Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer"
This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa ..One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool tha t the baby would be wrapped in.Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways."All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say,"Amen". I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The o nly way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost fo ur years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out bri ghtly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
Thursday, March 29, 2007
It's a Boy!!
It's official! God couldn't be more clear as He confirmed to both my husband and I that He is calling us to adopt Jacques! We are so extremely excited!!! We will be speaking with the director of the orphanage next week to work out the details.
Please be in prayer for our family as we celebrate this very exciting and very big change: We know without any doubt that God has called us to this but that does not mean that all our family and friends have that same peace. Please pray that God would confirm it in their hearts just as He did in ours and remove any worries or concerns and allow for the excitement of what He is doing in our lives to take it's place! We know not everyone will understand but we know for certain that we are following God's lead and that's the most important thing to us.
Please pray for God's provisions: Jim has been so blessed by his new job as they continue to keep giving him raises quicker then we could have hoped for, and are talking about a big promotion soon too (today he's even moving into a bigger office..such fun). Also, around the time that we will bring Jacques home we should be completely out of debt and have a large amount more income once everything is paid off. So, we are not so much concerned with the day to day expenses of raising a large family but need provisions for the big things: It will probably cost around $13,000 to bring home Jacques and we don't have that hanging out in some bank account. Also, this additional family member officially puts our van past it's max and we will need to get a new vehicle before he gets home. We know God will work out these details and are really not worried about them, but would appriciate prayer that everything would fall into place according to God's plan.
Please pray also for Stephanie, Jude, and Lovenie: Based on following other peoples adoption timelines we had really hoped our children would be home in April. However, I got an email from the orphanage this morning and were told our paper work is still in civil courts. We had really hoped that they would be out by now. After Civil courts we wait for passports which is currently taking around two months and then their Visa's and then home. So we almost certainly have around 3 months instead of one more to go. This is very disappointing and it seems like we have said, and honestly believed, every month that they will be home in the next month or two and we have been saying that for a year now so are getting pretty tired of it. We know it will happen in God's timing but that does not mean it isn't terribly hard to wait! We are now hoping that they will get home before Lovenie's birthday on June 11th..making this adoption a process that has been going on for over two years! We also ask for prayers for their little brother Vilner. We don't know if their birth Mom plans to put him up for adoption as well, or if it's God's plan for us to adopt him too but our hearts and minds are willing if God leads and provides.
We are so excited that God would bless us in this way and thank all of you for your prayers and sharing in our excitement. Much Love, Angela
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Dictionary for parents
For those of you that are just plain tired of hearing about happenings in our personal life: We now (and for now) continue with our regular schedualed programming...
TODAY'S JOKE:
DUMBWAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
FULL NAME: what you call your child when you're mad at him.
GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
HEARSAY: what toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.
OUCH: the first word spoken by children with older siblings.
PUDDLE: a small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours.
STERILIZE: what you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it off.
TOP BUNK: where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING: when the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
VERBAL: able to whine in words.
WHODUNIT: none of the kids that live in your house.
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Why did the skeleton go to the movies by himself?
Because he had no body to go with!
TODAY'S JOKE:
DUMBWAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
FULL NAME: what you call your child when you're mad at him.
GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
HEARSAY: what toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.
OUCH: the first word spoken by children with older siblings.
PUDDLE: a small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours.
STERILIZE: what you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it off.
TOP BUNK: where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING: when the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
VERBAL: able to whine in words.
WHODUNIT: none of the kids that live in your house.
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Why did the skeleton go to the movies by himself?
Because he had no body to go with!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Answered Prayers
I have shared with you about how we have been praying about a clear answer from God about adopting Jacques. On Sunday night my husband and I sat near our computer and prayed that God would make it just really clear. It's funny because God makes it really clear by putting the unexplainable desire on your heart but then the fear sets in with thoughts like "Am I doing this out of emotion or is it really God calling us to do this" or "I feel as if it's so clear that God is calling us but am I just imagining it". So we ask for God to confirm it again and again and He does and then the questions set in and He confirms it again. Good thing He is so faithful and patient! Anyways, like I said, Sunday night we were sitting next to the computer praying and asking God to really make the answer clear and then Monday morning I notice a couple emails in my inbox from a dear friend. I had the feeling that I needed to read them but was looking up something else online so decided I would come back to it and check it later. Then seeing my friends name aroused my curiosity of what she's been up to so I checked her blog before going back to read the devotions she sent just to find the devotions on her blog and the post titled: Devotions that says it all. I want to share with you the devotions and will put in bold the things that just really stood out, and made me want to laugh and say "Okay God, I hear you".
Don’t Send Me to Africa By Lysa TerKeurst
2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
(NIV)Devotion: Since I was a little girl, I’ve had a heart for the people of Africa. To be honest though, I didn’t want to be a missionary who lived in a hut, ate grubs fried on an open flame, and wore tribal headdresses. So, while I prayed for the people of Africa, I would always throw in, “But Lord don’t send me.” I can just imagine God smiling and looking back at me saying, “Really Princess? You don’t want to go to Africa…fine. Then I’ll send Africa to you.”And that’s exactly what He did. One night while attending a concert by the Liberian Boys Choir, God clearly spoke to my heart and told me that two of those boys were mine. I tried to ignore Him, but to no avail. At the end of the concert, two of the boys walked straight up to me, wrapped their arms around me, and called me, “Mom” After months of prayer and piles of paperwork, we went to pick up our two sons, Mark and Jackson…Africa had come to our home.
