Triple Post Day

Well, I guess it is actually 4 posts with this little blurb.  Today I was doing a little backlog posting.  Life is a bit crazy, but don't forget to keep scrolling for all the news with us Kjernalds.

Blessings,
laurie

One Last Sunday

Today was the last Sunday worship for our church.  We are sad in many ways, but also know the Lord sees the bigger picture.  We are incredibly thankful that another church needed a place to call home and will be able to use our building that has been a meeting, worship and prayer place for so many over the years. It is interesting that once the word got out (and it did in every paper in the area and on the radio) that we were closing we had more people coming to our services than ever before. 

Today we had a packed (actually overpacked) church... what a great way to end a ministry.  We had people come that were here as kids.  They were able to show the older church members that their lives and ministry has made eternal impacts for the Kingdom of God.  There were able to encourage when it was very hard for some for this day to come.  I am so thankful that God sent them, and I have no doubt that He did.  

The sign says, ''Welcome to Alingsås Methodist Church and to the Service'' Theme Jesus  (that is always a great theme)

My wonderful husband, whom I am so thankful for.  The Lord has taught him a lot through his first charge.  We will both carry these people in our hearts our whole ministry. 

It was quite wonderful to see a packed church.

This is a common sight.  This is Sten.  He has been playing the organ and piano in this church since he was ten!  I won't reveal how old he is now, but he was gifted and has used it for Christ his whole life.  

This is Sven (yes, that name really exists, not just a stereotype), he has been in this church since before I was born.  Him and his lovely wife have recently moved back to their childhood home in the South of Sweden, but he often sang for us on Sundays, we were so glad he could come and be with us for this last Sunday. 

Sten at the piano

After the service there was a luncheon to say thank you and goodbye.  It was a special time for tears, but encouragement also.  I will really miss this place and these faithful people who have been so kind to us.  They are so excited for us as we move to Norway, even in their own sadness.  I will always be thankful that God placed us here for our first church.

Luncheon

wonderful husband

Me trying my best not to cry as Sten says thank you and goodbye!

There were a thousand more pictures and wonderful people of this church, but I would overload everything if I tried to put them on...so this is just a taste of today.  Please pray for all the members as they move to other churches and ministries.  They are precious, wonderful, faithful people and I pray they can still spill out their lives for Christ in different ministries.  

Blessings,

Laurie

Morfar

On the morning of June 8th, Morfar, Rune Persson, left this earth and stepped into eternity.  He was a faithful believer and we know he is now with Jesus.  Morfar lived an amazing life.  Andreas has said if he can think of a great life here on earth it would have been the life Morfar lived.  He came from humble beginnings, was generous and kind and faithful, built the American dream here in Sweden, traveled the world, had an incredible wife whom he loved deeply, had two wonderful children, 4 grandchild, and 8 great grandchildren.  

In recent years Morfar had been experiencing dementia, and although could be quite stubborn at times, was still kind and funny.  I love that even when he couldn't remember most things he could still sing the hymns (word for word) that meant so much to him when he was younger.  

I have been blessed to be a part of this family for 15 years now and have many fond memories of Morfar.  He loved to fish, so did we (before we had kids), so that made us instant friends.  Andreas and I spend many weekends with Mormor and Morfar at their house in Grebbestad (fishing on the ocean) or at their house in the woods (fishing where ever we could find water).  No matter what, he always caught a bigger fish than I did!  We considered him a friend and he would come knocking on our door at the house in the woods if we overslept... he wanted to go out and play! Morfar dropped an eel in my lap one time while picking up a long fishing line we had left overnight...that was quite an experience!  We went fishing in a marshland one time and we came out with nothing, but he came out with two huge (I mean tell stories about them huge) pike.  One of them left him with several scares on his hand because it really didn't want to be caught.  Morfar loved to have conversations with me even thought he didn't speak any English and I didn't understand or speak any Swedish.  He loved to build things, fix things, and always made sure to measure properly (which is funny because Andreas and I just wing things without measuring most of the time). In his eighties he was helping us put a metal roof on our shed out in woods... even though we were quite scared he would fall.  

Morfar is sitting on the sofa to the left...the third in from the left.  This is mom's dad.

