A Thanksgiving To Be Thankful For

Sorry, there are no pictures quite yet. I will get those for next time. This past Friday we had an International Thanksgiving at our church. We started last year and had 26 people and maybe 6 countries represented. This year we had 65 people and 15 countries represented. It was really cool. I cooked for 3 days. I baked 4 pumpkin rolls, a triple helping of greenbean casserole, a huge portion of Sue Lauter's Cranberry Jello casserole, devilled eggs, stuffing, gravy and three turkeys! Yes, it was a lot of work, but I planned well so I was not stressed and all was done by the time we needed to eat...thank you Jesus! Then everyone that came brought something that was ethnic to their country. We had great food, wonderful company and a lot of fun. Many of the people that came were not "church people" so we pray that seeds were planted during this time. It was the biggest outreach this church has had in quite a while. Please pray with us for the people that live here.

My husband was wonderful. He helped me set up the whole church (which was quite the job), put together a very fun trivia quiz (very typical Swedish) and a nice power point, helped me in the kitchen whenever I asked, and was a wonderful host and technical supervisor for the evening. He really is an amazing man! We also had wonderful help from some of the church members that were there. They really showed what being the body of Christ was like and I appreciate them all very much.

The church was almost at it's capacity with all those people so we will be praying about next year and what we should do then. However, it is a wonderful problem to have! I pray that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that the Lord met and blessed you where you were and with those you were with.

love,

Laurie

The New Batman

I was given an old Batman movie by a friend. You know the one that has the "real" men in tights with the cartoon sound effects (kazowie, bang, boom). So we let Samuel watch it the other day. Pretty funny actually, but Sam still didn't understand most of it, only we really got the humor. May I say that the Batman of today sure is different and the special effects have come a long way. However, Sam decide to dress up and be Batman for us. We heard his closet door open and the pictures below are the end result. Needless to say, the streets of Alingsas, Sweden are safer tonight, I definitely feel safer, how about you..... Golly Gee Batman....

Who is Taller?

Sometimes Andreas and I talk about how small Samuel will be when he is older. To tell the truth most of the time I don't notice that he is small. I think he is growing like a weed all the time, at least that is what his clothes tell me. However, there are times that we realize he is short. What can we say, he's Nepali! Not known for their large stature, but their amazing good looks and charming personalities (so says his mother). Sam has a good friend from Australia, Toby. I think I have featured him before. The other day, Toby's mom caught a few good pics of them measuring up to one another. Now, I know what you are saying... Samuel is taller than Toby, by just a hair. So let me shed a little light on this for a good prospective... Toby is more than a year younger than Samuel...

He will always have his amazing personality, dashing good looks, and hopefully a well intact self-esteem! I couldn't imagine a better kids for us. Praise God for such a blessing.

Somehow this pictures gives me a glimpse into his teenage years.

Pals.
I think we might have some tippy toe action going on there!

The Great Darkness

For all of you who don't know, this is the time in Sweden I refer to as "The Great Darkness". I don't know anyone (Swede included) who truly likes this time. My husband likes it a little (he has that melancholy Swede in him), however we need the sun. Only when I moved here did I understand why some cultures worshipped the sun (don't worry I haven't started sun worship). It has been a grey, dark Fall. The Sun rises around 7:30 or so in the morning and is down by 4:30. Doesn't sound so bad. Unfortunately, you don't actually get to see the sun during those hours. The grey clouds and the incessant rain take care of that one. I don't really feel like I wake up in the day. I think it is effecting Samuel also. He has been so cranky. So we turn on lots of lights in the house and try to make the best of it.

The picture below is of this past Sunday. The sun did shine through for about 15 minutes and I stood outside facing it and praising God for it the whole time. Believe it or not it made a huge difference in my mood that day. God, please help me get through the rest of "The Great Darkness".

Swedish Father's Day

On November 8th we celebrated Swedish Father's Day. Well, that is not entirely true. November 8th was an incredibly busy Sunday so we celebrated a couple days later. Andreas received his favorite meal and a lot of hype from Samuel. The pictures below say everything. Samuel was so excited to celebrate pappa. He kept reminding me all day that we were celebrating him at dinner. So thanks for being a great pappa Andreas!