No longer was the plight of the starving orphans in Africa a nameless face on TV, they were precious children who deserved a second chance. Not only did we think so, but also the people of my church soon felt moved to also adopt children from Liberia. Today, as I walk up to church on Sunday mornings I am always moved by the precious sight I see. A little white hand holding a little black hand, a brother and sister skipping and laughing together! And something in my heart just knows this is the way it’s supposed to be. This is the way the body of Christ is supposed to work. God speaks, we listen, He confirms, we obey, and He gives us the strength to do amazing things. I love the verse, 2 Chronicles 16:9, because it brings a picture to my mind of God standing in front of a crowd of people asking, “Who is willing to do an amazing assignment for me?” Many shrug away and make excuses. But one little girl jumps up and in complete abandon says, “Me Lord! Me! Pick me! I am willing!” Then God smiles, scoops her up, brings her into his loving embrace, and whispers back, “Well done my child…I am so pleased. You have made the good choice. I will give you the strength to do this. Do not be afraid, I will be with you.”
Dear Lord, let me always be that little girl with the up-stretched arm and obedient heart. God give me the wisdom to know Your voice and the courage to say "yes" to whatever You ask of me. My greatest desire is to walk with You all the days of my life. I don’t want to settle for the good life. I want the great life, where I live the adventure You created my soul to live.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps: Look for an opportunity to say “yes” to God today. It might be as simple as writing an encouraging note to a friend or paying for the food of the person behind you in the drive-through. Or maybe it will be the start of something big that you say “yes” to. Either way, start training your heart to recognize God’s divine appointments, and discover the thrill of saying, “Yes.”
Reflections: What are some things you fear saying “yes” to? Why do you fear saying “yes” to those things? What do you think might happen if you said “yes” to them? Is it worth it?
And the other devotion:
CHARLES STANLEY INSTITUTEMarch 26, 2007
Blessings of Obedience Luke 5:1-5 In John 14:15, Jesus said to His disciples, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." He repeated the connection between love and obedience several other times because of its great importance (John 14:23; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). When we follow God's agenda, we tell Him, "I love You." Obedience is an expression of love toward God. It enables us to endure trials and difficulties. Also, God pours out His blessings on those who obey. Consider Peter's example: Jesus asked to use his boat to preach to the crowd. Peter hadn't caught any fish all night. He could have easily given Jesus an excuse, such as, I'm too tired, too discouraged, and I've got a lot of cleaning up to do. Instead, he said yes to Jesus' request. By doing so, Peter took a step into a life of obedience and blessing. On the surface, lending his boat and helping Jesus didn't appear to be important beyond the moment. But, God had a bigger purpose than a short-term loan. He was going to borrow Peter's life and make him a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Because we can not always see what our Lord has in mind, we may not comprehend the importance of His requests. We could be tempted to change it to fit our plans, to wait for a more convenient time, or to skip it all together. Those actions are never smart. God rewarded Peter by allowing him to serve in His Kingdom. He wants to do the same for us. How is the Holy Spirit prompting you? What's your response?
Don’t Send Me to Africa By Lysa TerKeurst
2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
(NIV)Devotion: Since I was a little girl, I’ve had a heart for the people of Africa. To be honest though, I didn’t want to be a missionary who lived in a hut, ate grubs fried on an open flame, and wore tribal headdresses. So, while I prayed for the people of Africa, I would always throw in, “But Lord don’t send me.” I can just imagine God smiling and looking back at me saying, “Really Princess? You don’t want to go to Africa…fine. Then I’ll send Africa to you.”And that’s exactly what He did. One night while attending a concert by the Liberian Boys Choir, God clearly spoke to my heart and told me that two of those boys were mine. I tried to ignore Him, but to no avail. At the end of the concert, two of the boys walked straight up to me, wrapped their arms around me, and called me, “Mom” After months of prayer and piles of paperwork, we went to pick up our two sons, Mark and Jackson…Africa had come to our home.
No longer was the plight of the starving orphans in Africa a nameless face on TV, they were precious children who deserved a second chance. Not only did we think so, but also the people of my church soon felt moved to also adopt children from Liberia. Today, as I walk up to church on Sunday mornings I am always moved by the precious sight I see. A little white hand holding a little black hand, a brother and sister skipping and laughing together! And something in my heart just knows this is the way it’s supposed to be. This is the way the body of Christ is supposed to work. God speaks, we listen, He confirms, we obey, and He gives us the strength to do amazing things. I love the verse, 2 Chronicles 16:9, because it brings a picture to my mind of God standing in front of a crowd of people asking, “Who is willing to do an amazing assignment for me?” Many shrug away and make excuses. But one little girl jumps up and in complete abandon says, “Me Lord! Me! Pick me! I am willing!” Then God smiles, scoops her up, brings her into his loving embrace, and whispers back, “Well done my child…I am so pleased. You have made the good choice. I will give you the strength to do this. Do not be afraid, I will be with you.”
Dear Lord, let me always be that little girl with the up-stretched arm and obedient heart. God give me the wisdom to know Your voice and the courage to say "yes" to whatever You ask of me. My greatest desire is to walk with You all the days of my life. I don’t want to settle for the good life. I want the great life, where I live the adventure You created my soul to live.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps: Look for an opportunity to say “yes” to God today. It might be as simple as writing an encouraging note to a friend or paying for the food of the person behind you in the drive-through. Or maybe it will be the start of something big that you say “yes” to. Either way, start training your heart to recognize God’s divine appointments, and discover the thrill of saying, “Yes.”
Reflections: What are some things you fear saying “yes” to? Why do you fear saying “yes” to those things? What do you think might happen if you said “yes” to them? Is it worth it?
