tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62342211480987679242011-09-03T03:50:35.242-07:00Join us on our journey to adopt from China and VietnamKeith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.comBlogger1661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-4182185023632089952009-02-12T21:51:00.000-08:002009-02-12T22:29:53.782-08:00

Now that our paperwork is off to China, we are switching blogs. You can find us here:Love In AsiaSome of our entries will require a password for you to read them. We are doing this in order to protect our adoption and our daughter. Once she is home and our adoption is finalized, we may remove the password requirements.I would love to give you our password. Just leave a comment here or on the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-75270541045812204042009-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:49:54.532-08:00

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me (or my child)! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!2- What I create will be just for you.3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be poetry, shoes,

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-76149206799310993672009-02-11T16:20:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:09:08.305-08:00

Alleluia, we are DTC today! Translated: Our big bundle of paperwork (Dossier) went To China today!Our paperwork before sent to our agency. Today is my late Grandma's birthday and I took Koen out to her grave site to honor her. She passed away year and a half ago. I hadn't been there before and decided a couple months ago that I would go on her birthday. It was a beautiful day and the cemetery

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-4096892140118343122009-02-10T23:35:00.000-08:002009-02-10T23:36:34.446-08:00

Keith + Kelly=Love

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-59033590325274614232009-02-10T11:08:00.000-08:002009-02-10T11:15:40.574-08:00

It's been forever since I've posted photos. Here are some of Koen watching his "China movie" this morning. This is another Sing and Learn Chinese with Mei Mei video - volume 2. He's already watched it twice today (am I a bad mother?)Dancing to the songs.Papa built this "elevator" for Koen out of his blocks. He enjoys dropping his shiny rocks in the top. They end up in the blue bowl.Now here he

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-18465120273876514812009-02-09T20:33:00.000-08:002009-02-10T10:28:11.222-08:00

We sent our special needs checklist in to the agency today. I just pray that the Lord will continue to guide us and either confirm what we checked, or clearly guide us to changing the form. There were a couple we were hesitant to mark, and a couple that I was hesitant not to mark. Keith and I didn't agree on as many as I thought we would - which added to the difficulty of the process.I also

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-52445264035717214952009-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:002009-02-12T16:25:40.031-08:00

We have started learning Chinese! I checked out Play and Learn Chinese with Mei Mei from our library. It is a DVD, 45 minutes long. I put it on while I'm doing house work, and listen as the children count, learn body parts, play games and sing songs. It's really quite easy and fun! I can say hi, bye, count to ten, I love you, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and I know the word for bottom (not

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-46770137342321772542009-01-26T16:16:00.000-08:002009-01-26T16:31:18.140-08:00

Today is Chinese New Year, and the first time that Chinese New Year has felt significant to me. The nannies at my daughter's orphanage are likely celebrating. I pray the children get to be a part of the festivities and are not forgotten on a day like this. Welcome to the Year of the Ox - prayerfully, the year we will bring our little girl home.Our paperwork should head to China in the next two

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-7493092804138055842009-01-19T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:31:38.094-08:00

Due to the snow storm last month, our church Christmas program was postponed until last night. Here is a video of the preschoolers (2-5s) performing last night. Koen didn't sing (although he knows the songs) but he sure did dance! He is the brown horse front and center. His buddy Isaac is the gray donkey just to the right. The thing in Koen's hand is a car that ends up being a distraction

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-28067164924996085762009-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:002009-01-18T15:29:34.044-08:00

So, my post last week was a little premature. We thought it was the last of our paperwork, but we had a couple issues with our medical forms. We had to get them resigned, and add some letter explaining the medications we take, which put us back a couple days. On Thursday we dropped the last piece of mail at the post office, and on Friday our agency sent our last pieces of paperwork to the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-70584847704894249282009-01-09T22:12:00.001-08:002009-02-10T10:28:40.622-08:00

Today I dropped our last pieces of paperwork in the mail. We were waiting for my medical appointment, which was on Wednesday. Today we got our medical forms signed and notarized, and we are done! It's good to be done, but it only means the rest is out of our hands.I talked with our agency this week and was discouraged to learn more about the process. We really did enter this blindly. The

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-31897849116919194722008-12-26T22:31:00.000-08:002008-12-26T22:35:36.518-08:00

Guess what I found in our mailbox today.....Our immigration approval already! And, now it is noted on the bottom that a cable was sent to Guangzhou, China. It's official! We really only had to renew our previous approval, as well as do a change of status from Vietnam to China, so that is why it happened so quickly. Since we sent in most of our paperwork to the agency on Monday, all we are

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-32878723346715077062008-12-26T18:34:00.000-08:002009-02-12T17:17:28.540-08:00

Christmas was nice this year. It was such a blessings to have a White Christmas, even though it did disrupt most of our plans in the days around Christmas. I was forced to slow down, which I think I really needed. We spent several days playing in the snow with neighbors who were also stuck at home. We played games, made Christmas cookies, read a great book.......I still felt busy enough, just

