Rachelle D. Alspaugh's Blog, page 80
April 2, 2013
Moving along
My agency finally got the paperwork (our referral) from Colombia today, so they are reviewing it and said they'd send it our way asap. Our next step--send it to immigration, along with more paperwork that I've been filling out. We're definitely in the final stage here, but still more waiting time stands before us.
I suppose it's good to not have to be leaving my class for so long during the school year. I suppose it's good to not have to interrupt David's favorite school year of all. I suppose there are a lot of positives here. Yet I remind myself that he's already fifteen years old. Precious time is just slipping away.
Still, I'm grateful that it's progressing and moving along--because last time, it didn't. (Read From the Mountain...to the Valley...and back! for that whole story.)
Speaking of moving along, our Bible study on James is coming to a close tomorrow night. It's been a great study. The Biblical history that I learned about James fascinated me. The message of the book was pretty clear--live out your faith! I also memorized quite a bit of the book--almost half. According to Beth, it should take about five months to really learn it well,averaging a chapter a month, so that gives me another two months at least to finish it (if I can stay committed to the task).
My three favorite verses from James come from the first chapter. Verses two and three--Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. And verse twenty-seven--Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
I loved being part of the group, but I missed teaching. I just wasn't near as passionate about being there or about the study as I am when I am teaching it. I didn't teach in the spring because I thought this adoption would have moved a bit faster, taking me to Colombia around now. So, now that we're moving along to our summer session, I signed up to teach and asked my friend to take over for me if I'm gone. Our next study? Falling in Love with Jesus, by Kathy Troccoli and Dee Brestin. If you're local, I hope you'll consider joining us!
I suppose it's good to not have to be leaving my class for so long during the school year. I suppose it's good to not have to interrupt David's favorite school year of all. I suppose there are a lot of positives here. Yet I remind myself that he's already fifteen years old. Precious time is just slipping away.
Still, I'm grateful that it's progressing and moving along--because last time, it didn't. (Read From the Mountain...to the Valley...and back! for that whole story.)
Speaking of moving along, our Bible study on James is coming to a close tomorrow night. It's been a great study. The Biblical history that I learned about James fascinated me. The message of the book was pretty clear--live out your faith! I also memorized quite a bit of the book--almost half. According to Beth, it should take about five months to really learn it well,averaging a chapter a month, so that gives me another two months at least to finish it (if I can stay committed to the task).
My three favorite verses from James come from the first chapter. Verses two and three--Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. And verse twenty-seven--Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
I loved being part of the group, but I missed teaching. I just wasn't near as passionate about being there or about the study as I am when I am teaching it. I didn't teach in the spring because I thought this adoption would have moved a bit faster, taking me to Colombia around now. So, now that we're moving along to our summer session, I signed up to teach and asked my friend to take over for me if I'm gone. Our next study? Falling in Love with Jesus, by Kathy Troccoli and Dee Brestin. If you're local, I hope you'll consider joining us!
April 1, 2013
Rolling the tongue
Big news in our house today! David figured out how to roll his rr's! He was looking at some pictures of Colombia, specifically our visit to Montserrate. He tried to say it, and his rr's rolled out perfectly! He's so proud of himself! I couldn't do it correctly till I turned 20, so to me, it's a pretty big deal. Just in time for big brother to come home and practice with him--now if we could just speed everything up to get him home.
I've made some excellent progress on Book #2 recently. Very helpful for passing the time, keeping me from going crazy in this wait. I'm so thankful for the writer's group I found because they've really helped me fine-tune my writing in so many ways. I think attending that group is one of my favorite nights of the whole month!
School continues to be a real challenge in my classroom this year, but we're making it. Thankfully, this year has been anything but a challenge for David. He has enjoyed fifth grade to the fullest, and the best of the year is yet to come! This month is full of STAAR testing, but he's off to fifth grade camp in mid-May. He couldn't be more excited. He loves his teacher and will miss him greatly. What eleven year old athletic boy wouldn't love a male teacher in his late twenties who plays football and soccer with them at recess? (He's awesome in the classroom, too. :))
Mike is busy working on some much needed repairs on the house, things we couldn't do throughout the adoption process until we started to catch up again financially. He's doing a great job, and I'm always so amazed at the things he just knows how to do.
We're also getting ready to celebrate our 14th anniversary on the tenth of the month, followed by Julian's 20th birthday four days later.
I've made some excellent progress on Book #2 recently. Very helpful for passing the time, keeping me from going crazy in this wait. I'm so thankful for the writer's group I found because they've really helped me fine-tune my writing in so many ways. I think attending that group is one of my favorite nights of the whole month!
