Nadeem and I have talked many times about the hard parts of this journey. There are so many, but we think that perhaps the hardest is not knowing when or how we'll be delivered and be able to come home. Now it's December, and we're entering our fourth calendar month here. We've been here for 3 months. My mom's birthday is this week. We wonder if we can come home to celebrate with her. Christmas is this month. We want to be home by then! This, of course, is what walking by faith is all about-trusting that God has the perfect plan even when we can't see or understand. It's enormously hard. We think that we could handle the small irritations and large challenges better if we knew how many more days we had.
I feel caught between two worlds. Now that we have Internet access again, I'm able to receive word from home and even do a little on-line Christmas shopping. Part of me is focused on home. I hear news about my cats, about your Thanksgiving celebrations, and about Christmas preparations. My heart longs to be there! Every week we receive multiple messages of "I know you'll be home this week" or "I'll see you soon!" I start to get excited thinking about coming home soon and even making plans. At the end of every week we're still here.
While I'm trying to do this, though, I wake up in Bangladesh every day. The people here are preparing for their holiday next week. For this Eid, every family will sacrifice animals-goats and cows. The garage of the apartment will be a barnyard that morning. We'll hear the sounds of the animals awaiting slaughter. Everyone is shopping for new clothes and preparing to give gifts. People are already planning the New Year's Eve celebration. Their New Year doesn't start until April, but they also celebrate ours. We've already been invited to go to the beach here to celebrate at the end of December. Here people tell us we won't be home soon, that it takes a very long time to get a visa to go to the US, up to 9 months.
Whose voice do we listen to? Do we believe our loved ones at home who tell us we'll certainly come home soon, or do we listen to the voices here that tell us we belong here now? Do we focus on home, or do we focus on our lives here? Actually, the truth is neither. We focus on God. That's hard, too, especially when there are so many other voices. My voice tells me that I won't be happy unless Kalina's package comes. (It hasn't.) The enemy's voice tells me that I shouldn't have hope because I'll only be disappointed again. God's voice, when I listen, tells me that He's my peace, my strength, and my hope. He has the plan. My happiness truly doesn't depend on going home or getting a package here when I want it. God is enough. When I hear His voice, I enter His rest. If not, I'm in turmoil.
Here is our voice to all of you: thank you for following our story, for praying, and for caring! May you also hear God's loving voice.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Oorah Boorah
This week I learned a new Bangladeshi term, Oorah Boorah. I couldn't get an exact translation, but it apparently means something like "stupid" or "lame". Our host family has had issues with some servants and some repairmen this week. Here is the term used in context: "Because of these oorah boorah repairmen, my whole day was wasted because I had to stay home and deal with them!" I find this term to be very fun to say. Oorah Boorah.
My mother faithfully mails packages of Kalina's supplies, and once again with two packages in transit, we have not received either one. We have had to give Kalina the weak formula again, much to my distress. The Bangladeshi Sunday or weekend/religious day is on Friday here. Therefore, the post office was closed on Friday. We have no phone number for the post office and no way of getting one, so someone has to go in person to inquire about packages. The driver's five year old daughter has had typhoid fever. Luckily she is recovering, but he had to go to the village where his family lives to take care of her. We had no car. Hasan's mom called a friend to ask if they could go to the post office which is near their house and ask about our package. Here's the news. The man who delivers and distributes packages had the day off. In his absence, the other workers couldn't give us our package because we had no tracking number. They said they wouldn't look for it based on our address and the fact that it's surely the only box that has just arrived from the US. Oorah Boorah postal workers!!!
We have encountered more than our share of oorah boorah people on our journey. My mom sent me word today that people entering the US carrying organic chocolates and natural soaps and deodorants are being detained and worse. Amazing! She told us to leave our natural and organic products behind when we return home. Oorah Boorah!
In our spiritual journey, there is a challenge of surrendering to God and still keeping faith and hope. My friend Angela has told me several times since we've been gone that the message God is giving her is "childlike faith." As a child, it's easy to trust your parents. Kalina trusts us and has faith that we'll take care of her. However, even at her young age, she has had some scary experiences that have broken her trust and told her that the world is not always safe-strangers grabbing her and making her cry and being scared by the ghost show at a restaurant. As her mom, it's really hard to watch her become scared. She remembers, too! When faced with the same situation, she becomes scared all over again. She's only 5 months old! By the time we're older, we've had plenty of situations that have told us that the world and people cannot always be trusted. You bring all of this to your relationship with God. God says "Trust me. Have faith. Surrender everything to me." Starting with something small, Kalina's package, is hard enough. I say that I trust God to deliver the package, yet not my will but God's be done. Then the package doesn't arrive, and my faith is hurt. The challenge, I believe, is to still see God as He truly is-good and loving and faithful.
We've heard from a reliable source that good news is coming this week. I'd love to say that we're filled with hope, but in reality we've faced "the boy who cried wolf" over and over. It's really hard to get excited and then get let down. We do know and believe that God is working, He will deliver us, and He will use this all for good. However, the human part of us cries that we're tired of the oorah boorah nonsense! Yuck! We're ready to come home! The great part about following God is that He doesn't expect us to be perfect or to always rejoice. He picks us up. He knows we're weak. He knows that we must have His strength to keep having faith and hope and surrendering. None of this comes naturally!
I like the verses in the book of Luke when Jesus talks to Peter and tells him that Satan has asked to "sift him as wheat." Then here's the part I like! Jesus tells Peter that He's praying for him, that his faith would not fail! I think that's so cool! In addition to all of you praying, Jesus cares about us! He's talking to His Father and saying, "may their faith not fail!"
We're hoping for some good news this week, but more importantly, we're praying that God will help us to keep the faith, no matter what the week brings.
Thanks for praying!
My mother faithfully mails packages of Kalina's supplies, and once again with two packages in transit, we have not received either one. We have had to give Kalina the weak formula again, much to my distress. The Bangladeshi Sunday or weekend/religious day is on Friday here. Therefore, the post office was closed on Friday. We have no phone number for the post office and no way of getting one, so someone has to go in person to inquire about packages. The driver's five year old daughter has had typhoid fever. Luckily she is recovering, but he had to go to the village where his family lives to take care of her. We had no car. Hasan's mom called a friend to ask if they could go to the post office which is near their house and ask about our package. Here's the news. The man who delivers and distributes packages had the day off. In his absence, the other workers couldn't give us our package because we had no tracking number. They said they wouldn't look for it based on our address and the fact that it's surely the only box that has just arrived from the US. Oorah Boorah postal workers!!!
We have encountered more than our share of oorah boorah people on our journey. My mom sent me word today that people entering the US carrying organic chocolates and natural soaps and deodorants are being detained and worse. Amazing! She told us to leave our natural and organic products behind when we return home. Oorah Boorah!
In our spiritual journey, there is a challenge of surrendering to God and still keeping faith and hope. My friend Angela has told me several times since we've been gone that the message God is giving her is "childlike faith." As a child, it's easy to trust your parents. Kalina trusts us and has faith that we'll take care of her. However, even at her young age, she has had some scary experiences that have broken her trust and told her that the world is not always safe-strangers grabbing her and making her cry and being scared by the ghost show at a restaurant. As her mom, it's really hard to watch her become scared. She remembers, too! When faced with the same situation, she becomes scared all over again. She's only 5 months old! By the time we're older, we've had plenty of situations that have told us that the world and people cannot always be trusted. You bring all of this to your relationship with God. God says "Trust me. Have faith. Surrender everything to me." Starting with something small, Kalina's package, is hard enough. I say that I trust God to deliver the package, yet not my will but God's be done. Then the package doesn't arrive, and my faith is hurt. The challenge, I believe, is to still see God as He truly is-good and loving and faithful.
We've heard from a reliable source that good news is coming this week. I'd love to say that we're filled with hope, but in reality we've faced "the boy who cried wolf" over and over. It's really hard to get excited and then get let down. We do know and believe that God is working, He will deliver us, and He will use this all for good. However, the human part of us cries that we're tired of the oorah boorah nonsense! Yuck! We're ready to come home! The great part about following God is that He doesn't expect us to be perfect or to always rejoice. He picks us up. He knows we're weak. He knows that we must have His strength to keep having faith and hope and surrendering. None of this comes naturally!
I like the verses in the book of Luke when Jesus talks to Peter and tells him that Satan has asked to "sift him as wheat." Then here's the part I like! Jesus tells Peter that He's praying for him, that his faith would not fail! I think that's so cool! In addition to all of you praying, Jesus cares about us! He's talking to His Father and saying, "may their faith not fail!"
We're hoping for some good news this week, but more importantly, we're praying that God will help us to keep the faith, no matter what the week brings.
Thanks for praying!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Kalina's Naming Ceremony
Every time I feel I'm familiar with all of the customs of Bangladesh, I learn something new. There are many customs concerning babies. When a baby reaches a "milestone" like rolling over, you celebrate with sweets. After a baby is born, the family hosts a naming ceremony to announce the baby's name publicly and celebrate the arrival of the child. Hasan's mother, Ayesha, told us that this is an important tradition in Bangladesh and that since we've been here so long and we're considered part of their family, it would be proper for us to host a naming ceremony for Kalina.
Last night we had the naming ceremony. The preparations started earlier in the week. Here you invite guests personally, not over the phone or with written invitations. We went door to door inviting many families in the apartment building to please join us. Of course, every time we went to a new home, we were invited inside to chat and have sweets and drinks. Nadeem also invited some of his relatives. Next the cook arrived to plan the menu. Basically it's a traditional menu: rice, salad, goat's meat, sweet rice for dessert, and a spicy yogurt drink. Because I don't eat all of these foods, they also ordered a grilled chicken cooked with yogurt and mild spices.
The cook arrived early yesterday morning for the purpose of slaughtering the goat that would be cooked in Kalina's honor. Nadeem and Hasan's parents went to the garage of our building to watch. Nadeem took pictures of the poor little goat. (I will not be sharing these on the blog! If you're interested, check with Nadeem!) Nadeem said it made him so much more aware of Old Testament times when people regularly sacrificed animals. The tradition here is to say the baby's name while you're killing the goat to protect the baby and bring good luck. As a side note, baby girls only get one goat, but baby boys get two. Hey, at least we saved some money!
The cook then left with the goat to prepare the food. He returned at 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile the two servants cleaned the apartment. The guests started arriving around 7:30. We ate dinner around 9:00 p.m. Everything is done late at night here. Usually we eat dinner no earlier than 10:00. I'm a morning person, so this has been a big adjustment for me. Nadeem and Kalina love nighttime.
Kalina wore a pretty, frilly pink dress that Ayesha bought for her. She looked like a little princess! I wore a red silk outfit. I almost wore a black fancy outfit, but they explained that it's a superstition that if you wear black or white on your joyful occasion it will bring bad luck. (This is why brides here can't wear white.) I'll send photos.
Nadeem and I were concerned about the evening. The naming ceremony really isn't a child centered event. Also, in this culture people regularly grab your baby out of your arms. At her age, Kalina is becoming more aware of strangers and doesn't like new people grabbing her. Sometimes Kalina wants a bottle or rest in the evenings. We just weren't sure how she would handle a party with so many people. We prayed for her, for us and for the party.
Kalina was the belle of the ball! She ate and took a nap right before the event, woke up around 8:00 and got dressed up, and then went to greet the guests. At first her eyes were big as she took in all the activity and people. Then she had a great time! By the end of the night she was smiling and laughing and squealing and having a blast! There were probably around 50 guests, and she enjoyed everyone. She even let a few people hold her for a bit. She lasted until the very end of the party around 10:45 p.m. Then she had a bottle and promptly went to sleep.
We were surprised that the guests brought presents for Kalina and even for me. We had heard that typically people don't bring gifts to this event. Everyone was very kind. It gave me a taste of how we'll feel when we arrive home to our family and friends! We can't wait!!!!
* * * * * * * * *
One disadvantage of being here is difficulty in communicating easily. So many of you post on our blog, and we read and treasure every comment. However, I don't have my address book with me, and you all know that we have troubles with our computer! I wish that we could respond personally to everyone who posts. When we get home, we will!! Today, though, I need to send a quick message to Stephen, a senior at Collins Hill High School whom I have loved for 7 1/2 years. Stephen and everyone reading-don't worry about us! God is taking care of us. Thank you for your prayers. We will see you all SOON with Kalina!!!
Last night we had the naming ceremony. The preparations started earlier in the week. Here you invite guests personally, not over the phone or with written invitations. We went door to door inviting many families in the apartment building to please join us. Of course, every time we went to a new home, we were invited inside to chat and have sweets and drinks. Nadeem also invited some of his relatives. Next the cook arrived to plan the menu. Basically it's a traditional menu: rice, salad, goat's meat, sweet rice for dessert, and a spicy yogurt drink. Because I don't eat all of these foods, they also ordered a grilled chicken cooked with yogurt and mild spices.
The cook arrived early yesterday morning for the purpose of slaughtering the goat that would be cooked in Kalina's honor. Nadeem and Hasan's parents went to the garage of our building to watch. Nadeem took pictures of the poor little goat. (I will not be sharing these on the blog! If you're interested, check with Nadeem!) Nadeem said it made him so much more aware of Old Testament times when people regularly sacrificed animals. The tradition here is to say the baby's name while you're killing the goat to protect the baby and bring good luck. As a side note, baby girls only get one goat, but baby boys get two. Hey, at least we saved some money!
The cook then left with the goat to prepare the food. He returned at 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile the two servants cleaned the apartment. The guests started arriving around 7:30. We ate dinner around 9:00 p.m. Everything is done late at night here. Usually we eat dinner no earlier than 10:00. I'm a morning person, so this has been a big adjustment for me. Nadeem and Kalina love nighttime.
Kalina wore a pretty, frilly pink dress that Ayesha bought for her. She looked like a little princess! I wore a red silk outfit. I almost wore a black fancy outfit, but they explained that it's a superstition that if you wear black or white on your joyful occasion it will bring bad luck. (This is why brides here can't wear white.) I'll send photos.
Nadeem and I were concerned about the evening. The naming ceremony really isn't a child centered event. Also, in this culture people regularly grab your baby out of your arms. At her age, Kalina is becoming more aware of strangers and doesn't like new people grabbing her. Sometimes Kalina wants a bottle or rest in the evenings. We just weren't sure how she would handle a party with so many people. We prayed for her, for us and for the party.
Kalina was the belle of the ball! She ate and took a nap right before the event, woke up around 8:00 and got dressed up, and then went to greet the guests. At first her eyes were big as she took in all the activity and people. Then she had a great time! By the end of the night she was smiling and laughing and squealing and having a blast! There were probably around 50 guests, and she enjoyed everyone. She even let a few people hold her for a bit. She lasted until the very end of the party around 10:45 p.m. Then she had a bottle and promptly went to sleep.
