In the adoption world, blogging is a very popular thing. This helps families journal and record their experience and also, it allows for family members, friends and other adopting families to participate in the journey.
A while back, someone surprised us & hurt us deeply by stating: "You guys think you are the only ones who have ever adopted, the way you keep going on and on, talking about it and "bombarding" us with every detail and update!"
This made us second guess our motives and question whether we were being "too much" in our sharing due to our excitment. Then, through networking and blogging with other families who have already adopted, or are in the process of adopting, we realized that we are not "the only ones", who can not contain all the excitment, brought upon by the expectation by faith, in a future where the children we have longed for so many years will FINALLY be in our arms. We feel blessed and honored to have met families who the words: "WONDERFUL & BEAUTIFUL" are just not enough to describe them. Parents, who just like us have hearts that are exploding with so much love to give, to the child/children who they know without a shadow of doubt, will be theirs, no matter how long it will take, where they will come from or who they are!!!
There are no words to describe the gratitude we feel for so many of the awesome families we have met during this process (some we've already had the priviledge to meet in person, others we may still only know through the modern benefits of the technology world). We have already mentioned some of them by name in previous posts and even included some great links (to the ones who have a public site) we do not post any of the info for the ones who have a private site, but y'all know who you are and how much we appreciate you.
This week, we are AGAIN touched sooooooooooooooooooooo deeply by a beautiful family from California, whose amazing journey of faith and love, we have been excitedly following. Here's a link to their public blog, I promisse that you will be touched beyond words (make sure to read this journey from the beginning to really see the heart of this family): http://princessisabella.blogspot.com/
So, to anyone who has ever questioned why some adoptive parents get to go "on and on and on" about their journey, remember: "This is our pregnancy, it is in our minds 24/7, it makes us feel all sorts of things, some days we have great news & updates to share (feeling good), but other days we may have not so pleasant news or developments (have you ever heard of: "morning sickness")? Hey, one thing is for sure, as our hearts keep growing with so much love and excitement, just like a belly, there comes a time when we can no longer hide it or keep it to ourselves "under wraps", we want to shout it from the mountain top and share our experience with the world - Thank God for all the ones who understand and the others who out of love, so graciously "put up" with it all!!! :>)
Love,
Sharon & Michael
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
PRAY FOR DAD!
Just found out today that my Dad (who lives in Brazil), was hospitalized for some tests due to an episode of extreme hypertension. Because he had a quadruple bi-pass 12 years ago, an angioplasty was done to thoroughly check everything out. The doctors concluded that his bi-pass needs to be completely re-done/re-placed, due to some blockage.
This will be a very serious and critical operation, because of his age (72) and the fact he already has the original bi-pass, therefore my older brother Roderick (Roddy), who is a physician living in Sao Paulo Brazil, is planning on flying to the Northeast of Brazil tomorrow, to see Dad at the hospital and to advise him to fly back with him to Sao Paulo this weekend in order to have the surgery next week at the "Hospital do Coracao", which is the top "cardiology hospital" in Brazil, also well known internationally. This will be wonderful for my brother will be somewhat in charge of his case and will even be able to care for him at his home, when he gets released from the hospital!
Please remember my Dad in your prayers, his name is William McGuie (Bill) - Yeap, he's Scottish alright!!! :>)
Thanks!
Sharon
This will be a very serious and critical operation, because of his age (72) and the fact he already has the original bi-pass, therefore my older brother Roderick (Roddy), who is a physician living in Sao Paulo Brazil, is planning on flying to the Northeast of Brazil tomorrow, to see Dad at the hospital and to advise him to fly back with him to Sao Paulo this weekend in order to have the surgery next week at the "Hospital do Coracao", which is the top "cardiology hospital" in Brazil, also well known internationally. This will be wonderful for my brother will be somewhat in charge of his case and will even be able to care for him at his home, when he gets released from the hospital!
Please remember my Dad in your prayers, his name is William McGuie (Bill) - Yeap, he's Scottish alright!!! :>)
Thanks!
Sharon
STILL HOPE?????????????????
YOU BETCHA!!!!!
OK, here we go again..........................
As y'all know, the purpose of this blog is to share our journey and thoughts with all our family and friends. Sometimes (we hope MOST OF THE TIME), the news will be good, upbeat and positive - even though we know this wasn't the case in the past few entries! :<(
However, if we are being true and genuine in sharing our hearts with you, I guess we'll allow you "the priviledge" (hehehe) to see it all hang out (good days and bad). Aren't you just so glad that you get to participate in everything??? :>)
All along, we have been praying for Gods will regarding our adoption of the 3 precious little sisters from Colombia, that we had fallen in love with after finding them on a waiting list way back in March. Then, when we heard (almost 2 weeks ago) that we were not going to be able to adopt them, our hearts were broken but we did find comfort and peace in finally having an answer to our almost 8 months of "Waiting" and only prayed that the right "Forever Family" would come along for the girls, very, very soon.
We do believe in taking a pro-active approach when pursuing our goals, but we certainly do not believe in trying soooooooooooooo hard to force something, if it is was never meant to be (for we would hate to live with the consequences thereof). We also do not believe in "blaming or being mad at God" when we don't get "our way" after we profess to believe and pray so hard for "His will to be done" regarding something we wanted so badly (that would just be too hypocritical). Nevertheless, in order to tie up some lose ends and be able to find complete closure, we sent our agency a formal list of questions we needed clarification on and addressed any concerns that were raised related to their handling of our case. We decided, that to avoid receiving more "vague answers", we would include our Case Manager, the Director for the Colombian program, the regional Director of our agency and the Executive Director, in our correspondence. Heck, we even sent a copy to be sent to the ICBF Director!
Well, we may have ruffled some feathers (in a good way), we have started to receive some answers (even if half way) and today, we received an email stating that there has been some additional consideration of our case by the Director of the ICBF and now there is some talk that they are not ready to release our "Official letter of denial for the girls and approval for 2 other children," because they may want to re-evaluate and re-consider us for the adoption of, yeap you guessed it: Catalina, Patricia and Daniela!!!
Needless to say, we ARE GOING TO and MUST protect our hearts at this time, therefore, we will be very cautious in our "HOPE", I guess we prefer to just wait and see what happens. We were told that we should have some sort of FINAL answer prior to December 15Th, when the Colombian courts close for the holidays and won't re-open until after January 15Th. We just pray that this is not some sort of cruel misinformation we received!
Hey, on top of all these new developments, we have been cleared to start receiving referrals from Brazil this week through Limiar and as if this wasn't enough, we received a call today from a local agency we had found through a couple who domestically adopted a sibling group of 5, they were inviting us to their adoption orientation meeting next Tuesday http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/051406/loc_2006051402.shtml
So the truth is: if we weren't already a bit confused about this whole experience before, we certainly are now more than ever: "dazed and confused." Still, we can't help seeing glimpses of light in our horizon, no matter how long it may take for the clouds to clear, we know that the sun will one day shine very bright, in the smile of the child/children that God will in His perfect timing, place in our arms!!!
