Mark your calendar! This Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. there will be a Celebration of Praise and Worship at New Branch Church in Hamilton Mill to thank God for delivering Nadeem, Sherri, and Kalina Kaiser home from Bangladesh! Please join us in singing and giving praise to God! If you wish, please bring snacks or drinks to share afterwards. If you can't join us in person, please thank God wherever you are! We love you all and are so thankful to be home!
New Branch Community Church
2155 Pine Rd.
Dacula, GA 30019
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
On Fox 5 Again!
Sunday afternoon, Chris Shaw, reporter from Fox 5 News in Atlanta, visited us to do a follow up story on our adoption journey. He and his assistant Tim were so kind, and we were very pleased at the way they portrayed our story on TV. Please go to the Fox 5 website to read and/or view the news piece. We give thanks to God for our happy ending!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Fight to the Finish
Merry Christmas! We hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday! We will always remember this special time when God delivered us from Bangladesh to celebrate the birth of Christ with our family and to start our life with Kalina here in the USA! Until the last moment, it was a fight to the finish to come home. The day before we left, Nadeem went to the Emirates office to pay for the tickets he had reserved. He had to wait until we had Kalina's visa to do this. When they saw her visa, they said that he couldn't purchase a ticket to Dubai for her because the visa said "America". There are no direct flights from Bangladesh to Atlanta! He said that he could see everything crumbling before him, so once again he surrendered all to God. After spending over two hours talking to the Emirates employees, Nadeem finally got our tickets home!
We have seen God's hand on us in so many ways as we journeyed home. First, one of Nadeem's uncles sent his co-worker, an airlines employee, to help us navigate through immigration and Customs at the Dhaka airport. We had heard that they could give us a hard time, so we were grateful for this help. Prior to our trip, I had prayed about our travel home. Nadeem and I were both worried about traveling with a baby. Kalina was the perfect traveler-better than Nadeem and me! She thoroughly enjoyed the experience-smiling at everyone, looking out the window at all the sights, and wearing the flight attendant's hat for a photo. The passengers on both flights complimented her on being such a good baby. Our luggage all srrived safely in Atlanta. Kalina immediately went to Atlanta time and understood that her nighttime had now changed.
The day that we left Bangladesh, the violent riots started. We've received daily emails from the US Embassy in Dhaka advising Americans to leave the area if at all possible. God delivered us at the right time!
Our homecoming was glorious! My mom and Hasan met us at the airport, and we felt like a dream had come true! When Nadeem and I first walked into our house, we felt like we had stepped into a fairy tale. Our house looked so bright and warm and cozy that we could barely believe that we live in such a beautiful home. Since we've been home I have cried tears of joy so many times. We feel like we've been gone a million years and only a day all at once. We've marveled over everything-warm showers, our own bed, a washing machine, a dishwasher-seeing everything through fresh and grateful eyes. We were both so excited to see our cats who gave us shocked and hesitant looks initially but soon realized that truly we had returned. They have both welcomed Kalina as part of our family. Our younger cat, Tabitha, has had the role of the baby of the family, and she has shown jealousy when visitors have brought their babies. I was a little worried about her, but she has licked Kalina and bumped her head against Kalina's tiny hands to get Kalina to pet her.
Kalina absolutely loves her new home and the family and friends that she has met so far. If you haven't seen us yet, we hope that you will visit soon. We are still planning the Celebration of Praise and Worship which will be in the Gwinnett area during the first part of January. Stay tuned for more news.
I've received several questions about whether or not I'll continue this blog. Only God knows the answer to that question! I have some photos to post in the near future, and I'll give details about the upcoming celebration, so be sure to check for the next week or so. After that, I'll see how God guides me.
We're so thankful for the prayer support you all gave while we were gone, and we're equally thankful for the warm welcome we're receiving as we adjust to being parents in America!
We have seen God's hand on us in so many ways as we journeyed home. First, one of Nadeem's uncles sent his co-worker, an airlines employee, to help us navigate through immigration and Customs at the Dhaka airport. We had heard that they could give us a hard time, so we were grateful for this help. Prior to our trip, I had prayed about our travel home. Nadeem and I were both worried about traveling with a baby. Kalina was the perfect traveler-better than Nadeem and me! She thoroughly enjoyed the experience-smiling at everyone, looking out the window at all the sights, and wearing the flight attendant's hat for a photo. The passengers on both flights complimented her on being such a good baby. Our luggage all srrived safely in Atlanta. Kalina immediately went to Atlanta time and understood that her nighttime had now changed.
The day that we left Bangladesh, the violent riots started. We've received daily emails from the US Embassy in Dhaka advising Americans to leave the area if at all possible. God delivered us at the right time!
Our homecoming was glorious! My mom and Hasan met us at the airport, and we felt like a dream had come true! When Nadeem and I first walked into our house, we felt like we had stepped into a fairy tale. Our house looked so bright and warm and cozy that we could barely believe that we live in such a beautiful home. Since we've been home I have cried tears of joy so many times. We feel like we've been gone a million years and only a day all at once. We've marveled over everything-warm showers, our own bed, a washing machine, a dishwasher-seeing everything through fresh and grateful eyes. We were both so excited to see our cats who gave us shocked and hesitant looks initially but soon realized that truly we had returned. They have both welcomed Kalina as part of our family. Our younger cat, Tabitha, has had the role of the baby of the family, and she has shown jealousy when visitors have brought their babies. I was a little worried about her, but she has licked Kalina and bumped her head against Kalina's tiny hands to get Kalina to pet her.
Kalina absolutely loves her new home and the family and friends that she has met so far. If you haven't seen us yet, we hope that you will visit soon. We are still planning the Celebration of Praise and Worship which will be in the Gwinnett area during the first part of January. Stay tuned for more news.
I've received several questions about whether or not I'll continue this blog. Only God knows the answer to that question! I have some photos to post in the near future, and I'll give details about the upcoming celebration, so be sure to check for the next week or so. After that, I'll see how God guides me.
We're so thankful for the prayer support you all gave while we were gone, and we're equally thankful for the warm welcome we're receiving as we adjust to being parents in America!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We're home!!!!!
We arrived safely in Atlanta at 7:15 a.m. on Christmas Eve after 20 hours of flying halfway around the world. Kalina is a wonderful traveler, much better than Nadeem and me, I must say. Nadeem immediately sped off to work. His position is safe, and he received a warm welcome from everyone at SunTrust. We feel like we've stepped into a fairy tale. We are so thankful to be back! I will give a more detailed update later, but I wanted you all to know that we're here! Praise God! Merry Christmas to all of you!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Farewell Message from Bangladesh
I woke up this morning early feeling so excited! We're finally coming HOME!!! We'll be home for Christmas with our beautiful baby girl! Nadeem gets to keep his position at SunTrust and get a paycheck again soon! Does it sound like a Hallmark movie (or maybe a Lifetime movie, Darcie)?? That's the kind of God we serve! He delights in blessing His children! These are the kind of friends and family we have-ones that stand by us, praying, loving, and believing!
Prior to this trip I prayed the following verse many times: "For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly." -Philippians 3:10a (Amplified version) God certainly heard and answered this prayer, but not in the way I expected!
As I prayed this for months leading up to our trip, God already started responding. He revealed in many ways that I would know Him as Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and Jehovah Nissi, our victory.
That sounded pretty exciting to me! I really wanted to know Him more! I was already scared about this calling to quit my job and come to Bangladesh to try to adopt a baby without any plan. Knowing God better would be a wonderful reward to look forward to. My imagination went to work, deciding how God would reveal Himself as our provider and victory.
I pictured that God would give me strength for this trip. Up until a week before our trip, I was pregnant, expecting to have a second child in March. We considered this a glorious gift from God to have two children on the way! I was nervous about traveling to a foreign country, let alone traveling while expecting. I pictured that we would come here and easily adopt Kalina, returning home in two weeks instead of three. Before getting Kalina, we would have the chance to spend our time bringing the light and love of Jesus to other orphans and to the child we sponsor through World Vision. We would surely see some sort of miracle, too!
My thoughts and ways are not God's! He has indeed been Jehovah Nissi, our victory, but not in the way I had pictured. God orchestrated the entire adoption journey! He gave us the I600A approval with Nadeem's fingerprint approval, even though this was "impossible." He gave us Kalina, even though it's "impossible" for us as Christian Americans to adopt a baby from here. Today He's giving us Kalina's visa despite so many obstacles. Day after day we saw the victory as God gave us strength and faith to stand firm and not quit.
When thinking of God as my provider, I had specific prayer requests: to have healthy food and water, to have good health, to be able to exercise, to be able to communicate with home, and to have money for our adoption needs. It's interesting to me to look back and see how God answered this. At first, He seemed to answer every prayer. I did have good health. I exercised. We had money. We had good food and water. We had access to a laptop/Internet. As the trip progressed, however, God showed Himself as our provider in different ways-our provider of strength, hope, and faith in the middle of the storm. When I had a stomach bug, God comforted me. When we lost our computer connection for several days, God calmed me. When I became too weak to exercise as much, God gave me the strength I needed. I think that as I grew on the trip, God knew that I wouldn't have to depend so much on the physical provision but instead could lean on Him for greater provision spiritually.
In the book Boundaries, the authors Cloud and Townsend write that everyone has a rock to carry and sometimes a boulder. A rock represents your daily burdens-working, taking care of your family, etc. A boulder represents a heavy burden such as sickness, unemployment, or grief after losing a loved one. The problem is that sometimes we act like our rock is a boulder and expect people to take care of our needs that we need to care for ourselves. Also, sometimes we act like our boulder is a rock, and we refuse the help we need to carry the load.
I fall into the latter category. When I was sick with mercury poisoning, I kept the news mainly to myself and acted as though I were perfectly fine. I had too much pride to ask for help or to share my "weakness" with others. Finally there came a time when I was truly too weak to carry the boulder. My dear friend Leslie brought some homemade soup for me. Instead of feeling like a weak failure that she had to help me, I actually felt good. I felt loved, and I realized that it's okay to let people help.
Nadeem and I both love to give and feel very awkward being on the receiving side. When I pictured God as our provider, I pictured that He would give us all the funds we needed for Kalina and our trip. We had saved and planned as carefully as possible. As new problems arose, I then pictured that God would somehow drop down help from heaven like manna. It never crossed my mind that God would use other people to help. That's God's way-to help us to love one another! Sometimes we're on the giving side, and sometimes we're on the receiving side. There's a lesson in both, I believe.
Yesterday Nadeem repeatedly tried to call Delta to book our tickets to come home from Dubai. We had prayed for God to help us with securing the right flight. Truthfully we were a little concerned since it's the holiday season. We really wanted to be home in time for Christmas and for Nadeem to return to work and keep his position. Nadeem couldn't get through. Finally he called his sister in Florida to see if she could help. She and her husband fly Delta often for work. We had open tickets for one year since we couldn't use our original tickets back in September. Would you believe that Delta now says that the tickets are no good? They were only good for 30 days. Somehow there was yet another mistake made on this journey. Are you surprised? Would you be surprised to know that God already had a huge blessing ready for us? Nadeem's sister Nadia and her husband Sean have given us tickets for a first class, direct flight to Atlanta arriving in time for Christmas and Nadeem's job!!!!
We are truly leaving! This is our last day in Bangladesh! The next time you hear from us, we should be in transit or at home. We plan to spend Christmas with our family, and then we hope to hear from you all and see you as soon as possible! Plans are still being made for the Celebration of Praise and Worship. Here in Bangladesh the phone or the doorbell is always ringing with visitors. Let's bring some of that back home! We love you all with the love of Christ! Thanks for praying for us! During this holiday season, please remember the miracles of God and give thanks!
Prior to this trip I prayed the following verse many times: "For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly." -Philippians 3:10a (Amplified version) God certainly heard and answered this prayer, but not in the way I expected!
As I prayed this for months leading up to our trip, God already started responding. He revealed in many ways that I would know Him as Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and Jehovah Nissi, our victory.
That sounded pretty exciting to me! I really wanted to know Him more! I was already scared about this calling to quit my job and come to Bangladesh to try to adopt a baby without any plan. Knowing God better would be a wonderful reward to look forward to. My imagination went to work, deciding how God would reveal Himself as our provider and victory.
I pictured that God would give me strength for this trip. Up until a week before our trip, I was pregnant, expecting to have a second child in March. We considered this a glorious gift from God to have two children on the way! I was nervous about traveling to a foreign country, let alone traveling while expecting. I pictured that we would come here and easily adopt Kalina, returning home in two weeks instead of three. Before getting Kalina, we would have the chance to spend our time bringing the light and love of Jesus to other orphans and to the child we sponsor through World Vision. We would surely see some sort of miracle, too!
My thoughts and ways are not God's! He has indeed been Jehovah Nissi, our victory, but not in the way I had pictured. God orchestrated the entire adoption journey! He gave us the I600A approval with Nadeem's fingerprint approval, even though this was "impossible." He gave us Kalina, even though it's "impossible" for us as Christian Americans to adopt a baby from here. Today He's giving us Kalina's visa despite so many obstacles. Day after day we saw the victory as God gave us strength and faith to stand firm and not quit.
When thinking of God as my provider, I had specific prayer requests: to have healthy food and water, to have good health, to be able to exercise, to be able to communicate with home, and to have money for our adoption needs. It's interesting to me to look back and see how God answered this. At first, He seemed to answer every prayer. I did have good health. I exercised. We had money. We had good food and water. We had access to a laptop/Internet. As the trip progressed, however, God showed Himself as our provider in different ways-our provider of strength, hope, and faith in the middle of the storm. When I had a stomach bug, God comforted me. When we lost our computer connection for several days, God calmed me. When I became too weak to exercise as much, God gave me the strength I needed. I think that as I grew on the trip, God knew that I wouldn't have to depend so much on the physical provision but instead could lean on Him for greater provision spiritually.
In the book Boundaries, the authors Cloud and Townsend write that everyone has a rock to carry and sometimes a boulder. A rock represents your daily burdens-working, taking care of your family, etc. A boulder represents a heavy burden such as sickness, unemployment, or grief after losing a loved one. The problem is that sometimes we act like our rock is a boulder and expect people to take care of our needs that we need to care for ourselves. Also, sometimes we act like our boulder is a rock, and we refuse the help we need to carry the load.
I fall into the latter category. When I was sick with mercury poisoning, I kept the news mainly to myself and acted as though I were perfectly fine. I had too much pride to ask for help or to share my "weakness" with others. Finally there came a time when I was truly too weak to carry the boulder. My dear friend Leslie brought some homemade soup for me. Instead of feeling like a weak failure that she had to help me, I actually felt good. I felt loved, and I realized that it's okay to let people help.
Nadeem and I both love to give and feel very awkward being on the receiving side. When I pictured God as our provider, I pictured that He would give us all the funds we needed for Kalina and our trip. We had saved and planned as carefully as possible. As new problems arose, I then pictured that God would somehow drop down help from heaven like manna. It never crossed my mind that God would use other people to help. That's God's way-to help us to love one another! Sometimes we're on the giving side, and sometimes we're on the receiving side. There's a lesson in both, I believe.
Yesterday Nadeem repeatedly tried to call Delta to book our tickets to come home from Dubai. We had prayed for God to help us with securing the right flight. Truthfully we were a little concerned since it's the holiday season. We really wanted to be home in time for Christmas and for Nadeem to return to work and keep his position. Nadeem couldn't get through. Finally he called his sister in Florida to see if she could help. She and her husband fly Delta often for work. We had open tickets for one year since we couldn't use our original tickets back in September. Would you believe that Delta now says that the tickets are no good? They were only good for 30 days. Somehow there was yet another mistake made on this journey. Are you surprised? Would you be surprised to know that God already had a huge blessing ready for us? Nadeem's sister Nadia and her husband Sean have given us tickets for a first class, direct flight to Atlanta arriving in time for Christmas and Nadeem's job!!!!
We are truly leaving! This is our last day in Bangladesh! The next time you hear from us, we should be in transit or at home. We plan to spend Christmas with our family, and then we hope to hear from you all and see you as soon as possible! Plans are still being made for the Celebration of Praise and Worship. Here in Bangladesh the phone or the doorbell is always ringing with visitors. Let's bring some of that back home! We love you all with the love of Christ! Thanks for praying for us! During this holiday season, please remember the miracles of God and give thanks!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Who is worthy to be praised
"I will love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." -Psalm 18:1-3
If you had been here this morning you would have heard me singing these verses over and over to God. Every once in a while I wonder what I would think if I were in your shoes reading this blog-at home getting ready to celebrate the holidays, praying for this family who's stuck in Bangladesh. We've been in a fierce battle again lately. We have been weary beyond words.