Warning: The pictures below may make anyone who does not like seafood a little sick (mainly Heidi and William Spencer).

All Saints Day

One thing that I love about Europe is their celebration of All Saints Day. I had always heard of it in the States, but never as a celebration. Here in Sweden we have a special Saturday Service and at night we all go to the graves of our loved ones and put candles and wreaths on them. This is to remember what a wonderful contribution they made in our lives. It really is a beautiful thing (however the pictures did not reflect that, I don't really know how to do good night shots with my camera). I love going to the graves and seeing all the candles lit and the people remembering their loved ones that have passed into eternity. I look forward to going to the cemetary on this night. I also remember my loved ones that were such a great witness to how my life should be.

Thanks Grandma Traina for your incredible example of what a Godly woman should look like. I miss you and look forward to being with you in heaven!

Enjoy the relatively poor pics below.

Ass-Berry

Okay, funny story from our constant comedian Samuel. While I was in the States I stopped by Asbury's bookstore and bought some t-shirts that say ''Asbury College''. Wanted to get some before it turns into Asbury University.

Well, Samuel is very into trying to read letters and what all of our shirts say. The other night I am sitting in the family room while Andreas and Samuel are getting ready for bed in our bedroom. Samuel asks Andreas what his shirt says. Like a good pappa, he spelled the whole thing out and told him exactly what it said phonetically. The next thing I hear is my son walking around the apartment saying... Ass-berry... Ass-berry... ASS-BERRY... ASS-BERRY... Yes, I know it is a bit childish, but Andreas and I broke, and starting laughing our ''ass-berries'' off. That made Sam just keep saying it while getting louder (even though he wasn't sure what we were laughing at). Eventually we were able to stop him and get him to bed. As of yet I haven't heard ass-berry out of his mouth, but I am sure when Andreas puts that shirt on we will hear it again. Let us hope it is at a time when it is just us in the house!

Disclaimer: For those of you who went to Asbury or work there, I mean no disrespect, Samuel has no idea what he was really saying. I do love Asbury and had a wonderful experience there. (thought I better put that in).

Blessings,

Laurie

For All Adoptive Parents or Workers

A friend and wonderful adoptive mother, Amy Kinnell, has started a grant organization in KY. She started this organization with two other moms, but now is on her own due to busyness. However, the organization is Hope for the Children. You can go to www.hopeforthechildren.us or you can call Amy at 859-576-4370 (for some reason I cannot get it to link at this moment). In order to raise some funds so that grants can be given they are selling these wonderful t-shirts. The kids t-shirt is pictured below. The adult t-shirts say: 143 million orphans in the world (on front), Can you hear their cry (on back). It makes me choke up to think about it. The kids shirts are $10 and the adult are $15 or 2 for $25. I bought two of the kids shirts while I was home (one for Sam and one for our daughter to come). It is so cute to see Sam in the shirt. We talked about what it said and he really likes it, except when he "reads" it he says, "I love to be adopted". That is so amazing to watch him show off this shirt. So for all those who can, please purchase a shirt or two and help those who are struggling for funds to pay for their adoption. It is a blessing to help other and your help will reach farther than you ever thought possible.

blessings,

laurie

A New UK Fan

While in Kentucky, Mamma Sue bought Sam this University of Kentucky t-shirt. Sam is so proud of it. He pulled it out today and said, I'm wearing this one mom. He is just starting to learn what UK is and why we root for them. My family would be so proud.

