Back Home

We are home from Nepal and in total humility and thankfulness to God for what has been accomplished.  I will write more as the days go by and my jet lag wears off.  However, a few highlights are shown with pictures below and we are now going to be raising money to support the children's home that we are partnering with.  Please don't hesitate to ask questions or give ideas.  

The adventure that God has sent us on is to build Nepali families, not house orphans and we have begun with partnering with a family that has been running a home for 14 years.  In the next three years they will be transitioning from 30 kids to families of 10 kids each.  The Lord has been preparing this one family for this and they are excited to transition.  Our hope is to have these families all over Nepal one day.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited, terrified, overwhelmed and thankful I am for this adventure and our God who is leading it.  

New friends that have already built their family in the way that we want to see continue in Nepal.  We were so glad to make these new friends (through college friends).  This couple have amazing testimonies that bring glory to Jesus.  

This little girl was so thankful that we were there, she gave me her only barrets!  Not so easy to hold back the tears when children who have next to nothing are willing to give it away because of thankfulness.  

Map of Nepal on side of building. 

What a beautiful people the Nepalis' are.  

The women are the laborers most of the time. 

Our blessings!

More to come...

Laurie

go check out our nepal orphanage blog!

becauseoftwo.blogspot.no

The Past, the Now, the Future

At the beginning of 1996 if you had told me in the last semester of my college education that I would meet a very handsome Swede, fall in love and marry him just a year and a half later, while being apart for 9 months of that time, I would have laughed in your face.  I was ready to graduate, go to Jamaica as a missionary and then at the end of 6 months come home and be independent!  Thank God that He has a sense of humor and a better sense of direction for my life.  

As we walked towards our 16th anniversary, I am floored by all that has transpired.  We did marry after whirlwind dating and being oceans apart.  He moved to the States, I worked with juvies.  Then we moved back to Kentucky a year later and started over.  He became a fireman (dream come true) and me a nanny (not imagined, but really loved the family and those kids not to mention that that would be my hands on introduction to adoption).  Then 3 years later we decided to pick up and move to Sweden (we really were a bit crazy).  We had to try out both countries!  During the year and a half that I lived in Sweden we were suppose to try to start a family.  We had been married for 4 going on 5 years and were ready to have children...I know, I know...something about ''the best laid plans of mice and men...''.  It was during that time in Sweden that I started to have strong suspicions that I couldn't get pregnant.  Between that realization and culture shock (don't underestimate that), I headed down the path of depression.  

We ended up moving back to the States in January of 2003 so that Andreas could go to school and become a pastor (was called in Nov. of 2001).  The education in Sweden was just too liberal (not too shocking).  As we continued on, I slipped little by little into depression.  I was nannying again for that same family which really helped, but wanted children of my own.  

Now being a social worker I had always thought about adopting, but wanted to have a child first....something about how cool it would be to feel a life growing inside of me.  In the Spring of 2004 we had some test done and confirmed that it was going to be difficult to get pregnant, but of course the doctor wanted us to try.  We chose to try a round of Clomed and then if that didn't work we would go the adoption route next.  Not only did it reek havoc on my body it sent me into the farthest depression I had ever been in.  

By this time we had moved from Kentucky to Mississippi and at the deepest point of my depression (September 2004), halfway around the world God was putting together the pieces of our puzzle...Samuel was born.  As the Clomed left my body the depression lifted, but left me with a lifetime of hormone problems since. (which by the way, at this point I need to state that my husband is the most patient and wonderful men in the world ;).   

On January 15, 2005 our official adoption journey began with the first meeting for the homestudy. I was actually working for an adoption agency doing homestudies, post placement visits and working with birthmothers...which I loved.  Andreas and I were drawn to international adoption because we were an international family.  After a lot of prayer we chose Nep*l to adopt from.  We went through the same emotions that so many are going through right now.  What would happen, where was our child, was he or she okay, would we be good parents....why is it taking so long, why is it taking so long, why is it taking so long (little did I know that it was really quick for international adoption).  However, when you can't see the end it drags on and on and on.  By May we had our referral and by August 2005, Andreas traveled alone to meet our son and sign papers. On Dec. 21, we were called and told we could go get Samuel (we were in Nep*l on Dec. 28th)!  We came back onto the US on January 14, 2006.  If you are keep track of those dates, from start to landing was exactly one year!  Thank you Jesus, I truly don't know if I could have handled more.  