And the other devotion:
CHARLES STANLEY INSTITUTEMarch 26, 2007
Blessings of Obedience Luke 5:1-5 In John 14:15, Jesus said to His disciples, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." He repeated the connection between love and obedience several other times because of its great importance (John 14:23; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). When we follow God's agenda, we tell Him, "I love You." Obedience is an expression of love toward God. It enables us to endure trials and difficulties. Also, God pours out His blessings on those who obey. Consider Peter's example: Jesus asked to use his boat to preach to the crowd. Peter hadn't caught any fish all night. He could have easily given Jesus an excuse, such as, I'm too tired, too discouraged, and I've got a lot of cleaning up to do. Instead, he said yes to Jesus' request. By doing so, Peter took a step into a life of obedience and blessing. On the surface, lending his boat and helping Jesus didn't appear to be important beyond the moment. But, God had a bigger purpose than a short-term loan. He was going to borrow Peter's life and make him a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Because we can not always see what our Lord has in mind, we may not comprehend the importance of His requests. We could be tempted to change it to fit our plans, to wait for a more convenient time, or to skip it all together. Those actions are never smart. God rewarded Peter by allowing him to serve in His Kingdom. He wants to do the same for us. How is the Holy Spirit prompting you? What's your response?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Meet Jacques Obain
Jacques snuggling with a little girl at the orphanage. How could we not adore him?
We would like for you to meet a boy that has become very dear to us: Jacques Obain. He lives at Hope For the Children of Haiti. You can read more about his history on March 21st post of 3 teen boys looking for a home(on this blog). Jim and I are very seriously considering adopting him. We are praying and praying and waiting for God to make His will known to us. We are so seriously considering adopting him that we had a talk with our sons yesterday to find out how they would feel about having a much older brother. They were super excited about the idea! Today I got to sit down and talk alone with Johnny to make sure he really understood that hopefully in a few weeks from now he will have a new brother and two sisters. He seemed to really understand and is so excited. We talked some more about Jacques and he insists he would be excited to have him as a brother too. Then I asked Johnny how many brothers and sisters he would like to have. He kind of whispered to me "Well, I think it might be too many kids for our family" and I was thinking he meant like 10 siblings and I finally got him to tell me and he said "50 brothers and 50 sisters"! Okay, I think Johnny's okay with a houseful of siblings! Please pray for us as we seek answers from God about this very important decision!
If your interested in reading more about my thoughts about this decision check out my March 25th post titled "Okay, I know it's not "Logical" on my other blog at www.haitiadoptionhelp.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 24, 2007
March update from Haiti
Every Month the orphanage sends us a picture of the kids and an update on their height and weight. Here is the one we woke up to this morning! They look so beautiful all dressed up! They are all growing and gaining weight which is a great sign. As a matter of fact... We have recently found out their sizes just to learn that we don't have clothes to fit Lovenie or Jude anymore. :)The Orphanage physced me out a bit this morning. In the subject line was this: NEWS!!!!!!!!! So I thought for sure we were about to hear something great about the end of the adoption but when I checked it it was just our usual update with NO news about the adoption at all. Is it April 1st already and I didn't notice? You can give a waiting Adoptive Mom a heart attack putting that in the subject line!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Yep, They will fit right in! And Mommy blunders :)
I was so excited to receive these pictures and a letter from Jude and Stephanie again today!!! Kez (wonderful missionary with them for a few months) took these pictures and sent them to us as because Jude and Stephanie want their brothers to know they can be pretty silly too!! Can you imagine what our family portraits are going to look like one day? Oh my! :) I love these kids and want them home so badly!!! Please continue to pray for all of us.
Mommy blunders: Seems there is a lot I'm going to need to learn about the different cultures. I thought it would be fun to take pictures of normal things we do as a family here in America to give the kids an idea of what to expect. In my last letter I told them about the place that we take the kids to get their haircut. It's a kids only place with games and movies all for kids. I also took pictures of their brothers getting their hair cut. Then I told them that I looked forward to taking them there to get their hair cut there as well. Turns out this upset Stephanie very much as she believes that it is a sin to have her hair cut and the hairdresser would be sinning to cut her hair as well. Kez jumped in and reassured her that she should not worry as she is sure that we will not force her to have her hair cut (she's right) and she could just go along and watch her brothers get their hair cut. I have a feeling there will be many more things we will just have to learn and work through along the way but we have God on our side so we know it will all work out! We thank God for Kez as she shows our kids so much love and provides us with contact with each other. She has been such a blessing to us and MANY children in Haiti. We ask for continued prayers for this 21 year old young woman out there making a big impact by showing Christ's love in all she does!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
3 boys in Haiti desperate for a family
Duckhein- sitting on a broken bike
Emmanuel
Jacques Hi everyone,
I've been mostly sharing this with adoption groups but I wanted to share this here as well to ask you to pray for these boys and if you are willing... to share information about them with people that you know.
Here is their information:
I got this information from a missionary/RN working and living for a few months at HFC. There are 3 teenage boys that she adores that are very near turning 16 and want very much to be adopted. Since they are almost 16 the clock is quickly ticking and they soon may not be adoptable. I promised her I would share information and pictures of these boys with everyone I could think of. Could you also please pass this on to anyone you know and ask them to pray for and about homes for these boys, if it's God's will that they are adopted. I know we all know of many kids that we would like to help find a home for but it is much harder to find someone that will take in a teenager and time is crucial for these boys. I will paste her discription of the boys.