We've had so many praises and victories these past few days, really the whole month of December, but every victory has required a battle. Nadeem has been out doing active battle while I've been in the home doing battle as his prayer warrior. Two days ago I spent time with God while Kalina napped, and I just couldn't connect with Him. I sat reading the Bible, but the words had no life. I turned to different books still with no result. Finally I heard God in this verse: "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) I read it over and over. Yes, we can relate to this verse! That wasn't all. "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me.....the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever." (2 Tim. 4:17,18)
That night I told Nadeem that God had given me a word of encouragement and shared the verses with Nadeem. He said, "What else do you have?" I guess it's like giving a soldier facing an entire army one pistol and that's all. Nadeem needed more weapons than this! This was his response after our earlier victories this week, just to give you an idea of how difficult this has been. Please give God so much praise, but keep praying for us! We need your prayers to stay strong!
Ayesha and Someira left this morning to go to India. The teenage servant left a couple of days ago to start a new job. She was only supposed to work here while we were here. The apartment felt very empty and lonely. It's now winter here in Bangladesh, much to our surprise. The temperature is around 70 degrees during the day and 60 at night. I've found, to my sadness, that the winter is not much better than the summer. You see, in the winter, the sky turns gray and stays like this for a month. The sun looks like a fuzzy white ball covered with fog and haze. By late afternoon it seems like nighttime. In addition, the floors here are hard tile, and they feel quite cold. Gray chilly days tend to bring me down, and that's what we're having here.
Nadeem went by himself to the passport office this morning to try to get the needed corrections to indicate that we're Kalina's guardians, not her birth parents. He was very nervous because he doesn't speak the language here. Yesterday Hasan's parents and Nadeem had gone to the home of the director of the passport office to seek his help. He indicated that this was not a simple matter to correct but that they would try to help today. We had no idea how long this would take, what would be involved, or if it would actually be done. There was talk that they might need to get my signature as well on the revisions. Also, at first they wanted to wait to receive their official copy of the "no objection" certificate in the mail.
While Nadeem was gone, Kalina and I were here virtually alone with only our sweet older deaf and mute servant. The apartment seemed dark, cold, and eerily quiet. Then suddenly we heard shouting and chanting outside. The riots had started! Off and on all morning we heard this. I felt this tremendous loneliness and fear overcome me. What if there were an emergency? I was alone with Kalina, unable to speak the language and without any phone numbers to use to call for help. When I took Kalina out of our bedroom this morning, she did her happy dance and started squealing because she expected to see everyone. Instead she found silence. She looked around, puzzled. It's one thing for me to deal with loneliness, but I certainly didn't want Kalina to feel sad. I tried to play with her and get her to laugh (fortunately not a hard task) and meanwhile I sang to the Lord. Then I opened my Bible to pray His promises aloud since I still felt very troubled, and I knew Nadeem needed prayer support for his mission. This is when I found the Psalm.
I prayed and sang and walked Kalina through the apartment. We sat for a moment by the phone which rang just then. It was Nadeem calling to say that he had the passport after only 2 hours (way ahead of the time we thought we might get it if all went well), and he was on his way to the US Embassy. At this point it was noon. The US Embassy doesn't even open for visitors until 1:00. He had plenty of time!
At 1:30 Nadeem called with more amazing news! They accepted our "no objection" certificate and revised passport and told Nadeem to pick up the visa tomorrow (Monday, December 22) at 2:30 p.m.!!!!!! He asked the lady who has been helping us if she was sure or if they needed any more paperwork. She laughed and said no, this time it's really true. Nadeem plans to pick up the visa tomorrow and head to the Emirates airlines office to try to book a flight home!!!! HOME!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!
Please pray for us as we get the visa and book flights home during this busy holiday week. We will fly on Emirates from here to Dubai, and then we'll use Delta to get the rest of the way home. Forget Santa! God gives much better Christmas gifts....from Bethlehem to Bangladesh, from long ago to the present.
Thank you for praying for us and celebrating with us the miracles of God!
If you had been here this morning you would have heard me singing these verses over and over to God. Every once in a while I wonder what I would think if I were in your shoes reading this blog-at home getting ready to celebrate the holidays, praying for this family who's stuck in Bangladesh. We've been in a fierce battle again lately. We have been weary beyond words.
We've had so many praises and victories these past few days, really the whole month of December, but every victory has required a battle. Nadeem has been out doing active battle while I've been in the home doing battle as his prayer warrior. Two days ago I spent time with God while Kalina napped, and I just couldn't connect with Him. I sat reading the Bible, but the words had no life. I turned to different books still with no result. Finally I heard God in this verse: "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) I read it over and over. Yes, we can relate to this verse! That wasn't all. "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me.....the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever." (2 Tim. 4:17,18)
That night I told Nadeem that God had given me a word of encouragement and shared the verses with Nadeem. He said, "What else do you have?" I guess it's like giving a soldier facing an entire army one pistol and that's all. Nadeem needed more weapons than this! This was his response after our earlier victories this week, just to give you an idea of how difficult this has been. Please give God so much praise, but keep praying for us! We need your prayers to stay strong!
Ayesha and Someira left this morning to go to India. The teenage servant left a couple of days ago to start a new job. She was only supposed to work here while we were here. The apartment felt very empty and lonely. It's now winter here in Bangladesh, much to our surprise. The temperature is around 70 degrees during the day and 60 at night. I've found, to my sadness, that the winter is not much better than the summer. You see, in the winter, the sky turns gray and stays like this for a month. The sun looks like a fuzzy white ball covered with fog and haze. By late afternoon it seems like nighttime. In addition, the floors here are hard tile, and they feel quite cold. Gray chilly days tend to bring me down, and that's what we're having here.
Nadeem went by himself to the passport office this morning to try to get the needed corrections to indicate that we're Kalina's guardians, not her birth parents. He was very nervous because he doesn't speak the language here. Yesterday Hasan's parents and Nadeem had gone to the home of the director of the passport office to seek his help. He indicated that this was not a simple matter to correct but that they would try to help today. We had no idea how long this would take, what would be involved, or if it would actually be done. There was talk that they might need to get my signature as well on the revisions. Also, at first they wanted to wait to receive their official copy of the "no objection" certificate in the mail.
While Nadeem was gone, Kalina and I were here virtually alone with only our sweet older deaf and mute servant. The apartment seemed dark, cold, and eerily quiet. Then suddenly we heard shouting and chanting outside. The riots had started! Off and on all morning we heard this. I felt this tremendous loneliness and fear overcome me. What if there were an emergency? I was alone with Kalina, unable to speak the language and without any phone numbers to use to call for help. When I took Kalina out of our bedroom this morning, she did her happy dance and started squealing because she expected to see everyone. Instead she found silence. She looked around, puzzled. It's one thing for me to deal with loneliness, but I certainly didn't want Kalina to feel sad. I tried to play with her and get her to laugh (fortunately not a hard task) and meanwhile I sang to the Lord. Then I opened my Bible to pray His promises aloud since I still felt very troubled, and I knew Nadeem needed prayer support for his mission. This is when I found the Psalm.
I prayed and sang and walked Kalina through the apartment. We sat for a moment by the phone which rang just then. It was Nadeem calling to say that he had the passport after only 2 hours (way ahead of the time we thought we might get it if all went well), and he was on his way to the US Embassy. At this point it was noon. The US Embassy doesn't even open for visitors until 1:00. He had plenty of time!
At 1:30 Nadeem called with more amazing news! They accepted our "no objection" certificate and revised passport and told Nadeem to pick up the visa tomorrow (Monday, December 22) at 2:30 p.m.!!!!!! He asked the lady who has been helping us if she was sure or if they needed any more paperwork. She laughed and said no, this time it's really true. Nadeem plans to pick up the visa tomorrow and head to the Emirates airlines office to try to book a flight home!!!! HOME!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!
Please pray for us as we get the visa and book flights home during this busy holiday week. We will fly on Emirates from here to Dubai, and then we'll use Delta to get the rest of the way home. Forget Santa! God gives much better Christmas gifts....from Bethlehem to Bangladesh, from long ago to the present.
Thank you for praying for us and celebrating with us the miracles of God!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Treasure in Surrendering
For those of you who have followed our blog for a long time, you'll notice that certain themes continue to surface such as faith, surrendering, and hope. That's probably because you don't simply master an area in your walk with God or stop facing the challenge. For the past week Nadeem and I have again been dealing with the issue of surrendering everything to God. The HR department contacted Nadeem's boss to find out whether or not Nadeem will be back at work by December 24. At that point he loses his current position at SunTrust and will have to apply for a new position. Nadeem loves his job and doesn't want to lose his position. We deeply long to be home for Christmas. We have been challenged to give up all of this to God-our desires, our wants, our plans.
There is an inspirational story that has circulated the Internet about a father and his young daughter. The father gave his little girl a necklace of plastic beads to wear when she played dress up. She loved this gift and kept it with her at all times. Every night during the bedtime routine, her dad would ask her if she loved him. She was very close to her dad, so she always replied with a hearty YES! Right after that he'd tell her that if she loved him then he wanted her to give him her cherished necklace. Every night she would refuse and hold the necklace a little tighter. Finally one night when the father went to tuck in his little girl, he found her sitting in the bed crying. When he went to her, she held out the plastic necklace. She was ready to give it to him. He hugged her and produced the real treasure-a true pearl necklace. He said that he had been waiting for that moment to give her something even more precious.
When I first read that story, I didn't like it very much. I thought the dad was cruel to torment his little girl like that. Why not just give her a nicer necklace as a gift? Why put her through all of this agony? Over time I've come to really like the illustration. I think we often see our Heavenly Father in this incorrect way, as tormenting us and holding out on what's good and precious, as trying to take away what we really love. The story tries to illustrate the truth of the treasure in surrendering.
Last year God called me to give up my teaching job that I loved with no idea of how or when we would become parents. It made no sense. I didn't want to do it. I cried every day. Every time I cried I thought of this story and believed that God had something better if I'd just obey Him and surrender. Please look at the two recent photos of our precious gift! If I had held onto my job, we wouldn't be here with Kalina. Trusting God can be so very difficult, but faith pleases God. God loves to bless His children.
Nadeem and I have struggled mightily with surrendering. We constantly have our own ideas of how everything will work. If we surrender our finances to God, then He will surely send us home before Nadeem's paycheck ends. If we surrender our desire to have our own children to God, surely He will bless us with our own biological child. If we surrender our fears about the trip to Bangladesh to God, surely He will bring us back home after three weeks (or even two!).
God's ways and thoughts are not ours. Praise God for that! He knows what is best for us. He only asks us to trust and obey.
Nadeem and Ayesha returned from the Home Ministry office this morning with....drum roll please....the "no objection" certificate! Yahoo! Praise God! Applause! Cheers! It's actually a small piece of paper with a pretty green and red emblem at the top. All this work for a tiny piece of paper! God already said, "I have no objections to you bringing Kalina to the USA! In fact, it's My plan!" Now we're seeing His plan come to fruition in the natural.
Tomorrow Someira and Ayesha leave for their trip to India. I've told them that I'll say good-bye once we're on the airplane to come home. They, however, plan to say good-bye today. So many of you have written to tell us how amazed you are at the kindness of this family. We feel the same way. God has used them as His hands and feet to help us get Kalina and to welcome us as family for all this time (15 weeks now if you're wondering). We hope to be home soon...but we also hope to surrender the timing to God who already knows the perfect plan.
Thank you for praying for us and standing in faith!
There is an inspirational story that has circulated the Internet about a father and his young daughter. The father gave his little girl a necklace of plastic beads to wear when she played dress up. She loved this gift and kept it with her at all times. Every night during the bedtime routine, her dad would ask her if she loved him. She was very close to her dad, so she always replied with a hearty YES! Right after that he'd tell her that if she loved him then he wanted her to give him her cherished necklace. Every night she would refuse and hold the necklace a little tighter. Finally one night when the father went to tuck in his little girl, he found her sitting in the bed crying. When he went to her, she held out the plastic necklace. She was ready to give it to him. He hugged her and produced the real treasure-a true pearl necklace. He said that he had been waiting for that moment to give her something even more precious.
When I first read that story, I didn't like it very much. I thought the dad was cruel to torment his little girl like that. Why not just give her a nicer necklace as a gift? Why put her through all of this agony? Over time I've come to really like the illustration. I think we often see our Heavenly Father in this incorrect way, as tormenting us and holding out on what's good and precious, as trying to take away what we really love. The story tries to illustrate the truth of the treasure in surrendering.
Last year God called me to give up my teaching job that I loved with no idea of how or when we would become parents. It made no sense. I didn't want to do it. I cried every day. Every time I cried I thought of this story and believed that God had something better if I'd just obey Him and surrender. Please look at the two recent photos of our precious gift! If I had held onto my job, we wouldn't be here with Kalina. Trusting God can be so very difficult, but faith pleases God. God loves to bless His children.
Nadeem and I have struggled mightily with surrendering. We constantly have our own ideas of how everything will work. If we surrender our finances to God, then He will surely send us home before Nadeem's paycheck ends. If we surrender our desire to have our own children to God, surely He will bless us with our own biological child. If we surrender our fears about the trip to Bangladesh to God, surely He will bring us back home after three weeks (or even two!).
God's ways and thoughts are not ours. Praise God for that! He knows what is best for us. He only asks us to trust and obey.
Nadeem and Ayesha returned from the Home Ministry office this morning with....drum roll please....the "no objection" certificate! Yahoo! Praise God! Applause! Cheers! It's actually a small piece of paper with a pretty green and red emblem at the top. All this work for a tiny piece of paper! God already said, "I have no objections to you bringing Kalina to the USA! In fact, it's My plan!" Now we're seeing His plan come to fruition in the natural.
Tomorrow Someira and Ayesha leave for their trip to India. I've told them that I'll say good-bye once we're on the airplane to come home. They, however, plan to say good-bye today. So many of you have written to tell us how amazed you are at the kindness of this family. We feel the same way. God has used them as His hands and feet to help us get Kalina and to welcome us as family for all this time (15 weeks now if you're wondering). We hope to be home soon...but we also hope to surrender the timing to God who already knows the perfect plan.
Thank you for praying for us and standing in faith!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Wizard of Bangladesh
Once upon a time, Nadeem and Sherri were living a typical American life in Dacula when suddenly a tornado from God whirled them into a strange land. "I have a feeling we're not in Dacula anymore," they said as they looked at the rickshaws, street vendors, and laundry hanging from rooftops. Just then their eyes saw something precious-an adorable munchkin named Kalina! "Ahh, this is why we came to this land called Bangladesh! We know that there's no place like home, and we plan to take this munchkin with us!" Little did they know that the land was filled with wicked witches and other problems. Not to worry! Good always triumphs over evil!
The couple was confused. "How do we get home to Dacula?" They received these words of wisdom, "Follow God's Narrow Road." "Follow God's Narrow Road?" "Follow God's Narrow Road!" "Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow God's narrow road." Where? Why, of course, to see the Wizard of Bangaladesh! "We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Bangladesh." Well, maybe not. That doesn't have quite the same ring. Back to our story.
"Where do we find this wizard?" the Kaisers questioned. They learned that the wizard, who could send them home, resided in the US Embassy. Immediately they set out to find him and return to their home, with their precious munchkin, of course.
Along the way they met three wonderful friends who helped them in so many ways: Someira, Ayesha, and Tayeb. They loved their new friends very much! The friends lived in the land of Bangladesh and knew how to handle many of the trials of this land.
Nadeem and Sherri faced many obstacles along the way: flying demons, flying mosquitos, and flying crows plagued them. They didn't know what to do until they remembered that they carried a weapon, a sword! It was in fact the sword of the Spirit also known as the Word of God. This protected them from evil.
Next they entered a dark area where talking trees threw something at them. What was that? Aaahhh! Flaming arrows from the evil one to harm their faith! Sorrows, and delays, and trials-oh, my! That sword really came in handy again!
By this time, the Kaisers were very tired and weary. They still hadn't gotten help from the wizard. This Narrow Road was extremely long and difficult! Ahead they noticed a field, a lovely place to lie down and rest and quit this whole journey. But alas, the field was filled with a sleeping potion-discouragement, despair, and doubt-to keep the Kaisers inactive. This time Glenda the Good Holy Spirit appeared, ready to offer them strength and hope to continue their journey.
