This is like a crash course in human development and personalities. EVERYDAY is filled with something new. Its not like when you have a newborn and they just basically have four needs: warmth, fresh diapers, bottles, and love. Every moment presents a new need and one that you may not interpret correctly. We are learning that when he wakes up he is a total, hyped up, adrenaline juiced up, live wire! He is a WILD CHILD. How can you wake up so totally stimulated before getting even a whiff of coffee?? How is that possible? However when he gets sleepy, the grumpies set in. Nothing suits him and the tone of communication takes on a “frustrated” tone. Also obedience takes a left turn at I’ll do as I please. Tonight we learned that when mama says she will help, she has a much better plan than sticking a fork in our MP3 that isn’t working properly in an effort to fix it. Seems mama has the power to print out receipts in order to SWAP our defective MP3 for a brand spanking new one! Learned a lot from Heather Forbes!!! When he is frustrated there is no need in trying to get his attention or trying to explain – he has to calm down in order to be able to listen AND understand. After refusing to let mama help, or come to her with the problem, and then ignoring her advice, AND once he realized that even the fork couldn’t fix the defective MP3 player he came to the point that he understood all his efforts were in vain. That is when he decided to seek out that strange, fluffy woman that has been calling herself Mama and loving on him and fixing his meals and washing his clothes and praying over his bed. Seems that while he was in the midst of his “frustrated moment” hismama had already began looking up NEW MP3 players online . Then as he realized his actions were not actions that pleased me he became embarrassed. That’s when I swooped in for the kill and had him, of all things, sit on my lap and receive a hug, a kiss and an “I love you, but don’t talk to mom that way”. Then we began to look at possibilities for a new player. Now this time it worked, next time who knows. Am I saying all this to confirm that I am the best parent ever and I am all knowing? No, it is enough to be the queen. As a matter of fact I want to plainly state that it was not my idea at all, but in fact an answer to prayers. God is so wonderful and so intimate and so personal. This moment with him was SUCH a picture of so many moments in my life where I too, being frustrated ignored God’s words, His help, His guidance and refused to come to Him. Then as I reached my end and took a look around I realized that while I was flopping around like a fish out of water, He was already preparing something good for me and just waiting for me to climb up into His prayer lap, receive an ‘”I love you, but you can’t talk to your Father like that” and then receive a wonderful blessing from Him. We talk a lot about God meeting our deepest needs, shoot, he meets those right there on the surface that just come on us in an instant and begin to overwhelm us. God has taken years, literally, to prepare me for this moment. Please do not share your thoughts as to why it took that long – I have my own ideas and most of them involve Jerry. I guess what I am trying to express here is that God made me prepared using both the good and, well, less than good moments of my life. That is ultimate power – to have all things both good and bad under your feet and to produce something wonderful from them. Do we really realize just how dependent we are on His every word and guidance? I know I really don’t. Thank goodness He is there when we cry out and need him. There have been a WHOLE lot of wonderful things between his arrival and this first moment of discipline and my prayer is that he can draw on those things when we need to, er um, make adjustments. What did Jon do during this ordeal? He portrayed another aspect of being a believer, only the positive way. Quietly in his gentle spirit he began to sweetly ask if I thought it would be alright for him to purchase a new MP3 player with some of his money. With wisdom and unselfishness he made a very good choice and with patience asked when we could take him and let him get it. I have had those moments in my walk with God, humbly I say they are too few, but they are so wonderful. Do we love both boys = you bet. Do we think both boys are wonderful = you bet. Do we want to give both boys good things = you bet. It is just that one needs different types of adjustments that they other. I am sure when God looks down on Jerry and myself He feels the same way. Boy that Jerry needs a lot of tuning to be as wonderful as me. Thankfully He still loves us perfectly. The outcome here was positive and we are relying on the TRUTH that when everything is gone Faith, Hope and Love will remain. Time to go, Jon is waiting on his usual prayer time and Jake has just stuck his head out the door asking “Mama you come to me?” . One certain, one testing the waters after a mistake- both loved. We serve a wonderful Father. The moral of this story… Don’t stick a frustrated fork in your problems; its much better to see what wonderful plans God has already prepared for you.