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-47448173004892446692008-12-23T10:14:00.001-08:002008-12-23T17:31:46.421-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly in the New Year. Thanks for following our adoption journey.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-21613628295045251962008-12-18T22:33:00.000-08:002008-12-18T22:42:15.953-08:00

It's been so fun to be "trapped" at home this time of year. Our good friends, and our neighbors, who are also good friends, came over today for fun in the snow, and fun inside by the fire. Here's some pics.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-51602208945794371122008-12-11T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:55:30.763-08:00

Alright, so now I have a few minutes to write and wanted to let you know that we are moving forward with China. We are very excited about. For the first time in a long time, things actually seem to be moving forward MORE QUICKLY than we expected. Because we had just updated our home study for Vietnam, our social worker was able to surprise us by having our China home study done in two days!!

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-71190479657317623992008-12-10T14:53:00.001-08:002008-12-10T14:53:49.389-08:00

But sorry - you have to wait a little longer to find out. And, don't get too excited, it's not a referral.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-24120052076917195082008-12-02T23:17:00.000-08:002008-12-02T23:25:41.031-08:00

I was just wallowing in adoption self-pity when I decided to blog. Entering our blog and finding my last post titled "Thankful" makes me feel even more guilty for my attitude. I want to be more optimistic and hopeful.Last year at Christmas time, we hoped and prayed and dreamt of having Liv home by this Christmas, or at least seeing her face by this Christmas. I had planned to make her stocking

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-7828689365899996952008-12-01T15:32:00.000-08:002008-12-03T15:39:17.694-08:00

This weekend we had a fun family outing. Koen got to go on the "Santa Train" - his first real train ride in his memory. He and Keith really enjoyed all the train stuff. The ride was short, but really the perfect distance for a two year old. At the destination, we skipped out on the Santa pics due to a long line, and enjoyed refreshments and a jumpy house. My mom and sister joined us.Sitting

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-70765122080420598752008-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:002008-12-03T15:57:00.582-08:00

I am having a hard time coming up with a way to express how our Thanksgiving was. Keith's mom and sister came up from Oregon to join my Mom and sister. My dad stopped by briefly. Keith made the turkey and gravy, and I did the stuffing and roles. Koen kept us pretty entertained, but he knew he was the center of attention.All in all, it felt a little empty. My Grammi is too old and difficult

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-44749986586747209692008-11-27T11:03:00.000-08:002008-11-27T11:18:52.939-08:00

I am so thankful the Lord has been with us through every step of these last few difficult months.I am thankful that my sister is out of the hospital and can join us today.I am thankful that my mom is 10% of the way through her radiation.I am thankful that I know the ultimate Healer.I am thankful for the Body of Christ who has been praying and encouraging us.I am thankful for the Lord's

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-10428505622376318232008-11-23T23:11:00.000-08:002008-11-23T23:40:48.577-08:00

My Mom starts radiation tomorrow. Please pray for her. She will be treated on her neck and jaw area, on one side of her face, which is the worst area to receive radiation because it hurts on the inside of your mouth as well. It may make her sick, and will make her tired as the treatments go on. She will receive radiation for 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks.Christmas will be a bummer, but

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-74332307062257306932008-11-23T14:49:00.002-08:002008-11-23T15:11:26.783-08:00

I found a fun sewing project by Mama to Mama to do for babies in Haiti. Haiti has the highest infant mortality rate in the western hemisphere. Many premature babies are cold, even in the tropical climate, and a little handmade hat helps to keep them warm and thus conserve the calories they need to grow.Here is info directly from MamatoMama's site:Mama to Mama is honored to introduce our first

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-27095461882241755092008-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:002008-11-13T21:18:52.813-08:00

I debated about sharing this with the world (since I have readers from several continents:), but feel like I should be open about every step in our adoption process. This way you know how to pray for us, and if you are a PAP (prospective adoptive parent), you may learn from our journey (and mistakes!).Today I was a part of a webinar for those interested in adopting a "special needs" child from

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-77866929898938419912008-11-12T14:59:00.001-08:002008-11-12T15:04:38.889-08:00

I started to wonder if anyone actually ready our blog and discovered that I could put a "Map Loco" live map on the blog (see the bottom of the page). This shows me where my most recent visitors are from. It is fun to see that people actually are following our journey. And, especially fun today that we had 4 recent international readers. Welcome to you from Canada, Italy, Nepal, and Krasnador

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-32920197867161198392008-11-06T15:04:00.000-08:002008-11-06T15:06:54.237-08:00

I have been looking all over the internet whenever I've had a spare minute the last several days, in search of resources on special needs adoption. We are considering what special needs we are open to in our adoption, but can't find good info on adopting a special needs child. The perfect article or book might be titled: Am I Ready to Adopt a Child With Special Needs?If you know of any good

