obviously

One (me) would think that after all that we have endured, I would not be surprised at the OBSTACLES!??? NOPE I got NOT one...but TWO surprises!! The Visa, yes, that formidable foe....was delivered!! (you thought that was the good news eh?) TO KIDDER!! I am in Salem, Utah!!! Slight problem, after 2 hours of phoning back and fort being on hold for more than half of that time, we had to call a neighbor/friend, have them pick up the package, print a NEW label, and SHIP it out AGAIN... praying it makes it in time for our flight on the 2nd. (leaving earlier since the flights on Jan 3rd are filling up, and we are flying stand-by) So that was a HEART attack! (I kept my cool and DIDN'T scream at the agent who made this mistake) OBSTACLE #??? I have been chasing down the anti-malaria meds since the middle of December (The 15th actually) I called our physician and asked for the meds to be called into our pharmacy to be filled, I LET THEM KNOW we would be departing Missouri Dec 26th, and would need plenty of time to have them order the meds (since no one carries them in stock in MO) Dec 24th I called in to verify it was ready to be picked up. The clinic had FAILED to call it in. I called around and around tracking down the Dr. and getting the correct pharmacy etc... I told them I NEEDED IT CALLED INTO WAL MART since I was NOT going to be in Cameron, and I would be UNABLE to pick up any script in Cameron! So they went ahead and called it into Cameron Drug Store. real handy. SO THEN I had to call around pharmacies in Utah and find out who carried IN STOCK the malaria meds. WALLGREENS to the rescue. Went into Walgreens this morning with Peter, we waited for over 45 min while the pharmacist tried to contact the Drug Store for a transfer, then proceed to investigate if the pills could be split in half (since they only carried the adult dosage) NO GO> They could NOT split the pill, AND the medical clinic FAILED TO WRITE the script correctly (for 4 months of script since we would be out of the country!!!) SO ONCE AGAIN I frantically called around trying to find ANYONE who could either Write a NEW script, OR fill all 4 months of the existing script. NO GO> I was able to find out that a Liberian pharmacy WILL carry these meds, and we can walk in off the street to obtain them. (Just like Tijuana) that was it. No biggie.

Privacy Settings

ok, so you recall my VENT about the adoption agency? and how I was LIVID at their inaction? Apparently they decided to read my blog (about time?) and for that i am glad, they can see how UNHAPPY I have been with the amount of support I have been lacking during this process, For instance, they claim I was notified in writing about the Visa in the beginning of this process, HOWEVER all it says about a visa is bundled with obtaining the child's passport, therefore not giving me ANY clue that an ADDITIONAL Visa is necessary for ME! Disclosure folks, when I am scraping every single penny I have in order to pay for all my expenses, and you throw a new urgent need to the tune of $600 yeah, I get a little cranky. ON TO BETTER NEWS! I got a text from the Visa processing center, my visa/passport are in the mail. Overnight delivery should be here by tomorrow at 4 p.m.!! So while I am not ashamed of the things i said in all my preparations, i AM sad that I must go private for a different reason. Apparently most African Nations look down upon the promotion of adoption due to the severe neglect and poor living conditions. Apparently when i mentioned how SEVERELY malnourished Peter was when he arrived in the USA, that will be considered embarrassing for the Liberian government, and may complicate the process. So I must play along with their rules, and pretend that I am not ghastly horrified about the amount of mortality due to malnourishment, and I must only publish the PRAISES of the nation. I have never been one to play by the rules, but for Peter's sake, I will do my best to accentuate the positive and pray we make it out quickly! thanks to the 8 readers I have, I appreciate knowing that you all want to stay connected with our journey. I appreciate the continued prayers. The countdown has begun!

Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow is the start of a great journey, we will drive 17 hours to Utah, and then I will fly 33 hours to Liberia.
I have spent all of the Holiday season bustling with preparations to travel out of the country.
I have prayed, pondered and planned for this time.
I reflect on the Season of Christmas, and the grand journey that the wise men took, I found this quote to which I do not know its origin.
take time to consider;
"If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life."
What are we all busying our lives with? Is it pleasing unto Him? What is our personal mission, and how can we magnify our callings in life to Glorify Him!?

Whirlwind of progress!

It has been a few days since I updated our progress....

