tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80914459455090060952024-03-12T20:56:18.592-07:00Morning by MorningKimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-21130206224773893782017-10-15T18:06:00.000-07:002017-10-15T18:07:15.215-07:00PRAYThere has been a ton that has happened since the last post. I am sorry friends, sometimes I am just not a writer, but a feeler. So many emotions, the ups and downs, we have to really experience them first for ourselves before sharing. But I also find that when I do share, the load becomes lighter, and I am so thankful for those who have been and will be praying with us as we long to have our "S" home.<br />
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As many of you know Ethiopia has been pretty up and down with their international adoptions. On April 21, of this year they declared a no more adoptions coming from Ethiopia. This was heartbreaking. BUT God moved and there was an agreement that children matched to families prior to this date would be allowed to finish their adoption process. ++Thank you to any of you crazies who shared our signature signing petition! ++ Also thank you to Senators and Representatives from all over the U.S. who involved themselves in fighting for our families.<br />
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We moved forward to rainy season praying that all paper work on behalf of "S" would be sorted out, and we would get the official MOWA letter, and court date when courts reopened in October. Well...<br />
during rainy season our agency officially closed their doors. We have found this out a few weeks ago. And have been scrambling for a new agency to take our case. This closing is both big news time wise and also financially. But, God has provided, and He will continue to provide.<br />
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We have applied to a new agency and are hoping to hear this week if they will accept our case and move forward with the adoption of "S". Please pray that this is the case! There is only one other agency that we know of taking cases in Ethiopia at this time.<br />
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PLEASE PRAY.<br />
I keep getting asked how others can help us, and honestly my hearts desire is that you would pray, for us, for "S" and for our process. This process has not been easy in any sense of the word. The hard is a reminder that this is warfare. So please, pray with us!<br />
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** Usually when I blog I think about and plan what I am going to write and share. This may seem bit scattered, because it is. Things change daily, hourly even. Please be patient with us!<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-59566031466174382332017-04-06T18:52:00.000-07:002017-04-06T18:52:02.356-07:00Esther 4:14<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Esther 4:14</b></i></div>
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<i>"Who can say but that GOD has brought you into the palace for such a time as this?"</i></div>
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Five years ago, on March 28 to be exact, Jon and I started the process of international adoption for a child from Ethiopia. God has done amazing things for us in those five years. </div>
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-The birth of our third biological daughter Ruth</div>
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-A home that feels like home</div>
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-The start of our mini farm</div>
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-A new church </div>
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-Homeschooling our daughters (and beginning to connect with other homeschooling families in our area)</div>
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The years have been full of transitions for us. And we have been eager to share what God is now doing with our adoption. I have received questions of 'if' we are still adopting ๐ My friends, it has NEVER been in question. The only question in our minds has been when will God move? How long must we wait? And what on earth is He waiting for?! Haha! But He has waited for a time as this. His timing is perfect, even five years later.</div>
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When we started the process one of our concerns was the financial burden. We have had a pie fundraiser, by Calvary Bible church in Meredith NH. An online silent auction from our friends and family. We started a puzzle fundraiser. And also a 10,000 donation from Centerpoint Church in Annapolis MD. All the money that was given to us sat in a bank account for years. YEARS. God provides, even in advance.</div>
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This past October we finally got the call we have been waiting for! Our referral phone call๐ We were able to pay immediately the full adoption fee! It was exactly what we had in our account! Is God not amazing!? We have since been working on paperwork, praying, and emailing closely with our agency. </div>
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We had asked for a boy or girl under the age of four, and were open to a child with 'special needs' specifically HIV+. ((We can make plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9)) </div>
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We have accepted the referral of a beautiful little girl. She is healthy. She chubby. She perfect! We have seen her grow in pictures for the past 6 months and are so in love with her! We cannot wait to bring little 'S' home! </div>
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***Until she is legally declared our daughter we are unable to share any personal info via social media ie pictures, name...***</div>
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Please pray for her as she waits.</div>