Morfar was always there, always kind, always generous.  He was the patriarch of this family and will be missed dearly!  Thank you for all the memories and love.  We will see you on the other side of eternity in Heaven.  We love you.

Laurie

Sweden's National Day

June 6th was Sweden's National Day.  It is kind of like the 4th of July for the Americans or the 17th of May for the Norwegians.  However, Sweden has not had a National Day for so long and the festivities are...well...subdued.   This is actually the first National Day that we have been a part of, but David became a citizen last year when he entered Sweden.  So this year we were all invited to the party in Alingsås.  It was a quaint gathering with folk dancers, really good choirs, rock band, speeches and all. The boys had a great time and then we were all invited into the Nolhaga Slott (the mansion in town) for dessert.  It was a fun experience.  

My Swedish boys

This was David asking me to wait a minute in sign language.  He needed to chew his food before I received the smile below...it was worth the wait.  

That is a great smile...not to mention that he is finally smiling when we take pictures!

My little Swede!

My toothless Swede

This was part of our New Swede Citizens March...David wasn't so sure about it all, but hey...we were able to stop traffic and walk on the road...pretty much the coolest part for the boys.  

We were all given these flags and on the inside of them the Swedish National Anthem was printed.  At one point we sing that we want to live and die in the North...okay...so I sang...but I don't really want to live and die in the North (but I will if the Lord asks it of me)....but I'd rather be on a warm beach in the Caribbean or something.

So that was our experience with the Swedish National Day...Next year the Norwegian National Day...and I hear they really party...bring on the fireworks!!!!!!

Laurie

Chaos...not organized!

Sorry for the long hiatus, but it is crazy around here.  We are packing, Andreas is gearing up for his last sermon, here in Alingsås. this Sunday, only a few more days of school for Samuel, an ear infection in his ear that just had surgery (yikes...but okay), speech therapy and everyday schedule with David, making plans to go see another house in Norway, saying goodbye to some of my wonderful Bible study ladies and so much more.  It is all making this mamma really tired and stretched.   

Overall we are doing well, but when it's time for bed....I am out! Somedays I don't even get a chance to check my email, let alone blog for a while.  Tonight I finally crashed, after dinner I came into my room for a minute, laid on my bed with David to do some tickling and cuddling...that was it...I was out.  I woke up to screaming and laughing in the hall, but can't manage to get my body in action tonight, so I listened and took it easy.

On the church front, Andreas does preach his last sermon here at Alingsås Methodist Church, this Sunday.  I can't believe we are already here at this point.  As always the churches go together for the summer, but there will be no services held here.  In the Fall another church will be using these facilities for their services.  It has been a long process to come to this time, but I think that the few members that we have left have come to some closure.  This church as been faithful for over 100 years and now the Methodist church as a whole will not longer exist in Sweden.  The joining of the 3 denominations is almost complete in Sweden and we pray that they will truly follow Christ as this endeavor moves forward.  There are so many emotions as all this unfolds, but still believing and trusting that God knows the bigger picture when we can only see a glimpse of what is going on.

Samuel is enjoying the last few days that he has in Vittra (his school).  I know he is excited to move, but he will also miss his pals.  I am really proud of how he has embraced our move and the enthusiasm the he exudes for making new friends and having new adventures.  He is growing up before my eyes and there are days I see the pre-teen on the horizon.  He will always be my first baby...but don't tell him that...he wants to be old now. He is doing well, but we have found out he has a small infection in the ear that had surgery.  We are thankful that the infection is on the outside of the eardrum and we are using drops to get rid of it.

David is sensing all the changes and so I am doing my best to talk, encourage and cuddle him a lot.  He is such a resilient little guy and I am so proud of how he is rolling with the punches.  David was given a bike by a friend and he is thoroughly enjoying it.  He has picked up really quickly and he is so proud of himself because he can now be like his big brother!

Monday Andreas, David, Farmor, Farfar and I will be headed to Mysen, Norway to check out another house. We are very thankful for the amazing friends we have that are willing to help us by picking up Sam and having him over for a while.  A couple weeks ago we bid on a house, but lost the bid (In Sweden and Norway they have bidding wars...not like the States at all).   We are really excited to see this house in person.  One of our wonderful church members checked it out for us and sent pictures, so now is the time to go, see and maybe seal the deal.  We are excited to see what the Lord has planned and ready to know where we will be living.  I am so thankful for the support of the people in the church.  They have been so incredibly kind and helpful to us.  I am greatly humbled by God's provisions.