From there I moved up the adoption latter to be International Adoption Director and Andreas continued his degree to become a pastor.  In May of 2007 he was finished and in Sept. 2007 the Lord had a church waiting for us in Alingsås, Sweden.  

So we moved...back to Sweden and a whole new adventure. In the beginning of 2008 we began the process to adopt again.  We thought that Nep*l would be the place, but God had another child for us in Ch*na.  It took 3 1/2 years, 2 other countries, a lot of heartache and a lot of God working to get to Ch*na. In May of 2011 we picked up our youngest son, David.  At this point Sam was 6 and David was 3.  

This was the boys and daddy this past summer.  We were on a gorgeous island off the coast of Sweden watching a sailing race and exploring everything we could.

During those 3 1/2 years I realized how blessed we were to receive Samuel in a year.  Of course there is a million more details that only Andreas and good friends know, but there was a definite ''red thread'' through it all.  God took care of details and moved us around tragedy to get to our boys.  He laid a strong calling on my husband to be an amazing daddy to our boys, an incredible husband to me and a strong pastor for others.

One of the red threads that I had not mentioned is that after we adopted Samuel I had a strong calling to help the other orphans that were still in Nep*l.  In  April 2007 I worked with Nep*l and the adoption agency that I was a part of and set up an adoption program.  In May 2007 Nep*l decided to close it's doors to adoption to restructure it.  In 2009 it reopened and got at least one child home before other countries closed it again because of corruption (maybe God had more for us to do in Nep*l).  There was still a strong nagging urge (thanks for giving me that God) to do more for the treasures of Nep*l.  During the years Andreas took up that urge and has prompted us forward when I struggled with it.  In 2011 we decide that in February 2013 we would take our first trip to establish a children's home in Nep*l.  

Guess what folks...tomorrow is the day we fly out to Nep*l to continue the work that the Lord has literally put in our laps.  There are a million details that have come together and continue to show us the path we are to take.  

We do NOT take this lightly.

We do NOT do this just because we are good.

We do NOT do this because we are bored of everything else.

We do NOT do this for our glory. 

We DO this because God loves orphans and has willed us forward (not just us, but ALL of US).

We DO this because all children deserve to be safe, loved, and cared for.  

We DO this because we cannot sit by and ignore the treasures of the world that need help.  

We DO this for the Glory of God.

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

Will you join us in prayer as we adventure on for the children that God loves so much? Will you pray that our ears will be open to God and closed to discouragement.  Will you pray it will all be to God's glory?  Will you pray and see if God wants you to join us in the adventure or if He is taking you on an adventure of your own?  

Will you allow God to change all the plans that you have laid for your future and go His direction?

Nothing in my life has been like I imaged or planned it would be, it has been better!

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.

Micah 6:8

As you celebrate Valentine's Day and the people that you love, remember those who also need your love.  

Andreas you are my love and best friend.  I am so excited that God has called us to adventure together...no matter what country we are in and what plans have not come to pass.  Our Family adventure is the best!

Happy Valentine's Day

Laurie

Learning

As said before I will try my best to convey what I have been learning in my quiet times with the Lord.  

(if you are not interested in a bit of a heart ''theological'' thought, you may want to skip this post and move on to the other post I wrote tonight with pictures).

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24

Sometimes I wonder what am I suffering and do I count it as suffering for Christ or do I try to find the quickest way out of the suffering.  I think we do not understand or are not ''tuned in'' to know why we are going through the trials we are.  What am I filling up in my flesh?  Can I say that I don't care how I am treated as long as the gospel is proclaimed?  I have been taking a good long look (again) at how I perceive myself and react to others.  

Interestingly enough, I had a conversation with Samuel not long ago about how being in authority really means being a servant.  How we must take care of and serve those that we are in authority over.  Like being a parent. Yet, I wonder sometimes if I have really taken that to heart. 

As we venture into Nepal, how do I perceive myself and those we go to meet.  What am I willing to endure so that a child finds a place that is safe, loving and stable and shown who Jesus is.  Christ would say to count them above me, but do I really take that to heart?  Essentially it is a battle of my will or God's.  I have by no means conquered all these thoughts, but have been ''wrestling'' with myself, basically my selfishness.  

I try so hard to teach my children not to be selfish, yet I am confronted with my own. I am not discouraged, but know that I will not turn back, but face what God puts in front of me.  

Laurie

Pictures....Finally

A few weeks ago we went on a Church retreat just outside of Notodden, Norway.  It was cold ( minus 21 Celcius at night and minus 15 C during the day), but gorgeous.  We came together to talk, think and pray about what the future holds for this Church.  It was also a good time to get to know the people in the church much better.  We were very thankful for this time and came away with a better sense and how to pray, how to move forward.