Its All in the Translation January 27, 2009
So, I don’t want anyone to think that I am making fun of Jake’s new English skills. Heaven knows that I admire him totally for what he is doing and the difficulity of learning a new language at age 15, but really, there are some cute phrases! So here goes, our new words (and the translations!)
1. Ma, dis = Mama come look at the latest thing I have found or can do and watch it at least 10 times.
2. Man-Lissa = Mandisa’s song Shackles
3. Cah-cah = Pogo poop
4. Gome = the place where we live, our HOME
5. ahh-ma-lent = omelet with at least 4 extra large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 4 Tbs. flour and lots of oil
6. wee-cee-prob-a-lee-ok = We will see, but probably so Daddy is thinking about letting me do what I have asked but he won’t tell me immediately so that I can learn patience.
7. Po-Ho-No = Pogo don’t pee or poop on the floor
8. I-no-unnna-stan = I really do understand, but if I say I don’t understand I won’t have to clean out the dishwasher.
9. shhhh-shhhh-shhhh = washing machine
10. Lamp-Bart = (this is the best one yet, are you ready) Wal-Mart
So much to learn, but he is trying and we are very proud of his efforts. Well, gotta go he is wanting me to “Mama, dis” something he has seen at Lamp-Bart. So, ok bye, yes (that is good-bye in Ringlish)!
WHEW!!!! January 26, 2009
You talk about being busy – we have been busy. Seems like since the boys got home things have been a whirlwind!!! Everything is going good. Now keep in mind that good does not mean perfect, but it is remarkably good. Jake is settling in, and settling he needs to do. This week will be “calm” down time. Everything is so stimulating and he gets so caught up in doing and going that he doesn’t want to rest. At least this afternoon he has settled down and is watching a movie. Now that is after waking up at 5 this morning, dancing and singing to Mandisa ALL, I mean ALL day long and riding his bike for about a mile. It is going to take a lot of physical activity to use up a lot of energy to get him to the point where he is relaxed and resting. We are working on not rolling our eyes and huffing when mom or dad ask you to do something and you would rather do something else. So far so good and humor works great with him. Today I asked him to hang his clothes up, I was met with “No mama, no, please you do, I computer” Which was then met with “Oh, Jake, oh Jake oh PLEEEEAAAASSSEEE Jake, boo hoo boo hoo mama so tired, oh, Jake” Please read this in a whiney and loud tone. He said – “Ma, o.k. I do you a stinker.” So hopefully humor will be a weapon to use. He loves to clean out the dishwasher so that has been a great way to praise him and help build his confidence. We are looking to the “Fruits of the Spirit” as a guide to what we can help him develop. Jon is doing great with everything. Don’t get misled there are things that are difficult, but thanks to the summer visit Jerry and I had some insight on early adjustments that we could make to transition easier into a family of four. We will try to have hair cuts this week with Meee-sss-ter Toe-me and a trip to Dr. Tuckers and hopefully a teeth cleaning session at Dr. Cummings. Lots to do. What can you be praying for… well here goes…
1. Pray that Jake will develop paitence when he has a need. Right now we are trying to establish trust with him by meeting most needs immediately or at least helping him to meet the need.
2. Pray that Jon will develop an understanding for Jake’s way of thinking. Jon is having a hard time understanding why Jake unplugs the PSP controller when he goes to the bathroom and takes it with him. Remember that in the orphanage if you didn’t have your hands on it someone stole it. Jon is so new to all of this and sometimes thinks Jake doesn’t like him.
3. Pray that I will not go deaf from hearing “Mama dis, Mama dis…” Jake likes for me to watch EVERYTHING he does and give approval. Hey this is a blessing in a sense because he is including me. But when you have watching the Ema-Pee-Tree (MP3) video of Staci Orrico 500 hundred times it can get old.
4. Pray that Jerry finally gets some sleep. Poor thing he has been waking up at 4. I suggested a quick house cleaning session – he didn’t agree. What else is there to do at 4 in the moring??
5. Please pray for English development and confidence. This is coming along quite well. Jake is trying at home and speaking a great deal of perfect English and complete sentences. In public its another story. He really acts like a toddler that has learned their first few words and is too shy to speak to anyone.