We had an unhappy surprise to find out our agency had left out a VERY important piece of the paper work puzzle.

The VISA for me to enter Liberia was never discussed, in all my check lists this very important piece of the puzzle was left unmentioned.

So we had to RUSH and prepare our immunizations and documents that will enable ME to enter Liberia.

In all....the fees and shipping were over $600.

For months I have been planning, calculating and saving for the in country expenses.

Here is the list the agency gave us,

Travel Expenses

Round-trip airfare to Liberia Our tickets were $750

Visa ($200-$300)*Which Peter already had... Mine ended up being 2x this estimate

Airport transfer ($30-$60)

Accommodations in Liberia $70-150 per day

Food $40 per day ($840)

In-Country Costs

Driver for stay in Liberia $200-$400

Child’s Visa (each child) $400

Child’s medical exam for U.S. Embassy (each child) $110

Passports $100 (each child)

Possible Miscellaneous fees $300-$500



We had set aside $2500 for our tickets and in country expenses.

With the added expenses for the visa i am REALLY feeling the crunch of numbers....

I am sincerely praying I do not run out of money, and I am able to find the remaining $500 for the hotel costs, and the $500 additional adoption agency fee, AND still have enough money to pay for all the other unexpected surprises.

I do not like surprises, never have, they give me SERIOUS anxiety, this is one reason why I am such a BEAR at the end of all my pregnancies...the UNKNOWN!

So here I enter another test of my character. To wait upon the unknown, and persevere through this journey.



Pray for me, Please pray specifically that;

Peter & I will be safe from harm or illness,

That we will be successful in our adoption,

That we will be reunited as a family no later than February 15th. (Home to Missouri by Feb 20th)

, That our hearts will be pliable and learn all that our Father has in store for us!

That ALL of my children will have guardian angels protecting them,

and that those who are caring for them in my absence will be in tune with their needs and be patient with them.

This photo is of Peter's very own Graham Cracker House ;)

The Power of Love

Today is the Sabbath. I am lying in bed more ill than i have been in at least 10 years. Coughing and aching from head to toe.

But my thoughts are turned to my blessings, and the privilege it has been to meet SO MANY on this journey.

I have learned in the past month that 2 of my friends will be bringing children into their home. In part because of their involvement with our adoption journey.





NOTHING brings me more hope than this.

The lives we can change through action is profound.

I have to be honest, the journey to adoption is more like preparing for the climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. (which is on my bucket list)

The grueling preparation, the factors that are out of our hands....the trust, the waiting, the unknown, and the emotional turmoil have beaten me down.

I have spent more time in introspect and more time soul searching, practicing patience, forgiveness, and charity.

I have never come closer to my weaknesses than I have during this process.

Truly entering the refiners fire, I pray that I can come out as the masterpiece my Father in Heaven has intended me to be.

I pray that I can make up for all the flaws and mistakes I OBVIOUSLY have.

I also hope I can forgive others more freely, as I have struggled with all the elements that attend adoption.

I am learning, stretching and growing.

Thank you ALL for being a part of this journey.

Baby steps to this puzzle

I just spoke on the phone to two of the ladies who will also be traveling for adoptions at the same time i will.

What a BLESSING! both of these ladies have been to Liberia before, they know people, places and the 411 on what we need to prepare for!

PHEW!

We are planning on being in Liberia on Jan 4th (PRAYER WARRIORS!)

Peter & I will be traveling on stand-by (PRAY WARRIORS)

We have reservations at MOKO's Bed & Breakfast, which is the lowest fares in Monrovia PLUS they have 24 hour electricity!

I now have an idea on what we will be doing, and the peace of mind that I will not be there alone.

I need to pay $500 for the hotel room today.

and I need to pay the remainder of ($1071.00) our room fees on Dec 15th (Merry Christmas!)

If any one would like to give a Gift of Love to help us cover this expense, we would BE DEEPLY GRATEFUL!!!





We love and appreciate ALL YOU HAVE DONE to get us this far! XOX

Words are not enough.

It feels like I should add each of your names to Peter's Hero list...but even that is not enough.

God bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Holiday Bake Fundraiser

Peter and Chris are 2 young Liberian boys that must return to Liberia. Both have been in the US on medical Visa's, and now it is time to fly them home. Peter will be adopted by our family (Gordon's) and Chris will be reunited with his biological family. It is our privilege to escort Chris home to Liberia, and our honor to help in funding the airfare. We have chosen to have a HOLIDAY BAKE SALE. Pre-Orders ONLY! We will be preparing 4 items; Cinnamon Rolls (bake and serve) ($20 serving 12) Whole Grain Bread (2 loaves for $12) Pumpkin Pie (each Pie $15) Cheesecake with Graham cracker crust. ($20) Three delivery dates will be available November 17th 2012 December 8th 2012 December 22nd 2012 Deliveries will be made to CAMERON area drop spot at 5 pm on the designated day. orders and payments MUST be received 7 days prior to desired delivery date! PLEASE help us spread the word and order your Holiday Desserts WHILE supporting these young boys! *If you are not meeting for local pick-up, please message me to arrange details*

THE FINAL STEP!

ppWe have reached the point in the process that the only thing holding us back now is ....US!

we have our immigration permissions, and everything else is completed . Tickets are being researched and final assembling of documents are being put together, we are SO EXCITED!!!

The final plans and arrangements are finding a sitter to stay with the kids for my undetermined time i must be in Liberia with Peter. Immunizations, Bags being packed, etc...

For anyone who is interested, we are looking/comparing the savings between donated sky miles, and using Wes's discounts from work, his tickets are always risky, since we must fly stand-by (international stand by does not sound fun!)

But it may save us $2,000 so.... I am willing.

IF you have miles your wiling to donate, please email me!

Our adoption savings account still has remains from the fundraiser, but not much :)  our Paypal link is still on the side bar....

Our final costs are

Airline tickets: est $2,000 for both of us.
Food for 3 weeks: $500
Lodging in Liberia : $950 for 3 weeks

We are selling off all the items we have been saving, and appreciate any help you can give!

Fund-raising has been the HARDEST part of this whole process, the constant begging from friends, family and strangers has taxed me emotionally, and so this will be the only request you will see, (barring any serious emergencies)

WE LOVE ....

We are SO BLESSED, and HUMBLED, looking forward to that FINAL STAMP OF APPROVAL!

YOU!!!

Thank you friends everywhere. We would NOT be here without your constant love and support.
It has taken more than a village to accomplish this feat.

THANKS!

The Second BEST news all year!

I just got notified that Peter's Medical VISA has been Extended. 

DRUM ROLL

May 29th 2013!!!

YEAH! YIPEE! the time crunch pressure is off! we will be able to travel with him as soon as we have INS permissions and he will be free to return to USA soil!!

WHOO HOOT!

YIPEEE

SHOUT HORRAY!

Thank you to our Dear Lord who makes this all possible.

And to our many supporters who have given SO MUCH to support and encourage us! 

<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5683964/Adoption_Road" 
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Sweet surpirses

I checked the PO box today and got not ONE letter/card for Peter, but TWO!

One from a family in Winston who are ALSO adopting and fundraising, they were abundant generous in their giving for Peter. (Thanks J & K)

Another from a Tax preparer in Gallatin that saw out latest article in the Gallatin paper (that I have yet to see) .

Both of these cards touched my heart and I am again overwhelmed with love and humility for ALL the help we have received, I have not blogged about each individual gift of Love, but each one has touched my ehart and given me such an appreciation for the Lord.

He commands.

We Obey.

We also make excuses and complain that the road is hard, or even impossible, but to reiterate my previous post......When the spirit touches your heart to act, the Lord will create the means to obey. He will not leave us lonely, and He will provide.

Step ONE

When you feel that feeling, the one where your heart aches for the child in a photo, or you feel compelled to help someone in need, how much of your energy is spent in talking yourself OUT of action?

You rationalize, that SOMEONE else will help them, or solve this problem, and that certainly if it was meant to be YOU, that you would 'know'

Faith without works is dead.

You have faith enough to consider the need, whether the need is of an orphan, or a neighbor, your heart is led to desire a better circumstance than that person is presently in.

So what do you do. Do you get out your check book, and balance and figure, how to make it happen,

or do you check that checkbook, and try to figure out how your not capable of making it happen??

Which is it? I know where I sit. and I know where I lack faith.