Thank you "BIG TIME" for continuing to believe along with us!
Much love,
Sharon & Michael
Monday, November 27, 2006
THANK YOU!!!
Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving holiday, counting your many blessings with all your loved ones!
Thanks again for your very encouraging comments, emails, phone calls and most importantly, your love. Please continue to remember us in your prayers, that we may have peace and wisdom for the decisions that are ahead.
We wish you all a wonderful fun-filled and happy few weeks, as you participate in the hustle and bustle of preparations for Christmas and New Year's!!!
Love,
Sharon & Michael
Saturday, November 18, 2006
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
YES, HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! We have some news to share with you: yesterday - Friday (11/17), we had a formal conference call with our agency where we were told that Colombia did not release the three girls to us for adoption. They did however approve us to adopt 2 other children, but not the three sisters we applied for. They did not specify the age group or the gender of the children they approved us for yet, so we are now waiting to find out and once we do, we will make the decision of whether or not to pursue the new process further (for as we clearly told the agency, this isn't a decision we make over night or under pressure, as though we are buying a car or a house: "Oh, if I can't get this one, I'll just get that one instead" - there is no comparison, it is definitely such a deep consideration, when it comes to our future family and the children we long for!
We are human and of course we are and were very sad when we heard the news, for as you know we had already allowed ourselves to fall in love with the girls and were dreaming of the possibility that they would become our daughters. We must now allow ourselves some time to grieve and let go of the dream we had started building for ourselves and who we thought were going to be our daughters, for this is only the healthy thing to do for our emotions. However, we must say that we are also feeling a great relief to FINALLY have a solid answer and not be in limbo anymore. We have always been aware that from the very beginning, although we were completely approved to adopt, the final decision regarding the "specific" case/sibling group we were interested in, did not belong to us or the agency, but to Colombia's ICBF office (Child Welfare Service) in charge of representing the particular case/children. There may have been some concerns over the fact that we never had children before and those particular children were a bit older and may have some special needs, issues or concerns due to their background (we really weren't given any reasons, so for our records, we have requested a full legal explanation of why we were not approved). We did feel absolutely ready for them and had prepared ourselves through parenting classes and trainings related to adopting older children, we felt ready to accept any challenges that would come with the adoption, but ultimately the Lord is in control, He alone knows the true reasons why this will not work out as we expected, He alone knows what is best for us, but most importantly: who will be the best family for those beautiful children. We prayed for His will in this matter, so we must thank Him for the answer and have peace in the outcome, as we continue to completely depend on Him for the healing of our hearts!
In the meantime, we have obtained some information about a wonderful non-profit organization called Limiar (means "Threshold" in Portuguese - the idea of a child leaving their painful past behind and being able to walk through the threshold of a door that will lead them to a wonderful new future filled with hope). They do a great work in Brazil with orphanages and the courts and since 1981 have assisted many North American and European families in the adoption of over 1400 Brazilian children. Being originally from Brazil (Sharon), we have always had a heart to adopt from there but were always told the process would be too difficult and complicated. Until we found Limiar and talked to several families that adopted through them. We have received the information packet from Limiar and have submitted an application and have already been approved to start receiving in-depth information and photos of waiting children and sibling groups. The good thing is that there is no obligation or pressure to commit, but if it so happens that we feel led to pursue an adoption in Brazil, because we are already completely approved to adopt and Dossier ready, we just have to have some minor adjustments done to our original paperwork and then Limiar submits the documentation directly to the courts in Brazil.
Of course as you can all see, we have a lot to think about right now, but most importantly: TO PRAY ABOUT!!!
In the meantime, we have obtained some information about a wonderful non-profit organization called Limiar (means "Threshold" in Portuguese - the idea of a child leaving their painful past behind and being able to walk through the threshold of a door that will lead them to a wonderful new future filled with hope). They do a great work in Brazil with orphanages and the courts and since 1981 have assisted many North American and European families in the adoption of over 1400 Brazilian children. Being originally from Brazil (Sharon), we have always had a heart to adopt from there but were always told the process would be too difficult and complicated. Until we found Limiar and talked to several families that adopted through them. We have received the information packet from Limiar and have submitted an application and have already been approved to start receiving in-depth information and photos of waiting children and sibling groups. The good thing is that there is no obligation or pressure to commit, but if it so happens that we feel led to pursue an adoption in Brazil, because we are already completely approved to adopt and Dossier ready, we just have to have some minor adjustments done to our original paperwork and then Limiar submits the documentation directly to the courts in Brazil.
Of course as you can all see, we have a lot to think about right now, but most importantly: TO PRAY ABOUT!!!
In summary: (1) we already know we are not going to adopt Dulce Catalina, Olinda Patricia and Daniela, (2) at the same time Colombia has approved us to adopt 2 children (possibly younger children, but we have not been given any of the details yet), (3) then we have this new information about Brazil (the fact that there would be no culture or language barrier is something to greatly consider)????????????????
We do ask that as you consider our experience, you would actually continue to pray for the precious three little sisters that although we never met, touched our hearts sooooooooooooo deeply. We know for a fact that they still have not been matched with a family, so please pray that they will not be lost in the system as many are, as just another file due to bureaucracy and sometimes, questionable rules. Pray that they will eventually (actually, soon) be removed from foster-care (before it's too late and they become too old) and be given the blessing of a future filled with hope with a wonderful "Forever Family" to call their own, that will show them what it truly means to be cherished, nurtured and loved unconditionally!
Therefore, as the wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, Michael has taken some time off and we are going to take it easy and relax and not worry about anything. We know that we have a lot to thank the Lord for, so many blessings He has given us and one of the blessings that we are most grateful for this year, are the faithful family and friends (you know who you are) ;>) - who have been there for us during this journey and we know will continue to love, pray and support us, in whatever new journey we embark on or decisions we make. We also want to specifically thank Kelly & Tom, Ruth & Jeff, Krista & Troy, Michelle, Ralene and all the other "Colombian families" for the networking support and for so unselfishly sharing their journeys with us, we have learned SOOOOOOOOOOO much from your experience!!!
We will continue to use this blog when there are any updates or news to share. One last thing to remember as we celebrate Thanksgiving is: "God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good!!!"
Much love and gratitude and wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts!
Sharon & Michael
We do ask that as you consider our experience, you would actually continue to pray for the precious three little sisters that although we never met, touched our hearts sooooooooooooo deeply. We know for a fact that they still have not been matched with a family, so please pray that they will not be lost in the system as many are, as just another file due to bureaucracy and sometimes, questionable rules. Pray that they will eventually (actually, soon) be removed from foster-care (before it's too late and they become too old) and be given the blessing of a future filled with hope with a wonderful "Forever Family" to call their own, that will show them what it truly means to be cherished, nurtured and loved unconditionally!