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-59578420984042602542008-11-01T20:16:00.000-07:002008-11-01T20:17:23.308-07:00

Today marks 13 months DTV, and 2 months that Vietnam has been closed.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-26102896001668627382008-11-01T16:17:00.001-07:002008-11-01T16:36:36.688-07:00

Introducing..... My little chicken:My little chicken survived Halloween this year. We'll see if his teeth do though! He was actually a bit grumpy and maybe even overwhelmed by the trick-or-treating we did at a local shopping area. It was really crowded with all kinds of little animals and goblins and princesses.Chicken Little and GrammiThe cutest chicken butt you'll ever seeKoen posing with

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-80262530503105214372008-10-30T22:17:00.001-07:002008-10-30T23:20:36.905-07:00

As I tried to fall asleep last night I realized that Koen will likely turn 3 before he has a sibling. That was never in our plan. You know how you have a vision of your perfect family, and you know about how far apart you want your children? My vision had them less than 2 years apart. 3 just sounds so old! And, all of Koen's friends have siblings or siblings on the way. It makes me sad for

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-24855244137087273472008-10-29T21:55:00.000-07:002008-10-29T22:04:50.674-07:00

Papa, Mama, KoenToday we carved pumpkins. We got a few smiles for photos, but Koen didn't really enjoy the process until it was all over. He didn't want to touch the "goop." But, he was quite thrilled with his Blue's Clues themed pumpkins.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-53573075175813388592008-10-28T21:32:00.001-07:002008-10-28T21:40:59.128-07:00

I was feeling more hopeful, thinking that negotiations were underway as of yesterday, but discovered today, that they have been postponed. Here is what JCICS posted yesterday:On October 13th Joint Council announced its understanding that formal negotiations between the Governments of Vietnam and the United States regarding an interim Memorandum of Understanding were scheduled in the coming weeks

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-63562130031058448362008-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:002008-10-28T14:11:56.892-07:00

Sydney and her family need us to ask our big God to heal her. She was adopted from China and doctors have found a big tumor around her heart, lung and spinal cord. They say doing surgery is too risky. You can read more about her here.Lord, it's up to you. Please heal this little girl and let her lead a healthy life for your glory.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-91400637805328954782008-10-27T21:53:00.000-07:002008-10-27T22:24:55.658-07:00

The condo was almost as spotless as it gets, and our social worker only spent time in the dining room. He was in and out in about a half hour. It really is quite simple to do a home study update, thankfully.Negotiations were to start today. Please pray for progress and open doors. Thanks!BTW: Check out my google ads: two potty training entries, and now it's advertised here. :)

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-50558941582983548032008-10-25T10:38:00.000-07:002008-10-25T10:57:24.713-07:00

Here are some photos from last weekend. We went to a pumpkin patch and did a corn maze. It was a cold, but beautiful day. My sister joined us.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-49582777792112194702008-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:002008-10-24T21:37:39.458-07:00

Koen got the whole potty thing down today! Yay! I am so proud of him. He's good with number one - no accidents at all today. He was completely dry all day! Instead of putting him on the potty every 15 minutes, it was about every hour, and he would sit and go when I told him to. As a reward tonight for being so successful he got to open his new little excavator tractor that has been sitting

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-67904696317963137772008-10-22T17:32:00.001-07:002008-10-22T17:38:10.967-07:00

My heart started to pitter-patter today when I saw an update from our agency, hoping there was good news. I opened it and found very little new info. The news is that our dossiers have been returned by the government, but will stay at our agency's office in Hanoi. And, negotiations will start on October 27th - that's next Monday. This wasn't welcome news, as I thought they had already started

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-72575259707309301012008-10-21T14:21:00.001-07:002008-10-21T14:45:17.115-07:00

All this cancer talk and the google ads that are posted on my blog have changed from adoption themed to cancer themed. Let's see if I can get a whole new theme with this post!Today is the beginning of Potty Training for us. It is also Koen's 2 1/2 birthday. We might celebrate if things are successful later tonight. I am following a book by Gary Ezzo called "Potty Training 1-2-3" and using

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-18709169135661586062008-10-20T16:51:00.000-07:002009-02-12T21:44:37.600-08:00

We got good news finally. Cancerous cells were only found in the one swollen lymph node of all the nodes removed more than a week ago. Praise the Lord! That means that they likely removed all the cancer, and she will start radiation on time - in a couple of weeks. Thanks for your prayers.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-36995316537619865712008-10-16T14:32:00.000-07:002008-10-16T16:37:40.998-07:00

Angela tagged me. So now, I share 7 random facts about myself with the world. This is hard to do for someone who does much better when she is asked questions. Here goes:1. I enjoy pulling my eyelashes and eyebrow hairs out. Weird, yes, but I heard recently that many obsessive compulsive people do this. I am not officially OCD, but then, maybe I am.2. I have two cats who are quite opposite