Now consider this, can you go without, one pair of shoes, or one trip to the mall, or perhaps one less luxury item? (boat, vacation, new furniture) and instead take that amount ($50-$25,000) and put it to use in a child;s life that very likely has not known a single night without pain and suffering, hunger, loneliness or illness.

Do you have it in you?

For those of you who still love me after I put your foot to the flame, can I share some insight on adoption?

Make the first step, BEYOND the email inquiry, or phone message asking for the informational packet.

Put your savings account to use, and commit.

Make the first step, that is to arrange for your home study to be completed.

it is a $2,000 commitment, and many of us spend that much and more on weekly dates through out the year (40 weeks at $45 is $1800  a year)

Can you trade in a years worth of dinner & movie date nights for a picnic and star gazing, your not sacrificing the TIME spent together, but rather the money spent on mundane weekly date nights.

if YOU can not commit to $2,000 right now, consider helping someone.....anyone.... allowing their time and efforts to go farther...Share what you have, because we all know we have been given SO MUCH in our lives, and it feels better to give than to receive.

Start there, make the choice, get your homestudy completed.

And for that ONE friend who spoke to me about the DESIRE to adopt but the fears have not allowed you to move onto the next step....the homestudy will wait. Get it done, and then sit on it. Pray on it. Consider it a stepping stone, the lessons and education you learn will not be wasted, but you NEVER know when you will need that homestudy in a hurry.

(P.S. there have been at least 6 friends who have shared this desire/fear with me....you are NOT alone.)

Go. spend your savings, change your life, and the life of a child who may otherwise die waiting for someone to care enough to DARE and MOVE.

ready

Set

ACTION

Niggling and Nodding

Do you ever have a niggling? a thought or feeling in the back of your mind that will not rest. When you are at rest the thought pops up, when you are at play, when you are pensive, silly, relaxed, stressed. No matter what your experiencing the idea or thought returns?

I have.

It has been a constant worry and concern for the mother-less and the father-less.

I have shed many tears over the empty feelings, and empty arms of the 147 MILLION children that have no one to kiss their boo boo. No one to worry if they are out too late, and no one to encourage them to follow their dreams.

147 MILLION folks.

That is a big number. HUGE.

It is hard to fathom how one person (me) can make a difference when the number is so daunting.

Now I will describe the nodding. I have felt like I SHOULD adopt for 13 years. I have read books, researched types of adoptions, and I have KNOWN it was my calling to love the motherless.

Do you want to know the one (lame) reason I have never followed through, not the fear of failure, not the fear of inadequacies, not the possibility of getting hurt. only ONE thing.

M.O.N.E.Y.

Yep, you've got it, I have put on my list of goals at least 40 times to adopt.

and here is the sad part, I would say to my Lord, "I am willing to bring a child into our home, and hearts, you just provide the way."

Yep. I kinda gave HIM the 4-1-1

Not cool. not right, and it never worked. I felt like I was being a 'good' person for wanting to help, so He should make up the financial part and make it easy.

There it is.

EASY folks, I wanted the finances to FLOW into our home so that adopting would be easy.

I am ASHAMED to admit, that each and every time an abundance flowed into our home, I allowed non important expenses to eat up any excess that was created.

In essence I justified the extra income as necessitous, and allowed for it to be wasted.

I felt like I needed to have nice furniture, a nice car, or a finished basement BEFORE I adopted, in my mind I debated with my self that certainly I would not pass a home inspection (home study) if I did not do these NECESSITIES .

Gluttony.

I have looked an orphan in the eyes, and wiped an orphans tears. I have cried over the loss of innocence, and I have had a change of heart.

Do not get me wrong, I still want that nice furniture, or the finished basement, but the reality is this:

THINGS DO NOT MATTER.
Nope not one bit, PEOPLE matter!!

So many of my dear wonderful friends have shared with me the desire (hope) to adopt, and immediately say how the finances are too daunting. They feel the same way I did. (do) that I have so many needs (new car, new computer.....new clothes.....blah blah blah) How can i CARVE out an additional $25 THOUSAND dollars to adopt a child!??!?!
 
YOU CAN'T. There i said it.

On your own, and without many helping hands (celestial and earthly) it is not possible.