School continues to be a real challenge in my classroom this year, but we're making it. Thankfully, this year has been anything but a challenge for David. He has enjoyed fifth grade to the fullest, and the best of the year is yet to come! This month is full of STAAR testing, but he's off to fifth grade camp in mid-May. He couldn't be more excited. He loves his teacher and will miss him greatly. What eleven year old athletic boy wouldn't love a male teacher in his late twenties who plays football and soccer with them at recess? (He's awesome in the classroom, too. :))
Mike is busy working on some much needed repairs on the house, things we couldn't do throughout the adoption process until we started to catch up again financially. He's doing a great job, and I'm always so amazed at the things he just knows how to do.
We're also getting ready to celebrate our 14th anniversary on the tenth of the month, followed by Julian's 20th birthday four days later.
March 30, 2013
Restless
Some days I find myself much more restless than other days. Today seemed to be one of those days. I miss him and hate how long this process has to take.
March 21, 2013
A huge step closer
We got good news from our attorney today that the official, long awaited referral for "Juan" is on the way. This is definitely something worth celebrating. Could still be at least another two months before we can actually see him, but without it, we'd never be able to complete his adoption. Praise God!!!!
She called me "Daddy"
I've been called "Mommy" accidentally on many occasions in my classroom, but yesterday was a first to be called "Daddy". Actually, it was one of the most touching moments that made me want to cry. The other students chuckled, of course, wondering how I could be accidentally confused for a male parent. However, this little girl happens to have no mom in her life. Cancer stole her mom and a huge part of her heart three years ago, and her dad has let me know that only this year has she even taken an interest in learning. She's a handful, but so hard not to love. Just seeing the spark in her eyes, knowing what she's been through, is enough to tug on your heart strings and make you just want to hug her.
So, with that being said, when she accidentally addressed me as "Papi" yesterday (Daddy), I took it as quite the compliment.
So, with that being said, when she accidentally addressed me as "Papi" yesterday (Daddy), I took it as quite the compliment.
March 17, 2013
Mission Waco
Today is David's last day of his mission trip to Waco. I hope the trip absolutely exceeded all of his expectations, too. By the looks of the pictures on the Mission Waco blog, it looks like the kids have not only had a great time, but have also really done a lot of hard work to help others. Here is a link to the blog if you want to see what he's been doing with his spring break. I only found David in three of the pics. http://surge-missionwaco2013.blogspot...
One amazing day
You know, sometimes you look forward to something for so long, and then before you know it, it's over. You're somehow let down, as if the day just didn't quite meet all the expectations you had for it. Well, that's exactly what DIDN'T happen yesterday as the STUCK tour made its way through Dallas. I'd have to say it exceeded all my expectations and left me with a great sense of satisfaction.
The day started at Chick-Fil-A for breakfast where we got to meet the rest of the volunteer team (that we'd only ever met through conference calls). We each had a chance to informally tell our stories to each other and to the producer of the film/founder of the movement. We sold merchandise, bought our own t-shirts, held a sign outside, and even got some customers going through the drive-through to sign the petition that's headed to Washington D.C. for the March for Orphans.
After that, we all headed to a local church where they hosted a luncheon for the leaders and volunteers and also held a carnival to celebrate the concept of family. At the luncheon, Mike and I got to join four other families up in front so we could tell our story of how we and our children are stuck, stuck being separated from one another for years now because of a complicated process. Our story held the most hope because Colombia doesn't have the issues in their process that the other countries represented do (we were just one of the few who had such a bad experience). However, "Juan" has been stuck in this system way too long, especially when he knew that there was a family who has loved him and wanted him all along. We just want him home already, and we're so grateful to know we have such a great attorney advocating for these final steps to speed up. Truthfully, after hearing the other stories from the other families up there with us, our story didn't even pale in comparison to how stuck their children really are.
After the luncheon and carnival, we headed to dinner where they had a Celebration of Families "party" and another two couples shared their stories. The best part was just connecting over dinner with so many other people that have a heart and passion for children without families. Over lunch, we sat with a lady who has family that adopted from Bogota', Colombia, and then over dinner we, we sat with a man who works with a local adoption agency that has programs in Colombia.
We pretty much had to race across the street to the theater after dinner in order to make it in time. We're proud to say that Dallas has had pretty much the greatest turnout so far! Thank you, Dallas! Before the film started, Craig gave a bit of the history and passion of how and why the film was made. The actual film was so incredibly moving and heartbreaking at the same time. Of course, I cried throughout most of it because I could relate so well to many of the situations, especially the heartache that you can feel for a child that's forced to be separated from people who love him. When the film was over, Craig did a question and answer session about the film so you could know more of the behind the scenes aspects of how it was made. Then yet another family shared their personal story about their child who has been stuck in process for 7 years.
