BRINGING HOME NOBLE & INDIA

 

We were blessed by our friend, Yvonnie Samonte, as she offered to photograph our airport experience the day we welcomed home Brodie, Noble, and India from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She truly captured the emotions of the moment and created this slide show for us as a memoir, for which we are deeply grateful.

Thank you, Yvonnie, for this precious gift!

(Click on the photo above to watch the homecoming video.)

BRODIE (JR.)

He's compassionate, sensitive, gentle but still all boy, incredibly artistic, tender-hearted, kind, caring, athletic, a Lego genius, a godly boy, easy going, a talented surfer, musical, an extremely special person, and so much like his dad.

Today as I celebrate Brodie, my first born son, on his 10th birthday, my heart rejoices that God has blessed me with this child...and he won't be a child much longer. He's sprouting like a weed these days and yet, his heart is innocent as ever. I love that about my Brodie.

From the time Brodie was just a baby, I could sense his sensitivity, his tenderness. He is and always has been a dear little boy. He never gave me much trouble. He's always been respectful, devoted, and obedient. And, even as he's matured and needed correction, he responds in a way where I can see he's learning and listening. He's getting it.

Most importantly, Brodie is growing to understand that his life is not about himself. Brodie knows that he is here on earth to glorify God with his life. He knows that his exceptional artistic and athletic abilities were given to him by God, to honor Him. He knows that everything he does should be motivated toward pleasing Him. He knows that we love others with the love of Jesus so that they might come to know Him. He knows that it's all about Jesus.

To see the emotion in Brodie's heart the day we welcomed home Noble and India, was to experience depth of care for others beyond his years. This is a gift from God. It's not something we teach, though we can certainly nurture it. The Spirit of God inhabits Brodie's young heart and it seeps from his soul. His sweet tenderness with his new siblings is inspiring. He is gentle and loving and genuinely considerate of what they are going through.

As I reflect on the potential for Brodie's life, my greatest prayer for my beloved son is that he would spend himself serving God in whatever capacity He deems best. My most valued hope for Brodie is that he would see his life as being orchestrated by God for eternal purposes. I'm prayerful and hopeful and trusting God for the results.

Lord, as I praise you and thank you for blessing my life with my treasured son, Brodie, I ask that you would incline his heart toward you all the days of his life, that he would seek you first above all things, that he would live for you and love others because of you. May he bring glory to you, God, as he journeys through life, forging a path of hope for others in your name. Amen.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Noble asked for me while I was out yesterday. I think that might be my high as of yet. He even let me massage coconut oil on his whole body at bedtime. He especially appreciated the detail to each fingertip and toe. He likes to sleep on the floor, and I wish I had a photo of the post-devotion time scene last night...nine of us asleep on the floor by his bed. He let me hold his hand as we drifted off.

He's letting his guard down, showing his silly, playing, still crying, yes, but less and shorter. We're getting a grip, focusing on positives, working through negatives, loving hard, and growing in patience as God grooms in us new fruit of His Spirit. This is a gift, a painful, double-edged sword type of gift, but we want to receive it. God's leading us in the right direction and I can see it...slowly but surely.

(I call these guys the 3 musketeers...silly, silly billies!)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Galatians 5:22-23

"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3

OLIA

 

She's jolly (always has been). She dances through life, smelling (and picking) the roses. She's happy, lighthearted, quirky, shockingly smart, incredibly graceful, shy, kind, intensely tender, sometimes random, and in general she lives in a happy place. :)

 

As my heart multiplies, yet again, to absorb more children into my nest, it's important to me to reflect on the bountiful blessing of each one God has given me. I'm praising God as I turn my attention toward each of my children individually and thank Him for each of my treasured gifts.

I'm thanking God today for my Olia Lily, my La La Land, free spirited little girl. If only I could bottle some of her carefree spirit and just go to that blissful place more often! It's happy being Olia.

Almost every day of her childhood, my sweet, sensitive Olia has brought me a flower. When I think of Ols, I literally have a visual of her handing me a flower (in particular the one that just finally bloomed in the garden I worked to salvage.) Ha! The memories of her flower offerings will always remind me of how she was faithful to connect with her mommy. The wishing stars she blew and chased will remind me of her fluttering spirit, joyfully flitting through life.

Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, our flyaway girl will stop us in our tracks with some sort of geniusness. She has a masterful mind inside her split leaping personality and we love every second of it!