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-58272502735509983702008-10-13T16:44:00.000-07:002008-10-13T16:48:37.236-07:00

Mom's surgery went fine last week. It was a very long day, as she had to be at the hospital well before dawn, and I usually arise well after dawn :). She came out of surgery in the early afternoon, and the doctor came out to the waiting room to let us know things had gone well. He did say however, that it looked like the cancer had spread to more than the one lymph node. She has no feeling in

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-45426477209945571752008-10-13T16:39:00.000-07:002008-10-13T16:50:08.850-07:00

Our agency sent out an update today that included posting from JCICS. It sounds like negotiations between the US and Vietnam regarding adoptions are happening this month. Here's a quotation:"Joint Council continues to view the suspension of intercountry adoption between the United States and Vietnam as a tragedy for children and for the families willing to provide a loving home for them. We

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-73843444446118639462008-10-08T14:58:00.000-07:002008-10-08T15:07:35.575-07:00

We were in need of a break from the stress, and the Lord provided enough sunshine for Mom, Koen and I to head to the pumpkin patch. Koen enjoyed a wagon ride behind a tractor at the farm, as well as hay maze, perfect for his age.Koen and Grammi (my Mom)Please pray for my mom's surgery. It's early tomorrow morning. They will remove the lymph nodes in her neck, as well as the surrounding tissue.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-12142688813031104282008-10-03T14:55:00.001-07:002008-10-03T15:11:44.904-07:00

To end the day's blogs on a good note, I'll show you pics from yesterday: Koen's first professional haircut. His hair was getting so long. I kind of wanted him to have the long hair full of body I see on so many boys these days, but it wasn't working on him. So, it's gone, and he looks so handsome, and so much older.He enjoyed his "hair party" as we called it (mostly because we fed him m&ms to

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-47716460110586464072008-10-03T14:46:00.000-07:002009-02-12T21:45:44.587-08:00

Today is one of those days where I just long for Liv. I woke up thinking of her, and haven't been able to forget.There have been many times lately where I wonder if we will always be a family of 3. I have started to picture Koen as an only child. Not that this would be bad, but it is not what I desire or have imagined for my family. My heart wants to mother more children - especially those

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-45789562964982530152008-10-01T11:40:00.001-07:002008-10-01T11:51:44.444-07:00

That's a downer of a title, isn't it?Today is ONE YEAR since our Dossier went to Vietnam and we started our official wait for Liv. We are in a far different place than we thought we would be a year ago. We've only made it about half way up the waiting list, and now, of course, adoptions have come to a halt. We are unsure if Liv is even Liv (Love in Vietnam), or if she is somewhere else.We have

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-81726528814391456572008-09-25T14:16:00.001-07:002008-09-25T14:22:54.367-07:00

My friend Angela just returned from Ethiopia with her two new little ones. Addie is 3, and Tony is 2. So cute! You can read their story at Hopefully and Anxiously Expecting.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-75465089122044793602008-09-25T14:00:00.000-07:002008-10-01T11:51:24.449-07:00

I discovered an amazing Christian family's blog this weekend. The family just returned from China with their newly adopted little girl. Susannah has special needs, most notably a heart defect, that has turned out to be much more severe than expected. She is fighting for her life, and so far is quite unhappy to be with these strange people in a strange land. Please pray for this family. They

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-78859217435325539292008-09-15T22:12:00.000-07:002008-09-25T14:00:43.039-07:00

We received our updated I -171H form in the mail today from getting re fingerprinted last week.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-24184710496576995562008-09-13T21:47:00.000-07:002008-09-13T22:02:41.657-07:00

Our agency sent out an update this week stating that Vietnam has named a head neogtiator - a first step in signing a new MOU. Vietnam has also requested that both governments now begin negotiations toward a the end of establishing a new MOU. So, that's progress, and good news to us.Last week in Hanoi there was a meeting between the Ministry of Justice, DIA, Provincial Justice officials, MOLISA

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-12755121536934744212008-09-13T21:33:00.000-07:002008-09-13T21:45:35.097-07:00

I checked out the "documentary" film ABC Africa from the library and we watched it last night. It claims to be a documentary, but it feels more like unedited vacation/mission trip footage. An Iranian director traveled to Kampala Uganda in 2001 to film the AIDS orphans and an organization funded by the US government to aid the suffering Ugandans. I probably could have learned a lot more from

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-57502004301433797772008-09-13T21:23:00.000-07:002008-09-13T21:33:47.634-07:00

Yesterday, after a long and stressful two weeks, I decided Koen and I needed to escape. We went to the zoo and had a great time. Koen was so well behaved (or course he was - he was getting what he wanted), and the weather was perfect. He particularly enjoyed the bears, butterflies, and flamingos.Posing in front of an arctic wolfObserving a monarch butterfly

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-31958464370842624792008-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:002008-09-09T15:18:11.707-07:00