Therefore, as the wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, Michael has taken some time off and we are going to take it easy and relax and not worry about anything. We know that we have a lot to thank the Lord for, so many blessings He has given us and one of the blessings that we are most grateful for this year, are the faithful family and friends (you know who you are) ;>) - who have been there for us during this journey and we know will continue to love, pray and support us, in whatever new journey we embark on or decisions we make. We also want to specifically thank Kelly & Tom, Ruth & Jeff, Krista & Troy, Michelle, Ralene and all the other "Colombian families" for the networking support and for so unselfishly sharing their journeys with us, we have learned SOOOOOOOOOOO much from your experience!!!
We will continue to use this blog when there are any updates or news to share. One last thing to remember as we celebrate Thanksgiving is: "God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good!!!"
Much love and gratitude and wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts!
Sharon & Michael
Friday, November 10, 2006
CELEBRATING OUR 9TH WEEK ANNIVERSARY (OF DOSSIER SUBMISSION) & A VERY SPECIAL LETTER!!! :>)
Today is almost 7 1/2 months since we started this process and the "9th week anniversary" of when our completed Dossier was sent to Colombia; since then, we have had to do a bit more "paper-chasing" which was all sent in 2 weeks ago, but we still haven't heard anything. This may not seem like much for those who are waiting for a referral, but keep in mind that our process wasn't for an unidentified infant, but for an "older sibling group" of children who were already identified and have been waiting for their forever family for at least 2 years. We had been told that the process was going to be much faster, so this added "wait" and not knowing is a wee bit stressful! We also noticed that the girls information was removed from the agencies private waiting list, and the only other children that were removed were the ones who have either already been adopted or are no longer being represented for adoption by the agency. So, needless to say right now we have about a gazillion questions that are not being answered and of course, as some of you already know, saying that our emotions are a bit raw right now is a bit of an understatement :>)Those of you who are following our journey and know from experience what it is to long for a child for quite some time and then still not know if the ones you have chosen will be yours in the end, can certainly relate!
In the meantime, we were reminded this week YES, ONCE AGAIN that we are not the ones in control here, but the Lord is STILL THE ONE and we must continue to trust ONLY in Him, that the children that are meant to be part of our family will somehow find their way to us. We continue to be reminded of this fact when we see the examples of so many wonderful new families we have met through this process and also a dear couple, friends of ours for many years, who are currently in Brazil adopting a gorgeous baby girl, who God brought into their lives when they least expected. This is indeed so true: "The children God has for us, will miraculously find their way to us, no mater what!!!"
God is so good and His mercies are indeed new every morning, He gives us the strength to continue on this journey and He gives us the faith to continue to believe and persevere. We know that the child/children He has for us is just waiting for us to go and get them, no matter where that will ultimately be, whether it's Colombia or somewhere else, it's only a matter of time!
Finally, we want to share with you something that came to my heart while having devotions this week, it is a letter I wrote as I felt God's love demonstrated in the way He so faithfully continues to supply our hearts with peace and faith to keep on believing!
________________________________________________________
FROM: God
ADDRESS: Heaven & in your heart
PHONE #: P-r-a-y-e-r (Call anytime, there's never a busy signal or voice-mail, I always answer)!
DATE: Eternity
RE: My gift to you!
Dear Sharon & Michael,
I am writing this letter to inform you that I have decided in my perfect plan for your lives, that when the right time comes I will fully entrust the two of you with the gift of a beautiful child/children named:___________________________
Please know, that this child or children will not be given to you as your possessions, they are mine and always will be, but out of trust for the deepest desire of your hearts to become parents and the enormous amount of pure and sincere love which I can see overflowing from your hearts, I will bestow upon you the great responsibility to "cherish, nurture, guide and honor" these precious little ones, so that they can grow up with the opportunities to become all that I have created them to be and fulfill their purpose and full potential as human beings!
I understand that many times, you have questioned the reasons why you had to suffer from infertility and the many emotional lessons learned through that experience in the many years you've been together. There were so many times when your hearts ached for answers and you felt that I was not listening, but oh my dear ones, the truth is that I have never left you nor forsaken you, I have always been there all along, silently preparing for you in the depths of my love!
Just think, if it had not been for the difficult road you had to travel, you would have never gone on this long journey that will ultimately, lead you to the awesome final destination: "Your Beautiful Child/ren" - The one/s who were truly meant to be part of your family. The one/s that in my omniscience I knew by name and had a plan for, even before the foundation of the world, the one/s whose substance I knew even before they were yet formed in the womb that carried and birthed them, the one/s who were fearfully and beautifully made by my own hands and through these hands, yes, my very own hands, they will be placed in your arms and forever in your hearts, so that you may become their Real Mom and Dad!!! (Read Psalms 139).
I am the giver of all good things and am always near. Just wait and you will see, that soon, very soon, your lives will change overnight as you adjust, bond and learn to become parents, things may (better yet, will) become busy and hectic at times, but please remember that I am always only "a prayer away" so, feel free to "call me" anytime!
I will always be available to also: "cherish, nurture, guide and honor you," just as you will do with your precious little one/s; that is because Sharon and Michael, you are and will always be my beloved children, also "chosen and adopted" by me to fully partake in my inheritance which is freely given to you through my son Jesus Christ!
Much love yesterday, today and forever!
Your heavenly Father,
God
Copyright © 2006 Sharon P. All rights reserved.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW & IMPROVED SITE!!!
Here, we will be able to continue sharing our thoughts, but will also be able to share a lot more photos and eventually video with all our wonderful family and friends who have been so faithful in following our "Journey to family" and supporting us during "Our Pregnancy of the Heart!"
By the way, someone asked why the photo of flowers on this post? Well, several reasons: because flowers are a good way to welcome you to our new site, white/cream roses just happen to be my favorite and Medellin (where the girls come from), is known in Colombia as the "City of Flowers", so when we see these beautiful and very colorful roses, it reminds us of the girls!!! :>)
*** Most of you already know by now that we have discontinued posting on our "Caring Bridge" site: www.caringbridge.com/visit/theperrychildren but we're still in the process of transferring all the original info from Caring Bridge & previous blog on to this address; in the meantime, feel free to continue leaving comments at the end of any post (we just love reading all your encouraging thoughts)!!!
Love,
Sharon & Michael
Saturday, October 28, 2006
THE LATEST NEWS!!!
Yesterday 10/27, was 7 weeks since our completed Dossier arrived in Colombia and yes, we are still "WAITING!!!"