6. Pray for continued bonding. Those few months when he was on his own in the dorm have caused him to not ask for permission so often. It is getting better as he is gently reminded to ask mama and papa because we love him.
7. Pray for kindness in speech. Sometimes he has to be reminded to be poliet and refrain from speaking to mama or daddy as if he is sick and tired of them living. Russian is a forceful language anyway and he is very passionate about everything from cleaning up Pogo’s mess to eatting a “Wrrrrap”. We are trying the repeat-after-me approach and it is being sucessful.
Now as for blessings we are thrilled with…
1. Jake is sleeping and eating well.
2. Jake is taking excellent care of his dog and even taught him to sit – why not potty outside, why, why, why, why…
3. Jake is helping around the house an adding his touches to things
4. Jake and Jon are playing together and sharing. Yesterday Jake’s dog gnawed one of Jon’s drawing pencils to shards. Jake went into his room to get Jon something to swap for it. Jon equally as sweet wouldn’t let me buy him a new pair of shoes when we bought Jake a pair. Jon said “Mom I am fine, please don’t get me a pair.” Precious – Precious
5. I no longer have to clean up dog mess!!!!!!
6. Jerry is getting to sleep in his bed at least for a few hours.
7. We have been a step ahead with the issues that Jon faced this summer. Loneliness is down to about a 2 compared to the summer where it was at a 9. Having sometime at the end of the day to just be with him mom and dad has helped. Also I am trying to be more aware of him when Jake is demanding my attention. Every kiss and hug is doubled.
8. Both boys are obedient, eventually and usually without too much of complaining. This will improve.
9. Jake felt confident enough to call home today to do a little gloating and to check on his friend Sergey and Inna and Svetlana. Seems Katya wants for us to now return and adopt her and her boyfriend. Jake told her no we couldn’t do that and told her that I couldn’t understand Russian so she couldn’t ask!!! Too much.
10. Jake did talk to his birth mother and we are calling her Mama Vera. My mom taught me a long time ago (being adopted myself) that God gave me Jake and no human can take him away so why be selfish. He was a little worried that I wouldn’t let him talk to her, but after a few moments he began to tell me about her. It was a good thing for both of us. I am confident in my calling and God’s plan and I hope to see that birthed in my children. For all of her faults, she did give Jake life when she could have aborted him. For this I am so grateful to her. Only by God’s grace was I adopted at 2 weeks old rather than 15 years old.
11. Coconut cake – Law my family came over last night and brought me a coconut cake. They are actually my family by choice. When we went to IBC there were these 4 gals that absolutely were my family – how could I tell. Well they were just like me and that is a rare, really rare find. Anyway they could make a coconut cake that would make me slap Jerry. Every year for my birthday Jerry would get them to make me a cake. Then last night right on my doorstep there they were and God bless them the cake was still WARM!!! I didn’t serve myself using a spatula, no honey, I got out the BIG soup spoon, stainless steel, extra heavy handle and SCOOPED out a corner of coconut goodness. OOOHHHH WEEEE – there was still juice driping from the moist cake!! My hips screamed GLORY as my drawers started cutting off blood supply! It was so good and just what I needed Not to mention that we got to sit and talk. I cried for a hour after they left, but at least I did it with a bowl of coconut cake and a glass of milk!