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Please pray for our hearts to prepare well. </div>
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Please pray for paperwork to move along smoothly.</div>
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Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-74498625233173593212014-05-28T17:23:00.001-07:002014-05-28T17:23:48.611-07:002 years and counting...It's been two years from the start...but whose counting?!?! Ha. Things are quiet, but we are hopeful. The blog is hard to update, when there are no real updates. I promise I'll write as soon as there is any new news. Until then, I have decided to write more about family life-while we are here waiting.<br />
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This summer we have decided to go screen less. Well for the most part anyway. No facebook, no twitter, no instagram for me. No tv, no ipads for the girls. I have decided though to keep facebook activated, to post blog posts on. (yes, I am allowing blog time!) And here and there (weekly at most!) we may have a family movie night! Even in the past fews days, I have enjoyed the difference it is making for my girls and I! More outside time. More reading time. More enjoying the moment together time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyD80Cjj0wugxpA-HyUes2_KWFU0wWyDMdwr1OHYm6VQ5Jb1JTAe-12dDb8J_VB8sVBYXkeA3W9KNcW3EKQc4cKLlIehAFVk4MWVSEhq0JK9nTfQpqvF6-D6_IKMP-M4p0kxNGnfHiHgJ/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyD80Cjj0wugxpA-HyUes2_KWFU0wWyDMdwr1OHYm6VQ5Jb1JTAe-12dDb8J_VB8sVBYXkeA3W9KNcW3EKQc4cKLlIehAFVk4MWVSEhq0JK9nTfQpqvF6-D6_IKMP-M4p0kxNGnfHiHgJ/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent our weekend at 'the camp'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kO2g-bYkYlGCRN9J43FLSmZWc2dzxOcf_pIxf1QELBQQaLfsbZm4AQNJ5FUKaTFoya_440v2eCGRmkfWQae51kHqQ5L9y2EeIHI0avVrVaUf5MyVVIRA2nKur1bt7vVQ4PSYeYGhkKhZ/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kO2g-bYkYlGCRN9J43FLSmZWc2dzxOcf_pIxf1QELBQQaLfsbZm4AQNJ5FUKaTFoya_440v2eCGRmkfWQae51kHqQ5L9y2EeIHI0avVrVaUf5MyVVIRA2nKur1bt7vVQ4PSYeYGhkKhZ/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Eva, so loved by our girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTipXRkV78zvSRS0tR35KL1ocrnOjdEV1kXt6JyEvWRNzI06bKAA5TqkMfF6SRrIxRuDZslBB1MN3OzbdCQMlXO7TjmU2tAdw0XZfI5QquBlYYspPVUNXdejhgAFg2QWieieliV5FMvrI0/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTipXRkV78zvSRS0tR35KL1ocrnOjdEV1kXt6JyEvWRNzI06bKAA5TqkMfF6SRrIxRuDZslBB1MN3OzbdCQMlXO7TjmU2tAdw0XZfI5QquBlYYspPVUNXdejhgAFg2QWieieliV5FMvrI0/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two beauties adventuring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMruXnyz-LXOfMX432vcgv7Dz_FPtNRJyObBTfUypDKyFNF7JuSXI8Isf_c0IJBXRJKghPmIC0yDt-9PBREJbnKSjWRA9EbyG1UBECq2m23fR8G5KKRDrIszjFHh2uz69QmSUHBolf5S0F/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMruXnyz-LXOfMX432vcgv7Dz_FPtNRJyObBTfUypDKyFNF7JuSXI8Isf_c0IJBXRJKghPmIC0yDt-9PBREJbnKSjWRA9EbyG1UBECq2m23fR8G5KKRDrIszjFHh2uz69QmSUHBolf5S0F/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norah's getting braver with creepy crawlies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw9t-utPPIp_KRyv1jl33Ll4LeoLsFB2eftHRwaFBvGMClaohxkzm-D7kxoor1J6lBndD6xWvarMftJfunU_6yz25HTBjlZ9MmFlPAy0SLncetHmLBmYRwqYMIEk9HGsOj09nhfV1EoVM/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw9t-utPPIp_KRyv1jl33Ll4LeoLsFB2eftHRwaFBvGMClaohxkzm-D7kxoor1J6lBndD6xWvarMftJfunU_6yz25HTBjlZ9MmFlPAy0SLncetHmLBmYRwqYMIEk9HGsOj09nhfV1EoVM/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging the day away</td></tr>
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It was a wonderful weekend, the perfect way to begin summer. And the cherry on top...?!<br />
We are finally, FINALLY getting a puppy! I may be a little more excited then the girls even! He is a black mini schnauzer coming to live with our family at the end of June! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqfZGt6BQHsyXT-dvV2gzhG5XubQnPAbLwoFm8JNUCIUYOS9QwKawJseutAanRANFSg0gnNHKsBtBNtbfw8TSSdHX8IJCJ4kD_yZZ4t3i1nijTBsNmwbUlTjgP0KjTAk74_be4vZIo6_1/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqfZGt6BQHsyXT-dvV2gzhG5XubQnPAbLwoFm8JNUCIUYOS9QwKawJseutAanRANFSg0gnNHKsBtBNtbfw8TSSdHX8IJCJ4kD_yZZ4t3i1nijTBsNmwbUlTjgP0KjTAk74_be4vZIo6_1/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiley</td></tr>
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<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-6870179775840216212014-04-08T08:29:00.001-07:002014-04-08T08:29:46.397-07:00the meetings.There were so many things that we can thank the Lord for! He is at work! The meetings in Ethiopia went well, better then I expected to be honest! (I want to be clear, Jon and I were NOT IN Ethiopia, and these meetings were NOT specifically about us. The meetings were much bigger then any one personal adoption, they would affect all adoption out of Ethiopia at this time.)<br />
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I have to be careful with what I write in a 'public' setting. I am able to speak personally with people about ins and outs, but I also understand how some of the happenings are and should be protected.<br />
One thing that is public knowledge was that adoption in Ethiopia has had a complete 'slow down'. And when I say slow down, I mean trickle....<br />
After this meeting we are assured that adoption in Ethiopia is open still (AMEN!) And that things should start moving again soon! (AMEN!)<br />
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There were decisions made that as a whole we want to be sure that international adoption is the LAST resort for the children of Ethiopia. I agree completely. And I pray that able families stay together, and children who can find loving families in country do. Please pray with me that ONLY the children in REAL NEED and have NO WHERE to turn are the ones being adopted internationally (they are SO LOVED and WANTED!). There are steps in place for this to happen, and I am praying it runs smoothly and effectively.<br />