Trip to the US of A pt. 1

I realized as I downloaded my pictures today that I really didn't take that many pictures and several that I should have taken, I just don't have any of. For those I don't have pics of, I am sorry. I stayed with my wonderful Aunt Judy and Uncle Marty. They spoiled me rotten (thank you). They cooked for me and made sure I got the food that I missed. I also got to spend quite a bit of time with them. I really enjoyed staying with them. Being with them also ment that I had access to my grandfather all the time. He lives in an apartment in Judy's house. So I got to eat most dinners with him, go to church with him, and go down and talk to him whenever I wanted (except during his naps). It was really good to be there with him. He is one of the main reasons I went home. I love listening to his deep voice and his great laugh. He has been the father figure in my life and the image of a life of deep love for Christ and Biblical studies. He wrote a book about 60 years ago that is still in print (Methodical Bible Study). Just last month, the second book about Biblical studies was sent to the publishers. Popo (my granddad) and Dr. Bower have been working on that one for a while. We will see what the publishers have to say. Popo is also working on other things that Andreas is very eager to see. Sometimes it amazes me to put Andreas up to Popo and realize that I married someone like my grandfather. Makes sense, and the Lord knew what a blessing it would and is to me. As always it was really hard to leave Popo, it always makes me feel like a little girl again, wanting the safety of his arms. I miss him already. I also got to spend a little time with my mom. Wish that could have been more, but she has to work a lot.

Another couple that I spent some time with was Nathan and Cydil Waggoner and their wonderful daughter Ellie. Nathan and Cydil are also in the adoption process for their second child from Albania. Cydil is an amazing photographer and Nathan can do just about anything technical. We all went to college together, but have formed a stronger friendships since after graduation and through our common ground in adoption. Together they run the WGM student center in Wilmore. They are truly amazing people. You can link to them through my blog. Thank you for your time (even though you don't have a lot to spare). It was so good to see Ellie and how she is flourishing. I will be praying for #2.

Below is Tim and Cathy Bickert's olderst son, Jonmark. He is great and is growing up too quickly. I love his sense of humor and of course he the oldest face of Tim Bickert.

I was able to spend time with Sue Lauter (mamma sue). Andreas and I lived in there basement for two years and Mamma Sue was such a blessing during that time and since. She is a great image of a Godly woman and grandma to a lot of children (including several in Africa). If you are in Wilmore and ever get a chance, go meet her, you will be happy you did.

I was able to go down to Mississippi and see and good friend Kim Haney (can't believe we didn't get a picture together). Kim is the founder of "My Big Blue Planet" (it is linked on my blog. It is an educational program for adoptive parents and kids around the world to learn about the world). I can never fully explain the extent of her dreams for Big Blue, but the Lord is moving is great ways and hopefully there will be children that are able to do more and go farther for the kingdom through this program. It is also good for adoptive parents to learn about the country that their child comes from. As well as Big Blue, Kim is a lawyer, is working on her second PhD., has 6 children (3 adopted from Russia), homeschools and has time for her friends. Yes, she has more energy than most of us put together and she is smart to boot. Kim I am so excited for your future as you follow the Lord's leading. Thank you for being a good friend. Below is Taylor. Kim's third oldest. The pictures I got of the kids were over-exposed but you could see this one good enough.

This handsome man with me is my cousin Matthew Seitz. Yes, girls he is single and a man of God. I will give out his number for a small donation to our adoption fund... (just kidding, but it would be a good fundraiser).

While in Mississippi I was also able to go to Celebration of Adoption. It is the annual event for the agency that I use to work with (New Beginnings, and yes, I am wearing a sarhi). I listened to Micheal Reagan (son of the late Ronald Reagan) speak and I was able to meet up with the contact that helps our the New Beginnings adoption program in Nepal, Bobby Adhikari. Bobby has done amazing work for the Lord in Nepal and is so helpful and hopeful for the orphans of Nepal. Bobby it was great to see you and I hope to see you soon again when we pick up our daughter. Thank you for the amazing work you do for the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless Nepal with a large harvest.

Trip to the US of A pt. 2

Sorry that the pictures are not great on some of these, but it was hard light. I was able to spend some time with friends while I was there. Below are some of those friends. The first one is a crazy man by the name of Andy Bowen. He and his wonderful wife are missionaries to Paraguay with WGM. He is a language teacher so the missionaries in the country can learn to speak the local dialect. He also disciples and wears many other hats that I could never explain enough to do justice. He is a good friend and I always enjoy his humor when we hang out. He was a little angry at me one day because I kidnapped his wife, but I think he forgives me now.

