear. Space is precious!
The fun of making these lists: I almost never buy clothing. Our 'shopping days' consist of great hand-me-over bags! (thanks for the new term, Heather F.! Sounds so much more dignified than 'hand-me-downs.') Sometimes I have to search Goodwill for a particular item. Even more rarely, I head over to Meijer to purchase something new...and then it had better be on sale or clearance priced. Usually, I realize a need for something and just wait a week or two. Often it shows up in a hand-me-over bag... exactly what was needed!
So, God not only provides in big, awesome ways. He faithfully supplies ALL of our needs. We've never gone without what we truly needed.
I used to hoard clothing a bit... feeling that it was a treasure that I might just need for the next child in line. I've learned to be free and generous with hand-me-overs, and avoid stacks of boxes and bags. We still save a few things, but not much! Clutter is a BIG enemy in a large family, and we fight it everyday.
I wonder what the girls will think of all this abundance.
Dec. 27
I can hardly believe that we're already two days past Christmas! Isn't it still supposed to be September?!?
We have had a lovely week ~ no big outings or parties, except for the Christmas eve service at church. We quietly celebrated Christmas day at home, opening a few presents and the wonderful packages from family in Alberta.
Bereket was simply adorable... SO excited to have presents! His first gift from Alberta was a little photo album from Auntie Floria. He shut the world out as he looked carefully through it. He studied each page over and over while the rest of us continued with gifts. The photos were of the trip Berny and he had taken this past summer to Auntie Bev's wedding. Finally he re-emerged to open another gift, but he really treasures those pictures!
Miriam nearly wept with joy when she opened her gift from her Canadian cousin - THREE 'My Little Pet Shop ' boxes. What happiness!
Isaac is sporting 2 fancy cap guns and a spiffy sherrif badge from us. Funny... I didn't remember those things being quite that loud! [yes, I had one when I was little... but we'll save my tomboy childhood for another writing] Rules are: basement and outside only. He would have slept with the cap guns, except that Bern told him that real cowboys keep their guns hanging on the bedpost.
Ike did have a little trouble understanding the concept of a $15 gift limit ~ that some will get one big present worth about $15 (like the really cool magnetic dinosaur he got from his cousin), and others may get a few smaller gifts totalling about $15. Once we explained it thoroughly, it seemed to take care of his mild jealousy of his little brother's stack of loot.
Ellen set right to work with the craft supplies she was given, and we now have 2 pretty candles on the kitchen table. They provided the atmosphere for our Christmas dinner.
Anna was also excited about her art kit. She's watched Ellen receive similar things, and seemed quite happy that it was her turn for something so creatively inspiring.
Grace was just amazed to get a t-shirt imprinted with "Windriver" ... the mountain range she hiked in this summer with a group from church. She had amazing experiences including worship on the continental divide. The t-shirt will be a great reminder... how ever did that cousin know?...
We all miss our Canadian Slomps very much at this time of year, so the gift exchange with cousins and the extra goodies from Aunties/Uncles and Opa/Oma mean so much.
No word from Ethiopia yet. The agency is closed until Jan. 2, so I'm not expecting any word until after then. How long after, no one knows. We did get the chance to send out some letters with other travelling families with requests that they take photos of the girls. Hopefully the girls will send letters back to the states with the families as they return.
There was an 'incomplete' feeling this holiday. I often looked over the children and pictured three more among them.
The girl's bedroom is slowly coming together. All 7 will be in the same 'dorm room' with bunks. We're hoping to use cabinets instead of dressers to conserve floor space, and will be having a big clothing sort/pack away/give away to reduce the closet space needs of G, E, A, & M. We actually have a summer clothing list, called our "Practicality List" ~ each person is allowed just so many shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, etc. (the only person exempt is Dad) We need to sit down and make one for winter clothing this week.
I am anxious to see the bedroom all done, beds made and cabinets filled for Meron, Edelam, and Lideta. My Mom made new fleece blankets for them (which will travel with us if they fit) and found really cute teddy bears for their beds. Once the bunks are all assembled, I'll make the beds and take pictures to send out to the girls.
We have had a lovely week ~ no big outings or parties, except for the Christmas eve service at church. We quietly celebrated Christmas day at home, opening a few presents and the wonderful packages from family in Alberta.
Bereket was simply adorable... SO excited to have presents! His first gift from Alberta was a little photo album from Auntie Floria. He shut the world out as he looked carefully through it. He studied each page over and over while the rest of us continued with gifts. The photos were of the trip Berny and he had taken this past summer to Auntie Bev's wedding. Finally he re-emerged to open another gift, but he really treasures those pictures!
Miriam nearly wept with joy when she opened her gift from her Canadian cousin - THREE 'My Little Pet Shop ' boxes. What happiness!
Isaac is sporting 2 fancy cap guns and a spiffy sherrif badge from us. Funny... I didn't remember those things being quite that loud! [yes, I had one when I was little... but we'll save my tomboy childhood for another writing] Rules are: basement and outside only. He would have slept with the cap guns, except that Bern told him that real cowboys keep their guns hanging on the bedpost.
Ike did have a little trouble understanding the concept of a $15 gift limit ~ that some will get one big present worth about $15 (like the really cool magnetic dinosaur he got from his cousin), and others may get a few smaller gifts totalling about $15. Once we explained it thoroughly, it seemed to take care of his mild jealousy of his little brother's stack of loot.
