Have you ever read Christine Moers’ blog: welcometomybrain.net?  Well, she’s quite the character, and I had the pleasure of viewing her on the following Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU_HJY8md-0 Basically, her six minute video was talking about therapeutic parenting and how to reach the traumatized child by helping them “find their silly”.  What does this look like you may ask?

SNOW DAY DRAMA

Today, we did not do “homeschooling”  because of the unwritten rule: if dad has a snow day, then, we do, too!  Jeff, who still thinks he’s twenty and a professional ice hockey player, decides to take our boys and oldest daughter ice skating–IN A SNOWSTORM!  Because we do not have skates for my youngest, I thought it would be a wonderful way for us to do some “more attaching and bonding”.  WRONG! Our newest addition to the family wanted to go and threw a tantrum that made my ears ring–I have no doubt that these raging screams were heard two towns over where the family was skating!  So, what did I do? Well, I first sent her to her room and left the door open.  I needed to clear my head and not react to her emotions with my frustrations. Usually, I prefer to keep her in the same room, but I had a migraine--not fun!  Shortly after, with screams bouncing down the hallway, I began to unpack the groceries and found a gigantic bottle of honey (See Picture). I, immediately, ran back into the room; our conversation went something like this:

MOM: “Do you want to help me empty the bear’s tummy?”

CHILD: She has stopped screaming to listen carefully at my quiet voice.

MOM: With intense excitement, I continue, “I’ve been looking for this bear EVERYWHERE, and I finally found him!”

CHILD: She is softly whimpering and whining at this point.

MOM: “Will you help me put the honey back where it belongs–in the honey pot?  That bear should not have stolen the honey!”

At this point, my little firecracker agrees, walks down the hall, and helps me!  Look at the picture!  It worked!  I felt compelled to share this because many of my friends either have adopted traumatized children or teach them.  By doing something completely out of the ordinary and SILLY, you are really helping the child change their frame of mind, giving their emotions a new “adrenaline rush” of something new, and are taking them out of the pattern of emotional frustration.   You will be pleased to know that after we filled the honey pot, we had a nice cup of strawberry tea with HONEY and played a game of Old Maid.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.  Matthew 18:20

You know all last year, while we were fervently fundraising to complete our Journey for Joelle, I felt like the Lord continued to press on my heart that this adoption was going to be bigger than I could every imagine. Several, including a friend and brother-in-law, told me that this was NOT our journey but one necessary for others to both observe and partake in.

My life changed for the better in July of 2008 when we adopted our oldest daughter Juliese (China).  Little did I know that a chain of events would begin to unravel; my passion for adoption was out of control.  I just could not stop talking about adoption!  Of course, along the way, I had to be reminded that diplomacy and tactfulness were attributes that I was lacking in.  Though I unintentionally made some very uncomfortable,  I still felt an eternal urge  that churches, including ours, must do more. Sadly, I could see the “American Dream” preying on Christians as well. I had even had people in the ministry tell me that taking care of the orphans was not “their thing”.  However,  I knew what the Bible had to say about this issue; there were no gray areas when discussing the widow and the orphan.  The following Bible verses are imperative commands not questions requiring a yes or no response:

On Mother’s Day, this beautiful little girl finally became our daughter.  Joelle had been woven into our hearts long before we met her; obviously, the Lord had already hand-picked her for our family– to love, to learn from, and to laugh! The below pictures say it all.  Five months ago today, we traveled all the way to China for a comedian,  an actress, a singer, a musician, and clown–combined into the one and only JOELLE- who we just simply adore and love!  Our jolly and very silly Joelle has made our lives complete–thank you, Lord! Without a doubt, the Lord will continue to use both you and your sister to inspire others to adopt as well as challenge others to help “fund” other adoptions.

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”  Psalm 126:2 (NLT)

Our family is making these angels for the Sherer family.  They are expected to travel to China in December 2011 to get their Christmas blessing: a son named Jesiah. For those who purchase the Jesiah Angel, all funds will go towards the Sherer’s travel expenses.  All other adoption fees have been paid for-praise God!

Here’s how you can help us bring Jesiah home for God’s Kingdom:

1. Purchase an angel for a friend or yourself: suggested donation $10.

2. Make a craft that will sell–DECA Craft fair is competitive!

3. Come find us at the craft fair on . . .

Date: Saturday, November 19th

Place: Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School

Time: 9:30-3:00

To find out more info on this family or to make a donation on Paypal, go to http://www.shereradoption.blogspot.com