Oh, thank you Lord for Olia! My Ols. My Olsie. She is a joy of a daughter, a loyal best friend, a privilege to raise and rear and love. Thank you, God, for my Olia. Thank you for choosing me for her and her for me. Thank you for the plans you have laid for her future. I know she will nurture many with her caring heart as she loves others joyfully in your name.

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!"

Psalm 100:1-2

"Praise him with tambourine and dance." Psalm 150:4

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Luke 12:27

NOVA

She's kind, gentle, sweet, obedient, diligent, shy, tidy, careful, miniature, happy, sensitive, an easy little sister. She's been amazing with Noble (Nobos) and India (Indis) and she shows concern for them beyond her years.

As we've poured our heart and soul into our newest family members lately, I've felt a strong inclination to carve out special time with each of my children, each day and night. I miss them. It's not unlike the way I've missed them each time I've had a new baby. In fact, it's quite the same. I've felt this way before, and I remember how it all resolves. Nonetheless, I'm focusing extra special on each beloved child God's blessed me with and I find myself deeply grateful.

Today, I'm celebrating my little Nova as I ponder our days thus far together, thankful for each one. Nova has been one of the easiest children to raise through the early years. Her sweet little spirit is precious and tends to cause others to desire to care for her. But, she can do it herself, just so you know. :) She's quite capable and I've never seen such a small person make a bed so well in my life!

Thank you, Lord, for my Nova, my tiny little shining star. Thank you for blessing my life with this sweetheart of a child. Thank you for the opportunity to raise her up to know and love you. Please guide us as we cherish her all the days of our lives, showing her with your love how precious she is. May she know your love and share your love with others as she grows and shines for you.

"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

Daniel 12:3

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

BODEN

He's affectionate, extroverted, vivacious, loving, lovable, fun, loud, passionate, smiley, happy, hard working, all boy, and everyone's buddy, especially mine. He's still my baby and always will be no matter how big he gets. He's my snuggle bed buddy and one of my best friends.

We've had so many caring friends praying for Boden through our transition with Noble and India. Would you join us in continued prayer for him? He's handled it all surprisingly well so far, a gift from God, no doubt. He still gets his mama. There's enough of me to go around. He still nurses and is coddled...he wouldn't stand for anything else. :)

Boden is a delight in our family. He keeps us on our toes. I can't imagine us without him. He's truly a very special person. Boden's name means, "One who brings news" and I pray that he does just that with his life and passions. May we raise him well to desire to serve God all of his days, bringing the Good News to others.

Thank you, Lord, for Boden. Thank you for preserving our relationship through this transition. May it grow deeper and stronger by the day as we, together, love our new family members with your love. May your loving hand be upon Boden all the days of his life that he may testify of your goodness with all that he is and all that he does for your glory. Amen.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Isaiah 52:7

NOBLE

He's sweet, shy, orderly, conscientious, sensitive, servant-hearted, gentle-spirited, playful, thoughtful, silly, and adorable. He's a brother, a son, a child of God. There is a sovereign plan for this little boy's life and we are deeply grateful to be a part of it!!

I woke in the middle of the night to find my little Noble curled up on the floor by the side of my bed. Thus far, he has preferred his own space for sleeping, but I thought this was an encouraging sign. Rather than cry for me in the night, he just came to me and nestled himself by my bedside. Close enough, but not too close.

Last night before bed, as we worked through what promised to be an hour or more of fitful crying over putting on jammies, I grabbed the guitar as I've done before to no avail. But, this time, something moved my son. He crawled up in my lap and stopped crying as I sang out worship songs with all of my might.

Truth be told, I was crying out to God in my own distress, but somehow God used my pain to comfort Noble in his. Together, we made progress. We bonded one step closer toward true attachment. I can see it. I'm not giving up on him.

I'm his mommy and he's my son...always.

 

God has a rich and wise plan for Noble's life. He will use my son for His purposes and I pray they are noble. I'm thanking God today for steps in the right direction, progress toward trust. I'm thanking Him for toil that leads to a bountiful harvest in His name.

 

I'm thanking Him for this gift, my Noble.

 

Lord, you have called us to love Noble in your name and we can only do this well through you. Thank you for the glimmers of hope we have seen growing in our relationship with our sweet son. Thank you for the strides we have already made in just a short time. Thank you for the beautiful plans I am sure you have purposed for our Noble. May his life sing of your goodness, grace, and love. May he love you with his whole heart and spend himself for your kingdom. May we raise and rear him well for you, Lord, that he might testify with his life of your greatness and love. Amen.