Ellen set right to work with the craft supplies she was given, and we now have 2 pretty candles on the kitchen table. They provided the atmosphere for our Christmas dinner.
Anna was also excited about her art kit. She's watched Ellen receive similar things, and seemed quite happy that it was her turn for something so creatively inspiring.
Grace was just amazed to get a t-shirt imprinted with "Windriver" ... the mountain range she hiked in this summer with a group from church. She had amazing experiences including worship on the continental divide. The t-shirt will be a great reminder... how ever did that cousin know?...
We all miss our Canadian Slomps very much at this time of year, so the gift exchange with cousins and the extra goodies from Aunties/Uncles and Opa/Oma mean so much.
No word from Ethiopia yet. The agency is closed until Jan. 2, so I'm not expecting any word until after then. How long after, no one knows. We did get the chance to send out some letters with other travelling families with requests that they take photos of the girls. Hopefully the girls will send letters back to the states with the families as they return.
There was an 'incomplete' feeling this holiday. I often looked over the children and pictured three more among them.
The girl's bedroom is slowly coming together. All 7 will be in the same 'dorm room' with bunks. We're hoping to use cabinets instead of dressers to conserve floor space, and will be having a big clothing sort/pack away/give away to reduce the closet space needs of G, E, A, & M. We actually have a summer clothing list, called our "Practicality List" ~ each person is allowed just so many shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, etc. (the only person exempt is Dad) We need to sit down and make one for winter clothing this week.
I am anxious to see the bedroom all done, beds made and cabinets filled for Meron, Edelam, and Lideta. My Mom made new fleece blankets for them (which will travel with us if they fit) and found really cute teddy bears for their beds. Once the bunks are all assembled, I'll make the beds and take pictures to send out to the girls.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friends
Thank God for friends! We are once again overwhelmed by His provision through His people!
This week, just when we needed it, we were provided encouragement and cheer.
~A package arrives with a very thoughtful, and unexpected gift.
~Two lovely mattresses are given ... the first bunkbed is officially in use!
~Money is given by those we love... enough to cover the expected plane fare for one of the girls!
~Spoken and written encouragement comes as needed.
~Prayers so faithfully raised..
~The third bunkbed is anonymously given... with mattresses, all spiffy new.
We are so blessed!
This week, just when we needed it, we were provided encouragement and cheer.
~A package arrives with a very thoughtful, and unexpected gift.
~Two lovely mattresses are given ... the first bunkbed is officially in use!
~Money is given by those we love... enough to cover the expected plane fare for one of the girls!
~Spoken and written encouragement comes as needed.
~Prayers so faithfully raised..
~The third bunkbed is anonymously given... with mattresses, all spiffy new.
We are so blessed!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Emotions
What a strange day today. I woke at 7 this morning, crying so hard that I couldn't speak ~ my poor husband trying to comfort me without understanding what in the world was happening. I was just so overwhelmed by sorrow. My dream had been about my Grandparents.
Grandpa was a farmer.
Now, to many, that statement is fairly straightforward and non-descriptive. For me, "Grandpa was a farmer," brings forth so many emotions ~ pride, security, awe, respect, love, endearment ~ and many memories ~ tractors which take on the aura of an old friend, critters and crops, cornfields and hayfields tended by this brilliant man, me as a little girl with my hand in his... walking and absorbing his wonderful world. Grandpa, who would come into Grandma's kitchen for coffee time with his jacket 'mewing,' bearing a stash of just found kittens.
Climbing into Grandpa's truck for trips to his woods in search of fabulous black berries to carry back to Grandma, who would serve them for dinner in pretty dishes with just the right amount of sugar. That truck was the most glorious of all trucks, and those berries where the most delectable of all berries.
Grandpa taught me how to drive a tractor... well, sort of. I'm not sure how old I was; certainly under the age of 5. He set me in front of him on the tractor seat, and allowed me to steer the tractor down the driveway back to the barn. The tracks behind us snaked wildly back and forth, reflecting my young mindset that steering required drastic side to side yanks on the wheel.
Although I was very young at the time, the photos show a younger Grandpa proudly posed with big, white turkeys. Others show him with hunting buddies, or giving a demonstration of harvesting wheat with a scythe. I frequently walked through the pig barns with him, hanging on his every word and action. I remember his 'buddy,' Arnold, an imposing boar, and the excitement of knowing that the boar pen could be a deadly place for a child like me... but I was certain that my near superman Grandpa was invincible.
Grandpa brought new pussy willows to Grandma every spring... (I now treasure a good bouquet of country picked pussy willows far above any pricey flower shop purchase).
I miss Grandpa so powerfully today, even though he has been gone for 15 years. Grandma is sick, and back in the hospital. She's so remarkable and strong ~ has practically bounced back from every major health challenge she's encountered over the years: brain surgery, heart surgery, a broken hip, congestive heart failure. Her nickname (in my opinion) = Energizer Gramma. She just keeps going and going and.. She celebrated her 91st birthday last month! She has long been my idol of beauty, courage, strength, and diligence.
My sorrow of the morning morphed into a bit of self-pity as the day continued on. It's almost Christmas and the list of those I miss dearly was rolling through my memory. Our first Christmas without Aunt Judy ~ Wow, what a painful Christmas card to receive when it contains the signature of Uncle Bob, with an empty space where Aunt Judy's should be.
And to top it off, Our girls are NOT home!