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God has a child in mind for my family, chosen before creation. I don't think any of these events have not been 'part of HIS plan' from the very beginning. It is hard to not feel like we have some little sense of control...let me tell you He has made it very clear that we have NONE! His plans are greater, and He is doing something WAY bigger here then just taking care of me & my little family. The Lord Himself has these children in mind! I pray that the very best is done for them!<br />
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Moving forward, yes moving!<br />
We are now <i>planning</i> on a few months of quiet... things are getting put into place in Ethiopia that need to be...so more learning patience for me! ;)<br />
After these few months things should start moving again. I know I am sucking up all your prayer time, but can we pray for this again? Please! Specifically though I am begging (always) for prayer for our child, that we do not know yet. The one chosen, loved, and so wanted! Patience and comfort in this unknown.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
The Patterson Family <br />
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<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-36806495292900101252014-04-01T19:25:00.002-07:002014-04-03T20:30:51.489-07:00You are in the waiting.This has been hard. I mean harder than anything that I have done, ever. Months of waiting, I thought I was ready for. But the idea of waiting was nothing compared to the reality of this time passing. <br />
And I am so thankful for this, because God knows that I need to need Him more. Really.<br />
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Tuesday was the first of the month, which means an update from our agency and a new wait number. It has been months of agony seeing the same number over and over and over. Months.<br />
This month I did a double take- WE MOVED! Little, but movement. So very thankful. Hopeful!<br />
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BUT <br />
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We are in need of prayer. Some serious prayer. I cannot go deep into
specifics online, I need to be sensitive to protecting all parties
involved (agencies, governments, people etc.) <br />
But there are two very important meetings coming up, tomorrow <b>April 4</b> and Sunday <b>April 6</b>. These meetings are not specific to just our adoption, but hundreds of adopting families.<br />
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<b>Will you please pray with us?</b><br />
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Please pray that:<br />
-Adoption in Ethiopia would continue, and at a steady pace.<br />
-Families in Ethiopia would have the means to stay together. <br />
-Children in real need of family would find loving families.<br />
-God would soften hearts of willing families towards 'waiting' or 'special needs' children.<br />
-Orphanages,
adoption agency's, and government officials, would all hear each other
and communicate well&they would think of the children's best
interest<br />
Thank you, thank you, thank you!<br />
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I will let you all know as soon as I hear any news!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Kim<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-58255049421932314082013-11-20T19:15:00.002-08:002013-11-20T19:15:50.412-08:00'Stuck'-on NetflixJon and I just watched a movie via Netflix 'Stuck'. If you are someone who is curious about adoption in any way, this documentary is incredibly informative, and well made. There were so many times that our eyes welled up with tears. To see the numbers, the statistics, the ever growing amount of children in orphanages is overwhelming. Overwhelming to the point that <i>everybody</i>-you-me-<b><i>we all</i></b> must do something. You can adopt internationally. You can adopt locally. You can give the gift of a safe and loving home to a foster child. You can advocate for an adopting family financially. You can pray fervently for your heart and others to see that this-<i>"And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:5- </i>is not just an idea, it is a literal calling from Christ. May we be a people of action, rooted out of a deep love for Him.<br />
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As I sit here and write, my two daughters are upstairs tucked snug in
their beds. And my child, the one that Christ has chosen for our family,
is across the world. And the more I feel completely out of control, the more I learn to rely on Him. <br />
Please continue to pray for smoothness in the process, and peace for our little one!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
The Pattersons<br />
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<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-51052655730092535312013-11-04T16:57:00.000-08:002013-11-04T16:57:47.702-08:00We are thankful for Centerpoint Church.So this month my goal was to write something I was thankful for everyday until Thanksgiving (via facebook). I already missed a day, Day #3. Can I just say that my weekend was so jam packed full of God's gifts that I didn't even have time to write! So instead of writing an extremely long status, Day #3 deserves a blog entry! So here it is, a day late!<br />
Day#3:<br />