5 months ago I shared my plea with a group of friends in my immediate circle of our need to pay for this adoption.

They were shocked, and dare I even say, insistent that it was not possible!?

Later this week I will be creating a plan, for each of my LOVED ONES who have felt that niggling in the back of their minds, that THEY CAN DO something.

For ONE child, making a difference in ONE child's life, forever, yes. you can. do. it.

you can.

I promise.

How many miles?

We have come so very far. It feels like over a year has passed since we brought little Peter home.

March 21st 2012.

In this short amount of time we have made remarkable progress. We have almost reached our initial goal of $16,000.

We have overcome obstacles, we have endured many sacrifices, and we have loved so deeply it is hard to imagine.

The road continues to wind, turn and twist, we have more battles to fight, and more sacrifices to endure.

If I had known this was going to be THIS hard...would I have been willing to accept the challenge?

I honestly do not know.

But I did, and here we are, the time deadline has hit, and we still have very few answers.

The government of Liberia has asked for more papers, and more answers.

We still do not have a travel date.
We do not have any idea at this point what we are going to need to get to Liberia. It is all a bit foggy, and unclear.
One thing we DO KNOW is the insurance that was provided for Peter is coming to an end. I will not bore you with the reasons, as they are private and not of my choices. but this leaves us with a whole new hurdle to overcome,

we still need a number of tests run to petition Peter's eligibility for adoption, and it looks like very soon that will need to come out of our own pockets.

He still needs to be evaluated for his genetic disorders,  and for his dental work, these two alone could cost us thousands of dollars. Equal to or greater than the adoption fees.

I am deeply invested and have done some research, It has been proposed we host a benefit concert for Peter.

We have many family members in Utah, and we are doing the ground work to hold this concert in our home town.

We need sponsors and a location to host this event.
I need another cheerleader, as my emotional energy has dwindled. I feel so impotent and lost.

So there you have it, another stepping stone towards Eternal Bliss.

and we keep on keepin' on.

An update 8/8/2012

 "Furthermore, the child's ability to attach to a family is gravely hindered when temporary custody is taken and the child is subsequently returned to foster care in the interim waiting period to finalize the US visa. "

This is the reason I am adamant that Peter will not return to Liberia without family.  it is detrimental to HIS long term well being to remain WITH us .... forever. It is not simply a mother-son bond, or a nice thing to do. it is setting the child up for future security.

 IF the Liberian Government drags this process out, our family will make whatever plans necessary to remain with him.

 At this point, we were informed that we must file another form for the US government that may take 3 months to process, the paper work required along side it are as laborious as the home-study, and we are just getting started. on the good side, we already have organized our family documentation (for the homestudy) so now it is a matter of photo copy each item and then mail in the $850 fee.

Peter will remain with his family, he will not suffer the confusion of yet another separation.

Consider this:

We have very limited means of communicating with him what to expect, or what is coming up. So how do you tell a 5 year old with very limited communications where he is going, and when you will return for him?

we wont.

Sacrifice brings Blessings

Each one of my children have come to our homes through Faith.

Having our first child was frightening and exciting at the same time, so many wonders crossed my mind, so many worries, but most of them have not come true.

The surprise in this adoption is HOW MUCH Opposition we have encountered. We have nay-sayers who have pleaded we give-up, we have strangers criticize our need to fund raise, we have emotional issues that have surfaced and dragged us to our knees, today I spent time in reflection, trying to see what lesson I have missed. (Or rather what lessons I have need to learn)

The answer is this: Satan Does Not Want Adoptions to Move Forward.

He is the Father of all Lies, He is the Father of all Discouragement, and the Father of all Despair.

Satan is the great oppressor, he wants children to be lonely, he desires homes to be broken, he wants us to GIVE UP.

the LAST thing he wants is for children to be honored and protected, he hates to see them nurtured and loved.
he seeks to destroy hope, faith and love, so during every step of this journey, we have been barraged with chaos, pain, destruction, and hurt.

Within 72 hours of bringing Peter home, our family vehicle was totaled.  The insurance did not cover a replacement.

Then over the course of the next several weeks, we had :
the Washing machine break, thrice, the dryer went out, dishwasher stopped working, the radiator exploded, the tire on the NEW vehicle (brand new tires) EXPLODED damaging the side wall of the family vehicle, we had more visits to the ER in these 3 months than we have in 10 years.