Which moves me into a different mode of thinking. What are these types of days like for Meron? Does her sorrow match, or completely overshadow the sorrow I've felt today? Does Edelam have the same memories of their Ethiopian Mom and Dad, or did she see a different perspective than Meron? Does she desperately miss walking hand in hand with her Mommy or Daddy? Does Lideta remember being rocked on her Mother's chest, or carried in her Father's arms? Do the girls have days when the grief of losing their parents immobilizes them? Have they had the chance to feel the depth and desperation of their emotions in these 5 years of surviving without their parents, wondering about the things their own future holds?
I haven't a clue about sorrow and loss.
Grandpa was a farmer.
Now, to many, that statement is fairly straightforward and non-descriptive. For me, "Grandpa was a farmer," brings forth so many emotions ~ pride, security, awe, respect, love, endearment ~ and many memories ~ tractors which take on the aura of an old friend, critters and crops, cornfields and hayfields tended by this brilliant man, me as a little girl with my hand in his... walking and absorbing his wonderful world. Grandpa, who would come into Grandma's kitchen for coffee time with his jacket 'mewing,' bearing a stash of just found kittens.
Climbing into Grandpa's truck for trips to his woods in search of fabulous black berries to carry back to Grandma, who would serve them for dinner in pretty dishes with just the right amount of sugar. That truck was the most glorious of all trucks, and those berries where the most delectable of all berries.
Grandpa taught me how to drive a tractor... well, sort of. I'm not sure how old I was; certainly under the age of 5. He set me in front of him on the tractor seat, and allowed me to steer the tractor down the driveway back to the barn. The tracks behind us snaked wildly back and forth, reflecting my young mindset that steering required drastic side to side yanks on the wheel.
Although I was very young at the time, the photos show a younger Grandpa proudly posed with big, white turkeys. Others show him with hunting buddies, or giving a demonstration of harvesting wheat with a scythe. I frequently walked through the pig barns with him, hanging on his every word and action. I remember his 'buddy,' Arnold, an imposing boar, and the excitement of knowing that the boar pen could be a deadly place for a child like me... but I was certain that my near superman Grandpa was invincible.
Grandpa brought new pussy willows to Grandma every spring... (I now treasure a good bouquet of country picked pussy willows far above any pricey flower shop purchase).
I miss Grandpa so powerfully today, even though he has been gone for 15 years. Grandma is sick, and back in the hospital. She's so remarkable and strong ~ has practically bounced back from every major health challenge she's encountered over the years: brain surgery, heart surgery, a broken hip, congestive heart failure. Her nickname (in my opinion) = Energizer Gramma. She just keeps going and going and.. She celebrated her 91st birthday last month! She has long been my idol of beauty, courage, strength, and diligence.
My sorrow of the morning morphed into a bit of self-pity as the day continued on. It's almost Christmas and the list of those I miss dearly was rolling through my memory. Our first Christmas without Aunt Judy ~ Wow, what a painful Christmas card to receive when it contains the signature of Uncle Bob, with an empty space where Aunt Judy's should be.
And to top it off, Our girls are NOT home!
Which moves me into a different mode of thinking. What are these types of days like for Meron? Does her sorrow match, or completely overshadow the sorrow I've felt today? Does Edelam have the same memories of their Ethiopian Mom and Dad, or did she see a different perspective than Meron? Does she desperately miss walking hand in hand with her Mommy or Daddy? Does Lideta remember being rocked on her Mother's chest, or carried in her Father's arms? Do the girls have days when the grief of losing their parents immobilizes them? Have they had the chance to feel the depth and desperation of their emotions in these 5 years of surviving without their parents, wondering about the things their own future holds?
I haven't a clue about sorrow and loss.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Winter Fun
This will either be a complete shock to Mo, Ed, and L... or the most fun they've had in their lives! Nothing like a face full of snow from being pulled on a sled behind horses!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
L
[photo removed]
No news today. I keep having this unrealistic hope that I'll get a phone call, which would sound something like this: "Mrs. Slomp? By the way... we forgot to tell you that the court date for the girls was scheduled for this week... and they've already passed court! You have to be there in a couple of weeks for your embassy appointment."
One can dream...
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Timing ~ ?
Many have been asking about the timeline for the girls coming home. Sure wish we had more to say!
Our dossier is in Ethiopia, should be translated by now, and we await a court date. I've noticed that others on our adoption forum have been writing that they have court dates December 31. We have not heard anything, so I'm assuming that we will be waiting for court until January.
Once we pass court, we travel 3-6 weeks later to be there in time for an embassy appointment for the girl's visas. Then we can all come home!
I'm trying to keep my mind on other things... preparing for their arrival, gathering supplies, beds, etc. It would be pretty easy to drive myself crazy during the wait (yes... my brother would say that it's not actually a 'drive,' rather a 'short putt' to crazy for me). I'm working to keep in mind that God will get them here in His perfect timing.
Our dossier is in Ethiopia, should be translated by now, and we await a court date. I've noticed that others on our adoption forum have been writing that they have court dates December 31. We have not heard anything, so I'm assuming that we will be waiting for court until January.
Once we pass court, we travel 3-6 weeks later to be there in time for an embassy appointment for the girl's visas. Then we can all come home!
I'm trying to keep my mind on other things... preparing for their arrival, gathering supplies, beds, etc. It would be pretty easy to drive myself crazy during the wait (yes... my brother would say that it's not actually a 'drive,' rather a 'short putt' to crazy for me). I'm working to keep in mind that God will get them here in His perfect timing.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Van
If you ask Isaac, it's "greyish, whitish." It's silver.
