Yes, that's right, we got the call. Baby Haiti... Our 3rd daughter has a name and a face and a story and we are yet again forever changed.
Our daughter.
OUR DAUGHTER!!!
11-14-16
I was sitting in a conference room at work around 3:15 finishing up a meeting when I get a text from Daniel that says "Call me ASAP". I finish up and call him, totally expecting him to have a question about something he needs to buy at the store. Nope. He says "Guess who I just talked to?"... I said "no way" and he said "Yes" and I said "You have got to be kidding me" really loudly and then lots of words and tears and "no ways".... And a whirlwind ensues... All we knew at this point was her name, her birthday and her orphanage (all of which we can't share publicly until she is legally ours in Haiti several months from now).
Back up to April and the story most everyone doesn't know...when we got a call that turned out to be a false alarm which resulted in lots of heartache and patience and trying times. All just a part of our journey, but one we knew we needed to walk quietly and privately. Leaning on His strength in our weakness. So this time, between Monday when we got the call and Thursday when we got her sweet picture and paperwork, there was an unspoken uncertainty that our hearts might ride the roller coaster again.
But not this time.
This time, Thursday morning 11-17-16 at 9:41, we received our official referral. We promised each other on Monday that we would wait and open the paperwork together on the phone so we could see her sweet face and learn her precious story at the same time. So of course, I couldn't get a hold of Daniel (for good reasons). Of course I called a bazillion times before us finally connecting an hour later.
We opened the email and immediately scanned to the last page. We saw her big brown eyes and melted. Our Daughter. Her story. Her. Words don't really do justice at this point. As we learned who she was, and how she came to be ours, our hearts were immediately reminded that our great joy comes out of great loss and I was humbled and my heart grew in immense ways. Please be patient as we navigate the road of honoring her and her story. We don't know what we will share or when we will share it. Just know she is and has always been so deeply loved.
The rest of the next two days were filled with all the wonderfully crazy moments of sharing our joy (telling the girls was super fun and I will detail that separately), getting things lined up to say yes and planning our trip to Haiti where we will spend 2 weeks bonding with her precious self. There is so much more but not for now. We received 4 updated pictures of her beautiful self yesterday
(3 taken yesterday) and we are smitten!
We are so grateful for His grace and our adoption in Christ which called us into this journey. We are so thankful for you, your prayers and your support as we continue our journey to fully becoming The Fisher Five.
We have months and months ahead of us but for now, we celebrate this milestone and long for the moment soon to come when we get to look her in those beautiful big brown eyes for the first time.
Our Daughter.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Three Years...
Yesterday marked three years since we were officially accepted into the Haiti adoption process by our agency for a process we anticipated taking two maybe three years max from start to finish. We were to be here in 2016 with our three daughters preparing for a second grader, a kindergartner and a preschooler. We would likely already have had a year of being a family of five under our belt.
Yet here we are, still the Fisher Four waiting as patiently as possible for that official call. Seeking daily to trust in His perfect timing regardless of how hard the waiting is. Oh the waiting. It is HARD ya'll. I am not going to sit here and pretend it's all sunshine and roses. It is not. April was really tough due too some really unique challenges we faced in our process which were new even to our agency (will share once all is said and done).
Yet God is good and we still trust. He has shown Himself in the midst of the hard times in some really awe-inspiring ways that will be told in their own time as well. Little confirmations, big totally amazing non-coincidences, encouraging words from people we have not heard from in a long time, and simply sharing in the joy of other adoption journeys.
I know we have been quiet on here but please know we still cherish your prayers and support. We are confident our February prayers were heard, even if the answer was not what we were seeking. In a recent sermon we were so humbly reminded that just because He doesn't answer our prayers in our preferences, doesn't mean He is not answering.
I know I have shared it before but He has fully impressed upon my heart in this journey Exodus 14:14- "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still" and so that is where we rest. Praying daily for the precious one He is preparing us for from the beautiful country that has captured our hearts.
Our present journey is nothing compared to what lies ahead, we just need to patiently wait and trust...
Thank You for praying us through!
Yet here we are, still the Fisher Four waiting as patiently as possible for that official call. Seeking daily to trust in His perfect timing regardless of how hard the waiting is. Oh the waiting. It is HARD ya'll. I am not going to sit here and pretend it's all sunshine and roses. It is not. April was really tough due too some really unique challenges we faced in our process which were new even to our agency (will share once all is said and done).