Finally! They had reached the US Embassy! Surely the wizard would help them return home now with their darling munchkin. When they saw the wizard, they didn't receive the warm welcome they were expecting. The wizard spoke angrily and rudely and told them something shocking: before they could get a visa to come home they would have to get fingerprints taken and approved and a "no objection" certificate. These sounded impossible! The wizard was adament: "Either produce these items or you will not return home with your munchkin."
The Kaisers did not know what to do. It seemed all hope was gone. They had counted on the wizard to help them. Now how would they ever return home? Glenda the Good Holy Spirit returned once again to encourage, comfort, and guide them. They learned that they had to defeat the evil which wanted to prevent them from coming home. What a hard task!
The Kaisers threw buckets of Living Water on Cruella de Magistrate, the USCIS, the postal service, and the Home Ministry. They got the documents, packages, and approval they needed! Then they returned to the wizard who shared a secret. He never had the power to send them home, nor did their three wonderful friends. Only God could break their chains and deliver them safely home! The Kaisers rejoiced to hear this glorious news! There's no place like home and no God like our God! Victories, and triumphs, and joy-praise God!
"Narrow is the road and difficult is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it." -Matthew 7:14
* * * * * * * *
Updates from Bangladesh: We have the police report! An officer hand-delivered it to the Home Ministry yesterday where they started working on our "no objection" certificate. It requires six official signatures of approval. At the end of the day we had five. The certificate should be ready by tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The next step is to present the certificate to the passport office on Sunday to get Kalina's passport corrected. Then Nadeem can take everything to the Embassy to get the visa. We're thrilled to share these praises. Thanks for praying!!!
The couple was confused. "How do we get home to Dacula?" They received these words of wisdom, "Follow God's Narrow Road." "Follow God's Narrow Road?" "Follow God's Narrow Road!" "Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow God's narrow road." Where? Why, of course, to see the Wizard of Bangaladesh! "We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Bangladesh." Well, maybe not. That doesn't have quite the same ring. Back to our story.
"Where do we find this wizard?" the Kaisers questioned. They learned that the wizard, who could send them home, resided in the US Embassy. Immediately they set out to find him and return to their home, with their precious munchkin, of course.
Along the way they met three wonderful friends who helped them in so many ways: Someira, Ayesha, and Tayeb. They loved their new friends very much! The friends lived in the land of Bangladesh and knew how to handle many of the trials of this land.
Nadeem and Sherri faced many obstacles along the way: flying demons, flying mosquitos, and flying crows plagued them. They didn't know what to do until they remembered that they carried a weapon, a sword! It was in fact the sword of the Spirit also known as the Word of God. This protected them from evil.
Next they entered a dark area where talking trees threw something at them. What was that? Aaahhh! Flaming arrows from the evil one to harm their faith! Sorrows, and delays, and trials-oh, my! That sword really came in handy again!
By this time, the Kaisers were very tired and weary. They still hadn't gotten help from the wizard. This Narrow Road was extremely long and difficult! Ahead they noticed a field, a lovely place to lie down and rest and quit this whole journey. But alas, the field was filled with a sleeping potion-discouragement, despair, and doubt-to keep the Kaisers inactive. This time Glenda the Good Holy Spirit appeared, ready to offer them strength and hope to continue their journey.
Finally! They had reached the US Embassy! Surely the wizard would help them return home now with their darling munchkin. When they saw the wizard, they didn't receive the warm welcome they were expecting. The wizard spoke angrily and rudely and told them something shocking: before they could get a visa to come home they would have to get fingerprints taken and approved and a "no objection" certificate. These sounded impossible! The wizard was adament: "Either produce these items or you will not return home with your munchkin."
The Kaisers did not know what to do. It seemed all hope was gone. They had counted on the wizard to help them. Now how would they ever return home? Glenda the Good Holy Spirit returned once again to encourage, comfort, and guide them. They learned that they had to defeat the evil which wanted to prevent them from coming home. What a hard task!
The Kaisers threw buckets of Living Water on Cruella de Magistrate, the USCIS, the postal service, and the Home Ministry. They got the documents, packages, and approval they needed! Then they returned to the wizard who shared a secret. He never had the power to send them home, nor did their three wonderful friends. Only God could break their chains and deliver them safely home! The Kaisers rejoiced to hear this glorious news! There's no place like home and no God like our God! Victories, and triumphs, and joy-praise God!
"Narrow is the road and difficult is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it." -Matthew 7:14
* * * * * * * *
Updates from Bangladesh: We have the police report! An officer hand-delivered it to the Home Ministry yesterday where they started working on our "no objection" certificate. It requires six official signatures of approval. At the end of the day we had five. The certificate should be ready by tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The next step is to present the certificate to the passport office on Sunday to get Kalina's passport corrected. Then Nadeem can take everything to the Embassy to get the visa. We're thrilled to share these praises. Thanks for praying!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Preparing a Table for Us
Today's message in our devotional book says, "God wants us to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), turning storm clouds into chariots of victory." I'm so excited to hear about your ideas for our Celebration of Praise and Worship! This will be a fabulous time to give our thanks to God, separate from any other welcome home festivities. I had written that our victory day has not yet arrived, but in fact we see constant days of victory. Before the trip, God spoke to Nadeem and me and told us that we would know Him as Jehovah Nissi, God our victory! We've already seen this victory at court, in getting Kalina, and in having our I600A and Nadeem's fingerprints approved. Those are the big signs of victories. We also have smaller yet equally important victories. When we continue to stand in faith no matter what happens and God continues to give us strength to endure another day, that is a victory. Today's devotion goes on to say "what your enemy had planned to use for your defeat you can confiscate for your own use." Satan clearly means to defeat us-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We've suffered in every area. However, what Satan means for evil, God means for good! Already I know that we're coming home with a beautiful daughter, stronger faith, and an amazing testimony to share. Instead of worrying and falling into despair at home in the US, you are all praying for us and getting excited about praising God with us in person when we return.
There have been so many obstacles and mishaps on this adoption journey that it's nearly unbelievable. Mistakes have been made both in the US and in Bangladesh. We've faced opposition both here and at home. The 23rd Psalm has always been one of Nadeem's favorites. One verse has become particularly meaningful to us: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Jesus' message is totally contrary to that of the world. Jesus taught that we're to "love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Cruella de Magistrate's behavior provoked anger both here and at home. Yet Jesus tells us to pray for this man and love him! In September as we sat in his office on the morning before our victory in court, I prayed that I could see him as God does. For just a moment I felt this overwhelming compassion for him. I could see how lost he is, and it grieved me. It was just for a moment. Now I don't harbor anger towards him, but I have no heart to love him or pray for him. That comes through the power of God.
Nadeem and Hasan's mom endured a grueling day yesterday, facing much opposition and even some rudeness. At the end of the day, they emerged with the needed court document from Cruella de Magistrate which the Home Ministry accepted. Praise God! They also persuaded the police department to start the paperwork and to come to the apartment yesterday to observe Kalina. They've returned to the police station this morning in hopes of getting the completed paperwork and taking it to the Home Ministry to get the "no objection" certificate the US Embassy needs. We're making progress-some fast progress! This is clearly a huge praise; however, Nadeem came home upset, stressed, and worn out from dealing with the enemy all day.
On a smaller scale, I saw some ugliness yesterday, too. I stayed here to take care of Kalina. Doing laundry here without the luxury of washing machines and dryers is quite difficult. We have servants who do this, but the soap on Kalina's clothes was irritating her skin. Now Nadeem and I hand wash her clothes in some baby friendly detergent from home. It's actually kind of enjoyable. We both miss working. After we wash them, we or the servants hang them to dry, either on a clothesline in the apartment or on the roof. Many times the clothes on the roof fall off the lines onto the dirty ground. We've noticed that there are no clothespins, so Nadeem decided to purchase some at the grocery store. We then learned that the families all have clothespins, but everytime the servants use them, other servants steal them and sell them on the streets for extra money. That's frustrating! You need clothespins! Believe me, you don't want to re-wash clothes that have fallen onto the dirty ground. We've had that experience.
Yesterday I had this creative idea of stringing clothespins onto a separate clothesline. I tied the ends of the line to more clothespins so that the servants could attach the line of pins to a clothesline on the roof and then hang the clothes. If someone wanted to steal the pins, they would have to either cut the line with scissors or untie it and unstring the pins. Both would take effort and time, meaning the thief might be caught in the act. I was delighted with the plan and thought that others could use the idea as well!
Not even a couple of hours later, our servant reported the appalling news. Another servant had untied the entired clothesline with freshly washed clothes pinned to it and thrown it onto the dirty ground, clothes and all. Then the servant had hung her linens on the line. A servant knows how much work it takes to wash a load of laundry here and dry it. I couldn't believe that someone would do that to our clothes!
There is so much evil and ugliness everywhere, in every country, all over the world. The reality is that all of us have this ugliness in us. Thanks be to God that He enables His children to be a light in the world through Jesus! He continues to take care of Nadeem, Kalina, and me here in Bangladesh, preparing a table for us each day. We're eager to have you all at the table with us at home! Thanks for praying for us! We hope to see you all soon! Keep the faith!
There have been so many obstacles and mishaps on this adoption journey that it's nearly unbelievable. Mistakes have been made both in the US and in Bangladesh. We've faced opposition both here and at home. The 23rd Psalm has always been one of Nadeem's favorites. One verse has become particularly meaningful to us: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Jesus' message is totally contrary to that of the world. Jesus taught that we're to "love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Cruella de Magistrate's behavior provoked anger both here and at home. Yet Jesus tells us to pray for this man and love him! In September as we sat in his office on the morning before our victory in court, I prayed that I could see him as God does. For just a moment I felt this overwhelming compassion for him. I could see how lost he is, and it grieved me. It was just for a moment. Now I don't harbor anger towards him, but I have no heart to love him or pray for him. That comes through the power of God.
Nadeem and Hasan's mom endured a grueling day yesterday, facing much opposition and even some rudeness. At the end of the day, they emerged with the needed court document from Cruella de Magistrate which the Home Ministry accepted. Praise God! They also persuaded the police department to start the paperwork and to come to the apartment yesterday to observe Kalina. They've returned to the police station this morning in hopes of getting the completed paperwork and taking it to the Home Ministry to get the "no objection" certificate the US Embassy needs. We're making progress-some fast progress! This is clearly a huge praise; however, Nadeem came home upset, stressed, and worn out from dealing with the enemy all day.
On a smaller scale, I saw some ugliness yesterday, too. I stayed here to take care of Kalina. Doing laundry here without the luxury of washing machines and dryers is quite difficult. We have servants who do this, but the soap on Kalina's clothes was irritating her skin. Now Nadeem and I hand wash her clothes in some baby friendly detergent from home. It's actually kind of enjoyable. We both miss working. After we wash them, we or the servants hang them to dry, either on a clothesline in the apartment or on the roof. Many times the clothes on the roof fall off the lines onto the dirty ground. We've noticed that there are no clothespins, so Nadeem decided to purchase some at the grocery store. We then learned that the families all have clothespins, but everytime the servants use them, other servants steal them and sell them on the streets for extra money. That's frustrating! You need clothespins! Believe me, you don't want to re-wash clothes that have fallen onto the dirty ground. We've had that experience.
Yesterday I had this creative idea of stringing clothespins onto a separate clothesline. I tied the ends of the line to more clothespins so that the servants could attach the line of pins to a clothesline on the roof and then hang the clothes. If someone wanted to steal the pins, they would have to either cut the line with scissors or untie it and unstring the pins. Both would take effort and time, meaning the thief might be caught in the act. I was delighted with the plan and thought that others could use the idea as well!
Not even a couple of hours later, our servant reported the appalling news. Another servant had untied the entired clothesline with freshly washed clothes pinned to it and thrown it onto the dirty ground, clothes and all. Then the servant had hung her linens on the line. A servant knows how much work it takes to wash a load of laundry here and dry it. I couldn't believe that someone would do that to our clothes!
There is so much evil and ugliness everywhere, in every country, all over the world. The reality is that all of us have this ugliness in us. Thanks be to God that He enables His children to be a light in the world through Jesus! He continues to take care of Nadeem, Kalina, and me here in Bangladesh, preparing a table for us each day. We're eager to have you all at the table with us at home! Thanks for praying for us! We hope to see you all soon! Keep the faith!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Perfect Parent
The past few days have been really difficult for us here. Kalina is starting to teethe, and she has not been sleeping soundly recently. After receiving the barrage of bad news the other day, we faced a night of little sleep as she woke up to eat and then to play. I don't do well on little sleep (Nadeem will readily agree!), so when Kalina woke me up again at the crack of dawn to play after I had already been slammed with the bad news the day before, I felt I had no strength to cope. I tried to rock her in my arms to get her to go back to sleep, but she wanted no part of that. Actually, she enjoyed the rocking, but wouldn't sleep. Exhausted, I bounced, I rocked, I bounced, I rocked until finally I handed her to her dad and went into the bathroom where I collapsed on our hard tile floor in tears. I cried to God that I was worn out, that I felt all alone, that nobody is here to help me. My strength was gone-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The only thing I could do was call out to God and cry some more.
There's a verse that's intriguing to me from Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Again I'm reminded that my definition of "needs" and God's definition aren't the same. I need to go home. I need to be with friends and family who love me. Kalina needs her healthier formula from America...on time. Nadeem needs his job and his paycheck. We need to be home for Christmas. The list goes on and on.
Kalina recognizes and loves all of us in the apartment-Nadeem, me, Hasan's mom, his dad, his sister, and the two servants. When Kalina wants to sing and dance, she goes to her Khala ("aunt"-i.e. Hasan's sister). When Kalina wants to play, she goes to her daddy. When Kalina wants to be wild and squeal she goes to the teenage servant. When Kalina wants to be cuddled she comes to me. Each of us has something special to give to her to meet her various needs and wants. God has appointed Nadeem and me to be her parents; however, only God is the perfect parent, giving us all everything we need.
God always knows what we truly need, even when we don't. Maybe we need love, discipline, comfort, guidance, or a chance to grow in faith. The greatest treasure is not found in any thing or one on earth; it is found in Him.
When I cried out yesterday, God gave me strength right then to return to Kalina and face the day. Later He gave me physical rest in unexpected ways-an unusually long nap time for Kalina, an earlier dinner time for us bringing a longer period of sleep at night, and better sleep for Kalina last night. Just by giving me rest, God showed me that He was there.
Today we received so many lovely emails and comments on our blog-yet another sign of God's love and presence. Thank you all for your prayers, faith, and love!
The Celebration of Praise and Worship is growing! My mom has shared our story with the lady who mails the packages at FedEx, and she plans to come! I can picture a smile on God's face as He delights in all His children coming together to sing His praises. :)
I'll conclude today with the chorus from the Jeremy Camp song:
I still believe in Your faithfulness.
I still believe in Your truth.
I still believe in Your holy Word.
Even when I don't see I still believe.
"For we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things which are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:18
There's a verse that's intriguing to me from Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Again I'm reminded that my definition of "needs" and God's definition aren't the same. I need to go home. I need to be with friends and family who love me. Kalina needs her healthier formula from America...on time. Nadeem needs his job and his paycheck. We need to be home for Christmas. The list goes on and on.
Kalina recognizes and loves all of us in the apartment-Nadeem, me, Hasan's mom, his dad, his sister, and the two servants. When Kalina wants to sing and dance, she goes to her Khala ("aunt"-i.e. Hasan's sister). When Kalina wants to play, she goes to her daddy. When Kalina wants to be wild and squeal she goes to the teenage servant. When Kalina wants to be cuddled she comes to me. Each of us has something special to give to her to meet her various needs and wants. God has appointed Nadeem and me to be her parents; however, only God is the perfect parent, giving us all everything we need.
God always knows what we truly need, even when we don't. Maybe we need love, discipline, comfort, guidance, or a chance to grow in faith. The greatest treasure is not found in any thing or one on earth; it is found in Him.
When I cried out yesterday, God gave me strength right then to return to Kalina and face the day. Later He gave me physical rest in unexpected ways-an unusually long nap time for Kalina, an earlier dinner time for us bringing a longer period of sleep at night, and better sleep for Kalina last night. Just by giving me rest, God showed me that He was there.
Today we received so many lovely emails and comments on our blog-yet another sign of God's love and presence. Thank you all for your prayers, faith, and love!
The Celebration of Praise and Worship is growing! My mom has shared our story with the lady who mails the packages at FedEx, and she plans to come! I can picture a smile on God's face as He delights in all His children coming together to sing His praises. :)
I'll conclude today with the chorus from the Jeremy Camp song:
I still believe in Your faithfulness.
I still believe in Your truth.
I still believe in Your holy Word.