We were surprised that the guests brought presents for Kalina and even for me. We had heard that typically people don't bring gifts to this event. Everyone was very kind. It gave me a taste of how we'll feel when we arrive home to our family and friends! We can't wait!!!!
* * * * * * * * *
One disadvantage of being here is difficulty in communicating easily. So many of you post on our blog, and we read and treasure every comment. However, I don't have my address book with me, and you all know that we have troubles with our computer! I wish that we could respond personally to everyone who posts. When we get home, we will!! Today, though, I need to send a quick message to Stephen, a senior at Collins Hill High School whom I have loved for 7 1/2 years. Stephen and everyone reading-don't worry about us! God is taking care of us. Thank you for your prayers. We will see you all SOON with Kalina!!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Our Beautiful Flower to Love
Today is Friday, November 28. Kalina is 5 months old! Thanks to Angela for posting pictures of our little girl. Yesterday Kalina enjoyed her first solid food-a soft boiled egg yolk. She loved it! She sucked hard on the spoon, kind of like we enjoy ice cream. Then she kept grabbing for the bowl to get more. Of course, she had to feel the egg, too, so Mommy and Daddy had a big clean up job at the end! I think that egg yolk is stickier than baby food! Also, you can see that Kalina can kind of sit up by herself now. She has to lean forward and use her hands to prop herself up. She's very proud of these new developments, and her Mommy and Daddy are delighted, too.
Thanks to all of you who sent such loving Thanksgiving messages! We hope that you enjoyed (or are still enjoying depending on when you read this) the holiday.
This week has brought a lot of emotions. We truly believed that we would be home to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of you. We believed that we would be home before Kalina turned 5 months old. This was not God's timing.
I love to make scrapbooks. This week I was able to get some pictures developed here. I've had fun organizing them and planning the scrapbook pages I'll make when we come home. At the same time, looking at the photos has made me sad. In most pictures, Kalina is in our bedroom here. I won't have any scrapbook pages for Halloween, Thanksgiving, playing with Grandmother, squealing at the cats, playing outside, or celebrating our homecoming with family and friends, at least, not yet.
In our devotional book, the entry for yesterday talked about a little flower that blooms in the midst of adversity. I started to cry because I knew it was describing our Kalina! Her name, Kalina, means "beautiful flower to love." God confirmed our choice by sending a beautiful array of roses on our sad little rosebush this spring.
I've wanted so much more for Kalina-instead of vaccines in a strange doctor's office, dirt, bug bites, strangers grabbing at her and scaring her, traveling in terrible road conditions with no car seat, unhealthy environment, noise pollution, air pollution, lack of sunshine, skin problems, lack of supplies, harsh soap that ruins her clothing and irritates her skin, no holidays, and no family and friends I wanted her to have the best food and supplies, the most love from family and friends, the most joyful celebrations, the best medical care, the safest conditions, proper medical care, and her own home.
God spoke to my heart and said that it's all about love. Kalina is blossoming because she is loved. In this world, we will have troubles, some more serious and difficult than others. Our perfect world will come when we reach heaven. Love conquers all. The enemy will try to steal, kill, and destroy everything he can, but he cannot steal God's love from us. By the grace of God, he cannot steal our love for each other and for Kalina. Love is what matters. Love will last.
When I cried to God that I'm so sad that Kalina's scrapbook will look so pitiful, He whispered to me again that Kalina has something far better than most babies have. God took so much sadness-sadness that a little baby felt when her mommy left her and sadness that a husband and wife felt because they longed for a child-and God made it into something beautiful. He already had planned that the three would become a family. When man said it was impossible, God said, "I already have the plan. All things are possible with me." He worked all things together for good. Maybe Kalina's scrapbook won't show what most American babies enjoy the first 5 months of their lives. However, hers will tell of a story that very few babies have-a story of God's love and her parents' faith. Kalina is the most joyful, beautiful baby, blooming in the midst of adversity-our beautiful flower to love! Happy 5 month old birthday, our precious little girl!
Thanks to all of you who sent such loving Thanksgiving messages! We hope that you enjoyed (or are still enjoying depending on when you read this) the holiday.
This week has brought a lot of emotions. We truly believed that we would be home to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of you. We believed that we would be home before Kalina turned 5 months old. This was not God's timing.
I love to make scrapbooks. This week I was able to get some pictures developed here. I've had fun organizing them and planning the scrapbook pages I'll make when we come home. At the same time, looking at the photos has made me sad. In most pictures, Kalina is in our bedroom here. I won't have any scrapbook pages for Halloween, Thanksgiving, playing with Grandmother, squealing at the cats, playing outside, or celebrating our homecoming with family and friends, at least, not yet.
In our devotional book, the entry for yesterday talked about a little flower that blooms in the midst of adversity. I started to cry because I knew it was describing our Kalina! Her name, Kalina, means "beautiful flower to love." God confirmed our choice by sending a beautiful array of roses on our sad little rosebush this spring.
I've wanted so much more for Kalina-instead of vaccines in a strange doctor's office, dirt, bug bites, strangers grabbing at her and scaring her, traveling in terrible road conditions with no car seat, unhealthy environment, noise pollution, air pollution, lack of sunshine, skin problems, lack of supplies, harsh soap that ruins her clothing and irritates her skin, no holidays, and no family and friends I wanted her to have the best food and supplies, the most love from family and friends, the most joyful celebrations, the best medical care, the safest conditions, proper medical care, and her own home.
God spoke to my heart and said that it's all about love. Kalina is blossoming because she is loved. In this world, we will have troubles, some more serious and difficult than others. Our perfect world will come when we reach heaven. Love conquers all. The enemy will try to steal, kill, and destroy everything he can, but he cannot steal God's love from us. By the grace of God, he cannot steal our love for each other and for Kalina. Love is what matters. Love will last.
When I cried to God that I'm so sad that Kalina's scrapbook will look so pitiful, He whispered to me again that Kalina has something far better than most babies have. God took so much sadness-sadness that a little baby felt when her mommy left her and sadness that a husband and wife felt because they longed for a child-and God made it into something beautiful. He already had planned that the three would become a family. When man said it was impossible, God said, "I already have the plan. All things are possible with me." He worked all things together for good. Maybe Kalina's scrapbook won't show what most American babies enjoy the first 5 months of their lives. However, hers will tell of a story that very few babies have-a story of God's love and her parents' faith. Kalina is the most joyful, beautiful baby, blooming in the midst of adversity-our beautiful flower to love! Happy 5 month old birthday, our precious little girl!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! In honor of this day of thanks, Nadeem and I would like to take some time to thank all of you for your love, support, and prayers.
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." -Phil. 1:3
Our heartfelt thanks to...
*God, our Father, who brought us on this incredible journey, blessed us with a daugther, strengthens us daily, and Who will deliver us home.
*My mom who takes care of our cats and home, prepares and mails packages, sends daily emails of encouragement and news, who loves us beyond measure, and who fights and pounds on every door trying to get us help to come home.
*Hasan's family for welcoming Nadeem, Kalina, and me into their homes as part of their family for an indefinite amount of tme.
*Hasan's mom, Ayesha, for working diligently to find a baby girl for us to adopt, even though Ayesha had never met us. She spent hours every week meeting with the magistrate, visiting Kalina in the orphanage, taking Kalina for a doctor's exam, bringing Kalina supplies, and persuading the nuns to keep Kalina for us until we could arrive. Once we got here, Ayesha helped us get Kalina's birth certificate, passport, and legal guardianship papers in a land where we spoke no Bangla and had no connections.
*Kalina's Godmother, Lisa Slusher, for heading our prayer team, sending me regular emails of encouragement and inspiration, loving us deeply, and holding onto the vision of us getting our baby and us coming home even when I couldn't.
*Kalina's Godfather, Hasan, for taking off two weeks from work to travel to Bangladesh to help us with the legal process of getting Kalina, for connecting us with his mom, for being a faithful friend to Nadeem, and for teaching Kalina all about her heritage.
*Kalina's Godbrother, Ryan Johnson, for believing that we would be parents one day. Because of him, we knew that we could easily love a child that was not ours biologically.
*"the Tims" for sending Nadeem messages of encouragement and love
*Tim Sparks' men's small group for praying for us
*Ed and Cindy Potts for praying, encouraging, and sharing our story worldwide
*my friends from my former small group: Sherry C, Lydia, and Margo for your prayers and encouragement
*my friend from my most recent small grup, Georgia, for praying, encouraging, and visiting our cats
*Lisa and Mort, my first real friends from a church, for praying and calling my mom to check on us regularly
*Dawn Burke for sending just the right message from her Bible study
*Brenda for showing us that adoption can be rewarding and for giving my mom advice on dealing with the adoption process
*our friends from Greater Gwinnett/Sugarloaf/StoneMill Church: Ken and Susan Rucker, Darcie, Mike and Tonya, Toni and Johnny, Mike and Debbie, Pastor Rusty, Shelley and David, Eileen, Alan and Lucinda, Jill and Angel, Sam and Minton, and others who are praying for us
*our siblings and their families for loving, encouraging, and praying for us: Jon, Kim, Joshua, and Baxter (woof, woof), and Nadia, Sean, and Hannah and Sean's mom Barbara
*my cousin Tena and her husband Butch for offering us some incredible support
*my apu (sister) Laura DeLaNoy for her words of inspiration and occasional humor
*our relatives who ask about us often
*our awesome prayer team of 9 ladies who from the start of our journey have prayed faithfully, praised God, and encouraged us: Lisa, Laura, Patricia, Angela, Georgia, Becky, Janet, Rhonda, and Gran
*my friend Angela B for posting our photos, writing on the blog for me while our computer was broken, sending words of encouragement, and doing little tasks for me
*my former student Michael Crowther for posting our clocks and counter on the blog
*Jeff and John Slusher for mowing our lawn
*Charlie Slusher for praying for us and sending a word of encouragement to Nadeem
*my former students Ryan P, Emma, Madison, Meagan, Cristina, and Lexi for following our story, caring about us, and waiting eagerly to meet Kalina
*my Walnut Grove friends: Kathy, Sue, Melisa, Cindie, Susan O, Lisa N, and Darlene for praying and encouraging us
*my Dyer friends Deb and others who ask about us for caring
*my friend and former teaching partner, Laura Dalton, for loaning us her camera, sending frequent words of encouragement, and offering to do anything to help
*my friend and fellow gifted teacher, Mandy, for praying, sending words of encouragement and offering to do anything to help
*my fellow health nut friend, Rebecca, for sending words of encouragement and sending the SOS message to Angela when our computer went down
*Nadeem's ALTA team and member Ken for caring about us
*Nadeem's long time friend, Steve B, for caring about us
*Kathy Gentry's Sunday school class and 2nd grade class for praying for us
*my mom's Sunday school class for praying for us
*Mrs. Grams' women's small group for praying for us
*my mom's friends Judi and Angela for their words of encouragement and prayers
*my friends Kim's, Jill's, and Anne's churches for praying for us
*Kelly W for sending words of encouragement, offering to babysit and do housework for us, giving us tons of baby supplies and clothes, and praying for us
*my friend Kellie and her husband Will for praying for us and showing that God does answer your prayers for a family
*Nadeem's boss, Pamela Ewing, for supporting him
*Rajiv who is filling in for Nadeem at SunTrust in his absence
*Nadeem's friends at SunTrust, Kush, Marlis, Burton, Kristy and others who are caring for us and encouraging us
*my friend from 9th grade at Marist, Kristen, for sending a word of encouragement
*Luke Yarid, my friend Anne's son, for showing incredible faith
*our friends from UGA: Beth, Anne, Kathy, and Jill for praying and sending words of encouragement
*11 Alive for showing our story
*Fox 5 News and Chris Shaw for showing our story and helping us
*Senator Isakson, his chief of staff, Charles Spry, and Mr. Spry's supervisor for showing us amazing help and devotion in helping us secure our approval
*Jennifer Hayes and her colleagues at Senator Chambliss' office for their help and words of support
*my Jazzercise instructor, Marbry, for encouraging me that adoption is worth it
*Sheila Grant at the US Embassy in Dhaka for taking Nadeem's fingerprints and promptly FedEx'ing them again
*our friends across the globe that we've never met who we've heard are praying for us
*our behind the scenes friends who are praying and caring but we're not even aware of it
*Pastor Dennis from Victory World Church for his sermons that touched our lives and prepared us for this journey
*our beautiful daughter Kalina who teaches us about love, joy, and faith every day
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! Please have some turkey for us and say thanks to God for taking care of us and giving us so many people who love us!
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." -Phil. 1:3
Our heartfelt thanks to...
*God, our Father, who brought us on this incredible journey, blessed us with a daugther, strengthens us daily, and Who will deliver us home.
*My mom who takes care of our cats and home, prepares and mails packages, sends daily emails of encouragement and news, who loves us beyond measure, and who fights and pounds on every door trying to get us help to come home.
*Hasan's family for welcoming Nadeem, Kalina, and me into their homes as part of their family for an indefinite amount of tme.
*Hasan's mom, Ayesha, for working diligently to find a baby girl for us to adopt, even though Ayesha had never met us. She spent hours every week meeting with the magistrate, visiting Kalina in the orphanage, taking Kalina for a doctor's exam, bringing Kalina supplies, and persuading the nuns to keep Kalina for us until we could arrive. Once we got here, Ayesha helped us get Kalina's birth certificate, passport, and legal guardianship papers in a land where we spoke no Bangla and had no connections.
*Kalina's Godmother, Lisa Slusher, for heading our prayer team, sending me regular emails of encouragement and inspiration, loving us deeply, and holding onto the vision of us getting our baby and us coming home even when I couldn't.
*Kalina's Godfather, Hasan, for taking off two weeks from work to travel to Bangladesh to help us with the legal process of getting Kalina, for connecting us with his mom, for being a faithful friend to Nadeem, and for teaching Kalina all about her heritage.
*Kalina's Godbrother, Ryan Johnson, for believing that we would be parents one day. Because of him, we knew that we could easily love a child that was not ours biologically.