It can't possibly belong to us. It's FAR to clean! Anyone know of a way to plastic (rhinoline) the whole interior - floor, seats, and ALL...maybe install a big drain in the middle of it so that I can just take a power washer to it a couple of times a year... ? :)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Good
God Is Good!
Can we say this just because He has so incredibly and faithfully provided what we've needed to bring the girls home? How simple this is to proclaim while we float on His breath, comfortably carried along on this journey.
Is God still good when families struggle through with an adoption and rough adjustment? Is He good when a dear family struggles with the effects of brain tumors?
Was God any less good in the winter of 2005, when my mother was battling breast cancer? Was He somehow not good when my sister-in-law had such a serious accident in the winter snow? In the midst of that difficult winter, God was indeed Good:
"This time has been stressful, but faith building. The other morning, another family came into the ICU waiting area... gathering to say good-bye to their 28 or 29 year old family member. She had also been in a car accident, but did not live. She was being kept on life support just long enough for the family to gather. Watching them was very hard on Mom and Kurt - hits very close to home. We realize that we came very close to losing Kathy. God is good!
But the question arises: was God any less good for the family who lost their daughter/wife/sister? Would we still be able to praise and talk of the goodness of God if we were making funeral plans instead of rehab plans? God IS good. God is ALWAYS good. We have sung a song in worship time that gets me in the heart every time: "Blessed be Your Name, on the road marked with suffering. Though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be Your Name.." As I began learning that song a few months ago, I had no idea what I would be learning now." (February 2005)
But the question arises: was God any less good for the family who lost their daughter/wife/sister? Would we still be able to praise and talk of the goodness of God if we were making funeral plans instead of rehab plans? God IS good. God is ALWAYS good. We have sung a song in worship time that gets me in the heart every time: "Blessed be Your Name, on the road marked with suffering. Though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be Your Name.." As I began learning that song a few months ago, I had no idea what I would be learning now." (February 2005)
As we rejoice and wonder at all of the marvelous things that are happening in our family right now, I am mindful that these children we are seeking to parent are coming to us because of the deep and painful loss of their parents. Even in such utter grief and loss, God IS Good. He, whose eye is on the sparrow, has cared for these precious children.
Please pray this week for the girls. Pray for the healing of their wounds, and for rich assurance that God is Good.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34
Friday, November 23, 2007
Provision
Wow. God does it again, and again, and again!
On Tuesday I had just completed a letter to apply for an adoption grant... specifically the sentence, "As we see the funds come in for the adoption expenses, we are also trusting God to provide a vehicle large enough for 9 children, beds and bedding for 3 more, clothing, school books and supplies, etc."
Less than 10 minutes later, Berny phoned me to let me know that someone was donating a 12 passenger van for our use! We are very excited and thankful. I am supposed to go pick up the van and trade in the tired Suburban Saturday morning in Grand Rapids.
And THAT'S NOT ALL! Yesterday someone at church informed me that they have a 2 bunk beds for us to use, plus 2 of the needed 5 mattresses!
AND: BIG news today! A simple, but delightful, envelope from the Department of Homeland Security!
On Tuesday I had just completed a letter to apply for an adoption grant... specifically the sentence, "As we see the funds come in for the adoption expenses, we are also trusting God to provide a vehicle large enough for 9 children, beds and bedding for 3 more, clothing, school books and supplies, etc."
Less than 10 minutes later, Berny phoned me to let me know that someone was donating a 12 passenger van for our use! We are very excited and thankful. I am supposed to go pick up the van and trade in the tired Suburban Saturday morning in Grand Rapids.
And THAT'S NOT ALL! Yesterday someone at church informed me that they have a 2 bunk beds for us to use, plus 2 of the needed 5 mattresses!
AND: BIG news today! A simple, but delightful, envelope from the Department of Homeland Security!
"NOTICE OF FAVORABLE DETERMINATION CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR ADVANCE PROCESSING OF ORPHAN PETITION"
is the title of the document. In capital letters below this it states, "It has been determined that you are able to furnish proper care to an orphan or orphans as defined by section.." blah blah, and so and so. We still have some immigration things to wait for and fill out, but this is a critical piece. This is a huge thing we have been waiting for and wondering about.Much praise to God!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
How did we get here?
I am copying this from a letter Berny wrote as part of a grant application:
If I said God was calling us to adopt, I would be speaking the truth. But in order to adequately explain God calling us to adopt, I need to tell you our/His story.
On August 12, 2006 I flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to meet my new 4-year-old son. God had called my wife and I to increase the size of our family from five children to six children... four bio daughters, one bio son, and one adopted son. We were delighted with the addition of B. I was sure that my "quiver was full." I thought wrong.
While in Addis, I met a little girl named L. She had an inner beauty, which radiated from every pore of her body. Because it was raining in Addis that day, B and I went to the orphanage so he could play with his friends. While in the playroom, L broke away from the group and went to a plastic kitchen set nearby. She opened a door, pulled out a plastic pot and spoon. She set the pot on top of the stove and began to stir. She happily cooked her pretend food. Then she took a plastic plate and fork, filled the plate with "food," and walked towards me. She politely placed her hand on my knee, offered me the plate of "food, " and said, "Here Daddy." My heart skipped several beats with those words ringing in my ears. My immediate thought was "that was not what I thought it was ... she must have said something in her own language." I played along with L and 'ate' my meal. I returned the empty plate to her, thanking her for her kindness. She promptly returned to the stove, filled the plate again, returned to me, politely laid her hand on my knee, offered me the plate of 'steaming food,' and said in clear and perfect English (so a thick skulled Dutchman could understand), "Here Daddy." I am not sure what L thought of the tear that ran down my cheek, maybe that the 'food' was too spicy.