Even when I don't see I still believe.
"For we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things which are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:18
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's Always Darkest Just Before Dawn
A few weeks ago our friend Darcie laughingly said that our story is like a Lifetime movie. Now it's turning into a mini-series. For our younger readers, after this week's events, our story could be the plot for the next Series of Unfortunate Events books. Just a week ago we were celebrating Eid and getting ready for our visa interview the next day. The US Embassy had looked at all of our paperwork and said that we should have our visa by Thursday. We started making preparations to come home. Since then a lot has happened.
First the embassy told us that we need the "no objection" certificate from the Bangladesh government. At first this seemed impossible. You must have a pass to enter the Home Ministry building, and these are very difficult to obtain. Once inside, you must know the proper people to get the help you need. Nadeem's uncles came to the rescue. One called the head of the Home Ministry to pave the way, and the other escorted Nadeem personally. Then came the next problem. They asked for a form from the court that we don't have. It's a sort of receipt saying that we did indeed appear in the court and get legal guardianship. We already have all the court papers needed for the US Embassy and to get Kalina released into our custody three months ago. Only adoptive parents wanting a visa for their baby would need this particular form that we don't have. Once the baby is older you no longer need it. Only at this time is it required. The magistrate never got this for us. Due to all the holidays, the courts are not open much in December, especially for matters like this. In addition, an official police officer from the government must come to our apartment here to make certain that Kalina really exists-their version of Homeland Security. I mentioned yesterday that there is a minor problem with Kalina's passport, so we also have to return to the passport office to get this corrected. Then we can return to the US Embassy to apply for the visa again.
Things in Bangladesh run differently than in the US. Here connections and money help. However, all of this still takes time. Instead of dealing with one issue, we now have multiple issues. Holidays interrupt the process since all offices close. Today is Victory Day here, sort of like our Independence Day. Next week is Christmas.
Yesterday Nadeem and Hasan's mom met with the magistrate who is surely akin to Cruella de Ville in 101 Dalmations. After our unpleasant dealings with him in September I was so thankful never to have to see his face again. Little did we know! In the middle of making fun of Nadeem and me for being foreigners and for being Cruella-ish, he kept trying to hold Nadeem's hand! Talk about creepy! What's worse is that he is the magistrate that the orphanage uses. How sad is that!
To say that we're weary, discouraged, and upset is an understatement. We feel like we've been slammed to the ground. However, we will not lose hope and faith in our God! He has brought us this far, and He will bring us safely home! Our victory day is near!
Here for Victory Day it seems that most people watch celebrations on TV-bands playing (oorah boorah bands, as Nadeem said as he listened to the out of tune screechings), people singing, and others giving speeches. Let's talk about our victory day Celebration of Praise and Worship! We had a question about where we want to have this. I have no specific plan, just the beginning of an idea. What I picture is all of you at home gathered together with us to give thanks to God for what He has done. We'll all sing and shout together and praise God for hearing all of our cries and for providing for His children. That will be a true victory day!!!
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
-2 Corinthians 12:9
First the embassy told us that we need the "no objection" certificate from the Bangladesh government. At first this seemed impossible. You must have a pass to enter the Home Ministry building, and these are very difficult to obtain. Once inside, you must know the proper people to get the help you need. Nadeem's uncles came to the rescue. One called the head of the Home Ministry to pave the way, and the other escorted Nadeem personally. Then came the next problem. They asked for a form from the court that we don't have. It's a sort of receipt saying that we did indeed appear in the court and get legal guardianship. We already have all the court papers needed for the US Embassy and to get Kalina released into our custody three months ago. Only adoptive parents wanting a visa for their baby would need this particular form that we don't have. Once the baby is older you no longer need it. Only at this time is it required. The magistrate never got this for us. Due to all the holidays, the courts are not open much in December, especially for matters like this. In addition, an official police officer from the government must come to our apartment here to make certain that Kalina really exists-their version of Homeland Security. I mentioned yesterday that there is a minor problem with Kalina's passport, so we also have to return to the passport office to get this corrected. Then we can return to the US Embassy to apply for the visa again.
Things in Bangladesh run differently than in the US. Here connections and money help. However, all of this still takes time. Instead of dealing with one issue, we now have multiple issues. Holidays interrupt the process since all offices close. Today is Victory Day here, sort of like our Independence Day. Next week is Christmas.
Yesterday Nadeem and Hasan's mom met with the magistrate who is surely akin to Cruella de Ville in 101 Dalmations. After our unpleasant dealings with him in September I was so thankful never to have to see his face again. Little did we know! In the middle of making fun of Nadeem and me for being foreigners and for being Cruella-ish, he kept trying to hold Nadeem's hand! Talk about creepy! What's worse is that he is the magistrate that the orphanage uses. How sad is that!
To say that we're weary, discouraged, and upset is an understatement. We feel like we've been slammed to the ground. However, we will not lose hope and faith in our God! He has brought us this far, and He will bring us safely home! Our victory day is near!
Here for Victory Day it seems that most people watch celebrations on TV-bands playing (oorah boorah bands, as Nadeem said as he listened to the out of tune screechings), people singing, and others giving speeches. Let's talk about our victory day Celebration of Praise and Worship! We had a question about where we want to have this. I have no specific plan, just the beginning of an idea. What I picture is all of you at home gathered together with us to give thanks to God for what He has done. We'll all sing and shout together and praise God for hearing all of our cries and for providing for His children. That will be a true victory day!!!
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
-2 Corinthians 12:9
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thy Kingdom Come
Yesterday Nadeem was unable to go to the Home Ministry to get the "no objection" certificate required to get Kalina's visa. However, another of Nadeem's uncles is taking him today. Meanwhile the US Embassy here called this morning to inform us that there is a slight problem with Kalina's passport. Nadeem and I are listed as her parents, but in Bangladesh this implies that we are her biological parents. We must return to the passport office to get this corrected. Looking on the bright side, we're thankful to know this now rather than later. On the other hand, do we feel weary and frustrated? Yes! In the natural, time is ticking away. On Sunday Hasan's mom and sister leave for India. They are anxious to have all of these issues resolved before they leave. Christmas is next week. We really want to come home to celebrate! Also, Nadeem must come home by then or else he will lose his position at work. Tomorrow is another holiday here, so all offices are closed again. This is the natural.
What about the supernatural? What about what God is up to in all of this? It's so easy to fall into despair and discouragement. Every time we see a hint of light, it seems to quickly be extinguished. However, we follow the Light of the world. His light can never be extinguished. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Nadeem and I read a convicting commentary yesterday on the Lord's prayer. When asked how we should pray, Jesus answered, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name, Your kingdom come, You will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Later in the prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for our needs-provision, forgiveness, and deliverance. "Christ's business is the supreme concern of life and all of our personal considerations, no matter how important or precious to us, are secondary." (from Streams in the Desert) Wow. In other words, our desire to come home is secondary to God's work in expanding His kingdom and drawing people to Him. We came here to get Kalina. We have her. We are able to show God's love to our little girl and give her a home with us. God is doing more. We're not exactly sure what, but we know that God's up to something wonderful!
I love today's message in our devotion book. The passage describes trust as the heart of faith, the language of the heart. When we trust in God (Ps. 37:5) we lean on the One Who has a great, living, and genuine heart of love. The next part spoke to me so personally this morning: "Therefore let us trust in Him through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, and in the face of all the rejection we encounter in life (such as the ugly visa rejection slip from the embassy and the rejection we feel as foreigners here). And in spite of our feelings and evidence to the contrary, and even when we cannot understand our way or our situation, may we still trust also in Him for He shall bring it to pass. The way will open, our situation will be changed, and the end result will be peace . The cloud will finally be lifted, and the light of eternal noonday will shine at last."
During our trip I've read the true stories of Corrie Ten Boom in a concentration camp and Darlene Deibler Rose in a Prisoner of War camp. I loved the joyful endings when the ladies came home and embraced their loved ones and enjoyed the comforts of home. As I read the end of Darlene's story in the book Evidence of Faith, God gave me a wonderful idea based on something the prisoners did upon their release. Let's have a magnificent Celebration of Praise and Worship when Nadeem, Kalina, and I return!!! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I get so excited thinking about it! Everyone reading this blog would be invited to join us in person in giving praise to God! I know that so many of you sing, play musical instruments, like to plan, enjoy being creative, and have a heart for God. We've been asked how you at home can help while you're waiting for us. We've been blessed to have my mom take care of our house, and some of you have worked on our yard. While you're waiting, brainstorm some ideas for this celebration. We need a location. My friend Angela Brannen is researching this. If you have ideas, pass them along to her. She teaches at Hebron Christian Academy. We can't wait to join you all in thanking our God!
What about the supernatural? What about what God is up to in all of this? It's so easy to fall into despair and discouragement. Every time we see a hint of light, it seems to quickly be extinguished. However, we follow the Light of the world. His light can never be extinguished. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Nadeem and I read a convicting commentary yesterday on the Lord's prayer. When asked how we should pray, Jesus answered, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name, Your kingdom come, You will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Later in the prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for our needs-provision, forgiveness, and deliverance. "Christ's business is the supreme concern of life and all of our personal considerations, no matter how important or precious to us, are secondary." (from Streams in the Desert) Wow. In other words, our desire to come home is secondary to God's work in expanding His kingdom and drawing people to Him. We came here to get Kalina. We have her. We are able to show God's love to our little girl and give her a home with us. God is doing more. We're not exactly sure what, but we know that God's up to something wonderful!
I love today's message in our devotion book. The passage describes trust as the heart of faith, the language of the heart. When we trust in God (Ps. 37:5) we lean on the One Who has a great, living, and genuine heart of love. The next part spoke to me so personally this morning: "Therefore let us trust in Him through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, and in the face of all the rejection we encounter in life (such as the ugly visa rejection slip from the embassy and the rejection we feel as foreigners here). And in spite of our feelings and evidence to the contrary, and even when we cannot understand our way or our situation, may we still trust also in Him for He shall bring it to pass. The way will open, our situation will be changed, and the end result will be peace . The cloud will finally be lifted, and the light of eternal noonday will shine at last."
During our trip I've read the true stories of Corrie Ten Boom in a concentration camp and Darlene Deibler Rose in a Prisoner of War camp. I loved the joyful endings when the ladies came home and embraced their loved ones and enjoyed the comforts of home. As I read the end of Darlene's story in the book Evidence of Faith, God gave me a wonderful idea based on something the prisoners did upon their release. Let's have a magnificent Celebration of Praise and Worship when Nadeem, Kalina, and I return!!! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I get so excited thinking about it! Everyone reading this blog would be invited to join us in person in giving praise to God! I know that so many of you sing, play musical instruments, like to plan, enjoy being creative, and have a heart for God. We've been asked how you at home can help while you're waiting for us. We've been blessed to have my mom take care of our house, and some of you have worked on our yard. While you're waiting, brainstorm some ideas for this celebration. We need a location. My friend Angela Brannen is researching this. If you have ideas, pass them along to her. She teaches at Hebron Christian Academy. We can't wait to join you all in thanking our God!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
When in the Wilderness
After writing the blog entry yesterday, I spent some more time with God. I "just happened" to turn to Psalm 78 which describes God's kindness to the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness, grumbling and not trusting God. He had done "wonders" and "marvelous things" for them such as parting the Red Sea and bringing water out of rocks. He provided for them by giving them manna to eat. Still they had a terrible attitude. Later the Psalmist wrote, "Yes, many a time He turned His anger away and did not stir up His wrath; For He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again." (vs. 38,39)
This Psalm gave me a couple of messages. One is that God understands that we are flesh. He understands when we get weary and we grumble and struggle. Another important message is that God expects us to have the right attitude and turn away from rebelling and grumbling. We have His power to help us. We're filled with His Spirit. We can either focus on what's wrong here and what we miss about home, or we can focus on God's wonders and marvelous things such as getting Kalina and getting our I600A approval from Nadeem's cleared fingerprints. We can focus on God's provision of health for all three of us, a nice place to stay, a laptop to communicate with home, clean water, a multitude of prayer warriors lifting us up daily, God's servants taking care of our home and cats, senators' staff to help us, and on and on.
I've heard people complain before that Christianity is a bunch of rules. Any good parent gives his child rules to keep the child safe and thriving. When God tells us to thank Him and to focus on what's good, that's for our benefit. Yes, it's sometimes very difficult. God is so good that He gives us the ability to do this, knowing we are flesh and cannot do it on our own. When we fall down, He lovingly lifts us up.
Bangladesh is filled with cawing black crows. When we visit the roof, they surround us. Some have landed a foot or two away from Kalina which really disturbs me. Yesterday we saw a bully crow knock another crow off a post and take over his spot. Several weeks ago I woke up during the night with a heavy heart. I went into our "prayer closet" (a.k.a bathroom) to pray. While praying, a huge flock of crows congregated right outside the window, cawing loudly. It disturbed me so much that I ran to Nadeem, woke him up, and made him pray with me.
While we were on the roof yesterday, I saw a sight I've never seen here before....a solid white bird. I only saw it for a moment. It swooped down in the distance and then disappeared. It reminded me of a dove. Last night when the darkness pressed in, I felt very comforted thinking about that white bird that was outside.
Thanks for praying for us!
This Psalm gave me a couple of messages. One is that God understands that we are flesh. He understands when we get weary and we grumble and struggle. Another important message is that God expects us to have the right attitude and turn away from rebelling and grumbling. We have His power to help us. We're filled with His Spirit. We can either focus on what's wrong here and what we miss about home, or we can focus on God's wonders and marvelous things such as getting Kalina and getting our I600A approval from Nadeem's cleared fingerprints. We can focus on God's provision of health for all three of us, a nice place to stay, a laptop to communicate with home, clean water, a multitude of prayer warriors lifting us up daily, God's servants taking care of our home and cats, senators' staff to help us, and on and on.
I've heard people complain before that Christianity is a bunch of rules. Any good parent gives his child rules to keep the child safe and thriving. When God tells us to thank Him and to focus on what's good, that's for our benefit. Yes, it's sometimes very difficult. God is so good that He gives us the ability to do this, knowing we are flesh and cannot do it on our own. When we fall down, He lovingly lifts us up.
Bangladesh is filled with cawing black crows. When we visit the roof, they surround us. Some have landed a foot or two away from Kalina which really disturbs me. Yesterday we saw a bully crow knock another crow off a post and take over his spot. Several weeks ago I woke up during the night with a heavy heart. I went into our "prayer closet" (a.k.a bathroom) to pray. While praying, a huge flock of crows congregated right outside the window, cawing loudly. It disturbed me so much that I ran to Nadeem, woke him up, and made him pray with me.
While we were on the roof yesterday, I saw a sight I've never seen here before....a solid white bird. I only saw it for a moment. It swooped down in the distance and then disappeared. It reminded me of a dove. Last night when the darkness pressed in, I felt very comforted thinking about that white bird that was outside.
Thanks for praying for us!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Weary Soldiers
Every day I pray before writing the blog. I'm always amazed at what God prompts me to write. Every once in a while, especially if I'm feeling disconnected from God, I write my own entry. They're usually nothing spiritual, just giving information about the culture and country here. Today I had a hint of a message to share. I had planned on entitling it something like "Finding the Beauty." However, the human part of me is grumbling and rebelling and saying "I don't want to write about that! I want to go home! I'm tired of finding the beauty!" In an ongoing attempt to honestly share our struggles, I've decided to go with "weary soldiers" instead.
This week Muslims are celebrating the holiday Eid. Here many families and even their servants have taken time to visit families away from the city in the villages. Our driver has already taken his time off, and one servant is currently away. The third servant, a teenage girl, cannot take her time off until next weekend. She's the newest and youngest servant, so the others got first priority. She's very upset. No offense to any teens reading this blog, but you know how teens sometimes get, well, moody?? Now you're getting the picture! The other day Nadeem thanked her for preparing our breakfast. She mumbled something in Bangla in response with her head down, storming back into the kitchen. I asked Nadeem what she had said. He kind of laughed and translated for me: "I want to go to the village." I wanted to make sure I had heard him correctly. "You mean when you said thank you she answered I want to go to the village??" Yes, that was correct! I kind of laughed, too, but inside part of me really understood!
Part of me feels like stomping around yelling, not mumbling, but yelling, "I want to go home!" Just like this servant girl, my time to leave has not yet arrived. How do I respond in the days remaining? I know the right answer. Nadeem and I both are accutely aware of how we should be responding and how in fact we're feeling. It's a hard battle. We're weary soldiers for Christ! Luckily God doesn't issue report cards because we wouldn't currently receive passing grades in the areas of peace, gratitude, patience, or contentment. God does, fortunately, issue grace, mercy, strength, and forgiveness. Thank You, God! God knows that we're weary, struggling, and grumbling in our hearts. He loves us anyhow!