Here is what she knows about them:
Let me tell you about the three almost 16-year old boys. I would love it if you would let your friends who might consider adopting hear about them too. Not to mention, your family. Selfishly, I would love to see them adopted on the East coast because I would get to see them more often, but anywhere would be a miracle. And the more kids end up near you, the more likely I am to come visit (besides, as a Bostonian, Iam always up to taking a winter trip to somewhere warm). OK, the boys:
Duckhein Joseph was born on October 17th, 1991. He is, first and foremost, an athlete. He lives and breathes soccer. Among the 30 boys, he is the best soccer player, not just because his personal skills are phenomenal but because he knows how to play with his team, using their skills and supporting their play. When he can’t be playing soccer, he is watching soccer, drawing replays from World Cup games, and arguing with the other boys about which professional soccer team is the best. Duckhein is more self-confident than a lot of the other boys – he is not afraid to answer questions in English class, he is comfortable talking with girls (rather rare for our boys), and he doesn’t mind being teased. He is also agood student. He’s currently in 9th grade where he works hard and maintains his grades, and he is in my top English class. We call him Duck.
Jacques Obain (I wrote about him in my last update. I don’t know if you’re on my update list, so I am going to copy what I wrote about him into this message.) We found Jacques 8 years ago at the hospital where he had been brought in gravely ill and then abandoned. When the orphanage staff arrived, all he could tell them was that his name was Jacobin. He didn’t know how old he was, where he was from, or who his parents were. So they turned Jacobin into a first and last name, Jacques Obain, and they chose a birthday, a birthplace, and imaginary parents for him. He is trustworthy, he’s quiet, he’s smart, he’s serious about his faith, he’s respectful of adults, he’s grateful for what he has at the orphanage, and he never complains. He is the second smartest boy in 9thgrade, he is my 3rd best English student, and I most frequently find him reading or studying. Every Saturday, Jacques gives me free Creole lessons –without his help, I would still be talking like a 2year-old. He also loves soccer and basketball, and just this week, he discovered a natural talent for American football. Now here’s the glitch with Jacques: he looks younger than his age,and since we never actually knew when he was born, DrB has told me that they are probably going to change his birth certificate to make him younger. This hasn’t happened yet, and it would be typical of Haitian culture for it not to happen at all, so until I see a copy of his new birth certificate, I am considering him to be 15 years old. His current birthday is September 5, 1991.
Emmanuel Deronvil (nicknamed Manno) was born on January 25, 1991. (I also wrote about him in my March update, but I will add that in anyways.) Manno’s mother and younger sister live in our neighborhood;his older brother lives and works in Port-au-Prince. When I asked him why he was the only child in his family living at the orphanage, he explained hesitantly that his brother was already old enough to fend for himself and his sister was the baby of the family, so Manno’s mother made the decision to send him away so that she could care for the remaining two. His father died when Manno was a little boy – he remembers going downtown with his dad and his dad getting a drink. I don’t know how or why he thinks this, but Manno says that the drink was poisoned. When they got home, his father got sick, and the next day, Manno’s mother made him get dressed in church clothes. Manno didn’t know why, but he knew somethingwas wrong because all the grown-ups were crying. He remembers asking, “Mommy, why are you crying?” and she wouldn’t tell him. Finally, they got to the church and he saw his father in the casket and he understood. Manno’s mother works odd jobs for the orphanage and his sister is a student at our school, so he sees them frequently, but I get the impression that knowing them may have made things harder for Manno rather than easier. He needs alone time – I often come to the boys’ house and find him lying awake on his bed or sitting outside on the steps while the other boys are all watching a soccer game or listening to music. He is also a more hesitant than the other boys to give or receive love, but once you win his confidence, he is fiercely loyal. Manno is not doing well at school right now, but I think it is more because he is not motivated to work than because he is not smart. I know because I teach him English that he is bright andthat he understands new concepts quickly, so I think his failure in school is more a manifestation of his insecurity and fears about the future than anything else. Manno’s big talent is arts and crafts: he is always working on a drawing or bead bracelets or making beautiful name posters to hang over the boys’beds. This week, he handmade and personally decorated a journal for me. His dream is to have his own storewhere he makes and sells artwork – unfortunately,those skills are not particularly encouraged at the orphanage, and he told me once that he was convinced that if he was not able to leave Haiti, he would never be able to fulfill his dream.
I got this information from a missionary/RN working and living for a few months at HFC. There are 3 teenage boys that she adores that are very near turning 16 and want very much to be adopted. Since they are almost 16 the clock is quickly ticking and they soon may not be adoptable. I promised her I would share information and pictures of these boys with everyone I could think of. Could you also please pass this on to anyone you know and ask them to pray for and about homes for these boys, if it's God's will that they are adopted. I know we all know of many kids that we would like to help find a home for but it is much harder to find someone that will take in a teenager and time is crucial for these boys. I will paste her discription of the boys.
Here is what she knows about them:
Let me tell you about the three almost 16-year old boys. I would love it if you would let your friends who might consider adopting hear about them too. Not to mention, your family. Selfishly, I would love to see them adopted on the East coast because I would get to see them more often, but anywhere would be a miracle. And the more kids end up near you, the more likely I am to come visit (besides, as a Bostonian, Iam always up to taking a winter trip to somewhere warm). OK, the boys:
Duckhein Joseph was born on October 17th, 1991. He is, first and foremost, an athlete. He lives and breathes soccer. Among the 30 boys, he is the best soccer player, not just because his personal skills are phenomenal but because he knows how to play with his team, using their skills and supporting their play. When he can’t be playing soccer, he is watching soccer, drawing replays from World Cup games, and arguing with the other boys about which professional soccer team is the best. Duckhein is more self-confident than a lot of the other boys – he is not afraid to answer questions in English class, he is comfortable talking with girls (rather rare for our boys), and he doesn’t mind being teased. He is also agood student. He’s currently in 9th grade where he works hard and maintains his grades, and he is in my top English class. We call him Duck.