This picture is Tim and Cathy Bickert. They are holding their youngest Ethan (they have 3 other boys also. I will try to get them on here too). Tim is our "hunter" friend. He took Andreas out hunting with him once. As they were getting all of the gear on Tim started spraying something on Andreas' shoes. When Andreas asked what it was, Tim calmly replied, "Racoon pee, to keep the human scent away." Now I don't who actually has the job of retreiving the racoon pee, but I am pretty glad that is not my job!

This beautiful family are the Spencers. William Spencer (Spenc) and Heidi went to college with us. We have always felt a special friendship with them and tried our best to stay in touch with our many moves. Spenc is a chaplain in the US Airforce and Heidi is an amazing writer, but right now has taken the wonderful opportunity to stay home with the little ones. They have Lauren, Samuel, and Thomas. Thank you for coming to see me you guys. It was so good to be with you.

I love this picture. This is Timmy. He is the youngest son of Andy and Lizet Bowen (and has a personality similar to my Samuel's). As I said before the Bowen's are missionaries in Paraguay with WGM. When they went back to Paraguay 4 years ago. Andreas and I thought we may never see them again. So it was a special priviledge to be with them again. I am sad to say I didn't have a good picture of Lucas their other son. I need one Lizet, send it to me via email.

This is Lizet, a wonderful mom, wife and friend. Lizet, you never cease to amaze me in all that you do and handle in a day. I was so sad that we didn't get to say a proper goodbye, but I will take that as a telling sign that we are not to say goodbye and we will see each other again. I can never explain how much I miss this woman, but I am thankful to God for the times that I can be with her.

Cathy Bickert and her son Ethan. You're so pretty Cathy (inside and out), thank you for your time and sharing your heart with me. I always learn how to be a better friend when I am around you.

Trip to the US of A pt. 3

I was able to spend some time with the family that I use to nanny for. I love this family and hope to know them for all of my days. There are 4 kids. The one below is Tori or Tore, as she likes to be called. I am really proud of this young woman. I started nannying her and her brother when she was 6. She is now 16. That makes me feel a bit old. He mom would say I am old. I had the priviledge of seeing Tore play volleyball for her school, Bluegrass Baptist Christian School. She is really enjoying herself, loves the Lord and wants to do mission work in Haiti with orphans. She is awesome! The kids that I don't have pictured are Mark who will is almost 12, Chris who is 9 and John who is 7. I love you all very much and will bring Sam back with me next time, promise. I also was able to have lunch with their mom Shawn Taylor (International adoption pediatricain extraodinare, you can link to her on my blog). We had Vietnamese food. It was really good, I mean it. So if you have a restaurant in your area, try it, really wonderful food.

Yet Another ''Mom Moment''

Sorry for the lapse in writing to everyone. I was able to go home to the States for two weeks and visit with my family and some friends. It was sooooooo good to see you all. Samuel and Andreas stayed in Sweden and so I missed them terribly. However, I am home now and Sam keeps coming up to me and telling me that he missed me and he loves me.... so sweet. We have been hugging and kissing a lot.

I have a great Sam story for everyone. Something that you see in movies or on sitcoms, but never really expect it to happen to you. Let's start at the beginning of our day yesterday. Samuel had a vaccination which was so sad. He kept telling me that he didn't want the nurse to give it to him (of course all kids don't want a shot). I was holding him and she stuck it in his shoulder. He cringed his little face and then turned silently into my shoulder and sobbed quietly. It broke my heart! He was trying to be such a big boy, but it really hurt and so the tears came. I just held him and told him how proud I was of him for getting it. In a few minutes he was back to normal. The next thing was an ear infection. He has had one for about a week now and we called the hospital that specializes in his treatment (due to his lack of ear drum). They had us come in immediately (which is an hour drive). So we left at 2 got there at 3 and were in the doc's office by 3:30. They had to do a lot of cleaning and of course wax removal. He was so good, but little tears rolled down his cheeks at one point and he calmly said, ''that hurts a little''. So after all of that we rewarded him with candy (which is normally just a Saturday treat). We came home and when I was cooking dinner I asked him to go clean up the legos (big and small) in his room. He was actually doing that quietly when I heard a whimper come from the hall. I looked out the kitchen and saw him standing there with blood all over his shirt, face, arms, and nose. We have been working on him not picking his nose, so I assumed he had done just that. I calmly led him into my room and got some tissue from the bathroom to clean him. As I start to wipe his nose he says, ''mommy, it's still in there''. I asked him what was in where?. He said, ''the siren is in there still''. As my mind is racing to figure out what he is talking about, he points to his nose and said again, ''the siren is still stuck in there.'' I am sure the look on my face must have been really weird when I asked, ''are you telling me that you have a lego stuck up your nose?'' Now as a person I saw the humor in it all, as a mom, I saw a hospital visit coming! So I had him blow as hard as he could and after a few times the lego ''siren'' came out. Thank you Jesus. While I was trying to clean him up Andreas came in and I told him what happened, he just started laughing out loud. A laugh that I had been trying to hold back so that Sam would see that he shouldn't do it again. I still love that Andreas lightened the whole scene though.