Every time I turn around we have a new obstacle,  and we have had to be more flexible, humble, pliable, and return frequently to our knees.

IT has been the hardest undertaking of my life, maybe all trials while we are in them feel like the hardest, but a life is on the line, and there is no QUITTING, there is no way we can GIVE UP, or change our minds.

We are in it for ETERNITY.

and no matter how often we must turn to our rice & bean menu, we will endure, we will go without,  this season, and no frivolous expenses.

What could be more worth it than this...............

Ups & Downs

The kids and I had a down day yesterday. My oldest daughters dear friend is moving out of the state, and this leaves her without any peers nearby. Her friend made a SUPER SWEET (tear-jerker) gift and delivered it.  It is a bulletin board of TONS of the pictures of their happy days together, my daughter added the photo of them together in 2006 when we arrived and first met.

Later last night my business partner and I discussed the INCREDIBLE opportunity that he has been given, and we talked about the logistics of getting him moved out of state.

In all, our closest circle of friends and associates are moving in what feels like an Exodus.

It was a rough day.

Just as I was about to retire for the night, I saw an email, it was a TOTAL surprise from a Stranger-turned-friend and I will share it with you here,

"A couple months ago we did a promotion to help the Gordon family adopt Peter, an orphan from Liberia.

 

Thanks to your generosity, the promotion far exceeded our expectations and the Gordons are closer than ever to meeting their goal.

 

The Gordons just need $1,760 more to meet their goal of raising $16,000 to adopt Peter.

 

It's been a long, tough, and emotionally exhausting journey for them.

 

They're so close, and I'm confident we can put them over the top.

 

So here's the deal: For anyone who donates just $10 or more to their adoption fund, we'll send you a FREE manifesto of your choosing (excluding the personalized Family Manifesto). We'll even cover the shipping costs.

 

How to Get Your FREE Manifesto:

1. Visit the Gordon's website, scroll down the page and find the yellow "Donate" button on their right sidebar below the video.
   
2. Click the "Donate" button and follow the process to donate $10 or more.
3. Once you've donated, complete the form on this page and tell us which manifesto you'd like us to send you (excluding the personalized Family Manifesto).

Yes, we trust you. 

We need just 176 people to donate $10 and Peter's adoption will be secured.

 

You're going to feel great for a long time after helping Peter secure a loving home. Not to mention you're going to love your free manifesto.

 

In case you have trouble finding the "Donation" button on the Gordon's website:

 

 

 

Click the video to learn more about Peter's story:

 

 

 

 

Life Manifestos, 2424 Roundabout, Round Rock, TX 78664-6205, USA "

the sweet nectar of life is accompanied by hard trials and ONLY through the cycles of ups & downs do we carve out who we TRULY are.

I am SO BLESSED to have met Stephen Palmer, and his long-distance support has meant SO MUCH to me.

The efforts he has taken to make our journey have been HUGE.

One person CAN make a difference.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, the words seem so hollow in comparison to the emotions that accompany it, THANK YOU once again.

Dee

Enjoy the Sweet life

Peter has been home for 5 months. He has grown, and learned so many things, when he first arrived he reacted so peculiarly to a kiss, at first he would recoil, then he would open his mouth (much like a new baby learns to kiss) and then he started puffing when we kissed him, with 9 people in the house, he has had LOTS of practice kissing!!

Now, it melts my heart to see how he reacts to the family, he leans in all puckered up for a kiss, and he repeats it over & over. (as do the rest of my kids, especially Rubi the 9 year old, I have Very affectionate kids!)

(He is not in love with sweets, and although he tries them every time, his face shows how little he thinks of our sugary treats!)

Seeing him learn how our family shows affection, and learning so quickly the expectations of our household, I cant help but wonder what could be possible for this sweet boy!

I am deeply and eternally grateful for the support and love I have seen shown to Peter.

Thank you for accepting, loving and including my boy into your hearts. Thank you for sharing his story, and for allowing us this precious gift. He is so beautiful, he is so sweet, and he is so loved.

THANKS to the Cameron Pool Lifeguards.

We took the kids swimming. Peter is a bit of a Celebrity at the pool.