I told my wife about L after the dust had settled a bit from bringing our new son home. She cried with me as I told her about this beautiful girl needing a family. We began to do some investigating and discovered that L had an older sister named Ed (age 10), and another sister named Mo (age 12).
With that discovery came the realization that perhaps God was calling us to adopt again. But god, my quiver is full. My car isn't big enough. Where will they sleep in my 137-year-old farmhouse? Being a self-employed builder in Michigan, how can I afford to feed three more mouths? I do not have $25,000.00 lying around to adopt three more. This would give us 7 (SEVEN!) daughters and they will ALL be adolescents at the same time.
My wife and I spent the next 10 months fasting, praying, seeking God's will. Our small group fasted and prayed with us and for us. There were only a few close friends, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who we made aware of our agonizing decision. I did not want our decision to be emotion driven. Our decision and call needed to come from God.
During a May Sunday morning message at our church, our pastor challenged the congregation to get involved in kingdom work by saying the words of Isaiah... "Here I am, send me." (Isaiah 6:8) I chose to make that commitment. Lord, here is my life, you do with it as you please. Monday evening my wife and I discussed the three girls. I stated to my wife, " We can spend the rest of our lives praying for the three girls, and never do a practical thing for them. At some point we need to take a step of faith and allow God the opportunity to open and close doors. What is the next step?" She agreed and informed me that we needed to send an application to the adoption agency, and then apply for an international homestudy to the tune of $2,000.00. I told her that we did not have that kind of money just lying around and we would have to wait. We assumed the wait could be long.
The following day, my wife found a card from a relative in our mailbox. The relative had no knowledge of the decision my wife and I were making. Inside the envelope was a check for $2,000.00.
[shortened by me, Sherri, to keep this relative anonymous] This relative had dreamed that we needed money, obeyed God, and sent the check.
That money was used to complete our international homestudy. The placing agency also needed $2,000.00 to begin the dossier. Because we did not have that amount in reserve, we continued to lift our need before the Lord. Weeks later, we received another gift. This gift came from a couple from New York whom we have never met [or may have met once]. They were members of a church where my sister-in-law and her husband were co-pastors. After hearing abut the girls and the fact that we were trying to bring them home, this couple received an inheritance check. They informed us that God had prompted them to send us a portion of that inheritance check. Their gift to us was $6,000.00. We joyously began our dossier paperwork!
My wife and I have not asked people for a single penny. We have simply prayed that God would provide the way and open the doors to bring our girls home. Appointments for the homestudy and dossier, which seemed as though they would be difficult to get, fell into place immediately. Church members have gifted us with fists full of $20 bills, or checks for $1,000.00, and everything in between. Total strangers have sent money, and we are not even sure how they heard about our story. During the past 3.5 months God has provided the financial resources for this adoption. We estimate we will need between $22,000 and $25,000 to bring our daughters home. We are still in need of between $8,000 and $11,000. We have applied for a grant (up to $3,000) through our placing agency. We are still waiting for a reply. As we see the funds come in for the adoption expenses, we are also trusting God to provide a vehicle large enough for 9 children, beds and bedding for 3 more, clothing, school books, desks, and supplies, etc.
My six-year-old son decided he was going to help me raise money to bring his sisters home. He gathered pockets full of stones and rocks he found on our 40-acre farm. He sat at his picnic table and painted every stone and rock - colors, stripes, and spots. He moved his picnic table to then end of our driveway, made a sign which said "Rocks for Sale," and began to sell rocks (tricky on a very rural road!). Within a couple of weeks, he had sold over $30.00 in painted rocks. He gave me every penny to help bring his sisters home.
I consider it a privilege and an honor that God has selected my family to be an incubator for nine beautiful children ~ including four beautiful Ethiopian children who, because of a second chance at life, will make an eternal impact for His kingdom.
Gripped in His Grace & Walking by Faith,
Berny Slomp
If I said God was calling us to adopt, I would be speaking the truth. But in order to adequately explain God calling us to adopt, I need to tell you our/His story.
On August 12, 2006 I flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to meet my new 4-year-old son. God had called my wife and I to increase the size of our family from five children to six children... four bio daughters, one bio son, and one adopted son. We were delighted with the addition of B. I was sure that my "quiver was full." I thought wrong.
While in Addis, I met a little girl named L. She had an inner beauty, which radiated from every pore of her body. Because it was raining in Addis that day, B and I went to the orphanage so he could play with his friends. While in the playroom, L broke away from the group and went to a plastic kitchen set nearby. She opened a door, pulled out a plastic pot and spoon. She set the pot on top of the stove and began to stir. She happily cooked her pretend food. Then she took a plastic plate and fork, filled the plate with "food," and walked towards me. She politely placed her hand on my knee, offered me the plate of "food, " and said, "Here Daddy." My heart skipped several beats with those words ringing in my ears. My immediate thought was "that was not what I thought it was ... she must have said something in her own language." I played along with L and 'ate' my meal. I returned the empty plate to her, thanking her for her kindness. She promptly returned to the stove, filled the plate again, returned to me, politely laid her hand on my knee, offered me the plate of 'steaming food,' and said in clear and perfect English (so a thick skulled Dutchman could understand), "Here Daddy." I am not sure what L thought of the tear that ran down my cheek, maybe that the 'food' was too spicy.