International adoption is complicated enough, but then when you hit roadblocks, it takes that complication to a whole new level. It is one of the loneliest roads we've ever walked. People all around you think you're crazy for continuing to fight through the process, but they just don't get it. They don't get the love and commitment you have for a child that you know is your child. What the day's events and the film did for Mike and I was just to know we're not alone. There are other families who are fighting for their children and who are refusing to give up. They get it, and we all agreed that we were so encouraged to finally have someone else to truly connect with.
If STUCK has not come through your area yet, please, please, please make arrangements to see it when it does. Having the chance to meet the producer and stay for the question and answer time will make it worth the time. If you missed it, go to www.stuckdocumentary.com and watch it online. If you know anyone who is walking the international adoption road, you will gain so much more understanding and compassion for them and their children. To see the tour schedule, go to www.bothendsburning.com.
March 14, 2013
This event just keeps on growing!!!!
Here it is, the official flyer for Saturday's events as the STUCK bus comes through Dallas. It's been neat to follow the STUCK blog to see how the momentum is growing after the showing in each city. Mike and I are super excited to be part of the Dallas team. We sadly have done very little in all of the preparations for the event other than advertising, but we are looking forward to volunteering with all of the events from early in the morning till late at night.
Do you believe every child has thefundamental right to have a family?So do the 10 million children worldwidewho are growing up in institutions.
The film, Stuck, is raising awareness of theproblems with international adoption. The film &call to action are coming to Dallas on March 16th
8:30 - 10:30 Free chicken biscuits at Chick-Fil-A2652 Old Denton Rd in Carrollton11:30 – 1:00 Church & community leaders’ lunch.1:00 – 3:30 Family fun carnival at The Ridge Church4561 N Josey Ln in Carrollton5:00 – 6:30 Celebration of Families PartyMacaroni Grill at Stonebriar7:00 – 8:30 Stuck premiere at AMC 24 Stonebriar
Email: stuckdallas@gmail.com for info on these events.Sign the important petition online atwww.bothendsburning.orgOr text ORPHANS to 67463
It's neat to see how God has turned what was once our greatest pain into such a passion. We know all too well just how STUCK some of these children are. Waiting to complete "Juan's" adoption is hard, but we're okay. It gives us time to finally begin to recover from all of the expenses of the U.S. side of the process while beginning to rebuild our savings for the Colombian side and for the future. However, knowing that "Juan" just waits, not even knowing that he's closer to coming home than he has ever been before--it breaks my heart. I feel like he's just stuck--stuck far away and out of touch with the people who love him the most. It's just not fair. His life just keeps going, time that we could and should be together as a family just keeps ticking away, while we still wait on paperwork to be matched up right, translated, and sent to the right places. Ugh. I feel like every little step seems to take an eternity. Too many i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed, if you ask me. But what can I do other than pray and wait for God's timing--and advertise for this tour so we can at least get the government's attention for the need for a better system.
I hope to see some familiar faces at one, several or all of the events!
Do you believe every child has thefundamental right to have a family?So do the 10 million children worldwidewho are growing up in institutions.
The film, Stuck, is raising awareness of theproblems with international adoption. The film &call to action are coming to Dallas on March 16th
8:30 - 10:30 Free chicken biscuits at Chick-Fil-A2652 Old Denton Rd in Carrollton11:30 – 1:00 Church & community leaders’ lunch.1:00 – 3:30 Family fun carnival at The Ridge Church4561 N Josey Ln in Carrollton5:00 – 6:30 Celebration of Families PartyMacaroni Grill at Stonebriar7:00 – 8:30 Stuck premiere at AMC 24 Stonebriar
Email: stuckdallas@gmail.com for info on these events.Sign the important petition online atwww.bothendsburning.orgOr text ORPHANS to 67463
It's neat to see how God has turned what was once our greatest pain into such a passion. We know all too well just how STUCK some of these children are. Waiting to complete "Juan's" adoption is hard, but we're okay. It gives us time to finally begin to recover from all of the expenses of the U.S. side of the process while beginning to rebuild our savings for the Colombian side and for the future. However, knowing that "Juan" just waits, not even knowing that he's closer to coming home than he has ever been before--it breaks my heart. I feel like he's just stuck--stuck far away and out of touch with the people who love him the most. It's just not fair. His life just keeps going, time that we could and should be together as a family just keeps ticking away, while we still wait on paperwork to be matched up right, translated, and sent to the right places. Ugh. I feel like every little step seems to take an eternity. Too many i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed, if you ask me. But what can I do other than pray and wait for God's timing--and advertise for this tour so we can at least get the government's attention for the need for a better system.