"But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands."
Isaiah 32:8

INDIA SOUL

She's jolly, mellow, happy, smiley, a sunshine little mama. She's a sister, a daughter, a child of the King. Surely, God has great plans for this little sweetheart. He saved her life when we almost lost her and He has brought her to us to raise and love in His name.

 

Today I'm thanking God for the blessing of caring for sweet little India. She brings such smiles to our home. She's a breath of fresh air. Though time will inevitably yield trials of her own, for now this little sweetie has been a ray of joy and we're grateful.

Thank you, Lord, for our little India, precious gift from you, reminder that you are in control! Thank for the opportunity to raise her up to know and love you. Thank you for calling us from across the world to go to our daughter and scoop her up in love. May this beloved daughter of ours love you and serve you her whole life long and may she testify of your faithfulness through her life's story. Amen.

"The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." 1 Samuel 18:1

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:1-5

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

BREAKTHROUGHS

Smiles are savored and memorable from our grieving and precious little Noble. India is a happy and content baby, learning to trust her new mama and family. Expectations remain low, but I'll take what I can get...and I'm cherishing the small things for now.

Amidst the tears and trials, it's important to be thankful for the breakthroughs, the little glimmers of hope that remind me we're heading toward healing, restoration, redemption, victory. How much more joyous the harvest when the labor has been great.

The breakthroughs are what I'm focusing on today, with gratitude. I don't want to forget these first new memories, first few smiles, first signs of improvement from our first few days together:

We slide and smile, give a high five. My heart melts. We're playing!

I ask him to look in my eyes and he does! Quickly I capitalize as I whisper, "Mommy alingi yo," ("Mommy loves you" in Lingala) and he doesn't look away. We're connecting, even if just for a moment.

I hand her to a doting friend and she looks back for her mama. Her tears subside in my arms. Is it possible she's beginning to trust me?

Her daddy raises her high in the sky. She looks him straight in the eyes, safe in her father's arms. She's captured his heart already.

The first day of circle time games, he watched, silent and stoic. The second day he enters in reluctantly and ends up having some fun...a step in the right direction. I'll take it!

We go to the beach and the sand is too much, too different. We roll his pants, give it time, and watch the other kids run around.

We wait patiently, doing what we just do, and sure enough he joins in. Before he realizes it, he's running from high up on the hill down to the shore, getting his toes and his rolled pants wet, laughing even! Is this the same little boy?

 

There's something to be said for beach therapy.

I wear her in the sling, feed her a bottle, and look deeply into her innocent eyes. She grabs my finger tight. I won't let her go. She feels my heartbeat, smushes her face into my skin, and I can see she's beginning to know me. We're bonding.

As we step out of the van, I'm ahead and have forgotten something in the front seat..."Mama!!" he shouts after me (with the emphasis on the second syllable, {Ma-MA}...so cute!). He offers to me what I'd left behind. Did he really just call me Mama?!

He can't help but smile and it's like a totally different child emerges as he repeats words in English, copying his sister. I fixate intently on his sweet little voice, so rare. He's communicating!

He likes the bike! Patiently our dear children push him around, literally for hours of therapeutic monotony. He's soothed. We're so proud of them all, so loving and concerned for their brother.

 

The tantrums are shorter. The resolutions are more and more predictable. The triggers are exposing themselves and we're paying attention. Day by day, minute by minute, changes are on the horizon.

Truth be told, it's been hard so far...really hard! But, it's also been sweet, incredibly sweet. I never want to forget our first breakthroughs. I don't want the joys to be overshadowed by the challenges. It's an honor to work so diligently on these relationships. It's a gift to cry. It's a privilege to wait in expectation upon the Lord.

I'm thanking God today for the agonies of tough beginnings, the promise of a hopeful future, the tears we've poured out, the prayers we've lifted high. Today, I'm thanking God even for the setbacks, but especially for the breakthroughs.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6

ADJUSTING...

Give yourself grace. I've heard the advice countless times, yet it's easier to say than do.

 

These early days have been quite the adjustment, especially for our sweet Noble. My heart is overwhelmed with grief over the sin in the world, sin that took from my precious son. Will you join us in prayer for him, for us?

When I look at this beautiful boy, created fearfully and wonderfully by God, the Creator, I see His fingerprints and the potential for a story of redemption. When I look at my beautiful boy, with pain in his eyes that carry burdens far greater than I will ever carry,

I writhe. It is an intentional choice not to focus on the pain, but to focus on what God can do.