ALL the guards play with an interact with him, many of them are learning sign so they can communicate with him.
Slide Show
It is ALWAYS a joy to see them light up when we arrive.

They gave me an envelope with $85 in it for Peter's Adoption fund. Thanks you guys. Your AWESOME!

When enough is enough

Please go to this blog and read this adoptive mothers words. They touched me.

Thanks. Again.

Thank you to my dear friends who attended yesterdays fundraiser;
Susannah Pipkin, Virginia Ensign, Mindy Simpson, Rebecca Perez, Sarah & Kevin Jensen, Barry Williams, Natasha Duncan, Tabitha Underwood, Leigh Jones,Leslie Bensing, Laraine Rodrigues, Susana Baig, Jason & Vickie France, Shawna Read, Tammy Christensen, Dacia & John Boston, WHO did I forget?

Oh yes... how could I forget Erin Galbraith. The steady, silent firm and constant Erin. I thank you too. XO

THANKS for bidding on the auction items, for buying BBQ, for enduring the heat and chaos, for showing your kindness through personal sacrifice.

THANKS to the STRANGERS who came off the street to buy Lemonade, and BBQ, and those few who bought Raffle tickets!

Thanks are NOT enough for my tireless SOLDIERS who have worked SO HARD for this and the other events to help iron out the wrinkles,
Susana Baig, I could NEVER have made it past the initial request for HELP if it were not for you...and your BOUNDLESS ENERGY,
For Rebecca Perez, who would listent o me whine and complain and continue to encourage me even when I am SURE she was SICK AND TIRED of listening to it!
For Sarah Jensen who stepped in (WITH A VERY BUSY LIFE) and helped give wind to the sails in a tired ship.
For Laraine Rodrigues for her peddling, selling, creating, giving, and never running out of ideas of ways to help
For Leslie Bensing, who only knew of us through home school connections, and who has become such a dear friend and HUGE supporter!
For Leigh Jones who made items, and carried items all over the USA selling and sharing the message to her friends and family, never leaving the cause alone, and always bringing wads of cash back to add to the jar.
For Barry Williams who has opened his kitchen and put in TONS of ALOHA into the foods prepared all without complaining.
For Susannah Pipkin, who makes pie after pie and carves time and money to show that her HEART is HUGE and her desire to help even BIGGER!

I may haven to named each and every person  who has sacrificed for Peter's benefit. little by little every bit counts, every "SHARE" of the video, every penny in the donation jar, every email sent out to your entire contact list, every baked item that was donated, every overpriced cookie that was purchased, every "LIKE" on our comments, every prayer, every kind word, every single deed.

I may not be organized enough to list them, I may not be quick enough to send out the thank you cards promptly, I may not have a clear enough memory to recall EACH item individually, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED.

YOUR LOVE HAS BEEN FELT.

YOUR COMPASSION HAS BEEN NOTICED.

YOUR EFFORTS have NOT GONE UNNOTICED!

You are forever carved into our hearts.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

THANK YOU!!

AUCTION TODAY!

For any one who is distanced and unable to participate in person, we will accept phone bids for any item Silent or LIVE

Call 816-632-6146 to place a bid on any Silent auction item, at anytime.

we will be testing out the live bidding via ovoo a conference calling video program, so please download the program and find our username Dee Gordon try to jump in on the action!

2 days left!

The final fundraiser is two days away!

The final preparations are under way.  Yesterday my crew of wonderful helpers arrived at 10 a.m. (promptly) and we assembled the items for auction, and set up the room in PARTY STYLE.

We will be serving Huli Huli Chicken (smoked on the grill, marinaded in a delicious flavor)
Pulled Pork sandwiches with home made BBQ sauce.
Bear's World Famous Potato/Mac Salad.....if you've never had it.....come and try it! (I HATE potato salad, and this stuff is amazing)
We will be making HOT & FRESH Funnel Cakes (topical style)
and last but not least

SHAVE ICE in the house! It will be a scorcher....so we will help you COOL OFF!!

Here is the best part, if you are far far away, and you can NOT make the trip to Cameron MO. We will be doing something extra special!!!

We will be sharing the party with you via Ovoo!! Never seen it? never heard of it? It is the PARTY version of SKYPE.