*"the Tims" for sending Nadeem messages of encouragement and love
*Tim Sparks' men's small group for praying for us
*Ed and Cindy Potts for praying, encouraging, and sharing our story worldwide
*my friends from my former small group: Sherry C, Lydia, and Margo for your prayers and encouragement
*my friend from my most recent small grup, Georgia, for praying, encouraging, and visiting our cats
*Lisa and Mort, my first real friends from a church, for praying and calling my mom to check on us regularly
*Dawn Burke for sending just the right message from her Bible study
*Brenda for showing us that adoption can be rewarding and for giving my mom advice on dealing with the adoption process
*our friends from Greater Gwinnett/Sugarloaf/StoneMill Church: Ken and Susan Rucker, Darcie, Mike and Tonya, Toni and Johnny, Mike and Debbie, Pastor Rusty, Shelley and David, Eileen, Alan and Lucinda, Jill and Angel, Sam and Minton, and others who are praying for us
*our siblings and their families for loving, encouraging, and praying for us: Jon, Kim, Joshua, and Baxter (woof, woof), and Nadia, Sean, and Hannah and Sean's mom Barbara
*my cousin Tena and her husband Butch for offering us some incredible support
*my apu (sister) Laura DeLaNoy for her words of inspiration and occasional humor
*our relatives who ask about us often
*our awesome prayer team of 9 ladies who from the start of our journey have prayed faithfully, praised God, and encouraged us: Lisa, Laura, Patricia, Angela, Georgia, Becky, Janet, Rhonda, and Gran
*my friend Angela B for posting our photos, writing on the blog for me while our computer was broken, sending words of encouragement, and doing little tasks for me
*my former student Michael Crowther for posting our clocks and counter on the blog
*Jeff and John Slusher for mowing our lawn
*Charlie Slusher for praying for us and sending a word of encouragement to Nadeem
*my former students Ryan P, Emma, Madison, Meagan, Cristina, and Lexi for following our story, caring about us, and waiting eagerly to meet Kalina
*my Walnut Grove friends: Kathy, Sue, Melisa, Cindie, Susan O, Lisa N, and Darlene for praying and encouraging us
*my Dyer friends Deb and others who ask about us for caring
*my friend and former teaching partner, Laura Dalton, for loaning us her camera, sending frequent words of encouragement, and offering to do anything to help
*my friend and fellow gifted teacher, Mandy, for praying, sending words of encouragement and offering to do anything to help
*my fellow health nut friend, Rebecca, for sending words of encouragement and sending the SOS message to Angela when our computer went down
*Nadeem's ALTA team and member Ken for caring about us
*Nadeem's long time friend, Steve B, for caring about us
*Kathy Gentry's Sunday school class and 2nd grade class for praying for us
*my mom's Sunday school class for praying for us
*Mrs. Grams' women's small group for praying for us
*my mom's friends Judi and Angela for their words of encouragement and prayers
*my friends Kim's, Jill's, and Anne's churches for praying for us
*Kelly W for sending words of encouragement, offering to babysit and do housework for us, giving us tons of baby supplies and clothes, and praying for us
*my friend Kellie and her husband Will for praying for us and showing that God does answer your prayers for a family
*Nadeem's boss, Pamela Ewing, for supporting him
*Rajiv who is filling in for Nadeem at SunTrust in his absence
*Nadeem's friends at SunTrust, Kush, Marlis, Burton, Kristy and others who are caring for us and encouraging us
*my friend from 9th grade at Marist, Kristen, for sending a word of encouragement
*Luke Yarid, my friend Anne's son, for showing incredible faith
*our friends from UGA: Beth, Anne, Kathy, and Jill for praying and sending words of encouragement
*11 Alive for showing our story
*Fox 5 News and Chris Shaw for showing our story and helping us
*Senator Isakson, his chief of staff, Charles Spry, and Mr. Spry's supervisor for showing us amazing help and devotion in helping us secure our approval
*Jennifer Hayes and her colleagues at Senator Chambliss' office for their help and words of support
*my Jazzercise instructor, Marbry, for encouraging me that adoption is worth it
*Sheila Grant at the US Embassy in Dhaka for taking Nadeem's fingerprints and promptly FedEx'ing them again
*our friends across the globe that we've never met who we've heard are praying for us
*our behind the scenes friends who are praying and caring but we're not even aware of it
*Pastor Dennis from Victory World Church for his sermons that touched our lives and prepared us for this journey
*our beautiful daughter Kalina who teaches us about love, joy, and faith every day
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! Please have some turkey for us and say thanks to God for taking care of us and giving us so many people who love us!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Treasures in Jars of Clay
Recently I've received several messages from home commenting on how strong our faith is. I wanted to share some behind the scenes information with all of you. Please know that God gives faith to everyone who wants it! In fact, it's faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Like with anything, faith develops with time and practice. My friend Margo asked me if God had used my past experiences to prepare me for this journey. YES! Absolutely! I like Corrie Ten Boom's quote when thinking about her childhood: "I know that such memories are the key not to the past but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do."
For me, my faith started to develop when I had undiagnosed mercury poisoning and was sick for 12 years. Our experiences that led to this journey are too lengthy to describe in one blog post. No soldier goes into battle without training. No athlete competes without training. In the Bible, Christians are compared to soldiers and athletes. God is constantly working in our lives, if we allow Him to do so.
These verses describe us so well: "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
-2 Corinthians 4:5-9
Believe me, we are earthen vessels, also referred to as jars of clay. We are weak and unattractive on our own. We fall into doubt and despair. We think and say ugly things to each other and to God. We are definitely hard pressed here in Bangladesh! We, too, are perplexed by why Nadeem had to have more fingerprints taken, further delaying our return home. God could have prevented this, but He didn't. We have felt persecuted by the government and by some of the people here. We feel struck down by physical ailments, sorrow, and homesickness. However, God gives us strength. It's the same strength that's available to all of His children.
I am going to share part of a journal entry from last week with you not for you to feel sad but for you to understand that we are weak humans and our strength and faith comes from turning to God constantly. He meets us at our point of need and comforts us.
from November 21 "Dear Lord, I come to You today so weak and in need of help. God, I feel that I can't endure anymore. I can't face any more disappointment. I feel I have no strength left. Nadeem and I are both at a breaking point. We fought with each other yesterday. By bedtime I just sobbed and sobbed while Nadeem held me in his arms. Lord, please let us go home. That's all I have in me to pray right now."
God answers, "When you are weak, I am strong." If you're seeing any faith or strength in us, please understand that you're seeing God!
Thanks for praying for us! Time to change a diaper! :)
For me, my faith started to develop when I had undiagnosed mercury poisoning and was sick for 12 years. Our experiences that led to this journey are too lengthy to describe in one blog post. No soldier goes into battle without training. No athlete competes without training. In the Bible, Christians are compared to soldiers and athletes. God is constantly working in our lives, if we allow Him to do so.
These verses describe us so well: "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
-2 Corinthians 4:5-9
Believe me, we are earthen vessels, also referred to as jars of clay. We are weak and unattractive on our own. We fall into doubt and despair. We think and say ugly things to each other and to God. We are definitely hard pressed here in Bangladesh! We, too, are perplexed by why Nadeem had to have more fingerprints taken, further delaying our return home. God could have prevented this, but He didn't. We have felt persecuted by the government and by some of the people here. We feel struck down by physical ailments, sorrow, and homesickness. However, God gives us strength. It's the same strength that's available to all of His children.
I am going to share part of a journal entry from last week with you not for you to feel sad but for you to understand that we are weak humans and our strength and faith comes from turning to God constantly. He meets us at our point of need and comforts us.
from November 21 "Dear Lord, I come to You today so weak and in need of help. God, I feel that I can't endure anymore. I can't face any more disappointment. I feel I have no strength left. Nadeem and I are both at a breaking point. We fought with each other yesterday. By bedtime I just sobbed and sobbed while Nadeem held me in his arms. Lord, please let us go home. That's all I have in me to pray right now."
God answers, "When you are weak, I am strong." If you're seeing any faith or strength in us, please understand that you're seeing God!
Thanks for praying for us! Time to change a diaper! :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lessons from Kalina
Lessons from Kalina:
1. Everyone deserves a smile-Whether old or young, male or female, master or servant, rich or poor, everyone deserves a smile. Many actually smile back!
2. Greet the day with joy-When you wake up start your day with a huge smile on your face, some laughter, and a few good leg kicks.
3. Don't let the little things get you down-Bug bites, spit up, teething, and skin problems are not a big deal. Cheerfully enjoy your day, and don't let small things bother you.
4. Never give up-When you're learning to roll over, keep trying, even when you get frustrated. You'll figure it out soon, and then you'll feel so happy at what you've accomplished.
5. When you're worn out, rest in your parents arms-They'll always take good care of you and make you feel safe and loved.
Lessons for us:
1. Love everyone, no matter who they are, whether or not they smile back at you. This includes government officials, beggars, servants, and people who make fun of you for being a foreigner.
2. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Ps. 118:24) We wake up to sunshine every day. Every day God is with us.
3. Do everything without complaining. (Phil. 2:14) At the end of our lives, will it really matter that we took cold showers, had bug bites and stomach viruses, and lacked the comforts of home for a period of time?
4. Never give up-We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). We'll not give up our faith in God. He is faithful and true. He'll give us strength for each day, and He'll deliver us home at the perfect time.
5. Rest in the Lord. (Ps. 37:7)
A quick update-great news from Charles Spry! The Embassy here has confirmed that the fingerprints have been FedEx'd to Nebraska. Everyone knows this is urgent including the USCIS, FBI, and Nebraska processing center. Yesterday Senator Isakson called the Gwinnett County sheriff on our behalf. He immediately faxed a copy of Nadeem's police clearance report to them. Senator Isakson's staff are monitoring this closely. Hooray! Thanks for praying!
1. Everyone deserves a smile-Whether old or young, male or female, master or servant, rich or poor, everyone deserves a smile. Many actually smile back!
2. Greet the day with joy-When you wake up start your day with a huge smile on your face, some laughter, and a few good leg kicks.
3. Don't let the little things get you down-Bug bites, spit up, teething, and skin problems are not a big deal. Cheerfully enjoy your day, and don't let small things bother you.
4. Never give up-When you're learning to roll over, keep trying, even when you get frustrated. You'll figure it out soon, and then you'll feel so happy at what you've accomplished.
5. When you're worn out, rest in your parents arms-They'll always take good care of you and make you feel safe and loved.
Lessons for us:
1. Love everyone, no matter who they are, whether or not they smile back at you. This includes government officials, beggars, servants, and people who make fun of you for being a foreigner.
2. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Ps. 118:24) We wake up to sunshine every day. Every day God is with us.
3. Do everything without complaining. (Phil. 2:14) At the end of our lives, will it really matter that we took cold showers, had bug bites and stomach viruses, and lacked the comforts of home for a period of time?
4. Never give up-We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). We'll not give up our faith in God. He is faithful and true. He'll give us strength for each day, and He'll deliver us home at the perfect time.
5. Rest in the Lord. (Ps. 37:7)
A quick update-great news from Charles Spry! The Embassy here has confirmed that the fingerprints have been FedEx'd to Nebraska. Everyone knows this is urgent including the USCIS, FBI, and Nebraska processing center. Yesterday Senator Isakson called the Gwinnett County sheriff on our behalf. He immediately faxed a copy of Nadeem's police clearance report to them. Senator Isakson's staff are monitoring this closely. Hooray! Thanks for praying!
We've Missed You!!!
Praise God! Our laptop is fixed, and we're able to communicate again! Some quick computer updates: the laptop had several viruses and hard drive problems. It was supposedly repaired but still it didn't work. A team of the equivalent of the Two Stooges arrived to repair it. While they were here, one servant tripped over the wire while they worked and the other servant who is deaf and mute laughed and made funny gestures about them while they worked. We desperately needed my brother who is a computer expert and who even offered to repair the laptop long distance. However, it was in the shop for several days. We have no other access to computers here, so if the laptop doesn't work, we have no access. Also, Someira is having final exams at her university and has to use the computer frequently this week. If you don't hear from us daily, this is probably why.
Thanks to my mom and Angela for keeping all of you posted on the recent events! Wow, it has been a difficult week between our computer issues and the disappointing news from the immigration department.
Let's go to the praises! Nadeem went to the US Embassy in Bangladesh yesterday where they were ready and waiting to help him. They had already received the email from Charles Spry of Senator Isakson's office telling them to redo the fingerprints and immediately FedEx them to Nebraska where someone more qualified is ready to process them quickly for us. Thank you to all of Senator Isakson's staff!!! Also, Nadeem had to sign a form saying he's not a criminal (really!) and get it notarized. The immigration department will use this combined with his Gwinnett County police clearance report to approve him from what we understand. All of this was completed on Sunday, and the fingerprints were FedEx'd this morning.
We'd also like to thank my cousin Tena and her husband Butch for their amazing support of us this past week.
Someira just knocked on the door to say she needs the laptop, so let me close for now with this:
Habakkuk 3:17-19, A Hymn of Faith says "though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food, though the flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength!"
Our Hymn of Faith says, "though the fingerprints were still not approved nor is there a paycheck for Nadeem, though we cannot celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and still we are homesick in Bangladesh YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"
Never think for a moment that God has forgotten us! We have living proof of His love and His miracle that we hold in our arms every day! Right now Nadeem is feeding our precious miracle, Miss Kalina Moriah Kaiser!
God is our deliverer! We'll see you soon! Keep praying! Keep the faith! We love you all! More soon.....
Thanks to my mom and Angela for keeping all of you posted on the recent events! Wow, it has been a difficult week between our computer issues and the disappointing news from the immigration department.
Let's go to the praises! Nadeem went to the US Embassy in Bangladesh yesterday where they were ready and waiting to help him. They had already received the email from Charles Spry of Senator Isakson's office telling them to redo the fingerprints and immediately FedEx them to Nebraska where someone more qualified is ready to process them quickly for us. Thank you to all of Senator Isakson's staff!!! Also, Nadeem had to sign a form saying he's not a criminal (really!) and get it notarized. The immigration department will use this combined with his Gwinnett County police clearance report to approve him from what we understand. All of this was completed on Sunday, and the fingerprints were FedEx'd this morning.
We'd also like to thank my cousin Tena and her husband Butch for their amazing support of us this past week.
Someira just knocked on the door to say she needs the laptop, so let me close for now with this:
Habakkuk 3:17-19, A Hymn of Faith says "though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food, though the flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength!"
Our Hymn of Faith says, "though the fingerprints were still not approved nor is there a paycheck for Nadeem, though we cannot celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and still we are homesick in Bangladesh YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"
Never think for a moment that God has forgotten us! We have living proof of His love and His miracle that we hold in our arms every day! Right now Nadeem is feeding our precious miracle, Miss Kalina Moriah Kaiser!
God is our deliverer! We'll see you soon! Keep praying! Keep the faith! We love you all! More soon.....
Friday, November 21, 2008
Update from Sherri's Mom
Just wanted to let you know that, despite everything the adoption
people gave them today(Friday), immigration wants Nadeem to do more
fingerprints. Senator Isakson's staff (Charles Spry) will send an
email to Bangladesh so Nadeem can get these done again Sunday. After
immigration denies his prints twice, then they can use Gwinnett county
police letter and GBI report, but not until it has been denied twice.
It seems so unfair to penalize someone because of a birth defect.