Last week, Joelle had surgery on both eyes. There was some concern of whether or not she would need a second procedure to correct the strabismus.  Thankfully, after Tuesday’s post-op visit, her eyes looked perfect! Adoption is full of surprises just like giving birth.  You never know what will happen ,and it is very hard to prepare ahead of time.  Joelle’s special need was postoperative ASD.  However, her heart was excellent, but her eyes were not.  And so, flexibility and packing away one’s preconceived ideas about adoption is crucial when considering this road.  Mirrors do reflect what is on the outside of a person, but they do not reveal one’s heart, thought patterns, feelings, and emotions.  Adoption is not glamorous.  It is absolutely the most challenging thing I have ever done, yet I would not change any of it.   Having someone who is afraid to fall asleep without you in the room, having a permanent shadow, daily  language barriers, sibling rivalry, never-ending medical appointments and evaluations, and the frequent analyzing of whether or not  a current  incident is just an “adoption” issue or rather  a “normal, three year old” behavior are all ever present in our household.  Still, seeking the Lord  constantly is the  prerequisites to a successful adoption.  I need to be reminded that the Lord does not just see my reflection in the mirror.  But instead, He looks straight into my heart and knows my thoughts, and feelings, and . . . with great wisdom He slowly reveals His plan–one day at a time. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Check out Joelle’s eyes now!

The Modern Version of “Humpty Dumpty”

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

But . . . God can!

Today, while pushing Joelle on the swing,  I was singing the well-known nursery rhyme of “Humpty Dumpty”–Joelle loves anything with music and has learned a lot of English this way.  This rhyme always makes me smile and chuckle  because it reminds me of my firstborn, Jake, who created the above line (in red) when he was very young.  I still remember the day he piped up and said this.  At the time, we were driving to Bangor to visit family, and I was deeply concerned that Jake was not getting enough Biblical training and was also worried about a family situation.  Of course, both the Lord and Jake replaced my worries with “egg”cellent humor!

As I  “googled” this rhyme, I found these endings: “Could not set Humpty Dumpty up again” and  “Cannot place Humpty Dumpty as he was before”.  You know none of us want to be compared to an egg that shatters easily and cannot be put back together.  Instead, we want to be strong, courageous, and be in control at all times– in all situations.  But, this is not realistic, is it?  After all, do any of us just want to be “patched up” or would we rather have the Lord be in charge of the refinement?

Today, I was reminded again that “God can” do anything.  I look at Joelle  and am simply amazed.  God is teaching her, changing her , healing her–one day at a time.  On Thursday, September 8, Joelle will have completed her fourth month with us, her forever family.  Her life, just like the thousands of children who have found forever homes, has been put back  together again, but  with a different design in mind.  Though it was not the Lord’s original plan to remove Joelle from her birth family, He has still taken this situation and made it beautiful–just like our Joelle.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8: 28)

Jeff, kids, anyone . . . don’t you care that I have to do all of the housework around here!  Will someone wipe the table and counters off before the our home is infested with ants!  Whose going to make a grocery list and go shopping?  I swear that laundry reproduces faster than rabbits! I am really hoping there are some ladies of the house,(a.k.a. means “Martha”), that struggle with wanting an organized house- a Martha Stewart magazine look alike (no pun, intended)!  However, I am noticing that even though one may achieve a “neater” home with toys hidden and eye-level dust gone, for me, this does not produce a happy, peaceful home. Somehow, Mary, in the Bible, had the right idea when she sat at Jesus’ feet, hanging onto His every word.  She was the youngest of the two sisters but was certainly the “wiser” of the two.  Interestingly, it doesn’t appear that Martha ever did sit down and learn from Jesus?  In Luke 10:40, Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. (Sound familiar?) She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Whereas Mary, which means “wise woman”, wanted to linger at Jesus’ feet. Later on, Mary would be the same one to purchase expensive perfume to wash Jesus’ feet and dry them off with her long hair (John 12:1-11).  It is almost as if “she knew” that Jesus was the Messiah and would would soon die on the cross so that each of us may have eternal life–that is, if we accept Him as our Savior.  Did she learn all of this from sitting down at his feet?  After all, the Lord gently rebukes Martha in Luke 10, verse 41: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Somehow, I have allowed myself to be thrown into the hamster wheel of life, always something else to clean, prepare, or shop for.  Sadly, my newest addition still calls Jeff, “Mommy” on occassion.  At first, I thought this was amusing and even joked about purchasing Jeff a blond wig.  Now, I am saddened of how I have been sucked into the “Martha” mentality.  I also realize that this second adoption has had more challenges: aging parents, relocating them closer to us, and feeling led to home school all of my children.

So, what’s next?  Have I shattered any chance of forming a complete attachment to my daughter?  Absolutely, not–after all, I have the Lord’s bountiful grace, and through my weakness, the Lord’s power will emerge!  When one adopts, attachment and bonding are life-long processes; as parents, we need to be constantly aware of the “Marthas” that sneak into our precious family life.  And now, I need to acclimate and write my new goals down.  This will hold me accountable and prayerfully, it will encourage others, too.  I do have to confess that writing goals down does seem a little bit like Martha-yes?