Yet God is good and we still trust. He has shown Himself in the midst of the hard times in some really awe-inspiring ways that will be told in their own time as well. Little confirmations, big totally amazing non-coincidences, encouraging words from people we have not heard from in a long time, and simply sharing in the joy of other adoption journeys.
I know we have been quiet on here but please know we still cherish your prayers and support. We are confident our February prayers were heard, even if the answer was not what we were seeking. In a recent sermon we were so humbly reminded that just because He doesn't answer our prayers in our preferences, doesn't mean He is not answering.
I know I have shared it before but He has fully impressed upon my heart in this journey Exodus 14:14- "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still" and so that is where we rest. Praying daily for the precious one He is preparing us for from the beautiful country that has captured our hearts.
Our present journey is nothing compared to what lies ahead, we just need to patiently wait and trust...
Thank You for praying us through!
Monday, July 11, 2016
Daniel Trip #2 to Haiti
Hi All -
Daniel here. I have the privilege to take my second trip to Haiti with - Heartline Ministries - Haiti!
I am headed to Haiti the week of July 30-August 5 on a trip designed to use soccer as a way to share the love of Christ and the Gospel with the youth in Haiti. We will also spend time during the week at the various Heartline facilities supporting the work they are doing in partnership with the people of Haiti. This includes the maternity center, men's discipleship program, women's education center, and likely visiting some orphanages and schools. In addition, it looks like we will be doing a shoe distribution through Samaritan's Feet and serving food through Feed the Hunger.
Please pray God would continue to prepare our team for our time in Haiti. Pray for the hearts of the Haitian people we will have the opportunity to love. Pray God, in His grace, would work in and through us as we share the Gospel in word and deed. Pray that many would trust in Jesus as Savior and King. Pray that believers would be encouraged in their faith through our time together. Pray for our safety and our families while we are away. Thank you!
You can also support our team through the donation of soccer equipment especially balls and cleats. In addition, I am planning to take jump ropes (short and long) and Jesus Storybook Bibles in Haitian Creole (see link below) and could definitely use more. It is very difficult to mail supplies to Haiti, so our ability to pack them with us makes a big difference. You can either mail them to me (prior to July 26) or send me a donation which I will use to purchase the items. Anything is appreciated. Let me know if you need my address.
Thanks ahead of time for your support!
Jesus Storybook Bible in Creole
Daniel here. I have the privilege to take my second trip to Haiti with - Heartline Ministries - Haiti!
I am headed to Haiti the week of July 30-August 5 on a trip designed to use soccer as a way to share the love of Christ and the Gospel with the youth in Haiti. We will also spend time during the week at the various Heartline facilities supporting the work they are doing in partnership with the people of Haiti. This includes the maternity center, men's discipleship program, women's education center, and likely visiting some orphanages and schools. In addition, it looks like we will be doing a shoe distribution through Samaritan's Feet and serving food through Feed the Hunger.
Please pray God would continue to prepare our team for our time in Haiti. Pray for the hearts of the Haitian people we will have the opportunity to love. Pray God, in His grace, would work in and through us as we share the Gospel in word and deed. Pray that many would trust in Jesus as Savior and King. Pray that believers would be encouraged in their faith through our time together. Pray for our safety and our families while we are away. Thank you!
You can also support our team through the donation of soccer equipment especially balls and cleats. In addition, I am planning to take jump ropes (short and long) and Jesus Storybook Bibles in Haitian Creole (see link below) and could definitely use more. It is very difficult to mail supplies to Haiti, so our ability to pack them with us makes a big difference. You can either mail them to me (prior to July 26) or send me a donation which I will use to purchase the items. Anything is appreciated. Let me know if you need my address.
Thanks ahead of time for your support!
Jesus Storybook Bible in Creole
Monday, February 1, 2016
Praying Big Prayers... will you join us?
Breaking the silence of the last several months with a request... BIG PRAYERS!
We are almost exactly 2.5 years into this process (will be on 2.8.16) and really have had little news to share since November of 2014 when we entered the Haitian system...
I know that sounds crazy, but it doesn't mean He is not working.
It doesn't mean we are not praying, preparing and longing for the little one He is preparing us for.
It doesn't mean that we are not imagining what her precious face looks like, what her story is, what the future holds.
It does mean we have completed a lot of paperwork.
It does mean we have been waiting a long time.