The Atty and adoption agency for Sherri and Nadeem contacted senator
Isakson's staff today to say, as part of the home study, they have
written clearance from FBI, GBI and Gwinnett police dated August 08.
It does not count as immigration has to have their own 2 sets to
reject if there is a problem. IT IS THE RULE!! Then they can use these
other things to give them approval.
Sherri and Nadeem told me they had 2 sets done when they got the
fingerprints done in Bangladesh just in case there was a problem, but
our immigration people can not locate the 2nd set. So we can fight
it or we can redo them. I guess it is faster to redo. The
senator's staff also tells me we need a more recent letter from
Gwinnett police because immigration will not use the one that they
got in August - so I will go get another letter Monday.
Senator Isakson did call the Director of Immigration USCIS but she
will not go around the RULES!!
At this point, we have to dance the way they tell us. but once they
are home, we need to work with our senators to get adoption reform.
Be sure to vote for Senator Chambliss in the run-off!!
Thanks to everyone for all your help, love and support.
Rita
people gave them today(Friday), immigration wants Nadeem to do more
fingerprints. Senator Isakson's staff (Charles Spry) will send an
email to Bangladesh so Nadeem can get these done again Sunday. After
immigration denies his prints twice, then they can use Gwinnett county
police letter and GBI report, but not until it has been denied twice.
It seems so unfair to penalize someone because of a birth defect.
The Atty and adoption agency for Sherri and Nadeem contacted senator
Isakson's staff today to say, as part of the home study, they have
written clearance from FBI, GBI and Gwinnett police dated August 08.
It does not count as immigration has to have their own 2 sets to
reject if there is a problem. IT IS THE RULE!! Then they can use these
other things to give them approval.
Sherri and Nadeem told me they had 2 sets done when they got the
fingerprints done in Bangladesh just in case there was a problem, but
our immigration people can not locate the 2nd set. So we can fight
it or we can redo them. I guess it is faster to redo. The
senator's staff also tells me we need a more recent letter from
Gwinnett police because immigration will not use the one that they
got in August - so I will go get another letter Monday.
Senator Isakson did call the Director of Immigration USCIS but she
will not go around the RULES!!
At this point, we have to dance the way they tell us. but once they
are home, we need to work with our senators to get adoption reform.
Be sure to vote for Senator Chambliss in the run-off!!
Thanks to everyone for all your help, love and support.
Rita
Problem With The Fingerprints
Angela here. As of right now, approval of Nadeem's fingerprints has been denied. Senator Isakson is trying to work with Homeland security to explain more about Nadeem's fingers, etc. Rita talked to Sherri last night and Sherri asks everyone to please pray that Homeland security will approve Nadeem's prints or if he has to do them again, he will get the ok to do them Sunday in Bangladesh.... so, maybe it will only take 2 more weeks for approval. At this point, it looks like he will have to do them again, but.... God still does miracles. (Last Friday, things turned quickly so maybe something could still happen today!)
Ps 57:1 - Have mercy on me. O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.
Ps 57:1 - Have mercy on me. O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Update From Sherri's Mom - Rita
Hi again from Angela. Below is a short update from Sherri's mom, Rita.
I spoke with Senator Isakson's staff yesterday and they think the FBI read the prints yesterday but they were not showing up in the USCIS computer. Once the USCIS gets them, they notify the embassy in Bangladesh and then they can get the baby's visa.
Please continue to pray that God will move this mountain and get them
home next week. They are to call me each night which is morning for
them to see what progress has been made so I am believing we will have
good news to give them today or tomorrow.
As soon as this happens, Rita will e-mail me and I will post the good news!
I spoke with Senator Isakson's staff yesterday and they think the FBI read the prints yesterday but they were not showing up in the USCIS computer. Once the USCIS gets them, they notify the embassy in Bangladesh and then they can get the baby's visa.
Please continue to pray that God will move this mountain and get them
home next week. They are to call me each night which is morning for
them to see what progress has been made so I am believing we will have
good news to give them today or tomorrow.
As soon as this happens, Rita will e-mail me and I will post the good news!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Computer Problems
Hi All. This is Angela. I usually just post pictures, but Sherri wanted me to let everyone know that they are having major computer issues and can't access email or the blog! I'm sure this is very frustrating. (She was somehow able to get this message to me through another friend of hers on MySpace!)....Sherri has no idea how she even got on MySpace ...but, at least that worked this afternoon. I have no more news than that. Just pray that the computer problems get resolved so they will be able to receive the word to come home!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Following in Paul's Footsteps
We were astounded this morning to see that in one day over 400 people had visited our blog. Then we learned that our story has spread further thanks to our friends Ed and Cindy Potts.
We received an encouraging message from our advocate Charles Spry of Senator Isakson's office. He reported that the fingerprints have indeed been sent over the computer to the FBI for approval! Thank you friends in Texas for uploading these for us! As of Monday the FBI's approval had not reached the USCIS in Atlanta, but he feels it should come soon! Thank you for your continued prayers and faith!
My mom sent me this cartoon entitled "Knock Knock" which really touched me. Thanks to Angela for posting it for us. I hope you all enjoy it, too.
This morning I was reading in Philippians. I love and admire Paul! He truly followed Christ. There was nothing religious about him. He had experienced Jesus and had a major conversion and then endured everything for the sake of Christ. What I found fascinating today was Paul's ability to give thanks for where he was and hold the vision of God's deliverance at the same time. He was in chains under house arrest yet he could see God's hand at work. "I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (Phil. 1:12) At the same time, he believed in God's deliverance. "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." He added, "I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come (to you) shortly (2:24) and "your rejoicing in me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (1:26)"
To add to this, please read the lovely comment by Ed which gives further commentary on Philippians.
Nadeem and I have prayed fervently for all of you reading our blog. Before we ever started on this journey, we prayed that God would use our story to draw people to Him and to know Him better. We prayed that He would be glorified. At that time, we knew that our story was a miracle. We should never have been able to adopt Kalina. We thought that was the whole story. We would be gone for three weeks (I prayed for less time away), and we would return to share how God had blessed us with a daughter. God had a very different plan in mind. As we hear how our story is spreading, we believe that God is using it to further the gospel.
In Paul's letters, he always tells how he's praying for his people. I want to share our hearts and prayers for you. Nadeem and I pray that our story impacts you greatly. We pray that our story is not merely entertainment or inspiration but a means of drawing you closer to God. Wherever you are in your faith, may God draw you to Him and enable you to know Him better. I shared yesterday some of the ways in which Nadeem and I are knowing God.
God meets us all where we are. He knows that we're all weak and in need of Him. Nadeem and I know this now more than ever. When I was a teacher, teaching came easily to me. I knew God had given me that gift, but truthfully I didn't wake up each day thanking God for giving me the strength and ability to teach. Here we KNOW we're dependent on God. We do wake up every single day thanking God for giving us the strength and ability to go through our day. We struggle a lot. We fall down a lot. Yesterday our prayer was "Lord, let us not be hypocrites proclaiming faith on the blog and then falling into doubt a minute later."
When you read our story, we pray that you see God's fingerprints. It's still a story of fingerprints, after all!
We received an encouraging message from our advocate Charles Spry of Senator Isakson's office. He reported that the fingerprints have indeed been sent over the computer to the FBI for approval! Thank you friends in Texas for uploading these for us! As of Monday the FBI's approval had not reached the USCIS in Atlanta, but he feels it should come soon! Thank you for your continued prayers and faith!
My mom sent me this cartoon entitled "Knock Knock" which really touched me. Thanks to Angela for posting it for us. I hope you all enjoy it, too.
This morning I was reading in Philippians. I love and admire Paul! He truly followed Christ. There was nothing religious about him. He had experienced Jesus and had a major conversion and then endured everything for the sake of Christ. What I found fascinating today was Paul's ability to give thanks for where he was and hold the vision of God's deliverance at the same time. He was in chains under house arrest yet he could see God's hand at work. "I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (Phil. 1:12) At the same time, he believed in God's deliverance. "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." He added, "I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come (to you) shortly (2:24) and "your rejoicing in me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (1:26)"
To add to this, please read the lovely comment by Ed which gives further commentary on Philippians.
Nadeem and I have prayed fervently for all of you reading our blog. Before we ever started on this journey, we prayed that God would use our story to draw people to Him and to know Him better. We prayed that He would be glorified. At that time, we knew that our story was a miracle. We should never have been able to adopt Kalina. We thought that was the whole story. We would be gone for three weeks (I prayed for less time away), and we would return to share how God had blessed us with a daughter. God had a very different plan in mind. As we hear how our story is spreading, we believe that God is using it to further the gospel.
In Paul's letters, he always tells how he's praying for his people. I want to share our hearts and prayers for you. Nadeem and I pray that our story impacts you greatly. We pray that our story is not merely entertainment or inspiration but a means of drawing you closer to God. Wherever you are in your faith, may God draw you to Him and enable you to know Him better. I shared yesterday some of the ways in which Nadeem and I are knowing God.
God meets us all where we are. He knows that we're all weak and in need of Him. Nadeem and I know this now more than ever. When I was a teacher, teaching came easily to me. I knew God had given me that gift, but truthfully I didn't wake up each day thanking God for giving me the strength and ability to teach. Here we KNOW we're dependent on God. We do wake up every single day thanking God for giving us the strength and ability to go through our day. We struggle a lot. We fall down a lot. Yesterday our prayer was "Lord, let us not be hypocrites proclaiming faith on the blog and then falling into doubt a minute later."
When you read our story, we pray that you see God's fingerprints. It's still a story of fingerprints, after all!
Who God is to Us
A friend recently emailed me an interesting question. She asked me who God has been to me during this trip. In the Bible, God is described in many ways-as our Healer, our Peace, our Provider, our Shepherd, and so on. I asked Nadeem this question, and I'd like to share our answers today. Nadeem said that God has been his Provider. God has given us a place to stay all this time. Many have commented on how remarkable this is. Also, Nadeem added that God has been his Healer. At home Nadeem works out regularly and trains for races and marathons. Here he has not exercised in the 10 weeks that we've been away. At home Nadeem eats pretty carefully. Here he has eaten much unhealthy food on a daily basis. He has marveled at how healthy he has been. When he has gotten sick, God has healed him quickly. Nadeem then said that God is his Teacher. God has taught him the importance of seeking Him for guidance and being still to listen for His whispers. God has taught him humility. Nadeem explained that men take pride in providing for their families, leading their households, and sharing their knowledge with others. Nadeem hasn't been working, we're under another family's roof, and he doesn't speak the language here well. We're considered to be outsiders.
For me, God has been many things. I believe as time goes on God will reveal more and more what this trip has meant and who He was and is. For now, mainly God is my Sustainer. He gives me strength for every single day when I sometimes feel I can't face another. He gives me rest when I need it and strength when I need it. He has also been my Provider. I was really worried about leaving our cats (my original "children"). Through a sad situation of my mom's cat dying, God provided the way for her to stay with our cats. God has provided me with Internet access and a way to post on our blog and a way for me to hear words of encouragement from home. He has provided a way for me to be alone with Him each day. He has given us accomodations and healthy water. All of these things I prayed for before we left. While we've been here God has provided us with our daughter! He has provided in many seemingly small ways-a chance to go outside when I really needed it, some fresh coconut when my supply of healthy snacks from home ran out, Kalina's packages, and so much more.
We are hoping to know Him soon as our Deliverer! Please continue to pray for us. This could be a major week with possible US approval! Pray for wisdom and diligence for all involved in processing our fingerprints.
For me, God has been many things. I believe as time goes on God will reveal more and more what this trip has meant and who He was and is. For now, mainly God is my Sustainer. He gives me strength for every single day when I sometimes feel I can't face another. He gives me rest when I need it and strength when I need it. He has also been my Provider. I was really worried about leaving our cats (my original "children"). Through a sad situation of my mom's cat dying, God provided the way for her to stay with our cats. God has provided me with Internet access and a way to post on our blog and a way for me to hear words of encouragement from home. He has provided a way for me to be alone with Him each day. He has given us accomodations and healthy water. All of these things I prayed for before we left. While we've been here God has provided us with our daughter! He has provided in many seemingly small ways-a chance to go outside when I really needed it, some fresh coconut when my supply of healthy snacks from home ran out, Kalina's packages, and so much more.
We are hoping to know Him soon as our Deliverer! Please continue to pray for us. This could be a major week with possible US approval! Pray for wisdom and diligence for all involved in processing our fingerprints.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Rip Van Winkle
We've now been in Bangladesh for over 10 weeks. In this time we have not hugged our loved ones, petted our cats, driven our cars, had a warm bath, slept in our bed, seen our grassy backyard, gone to church, or done any number of "regular" American activities. While we've been gone, Halloween has come and gone and Thanksgiving approaches. Americans voted for a new president. Gas prices have come down. The school year is almost halfway over. Fall tennis and baseball season has ended. Summer changed to fall which is changing to winter. (We're still in hot weather here, by the way.) People are listening to Christmas music and starting to make preparations (if you're an early bird!). It's a strange feeling to be gone so long from what is loved and familiar. It seems to me like we should come back to the beginning of fall. How did we miss all of this?
On the heels of a major praise comes another chance to trust God. Nadeem received the letter from work saying that he's on leave of absence. In other words, he no longer has a paycheck. If you're familiar with the leave of absence policy, you know that it can bring a lot of uncertainty. We need your prayers for us to continue to keep our eyes on God. We don't need prayers for His provision. He has already promised us that. Please thank Him for providing for us and pray that we'll believe what He has already promised.
When we return, we're not certain what awaits us or what emotions we'll have. We know for certain that we'll be greeted with much love and that God will be with us, continuing to guide us and take care of us.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Phil. 4:19
On the heels of a major praise comes another chance to trust God. Nadeem received the letter from work saying that he's on leave of absence. In other words, he no longer has a paycheck. If you're familiar with the leave of absence policy, you know that it can bring a lot of uncertainty. We need your prayers for us to continue to keep our eyes on God. We don't need prayers for His provision. He has already promised us that. Please thank Him for providing for us and pray that we'll believe what He has already promised.
When we return, we're not certain what awaits us or what emotions we'll have. We know for certain that we'll be greeted with much love and that God will be with us, continuing to guide us and take care of us.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Phil. 4:19
Friday, November 14, 2008
Hope Does Not Disappoint!!!
"With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26
Nadeem and I had a really tough day yesterday. We came before God together repeatedly to cast our worries and discouragement on Him and to ask for His strength. We felt that we faced many more days of waking up with no hope of good news since the weekend is starting in the US and our fingerprints are sitting in Texas waiting to be FedEx'd yet again.