At the end of next week both Andreas and I will be in North Norway for the Methodist conference.  We will also be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary.  Wow...has it been that long...when did I get this old?  I am still so deeply in love with my amazing husband and thankful to our God who delights in marriage and sustains us  (even when Andreas is putting up with a hormonal wife!!)

And...and...and...and... I could write all night, but my pillow is calling my name.  The biggest thing on my heart cannot yet be written.  However, please keep Andreas' family in your prayers as we are all about to lose a beloved family member, not for good...but for now... the place is prepared... Jesus awaits him. Praise Jesus that this world is not the end!  We cry today, but there WILL be JOY in the morning!

Blessings,
Laurie

Update on Samuel

For all of you that were wondering, Samuel is doing really well.  His eardrum is sitting right were it needs to be and is working really well.  However, now Samuel can hear Andreas and I whisper, so we have no way of communicating behind his back.  We might have to learn a third language just between us.  Samuel is beyond thrilled to be able to hear without his hearing aide in his left ear.  He wants the other ear done now.  

We were suppose to keep this kid calm and collected for two weeks...good luck!  Andreas said he would rather shoot himself in the foot than have to keep Sam calm for two weeks.  Our active boy is on the move and has a new lease on life.  

This is Sam's cool attitude walk...he thinks he is the stuff!

Below is a pic of some friends and the kids eating and doing crafts.  This was one of my attempts to keep Sam calm (you can tell he still had his head wrap on in this pic).  It worked for a little while and we all had great fun being creative.

from left to right...David, Mariam, Michael H., Amy V. and Sam.  

Sadly for us, Amy has left to return to her family in Australia.  We were so glad to have her with us, but knew she would have to go back.  When she left yesterday Samuel asked, ''What do we do NOW without Amy?''  I think we ALL enjoyed her visit.  You are missed Amy.

Blessings,
laurie

Mors Dag

Today is Mother's Day in Sweden.  So I would like to say Happy Mother's day to my mother in law.  Thank you for all that you give as a mom and a farmor.  We all love you very much.  

Laurie

A milestone

On May 16th we past a milestone... a year ago David walked into a little room in Ch*na and his whole life changed drastically (much to his chagrin).  It amazes me to see the difference in him.  He walked into that room as a stranger and is now such an integral part of this family.     

some of the first moments with us

David's adoption was so drastically different from Samuels'.  There was the obvious...different country, different special needs, different ages.  However, there was also the hidden...the long wait that took it's toll on me, the necessity to switch countries, the heartache that I still carry of Nep^l closing adoptions (or all other countries closing to Nep^l) because of corruption, the moment of actually saying no to a Ta*wan ''unofficial'' referral after a month of prayer and seeking the Lord and professional advise, the distance I felt to the whole process because it was in Swedish and I could not be as involved because I simply didn't understand all the little details.  All of these factors brought so many more emotions, decisions, heartache, prayers and details with them.  The euphoria of the first adoption had disappeared into a new reality.  And I struggled with that reality.  I think at points I even struggled to believe that my second child would become a reality.

This all forced me to review my belief and how much I was lacking in it.  How I failed time and time again to understand the road that God took us down to bring us to David.  It took me two sentence to say that but many months, even years to experience it.

Then there was the referral.  A small picture with details that we tried to decipher.  I didn't feel the connection to the picture that I did with Sam's.  I understand now that it was the difference of seeing a baby picture to seeing an older child picture and the emotions and the actual physical hormones that those create, but that didn't help then.  Don't misunderstand...we asked for a child 3 or above, we understood (as much as you can before you experience) what that would entail.  My love for David was something that I needed to grow into.  I knew with my brain that I loved him...but I still had to go through the process of getting to know him.  This brought me guilt for quite some time even though we bonded quite quickly, which surprised me for a toddler that had been passed around.

the first evening walk (blurry, but forever etched in my mind)

One of the nice things about being a year out from the adoption is the fact that I know how this year ends.  It ends with an amazing, incredibly loved, well adjusted, beloved child.  I will be the first to admit it hasn't been easy.  David needed to bond with us and yet explore his world as a three year old who was suppose to be learning some independence.  He needed to deal with the strong emotions that came with leaving the culture he knew and being wisked away by people who look and sound strange.  He needed to learn the meaning of permanency, he needed, he needed.....

