Well, #2 Mother's Day on this adoption journey.  I'm not suffering, but don't get too excited about monthly numbers anymore.  God is moving and doing some things with us that I am hopeful about!  So, I'm not Debbie downer this month.  In May, we are #61.  Four children were matched with families in April.  That's good...at one point I was really nervous that it was zero (downer side of finding the moms' Facebook page).

Anyways!  I've been running.  During my runs I take that time to specifically pray for our adoption and baby.  This morning, while I was running and praying, I almost had to stop because my eyes swelled up with tears.  While I'm Waiting came on Pandora...whoosh, that song was written for moms waiting.  I love Christian movies...if you know me in person, I know that is a shocker to you.  Ms. Cynical really does love christian movies!!  This song was in fireproof.  Listen and enjoy! 

I don't know what was on the song writer's heart, but it seems perfect for us moms waiting!
"I'm waiting on you Lord and I am hopeful.  I'm waiting on you Lord.  Though it is painful."
"I'm waiting on you Lord and I am peaceful.  I'm waiting on you Lord.  Though it's not easy!"
"I WILL MOVE AHEAD BOLD AND CONFIDENT. TAKING EVERY STEP IN OBEDIENCE."

Waiting Moms, how was that not written for us?

Here's to waiting!  Happy Mother's Day!  AND here's to not another Mother's Day without our babies!

~Kara

It's been three months since I have talked to you guys on the blog about our wait list numbers!
We have hardly moved...hence the silence.  Monthly numbers just haven't seemed that exciting.
I kind of dread the number email every month.  I try not to think about it...I try NOT to look at the facebook group, because if they aren't announcing referrals on there it means that they aren't going out.  Most families are on there.

We're #64...it is a bit disappointing, but I KNOW God is in control!  He knows who our lil one is and when it's time for them to come home to us.  I know the disappointment in my heart is nothing to the pain my lil one is feeling or will feel when she/he is relinquished.  So, we use this time to pray for our lil one.

On a good note, we met an adoptive Ethiopian family in our neighborhood!  YEAH!!!!  They stopped by this morning for about 15 minutes...their lil girl is soooo cute!  I wanted to give her a huge hug, but that would have been creepy.  So, I gave her mom a hug!

Hope you are well!  We are doing good...promise. I just thought I would update you on our number.

~Kara

If you know me very well and have heard any of my 5 soap boxes, you know that I can't stand the term "the least of these." Yes, I get the biblical term.  Before today, I had only heard it used in one context that I actually loved.  It was at the 2011 Together for Adoption conference in Phoenix.  I can't even remember much of what Jeff Vanderstelt preached on, but I do remember one thing he said. "the least of these?  We are ALL the least of these! God is God and the rest of us are the least of these. We are dead in our transgressions without him!"  This woman, me, about jumped out of my seat with AMENS!! Okay, so really, this introvert looked at her husband, winked, and internally gave God a high five (we have that kind of relationship)! :D 
It's the idea/truth that we all come to the cross of Christ equally!

Just imagine if people called YOU "the least of these"?!  What if that is how people identified you and your value?! WRONG!!! Our identity is in Christ! :D

THEN today I heard this song below!  Part of my "least of these" soap box has to do with dignity...another reason why I don't like pictures of poor African kids that spark an "Oh poor people! I feel so sorry for them!" (don't even get me started on blessings...another soap box).  ANYWAYS, back to my reason for chatting with you today!  I saw this video today and about started weeping.  It is the second time that I have heard "the least of these" used in a dignifying way!  I LOVE it because it talks about the children becoming kings and queens...it speaks to their true value.  It shows them smiling, laughing, wrapped in royal glory!

"They will be brave & free. Shout your name in victory!"

Did you cry?!  When they show the first boy with a giant smile, I LOST it!
"The least of these" is still not my favorite phrase and I wish they could use another term, BUT
I'm cool with it because they speak to the true value of the children! :D

Thanks for letting me share a bit of "soap box Kara" with you today!
Hope you love the video...like I DO!