This past Saturday, Jon and I left the girlies with Nana and Papa and headed down to Maryland. It was a seven hour drive, full of pod-casts and gummy bears. We were headed down to visit Centerpoint Church in Annapolis for their Sunday morning services, to share our adoption story. The whole thing was crazy wonderful! The church family was completely welcoming. We spent the night with the beautiful Sanchez family who were incredibly thoughtful. I saw Leslie Howard, who shared this opportunity with Jon and I in the first place. We are forever thankful for her thoughtfulness. I met Jaclyn Holmes, the director of Love Gives- <a href="http://www.love-gives.com/">www.love-gives.com</a> . We also had the privilege of spending time with Pastor Donnie and his wife Jennifer. They are doing amazing things for God's kingdom. Not only is the church financially blessing us, their encouragement an prayers are felt. We are completely humbled that these people who did not even know us, have come behind us. The adoption process can really be scary sometimes in the unknown moments, Christ heard our prayers <br />
and answered them through Centerpoint Church. <br />
Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-87756935436195530572013-10-25T13:30:00.001-07:002013-10-25T13:30:23.093-07:00What a great birthday gift!Our dossier is moving! Currently located in Dubai. It will be in Ethiopia in just a few short days! And we will have our much <i>awaited wait number!</i> It has been in Utah for weeks going through the authenticity process, and was sent out on my birthday October 23. Almost there now! I will write again soon, next time with a number! Please pray for a safe package delivery!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
The Patterson'sKimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-33641474958974400212013-09-25T19:09:00.002-07:002013-09-25T19:10:55.992-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sweet Audrey puts a smile on my face. People ask me if she understands 'our adoption'. And I think as best she can, she does.<i> </i>Anytime that I have any paper in my hand she'll ask,"Is that for our adoption?" A few days ago when we sent our dossier off she asked me, "Are we going to pick them up now?" But what she said during our nature walk a few nights ago completely blessed my heart! Daddy and Norah were ahead, and Audrey and I were a little behind walking hand in hand. She looked up at me and said, "I love you Mommy. And I love Daddy and Norah and Willow (our bunny) and our chickens." "I love you too Audrey." And then unprompted she said,"<i>And I love our baby too.</i>"</div>
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-41632677549500478132013-08-30T12:43:00.003-07:002013-08-30T12:43:49.504-07:00oh, my heart!Today was a big day in our adoption life.<br />
First today was the first annual 'Love Gives' golf tournament. Although I could not be there in person, I thought and prayed about it constantly.<br />
As I ate breakfast-there were people playing golf for my baby to come home.<br />
As I got Audrey and Norah dressed and ready for the day-there were people playing golf for my baby to come home.<br />
As we ran errands-there were people playing golf for my baby to come home.<br />
As the girls ran in Fort Hill parks field- there were people playing golf for my baby to come home.<br />
It was such a great reminder to me of how God is working behind the scenes. How there is never a lull for Him where 'nothing seems to be happening'. It is extremely humbling to have people literally being Christ for you. To have brothers and sisters in Christ come along side of our family during the adoption process has reminded me of how BIG God's plan is. This is not only about Jon and I and our family, but about His acceptance of us into His family. I hope that today was a success in that adoption was spoken about openly and His love was show through that.<br />
<br />
Other BIG things happened today!<br />
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Our dossier was completed this morning-I mean 100% done! I can hardly believe this day is here! It is GONE! SENT! I have been laboring over this packet of papers for months and months. Analyzing, checking, double checking. The legalities are so daunting, like labor, there are plenty of times that you just want to give up. It's exhausting. But then there is the moment where it is completed! I wish I had the reward of seeing their sweet face!!! The dossier has a few stops before Ethiopia:<br />
-Lifeline Children's Services in KY<br />
-West Sands Adoptions in UT<br />
-The US Embassy in Washington DC<br />
- <i>and then </i>the Ethiopian Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia<br />
<br />
Please be praying for:<br />
-Prayers of thanksgiving for today's 'Love Gives' golf tournament <br />
-Our dossier to make it's way without any misfortunes<br />
-For fundraising efforts to be successful-the next amount of money is large and we are trusting we will have it!<br />
-For God to continue to comfort and hold our child until we can!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
The Patterson's <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-81475656420643158362013-08-04T21:12:00.000-07:002013-08-04T21:12:15.391-07:00What's next?So, we are in the clear! Our fingerprints have been passed! Our paper chase is <b>SO CLOSE</b> to being done. Sometimes being this close, but not yet there, is the hardest part. We are extremely anxious to be in the actual 'waiting stage', where there is nothing left for us <i>to do</i>...except wait and pray!<br />
<br />
Because our home study took longer then expected, there are some papers that I have to have re done. We even have to get another physical (Jon and I both), they are only good for a year, and seeing as though we got one <i>right in the beginning</i> of our adoption journey we are required to each get another one. WOMP. But, happily, they can get us both in by August 20th. Which means I am <i>planning</i> on having every other piece of paper in it's place and ready to go and when we get the sign of on our physicals, that's it...IT IS GOING!(first to Lifeline, for last checks and translation, then to Ethiopia!)<br />
<br />
<br />
I have a confession to make:<br />