Most of all he needed a family. People that would try their best to understand, love, play, nourish (body and soul) and be there for life.  I was not always the best with my patience, I am sure I made plenty of mistakes (and will continue to do so), but thank you Jesus by your grace he is doing so well.

Now above is the boy that I get the privilege of parenting day in and day out.  He is quick to laugh and to whine. He is full of energy and loves to explore.  David will go outside for a walk, a run, a scooter ride or just to goof of in a heartbeat.  He loves to be out of doors.  He is incredibly stubborn, but quick to learn.  He has embraced life and his family.  He amazes me, he cuddles me, and he calls my name a million times a day.  He loves books and kisses and food (lots of it).  He loves to mimic, play with and wrestle with his older brother and daddy.  He can now pucker, finish a whole juice box through a straw, blow out candles and say the letters p, k, and m (this is not always easy for cleft lip/palate children).

he wasn't too hip on that roasted marshmallow

David has a great sense of humor and will be my prankster someday.  He will also be my sneaky child.   David has a laugh and a smile that can light up a room and make others laugh right along with him.

David,

You are a beloved son to us.  We went through so much to get to you and are so thankful that we did. I can't wait to see how you grow and weave more and more into our family.  You are precious to us and to Jesus whose hand you can see all through your story.

We love you,
Mommy and Daddy.

A Visit

I have a visitor right now.  She is a Jesus loving, amazing, beautiful, funny, wonderful friend.  Meet Amy....

Amy lived here in Sweden for 16 mths., but moved back to Australia with her family in 2010.  I have missed her greatly and told her I wanted her to come...so she did!

Amy and her family hold a special place in our hearts and we know that the Lord brought us together for a short time, but for a friendship that would last a lifetime.  I am so blessed to have a friend who would travel so far just to see me and join into my everyday life and find joy in that.  Thanks Jesus for Amy, thanks Amy for coming and thanks Tim for holding down the fort while your wife is gone!

Blessings,

laurie

Samuel the Brave

Samuel is amazing.  He showed me the meaning of being brave and trust in Jesus.  Even when we were in the operation room and they were hooking him up the everything he said, ''mommy, I am not nervous or scared''.  I was so proud of him because mommy was holding back the tears so she wouldn't make him scared.

When we went back to his room after recover he said that it was a good day.  He is so excited to hear without hearing aides.  My wonderful, brave, amazing son... I can't even begin to explain what a blessing he is.

We are now waiting a week until the stitches and packing come out and praying that the new eardrum will mesh and grow with the little eardrum he had left and work as normal.  Thank you for everyone that was praying, please continue.

Blessings,
Laurie

My Brave Boy

My Brave Samuel is an amazing boy.  He teaches me so much and I am so thankful to be his mommy.  When Sam was a baby and in the orphanage in Nepal he has many, MANY ear infections.  They tried their best to help him, but the cold and conditions would not allow the infections to stay away for long,  if at all.  Because of these infections his eardrums tore.  He only has 10% of his eardrums in each ear.  Despite his injury, he is still able to hear and learn languages...as been proven by the two languages that he can fluently speak. 

Samuel has been wearing hearing aides since he was three years old, but it is now time to try to fix one of his eardrums.  Tomorrow we will be going to Borås where Samuel will have surgery to build one of his eardrums (we are not sure which side just yet).  They will go through the bone in the back of his ear and take skin from the top of his ear to build the new drum.  The surgery should take about 2 hours.  He is sooooooooooo excited.  He keeps saying it will be his best day.  I love the enthusiasm that he has.  To be very honest he simply would like to get rid of the hearing aides and be like the other children.  

We would appreciate everyones prayers as this takes place.  He will have to go back in a week and take the stitches out and the gauze in his ear and there is a 10% chance that it will not take.  Please pray that it does and we can move on to the next ear soon.

In all of this God gets the glory and praise.  He has placed Samuel in this family and Samuel loves Jesus with all his heart.  So we will keep our eyes on Him and Him alone.  

Blessings,

Laurie

Where Were You?