Things are good and adjustments are being made and there are more to come. The dryer has stopped and now I must go attend to the laundry. I will try to post often and let you know what is going on. Thank you so much for your love and concern for our family and the prayers on our behalf. We KNOW you are praying for us because we can feel them. God is to be praised for His work in everything! Please also take a moment to look into supporting a pro-life organization. Keep in mind that both me and Jake really should have been aborted in the eyes of society – according to recent news our government and President have taken a shift toward killing babies rather than protecting them and this includes international funding of abortions! Think about there never being Jake…
Family Feast January 24, 2009
Just a quick note to let you know that all is well in the Williams household tonight. The boys arrived safe and sound around 10:30 a.m. this morning and were greeted bya small multitude of friends and family with signs and flags. Jake was all smiles and pleasantly overwhelmed as he gave out the hugs and kept telling me not to cry. The caravan proceeded to Crack Barrel where the hostess laughed at Jerry as he told her we wanted a table to seat 22. Actually they accommodated when they realized he was serious. We munched down on everything from fish to egg omelets. Then homeward bound. Every major sign Jake saw caused him to yell out “MISS – AH – SEEP – EEEE” By the time we finally arrived he was like “Ah, o.k.” Once home we were again greeted with more friends, food and getting to watch Jake get his puppy!! Love at first sight, love at first sight. After a game of silly string, Nerf dart guns and some “gaaaam-burgers” we were all drained. As I write this both boys are in bed snoring. Jon has been on cloud 9 today. He got to spend some time with family that we don’t get to see as often as our hearts want to and those boys were a total riot in the car today. At one point Jon was bending his elbow so that it looked like – well I am just being honest here and if this offends you sorry – a bootie. Then he would place a Tootsie Roll in the “crack” and Jake would then eat it. This was followed by total laughter and me gagging. Gosh they act so much like their dad! Things seem to have picked up where we left off from this summer. I am still trying to live with the reality that we never have to send him back or ask permission from anyone concerning his life. He made his nest even planting fridge magnets on the fridge. He and Jon have also had the “stop – mama tell him to stop, he won’t stop, stop I said (uncontrolled laughter) o.k. come on!” moments. At one point Jake’s dog and our Yorkie were fighting and Jake sat them both down and began to tell them something about loving each other and then MADE them kiss and make up – toooooo cute. Oh, the day has been so full that I could type for hours. I am so grateful to my precious God and Father that brought this into my life. As we said prayers with the boys tonight Jake tried to thank God for his family only to stop because of tears and then joyfully he proclaimed – “I love you!” Does he fully understand – probably not, but hey neither do Jerry, Jon and myself, but we have the chance to learn and we have the Greatest Teacher! Today was good, were there challenges – well of course, but like ole Paul said – I count this stuff as junk compared to the chance to know the love of God more fully – QJV (queen janet version). That is what today has been – FULL and this chunky mama has enjoyed the feast.
The Plane has LANDED January 22, 2009
Just got off the phone with Jerry – they are in NY!!!! All is great and and Jake didn’t sleep a wink!! Totally excited and we have hundreds of pictures of clouds!!!
3:28 a.m. Delta flight #89 January 22, 2009
Guess who got on a plane at 3:28 a.m. – Jerry and JAKE!!! Oh, my word I can’t begin to even process all the emotions that came with that moment – I can’t talk fast enough – can you believe it!!!! I don’t know whether to cry to shout or sing or pray or what to do – maybe I will do them all at the same time. They should land in NY around 3 p.m. our time! I am tracking their flight and they are just flying over Iceland as I type. They are on Delta 89!!! More news to come along with various emotions I have no control over!
Operation Homecoming January 21, 2009
O.k. so last night was traumatic – my computer monitor DIED!!! I am so dependent on my computer that I am almost certain that I went through some form of withdrawal! Anyway, I couldn’t get on the computer last night to post the arrival times and news. So here goes…
Jerry and Jake are so excited about coming home and they aren’t coming alone. Two other families are joining them on the flights home. One family, and wonderful friends of ours, the Underwoods will be on the same flight bringing home their newest sister Ashley. We have known the Underwoods for three years now and Ashley is actually one of the children that came with Jake on his first visit to the USA in 2005. Andy (dad), Anderson (oldest brother) and Ashley will arrive in NY with Jerry and Jake and also arrive in B’ham with Jerry and Jake! I met the second family, the Jourdans, when I flew back to Ukraine in December for trial #2. They have one biological child and were going to Poltava to adopt a brother and a sister. All 5 of them will be on the plane from Ukraine to NY with Jerry and the the Underwoods. Can you say “party plane”!!!!
Now for the arrival.
- Leave Ukraine Thursday morning (Ukraine time)
- Arrive in NY Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m. (NY time)
- Go through customs and immigration in NY
- Fly to Atlanta, GA where Jerry and Jake (and the Underwoods) are actually going to grab a hotel for the night
- FLY INTO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ON FRIDAY JANUARY 23, 2009 AT 9:00 A.M. (OUR TIME) RECEIVING LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
- Visit the closest Cracker Barrel at around 10 a.m. – Jerry needs some biscuits and gravy!
