Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Just Watch!

I can't believe it has been three days since I last posted. Wow-- time flies! Not much has happened on the adoption front--- but because of videos like this that I am finally sharing, I don't feel in such a panicky rush to get things done because I know that Alexsey is doing well. In His perfect timing, we will travel.

We are working on finishing up our documents for our dossier, and I am busy going through clothes for the three youngest boys including Alexsey! It is so much fun imagining how Alexsey will look in certain clothes--- clothes that will eventually fit Dennis too! Julia and I have gathered a bag of gently used clothes that we will be taking to the orphanage. They were very appreciative when we gave them a bunch of winter coats last time we were there.

The Lord has provided us with so many hand me downs that I do not think it is necessary to go out and buy Alexsey lots of new stuff...... but I did buy him one, very cute, new outfit. :)

Thank you for all of the new donations! I was amazed to see $144 this week! The Lord continues to provide through his people, and I have complete trust that we will have exactly the amount needed for his adoption. Personally, in an act of sacrifice to save for this adoption, I have decided to not pay to have my hair cut, not have my car washed, and not pay for one single Starbucks until we travel. This is small I know, but God knows my heart, and I believe that this small act of sacrifice makes Him smile.

But I have to ask, does letting my daughter who has offered to treat me with her giftcard that she got from her brother count? :)

25 comments:

kelly said...

LOL, You are good giving up my starbucks woudl be huge!!

kdliberty said...

What a great video! I will soon be adding to that adoption fund. My left over gas money from the trip I am on is going in. Plus, the hotel I stayed at charged me less then I expected and it will be going in too. Every little bit brings you one step closer to bing him home!

Molly said...

a gift card is money already spent, and it's not yours. enjoy! lol

and oh my word that video is SO precious. I love how you can see some of his personality. He seems playful!

Laurel said...

I think it's okay to go to Starbucks when it's a gift from someone ... as long as you don't ask everyone to give you gift cards for every occasion. :)

God does see the sacrifices we make ... and I have complete faith with you, that the money will be there when needed.

When we adopted 3 children from Ghana last year... we got a gift of $15,000 from an anonymous donor. Wow! God can do AMAZING things, in His time.

Laurel
mama of 13

Laurel said...

Hi Christine, This is the Laurel with only 5 kids, not 13! LOL No, in my opinion, letting your daughter buy you a coffee with her gift card does not count. It's not out of your pocket and it would be a treat since you've given up all other trips to Starbucks. You deserve to take a break and have a treat every once in a while. Enjoy!

Mamapierce said...

How amazing that he has a walker in Ukraine! That's amazing!!!

Tina in CT said...

Gift card from your daughter: What a sweet girl. Yes, you should use it as it was a loving gift. My ex used to cut my hair when it was long as all he had to do was trim it. Probably several times a year, I'd go to the hairdresser for a professional trim.

Car wash: Why every pay to go through a car wash as you have about 8 kids old enough to wash it each week?

What a special gift that you have been given with the video and pictures of Alexsey.

Martha said...

What a beautiful video! You are blessed.

Shari said...

Wow! So neat. I thought of you Christine and your family when we were traveling down 99 south to Las Vegas this week when I saw signs that said Reedley and Tulare in CA.

... said...

I love the video Christine.

I gave up the Starbucks before our trip to Ukraine, and I never went back!

You have 20 hands for helping and you can make it fun by letting the kids paint it with finger paints first!

Connie said...

Look at him go, indeed!! :)

Jane said...

What a great gift to have video of Aleksey. Every time I see that room, I feel like it was just yesterday that we were spending hours a day in there with Maggie

Anonymous said...

Stop begging for money from people. Some people earn it the hard way and don't put DONATE buttons all over their sites.

Annie said...

Well...ANONYMOUS....I have to say that I earned it that hard way - several jobs, little sleep, any personal privations (and in paying back our adoption loans, I'm still doing so....HOWEVER, for our last adoption God convinced me....and dear friends convinced me...that there is great JOY in giving! Out of our very little we contributed a very little to the Reed's last adoption and it gave me pleasure to do it. It was so little, but when I think of it as Christine does - it was the sacrifice of a very appreciated pleasure or two - then maybe it WAS something. I am glad I had the opportunity - and you know what? All the people who CHOSE to push those "donate" buttons were glad to do it, too!

Maybe you are experiencing hard times yourself which is reflected in the pain of your comment, so here is my advice - it is humbling to take help. But God wants us humble, and He takes care of us in many ways. We need to let him. Ask for help if you need it and be blessed. I am saying a little prayer for you now because I know your heart is aching somehow.

Anonymous said...

What a generous girl you are raising! Allow her to gift you. Giving is joyous and why deny her the opportunity - also perhaps God laid it on her heart to do so in response to your committment to abstain from spending on the little luxury as you gather funds for the adoption.
Your kids really are awesome. Alexsy is so blessed (as are all of y'all) to have the family y'all have.

Best to you!

Lauren in TX

Leanne said...

Love the video - it blesses me so much to see Alexsey happy and cherished while he waits!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Annie, that was actually very refreshing for you to say. I liked how you didn't snap back with immature comments. Thanks for the blessing.

The Robins' Nest said...

How wonderful that you have that video of him. He is such a joyful child!

Carey and Norman said...

What a precious video! So glad that you have these clips of Alexsey during your wait!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful video for you to receive ~ I bet you had the kleenex ready for that one! What an amazing little boy! I'll be back to watch that again...inspiring! Take care!
Donna D.
Mission Viejo
babies6/frua

Lynn said...

My mow bought the walkers at Antoshka for Amanda's daughter and other kids. So nice to see that the next generation of kids are using them.

Best of luck with your trip
Lynn

Lynn said...

My mow bought the walkers at Antoshka for Amanda's daughter and other kids. So nice to see that the next generation of kids are using them.

Best of luck with your trip
Lynn

Blessed Mom of Four AND More said...

I loved seeing the video of Alexsey, as I have had a burden for him for so long.
I read through some of your more recent post. When we first brought home our daughter with spina bifida, I was in such a hurry to determined her medical needs.

God is so much wiser!!! What I realize now, is that I needed to just worry about loving her and being her mommy, the medical care could come later.


She is one of the greatest blessings of my life!
Robbie

Melissa said...

the video and pictures are amazing gifts. I wish I had something from my kids past. he truly is amazing.

Rachael said...

How nice that you have these little pictures and videos. I'm sure it eases your mind a lot during the tough waiting stage. It looks like he's well cared for there.