Jacques Obain (I wrote about him in my last update. I don’t know if you’re on my update list, so I am going to copy what I wrote about him into this message.) We found Jacques 8 years ago at the hospital where he had been brought in gravely ill and then abandoned. When the orphanage staff arrived, all he could tell them was that his name was Jacobin. He didn’t know how old he was, where he was from, or who his parents were. So they turned Jacobin into a first and last name, Jacques Obain, and they chose a birthday, a birthplace, and imaginary parents for him. He is trustworthy, he’s quiet, he’s smart, he’s serious about his faith, he’s respectful of adults, he’s grateful for what he has at the orphanage, and he never complains. He is the second smartest boy in 9thgrade, he is my 3rd best English student, and I most frequently find him reading or studying. Every Saturday, Jacques gives me free Creole lessons –without his help, I would still be talking like a 2year-old. He also loves soccer and basketball, and just this week, he discovered a natural talent for American football. Now here’s the glitch with Jacques: he looks younger than his age,and since we never actually knew when he was born, DrB has told me that they are probably going to change his birth certificate to make him younger. This hasn’t happened yet, and it would be typical of Haitian culture for it not to happen at all, so until I see a copy of his new birth certificate, I am considering him to be 15 years old. His current birthday is September 5, 1991.
Emmanuel Deronvil (nicknamed Manno) was born on January 25, 1991. (I also wrote about him in my March update, but I will add that in anyways.) Manno’s mother and younger sister live in our neighborhood;his older brother lives and works in Port-au-Prince. When I asked him why he was the only child in his family living at the orphanage, he explained hesitantly that his brother was already old enough to fend for himself and his sister was the baby of the family, so Manno’s mother made the decision to send him away so that she could care for the remaining two. His father died when Manno was a little boy – he remembers going downtown with his dad and his dad getting a drink. I don’t know how or why he thinks this, but Manno says that the drink was poisoned. When they got home, his father got sick, and the next day, Manno’s mother made him get dressed in church clothes. Manno didn’t know why, but he knew somethingwas wrong because all the grown-ups were crying. He remembers asking, “Mommy, why are you crying?” and she wouldn’t tell him. Finally, they got to the church and he saw his father in the casket and he understood. Manno’s mother works odd jobs for the orphanage and his sister is a student at our school, so he sees them frequently, but I get the impression that knowing them may have made things harder for Manno rather than easier. He needs alone time – I often come to the boys’ house and find him lying awake on his bed or sitting outside on the steps while the other boys are all watching a soccer game or listening to music. He is also a more hesitant than the other boys to give or receive love, but once you win his confidence, he is fiercely loyal. Manno is not doing well at school right now, but I think it is more because he is not motivated to work than because he is not smart. I know because I teach him English that he is bright andthat he understands new concepts quickly, so I think his failure in school is more a manifestation of his insecurity and fears about the future than anything else. Manno’s big talent is arts and crafts: he is always working on a drawing or bead bracelets or making beautiful name posters to hang over the boys’beds. This week, he handmade and personally decorated a journal for me. His dream is to have his own storewhere he makes and sells artwork – unfortunately,those skills are not particularly encouraged at the orphanage, and he told me once that he was convinced that if he was not able to leave Haiti, he would never be able to fulfill his dream.
Back a few days early
I wish I had a picture of what I really did look like at the hospital. It was much funnier then any picture I could have found online. The Tech. that glued the electrodes to my head is sure to have a successful career as a comedian if he ever loses his job at the hospital! After gluing everything on he wrapped my whole head, even under my chin, in white gauze. He left two big chunks of hair sticking out of each side of the gauze and while we were talking with the doctor he was braiding those chunks of hair so that they stuck straight out of the sides of my head!! It was hysterical. I went from being a Mommy to being a Heidi Mummy!! Then we had to walk with him from one building to another and he would literally be stopping people in the hospital asking them what they thought of his masterpiece and taking us threw the emergency room where many people stared at me, and just about anywhere else he could think of with large numbers of people. He was sure he could embarrass me and I insisted he could not and he took that as a challenge and did his best but I just laughed. His name is Keo but I'm pretty sure he's Patch Adams undercover.
They were able to catch several seizure episodes on video and EEG and felt they were able to give a very good diagnosis. The Epilepticologist claimed that he thought I would be going without seizures in the very near future and could possibly even have my license back in the next 3-6 months. It was hard, exhausting, and painful but went even better then we had hoped (except for the hospital food...seriously bad)! We thank you all for your prayers and are giving God all the glory as we saw HIS hand in what was going on all through the process!!!
I'm glad to be back! Joyfully, Angela
They were able to catch several seizure episodes on video and EEG and felt they were able to give a very good diagnosis. The Epilepticologist claimed that he thought I would be going without seizures in the very near future and could possibly even have my license back in the next 3-6 months. It was hard, exhausting, and painful but went even better then we had hoped (except for the hospital food...seriously bad)! We thank you all for your prayers and are giving God all the glory as we saw HIS hand in what was going on all through the process!!!