- ARRIVE AT OUR HOME, 174 COUNTY ROAD 171, IUKA, MS AT APPROXIMATELY 3 P.M.
What are the plans at the airport? Well, I have a huge sign and balloons and several of our family members will be there. We would be so thrilled for anyone else that has journeyed along with us to come to the airport to welcome the boys home. The more the merrier. However, if you can’t be there please don’t worry about it – we just want everyone to know they are welcomed to come if they have the time. For our friends not located in Birmingham, we fully understand that Birmingham is a long drive (believe me we UNDERSTAND) and some friends of ours have offered to hang out at our house if anyone wants to meet the boys there when they arrive home. So come on over the the Williams home around 3 if you can. Also some have asked if they can put signs up in the yard or balloons up – you just go for it!! Shoot, hang streamers from the electric poles if you want to!!!! Anybody got fireworks???? Again if your schedule doesn’t permit you to come – please don’t sweat it – we won’t – we are too thrilled that our son is finally coming home!!! We just want you to know that you are more than welcome to share in the arrival celebration!
We just want you to know there aren’t enough words of thanks for your prayers and encouragement during this “adventure” and we hope that you can join us in welcoming Jake home and if not that you will just have your own little party where you are in celebration of God’s awesome faithfulness to His promises!!!!! We love you and we are so excited that we are about to POP!!!!!!!!!
Come on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Ma, Plane Zursday, ZOOM! January 19, 2009
Allow me to translate – that means Mama we are getting on a plane on Thursday and finally coming home! This is one really, really happy mama! The news from Ukraine is all good – never thought I would hear myself say that, but it is. I know I have done a poor job with recent postings, but I have got to throw away all the ice cream containers and bon-bon boxes before Jerry gets home. As for everything on the other side of the world, all is accomplished except the visa which they will apply for tomorrow and receive on Wednesday. The Williams family now has:
A. one certified birth certificate listing Jacob Petro Williams as the SON of Janet Marie and Jerry Michael Williams
B. one brand spanking new passport for Jacob Petro Williams
C. one student id that helped to reduce the plane ticket from $2400 to $610 American dollars
D. two Delta airline tickets – one for Jerry and one for Jake. Strange thing here, Jerry had purchased his ticket when he made the return flight and do you know what strange thing happened – there was an empty seat beside Jerry for every flight home. That seat is now occupied by none other than Jake Williams.
E. one completed medical that involved taking two very unpleasant shots. All will be happy to know that no tears were shed. Oh, let me tell you about the doctor’s visit. They arrived early this morning and went in (Jerry, Jake and Sasha) to see the doctor and get a COMPLETE and I mean COMPLETE exam. The doctor also looked at Jake’s medical history that we received when the adoption was final. The doc asked him EVERYTHING imaginable! The best question and response was concerning a visit to a psychiatrist. Seems that in Jake’s medical records there was a visit to a psychiatrist. The dialog goes as follows…
Doc: I see here that you had to visit a psychiatrist once.
Jake: Yes.
Doc: Why did you need to see this doctor?
Jake: I got mad one time and punched a door and broke it.
Doc: Well, what was the outcome?
Jake: They fixed the door!
Can I tell you that they ALL died out laughing! The doctor told Jerry he had nothing to worry about! Jerry tells me that it has been a riot being with Jake and now that the stress is lessened his personality is coming out even more! Seems he is quite like his mom and very humorous. Very much the prankster and loves to laugh. Oh, if this child can laugh in spite of and in the face of his past shouldn’t we all be so joyous that we are busting at the seams!!! The boys are talking more than ever and discussing everything from girls to manners. They have splurged on TGI Fridays because Jake wanted American food. Jon and I are loving that they are doing great. It really gives us peace. Jerry has even had the opportunity to talk about some of the difficult moments this summer and really find out what was going on. There for several days the boys would fuss because Jake would beat, and cheat, Jon at every game to win which would be followed by a royal nose rubbing session. Jon’s response was to get angry and refuse to play. Come to find out Jake wasn’t trying to be spiteful, but ENJOYED watching Jon stomp his feet (that comes from Jerry’s Big Daddy) and had no idea Jon was refusing to play. He just thought the response was funny!!!! Ah the joys of a language barrier! Now that Jon is aware of Jake’s intentions a play of action has formed. He will begin the session with the feet stomping and get that out of the way! Too funny!!! Don’t be misled, there is still a lot of bonding that needs to occur and we understand that love is just in the budding stages, but last time I checked love never failed!