Yesterday, all my troubles weren't so far away...Mom's surgery went well yesterday. It went a little long but the doctor said he got a "wide margin," meaning they believe they got all the cancer out, plus some. However, he used the word "advanced" stage of cancer, even though last week it was "early" stage cancer. So, she will likely have to go through radiation. The doctor was also not able

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-83295112803131623352008-09-08T06:43:00.000-07:002008-09-08T06:46:09.206-07:00

Just a quick prayer request for my mom (Carol) who is going in for surgery this afternoon to remove the quickly-growing spot of cancer on her gum. Please pray for peace and that the doctors would be able to remove all the cancer without harming the nerves in the area. We also get refingerprinted this morning. Yipee!Thanks so much!

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-62947204380740848552008-09-04T21:03:00.000-07:002008-09-04T21:20:15.504-07:00

I talked with our agency today, just clarifying more about the closure, and our options. I was pretty discouraged reading blogs of others and finding that most have dropped out of the Vietnam program, and that their agencies haven't been as positive as ours.Our agency is encouraging families to start concurrent adoptions if they would like, but are not recommending dropping Vietnam. Only one

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-90494275232450985062008-09-01T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-01T15:01:14.839-07:00

We have been dreading this day for a long time, but inevitably, it has arrived. The MOU expired today, meaning that adoptions between the US and Vietnam have ceased. We pray this is a short closure, but have no idea what to expect. Our agency seems more optimistic than others I have heard from. Do we move on? Today also marks 11 months since we were DTV. 11 months, and now our dossier is

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-25460370975798058062008-08-27T15:19:00.000-07:002008-09-04T22:02:10.674-07:00

8 years ago today Keith asked me to marry him. Can you guess what I said?Here's our story:Keith grew up in Oregon, and I in Washington. We met while attending Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon in 1996. I was a freshmen, and excited to get myself involved in every ministry on campus. Keith was a junior with a "robo arm." He can tell you that story - but he had an external arm brace on

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-16441052036990088682008-08-21T19:04:00.000-07:002008-08-21T19:10:02.007-07:00

I am trying not to think about our adoption much. I am pretty much in denial that within a little over a week, Vietnam/US adoptions will come to a halt. We still have hope that a new agreement can be signed soon, and adoptions would reopen, but there is nothing factual about that hope, and the last time Vietnam closed, it was for quite some time.I feel ready for our family to grow, but have no

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-21000733310184049332008-08-21T18:54:00.000-07:002008-08-21T19:04:28.861-07:00

We had a good time camping with our good friends last weekend. I've never boat camped before, so it was really special to get to borrow a little boat and go out in the San Juan Islands for a couple days. The boys (Koen's best buddy Isaac is just 2 months younger than him) had a good time playing in the rocks and riding in the boat. Crazy bed hairThanks for a good get-away, friends!

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-31010711811855927522008-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:002008-08-15T10:48:10.786-07:00

Victory: Nastia wins goldDefeat: Alicia falls in the team competitionIsn't it great to be an American?!!! I am loving watching the Games, and last night was definitely a high for me. I am a huge gymnastics fan, and loved watching Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson from the US win gold and silver - even though it kept me up til 1 am. And, of course I am enjoying watching the swimming too, and

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-87788758456334534952008-08-02T00:45:00.000-07:002008-08-02T00:53:40.277-07:00

We are 10 months DTV today (actually since it is past midnight, it is the 2nd, so we are 10 months, one day.) When we started our wait, our agency predicted we would receive a referral in 10-13 months. So, we're in that window, only now it is closer to 15 months. I won't be jumping up when the phone rings just yet.I found a new blog today, and cried as I read through the story of their little

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-67276846937316264162008-07-31T18:02:00.000-07:002008-07-31T19:36:55.791-07:00

We got to get away for a couple days to a lake house owned by a generous couple at our church. My mom and sister joined us too. Koen enjoyed the lake, but his favorite was the hot tub. Thankfully, the hot tub was a little cool - more like a nice hot bath.We had a "bad parent" moment when we got a little too brave and took Koen out in a kayak. About 10 seconds after Keith pushed off from

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-74244092432215019982008-07-27T19:08:00.000-07:002008-07-27T19:14:46.213-07:00

I was relieved to get a response from our agency today, saying that the investigations were done at the two medical clinics in the northern part of Nam Dinh Province. Our agency does not work with, or receive referrals from these two medical clinics. Sounds like most of these children were adopted to France and Italy.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-50137993927142682252008-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:002008-07-27T19:12:12.773-07:00

Today is not such a normal day, or even a good day. Today I feel discouraged. When I wake up thinking about my future children, I know it will be a day that I struggle.We live in such a corrupt world. Adoption is a beautiful thing, and yet people know how to turn good into evil. I just read here that several people were arrested in Nam Dinh this month for issuing fake birth certificates of