~Kara

I love my community of friends in Tulsa! 
(The Lauras & Belky are included in that)
I love how they randomly call or text and want to know our "number!"
I love that they pray for our child and for their caretakers!
I love that they also dream about our kids...those texts have made us cry! :D

BUT there has been one thing missing in my community...people on my path...in front of me!

A couple of weekends ago, I packed up all my month's worth of extrovertedness and went to Created for Care!
Let's say I prepared myself to not meet anyone...even though I had been told I would meet lifelong friends.
I decided to be brave and go BY MYSELF!  I thank God that he had other plans in mind for me.

During the retreat, I was blessed to meet some of the greatest moms.
 Moms from my agency!  I about tackled the first one I met, Reagan, with a hug. 
Just by sitting with these moms at dinner, during sessions, and hanging out late into the night I was able to learn so much. I was able to hear their stories, see their pictures, and ask questions.  At one point, a new friend points at a movie screen and says "THERE!  Kara, that is where you will be! IN THAT ROOM!"  I loved that.
(literally tears coming to my eyes as I think about it)
These moms literally told me they were excited to walk this path with me and encourage me along the way!
Moms who have been where I am going...PRICELESS!

There was so much during main sessions and breakout sessions that I could share with you, BUT I'm going to share something that the ladies above taught me!  (Don't freak out on me...this is just information!)

DID YOU KNOW that children that are HIV+ live a normal healthy life with proper medication?!
This.information.LITERALLY.rocked.my.world.
I spent the last week reading and researching.  AND what I learned is "it's true!!!"

I'm serious, guys.  The disease is considered a chronic but manageable disease.
I could try to give you all the info, but just watch this video!

Did you hear that?!  When on the proper ARV meds, the virus is undetectable by normal blood tests! AMAZING!!

I mean, come on training material!  Why wasn't THAT in my 20 hours of online training?!
The information is so good!  A couple of weeks ago a story broke about a baby that was cured.  AHHHMAZING!

So, go check out www.projecthopeful.org and read the facts...facts that are backed up by the CDC!  
Let's just say the leading expert on HIV/AIDS and orphan care at the CDC was AT Created for Care...
she's kind of a rockstar!

I hope most of you are going "DUH, Kara! Get with the program!"  BUT if you are like me, this is all new information!

You're Welcome!
~Kara

(I figure you just said "thank you" for the new information...big smile)

Have you guys been following Kid President?  I just found him...like 3 hours ago!
Watch this video!

I'm headed to the store to pick up some CUPCAKES for a pregnant friend!  Just to help her have an AWESOME day!
What will you do?

~Kara

"I am an unceasing, eternal being in whom Christ dwells and delights in.  I am part of His unshakable kingdom and it is not in trouble, therefore I am completely safe." ~Author Unknown

I have been thinking about fear a lot lately.  Fear of being a mom, fear of God's plan for our family, and so on.
But I was blessed to be able to be apart of an Emerging Leaders Institute retreat a few weekends ago and they had us quoting the above saying a lot!  I love it...my heart feels so at peace when I say it.  When we feel afraid or inadequate, we should just quote it and remind ourselves that it is actually true!

I came across this video on pinterest yesterday and was rolling crying laughing! HELP JANICE!
You feel bad for the kid and a bit scared for him, because we only see the picture in part.  I finally realized that there had to be something below him and no real danger or Janice would freak out too!
We see in part and our fear a lot of times comes from that.  BUT God's solid ground is below us!
Like the disciples freaking out because of a little bad weather!  See the big picture guys!! King Jesus is in the boat with you; he owns the waves. His kingdom is not in danger; therefore you are completely safe!!

Enjoy!!

I cry from laughter everytime I watch it!  Like big ol' tears.  Maybe there wasn't something below him, but no one else freaked out...only him!  The ride guy didn't freak out when he helped him get out...anyways, cracks me up!!!

~Kara

January numbers have arrived!
We didn't move as much this month, but I think I needed that.
Last month, I had a few freak out moments.  I came around to the increased speed, but it freaked me out a few times! A slower moving month was good for my heart.  I think I needed a reminder that numbers will go up and down.  We may move 10 one month and 1 another month.  So, I'm great with 5 spots that puts us at...