It does mean that we are tired, ready and hopeful for that call. The call that will change everything.
SO.....
We are boldly going before the Lord and praying EVERY DAY in February that we would receive our formal referral from Haiti. This may or may not be His plan, but we are boldly asking Him in faith that it is!
Please join us by picking a day (or two or three) to stand in faith and pray with us. You can sign up here: BIG PRAYERS
Specifically:
SO... let's boldly go before Him and pray that we get that call that we are matched in February... as Daniel likes to say... Go Big or Go Home! :)
We are almost exactly 2.5 years into this process (will be on 2.8.16) and really have had little news to share since November of 2014 when we entered the Haitian system...
I know that sounds crazy, but it doesn't mean He is not working.
It doesn't mean we are not praying, preparing and longing for the little one He is preparing us for.
It doesn't mean that we are not imagining what her precious face looks like, what her story is, what the future holds.
It does mean we have completed a lot of paperwork.
It does mean we have been waiting a long time.
It does mean that we are tired, ready and hopeful for that call. The call that will change everything.
SO.....
We are boldly going before the Lord and praying EVERY DAY in February that we would receive our formal referral from Haiti. This may or may not be His plan, but we are boldly asking Him in faith that it is!
Please join us by picking a day (or two or three) to stand in faith and pray with us. You can sign up here: BIG PRAYERS
Specifically:
- Pray that God would move mountains in Haitian adoptions - specifically ours.
- Pray for the IBESR Staff to move quickly in matching us and that we would have favor in their eyes.
- (IBESR is the Haitian Agency that is the the equivalent of the department of family and children's services, and are responsible for approving each international adoption and ensuring that the adoptive family meets criteria, that the child is eligible for adoption, and that the adoption itself is legitimate, according to Haiti's adoption legislation)
SO... let's boldly go before Him and pray that we get that call that we are matched in February... as Daniel likes to say... Go Big or Go Home! :)
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Daniel's First Trip to Haiti
Hi All -
Daniel here. I have the privilege to take my first trip to Haiti with the same ministry Jennie went with in July 2014 - Heartline Ministries - Haiti!
I am headed to Haiti the week of October 17th on a trip designed to use soccer as a way to bring the Gospel and love of Christ to the youth in Haiti. Through a partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Haiti, we will organize and support soccer clinics and host a tournament towards the end of the weeklong experience. We will also spend time during the week at the various Heartline facilities supporting the work they are doing in partnership with the people of Haiti. This includes the maternity center, the men's discipleship program, the women's education center and likely visiting some orphanages and other places throughout the week.
Please pray God would continue to prepare our team for our time in Haiti. Pray for the hearts of the Haitian people we will have the opportunity to love. Pray God, in His grace, would work in and through us as we share the Gospel in word and deed. Pray that many would trust in Jesus as Savior and King. Pray for our safety and our families while we are away. Thank you!
You can also support our team through donations of items requested by the FCA in Haiti. It is very difficult to mail supplies to Haiti, so our ability to pack them with us makes a big difference. FCA has provided the following list of items that we are trying to collect. You can either mail them to me (prior to October 14th) or send me a donation which I will use to purchase the items. Anything is appreciated. Let me know if you need my address.
Thanks again for your support!
Requested Items:
Daniel here. I have the privilege to take my first trip to Haiti with the same ministry Jennie went with in July 2014 - Heartline Ministries - Haiti!
I am headed to Haiti the week of October 17th on a trip designed to use soccer as a way to bring the Gospel and love of Christ to the youth in Haiti. Through a partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Haiti, we will organize and support soccer clinics and host a tournament towards the end of the weeklong experience. We will also spend time during the week at the various Heartline facilities supporting the work they are doing in partnership with the people of Haiti. This includes the maternity center, the men's discipleship program, the women's education center and likely visiting some orphanages and other places throughout the week.
Please pray God would continue to prepare our team for our time in Haiti. Pray for the hearts of the Haitian people we will have the opportunity to love. Pray God, in His grace, would work in and through us as we share the Gospel in word and deed. Pray that many would trust in Jesus as Savior and King. Pray for our safety and our families while we are away. Thank you!
You can also support our team through donations of items requested by the FCA in Haiti. It is very difficult to mail supplies to Haiti, so our ability to pack them with us makes a big difference. FCA has provided the following list of items that we are trying to collect. You can either mail them to me (prior to October 14th) or send me a donation which I will use to purchase the items. Anything is appreciated. Let me know if you need my address.