Lately, I have been consumed with <i>youtube</i>. Every night, I find myself watching Ethiopian adoption videos. <i>I could watch them forever.</i><br />
I cry a lot.<br />
I try to imagine what it will be like to actually live that moment of meeting them and holding them. <br />
...I cannot wait for the day!<br />
<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray for us:<br />
-the paper to END! (I don't know what I am going to do with myself once it's gone!)<br />
-fundraising efforts<br />
-our child. For their heart to be preparing for this change ahead.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-80796802220395894782013-07-03T14:14:00.001-07:002013-07-03T14:14:39.894-07:00Fingerprintin'<br />
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<br />
Yesterday, my sweet husband's birthday, and also our appointment date to be fingerprinted. There were no cameras allowed inside (sadly. I would love to document every detail of this journey!) It was quick and very simple. I had imagined in my mind real ink fingerprints, but it was all done on a scanning computer system. This is just one step closer to finishing our dossier, then over to Ethiopia it will go!<br />
<br />
Please be praying for:<br />
<br />
-USCIS sends us an approval letter...soon!<br />
-that I can finish all other documents in the meantime while waiting for that letter, that way it will be 100% complete and ready to be sent to our agency (Lifeline)-they will look it over and translate it for us...then it will be ready to be sent-I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS DAY!<br />
-prayers of thanks to God, He continues to show Himself to us, and continues to send people who are an encouragement.<br />
-that God would use our story for His glory alone-that people would not see this as a '<i>great thing' we're doing </i>but that<b> God's name would be heard and known</b> through this that He has allowed us to be apart.<br />-our sweet child, for good health&love until we can hold them in our arms!<br />
<br /><br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-23333789244390280502013-06-18T12:44:00.002-07:002013-06-18T12:44:25.547-07:00Right Off Thier Hinges<h2>
Sometimes God works in mysterious ways, and other times He blatantly
reaches down and you find yourself in the middle of a miracle.</h2>
Jon and I have started this process with no way to pay for it completely. The payments come in chunks, some small enough that we have been able to pay for this far, but as we go down this road the chunks get bigger...which we knew ahead of time.To pay for the majority were going to either A) get help with or B) take out a loan for. <br />
There are moments that I doubt this whole thing, I am such a doubting Thomas. (p.s. I LOVE the name Thomas!) But it is amazing how clear God has made himself with this being His will. Unbelievable really. <br />
Before we started the adoption journey Jon and I prayed specifically that doors would slam in our faces if this was not His will for us. Well, they were all full on open, and now <i>He is now flinging them off their hinges just for fun. </i><br />
<br />
I heard of Love Gives through Leslie, a friend of our family and previous student of my sister Kristin, who is now attending Centerpoint Church in MD. The Pastor there, Donnie Reynolds, has a heart for adoption. The Church has started <a href="http://love-gives.com/" target="_blank">http://love-gives.com/</a> to help adoptive families on their way. Leslie, learning that we were adopting told my sister, who relayed the message to me. And I am beyond glad that she did! That night I e-mailed them Jon and my story of adoption. -a few weeks later I got a very unexpected phone call from Pastor Donnie Reynolds. My heart is completely blessed by not only having the gift of financial support, but also having brothers and sisters in Christ walking and praying right along with us! It is beyond obvious to me that Jon and I are not the only ones fighting for this child, God is. <br />
<br />
It has taken almost a complete week for this to sink in, it is hard for me to speak about without tears. God's ways are so much bigger than ours...and His family is without boarders. We are completely grateful, completely humbled, and completely in awe at how God is not only making the path clear, but providing for our every need. <br />
<br />
Please pray for:<br />
-Prayers of thanks for this unbelievable gift to our family<br />
-USCIS & finger printing to go smoothly &soon!<br />
-Our sweet child, for comfort and hope<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
The Patterson's <br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-4007306419584879102013-05-21T17:57:00.004-07:002013-05-21T17:57:58.951-07:00I'm paperwork pregnant."Praise God!", my literal words this morning after reading my e-mail from Lifeline.<br />
<br />
We have been waiting about seven months for this day. The last week of October was our last home study meeting (the one that actually takes place in our home, the one I was terrified of!) Since then we have been waiting for a written and approved 'home study' which is a 'report' about our family.<br />
It includes (roughly, for people who may not be aware):<br />
Jon and I's upbringing/history<br />
Finacnces<br />
Religious background<br />
Medical history<br />
Criminal backgrounds checks<br />
Current living situation with our daughters<br />
...etc.<br />
It is incredibly detailed, and they are not afraid to ask personal questions.<br />
<br />
I knew it went incredibly well, and the social worker even told me we had past with flying colors! So I was not at all worried about that, but I was concerned when months were passing...and I was hearing nothing. Our social worker that did the actual home study for us left the practice. And more time passed. We have two different agencies. The one that we are only using for the home study and post adoption visits (to be sure the child is settling in well!) , and the agency that is actually our chosen agency that is taking care of it all! The reason we had to have two, is that Lifeline (the chosen agency) is out of state, and the could not come and meet with us personally, or come to our house, so we hired the second agency to fill those roles.<br />