Good news!  This month 3 infants (0-2 years old), 2 toddlers, 3 older children (6+), and 1 special needs child were matched. I know what you are thinking "But wait, Kara, you only moved 5 spots."  That happens sometimes!  It has actually happened every month that we have received numbers.  Some families are put on hold for different reasons. One example is if they become pregnant they have to wait until their child is born and a little older before they can be given a referral (being matched with a child).  So...we don't usually move equal to the number of children matched.  HOWEVER, I thought it would be nice for you all to celebrate not only our numbers, but the lovely children that were matched last month with families!  YEAH!!!

Something to be praying about: Hopefully we will have a meeting this week with someone that wants to give us an adoption scholarship!  By wants, I mean they asked us to apply and we did! 
So, hopefully that will be a good connection! Please be praying!!

Hope you are well!  If you are waiting for a referral, do you receive numbers like this?  If so, share where you are! I would love to rejoice with you!! OR I can go "Ah shucks, you didn't move much...I'm sorry!" 
You can tell me which reaction you prefer!! (I'm a great friend like that)

~Kara

Just to clarify: We are #70...not 7!  THAT would really freak me out!!! :D

If you follow my instagram, you'll remember this:

This is when my husband, Josh, left me sick at home to travel the world! So sick was I that I couldn't even pick him up from the airport when he returned.  Do you feel sorry for me?  (please say yes!)  Well, I'm handing over the reigns today so that Josh can tell you about his journey to Jordan and Israel.

Journey to Jordan
Last month I (Josh) went to Jordan to visit a good friend from my college days. He
works for a relief and development organization that is taking care of refugees that have
fled out of Syria. I had such a wonderful time with him and his family. I peppered him
and his wife with questions about life in the Middle East. They have lived there for 2
years and both speak Arabic pretty fluently. So, it was very cool to see them interact
with the locals.

Amman is the capital of Jordan. It is a very nice city. I saw many sites including an
ancient citadel, the Royal Automobile Museum, and, oh yes, Starbucks.

One day, when my buddy was tied up all day, I ventured 3 hours south (by bus) to visit
an Arabian historical and archaeological city called Petra. It is one of the modern
wonders of the world and it famous for its rock-cut architecture. It was pretty
breathtaking. You may remember Petra from Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade.

During my last 2 days on that side of the world my friend and I ventured over to Israel to
visit Jerusalem. I tried to convince him to sneak across the border with me wearing
army fatigues, ski masks, and grenade launchers, but he thought we might get nuked
for that. So, we went across the traditional way - by bus. :)

Jerusalem is an amazing city. There is so much history and culture and religion. For me,
it was awesome to see the historical setting where my God left heaven to live among us
and die for us to seal our redemption. We saw the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus
prayed (and sweat drops of blood) before His crucifixion. We saw the Mount of Olives,
where Jesus ministered to His disciples and spent many moments in solitude praying to
the Father. We also saw where Jesus was crucified and buried/resurrected.

It was an unforgettable trip. I hope you enjoyed the brief tour!

~Josh

Every year, I look forward to Christmas just so I can listen to this song and not feel ridiculous!
It is by far the best Christmas carol EVER and David Phelps just does it best!  I could listen to him sing this song for hours.

Merry Christmas!
~Kara

Here are a few of my favorite things that I have been seeing online lately...in no particular order!

1. My friend, Mary's, daughter singing!  This video MADE my day!

2. I've been cooking!  I finally found something TOO hot for my husband.  It is delicous, but a bit too spicy. 
So, I need to figure out how to calm down the chili already in the fridge.  Any ideas?  Add milk?

3. My sweet friend, Stephanie, just received her referral for her son! SQUEALING!!
Steph,  I can't wait 'til both our babies are home and we can meet up for a play date on one of your visits to OK!

4. I want to make this for Baby Moseby's room!  Any artistic ladies out there want to help me?  I think I would just mess it up!

5. Some of my favorite reads in the blog world recently:
By the Grace of God by Chris Wheeler at Finding God After Midnight.
Linda from LIttle Tin Soldier's words about the tragedy in CT
From (In)Courage, When "Less" Really is "More"

That's five with plenty of reading!  What have you been loving online lately?
~Kara