I told my wife about L after the dust had settled a bit from bringing our new son home. She cried with me as I told her about this beautiful girl needing a family. We began to do some investigating and discovered that L had an older sister named Ed (age 10), and another sister named Mo (age 12).
With that discovery came the realization that perhaps God was calling us to adopt again. But god, my quiver is full. My car isn't big enough. Where will they sleep in my 137-year-old farmhouse? Being a self-employed builder in Michigan, how can I afford to feed three more mouths? I do not have $25,000.00 lying around to adopt three more. This would give us 7 (SEVEN!) daughters and they will ALL be adolescents at the same time.
My wife and I spent the next 10 months fasting, praying, seeking God's will. Our small group fasted and prayed with us and for us. There were only a few close friends, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who we made aware of our agonizing decision. I did not want our decision to be emotion driven. Our decision and call needed to come from God.
During a May Sunday morning message at our church, our pastor challenged the congregation to get involved in kingdom work by saying the words of Isaiah... "Here I am, send me." (Isaiah 6:8) I chose to make that commitment. Lord, here is my life, you do with it as you please. Monday evening my wife and I discussed the three girls. I stated to my wife, " We can spend the rest of our lives praying for the three girls, and never do a practical thing for them. At some point we need to take a step of faith and allow God the opportunity to open and close doors. What is the next step?" She agreed and informed me that we needed to send an application to the adoption agency, and then apply for an international homestudy to the tune of $2,000.00. I told her that we did not have that kind of money just lying around and we would have to wait. We assumed the wait could be long.
The following day, my wife found a card from a relative in our mailbox. The relative had no knowledge of the decision my wife and I were making. Inside the envelope was a check for $2,000.00.
[shortened by me, Sherri, to keep this relative anonymous] This relative had dreamed that we needed money, obeyed God, and sent the check.
That money was used to complete our international homestudy. The placing agency also needed $2,000.00 to begin the dossier. Because we did not have that amount in reserve, we continued to lift our need before the Lord. Weeks later, we received another gift. This gift came from a couple from New York whom we have never met [or may have met once]. They were members of a church where my sister-in-law and her husband were co-pastors. After hearing abut the girls and the fact that we were trying to bring them home, this couple received an inheritance check. They informed us that God had prompted them to send us a portion of that inheritance check. Their gift to us was $6,000.00. We joyously began our dossier paperwork!
My wife and I have not asked people for a single penny. We have simply prayed that God would provide the way and open the doors to bring our girls home. Appointments for the homestudy and dossier, which seemed as though they would be difficult to get, fell into place immediately. Church members have gifted us with fists full of $20 bills, or checks for $1,000.00, and everything in between. Total strangers have sent money, and we are not even sure how they heard about our story. During the past 3.5 months God has provided the financial resources for this adoption. We estimate we will need between $22,000 and $25,000 to bring our daughters home. We are still in need of between $8,000 and $11,000. We have applied for a grant (up to $3,000) through our placing agency. We are still waiting for a reply. As we see the funds come in for the adoption expenses, we are also trusting God to provide a vehicle large enough for 9 children, beds and bedding for 3 more, clothing, school books, desks, and supplies, etc.
My six-year-old son decided he was going to help me raise money to bring his sisters home. He gathered pockets full of stones and rocks he found on our 40-acre farm. He sat at his picnic table and painted every stone and rock - colors, stripes, and spots. He moved his picnic table to then end of our driveway, made a sign which said "Rocks for Sale," and began to sell rocks (tricky on a very rural road!). Within a couple of weeks, he had sold over $30.00 in painted rocks. He gave me every penny to help bring his sisters home.
I consider it a privilege and an honor that God has selected my family to be an incubator for nine beautiful children ~ including four beautiful Ethiopian children who, because of a second chance at life, will make an eternal impact for His kingdom.
Gripped in His Grace & Walking by Faith,
Berny Slomp
Monday, November 19, 2007
Mail again!
MORE mail today! Another envelope, containing REAL letters from the girls... this time including Meron! Some quotes:
"We are so happy. We are proud of being your children. Before we were crry to get family. Now God answer our question. praise to be the Lord."
"I Love You all my fameliy. I miss you so much."
"How are you? I am fine I love you I love you so much We pray for you I am so glad you are my fameliy I love you so much Dad thanke you so much and I love you .... Mom thanke you so much and I love you so much Mom"
"Jesus paid our dept"
To the kids:
"Thanke you are my sister. I like farm. I like new house. I like Cody Graces dog. I like Canada state. I like horses. I like snow in the winter hockey. I like Pups good family dog. I like new bag Thanke you. I am so glad you are my sisters and brothers and my Fameliy. God is good. Jesus is Good."
Jesus is VERY good! My heart is overflowing...
"We are so happy. We are proud of being your children. Before we were crry to get family. Now God answer our question. praise to be the Lord."
"I Love You all my fameliy. I miss you so much."
"How are you? I am fine I love you I love you so much We pray for you I am so glad you are my fameliy I love you so much Dad thanke you so much and I love you .... Mom thanke you so much and I love you so much Mom"
"Jesus paid our dept"
To the kids:
"Thanke you are my sister. I like farm. I like new house. I like Cody Graces dog. I like Canada state. I like horses. I like snow in the winter hockey. I like Pups good family dog. I like new bag Thanke you. I am so glad you are my sisters and brothers and my Fameliy. God is good. Jesus is Good."