I've mentioned before that we often take Kalina to the roof of the building to get some fresh air. It's the main place the children here play. I find it very ugly and depressing. Now that school's out for the winter holidays, there are often kids on the roof, or "terraces" to use the euphemism of the Bangla people. The kids try to play badminton, but their equipment is poor, and sometimes the shuttlecock goes flying off the roof, quickly ending their game. It's not like the recess field in our schools at home where a kid can quickly jump the fence while the teacher is distracted and retrieve a ball. There are pipes everywhere on the concrete floor, so the kids can't easily run or play other games.
I just learned that the roof used to be a place of beauty. Kids and families would go there to play and celebrate. There was a small garden and lots of potted plants. The concrete was smooth, and there was a badminton court. I became very excited! Perhaps the people could recreate this! My idea was not met with enthusiasm. Servants would have to use some of their time to tend to the plants, the potted plants harbored disease carrying mosquitos, and quite frankly, people just weren't that interested in rehabilitating the roof. I was disappointed.
I love the illustration of life from Rick Warren that our prayer warrior friend, Ed Potts, posted on our blog this week. Instead of viewing life as mountains and valleys, view it as a railroad track. You always have both good and bad running parallel in your life. Nadeem and I took Kalina to the roof yesterday afternoon with a specific mission-I wanted to capture a picture of the sunset. I had noticed its striking beauty the other day in contrast to the harshness of the roof. Nadeem wanted to take a photo of Kalina and me on the roof so we could remember how we'd go there for fresh air. Every time we go to the roof, we can choose if we'd like to focus on the clotheslines, concrete floor, the cawing crows, and the dirt or the blue sky (it rarely rains), the tiny birds, the sunset, the breeze, and the potted flowers we see from a distance.
Life is like this, too. We can choose to find the beauty in our circumstances or dwell on the negatives. Because Nadeem and I are in the middle of a big struggle, hopefully I can say this without sounding too preachy or like Pollyanna. The truth is that we have great difficulty in finding the beauty. I believe that this gift comes from God. Naturally we choose to look at what's wrong whether than what's right, what's ugly rather than what's lovely.
Yes, we're weary, but God has always given us strength for each day. He fills us with faith when we turn to Him. He helps us see the beauty. As my friend Angela said the other day, "Trudge on" or, in prettier terms, "Onward Christian soldiers."
Thank you so much for praying for us and for caring! We'd like to send a special thanks to the wonderful team of men led by John Lockwood for taking care of our front yard this week. We greatly appreciate you!!!!
This week Muslims are celebrating the holiday Eid. Here many families and even their servants have taken time to visit families away from the city in the villages. Our driver has already taken his time off, and one servant is currently away. The third servant, a teenage girl, cannot take her time off until next weekend. She's the newest and youngest servant, so the others got first priority. She's very upset. No offense to any teens reading this blog, but you know how teens sometimes get, well, moody?? Now you're getting the picture! The other day Nadeem thanked her for preparing our breakfast. She mumbled something in Bangla in response with her head down, storming back into the kitchen. I asked Nadeem what she had said. He kind of laughed and translated for me: "I want to go to the village." I wanted to make sure I had heard him correctly. "You mean when you said thank you she answered I want to go to the village??" Yes, that was correct! I kind of laughed, too, but inside part of me really understood!
Part of me feels like stomping around yelling, not mumbling, but yelling, "I want to go home!" Just like this servant girl, my time to leave has not yet arrived. How do I respond in the days remaining? I know the right answer. Nadeem and I both are accutely aware of how we should be responding and how in fact we're feeling. It's a hard battle. We're weary soldiers for Christ! Luckily God doesn't issue report cards because we wouldn't currently receive passing grades in the areas of peace, gratitude, patience, or contentment. God does, fortunately, issue grace, mercy, strength, and forgiveness. Thank You, God! God knows that we're weary, struggling, and grumbling in our hearts. He loves us anyhow!
I've mentioned before that we often take Kalina to the roof of the building to get some fresh air. It's the main place the children here play. I find it very ugly and depressing. Now that school's out for the winter holidays, there are often kids on the roof, or "terraces" to use the euphemism of the Bangla people. The kids try to play badminton, but their equipment is poor, and sometimes the shuttlecock goes flying off the roof, quickly ending their game. It's not like the recess field in our schools at home where a kid can quickly jump the fence while the teacher is distracted and retrieve a ball. There are pipes everywhere on the concrete floor, so the kids can't easily run or play other games.
I just learned that the roof used to be a place of beauty. Kids and families would go there to play and celebrate. There was a small garden and lots of potted plants. The concrete was smooth, and there was a badminton court. I became very excited! Perhaps the people could recreate this! My idea was not met with enthusiasm. Servants would have to use some of their time to tend to the plants, the potted plants harbored disease carrying mosquitos, and quite frankly, people just weren't that interested in rehabilitating the roof. I was disappointed.
I love the illustration of life from Rick Warren that our prayer warrior friend, Ed Potts, posted on our blog this week. Instead of viewing life as mountains and valleys, view it as a railroad track. You always have both good and bad running parallel in your life. Nadeem and I took Kalina to the roof yesterday afternoon with a specific mission-I wanted to capture a picture of the sunset. I had noticed its striking beauty the other day in contrast to the harshness of the roof. Nadeem wanted to take a photo of Kalina and me on the roof so we could remember how we'd go there for fresh air. Every time we go to the roof, we can choose if we'd like to focus on the clotheslines, concrete floor, the cawing crows, and the dirt or the blue sky (it rarely rains), the tiny birds, the sunset, the breeze, and the potted flowers we see from a distance.
Life is like this, too. We can choose to find the beauty in our circumstances or dwell on the negatives. Because Nadeem and I are in the middle of a big struggle, hopefully I can say this without sounding too preachy or like Pollyanna. The truth is that we have great difficulty in finding the beauty. I believe that this gift comes from God. Naturally we choose to look at what's wrong whether than what's right, what's ugly rather than what's lovely.
Yes, we're weary, but God has always given us strength for each day. He fills us with faith when we turn to Him. He helps us see the beauty. As my friend Angela said the other day, "Trudge on" or, in prettier terms, "Onward Christian soldiers."
Thank you so much for praying for us and for caring! We'd like to send a special thanks to the wonderful team of men led by John Lockwood for taking care of our front yard this week. We greatly appreciate you!!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Help My Unbelief
I really like the verses in Mark in which a man came to Jesus to ask for healing for his son. Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:23, 24) How I can relate to that! From deep within, my soul believes! I've read God's Word, I've experienced God's hand, and I believe! However, there's another part of me, the human flesh part of me, that looks around at what I see and thinks about how I feel and tries to reason and understand with my mind and then cries out, "Help my unbelief!"
I take comfort in recognizing that this seems to be a common struggle among us. I am amazed by the passage of scripture in Mark in which Jesus was teaching multitudes, but they had no food to eat, only five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus miraculously multiplied the food to feed about 5,000 men. His disciples witnessed this! Wouldn't that absolutely astound you?! Yet, in the very next passage, the text reads "immediately He made His disciples get into the boat". In other words, right after this miracle occured, the disciples boarded a boat and then faced heavy winds. Jesus walked on the water to them and calmed the winds. You would expect them to act in total faith, having just witnessed an incredible miracle. However, they were troubled and thought Jesus must be a ghost walking on the water. Help my unbelief!
I'm reading the true story of the American missionary, Darlene Deibler, who was in a Prisoner of War camp during World War II for four years. During that time, she experienced God's hand on multiple occasions. Her diet consisted of a daily plate of rice filled with white worms and tiny pebbles. The flies fought her for the food while mosquitos bit her repeatedly. She became quite ill with dysentery and malaria. (and we complain over mosquito bites we get while we're sleeping!) After some time she decided to pray to God for healing, and He healed her...immediately!
On another day, she woke to find that someone had planted a knife in her cell. She was terrified, thinking the guards would try to sabotage her and tell lies that she was a spy. She didn't know how to get rid of the knife. She prayed fervently, and three days later, the knife disappeared, even though nobody had entered or exited her cell to her knowledge.
Later on, she watched a female prisoner walk near the edge of the grounds and secretly get some bananas. Darlene craved those bananas! She began to talk to God about this, asking Him if she could please have a banana. Darlene began to think of how this could possibly happen since she was in seclusion. She pondered which guard might bring her one, but she could see no way of having her craving fulfilled. The next day, a guard she had known from a previous camp appeared. When he left, he asked her current guard to deliver a gift-not just one banana, but 92! She wept and said, "Lord, forgive me; I'm so ashamed. I couldn't trust You enough to get even one banana for me. Just look at them-there are almost a hundred." God whispered to her heart, "That's what I delight to do, the exceeding abundant above anything you ask or think." Darlene reports that she knew in that moment that nothing is impossible to God. Why in that moment? Why not after her healing and removal of the knife? Help my unbelief!
In Bangladesh, we've witnessed God provide us victory at court so that we could be Kalina's parents. We've seen Him get us approval for our I600A after Nadeem's fingerprints were approved. We've seen Him strengthen us on a daily basis. However, when faced with the news that we could not get Kalina's visa now, that we must have a certificate from the Bangladesh government, why was my first response disappointment, doubt and despair? Why did I listen to the voices of man again who told me that they had no idea how to get this certificate and that it seemed impossible? Why did I give in to my feelings of fear of being in a foreign country where I'm totally helpless-having no transportation, no ability to communicate in their language, and no way of knowing how to get this certificate? Why did I fall into despair, feeling we'd never go home? Help my unbelief!
A couple of years ago, I really wrestled with my faith. I had many questions and doubts. I read the story in Joshua about God drying up the waters of the Jordan River so that the people could cross over. Once this happened, God told Joshua that representatives from all twelve tribes should take twelve stones from the river. These stones would be a sign and a memorial to the children forever, so that they'd know that the hand of the Lord is mighty. (Joshua 4) When I read this story, I felt prompted to get stones of my own. I went to Michael's craft store and bought a bag of river pebbles and a black Sharpie marker. I spent time at home recalling all the times when God had answered my prayers. I recorded these on the stones. I now have a full container of stones! When I doubt, I sometimes pour the stones out and hold them one at a time, reading and remembering. The stones also link together, and I can see how God was working in a bigger way than I initially understood when a single prayer was answered.
I think God knows how quick we are to forgot, how slow we are to remember as humans. In the Bible, He tells us to remember-by using tangible reminders such as stones and by keeping written record of His works.
When I first started following God, I had nothing to record from my own experience. My family attended church sporadically, and I never really prayed until I was a young adult. When I became sick with mercury poisoning, I remembered a boy in my Sunday School class when I was 10 years old. He'd tell us stories about how his family prayed and God answered. He'd tell the accounts very matter-of-factly, like this was a normal part of his life. This fascinated me. Years later, when I faced unexplained symptoms, I remembered this boy and one particular story of how his family prayed for a washing machine, and God provided for them. I started to pray to God myself, and then I began to know Him and see His hand in my life.
This morning as I've alternated between writing this and caring for Kalina, the phone rang with a call for Nadeem. That's really strange here because nearly all of our friends and family are at home and don't call us. It was one of his uncles, a former ambassador and ex-foreign secretary of Bangladesh. He has contacted the head of the Home Ministry and explained our urgent need for a "no objection certificate." They'll be waiting for Nadeem on Sunday to help us obtain this as quickly as possible. Praise God!
"who delivered us...who does deliver us....in whom we trust that He will still deliver us" -2 Corinthians 1:10
I take comfort in recognizing that this seems to be a common struggle among us. I am amazed by the passage of scripture in Mark in which Jesus was teaching multitudes, but they had no food to eat, only five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus miraculously multiplied the food to feed about 5,000 men. His disciples witnessed this! Wouldn't that absolutely astound you?! Yet, in the very next passage, the text reads "immediately He made His disciples get into the boat". In other words, right after this miracle occured, the disciples boarded a boat and then faced heavy winds. Jesus walked on the water to them and calmed the winds. You would expect them to act in total faith, having just witnessed an incredible miracle. However, they were troubled and thought Jesus must be a ghost walking on the water. Help my unbelief!
I'm reading the true story of the American missionary, Darlene Deibler, who was in a Prisoner of War camp during World War II for four years. During that time, she experienced God's hand on multiple occasions. Her diet consisted of a daily plate of rice filled with white worms and tiny pebbles. The flies fought her for the food while mosquitos bit her repeatedly. She became quite ill with dysentery and malaria. (and we complain over mosquito bites we get while we're sleeping!) After some time she decided to pray to God for healing, and He healed her...immediately!
On another day, she woke to find that someone had planted a knife in her cell. She was terrified, thinking the guards would try to sabotage her and tell lies that she was a spy. She didn't know how to get rid of the knife. She prayed fervently, and three days later, the knife disappeared, even though nobody had entered or exited her cell to her knowledge.
Later on, she watched a female prisoner walk near the edge of the grounds and secretly get some bananas. Darlene craved those bananas! She began to talk to God about this, asking Him if she could please have a banana. Darlene began to think of how this could possibly happen since she was in seclusion. She pondered which guard might bring her one, but she could see no way of having her craving fulfilled. The next day, a guard she had known from a previous camp appeared. When he left, he asked her current guard to deliver a gift-not just one banana, but 92! She wept and said, "Lord, forgive me; I'm so ashamed. I couldn't trust You enough to get even one banana for me. Just look at them-there are almost a hundred." God whispered to her heart, "That's what I delight to do, the exceeding abundant above anything you ask or think." Darlene reports that she knew in that moment that nothing is impossible to God. Why in that moment? Why not after her healing and removal of the knife? Help my unbelief!
In Bangladesh, we've witnessed God provide us victory at court so that we could be Kalina's parents. We've seen Him get us approval for our I600A after Nadeem's fingerprints were approved. We've seen Him strengthen us on a daily basis. However, when faced with the news that we could not get Kalina's visa now, that we must have a certificate from the Bangladesh government, why was my first response disappointment, doubt and despair? Why did I listen to the voices of man again who told me that they had no idea how to get this certificate and that it seemed impossible? Why did I give in to my feelings of fear of being in a foreign country where I'm totally helpless-having no transportation, no ability to communicate in their language, and no way of knowing how to get this certificate? Why did I fall into despair, feeling we'd never go home? Help my unbelief!
A couple of years ago, I really wrestled with my faith. I had many questions and doubts. I read the story in Joshua about God drying up the waters of the Jordan River so that the people could cross over. Once this happened, God told Joshua that representatives from all twelve tribes should take twelve stones from the river. These stones would be a sign and a memorial to the children forever, so that they'd know that the hand of the Lord is mighty. (Joshua 4) When I read this story, I felt prompted to get stones of my own. I went to Michael's craft store and bought a bag of river pebbles and a black Sharpie marker. I spent time at home recalling all the times when God had answered my prayers. I recorded these on the stones. I now have a full container of stones! When I doubt, I sometimes pour the stones out and hold them one at a time, reading and remembering. The stones also link together, and I can see how God was working in a bigger way than I initially understood when a single prayer was answered.
I think God knows how quick we are to forgot, how slow we are to remember as humans. In the Bible, He tells us to remember-by using tangible reminders such as stones and by keeping written record of His works.
When I first started following God, I had nothing to record from my own experience. My family attended church sporadically, and I never really prayed until I was a young adult. When I became sick with mercury poisoning, I remembered a boy in my Sunday School class when I was 10 years old. He'd tell us stories about how his family prayed and God answered. He'd tell the accounts very matter-of-factly, like this was a normal part of his life. This fascinated me. Years later, when I faced unexplained symptoms, I remembered this boy and one particular story of how his family prayed for a washing machine, and God provided for them. I started to pray to God myself, and then I began to know Him and see His hand in my life.
This morning as I've alternated between writing this and caring for Kalina, the phone rang with a call for Nadeem. That's really strange here because nearly all of our friends and family are at home and don't call us. It was one of his uncles, a former ambassador and ex-foreign secretary of Bangladesh. He has contacted the head of the Home Ministry and explained our urgent need for a "no objection certificate." They'll be waiting for Nadeem on Sunday to help us obtain this as quickly as possible. Praise God!