Kids and adults alike had a great time sledding.  Some of us even did some cross country skiing.  Sorry, there are no pics of me on skis, but I did try it again (the second of third time in my life).  I spend most of my time on the ground, but didn't give up easily.  Sam tried skiing and now really likes it.  Today we went to the second hand store and bought him some because his school class is going skiing on Friday.  Apparently everyone here in Norway learns as children...so we will follow the trend.  As I have learned it is much easier to learn when you lack the fear of an adult and have way more stamina!

This is the house the we stayed in for the retreat.  The view was breathtaking and always brings me to God.

I am thankful for this Church family that God has allowed us to be a part of.  Please continue to pray for us as we look to minister to the community that God has put us in.  

Blessings,

Laurie

Just Thinking

Yes, yes...I know.  So many have asked me why I haven't posted and I simply haven't.  I haven't had much to say or maybe I have had too much and I simply can't get my head around it at the moment.  (we have had internet issues...and I am not one that deals with technology well, but that is beside the point).

I have or am having a time of quiet.  Possibly the calm before the storm, the deep breath before the plunge.  As we begin or extend this journey into Nepal and working on a home for the beautiful children of Nepal I have felt more and more of a need to just be quiet before the Lord.  Thankfully I have heard ''trust me'' in those quiet times.   I am catching glimpses of just what it means to lay all of me down for Christ.  It is both terrifying and wonderful at the same time.  

In the days before we leave for Nepal, I will try to elaborate on what I have been learning.  

We leave for Nepal on Feb. 14th and return the 25th.  We will be updating the becauseoftwo.blogspot.com while we are in Nepal.  Please pray for discernment, safety, and our total surrender to what God would have for us to do.  Please also pray for us and our boys as we will be apart longer than we ever have been from them.  Don't worry, they are in great hands (Farmor and Farfar), but it will still be hard.

Until next time,
Laurie

Another Small Post

Wow, looking back at the stats of my posts last year I realized how poorly I have done on keeping up.  I have a million excuses, but none that I will use here.

I did want to say, as we begin this new year, that I am incredibly blessed.  Thinking back over the almost 39 years of my life is well weird (because I always though that next to 40 would be really old), but amazing to see all the people that have come in and out of my life.  The Lord has blessed me with so many friends spread around this globe of His.  I am thankful for each of you (sorry, can't name everyone).  My life has been shaped and molded by conversations, smiles, hugs, confrontations, etc.  that stitch together who I am and so many that have lead me closer to Jesus.

As I think of all of you I cannot begin to express how much I miss you guys.  So remember to hug the friends in your life today because it may be that God has them there for only a time.

And thank you to everyone who has ever invested in my life.

Blessings,

Old pic, but I thought it was really cute! I think David is really trying to smile here.  

Laurie

Another interesting year

This is a guest post from Andreas, trying to wrap up 2012 (yes, it is a little late). It's been quite the year...
It seems that our family never has a "normal" year. For instance, Laurie and I have been married over 15 years and during that time we have moved 16 times...and out of those 16 there were three moves across the Atlantic ocean. Clearly, other people move more often and into more challenging environments, but for us it means that this thing called "normal" is harder to pin down. It's like waiting for the ocean to be completely calm and then deem than state normal, when in fact the normal state for an ocean is to be constantly in motion.

By far, the biggest "wave" on our ocean this year was moving to Norway. Oh, the irony (at least for me, Andreas). As a Swede, Norway has always been the butt-end of jokes and ridicule, all harking back to the fact that Sweden used to own Norway and that Sweden used to beat the tar out of Norway in that most important part of life...sports. So, for decades Sweden used to trounce Norway in every single sport imaginable (including winter sports) and we made sure that those happy, flag-waving, knitted-sweater wearing blondes knew it...until of course the 2000s when Norway turned things around and are now taking us (Swedes) to school in all those winter sports that used to be our source of national pride and, well, taunting. Here you see the Norwegian ski star, Northug, carrying the Swedish flag across the finish line just so it, in fact, would cross it at all that day...and here I am, a Swede in Norway.