God showed us this morning that in Him we have hope every single day! Guess what?!?! As of yesterday (Friday), Texas suddenly was able to process the prints!!! Someone in that office knew what to do! Charles Spry at Senator Isakson's office contacted my mom and us to let us know that on Friday the worker was supposed to scan and upload the prints into the database that the FBI can access on Monday! They will then run the prints on the computer (sounds like fast work to me!)and put the results in a database that the USCIS in Atlanta can access. Then they'll send the great news to the embassy here in Dhaka, Bangladesh so that we can get the visa!!!!! Senator Isakson's office is following up with all the offices involved in finishing this process. He said that he is finally "cautiously optimistic" that the approval will come this week!
Kalina turns 5 months old in two weeks. On an earlier blog I shared about a dream I had which I thought might mean that God planned to deliver us when Kalina was 4 months old. We're hearing that it could be tight to get us home in two weeks. With God all things are possible! When it's the appointed time, no force will be able to prevent God from delivering us. We are so thankful for your words of encouragement and prayers! We can't wait to see all of you!!! Please join us in thanking God, the senator's staff, and my mom for helping us!
Nadeem and I had a really tough day yesterday. We came before God together repeatedly to cast our worries and discouragement on Him and to ask for His strength. We felt that we faced many more days of waking up with no hope of good news since the weekend is starting in the US and our fingerprints are sitting in Texas waiting to be FedEx'd yet again.
God showed us this morning that in Him we have hope every single day! Guess what?!?! As of yesterday (Friday), Texas suddenly was able to process the prints!!! Someone in that office knew what to do! Charles Spry at Senator Isakson's office contacted my mom and us to let us know that on Friday the worker was supposed to scan and upload the prints into the database that the FBI can access on Monday! They will then run the prints on the computer (sounds like fast work to me!)and put the results in a database that the USCIS in Atlanta can access. Then they'll send the great news to the embassy here in Dhaka, Bangladesh so that we can get the visa!!!!! Senator Isakson's office is following up with all the offices involved in finishing this process. He said that he is finally "cautiously optimistic" that the approval will come this week!
Kalina turns 5 months old in two weeks. On an earlier blog I shared about a dream I had which I thought might mean that God planned to deliver us when Kalina was 4 months old. We're hearing that it could be tight to get us home in two weeks. With God all things are possible! When it's the appointed time, no force will be able to prevent God from delivering us. We are so thankful for your words of encouragement and prayers! We can't wait to see all of you!!! Please join us in thanking God, the senator's staff, and my mom for helping us!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
No Fear of Bad News
We just received today what in the natural appears to be very bad news. My mom talked to Senator Isakson's staff who explained that the Texas Processing Center has decided after two weeks with our fingerprints that they do not know how to process them. They are now talking to Washington, DC to see who does know how to do this. At that point they will then FedEx our prints yet again. Let me be honest. I sobbed. Poor Nadeem. He was my rock and my tissue distributor. We have a choice every day-trust God or sink into defeat.
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure. He will have no fear." -Psalm 112:7, 8a
This news is no surprise to God. He already knew this was coming. What has He recently given us as signs of hope? First, our package arrived early yesterday. We have plenty of supplies now. Next, the senators and news reporter from Fox 5 are continuing to help us. Someone in Washington surely has the ability to process these prints. God gave my mom a dream a few nights ago in which He appeared to her and said that the right person wasn't here yet but that He was raising up the right person to help us. Maybe in Washington? We have an enormous amount of people lifting us up in prayer daily. The Fox 5 reporter would like to try to interview Nadeem and me while we're still in Bangladesh for the news which means that more could hear our story. Most importantly, if we never had any of these signs of hope, we have the Word of God that does not fail. Here is a compilation of various Psalms.
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His Word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? God is for me. My heart is steadfast; O God, my heart is steadfast. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. I will praise You O Lord with my whole heart. I will tell of all of Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. You are my help and my deliverer. You are my hope, O Lord God. You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure. He will have no fear." -Psalm 112:7, 8a
This news is no surprise to God. He already knew this was coming. What has He recently given us as signs of hope? First, our package arrived early yesterday. We have plenty of supplies now. Next, the senators and news reporter from Fox 5 are continuing to help us. Someone in Washington surely has the ability to process these prints. God gave my mom a dream a few nights ago in which He appeared to her and said that the right person wasn't here yet but that He was raising up the right person to help us. Maybe in Washington? We have an enormous amount of people lifting us up in prayer daily. The Fox 5 reporter would like to try to interview Nadeem and me while we're still in Bangladesh for the news which means that more could hear our story. Most importantly, if we never had any of these signs of hope, we have the Word of God that does not fail. Here is a compilation of various Psalms.
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His Word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? God is for me. My heart is steadfast; O God, my heart is steadfast. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. I will praise You O Lord with my whole heart. I will tell of all of Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. You are my help and my deliverer. You are my hope, O Lord God. You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."
An Interview with Kalina
Dhaka, Bangladesh-Interest is growing in the young newcomer to the TV scene, Miss Kalina Moriah Kaiser. News reports indicate that Kalina has quite a following. Massive amounts of people are praying for this little girl's speedy return home. Some of the faithful readers of the blog have posed questions about Kalina, so today's blog features an interview with our little darling.
Tiger 1 News (we don't have foxes here in Bangladesh): Kalina, Judi writes "What is Kalina's favorite color?"
Kalina: coos, squeals
T1: Oh, you like every color? We see you're looking around the news studio and are especially fascinated with patterns and any 3D designs. We've seen you in many cute clothes, and you seem equally happy in any sort of clothing.
Kalina: gives big smile
T1: Mandy writes, "Do you have a rocking chair in your room?"
Kalina's mom: I'll answer this one. At home, she has a lovely rocker that our friend Angela gave her. Here, I am the human rocker and swing. Kalina loves any kind of motion including riding in her new stroller.
T1: Kalina, we've heard rumors that you fall asleep during every stroller ride. Is this true?
Kalina: smiles, buries head in mom's neck
T1: Mandy continues, "Who is the fastest diaper changer?"
Kalina's mom: I'll answer this one. I am definetly faster. Her daddy takes great care in making sure that Kalina is perfectly clean and that her diaper is fastened properly. Kalina is equally happy with both diaper changers. Dirty diapers don't bother her at all.
T1: Kalina, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Kalina: makes razzing sound
T1: Oh, you love to make sounds with your tongue and mouth. You also love to see yourself in mirrors, kick your legs wildy, smile at people, and be entertained. Do you have a favorite song?
Kalina's mom: Not really. She loves music, and her favorite depends on the day. Before her naps she usually gets rocked while Mommy sings praise songs. During playtime we sing made up songs, children's songs, and anything else that pops into our heads. Last night we heard Christmas songs at a restaurant, including my favorite, "Oh Holy Night."
T1: We understand that you had an outing to Pizza Hut last night. Kalina, did you have fun?
Kalina: aaahhhhh
T1: That sounds like a yes to me. We hear that you are a courageous little girl, that even when the waiters yelled the birthday song and a loud bell clanged that you didn't get scared.
Kalina's mom: This is true. Virtually nothing scares or upsets her. She also has a high tolerance for pain. She handles mosquito bites, dirty diapers, skin rashes, bumping herself in the head with toys, and even vaccines with barely a cry at all.
T1: Kalina, what makes you laugh?
Kalina: giggling
T1: Oh, we see your daddy and mommy giving you kisses on your tummy. We've also heard that you laugh when Mommy sings the goofy "baby in the mirror" song to you while you look in the mirror and when your daddy pretends he's a kitty and rubs his face against you. When do you nap?
Kalina: yells
Kalina's mom: As little as possible! She sleeps great at night. She now puts herself to sleep and sleeps soundly for 8-9 1/2 hours. During the day she'd much rather be awake. She hates to miss out on anything.
T1: Do you enjoy your bottles?
Kalina: turns head toward bottle
Kalina's mom: Yes, she has a good appetite. She's starting to recognize her bottle when we're preparing it. When we are ready to feed her, she opens her mouth in anticipation. She's enjoying her organic baby formula from America, and for the first time since we've arrived, the package has come EARLY before we ran out of supplies! Praise God! Kalina doesn't like drinking her bottle during the day. She wants to "help" me feed her. She pulls it out of her mouth and looks all around the room to see what else might be happening. Sometimes she likes to check out the bottle.
T1: What new tricks have you learned, Kalina?
Kalina: puts toe in her mouth
T1: Now that's impressive! We understand you can also stand up on Mommy's lap, roll onto your side, hold out your arms to your parents so they'll lift you up, and hold onto your mommy's hands and rise from your back to a sitting position. We also heard that you like to play peek-a-boo, but you hold your own towel or cloth and cover and uncover your own face and smile at your game. Do you like your bath?
Kalina: grabs towel, reaches for massage oil
T1: Oh, you love to wrap yourself in the towel at the end after you've received your massage. You seem like a happy, easy-going baby. Does anything bother you?
Kalina: kicking at blanket
T1: Oh, you dislike being covered with blankets, having total strangers pick you up, having your parents leave you when they go out, having your face washed, being burped, and taking a break from playing to eat or nap. When can your fans expect to meet you in your home in America?
Kalina's mom: The senators' offices are still helping us. Now Isakson's Chief of Staff is also helping. The Fox 5 news reporter has also called both senators' offices and has promised to help us get home. The latest we've heard is that the Texas Processing Center is having a hard time processing our fingerprints because they're on cardboard, and they're now using computers.
T1: We hope that God will deliver you soon. Any final words?
Kalina, her mom, her dad: We love you all! Thanks for praying for us!
Tiger 1 News (we don't have foxes here in Bangladesh): Kalina, Judi writes "What is Kalina's favorite color?"
Kalina: coos, squeals
T1: Oh, you like every color? We see you're looking around the news studio and are especially fascinated with patterns and any 3D designs. We've seen you in many cute clothes, and you seem equally happy in any sort of clothing.
Kalina: gives big smile
T1: Mandy writes, "Do you have a rocking chair in your room?"
Kalina's mom: I'll answer this one. At home, she has a lovely rocker that our friend Angela gave her. Here, I am the human rocker and swing. Kalina loves any kind of motion including riding in her new stroller.
T1: Kalina, we've heard rumors that you fall asleep during every stroller ride. Is this true?
Kalina: smiles, buries head in mom's neck
T1: Mandy continues, "Who is the fastest diaper changer?"
Kalina's mom: I'll answer this one. I am definetly faster. Her daddy takes great care in making sure that Kalina is perfectly clean and that her diaper is fastened properly. Kalina is equally happy with both diaper changers. Dirty diapers don't bother her at all.
T1: Kalina, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Kalina: makes razzing sound
T1: Oh, you love to make sounds with your tongue and mouth. You also love to see yourself in mirrors, kick your legs wildy, smile at people, and be entertained. Do you have a favorite song?
Kalina's mom: Not really. She loves music, and her favorite depends on the day. Before her naps she usually gets rocked while Mommy sings praise songs. During playtime we sing made up songs, children's songs, and anything else that pops into our heads. Last night we heard Christmas songs at a restaurant, including my favorite, "Oh Holy Night."
T1: We understand that you had an outing to Pizza Hut last night. Kalina, did you have fun?
Kalina: aaahhhhh
T1: That sounds like a yes to me. We hear that you are a courageous little girl, that even when the waiters yelled the birthday song and a loud bell clanged that you didn't get scared.
Kalina's mom: This is true. Virtually nothing scares or upsets her. She also has a high tolerance for pain. She handles mosquito bites, dirty diapers, skin rashes, bumping herself in the head with toys, and even vaccines with barely a cry at all.
T1: Kalina, what makes you laugh?
Kalina: giggling
T1: Oh, we see your daddy and mommy giving you kisses on your tummy. We've also heard that you laugh when Mommy sings the goofy "baby in the mirror" song to you while you look in the mirror and when your daddy pretends he's a kitty and rubs his face against you. When do you nap?
Kalina: yells
Kalina's mom: As little as possible! She sleeps great at night. She now puts herself to sleep and sleeps soundly for 8-9 1/2 hours. During the day she'd much rather be awake. She hates to miss out on anything.
T1: Do you enjoy your bottles?
Kalina: turns head toward bottle
Kalina's mom: Yes, she has a good appetite. She's starting to recognize her bottle when we're preparing it. When we are ready to feed her, she opens her mouth in anticipation. She's enjoying her organic baby formula from America, and for the first time since we've arrived, the package has come EARLY before we ran out of supplies! Praise God! Kalina doesn't like drinking her bottle during the day. She wants to "help" me feed her. She pulls it out of her mouth and looks all around the room to see what else might be happening. Sometimes she likes to check out the bottle.
T1: What new tricks have you learned, Kalina?
Kalina: puts toe in her mouth
T1: Now that's impressive! We understand you can also stand up on Mommy's lap, roll onto your side, hold out your arms to your parents so they'll lift you up, and hold onto your mommy's hands and rise from your back to a sitting position. We also heard that you like to play peek-a-boo, but you hold your own towel or cloth and cover and uncover your own face and smile at your game. Do you like your bath?
Kalina: grabs towel, reaches for massage oil
T1: Oh, you love to wrap yourself in the towel at the end after you've received your massage. You seem like a happy, easy-going baby. Does anything bother you?
Kalina: kicking at blanket
T1: Oh, you dislike being covered with blankets, having total strangers pick you up, having your parents leave you when they go out, having your face washed, being burped, and taking a break from playing to eat or nap. When can your fans expect to meet you in your home in America?
Kalina's mom: The senators' offices are still helping us. Now Isakson's Chief of Staff is also helping. The Fox 5 news reporter has also called both senators' offices and has promised to help us get home. The latest we've heard is that the Texas Processing Center is having a hard time processing our fingerprints because they're on cardboard, and they're now using computers.
T1: We hope that God will deliver you soon. Any final words?
Kalina, her mom, her dad: We love you all! Thanks for praying for us!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Counting the Cost
Hi, Friends, Family, and Loved Ones, your messages of encouragement made me cry. Nadeem and I read the postings every day, and we feel your love and support. This is why God gave us each other! When we are weak, God uses your strength and love and vision to hold us up.
Today Nadeem is exhausted again. He's at the airlines office again changing our flight. Last night he stayed awake most of the night praying over us and praying over our bedroom here. We're in a dark place without the light of Christ. We're in constant battle. Thank you for continuing to pray! It is VITAL! We are so greatly encouraged by reports of the large numbers of God's children who are lifting us up, both adult "children" and young children.
I'm reading a true story of a young missionary couple who served in New Guinea at the time of WWII. The Japanese were approaching their region, and they had heard horror stories. Their mission team was offered the chance to go home. The leader told them to go to God on their knees and pray for His guidance. He said, "This is extremely vital because then no matter what happens in the months or possibly years that lie ahead, you will know that you are exactly where God wants you to be. If you are led to stay, no matter what happens you can look up and say, 'Lord, you intended for me to be right here.'" We know tht God intended for us to be right here in Bangladesh, with Kalina!