Jesus is VERY good! My heart is overflowing...
First Meeting
We had no idea that this first meeting between Father and Son was also a first meeting between Father and Daughter! Notice Lideta standing next to Berny's left shoulder. She was Berny's shadow for the rest of his time there. She appears in over half of his photos.
I'll write more about Berny's time at Layla (August '06) and his time meeting Lideta later...
Mail Call!
We received paintings, drawings, and notes from Edelam and Lideta this weekend!
What a delight!
Each member of the family got at least 2 - one from Lideta, and one from Edelam.
"Mom and Dad" ~ What fabulous words! Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Godspeed, FedEx!
We got word today that our dossier is on its way to Ethiopia via FedEx! I had hoped to hear that it was already there and translated, but this is still good news.
Please pray that each step goes quickly ~ every hand which must handle our documents would do so with remarkable efficiency.
Please pray that each step goes quickly ~ every hand which must handle our documents would do so with remarkable efficiency.
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Process From Here
Where we've been:
- Applications to the Placing Agency (Adoption Advocates International) and our Homestudy Agency (Hands Across the Water) submitted and approved
- New homestudy completed = documents gathered, visits with our great social worker done, homestudy submitted, approved, and notarized
- Dossier submitted to AAI = MORE documents gathered, every speck of it notarized, trip to the Secretary of State for 'Certification with the Great State Seal' (Aar, Aar...flap fins together) to certify our notary
Where we are now... waiting for:
- A piece of paper from the State Department in Washington DC, stating that our dossier is good ~ approving our State Seal, which approved our notary, which approved us and all the folks who signed things for us (at least I think that's what it's for)
- Our dossier gets translated into Amharic and is sent to Ethiopia ~ not sure which comes first
- Our paperwork is submitted to a court clerk in Ethiopia, and then routed to a judge who sets a court date for us. When our paperwork is first submitted, we are assigned a group letter (group Y, Z, A, B... whatever).
- COURT DATE ~ a very important day! We are represented in court by someone from AAI. One of the girl's family members or previous guardians must appear, and the government rep. ... or something like that. If everything is in order and the court passes everything, the girls will be legally and officially OURS.
- We wait 3-6 weeks for the adoption order to be translated into English and wait for an appointment date at the US embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- A few days before our appointment, we TRAVEL.
- The morning after we arrive in Addis, we are taken over to Layla house to meet, hug, kiss, weep over, smile with, laugh with, hold like we never want to let them go... OUR girls.
- We spend the next few days getting acquainted with the girls while we wait for our embassy appointment. At the appointment, we smile pretty, hand in a pile of paperwork and some $$, and the nice people give us visas for the girls.
- We have farewell parties for the girls at Layla, and finally travel HOME
Then the REAL work begins!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Three names for Ed
Front and Center
[photo removed]
We did get an email from AAI, saying that Ed placed at the top of her class. Above average in every way...
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Pain in the Neck
Poor A has (note I said HAS, and not IS) a pain in her neck! It started yesterday morning and has continued. My most active of children has been drawn to a complete halt, unable to move her head without whimpering and sometimes crying in pain.
Sounds like the probable cause was rolling down a grassy hillside with friends on Tuesday.
She has regained her sense of humor now and then. Her siblings doted on her yesterday ~ Ic named himself her 'assistant.' I just had to go see when I heard her call from the porch, "Where's my tap dancer?" I got there just in time to see E coming out of the porch, removing my Sunday shoes, out of breath and giggling.
Sounds like the probable cause was rolling down a grassy hillside with friends on Tuesday.
She has regained her sense of humor now and then. Her siblings doted on her yesterday ~ Ic named himself her 'assistant.' I just had to go see when I heard her call from the porch, "Where's my tap dancer?" I got there just in time to see E coming out of the porch, removing my Sunday shoes, out of breath and giggling.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
2 of the 7 wonders of the world:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Opa and Oma
Our glorious 2 weeks with Opa and Oma have come to an end. The children loved having them here ~ plenty of extra hugs, game time, and, yes, even school disruption.
Of course, every speck of my laundry is clean thanks to Oma, the laundry queen. Opa salvaged forgotten veggies and watermelons from the gardens before the hard frost claimed them. He also gleaned apples from the orchard and worked on pruning some of the trees. (Yes, we know they're supposed to be pruned during the winter, but I'm sure he knew we'd never get to them) He did bean himself in the head with a branch or two, and returns to Canada sporting a mild shiner.
We had the thrill of having both sets of Grandparents together twice - once for an evening dinner, and once for a glorious entire Saturday.
What a blessing: TWO sets of Grandparents who love God, and love these children!
Good-byes were hard. Ic was so devastated that Opa and Oma were leaving, he wanted me to do his hugs and good-byes for him. The girls had tears as well.
So, we're readjusting to life on our own.
For the Canadian family, they're coming back with a few photos... make sure you get a peek!
Monday, October 29, 2007
What's that you say?
I do realize that for some of you, even my first post is a shocker. WHAT 3 girls?
To catch up a bit, I'll copy in a few things from previous days/weeks:
From 10/13
I have no idea if I actually have permission to do this (so, sorry AAI if I'm jumping the gun), but I can wait no longer:We have finally signed placement papers for our three daughters from Layla: M, E, and L!