Last Tuesday (10/17), we were so excited when we checked our voice-mail messages to find out that our Case-Manager had called and that she had some news for us. When we called her back, thinking that it was going to finally be "THE CALL" we had so anxiously been waiting for: the "OFFICIAL MATCH" & "TRAVEL DATE", we were only terribly disappointed to find out that Colombia was now requiring more paper-work from us! Although our original Psychological Evaluation had been wonderfully positive and glowing and we were highly recommended by the Dr., the Colombian ICBF (the Human Services Dept. in charge of our adoption process), was now requiring some additional psychological tests to make sure we (a couple who never had kids before) were indeed going to be suitable and ready to adopt a sibling group of 3 older children???
As much as we respect the validity of their concerns and the fact that Colombia is known to be one of the countries that truly cares for the welfare of the children they place, the truth is that we did not go into this process blindly, being led only by the emotional aspect of dreaming of those 3 adorable little faces that we found on a "waiting list" and thinking that the whole experience would just be a "perfect honeymoon." Not only have we been fully preparing ourselves for the possible baggage that may accompany (at least initially), the "older children adoption," we felt quite competent due to our solid 18 year marriage, our maturity in years, also due to the professional education, training and reading of many recommended therapeutic books and the valuable experience Sharon has been fortunate enough to have of working for over 5 years in the mental health field specifically, in a residential treatment program for children and adolescents who had been severely abused and neglected!
CAN ANYONE SAY: "CRY-BABY"???
OK, OK we'll admit that maybe we are feeling just a wee bit sorry for ourselves and the stress of "WAITING" had gotten to us a little, still we are only human and felt quite sad that not only in life we have been dealt the unfortunate gift of "infertility", but now when we are fully ready to pour out our hearts in love for those we've waited for all these years and have chosen to be our future children, we are somewhat unfairly being penalized for the fact that we never had kids before - go figure???
Anyway, we decided that no matter what the ICBF's final decision will be, we wanted to always have 100% peace of mind that we did absolutely ALL that was asked of us, so we tracked down the Psychologist personal cell phone number, found her on vacation down south and she was so wonderful and willing to help us out, even going into the office on the weekend to find and schedule the new tests Colombia was requiring. We went ahead for more testing this past Monday. The Doc was so kind and understanding, even sharing with us how absurd and unnecessary she thought this new request and subsequent delays were The most interesting of all (we have to just have a sense of humor and laugh), is that one of the new tests the ICBF was requiring us to take (to possibly base their final decision on), was published in 1967 (yeap, almost 40 years ago) and it hasn't been used by Psychologists in years, due to the fact that it was so archaic and flawed that it was replaced by a more accurate version many years ago! Oh well!!!
We received the completed and notarized report from the Psychologist yesterday and it was soooooooooooo good that you'd think she was describing "Jesus" himself!!! :>)
Between us, Michael and I could barely recognize the people described on that new glowing report, but it was sooooooooooo good WE EVEN WANT TO BE ADOPTED BY THAT COUPLE!!!! :>)
OK now, in all seriousness, by faith we are going to be grateful for the growth we are already experiencing in this whole process, for even though we knew from day one that Colombia is kind of "picky" and that in international adoption one has to always remember to be flexible, we never thought that this process was going to keep dragging and have soooooooooo many last minute "surprises". We are still 100% fully committed in our hearts to adopt these precious children, but know that the end result is 100% out of our control, so we will just continue to wait and see what will happen next. The one thing that we have been reminded of this week, is that all along we have been praying for the Lord's PERFECT will, not just for us, but most importantly for the girls, it should never be about us "getting 3 daughters" but about them finally "Getting the right parents" who will love them, help them heal and become the amazing human beings with all the potential God in His awesome love and mercy, created them to become!!!
Therefore, if God's will is what we TRULY have been praying for, we need to be prepared for WHATEVER answer He may have for us and allow our hearts to be filled with gratitude for His answer, for no matter what that may be, it will certainly be the RIGHT and PERFECT answer!!!
Last Tuesday (10/17), we were so excited when we checked our voice-mail messages to find out that our Case-Manager had called and that she had some news for us. When we called her back, thinking that it was going to finally be "THE CALL" we had so anxiously been waiting for: the "OFFICIAL MATCH" & "TRAVEL DATE", we were only terribly disappointed to find out that Colombia was now requiring more paper-work from us! Although our original Psychological Evaluation had been wonderfully positive and glowing and we were highly recommended by the Dr., the Colombian ICBF (the Human Services Dept. in charge of our adoption process), was now requiring some additional psychological tests to make sure we (a couple who never had kids before) were indeed going to be suitable and ready to adopt a sibling group of 3 older children???
As much as we respect the validity of their concerns and the fact that Colombia is known to be one of the countries that truly cares for the welfare of the children they place, the truth is that we did not go into this process blindly, being led only by the emotional aspect of dreaming of those 3 adorable little faces that we found on a "waiting list" and thinking that the whole experience would just be a "perfect honeymoon." Not only have we been fully preparing ourselves for the possible baggage that may accompany (at least initially), the "older children adoption," we felt quite competent due to our solid 18 year marriage, our maturity in years, also due to the professional education, training and reading of many recommended therapeutic books and the valuable experience Sharon has been fortunate enough to have of working for over 5 years in the mental health field specifically, in a residential treatment program for children and adolescents who had been severely abused and neglected!
CAN ANYONE SAY: "CRY-BABY"???
OK, OK we'll admit that maybe we are feeling just a wee bit sorry for ourselves and the stress of "WAITING" had gotten to us a little, still we are only human and felt quite sad that not only in life we have been dealt the unfortunate gift of "infertility", but now when we are fully ready to pour out our hearts in love for those we've waited for all these years and have chosen to be our future children, we are somewhat unfairly being penalized for the fact that we never had kids before - go figure???
Anyway, we decided that no matter what the ICBF's final decision will be, we wanted to always have 100% peace of mind that we did absolutely ALL that was asked of us, so we tracked down the Psychologist personal cell phone number, found her on vacation down south and she was so wonderful and willing to help us out, even going into the office on the weekend to find and schedule the new tests Colombia was requiring. We went ahead for more testing this past Monday. The Doc was so kind and understanding, even sharing with us how absurd and unnecessary she thought this new request and subsequent delays were The most interesting of all (we have to just have a sense of humor and laugh), is that one of the new tests the ICBF was requiring us to take (to possibly base their final decision on), was published in 1967 (yeap, almost 40 years ago) and it hasn't been used by Psychologists in years, due to the fact that it was so archaic and flawed that it was replaced by a more accurate version many years ago! Oh well!!!