So now we will be dealing only with Lifeline for the rest of the adoption journey!!! ( I am hoping that this too cuts done the waiting time, there will be no more questions between agencies and I will finally be dealing with one person!) Lifeline now has possession of our home study report and approved it!!!<br />
The next step is to finish the 'dossier' (which is a huge stack of paperwork, that includes the home study itself and other legal documents) Please pray that there are no substantial hangups, and that this next mini leg of the race is a smooth one!<br />
Now Fundraising is in <i>full swing</i>! Substantial amounts of money are going to be due soon! And Jon and I are both trusting in God's provision to make a child who is without a family to be part of <i>our</i> family!!! If you are interested in donating please go to our "Puzzle Fundraiser" page!<br />
<br />But the biggest thing I ask is that you pray, pray, pray!<br />
-for the quick completion of our dossier<br />
-that our fundraising is a success<br />
-that our little one knows we are coming for them and that God keeps them healthy in this time of waiting for us!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
The Patterson family<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-73122964766705099022013-05-04T18:21:00.002-07:002013-05-04T18:21:40.425-07:00I WILL come to you.<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"When
you say YES to adoption, you are saying YES to enter the suffering of
the orphan, and that suffering includes WAITING FOR YOU TO GET TO THEM. I
promise you, their suffering is worse than yours. We say YES to the
tears, YES to the longing, YES to the maddening process, YES to the
money, YES<span class="text_exposed_show"> to hope, YES to the screaming
frustration of it all, YES to going the distance through every
unforeseen discouragement and delay. Do not imagine that something
outside of "your perfect plan" means you heard God wrong. There is NO
perfect adoption. EVERY adoption has snags. We Americans invented the
"show me a sign" or "this is a sign" or "this must mean God is closing a
door" or "God must not be in this because it is hard," but all that is
garbage. You know what's hard? Being an orphan. They need us to be
champions and heroes for them, fighting like hell to get them home. So
we will. We may cry and rage and scream and wail in the process, but get
them home we will."<br /> --Jen Hatmaker</span></span>Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-24378032424810827512013-04-17T18:23:00.003-07:002013-04-17T18:23:58.078-07:00Still here!Yes, we're still here! Man, when they say things like, "adoption is hard" or "there is a lot of paperwork." ...they sure do mean it!<br />
<br />
We have been <i>stalled</i> at the same spot for months. We cannot blame any one thing in particular, there are just so many small steps that are just incredibly time consuming! Our home study meetings had been finished for months (the last and final meeting was at the end of October 2013)...and the months just kept passing!<br />
<br />
But good news! Our home study is finished and is now in the hands of the adoption agency, Lifeline Children's Services. There is<i> still</i> a lot more paperwork to do to be able to send our dossier to Ethiopia...but this completing the home study and having it in the hands of our agency was a <i>HUGE leap</i>!!!<br />
<br />
There are so many things that bring tears to my eyes lately. It is hard to listen to a sermon without thinking of my sweet little someone. Lyrics in songs have never had so much meaning.<br />
<br />
Waiting for you,<br />
my God has never been so big.<br />
<br />
P.S. Our online auction was a BIG success! (Thank you Sue!)<br />
Thank you everyone who participated, whether donating or bidding! I am so thankful that God is providing financially! Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-25897733542428212112013-03-08T10:02:00.004-08:002013-03-08T10:02:48.979-08:00More snow.It's funny, this snow.<br />
It just keeps coming&covering.<br />
What I love most about it, is that even here in the city, it all looks clean, spotless.<br />
<br />
Currently making chicken nuggets for my two little nuggets.<br />
Fernando Ortega 's 'Jesus Paid it All' came on the Pandora radio.<br />
<br />
'He washed it white as snow.'<br />
...I just love this.<br />
...maybe the snow just keeps coming because we just keep forgetting, that our sin is gone completely. <br />
<br />
How many reminders Lord do I need? Yearly? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Hourly?<br />
Why carry the heavy weight when He has freely taken the load from me once and for all? <br />
This white snow, it reminds me.<br />
<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-67359994569162307252013-02-07T06:17:00.002-08:002013-02-07T06:17:27.495-08:00This morning it felt like spring through my kitchen window-the sun's warmth-the birds song. They have no idea, those birds, that there is a storm coming. A big one. It may silence them for a day, maybe two...<br />
We had no idea this storm was coming in our lives, to silence us of God's goodness, to rob us of our song, to feel the cold, the bitterness.<br />
<br />
...but there is such strength in singing during the storm <br />
<br />
<b>"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"</b><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>[Chorus]</i><br />
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
Bless the Lord, O my soul<br />
O my soul<br />
Worship His holy name<br />
Sing like never before<br />
O my soul<br />
I'll worship Your holy name<br />
<br />
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning<br />