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-11909596226679867872008-07-25T14:35:00.000-07:002008-07-25T15:29:24.050-07:00

I've been on a reading spree lately. Informing myself of the needs of orphans around the world, particularly in Africa. It is really heartbreaking, and surprising. I knew there were problems there, but I was so ignorant to the extent of them.The latest book is titled Red Letters, Living a Faith That Bleeds, by Tom Davis. I'm not done with the book yet, but here are some thoughts I wanted to

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-79274815787981844322008-07-25T14:00:00.000-07:002008-07-25T16:48:15.146-07:00

In the August issue of Parent's magazine, I stumbled upon an article on adoption, which featured a family that I have followed a little through their blog. There were 4 families featured, each from different adoption roads: domestic open, domestic semi-open, domestic foster care, and international adoption. The Good family has adopted two boys from Vietnam and then had a biological daughter

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-76751334283146739592008-07-22T15:49:00.001-07:002008-07-22T15:59:26.006-07:00

It's been a while since my last post, and I was hesitant to blog today because I really have nothing to write about. But, as I thought about it, I decided I would let you know that I have been okay the last few weeks. I haven't been down about our adoption. I have been very, very okay, and for that I am thankful. For those of you who want to adopt some day, you will likely have many okay days

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-181812838232093652008-07-09T15:13:00.000-07:002008-07-09T15:22:57.789-07:00

The title is said with a bit of sarcasm, in case you couldn't tell. This is our 100th blog post. A milestone with little to show for it. But, like I said before, this has been quite therapeutic, and helps me feel a little less alone on this journey.Today Keith and I finally sent in our special needs considerations to our agency. It was hard for us to think about raising a child with severe or

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-59288456231602193162008-07-06T14:35:00.000-07:002008-07-06T14:51:48.783-07:00

A friend sent this poem about the two mothers an adopted child knows:ADOPTIONOnce there were two women who never knew each other.One you do not rememberthe other you call Mother.One became your guiding star,the other became your sun.The first gave you lifeand the second taught you to live in it.The first gave you a need for loveand the second was there to give it.One gave you a nationality,the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-61414998983075018752008-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:02:47.818-07:00

My mom recently read our blog (she's not very computer literate, so she gets behind), and told me it made her cry. I didn't realize that this blog is giving you an inaccurate picture of how I am feeling much of the time. I often blog on a down day, when I am struggling with this adoption process, and needing the therapy of journaling. So, that means I am recording the hard days and not the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-23807952073762788632008-07-05T14:34:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:28:07.905-07:00

At the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit two months ago, one of the amazing ministries we were introduced to was Every Orphan's Hope. We had the chance to visit with the leaders of the ministry and learn more about what they do. We are really impressed by the vision and model they follow. They are a new ministry, working in Zambia now, with hopes to serve in other countries in the near

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-82369576812935205332008-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:002008-07-05T14:34:01.116-07:00

We've had Keith's mom is town for a few days now, and the 4th was her birthday. She always gets so spoiled on her birthday with fireworks and all in celebration. :) Yesterday we took her to the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Koen enjoyed it for the most part, but wanted to ride more airplanes. They had a few the kids could "ride," but I think he really wanted to fly.Stepping out of Air Force

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-44304816500815518482008-07-05T13:44:00.000-07:002008-07-05T15:59:51.331-07:00

We received an update from our agency this week with good and mediocre news. The good news is that they received 5 referrals last month - 4 of them girls. That moves us up several places on the waiting list - so we are probably somewhere between 15 and 18th. I'll call next month to get the exact number. The less positive news is that the wait is now 14-15 months for a girl. We passed the 9

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-27878340873053332562008-06-24T14:56:00.000-07:002008-06-24T15:00:39.441-07:00

Here is an update from JCICS regarding the Child's Right Campaign: Joint Council is pleased to announce that the letter from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption to Secretary Rice regarding intercountry adoption and child protection in Vietnam has received over 130 Congressional signatures. Given the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-36694344073892370342008-06-20T21:13:00.001-07:002008-06-22T15:01:13.733-07:00

I am back, and I am 30, plus a couple days. It started sinking in today. Normally I don't get upset about getting older, but I'm realizing a gap between the reality of who I am, and the picture I used to have of myself when I would be 30. I don't have it all together, and I am not very wise.... I remember in my early 20s getting asked why I wasn't in school. I looked like a high schooler for

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-6369499739250199792008-06-17T12:25:00.000-07:002008-06-17T12:28:17.540-07:00

I'm 30 today. Weird. Well, I'm actually not 30 until tonight. I'll stay 29 as long as I can. People say the 30s are great. I hope they're right. Keith is taking me somewhere in a few minutes. All I know is that we'll be gone two nights, and to bring a variety of clothing. He is planning to make breakfasts, so it must have a little kitchen or something. I'll let you know. Next time I blog,

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-72023857327170896132008-06-12T15:10:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:24:38.226-07:00