But it is not all bad. In fact, Laurie and the boys are doing rather well with the move. The Lord helped us find a very nice little house that we are slowly turning into a home. We live in a small town of 7000 people about as far away from the fjords and the mountains as possible, which is another little dose of irony. Laurie is staying a home, helping David adjust to his third culture in less than two years. They go to something called "open childcare" twice a week and will hopefully transition into part-time daycare this spring...IF we can afford it. Yeah, the rumors are true, the richest country in the world (or one of them) is also one of the most expensive countries in the world. It's weird to go back to Sweden to shop for food, a 30 minute drive, since compared to the USA, Sweden is super expensive.

Samuel is in third grade and although he really misses Sweden and his friends I don't know anyone who makes friends as fast as him. He is more or less fluent in Norwegian already and made his stage debut at the Christmas play this year, reciting some poem. I asked him if he was nervous being on stage before hundreds of people. He answered: "-No, pappa. Why are people nervous?". Why indeed?

The reason for our move was that the United Methodist church in Sweden died (or moved on to greener pastures due to its merger with two other churches in Sweden...it all depends on how you see it). In any case, I really didn't agree with the "new" church on many different levels and the simple fact is that I found my disagreements to be so severe that I would rather move to Norway and stay within the United Methodist Church than join this new thing in Sweden. Part of the reason for our move was also that my congregation in Alingsas, Sweden, where I served as pastor closed its doors after over 125 years, which meant that we would have had to move in either case.
The Norwegian UMC appointed me to pastor the church in Mysen. It is a small but beautiful church and despite its old age showing some very promising signs for the new year. As you might imagine, the church in Norway, or Scandinaiva for that matter, isn't exactly riding the wave of public popularity. In fact, the largest organized group in Norway outside the state church is the Atheist group. Nevertheless, the Lord has called people here to share the good news of Himself, so that is what I, and we, do.

Amazingly, Laurie had had a peace about this from the very beginning, which was back in June of 2011. Few men are blessed like I am with a wife so supportive and so hungering for God, as this move would have been incredibly hard without her support. The thing is, we didn't want to move. We really enjoyed our life in Sweden. I don't think I could have done this move if she hadn't been such a great wife. I know her reaction to this blogpost will be denying it, but those of you who know her know what I am taking about. She is a wonderful person and totally hot...but I alone may utter that second thing.

Before I post some random pictures from our 2012 I just want to mention that totally awesome little thing that started in 2012 and will really take shape in 2013...our project of starting an orphanage in Nepal. What started as a dream and a framed one-dollar bill back in 2006 has now turned into a very real possibility of helping some orphans in Nepal. We are flying to Nepal in February for ten days to meet with our contact person and set up the logistics of it all. Our hope is to have a location/building and a board for the orphanage and some potential people to hire all set up. Lord know how and when this is going to happen, which is why we simply turn to Him for advice or plans.
You can follow the progress and get involved by going to www.becauseoftwo.blogspot.com, or visiting us on Facebook.

May the triune God of holiness and love bless your 2013 and protect you from all evil!
Andreas

I'm Back

I am back.  My husband fixed everything last night (thank you Cydil) and we are back and running, which is good because I have a lot of backlog to get up.  

First things first....My little David is now fully and completely potty trained!  Yeah, I am so excited it has taken a year and a half since the adoption.  

Let's face it potty training can be hard in any circumstance, but when you are adopting a toddler who is in the middle of potty training when he is adopted...it can become more of an issue.  David was not wearing diapers during the weeks before his adoption.  However, being taken from his children's home in Be*jing (where his surgeries took place and he lived for almost two years) and placed back into the children's home in Urumq* (where he was found) for two weeks then handed to complete strangers set back his progress which he would not regain for another year. 

It becomes not only the issue of learning to control his bladder, but learning to feel safe and secure in his new environment.  Which is also attached to communication, which is attached to bonding, which is attached too.....well, you get the picture.  Potty training became last on the long list of what was good and healthy for this little one.  

After about 8 months home I started asking David if he wanted to take off his diaper.  His answer...''NO''.  So we let it rest, but mentioned it every once in a while.  As his communication began to increase he started to tell us when he needed to pea, but continued to do so in his diaper during the day.  He seemed to be scared of the toilet, yet a bit interested.  In a few weeks we started to get to the bathroom.  We finally took off daytime diapers 9 months (or so) in.  He had many accidents and at times it was really hard not to get frustrated.  It was hard to figure out if he really couldn't control his bladder, if he really wasn't feeling comfortable with his surroundings or if he was just being plain lazy.  I am sure that I judged wrong some of the time.  We always had to put the diapers back on for number 2...he really wasn't comfortable with the toilet for that.