"who delivered us...who does deliver us....in whom we trust that He will still deliver us" -2 Corinthians 1:10
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I Wonder How They Felt
If you're familiar with the story of Joseph in the Old Testament book of Genesis, you know that he was thrown in prison for a crime he didn't commit. After spending some time there, he did a favor for the king's chief butler, who was also in the prison, by interpreting a dream for him. Joseph asked the butler to remember him and help him get out of the prison. The butler promsied that he would. I'll bet that Joseph was filled with hope, knowing that his deliverance was near. "Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph but forgot him." -Genesis 40:23
After spending time in a horrible concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom finally received her official release papers. I'll bet that she was filled with hope, knowing that her deliverance had come! However, the doctor said she was too sick to leave and had to stay in the concentration camp hospital until she passed inspection.
I wonder how they felt. Did the lose hope? Were they so disappointed? Did they feel that God had abandoned them? Did they wonder if they would ever truly be set free?
Or were they able to keep their eyes on God, knowing that He was indeed working all things together for the good? Not only would they be delivered shortly, but He was preparing something wonderful for both of them. After Joseph was thrown into prison, scripture says two times, "The Lord was with him." (Gen. 39: 21, 23) Were they able to remember that the Lord was with them in the middle of their disappointment and shattered dreams?
* * * * * * * *
He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater.
He sends more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction, He adds His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
And our strength has failed when the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
The Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure.
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He gives and gives and gives again. -Annie Johnson Flint
After spending time in a horrible concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom finally received her official release papers. I'll bet that she was filled with hope, knowing that her deliverance had come! However, the doctor said she was too sick to leave and had to stay in the concentration camp hospital until she passed inspection.
I wonder how they felt. Did the lose hope? Were they so disappointed? Did they feel that God had abandoned them? Did they wonder if they would ever truly be set free?
Or were they able to keep their eyes on God, knowing that He was indeed working all things together for the good? Not only would they be delivered shortly, but He was preparing something wonderful for both of them. After Joseph was thrown into prison, scripture says two times, "The Lord was with him." (Gen. 39: 21, 23) Were they able to remember that the Lord was with them in the middle of their disappointment and shattered dreams?
* * * * * * * *
He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater.
He sends more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction, He adds His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
And our strength has failed when the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
The Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure.
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He gives and gives and gives again. -Annie Johnson Flint
)
No Visa Yet
Dear Family and Friends, I'm sorry to share with you that we cannot get our visa this week. We had hoped so much to be home this weekend! We have already seen God move so many mountains this past week-getting both packages here, getting our I600A approval with Nadeem's fingerprints, and getting our I600 approval at the embassy here to adopt Kalina. However, our work here is obviously not done yet. God is still on His throne. He has not forgotten us. Nothing that has happened is outside His will. We were counting on this weekend being His time to send us home, but the time hasn't quite arrived yet. Please continue to pray for us.
The US embassy here is a most unfriendly place. From the moment you arrive, you're searched and ordered around. Two days this week we've brought Kalina there. I get a kick out of watching these harsh guards smile at her. It helps that she smiles a lot, too. On Monday when we went to the embassy, Hasan's family went with us. A mean man came into the small waiting room and ordered everyone out except us. He said that nobody could sit there unless they had business. Let me mention that the room was half empty. Just being in the embassy makes you feel really tense.
Today, however, we felt very hopeful. After all, two times this week Nadeem and/or I had met with a lady who had looked over all of our paperwork with her supervisor and said that we were ready to apply for the visa today. Everything was moving so quickly and with no problems! She said that we could expect to receive the visa tomorrow.
Today we were told that we need another certificate from the Bangladeshi government saying that we can take Kalina out of their country. We were shocked to hear that we cannot get the visa until we have this certificate. We have asked them repeatedly if we have everything that we need. The lady helping us checked with her supervisor to see if they'd approve us without it, but apparently it's a requirement. Now we have to obtain this. Once we present it to the embassy, they'll issue Kalina's visa the next work day. I asked over and over again as we were leaving today if there was anything else. The lady assured us that this is the final step. At this point, we don't know how long it will take to get this certificate. You all have stood by us through all of our ups and downs on this journey. We're so thankful! I had hoped to post the glorious news today that we're coming home, but I know that you will all continue to pray for us and wait eagerly for our return.
Yesterday was a Muslim holiday, Eid. We already celebrated an Eid holiday in October, but this is a different one. The Muslim holy book also contains the Old Testament story of Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac. (As a side note, he went to sacrifice him at Mount Moriah. Moriah, as you may recall, is Kalina's middle name, so this Bible story has great significance for us as it tells the meaning of her name.) On this holiday, the people sacrifice cows and goats to ask for Allah's (God's) blessings on them. Working men must offer sacrifices. This is optional for women and children. After the animals are sacrificed, the meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for the poor, and one for their relatives. Then everyone distributes the meat.
A few days before Eid, the garage of our apartment building turned into a barnyard. Cows wearing fancy necklaces and hats and goats were tied to temporary fences. People purchased the animals from markets and then walked them down the streets to their homes. Early yesterday morning after the men said their prayers, the animals were sacrificed. I did not watch this! However, everyone else, male and female, young and old, witnessed this. In our room on the 4th floor I could hear this horrible wailing sound, kind of like the noise ghosts make in movies. It was the poor animals. Someira told me not to feel badly, that the animals would go straight to heaven for making this sacrifice. The people, however, have no way of knowing whether or not they'll go to heaven.
The whole process of sacrificing the animals and preparing the meat lasted until mid-afternoon. The tile floors of the building had blood stains. Then poor people started coming to the door to receive their offering. Later families delivered meat to their relatives.
For me, I spent some of the time with the young girls of the building who had a dance party in one of the bedrooms! We all wore our new holiday clothing. (Angela will post photos.)
The day made me have a deeper appreciation for the verse in Isaiah which describes our Savior: "He was oppressed and He was afflicted. Yet He opened not His mouth. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter." -Isaiah 53:7a
Our Savior who sacrificed His life for us is the same One who will deliver us home!
The US embassy here is a most unfriendly place. From the moment you arrive, you're searched and ordered around. Two days this week we've brought Kalina there. I get a kick out of watching these harsh guards smile at her. It helps that she smiles a lot, too. On Monday when we went to the embassy, Hasan's family went with us. A mean man came into the small waiting room and ordered everyone out except us. He said that nobody could sit there unless they had business. Let me mention that the room was half empty. Just being in the embassy makes you feel really tense.
Today, however, we felt very hopeful. After all, two times this week Nadeem and/or I had met with a lady who had looked over all of our paperwork with her supervisor and said that we were ready to apply for the visa today. Everything was moving so quickly and with no problems! She said that we could expect to receive the visa tomorrow.
Today we were told that we need another certificate from the Bangladeshi government saying that we can take Kalina out of their country. We were shocked to hear that we cannot get the visa until we have this certificate. We have asked them repeatedly if we have everything that we need. The lady helping us checked with her supervisor to see if they'd approve us without it, but apparently it's a requirement. Now we have to obtain this. Once we present it to the embassy, they'll issue Kalina's visa the next work day. I asked over and over again as we were leaving today if there was anything else. The lady assured us that this is the final step. At this point, we don't know how long it will take to get this certificate. You all have stood by us through all of our ups and downs on this journey. We're so thankful! I had hoped to post the glorious news today that we're coming home, but I know that you will all continue to pray for us and wait eagerly for our return.
Yesterday was a Muslim holiday, Eid. We already celebrated an Eid holiday in October, but this is a different one. The Muslim holy book also contains the Old Testament story of Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac. (As a side note, he went to sacrifice him at Mount Moriah. Moriah, as you may recall, is Kalina's middle name, so this Bible story has great significance for us as it tells the meaning of her name.) On this holiday, the people sacrifice cows and goats to ask for Allah's (God's) blessings on them. Working men must offer sacrifices. This is optional for women and children. After the animals are sacrificed, the meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for the poor, and one for their relatives. Then everyone distributes the meat.
A few days before Eid, the garage of our apartment building turned into a barnyard. Cows wearing fancy necklaces and hats and goats were tied to temporary fences. People purchased the animals from markets and then walked them down the streets to their homes. Early yesterday morning after the men said their prayers, the animals were sacrificed. I did not watch this! However, everyone else, male and female, young and old, witnessed this. In our room on the 4th floor I could hear this horrible wailing sound, kind of like the noise ghosts make in movies. It was the poor animals. Someira told me not to feel badly, that the animals would go straight to heaven for making this sacrifice. The people, however, have no way of knowing whether or not they'll go to heaven.
The whole process of sacrificing the animals and preparing the meat lasted until mid-afternoon. The tile floors of the building had blood stains. Then poor people started coming to the door to receive their offering. Later families delivered meat to their relatives.
For me, I spent some of the time with the young girls of the building who had a dance party in one of the bedrooms! We all wore our new holiday clothing. (Angela will post photos.)
The day made me have a deeper appreciation for the verse in Isaiah which describes our Savior: "He was oppressed and He was afflicted. Yet He opened not His mouth. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter." -Isaiah 53:7a
Our Savior who sacrificed His life for us is the same One who will deliver us home!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Earth vs. Spirit
Nadeem here:
The Victory is ours!!! He is Jehovah Nissi! Our 1st interview at the US Embassy was fantastic, and our visa interview is at 1 pm Wednesday afternoon. We should then see our Miracle of Kalina's visa on Thursday. With all this great news I have been having a hard time about what I am doing. What happens with my life next? If it all works out we should be on a plane on Friday. Yet I am almost scared to leave; plus I will miss my new family here. Will God still keep me in the Spiritual World or will I lose myself on the earth again? Let me explain. There are two worlds, one of the earth and one of the Spirit. I believe there is a constant battle between Satan's armies and God's angels. How about some examples:
1. The earth: I was a premature baby and the doctors told my mother if I lived I could be retarded. The Spirit: God had a greater purpose for my life to work for His Kingdom. Plus, I think I am fairly normal most of the time.
2. The earth: We could not have a baby so we decided to adopt one and ran into some trouble. Hey, it was just like an extended holiday - servants, nice apartment, great family who take wonderful care of you, getting up late and finding breakfast ready, and did I mention the driver? Also, the dollar actually has value here so everything is 80% off in the stores. The Spirit: God called us to go get Kalina so she could serve His Kingdom, so we could grow in Faith. But Satan attacks you when you do God's work. Satan's armies come against you and make you think you are failing in life. But we have a God that loves us and gives us value. We matter to our Heavenly Father.
3. The earth: I have a hard time sleeping because I am worried about my job, my family, finances, etc. I just toss and turn all night and then get sick the next day. The Spirit: I rebuke this demon of sleeplessness in the name of Christ. "God, I surrender all my troubles to you and will worry no more."
4. The earth: People come in and out of your life; it is all random meetings. The Spirit: God puts people in your lives for a reason. Show them God's love, His kindness, His patience, and His gentleness - don't mess it up!
I don't know what is ahead for my family and me, but I will not be afraid of the dark. "Trust in the Lord" and I know He will find a way for me to serve His Kingdom. Many of you also see the difference when you read scripture in the Spirit. God talks to you and gives you purpose. As "Our Adoption Journey" comes to an end I want to thank all off you for your prayers and support and for following our Spiritual Journey.
-- Love your bond servant in Christ Jesus, Nadeem Kaiser.
The Victory is ours!!! He is Jehovah Nissi! Our 1st interview at the US Embassy was fantastic, and our visa interview is at 1 pm Wednesday afternoon. We should then see our Miracle of Kalina's visa on Thursday. With all this great news I have been having a hard time about what I am doing. What happens with my life next? If it all works out we should be on a plane on Friday. Yet I am almost scared to leave; plus I will miss my new family here. Will God still keep me in the Spiritual World or will I lose myself on the earth again? Let me explain. There are two worlds, one of the earth and one of the Spirit. I believe there is a constant battle between Satan's armies and God's angels. How about some examples:
1. The earth: I was a premature baby and the doctors told my mother if I lived I could be retarded. The Spirit: God had a greater purpose for my life to work for His Kingdom. Plus, I think I am fairly normal most of the time.
2. The earth: We could not have a baby so we decided to adopt one and ran into some trouble. Hey, it was just like an extended holiday - servants, nice apartment, great family who take wonderful care of you, getting up late and finding breakfast ready, and did I mention the driver? Also, the dollar actually has value here so everything is 80% off in the stores. The Spirit: God called us to go get Kalina so she could serve His Kingdom, so we could grow in Faith. But Satan attacks you when you do God's work. Satan's armies come against you and make you think you are failing in life. But we have a God that loves us and gives us value. We matter to our Heavenly Father.
3. The earth: I have a hard time sleeping because I am worried about my job, my family, finances, etc. I just toss and turn all night and then get sick the next day. The Spirit: I rebuke this demon of sleeplessness in the name of Christ. "God, I surrender all my troubles to you and will worry no more."
4. The earth: People come in and out of your life; it is all random meetings. The Spirit: God puts people in your lives for a reason. Show them God's love, His kindness, His patience, and His gentleness - don't mess it up!
I don't know what is ahead for my family and me, but I will not be afraid of the dark. "Trust in the Lord" and I know He will find a way for me to serve His Kingdom. Many of you also see the difference when you read scripture in the Spirit. God talks to you and gives you purpose. As "Our Adoption Journey" comes to an end I want to thank all off you for your prayers and support and for following our Spiritual Journey.
-- Love your bond servant in Christ Jesus, Nadeem Kaiser.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
To God be the Glory Again!
Yesterday Nadeem called the embassy in Bangladesh to see if they had received our approval from the Visa Center in the US. The lady who has helped us most recently told Nadeem that a separate department handles visas. The head of that department was busy, so we'd have to wait for them to call us back. Because we've already been through so much, every step and every conversation is filled with turmoil.
After an hour or so, another lady called back to let us know that they had in fact received our approval via email! A huge praise! She also said that we do not have to pay an additional $400 fee to apply for the visa because we already paid a large fee in Atlanta to get the I600A, and the visa is included in that fee. Another huge praise! Then we got some bad news. The lady said that we couldn't file for Kalina's visa yet because they had not received the paperwork from the USCIS in Atlanta. We hadn't heard anything about this. Nadeem explained to the lady that we must return home soon or else he will lose his position at work. He asked her to please do anything she could to help us. She said that Nadeem could come to the embassy that afternoon to submit the paperwork. However, we'd have to wait for them to get the needed papers from Atlanta before they could grant the visa. We tried to focus on the praises instead of the disappointing news. We hoped that they would accept the paperwork from Atlanta electronically.
Nadeem went to the embassy in the afternoon and came back with wonderful, amazing news! When they looked at all of our paperwork, they discovered that Nadeem had copies of everything they needed from Atlanta! Plus, all of our paperwork from Bangladesh for Kalina is complete. They told Nadeem to come the next day with Kalina and me for an interview! They would then collect our paperwork and application. They gave further incredible news-we could have the visa as early as Wednesday!!!!!! We're going to the embassy this afternoon (Monday)!! Keep praying and standing in faith! We could be coming home this weekend!!!!
"Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?'" -John 11:40
After an hour or so, another lady called back to let us know that they had in fact received our approval via email! A huge praise! She also said that we do not have to pay an additional $400 fee to apply for the visa because we already paid a large fee in Atlanta to get the I600A, and the visa is included in that fee. Another huge praise! Then we got some bad news. The lady said that we couldn't file for Kalina's visa yet because they had not received the paperwork from the USCIS in Atlanta. We hadn't heard anything about this. Nadeem explained to the lady that we must return home soon or else he will lose his position at work. He asked her to please do anything she could to help us. She said that Nadeem could come to the embassy that afternoon to submit the paperwork. However, we'd have to wait for them to get the needed papers from Atlanta before they could grant the visa. We tried to focus on the praises instead of the disappointing news. We hoped that they would accept the paperwork from Atlanta electronically.
Nadeem went to the embassy in the afternoon and came back with wonderful, amazing news! When they looked at all of our paperwork, they discovered that Nadeem had copies of everything they needed from Atlanta! Plus, all of our paperwork from Bangladesh for Kalina is complete. They told Nadeem to come the next day with Kalina and me for an interview! They would then collect our paperwork and application. They gave further incredible news-we could have the visa as early as Wednesday!!!!!! We're going to the embassy this afternoon (Monday)!! Keep praying and standing in faith! We could be coming home this weekend!!!!
"Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?'" -John 11:40
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Love God Most
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." -Deuternonomy 6:5
We have been both excited and nervous about hearing some wonderful news yesterday: the Visa Center in the US emailed our approval to the US Embassy in Bangladesh on Friday at 12:15 p.m.! This means that we can go to apply for Kalina's visa which we were told would be processed and approved in 2-3 days! We are so excited at the thought of coming home soon! However, we are also nervous because so far every step has been met with difficulties.