We received the completed and notarized report from the Psychologist yesterday and it was soooooooooooo good that you'd think she was describing "Jesus" himself!!! :>)
Between us, Michael and I could barely recognize the people described on that new glowing report, but it was sooooooooooo good WE EVEN WANT TO BE ADOPTED BY THAT COUPLE!!!! :>)
OK now, in all seriousness, by faith we are going to be grateful for the growth we are already experiencing in this whole process, for even though we knew from day one that Colombia is kind of "picky" and that in international adoption one has to always remember to be flexible, we never thought that this process was going to keep dragging and have soooooooooo many last minute "surprises". We are still 100% fully committed in our hearts to adopt these precious children, but know that the end result is 100% out of our control, so we will just continue to wait and see what will happen next. The one thing that we have been reminded of this week, is that all along we have been praying for the Lord's PERFECT will, not just for us, but most importantly for the girls, it should never be about us "getting 3 daughters" but about them finally "Getting the right parents" who will love them, help them heal and become the amazing human beings with all the potential God in His awesome love and mercy, created them to become!!!
Therefore, if God's will is what we TRULY have been praying for, we need to be prepared for WHATEVER answer He may have for us and allow our hearts to be filled with gratitude for His answer, for no matter what that may be, it will certainly be the RIGHT and PERFECT answer!!!
Friday, October 27, 2006
WE HOPE & PRAY, THAT THESE 3 PRECIOUS LITTLE ONES WILL SOON BECOME OUR DAUGHTERS!!!
As much as we have already fallen in love with these precious little ones, from day one our prayer has always been for the Lord's PERFECT will for their lives, so regardless of the outcome for this process and what the Colombian governments decision will be, we ask that you join us in remembering this verse, every time you think about these precious little ones:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
From left: Olinda Patricia, Daniela & Dulce Catalina!
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
From left: Olinda Patricia, Daniela & Dulce Catalina!
Patricia (as she prefers to be called), is 7 years old!
Daniela is 6 years old!
Daniela the "Cutie-Pie" again!
THE "WAITING" PARENTS TO BE!!!
NEW YEAR'S IN MIAMI!
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK!
ENJOYING THE PLAZA, NEW YORK!
ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!!! :>)
PAPI TAKES GIGI TO MEET SANTA! :>)
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK!
ENJOYING THE PLAZA, NEW YORK!
ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!!! :>)
PAPI TAKES GIGI TO MEET SANTA! :>)
HOPEFULLY, VERY SOON THIS IS WHAT OUR FAMILY WILL LOOK LIKE! :>)
Hey, don't knock it - this is the best we can do (dream) until we FINALLY have REAL photos taken together!!! :>)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
MAMI'S MOMMY: OUR ABUELA/GRANDMA LUIZA!
Nuestra Preciosa Abuela Luiza in Florida!
Grandma Luiza visiting Brazil with her grankids: Liam & Kezia!
Grandma Luiza with our "First-born" dog Madison! :>)
Grandma Luiza visiting Brazil with her grankids: Liam & Kezia!
Grandma Luiza with our "First-born" dog Madison! :>)
PAPI'S PARENTS: GRANDMA GLORIA & GRANDPA STAN!
Grandpa Stan, Grandma Gloria, Papi & his brother uncle Stan!
Papi with Grandma & Grandpa in front of their home!
Papi goes boating & fishing with Grandma Gloria!
Papi with Grandma & Grandpa in front of their home!
Papi goes boating & fishing with Grandma Gloria!
OUR BEAUTIFUL CANADIAN FAMILY!!!
Mami's brother: our uncle Freddy, his wife: our auntie Marina & their 2 kids: our cousins Liam & Kezia!
All of us having fun celebrating Kezia's 1st dance recital!!!
Our adorable cousins Liam & Kezia with out little Dog Gigi, we can't wait to meet all of them!
Hopefully we'll get used to the cold (BRRRRR) and auntie Marina & uncle Freddy will teach us to ski like Liam & Kezia!!! :>)
We are going to have sooooooooo much fun with our cousins!!!
Aspen, here we come!!! What awesome little athletes, they will be our girls future instructors!!!
Boy oh boy, is there anything our adventurous cousins can't do??? They better start getting ready to teach us how to do all that fun stuff!!!
All of us having fun celebrating Kezia's 1st dance recital!!!
Our adorable cousins Liam & Kezia with out little Dog Gigi, we can't wait to meet all of them!
Hopefully we'll get used to the cold (BRRRRR) and auntie Marina & uncle Freddy will teach us to ski like Liam & Kezia!!! :>)
We are going to have sooooooooo much fun with our cousins!!!
Aspen, here we come!!! What awesome little athletes, they will be our girls future instructors!!!
Boy oh boy, is there anything our adventurous cousins can't do??? They better start getting ready to teach us how to do all that fun stuff!!!
OUR BEAUTIFUL BRAZILIAN FAMILY!
MY OLDER BROTHER RODERICK (RODDY TO US), HIS WIFE SONIA, THEIR CHILDREN, MILENA, MILKA AND MICKAEL!
THE BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
THE ADORABLY ROMANTIC COUPLE!
OUR GORGEOUS NEPHEW AND NIECES!
MILENA SURE IS A HOTTIE!!! :>)
MILKA IS ALSO JUST TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!!! :>)
THE THREE GOOFBALLS!!!
THE BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
THE ADORABLY ROMANTIC COUPLE!
OUR GORGEOUS NEPHEW AND NIECES!
MILENA SURE IS A HOTTIE!!! :>)
MILKA IS ALSO JUST TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!!! :>)
THE THREE GOOFBALLS!!!
GRANDMA LUIZA'S ADVENTURES IN THE AMAZON!
The Missionary boat (Arc of Grace) where she travels on the Amazon River into the jungle to care for the local residents spiritual and medical needs. Can you believe she's almost 74 years old (nope, she doesn't mind me sharing her age) and still serving the Lord by serving others, in of all places the Amazon??? Boy oh boy, I've got a lot to learn!!!
Her bedroom on board of the deck, with all the other passengers!
Can you believe Mom caught a Ray fish? She was so happy because she could give it to one of the locals and he said it would feed his family for over a week!
Eat your heart out Michael, you may be a fisherman, but I bet you never caught one of these??!! :>)
Her bedroom on board of the deck, with all the other passengers!
Can you believe Mom caught a Ray fish? She was so happy because she could give it to one of the locals and he said it would feed his family for over a week!
Eat your heart out Michael, you may be a fisherman, but I bet you never caught one of these??!! :>)
OUR "NEWEST" & PRECIOUS LITTLE COUSIN/FRIEND: KYLA BIANCA!
*** Precious little Kyla Bianca arrived for her Mommy & Daddy (our dear friends Ana Laura & Landy) on September 12th. She is another miraculous example of God's great love and faithfulness toward those He loves so much!!!
OUR GORGEOUS FLORIDIAN COUSINS/FRIENDS - WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET THEM!!!
*** We can't wait to meet the "Soccer Star" Mikael, his little "ballerina" sister Gabriella and the adorable "Cow-Boy" Christian!!! :>)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
GUESTBOOK ENTRIES FROM OUR ORIGINAL "CARINGBRIDGE" SITE!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2006 01:44 PM
Hi!