I'm glad to be back! Joyfully, Angela
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Last Blog for a while/Epilepsy Clinic
So this will likely be my last blog for a little over a week. I will be spending my week similar to the above picture. After 4 years we still are not sure what is causing my seizures so I will be checking into an Epilepsy center on Monday. Please pray for our family as our boys will be going to their Grandparents house in Arizona for the week (please pray that they won't exhaust Nana and Papa too much!). Then early Monday morning I will arrive extremely sleep deprived to check into the center. They will be hooking me up to all sorts of monitors (including video) and will try to trigger my seizures (not hard to do) and see if they can figure out what's going on. Jim is checking in with me and will be with me 24/7. We plan to spend the week watching tv, reading, playing games, and practising our Creole. Sounds like a vacation except for the seizure part (they usually make me hurt all over). I am scheduled to be there until Friday and we plan on picking up the kids on Saturday. Nana and Papa are good to us and meeting us half way so the drive is not so long.
This is what I figure I will be looking like by Friday! I can't shower because I'll be hooked up to so many things including the pads glued to my head. I've seen what these things can do to your hair after an hour of testing so imagine that it will be AT least as bad as the above picture at the end of 5 days!!!Thanks for the prayers and I'll update as soon as I'm feeling up to it when we get back!
Much love, Angela
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Our family trying to speak Creole!
So, our daughter in Haiti has been wanting to talk on the phone to us but there are two problems with this. 1) There is not an available phone for me to call her and 2) I couldn't carry a conversation in Creole!!! Sure we are learning quite a few kid friendly phrases like: I love you, Are you hungry/thirsty, go to bed, stop doing that.... that kind of stuff... but no where near carrying on a conversation.
So we decided to surprise Stephanie with a video we made of each family member saying something to them in Creole (except Luke who won't be forced into anything!). We could not get the video to attach to an email so we posted them on Youtube. When making these video's we had no idea that our bio children were going to go berserk and it's quite interesting. :)
You can view the video of Me and the boys at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnsh3MfXqpw
Here is the English translation:
Luke: Would not say Hello but did wave and stick his tongue out and make noises- very charming
Johnny: Hello. I Love you.
Kyle: Hello Stephanie, Hello Jude, Hello Lovenie. Come play with me soon. I love you.
Mom (me): I will try to say this in Creole. Hello Darlings. I am very proud of you for doing very good in school (sidenote: Jude and Stephanie just passed 3rd quarter exams and Jude was 2nd in his class!!!)! I miss you very much. I want to come hug and kiss you. You are very pretty/handsome (same word for both) and sweet.
Did you laugh at me for my Creole? Do I talk very silly? I am trying to learn creole. I will see you soon. I love you very much
Then Jim took a shot at it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmu7zVSN6G8
Here is his English translation: Hello my darlings. I am your father. I do not speak Creole well. You are very special. You are coming home with us forever. We love you.
I added: Your brothers are very silly.
Kyle, Johnny, and Luke were all over the place making our attempt at this video quite comical. They claim to not be scared to come live with us, just excited. We will see if they still feel that way after seeing what animals their brothers are and how bad Mom and Dad's creole is!!!!
So we decided to surprise Stephanie with a video we made of each family member saying something to them in Creole (except Luke who won't be forced into anything!). We could not get the video to attach to an email so we posted them on Youtube. When making these video's we had no idea that our bio children were going to go berserk and it's quite interesting. :)
You can view the video of Me and the boys at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnsh3MfXqpw
Here is the English translation:
Luke: Would not say Hello but did wave and stick his tongue out and make noises- very charming
Johnny: Hello. I Love you.
Kyle: Hello Stephanie, Hello Jude, Hello Lovenie. Come play with me soon. I love you.
Mom (me): I will try to say this in Creole. Hello Darlings. I am very proud of you for doing very good in school (sidenote: Jude and Stephanie just passed 3rd quarter exams and Jude was 2nd in his class!!!)! I miss you very much. I want to come hug and kiss you. You are very pretty/handsome (same word for both) and sweet.
Did you laugh at me for my Creole? Do I talk very silly? I am trying to learn creole. I will see you soon. I love you very much
Then Jim took a shot at it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmu7zVSN6G8
Here is his English translation: Hello my darlings. I am your father. I do not speak Creole well. You are very special. You are coming home with us forever. We love you.
I added: Your brothers are very silly.
Kyle, Johnny, and Luke were all over the place making our attempt at this video quite comical. They claim to not be scared to come live with us, just excited. We will see if they still feel that way after seeing what animals their brothers are and how bad Mom and Dad's creole is!!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Princess
TODAY'S JOKE:
Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome price, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young price that I am. Then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in yon castle with my mother. There you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.
"That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on a repast of lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled to herself and thought, "I don't think so!"
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Then He who sat at the throne said, Behold I make all things new." Revelation 21:5
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Why did the circus lion eat the tightrope walker?
He wanted a well balanced meal
Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome price, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young price that I am. Then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in yon castle with my mother. There you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.
"That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on a repast of lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled to herself and thought, "I don't think so!"
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Then He who sat at the throne said, Behold I make all things new." Revelation 21:5
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Why did the circus lion eat the tightrope walker?
He wanted a well balanced meal
Friday, March 09, 2007
Reincarnation
TODAY'S JOKE:
Reincarnation, by Wallace McRae
What is reincarnation? A cowboy asked his friend.
It starts, his old pal told him, when your life comes to an end.
They wash your neck and comb your hair and clean your fingernails,
And put you in a padded box away from life’s travails.
The box and you goes in a hole that’s been dug in the ground.
Reincarnation starts in when you’re planted neath that mound.
Them clods melt down, just like the box, and you who is inside.
And that’s when you begin your transformation ride.
And in a while the grass will grow upon your rendered mound,
Until some day, upon that spot, a lonely flower is found.