Today Koen and his play group went to a fun park that had an animal farm and water play area. Even though it was only in the 60s, Koen gradually got more and more wet in the water area. We'll have to go back when summer finally gets here.Petting the baby cowsKoen's best buddy was more brave than he at first.But, you can see he eventually got pretty wet.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-65605203103882140712008-06-11T15:41:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:24:04.815-07:00

Today we got an email from our agency asking all of the Vietnam waiting families to write a letter to the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam, requesting them to complete the adoptions of all who have their dossier submitted before July 1st. Our director is heading to Vietnam this weekend to meet with DIA officials to advocate for the continuation of Vietnam/US adoptions, and will take the letters

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-64347816680187192572008-06-04T10:09:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:25:05.679-07:00

Yesterday was just a really sad, gloomy day. I have this passion for orphans growing in me, and yet no way to do anything for them right now. We would love to foster, but only have a 2 bedroom place, and don't know if we will be moving to another state soon. We want to hold our little girl, but have no idea when or even if we will be able to. I want to hug and hold an orphan in Africa and

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-85913394039742601482008-06-01T17:00:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:00:01.036-07:00

Our agency gave us more info on the Child's Right Campaign for Vietnam. The JCICS (Joint Council of International Children's Services), several adoption agencies, and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) are initiating this Campaign. "It is through this advocacy group that we are can get word to Congressional Representatives and Senators of the urgency of the situation in

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-83877887337854287662008-06-01T16:42:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:25:17.290-07:00

It's another adoption anniversary today. It has been exactly 8 months today since we were DTV (dossier to Vietnam), and put on our agency's waiting list. We were told to expect 10-13 months wait when we started. It's all up in the air now, but we do have some hope that we will get a referral this fall. Please join the Child's Right Campaign and help make this possible.Last time Vietnam closed

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-480428036253163292008-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:002008-05-31T22:10:48.862-07:00

Orphans of the WorldThese faces represent 143 million orphans on earth todayThat is 1 in every 13 children!That is more than the population of Canada and Mexico combined!RwandaGuatemalaPhilippinesEthiopiaMyanmarSwazilandSouth KoreaUzbekistanHondurasColombiaZambiaChinaRomaniaUnited StatesUnited

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-78771131431771856332008-05-31T11:55:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:25:27.896-07:00

One year ago today was our first blog. The new look represents a new year. I started this journal of our process to keep family and friends updated, to inform other prospective adoptive parents of the process, and to share with Liv someday.A lot has changed since we began this process a year ago, and were just deciding on an agency. We are still happy with the choices we've made along the way

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-48228507344197197352008-05-26T20:26:00.001-07:002008-07-05T16:25:45.278-07:00

Sorry about the change in layout. I was a little overexcited to update the blog's background, and not really knowing what I was doing, messed it up. We'll work on getting it back in shape, but it's not high enough on Keith's to do list.Just checked out Adoption Integrity's website, and they had info from the JCICS. JCICS is putting together a campaign for Child's Rights in Vietnam and asking

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-25205078353953929702008-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:002008-05-24T22:45:45.032-07:00

Very early last Sunday, my second nephew was born. Joel Isaac came 4 weeks early (but a big 6 lb, 15 oz!) and was delivered at home (not by choice). My sister-in-law was alone when Joel decided to come out. Mom is doing fine, and Joel is improving gradually. His little lungs and digestive system weren't quite as ready as he was to get out, so he is at a children's hospital where they live on

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-58726785720650766022008-05-22T10:06:00.000-07:002008-05-22T10:28:51.726-07:00

Our hearts were saddened this morning to hear that Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman lost their youngest daughter in a car accident yesterday. This is an amazing Christian family who has adopted several children from China and are founders of Shaohannah's Hope, the organization that is helping us and many families adopt. Steven is an accomplished Christian music artist. Please pray for the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-77291263638747524702008-05-16T15:11:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:25:55.855-07:00

I talked to Amy, our adoption coordinator this Monday. She was just checking in to see how we were doing with all the bad news lately. After our conversation I have a little more hope. I learned that Vietnam is scheduled to become Hague accredited in March of 2009. That would mean that even if it closes in September, once they are Hague accredited, any other country that is Hague accredited

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-20745475367602283732008-05-16T15:07:00.000-07:002008-06-02T15:26:21.261-07:00

Keith got to lead a college students at an area community college to Christ last night. At one of the last CRU meetings of the year, there was a student who had come for the past couple weeks. This student, thought he was a Christian, but when Keith asked him a few questions, it became clear he wasn't. Keith got to explain the Good News of Jesus Christ to him. Praise Jesus for saving this

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-63592566344634482302008-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:002008-05-16T16:14:40.627-07:00