Today I said to Sam, ''now we know to never stick legos up our noses.'' He replied with an innocent face, ''why not mommy?''. So I went on to explain it to him again. He really is a smart boy, so I am a little worried that the blood (which was plentiful) didn't tell him that what he did was not good! Is this a boy thing? I think I will talk to him again tomorrow about it, I really don't want to have to visit the hospital one of these days when it really won't come out!

Moral of the story, don't take for granted that your kids really may not know not to stick stuff up their noses. Always a good point to discuss!

Sorry about not having pictures this time. I will post some of my trip next time. There is a little adoption news. Our agency has sent 6 dossiers to Nepal up till now. Just the other day 3 of the couples received referrals. Unfortunately we were not one of them, but some movement is good. We also found out that those couples will travel this fall to pick up their children. So the time between referral and travel is relatively quick. Keep praying, there are so many waiting (both children and parents).

Blessings,

laurie

Adoption Update

For all of you who have asked about our adoption, we are still waiting. I am actually doing really well with it. Having a child as we wait, knowing the process and most of all a God that has calmed my heart has done wonders for me. I do have moments when I see girl clothing or I see a picture of a Nepali child. I yearn for my little girl then, but overall I am good.

However, Samuel has not been happy with the wait. The other night he asked Jesus to get mad at the Nepali people because they were taking so long to let us have his sister. I tried not to laugh and cry at the same time. He has also come out with spontaneous prayers the he loves his sister and would like her to come home soon. Luckily he has no concept of time, so we are okay at the moment.

Right now is the most holy hindu holiday in Nepal, so nothing is going to happen now. I remember waiting throught October for Sam and being very anxious for their holiday to end. We will see how they work through the end of the year. I am thinking next year at this point. I realized the other day it had been a year since we started our homestudy. At a year with Samuel we were bringing him home. Back then it seemed so long and it was really nothing. Now it is so long and I am doing okay. Seasons change and we change from our experiences through God. Praise Him for His faithfulness!

Blessings,

Laurie

Andreas and I had a weekend to ourselves. Samuel spent the weekend with his grandparents. So we headed for the woods on Saturday to take a hike. This is the view of our favorite lake from the top of a hill. We found 3 liter of tagsvamp and 3 of kantereller on our walk (mushrooms). We also found a moose antler. It wasn't a huge one, must of been a young bull moose that lost it, but it is cool. Hey, Bickerts if you want it let me know maybe I can bring it home for you. This is the first time that we found an antler. We have always wanted to. Who knows why, just a cool thing I guess. At least we didn't run into the moose at the same time. However, Andreas reminded me that if we did, we had a weapon! Not really comforting! We did see a mamma moose and her calf and traces of the bull moose, but other than that not really eventful. I did get stuck in a bog for a minute. It is a weird feeling to go through the moss and not be able to get you foot back out. Andreas had to pull me out because my other foot was sinking too. Needless to say, I was a little gooey when we got home. But it was such a nice hike. We hiked about 6 to 7 American miles.
This is a type of mushroom, but you don't eat it. I just thought it looked like art. Soooooo cool.

A man and his dog!