Yesterday Nadeem and I spent some time talking about our homecoming. We tried to imagine how Kalina will respond to her new environment and new loved ones that she'll meet. We wondered how our cats would act. Just yesterday Kalina has started something new-roaring like a little lion. We've all laughed at the sound, so of course, she feels this is quite adorable and to be repeated frequently. Poor kitties!
Part of our discussion involved thinking about the supplies and resources we'll have at home for Kalina. In America, there are so many choices! Here Kalina has a handful of outfits that we wash and hang to dry each day. She has very basic supplies-a few bottles, a couple of rattles, 2 washcloths-you get the picture. What does she "need" when we return? What do any of us "need"?
James 1:17 says that "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." I believe that God delights in giving to us! The problem comes when we love the things better than God. I want Kalina to enjoy her toys and belongings. However, I don't want her to be greedy or demanding or a spoiled brat.
Every place has its own unique struggles. We've shared many of the struggles we've faced while here. In America, a struggle we all face is to not fall into materialism. It's so easy to get caught up in shopping and wanting more in a land of abundance. I John 2:15 says "Do not love the world or the things in the world." The challenge is to love God first. Then we're free to enjoy all the things that He gives us. They'll be in their proper place.
Lately when I've woken up I've wanted to race to the computer to check the news from home. Have we been approved? Has the approval gone to the visa center? Has it come here? This is all a gift from God, but does the outcome affect my mood for the day? Do I place more importance on good news than on loving God and experiencing His joy each day?
While we've been here, we've come to know God more. At the same time, I have more questions than ever, and I realize more than ever just how far I am from being Christ-like. I heard a preacher say once that if you love God and love others, then your day is complete. It's a simple message, but one that's really hard to do!
We're so grateful for all of you and your prayers and love for us! Thank you, God, for this beautiful gift!
We have been both excited and nervous about hearing some wonderful news yesterday: the Visa Center in the US emailed our approval to the US Embassy in Bangladesh on Friday at 12:15 p.m.! This means that we can go to apply for Kalina's visa which we were told would be processed and approved in 2-3 days! We are so excited at the thought of coming home soon! However, we are also nervous because so far every step has been met with difficulties.
Yesterday Nadeem and I spent some time talking about our homecoming. We tried to imagine how Kalina will respond to her new environment and new loved ones that she'll meet. We wondered how our cats would act. Just yesterday Kalina has started something new-roaring like a little lion. We've all laughed at the sound, so of course, she feels this is quite adorable and to be repeated frequently. Poor kitties!
Part of our discussion involved thinking about the supplies and resources we'll have at home for Kalina. In America, there are so many choices! Here Kalina has a handful of outfits that we wash and hang to dry each day. She has very basic supplies-a few bottles, a couple of rattles, 2 washcloths-you get the picture. What does she "need" when we return? What do any of us "need"?
James 1:17 says that "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." I believe that God delights in giving to us! The problem comes when we love the things better than God. I want Kalina to enjoy her toys and belongings. However, I don't want her to be greedy or demanding or a spoiled brat.
Every place has its own unique struggles. We've shared many of the struggles we've faced while here. In America, a struggle we all face is to not fall into materialism. It's so easy to get caught up in shopping and wanting more in a land of abundance. I John 2:15 says "Do not love the world or the things in the world." The challenge is to love God first. Then we're free to enjoy all the things that He gives us. They'll be in their proper place.
Lately when I've woken up I've wanted to race to the computer to check the news from home. Have we been approved? Has the approval gone to the visa center? Has it come here? This is all a gift from God, but does the outcome affect my mood for the day? Do I place more importance on good news than on loving God and experiencing His joy each day?
While we've been here, we've come to know God more. At the same time, I have more questions than ever, and I realize more than ever just how far I am from being Christ-like. I heard a preacher say once that if you love God and love others, then your day is complete. It's a simple message, but one that's really hard to do!
We're so grateful for all of you and your prayers and love for us! Thank you, God, for this beautiful gift!
Friday, December 5, 2008
God is Truth
A while ago I posted a blog entry on who God has been to us during our adoption journey to Bangladesh. Today God is revealing Himself as Truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life." (John 14:6)
A verse that I have held onto before and during our trip has been Romans 3:4 "Let God be true and every man a liar." In other words, believe God's Word and truth and do not rely on man's word. This is really hard, and I believe you cannot do this without God's strength.
If you're new to reading our blog, you may not know that Nadeem and I never planned to adopt a baby. We wanted children of our own, and I had begun to feel that God had other plans for us instead of being parents. A year ago, God told us to go to Bangladesh to adopt. We had no idea how this would work out. There are no adoption agencies that work here, and you must be a citizen of Bangladesh to adopt here. In addition, God told me to quit my teaching job which I loved. I had some very uncomfortable conversations with my boss and co-workers in which I had to explain that I was quitting my job to go to Bangladesh to adopt, but we had no plan of how this would actually happen. I got several comments of "What will you do when you have no job and this hasn't worked out?" Those kind of remarks tend to kill your faith, you know! However, God was true and man wasn't. I did quit my job, and we did come to Bangladesh. We have Kalina! What was impossible with man was possible with God!
I want to share God's truth versus man's truth concerning the fingerprints and approval. Before we left the US, we were supposed to wait for the approval and clearance. There were many errors made prior to our departure, and the day before we left we still didn't have our fingerprints taken for homeland security. We begged the workers at the USCIS to help us, but they wouldn't. We fully expected God to perform a miracle right then and there, but He didn't.
Nadeem and I didn't know what to do. We both prayed, and God told us to go to Bangladesh as scheduled. Some friends told us this was a mistake and that we needed to delay our trip. The USCIS officials told us not to leave the country without getting the fingerprints approved. Our lawyer's paralegal told us not to leave the US. Once again, we had to decide who to believe-God or man. We were scared. I spent the day that we left crying. We had no idea what lay ahead of us, but we left for Bangladesh as planned.
We arrived and got Kalina! If you want the full story, read the earlier blog postings.
Then we visited the US Embassy in Bangladesh where we were told to send Kalina back to the orphanage and return to the US to get approval, that they could not help us get her visa until we did this. We were horrified! What would we do with our brand new, 2 1/2 month old daughter? We started to try to figure out what to do. At first, Hasan's family suggested that we leave Kalina with them. They could take care of her along with the servants. That would be better than returning her to the orphanage. We wondered if perhaps some of Nadeem's relatives here could help us. Our minds raced around. We wondered if we had made a huge mistake. Had we really heard God correctly? What was happening??
Nadeem and I both prayed separately and asked God what we should do. He gave us the same message which He would repeat over and over throughout the months to come: "Stay. Wait. Stand firm." That was it. No further explanation. Okay. We had a peace about this, but we continued to hear the truth of man.
Our lawyer told us that we were wrong to leave the US without approval. She checked with her sources in Washington, DC who said that we had to fly home to the US to get our fingerprints taken; they couldn't be done here. She said to leave Kalina here and come home. After that, she stopped returning our phone calls and emails. We felt really alone. All we had was God's Word that we should stay, and He would take care of us. I say "all" we had. That should be more than enough! However, you get in a scary spot and hear the voices of man, and it's really hard!!!
We arrived here on September 7. A month later we got permission from the USCIS for us to have our fingerprints taken here at the embassy. When we went to the embassy, we were told that this has never happened before and that they were not equipped to do this. The computer wasn't linked to the US system. They reluctantly took our prints on cardboard but wouldn't send them to the US. They said we might have to go to India to get the prints done. They had to talk to the embassy in India to see how to proceed. Finally they did send the prints.
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
From the US we were told that nobody knew how to process cardboard prints. They sent them from Atlanta to Texas and then said they'd have to send them to Washington, DC. God had other plans. After one month, the prints were processed in Texas!
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
Then Nadeem's prints failed due to his amputated fingers. The head of homeland security told my mom that Nadeem would have to leave Kalina and me here, fly home, and wait for approval.
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
THIS WEEK WE RECEIVED OUR US APPROVAL!!!!!
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
Nadeem said, "I told you I wasn't a criminal!"
Nadeem, Sherri, and Kalina praised the name of God!!!!!
Psalm 3:8 "From the Lord comes deliverance."
Isaiah 64:4 "God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."
A verse that I have held onto before and during our trip has been Romans 3:4 "Let God be true and every man a liar." In other words, believe God's Word and truth and do not rely on man's word. This is really hard, and I believe you cannot do this without God's strength.
If you're new to reading our blog, you may not know that Nadeem and I never planned to adopt a baby. We wanted children of our own, and I had begun to feel that God had other plans for us instead of being parents. A year ago, God told us to go to Bangladesh to adopt. We had no idea how this would work out. There are no adoption agencies that work here, and you must be a citizen of Bangladesh to adopt here. In addition, God told me to quit my teaching job which I loved. I had some very uncomfortable conversations with my boss and co-workers in which I had to explain that I was quitting my job to go to Bangladesh to adopt, but we had no plan of how this would actually happen. I got several comments of "What will you do when you have no job and this hasn't worked out?" Those kind of remarks tend to kill your faith, you know! However, God was true and man wasn't. I did quit my job, and we did come to Bangladesh. We have Kalina! What was impossible with man was possible with God!
I want to share God's truth versus man's truth concerning the fingerprints and approval. Before we left the US, we were supposed to wait for the approval and clearance. There were many errors made prior to our departure, and the day before we left we still didn't have our fingerprints taken for homeland security. We begged the workers at the USCIS to help us, but they wouldn't. We fully expected God to perform a miracle right then and there, but He didn't.
Nadeem and I didn't know what to do. We both prayed, and God told us to go to Bangladesh as scheduled. Some friends told us this was a mistake and that we needed to delay our trip. The USCIS officials told us not to leave the country without getting the fingerprints approved. Our lawyer's paralegal told us not to leave the US. Once again, we had to decide who to believe-God or man. We were scared. I spent the day that we left crying. We had no idea what lay ahead of us, but we left for Bangladesh as planned.
We arrived and got Kalina! If you want the full story, read the earlier blog postings.
Then we visited the US Embassy in Bangladesh where we were told to send Kalina back to the orphanage and return to the US to get approval, that they could not help us get her visa until we did this. We were horrified! What would we do with our brand new, 2 1/2 month old daughter? We started to try to figure out what to do. At first, Hasan's family suggested that we leave Kalina with them. They could take care of her along with the servants. That would be better than returning her to the orphanage. We wondered if perhaps some of Nadeem's relatives here could help us. Our minds raced around. We wondered if we had made a huge mistake. Had we really heard God correctly? What was happening??
Nadeem and I both prayed separately and asked God what we should do. He gave us the same message which He would repeat over and over throughout the months to come: "Stay. Wait. Stand firm." That was it. No further explanation. Okay. We had a peace about this, but we continued to hear the truth of man.
Our lawyer told us that we were wrong to leave the US without approval. She checked with her sources in Washington, DC who said that we had to fly home to the US to get our fingerprints taken; they couldn't be done here. She said to leave Kalina here and come home. After that, she stopped returning our phone calls and emails. We felt really alone. All we had was God's Word that we should stay, and He would take care of us. I say "all" we had. That should be more than enough! However, you get in a scary spot and hear the voices of man, and it's really hard!!!
We arrived here on September 7. A month later we got permission from the USCIS for us to have our fingerprints taken here at the embassy. When we went to the embassy, we were told that this has never happened before and that they were not equipped to do this. The computer wasn't linked to the US system. They reluctantly took our prints on cardboard but wouldn't send them to the US. They said we might have to go to India to get the prints done. They had to talk to the embassy in India to see how to proceed. Finally they did send the prints.
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
From the US we were told that nobody knew how to process cardboard prints. They sent them from Atlanta to Texas and then said they'd have to send them to Washington, DC. God had other plans. After one month, the prints were processed in Texas!
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
Then Nadeem's prints failed due to his amputated fingers. The head of homeland security told my mom that Nadeem would have to leave Kalina and me here, fly home, and wait for approval.
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
THIS WEEK WE RECEIVED OUR US APPROVAL!!!!!
God said, "Stay. Wait. Stand firm."
Nadeem said, "I told you I wasn't a criminal!"
Nadeem, Sherri, and Kalina praised the name of God!!!!!
Psalm 3:8 "From the Lord comes deliverance."
Isaiah 64:4 "God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
God is sending our approval to the embassy here!
We've received news that our approval/fingerprint clearance has left the USCIS and has arrived at the International Visa Center. Next stop...US Embassy in Bangladesh! When it arrives here, we can then go to apply for Kalina's visa. That part should take 2-3 days. Our wonderful friends at Senator Isakson's office will contact the embassy here to stress how urgent this is. We have all of the required paperwork in place ready to present to the embassy, and the embassy employees are ready to help. We just need the approval to arrive here. By the way, it doesn't have to be FedEx'd. It comes via computer. Praise God! Please continue to pray over every step of this process. We'd obviously love for the approval to arrive here quickly! The embassy opens again on Sunday after the Bangladesh weekend of Friday and Saturday. We've heard that this can certainly happen, but nobody wants to promise us anything! I'm sure you can understand why.
Thank all of you so much for your outpouring of support and joy! We've received the most postings on our blog ever in one day, and we've also received numerous emails congratulating us on the amazing news. Many of you have talked about celebrations when we arrive home and how you've been talking to each other about how happy you are that we should arrive home soon. My friend and blog photo poster, Angela, said that she drove by our neighborhood the other day and wanted to drive through honking her horn like crazy. We're coming home!! My eyes fill with tears as I type these words.
Nadeem and I rejoiced and praised God when we heard the glorious news yesterday! Then when we prayed, we prayed that God would guard us against the enemy's desire to steal our joy and create doubt and conflict. This may sound crazy to pray like this instead of focusing on the joy. Believe me, we've focused on the joy and are bursting with happiness and gratitude and excitement! However, we've been here long enough to experience first hand the spiritual battle that takes place. Just this week alone, we had tremendous difficulties in getting Kalina's packages. (The second one was released to us yesterday! Thank You, God!) Nadeem and I faced overwhelming discouragement as we heard news that still there was confusion and difficulty in approving us. In two days, "Pharaoh" let the packages go! In two days, we got our approval! That's a huge victory!!!!! Go God!!!! We love You!!! Remember that there's a battle going on that's bigger and uglier than what we can see. Don't you think this angers the enemy?
Here's how it played out in the natural. Nadeem and I were jumping for joy in our bedroom here over the great news. We'd received messages of praise and thanksgiving from home. We talked to my mom on the phone and shared our delight over the long-awaited news. Then life went on as usual. I spent the day taking care of Kalina. Nadeem escorted the ladies to shop and visit a friend. The servants cleaned. The crows cawed. The day was hotter than usual. Nobody cheered or rejoiced with us. People here don't see God's hand in this in the way that we do. People see how humans have either helped us or harmed us. People here don't have a vision of us returning home. Many don't speak English and aren't even aware of what's going on with us. Our joy was brought to a screeching halt. It almost felt like nothing had happened. We're still here. We're still going through the same motions and routines. The sounds of rejoicing from the other side of the globe faded into the distance.
I like how John Eldredge describes this in his book Walking with God: "The world's version of battle and joy is striving and indulgence. Push hard, and then reward yourself with a little something. Work like a dog, then buy yourself a big-screen TV. It's a cheap counterfeit of battle and a cheap counterfeit of joy. If you walk with God, you will find yourself called up to the real thing. Intense battle. Authentic joy. The battle will find you. But you have to be intentional about the joy."
"The joy of the Lord is my strength!" People cannot take away my joy. God's Word IS true! He IS our deliverer! He IS sending us home....not in 9 months but right away! When I look to God, I see the joy!
Thank all of you so much for your outpouring of support and joy! We've received the most postings on our blog ever in one day, and we've also received numerous emails congratulating us on the amazing news. Many of you have talked about celebrations when we arrive home and how you've been talking to each other about how happy you are that we should arrive home soon. My friend and blog photo poster, Angela, said that she drove by our neighborhood the other day and wanted to drive through honking her horn like crazy. We're coming home!! My eyes fill with tears as I type these words.
Nadeem and I rejoiced and praised God when we heard the glorious news yesterday! Then when we prayed, we prayed that God would guard us against the enemy's desire to steal our joy and create doubt and conflict. This may sound crazy to pray like this instead of focusing on the joy. Believe me, we've focused on the joy and are bursting with happiness and gratitude and excitement! However, we've been here long enough to experience first hand the spiritual battle that takes place. Just this week alone, we had tremendous difficulties in getting Kalina's packages. (The second one was released to us yesterday! Thank You, God!) Nadeem and I faced overwhelming discouragement as we heard news that still there was confusion and difficulty in approving us. In two days, "Pharaoh" let the packages go! In two days, we got our approval! That's a huge victory!!!!! Go God!!!! We love You!!! Remember that there's a battle going on that's bigger and uglier than what we can see. Don't you think this angers the enemy?