The missions team all decided to stay. Right after that, Darlene (the lady telling the story) and the team were captured by the Japanese. Darlene's new husband was put on a truck with the other men to be executed. I love her words: "I truly believe Romans 8:28 'All things work together for good.' We don't find it difficult to repeat the verse and say we believe when all things are going well. But when we find ourselves going through deep waters, confronted by trials we don't understand, can we then say, 'I believe that all things work together for good'?" At that moment, Darlene couldn't. However, she kept her eyes on God. He whispered to her that He had not left her, even though she couldn't see Him or feel Him. She remembered promising as a young girl to go with the Lord, no matter what the cost. What did that mean? Did she really mean it? After watching her husband leave to die, she told the Lord, "With greater understanding I confirm to You tonight I'll still go anywhere-I leave the costing to You."
I think as Christians in America we have a really hard time grasping this idea. So as to not generalize, I'll tell you that I have had a hard time! Nadeem and I prayed for the past year quite intently to know God more, increase our faith, and make an impact in His kingdom, no matter what the cost. Jesus Himself said, "Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33) In that same passage, He urges us to count the cost of following Him. I think we sometimes overlook or gloss over the passages that talk about how followers of Christ suffer for Him as Christ suffered for us. Paul alone was shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, nearly stoned to death, put in prison, and then some. People died for their faith. People still do. Just not anyone I know, including Nadeem and me. I don't personally know anyone in America who has suffered to this degree for Christ. (I'm sure they exist, but I don't know them.)
Before this trip, I didn't have much of an understanding about counting the cost. Still I don't grasp it fully. As difficult as this has been for Nadeem and me, it pales in comparison to what some followers have endured for the sake of the cross.
Nadeem and I pray and talk a lot about what God wants us to do when we return to the beautiful land that we love, America! Our story has never been about just getting home, and we've always known this. We long to be home, but we also long to bring God's message to a hurting world. Would we do this again? Oh, please God, no! but not our will but God's be done. If God calls us, we pray that we will count the cost and say yes to whatever He asks.
Today Nadeem is exhausted again. He's at the airlines office again changing our flight. Last night he stayed awake most of the night praying over us and praying over our bedroom here. We're in a dark place without the light of Christ. We're in constant battle. Thank you for continuing to pray! It is VITAL! We are so greatly encouraged by reports of the large numbers of God's children who are lifting us up, both adult "children" and young children.
I'm reading a true story of a young missionary couple who served in New Guinea at the time of WWII. The Japanese were approaching their region, and they had heard horror stories. Their mission team was offered the chance to go home. The leader told them to go to God on their knees and pray for His guidance. He said, "This is extremely vital because then no matter what happens in the months or possibly years that lie ahead, you will know that you are exactly where God wants you to be. If you are led to stay, no matter what happens you can look up and say, 'Lord, you intended for me to be right here.'" We know tht God intended for us to be right here in Bangladesh, with Kalina!
The missions team all decided to stay. Right after that, Darlene (the lady telling the story) and the team were captured by the Japanese. Darlene's new husband was put on a truck with the other men to be executed. I love her words: "I truly believe Romans 8:28 'All things work together for good.' We don't find it difficult to repeat the verse and say we believe when all things are going well. But when we find ourselves going through deep waters, confronted by trials we don't understand, can we then say, 'I believe that all things work together for good'?" At that moment, Darlene couldn't. However, she kept her eyes on God. He whispered to her that He had not left her, even though she couldn't see Him or feel Him. She remembered promising as a young girl to go with the Lord, no matter what the cost. What did that mean? Did she really mean it? After watching her husband leave to die, she told the Lord, "With greater understanding I confirm to You tonight I'll still go anywhere-I leave the costing to You."
I think as Christians in America we have a really hard time grasping this idea. So as to not generalize, I'll tell you that I have had a hard time! Nadeem and I prayed for the past year quite intently to know God more, increase our faith, and make an impact in His kingdom, no matter what the cost. Jesus Himself said, "Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33) In that same passage, He urges us to count the cost of following Him. I think we sometimes overlook or gloss over the passages that talk about how followers of Christ suffer for Him as Christ suffered for us. Paul alone was shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, nearly stoned to death, put in prison, and then some. People died for their faith. People still do. Just not anyone I know, including Nadeem and me. I don't personally know anyone in America who has suffered to this degree for Christ. (I'm sure they exist, but I don't know them.)
Before this trip, I didn't have much of an understanding about counting the cost. Still I don't grasp it fully. As difficult as this has been for Nadeem and me, it pales in comparison to what some followers have endured for the sake of the cross.
Nadeem and I pray and talk a lot about what God wants us to do when we return to the beautiful land that we love, America! Our story has never been about just getting home, and we've always known this. We long to be home, but we also long to bring God's message to a hurting world. Would we do this again? Oh, please God, no! but not our will but God's be done. If God calls us, we pray that we will count the cost and say yes to whatever He asks.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Power of Our Praying Church
We woke this morning to some disappointing news-not only did we not get approval and nobody has any answers as to why but we also learned that tomorrow is Veterans' Day which means that we have to wait yet another day to possibly hear the good news. Wham! Another arrow from the enemy. Our shield of faith is weak right now, so some of the arrows do penetrate.
On the positive side, we've received messages letting us know that our story is reaching more people, specifically more praying people, including Nadeem's tennis team, friends from our former church, and former teaching colleagues and bosses of mine. We're so grateful for your prayer support!
There's a very cool story in the book of Acts about Peter being thrown in prison by Herod who was trying to harrass the church. Look at this: "Peter was kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church." (Acts 12:5) That's what is happening here! We are hearing reports of constant prayer by all of you at home! Then an angel came and set Peter free. Peter exclaimed, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has delivered me..." (Acts 12:11). Interestingly, when Peter got to the door where people were praying, they didn't believe he could really be at the door. Please, friends, when we return home, open the door and don't act shocked! God IS hearing your prayers! He IS bringing us home! :)
Please remember that our battle is not "against flesh and blood (i.e. the USCIS/Texas Processing Center/government) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Right now we are in desperate need of fervent prayer for strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
If you're new to reading our blog and haven't read all the entries, you may not know that we never picked this journey. We never had a desire to adopt, much less come to Bangladesh. God called us to do this, and we obeyed, reluctantly, I might add. He also called me to give up my dearly loved teaching job without having any idea of how this would turn out. I did this way before He revealed the plan of how we'd adopt Kalina.
This winter, my friend Lisa gave me the Message translation of one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11. It was very meaningful: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." As I cried and cried over ending my teaching job, I said to God repeatedly, "You know what You're doing." Even though I didn't know, God did. Now this is still true. God knows what He's doing. We don't. Just as we couldn't predict how God's hand would work in us getting Kalina, we have no idea what He has planned for our deliverance. I believe when it happens, we'll know it was God.
I want to conclude with a paraphrase of Romans 4:18-21. "Against all hope (Nadeem and I) believe...without weakening in our faith we face the facts (that we are still here in Bangladesh, that we feel weaker each day, that nobody has an answer of why we can't get approval, that we now have to change our flight arrangements for the third time, that Nadeem now has no paycheck and we have adoption expenses plus regular household expenses, that his job is in jeopardy). Yet we do not waver in our faith regarding the promise of God and are strengthened in our faith and give glory to God being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised."
Thank you, faithful prayer warriors!
On the positive side, we've received messages letting us know that our story is reaching more people, specifically more praying people, including Nadeem's tennis team, friends from our former church, and former teaching colleagues and bosses of mine. We're so grateful for your prayer support!
There's a very cool story in the book of Acts about Peter being thrown in prison by Herod who was trying to harrass the church. Look at this: "Peter was kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church." (Acts 12:5) That's what is happening here! We are hearing reports of constant prayer by all of you at home! Then an angel came and set Peter free. Peter exclaimed, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has delivered me..." (Acts 12:11). Interestingly, when Peter got to the door where people were praying, they didn't believe he could really be at the door. Please, friends, when we return home, open the door and don't act shocked! God IS hearing your prayers! He IS bringing us home! :)
Please remember that our battle is not "against flesh and blood (i.e. the USCIS/Texas Processing Center/government) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Right now we are in desperate need of fervent prayer for strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
If you're new to reading our blog and haven't read all the entries, you may not know that we never picked this journey. We never had a desire to adopt, much less come to Bangladesh. God called us to do this, and we obeyed, reluctantly, I might add. He also called me to give up my dearly loved teaching job without having any idea of how this would turn out. I did this way before He revealed the plan of how we'd adopt Kalina.
This winter, my friend Lisa gave me the Message translation of one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11. It was very meaningful: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." As I cried and cried over ending my teaching job, I said to God repeatedly, "You know what You're doing." Even though I didn't know, God did. Now this is still true. God knows what He's doing. We don't. Just as we couldn't predict how God's hand would work in us getting Kalina, we have no idea what He has planned for our deliverance. I believe when it happens, we'll know it was God.
I want to conclude with a paraphrase of Romans 4:18-21. "Against all hope (Nadeem and I) believe...without weakening in our faith we face the facts (that we are still here in Bangladesh, that we feel weaker each day, that nobody has an answer of why we can't get approval, that we now have to change our flight arrangements for the third time, that Nadeem now has no paycheck and we have adoption expenses plus regular household expenses, that his job is in jeopardy). Yet we do not waver in our faith regarding the promise of God and are strengthened in our faith and give glory to God being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised."
Thank you, faithful prayer warriors!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Challenge of Faith
Nadeem and I are both struggling greatly. We have lost the vision of returning home, which may sound surprising considering all the signs of God's hand at work, but remember that there is a battle raging. The enemy wants us to doubt and fall into despair. For you at home, when the weekend comes and we don't have approval, you feel sad and then you engage in your activities. For us, it means two days to wake up knowing there's no way we'll get the good news. It's two more days of watching the clock and longing for home. It's two more days for the enemy to whisper lies.
There's an intriguing and kind of disturbing story in the Bible about John the Baptist. He was a very humble servant of God who preached repentance in the wilderness and paved the way for Jesus. In fact, he even baptized Jesus at Jesus' request. An angel described him as "great in the sight of the Lord...filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." (Luke 1:15). Jesus said "among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist." (Matt. 11:11). Here's the troubling part. For speaking out against what was wrong, John was thrown into prison. It's here that he sends the message to Jesus, "Are You the Coming One or do we look for another?" What I hear is confusion and hurt in his voice. He had been following Jesus, but then he was unjustly punished. Was Jesus really who He said He was? If so, why was John in prison? Well, the story only gets worse, at least from a human point of view. John ends up getting beheaded. Wow. That's enough to shake your faith. When Jesus heard this news, He went to be alone. God never intended the world to work like this. He grieves over injustice.
There is a beautiful description of faith in the Amplified Bible, from Hebrews 4:2. It says "faith is the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness." We can't understand God's ways. The challenge is to continue to trust Him, no matter what our circumstances or feelings say.
Thank you all at home who continue to paint a picture of hope when we are weary.
God gave us another amazing sign today of His hand. Now Fox 5 News has interviewed my mom! They ran our story on your Sunday night. (I guess they didn't want to be outdone by the competition!) You can also read or watch this story on line.
Here is a pretty poem that encouraged me this week:
I'm too tired to trust and too tired to pray,
Said I, as my overtaxed strength gave way.
the one conscious thought that my mind possessed,
Is, oh, could I just drop it all and rest?
Will God forgive me, do you suppose,
If I go right to sleep as a baby goes,
Without questioning if I may,
Without even trying to trust and pray?
Will God forgive you? Think back, dear heart,
When language to you was an unknown art,
Did your mother deny you needed rest,
Or refuse to pillow your head on her breast?
Did she let you want when you could not ask?
Did she give her child an unequal task?
Or did she cradle you in her arms,
And then guard your slumber against alarms?
Oh, how quickly a mother's love can see
The unconscious yearnings of infancy.
When you've grown too tired to trust and pray,
When overworked nature has quite given way,
Then just drop it all and give up to rest,
As you used to do on your mother's breast,
He knows all about it-the dear Lord knows,
So just go to sleep as a baby goes.
Without even asking if you may,
God knows when His child is too tired to pray.
He judges not solely by uttered prayer,
He knows when the yearnings of love are there.
He knows you do pray, He knows you do trust,
And he knows, too, the limits of poor, weak dust.
Oh, the wonderful sympathy of Christ,
For His chosen ones in that midnight tryst,
When He told them, Sleep and take your rest,"
While on Him the guilt of the whole world pressed-
You have trusted your life to Him to keep,
Then don't be afriad to go to sleep.
There's an intriguing and kind of disturbing story in the Bible about John the Baptist. He was a very humble servant of God who preached repentance in the wilderness and paved the way for Jesus. In fact, he even baptized Jesus at Jesus' request. An angel described him as "great in the sight of the Lord...filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." (Luke 1:15). Jesus said "among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist." (Matt. 11:11). Here's the troubling part. For speaking out against what was wrong, John was thrown into prison. It's here that he sends the message to Jesus, "Are You the Coming One or do we look for another?" What I hear is confusion and hurt in his voice. He had been following Jesus, but then he was unjustly punished. Was Jesus really who He said He was? If so, why was John in prison? Well, the story only gets worse, at least from a human point of view. John ends up getting beheaded. Wow. That's enough to shake your faith. When Jesus heard this news, He went to be alone. God never intended the world to work like this. He grieves over injustice.
There is a beautiful description of faith in the Amplified Bible, from Hebrews 4:2. It says "faith is the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness." We can't understand God's ways. The challenge is to continue to trust Him, no matter what our circumstances or feelings say.
Thank you all at home who continue to paint a picture of hope when we are weary.
God gave us another amazing sign today of His hand. Now Fox 5 News has interviewed my mom! They ran our story on your Sunday night. (I guess they didn't want to be outdone by the competition!) You can also read or watch this story on line.
Here is a pretty poem that encouraged me this week:
I'm too tired to trust and too tired to pray,
Said I, as my overtaxed strength gave way.
the one conscious thought that my mind possessed,
Is, oh, could I just drop it all and rest?
Will God forgive me, do you suppose,
If I go right to sleep as a baby goes,
Without questioning if I may,
Without even trying to trust and pray?
Will God forgive you? Think back, dear heart,
When language to you was an unknown art,
Did your mother deny you needed rest,
Or refuse to pillow your head on her breast?
Did she let you want when you could not ask?
Did she give her child an unequal task?
Or did she cradle you in her arms,
And then guard your slumber against alarms?
Oh, how quickly a mother's love can see
The unconscious yearnings of infancy.