As far as plans for the Grand Arrival – well I will have to get back to you. I have been too busy cleaning up after this puppy with no bladder for the past several days to make complete arrangements. Also I have had a sinus infection (I know – would I like some french cries with my whineburger) but I have been sick, and I had to get a shot and it hurt and my nose is runny but thanks to Dr. Noyes I am better. So, when I get the exact time of arrival I will post and tell you what the plans are! Until then, I have to finish off the candy and steak we have been eating! Just kidding we actually had PB & J sandwiches today, but don’t tell Jerry!
6 Wives? January 15, 2009
O.k. so I have been a little behind on keeping the blog posted, but there has been so much that has gone on! First, the boys are doing great! Jake and Jerry are having some wonderful bonding time and Jake is just blossoming. He is loving being with his dad and every time I call they are laughin and joking and just being guys. As for Jon and myself, well we are MISSING the other two!! I miss Jerry so much, I may even cook him a meal when he gets home! This is serious people! Jon is ready for his dad to be back. Living with only a mom and a grandmother is just not rough enough. We both are ready to have Jake home and start experiencing what that means. There have been so many things that have gone on, so I will just highlight a few in some mini blogs…
Passport, whose got the passport?
Sergey, Jerry and Jake spent this afternoon trying to find out which office had not completed with the paperwork that was needed to complete Jake’s passport. To make things fun we bet as to which office was at fault. The winner would get warmer weather. You will be happy to know that we will be receiving warm weather soon cause I was correct! Silly Jerry, when will he learn to listen to me! After trips to two different offices and calls to Sasha in Kiev it was discovered that the job had been completed in Zap and it was Kiev that had dropped the ball. After some stern discussions the office in Kiev “found” the missing document and Jake should have his passport on Saturday. This means that Jerry and Jake will return to Kiev Sat. night and on Monday go to the embassy to start the visa process and medical exam. Depending on which flight they can get they should be home by next weekend!!!!!!!!! This is one happy woman. I haven’t had anybody to run my shower for me, or heat my towels up in the dryer, or scratch my back while I watch TV – I am suffering here people, SUFFERING!!!! Those jobs and many more will be open to anyone that feels the need to minister to me in Christian love!!! Any takers?
How beautiful are the hands that prepare Chocolate Gravy
Seems Jerry had all the McDonald’s he could stand and was craving some good old biscuits and chocolate gravy. Now if you make your gravy with milk you technically don’t have gravy – you have puddin. Jerry, Sergey and Jake all loaded up and went to the grocery where they purchased pork chops, flour, cocoa powder, sugar, LARD, milk, eggs, cheese and butter. Wouldn’t a nutritionist be so proud. Is there anything in the above list that would be considered remotely healthy? Jerry was head chef for the night with Jake assisting and Sergey hiding in his room (I don’t blame you Sergey – I would have hid too!) With the guidance of the Spirit and a miracle from God Jerry did in fact turn the above grocery list into a meal! The banquet was spread and according to all three in attendance it was gooooood! I was actually getting to talk to Jake as he SMACKED on his biscuits and gravy. Can you see the hand of God when he was constructing Jake in the womb as He included the “chocolate gravy lovin” gene into him. God just had to laugh as He looked into that child’s life to see Jerry making the gravy on a stove in the middle of Ukraine. Yes Church, Jerry has taken the gospel and gravy to Ukraine!