A year ago today my family, along with Andreas' parents, loaded a van with lots of suitcases, hopes, dreams and excitement.  We then borded a plane on its way to Ch*na.  This was the end of a 3 1/2 year journey and the beginning of a new lifetime journey.  

For all of you that are waiting, and waiting, and waiting... for that precious child to be in your arms the day will come.  God loves the orphan and raises up families to place the lonely in.  Are you suppose to be one of those families?  Is God putting this on your heart?  Listen, Respond, Love.   

Blessings,

Laurie

P.S.  This is a double post day, so don't miss the video below.

Boys Being Boys

Yes, they are covered in mud!

Enjoy,
Laurie

Little Moments

Every mother has her doubts and wonders if she is doing a good job.  As an adoptive mom of a toddler there seems to be many more things to consider.  Is he bonding?  Is he happy?  Does he understand our love?  Does he know he can come to me in time of need?  Does he feel secure?

Now, in our daily lives there are little moments that I know we have solidified as a family. I absolutely know that he is becoming a ''normal'' little boy (if any of them are truly ''normal'').  Today I had one of those moments.  Samuel and David were playing with their stuffed animals and David's teddy got ''hurt''.  Immediately David brought his crying teddy (imagine the sound effects) to me for reassurance and a kiss that seemed to solve the whole problem.  To David it was fun and normal kid play.  To me it meant that he simply knows that mommy will soothe him and kiss his hurts away.

Thank you Jesus for helping me realize these precious moments!

Laurie

His 4th Birthday, but 1st at Home

On April 14th, my beautiful David turned 4 years old.  It was his first birthday home with us.  On his 3rd birthday we were getting ready to go pick him up in May 2010.  

I started the morning of David's birthday by laying in my bed and thinking of his birth mommy.  I know that she is thinking of him around this time of year...  wondering where he is, if he is okay or happy or if someone was able to help him.  I know that her heart is grieving and missing him. I know she probably thinks and rethinks her decision, or grieves because the decision was forced by circumstance.  So now it is also I that grieve for her.  

I watch this precious child grow and learn.  I have the privilege of kissing and hugging him goodnight.  I am the blessed one that gets to hear him call me mommy.  Don't get me wrong I am truly thankful for all of that, but I hurt for her.  She carried him in her belly for 9 months.  She was delighted to give birth to a son (the gender so desired in Ch*na).  Then, to her grief (I am sure) she saw that he had cleft lip/palate.  This amazing, strong, beautiful woman raised her son for a whole year.  I cannot imaging the pain as she could not find a way to help him and as he got weaker because he could not feed.  Oh how I wish I could let her know that he is beautiful, wonderful and thriving.  That her sacrifice and pain has allowed him this.  How I wish I could hug her and hold her as she cries and grieves.  

All these feelings and thoughts bring me to this...that I (we) as adoptive mommies have the responsibility to honor her.  We must remember her and pray for her and share her love and sacrifice with our children.  OUR child...her's and mine...there would be no him without her and I will remember and honor that.  

I am so thankful for David. He is gorgeous, happy, stubborn, and mischievous.  He is a blessing from God.  He is a reflection of his birth mommy...so as I love him, I love her.  

David,
You are a precious son,  loved for who you are and what you are becoming.  Daddy and I could not be prouder of you.  We have spent this last year in wonder as you have infiltrated our hearts.  You have learned to be a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, a playmate and a stinker.  Your smile can brighten any day and your laugh is infectious.  You have opened up and started to become social.  You try your hardest to talk, and even continue to talk when we don't understand, but I love that.  All of this shows us your tenacity for life.  I think my favorite is when you sing.  You love to make noise and in the car you sing to yourself.  I have no idea what you are singing and you may not either, but continue my precious boy.

You are dearly loved by many and have been since your conception.  I am looking forward to another amazing year as you head towards 5.  Happy Birthday love.

love,
mommy

First try on blowing the candles.  David still has two holes in the roof of his mouth, so it is hard to get the air to flow properly.  However, he is doing a great job, you can see one of the flames bending...that is progress. 

After a few tries of mommy plugging his nose so he could blow, I helped him so he wouldn't get frustrated. I am not sure he knew I was helping him because he seemed pretty excited that they were out.  

Happy Birthday Baby!

laurie