My name is Catherine and I found your website via a link from 'Waiting for Sophie.' It's been fun reading of your story and seeing the faces of the 3 beautiful young ladies you are adopting from Colombia. I will pray for you as you move forward.
I am at a similar wait time as you. My file has been in China for 6 months now so I understand how hard it can be to wait. God is good and He knows when He will bring our families together. Until then, we wait and pray!
Blessings to you and your new family. I look forward to following your journey.
Catherine Ryan
____________________________________
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2006 07:32 PM
Beloved children Michael and Sharon,
How can I express the joy of my heart since the very first time I heard that you were thinking of enriching our home by adding three most beautiful girls to our family?
I have been praying for their arrival and I can hardly wait for the very first day when I will be able to hug and kiss them for the very first time. It will be wonderful to have the laughter of children all over the place, and even in times of tears, we shall be with them and cry together.....
I pray for you as parents to be, and for my three lovely grand-children, that they will soon be with us, giving us the happiness of a life time.
I will be so happy to tell them stories from the Bible, just as I used to do with you/their mother, when you were just a little girl and also tell them stories of the Amazon and of so many things that children might like to know. I will also perfect my Spanish with them...
May the Lord bless these precious little ones, and may they grow up knowing Him: Whom to know is life eternal, and Whom to serve is perfect joy.
May the Lord bring them home very, very soon, and Vovó ( Abuelita) Luiza will be there with you to help in any way Mom and Dad may need me.
Praying for this wonderful encounter, the day you get them very, very soon!
Mamãe and Vovó Luiza.
Luiza Wilson
___________________________________
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 07:35 PM
Michael and Sharon,
I just loved meeting you two at the Commonwealth picnic this past weekend. You are filled with joy and love for your three daughters already. I just finished reading your journal and it was a joy to read. I'm so excited for you two!
Anyway, as promised, here is the travel agent we used: Federal Travel in FL. Tim Swanson is the agent's name. He is WONDERFUL. Also...more reading: www.caringbridge.com/mi/sararose
Take care of yourselves..and keep the FAITH!! You will get those precious girls! You and the girls are in our prayers....
Michelle Newman (Mom to Jake and Sara from Medellin)
Michelle Newman tmnewman@chartermi.net
Traverse City, MI
United States
_____________________________________
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2006 07:46 PM
Congratulations on your paperwork coming through!!!! I remember how hard it was during the process to have to depend on others to get the paperwork done and approved. I promise that it will all be worth it in the end. I hope you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a family. I hated all of the red tape because I just wanted my daughter home with her family. You are one step closer. I can't wait to hear from Theresa that you are getting ready to travel. Good luck!!
Sandy Jouppi
___________________________________
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2006 10:40 AM
Dear Sharon & Michael,
It was so nice to have dinner with you at Church last Wednesday; specially because I learned about the great news of your daughters! What a blessing you are to reach to kids that need a home and how blessed you will be to have three little angels coming to your lives.
We, me and my girls, just saw the pictures on the site and we can't wait to meet them and play together.
Kids are a miracle from God and He will take good care of all of you.
Congratulations,
Lenise Peres
________________________________
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2006 11:27 AM
Dearest Sharita and Mikito,
I am finally here to leave my autograph, thoughts and prayers ;-) This morning the Lord comforted me with Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Thought you'd like to read this precious promise too. I love you guys! It was awesome to spend time with with yesterday, thank you for the great dinner ;-) In Christ, Ivani
Ivani Aimar aimarig@yahoo.com
__________________________________
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006 02:45 PM
Hello,
I have been following your story over the past few months by reading your journal. I think what you are doing is fantastic and may you continue to be blessed by God in your journey. You don't know me but you know of me. My husband and I are the ones who adopted the five kids from Colombia bringing our total number of kids up to 7. We know how frustrating the little bumps in the road can be as we had many delays and frustrating moments in our journey. However, trust me when I say that all those frustrating moments are forgotten with the first hug from your kids. I pray you will be united with your children as soon as possible. God is good and will bring you together when the time is right for all of you. Take care, Krista Ralston
Krista Ralston
Union, IA
__________________________________
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2006 10:05 PM
Dear Sharon and Michael,
I was very excited and happy to see the pictures. The girls are beautiful! I read your journey, and it really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing it with me. Sometimes we need to wait a while until we find exactly what we need; God always knows what it is. He is definitely in charge, even when we can not understand His will very clearly at the moment. Later we magically realize that everything happens exactly the way it is supposed to be, and it makes us stronger, better human beings. I believe that when these beautiful girls come into your house, you will be the best parents they could ever had, and they could never imagine it would be possible to happen. Enjoy every minute of your journey, as much as you enjoy every minute of a pregnancy. The end will be so soon, even though it doesn’t feel this way, and you will remember every day of it with much love. I would love to meet your daughters when they come. Please keep us posted. May God bless you and your family always.
Giovanna Kawasaki
MI
United States
______________________________
MONDAY, JULY 31, 2006 05:04 PM
Hello Michael & Sharon:
I tried a few weeks back and thought I had posted some very poetic thoughts....only to find out that what I wrote somehow never made it onto the web site. No matter.....I just want to congratulate you both on your decision to become parents to these beautiful and precious little girls. I know that they indeed will be blessed by having you guys as their parents......they do not know the blessing that God has in store for them yet....but as time passes and they grow and thrive under your love, they will realize just how blessed they are. I know that this is a very nervous time for the two of you as you just sit back and wait for the girls you already love but have not had a chance to hug yet!! May Godspeed their arrival into your home....as I know they are already in your hearts. I cannot wait to meet them...and you MUST come to Florida at least once a year with all 5 of you. There is a very large Columbian community here and there is a BIG Annual Independence Festival.......a perfect treat for them and will give them a taste of their culture once a year....and thankfully there is Spirit Air....because the tab for 5 is much higher than the tab for 2 when booking flights! (Smile.) But there is always room at Resort Chrystal....we'll put the 3 girls in Christian's room!
I am just so very happy for you guys........your lives are about to take on a beautiful new dimension.....all through the beautiful Providence of God.
May God richly bless your new family - make your lives complete and content.....I know the love you will bestow on those little girls will be returned to you ten-fold......and you will hear one of the world's most beautiful words on a daily basis: Mom!! Dad!!
With Much Love,
Chrystal Weaver
FL
United States
______________________________
SUNDAY, JULY 30, 2006 09:14 PM
Hi Sharon & Michael,
I wish you much luck with getting the girls home to you very very soon! They are gorgeous and are very blessed to have you! Thanks for writing on Kassidy's website. She is still doing wonderful and we pray everyday that she continues in that direction.
God Bless,
Cindy Terrio
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006 10:15 PM
The kids are beautiful. I'm saying a prayer for you.