The papers arrived today (after a semi-traumatic day on the farm involving much blood and a trip to the veterinarian), are already signed/filled out, and are sitting on the desk in an envelope ready to mail in the morning.We go for our fingerprinting appt. tomorrow morning (unexpected to have a Saturday appt..hope this is actually right!)... things feel like they're clipping right along now!
We have watched God completely pave the way ~ we had NO money to begin this process. It just keeps coming in, and we haven't asked anyone for a penny! Appointments which looked like they would be difficult to get were divinely set up far easier and earlier than expected. We are seeing confirmation daily, in many ways, that these are our girls!
I have to tell you how this provision started: We had agonized for over 9 months about these three girls. We felt very much on the verge of ... something... "What is it God? Should we sell our house and erase the mortgage? Do you want us back in full time ministry? Do you want is in cross cultural ministry (tricky with 6 kids, Lord, but we'll go for it if You say the word)? You can't possibly be calling us to adopt three... that's THREE more children!" As we tried to push the girls out of our minds, God put them deeper into our hearts. We heard nothing about the other things we prayed about ~ but the Lord put three girls back in front of us constantly in a variety of ways.
Berny and I finally stood in the kitchen on a Monday night, and agreed that, yes, the Lord was giving us an unmistakable call to adopt the girls. But when we determined that the next step was a new homestudy, costing $2000, we realized we didn't have it. Berny shrugged and commented, "Well, we'll just have to wait."The next day I checked the mail... in it was a check from a relative who knew nothing about the 3 girls and nothing about our winter full of prayers. The check: $2000. Yes, sir! We hear you loud and clear, Lord! One homestudy, coming right up!
As the homestudy progressed, money continued coming, and confirmation continued in other ways. Someone from church handed me a wad of 20's, equalling $200. Berny's birthday, a card arrives from complete strangers (they are friends of my sister and bro-in-law in another state). "We feel God is telling us to send you this money to help get your girls home." $6000. Jaw dropping, eye rinsing, dancing around on the lawn, hugging, jumping joy! Each gift ~ 2000, 600, 100, 6000, 50, 100, 20 ~ brings tears to our eyes as we witness God providing.
We realize that this really has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with God's care for 3 beautiful girls who lost their parents. He has held them in the palm of His hand since 2002 and before. Why He chooses to send them here, to inadequate us, is completely beyond us. But He has a plan for three girls He loves more than we ever could.
Thank you for listening. Would you please pray with us that the process goes quickly? These girls need to come home.
To catch up a bit, I'll copy in a few things from previous days/weeks:
From 10/13
I have no idea if I actually have permission to do this (so, sorry AAI if I'm jumping the gun), but I can wait no longer:We have finally signed placement papers for our three daughters from Layla: M, E, and L!
The papers arrived today (after a semi-traumatic day on the farm involving much blood and a trip to the veterinarian), are already signed/filled out, and are sitting on the desk in an envelope ready to mail in the morning.We go for our fingerprinting appt. tomorrow morning (unexpected to have a Saturday appt..hope this is actually right!)... things feel like they're clipping right along now!
We have watched God completely pave the way ~ we had NO money to begin this process. It just keeps coming in, and we haven't asked anyone for a penny! Appointments which looked like they would be difficult to get were divinely set up far easier and earlier than expected. We are seeing confirmation daily, in many ways, that these are our girls!
I have to tell you how this provision started: We had agonized for over 9 months about these three girls. We felt very much on the verge of ... something... "What is it God? Should we sell our house and erase the mortgage? Do you want us back in full time ministry? Do you want is in cross cultural ministry (tricky with 6 kids, Lord, but we'll go for it if You say the word)? You can't possibly be calling us to adopt three... that's THREE more children!" As we tried to push the girls out of our minds, God put them deeper into our hearts. We heard nothing about the other things we prayed about ~ but the Lord put three girls back in front of us constantly in a variety of ways.
Berny and I finally stood in the kitchen on a Monday night, and agreed that, yes, the Lord was giving us an unmistakable call to adopt the girls. But when we determined that the next step was a new homestudy, costing $2000, we realized we didn't have it. Berny shrugged and commented, "Well, we'll just have to wait."The next day I checked the mail... in it was a check from a relative who knew nothing about the 3 girls and nothing about our winter full of prayers. The check: $2000. Yes, sir! We hear you loud and clear, Lord! One homestudy, coming right up!
As the homestudy progressed, money continued coming, and confirmation continued in other ways. Someone from church handed me a wad of 20's, equalling $200. Berny's birthday, a card arrives from complete strangers (they are friends of my sister and bro-in-law in another state). "We feel God is telling us to send you this money to help get your girls home." $6000. Jaw dropping, eye rinsing, dancing around on the lawn, hugging, jumping joy! Each gift ~ 2000, 600, 100, 6000, 50, 100, 20 ~ brings tears to our eyes as we witness God providing.
We realize that this really has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with God's care for 3 beautiful girls who lost their parents. He has held them in the palm of His hand since 2002 and before. Why He chooses to send them here, to inadequate us, is completely beyond us. But He has a plan for three girls He loves more than we ever could.
Thank you for listening. Would you please pray with us that the process goes quickly? These girls need to come home.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Our adoption updates...
I'm giving this a try... we want our friends and family to be included in our journey to bring home our 3 girls, and this seems to be the best way.
Give me time as I figure this out (perhaps a week or more), but then check back regularly for updates!
For now, the most fabulous sight of our week ~ M. E., and L. receiving their welcome bags from us! After many months of paperwork and waiting, the girls finally know that they have a family!
[photo removed]
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