I hope to see some familiar faces at one, several or all of the events!
Off to Mission Waco!
Today was a quieter day. I made banana bread for breakfast, David finished packing, we played some Skipbo, ate lunch, went out for ice cream, played some more Skipbo over an iced coffee that we made at home, and then he was off! They should be arriving in Waco about dinner time, will have an orientation, and will enjoy the evening. Tomorrow they start their work/service projects and then get to enjoy each evening. Sunday they will go to church at the Church under the bridge.
I sure am growing as a mom because I still remember how it broke my heart to see him drive away for his first week at camp. Now with two years of camp and one mission trip behind us, today wasn't as hard on me as it has been in the past. I loved seeing him so excited to go.
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I sure am growing as a mom because I still remember how it broke my heart to see him drive away for his first week at camp. Now with two years of camp and one mission trip behind us, today wasn't as hard on me as it has been in the past. I loved seeing him so excited to go.
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March 13, 2013
Spring break adventures
I am not much of a planner anymore. I just kind of go and do, with little plans in mind. "Let's see what we can make of the day, and let's see where the day leads us."
Yesterday we wanted to go see the new Perot museum, but when I went to order our tickets online, we found that the place was pretty much booked. We were disappointed, but I woke up in the morning and decided we were going to make an adventure out of our day anyway. I woke David up and said, "C'mon! Let's go jump on the DART train, head to Dallas, and get off at a park so we can go for a hike or something." So, we ate breakfast, packed a few things in a little backpack, and we set off.
We hopped on the DART train, and we got off at White Rock lake. We walked for quite a while, enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the fresh air, fed some ducks, stopped for a snack out of our backpack on several occasions, and then we walked back to the DART station to continue our adventures elsewhere. We got off two stations later, which dropped us off in uptown Dallas. We spent the rest of the day riding the free trolley, eating pizza, exploring the Dallas Museum of Art (free on Tuesdays!), walking through Klyde Warren Park, and just walking all over the place. We had a blast together. Some people think that the downside of having an only child is that your child wants to do everything with you because they don't have a playmate. I find it quite satisfying, that my child truly wants to do everything with me. We have a very special bond together and love hanging out together, just the two of us.
We were going to go out for a treat before heading back home, but we decided to wait so Mike could join us later. So, after dinner, we all three headed out to get ice cream together. It was such a fun day, but by nine o'clock, we were all ready to hit the sack.
Today we're staying close by on our bikes to enjoy the beautiful weather, plus David has to pack to go on his mission trip tomorrow. He's super excited, and I'm so glad that he gets to go again this year. Last year he loved every minute of it, and he learned so much about serving others by doing tons of yard work and volunteering in a homeless shelter. There's a different leader this year, but she's great, so I know she's going to be just as great with the kids as the other guy was.
For a day with nothing planned, I'd say we made the most of it and weren't too disappointed. :)
Yesterday we wanted to go see the new Perot museum, but when I went to order our tickets online, we found that the place was pretty much booked. We were disappointed, but I woke up in the morning and decided we were going to make an adventure out of our day anyway. I woke David up and said, "C'mon! Let's go jump on the DART train, head to Dallas, and get off at a park so we can go for a hike or something." So, we ate breakfast, packed a few things in a little backpack, and we set off.
We hopped on the DART train, and we got off at White Rock lake. We walked for quite a while, enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the fresh air, fed some ducks, stopped for a snack out of our backpack on several occasions, and then we walked back to the DART station to continue our adventures elsewhere. We got off two stations later, which dropped us off in uptown Dallas. We spent the rest of the day riding the free trolley, eating pizza, exploring the Dallas Museum of Art (free on Tuesdays!), walking through Klyde Warren Park, and just walking all over the place. We had a blast together. Some people think that the downside of having an only child is that your child wants to do everything with you because they don't have a playmate. I find it quite satisfying, that my child truly wants to do everything with me. We have a very special bond together and love hanging out together, just the two of us.
We were going to go out for a treat before heading back home, but we decided to wait so Mike could join us later. So, after dinner, we all three headed out to get ice cream together. It was such a fun day, but by nine o'clock, we were all ready to hit the sack.
Today we're staying close by on our bikes to enjoy the beautiful weather, plus David has to pack to go on his mission trip tomorrow. He's super excited, and I'm so glad that he gets to go again this year. Last year he loved every minute of it, and he learned so much about serving others by doing tons of yard work and volunteering in a homeless shelter. There's a different leader this year, but she's great, so I know she's going to be just as great with the kids as the other guy was.
For a day with nothing planned, I'd say we made the most of it and weren't too disappointed. :)