Saw your web address on Ed Horn's web site and noticed the caringbridge address. My grandniece has a caringbridge site -- it's visit/KassidyTerrio. She is a sweet little 5-yr. old who has cancer. Please say some prayers for her - and maybe leave a message on her site.
Thanks! Connie Miller cmiller@foxriverchristian.org
Waukesha, WI
________________________________
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006 03:38 PM
Sharita and Mikito Pirikito,
I am very happy for both of you and your beautifull daughters. I know that the Lord during these years have being preparing both of you to receive this precious gift of life. These children are already your daughters, and do not worry about the Colombia governament, or the immigration, because there is nothing that they can do to stop God's wishes to be done. I can not wait to see my nieces.
Love,
Claudinha Plaza
______________________________
MONDAY, JULY 03, 2006 09:45 PM
Dear Sharon and Michael,
Thank you for sharing such an important part of yourselves with us and all the other family and friends who love you both. We pray for you and for the three beautiful sisters during this challenging adoption process. We know that God is in control and take comfort in this. We truly look forward to meeting the girls and having them as part of our family - Liam and Kezia can't wait to meet their cousins. May the Lord continue to bless you.
All our love to you,
Fred, Marina, Liam and Kezia
________________________________
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2006 09:12 PM
Congratulations! Adoption is a wonderful way to build a family!! I wanted Theresa to E-mail me your site to follow your journey and I am so excited for you. The girls are absolutely beautiful. I hope that they are home soon. It was a long wait after we got Shelby's picture (adopted from S. Korea) because I just couldn't wait to hug her!!!!
Congrats again!
Sandy (Theresa Lewis' friend)
Sandy Jouppi jjouppi@comcast.net
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 05:00 PM
Dearest Sharon & Mike,
We heard about the 3 girls a while back from your mother and have been praying for the Lord's choice for the both of you and them. Your desire to share your love with them is a big choice and we pray for our Lord's blessing on all of you in this critical decision. May His will be done and you all abound in His love. May His healing be fulfilled for all of you as a family.
Lovingly, Claudia Swinteck
Claudia Swinteck
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 10:46 AM
I am glad that both of you have decided to adopt these girls. They are very lucky. You guys will make awesome parents!
I can't wait to meet all of them. (I guess I better start brushing up on my Spanish).
I am sure everything will work out fine for the both of you.
Danielle Troia
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 08:33 PM
Sharinha & Mikito,
Can't wait to see "our nieces" :), have them over and share good friend/family times together. This is such a HUUUGE blessing...3 little lives that will bring so much joy and enrich your lives (and ours) immeasurably. Both of you and the girls continue in our prayers. Rest assure God is in it all the way...Yaaaay God!!!
Ana Laura Mazzotta
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 06:05 PM
Mike and Sharon,
What a wonderful idea:) We are praying every day for these beautiful girls and cannot wait until they arrive.
Much love,
Scott, Theresa and Sophia
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 05:05 PM
My dearest Sharon & Michael,
Our love to you and to your future children. We continue praying for a happy ending.
Love,
Gaú
http://www.thiago-amazon.com/
Gaudencio Thiago de Mello
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 04:42 PM
Hi Sharon and Mike!
I saw your on-line journal and the three little pretty girls you are praying for.
May the Lord bless you two with your enlarged loving heart willing to give these girls a home full of love, protection, care and faith enabling them to experience the reality of God's love expressed through men here on earth.
Rom 5:5 ...All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Love,
Roddy
Roderick B. Wilson
Hi!
My name is Catherine and I found your website via a link from 'Waiting for Sophie.' It's been fun reading of your story and seeing the faces of the 3 beautiful young ladies you are adopting from Colombia. I will pray for you as you move forward.
I am at a similar wait time as you. My file has been in China for 6 months now so I understand how hard it can be to wait. God is good and He knows when He will bring our families together. Until then, we wait and pray!
Blessings to you and your new family. I look forward to following your journey.
Catherine Ryan
____________________________________
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2006 07:32 PM
Beloved children Michael and Sharon,
How can I express the joy of my heart since the very first time I heard that you were thinking of enriching our home by adding three most beautiful girls to our family?
I have been praying for their arrival and I can hardly wait for the very first day when I will be able to hug and kiss them for the very first time. It will be wonderful to have the laughter of children all over the place, and even in times of tears, we shall be with them and cry together.....
I pray for you as parents to be, and for my three lovely grand-children, that they will soon be with us, giving us the happiness of a life time.
I will be so happy to tell them stories from the Bible, just as I used to do with you/their mother, when you were just a little girl and also tell them stories of the Amazon and of so many things that children might like to know. I will also perfect my Spanish with them...
May the Lord bless these precious little ones, and may they grow up knowing Him: Whom to know is life eternal, and Whom to serve is perfect joy.
May the Lord bring them home very, very soon, and Vovó ( Abuelita) Luiza will be there with you to help in any way Mom and Dad may need me.
Praying for this wonderful encounter, the day you get them very, very soon!
Mamãe and Vovó Luiza.
Luiza Wilson
___________________________________
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 07:35 PM
Michael and Sharon,
I just loved meeting you two at the Commonwealth picnic this past weekend. You are filled with joy and love for your three daughters already. I just finished reading your journal and it was a joy to read. I'm so excited for you two!
Anyway, as promised, here is the travel agent we used: Federal Travel in FL. Tim Swanson is the agent's name. He is WONDERFUL. Also...more reading: www.caringbridge.com/mi/sararose
Take care of yourselves..and keep the FAITH!! You will get those precious girls! You and the girls are in our prayers....
Michelle Newman (Mom to Jake and Sara from Medellin)
Michelle Newman tmnewman@chartermi.net
Traverse City, MI
United States
_____________________________________
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2006 07:46 PM
Congratulations on your paperwork coming through!!!! I remember how hard it was during the process to have to depend on others to get the paperwork done and approved. I promise that it will all be worth it in the end. I hope you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a family. I hated all of the red tape because I just wanted my daughter home with her family. You are one step closer. I can't wait to hear from Theresa that you are getting ready to travel. Good luck!!
Sandy Jouppi
___________________________________
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2006 10:40 AM
Dear Sharon & Michael,
It was so nice to have dinner with you at Church last Wednesday; specially because I learned about the great news of your daughters! What a blessing you are to reach to kids that need a home and how blessed you will be to have three little angels coming to your lives.
We, me and my girls, just saw the pictures on the site and we can't wait to meet them and play together.
Kids are a miracle from God and He will take good care of all of you.