And then a horse may wander by and graze upon that flower
That once was you, and now has become your vegetated bower.
Now, the flower that the horse done eat, along with his other feed,
Makes bone and fat and muscle essential to the steed.
But there’s a part that he can’t use and so it passes through.
And there it lies upon the ground, this thing that once was you.
And if perchance, I should pass by and see this on the ground,
I’ll stop awhile and ponder at this object that I’ve found.
I’ll think about Reincarnation and life and death and such,
And come away concludin’, why, you ain’t changed all that much.
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Just as a man is destined to die once, then face judgement Hebrews 9:27
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What did one shooting star say to the other?
Pleased to meteor
Reincarnation, by Wallace McRae
What is reincarnation? A cowboy asked his friend.
It starts, his old pal told him, when your life comes to an end.
They wash your neck and comb your hair and clean your fingernails,
And put you in a padded box away from life’s travails.
The box and you goes in a hole that’s been dug in the ground.
Reincarnation starts in when you’re planted neath that mound.
Them clods melt down, just like the box, and you who is inside.
And that’s when you begin your transformation ride.
And in a while the grass will grow upon your rendered mound,
Until some day, upon that spot, a lonely flower is found.
And then a horse may wander by and graze upon that flower
That once was you, and now has become your vegetated bower.
Now, the flower that the horse done eat, along with his other feed,
Makes bone and fat and muscle essential to the steed.
But there’s a part that he can’t use and so it passes through.
And there it lies upon the ground, this thing that once was you.
And if perchance, I should pass by and see this on the ground,
I’ll stop awhile and ponder at this object that I’ve found.
I’ll think about Reincarnation and life and death and such,
And come away concludin’, why, you ain’t changed all that much.
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Just as a man is destined to die once, then face judgement Hebrews 9:27
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What did one shooting star say to the other?
Pleased to meteor
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Gladys Dunn
Today's joke is from an email I got from my VERY funny friend that I blogged about before (Carrie). A couple of things make this joke extra funny to me because my father is a Pastor (not that this would ever happen to him) and that the friend that sent it to me has the same last name as the woman in the joke!!
TODAY'S JOKE:
Meet Gladys:
Gladys Dunn recently moved to a retirement community in a small town. One beautiful Sunday morning she walked to the church not far from her apartment. She was in awe of the lovely structure, as well as music from the choir. She wasn't too impressed, however, with the sermon. She thought it was rather uninspiring, and as she looked around the church, she noticed many of the parishioners nodding off. When the reverend finished he encouraged the congregation to greet those sitting next to them.
Gladys turned toward the man on her left, who had fallen asleep and was stretching trying to wake up. He smiled at her, and Gladys returned the smile.
She politely offered her hand and said, "I'm Gladys Dunn."
"You and me both!" the man replied.
INSPIRATION- MUST SEE: (also from Carrie, Thanks Carrie!)
If this does not inspire you.... nothing will!!! Take a few minutes to watch this short video. Have a tissue box nearby.
Here's to the Dad's in our families- We know there is nothing you wouldn't do for us:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/460162/can_world_strongest_dad/
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galations 6:2
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What do you call an underwater spy?
James Pond
(parents- you may need to explain this one with the generation gap and all!)
TODAY'S JOKE:
Meet Gladys:
Gladys Dunn recently moved to a retirement community in a small town. One beautiful Sunday morning she walked to the church not far from her apartment. She was in awe of the lovely structure, as well as music from the choir. She wasn't too impressed, however, with the sermon. She thought it was rather uninspiring, and as she looked around the church, she noticed many of the parishioners nodding off. When the reverend finished he encouraged the congregation to greet those sitting next to them.
Gladys turned toward the man on her left, who had fallen asleep and was stretching trying to wake up. He smiled at her, and Gladys returned the smile.
She politely offered her hand and said, "I'm Gladys Dunn."
"You and me both!" the man replied.
INSPIRATION- MUST SEE: (also from Carrie, Thanks Carrie!)
If this does not inspire you.... nothing will!!! Take a few minutes to watch this short video. Have a tissue box nearby.
Here's to the Dad's in our families- We know there is nothing you wouldn't do for us:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/460162/can_world_strongest_dad/
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galations 6:2
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What do you call an underwater spy?
James Pond
(parents- you may need to explain this one with the generation gap and all!)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
What's our homeschooling day like?
As many of you know- We are in the process of adopting 3 children from Haiti ages 11, 9, and 2. A couple of days ago our 11 and 9 year olds, Stephanie and Jude, emailed us. They told us they wanted to know what their school would be like when they got here. I've tried to explain in past emails that I will be their teacher and they will be taught at home. They wanted to know more about what this would be like so we took these pictures to send to them. They are both in 1st grade and have only had the opportunity to go to school in the orphanage for less then 2 years. Before that they lived in the slums of Haiti (Cite Soleil) and school was not an option. So, whether your child is in public, private, or home school... Don't forget to thank God today that they have the opportunity they have!
I thought I would share these on the blog today for anyone that might be interested in what it is that we do. Everyday is different and we try to keep learning very fun but make sure that they are really learning as well! As you can see... one of the things we love is that we can wear whatever we want to school! Kyle's wearing summer clothes, Johnny is wearing sweats with a huge hole in the knee, and Luke dressed himself in a nice shirt and non-matching shorts. Notice that I'm not in the picture- I'm teaching in torn sweatpants, long john shirt, and a ponytail! We are grateful God has given us this way of schooling and hope that you have enjoyed sharing in it with us today. We live in California so to legally home school we are licensed with the state as a private school and the name of our school is Laughlin Christian Academy. The students in the pictures below are our biological sons- Kyle, age 8 and 3rd grade, Johnny, age 6 1st grade and mildly autistic (homeschooling is so good for him), and Luke age 3 and obviously pre-k but he can answer almost any questions his big brothers can about bible and science!