You log on, and you can view and interact with everyone at the party.

(IF ANY TECHIES have a BETTER version, feel free to let us know)

we will be taking PHONE BIDS at the following number;
-Bear's Aloha Grill -816-632-6146
We will be taking Ovoo Bids on any items and if you want to make a bid for any silent auction item feel free to contact me.

Of course the FINALE of the NIGHT is the RAFFLE for the iPad2!!!!

ARE YOU AL SO EXCITED!!!

I can NOT wait to see who gets this......I can not wait to see their faces !!!

If you still have not bought your raffle tickets, email me with your information and we will get YOU SOME!

A COOL way to cook this summer....AND....

Peter's adoption gets a kick-back from each item sold!

take a look at this unique and ingenious way to cook outdoors.

Here is the offer!

www.epsflamechef.com

Flame Chef includes:

·         14 Gauge Heavy steel 6” x 30” x 30” four sided fire box

·         11 Gauge Heavy steel Grill

·         11 Gauge Heavy Steel Griddle

·         Rotisserie with DC motor that runs on 2- D sized Batteries, comes with a nice storage bag.

In a compact Heavy duty box – weighs 45 lbs.

Regular Price is $180.00 plus S & H

Delivered to a residential up to 900 miles from MO is $45.00

Our Offer is $119.99                        

plus S & H $44.99 total delivered within a 900 mile radius $164.98-

We take Visa and Master Card

Happy Father's Day, From and amazing Daddy.

Wesley wrote today on being a Father. Enjoy.

We all have a father who loves us, and we are his children. 

The Father which I speak of is our father in heaven. The apostle Paul preaching on mars hill said. " That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device." Acts 17:27-29.

 And in Romans he taught." The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Every day we worship and honor this Father, but today I wish to talk about our earthly fathers, their responsibilities and blessings that come to them by fulfilling their roles and callings as a father to their children and the children who stand in need.

 Personally, for me, it is my Father in heaven whom I love and wish to serve, and keep his commandments. My greatest joy has come when I have done so.

For instance, I was told I should find a marry a fine women, which I did, which the world would say limits my freedom, and my happiness, and places a burden upon me, and I should wait and postpone it as long as possible.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. If I could change anything, I would have gotten married sooner, for it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and has brought me the most joy. So in keeping this commandment I have been truly blessed.

 One of the blessings of my marriage has been my six children. I will admit, at first I was frightened by the idea of being a father, and the responsibility that accompanies the calling. But, it like my marriage has been one of the greatest joys in my life, and has been most rewarding and fulfilling, and I expect as I get older these blessings and rewards will continue to multiply, and I will truly be a rich man.

Now on to the topic of Peter, the little boy from Africa, whom my wife and I are trying to legally adopt into our family. Some may ask, what is it that has compelled me to adopt him? I admit, I felt no special connection to him at first, other than he was a child of my Father in heaven, in great need of a father and a mother and of brothers and sisters on this earth, who was hungry, sick and lonely, without love and affection, without someone to teach and nurture him into becoming a man.

James said " 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27.

 If I, a man professing to love God, could let this little boy starve and be lonely all his life, and go without the love of a father and a mother, what would that say about my faith in God? James continued to say " What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

I know I cannot feed the world or care for all its needy, but for this one I can,  who's name is Peter. When I had five children and the sixth was born, I did not all of a sudden become financially destitute. So it will be with the seventh, as we move forward to adopt Peter.

 I am one man and can only do so much on my own, but, if my fellow men and brothers in Christ would ban together, we, together could help many of the orphans and the needy in this world and could make a great difference in their lives and in the lives of our families.

For surely the Lord will bless us with the strength and means necessary to care for and serve his children, who stand in need. Perhaps our sons will follow our examples, and one day there will be no more children crying in the dark and lonely night for a father to love and teach them.

During the short amount of time Peter has been in our home I have been truly blessed with an enormous amount of love and compassion for him, and it is I who have been blessed by his presence.

He has brought me great joy and love. I would encourage all men everywhere to experience this joy and love, by serving those who are in need of a father.

 It doesn't. have to be a child from Africa, it could be your neighbor, a niece or a grand child who is fatherless or in need. There are opportunities all around us. Choose one.

Happy Father’s Day.