When you've grown too tired to trust and pray,
When overworked nature has quite given way,
Then just drop it all and give up to rest,
As you used to do on your mother's breast,
He knows all about it-the dear Lord knows,
So just go to sleep as a baby goes.
Without even asking if you may,
God knows when His child is too tired to pray.
He judges not solely by uttered prayer,
He knows when the yearnings of love are there.
He knows you do pray, He knows you do trust,
And he knows, too, the limits of poor, weak dust.
Oh, the wonderful sympathy of Christ,
For His chosen ones in that midnight tryst,
When He told them, Sleep and take your rest,"
While on Him the guilt of the whole world pressed-
You have trusted your life to Him to keep,
Then don't be afriad to go to sleep.
Pre Wedding Ceremonies
A few nights ago we attended a pre-wedding ceremony in the garage of the apartment building. There are four nights of wedding festivies here: two pre-wedding ceremonies, the wedding, and the reception. Earlier we attended a wedding reception. At the pre-wedding ceremonies, the bride's and groom's families take turns hosting the other family. This pre-wedding ceremony was hosted by the groom's family who just moved in across the hall from where we're staying.
Strands of white lights (like our Christmas tree lights) were hung from the top of the 5 story apartment building. Also they were hung on the walls leading up to the building. This is the typical decoration to signify a wedding. The residents moved their cars to one side of the garage to make room for the event. Cloth wall hangings disguised the garage. There were rows of plastic chairs set up like in an auditorium. At the front of the area there was a small stage or platform with a seat for the groom. There were streamers and decorations on it.
The groom's family and friends mainly wore red. When they personally invited the guests, they told them the suggested dress code. The bride's family and friends mainly wore yellow. Invitations aren't mailed here. Personal invitations are always issued. The bride's family brought clothing and toiletry items for the groom who then went inside to change.
When the bride's family arrived, they were greeted by a receiving line consisting of chldren and teenagers. They fed the bride's family candy and fruits on toothpicks. They also gave them small gifts-in this case, coffee mugs. They also threw some sort of flowers and sprayed some fake snow. In addition, they had a sort of white paste or paint that they rubbed on their foreheads.
Next we all sat down to wait while the groom changed clothes. After a while we were served dinner. (This is a bad memory for me because the food made me really sick, so I'll skip this part.) After dinner, it was time to greet the groom. This was called the turmeric celebration. Guests would file by the groom and rub turmeric on his forehead for good luck in his marriage. They would also feed him. He was surrounded by cakes, candy, and fruit. We thought he would surely have a stomachache by the end of the night!
Nadeem and I left at this point to put Kalina to bed. However, next the guests had a dance party. DJ's are new in Bangladesh and rather pricey. The dj's for this event had fancy lights and smoke. We could hear the music all the way on the 4th floor!
The other pre-wedding ceremony hosted by the bride's family works exactly the same except that the bride must appear very modest and look down the whole time that she's on the stage. Sometimes the groom sneaks into the bride's pre-wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are not supposed to see each other until the wedding. If the bride's family catches the groom, perhaps dressed in a burka or other disguise, they can do what they wish-such as feed him tons of food until he feels sick.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us! We hope that this is the week that we'll receive our US approval! Kalina continues to thrive. She has almost mastered the "razzing" sound with her mouth. She thinks it's great and has studied me very carefully while I have done this for her. She sticks out her tongue and tries to produce sound. Finally she's getting really close and is very delighted!
Strands of white lights (like our Christmas tree lights) were hung from the top of the 5 story apartment building. Also they were hung on the walls leading up to the building. This is the typical decoration to signify a wedding. The residents moved their cars to one side of the garage to make room for the event. Cloth wall hangings disguised the garage. There were rows of plastic chairs set up like in an auditorium. At the front of the area there was a small stage or platform with a seat for the groom. There were streamers and decorations on it.
The groom's family and friends mainly wore red. When they personally invited the guests, they told them the suggested dress code. The bride's family and friends mainly wore yellow. Invitations aren't mailed here. Personal invitations are always issued. The bride's family brought clothing and toiletry items for the groom who then went inside to change.
When the bride's family arrived, they were greeted by a receiving line consisting of chldren and teenagers. They fed the bride's family candy and fruits on toothpicks. They also gave them small gifts-in this case, coffee mugs. They also threw some sort of flowers and sprayed some fake snow. In addition, they had a sort of white paste or paint that they rubbed on their foreheads.
Next we all sat down to wait while the groom changed clothes. After a while we were served dinner. (This is a bad memory for me because the food made me really sick, so I'll skip this part.) After dinner, it was time to greet the groom. This was called the turmeric celebration. Guests would file by the groom and rub turmeric on his forehead for good luck in his marriage. They would also feed him. He was surrounded by cakes, candy, and fruit. We thought he would surely have a stomachache by the end of the night!
Nadeem and I left at this point to put Kalina to bed. However, next the guests had a dance party. DJ's are new in Bangladesh and rather pricey. The dj's for this event had fancy lights and smoke. We could hear the music all the way on the 4th floor!
The other pre-wedding ceremony hosted by the bride's family works exactly the same except that the bride must appear very modest and look down the whole time that she's on the stage. Sometimes the groom sneaks into the bride's pre-wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are not supposed to see each other until the wedding. If the bride's family catches the groom, perhaps dressed in a burka or other disguise, they can do what they wish-such as feed him tons of food until he feels sick.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us! We hope that this is the week that we'll receive our US approval! Kalina continues to thrive. She has almost mastered the "razzing" sound with her mouth. She thinks it's great and has studied me very carefully while I have done this for her. She sticks out her tongue and tries to produce sound. Finally she's getting really close and is very delighted!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Fiery Furnace
Our story has aired on tv! If you missed it, you can view it online at the 11 Alive website. Under comments, my friend Kelly posted the exact link. We're very excited that God has opened this door and are eager to see how He uses this. My mom was disappointed that the news reporters didn't thank Hasan's family for hosting us or thank all of you for praying and God for taking care of us. She talked about all of this in the interview.
My friend Cindie has a son who is a Navy SEAL. She regularly sends news of his training and now his work. I don't know much about war and combat and such. However, as I read each of her messages I think about how similar the physical training and warfare is to that in the spiritual realm. There is no doubt that we're in a war. For every victory, the enemy attacks harder by trying to lie to us that we won't really be home soon, by attackng us physically, by trying to bring despair, sadness, and apathy, and on and on. We value your prayers, especially now at the end of our journey. Please continue to praise God, too, as He is working in amazing ways.
My friend Lisa sent me a commentary on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3. These three men refused to obey the king and worship a gold image. They would only worship God. Therefore, the king threw them into a fiery furnace. God delivered them, much to the king's astonishment. He then turned to God as a result of their faith and God's miracle. Nadeem and I have been reading and reflecting on this story. Several parts stick out to me. First, the men had great faith. "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, o king." Next, the king recognized the power of God: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him.....How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation."
We believe this! We believe that God will deliver us!
Something I've pondered for many weeks now is whether I'm more interested in the deliverance or the Deliverer. Being delivered from here won't bring satisfaction. Oh, believe me, we will rejoice like never before to come home!!! However, if we don't know God and value Him first, then the joy will be short lived. Only God can truly satisfy.
Being here has been so difficult...and we have God with us and for us! I cannot even imagine going through this without God. Sometimes we feel He has left us, but He will never leave us or forsake us. That's worth rejoicing!
My friend Cindie has a son who is a Navy SEAL. She regularly sends news of his training and now his work. I don't know much about war and combat and such. However, as I read each of her messages I think about how similar the physical training and warfare is to that in the spiritual realm. There is no doubt that we're in a war. For every victory, the enemy attacks harder by trying to lie to us that we won't really be home soon, by attackng us physically, by trying to bring despair, sadness, and apathy, and on and on. We value your prayers, especially now at the end of our journey. Please continue to praise God, too, as He is working in amazing ways.
My friend Lisa sent me a commentary on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3. These three men refused to obey the king and worship a gold image. They would only worship God. Therefore, the king threw them into a fiery furnace. God delivered them, much to the king's astonishment. He then turned to God as a result of their faith and God's miracle. Nadeem and I have been reading and reflecting on this story. Several parts stick out to me. First, the men had great faith. "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, o king." Next, the king recognized the power of God: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him.....How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation."
We believe this! We believe that God will deliver us!
Something I've pondered for many weeks now is whether I'm more interested in the deliverance or the Deliverer. Being delivered from here won't bring satisfaction. Oh, believe me, we will rejoice like never before to come home!!! However, if we don't know God and value Him first, then the joy will be short lived. Only God can truly satisfy.
Being here has been so difficult...and we have God with us and for us! I cannot even imagine going through this without God. Sometimes we feel He has left us, but He will never leave us or forsake us. That's worth rejoicing!
Friday, November 7, 2008
11 Alive News Coverage
Our whole journey has felt surreal. We never imagined any of the events that have happened. Now another amazing event has occured. My mom has contacted 11 Alive TV, and they're going to do a news story on us. First they'll interview my mom. When we return they'll interview us. They feel it's a great human interest story that will spotlight Saxby Chambliss, one of the senators who has been helping us, as he prepares for the run-off election in a few weeks. Also, they told my mom that this could get us home faster. Wow! Nadeem and I are praying that this news story is told accurately and positively and that it glorifies God. We are thankful to both senators, Isakson and Chambliss, and their assistants who have been such a Godsend. Of course we are so appreciative of my mom who is not only taking care of our home and cats and mailing numerous packages to us here but who is determined to find the person(s) who will listen to our story and help to bring us home. Thank you to all of you who have posted or email to share your words of encouragement and to let us know that you are praying faithfully for us. We're one day closer to seeing the victory! We pray that we get approval tomorrow so that we can hopefully return home next week.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The End is in Sight
Today we received this message from our advocate from Senator Isakson's office: "We just confirmed the fingerprints are in TSC and we are calling a supervisor to again explain how urgent this is and request that they do everything possible to process this quickly." We are greatly encouraged and waiting for the morning when we will wake up to find the email that our approval has been granted!
In the spiritual realm, we're facing more difficulty than ever. The enemy is on the prowl. My friend Dawn sent an email today confirming what God had already whispered to us-the victory is coming. This is why the enemy is coming against us harder than ever. We feel darkness all around. Dawn shared a message from her Bible study that discouragement is one of Satan's favorite tools to use against us. As we draw closer to Christ's return, the church will feel more and more discouraged because Satan knows his time is short and will try everything to bring us down. She also referenced Matthew 16:19. Even when we don't see, God often answers our prayers already. It's a done deal. It just hasn't appeared on earth yet in a form we recognize. We greatly need your prayers for the end part of our journey here.
Kalina is our little angel most of the time. As I mentioned before, she turns into a crazy baby at feeding time, screaming and thrashing about while waiting for her bottle. It used to disturb Nadeem a lot. He felt she didn't trust us. He said that we always give her a bottle as soon as she cries. Why doesn't she trust us yet? Maybe that's how we are with God-screaming and thrashing about as if He won't take care of us, that He hasn't always provided for us. As earthly parents, we always take Kalina in our arms, still screaming and thrashing, and give her what she needs. I believe that God does this with us, too.
One quick addition to my Proud to be an American entry....be thankful for the campaign and election process at home, no matter how you feel about the outcomes. Here elections are next month. There will be huge riots and people breaking car windows and bashing cars in the streets. All schools are closed for the entire month because it will be too dangerous to go outside. Yes, I'm thankful for America!
In the spiritual realm, we're facing more difficulty than ever. The enemy is on the prowl. My friend Dawn sent an email today confirming what God had already whispered to us-the victory is coming. This is why the enemy is coming against us harder than ever. We feel darkness all around. Dawn shared a message from her Bible study that discouragement is one of Satan's favorite tools to use against us. As we draw closer to Christ's return, the church will feel more and more discouraged because Satan knows his time is short and will try everything to bring us down. She also referenced Matthew 16:19. Even when we don't see, God often answers our prayers already. It's a done deal. It just hasn't appeared on earth yet in a form we recognize. We greatly need your prayers for the end part of our journey here.
Kalina is our little angel most of the time. As I mentioned before, she turns into a crazy baby at feeding time, screaming and thrashing about while waiting for her bottle. It used to disturb Nadeem a lot. He felt she didn't trust us. He said that we always give her a bottle as soon as she cries. Why doesn't she trust us yet? Maybe that's how we are with God-screaming and thrashing about as if He won't take care of us, that He hasn't always provided for us. As earthly parents, we always take Kalina in our arms, still screaming and thrashing, and give her what she needs. I believe that God does this with us, too.
One quick addition to my Proud to be an American entry....be thankful for the campaign and election process at home, no matter how you feel about the outcomes. Here elections are next month. There will be huge riots and people breaking car windows and bashing cars in the streets. All schools are closed for the entire month because it will be too dangerous to go outside. Yes, I'm thankful for America!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Keep Hoping
After we did not receive our approval yesterday, and knowing that we would not receive it today either due to Election Day, we felt caged in and down. I began to set little goals for myself-like drinking more water and doing what little exercise I can in our room and trying on Kalina's clothes for our return trip. There is so little that we can do during our days here. I also told Nadeem that I was determined to go out of the apartment. We decided to take a walk to the store down the street while Kalina napped. I bought a notebook so that I could organize the bills my mom has been emailing us.
On our walk, I quickly recalled why I dislike going outside. Men were putting a sort of tar on the road by hand. Unlike in America, there is no equipment here to help with manual labor. They had huge fires going, sending black smoke billowing into the air, as they heated up huge piles of coal to help with their work. Can you imagine the odor? In addition to this, we passed countless beggars and dodged cars and rickshaws all honking horns and ringing bells.
As we walked, I noticed what seemed to be a park. Even though it was only a ten minute walk from our apartment, I knew we couldn't walk Kalina here. Maybe we could get a ride one day though. We decided to check it out. From a distance it looked promising, with what appeared to be green grass, walking paths, some trees, and the pretty blue sky above it. Once we entered the gates, we saw a boy and a man urinating openly, trash everywhere, weeds acting as grass, and crowds of people. Sadly we could not take Kalina here.
This morning while spending time praying and reading my Bible I felt very disconnected, reading and speaking without heart. I stopped to ponder why and realized what had happened. When we didn't get our approval, I lost hope and closed my heart to avoid further disappointment.
We all try to fill ourselves up in different ways. Some are socially unacceptable like drinking alcohol or doing drugs to feel better. Some are socially acceptable such as working hard, serving in our churches, or having children. Some of these activities can be good, but not if we're using them to fill ourselves up instead of letting God fill us up. My way of filling up is through busyness. I love being active. I hate being bored. I've learned over time that I use busyness to hide from God and feel good on my own. The problem is that it doesn't really work. Even in our perpetual state of inactivity here, I tried to make myself some activity or purpose. My heart didn't trust God. He had let me down. I had gotten my hopes up. Nadeem and I had prayed in faith, not a quick prayer, but constantly throughout the day. We had fought hard to keep the faith and hope. Then, nothing. No US approval.