In August of this year as we moved to Norway, we decided to try to just use the diapers for nighttime.  I know, I know it didn't sound smart for a move to try to ween him off of daytime diapers for everything.  However, I was getting the distinct feeling that he was simply being lazy.  He kept asking to take them off at night, but they were totally full every morning and I was not willing to take that on yet when we hadn't been able to stay out of them throughout the day.  I have to say that David really did a great job.  We had to get on him once or twice about pooping in his pants, but he was a trooper and learned really quickly.  Yes, I did bribe him with candy...don't judge me, it worked!

When that was done in October it was time to try to get rid of the night diapers.  We talked to David about it.  Talked about being a big boy...which he wanted because he has a big brother that he wants to mimic.  We started in the beginning of November and have only had one accident since then (and that was only because we read him wrong and didn't take him to the toilet when we needed too).  The only trick for us is that we take him to the toilet before we go to bed and he makes it all the way until morning.  If for some reason he needs to pee...he cries, doesn't really wake up, just cries.  So now we know to get him to the bathroom right away.  I again bribed him...and again it worked, but we are past the bribe now and he just does it.

I do think that because it was so quick and easy with the last two steps that he really was just being lazy, but that is hard to determine.  David still has a hard time expressing himself with words so the emotional state can be a guessing game at times.  During the whole process there was the guess of ''is he ready or is he not'', I am just thankful to be on the other side of the issue and so proud of my little boy....oh, excuse me, my big boy for his progress and his effort.

Laurie

Bare With Me

Okay folks,

Posts have been rare right now because we have run into a problem with Blogger.  They have told me that my storage is all used up and I need to buy more for pictures.  And let's face it...everyone wants the pictures.

However, the only option is to buy it and pay monthly for it. That is not really an option at this point.  I also don't want to delete pics because this is a great journal for my boys and I want them to see the progress that they made throughout their journeys.  Does anyone have any ideas.  I may have to move the blog to something else, but that would be a pain.

Let me know if you have any brilliant ideas for me.  Would really appreciate it.

Blessings,
Laurie

Giveaway...

Folks there is a giveaway of a very sweet children's adoption book and all entries need to be in by midnight on Wednesday.  You can link to it here and enter.  There is also a review of the book if you are unfamiliar with it.

Blessings,
Laurie

Because of Two

I wanted to do a blurb here so that all of you know that we have begun a blog for the children's home we are working on setting up in Nepal. You can pop on over to becauseoftwo.blogspot.no and check it out.  Feel free to become a follower so you can get updates or donate if the Lord is leading you to do so.

We are also on Facebook, so you can check us out there also (because of two).

Blessings,
Laurie

Please Consider

[AC] 2012 Promo - Basic from Advent Conspiracy on Vimeo.

One Day Late, but Very Thankful

As the States celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, we are celebrating today.  One of the events that we have en-cooperated into our traditions is an International Thanksgiving event at the church.  I don't get to spend Thanksgiving with my family in the States, but I do get to spend it with my extended family here, new friends, and complete strangers.  Oh, how wonderful the Lord is to allow us to celebrate with so many.

We have an open invitation at this dinner, but all bring something to share. Of course I make sure that we have the traditional foods...that is for me mainly...but then we get to sample dishes from around the world.  The biggest on we had was in Alingsås, Sweden, where we had 70 people from 16 different countries.  What a spred that was!

I don't know how many people will be coming to the church tonight or how many lands we will represent.  However, I do know I am giddy to celebrate this meal and give thanks to our merciful and glorious God.  I am excited to meet new people and pray that all will be in our family one day and know the Love of Christ.

So Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrated yesterday and will celebrate today.  As we give thanks please pray for all of the children, adults and families that have little or nothing, those who are hurting because they have no family or no one, those who are in prisons and addicted to drugs because they do not know the mercy and saving power of Jesus, those who are in the hospitals and psych wards all over this world, those who are being help captive, those who are in war zones, and those who simple need someone to show kindness and the love of Jesus to.  We are blessed and need to remember that many are not and need us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Blessings,
Laurie

Pappa

One of the many people that the Lord has blessed Andreas and this family with is Pappa.  This is Andreas' dad.  He is smart, patient, kind, loving, honest and trustworthy.  He has been a wonderful dad to Andreas and Andreas has picked up many of his qualities.  He is also a great Farfar (granddad) whom the children love very deeply.  We are incredibly blessed to have him in our family and are thankful for all the time that we get to be with him.  

Thank you for being you pappa.  Happy Father's Day!

Laurie