I am in a little bit of a time warp. We are finally home. We were travelling for one day short of two weeks, and it is strange to me that it is the middle of May now, when we left in April. It is nice to be back in our beds, and in the beautiful green state of Washington.Here's another tidbit I wanted to share from the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference last week. Eduardo Verastegui, the

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-58889001891093936362008-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:002008-05-16T16:27:44.741-07:00

Here are some pictures from our two weeks traveling. Before the conference Keith and I got to enjoy Florida for a day and a half. We headed the the northern Florida Keys and went on a glass bottom boat trip off of Key Largo to the 3rd largest reef in the world. We got to see a sea turtle, a little shark, and all kinds of pretty fish. We had hoped to go snorkeling, but because it was very windy,

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-18082538926945505112008-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:002008-05-04T11:15:29.255-07:00

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” -James 1:27 The Christian Alliance for Orphans is an amazing alliance of many amazing organizations, all with the common goal of serving orphans. Every member has its own specialization or focus of ministry, but

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-47469969801695612282008-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:26:08.173-07:00

We have had a very full few days. Before I share all the wonderful things we heard about at the conference, I’ll share an adoption update.After checking email several times a day for a week, we finally got a good explanation/response from our agency. It wasn’t that they weren’t trying to be timely, it’s that they were waiting on a JCICS conference call, and trying to get their facts

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-61967468825874626602008-04-27T21:19:00.001-07:002008-07-05T16:27:50.526-07:00

I don't know what to do. I am so sad when I think about it, and yet we haven't hit a dead end yet, we've just been warned that a dead end is likely. I feel alone. There are hundreds of others in the US going through what we are. We need a support group! I don't think most people understand that Liv is in our hearts. We have pictured her and planned for her for months. Maybe this is a little

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-17406585834992751102008-04-26T15:15:00.001-07:002008-04-26T15:21:16.544-07:00

This week we head to a conference we have been looking forward to for some time. We are going to the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit IV in Florida, where we will join hundreds of other believers who are like us- passionate in reaching and serving the Fatherless. We are so hoping the Lord will guide us in our personal ministry, as well as in our adoption while we are there. Please pray

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-87467101762267117652008-04-26T14:39:00.001-07:002008-07-05T16:28:17.779-07:00

Today I have sad news to share. Vietnam will close to US adoptions September 1st. This is incredibly sad news for adoptions in Vietnam. But, even sadder for us is that Vietnam will only complete the adoptions of those families who have referrals by September 1st. There is still a chance this could be us, but it is not likely.I have noticed that my heart hasn't been so into this adoption as I

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-91920337487561831332008-04-21T21:57:00.001-07:002008-04-21T22:39:30.975-07:00

Koen is 2! He turned two at 4:39 this evening, and I'm so disappointed I forgot to look at the clock and be sentimental about the time. I was too busy preparing for our little family party tonight. We celebrated with a monkey theme. I didn't go too over the top this year, but did do a cute little monkey cake (banana flavor, of course) from Martha Stewart. Koen's eyes lit up when he saw it.

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-22450994044533749632008-04-15T21:55:00.000-07:002008-04-15T22:05:11.867-07:00

I was just sitting here crying over the need of orphans. I am ready and willing to help, but feel like I can't. Why is it so hard? Lord, show me how.Here are the facts:What is the need?• Over 143 million children have lost one or both parents. 1 • At least 16.2 million children worldwide have lost both parents. 2• Every 14 seconds a child loses a parent due to AIDS. 3• Conflict has orphaned or

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-21073730683819840382008-04-15T20:49:00.000-07:002008-04-16T14:53:51.370-07:00

So, while I was perusing the internet looking for organizations and ministries that work with orphans around the world, I came across something worthy of a little attention (especially to my fellow grande-caffeinated Northwesterners).I found a cool looking ministry called "Children's Hope Chest", an organization that exists to "respond to God's desire to create a world where every orphan knows

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-89606651633491078262008-04-08T15:08:00.000-07:002008-04-08T15:16:03.285-07:00

The Adoption Buzz website linked me to an interesting article by the Washington Post about how international adoptions are declining as more and more countries close and set up harder restrictions to adopt their children. I know much of the article is opinion, but it is eye-opening. It is very discouraging to hear that adoptions are decreasing, as we know the number of orphans is dramatically

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-72127090225410614172008-04-06T21:59:00.000-07:002008-07-05T16:28:32.491-07:00

"I lift my eyes up to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.The LORD watches over you-the LORD is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.The LORD will

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6234221148098767924.post-18457092754912639672008-04-05T20:59:00.001-07:002008-07-05T16:28:50.280-07:00

Yesterday at dinner Koen said "Liv home." I asked "do you want Liv to come home?" He nodded and said "yeh." Keith and I agreed that we wanted Liv to come home too.It surprised me that he apparently has some knowledge of Liv. We have prayed with him for her a little, but not talked too much about her around him, as I know he doesn't understand. But, he's understood something, and joined us in

Keith and Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951167923353798227noreply@blogger.com0