Thanks again for your support!
Requested Items:
1. MOUTH GUARDS FOR THE BASKETBALL PLAYERS
2. KNEE
PADS
3. ANKLE
BRACES
4. ELBOW
PADS
5. JUMP ROPES
6. TENNIS VISORS
7. TENNIS UNIFORMS
8. VOLLEYBALL UNIFORMS
9. 2 (TWO) BASKETBALL TROPHIES ( FOR A TOURNAMENT WE WILL BE
HAVING IN DECEMBER )
10. 12
BASKETBALL MEDALS
11.VOLLEYBALL
BALLS
12. SOCCER BALLS
13. SOCCER PUMPS/NEEDLES
The ones underlined in red have been noted as the most important for FCA right now.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
2 Years...
I have been contemplating what to say here as we hit the 2 year mark of when our "Yes" become a reality. When AWAA accepted us to begin this Journey to The Fisher Five and my words are failing me. It feels like both yesterday and forever ago. So much has changed yet so much has stayed the same.
I listen to my to precious girls playing in the playroom during "quiet time" and I get this longing for a 3rd little voice I have never heard. I imagine the laughter intensifying, the silliness escalating, the love abounding and my heart knows she is missing.
Whoever "she" is.
We pray for our "Baby Haiti" every day. Last night, Anna Beth chimed in "soon" as Daniel prayed for us to trust in His timing to bring her home. What a hard and wonderful reality, that even our 4 year old knows that someone is missing and she wants her home... soon.
Soon is such a relative word I suppose. We started this journey 2 years ago, we are only officially "waiting" in the Haitian System for 8 1/2 months. (In pregnancy terms, she should just about be here. - In Jennie pregnancy terms she would be here!)
So, we wait for that call, the one where things change because "she" becomes a name and a face that changes our world forever.
Recently, there is a truth that the Lord has been subtly reminding me lately ... "Be Still..." It is a hard one for me, but one I keep hearing and cannot ignore.
Sweet little one, our hearts long for that day, but until then know you are so very loved.
We choose to trust and Be Still.
Be Still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10
I listen to my to precious girls playing in the playroom during "quiet time" and I get this longing for a 3rd little voice I have never heard. I imagine the laughter intensifying, the silliness escalating, the love abounding and my heart knows she is missing.
Whoever "she" is.
We pray for our "Baby Haiti" every day. Last night, Anna Beth chimed in "soon" as Daniel prayed for us to trust in His timing to bring her home. What a hard and wonderful reality, that even our 4 year old knows that someone is missing and she wants her home... soon.
Soon is such a relative word I suppose. We started this journey 2 years ago, we are only officially "waiting" in the Haitian System for 8 1/2 months. (In pregnancy terms, she should just about be here. - In Jennie pregnancy terms she would be here!)
So, we wait for that call, the one where things change because "she" becomes a name and a face that changes our world forever.
Recently, there is a truth that the Lord has been subtly reminding me lately ... "Be Still..." It is a hard one for me, but one I keep hearing and cannot ignore.
Sweet little one, our hearts long for that day, but until then know you are so very loved.
We choose to trust and Be Still.
Be Still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Moments
This morning I was asked the very normal question one is asked during this process... Any news?
I provided the update that we are simply waiting and they asked how long it has been and it hit me...
19 months since our agency said yes...
Wow. 19 months. ...
Yet only truly waiting now for 3.5 months so a long ways to go...
I received the packet to start our home study updates this week too...
I got a bit overwhelmed at these two thoughts combined together...
Yet our God in His infinite wisdom provided the gentlest and most precious reminder in the moment I needed it most.
What was it you ask?
In our social media filled world it was actually the Instagram update of another adoptive family here in the US beginning their journey as a family. It was a congratulatory welcome to the world of their sweet little one...
Her name, it was her name.... and her beautiful dark skinned precious face...
This precious child's name was one that the Lord has impressed on our hearts and that has spurred us on in this journey. It may not be our daughters name but it is part of her story, our story.
Selah Joy "P"... Whomever you are, wherever you are, you may never know the people who prayed for you today....
However, this mama will always know the ways the Lord used you to encourage my weary heart on its path to my beautiful Haitian daughter, whomever she may be...
Psalm 18:30 - "As for the Lord, His way is perfect..."
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