Here's how it played out in the natural. Nadeem and I were jumping for joy in our bedroom here over the great news. We'd received messages of praise and thanksgiving from home. We talked to my mom on the phone and shared our delight over the long-awaited news. Then life went on as usual. I spent the day taking care of Kalina. Nadeem escorted the ladies to shop and visit a friend. The servants cleaned. The crows cawed. The day was hotter than usual. Nobody cheered or rejoiced with us. People here don't see God's hand in this in the way that we do. People see how humans have either helped us or harmed us. People here don't have a vision of us returning home. Many don't speak English and aren't even aware of what's going on with us. Our joy was brought to a screeching halt. It almost felt like nothing had happened. We're still here. We're still going through the same motions and routines. The sounds of rejoicing from the other side of the globe faded into the distance.
I like how John Eldredge describes this in his book Walking with God: "The world's version of battle and joy is striving and indulgence. Push hard, and then reward yourself with a little something. Work like a dog, then buy yourself a big-screen TV. It's a cheap counterfeit of battle and a cheap counterfeit of joy. If you walk with God, you will find yourself called up to the real thing. Intense battle. Authentic joy. The battle will find you. But you have to be intentional about the joy."
"The joy of the Lord is my strength!" People cannot take away my joy. God's Word IS true! He IS our deliverer! He IS sending us home....not in 9 months but right away! When I look to God, I see the joy!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
REJOICE!!!!! OUR FINGERPRINTS ARE APPROVED!!!
This morning we woke to the most joyful news! My mom emailed that our fingerprints are approved!!! She received the word from Senator Isakson's office on Wednedsay at 4:00 p.m.! The end is truly in sight! We've just called the embassy here, and they're looking for the approval message from the USCIS. Even if they don't have it today, they'll have it for certain by Sunday when they re-open. They'll close again on Tuesday for the Muslim holiday. Even if we have to wait several more days, that's nothing compared to weeks and months!!! The second package is also scheduled to arrive today!!! We have enough supplies to last us until Christmas when WE WILL BE HOME!!! Nadeem will be able to keep his position at SunTrust!!! I am sobbing with joy and relief, and Nadeem is praising God. Kalina is lying happily in bed because she kept eating and eating her yummy formula from home all night long to make up for the days she wouldn't eat. Little does she know what an unbelievable, warm, loving greeting awaits her in her home!!! THANK YOU, GOD!!!! Thank you, Mom, for fighting on our behalf!!! Happy Birthday to my mom! God gave her a better gift than we could!! Thank you, faithful prayer warriors for standing by us!!! Please continue to pray! The journey is not quite over! We need the approval news clearly communicated to the embassy here so that we can file our petition to bring Kalina home. We need speedy approval. They've promised us 2-3 days to get the approval. We need safety in travel. Thank you! We can't wait to see you all and hug you and introduce you to Kalina!
"You will praise the name of the Lord your God who has worked wonders for you."
-Joel 2:26
"You will praise the name of the Lord your God who has worked wonders for you."
-Joel 2:26
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Joy of Children
Yesterday God sent a life preserver in a most lovely way-through children! I'm happiest when I'm surrounded by children and cats. There are very few cats here, but there are children. The children here are not like the kids at home. These kids tend to be cautious. It's hard to get even a smile from a child here. Yesterday, however, was different.
The day started with our own wonderful child. Kalina's personality has been magnified since she turned 5 months old last Friday. It's really amazing to me! Suddenly she has become so much more interactive and personable. When we first got her, she didn't enjoy cuddling very much. She would snuggle while drinking her bottle, but that was about it. I brought a couple of baby wraps from home so that I could carry her close to my body. She wanted nothing to do with those and would wail whenever I would try to put her in them. If I held her upright against me, she would push back from my body with both of her tiny hands. She has always seemed happy and healthy, so I just decided that she had a bit of an independent personality as she continued this pattern for the next two months. Now, however, she has suddenly started to enjoy being affectionate with us. She sleeps between Nadeem and me at night, and when she woke up yesterday, she rolled over to me with a huge grin and tried to hug onto me. She's learning how hugs work. Now when I feed her, she puts one arm around me like she's hugging me and she holds my hand with her other hand. She no longer wants to nap by herself. She wants to be held in our arms, pressed close against us. She'll wiggle until she gets as close as she can be with her little face pressed against our chests.
Nadeem escorted the ladies on their day-long shopping expedition yesterday, so Kalina and I spent the whole day together. It was delightful! She's so curious now. She sat in my lap while I ate my lunch and watched everything. She loves water in glasses and really wants to drink some! She's strong, and she'll pull the glass towards her mouth. We supervise and let her try, but usually her outfit gets most of the water. For the past couple of days, she has been making chewing motions with her mouth after watching us eat.
She wants to know about everything. When she sees or hears something new, she turns to me with this cute, curious expression. I tell her what it is, and I also give her an idea of how to respond. She takes her cues from me. If I smile, then she smiles and relaxes, too. In our bathroom here, when you run the water in the sink, after a minute you hear the water run through pipes by the toilet. The first time she heard this, she was really startled. She jumped and looked at me with a scared look. I told her what was happening and gave her a smile. Ohhh! Then she gave me a huge smile and a little squirm. I repeated the process, and this time she looked at me waiting to hear the sound of water through the pipes after a minute. We heard the sound, she looked at me, I smiled again, and she gave me a huge grin!
She's the queen of rolling now. Yesterday she rolled over to sleep on her stomach when I put her down for a nap and when it was bedtime. She rolls happily all during the day. Kalina has a motto: "Why lay down when you can sit? Why sit when you can stand?" I'm afraid her next motto will be: "Why stand when you can walk?" It's a great motto, but I'm afraid she'll have it by tomorrow! She desperately wants to walk and crawl and MOVE!
In the afternoon I took Kalina up to the roof of our apartment building. It's the only place we can safely go outside except on occasion when we get to go to the lake to walk. The roof is not a pleasant place, but at least we can get fresh air and see the blue sky. The roof has a concrete floor with pipes running across it, making it hard to use her stroller. Usually we just hold Kalina. There are laundry lines hanging everywhere. Often the servants are there, and they follow us around trying to hold Kalina.
Yesterday when we arrived, a group of children were playing. They are now on winter break for the next month, ordered by the government because of the upcoming elections, riots, road closings, and dangerous conditions (another concern to give to God). Shortly after we got to the roof, Nadeem came home and joined us. The kids were playing badminton with some battered equipment and no net. They were very excited to see us and smiled. Some of the servants have children who also work-doing laundry, taking care of younger children, and such. One servant boy, Abdul Kareem, really likes Kalina. He calls her "baby" and tries to hold her hand. I sat down with Kalina to watch them play. She was fascinated! I think she was more intrigued with watching my response. Nadeem joined them in their game, and I cheered, clapped, and laughed. Kalina kept studying my face very intently. She has never seen anything like this. The servant boy then showed us how he can do cartwheels. All the kids gathered around us and told us their names. It was a taste of home!
I also had a piece of a vision restored. I could picture Kalina at home with us seeing her parents and her world in a whole new way. Sometimes I feel guilty here because I don't feel like myself. I'm not very happy. I don't laugh or feel relaxed like I do at home. In our home, I'm creative. I listen to music a lot and even play the piano a little. I'm usually surrounded by cats and children. Kalina hasn't seen any of this, yet she's unbelievably happy. How fun and wonderful it will be to show her a different side to her parents and some of the beautiful parts of being at home! For all my young athlete friends, Kalina and I will come watch you play!
I received a sweet homemade card from Matee, my 11 year old English speaking friend. It read, "If you are alone I will be your shadow. If you want a hug I will be your pillow. If you need to be happy I will be your smile. But anytime you need a friend it will be just me." Talk about experiencing some of God's joy!
We received so many heartfelt, touching, encouraging comments in response to my blog posting from yesterday. One of my favorites is from one of my young friends who wrote that she hopes I feel better soon! The hearts of children are so precious to me!
We continue to face obstacles. The packages are still being held by Customs. Hasan's dad spent two hours out of his workday trying to get the package yesterday. They gave him the run-around and sent him to three different locations. Today he's going back, probably with Nadeem, to try to get the first package. The other is still in Customs. Nadeem feels terrible that our host family is now having to deal with this. He told them to just forget about it. Now we've learned that we can't forget about it, that the family will get in trouble for ignoring Customs. Crazy! Oorah Boorah!
Meanwhile, on the home front, the senator's aides told my mother that immigration said that the fingerprints belonging to Nadeem Kaiser that were cleared on November 24 belong to another Nadeem Kaiser, even though this set has our Nadeem's social security number, proper dates and history, and childhood name attached to them. Angela's sister-in-law explained that the departments don't communicate, and when senators and heads of departments get involved, it actually slows down the process. I'm not sure it could get any slower! We're enormously thankful to Senator Isakson and his staff because they enabled us to have our fingerprints taken here. If it weren't for them, the process wouldn't be slow. It would be non-existant! The new set FedEx'd from here to Nebraska supposedly is being processed this week. Can we have a repeat of Oorah Boorah?! Guess who's here in Bangladesh for three days? McCain! Maybe he can help with some of this oorah boorah nonsense!
I want to close with a beautiful prayer from a missionary held as a Prisoner of War during WWII. The camp was plagued with dysentery, and everyone infected, including babies and children, were quarantined and starved until the diarrhea stopped. The mothers were so distraught as they looked at their children's eyes filled with hurt and confusion. The missionary encouraged the mothers that the children still knew they were loved. Here is the prayer she prayed when she didn't understand God's dealings with her:
"Be patient, Father. Forgive my tears and whimperings. Just let me feel Your arms of love about me. Then my heart shall understand. I shall stop my questioning and know that You mean it unto good."
"You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." -Psalm 32:7b
The day started with our own wonderful child. Kalina's personality has been magnified since she turned 5 months old last Friday. It's really amazing to me! Suddenly she has become so much more interactive and personable. When we first got her, she didn't enjoy cuddling very much. She would snuggle while drinking her bottle, but that was about it. I brought a couple of baby wraps from home so that I could carry her close to my body. She wanted nothing to do with those and would wail whenever I would try to put her in them. If I held her upright against me, she would push back from my body with both of her tiny hands. She has always seemed happy and healthy, so I just decided that she had a bit of an independent personality as she continued this pattern for the next two months. Now, however, she has suddenly started to enjoy being affectionate with us. She sleeps between Nadeem and me at night, and when she woke up yesterday, she rolled over to me with a huge grin and tried to hug onto me. She's learning how hugs work. Now when I feed her, she puts one arm around me like she's hugging me and she holds my hand with her other hand. She no longer wants to nap by herself. She wants to be held in our arms, pressed close against us. She'll wiggle until she gets as close as she can be with her little face pressed against our chests.
Nadeem escorted the ladies on their day-long shopping expedition yesterday, so Kalina and I spent the whole day together. It was delightful! She's so curious now. She sat in my lap while I ate my lunch and watched everything. She loves water in glasses and really wants to drink some! She's strong, and she'll pull the glass towards her mouth. We supervise and let her try, but usually her outfit gets most of the water. For the past couple of days, she has been making chewing motions with her mouth after watching us eat.
She wants to know about everything. When she sees or hears something new, she turns to me with this cute, curious expression. I tell her what it is, and I also give her an idea of how to respond. She takes her cues from me. If I smile, then she smiles and relaxes, too. In our bathroom here, when you run the water in the sink, after a minute you hear the water run through pipes by the toilet. The first time she heard this, she was really startled. She jumped and looked at me with a scared look. I told her what was happening and gave her a smile. Ohhh! Then she gave me a huge smile and a little squirm. I repeated the process, and this time she looked at me waiting to hear the sound of water through the pipes after a minute. We heard the sound, she looked at me, I smiled again, and she gave me a huge grin!
She's the queen of rolling now. Yesterday she rolled over to sleep on her stomach when I put her down for a nap and when it was bedtime. She rolls happily all during the day. Kalina has a motto: "Why lay down when you can sit? Why sit when you can stand?" I'm afraid her next motto will be: "Why stand when you can walk?" It's a great motto, but I'm afraid she'll have it by tomorrow! She desperately wants to walk and crawl and MOVE!
In the afternoon I took Kalina up to the roof of our apartment building. It's the only place we can safely go outside except on occasion when we get to go to the lake to walk. The roof is not a pleasant place, but at least we can get fresh air and see the blue sky. The roof has a concrete floor with pipes running across it, making it hard to use her stroller. Usually we just hold Kalina. There are laundry lines hanging everywhere. Often the servants are there, and they follow us around trying to hold Kalina.
Yesterday when we arrived, a group of children were playing. They are now on winter break for the next month, ordered by the government because of the upcoming elections, riots, road closings, and dangerous conditions (another concern to give to God). Shortly after we got to the roof, Nadeem came home and joined us. The kids were playing badminton with some battered equipment and no net. They were very excited to see us and smiled. Some of the servants have children who also work-doing laundry, taking care of younger children, and such. One servant boy, Abdul Kareem, really likes Kalina. He calls her "baby" and tries to hold her hand. I sat down with Kalina to watch them play. She was fascinated! I think she was more intrigued with watching my response. Nadeem joined them in their game, and I cheered, clapped, and laughed. Kalina kept studying my face very intently. She has never seen anything like this. The servant boy then showed us how he can do cartwheels. All the kids gathered around us and told us their names. It was a taste of home!
I also had a piece of a vision restored. I could picture Kalina at home with us seeing her parents and her world in a whole new way. Sometimes I feel guilty here because I don't feel like myself. I'm not very happy. I don't laugh or feel relaxed like I do at home. In our home, I'm creative. I listen to music a lot and even play the piano a little. I'm usually surrounded by cats and children. Kalina hasn't seen any of this, yet she's unbelievably happy. How fun and wonderful it will be to show her a different side to her parents and some of the beautiful parts of being at home! For all my young athlete friends, Kalina and I will come watch you play!
I received a sweet homemade card from Matee, my 11 year old English speaking friend. It read, "If you are alone I will be your shadow. If you want a hug I will be your pillow. If you need to be happy I will be your smile. But anytime you need a friend it will be just me." Talk about experiencing some of God's joy!
We received so many heartfelt, touching, encouraging comments in response to my blog posting from yesterday. One of my favorites is from one of my young friends who wrote that she hopes I feel better soon! The hearts of children are so precious to me!
We continue to face obstacles. The packages are still being held by Customs. Hasan's dad spent two hours out of his workday trying to get the package yesterday. They gave him the run-around and sent him to three different locations. Today he's going back, probably with Nadeem, to try to get the first package. The other is still in Customs. Nadeem feels terrible that our host family is now having to deal with this. He told them to just forget about it. Now we've learned that we can't forget about it, that the family will get in trouble for ignoring Customs. Crazy! Oorah Boorah!
Meanwhile, on the home front, the senator's aides told my mother that immigration said that the fingerprints belonging to Nadeem Kaiser that were cleared on November 24 belong to another Nadeem Kaiser, even though this set has our Nadeem's social security number, proper dates and history, and childhood name attached to them. Angela's sister-in-law explained that the departments don't communicate, and when senators and heads of departments get involved, it actually slows down the process. I'm not sure it could get any slower! We're enormously thankful to Senator Isakson and his staff because they enabled us to have our fingerprints taken here. If it weren't for them, the process wouldn't be slow. It would be non-existant! The new set FedEx'd from here to Nebraska supposedly is being processed this week. Can we have a repeat of Oorah Boorah?! Guess who's here in Bangladesh for three days? McCain! Maybe he can help with some of this oorah boorah nonsense!
I want to close with a beautiful prayer from a missionary held as a Prisoner of War during WWII. The camp was plagued with dysentery, and everyone infected, including babies and children, were quarantined and starved until the diarrhea stopped. The mothers were so distraught as they looked at their children's eyes filled with hurt and confusion. The missionary encouraged the mothers that the children still knew they were loved. Here is the prayer she prayed when she didn't understand God's dealings with her:
"Be patient, Father. Forgive my tears and whimperings. Just let me feel Your arms of love about me. Then my heart shall understand. I shall stop my questioning and know that You mean it unto good."
"You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." -Psalm 32:7b
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