It's time to sing Your song again<br />
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me<br />
Let me be singing when the evening comes<br />
<br />
<br />
You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger<br />
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind<br />
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing<br />
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find<br />
<br />
<br />
And on that day when my strength is failing<br />
The end draws near and my time has come<br />
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending<br />
Ten thousand years and then forevermore<br />
<br />
<i>[Chorus x2]</i><br />
Bless the Lord, O my soul<br />
O my soul<br />
Worship His holy name<br />
Sing like never before<br />
O my soul<br />
I'll worship Your holy name<br />
<br />
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name<br />
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name<br />
<br />
Sing like never before<br />
O my soul<br />
I'll worship Your holy name<br />
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name<br />
I'll worship Your holy name </div>
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
</div>
Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-14350762621163835092013-01-23T11:22:00.001-08:002013-02-07T06:17:40.303-08:00Radical by David Platt<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aoicm4wnQ4c" width="480"></iframe>Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-51265022304415820742013-01-10T20:08:00.001-08:002013-01-10T20:08:58.928-08:00The process.So I know a lot of you are wondering where we are at! To be honest, we are STILL at the beginning of the process. It is a lot. A whole lot. But honestly I am getting more excited daily. Things that were 'thoughts' are now becoming realities! Right now we are still 'paperwork pregnant'...slow and steady!<br />
Here is a rundown of the process of adoption from Ethiopia specifically:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Provide initial application, with references, to Lifeline for review</li>
<li>Receive preliminary approval into the program</li>
<li>Begin your home study with a licensed home study provider</li>
<li>Receive official acceptance into the program (Requires home study review)</li>
<li>Make application for USCIS approval</li>
<li>Dossier compilation and submitted to Lifeline for approval</li>
<li>Send Complete Dossier for authentication and translation</li>
<li>Start your immunizations</li>
<li>Receive Referral. (Typically about 12-15 months after Dossier submission)</li>
<li>Receive Court Assignment (1-6 months post referral)</li>
<li>Travel for 1st visitation and court appearance</li>
<li>Prepare final documents and discuss travel</li>
<li>Pick up your Child (Normally, 3-4 months post court approval)</li>
<li>Usual length of stay is 5-7 days in-country for each visit</li>
</ul>
<br />
-there are somethings that may be slightly different. I
am really hoping that our wait for a referral time is a little less,
because we are not looking for a 'healthy infant'. But all in God's
time!<br />
There will come a day that we are holding our child,
there will be a day that they will be declared part of our family
legally, and there will be a day that we bring them home! And until then
as we work on the process, God is working in our hearts preparing us
for that day!<br />
Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-806100196794388672012-07-23T19:39:00.002-07:002012-07-23T19:39:47.307-07:00this day.I am not one to remember important dates.<br />
Good or bad.<br />
I try to remember the good, I try to forget the bad.<br />
I have made a promise to myself that I will not dread this day next year, or the year after that, or the year after that.<br />
...but I have to write about it this year.<br />
It's been a year. A complete year.<br />
Since that morning. Jon crawled back into bed next to me and whispered in my ear,<br />
" Your Aunt Del...she died."<br />
and I made him repeat it, five times. Over and over.<br />
And it set in slow.<br />
And it hurt long.<br />
<br />
I sobbed into the microphone<br />
<b>John 11:25</b> at her funeral:<br />
Jesus said to her, โI am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live.<br />
<br />
and now when I mourn her loss on earth, truthfully deep down I am happy. Happy that I know she is in the presence of God Himself. Happy that I do not cling to this verse as a means to take the pain out of death, but I declare it TRUE. Happy that I WILL see her again one day. Happy that she changed me as a person. Happy that I knew her. Happy that she was my Aunt.<br />
<br />
And I want to repeat this over and over:<br />
though they die<br />
yet they shall live<br />
over and over<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-55961612911096299752012-07-23T06:26:00.000-07:002012-07-23T06:46:26.186-07:00love NEVER fails. It was a passage I had heard plenty of times in my life:<br />
01Corinthians 13: <br />
<div class="NPST">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
</div>
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Love never fails.<br />
Usually read at weddings...<br />
every time I have heard it before I have thought of my marriage, but this time, I was thinking of my child in Ethiopia.<br />
And when he (my pastor) read the last line,<br />
love NEVER fails. It hit me like a ton of bricks. <br />
It never fails.<br />
So...we are open to a HIV+ child. No we do not know him or her or if they will be HIV+ for sure at this point. We have this long journey before us and know so little. But God knows the number of hairs on the child's head at this very moment. He knows them more than I ever will!<br />