 

I have my 10 year old to thank today for refreshed perspective:

As I lay in bed after a long night of thinking and praying and hurting, this unknowingly wise child of mine came to my bedside around 5:00 am. We discussed our day and what he might do for school and he shared that he would be reading about another boy who made history in Jesus' name. What's this newest hero's story?" I asked him. "Well, it's kind of the same as all the others..." he replied. What does that mean? What's the common thread? I wondered as he continued, "They all begin as sad little boys with a terrible childhood, then when they grow up, God changes their lives and they do something wonderful for Him."

(Something worth writing about in a book, I might add.)

Weeping, I thanked my boy whose childlike perspective and faith reminded his mommy of the way our God often works out His best stories. He takes the broken, the hurting, the outcast and transforms lives into that which only He could produce.

He makes beauty from ashes and glorifies Himself.

Today, through the difficult journey of transition, I'm choosing, by faith, to focus on what God can do, what God will do, what He's already done, and I'm giving myself grace as best as I can, knowing that we're all adjusting...

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness

instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified."

Isaiah 61:1-3

DRC ADOPTION TIMELINE

May 2008
God plants a seed in our hearts for adoption.

March 2011

Confirmed desire to adopt...“how can we not?”

5.7.2011

Feeling led to adopt 2 boys from Africa after receiving a Ugandan bead necklace for Mother’s Day.
 

7.22.2011

After months of prayer for direction, God leads us to The Democratic Republic of the Congo where we will begin the adoption process.
 

7.22-31.2011

Feeling “urgency” to begin the adoption process. (The ministry we hoped to work with is not accepting families at this time, so we consider going through an agency instead.)
 

8.3.2011

Formal decision to start our adoption through Lifeline Children's Services (Genesis 50:20)
 

8.12.2011

Begin homestudy
 

12.14.2011

Completed homestudy approval submitted to our agency...officially waiting (1 to 4 month projected wait time)
 

12.20.2011

Submission of Immigration application
 

1.20.2012

Fingerprinting for Immigration
 

1.30.2012

Immigration approval (2 boys, age 0-2)

April 2012
Our agency projects another 6 months before being matched with our children. (Trusting God's perfect timing and provision until then.)
 

5.28.2012
Presented with the surprising opportunity to adopt our first son!!! (through OFA non-profit)

6.2.2012
Rummage Sale Fundraiser/Bake Sale/Car Wash...God provides!

6.5.2012

Dossier sent!! (Waiting for God to reveal our second son in His perfect timing.)

6.22.2012
Presented with the (again surprising) opportunity to adopt our daughter!!! (The decision is made to put our adoption on hold through our agency and proceed with both children through the ministry God led us back to.)

6.25.2012
Submission of Homestudy Amendment

7.1.2012
Care package sent via loving arms :)

7.3.2012
Submission of Immigration Amendment

7.20.2012
Revised Immigration Approval (3 children, age 0-5, either gender)

8.7.2012
Received Noble's passport!

8.29.2012
India hospitalized with suspected typhoid and/or malaria...praying for her life!

9.1.2012
India released from the hospital but very vulnerable...praying!

9.11.2012
An email tells us that India is healthy! No sign of skin condition or illness! Thank you, Lord!!

9.21.2011
Documents arriving for India

9.29.2012
Received India's passport!

10.4.2012
We have our US Embassy appointment!

10.22.2012-10.28.2012
DRC Trip 1

11.7.2012-11.19.2012
DRC Trip 2

11.19.2012
WELCOME HOME NOBLE, INDIA, & DADDY!!!

AFRICA

Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

In October and November of 2012, Brodie traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the adoption of our son and daughter, Noble and India. The poverty overwhelmed him, the desperation compelled him. We now commit to giving back to the Congolese people in whatever ways we can and ask that you prayerfully join us as we instigate tangible aid in the future.

The most important thing for the people of Congo is that they come to know Jesus. Without Him, there is no hope, so let's start by praying for the DRC. Prayer changes things and we believe it!

Here's a glimpse into Brodie's first trip to the DRC when he met our precious Noble and India for the very first time!

Bright Vision Orphan Care, Malawi

In April 2012, Brodie had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Malawi and South Africa. The trip further increased his desire to share the gospel with those in need and specifically confirmed his heart's desire to love and serve needy children. We thank God for this special experience and pray for wisdom as we continue to follow His leading for future ministry opportunities.

 

 

Teaching at Family Camp, Kuti Community Wildlife Park, Malawi

Muphamuzi Baby Home, Pretoria, South Africa

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction,

and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

James 1:27