Goals

1.   To hold my daughter in my lap during all meals, to cuddle her in bed every morning and night

2.  To play with toys, sing songs, do crafts, rock & read, and do errands/chores together

3.  To have shower/lotion time or go swimming more–skin to skin contact creates that bond

4.  To allow my lists and agendas be flexible–does it really matter if there are dishes in the sink?

5.  To be flexible with homeschooling this year and allow the Lord to lead not Jenni

Three years ago, on Monday, July 28, 2008, in Guangzhou, China, Juliese Yueyin became our forever daughter.  It is so hard to believe that this beautiful young lady, who will be six one month from today, was once this tiny, shy, little girl that I was holding.  Today, marks the third anniversary of us becoming a forever family; in the adoption community, we call this “Gotcha Day”!   Though many have said what a blessing we have been to her, I have to disagree.  Juliese has been a true reflection of God’s love, and it is a honor to be called her mommy.  We love you, Juliese!

Children are a heritage from the LORD.

Psalms 127:3a

JOURNEY FOR JOELLE: MISSION COMPLETED

JOURNEY FOR JESIAH:

THIS MISSION HAS BEEN COMPLETED!

Many of you are probably shaking your heads at me right about now.  Really, Jenni, don’t you have enough to  do–educating and loving your four (I still cannot believe I have this many!) kids, moving your parents closer  (only three weeks left!), and well, just “doing life”.  I really do not have any explanation for this COIN DRIVE challenge except that everyone needs support when they step out in faith to adopt a child without knowing where the funds are coming from.

This little guy, Jesiah, needs us, the global church, to fulfill this mission! We all have opportunity and privilege of being part of changing Jesiah’s eternal destiny. I don’t know about you, but I want a piece of this or excuse the pun, “I want to be one of the coins dropped into this bucket!”  My dream is to be in heaven someday surrounded by children from all nations in which I had a small part in bringing them home . . . to the Lord!  How about you?

And so,  for the next month (July 19th-Aug. 19th), the Padgett family is doing a COIN DRIVE for the Sherer crew who live in Missouri.    You may drop your change off at our house or find me in church.   You may also mail a donation to me.   My kids are rolling the change and are anxiously waiting for more!  They love  keeping track of the amount.  GOAL: $2,000.    Below is the Sherer’s blog; they are such a wonderful family.  Jesiah will be a blessing to all who meet him, and people will know that the “Lord exists”, which, by the way, is what his name means!

http://shereradoption.blogspot.com

*They have a Paypal button for your convenience.

So, check your couch cushions and car seats! Get your kids involved in gathering change!  What a wonderful way to teach them how to bless others and make a difference! Again, we all have the opportunity to go and complete another mission: to bring Jesiah home!

I John 3:17:  But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

CLOSING COMMENTS: I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU,

BUT I WANT JESUS AS MY FBI AGENT!

THIS MISSION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS ALL OF YOU WHO HONORED “HIM” WITH YOUR GIVING.

Ah, yes, the “counting-OUT” game that many of us played during our childhood years.  The desperation to be included in this circle of fists would cause me to yell, “Wait–best out of three” or “Let’s do it again and use our feet, too”!  The agonizing thought of being “it” in a game of tag or hide ‘n seek was just, well, simply unbearable.

One potato, two potato

Three potato, four,

Five potato, six potato,

Seven potato, more?

So, seeing that I am an analogy-type-of person who thrives on symbolism and metaphors, I thought it would be particularly interesting to look at this silly rhyme.  The first thought that pops into my mind is that we now have six in our family, but this rhyme ends with the statement, “Seven potato, more”.  Of course, this last line really should end with a gigantic red question mark because even though we’ve only been back for six weeks, many have asked us, “When are you adopting again?” I have no idea what the Lord has in store for us, but I do know that He has blessed us with Joelle for a reason–to LOVE on her and teach her about God’s saving grace.  And so, here are some of the things Joelle has been working on  . . .

1.  She can sing her ABC song and can repeat alternating letters.

2.  She can identify colors such as blue, red, and purple--mom’s favorite color!

3.  She hums many nursery rhymes put to music.  (i.e. “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”, “Twinkle Little Star”).

4.  She can do hand motions to  “Paddy Cake” and “Jesus Loves Me”.

5.  Along with mommy, Joelle can sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “Jesus Loves Me”, and “Savior, You can Move a Mountain”.

6.  She loves saying “Yonah” (her brother’s name: Jonah) , “Julee” (her sister’s name: Juliese), and has mastered the word “Mommy” for both Jeff and I (I am thinking about buying a blond wig for Jeff-hee hee.)

AND . . .

7.  She LOVES her Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head collection!  She has learned ears, nose, eyes, hat, and the earrings!

So, as far as, that silly counting rhyme, here’s how I’ve broken it down for now:

One potato, two potato (Jeff and Jenni fell in love and married.)

Thee potato, four, (They had two boy blessings: Jake & Jonah).

Five potato, six potato (Then, they had two adoption blessings: Juliese & Joelle).

Seven potato, more? (The ultimate blessing–”more” of the Lord in our family!).

Sons (Daughters, too!) are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. (Psalms 127:3)