Subject: Bible- The kids are learning about Creation. This is a picture of the craft they made that went along with what they learned. Today during Bible we did a devotion on cooperation and then used books and curriculum from our new Hooked on Bible (by the makers of Hooked on Phonics).
Starting off our day: The above picture is of the kids getting ready to start their school day. We always start it off with prayer and the kids take turns with their prayer requests. We always thank God for this opportunity to be together and to help us learn.
I thought I would share these on the blog today for anyone that might be interested in what it is that we do. Everyday is different and we try to keep learning very fun but make sure that they are really learning as well! As you can see... one of the things we love is that we can wear whatever we want to school! Kyle's wearing summer clothes, Johnny is wearing sweats with a huge hole in the knee, and Luke dressed himself in a nice shirt and non-matching shorts. Notice that I'm not in the picture- I'm teaching in torn sweatpants, long john shirt, and a ponytail! We are grateful God has given us this way of schooling and hope that you have enjoyed sharing in it with us today. We live in California so to legally home school we are licensed with the state as a private school and the name of our school is Laughlin Christian Academy. The students in the pictures below are our biological sons- Kyle, age 8 and 3rd grade, Johnny, age 6 1st grade and mildly autistic (homeschooling is so good for him), and Luke age 3 and obviously pre-k but he can answer almost any questions his big brothers can about bible and science!
Subject: Bible- The kids are learning about Creation. This is a picture of the craft they made that went along with what they learned. Today during Bible we did a devotion on cooperation and then used books and curriculum from our new Hooked on Bible (by the makers of Hooked on Phonics).
Subject: English/ Language Arts- Kyle and Johnny working in English workbooks for their grade level while Luke practices writing his letters. To start English we do a MadLibs story together. These are not only fun but also have been great for teaching the kids parts of speech. Then we take a while to read some funny poems out of a children's poetry book. During English is also when Luke learns phonics and writing (Kyle and Johnny are both excellent readers!) For reading we use Hooked on Phonics, The Phonics game, as well as board games, computer games, and movies. Luke is already starting to read at 3 years old and knows all his letters and sounds.
Subject: Math- Today we started off math using a great website that the boys listen and watch while a teacher explains different things math related. Then it gives them a quiz. Today's lesson was on Probability. Kyle really got it and was excited about it. Afterwards the boys each worked in a math workbook for their grade level. We often use board games, flash cards, computer games and movies in "addition" (pun intended) to their workbooks.
Subject: Geography- Today the boys reviewed information about California and Oregon. We use flash cards, books, workbooks, and puzzles to teach Geography.
Subject: History- The picture is of the boys working on learning about America's 1st 8 Presidents. Kyle and Johnny have them all memorized and can tell you quite a bit of information about each one. Kyle also reads some great books on Historical events. We tried a few workbooks and found them to be too boring, so are using other sources- mostly books.
Starting off our day: The above picture is of the kids getting ready to start their school day. We always start it off with prayer and the kids take turns with their prayer requests. We always thank God for this opportunity to be together and to help us learn.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Is Your House Disheveled? Helpful tips
TODAY'S JOKE:
Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.
Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them & call them holiday decorations).
Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter).
Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."
General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly. Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...Works every time!
Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean. You figure if you can live in it, they can surely stand it for a 30 minute visit!
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean without sin?" Proverbs 20:9
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What do you call it when you see fruit punch and a cereal box?
A food fight.
Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.
Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them & call them holiday decorations).
Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter).
Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."
General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly. Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...Works every time!
Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean. You figure if you can live in it, they can surely stand it for a 30 minute visit!
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean without sin?" Proverbs 20:9
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
What do you call it when you see fruit punch and a cereal box?
A food fight.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
What do you have?
TODAY'S JOKE:
A man walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had.
He replied, "I got shingles."
She said, "Fill out this form and supply your name, address, medical insurance number. When you're done, please take a seat.
"Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aide came out and asked him what he had.
He said, "I got shingles."
So she took down his height, weight, and complete medical history, then said,
"Change into this gown and wait in the examining room."A half hour later a nurse came in and asked him what he had. He said, "I got shingles."
So she gave him a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram and told him to wait for the doctor.
An hour later the doctor came in and asked him what he had.
He said, "Shingles."
The doctor gave him a full examination, and then said, "I just checked you out thoroughly, and I can't find shingles anywhere."
The man replied, "They're outside in the truck. Where do you want them?"
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Where do baby ghosts go while their parents are at work?
Day Scare
A man walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had.
He replied, "I got shingles."
She said, "Fill out this form and supply your name, address, medical insurance number. When you're done, please take a seat.
"Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aide came out and asked him what he had.
He said, "I got shingles."
So she took down his height, weight, and complete medical history, then said,
"Change into this gown and wait in the examining room."A half hour later a nurse came in and asked him what he had. He said, "I got shingles."
So she gave him a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram and told him to wait for the doctor.
An hour later the doctor came in and asked him what he had.
He said, "Shingles."
The doctor gave him a full examination, and then said, "I just checked you out thoroughly, and I can't find shingles anywhere."
The man replied, "They're outside in the truck. Where do you want them?"
TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15
TODAY'S KID JOKE:
Where do baby ghosts go while their parents are at work?
Day Scare
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