The thing is that I have been very cautious about who I have told about the 'HIV part'. I mean yes, I can speak of the adoption...but HIV+ scares some people... And I am afraid of failure. Failure. I am afraid I am getting in over my head. That our new child will feel different and alone. That the HIV thing will be more than I can handle. And that I will get to a point in my life where I will sit back and think to myself, 'I failed!'<br />
...and I might, in the world's eyes.<br />
but Love NEVER fails.<br />
If I try, out of love, and I fail in the world's eyes of 'having it all together' is that really failing?<br />
If God has placed this before us then will he not get us through...? <br />
I cannot fear failure...<br />
because if I have Christ,<br />
then I have love,<br />
and if I have love<br />
I cannot fail.<br />
<br />
So please be praying for us. For the right little girl. For the right little boy. For the right children, if that be his will. For a child with needs. For a child that is healthy. For the one (or two) at the beginning of time that God himself chose for our family.Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-26544819386502947292012-07-16T21:20:00.001-07:002012-07-23T06:46:46.923-07:00The rumor is true!So...it's true. There is going to be another little Patterson. But this time it is a little different. Nope, I am not pregnant...we are adopting...from Ethiopia. I am beyond thrilled. This longing in my heart to adopt, even in childhood, is finally a reality! I am such a blessed woman to have such an amazing man beside me. He feels the longing in his heart too. And so here is the beginning, of another journey (probably a long one!) together with Christ.<br />
You may think we are crazy, I think you're right. We are. If you asked me a year ago about adoption, I would have said 'yes, one day'. And the one day seemed far away, like maybe 5-10 years. But a few months ago I could not get it out of my head. Day and night, it was all I could think about. And when I brought it up to Jon, his heart was open...and we prayed...a lot. <br />
The truth is right now, I don't know if it is perfect timing..? I mean life is busy. Audrey (3) and Norah (1 1/2) my days are full and wild. My house is unorganized, I loose my patience (often), I spend my days 'keeping up' just to do it all over again the next day. BUT when I have time, I think of how good God has been to me. He has been so good, to me, so undeserving. So is there really a better time? I know that we have enough for another. We have the space. We have the food. We have the clothing. We have the laughter. We have the love for another. So I cannot ignore the voice calling with 'right now is not really good timing God'.<br />
Because it is. God's timing is perfect...and His love is enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-81621384519574900422012-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:002012-05-28T20:30:23.959-07:00sacrificial.I just got back from my trip to El Salvador, a group from my church went, only for a week. It was hard for me to leave my husband, it was hard for me to leave my 2 girls, it was hard for me to leave the comfort, security and familiarity of home. But sometimes the 'uncomfortable' times are the most beneficial times. Even though challenging, these are the times that you learn the most, about yourself, about others, and about God's plan and infinite love.<br /><br />When people ask how my trip was, it is hard to find an answer. I mean, 'good.' But I cannot sum it up, or even explain at length the impact one week had.<br /><br />I can see her precious little face in my mind still. The first day there. At school. I pray for her, even though I don't know her name. That she finds You, and that You give her peace.<br /><br />The boy at the orphanage, Juan. I treasure his sweet endearing wink. 'Doctoring' the cut on his hand. He'll be there tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...which I can get passionately mad about.<br />...I need to remember that there is eternity. I need to be more concerned about eternity, and not always the here and now. E-T-E-R-N-I-T-Y.<br />But Lord, please be with him, here, and now.<br /><br />While I was there, I finished 'Kisses From Katie' by Katie Davis. I cried often, reading, and looking at my surroundings. I love how she says that sometimes she feels like she is emptying the ocean with an eyedropper. I mean, to be honest this is how I feel sometimes with my 2 girls home all day. Like the work, NEVER ends. It doesn't.<br />But I am not being sacrificial. Not even a little bit. In comparison to the people in El Salvador, my life is completely comfortable. I have enough to not just survive but enough, enough, enough. I have enough to not worry about tomorrows meals. I have enough to clothe my children for weeks without doing laundry (which sometimes happens.) I have enough to NOT rely on my neighbor. I have enough to NOT rely on God.<br /> And this is the ugly truth I learned about myself, ...I need to relearn how to rely on God.<br /><br />I want to be sacrificial in my life. Like real sacrificial. The kind that hurts a little. The kind where you have to rely on God, cause their is no other choice. I want to view people here the way I viewed them there. Poor. In need of God. (No matter how filthy rich in possessions they may be.) I want to love God's children. Not just my own, when it is easy and natural. I want to be thankful, truly and deeply for God's graciousness and blessings...but not hoard them for me and my loved ones...I want to give and give and give to others, who have nothing to pay me back. Till it hurts. Until I am truly being sacrificial.Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091445945509006095.post-2544047047266654342011-03-27T19:18:00.000-07:002012-05-28T20:29:34.352-07:00All ready for bed!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyeMYhMWCnHidLYUD7MPQJ4V4l2wAhkLm1eH3rqnG-73lNKQ3k_HFlOqmcu6Q9mtsi-oEywD6pawlLUGKRK9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kimberly Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353135653992494921noreply@blogger.com0