Congratulations,
Lenise Peres
________________________________
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2006 11:27 AM
Dearest Sharita and Mikito,
I am finally here to leave my autograph, thoughts and prayers ;-) This morning the Lord comforted me with Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Thought you'd like to read this precious promise too. I love you guys! It was awesome to spend time with with yesterday, thank you for the great dinner ;-) In Christ, Ivani
Ivani Aimar aimarig@yahoo.com
__________________________________
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006 02:45 PM
Hello,
I have been following your story over the past few months by reading your journal. I think what you are doing is fantastic and may you continue to be blessed by God in your journey. You don't know me but you know of me. My husband and I are the ones who adopted the five kids from Colombia bringing our total number of kids up to 7. We know how frustrating the little bumps in the road can be as we had many delays and frustrating moments in our journey. However, trust me when I say that all those frustrating moments are forgotten with the first hug from your kids. I pray you will be united with your children as soon as possible. God is good and will bring you together when the time is right for all of you. Take care, Krista Ralston
Krista Ralston
Union, IA
__________________________________
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2006 10:05 PM
Dear Sharon and Michael,
I was very excited and happy to see the pictures. The girls are beautiful! I read your journey, and it really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing it with me. Sometimes we need to wait a while until we find exactly what we need; God always knows what it is. He is definitely in charge, even when we can not understand His will very clearly at the moment. Later we magically realize that everything happens exactly the way it is supposed to be, and it makes us stronger, better human beings. I believe that when these beautiful girls come into your house, you will be the best parents they could ever had, and they could never imagine it would be possible to happen. Enjoy every minute of your journey, as much as you enjoy every minute of a pregnancy. The end will be so soon, even though it doesn’t feel this way, and you will remember every day of it with much love. I would love to meet your daughters when they come. Please keep us posted. May God bless you and your family always.
Giovanna Kawasaki
MI
United States
______________________________
MONDAY, JULY 31, 2006 05:04 PM
Hello Michael & Sharon:
I tried a few weeks back and thought I had posted some very poetic thoughts....only to find out that what I wrote somehow never made it onto the web site. No matter.....I just want to congratulate you both on your decision to become parents to these beautiful and precious little girls. I know that they indeed will be blessed by having you guys as their parents......they do not know the blessing that God has in store for them yet....but as time passes and they grow and thrive under your love, they will realize just how blessed they are. I know that this is a very nervous time for the two of you as you just sit back and wait for the girls you already love but have not had a chance to hug yet!! May Godspeed their arrival into your home....as I know they are already in your hearts. I cannot wait to meet them...and you MUST come to Florida at least once a year with all 5 of you. There is a very large Columbian community here and there is a BIG Annual Independence Festival.......a perfect treat for them and will give them a taste of their culture once a year....and thankfully there is Spirit Air....because the tab for 5 is much higher than the tab for 2 when booking flights! (Smile.) But there is always room at Resort Chrystal....we'll put the 3 girls in Christian's room!
I am just so very happy for you guys........your lives are about to take on a beautiful new dimension.....all through the beautiful Providence of God.
May God richly bless your new family - make your lives complete and content.....I know the love you will bestow on those little girls will be returned to you ten-fold......and you will hear one of the world's most beautiful words on a daily basis: Mom!! Dad!!
With Much Love,
Chrystal Weaver
FL
United States
______________________________
SUNDAY, JULY 30, 2006 09:14 PM
Hi Sharon & Michael,
I wish you much luck with getting the girls home to you very very soon! They are gorgeous and are very blessed to have you! Thanks for writing on Kassidy's website. She is still doing wonderful and we pray everyday that she continues in that direction.
God Bless,
Cindy Terrio
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006 10:15 PM
The kids are beautiful. I'm saying a prayer for you.
Saw your web address on Ed Horn's web site and noticed the caringbridge address. My grandniece has a caringbridge site -- it's visit/KassidyTerrio. She is a sweet little 5-yr. old who has cancer. Please say some prayers for her - and maybe leave a message on her site.
Thanks! Connie Miller cmiller@foxriverchristian.org
Waukesha, WI
________________________________
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006 03:38 PM
Sharita and Mikito Pirikito,
I am very happy for both of you and your beautifull daughters. I know that the Lord during these years have being preparing both of you to receive this precious gift of life. These children are already your daughters, and do not worry about the Colombia governament, or the immigration, because there is nothing that they can do to stop God's wishes to be done. I can not wait to see my nieces.
Love,
Claudinha Plaza
______________________________
MONDAY, JULY 03, 2006 09:45 PM
Dear Sharon and Michael,
Thank you for sharing such an important part of yourselves with us and all the other family and friends who love you both. We pray for you and for the three beautiful sisters during this challenging adoption process. We know that God is in control and take comfort in this. We truly look forward to meeting the girls and having them as part of our family - Liam and Kezia can't wait to meet their cousins. May the Lord continue to bless you.
All our love to you,
Fred, Marina, Liam and Kezia
________________________________
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2006 09:12 PM
Congratulations! Adoption is a wonderful way to build a family!! I wanted Theresa to E-mail me your site to follow your journey and I am so excited for you. The girls are absolutely beautiful. I hope that they are home soon. It was a long wait after we got Shelby's picture (adopted from S. Korea) because I just couldn't wait to hug her!!!!
Congrats again!
Sandy (Theresa Lewis' friend)
Sandy Jouppi jjouppi@comcast.net
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 05:00 PM
Dearest Sharon & Mike,
We heard about the 3 girls a while back from your mother and have been praying for the Lord's choice for the both of you and them. Your desire to share your love with them is a big choice and we pray for our Lord's blessing on all of you in this critical decision. May His will be done and you all abound in His love. May His healing be fulfilled for all of you as a family.
Lovingly, Claudia Swinteck
Claudia Swinteck
_________________________________
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 10:46 AM
I am glad that both of you have decided to adopt these girls. They are very lucky. You guys will make awesome parents!
I can't wait to meet all of them. (I guess I better start brushing up on my Spanish).
I am sure everything will work out fine for the both of you.
Danielle Troia
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 08:33 PM
Sharinha & Mikito,
Can't wait to see "our nieces" :), have them over and share good friend/family times together. This is such a HUUUGE blessing...3 little lives that will bring so much joy and enrich your lives (and ours) immeasurably. Both of you and the girls continue in our prayers. Rest assure God is in it all the way...Yaaaay God!!!
Ana Laura Mazzotta
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 06:05 PM
Mike and Sharon,
What a wonderful idea:) We are praying every day for these beautiful girls and cannot wait until they arrive.
Much love,
Scott, Theresa and Sophia
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 05:05 PM
My dearest Sharon & Michael,
Our love to you and to your future children. We continue praying for a happy ending.
Love,
Gaú
http://www.thiago-amazon.com/
Gaudencio Thiago de Mello
_______________________________
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 04:42 PM
Hi Sharon and Mike!
I saw your on-line journal and the three little pretty girls you are praying for.
May the Lord bless you two with your enlarged loving heart willing to give these girls a home full of love, protection, care and faith enabling them to experience the reality of God's love expressed through men here on earth.
Rom 5:5 ...All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Love,
Roddy
Roderick B. Wilson
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