God's message to me this morning was to turn to Him and continue to have faith and hope. Nadeem agreed but said that it's so much harder the second time. We've already been let down once, at least according to how we feel. Yet there is a battle raging, and we must stand firm. God has given us promises. We will honor Him by continuing to hope and not falling into despair. He WILL deliver us. We're one day closer to coming home.
Already we're struggling after coming before God this morning to tell Him that we're standing firm. We can't go to the lake again today. As of now, it looks like we won't be able to go for several more days. That means more days inside this apartment with nothing to do. That was some disappointing news. Then the enemy starts to feed us lies that we'll be here forever and prompt us to doubt and question how we'll make it through another day. God is stronger!
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
-Hebrews 10:23
On our walk, I quickly recalled why I dislike going outside. Men were putting a sort of tar on the road by hand. Unlike in America, there is no equipment here to help with manual labor. They had huge fires going, sending black smoke billowing into the air, as they heated up huge piles of coal to help with their work. Can you imagine the odor? In addition to this, we passed countless beggars and dodged cars and rickshaws all honking horns and ringing bells.
As we walked, I noticed what seemed to be a park. Even though it was only a ten minute walk from our apartment, I knew we couldn't walk Kalina here. Maybe we could get a ride one day though. We decided to check it out. From a distance it looked promising, with what appeared to be green grass, walking paths, some trees, and the pretty blue sky above it. Once we entered the gates, we saw a boy and a man urinating openly, trash everywhere, weeds acting as grass, and crowds of people. Sadly we could not take Kalina here.
This morning while spending time praying and reading my Bible I felt very disconnected, reading and speaking without heart. I stopped to ponder why and realized what had happened. When we didn't get our approval, I lost hope and closed my heart to avoid further disappointment.
We all try to fill ourselves up in different ways. Some are socially unacceptable like drinking alcohol or doing drugs to feel better. Some are socially acceptable such as working hard, serving in our churches, or having children. Some of these activities can be good, but not if we're using them to fill ourselves up instead of letting God fill us up. My way of filling up is through busyness. I love being active. I hate being bored. I've learned over time that I use busyness to hide from God and feel good on my own. The problem is that it doesn't really work. Even in our perpetual state of inactivity here, I tried to make myself some activity or purpose. My heart didn't trust God. He had let me down. I had gotten my hopes up. Nadeem and I had prayed in faith, not a quick prayer, but constantly throughout the day. We had fought hard to keep the faith and hope. Then, nothing. No US approval.
God's message to me this morning was to turn to Him and continue to have faith and hope. Nadeem agreed but said that it's so much harder the second time. We've already been let down once, at least according to how we feel. Yet there is a battle raging, and we must stand firm. God has given us promises. We will honor Him by continuing to hope and not falling into despair. He WILL deliver us. We're one day closer to coming home.
Already we're struggling after coming before God this morning to tell Him that we're standing firm. We can't go to the lake again today. As of now, it looks like we won't be able to go for several more days. That means more days inside this apartment with nothing to do. That was some disappointing news. Then the enemy starts to feed us lies that we'll be here forever and prompt us to doubt and question how we'll make it through another day. God is stronger!
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
-Hebrews 10:23
Monday, November 3, 2008
Encourage One Another
Yesterday I woke up with a strong feeling of hope and a vision of returning home. During our trip I've had faith that God will deliver us and send us home but not very much daily hope. I took this sudden hope as a sign that perhaps we would get the US approval yesterday. Nadeem and I spent the whole day praying, singing praise songs, confessing our feelings of doubt and hopelessness, and fighting the evil that threatened to steal our hope at every turn. The whole day was a battle. By evening I was exhausted.
This morning I woke up feeling so weary. I checked messages to find that we have not yet received our approval. Now it's Election Day, and the offices are closed. Now we have to wait until two more days before we can hear any news. Then the embassy here is closed on Friday and Saturday. More waiting. It's becoming so hard to wake up in the mornings and realize that we have an entire day before us to sit and wait and do nothing. Yesterday we were back in the apartment again for the whole day. There's no easy way to get out. Transportation is an issue. Traveling with Kalina is an issue. Walking in the busy, dirty streets is an issue. Having somewhere to go is an issue.
In the middle of feeling that I can't go on, I checked my email and found the greatest amount of encouraging messages that I've received in one day since arriving here. This was clearly a gift from God. Why today did a multitude of people suddenly decide to write all at the same time? I know that God prompted all of you separately to send the word of encouragement right now when I needed it so badly.
Sometimes I see God in the sunlight falling on the lake as we're strolling Kalina. Sometimes I see Him in a package that arrives just in the nick of time. Sometimes I see Him in victory in court or in Kalina's bright smile. Today I see Him through all of you. Thank you, Friends and Family! Thank You, God!
"Encourage one another daily." -Hebrews 3:13
"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." -I Peter 5:11
This morning I woke up feeling so weary. I checked messages to find that we have not yet received our approval. Now it's Election Day, and the offices are closed. Now we have to wait until two more days before we can hear any news. Then the embassy here is closed on Friday and Saturday. More waiting. It's becoming so hard to wake up in the mornings and realize that we have an entire day before us to sit and wait and do nothing. Yesterday we were back in the apartment again for the whole day. There's no easy way to get out. Transportation is an issue. Traveling with Kalina is an issue. Walking in the busy, dirty streets is an issue. Having somewhere to go is an issue.
In the middle of feeling that I can't go on, I checked my email and found the greatest amount of encouraging messages that I've received in one day since arriving here. This was clearly a gift from God. Why today did a multitude of people suddenly decide to write all at the same time? I know that God prompted all of you separately to send the word of encouragement right now when I needed it so badly.
Sometimes I see God in the sunlight falling on the lake as we're strolling Kalina. Sometimes I see Him in a package that arrives just in the nick of time. Sometimes I see Him in victory in court or in Kalina's bright smile. Today I see Him through all of you. Thank you, Friends and Family! Thank You, God!
"Encourage one another daily." -Hebrews 3:13
"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." -I Peter 5:11
Proud to be an American
As Election Day draws near, I have received copies of the same email requesting us to pray for our country for one minute a day. I'm filled with sadness to hear of the trouble in our country, and I wish that Americans could appreciate what God has given us and return to Him with all of our hearts. No president will solve our problems, but God can.
Especially after being here in Bangladesh for so long, I love my country so much more! I realize that America is not perfect, but we live in a fallen world. In spite of the imperfections and problems in the USA, I'm still proud to be an American. The next time you are tempted to complain about issues at home, consider what you have to be thankful for.
*Grocery stores and choices in food-We have so many healthy, fresh foods at home. The quality and quantity is outstanding.
*Postal service-Our postal service is quite reliable and delivers packages and mail in a timely manner as expected most of the time.
*Clean environment-We have so many organizations that promote keeping our country clean. We have trash cans in every public area and crews who clean the sides of our roads. We have rules against littering.
*Health care-We have excellent doctors and medical facilities in the US suiting a wide range of needs from both traditional to alternative medicine. We have health insurance available.
*Entertainment-We have so many choices in this area from sports to music to movies. We can easily travel to various events and attractions.
*Technology-We have high speed Internet and reliable computers. We have modern Xerox machines and office equipment.
*Resources-We have an abundance of reliable electricity and clean water.
*Education-As a former teacher, I proudly tell you that we have some outstanding schools and universities in the USA. In addition, we have so many wonderful public libraries and bookstores.
*Transportation-We have safe, reliable public transportation. We have so many choices of brand new vehicles. We have rules of the road to prevent accidents.
*Public aid-We take care of our people and do not have streets filled with beggars.
*Freedom to worship in a Christian nation-We have so many choices for worship. We are so diverse. For Christians, there are numerous churches all over the country. Both men and women can worship together.
Someira told us that sadly Bangladesh and neighboring India are adopting the bad parts of the USA such as smoking and living together before marriage instead of choosing the good such as cleaning up the environment and making rules of the road. I think that's indicative of human nature. We'd rather go for the pleasure than abide by rules. I can tell you that I greatly appreciate the rules and structure in our country.
The election is coming. Soon we'll have a new president. Maybe you've also received the "one minute prayer" email. My feeling is that God would enjoy hearing from us a lot more than one minute a day on any subject! I can't imagine that He'll respond just because many people pray daily for one minute for our country. I think most of the time we have to have an experience that changes our heart that prompts us to really pray and seek God. If you've never left the USA, you may not think very much about how great we have it. When I read the email asking for quick prayer, I cried. If only we would stop and sincerely thank God for what He has given us! We long to be at home in the land of the free, the home of the brave, even if gas prices are high. Guess what? They're much higher here!
We're expecting the victory this week and plan to see you all soon! Thanks for continuing to stand strong in faith with us. Don't forget to vote! We wish that we could.
Especially after being here in Bangladesh for so long, I love my country so much more! I realize that America is not perfect, but we live in a fallen world. In spite of the imperfections and problems in the USA, I'm still proud to be an American. The next time you are tempted to complain about issues at home, consider what you have to be thankful for.
*Grocery stores and choices in food-We have so many healthy, fresh foods at home. The quality and quantity is outstanding.
*Postal service-Our postal service is quite reliable and delivers packages and mail in a timely manner as expected most of the time.
*Clean environment-We have so many organizations that promote keeping our country clean. We have trash cans in every public area and crews who clean the sides of our roads. We have rules against littering.
*Health care-We have excellent doctors and medical facilities in the US suiting a wide range of needs from both traditional to alternative medicine. We have health insurance available.
*Entertainment-We have so many choices in this area from sports to music to movies. We can easily travel to various events and attractions.
*Technology-We have high speed Internet and reliable computers. We have modern Xerox machines and office equipment.
*Resources-We have an abundance of reliable electricity and clean water.
*Education-As a former teacher, I proudly tell you that we have some outstanding schools and universities in the USA. In addition, we have so many wonderful public libraries and bookstores.
*Transportation-We have safe, reliable public transportation. We have so many choices of brand new vehicles. We have rules of the road to prevent accidents.
*Public aid-We take care of our people and do not have streets filled with beggars.
*Freedom to worship in a Christian nation-We have so many choices for worship. We are so diverse. For Christians, there are numerous churches all over the country. Both men and women can worship together.
Someira told us that sadly Bangladesh and neighboring India are adopting the bad parts of the USA such as smoking and living together before marriage instead of choosing the good such as cleaning up the environment and making rules of the road. I think that's indicative of human nature. We'd rather go for the pleasure than abide by rules. I can tell you that I greatly appreciate the rules and structure in our country.
The election is coming. Soon we'll have a new president. Maybe you've also received the "one minute prayer" email. My feeling is that God would enjoy hearing from us a lot more than one minute a day on any subject! I can't imagine that He'll respond just because many people pray daily for one minute for our country. I think most of the time we have to have an experience that changes our heart that prompts us to really pray and seek God. If you've never left the USA, you may not think very much about how great we have it. When I read the email asking for quick prayer, I cried. If only we would stop and sincerely thank God for what He has given us! We long to be at home in the land of the free, the home of the brave, even if gas prices are high. Guess what? They're much higher here!
We're expecting the victory this week and plan to see you all soon! Thanks for continuing to stand strong in faith with us. Don't forget to vote! We wish that we could.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
God Heard My Cries
This past week has been by far the hardest that Nadeem and I have endured since arriving here. I had the stomach bug, and Nadeem injured his back in the middle of the night. I have not left the house in 8 days because Hasan's mom needs company while she recovers,I'm taking care of Kalina, and I've been sick. We learned that the fingerprints weren't actually sent, and Kalina's package didn't get delivered on time yet again. All of the pressures of being here and away from home have mounted. We're getting closer to the time when Nadeem's paid leave from work ends. Even at home, one of our cars needs a new battery. It seems that every day brings more and more challenges. The days are creeping by. Still we do not know when we can come home.
This morning I woke up feeling really down. Nadeem left to go to the post office to find out where the package is, or at least try to. The post office was closed on Friday for the weekend/holy day. Yesterday we wanted to call or go, but nobody knew the phone number, and I guess there are no phone books here. The car was in the shop for repairs, so we had no way to get there. Every day we were closer and closer to running out of Kalina's supplies yet again.
While Nadeem was gone to the post office this morning and Kalina was napping, I started sobbing. I felt that I couldn't go on. I know the helpful things to do are to praise God, pray, and read the Bible for encouragement. However, I could do nothing but just sit and cry and say, "God, I need Your help!" Then Kalina woke up and started crying for her next bottle. I lay down on the bed next to her and sobbed some more because earlier she had finished her last bottle of good formula, and now I would have to fix the weaker formula yet again. She's just now sleeping through the night and has just moved to 6 oz. bottles. I cried out to God some more, "Why? Why? My baby doesn't even have her formula. Where are You? I need You! Please give me a sign that You haven't forgotten us here!" Just then Nadeem opened the door with the package full of supplies! Kalina drank her 6 oz of good formula and now is dozing on the bed with her thankful Daddy while her grateful Mommy types this message.
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me and from the words of my groaning? Oh My God, I cry in the daytime but You do not hear.....nor has God hidden His face from Him, but when he cried to Him, He heard."
-Psalm 22:1,2,24
This morning I woke up feeling really down. Nadeem left to go to the post office to find out where the package is, or at least try to. The post office was closed on Friday for the weekend/holy day. Yesterday we wanted to call or go, but nobody knew the phone number, and I guess there are no phone books here. The car was in the shop for repairs, so we had no way to get there. Every day we were closer and closer to running out of Kalina's supplies yet again.
While Nadeem was gone to the post office this morning and Kalina was napping, I started sobbing. I felt that I couldn't go on. I know the helpful things to do are to praise God, pray, and read the Bible for encouragement. However, I could do nothing but just sit and cry and say, "God, I need Your help!" Then Kalina woke up and started crying for her next bottle. I lay down on the bed next to her and sobbed some more because earlier she had finished her last bottle of good formula, and now I would have to fix the weaker formula yet again. She's just now sleeping through the night and has just moved to 6 oz. bottles. I cried out to God some more, "Why? Why? My baby doesn't even have her formula. Where are You? I need You! Please give me a sign that You haven't forgotten us here!" Just then Nadeem opened the door with the package full of supplies! Kalina drank her 6 oz of good formula and now is dozing on the bed with her thankful Daddy while her grateful Mommy types this message.
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me and from the words of my groaning? Oh My God, I cry in the daytime but You do not hear.....nor has God hidden His face from Him, but when he cried to Him, He heard."
-Psalm 22:1,2,24
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