6 Wives and Counting
O.k. so I nearly lost my bladder on this one. This is too funny. I am always amazed at how children that have been raised in orphanages view the world and life. They have such different ideas about life and family. Sometimes you cry over the things they have missed or the things they have been exposed to. This story, no tears here – well except from laughter! So, Sergey, Jerry and Jake are riding in the car. They spent 13 hours on the road one day and so they had lots of time to chit-chat and naturally what does Jerry choose to talk about- nothing other than his greatest prize, gift, love, happiness, joy, reason for living, reason to get up in the mornings, hero and all around great person – ME. Well then Sergey started talking about his wife so the conversation went on about wives and such when Jake leaned up into the front seat to inform his daddy of his future plans for a wife. Jake told Jerry that he was planning on having 6 WIVES. Jerry, very calmly, asked him to repeat what he had said and again Jake told him he wanted 6 wives. Jerry asked him why and Jake replied “One to cook, one to clean, one to wash clothes…” this is where Jerry interrupted because he was afraid of what wives 4 – 6 might be called upon to do. Jerry said “Son, do you know that you can’t have but ONE wife?” Jake asked “Really?” Then Jerry began his doctoral analysis of marriage to one woman for life, etc. Jake absorbed it and then after Jerry’s brilliant explanation Jake looked at him and asked with tone of doubt in his voice, “Daddy, is this really a rule?” Jerry said “Yes, son it is.” Then Jake sighed, sat back in his seat and began to ponder the deep questions of why women were created!
Law me nobody ever said that adoption was boring!!! More news as it develops and trust me there will be developements!
Today January 13, 2009
Job 42: 1 – 6
1 Then Job replied to the LORD:
2 I know that You can do anything
and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
3 [You asked,] “Who is this who conceals [My] counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
4 [You said,] “Listen now, and I will speak.
When I question you, you will inform Me.”
5 I had heard rumors about You,
but now my eyes have seen You.
6 Therefore I take back [my words]
and repent in dust and ashes.
For several years now I watched and read with both joy and sorrow as one family after another brought home their children from Ukraine. It was such a tornado of emotions as I wept due to pure pleasure that these precious children were finally home and with their moms and dads and at the same time I grieved that my son was still waiting in an orphanage for reasons that seemed so meaningless and unfair. I watched as the days rolled into months and the months into years and he went from wearing spiderman costumes to wearing cologne and the entire time I fought with guilt and with doubt and with anger and I questioned the goodness of God toward this child and toward us. Then today happened. Today finally came. Today arrived. Today became the reality and the past three years became the memory.
My precious husband was the first to hold both of our boys in his arms – one wrapped in a baby blanket and the other wrapped in a warm coat.
I was the one watching as both our boys came into our family and stealing the first glimpses of those moments in my heart – one that had been with me from his very beginning and one that will share with me the beginning of his new life.
Our family and friends surrounded us with love, prayers and company as both boys became a part of our family- one was visited at the hospital and in our home and one was visited through the internet and cell phones.
Our lives, our family, our very existence and callings in this world are forever altered as a new path emerges with both our boys- one changed our lives by 2 tiny feet and the other changed our lives by two large feet.
We have been showered with the grace of God on the arrivals of both our boys – one that God kept safely in the womb and one that God kept safely in the world.
Our understanding of our own salvations have been made clearer by our two boys – one that came from us and forever will be a son and one that was chosen by us and will also forever be a son.
Our eyes were filled with tears over both our boys – one as we heard the loud cries of healthy lungs breathing for the first time and one as we heard a gentle ”this is good” breathing in freedom for the first time.
We shook with responsibility as we realized that both boys were ours – one out of fear that we might break him and one out of fear that we can’t fix what might be broken.
We pondered as we looked at both of our boys what the future will hold – both boys arriving with nothing but precious individuals created masterfully by a God that delights in their very souls and finds joy in their very beings.
Today we prayed, finally, for both OUR BOYS – one Jon Michael Williams and one Jacob Petro Williams.
And as we prayed we repented of the times we wondered where God was and why this was so hard and wondered if He loved us.
And as we prayed we asked God to stay close to us and to help us to continue to parent both our boys as individuals and yet build a family that functions with love and respect and mirrors the glory of God.
And we asked for blessings in the lives of so many that battled for us as they went to their knees time and time again in prayer and as they held us up with their hugs and as they celebrated with us in the joyful times.
And we praised God for his goodness and perfect timing and we asked selfishly to again SEE God in the way that He has made Himself known to us over the past few months.
And we cried and pleaded that more families would be called and be willing to go with God and bring the hundreds of thousands of other orphaned children home.
Today came and no longer will we have to speak about stories that we have heard of God, but today we can begin to tell what our eyes have seen and we – Jan, Jerry, Jake and Jon, are all wide-eyed with excitement!
